I am a recently retired 69-year-old woman living in a close-in Chicago suburb with my husband and three female cats that were rescued as kittens. The cats--Fang, Hunter, and Spooky--are now 13 years old. My husband failed retirement so he's still working most days. I'm anxious to spread my wings and settle into a community for a few days up to a couple of weeks at a time while caring for your home, your cat(s), plants/garden and/or other small animals. Depending on circumstances, my husband might join me for a brief time during my stay (but then who will care for our cats??!). Our two adult children live in Portland OR and Tucson AZ.
You'll notice my list of cities is fairly broad and eclectic; it's also not exclusive. I have a slight preference for being in a city neighborhood within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and activities (proximity to a farmers market or food co-op is a plus!). But if I'm stranded at a beach, rural farmhouse, or suburb, I've got a long list of books to get through and would gladly make walks or day trips to check out the area. Depending on the location and length of the stay, I will either drive or fly. I love traveling solo and consider the journey an important part of any destination.
I am a non-smoker, and don't use drugs; very minimal alcohol consumption (not every day or even every week). I'm currently eating about 90% vegan, and like to source my food from local, organic, and/or sustainable sources when possible. My work in the last dozen years has centered on local foods, farmers' markets, farms, CSAs, and wild Alaskan seafood (following a 15-year career as an attorney and a graphic designer before that). We've been homeowners in Chicago and suburbs for several decades.
I am fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID.
From raising 3 cats from kittenhood (2 are sisters though you'd never know it), it's fun to experience their very different personalities. Fang is cuddly and needy; Spooky is aloof but loves to be petted and rubbed all over--except will kick, scratch, and bolt if you get too close to her tummy; and Hunter let it be known early on that she needed to be outside for much of the time. She prowls outside by night and sleeps inside by day. Before our cats, we had up to 5 guinea pigs at a time. I don't have experience with birds, ducks, or chickens, but I'm game if you are.
For several years, through a local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organization, I transported feral cats from my hometown to a humane society in the city that spayed and neutered them. This TNR organization had helped me acclimate my kitties when they were found abandoned very young.
Don't hesitate to reach out if there are other things you'd like to know about me.