hmm. older man living by himself? it's entirely possible that his social skills died (or just left) with his wife and he's simply got no idea how to talk to 30-somethings... we're the babies in our 'unplanned' retirement strip (not a residential community, just a neighborhood that's gotten old) and it's taken nearly two years for them to get with the idea that DH's long hair and leather jacket didn't come with a whole bunch of OTHER longhairs in leather jackets... or that my cobalt blue hair, tie-dyes, and such didn't mean I was going to be selling acid to their grandkids, or, as one of the ladies finally admitted 'I wasn't going to be sacrificing small animals in my back yard'... I was tempted to bring some of our old co-workers by just to give them something to redefine 'freak' for them- but then the dancer and her boyfriend moved in to the only rental on the block- and after 6 months of 3 AM arguements, visits from the cops, and big old harleys... we look like angels :) 3 months isn't a lot of time to get to know people- especially old people, who have social standards that I have trouble keeping track of sometimes- and my folks are in their 80's now, so I SHOULD know how to make like a proper lady ;) you'll be fine- don't take it to heart.

to the original poster's original question: I looked at the photos, and this is what I see. Nice condo kitchen, nice functional layout, decent cabinets with many more years use in them, nice white laminate counters. White fan. White backsplash. Whitish floor. I would personally stick with white, not change anything out until you need to do so, or until you find a really cool used alternative locally. You can always change out the handles for a brushed nickel if you can find pulls with the same hole distance, this will look nice, and would fit your budget. If you collect any kind of pottery or interesting glass you can put your collection on top of the uppers and put some inexpensive LED rope light up there to light your collection and give the place a more open feel. To me, this kitchen space as it is without any major updates would not benefit from black, but you need to go with what you love.

Thank you everyone! I worked at my church as office manager. That meant that I was the secretary, treasurer, receptionist, communications coordinator and any thing else that needed to be done. I was the only person in the office so I trained my replacement. He is a quick learner and the last two weeks went very well. I am so happy to not have to get up and go to work everyday! Kay, I have been practicing that two letter word and hope to have some time for me and my family. My kids do not live nearby. Now it will be easier to get away to see them and the grandbaby who will arrive in March. This morning I got up at my regular time and went to the LQS with 3 friends. The shop gave a 20% discount on your total purchase if you brought a toy for children of servicemen. They had a Humvee to fill with toys. The shop also serves a free lunch the last Sat. of every month. Today they served chili and cookies. I hope to get over there more often! Minnie, the list would either be very long, all the members of the church, or very short with the names of the four pastors I have worked with the last 12 years. Thanks again for all the well wishes. Let the quilting begin! Linda OH

Thanks, that puts us at the same age. I do understand why you would want to find other living areas. My circumstances are only slightly different, my DH is my age, but has health problems. It sounds as though you are giving this good thought. Let's concentrate first on you. Make a list of the activities you like and would like to pursue. This might include book discussion groups or tennis (your choices). Should your husband become ill or pass, you would have friends in these areas as well as church. Secondly, a retirement community may or may not be of assistance in the situation you describe. If all are elderly, they might not be able to assist. So look for community services available. My FIL was a quadriplegic and had outside help to come in with bathing, etc. He was a large man also. I believe he hired a nurse's aide. Also, you would want to check out the hospital and medical services in the area. The cost of living in a retirement community and other areas around that may not be classified as such but would offer the same types of benefits. Personally after I had found areas I was interested in, I would take a visit to these areas and stay as long as I could to determine if I liked the area. Chamber of Commerce, realty companies,government both state and federal and other online sites will have lots of information including rain fall, average temperatures, community services and clubs, population, average incomes, etc. You have probably thought out most of these things, but I hope I have given you a little info!