Life in a retirement community

So it isn't enough that I have moved to a whole new environment, but also I have moved into a retirement community. I know, it's wierd...although I think at this moment it is also strangely hip...so i am right up there with the rest of my contemporaries. I mean last year there was a book released by a 20 something comedy writer who retired from Hollywood after his show was cancelled and moved to a retirement community in Florida...he wrote a book about it...I didn't read the book, but i saw the reviews in People (I am so literate)...then last spring, the guys on the OC hung out at a retirement community in Florida for an episode (Seth played shuffleboard...it was like so poignant) and now Cameron Diaz moves into a retirement community in her new movie "In Her Shoes"...so i figure..yeah, I'm hip again.

Anyhow, I'm hanging with the old folks (alright i don't actually "hang" with any of them...mostly they just drive by slowly and stare at me...their dogs all seem to love me, many see me and pull their owners over...but usually my presence just flusters the old men, and women are freaked out by me..) whatever...so I am sitting outside on the stoop, chatting on the phone with an old friend, and "cinnamon" from across the street drags her owner over to meet me. Keep in mind that I am ON THE PHONE...and this adorable dog decides to crawl into my lap and her owner does nothing, but stands there happily watching his dog as i continue my convo. I finish talking, close my phone and put on my best "international relations" smile (something i was forced to hone during my time spent in Japanese police stations)....Introduce myself to the man and make pleasant small talk. I figured there is obviously a reason the man came over, (and I am hoping it isn't, "would you mind walking my dog for me?") I was just trying to get him to the point a bit quicker. Anyhow, his wife appears across the street and he says, "that's my wife, ellenmay...actually i was wondering if you could do me a little favor." (uh-oh here goes...strangers asking favors) I of course say, "sure, why not?" And he surprises me by saying..."My wife has alzheimer's, and she has a tendancy to wander. If you see her, could you bring her back to our house?"
"Yes, of course." I say...and he pulls Cinnamon away, takes his wifes hand, and leads her back to their house.

i sat there for awhile wondering, "what just happened?" I mean the whole thing was so strange, yet beautiful and sad at the same time. I guess there really are things, even in this sleepy retirement community, that can really surprise me.