Curves is going to close

We think our Curves is closing. We knew that the rent was being raised beyond what the franchisee is able to pay and that she would not be able to stay in the current location. Apparently the situation grew worse when 30-count-em-30 members resigned last week. This morning we learned that she has not paid this month's rent. Her personal possessions are all packed and waiting in boxes near the back door. The facility is full of tens of thousands of dollars worth of computerized equipment and we are wondering if a U Haul truck will be spiriting that away during the night soon.

When I returned from San Diego just over a week ago there was a sign on the neighborhood coffee place (next to Curves) apologizing to all of their faithful customers -- about 20 of us lately, I think -- and explaining that they would have to cease business. It was a done deal by the time I found out. The little Real Estate office closed months ago. The Dollar Store run by a lovely Indian family has been gone since mid-2008 -- not because Dollar stores are not doing well, but because the landlord raised their rent to such a lofty sum that they could not make a profit. The great Japanese restaurant is (so I have heard) still OK at dinner but has very few customers at lunch. The Super Suppers has announced they will not renew their lease and is selling cupcakes an yogurt to eke out enough to pay the rent until the current lease ends. All of these businesses are or will be sorely missed by those of us who live nearby.

My workout buds are especially upset about the loss of our little clubhouse. We met today and made a list of names, addresses, phone numbers, and E-mail in case we show up Friday and find the doors locked and a note on the window. We are exploring other places where we could all work out and plan to meet for lunch once a month in any case. The Curves gang is as much a social experience as a physical workout for most of us. We are young retirees and we need our 3-times-a-week pals. These ladies were an amazing source of support for me when Nancy was battling cancer and I was in LA for so many months. They kept me in the loop with cards, notes, and E-mails. We can all join a coed gym, but it just won't be the same. You can't talk about hot flashes and the effects of weight loss/gain on the female body with a bunch of guys around. Our workouts have made us all such late life babes that the guys will probably hit on us and make us feel uncomfortable.

Rats!