Hi, Chay! Oh yes, I know about cheap flats. I lived in several of them. I had a neighbor with a loud barking dog and, here in the American west, I learned the hard way you can't complain about a barking dog because dogs are sacred as a gun or a big truck to a man. I don't know why. Seems senseless to me. But After 18 years working at the Arizona Dept. of Transportation as a graphic designer, I finally got to retire. Lora and I were in a tiny flat converted to a condominium, or condo-minimum, as I called it. But we luckily sold it and moved into a mobile home that has a lot more space and fortunately doesn't have stairs going up to the front door. Although I had always written songs since I was 21, I was much discouraged by my parents and family to do it. I married late when I was 49 against the wishes of my parents. I have autism and was awkward at interacting in society. I was often fired from jobs. I was really surprised when I shyly played one of my songs, "Far From Home," to my wife and she said it was pretty and she encouraged me to go ahead with my music. I've produced about 35 songs. Eventually, I'll get back to painting, too. Living under the present regime keeps us anxious.
John