We begin our next week here at the very modest house next to the tower which has never had any other function than simply being there.
Gunnar Roque lives here. During his last week - more than two years ago in real life! - he had reached his lifetime want of having woohoo with 20 different Sims, and reached Permanent Platinum.
He has never worked a day in his life, but managed to get by with the occasional gift or inheritance by one of his many conquests, and by leading a very modest lifestyle. As long as he has a roof over his head, a bathroom and kitchen basics and - most importantly - a bed (preferably with a lovely lady in it), he is happy.
On this snowy Monday afternoon, he invites 8 of his friends over. I make sure there are no (current) love interests among them.
The reason for the party is Gunnar's birthday. His friends all cheer him on as he blows out the candles on his birthday cake.
Welcome to Elderhood, Gunnar
Of course you know what comes next, don't you?
Yes, exactly: Gunnar moves to the Senior Residence, which is now almost full with 7 residents.
Here are the others: Ripp Grunt (at 79 the "Eldest of the Elderly"), Sarah (68) and Christian (62) Love...
...Jimmy Phoenix (69) with Blacky, the wombrat...
...and Björn Summerdream (formerly Beaker), at 57 not much older than Gunnar, who is now 55. Unfortunately, the two men do not get along well at their first conversation. I don't know why Björn dislikes Gunnar. The newly arrived man wishes to be friends with Björn, and I am not keen on endless slap fests and shoving matches here at the Residence. Therefore, I will make sure they become friends eventually.
Bottom Summerdream, Björn's wife, seems to feel like I do about this matter. She is also 57.
Gunnar surprises me by cooking chili con carne for everyone on his own accord. After his experiences with all those ladies, he is a well-versed host (although usually dinner for two is more his style), so I should not be surprised!
He even cleans up after the meal.
That afternoon, just as Jimmy returns from work, Romeo Monty walks by and is warmly greeted. Nothing else worth mentioning happens that day.
On Tuesday, I find that Christian Love rolls the wish to be friends with Gunnar. As Christian is the only Sim here who is not on Permanent Platinum, I try to fulfill as many of his daily wishes as possible. Over a game of kicky-bag, the two men do indeed become friends.
Later that day, Christian greets passers-by Justin Kim.
He ends the day by autonomously making a snow angel. Gunnar has spent most of his time at the poker table today.
Wednesday morning starts with a spontaneous meeting outside one of the small apartments. The men joke that they seem to be all members of the same club - by coincidence, they are all wearing the same outfit.
Sarah Love is hungry, yes - but there is a well-stocked fridge right behind her, so there is actually no need for her to eat mouldy sandwich left from last night!]
Gunnar takes pity on Sarah and the other hungry folks here who seem incapable of preparing any food for themselves and makes omelettes for the whole bunch.
Early in the evening, Björn returns from work and, on the way to the house, picks up yesterday's newspaper. "Am I the only one here to EVER take care of recycling the papers here," he grumbles.
"And I am the only one here who EVER cleans the kitchen!" he mumbles to himself a few minutes later. That's not true, Björn - Christian does most of the work around here, and Gunnar is also doing his fair share!
As if to prove my words, Gunnar makes omelettes for everyone on Thursday morning. Sadly, his cooking is interrupted by a lengthy coughing fit, and the omelettes end up burnt. Never mind - usually, most of the residents here are too lazy to cook for themselves, and nearly always hungry, so that even the burnt food is most welcome.
After everyone else has gone either to bed or to have a bath, Ripp is left alone at the poker table. He practises his deft hands with the cards until...
...someone who was definitely not invited for a game of poker approaches the table.
Yes, Ripp's time has come; he was 83 and has lead a relatively happy life after a not-so-easy start in his early teens at the beginning of the game.
When Christian Love gets up on Friday morning and learns of Ripp's death, his grief is genuine; to him, the men and women here at the Senior Residence were his family as much as his friends.
I catch Bottom playing with Blacky, the wombrat, on her own accord.
Gunnar and Christian drink to "friends who have gone before us".
The snow is knee deep, but that does not stop Jimmy from playing with the water wiggler! No wonder he gets very cold, and it takes him hours afterwards to feel warm again.
As is so often the case, Christian is clipping the hedge when someone comes up with a skythe... not to help him with the gardening.
Mr. Reaper's appearance this afternoon was a surprise to me - I thought Christian more time! Instead, he died (unwillingly, as he was not even on gold status at that moment) at 66 years of age. I was sorry to see him go, but am glad he, the former townie, moved to New Max to spend his last years near his relatives.
Before sunrise on Saturday morning, Gunnar flies a kite on his own accord.
Bottom makes pancakes for everyone.
Later, first Cameron Capp...
...and then his sister Caroline walk by and are invited in.
The day ends with Gunnar and Sarah putting the kitchen and dining area in order on their own initiative. This is also where the week ends, as Gunnar has had two Mondays - one at his old home, and the second one here, which means he's had his seven days.
Now the number of residents here is down to five. Who will move in next?
