When Leo, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, was young, it seemed like most retired folks spent their time sitting around talking about the good ol’ days. So imagine his surprise when he and his wife Elaine toured Blue Skies of Texas and found everyone socializing, playing sports or engaging in an ever-growing list of enriching activities for seniors. They even saw a 100-year-old man doing push-ups!

“That’s the kind of water I wanted to be drinking,” Leo exclaims. And ever since the pair moved here in April 2020, they’ve wasted no time shattering the stereotypes of retirement living—just like all the residents in San Antonio’s Premier Life Plan Community.

Positive Vibes from the Moment They Drove Through Our Gates

Not long after retiring, the couple realized that maintaining their house and yard was starting to feel like a chore. There was also the future to consider. “Some of our friends moved in with their kids when their health care needs changed,” Elaine explains. “Well, we have no children and our family is spread around the country, so that was never an option for us.”

After hearing about Life Plan Communities from a relative, Elaine, a former social worker and rental agent, put her research hat on. “Leo was a tough sell, and I knew he’d never leave his native Texas,” she laughs, “so we toured a few retirement communities in the San Antonio area, including Blue Skies.”

Any doubts that Leo may have had about senior living communities evaporated the moment the couple was greeted by their soon-to-be neighbors. “At the other military-based retirement communities we visited, the conversations focused on old war stories,” he says. “But the folks at Blue Skies shared tales of traveling, private-sector careers and other meaningful pursuits. It was truly refreshing.”

Leo and Elaine were so impressed with the amenities, continuum of care, and people at Blue Skies, they decided to make a down payment that very day. The pair initially had their eye on a cottage-style floor plan, but since the waiting list was a bit long, they decided to make their new home in a spacious Blue Skies West apartment overlooking our well-stocked fishing pond.

“We’re at the center of all the action, including the pool and gym,” Elaine says, “I love my walk-in closet, and our second bedroom is the perfect setting for Leo’s ‘man cave.’”

Making a Delicious Impression on Our Community’s Dining Scene

Why is Blue Skies such a highly rated retirement community? One reason may be delicious healthy dining with dishes made fresh to order. And much of the culinary inspiration comes from our resident-run dining room advisory council, which is chaired by Leo who takes a problem-solving approach to the job.

“I listen to everyone’s feedback, but I tell people to bring me solutions, not just comments,” he says. “For example, some folks wanted fried calamari included on our dining menus, but fried calamari tends to be a bit soggy. So during one of our ‘Coffee with Chef’ sessions, we asked Chef Espiritu if he could create a recipe that would maintain its crispness—and he accepted the challenge.”

The result was a grilled calamari dish that was so tender and succulent, it was added to our dining room’s seafood platter and became a stand-alone dish as well.

So what else is on the menu for Leo and the dining room advisory council? In a word… wine. Right now, they’re putting together a wine tasting event, which will feature a delightful selection of vintages for every palate, including nonalcoholic options. “Wine is part of the dining experience, so it’s only natural that our group should be the ones planning this event,” Leo says.

Embracing All the Dimensions of Senior Wellness

For seniors in particular, prioritizing the many dimensions of wellness contributes to enhanced vitality and a higher quality of life. And Elaine is one active senior who appreciates how our Life Plan Community makes it easy to integrate wellness into her daily routine.

“I’ve been exercising all my life,” Elaine says, “but now I don’t have to drive to a club because the gym, pool and fitness center are a short walk from our apartment.” Elaine also appreciates the wide variety of tasty nutritious menu offerings available in our gourmet dining venues. “I usually pass on the fried calamari,” she laughs.

Cultivating mental wellness is also important to Elaine, a longtime word game aficionado. “I was very pleased to find a group of people here who play Scrabble,” she says, “and now we meet twice a week for a ‘friendly’ game or two.” You’ll also find Elaine browsing the shelves of our well-stocked community library, where she volunteers her time reshelving books on Fridays.

Elaine treasures the social connections she’s made at Blue Skies of Texas as well. “There are always activities going on, something for everyone,” she says. “I’ve made closer friends here than I’ve had my entire life, and that’s saying something, considering we arrived at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Building Connections and Community with Fellow Senior Veterans

Blue Skies of Texas was founded as a senior living community for Air Force widows, and although we now welcome folks from all walks of life, we’re still popular among retired service members. Leo is proud to be part of a thriving veteran’s community filled with people still dedicated to camaraderie, honor, and service.

“When I was in eighth grade, ROTC completely changed my life,” Leo says, “That’s why I’ve devoted my time to volunteering with the Air Force Junior ROTC program at John Jay High. It’s so fulfilling having the opportunity to mentor the younger generation.”

The Blue Skies veterans community also plays a key role in putting together meaningful ceremonies that mark occasions like Veterans Day, Memorial Day and September 11. And recently, Leo helped launch a new tradition. “In the service, commanding officers would sometimes host a full dress party,” he explains, “so I suggested that we do something similar on New Year’s Eve.”

“Now, for the past two years, a bunch of us retired officers stroll into the Blue Skies New Year’s Eve bash decked out in our full dress uniforms. And let me tell you, the food tastes so much better that way!”

And although Elaine doesn’t come from a military background, she feels perfectly at home in our vibrant community and treasures the spirit of fellowship that flows through our sprawling campus. “We’re all family here,” she says. “It’s just like in the service … everybody has your back.”

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