by Carolyn Brown of our Riverside Court location in Woodstock, NB

Well, I would have to lay claim to that statement today as I’m late getting to my monthly article but I know everyone will be so understanding. We have had a very busy month in the “big yellow house” with 7 new residents coming to our private side with residents additionally still coming to fill our new Memory Care Unit and Level 2 spaces.  We also have two ladies who came to our furnished respite rooms for a bit of a stay some time ago and have decided to bring their own furnishings to a suite and call this home. They are too comfy to leave. I also have at least two new residents coming in early October if not before. So, enough excuses as to why I am late!

I’m reminding myself, when I speak of excuses, of our recent fishing trip with our three adult grandsons. We travelled to the midst of the woods, stayed in a very rustic camp, with mice, and enjoyed nature at its best (not so much the mice!) When someone asked if we caught any fish, I had to say no and then was tempted to throw out all the excuses, water too low, temperature too hot, fish only in all the deep pools I couldn’t reach…..you have heard the excuses before, I’m sure. I won’t say they weren’t true but will say catching a fish, as much as I ached to do so, became secondary when we heard and saw our grandsons enjoying their time together as they did. I truly say you could not put a price on that. I guess all I can say further is, maybe next year for a fish.

I will use my Church Service time on Sunday to celebrate a dear lady who has been part of us for a few years and passed away last weekend. Residents are commenting on how much her presence is missed as are our staff. Mary first came to MacLeod Riverside Court for winter stays, then transitioned to her own apartment on the private side of our home. As her health declined over the years, she became a resident in our Level 2 . Mary Palmer was about our house with her walker constantly and attended most everything she could in her time with us and it was not uncommon to hear her voice many times in the run of a day. Mary chose all her own readings for her service as well as her hymns. We miss her presence among us.

Our home is beautifully decorated for fall and in a months time we know we will look across the river and witness the splendour that awaits us. These early fall days have been beautiful and residents are taking every opportunity to be out doors as much as they can enjoying the warmth which will soon change to cooler temperatures. What we do know is how nice it is to see so many folks here  in our home, and coming ,who will enjoy the warmth and friendship of each other. There is nothing quite like walking past the dining rooms and hearing the laughter and chatter or seeing folks with their doors open and a visit going on.

We love saying “ welcome to the big yellow house!” See you soon.