This year is close to being half over in just a blink of the eye.
I remember when I was young I could not wait to turn 16 and get a driver's licence. It seemed that it took forever. Now the seasons change so fast it makes one dizzy.
Spring is such a great season as new life presents itself. Tulips poke their heads up, breaking free from their prison of once frozen ground. The freshness of spring causes me to anticipate the planting of the gardens and flower boxes.
We had to rebuild a few of our gardens due to age and some construction in the backyard but they are now repaired and full of new soil waiting to be the home for some tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. We are hoping that a few of our residents will share their green thumbs and years of experience with us.
May is a wonderful month because it honors our women on Mother's Day. We have 29 women at Hill View, outnumbering the men three to one. We asked the ladies what they would like to do for their special day, and the answer was to have KFC for supper. The family room was set up with decorations, pretty table cloths and fancy paper plates. They enjoyed the chicken and a wonderful dessert that Chris Sali made topping off the meal.
We hope they know how much we love, respect and value them. The men were a little envious but Father’s Day is not far away.
Raven Broster-Paradis from the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum came and did crafts with some of the residents. She was in her first day in her new role. We were privileged to help initiate her. We had a group of eight bridge players in one part of the home and four in another. We thank the ladies that come in to play so that our residents can enjoy the game and their company.
While that is going on, a lot of the residents are eating popcorn and watching a movie in the family room, while one of our activity women is baking delicious smelling cup cakes with a resident who loves to bake and is kind enough to share their secrets with us.
After the movie there will be Quidler to play and manicures done. There is most always something happening here and therefore no reason for anyone to be lonely. Isolation is a common problem among the elderly and we strive to have activities that everyone can participate in and enjoy.
So far this month we have been entertained by The Freebies, Wilma Mantei and the Caragana Ramblers. There is a lot of toe tapping and savouring of precious memories.
Audrey Wallace's 94th birthday was celebrated last week. Each birthday reciprocate gets to pick their favourite meal for that day and Audrey's choice was barbecued spare ribs, baked potato, cauliflower with cheese sauce and lemon meringue pie. Needless to say we were looking forward to supper. She had her birthday cake and a song by the staff at lunch.
We have some excellent cooks here at Hill View. Not every meal is perfect or enjoyed by all but we do our best and our residents are very appreciative of all the staff. They learn to love us just as we do them.
We can never say enough positive about our dear residents. They have knowledge from a life well lived, courage from many trials endured and faith from knowing that in all things, good or bad, past or present, there is One greater than us who has an amazing plan and purpose for our life and loves us unconditionally.
On that note I will close this article and wish you all a safe and productive summer. It will rain often, the crops will be prolific, houses will start to sell and the price of gas will go down. What could be better than that?
