Ed is here again, talking while I'm trying to blog (laugh). "You are not writing that- I am not giving you permission to put that in the blog. Are you really writing that stuff? OK I'll finish it- Happy Birthday {belated} Emily- put that in the blog" he spouted. He is practically a professional teaser so I can not resist.
Folks, I woke up this morning to the greatest bird singing in answer, over and over, to another bird. I so wanted to get up and record it; knowing that one of you is a bird watcher and could tell me what this bird looks like. After a beautiful evening (minus the Sabres hockey team falling out of the playoffs) it was a lovely morning too. Our grounds are bursting with flowers and glowing green grass.
Please, if you are reading this, find the button to press to become a "follower of this blog"! I think it'll be more fun somehow seeing who all of you are. The bosses say this is a popular blog; something about where it pops up in the search engine tells them that many people are reading it.
Don't be shy :D Chime in. All I ask is that we keep it positive :D There's enough negativity in the world. Gossip and criticism may go elsewhere, but not at or around here! That's part of what makes The Canterbury so special.
I am saying keep it positive, but I have something serious to share with you now. I warn, some of you may not want to read the rest of todays blog.
I have often said one benefit to working with folks "over 55" is the wonderful stories I get to hear. The recollection of events, especially the war stories I've heard, would embarrass any Hollywood writer.
Yesterday, during our book group, Marna (who I mentioned yesterday) brought a personal article relaying events about the Hartford circus fire. I share it with you, again with a warning. It is a tragic tale, as well as a survival story.
Imagine that- the whole family was gone...and he wanted to get tickets with the dean but they were all sold out. Also- to find the article on the 60th anniversary of the fire....wow!
Mrs. O'Brien, a prior resident of our sister retirement home, Delamere Woods, had sons who were at the circus that day and "scampered out" according to John, a Realtor that's worked with us for years. Please, if you have anything to share do not hesitate. Thanks for joining me today :). Time to change the subject, although it is difficult to transition from such a story.
Just recently John helped six people who are preparing to move to Canterbury just this month! We are bustling!, busy! and popular! Hurray.
Yesterday, while our book group discussed Water For Elephants, the novel that instigated our discussion of the Hartford circus fire, and the movie our residents are taking the van to see today, I had our (hard wired) smoke detectors outside the elevator changed. This was a $1,500. upgrade to our state-of- the art fire system here at Canterbury. 24/7 someone is always in the building to personally respond to emergencies!
Here are pictures of our book group and then TJ, the gentleman from Total Protection Security Systems LLC, who installed the new smoke detectors. My dog Maggie May visiting was there also!
Barbara recounts her personal experience when the circus came to town. She has a family who rented an upstairs apartment from her dad. They were part of the "freak show" and it was disturbing to talk about it. Our book group members form lasting bonds getting to know each other in this personal way.
Linda ponders what she is hearing.
Maggie May enjoys lively discussion.
Pets are allowed at The Canterbury.
Barbara also runs a daily exercise program for canterbury residents. when she had knee surgery she was quick to heal, as her Physical Therapist asked her to do exercises she was already used to doing every day!
We follow a list of questions during our book group.
T.J. from the fire systems company- his dad has trained him well.
Serendipitous the fire system upgrades are occurring as we discuss the book and the hartford circus fire.
Take Good Care! It has been a pleasure :D
Emily
PS: One last picture... I took it this morning...a good way to end...
P.S.S. It feels remiss not to remember our soldiers with gratitude.
