Toys Help Us Remember
Books, dolls, sleds, trains and wagons. Everyone could relate to the old toys scattered about the table. Some shared memories of the surprises they discovered under their trees. A few of us even chuckled about the things we hoped for and never got. Many of us remembered having a Teddy like the one my dear Santa friend is holding. Mr. G is 102, which is about how old my grandmother's bear is. |
I debated a bit about lugging these old treasures from place to place. My mother's Sonja Henie doll could easily have been dropped and broken. But I knew I'd made the right decision when I saw Ms. E. react to the Teddy Bear. This dear woman, at the age of 104, has earned the right to "pass" on our gatherings. She is not usually up for our loud chatter and silliness. So when she decided to join us on Thursday morning, I was thrilled. |
To the Beauty Parlor December is a busy time. Sometimes getting your hair done is higher on the priority list than a gathering around the quilt. In my Thursday group, I hated missing a few of my regulars, so after my small group finished, I gathered my things and headed upstairs to the Beauty Parlor. Some were under hairdryers and others were waiting for their appointments. Ms. J hadn't gotten her hair done yet, so |
Cards for the Kids
The music played softly and a few sang along as they worked. But when White Christmas began to play, there was more listening than singing. Ms. R. (not pictured) paused from her work and spoke to me. "Sometimes I get sad at Christmas. My mother died in December. I kind of feel down sometimes, around Christmas." |
Our Gang
Music
I got smarter about music and brought bells to the next groups. You can't be too moody if you have a bell to ring. But the most fun of all was guessing the voices of the old "crooners" singing the traditional songs. I was amazed at how quickly all my groups could recognize the voices of Burl Ives, Pat Boone, Gene Autry, Frank and Bing... |
Snow
Games
The Theme Goes to the Shelter
Their Art
Card Gifts from the Seniors
A Surprise For Pickles
The children lined up to head for the dining room, with their special cards. A few carried an extra card for a sibling or another child who hadn't come to our gathering. After the kids left the room, one little boy came running back in with his Christmas tree picture. "I want to give my picture to Pickles!" He grinned. The puppet climbed out of his sleeping bag and happily took his gift! |
It was another Re-Learn for me. Simple is Better. We all know it, but I just need a reminder now and then.