How Do You Measure?
I heard this song lately and it inspired me… February is here. By this time, many of our New Year’s resolutions have fizzled and we’re back to square one with all our well meaning intents to lose weight, break a bad habit, or increase our savings accounts. We all have standards by which we measure […]
Regular People
My great aunt “Neet” was a “seven months baby.” That’s how she told of her premature birth, adding that she only weighed three or four pounds. The doctor delivered her and set her aside to die. He left the house and her mother asked for the baby, held her up to the breast and she nursed. Aunt […]
Warm in Winter
Old man winter gets a bad rap sometimes. Cold weather is often blamed for aches and pains, and depressed moods, especially on rainy, gloomy days. There is conflicting research about whether weather actually does anything to alter moods, worsen depression or cause arthritis pains. I think everyone can agree that a cold, rainy, gray day […]
How To Give the Gift They Really Want
“If your children ask me what to get you for Christmas, what should I tell them?” This was the question I posed to residents around St. Francis Villa. Almost 100% of our 80 to 90 somethings answered the same way: TIME. One lady said “You know at our age, there really isn’t anything we NEED. […]
Holiday Encouragement for Caregivers
I ran across this article and I’d like to share it for those of us who try to do way too much, and in that trying forget to do what’s most important. Try Being A Half-Assed Caregiver My favorite line: “Love twice as much. Do half as much.” May we all remember that this holiday […]
Thanksgiving Memories
Up early this morning to bake sweet potatoes for my casserole, I started thinking about Thanksgiving memories. I always get emotional around the holidays, especially since my family is far away. So I throw myself into making way too much of my Granny’s cornbread dressing, my mama’s sweet potato souffle’ and green bean casserole with […]
In A Nutshell: A Concise List of Senior Care Options
A stressed-out daughter told me the other day “They should offer classes on caring for parents in high school and college! You wouldn’t think finding care would be this hard!” This lady was at her wit’s end trying to figure out what is available and appropriate for her parents. So, what IS out there? When […]
Who Won the Cookie Contest, and What IS Cherry Bounce, Anyway?
Our “Homemade Happiness” week finished on a high note with our homemade cookie contest and then happy hour featuring homemade Cherry Bounce made by residents . Chef Frank Brigtsen with cooke contest winner, Maria Cangemi Ledet Mrs. Maria Cangemi Ledet won our cookie contest. Her original recipe, the product of years of trial and error, […]
Handmade Masterpieces
At our Handmade Masterpieces Open House on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, St. Francis Villa residents and families displayed some beautiful handiwork. Baby clothes, children’s clothes, women’s suits, blankets, quilts and more.