A Flirt With Festivals

The Lilac Festival ends on Sunday in Rochester, NY.  I love the festivals.  What a great service towns, associations and groups offer by throwing these celebrations through out the year.  They are often held over holiday weekends for those of us looking for a new experience.   Google the specific festival you have in mind and there are hundreds to choose from all over the country.  No doubt there will be some 'in your neck of the woods'. 

The bird festivals, food fests, Shakespeare, arts, music, harvest, native country, balloon and so many more kinds held that would boggle the mind.  It gives us places to go and things to see.  Sharing hands-on experiences and skills with other like minded folks.  We learn all about the why's and hows.  It is a good way to meet people and see the rich heritage available to us in this great country.  Thank you sponsors for bringing us these great opportunities and memories.  See you at the 'Festival'!

Blooming Beauty Brings Hope

Thank you to this blooming beauty of a tree for bringing a bright spot to the lives of many aged at the assisted living center we visit many folks on a monthly basis.  It brought joy and hope as the residents ate their meals (lower level large windows).  

It isn't easy to gradually lose your ability to care for yourself and home.  Some have been quite angry and depressed to have their freedom taken away.  This usually happens after a fall or event that warrants no longer living alone.  Charlie, ninety now is such a great sport.  Over the past few years has sold his home to cover expenses, seen his wife moved to another facility to help with her dementia and forced to rely on a walker to keep stable.  Once a successful engineer, he now spends his days basically doing nothing.    It has to be the hardest thing to lose your mobility and freedom, not to mention your health and spouse to old age. 

This promenant pink tree fairly glowed as he caught site of it out his apartment window (upper center) a few weeks ago.  What joy it brought to him and the many residents.  Thank you for giving them hope.