With October just about to draw to a close, we were more than a little dismayed to hear the local weather forecasters calling for snow! Gradually the rain that fell overnight between October 28 and October 29 turned to a heavy, wet snow. By morning the grass and parked cars were boasting a two inch coating of white stuff. The snow quickly melted but we know that is only a taste of things to come.
We marked Halloween on October 31 with an Autumn Party featuring a variety of pumpkins carved by the various departments throughout the home. It was remarkable to see the variety and the creativity. It was just too difficult to single out one winner so prizes in several different categories such as Most Original, Scariest, Funniest Pumpkin, were awarded as judged by our enthusiastic audience composed of Sisters, Residents and staff. We wrapped up the afternoon’s festivities with refreshments and everyone left the auditorium in winning form.
At the end of the week the long preparations for our Annual Christmas Bazaar finally came to fruition! For an entire week boxes were moved from storage and their treasures unpacked. Games, toys, appliances of every sort and nearly anything you can image emerged from layers of paper. A lot of preparation, planning and hard work transformed our Auditorium into Santa’s Workshop. Gifts of every type imaginable were spread out on the tables that had been arranged in the auditorium. At the front of the auditorium the Wheel was loaded with an abundance of great prizes just waiting to be one. In the far left hand corner, was the ever popular punch board with an equal number of irresistible prizes. The breezeway was lined with over seventy six baskets each with their own theme that made up our Rafflemania, a very popular attraction!
When Saturday, November 12th dawned, the mountain of boxes was gone, everything was finally in place and we were ready to go. The day was sunny and bright but there was a noticeable nip in the air throughout the day. That was no deterrent to the eager attendees who were lined up in the breezeway long before 9:00 a.m. When our doors finally opened we found we had a steady crowd moving in and out of the home throughout the day. The crowd seemed to enjoy all the features that the bazaar had to offer. As the hours passed, people could be seen at the various tables taking chances on the many raffle items and enjoying the variety of food selections offered in the Food Court. The youngsters were eager to try their luck at winning a coveted prize at the punch board or the wheel. All in all, it proved to be a successful day and as the day drew to a close we counted it a success in every way.
Thanksgiving will be upon very shortly and we thank God for the abundance of His blessings. Blessings reflected in these autumn reflections, joys shared in our home, promise in a new beginning and the friendships that bless our lives every day. Just as the leaves have turned to hues of gold, so have our reflections turned to golden memories to be cherished!
