Memorial at Mary Wade

The Mary Wade Home organized a lovely memorial service for Dad on Friday. Senior staff attended, as well as a number of residents and their residents, and Jo and I. I read Dad's poem, "Houqua," which he wrote in high school (see below) and played Artie Shaw's rendition of "Begin the Beguine," which Dad often said was his favorite song. Kristen Paolella, who organized the service, read Emerson's poem, "Terminus," and we talked for a while about Dad--everyone wanted to hear stories.

Kristin, Ted Brett, and Dad

Made the move yesterday.  The Mary Wade folks were very sad to see Dad go.  We arrived at Coachman Square around 1:30 or so, and they made Dad an egg salad sandwich (excellent) and me a Caesar salad.  Another resident, Ann, joined us and made us feel welcome.  The cousins, Bo, Stef, Tia, and the 2-year-old twins, Oliver and Max came down yesterday as well--coincidentally on the day of the move, I think.  Ruby the guinea pig made a big hit with the twins.  All in all, a successful day (tiring, though--for me at least).

Ruby

Serendipity

When I arrived at Mary Wade this afternoon, the Kimberly residents were all in the Community Room enjoying a concert by the Serendipity Singers, a group of charming young women in blue tee shirts.  Kristen the recreational therapist lent Dad a book of American poetry and we hung out downstairs after the concert and read some poems.  The ones Dad liked best was Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s "One Hoss Shay" and Emily Dickinson's "I'm Nobody! Who are you?"  When we went upstairs, people were listening to Tony Bennett.  Frank sang along (beautifully) to every song.

Sunday 10/30

When I came in yesterday afternoon everybody was watching the Barbra Streisand 1994 concert.  Then Dad and I went to pick up Joanne at the train station (coming back from her conference).  Back in time for the last number:  "Happy Days are Here Again"--with a montage of all the great things the Clinton administration was doing.  If she did a concert today, her last number would have to be "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime."

Friday afternoon 10/28

 

The hat came from Kara Kirkpatrick, a former Pepsi exec who is now doing a nursing degree at Southern.

I got a Pepsi tote bag!

Family Council 10/27/11

Saturday, 10/22/11

When I arrived this afternoon the folks on Dad's floor were bowling. They had a very large desktop bowling alley (skittles?).   Each player got to bowl 10 frames. I was amazed how good some people were.   Helen won with a score of 141!


Afterward Dad and I took a spin in the garden, but didn't stay out long, as it was getting cold.  There was the largest group of blue jays (4) I have seen in about two years.

October 20, 2011

Kristin and Dad - making Christmas tree ornaments

Dad made the truck (above)

Russian Hat

A cold and rainy day.  Dad lent me his fur hat.

Tuesday, October 18

Cupcakes and poker

This was a fun afternoon.  While the carrot cake cupcakes were baking, we played a variety of poker (note cards next to the cupcakes).  Dad won one hand, with a pair of aces and a pair of eights. Several of the ladies got their nails done.  Everybody was in a great mood.

Sunday night dinner, 10/9/11

Dad had a very nice dinner with his roommate Ted, Winnie Poirot, and Joe Taylor.  Lentil soup, tuna fish sandwich on whole wheat, and strawberry sundae.  He looked very sharp in his Forbes tartan tie.

Balloon Volleyball, 10/6/11

I wish I'd gotten to MW in time to catch the Balloon Volleyball game.  The staff said that Dad was excellent at it.

Bingo

Close, but no cigar.

Saturday 10/1

Robert at the reception desk

Sunday afternoon 9/25

Clinton Ave. Park

Kimberly 2 @ 4:30 p.m.
Ted Brett, Janet, a Centennairiene (can't remember her name),
Noreen, Joanne, Crosby.

Paintings at Mary Wade

Here are a few of the paintings in the halls at Mary Wade.  They have had a relationship for more than 80 years with the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, which recently conducted its 110th juried exhibition.  These are all on the first floor.

Dad's new roommate

Edward (Ted) Brett

Mr. Brett was happy to pose (but had to take off his glasses).  He's charming.  The bolo tie he is wearing is from squaredancing, he explained.

Saturday afternoon, 9/24

Jo and Dad

Scottish Fudge.  Nice, but not chocolate.

Elevator lobby

Trying to operate the zoom

Still no luck

The rain held off and the garden was lovely.

Dad's floor before dinner