The boxes of yarn you sent Connie have transformed her days, given her a sense of purpose, kept her engaged. She is still making mittens for the Mansion staff, shes made seven, has five to go and a big box full of yarn that sits by her chair. She and Red have the most intense conversations, they have powerfully attached to one another.

So have Maria and Connie. Connie asks about her, and she was eager to see one of Maria’s newest potholders, Susie and the Hen. She chuckled. She wants to hear every detail of the India trip.

Everyone at the Mansion asks me if Maria has gone to India yet, and if not, when she is going. Several of the residents have invited me to come and have dinner with them when she is away. I will definitely join them for a meal or two, if the staff approves. I told them I wasn’t sure Red could come to dinner, and I’m not sure I’m still invited.

Your messages and gifts have had an enormous impact on Connie, and I hope they can continue if that is at all possible. Her lights are always on, the door is always open, her hands are always filled with yarn and knitting needles. She is lively and alert and talkative. You are doing good.

Connie’s address is Connie, c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The staff is clearing the bulletin boards in case there are a lot of Valentine’s Day cards.