I had the nicest time at the Mansion, everyone was happy to feed me and, of course, see Red. I sat with Allan,  Sylvie and Brother Pete, a New Skete Monk for nearly 50 years. We talked about the monastic life and about Sylvie’s life as a foreign service child.

We had a  good meal of macaroni and stewed tomatoes with a fresh roll.

Connie received four skeins of baby wool yesterday (thank you), but she is struggling to find a pattern so she can make knitted caps for newborn babies at the Albany Medical Center, her new project, inspired by the wool many of you sent to her. She is focused on this work, and I am in awe of the change in her since I first met her.

She is busy all day knitting mittens and scarves for people. She is always alert to tell me who would like to see Red, she loves him but is generous with him. Typical man, she says. She is interested in Maria’s trip to India, and asked me to tell Maria she misses her. I imagine Maria will bring something back from India for her.

If anyone knows how to find a pattern for knitting newborn baby caps, or has one to send, Connie is ready to go on this project, she is at 11 S. Union Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 and I thank you so much for supporting her.  I can’t find patterns for newborn baby caps.

She says she has a stack of Valentine’s letters two feet high and has set aside some time each day to read every one.

Peggie is getting letters from red-haired feisty women all over the world. She is loving every one, and proud of her spirit.

At the end of the meal, a troop of Boy Scouts marched in and sat with the residents and talked with them and listened to them. It was a lovely idea and the Mansion residents loved talking with the young, precisely what they need.

I loved having dinner there, it was fascinating to hear the real life stories of the people Red and I see in one particular context. It was so thoughtful of them to invite me, and I loved every minute. More pictures.