I call it two-dogging a place, when there is trouble, and the dogs are needed.

Most people in America hide from death, and seem stunned by it. At the Mansion, death is no stranger hidden a way, but a reality of life. They were still feeling the loss of Bruce, their friend and companion.There was plenty of work for two dogs.  Maria came with Gus and we spread some joy.

Connie is doing wonderfully in her recovery, she is alert, in less pain and eager to get back to her knitting. Her right arm is still weak from the IV tubes, but her mood is better and Red is very happy to see her.

She is working her way through three bags of letters sent to her while she was in the hospital and rehab. The letters meant a great deal to her, and she is reading each of the letters one  by one. The letters are something for people to live for, they are a vibrant connection to life, they tell the residents that they matter, they are known.

In many ways, they helped her to structure her day, and keep her sense of community during a rugged time.

She is so grateful to be back in the Mansion, which she calls her home.

Connie is returning to her curmudgeonly self, she chewed me out for leaving the Mansion yesterday without stopping by, as I said I would do. I told her I got tied up with Red and some other residents, she didn’t want to hear it. She and Maria are reviving their scheme to make something together, they haven’t yet decided what it will be.

She sat with Gus for awhile, and then with Red.

Connie will miss Bruce, who died yesterday, he had been in the Mansion for ten years and was much-loved by the staff and the residents. He would often walk into town to buy cigarettes and other things that the residents needed. He always pulled the chair out for her in the dining room.

Red and I spent some extra time in the Mansion today, we visited with about a dozen residents, each one was missing Bruce. We also spent some time with the staff, they were especially hard hit by Bruce’s death.

Bruce always had a smile and something nice to say for everyone, and Connie said she would miss him. There is a memorial service scheduled for next week, Red and I have been invited and we plan to go. Monday is a pizza party to mark the beginning of Assisted Care Week, and the Army of Good is paying for the Round House to bring pizza for 45 residents and family members. We’ll be there also.

Thursday, 16 people from the Mansion are going to take a two-hour steamboat ride with lunch on Lake George. The Army did that too. We are filling some holes in the lives of people, brightening some days, providing some important tools. Thanks to all of  you good people. Connie has enough yarn to last a decade, and enough books for a small library, she does love getting your letters: Connie, The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.