I was passing out hats – a joyous exercise – and trying them on, and Maria and Red disappeared, along with Joan, a resident I love to be with and talk to, even though she struggles with memory.

I rounded the corner and found the three of them sitting on a hallway sofa and having a chat, Red joining right in. He is eating his food and no longer has a temperature. He’s going to be on antibiotics for several more weeks.

When she isn’t  working in her studio, Maria sometimes comes along with me to the Mansion. Her friendship with Connie has drawn her closer to this kind of work, and it is a special pleasure to do it with her.

Usually, I am her too long for her to come, but we come together when she can, and it was a happy sight to see her talking with Joan and Red back in form. Joan got a new winter hat today too.