Several weeks ago, I promised the Mansion residents I would bring wool caps for everyone who wants one before the harsh winter descended. Everyone wanted one. Some came from the Army Of Good, I found some others online, and today we stopped by after lunch – me, Red, Maria – and passed them  out in the dining hall.

I admit to being surprised at how much the residents loved their hats. Part of it is that they want to be warm in the winter, but I think a lot of it is the color. And also, as always, being thought of. I think that means more to them than anything.

The Mansion staff is still sorting out the bags and boxes of Christmas gifts and decorations coming from the Army Of Good, their Christmas party will be held on the 14th, and I’m going to be there with Red. There are stockings for me and Red hanging up already.

Thanks so much for your gifts and cards and art and thoughtfulness. You are giving the residents a very fine Christmas. When I first me the residents, some of them dreaded Christmas, it too often reminded them of their lost homes and some are alone on the holiday.

No one is alone any more on Christmas, thanks to your generous spirit. They are all known, thought of, everyone can share in the spirit of the day. I am sure it is a lonely time for many of the residents, I know they miss Christmas in their own homes with their own families.

But I see attention matters and brings great smiles.

Jean, above, loves her hat. On outings, she is my girlfriend, I take her arm when we walk, we danced together on the boat ride around Lake George. At one point, I saw her standing alone the boat rails peering out at the beautiful homes, she was buy herself.

I came over and asked her if she was okay, she was quiet, deep in thought. She told me that she and her husband – he died a long time ago – often came on this boat ride around Lake George. When she was on the boat, she said, she remembered him the most clearly.

I stepped back and left her to her thoughts. She was not alone on that ride, I saw. I’m glad she likes her cap.

A list of residents who wish to receive messages: Winnie, Jean, Ellen, Mary, Sylvie, Jane, Diane, Alice, Jean, Maddie, Joan, Allan, Bill, Richard,  John, Helen, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, Dottie, Tim, Ben, Art, Guerda, Brenda, David, Ken, Ruth.

You can write them c/o The Mansion, 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Thanks for giving the residents such a meaningful Christmas.