A busy time at the Mansion to update. I brought Wayne three pairs of sweatpants (above) that he needed. I brought Ruth a beautiful and simple jewelry-making kits, she wants to make jewelry for children. She was  excited. I learned from Connie that it is so important to give the residents the simple tools they need to create.

The Mansion residents asked me if I could help them get a larger cage for their two parakeets,  the one they have is too small. Sylvie would like a carpet to put under her bed to warm up the room, literally and figuratively. I have located an inexpensive and larger bird cage.

I proposed to the residents that I get a 10 gallon fish tank, with some goldfish and nice plants and a filter and heater, and some of them were in a grumpy mood today, they were uncertain, they wanted to know who would change the water, although they would like to see the fish. There was also some disagreement about where the tank would go.

I think they need to ponder the idea, many have been asking for a fish tank for some time.

Some were annoyed about the Zucchini Bread they tried to cook, it came out “mush,” several said. A staffer laughed and said the Mansion residents were coming to trust me, they were no longer afraid to give me  a hard time. I’ll try the fish again later.

The Geranium garden tray is looking good, I made sure there was some water in the plastic tray. I think I’ve located a bedroom carpet for Sylvie, a friend is selling her  house, and has a carpet to give away free. I’ll go look at it tomorrow or Thursday.

And your Valentine’s day cards, letters and packages are beginning to arrive. Valentine’s Day is February 14, we are hosting a special lunch for the Mansion residents. Your messages and decorations are most welcome, and make an enormous difference, thanks.

They are all stored away until the holiday.

Red and Wayne have bonded, Wayne called me over today to propose that Red has a sleep over at the Mansion, Wayne would make all of the arrangements. One day perhaps, I said. we needed Red at the farm.

The following is a list of Mansion residents who wish to receive your messages, mail and packages: The Mansion address is 11 S. Union Avenue, Cambridge, N.Y.  12816.

Winnie, Jean A., Ellen, Bill, Mary, Gerry, Sylvie, Jane, Diane, Alice, Jean, Madeline, Joan, Allan, John K., Helen, Bob, Alanna, Barbara, Peggie, Dorothy, Tim, Debbie, Art, Guerda, Brenda, David, Kenneth, Ruth, Wayne.

If you wish to donate to the Mansion/Refugee Fund, you can do so by sending checks to me at this address: Jon Katz, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, or via Paypal, [email protected].