We kicked off the Mansion Homecoming Celebration at lunch-time Friday, Activities Director Julie Harlin and I went over to the local Chinese restaurant and brought back $202 worth of Chinese food – rolls, shrimp dishes, dumplings, crab rangoon, beef and vegetable dishes. The restaurant gave us free soda and bags of crispy noodles.

The residents got to vote on what kind of food they most wanted as a homecoming feast, and they unanimously chose Chinese food. Julie and Charlie, the Mansion chef, cut the egg rolls and dumplings into small chunks and Charlie cooked alternative dishes for people who didn’t want Chinese food or had allergy issues. Charlie knows exactly what each of the residents likes and doesn’t like and eats and doesn’t eat. He also knows who is a diabetic and who had food allergies.

This afternoon, a cake and some music. Then I think everybody – myself included – needs some quiet. Tomorrow, my Writing Workshop students are all giving readings at the Battenkill Bookstore at 2 p.m.   I’m very much looking forward to that.

It was a great and happy feast, we brought fortune cookies and cakes as well. Julie organized a solve-the-riddle contest and I helped serve the food and clean up. The residents seem relieved and are calming down, several are still grappling with some emotional aftermath, but the Mansion staff is racing around – I call them the “Love Cavalry” – organizing rooms and calming nerves.

One resident is still confused about where she is and keeps taking walks inside of the building; another is convinced all of her clothes are missing, her dresser was moved across the room. One of the Danforth residents is  having nightmares and crying fits.

It is amazing to see how quickly the staff tunes into these issues and handles them with love and confidence. I keep saying this, but the care and attention there is inspiring to me.

I rarely call their attention to any problem they aren’t already aware of. They are diligent and possessive of almost supernatural instincts for trouble or problem.

We’re all getting back into our rhythms.

Sylvie has lost her stamps of course, and Peggie broke her wristwatch. Art is very happy with his new watch , and Kate needs some clothes. Ruth asked for some pink pajamas. Wayne wants some books to read. Tonight is Bingo Night, it will be good to have the full crew on hand, I beefed up our prize bag, loading it with Valentine’s Day cards and presents.

I feel normalcy peering around the corner, but not yet willing to show himself. The Love Cavalry is on the march.

I see it will take a week or so for things to get back to normal. The Army Of Good has sprung into action after I wrote about our toiletries emergency, soap and shampoo is on the way. The Mansion aides love Dove products, but are happy for any products. Some of you have suggested a Wist List also, and I have passed this along to the Mansion staff, they are thinking about it. I like it as a long-term solution, I think they will also.

I have to ask about things like the Wish List, it’s not up to me. I also know that soap and shampoo is something people like to send, it makes them feel good and useful. I suspect by Tuesday or Wednesday, there will be enough soap and shampoo to last a good while.

In the meantime, I know of at least 60 bars of soap heading to the Mansion from all over the country (I don’t know about shampoo) right now, and most people don’t tell me what they are sending. Please don’t worry about sending too much, all of it will be stored and used. And thanks. If a Wish List is posted, I’ll let you know.

Some of you are asking if you can send me money for soap and have me buy some, and yes, I’ll be happy to do that. If you wish to contribute that way, just send a donation to Jon Katz, Mansion Soap, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816 or via Paypal, [email protected]. Just mention soap in the message box.