It was a very happy visit.

Maria and I returned tonight to our first post-evacuation Bingo since New Year’s Eve. We had a full house tonight – Peter, Jean, Mary, Ruth, Wayne, Peggie and Tim (Matt couldn’t make it). We were glad to see all of them, and they were glad to see us – they even made us a Valentine (see below).

Tim was tonight’s Bingo King, he won three games, although I’m happy to say every single person in attendance won one game, a first. Tim is back from rehab on his amputated leg, he will be walking soon. Tim is an avid reader and creative, he asked if I could get him some water-color pencils, and I have, and a big water-color pad to go with it.

I ordered it tonight., along with some water color paper.

And I gave Peggie her new pink “Shark” wristwatch, she loved it. I also brought Matt a large print Tom Clancy book, he loves Tom Clancy.

I can’t wait to see Tim’s painting, he is always making something or writing something, or reading something. The new TV we ordered – a 55 inch Samsung – has arrived, and it is waiting to be installed in the Great Room, everyone is quite excited about it.

The Mansion looks great – bright lights, new carpet, new roof, renovated, spit-spot and comfortable rooms, expanded baseboard heating, the residents are very happy.  So is the staff.

This week, on Thursday, I’m buying (The Army Of Good is buying)  a Chinese food lunch for the staff, to thank them for all their hard work during their difficult month. I’m hoping to take seven or eight residents on a cruise on Lake George in May and June, and then again in September or October. They are still talking about the last one.

Julie and I are meeting next week to talk about some Spring outings for the people who are ambulatory. We are still looking for a handicapped-safe horse-drawn wagon to take residents on a ride through town. They have wanted to do this for years, it isn’t easy to find a wagon that would be safe for them.

It was very satisfying to be back in the Mansion with everyone there. Many hugs and happy faces, residents and staff. And the place sparkles.

If you wish to contribute to the Mansion Fund, your help will be appreciated. You can send contribution directly to me via Paypal, [email protected]. Or you can send a check to Jon Katz, Mansion Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. You can also use the to the Support The Army Of Good button on the bottom of each blog post.

I hope to start making Spring plans shortly.

Also, thanks for the soap and shampoo. Boxes and boxes have arrived at the Mansion (thank you!) and lots of soap and shampoo have been purchased on the Amazon Mansion Wish List. There are still some items left. We will shortly have enough soap and shampoo to last awhile, this helps the residents more than you might imagine. The aides were distributing them over the past few days.