It was just like old times. Peggy wants a blanket for her new baby doll, Claudia would love a candy bar, Ruth wanted some bubble gum, two turtleneck sweaters, and some new clothes for when she loses weight. Nancy’s summer clothes fit well, but she may need some warmer clothes for winter (Nancy often gives her new clothes away.)

We stood far apart and yelled and joked with each other. Maria said she had rarely seen me as happy as when I got home.

I was thrilled to feel needed and useful again. I’ve been doing what I can from a distance, but it’s not the same as seeing them and hearing them.

These have been very tough times for the aides and the staff at the Mansion, they’ve been in lockdown most of the time since March. The aides have kept everybody safe.

Zinnia has resumed her therapy work. She meets with Julia, the Activities Director outside (we meet Julia in the driveway), and she takes Zinnia inside for 30 to 45 minutes.

She is a remarkable dog, calm and affectionate, and appropriate.

She knows the drill. She goes from room to room and greets each of the surprised and delighted aides and residents, most of whom knew her only as a puppy.

I am so grateful that she can be doing this work again. It was a good thing to train her early.

I have to stay outside, partly because I am at risk and partly because they are at risk. I stand about 25 feet out into the driveway and we shout at each other through our masks.

Thanks in part to the $3,000 disinfectant fogger we got them, there have been no cases of Covid-19 in the facility. Fingers crossed.

It’s as if I was never away. They’ve all been saving up their wants and needs. I could provide somethings from outside – arts and crafts, music and movies, outdoor games, clothes, meals from Jean’s Place and ice cream sundaes.

But nothing is as good as being face-to-face with them, or as close as I can safely get. They had plenty of requests. They said they miss Maria also.

Julia asked if I could help with pumpkins for Halloween and Saturday I’ll be getting a dozen of them, along with some pumpkin carving tools. They’ll have a blast with that.

I appreciate how happy they were to see me and Zinnia, how much they wanted both of us to come back.

I have a rich and loving connection with the residents, and also the ladies, and so does Maria. They trust us and talk to us.

The “Heroes Work Here” sign that Maria and I made for the aides in the late Spring blew down in a windstorm and got shredded. We’re going to make another one this weekend.

I’m also very happy with Zinnia’s therapy work. Next Wednesday, she’s going to visit Bishop Maginn High School. She’s a natural, says Julia, she didn’t start to fade for 40 minutes.

I did some shopping, talked to the residents, rushed out to get some bubble gum for Ruth, some candy bars for Nancy. Thanks for all your support. I know another wave is coming, I hope and pray we’ll get through this one also.

Julia said everyone was thrilled to see Zinnia, we’re going back on Monday afternoon.