We had the happiest and most joyful meditation class yet at the Mansion; I stopped at Battenkill Books on the way over to pick up two used and new books. I got one for each class member, and I asked them all last week what books they loved and wanted. It was an eclectic list of books – animals, cars, love, mystery, roses, flowers, plants, Nancy Drew, James Patterson.

The books were a hit; everyone opened their books (Maria came along to show support for the project), and there was a lot of laughter and good talk. Everybody loved at least one book and is keeping it. They are very precise about the books they love. What a gift to see them so happy and engaged.

Art, on the left,  rarely spoke in class, but he lit up when he saw the book on vintage cars that I bought him. He is crazy about automobiles.

Bill, his friend, loved the Nicolas Sparks book he requested.

Susan got two animal picture books – she loves anything to do with animals. June loved the Nancy Drew books I bought for her, and the horse picture book overjoyed Claudia. I asked Robin, the devoted and hard-working aide, if she would like a book. She was startled but, after some coaxing, conceded she loves anything written by James Patterson.

The books were such a big hit that I’d like to bring some to them weekly. Thanks to the generosity of Connie Brooks and the Battenkill Books store, these books cost $ 60 altogether. I’d love to get some help with this project; it was such a great success and brought so much happiness. It wasn’t expensive, especially given the joy it brought.

To help continue this vital program, please donate via Paypal, [email protected], or Venmo, Jon Katz@Jon-Katz-13. I understand things are tight, but the Mansion fund is low, and I can’t buy these books without help.

A small amount can go a long way. You can also contribute by check, Jon Katz, Mansion Book Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. Thank you.

I took some nice photos of the book exchange but mistakenly deleted them from my camera. Hopefully, I got enough with the iPhone to capture the moment; it was special, but I lost some of the moments. The mansion has been sold to new owners, and I hoped to meet them today, but they couldn’t come. I’m worried about the residents and devoted aides; I’ve gotten so close to so many of them, and Maria loves teaching them art there.

We didn’t stop laughing for an hour.

I read from Thich Nhat Hanh’s wonderful book Fear about breathing practices that help ease anxiety. The residents were eager to try it and said it was helpful. I also read from Joan Chittister’s book Essential Writing; the residents always ask me to read from her books. I love the meditation classes, and I can see that they do a lot of good. What a pleasure to see the residents open up face their fears, and look for the bright side of life. Growing old is challenging, but it can be rewarding – just like my meditation classes are.

Bill loves romance. There is a significant demand for mysteries from my meditation class readers.

I got to see the new tablecloths and plastic covers we got for the Mansion, a Fall theme. We bought four tablecloth sets; it’s made a tremendous difference, eating is an important part of any day in assisted living. Tableclothes set the tone.

Zinnia waited outside the bookstore; she loved to ride silently, her chin resting on the window frame. She’s a good girl. She greets everyone in the meditation class, one by one, and then sleeps by my feet.

Robin ponders the books she wants. We settled on James Patterson. I love watching Robin work; she has a beautiful relationship with the residents, and they love and trust her in return. She is a natural caregiver.