The snow has finally arrived and the neighbours are being extra careful on their way to get the mail. A fall at most of their ages would be disastrous. Last week was the annual Christmas dinner and attendance was strong. There were even a couple of people who showed up that no one knew were coming. But in good Villa style, they were welcomed and seats found for them.

Our neighbour Bud showed up, now 97, I think he is the oldest on the block and in the room. Spirits were good and the chatter and laughter were heartening. But what really struck me was the care of the eldest in the room. Gerri has not been well and extra care was given in getting her to the dinner and home. And there were others too who were really watched out for and cared by those who have been their neighbours for years.

There is a camaraderie in the Villa that is hard to find in the average neighbourhood. People look out for each other, will call family if there is a need and generally make sure everyone is okay.

We picked this house, or this style in The Villa because it offered us the opportunity to remain in the house if we suddenly couldn’t do stairs or had other mobility issues. What we have discovered is that the common need for support runs throughout The Villa and there are many really caring people here.

We knew none of these people when we moved here but we are slowly finding ourselves in the community and becoming part of that caring network.