Ted turned 95 last week – and there was cake and ice cream at the Friday morning coffee gathering. Once again the care and concern of this community is shown – a real wonderful group of people who know each other and look out for each other. It really is something to behold.

By the way Ted, at 95, is remarkably mobile, and witty. He has, as they say, got all his marbles! His very large standard poodle named Rocket. You often see Ted drivng (yes he has his license and does very well) and there is Rocket sitting in the passenger seat. It’s really funny to see. But Rocket is lovely and gentle, a gentle giant.

Okay all you brussel sprout lovers, yes Amanda that’s you…. Costco has this big bag for only $4.99 right now. And with Thanksgiving coming, who wouldn’t want these cooked up as part of the feast!!?!

My experience with Civida continues and I am really enjoying the dialogue, the governance work, and the relationships I’m building. Good relationships are essential I think to good living. I’ve never had trouble making friends, but this is a new experience and this is a room of smart people!

Tomatoes are harvested, to get back to news from The Villa, Jean-Eve has her apples picked, my garden hoses are detached, drained and stored away. And next week the last of the flower pots will be gone. It was a delight to have Carlyle help me in the removal of the final tomato plant.

Sunday, we were just about to leave the house when Lorraine came looking for some help – the downspout had come off the house, well at the final elbow. Carlyle was with me, so I gave her the screw that had come out and sent her back to my tool box to get the right screwdriver. She was back in minutes and not only had the right screwdriver, but she made the repair! What a girl!

Well, that’s about all from The Villa. We hope you are well, God is blessing you and you find time for the people you love and the experiences that matter.