Another month has flown by and it does feel crazy that we are already in Lent. There is a saying “Laughter is the best medicine” and we have definitely been proving that right at Abberton recently.
Moments of laughter
Pancake Day is always a fun time here and this year was no exception. We had the traditional pancake tossing and lots of laughter trying to create pancakes in various shapes – we managed a giraffe and lion of all things! All super tasty with everyone’s favourite toppings. Conversation turned to Lent and what to give up. “Nothing!” being the overall decision – it was more “What can we do?” We have a number of residents who served in the army so the current conflict is high in all our minds and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.
We have been welcoming back old friends and volunteers and is it wonderful to reconnect. Tony visited to play the piano and the music resonating through our home was so uplifting. Thank you to Essex Therapy Dogs for the visit by Ben the gorgeous chocolate Labrador and his owner Tyson. You can never underestimate the magic effect of animals. Such positivity for our mental health.
Our garden is also a mood boost and as we head into Spring we are hoping to get out more. The sunny daffodils are so inviting. It is lovely that our grounds are used by the Muddy Totz Forest School and to hear the children laughing and running about in nature brings smiles all round. We have been keeping up with our fitness regime with arm chair work outs. Plus an active version of bingo, incorporating movement and props – exercise with lots of fun and a bit of competition!
Wendy, our hairdresser, regularly visits and our ladies often continue the beauty treatments into the afternoon to make a pamper day of it. Nicky is on hand with her box of nail polishes. A manicure is a lovely opportunity for a bit of one to one time, a good natter and laugh together.
We are making plans for Mothering Sunday and Easter and then, of course, there’s the big Jubilee celebrations.