For years The Garlands has been known as of the premiere senior retirement communities in the country, a place that truly redefined what active senior living could be. And now we're doing it all over again!

Building on the success that The Garlands and its members have enjoyed, our new Phase II construction aims to provide nothing less then the finest senior living community in the country.

I'll be updating this blog with news of our construction progress, so check back here to watch us grow!

Tom Herb

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Phase II, senior living facility, senior retirement communities

As one of the premiere active retirement communities in the country, it's no wonder that the overwhelming number of Garlands members are aging remarkably well. This is thanks impart (if I do say so myself!) to our highly personalized fitness program. A remarkable 75 percent of Garlands members actively participate in a regular fitness program! As their trainer, I try to tailor a plan to meet each individual resident's needs-something that caters to their likes, personalities and abilities.

We offer something for everyone-from Tai Chi, Body Flow, Body Pump, Walking club, pool aerobics and conditioning classes. Plus our cardio and weight equipment are top notch! This blog will detail all the fun exciting fitness activities going on at The Garlands.

I hope to see you back!

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago estate planning, chicago retirement community, Fitness and Activities

After 28 months of construction from excavation to completion, The Garlands Phase II—all 380,000 square feet--majestically fills the property at 3000 Garlands Lane and enhances The Garlands campus and landscape.

The Village of Barrington issued the final Certificate of Occupancy, and new residents are now moving and settling into their new award-winning lifestyle—one that will help them keep independent, active and engaged throughout their golden years. The added incentive of a service-rich and engaging lifestyle seems to attract people to make a move to this senior housing option regardless of overall real estate trends.

To further entice would-be residents, we are offering some financial incentives to help off-set home sale prices and also providing support with the staging of an existing home for faster sale and even moving assistance to the new Phase II. But without a doubt, the biggest incentive of all is The Garlands community itself.

Each Phase II private residence boasts 9 to 16 foot ceilings, gracious crown moldings and millwork throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows, a master bedroom suite and full gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Plus, residents enjoy the high-quality, signature services that have become synonymous with The Garlands unique lifestyle.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community, upscale retirement home

Orders arrived near mid-night on Monday, September 11, 1944 while the battle raged in Europe. Carrying full field packs, we boarded a train at Fort Dix, NJ under cover of darkness. The train moved to an unkown destination to the north, which we recognized later, the quays on New York City's lower west side at three o'clock in the morning. We left the rail cards to borrd quietly a small British troop ship, the "H.M.S. Squalus." Again, under cover of darkness a tugboat towed us from the Hudson River estuary to the open sea. I slept soundly in my hammock, hanging in the hold, next to the stairway following Dad's earlier advice to be near a quick escape route and fresh air from the ocean.

The following morning, I went to the bridge and learned that we were part of a convoy of ships:  troop, merchant marine, and fighting vessels. Our planes filled the sky, searching for enemy submarines. Convoys move with the slowest vessel meaning a long crossing. September weather, hurricane time, in the North Atlantic, got worse as we sailed east. I enjoyed deep green waves break over our ship. The crests rose thirty feet or more enraged by the strong winds. I judged the wave height when the ship slipped into the bottom of a swell where I could compare the tops of waves to the ship's bridge. Better than a rollercoaster ride.

Nearly everyone became seasick from the boat rolling and the putrid odor. I didn't get sick maybe because of the fresh sea air falling down the open hatchway to my hammock. The days dragged, card playing or watching the flying fish and dolphins breaking through the ocean surface became our entertainment. Seabirds, a thousand miles from land, floating rhythmically on rolling waves amazed us. The fluorescent light generated at night by the ship's friction as it cut through the water worried us. The weak, flickering light around the hull at sea level was clearly visible from deck and, maybe, to the enemy.

The British Ship was an unexpected ordeal. The greatest torment was the food the Limeys served. The meals, puddings and slop, we called it, were nearly inedible. The worst was the lumpy outmeal, thick, sticky and tasteless. I lived the whole trip on marshmallow and Oreo cookies.

Once on board, I searched for toilets. I found a row of eight on a high structure, suspended above a foot wide slanted trough that carried flowing seawater from right to left. The toilets were seats on openings to the seawater in the sluice below, which carried waste to the ocean. First time, I chose the seat on the left side, a big mistake, because all the junk floated below me. Odors were bad, especially of vomit passing underneath from the seasick. I moved to the first position on the right side after that, so my waste sailed under the others.

One evening, I opened the hatch door to go on the deck to admire the fighting waves and the quiet stars moving across the sky. Suddenly, a British sailor yelled to me, "Get your arse off the deck and back inside." I obeyed immediately. The next morning, I saw that two large contraptions (some said fog machines) anchored to the second-deck stern were missing--washed out to sea by monstrous waves. I owe that British sailor for sure.

Far out to sea, air protection ended, but numerous warships--cruisers, torpedo boats and destroyers--circled the convoy guarding against the enemy. Near the end of the voyage, the Captain announced that our destination was the port of Cherbourg in Normandy, France.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago independent living, chicago retirement community, Jack and Rita, the garlands, World War II

I'm so bow wow sorry that I haven't put my paw to the paper until now. The rainy weather in June and the hots of July had me in a real funk. Being house bound really got underneath my fur coat. Seems to me we've had more rain this spring than cats have meows. And yet to come are the "dog days of August." We get blamed for more than our four legs can stand.

And speaking of cats, have you passed the home of Bob and Betty Bruns? The sign outside their door according to my driver says, "Dogs have owners; cats have staff."

At first I was taken back a bit; and then it dawned on me, cats need help...poor things. They can't do much for themselves except perhaps purr a lot and bang a fake mouse on a stick.

But dogs; when they need to find their home in the maze of The Garland's halls it's no big deal. If called, we can fake a hearing loss yet come for a treat from a mile away. I know to the minute when the chicken hits the kitchen counter; the cheese (only Swiss) is about to be served and when company's coming. We are independent, play outside and are taught tons of tricks. Being very smart, we do for ourselves and often get praise for ringing a bell to go outside or sharing our love with The Garlands residents. Even Betty Catlin, our next door neighbor and Jadwiga, our housekeeper, claim I'm very smart and they love me to pieces, which, of course, I return in kind.

And how about being known as man's best friend? Lately we have garnered more PR for the likes of me. (Check out the latest issue of Quintessnetial Barrington.) Isn't my scooter driver handsome? Yes, I have to admit a limited staff lives in my household but their duties are done after my barking commands.

Now, what can cats do? Well maybe a few are self sufficient. But most of the time they just lie around, preen themselves, chow down and expect to be waited on by their "staff." How often do you see a cat riding around The Garlands outside or in? The only time cats make it out in the halls is when they scoot between their staff's legs and race for freedom.

Now before closing this letter I do have to give some kudos to that furry breed. It could be that their kittens are more cuddly than our frisky pups. Also cats best us in age. According to the experts they live longer. I don't have a clue as to the years eight or nine lives add up to but I'm almost 14. At 6 or 7 times one of my years I'm between 86 and 98 compared to humans. Not too shabby if I say so myslef. And despite my poor eye sight and slower gait, I love living here with my wonderful group of friends. Lucky us...and that includes all the cats.

Don't take this to heart Cato. I still love you. (For those who don't know, Cato is Bonnie's cat.) I'll write again sooner rather than later. I promise.

Love, P.D. (Perfect Dog)

Labels: active retirement community, active senior living, pd the dog, upscale senior living

A lost pet parrot from Lake Zurich was successfully reunited with its owner yesterday, Thursday, June 9th! Thanks to a quick-thinking senior citizen, people- and animal-loving assisted living workers and the Facebook social network.

Saturday night Kasha, a Lake Zurich parrot, took a joy flight. On Sunday, Kasha stopped to rest on the balcony of Ralph Ostrom, a senior resident at Prairieview at The Garlands Assisted Living Community in Barrington. Surprised to see such a beautiful bird, Ralph opened his door and in flew Kasha. Adept at helping humans, the staff at Prairieview extended their caring and kind attitude toward the parrot. They gave Kasha fruit and water, shelter (in the form of a birdcage brought from one staff member’s home!) and the attention that these birds so often crave.

They reached out to the local police, veterinarians, animal control and pet stores in an effort to find the parrot’s owner with no success. On Wednesday evening, the Executive Director of Prairieview saw a Facebook posting about a lost parrot with a description that exactly matched the rescued bird at Prairieview!

Thursday morning the Prairieview staff called the number on the flyer. The boyfriend of the bird’s owner answered and exclaimed “that’s Kasha!” when he heard the parrot caw in the background. But he didn’t share the good news with his girlfriend, who had been crying for days over the loss of her beloved bird. Instead, he brought her to Prairieview under a ruse. When the staff brought Kasha to the woman, her jaw dropped and she cried with joy!

“A lot of the staff here own pets, so it was really important for us to reunite the pet parrot with its owner,” said Lisa Geisler, Activity Director, Prairieview at The Garlands.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, garlands blogger, parrot, upscale senior living

Dear friends: My memoirs are nearly finished. I'd like to share with you this childhood memory from the early thirties.

One afternoon in South Boston, MA, during 1933, when eight years old, I rushed home in panic, screaming and trembling. I couldn't speak to answer my mother's questions and sobbed and sobbed from terrible fright. Slowly, I told mom how I went to the abandoned house across the street, on the East Ninth Street side, and climbed the porch stairs to peek inside through a broken glass panel.

Between sobs, I described the interior hall covered with eerie looking cobwebs, the stairway leading upstairs, the closed door to the right and the corridor that ran on the left into the darkness. The long electric cord hanging from the ceiling ended at an empty socket with no shade. Just inside the open window, there was a weight of lead about eight inches long, attached to a rope. Other houses had them, so I knew they helped close the door after opening. The weight swung from its pulley. Easy to reach, I pushed it out from the wall letting it fall back with a noisy crash. While watching the interior, I pushed the weight repeatedly increasing the deafening sound. Suddenly, four unsteady, wrinkled fingers appeared at the bottom of the closed door slowly pushing it open. A bearded man lying on the floor stared at me with scary eyes.

Shivering, I again screamed loudly "I saw a ghost." I couldn't be calmed. Mom and dad hugged me saying "Jacky that was a homeless man sleeping in the deserted house, there are no ghosts."

My panic and fright lessened, but I avoided that side of the street and the abandoned house for weeks just in case mom and dad were wrong.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago independent living, Jack and Rita, upscale retirement community

The development and operation of Phase II has been a lengthy and complicated process, taking a total of 43,000 man days to complete! Over 5,000 man days were required for drywall. To place concrete required almost 5,000 man days. Masonry (2,300 man days), structural steel (2,400 man days), wall panels (3,700 man days), plumbing (2,000 man days), heating ventilation and air conditioning (2,200 man days), and electrical (3,400 man days) all achieved a significant collaborative effort to complete The Garlands newest addition.

To memorialize the process, meetings to discuss equipment and operations between subcontractors and our plant director were videotaped. A company photographed the entire construction process to provide a pictorial history. Documents such as architectural drawings and specifications, operating and maintenance manuals and guarantees and warranties have been saved and compiled in a vast database.

Today, however, there is only time to look forward as new residents begin to call The Garlands Phase II “home sweet home.”

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago independent living, chicago senior living, Phase II, the garlands, the garlands upscale retirement community

Hi folks! Would you believe that Christmas is just around the corner. After our super duper fall weather, I guess we can adjust to staying inside during the winter. At least we will be toasty warm that is with exception of my required trips outside. By the time you get this letter I'll bet my paws will be frozen stiff, but I can't stand those four-footed booties. Put on one...shake it off. Try again; nope. When I have a chance, guess what? They will disappear. Don't tell, but the wastebasket is still within my reach.

One compensation which makes up for the cold weather is that the holidays are here. Wow! Just the thought of it makes me chase my tail and jump for joy. Although the inside decorated tree is off limits, I always get a present to add to my stuffed toy basket... And the turkey plus all those wonderful smells give me reasons to stay close to the kitchen and under foot. Can I help it if the cooks call me a four-footed walking nightmare?

I'll never forget one Christmas when a favorite smell got me in heaps of trouble. It was Christmas morning. A box was pulled out of its hiding place and inside was lots of fancy wrapped packages. Now what should a guy do? Rather than search for my toy, I found one that smelled delicious.

After waiting for my family to leave, I dragged my loot to a favorite hiding place and chewed my way through a box of luscious Marshall Field's Frango Mints. Enough said. That Christmas was a bummer. I certainly found out the hard way that chocolate wan't for dogs.

And then there was the year that I was given the most unusual gift ever. A kind neighbor, who was also my baby sitter, bought a wicker basket with a hood over my head just like a baby's buggy. The mattress, coverlet and pillow were handstitched and done in red and green flowers...how embarassing!! And on the outside of the top, she attached tiny tree lights. They were connected to a small square box and when touched, all the lights blinked on and off.

Of course I thanked her with lots of kisses, but deep inside I couldn't help but giggle. But on the other hand it was sad to spend so much time making a gift that would never be used. There's no way I'll ever spend one night in it. Remember, I'm a big boy.

Well I'm sure I can think of other gifts that were either good, bad or ugly, but now it's your turn to remember some of yours. But in the meantime,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Love, P.D.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Christmas, pd the dog, senior living, upscale retirement living

Late September, 1944, near Cherbourg, France, I left our field hospital unit, where I worked in surgery, to walk the fields surrounded by hedgerows--the same hedgerows so dangerous to our troops fighting the retreating Germans. I walked, with no real goal, except to find wild grapes or berries, forgetting about our standing orders to beware of the anti-personnel mines they left behind.

Happy noise, singing and laughing, attracted me to a sprawling farm house in the distance. I had to investigate. The fun sounds led me to a wide barn opening which, to a city boy from Boston, was a fascinating sight. Inside rested several stone vats, and standing in two of the vats were two women each--all appeared to be in their forties.

Loudly enjoying themselves, they jumped up and down on newly picked red grapes: their feet and legs bare, and their skirts tied high on their thighs. The red wine juice colored their legs to well above the knees. Strong, broad shouldered men marched in from time to time with large containers of freshly picked grapes on their backs. They methodically emptied them into the vats and returned to the vineyard for more, while the women sang and stomped happily.

The juice from the grapes flowed through ducts to collectors leading to the wine making apparatus. The men, dressed comfortably in work clothes, noticed me standing there in uniform and briefly acknowledged my presence, but continued their duties. After a while, they stopped carrying grapes to the vats. The women finished the stomping, hosed the red juice from their still colored legs and left for other chores.

One man waved me to join him at a table, offering a chair. Soon two other men brought non-stemmed glasses and a flask of red wine. No English was spoken, only friendly attempts to communicate. The three Frenchmen made clear their appreciation of me and les Etats-Unis d'Amerique. We drank to their freedom and our coming victory over the Germans. Their tasty red wine helped our understanding and friendship. And I forgot the war for a while.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Jack and Rita, the garlands upscale retirement community, Veterns, World War II

Bob Towne riding Thomas the horse.

Pat Menges rides horses for the exercise. Frances Bottom rides horses for the thrill. Bob Towne rides horses because it’s in his blood.

Each of these octogenarians hopped back in the saddle after many years away from horses or for the first time for different reasons. All experienced the horse’s healing power in unique ways and realized personal, life-enriching benefits.

The opportunity to ride and bond with horses came through The Garlands of Barrington and Walk On Farm’s therapeutic horsemanship program. Lisa Geisler, the Activity Director at Prairieview at The Garlands knew of the physical and emotional benefits that interacting with horses can bring and wanted to provide this unique opportunity to her residents.

Offered through The Garlands EngAGE program, equine therapy is yet another unique way for Garlands and Prairieview members to experience fulfilled lives. It’s an activity that provides physical, emotional and spiritual stimulation. Horse therapy inspires self-confidence, improves balance, poise, flexibility, strength and coordination. Participants engage with the horses while riding, driving a horse-drawn carriage, grooming and feeding them.

Taking the Reigns

Pat Menges with her horse, Roper.

Pat never imagined that she’d be riding a horse for the first time at age 82, but that’s exactly what she did after her Garlands physical therapist referred her to the program. Pat gets around using a scooter and riding a horse gives her a chance to engage her core muscles for better balance, posture and flexibility. She is raised by a hydraulic lift and lowered into the saddle on the horse’s back. Accompanied by guides, she takes the reigns and rides around the indoor arena. “I really enjoy it and feel completely safe,” says Pat, who has ridden several times.

“I saw Pat’s posture improve after just one ride,” recalls Geisler.

Frances grew up on a farm in Indiana surrounded by horses, but they were all working and not riding horses. As a child, Frances wanted to ride a horse so badly that she hopped a fence and jumped on the back of a cow. Finally, as a teenager and a young woman she got the chance to ride real horses.

Fifty years later, at age 80 Frances is riding again. “It felt wonderful! I was scared but enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great experience and very exciting,” says Frances, who also uses the hydraulic lift to mount the horse.

Bob says that his love for horses runs in the family genes. Bob grew up in Chicago and enjoyed riding horses as a teenager. He proudly recalls the story of his grandfather riding a horse cross country from Ohio to New York. Today, Bob’s son, who lives in nearby Barrington Hills, owns horses that sleep in a barn that Bob helped his son build.

To see Bob just a year shy of 90 on horseback or holding the reigns of the carriage, it’s clear that Bob’s best friend is a horse, not a dog. “I like horses,” says Bob with a smile and twinkle in his eye. “The horses at Walk On are very good and respond well to the reigns.”

Thanks to Walk On, these three and others from The Garlands get to do something that they thought they could no longer enjoy. Walk On provides equine assisted activities to people with physical, social and emotional disabilities. The barn is specially equipped with a hydraulic lift, horses well-suited for therapy and trained assistants to help the riders. One of the main goals of Walk On, like The Garlands, is to inspire people to advance to their highest potential.

Knowing how important it is for riders to bond with their horses, Walk On encourages “face time” after each ride. Chairs are set up so the riders can look directly into their horses’ big brown eyes while they feed them carrots and other treats, groom them and enjoy a horsy nuzzle. The riders can say “thank you” for a good, safe ride.

Labels: active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, garlands blogger, horse therapy, senior living facility

In an age of instant communications, it sure is nice to get a real letter that speaks from the heart. We're fortunate to get many like this one...

Dear Susan,

Coming from the hotel industry, I know what it takes to attract people and offer the best service possible. Your organization has exceeded the highest standards possible.

Your housekeeping staff does an outstanding job with the hotel suites. I have never seen a room as clean as yours. Anywhere.

Special thanks to the food and beverage department for the superb food and service--it was nothing short of the finest hotels in the world. The Food and Beverage manager was charming and gracious, and he certainly knows his job.

And special thanks to Roger and Carlo from Member Services for their wonderful ride to and from our home in the city.

I can't say enough about the entire staff. Everyone in every department is exceptional, and we certainly look forward to living in such an environment.

As for you, Susan, what can I say? You made an emotionally difficult task so much easier. Your hard work and patience was so much appreciated.

Thank you and everyone at The Garlands for all you did to make us very excited about moving to The Garlands.

Sincerely,

Margie and Scott Abrams

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Chicago estate planning, garlands blogger

"Water is the only drink for a wise man." ~Henry David Thoreau

What is dehydration? Dehydration is the removal of water from an "object." And in this article, the "object" is you. Dehydration occurs when yoiu lose more fluid than you take in.

"I will never get dehydrated because I always drink something when I'm thirsty."

First of all, my mother always said "never say never."

Second of all, did you know that dehydration has already begun to set in by the time your brain sends the signal that you need a drink? And as we age, the signal diminishes.

Thirdly, what do you drink when you become thirsty? Hopefully, it is water which contains nutrients called electrolytes. Electrolytes include minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium. Avoid alcohol and sugary or caffeinated drinks, which are mild diuretics.

Dehydration is not just a summer concern. Extreme cold can have the same taxing effects on your body. Making water a part of your daily consumption can decrease your risk for dehydration--a serious condition that can turn deadly. According to MayoClinic.com, you may lose more than 10 cups of water in a given day just by taking part in everyday activities. If you fail to replace that water, your health could be at risk.

What are common cuases of dehydration?
Common causes are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating and inadequate intake of water during hot or cold weather and exercise. Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cuase weakness, dizziness, fatique, dry, sticky mouth, decreased urine output (8 hours or more without urination), few or no tears when crying and muscle weakness. Since thirst is a late indicator, a better barometer is the color of your urine. Clear or light colored urin means you are well hydrated. Dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

The best defense against dehydration is prevention. How can you prevent dehydration? You should drink 8-9 cusps of water per day unless contraindicated by your health care professional. Drink water 20 minutes before exercising, during and after. Eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. When you have hazy, hot or humid weather and you still want to go outside, be smart. Go out early morning or early evening. Sit in a shaded area and drink plenty of water.

Please remember dehydration begins before you feel thirsty. Therefore, it is wise to bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go. In an effort to remind you to "Don't leave home without it," please pick up your complimentary water bottle in The Garlands Wellness or Fitness Centers.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, dehydration, Fitness and Activities

The Garlands second phase of development--featuring 85 top quality and larger-than-ever residences--is nearing completion

In this final phase of development, landscape architects work their magic to create the multi-hued vistas that residents and guests so love about The Garlands campus. Inside, finishing touches on the individual residences progress at a steady pace, culminating in a white glove punch list review to ensure that The Garlands highest standards are met for our newest members come this November.

Phase II Nears Completion
As the new building nears completion, the public is invited to visit and tour this magnificent work in progress. RSVP to attend an upcoming hardhat tour or schedule a private appointment today. Call 847-304-1996.

Labels: active senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community

Bill Cox feels right at home working the equipment in The Garlands' Woodshop on the garage level near the Wright elevator. In fact, he used the workshop for years at Clearbrook in Arlington Heights, an organization caring for people with developmental disabilities. Teaching woodworking to them was very satisfying. Clearbrook phased out the woodworking classes and offered Bill, at no charge, all the shop equipment. Bill alerted The Garlands, who quickly accepted it for our active retirement community.

Equipment and parts later donated by Bill Youngberg, Bucky Ellis and others help maintain the shop's high quality. Members build professional pieces here. Recently, Sam Jeffers finished a beautiful folding screen for his apartment. The photo does not reveal all its beauty. The screen is seven feet high, has three vertical two-and-a-half foot wide hinged panels; each having three padded sections covered in elegant fabric and framed by rosewood stained maple.

Bill Youngberg designed and made a solid oak bookshelf to fit a special space in his daughter's home. Many appreciated his banana hangers and various footrests built for The Garlands and Prairieview. Bucky contructed sliding shelves for his apartment's kitchen cabinets. Others sharpen knives, fix chairs, tighten nuts and bolts and more. Bill Cox still advises all who need help.

Scott Weimer, assistant Plant Director and his staff use it for maintenance. Members are encouraged to use it and do--mostly men but women are welcome. Member service will open the shop for any members, just dial *02.

Labels: active senior living, Jack an Rita, the garlands, upscale retirement community, upscale retirement home, upscale retirement living, woodworking

Our daughter Jennifer said to our grandchildren, nine and five, "Buckle up Zachary and Natalie. We're going to Langendorf Park for a picnic and then for a swim in their great pool."

Natalie, using her best fake cry, sobbed,"I want to swim in The Garlands pool. I like it."

Grandma Rita says, “Our pool is closed for repair. You'll like the Park pool, believe me."

"Ready to launch," shouts Zachary. "All seat belts attached."

Ten minutes later, we parked at the Langendorf. The children ran off to the slides and climbing bars while we prepared a summer picnic: hot dogs, bratwurst, soft drinks and desserts. After lunch, the walking trail helped us work off some of the food.

Langendorf has a wading pool and the main pool. The slides and high jumps excited the grandchildren. Zachary and others made several dozen leaps and slides from the highest points. Natalie, not to be out done, climbed nearly to the top. Sun and activity tired us, ending a wonderful day.

Next day, after church on Sunday, we drove north thirty miles to Volo to see the unusual quaking bogs and then on to the Volo Auto Museum. The children found the bogs a fun playground, although not as exciting as the auto museum. Hundreds of old cars, refurbished like new, sat bumper to bumper for easy inspection. Grandpa saw a 1957 Chevrolet Impala just like the one he had owned. Good for Grandpa, but the grandchildren loved the cars from movies like the Scooby Mobile, Nightrider's Kitt, Flintstones car, Batmobile, etc.

Again, the hours evaporated. We must head home. No time to visit our favorite restaurant Le Vichyssois in Lakemoor suggested by Vette Kell or to the Moraine Hills State Park, site of a glacial moraine in McHenry County that Hal Guenther praises. We will have to wait another day to make these short trips with our family.

Later in the week, Rita said to me, "What a great weekend we had with the grandchildren, now, I've set up a double-treat for us."

"Double-treat, what can that be?"

She responds, "Two visits on Wednesday: the Chicago Botanical Gardens and the show at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire."

"Oh, that's too much in one day."

"No. It's easy. We drive East on Lake-Cook Road twenty miles to the gardens, have late lunch, see the exhibits and when ready drive fifteen minutes to the theater for a performance at Marriott's Theater-in-the-Round. It worked out just as she planned a great introduction to Chicago's famous gardens and the Marriott's renowned theater.

Musing a bit about our Senior Living Community and its great location, I remembered that the following Sunday The Garlands courtesy limousine would drive us to the Barrington railroad station to take a train to Chicago for the Sunday matinee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, an hour ride at no charge for seniors.

Location is a real asset to us here at the Garlands!

See Jack, Rita and the Kids below at the Volo Auto Museum.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, upscale retirement community

Please forgive me for not writing, because friends should stay in touch, but this has been a wild time. As I get older any change in my routine turns me upside down, and this holiday season had me chasing my elusive tail.

We had things to wrap in noisy paper with ribbons all over the floor. And then there was a fake tree without any real outside smells. Even my play time and walks outside took a back seat to cookie baking, which I hadn't experienced in a long time; actually that wasn't too bad. As the chief floor cleaner-upper, I did a super job licking up all the sweet stuff that fell in my direction.

And of course the freezing nasty weather put me in a funk. The patio snow was so deep even my caregivers felt sorry for me when I reluctantly rang the outside bell. Oh, did I tell you that my caregivers hung a bell on our patio door? All I have to do is hit it with my paw and, boy, do they come fast. But there is one blessing; kudos to the Member Service Staff. They took pity on me and shoveled path after path for my daily "must dos." They are always ready and willing to help all of us. Aren't we lucky!

A cool piece of good news. Megan and Sarah Seibert, my Barrington relatives (also super buddies) have been promised a humongous gift, one like me, and the family search is on. Several shelters have been visited, paper work completed and recommendations checked. They even match the size and dog personality to the adoptive parents. It seems like the process is taking forever; but whatever, big, little, in-between like me, boy or girl, it will be loved. I'm so excited!!

Speaking of a loving family, I have a new friend at the Garlands, Jan Stojack. When we meet on my scooter rides, she is so happy to see me. A treat is always in her kind hand and praise plus oodles of petting are heaped on my furry coat. She also gives me the latest news about another mutual friend, Max Keller, Harry's dog. Then my outside walking companion, Bucky, has been back taking me out if weather permits. How lucky can one get!

Well guess I'd better sign off before this becomes a tome. Happy New Year! Love, P.D.

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, pd the dog

"How many books do you have to return to the Barrington Library," I asked my wife, Rita
"Five or six."
"Why drive? Let's walk there, it's a beautiful day. I'll help you carry them."

The path starts at the Garlands, rises over a small hill and ends at the library, sign says one seventh of a mile.

"That was easy, the hill was no bother," Rita said.
"You're right. What is that construction going on just beyond the trees?" I asked.
"That's the new hospice center. It's due to open next year."
"I like the idea that they're in our back yard," I replied. "They're a great organization and the building fund is still going on."
"What a splendid day," She said. "Let's walk over the Garlands Bridge to Citizen's Park and check out the tree house, slides and picnic tables. You know the grand children love to play there."
"Great idea, Dear"

One couple played tennis as we passed the courts. The incline to the tree house was busy with families. A group of eight spread out a summer picnic meal on the table at the tree house platform. They talked and laughed loudly.

Rita said, "Jack it's a perfect day to walk through Cuba Marsh. We can go out a half mile using the boardwalks and return."
"Another good idea. Let's do it!"

We enjoyed our walk. The Cuba marsh is extensive and primordial. The birds make nearly all the sounds, but others, especially frogs contribute. The walk starts at a boardwalk over a small part of the marsh ending at a gravel path that leads shortly to the main long boardwalk. We followed that for our half-mile trek.

"We had a good time today. How about walking over to Langendorf Park tomorrow and have a picnic near the great public swimming pool?" I asked.

"Two miles is not far to walk, but the traffic is heavy at the crossing corner. I prefer driving especially because we'll have food and blankets."

Location, location, location. That's part of what we have here at our Active Senior Living community.

Jack Roche

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