A visit to the Carnahans in Randolph

Yesterday, Ellen and I drove up to Randolph, VT, a drive of about 1 1/2 hours, to visit John and Mary Carnahan at their new venue, a retirement community calledMorgan Orchards. It was a very nice trip and a good visit. It was a lovely day, though chilly and windy, but nice to look at the scenery from inside the warm car! John and Mary have a lovely apartment, fairly spacious, I would say, with an ample living-dining area, a fairly large kitchen, a master bedroom and a second bedroom serving as an office/study. We arrived just as someone's furniture was being moved in, so things were a bit chaotic in that sense, but we saw the public lounge area which was set up with tables filled with items made by residents which could be purchased for gifts (Ellen bought some very nice cards). Coffee and coffee cake is served every morning in this area and many residents take advantage of that. J&M take one meal a day in the dining-room (we did not see that), but otherwise have been busy just getting settled in - they have been there only a month or so. They have gone to the Episcopal Church in Randolph - quite small - and have met people there. Being close to their son, Paul, and his wife, Eve, they went there for Thanksgiving ; they were joined by Paul and Eve's daughter Rachael, and her husband (I thin that's right), and their late daughter Sarah's husband, Al Quintero, and one of Al and Sarah's daughters - Elizabeth - who is in school in Cambrdige, MA. It's probably too early to say just how this move will work out, but it looks good so far. They are, of course, exhausted by the whole process and are still unpacking boxes. Their daughter, Susan, helped out a lot. But still -- it's exhausting no matter what. Our impression of Morgan Orchards was that it is a well-managed and friendly place; we met several residents casually in the lounge area. There are not a lot of trees around it though. It is perched on a hill with great views of a mountain range, but I did't see any orchards. We will try to go up for a visit on a regular basis. We like making little trips. I suppose, however, that that will be influenced by the course of the pandemic. There is one disturbing statistic in Vermont: deaths are high, and they are half unvaccinated people and half vaccinated people. That is not the way it's supposed to be!

The beautiful wreath on the Carnahan's door. I think I'm right in saying that it has been handed down in Mary's family.

John, Ellen and Mary in the living-room

John, Mary and me, same spot!

The public lounges at Morgan Orchards************************************ Just a P.S. - I am aware that I am feeling some sadness not only to have the Carnahans farther away - although we can still go see them - but also because I will not be able to visit them at their home at 29 Tyler Street any more. I have been in that home countless times, have spent the night there on several occasions, celebrated birthdays and holidays there, enjoyed picnics in the backyard - etc. It is an important place in my life. So I can sort of imagine what it is like for them to have left it behind. And for their children also. Physical spaces do matter, and I will treasure that one in my memory.

The Carnahan's home at 29 Tyler St., Brattleboro. Thanks to Zillow for the photo.