It is easy for Seniors to start a Sock Drive

Learn how one disabled Senior started a Sock Drive for the Homeless

The Sock Granny "Everyone deserves warm feet.": How to Start a Sock Drive for the Homeless – Be Ki...: Starting a sock drive is an act of kindness that will ripple out and touch many people. Our guest speaker was the recreational therapist for the MPA-Society.org Read the story by clicking the link.

Bake Cookies for Me

What Really Matters at the End of Life?

http://www.dailygood.org/story/1165/what-really-matters-at-the-end-of-life-bj-miller/
I have not been able to close this article all day because it is the most important information on dying that I have ever read. No one should die without reading it and learning to live in the present. Our senses will help us enjoy a moment even if we have only one of our senses.
The Doctor who wrote the article worked in a Hospice for about 30 yrs and he said the most popular room was the kitchen. BJ Miller wrote these words that changed my life today, "Probably the most poignant room in the Zen Hospice guest house is our kitchen, which is a little strange when you realize that so many of our residents can eat very little, if anything at all. But we realize we are providing sustenance on several levels: smell, a symbolic plane. Seriously, with all the heavy-duty stuff happening under our roof, one of the most tried and true interventions we know of, is to bake cookies. As long as we have our senses -- even just one -- we have at least the possibility of accessing what makes us feel human, connected. Imagine the ripples of this notion for the millions of people living and dying with dementia. Primal sensorial delights that say the things we don't have words for, impulses that make us stay present -- no need for a past or a future."

Watch the video >br> https://youtu.be/apbSsILLh28

My wish for when I am dying I want to smell cookies baking.

Be the Change One Sock at a Time.

I am a senior and recipient of one of the ‪#‎KINDSnacks‬ packages with the ‪#‎Bombassocks‬. Thank you and thank you on behalf of all the elderly in Terraces on 7th, Vancouver, BC who recieved this Kindness gift on World Kindness Day, November 13,2015. I am known as The Sock Granny at Terraces and I collect socks for the homeless. I am so proud of my friends at Terraces for "paying the socks forward" to the homeless, as you can see from the photographs.

Vancouver, BC, Canada Sock donation Drop-off Locations: Detailed List

http://sock-granny.blogspot.ca/2015/11/donate-socks-at-these-locations.html

Seniors Launched the Sock Drive Globally

October 2 we had a big Launch Party for the Sock Granny Sock Drive for the homeless supported by seniors who put a great deal of effort into coming because they care about our neighbors - the homeless.

Molly, from MPA-Society.org , was our guest speaker. She arrived with her special "unisex Boutonniere" - a sock. A shocking fact she shared was homeless women have increased from 2% to 30% of the homelessness in Vancouver, BC She explained in detail why the homeless need socks. It made me cringe and made all of us determined to help as much as we can.

The Seniors at Terraces on 7th all contributed either socks and cash to start the Sock Drive season off generously.

We challenge all seniors to "give socks" to the Sock Granny for immediate delivery to the homeless through Molly at MPA-Society or to a homeless resource centre near where you live.

Drop off locations are listed on The Sock Granny Blog. http://sock-granny.blogspot.ca/

Have You Heard the NEWS?

Have you heard the NEWS?

Sock Granny is going Global this year.
I start my 3rd Annual Sock Drive October 1, 2015 and preparation is well underway.

You can follow all the events of the Sock Granny and Supportive Friends on Facebook

Read how you can help us go global on my blog and Facebook page. When you travel bring home a pair of souvenir socks from the city you visited and write the name of the city on the label. Just think how that pair of socks will not only warm the lonely homeless person's feet but also it will warm their heart.
Follow the Sock Granny Blog for all the global news and pictures.

Seniors Visiting Neighborhood Parks

When I was visiting neighborhood parks with my Grandchildren I noticed what they liked most about our project of "Getting to Know Our City Better" was the history of each park that I prepared for them.

Then one day some of my friends and I were talking about some new things to do. I mentioned my passion for visiting all the Vancouver City Parks and learn some of the history about each one. One person said, "Brilliant idea! We should do it if you would do the research." I answered, "I would love to!".
Potter in the Parks was launched.
First trip planned and we had a full bus!

Our first destination was Deering Park

Named after George Deering, an early resident and Fish Cannary boss in 1900. Located on a small island in the Fraser River, Deering Island Park is a semi-natural area perfect for enjoying the peaceful views of the river and tidal marshes.

Maple Grove Park and the amazing stumps

Click on the images to enlarge.

Everyone was happy that this was our coffee break park because everyone wanted to have their picture taken with these iconic stumps.

It was wonderful to see everyone excited about their neighbourhood parks.

News from Our Birdwatching Group

Our little group os Seniors interested in following the birds on an international scale is growing so much that we have had to move from the computer to our big screen in our movie theatre. This past Saturday, July 25 we had a full house!
Our show was about the Incredible Australian Pelican
http://curiosityforbirds.blogspot.ca/

What did Seniors Do on Canada Day?

It was a very hot day.
All our activity was planned for our patio in the afternoon for those of us who decided to avoid the crowds and stay home.
I took a walk with my camera and found an interesting series of snapshots that captured the wonderful homey spirit of Terraces.

Terraces on 7th, Canada is:



A place where you feel safe to take a nap anytime.

A place to meet new friends.

A place to play games with old friends.

A place where memories can be relived and shared.
Margaret told me that the last time she held a putter was 1939.

A place of beautiful people.

A place to enjoy the flowers and peace.

Our Home!

Introducing our New General Manager - Susan Auty

We welcomed our new GM, Susan Auty, with a Meet and Greet Reception on June 29, 2015 in our Piano Lounge.

Susan has enjoyed a remarkably varied and successful career in senior leadership roles. Susan holds a BSc. and a Msc. (Masters of Health Science.
All the residents of Terraces on 7th welcome Susan to our warm and hospitable community.

Downsizing for Seniors is Traumatic

As a Senior I speak from experience. In the beginning of the process it feels like your life is being amputated without anesthetic. It takes time to thoroughly understand why it is important and to trust not everything is going into the trash.

Start by reading some good books that will be useful for you and your family.

You can make downsizing a positive, enriching experience. That is how it worked out for me and it will for you too.


Start now - don't wait until you are "old".

To all Grandmothers - "Thank you!": Follow That Recipe with GramaBarb: They said, "No one would come!"

To all Grandmothers - "Thank you!": Follow That Recipe with GramaBarb: They said, "No one would come!"

When you read the story you will see that it is never too late for your dream to become a reality. Never give up!

Read how and when this dream to publish recipes came about. They said, "No one would come!"

A Popular Triathlon Visor Headsweats Visors by gramabarb
Look at more Sports Visors at zazzle

Seniors have learned the value of meals like this one:

Whole Meal in One Recipe Postcard by gramabarb

Join me for a short walk around our patio

The sunlight was muted behind the clouds making it perfect for snapping a few pictures of our early perennial flowers.

Columbine Flower is my introduction flower because a friend saved it from certain death by transplanting it to a safer place.

Our irises are first in line for this photo opportunity. I have already made a note card from this regal beauty. There is a photograph on every page of the card.

Iris Garden Note Card by gramabarb

Next is our "mini field" of Lavender that was originally planted by my friend, Grace. This patch of lavender is maintained in her memory.

Field of Lavender 12 x 12 Poster by gramabarb
More Lavender Posters

Support Nepal Earthquake Relief 2015
Proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to Support Nepal:

We Care Nepal T-shirt by SupportNepal
Design t shirts online.

Cooking Demo at Terraces on 7th

Cruise Ships do it so why not us?
April 24th ~~ We enjoyed a Cooking Demo by our own Chef David.
Since Chef David had worked on a Cruise Ship and did many cooking demonstrations we always enjoy his professional presentations.
He gave me permission to take photographs and to use his Cheese Fondue recipe.

Cheese Fondue Recipe Fondue Postcard by gramabarb

Following the demo was a lively question period with the audience that everyone enjoyed. Leaving all of us looking forward to the next promised demo.

Thank you Chef David Wilfred Hartley-Smith for an entertaining afternoon.

What makes Terraces on 7th So Nice to Come Home to?

I have been a resident for over 7 years and I can truly say Terraces on 7th is "So nice to come Home to!"
It is the people that make the difference. From management, staff and residents -- we all work together to make this our home and community.
On April 17, 2015 we had a special Appreciation Day where 46 people were nominated as an Everyday Hero who go out of their way to make life more meaningful and enjoyable for each one of us.
Each person was given a Certificate of Appreciation and a small gift from one of the family members. Each members family is made to feel welcome and included in everyone's life.
This photograph was taken by Serene Vance (Grama Barb's granddaughter):

Lunch with a View

April 17 we had some excitement added to our panoramic view of Vancouver with the backdrop of mountains. It was during lunch time and we were lingering a little enjoying our coffee and dessert and suddenly people were pointing and chattering about what they were seeing about 1 block away.
I watched for a minute or two and then I left the 5th floor dining room to get my camera.
I got back in time for a few shots before it took a dive to the street below and out of sight.

Then the blimp took a nose dive down to the street.

~~~~~~~~~~ "Watch out below!"

It is Hard to say Good-bye, Jeri!

Our beloved General Manager, Jerilyn Lee, left Terraces to go to another GM position at another Seniors facility. As much as it saddens all of us to see her go, we do wish her every success and happiness in her new position.

Every resident at Terraces contributed notes to this scrapbook that expressed their mixed feeling about their overwhelming saddness to see her go and happiness for her new opportunity to pursue her dream.

March News from Senior Birdwatchers

#1 bird news here at Terraces on 7th Birding Group is the local Great Blue Herons are getting ready to nest and a webcam has been set up for the world to watch the action live.

The Pacific Great Blue Herons have been busy claiming their nests at the large heron colony at Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
The heron cam gives you the ultimate close up view of one of North America's largest urban colonies of Pacific great blue herons Read the instructions for getting the max enjoyment from the interactive webcam.
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/heron-cam.aspx

White Storks will be laying their eggs soon and we are looking forward to following a pair in Germany with a million dollar view. It is live so we have to pay attention to the time zones.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/storcher

We have been very busy following birds in many countries. It is all live virtual birdwatching that is exciting because you have no idea what will happen or what you will see.
Our complete itinery is on this webpage http://curiosityforbirds.blogspot.ca/

Panzanella Salad by Chef Mark

On February 13, 2015 we had a deomonstration on how to make a Panzanella Salad by visiting guest Chef Mark.
We were all given a sample of the fresh salad that we wanted more of it as it tasted so good.

Janelle Nadeau's Love for the Harp was a Joy to behold

Janelle gave us more than a concert yesterday -- she gave us the joy of the harp that we can now carry with us through our remaining days.
I would like to share some of her music with you.
Janelle Nadeau - Harp - "Inner Peace"
http://youtu.be/gmqP-qTVxDk

Janelle's Bio

Birds of the Arctic

Three of us went on a virtual trip to above the Arctic Circle and learned some amazing facts that we will never forget.
We started "ooooo-ing" and "aaaaw-ing" the minute we were introduced to the Ivory Gull.

Our incredible journey was with a team from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to collect sound recordings in the Canadian High Arctic.
Canadian Arctic Expedition
http://youtu.be/D4Wn0zhxv1Q

Our sincere thanks to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for making this video available through Youtube. Many of us only dreamed of going to the Canadian High Arctic but never made it before the health issues of aging made travel impossible. Your videos make a few dreams come true.
Our itinerary for our trip can be found here: Birding in the Arctic