My first Nursing Home visit.

Hi Everyone!

Well before I begin this post, I must tell you that today is my First 'Blogoversary' over on 'Mrs Twins'. So I hope you will pop over there. The Story continues here on SIBOL..........

Not only has it been my First Blogoversary, but also another special thing happened yesterday. A few weeks ago the Deputy Manager from The Willows Nursing Home in Cheshire contacted me because she had seen our SIBOL Blog and wondered whether we'd like to donate 'Sunshine Blankets' to her home.  Of course this made me terribly happy.  I mentioned to her that my Husband Colin was on holiday week beginning 6th September and I asked if we could take them up to her on the 9th which was yesterday.  My Husband was only too pleased. I had planned to give all the Blankets out in November, but because Colin was on holiday and the  home was quite a distance, we decided to go up this week.

So this week I have been preparing the 'Sunshine Blankets' and the cards to go with them. Now I really have to apologise here because I haven't had much chance to get round to my 'blog-reading'.  Please forgive me.
Colin and myself spent Tuesday morning preparing some cards on the computer to give with our 'Sunshine Blankets'.  I couldn't have done that on my own, and I really appreciate his help. 

We had some photos printed off of each 'Sunshine Blanket' and inside I typed a message from 'SIBOL' to the person who receives the Blanket. I wrote the name of the Blanket and  I also made a list of everyones' name who contributed Squares for that particular Blanket.  It does take  a lot of time to sort everything out but this was something I really wanted to do because you have all helped me so much. 

This is the front of one of the cards.

Anyway, the cards were printed, now it was time to go out and buy the ribbon.  I tied the 'Sunshine Blankets' with ribbon and attached the Butterflies.  When I made a  Blanket with Posy Lindas' Squares I made a couple of Butterflies. She named the Blanket 'Butterfly'.  When Salma over on Flickr saw the Butterflies she suggested that I made Butterflies with each Blanket and used them as a type of trade-mark for SIBOL.  I really think the Butterflies finish the Blankets off beautifully. So thank you Posy Linda and thank you Salma!

I took lots of photos when I was preparing the 'Sunshine Blankets' I wanted you all to see what I was doing. What do you think? When preparing the 'Sunshine Blankets' emotion came over me because I actually felt quite sad to think that our 'SIBOLS' were leaving me, but at the same time I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

The 'Sunshine Blankets' were ready to go. So we waited for Thursday.

We went out in the Garden before we left and took a final photo.

We travelled to 'The Willows Nursing Home' in Mobberley, Cheshire.  It took us nearly 2 hours, 80 miles there, driving up the M6 from Birmingham.

When we arrived the Matron welcomed us and we were introduced to Maxine the Activities Co-ordinator. We sat down and explained about SIBOL, how it all started and why. She was so interested.  I told her how all my Friends were so kind in helping me with this project and how amazed I have been  at the amount of Squares that have come in. She just loved the Blankets and wanted to take some photos for a Website called 'Dignity in Care' which she did. But she also explained that they have to be very careful about confidentiality so they couldn't allow us to take photos of the residents or the inside of the home. We were offered tea and biscuits and we really had a lovely chat. She even gave me a Thank You card which I thought was extremely kind. The staff in the home were so friendly and as soon as we walked in we had a really nice feeling about the place.

Maxine spent a lot of time telling us about the activities she arranges. Bingo Evenings, Film Evenings, Quizzes, Poetry and Book readings.  At present they are reading Pam Eyres who I think is so funny!  She really tries to keep the days interesting for them. 

She explained to me that the Blankets would be given out when new people arrived. I actually thought that was a really good idea because I kept thinking on the way up to Cheshire, how are they going to decide who to give the Blankets too. She really loved the Blankets and was so interested in our group. I told her about my Grandmother and how I wanted to do something in her Memory. Colin and myself walked out so happy knowing that the Blankets would be appreciated in the home.  Although we didn't actually meet any of the residents we fully understand the reasons why.  At least we know where the Blankets have  'ended up' if you know what I mean and that's really nice.  

I really love making the SIBOL Blankets and once again may I take the opportunity of thanking you all. You are just the kindest people!

After thanking Maxine and saying Goodbye to her, we thought we'd have a ride out into the Peak District. The scenery was beautiful, it was such a lovely day.

We travelled to the 'Cat and Fiddle' pub, high up in the Peak District hills

where Colin agreed to have his photo taken.

Then it was my turn, I never take good photos.

Why not have lunch while we are here?

The most gorgeous Ploughmans meal.

Come on Sue, 'I want my dinner now!' ha.ha. :)

Then we headed back home, mission accomplished!

7 Beloved SIBOLS have now left me and boy was I sad!

'Sunshine Surprise'

'Orange Grove'

'Across the Oceans'

'Dolly Mixtures'

'Sunshine Blues'

'Sun Reflections'

'Shining Light'