Betty's RV Park Christmas Carolers

Friday, December 20, 2013

Five days 'til Christmas and all is well.  A large group of RV-campers headed out this morning at 9:30 for a day of Christmas caroling at three separate assisted living facilities.  We had practiced a couple of times and a few of the group had been designated soloists for our 45-minute-long program of lively Christmas caroling.  Our first 'engagement' started at 10; some of us (me) didn't quite have our voices up to their virtuoso best; but the residents seemed to really enjoy the music and sang along with us a good part of the time

After our morning concert we all went to a local Chinese cafeteria-style restaurant.  I'm the San Francisco girl with lots of Chinese food experience, due to our large Chinese population and plethora of regional Chinese restaurants.  So, I kind of wondered when I saw the cafeteria set up.  I needn't have been concerned; the food was excellent with representation of several regional specialties.  The food was freshly made, using traditional ingredients, in a presentation that was appetizing.  I spoke with a couple of the waitresses who informed me that they're all from Taiwan.

After lunch we headed to our second engagement where we were met with a similar enthusiastic and  appreciative audience.  The idea of caroling all day long seemed a little much to me; but when I saw the residents and began singing I've found that I'm thrilled to have been a part of it.  And, as the day went on, our voices responded to the infectious enthusiasm.  At our last call I think we looked and sounded very professional!

These were among the nicest assisted living facilities I've visited, and they were 

really decked out for Christmas 

Our group had been asked to wear red tops.  We 

looked pretty snazzy if I do say myself

Each of these facilities had lovely sitting, conference, crafts and dining rooms.

It was evident that the staffs were interested in their residents and

all the residents appeared to be happy.  After each concert we

 circulated throughout the audiences to give personal wishes for a happy holiday season

After having worked in nursing for the number of years I have, I know how special 

it was for these people to see a group of singers, most just about their ages,

volunteering to participate in their holiday celebration.

And I think I speak for the entire group of carolers when I say that I got so much more out of it than I'd expected.  It's a wonderful experience to go into a new part of the country and feel like I've

given something of myself to the folks I meet

This is not our whole group.  Several of us had taken this time to go behind 

some of the residents to snap some photos

This particular facility is home to 138 residents.  We even had a lovely conversation with 

a lady who is celebrating her 101st birthday today

Merry Christmas to all - the end for today