One of our favorite day's of the month! "Dog Therapy ." Just look at these happy and expensive faces!

Happy May Day! All the residents woke up to find a May Day Basket hanging on their door.

Oh Jean, you will be missed! Your hard work and dedication to our residents went above and beyond. Thank you for 6 years of being a part of our Bickford family. Enjoy your retirement and do something fun for yourself as it is so well deserved!

The arrival of May brings the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and flowers galore. Several traditions have become synonymous with May Day, including festivals and maypoles twirled with brightly colored ribbons. There's another lesser-known May Day tradition that should definitely make a comeback, and that's May Day baskets. May Day baskets can have many different appearances—they're baskets, bags, or boxes filled with flowers, toys, or treats that are left anonymously for friends and neighbors on the first day of May. What makes them special is the way they're given. Traditionally, May Day baskets are taken to the recipient's house and hung on the doorknob or left on the porch in secret, a sweet unexpected way to brighten up a neighbor's May Day. When Did The Tradition Begin? May Day celebrations like dancing around the Maypole have mostly faded into the past, but we have to admit we sure are fans of the lovely tradition of hanging flower baskets. May Day celebrations originated in Medieval Europe to mark the return of spring. Agricultural-themed rites included gathering and exchanging wildflowers, weaving garlands, and decorating Maypoles. In the United States, the practice of gifting baskets was described in newspapers during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with some articles referring to the holiday as May Basket Day. In her 1880 novel Jack and Jill, Louisa May Alcott describes the tradition: "The job now in hand was May baskets, for it was the custom of the children to hang them on the doors of their friends the night before May-day; and the girls had agreed to supply baskets if the boys would hunt for flowers." The American Girl’s Handy Book, written by Lina Beard and Amelia B. Beard in 1887, details the custom and how to make the baskets. “A May-day custom, and a very pretty one, still survives among the children in our New England States. It is that of hanging upon the door-knobs of friends and neighbors pretty spring-offerings in the shape of small baskets filled with flowers, wild ones. "Silently approaching a door, they hang a May-basket upon the knob and, with a loud rap, or ring of the bell, scamper off, and flee as though for life. What To Put In A May Day Basket May Day baskets aren't just for children, though. A flower-filled May Day gift is the perfect way to brighten someone's day, and we're planning to gather flowers and give blooming baskets to friends and family all month long. What Flowers To Use In A May Day Basket You don’t need to venture farther than your backyard for May Day flowers. Peonies, daffodils, and tulips make a pretty bouquet. Budding branches, pansies, and freesias are also good choices. Any flowers will work, and you can choose the vessel based on whether you are using cut flowers or potted ones. Cut flowers should be given in water, and potted ones can be placed in soil in a lined container. You don’t have to limit yourself to flowers. A bit of greenery will also add a nice touch. How To Make A May Day Basket There's no rule that says May Day baskets have to be woven baskets. Keep it simple and sweet by wrapping paper into a cone, trimming the excess if desired, and securing it with tape. Add a ribbon handle to the top for hanging. Decorate with craft scraps. Or use pre-made paper snow cone cups, paper cups, or any basket or vessel you have around. Add twine, ribbon, or string for hanging if you wish. Recipients will be moved by the thought put into making their gift.

An unexpected but awesome impromptu mini concert from North East 4th graders! You all Rocked!!! Thank you all for thinking of us!

Lots of help doing two different crafts. May Day baskets and flowers for our upcoming Mother's Day tea luncheon.

Our Mother's Day Tea is coming up on May 10th - more to come on that in the next week or so. There are so many ways to celebrate mother's and here is a list of ways to help you with some ideals! . How to celebrate Mother's Day? Mother's Day can be celebrated in countless ways, from simple gestures to elaborate events. Some popular options include giving flowers, a card, or a handmade gift, offering breakfast in bed, or planning a day of activities like a picnic, movie night, or a spa day. Personalized touches, like a homemade coupon book or a photo keepsake, can also make the day extra special. Here's a more detailed breakdown of celebration ideas: Simple & Sweet: Flowers: A classic choice that always makes a mom smile. Card: A handwritten card expressing your love and appreciation. Breakfast in Bed: Start the day with a special meal prepared just for her. Handmade Gift: A personalized gift, like a handprint apron or a photo album, shows you put in the effort. Coupon Book: Offer to do chores or errands, making it a fun and practical gift. Activities & Experiences: Picnic: A relaxing way to spend the day outdoors, enjoying food and company. Movie Night: Cozy up together with a favorite film or a new release. Spa Day: Treat her to a relaxing day of pampering with facials, massages, or a manicure. Gardening: Plant a garden together or help her with her current garden project. Cooking Class: Learn to make her favorite meal together or take a new cuisine class. Volunteer: Give back to the community together for a cause she cares about. Weekend Getaway: Plan a trip to a new location, whether it's a nearby town or a more distant destination. Personalized Gifts: A photo album, a custom-made piece of jewelry, or a scrapbook filled with memories. Experiences: Tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a spa day. Self-Care Items: Cozy pajamas, a relaxing bath bomb set, or a new book. Tips for Planning: Consider her preferences: What does your mom enjoy? Choose activities and gifts that reflect her interests. Personalize the celebration: Add a special touch, like a homemade card or a personalized gift, to make it extra meaningful. Spend quality time together: No matter what you do, make sure to spend time with her and create lasting memories. Don't overdo it: A simple gesture can be just as meaningful as a grand celebration.

We had the pleasure of have the Clintones come and sin for us.

Our spontaneous small Easter egg hunt. Dena's great granddaughters were the big winners.

Happy "Cruise the Seas" day. All of our residents are the Captains of their ships.