About fifteen years ago not long after her husband of 54 years died; Carol Sherwood moved to Mallard Landing. She chose a cottage because she loves to garden and wanted to keep her hands in the dirt. The Homeowners Association is fine with that if she keeps her garden within 5 feet of the house. That turns out to be plenty of space. Carol’s interest in gardening even carries her through the winter as she mothers her little seedlings indoors until they are ready for transplanting. She shares her flowers all year long with fresh arrangements in the lobby of the main building even in the dead of winter when they are particularly welcome!
(This photo was taken in early spring as she begins another gardening season.)
Staying put at home doesn’t work for Carol. One reason she loves living here is because she can go to the dining room five times a week for dinner and socialize with friends. You can spot her from across the room with a bright shining smile on her face.
The next thing she mentions so casually is she had a brain tumor several years ago and treasured the convenience of having the Assisted Living section here where she could live until she was back on her feet.
Early in her residency at Mallard Landing she attended a weekend Potluck dinner supervised by a committee of residents. Bill, her youngest child of five, fell in love with the concept and so, when the original organizers seemed to fall by the wayside, she and Bill assumed the reins. It was running long before Carol arrived, and she and Bill have made sure it continued, at least during her years here.
As she grew older there came a time to give up the keys to her car as it does for all of us. Because she had either Gary or John to drive her and a few other residents in the Mallard Landing bus to grocery shop or to run other errands, she was okay with that too. When they return home, the drivers help each person off the bus at her own front door. Then they carry the packages to the door to see them safely inside before moving on.
Life is good here and adjusts to you as your needs change.