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trip a feast for the senses The colourful sights, lilting sounds, hearty aromas and tasty flavours all created a feast for the senses during a recent cottage country excursion for residents of London’s Meadow Park Nursing Home and Retirement Lodge. According to one resident, the outing was just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. “This would be great medicine weekly,” enthused T.J. McCullough. Forty-eight residents, along with family members and volunteers, boarded a comfy coach bus and enjoyed a day out at an idyllic lakeside country campground in Bayfield, followed up by a visit to the beach at Grand Bend. “The scenic drive was just amazing with all the colours of the crops in the fields and beautiful flower gardens en route,” says Michelle Bronsard, activity co-ordinator. Upon arrival at the Pine Lake Campground, the sun was shining and the residents “were overwhelmed by the surrounding beauty of the nearby lake, the smells of the hamburgers, hot dogs and onions cooking on the barbecues and the sounds of the birds singing,” says Michelle. Before their barbecue feast, the group watched a performance by the Pine Lake Line Dancers – and, as Michelle notes, a few residents were motivated to get up and dance. Fresh potato and macaroni salad accompanied the meal, and to top it off, residents enjoyed ice cream cones, “one of our all-time favourites,” Michelle says. Next came a hay wagon ride for a scenic tour around the campground, which included flower gardens and fishponds. Along the way, the residents participated in a sing-along. “We did not want this special moment to end,” says Michelle. However, the special moments did continue, as the group boarded the bus and set off to the beach at Grand Bend. The golden sand and blue surf inspired some residents to share memories of days-past. “Residents were able to reminisce of days gone by, going to the beach with their young families,” recalls Michelle. The group arrived back home just in time for dinner. Since then, says Michelle, many residents have expressed their appreciation for the excursion. “The interaction with residents, families and volunteers was second-to-none. It was a time to rekindle old friendships and start new ones,” notes Michelle. Click here for more information about Meadow Park London, or call (519) 686-0484. |