News

 

     Four Seasons at Elm Tree, in Mount Joy, PA, does not have a Carroll Street, although others are named for notable authors. Nevertheless, Lewis Carroll asked in a writing, “I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?” Our February snows here have been quiet, insular, as it is porous, and absorbs sound well. Such silence allows our minds to grasp and distill information. And, there certainly has been so much new information to interest us as seniors, living amidst this pandemic, sharing efforts to have the vaccines.

     As a built-out community of 242 houses, we include members of the Silent Generation, the Baby Boomers, and some from the GenX years! Possibly, aging has acclimatized us to the seasons here and their transitions, however altered by changing modifications; living here year-round has us anticipate these annual changes with enthusiasm! We are ready for the next occupations associated with the vernal equinox and full Worm Moon at the end of March. Earthworms will wriggle upward for robins to find. We will move outdoors more to see neighbors, to plant in the mulched areas as landscapers enhance our plots; we will wander by the ponds to view the ducks, heron and geese, and bikers and cyclists will come out for long rides.

     Meetings will be resumed more often in the clubhouse now, as others continue to use the games, library, workout equipment and distanced gathering spaces. We will turn down the thermostat, saving energy and carbon emissions. Although spring will come gradually, we know how to plan for what’s ahead and all we wish to do then. Our lives evolve from winter as more activities and friends are reclaimed, happily.