Blog Posts | Sunflower Hill

Zoom view of cooking class attendees waiving

Knifeless Cutting Techniques

May 5, 2021

With spring in full bloom, now is a wonderful time to enjoy all the fresh fruits and veggies the season has to offer! In past Adaptive Cooking Tips articles, I’ve given tips and suggested tools for preparing produce and practicing safe knife skills. But using a knife is not the only way to get your […]

Bruce standing in his kitchen at Irby Ranch

Bruce – On Living Independently

April 21, 2021

‘Being able to make my own choice’ is a common theme I hear frequently from residents at Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch. As Caitee Valdez, the Residential Programs Coordinator and I plan programs and activities for residents, we think about how empowering it is for each person to make their own choice. I believe that […]

Stop to Smell the Roses – Mindfulness Practice

April 7, 2021

This time of year I love to be outside enjoying the springtime and all that it offers to each of my five senses! Recently I was walking near my neighbors’ front yard when I noticed the rich scent of fresh-cut grass and damp earth. It was so overwhelming that it caught my complete attention. My […]

Adaptive Gardening Tools

March 24, 2021

This time of year always makes me want to step outside and get closer to nature. The bright sunlight, crisp air, and blossoming plants that are abundant during spring inspire me to dig in the dirt and plant new plants! At the Sunflower Hill Garden, we love to make gardening fun and accessible to all. […]

Pratima holding a plate with banana bread and ice cream

Favorite Shelter-in-Place Recipes

March 17, 2021

This month I’m excited to highlight a few favorite shelter-in-place recipes from our Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residents! It’s been a year since we’ve been sheltering at home, and while it’s certainly been a challenging year, not all of it has been bad. For me, one of the benefits of sheltering-in-place for the last […]

Teacher Abby using a knife to demonstrate the pinch method of cutting an apple

Safe Knife Skills

March 10, 2021

An essential cooking skill is learning to safely use a knife! I know that sometimes, knives can be a little scary. But with some knowledge and preparation, knives can be a great and safe way to prepare delicious snacks and meals from scratch for yourself, friends, and family! If you are not ordinarily able to […]

Grounding

March 8, 2021

Do you ever have a day where you feel like your mind is trying to focus on a thousand things all at once? Each time you try to sit down and focus on one of those things, you can’t. You’re left feeling scattered and unproductive? This month’s Mindful Monday article focuses on “grounding” or being […]

Irby Ranch Resident Chris at computer smiling.

Chris – An Irby Ranch Storyteller

March 3, 2021

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch resident, Chris, who is a college student, writer, and the Resident Spotlight for March! As part of our person-centered program offerings at Irby Ranch, Chris and I have met one-on-one several times over the last few months – always masked and distanced – […]

Container Gardening

February 24, 2021

The last few days have felt like spring here in the Bay Area, with warm, sunny days, cool breezes, and chilly nights. Springtime always gets me thinking about planting! As the Garden Coordinator for the Sunflower Hill Garden, I’m honored to be able to plant and care for a LOT of different varieties of fruits, […]

Best Shelter-in-Place Shows

February 17, 2021

During my time off from being the Residential Programs Manager (which I LOVE), watching TV and movies is one of the ways that I escape the stress of this time, refresh, laugh, and yes, sometimes cry. Recently, I was talking with a couple of our Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residents who also expressed their […]