By Laura Kadlec Activities director/music therapist

After holiday songs for a month, we were more than ready to dig out the old, regular song books. We actually have four from which to choose and we like to rotate them. It is almost 100 songs in all so we never tire of singing them. We might even add a few or delete some as time goes on. Lunch arrived, mail was delivered and we were on to more activities mid-afternoon. Stacey dialed up the popcorn machine and soon things were popping! The yummy smell of the fresh popped corn entices folks to the dining room. “Make food, they will come” is not too far from the truth. Tictac- toss followed our popcorn social. Everyone had their throwing arm ready. Winners were: Fifth place, “Delightful” Dorothy Pfaffe; fourth, “Fantastic” Frances White and “Awesome” Alice Brantner; third, “Sassy” Shirley Klinski; second, “Marvelous” Milda Bautch; and first place champ, and the only one to have three in a row: “Keen” Kevin Bauer! A quick supper and we set up for bingo. A grand thank you to Kathy Luebker, Teresa Fedie and Pat Frion for their help in setting up, delivering candy, and clean up after our game.

Tuesday is our church worship day beginning with Father Jojo and Terry Pelzel. It is a nice time of worship, music, and communion. We appreciate their weekly visits. Name That Tune was next on the agenda with eight competitors. After 59 songs, first place was earned by Penny Stafford with 19 correct answers pursued by Carol Bauer with 18. Coming in just behind them at third was Barb Grewe who had 15 correct titles. Dorothy Weisenbeck guessed some of the tough ones and had a total of five. With a handful more of guesses came Milda Bautch, Alice Brantner, and Goldie Helwig. Our crafters returned for the completion of the winter wreaths. Blue, white and silver snowflakes adorned many of the wreaths while others boasted beautiful, lifelike birds. Some folks chose wood winter cutouts such as hats and mittens and then there are those few who had an eclectic mix of everything. They were certainly original to say the least. With hands and tables cleaned up, we gathered for our weekly church service with Pastor Darren and Irene Hoffman from the Lund Covenant Church. We enjoyed his message and singing some of our favorite hymns. Our evening concluded the day with a fun game of Uno with Aaliyah.

Wednesday brought that ugly Covid with it as residents were tested and a few tested positive for Covid. We made the necessary adjustments to keep our folks as safe as possible and to prevent further transmission of the virus. Families and friends are still welcome to visit at their own risk. We were able to play bingo with each resident sitting at their own table. Lana Ingli donned her mask and was so helpful in delivering candy and fruit! Black out winner this week was Dorothy Weisenbeck. It was National Banana Day and Stacey whipped up some banana smoothies for us to all enjoy. Now with everyone wearing masks, some of our hearing-impaired seniors can’t quite make out what we are often trying to say. As such, when Stacey offered a “smoothie” to one of our ladies, she asked, “What’s a floozie?” Our days certainly bring us moments of humor.

Aaliyah had the day off, so she arrived early to treat some of the ladies to manicures, many of which were done “in-room” with the threat of Covid in the building. It is nice to have fresh nail polish in times such as these. Brad Richardson also brought the puppies in the afternoon which brightened up everyone’s day. After supper, a game of Pokeno was played in the dining room with everyone at their own table again. It certainly keeps cabin fever and boredom at bay to be able to be out of our rooms for a little while.

Friday arrived with the drummers in the dining room. It was a small group but we made up for it with our energy! With our Covid “shut down,” our activities were limited. However, we were still able to have visitors. As the days get longer, maybe you would consider a visit in the near future. We’d love it!!! See you soon!

J. Henry Gingras was thrilled with his new stars and stripes quilt!Photo courtesy of Laura Kadlec