Sunday, Sept. 7 was Grandparents Day. We celebrated with family, outdoor music and a cookout. Ron Pronchinske had polka music wafting through the air along with the aroma of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Family members gathered around with their loved ones as they soaked up the sunshine, good company and peppy tunes. It was such a wonderful celebration with family and friends and a great way to start out the week.

After recuperating from the weekend festivities, Athea gathered residents in a circle Monday for an invigorating game of kickball. Residents especially enjoyed the little one who joined in and was the “monkey in the middle.” Laughter filled the dining room as our special guest dipped and dived his way around the kickball circle. Tired legs and laughter caused sore bellies and led us into a morning sing along group. After exercising our legs, it was now time to exercise our vocal cords and sing along to some of our old familiar favorite tunes. After lunch was served and the last dishes were cleared our kitchen corner group met with our fearless leader “Chef Jeff” whipping up an apple spice cake. The scents of fall soon filled the air and put us all in the mood for cooler weather and pumpkin spice… everything. The cake was cooled, frosted and ready for the mid-week social. Next on the agenda was a competitive game of tic tac toss, a game where players throw bean bags and try and get three “X’s” or “O’s” in a row. We had several competitive players with Yvonne Sinz coming out on top as this week’s winner. Supper was served soon after and then it was time for Monday night bingo! Residents anxiously awaited for their winning numbers to be called by Athea as Kathy Lubker and Teresa Fedie manned the prize baskets. Thus, our Monday ends with happy hearts and bingo prize filled pockets.

Our typical Tuesday is filled with faith and fantastic popcorn! Our morning started with Catholic services. Terry Pelzel was here to assist Father Jojo in today’s services. Prayers were said and communion was had as soon the kitchen set the tables for lunch. With time to relax after getting our bellies filled, Kelsey got out the popcorn machine and filled the air with the wonderful smell of fresh hot popcorn. A crowd followed their noses and gathered in the dining room for their bowls of delicious, popped perfection. There was plenty of time visiting and laughing that lead up to the afternoon church service with Pastor Paul Oppedahl, from the Sabylund Lutheran church. Hymns filled the air and a beautiful message was shared. Folks visited after services, later finding their dinner tables. After supper Kelsey gathered folks for the evening “Pick a Game.”  After reviewing several options, the group chose “Climb the Mountain” for this evening’s game. The dice box was passed, and the yodels were heard as residents made it to the top of the mountain. Another Tuesday ending in hearts full of faith, bellies filled with popcorn and cheeks sore from laughter.

New activity aid Kadyn was here striking up some fun Wednesday morning, setting up the bowling pins with Athea showing him the ropes. Residents and visiting family members gave encouraging cheers as the competitive game commenced. Top winners this week were Yvonne Sinz and Kevin Bauer tying for third, Dennis Fedie placed second and Janet Robelia came in first this week. In the afternoon Lana Ingli was here to help us set up for fruit bingo. Kayden called the numbers as residents awaited for their five in a row. Bingo shouts could be heard as oranges and bananas were passed. Everyone anxiously awaited for their bingo cards to be filled for our ending bingo blackout game.  There were so many folks with one number remaining but, Michal Solveson was first to cover his card and was the lucky black out winner this week. After bingo clean up concluded it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Monday’s kitchen corner creation of apple spice cake was cut, served and enjoyed by all. What a delicious way to end our Wednesday.

Thursday morning, we gathered for our weekly news and coffee group led by Kathy Shingledecker. Residents enjoyed hot cups of coffee and hot chocolate as the headlines were read. Kathy visited with our folk’s right up until lunch time. After lunch Makya was here to pamper our ladies with manicures. Pale pinks and soft shades for fall seemed to be the favorite today. While the ladies were getting dolled up, Stacey took the guitar to resident rooms for musical one on one visits. Residents sang along and were moving and grooving to all the old familiar songs. In the evening Makya gathered a group of residents for a game of Pokeno before it was time to hit the pillow.

Friday morning Kadyn was here for a morning game of bucket ball. Residents gave it their best shot and with skillful aim, Carol Bauer came in third, Wanda Traynor placed second and Yvonne Sinz was our top marksman. The afternoon was filled with music, laughter and refreshments as Craig Morton entertained us at our birthday celebration happy hour. Carol Bauer’s birthday is coming up on Sept. 17 and she was in the front row to celebrate with a cupcake in hand. After supper Kelsey brought out the big screen and movie projector. The lights were dimmed and the showcase started. The feature film for this week was the musical, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Saturday bingo is next on the agenda and then on to another week of events. Stop in and see us some time, we would love to see you!