By Laura Kadlec Activities director/music therapist

With November saying goodbye, we brought out our Christmas carol books. We were all a little rusty but the melodies came back to us like a good friend. Of course, “Winter Wonderland” can’t be sung without someone cracking the funny about “walking in my winter underwear!” We enjoy a good laugh every Monday morning with these folks. The afternoon offered our popcorn social with a time to reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday prior and chat with our friends about all the company that visited us. Each day offers an exercise opportunity and Monday is Tic-Tac-Toss. Best throwers this week were: fourth, Shirley Klinski; third, Penny Stafford; second, Frances White; and first place champ (for the second week in a row!), Dorothy Pfaffe. A quick supper and we set up for bingo. We welcomed Teresa Fedie and Kathy Luebker who helped us set up and deliver candy rewards.

Tuesday means time for church. Father Jojo arrived for mass and communion. He is always a happy soul and we enjoy his messages from God’s Word. Folks stayed out for a fun game of “Name That Tun.”. This week we tried our hand at guessing holiday titles. Top musical elves this week were: Fourth, Mary Ellen Coulson and Aileen Wayne; third, Shirley Klinski; second, Barb Grewe; and first, Penny Stafford. Just after lunch, the wind began to blow and the snow began to accumulate like kids around the Christmas tree when it’s time to open presents! As such, our lovely dulcimer group had to reschedule. But like Shirley said, “More dessert for the rest of us!” So everyone gathered to dine on the delicious cherry cheesecake made by our own Andy. We watched some Christmas Daniel O’Donnell with the magical ambiance of the falling snow.

Wednesday welcomed our professional bowling assistants from the Ave Maria Academy. Tim Peterson and Seth Holmstadt were fabulous pin setters and score keepers. Earning special honors this week were: Fourth, Nancy Bishop; third, Milda Bautch; second, Alice Brantner; and first, Dorothy Pfaffe. Fruit bingo found its way onto the agenda for the afternoon. Wanda Ebensperger and Lana Ingli were our volunteers who set up cards and chips and delivered candy and quarters. Our black out winner of the big money ($1) was Frances White. Many of our folks stayed out for our mid-week social: Wednesday wine, cheese and crackers.

Harriet Rothe jump-started our Thursday morning with reading the news from all the surrounding communities and filling in the blanks with the news, not so fit to print. It’s always fun to have her and quite educational. Lunch followed and mid-afternoon Brad Richardson arrived with his totes full of cuteness: the puppies are here! We enjoyed all the love they shared with us.

The Little Drummer Boy could be heard all through the house as the drummers began their Christmas songs on Friday morning. Many songs kept the rhythm going and we caught a few drummers singing along with the music. After lunch, a few more decorations were thrown up, literally, as twinkle lights adorned the ceiling of the dining room with shiny bright garland draped gently on every fixture that didn’t move. It all beckoned everyone to enter and marvel! The Memories soon arrived and music filled every corner. What a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. These two gentlemen, Warren Petryk and Tim Stevens, brought the spirit of Christmas to us, sprinkled with funny stories and jokes. After the fun and festivities, we enjoyed the evening watching an old favorite, “Miracle on 34th Street.” We do hope you find time to share some of your holiday spirit with us during these special days. We’ll keep the coffee pot on.

Henry and Sharon Gingras enjoyed a visit from Denise Polzer during happy hour. Photo courtesy of Laura Kadlec

Oh my! One of Santa’s elves has escaped the workshop. Wait! It’s just Ivan Mason. Because elves don’t drink beer! Photo courtesy of Laura Kadlec