By Laura Kadlec

Activities Director & Music Therapist

Monday morning music began the week with some coming to sing, others just to listen. Everyone is welcome as the sound of music is infectious and draws folks to the dining room. Afternoon fresh popped corn is always a treat. Stacey is kind enough to deliver for those unable to make the trip. As the sun set behind our beautiful valley, the bowling pins were set up for a five-round game. I’m sure it was the polka music that kept our scores high this week. Top winners were: Fourth, Ivan Mason; third, Beryl Anderson; second, Alvin Bergmark; first place champs, just three points from a perfect game: Willie Lindstrom and Jeannie McDonough. Special thanks to Sandy Lindstrom for keeping score. The evening was topped off with a fun game of fruit bingo. Joyce and Marie Berger joined us to assist folks and deliver candy rewards.

Tuesday arrived along with Father Jojo and Terry Pelzel for Mass and communion. Their smiles and kindness warm our hearts on these cold mornings. Our music masters played Name That Tune later in the morning. Forty-one songs later, top guessers scored as follows: First place: Penny Stafford (14), followed closely by Shirley Klinski (13). Mary Ellen Coulson and Barb Smith both contributed seven correct answers. Globs of sticky gooey dishes of mod podge adorned the dining room in the afternoon as our crafters skillfully molded fabric bowls. It was quite a project, choosing fabrics for inside and outside, dipping in the goo, and molding the fabric strips over the bowls. It was fun to “play” in the mod podge and once left to dry, they hardened overnight. Our bowls will be completed next week. The afternoon ended with our worship service with Pastor Paul from Sabylund Lutheran Church. We enjoyed his message along with singing many of our favorite hymns. Dice games finished off our evening. High rollers were: Third place, Frances White; second place, Shirley Klinski; first place, Willie Lindstrom.

Movers and shakers moved and shook on Wednesday morning. We keep moving as the alternative is not a good thing. It’s also a great way to work up an appetite for lunch. It didn’t take long to clear the lunch tables and set up for bingo in the afternoon. Wanda Ebensperger and Linda Delong were right on time to help set up and deliver candy. Black out winners this week were Marlys Amdahl and Alvin Bergmark. Most remained after bingo to celebrate National Puffcorn Day and finished off the afternoon. It's a fun, yet, not so filling treat.

It was so very nice to welcome Marlene Zimmer back for our Local News and Coffee time. She was as cheerful as ever and read all the news from the Courier-Wedge and Pierce County Journal. They are so good to publish our “doings” each week. After a quick mail delivery, Jessi set up in the activity room for manicures. The ladies were in a hurry to get their nails done so they could hold puppies since Brad was coming after being gone a couple weeks. We certainly missed getting our puppy fix and my, how they had grown! If only we had the energy they exude with all their bouncing and bustling across the room. They learn quickly that they can’t come to a stop too easily on our slippery floors. Pokeno was available in the evening. Top winners were: Third, Alvin Bergmark, Shirley Klinski, Penny Stafford; second, Frances White; first place champ, Beryl Anderson.

Drummers Friday morning were small, but mighty. They certainly can make noise with only a few of them. They also like to set the tempo which is usually two speeds. Fast and faster! After lunch, mail was delivered and soon a few of our baking crew gathered to make creamsicle drinks by combining orange soda and vanilla ice cream. It was a dreamy treat and even better was the music of Larry Radle. He’s one of our favorites and always shares great stories from his farming along with fantastic music. Our home is warm so head on over for coffee and a cookie. You won’t be sorry! See you soon!

A puppy is sure to find love and pure contentment in Janet Robelia's lap.

Irene Converse enjoyed showing off her five-day old pup.

Penny Stafford shared many kisses with her precious pup.

Oh my, if we only had the energy of these two troublemakers!