By Laura Kadlec

Activities Director & Music Therapist

The Monday sing-a-long began the week and slowly, all of us eventually woke up. Lunch was served and the afternoon brought mail, a few visitors, and in no time, Stacey made fresh popped corn for everyone. After snacking, we had just enough time for a fast-paced game of bucket ball. Thanks to Sandy Lindstrom for keeping score for us. Winners this week were: Fourth place, Barb Smith; third place, Shirley Klinski; second place, Sandy Messier; first place champ, Alvin Bergmark. Our evening was filled with fruit and candy for Fruit Bingo. Thank you, Kathy Luebker for assisting us.

It was so nice to welcome Father Jojo back for mass and communion after our most recent shut down due to Covid. He is a breath of fresh air and it’s wonderful to celebrate mass again with each other. Name That Tune was next on the agenda. Laura played a total of 52 songs. Winners with the correct guesses were: Penny Stafford (15), Mary Ellen Coulson (13), followed by Barb Smith (10), and Shirley Klinski and Aileen Wayne tied with seven each. Our afternoon included smells of autumn deliciousness coming from the dining room as our bakers put together some wonderful apple cinnamon bread! We quickly washed up the dishes and Pastor Darren Catron from Lund Covenant Church arrived for our weekly worship service. It was a treat for him to join us with his guitar and songs of faith. Our evening games included dice games. High rollers were Frances White, Shirley Klinski, and Nancy Bishop.

Our workout crew slowly trudged into the dining room for exercises. Just like all of us, they aren’t thrilled with working out, but we all know the benefits. After a good work out and game of kickball, we were glad we saw it through and felt better for having participated! Bingo was set up in the afternoon. We enjoyed having Wanda Ebensperger, Linda Delong, and Kathy Shingledecker join us to help deliver candy and quarters. A game of black out ended bingo with Shirley Klinski as the big winner. After cleaning up the bingo chips and cards, we enjoyed celebrating National Homemade Bread Day with the apple cinnamon bread made by our bakers the day before. Compliments filled the dining room as everyone enjoyed the warmed bread with a steamy cup of hot coffee.

Harriet Rothe arrived with bells on Thursday morning. Well, she actually was decked out in her regular Thanksgiving necklace, shirt, and earrings minus the bells. However, it was absolutely marvelous to have her here to read to us about all the doings from the community papers and also included the Maiden Rock Press. Lunch arrived and soon the ladies were lined up at the door, waiting to get a fresh new coat of nail polish, have their rings cleaned, or simply enjoy chatting together. It is a wonderful time of camaraderie. Brad Richardson knocked at our door with his arms full of fur; puppies, that is! These pups are extremely fond of cuddling and we were happy to oblige. All too soon, it was time for them to leave as supper was ready. The evening offered a fun game of pokeno. Big winners were: Frances White, Mary Ellen Coulson, and Lorraine Anderson.

Friday morning and drummers were ready to go with sticks in hand. It’s a great way to take out your frustrations or simply enjoy the music. Lunch was served, mail delivered, and soon a few ladies were busy helping Stacey make ham and cheese roll-ups for happy hour. Larry Radle joined and crooned as we swooned to the music. It’s a great end to a busy week. The evening continued the fun with our Friday night movie. This week we watched “Home Alone” on the big screen while Stacey treated us to popcorn, soda, and candy, just like a real movie theater. We wish all of you and wonderful Thanksgiving as we reflect on our many blessings. All of you, our family, friends, and supportive community are a blessing to us. Please consider a visit soon!