Monday morning was a flurry of activity! Noel and Stacey started out the day with leading residents in morning exercise at Monday Movers but it was hard to find willing participants because of some very special visitors. A CNA brought in a basket full of cute and cuddly puppies to share some snuggles and there were plenty of residents willing to hold these precious pups! Once the puppies left folks came into the dining room for Karaoke Sing A Long before lunch. Once the noon meal was cleaned up, Barb Halling assisted Noel with mail delivery and then it was time to gather the bakers for Kitchen Corner! This week, Noel (along with Chef Jeff) whipped up a decadent Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake with a vanilla pudding and whipped cream frosting. It was hard to not eat a slice right away but alas, it would have to wait until Wednesday’s social. Tic Tac Toss kept everyone busy in the afternoon and once the game was through, Kay George came in fourth, Jeff Halverson was third and Alice Brantner and Dorothy Pfaffe tied for second. Ivan Mason was our first-place winner this week! During the first round of the game, Dorothy Pfaffe scored an amazing 50 points with a triple 3-in-a-row…WOW! Supper refreshed folks and then Marie and Joyce Berger arrived to help with Bingo. We appreciated their help and smiling faces; thanks ladies!

We eased gently into Tuesday with Father Jojo and Terry Pelzel at Mass after breakfast for our Catholic residents; we are all definitely saying prayers these beautiful summer days continue! Once lunch concluded, there was plenty of time to deliver the mail and chat with friends. The popcorn machine was fired up by Willow in the early afternoon for our Popcorn Social and soon you could hear (and smell!) those kernels popping away! As residents scooped up every last bit of popcorn, more visiting and walks outside took up the remainder of the afternoon. Soon, it was time to gather in the dining room for church; this week was a hymn sing with Stacey on guitar and resident Aileen Wayne singing harmony. After a yummy supper, residents stayed in the dining room to play evening games with Willow!

Bowling is always a great way to spend a Wednesday morning and this week was no different!  The crowds came out to play and cheer as Milda Bautch came in fourth place, Janet Robelia and Jeff Halverson tied for third and Judy Thorn took second. Kevin Bauer played a great game and won first place this week, with a near-perfect score! Once lunch was enjoyed and mail was delivered, it was time for a game of Fruit Bingo in the afternoon. Thank you to Shirley Klein and Lana Ingli for all their help with passing prizes and clean up – we couldn’t do it without you ladies! Our Blackout Bingo champion this week was Carol Campbell from the Seasons! We ended the afternoon with finally digging into the Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake from our Monday baking group. What a wonderful treat to celebrate National Creamsicle Day for the Mid-Week Social! 

Thursday began with a delicious cup of coffee and the local news being read to residents by Marlene Zimmer. We sure appreciate our volunteers who stop by for a chat and to keep us informed on what is happening in our community! Lunch followed and then Willow came in the afternoon to offer manicures to all our ladies in line. It is always a relaxing way to spend the latter part of the day and the gals really enjoyed the pampering they received! Soon, supper was ready and then it was on to an evening of Pokeno fun with Willow.

Our action-packed week ended with a Friday morning game of Dart Ball where Kevin Bauer placed fourth, Jeff Halverson came in third and Alice Brantner was second place. Joann Hubbard beat everyone with a first-place win this week! It was then on to lunch and mail delivery to begin our afternoon. After the noon meal, Stacey and Noel were busy in the dining room, setting up and decorating for our very special Bridal Show Happy Hour! Once everything was in place and our harpist, Kristen Reinhardt, had arrived, it was time to open the dining room doors to the crowd of residents and over 20 visitors. Everyone oohed and aahed as they circulated the room and admired the displays of wedding dresses and wedding photos of residents, staff and volunteers! It was such a lovely afternoon of bridal beauty, fancy finger food and sparkling cider as we listened to the tranquil tunes of Kristen and her harp! Once the party ended, it was time for supper and then later on, Movie Night, with the feature film “Pretty in Pink.”