We kicked off the week at Monday Movers exercise group with a new and exciting activity; we brought out our drums which have been silent for far too long and beat along to tunes like “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock Around the Clock!” Some may argue that drumming is not exercise but any movement is good movement, right? Either way, we had a ton of fun making a joyful noise so we will keep on drumming! We continued with musical merrymaking at Karaoke Sing Along and our residents lent their beautiful voices to classic songs such as “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain.” The morning gave way to lunch and then we began our afternoon with Crafty Corner where we painted pumpkin sun catchers in autumn colors of orange, yellow and red. We hung them up in the dining room windows, but we just needed the sun to make an appearance and shine through them! Tic Tac Toss was up next and we had a huge group circled up ready to test their Tic Tac Toe skills. Ivan Mason landed in fourth place; Frances White, Carol Campbell and Shirley Klinski had a three-way tie for third and Milda Bautch was in second place. Virgie Fritz was the first-place winner this week with 105 points! After a bit of supper, the tables were cleaned off for Monday night bingo, this week with volunteers Marie and Joyce Berger. Thank you for all your help ladies; we appreciate you!

After breakfast Tuesday morning, folks gathered for Mass with Father Jojo and spent a reflective 30 minutes in fellowship and prayer. The weather has been rainy and gray lately so there wasn’t much appeal in going outside afterwards; we spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon nice and dry inside while visiting. Lunch came and went and then we eagerly awaited the Popcorn Social later in the afternoon! After polishing off the last of the crunchy kernels, Pastor Pfaffe stopped by from Immanuel Lutheran for afternoon church and folks assembled in the dining room for worship. Supper was soon served and then Aaliyah rounded up players for an evening of games!

Wednesday morning brought gray skies outside, but the care center was bright and cheery inside as we prepared for bowling! A huge group of 14 residents circled around to compete for first place and we enjoyed every minute of cheering each other on. Milda Bautch was in fourth place; Dorothy Pfaffe, Mary Matzek and Kevin Bauer all came in third and Virgie Fritz was second place. We had a tie for first place this morning between Carol Campbell and Bill Joyner! Later after lunch, folks came back together for Fruit Bingo in the afternoon. We appreciated having the help of volunteers Harriet Rothe (calling numbers and clean up) and Irene Helmueller (set up, clean up and prize delivery); you ladies are wonderful! Shirley Klinski was our blackout bingo winner this week! Many folks hung around after bingo for the Mid-Week Social; in honor of National Chocolate Milk Day, we snacked on frosted sugar cookies and home-made chocolate milk. So yummy!

Lana Ingli strolled over on Thursday with newsy newspapers in hand and a few stories and jokes up her sleeve too. It’s always fun to reminisce and laugh over a hot cup of coffee and cookies…the things we remember! Everyone participated with similar tales to tell. After lunch, the afternoon began with many of the ladies receiving manicures; and along with the rich reds and gorgeous greens, many chose to have little jewels added to their nails! That extra little sparkle really elevates a manicure. Before we knew it, supper was on the tables and then we cleared off some for a game of Pokeno with Aaliyah!

A quick but fun game of Dart Ball kicked off our Friday morning and a record-breaking 16 residents showed up to win first place! Shirley Klinski placed fourth, Judy Thorn took third place and Carol Campbell came in second place. Bill Joyner was the first-place winner this week! We had so much fun that we lost track of time and lunch was only 10 minutes away after our game concluded. Once the noon meal came and went, a couple folks came out to help Noel prepare a fall snack mix for the Happy Hour treat. Many visitors joined us and soon Happy Hour was under way with music by the talented Rich Schroeder. As the sun set, the music sadly ended and supper was served. We spent a relaxing Friday evening watching “Dr. Doolittle” on the big screen and another busy week had ended. The days are getting shorter and the hours just seem to fly by; if you have a minute or two, consider a stop in our direction. We look forward to seeing you!