Greetings from “The Home” front …

Starting off this column with a reminder that our annual Hanging of the Greens will be this Sunday, December 2nd at 2 p.m. However, the LMH Auxiliary Bake Sale held in conjunction with this event starts at 1 p.m. so come early for a delicious assortment of holiday treats. We will have special music by Illa Peterson. This event kicks off our holiday season and the activity dept has been busy decorating LMH to get you in the Christmas spirit. We hope to see you on Sunday.

The week started off with newscurrents in the morning and a farewell party for CNA Joel Piatz in the afternoon. Joel is starting a new adventure in Arizona (think sunshine!). He will be missed but we wish him all the best. There was Bingo in the evening. After Sit & Be Fit on Tuesday morning we had the Auxiliary Birthday Party for our residents with November birthdays. Stordahl Lutheran Church was the hostess. Of course, there was good food and entertainment! Nancy led choir on Wednesday morning and then Mary and her gang of quilters were here in the afternoon – they and the residents are making adorable Christmas tree door/wall hangings. A very simple pattern with amazing results! We had reminiscing on Thursday morning followed by pretty nails in the afternoon. Friday brought mass and church and then “money” bingo with the American Legion/VFW. This is always a popular event and we do so appreciate the men & women who come to “play” with our residents. Saturday – December 1st already! – we have “Just Sayin’” at 2 p.m. in the activity room. “Just Sayin’” is word association game that helps residents recall famous quotes and sayings. There is also Kaffee Hus from 2-3:30 in the dining room. Our 3 p.m. Saturday movie matiness is “Abbott & Costello” – who could forget that wild and wacky duo! There will be NO KAFFEE HUS on Sunday. However, special music and treats will be available during Hanging of the Greens.

Next week is definitely busy with musical events, crafting and baking. We have special guests on Monday who will be making Christmas cards with our residents. Margaret Gunderson and her daughters have volunteered to do this craft project. Thank you so much for volunteering your time – it should be a fun activity. There is Sit & Be Fit on Tuesday morning and a Classical Music Concert by Noah, a UND music student at 2 p.m. in the dining room. We will be taking Christmas photos on Wednesday morning and Mary’s Gang will be here in the afternoon to finish up those door hangers. We also have pretty nails and a movie in the evening. Pastor Dianne is here Thursday morning for Bible Study and there will be a Christmas Traditions Sing-A-Long in the afternoon presented by Marion Johnson and Myra Lyng, goodies will be served after. It’s mass and church on Friday morning and then a strull demonstration at 2 p.m. in the dining room. This is in conjunction with MayPort Winterfest and everyone is welcome to attend.

We were saddened by the passing of Kazia Gummer on November 19th. Kazia was an active lady with lots of spirit who had a very interesting life. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family. Rest in Kazia – you will be missed.

We have two resident birthdays next week – Margaret Gunderson on December 2nd and Connie Ihry on December 4th. Sun Center resident Marian Johnson has her birthday on December 5th. Staff member Mary Turpin’s birthday is December 4th and 3 other staff members share a December 7th date – Jeanne Walden, Terri Weixel and Arlys Balstad. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

Until next time … a thought for the week … the best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up …