Greetings from “The Home” front …

Our residents have been enjoying the bit cooler weather to go outside for longer periods of time.  We are still open for outdoor visitation for friends and family to come to see their loved ones.  Our new therapy dog, Princess, loves it when someone plays catch with her, so being out in the courtyard throwing the ball for Princess has become a favorite activity for many of our residents.  We have also been able to go on van trips around the area now that the weather is cooler.  And our newly painted activity room has again become a place for everyone to gather to do crafts, play games, read the paper and just visit.  Life is good at LMH!

Monday started out with Adult Coloring then a Van Trip around the area to check on the crops, comment about new buildings and see the sights.  We also had Bingo in the evening. There was Newscurrents on Tuesday morning and then an Extra Special Activity in the afternoon when we held a Retirement Party for Activity Assistant Elaine Aune.  Elaine has worked in activities for over 29 years – doing everything from reading stories and newscurrents, playing trivia and doing crafts.  Best Wishes Elaine in your retirement!!  Nancy played piano for Name That Tune on Wednesday morning and then the crafty ladies (and men) made a cute owl themed greeting card.  Staff also went shopping for the residents that do not have family nearby.  Our residents enjoy snacks that are not available here at the nursing home but can be purchased in town – so on Wednesday afternoon, that is what one of our activity staff member does!  We had September Trivia on Thursday morning and after Pretty Nails, everyone played Noodle Ball – there was lots of laughter and giggling!!  There was also Bingo in the evening.  Friday brought Church in the morning followed by Happy ½ hour.  We have Sit & Be Fit on Saturday along with Bingo and a virtual video showing Harvest Time (Think colorful trees and big tractors!).

Molly will be here on Sunday for 5-Square and then again on Monday for Wheel of Fortune and Labor Day Would You Rather, a work life themed game of choices between two pleasant or unpleasant job or work life situations. This was also a great time to reminisce about previous occupations and working.  Plus, there will be Bingo in the evening.  We have Newscurrents on Tuesday along with Rhythm Band in the afternoon and also Can You Picture This.  During Picture This, the residents look at a photo and then answer questions about what they see.  We also make up a story to go along with the photo.  We have Choir and Bunco on Wednesday.  Pastor Deb is back for Bible Study on Thursday and then the ladies will get their nails done at Pretty Nails.  We also have an outdoor activity called Discover Nature plus Bingo in the evening.  Pastor Deb leads Church on Friday morning and then the residents will have a chance to “Go Fishing” at our Fish Pond event.  There will be lots of prizes for the lucky fishermen and fisherwomen.

We have several resident birthdays coming up – Dale Wamstad on September 4th, Mary Robinette on September 6th, Betty Pickar and Dorothy Homstad both on September 9th.  Down in Sun Center Ken Eken and Dave Anderson both have September 4th birthdays.  Three staff members are celebrating birthdays next week – Carole Carpenter on September 4th; and Pam Eken and Destiny Swanson on September 5th.  Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day.

Until next time … a thought for the week … The happiest people don’t have the best of everything.  They just make the best of everything they have…