Greetings from “The Home” front …

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around the home – the activity staff and other Santa helpers have been busy decorating all week long! The front lobby, chapel, activity room and hallways are lovely and we have been seeing beautiful wreaths going up on resident’s doors. Plus, our annual door decorating contest is about to begin! It definitely is a special time of year!!

In between decorating we managed some activities too! On Monday the residents reminisced during Down Memory Lane and then watched a Hallmark Christmas movie in the afternoon. We also had Bingo in the evening. There was Newscurrents on Tuesday and Christmas Name That Tune on Wednesday. Staff also went shopping for the residents on Wednesday afternoon. Pastor Deb was here for Bible Study on Thursday morning and later on the residents were able to get their pictures taken in a holiday setting so they could send copies to loved ones. There was also Bingo in the evening. Friday brought Church, visitations and additional Christmas photos. We have Sit & Be Fit on Saturday followed by Bingo and Wheel of Fortune.

We definitely needed Sit & Be Fit on Saturday because our holiday Cookie Sampler is coming up on Wednesday December 8th. This is the BEST time of year!!! Before that though we will have the Story Behind Christmas Carols on Monday morning. That should definitely be interesting and in the afternoon our resident cooks will be decorating Christmas cookies. There is also a Resident Council meeting and then Bingo in the evening. Certainly a busy day!! On Tuesday December 7th we will have a Pearl Harbor Remembrance followed by Newscurrents. There is Rhythm Band in the afternoon and a fun thinking game called CABIN categories. Try to name as many items in a cabin that start with either a C, an A, a B, an I or a N. Hopefully not a Bear!!! There is Christmas Choir on Wednesday morning followed by our wonderful Christmas Cookie Sampler. I am going to diet this week so I will be ready for it – NOT!!! We have Left/Right Holiday story game on Thursday morning followed by Pretty Nails and then Reminisce. And of course, Bingo in the evening. Pastor Deb is here for Church on Friday morning and Molly will be leading crafts in the afternoon. After a visit to Hobby Lobby last week, we are stocked up on lots of fun holiday crafting ideas!

There are no resident birthdays this week but we have four staff members who will be celebrating – Jeanne Walden and Arlys Balstad both on December 7th; Samantha Trosen’s Birthday is December 9th and Mariah Anhorn’s is December 11th. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former resident Cathy Holweger who died on November 20th in Grand Forks. While she was with us, Cathy loved Rhythm Band and the musical activities, getting her nails painted and having hand massages and watching TV. She moved to Grand Forks to be closer to her family. Rest in Peace Cathy.

Until next time … a thought for the week … “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile” …