Greetings from "The Home" front...

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on Sunday so hopefully we will not have 6 more weeks of winter – especially like this one. I think everyone around here is looking forward to Spring.
Monday morning Gary Kaldor played his guitar and sang during coffee time. Thank you, Gary,! After Newscurrents, the resident cooks make Valentine Parfaits during Kitchen Cappers. They looked lovely and tasted even better. We also had table top games and bingo in the evening. On Tuesday it was Sit & Be Fit and Rhythm Band. Nancy led us in choir on Wednesday morning and during crafts with Molly in the afternoon, the residents made heart shaped pins decorated with mother of pearl buttons. Just perfect for this Valentine season. Pastor Deb led Bible Study on Thursday and then the Men’s Club played Black Jack. We also had a Valentine Word Association game and Bingo in the evening. Lots of staff members and residents participated in National Wear Red Day on Friday – there was Mass and Church and then Pretty Nails and Happy ½ hour. On Saturday Elaine will be reading short stories and articles in the morning and then playing Bingo in the afternoon. There is also Kaffee Hus from 2-3:30 in the dining room on both Saturday and Sunday. Stop in for coffee, ice cream and check out our new treats!

We have special music on Sunday when Gary Kaldor’s group returns to play for our residents. He will be performing in the chapel at 2 p.m. Gary and his group were here last month and we had a big turnout as they played and sang many of those old-time gospel favorites. The residents loved it! There is Newscurrents on Monday and then Kitchen Cappers in the afternoon. Not sure what the resident cooks will be making this week but am sure it will be good! We have Sit & Be Fit and Rhythm Band on Tuesday. After Name that Tune on Wednesday, resident Margaret Gunderson and her daughters will be leading a Valentine Card making craft. We do so appreciate it when volunteers come and help with activities – a big shout out thank you to Margaret and her family!

There is a Resident Council meeting on Thursday morning and then the Peter Boe 3rd graders will be here to visit their “adopted” grandparents. I think we have a fun valentine project for them to work on. There is also Pretty Nails later in the day and Bingo in the evening. It will be a busy Friday when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Of course, there is Mass and Church in the morning and then we have our Sweetheart Dinner in the activity room for our resident married couples. The kitchen prepares a nice meal (including wine!) for them to enjoy, along with soft music and candles. In the afternoon we will have our Valentine Party where our new 2020 Valentine King and Queen will be crowned. This is always an exciting event. Residents and staff can vote for the man and women resident they would like to see be crowned King and Queen and represent Luther Memorial Home at various events throughout the year. It is truly a special honor!

We have two resident birthdays next week – Amos Kjorness and Roma Beck both on February 11th. A real sweetheart of a lady Jean Ann Fugleberg in Sun Center celebrates her birthday on Valentine’s Day. Only two staff members have birthdays next week – Tara Anderson on February 12th and Ashton Sundeen on February 13th. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

Until next time … a thought for the week … If you’re handed it, you can handle it …