Deep Dilemmas

One of the questions during a Deep Dilemma’s discussion time I asked the ladies what state they would like to visit. Joyce Hagen wanted to stay right in Minnesota, as did Nona Smith. Linda Johnson of course wanted to revisit Alaska. As I kept asking questions it reminded me of Miss America beauty pageant type questions. I then started off the questioning with Miss Minnesota who is your favorite movie star? Marilyn Monroe. Who is the first president you can remember? John F Kennedy. There seems to be a theme here.

The other Miss Minnesota….What is something you have always wanted to do, but were afraid to try? “I was going to go zip lining”.  I thought you did? “No, I was going to, but once I got up there I was too scared to go”. Miss Alaska, What is your favorite snack food?  “A hotdog”. 

 I asked them all random Deep Dilemma questions. Would you rather play a kazoo in public until you make $50.00 or go on a three-day sightseeing tour blindfolded? They all choose the three-day sightseeing blindfold tour. I definitely wouldn’t want to go on a safari or to the everglades blindfolded. 

The questioning continues. Would you rather discover you were created in a lab and your life has been a lie or raise seven babies by yourself? Everyone was practically flabbergasted with the thought of raising seven babies at once even with a husband. They didn’t even care what the other option was.

What was the occupation of your grandparents? This got me to thinking if I knew what my grandparents did for a living. What did your grandparents do?

What was one thing your family did to get by during the depression? Nona replied, “We picked as many berries as we could find”.

Kitchen Creations and our One Stop Shop

At least once a month we have been donning aprons and whipping up some tasty treats. In September residents gathered and baked a delicious apple cake which we served at our monthly birthday party. Ladies got together to slice and dice carrots, celery and onions for our delicious pot of creamy chicken wild rice soup. Some residents ate two bowls it was so tasty. 

This month we started a biannual One Stop Shop where residents could thumb through clothing catalogs from the comfort of their recliners. Activity staff met with residents who were interested in purchasing new clothing. Fall fashion statements will soon be made.

Things That Are Smelly

It’s good to keep our brains active so sometimes we pull out our “Things That Are….” One category happened to be things that are smelly. We took turns giving answers which included feet, a skunk, rotten potatoes, rotten meat, rotten eggs, Hylex, perfume, deer roast, gas, breath, and a baby diaper. What can you think of that is smelly?

Resident passing Birthdays and Little Funnies

Our local historian Eleanor Waha passed away in September. As most of you know Eleanor was the one to call if you ever wanted to know where someone lived, who they were related to or when their birthday is. Eleanor will long be remembered for the countless years of birthday parties at the Care Center that she lovingly baked and served cake and ice cream each month. She also passed out church bulletins each week amongst other acts of giving. 

Tom Hedstrom, who turned 80 years young on September 17th surprised the surprisers at the Hub by not showing up to his surprise party. Tom’s family and friends held a party for him in the multi-purpose room at North Shore Health. He did show up for this party. Tom then had a party, which he knew about, at the Hub the following week and came home with a lot of cake and candy and a big smile on his face. 

Bev Denyes celebrated her 92nd birthday with family and friends after a rousing game of Bingo. At Bev’s request our resident bakers made a delicious white cake with whipped cream pudding frosting.  Bev’s family also served her up a complete grouse dinner. Bev was quite pleased with her celebration. Bev has celebrated her birthday for years with as many days as she is old. 92 years is two months of celebrating. Way to go Bev.

More Funnies

One day during communion one of the resident’s called out to the clergy,” next time bring a bigger cup of wine.”  Another resident pops off to a staff member, “I don’t know if you are any good, but I know you are good.”

This and That

Good golly Miss Molly has been busy visiting with residents. It is so wonderful to see residents faces light up when Molly comes in for some pets and lovins. Having an animal to pet lowers resident’s anxieties, gives them joy and adds meaning to their day.  If you have a pet that would enjoy visiting with our residents please give me a call. Pets need to be in good health, well behaved and if appropriate have a rabies certificate.

Thank you so much to all our volunteers for helping us out. You are appreciated. We wouldn’t have as much fun as we do without your giving hearts.

Are you thinking about volunteering somewhere meaningful to you and others? We are the place for you.  We are looking for people to come read to residents, come play the piano or sit with a resident while they play, come in and have a cup of coffee and chat. Come play a game or help a resident play.

I would play the kazoo anywhere anytime. What about you? What is something you think is smelly? What was one thing your family did to get by during the depression? Remember Old Age Ain’t For Sissies and we are thankful for you.

Contact Lisa Bloomquist, Activity Director 515 5th Ave W Grand Marais, MN 55604  [email protected]  218-387-3518