SLURPING

I’m sitting here in not so hot Phoenix, Arizona waiting for inspiration on the headline for our March North Shore Living newspaper article. I can hear my friend in the other room slurping on her hot tea while working remote from her bedroom office. 

I have been working remotely since February 14th out in Flagstaff, Arizona as I have a medical condition called CIRS (and no, it is not a longer acronym for CRS other than that is also the case most of the time). I’m very impressed with our residents as some of them are in their nineties  and are now holding meetings and chatting with family and friends via Face Time and other video chat rooms such as What’s App, Zoom, and Skype. Residents have been utilizing these apps since Covid-19 when the public was restricted from entering our facility, but now they are Face Timing with me. It has been a treasure to see their faces, to talk with them and to watch what they are up to.  I’ve been with them all enjoying Happy Hour with Tom Novotny and his one man band, I’ve attended Resident Council, chair exercise, Portage Band and I’ve chatted with them individually. Face Time sure helps us stay connected.

Some of the residents visit with their families through these avenues. If you live a distance away or if you are even in town and perhaps sick we can still help you chat with your family and friends at North Shore Living. Call the Activity department to set up a time to chat.

Birthdays and Passings

Beverly Denyes passed away on March 3rd.   She usually had a twinkle in her eye and kind words for us. She always had to have her hair fixed and lipstick on before she could attend any activity. Hot chocolate was her beverage of choice and she always called me honey. She was a good friend of my mom’s as they both worked at the Senior Center. They passed a silly marshmallow Easter egg back and forth for years. My mom still has this egg. Bev liked to celebrate her birthday every year for as many days as she was old. She was a sweet character and she is missed.

Yvonne Smith passed away on March 27th which is also my birthday.  Yvonne loved all animals. She had a pet skunk and a pet deer amongst other normal animals. She told me a story about the deer and how people who passed by would stop to see this deer. Yvonne really loved my dog Miss Molly. Miss Molly aka PP or Peeps loved to run down to Yvonne’s room to get lot of treats, lots of pets and lots of kisses. Miss Molly Face Timed with Yvonne a couple of weeks before Yvonne passed away and Yvonne’s face lit up and she was busy telling Miss Molly she missed her and was kissing on her on the call.  Yvonne was also the first resident to ride our Electro bike. Yvonne was in the parade last year on this bike with huge smiles on her face. Yvonne loved to color. Many residents and staff have pictures she has lovingly passed out to them.  She also attended practically every activity every day. She is missed.

There were no resident birthdays in March, but we celebrated my 60th birthday with a Face Time call. Residents and volunteers who were in the midst of balloon exercise sang me happy birthday.  I got to have a quick chat with all of them. Our Face Time was the highlight of my day as I miss their bright sun shiny faces, quick quips and all their antics so much. 

Fun and Games

We purchased a bunch of new games which we have been avidly playing. Ladder ball was a hit. It was fun watching 103 year old Irene giving the balls attached by a rope a fling trying to get the rope to wrap around a ladder wrung. We have purchased a basketball hoop, a bowling set, and a tball set to name a few. We look forward to all these fun games while getting exercise and social interaction all at the same time.

Many family gathered with residents for Easter lunch. It was good to see the social interactions. I am pondering the idea of having a resident/family Bingo, Pokeno or Family Feud when I return in May. We will also be having a volunteer appreciation brunch. We are so appreciative of all our volunteers and couldn’t do all we do without them.

Slurping.  One of our residents likes her coffee so hot I’m sure she slurps.  I used to take care of Ruth Humphrey. Ruth once told me while we were drinking a root beer float
“You can only slurp three times or you’re being a pig.” What do you enjoy slurping on? 

Old Age Ain’t for Sissies. See you in the spring or winter-which ever it decides to be. Peace Out.

Lisa Bloomquist-Activities Director 218-387-3518.