St. Luke Living Center
By SUE GUTSCH
St. Luke Living Center correspondent
Thursday began with the singing of hymns and the beautiful voice of Lois Winter to lead us. She had no more than gone when those who felt like being part of the lunch bunch climbed into the van which was headed to The Big Scoop.
Anita Hancock had promised to bring some talented young people to entertain us in the early afternoon, so we hurried home in time to hear Tyler Arocha, 8, and Shyla Harris, 9, play the piano. Seventeen-year-old Jessica Vogel invited us to sing as she played "America" on the flute and "Stars and Stripes Forever" on the piccolo. Then Mrs. Hancock accompanied everyone in a stirring sing-along of "America the Beautiful."
And we actually had time to take several groups on sightseeing outings when the musicians left.
The patriotic spirit continued Friday morning when we chose to make chewy chocolate cookies from the Capital Cookies cookbook which encourages "much your way across the USA." This particular recipe was from Lelia Todd of Frankbort, the capital of Kentucky. We added black walnuts, a gift from Lillian and enjoyed the help of Julie Kerbs who was here visiting her mom, Agnes.
Kolache maker extraordinaire Magdalen Dvorak was this week's afternoon bingo caller.
Our intention Saturday afternoon was to complete an art project begun months ago, which we actually did. But we also began four more pictures. This project seems to grow.
We were pleased to have Larry King, pastor of Good News Christian Fellowship here Sunday afternoon to share in a time of worship with residents.
Monday morning the van and Khrista took a group of shoppers downtown to the hospital auxiliary shoppe looking for bargains. Ruby's "prize" was the cutest pair of pedal-pushers which she was wearing Tuesday morning. We appreciated the opportunity to shop at our leisure.
Some may pretty-up before shopping but we decided when opportunity knocked we couldn't pass, so the afternoon was spent on "personal improvement."
Our book club finished "Farmer Boy" Tuesday morning listening, as Father granted Almanzo's greatest wish, giving him the beautiful little colt Starlight for his very own. We've now moved back with the Ingalls family in Dakota territory and "The Long Winter."
The entire living center family was delighted to host a party honoring Amelia Vinduska on her 101st birthday. Everyone enjoyed flowers, cake, and ice cream provided by Amelia's family. Her children, Ken and Bonnie, Bud and Rose, and Margie were here as well as others of her personal family, hospital auxiliary family, and friends.
To get a feel of Amelia's spirit, as Iris Summers was leaving she wished the 101-year-old "happy birthday." With a twinkle in her eye, Amelia thanked her and told Iris, "I'll come to your 101st party."
Sometimes it's nice to venture beyond our usual boundaries and this week the lunch bunch voted to go to Newton to enjoy lunch. Shirley Bowers traveled with Khrista and the van full of residents. Joann Fitzpatrick took her car, Robyn, and two more residents.
Last Week's News
If you have recently visited or driven by our home you have seen some goings-on at the entrance. A tree was sacrificed in order to build a covered roof as we enlarged the patio area. This is a favorite spot for many residents and now will be even more accommodating and utilized in less than perfect weather.
Three-chipper cookies, a recipe of Beth Scripter's from Abilene, was indeed "an excellent cookie." Quite possibly the peanut butter made these morsels some of our best ever. We realize that eating a still-warm cookie an hour before lunch enhances its goodness, but
Friday mornings mean the bakers go to work and the bingo hopefuls go to play in the afternoon (to keep Jack from being a dull boy).
Saturday mornings include praying the rosary, walks, and this week it also meant polka hour with Gene Vinduska and his accordion, plus coffee and some cookies from Friday morning.
The Rev. Jeremiah Lange, pastor of Marion Presbyterian Church, and some of his church family, were here for Sunday afternoon service.
We prettied-up Monday morning and awaited the afternoon arrival of Ellen Darrow, who always looks pretty during her biweekly visits to play the piano for us. There were some who couldn't wait and got out the cards to play pitch with Marie Navrat right after lunch.
Even though it sounds gruesome, we played hangman (the original Wheel of Fortune) Tuesday morning, using our write and erase board. We exercised some mental muscles.
Christmas stockings were hung at the Wilder Farm that afternoon. Almanzo's was filled with a purchased cap, a four-blade jack knife, some horehound candy, an orange, new mittens his mother had knitted, and a small package of dried figs.
Following the time spent with Farmer Boy's family, the exercise group had more fun than usual with assistance from Amelia Vinduska's just-arrived 101st birthday card. When opened, this card played "The Chicken Dance." Ruby led us in an impromptu demo-dance. We novices have a lot to learn.
We celebrated the Fourth of July with many of the traditional activities. At noon, Khrista was the grill chef, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs outside to go with corn-on-the-cob, beans, perfect fruit salad, chips and dip, and lemonade and iced tea.
That afternoon several residents pitched in and helped mix and freeze three gallons of ice cream — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
And, naturally, to top off the day, there were fireworks and some young friends, Tori Shults and Jenna and Wyatt Helmer, who enjoyed them with us. Oh, and we ate ice cream — all three gallons!
