Your cart is currently empty!
Tidbits from the senior dining site
It appears to me that August zipped by faster than July did. In mid-August a cricket started its serenade in our lower level. Fall, already. I have a nephew, Skip, who enjoys teasing. He called early the Friday morning we were going to go “up home.” He raises worms – yes, worms – on the side and said he had to get 75,000 ready to deliver out-of-state the next day. He said our son, Marty, and his boss had volunteered me to help him harvest the worms. Figuring Skip wouldn’t really expect me to do such, I decided to take my grubs and garden shoes along and shock him. Upon our arrival, he greeted me with, “those don’t look like work clothes.” After we unloaded, I changed to my grubs and went to the worm barn. He may have outsmarted me, as he didn’t look surprised – he just put me to work. Oh, a couple of our kids could hardly believe I handled worms! Naturally, I inquired about the pay and complained about the poor lighting by my station (a bulb had burnt out). I finally found that by removing my tri-focals I could see better. Skip said I was the first helper to ask about the pay. We decided that if I help three times he will take me to Red Lobster for a meal. When I learned that “with good help” it takes 3 hours to harvest 75,000-80,000 worms, I did some calculations in my head. I came to the conclusion that he was getting the better end of the deal. I based my calculations on $5 an hour multiplied by 15 hours. I would prefer the $45 to a meal at Red Lobster, as I’ve never spent more than $18 on a meal there. Oh well, it was a new and interesting experience. I was good help – we finished in just under three hours. Skip’s mom and wife joined in after they got home from work. Just for fun, I sent Mr. Marty a bill for volunteering me. Funding reinstated The good news in August came from the Central Minnesota Council on Aging. Funding for the senior dining program was restored at 85 percent of the base level. It was reported that seniors across the state wrote their legislators expressing their concerns about the loss of valuable and important programs – and they were heard! Nutrition education “Fabulous Fruit” was the nutritional education topic this past month. It seems we didn’t learn anything new about fruit except how to replace fat in baking. This was the first information I’ve read that actually explained the “how to” part. If a cake or cooking recipe calls for one-third cup of oil, butter or margarine, substitute one-third cup of prune puree or unsweetened applesauce. One diner shared that she tried recipes using the above information and the results were good. Perfect attendance awards The site council decided to try a “Perfect Attendance” month for 2 months started in September. Personally, I have misgivings on the subject, but we will give it a try. This program will be for congregate diners. A diner must either eat at the center every day we’re open or have their meal saved if they have to miss a day. A reward of some type will be presented at the end of each month. Black cow day The dining center had two big days in one week, which I can’t recall happening before. The anniversary of the “black cow” (rootbeer float) was celebrated Aug. 19. It was shared with the Latch Key children, who joined us for the last time this summer. Their smiles and songs will be missed. I marvel at the opportunity those young children have under the direction of their caregivers, who happen to be a mother-daughter team. Mary and Theresa, I compliment you on the great job you are doing. Garden gala Aug. 22 was the dining site’s garden gala. Fresh garden vegetables and flowers decorated the tables. Napkins and placemats had veggies and flowers on them. Door prizes were canned vegetables which were won by Audrey, C.P. Knaus and a guest, Wendy. Friendship tea, lemonade and garden appetizers were served before dinner.