Ah, February! Another month closer to spring. Yes, we got snow the end of January. School started late Jan. 26 and 30. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are happy. I wonder if they ever complain about shoveling? The little man spent the last day and night of January with us. He is now trained and very proudly told me he stands up to “pee, like papa. No sit like mama.” He even had to have underwear “like papa’s.” Oh, to be idolized! The Kimball Elementary School student government arrived Jan. 30 to call and play bingo with the diners. They seemed to enjoyed themselves, and contributed by donating prizes. Meals on Wheels (MOW) is celebrated every February. To celebrate this year, pie was served Thursday, Feb. 26. Normally, we only get pie once a year, in October. Now, we are going to attempt something a little different for MOW day. An invitation was extended to the seniors in the Kim-Haven apartments. They were asked if they would like to eat in their community room with some of the congregate diners. A group of Barb Root’s piano students entertained at the dining center on Jan. 13. They were very good. Something that was extra special for me was that, as I was listening to the music, my heart skipped a beat when I saw a certain little boy I had the privilege to take care of several years ago. After the performance I got a huge bear hug. He was just as sweet as I remembered. With less than two days left in February, Tri-County News editor Jean and her mother-in-law Nunu came to tell the diners about Nunu’s home country, Georgia. Hearing the differences between our two countries was mind-boggling. Can you imagine trying to live on a pension of less than $10 a month? The Republic of Georgia has its money printed in France, but when they can’t afford to print money, the seniors don’t get their pensions. The lowest priced baby stroller is more than $300. If you are hospitalized, you don’t have linens or meals unless your family brings them in for you. Could you or I get along with electricity for only three hours a day, never knowing what three hours it would be on? Nunu is amazed by the programs America has to aid seniors, and also at all the conveniences we have. Meals on Wheels recognition day is over. Several congregate diners not only delivered meals to the Kim-Haven apartments, but also sat down and ate their meals there. Token gifts of appreciation for participating in MOW were given to each diner. Each MOW deliverer received a ticket for a free meal at Kimball senior dining, of course. I sincerely appreciate these volunteers. They are a big and necessary part of senior dining. If you see Art, Neil H., Fred, Vi G., Anita or Sally, please thank them for caring about the shut-ins. KEYS members again spoiled us on the day of the Friendship Luncheon. They brought sunshine into the center. A variety of muffins were enjoyed (at least they disappeared quickly) with early coffee three days. Muffins were cut into thirds so one could choose several for sampling (my hubby likes apple the best). There were pineapple, lower-fat pumpkin chip, low-fat all-bran, blueberry, coffee cakes, banana-chocolate- chip and cherry pecan. The Kimball senior dining program was one of the first in central Minnesota, beginning in March of 1974. Therefore, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary Wednesday, March 24. Richard Eckman and friends will provide entertainment following a roast turkey dinner. Headquarters will provide cake and ice cream with coffee and punch after the entertainment. Other plans for the celebration are to charge $2 for the meal (the beginning cost was fifty cents), with our activity fund picking up the other $1 for the suggested meal contributions. Bear in mind, we will need your reservations by Friday, March 19. “Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96 lived in a house together. One night, the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs, ‘Was I getting in or out of the bath?’ The 94-year-old yells back, ‘I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then, she yells, ‘Was I going up the stairs or down?’ The 92-year old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea, listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, ‘I sure hope I never get that forgetful.’ She knocks on wood for good measure. She then yells, ‘I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.’” ‘Til next time, Rosalea Hoeft, Satellite Site Coordinator
