Extended care news

August, 2024

The first day of August found Virginia was working on the bulletin board, Lois came out to the day room and wondered if a cup of coffee was available and maybe someone to play a game or two of cards. Lois’s daughter Trish happened to stop by about that time, so the two of them played “Kings on the Corner”. After dinner shortly before 1:00 the serious card players gather to play “Oh Shoot” or “Wild 10.”

Virginia was able to take a week off and travel to Glacier National Park with family. While she was away Vernalea Kittelmann played cards with the ladies on Monday. On Wednesday Madlon’s daughters Jerri and Terry played with the ladies. Thank you, ladies, for volunteering your time.

Wednesday afternoon, Rich Taylor came over and offered to give men haircuts. Several took Rich up on his offer. The guys looked so sharp, all trimmed up. Thank You Rich!

Thursday, the 8th Sarah Reynolds came in and trimmed up several of our ladies. This weekend is the county fair, everyone wants to look their best.

The Days of ‘85 started on Thursday and ran until Sunday the 11th. So many people come to town to enjoy class reunions and to take in the events of the weekend. Many guests stopped in to see our residents. Neal had a cousin from Augusta, Mt. visit him as well as his sister Micheal from Texas.

Saturday, Kelly Laughery was able to go to the fair grounds and view the livestock barns. Kelly’s nephew Carl came and picked him up and together they were able to do their own livestock judging!

The parade was scheduled for Sunday the 11th. The theme was a Jungle theme. Our float’s poster stated “DMHA is Wild about Healthcare”. A car trailer and pick-up were borrowed from the Enos family. A hut was built, on to the trailer, with a cameo covering, monkeys, parrots and greenery all tied to the hut. The decorating all took place Sunday morning. The morning was overcast with rain in the forecast but after a call to the parade committee chairman, the parade was still on.

When it came to line up the rain’s started. Only 2 of our residents, Marty Carroll and John Neece could go, and they had to ride in the pick-up cab. Jimmy Curry has always been so willing to ride on our floats but this year due to the rain, he was not able to ride. Darrell Messersmith, Adm. agreed to be our driver, and four staff members rode on the trailer, Karen Cheguis, Kimberly Jardee Rost, Virginia Rychner, and myself. The group did their part to represent Dahl, threw out candy, waved to the crowds and got soaked to the bone!

Monday back to a regular day at Dahl. The morning consisted of exercises, a quick game of cards between Lois and Virginia. After dinner the ladies gather to play Po-KE-NO. Jerri and Madlon joined the group, and the game switched to “5-Crown”.

Wednesday afternoon Phil Cook came with his guitar and harmonica. He played and sang for our residents; it didn’t take long, and the toes and fingers were tapping along with the beat of the music. A very enjoyable afternoon, thank you Phil

Thursday, the 15th day of Aug. the school bell rang at our local schools. It seems the summer went way too fast.

Friday afternoon a new game was tried, Chicken Track dominos. Marty had a visitor, her daughter-in -law Karen played a round or two with the group. Jerri, Madon’s daughter joined the group and “5 Crown” was the game of choice. Tom Stieg stopped in to visit Laura Erickson, Karen Kreitel stopped by to see her dad, Milton and Butch and his dog Penny spent some time with Carole. It’s always so nice to have visitors.

Beth, Madlon’s niece baked zucchini bread and brought it up for an afternoon snack. About 3 every day Virginia takes the snack cart around and offers snacks and drinks for those who are interested. Zucchini bread was a nice addition. Thank you, Beth!

Tuesday, Aug. 27 Virginia ordered several trays of deep-fried appetizers from the Wagon Wheel. After the card games were complete a bigger snack cart was needed to take all the appetizers around to all the residents. This was a special treat, it’s not every day deep-fried mushrooms, onion rings, cheese balls, and corn puffs are offered for a snack!

Thursday afternoon a disaster drill was planned for about 2:00. This had nothing to do with our residents, but all available staff was asked to participate. Firemen, emt’s, law officers and our medical staff all used it for a training experience. Some of our high school students were in a serious car accident and brought into the ED dept. with various injuries. The make up artist for the students should be commended, the wounds looked real! This writer was asked just to be there to assist where needed. Thankfully it was just a drill!

Until Next Time.....