April is another big birthday month, and we do our best to celebrate accordingly. First was Kenny’s birthday, here he is with his Dragon Ball themed birthday cake and gifts, then with the younger staff. Salena made a little boy’s wish come true with this one!
Totally Overjoyed
Marie, Salena, Kenny, Abigail, Andray and Ronald
best birthday cake ever 
Andray, Kenny, Salena, Brittany, Abigail
Next was Shawn’s birthday, he turned the big 5.oh! He celebrated with us and even cooked his own birthday lunch. Here he is with his Tres Leches cake that reminisces about his lost youth. He also was given a hard hat to protect him from “Senior Moments”. Here is his cake, him with his cake and trying on his new protective wear.
Ronald, Shawn, Anita 
Lastly but not least we had two birthdays in one: Ken (67) and Alice (95). They celebrate together every year but this year actually got to split the cake. Here they are with a his and her themed cake and many happy celebrators.
Kathy, Ken, Alice 
April has also been a whirlwind of quick meaningful visits. Several visitors have said they have been attempting to come for quite a while and things just kept popping up. First of which was Kathryn Huisman and Lavonne Stipp who came to see Elsie. Here they are chatting in her room.
Nathan and Allison Potter from Mountain Peak came for another brief visit. Here they are with Ken, Kathy and all the residents except Elton.
Marilynn’s brother, Doug and his wife, Barb were able to come for a few days. They have not seen each other in person in many years so it was special for them to catch up. Here they are in Marilynn’s room with the Shawn and the Overby’s.
Long time friend of the ours, Herbie Barnett, came for a visit with his brother, Paul. Herbie and Ronald were co-workers long ago so Herbie felt he wanted to visit his old friend. Here they are together in the entry way, and again with his brother, Paul.
All of us enjoyed a visit from three out-of-state sister workers: Stacey Seidlitz, Ruth Warner, and Mindy Yule. Stacey was on our staff for several years and knows most of our workers well. Mindy was a co-worker with Joyce over the years. Here they are with Elsie and some of our workers, and again with their companions.
Resident Journals
Joyce Naber
Joyce does well, especially with the helpful direction of Esther. She has quite the appetite, and loves apples. Here she is asking to “lick the bowl” after a good meal, and again playing the piano, and lastly with her friend and co-worker Melinda Yule.
Joyce liked it so much she wanted to lick the bowl 
Still Got It 
Mindy and Joyce
Alice Oetken
Alice has been doing great for 95! She still enjoys time spent with her cat Kitty Kitty and walks with Joyce or Elsie often. She had several family and friends call her for her birthday and send their best wishes. Here she is admiring her flowers, and kitty kitty on a table in her room.
Ronald Elliot
Ronald has been going to speech therapy recently. He was given take home exercises to try and improve his speech and vocal cord strength. Unfortunately he was not remembering to practice them and the therapist was not able to see much improvement. However, she was really talkative and interested in hearing about his ministry which perked him up and made him more excited for the visits.
Marie Mounce
Marie still likes to bake and garden. This year she felt less sure of herself helping out with the large garden so she instead has been focusing on the smaller pots close to the porch. Her sister thoughtfully gave her some seeds to plant in them which she cherishes dearly.
Gwen Farmer
Gwen has been doing well, she enjoys the challenge of a good puzzle just like Elsie. She was recently visited by her good friends Leon and Diane Richter. Here they are enjoying a talk on the porch.
Marilynn Frye
Marilynn always appreciates visits from her old co-workers and close family members. Especially those who can reminisce about Minnesota with her. Here she is in her room with her brother Doug and his wife Barb, and again with her previous co-workers.
Esther Duncan
Esther still gets along well. She renewed her drivers license (photo ID) this month! Also, we have started back up our garden and Esther has taken it on with gusto. Here she is planting and again with Salena at the garden box.
Elton Cleveland
Elton has had more difficulty, mostly due to his hearing loss. The doctor removed wax from his ears today, so hopefully his hearing will improve. He still loves his sweets, playing the piano, and taking naps!
Elsie Schroeder
Elsie always enjoys her personal visitors. This month was special with several arrivals. Here she is with her daughter-in-law Becky and Becky’s sister Mary.
Gilbert Reese and Fern Duncan
Gilbert has been doing well after turning 100. He still enjoys eating in his spot near the window and receiving guests. Gloria Reese, Gilbert’s Niece and her family came for a belated celebration with him. She brought her son and his family Brendon, Katie, Makenzie, Marie, Zoie and Zaida. Here they are with uncle Gilbert in front of his favorite window.
Fern continues to decline, though at times she is able to visit. During a visit with Salena she was able to talk by phone with Sherdenia Dunn and Nadene Laird.
We had a lot of wild flowers and a lot of rain in April. Here are some of us watching the eclipse.
Lake flooded over pier 
Paint Brush and Blue Bonnets 
Esther, Shawn, Wayne, Anita, Elsie, Dawn, Alice
Thanks for your interest in us here!
Ken and Kenny