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Dear Family and Friends,
May is here! When I was a child, we would make "May Day" baskets at school filled with flowers and goodies. We would then run to a neighbor's house, put the basket on their step, ring the doorbell and run away. It was a nice gesture to celebrate the wonderful month of May and to bring happiness to an unexpected victim of love.
Today, though some people still keep with the "May Day" traditions, we are moving away from one-on-one interaction. A "May Day" tag e-mail or forward is probably the best one can expect.
As we move forward through this month and the days ahead, please remember how important it is to greet others in person. Sunshine Gardens residents love visitors. Take an hour or two to stop in and say hello! Bring a "May Day" basket in June or July just to show someone you care and let them know they are special. We can cop out by sending an e-mail or if we are really ambitious, a hand-written letter or phone call, but to physically visit a loved one means so much more.
Make someone's day TODAY!!!! Do not put it off until tomorrow. We never know what tomorrow brings.
Many blessings and a wonderful Month of May to all!!! |
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FACTS ABOUT MAY
According to the early Roman calendar, May was the third month. Later, the ancient Romans used January 1 for the beginning of their year, and May became the fifth month. May has always had 31 days.
Several stories are passed around to show how the month of May was named. The most widely accepted explanation is that it was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. Her name related to a Latin word that means increase or growth.
May is of of the most beautiful months of the year in the North Temperate Zone. Usually the snow and ice are gone and the hot temperatures haven't arrived. The first garden begins to sprout in May. The wild flowers are blooming, and the trees and grasses have turned green. Wild flowers that bloom in different parts of America are the forsythia, dogwood, violets, and jack-in-the-box. Many birds have built their nests, and mother birds are sitting on the eggs, which will soon hatch.
May Events: Memorial Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, Kentucky Derby, Cinco De Mayo. |
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Caregiver's Corner By: Resident Lou Gans
This Alaskan born person has spent the major portion of her life in and around a tiny Alaskan village where quiet and beauty prevails throughout the year. In fact, there are fewer stores in which to shop for anything, in their town named Wrangell, than stores in which to meander along, but one business street in Durango. She, however, survived and tolerated the situation and didn't mind it at all.
Her name is Carly Seimears, a very pleasant, smiling, and helpful caregiver at Sunshine Gardens.
Finally, to obtain a high grade college education, Carly moved to Durango to attend Fort Lewis. She worked to earn a degree in areas specializing in abstract and oil painting in 2007. Then spending a month in Greece she loved the people, food, and history. She deeply loves us all at Sunshine Gardens, the residents, employees, and supervisors.
Carly has a calling and aspires to enter the field of cosmetology. We salute and admire you for what you mean to us. Your ambitions and whatever future plans you might follow.
Best of Luck, Carly!
A Night At the Theatre! By Resident: Laddie John
On April 2, 2009, six residents boarded the bus for a trip to Fort Lewis College to attend "Chicago The Musical." The six included Edith Mainwaring, Loene Shoup, Barbara Gerhard, Lou Gans, Mary Hope Browning, and myself, Laddie John.
The tickets and arrangements were made by our Activity Director, Rachel. We had front row seats just below the stage. Her boyfriend Josh also accompanied us and he was of great assistance.
The musical was performed by college students and it was great. This was quite a "late" night out for most of us. We didn't return to Sunshine Gardens until about 10:30 PM.
The bus company should be complimented, because they got us as close to the theatre by driving on the sidewalks. Then they did the same to pick us up. We only had about 50 yards to walk.
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FEATURED RESIDENT
By: Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident
Born in a small town in Eastern Nebraska named Tiller, this Sunshine Gardens resident is Harold Thies. Twelve years later he moved to Western Nebraska to a town called Chattel. He resided the major portion of his growing years there where he owned a profitable service station for 35 years. Two years ago, Harold came to Durango to visit his daughter Brenda, who has lived here for over 30 years.
Harold has 4 bothers and 3 sisters, some who live in Lincoln, NE, Denver, and Durango. His marriage of 62 years was one of everlasting bliss and happiness.
His only trip off the continental US was to Hawaii, which he found to be quite enjoyable. He had a stint in military, but it was uneventful with the "Seabees."
Harold's last remark is that he is treated very well by the caregivers here at Sunshine Gardens. He enjoys living here!
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| May your May be a wonderful month filled with the freshness of life and love! I am on maternity leave with my beautiful baby and am anxious to post pictures for everyone!
Sincerely,
Trisha Kellogg-Marketing Director
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