|
|
Dear Family and Friends,
Happy November. Happy Turkey Day. Happy Thanksgiving. Turkey Day. . .hmmm. . .I used to think that Turkey Day really was a self-indulgent way of claiming "Thanksgiving". It takes the Thanksgiving out of the holiday and puts the focus on the Turkey. In fact, when people would say Happy Turkey Day, it would make my stomach turn and I would boycott turkey altogether. Do people not realize that Thanksgiving is about being grateful for the wonderful graces and blessings we have?
The more I thought about it, the more I became intrigued with the history of the Turkey and why so much of the focus is placed on the stuffed bird. It turns out, t
he turkey is one of the most famous birds in North America. In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the wild turkey, not the Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States!
The turkey's popularity comes from the American people's love of eating the bird for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas (www.kidzone.com). Once I discovered the true history and love of the turkey, I began to ponder the true essence of the animal. It is tradition. It is a part of glorious memories. It is something fun and exciting to associate with Thanksgiving. I then swallowed my pride and accepted the title of Turkey Day in conjunction, of course, with Thanksgiving.
Sunshine Garden residents, staff, and families, along with many households throughout America, will be enjoying deliciously prepared turkey on November 25th! It is a fantastic time to assemble around a table with nourishing food and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones. Please contact us if you would like to reserve a seat for our yummy Thanksgiving feast!
Happy Turkey Day and Happy Thanksgiving to all! Gobble, gobble.
|
|
|
FEATURED RESIDENTS By: Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident
A soft spoken, pleasant, and intelligent Sunshine Gardens West resident is named Joan Brown. Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, Joan has lived near Omaha, Nebraska; Alexandria, Georgia; Tampa, Florida and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Having earned a BS Degree in Economics, Joan eventually became an airline hostess, whereupon she met her then to be husband, who was a passenger! Joan's brothers and sister reside in a variety of locations in the United States including Illinois, Tennessee, Colorado, and Nebraska. If you appreciate conversing with pleasant SGW residents, accept my assurance you will not regret speaking with Joan. Joan, beware of the crowds who will be excited to meet you.
|
|
By: Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, this new witty and very intelligent caregiver has resided just about everywhere in this country. Her name is Kathy Dalton.
Previously, Kathy was employed as a phlebotomies (what on earth is that) roofer, bartender, and passenger attendant on the Grand Canyon Railroad Train.
Kathy wound up in Durango while vacationing. Her schooling entitled her to perform as a medical assistant and also on a commercial emergency response team.
Her dad was a detective on railroads and her mom worked as a licensed, practical nurse.
Kathy's sibling (4 in all) live in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. Her two children reside in Arizona and California.
At one time in her life, she caught a 3 pound goldfish(Yes, three pounds). She caught it in a dam in Arizona.
Finally, Kathy aspires to enjoy the pleasure of watching her great, great grand children marry and raise their own families. Someday your dreams shall be fulfilled. |
Conversation Hour
By:Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident
On Monday, October 18th, before an audience of Sunshine Gardens West residents, Kellie Hotter, a La Plata Country Commissioner, explained her duties and responsibilities in relationship to her mission.
Numerous questions were carefully and thoroughly answered and the group departed with a better understanding of her position.Numerous questions were carefully and thoroughly answered and the group departed with a better understanding of her position. Conversation Hours, such as this one, are beneficial to those who attend. For your sake, take advantage and attend. They are planned for your enjoyment!
Curiosity In a Tender Moment
By: Bill Steinberg, Sunshine Gardens Resident
A few weeks ago, I had a doctor appointment. Because I had my right leg amputated above the knee, I get around in a power chair. As I rolled through the front door of the Dr. office, I noticed a young woman and two very becoming young girls to my right.
The older of the children was watching me very closely. As I pulled even with them, the older of the two then stepped forward and asked me ever so timidly, "What did you do with your other leg?"
The look on that child's face has etched itself into my mind. I'm not sure I can describe it adequately. It was so tender and caring. . .so genuine and sweet. She was curious and she sincerely wanted to know "What I had done with my other leg." Concern was mirrored all over that innocent face.
Her mother's immediate response was one of complete surprise and she gently admonished the child, "Shhh, honey, that's rude," and she softly pulled her back toward her seat. A
At that point, my 30 plus years of teaching resurfaced and I said to the mother, "I'm not offended. . .please don't fuss at her. She's a very observant, curious child and shouldn't be blamed for that." I continued, "If you have no objections, I'll try and explain it to her." Being a great-grandfather sure helps at a time like this.
With a nod from the mother, I explained as simply as I could why my leg had to be removed and that doing so had saved my life. I also talked about asking questions if she saw things she didn't understand about people. As long as she did it politely and respectfully, it was alright.
If I could bottle the loving tenderness that I saw in that little girls eyes, I could solve many of society's ills. I'd give it away as fast as I could.
I know I'll never forget her and if you read this, I hope you won't either.
First Aid Kit By: Charlie Mitz, Sunshine Gardens Resident
First Aid Kits have been with us for years. Now let us think of a First Aid Kit for minor stress. Maybe as each month goes by, we could add one or two of our own simple stress reducers.
1. Take two or three bites of DARK chocolate; Minimum 65% 2. Very Gently Massage an ear lobe
By: Lou Gans, Sunshine Gardens Resident |
|
As the holidays approach, take time to thank your loved ones and reflect on the wonderful blessings you have!
We are thankful for the leadership of the Hilger family, a wonderful care staff, beautiful residents, great friends and family!
Happy Thanksgiving/Turkey Day!!!!
Sincerely,
Trisha Kellogg-Marketing Director
-Editor in Chief:Trisha Kellogg
-Assistant to Editor:Lou Gans
-Monthly Writers:Charlie Mitz, Bill Steinberg, George Hayo, Allen Sapp
-Freelance Writer:Gina Pruett
*Other residents wishing to contribute, please contact Trisha Kellogg
|
|
|
