Bean Bag Baseball

 The residents play bean bag baseball every week.  They get a little loud when someone gets a homerun.  And they really seem to enjoy it. 

Today they actually had a game against another team from another retirement community.  And it was pretty exciting.  Our team started strong and the other team took a bit to get used to our set up.  And then it went the other way.  

Marti was keeping the spectators pumped up.  We clapped, we used our foam fingers and our handclappers.  We rooted for both sides. We had a guy playing the organ and that was grand.  You can tell that it is harder than it looks to get those beanbags in the holes that are helpful.  In the end we lost 10-23.  

And then they had hotdogs, chips, sode and crackerjacks.  A great activity.  

Good Riddance

 It didn't take me long to figure out that I really didn't like our newest hire very much.  It wasn't that she was young, because many of my fellow employees are young.  It was the disdain that she showed to my peeps almost right from the beginning.  The whole time she worked with us I was shaking my head and thinking WTF.  I was trying to figure out if she needed the job so badly that she stayed working with people she really couldn't stand.  

Our oldsters have lived long lives and should be treated with a bit of respect.  Yes, it is a bit annoying to have to go to a table sixteen times.  But it is what is required at this job.  It's not a reason to show attitude and contempt.  

So, when she pulled a no call no show this weekend, I was not really surprised.  I just wondered why it took her so long. 

Art With Marti

 Marti and I finally managed to connect.  She had to leave work early to do it.  And then I had volunteered to work if needed.  I wasn't needed and so off to Marti's I went.  

Marti has moved her art station away from the woodstove and I think it is a better spot.  Still downstairs which was nice because it is still warmer there.  

She went to work on painting some watercolor leaves.  I started some Valentine Day cards.  One is beautiful and the other not so much.  Learning as I go.  We talked about paint and the worth of buying better or not.  

In order to paint at home, I think I need to invest in a hairdryer for drying the paint. :P

After painting, Alan made us dinner.  I'm not an adventurous eater and yet, I ate tuna not out of a can for the first time.  I also ate venison burger.  My whole life I did not eat Bambi.  And then when I was in Ill a few years ago I ate chili made with it and it was all right.  Alan's burger did not really taste different than beef.  He also had this wonderful cheddar cheese from England that had crunchies in it.  Interesting texture with a great smooth cheddar taste. The crunchies came from how long the cheese had been aged.  

Valentines Art

 My work cohort and I were talking about what the next holiday is.  Valentine's Day.  I commented that wouldn't they, the residents, love it if we gave them Valentines for that day.  It's a plan.  

So, then I have been thinking about doing some art.  And maybe, just maybe, I will do some Valentine's art and use some of that for my cards for my peeps.  

That said....I plan on going and buying some paint and brushes tomorrow.  And that will conclude my buy nothing game.  Not very good.  But it's all right.  I feel a need to paint.  

Laughter

 I had to work yesterday.  And I went around telling all the residents that I missed them since I hadn't seen them since last year.  They all laughed every single time.  All kind of reminiscent of school days.  We spent the day before saying we'll see you next year.  

Welcome 2023

 The year starts with me working.  I've never had a job where I got paid overtime for working holidays.  I've never had a job that truly seems to care if you are there.  We are given little presents and a bonus from the residents.  It honestly is a fine place to work.

I don't have a lot of plans for this year, since I'm working.  But the little man and I are taking a cruise on spring break.  We are both looking forward to it.  I tentatively have a beach trip with Jodi planned.  I'm hoping for a couple of concerts this summer but am still waiting to see who might be scheduled at the amphitheater.  The rest seems up in the air.  

No resolutions.  And my buy nothing game begins.