Thank You FriendsTHANKS to all who have cared and shared with us, especially the following: Maura Gibbons, the Reierson family (Marilyn, Jay, Mitch, Will, Gladyce, Paul, Barb, Neil, Greg, Sophie, Tim, Heather, Maggie, Seth, Crystal, Chloe, Stella, Angie, Evelyn, Ben, and Kathryn,) the Smith family, Bud and Lois Burnes, Margaret Ehman, Barbara Alfeld, Marilyn Allen, Doug Kenyon, Donna Battaglia Jane Grubbs, Teresa and Russ Kopps, Bob Schaeffer, Beta Theta Sorority and Duane and friends, Sheila Espinoza, Katie Connolly, Omnicare, C.G. Ochmer and Tony Menke.

ActivitiesWe have read several plays with an advent theme. Our stars were Kathleen, Joan, Tim, Peg, Wanda, Dianna, Luanne, Steve, Dan J. Johanna and Brain. Our supporting actors were Carla, Rick, Mike, Patricia, and Lee. We have some interesting quizzes and discussions with great participation. At Thanksgiving time we had a special worship service and a fantastic dinner. It was fun talking about what we are thankful for. We discussed what famous person we would like to invite for Thanksgiving dinner and what our favorite dessert is. We reminisced about by-gone Thanksgiving and Christmas

celebrations. (Favorite food, toys, events, etc) We made yummy no baked chocolate cookies. with the help of Sam, Peg, Rose S., Patty M., Joan, Wanda, Johanna, Brian, Dan Z., and Kathleen. We put a jigsaw puzzle of the United States together. We learned a new kind of Bingo, but our favorite is every Sunday afternoon we play. What fun we had when the Reierson family (over 20 of them) came and brought us stockings filled with all kinds of "goodies". We all told what we liked most about Christmas, sang lots of carols and had special treats. It was especially fun to see the little ones. What a delight! Duane Jagiello brought four friends and filled our house with wonderful music. They sang and played guitars. We enjoyed singing with them.

November AdventuresWe continue with the routine of a morning exercise. Some chose a DVD and some walked in our mild weather we have had so far.

We have continued by popular demand the requesting of music via YouTube before lunch a couple times a week. How fun it is to see videos or the lyrics to these

Amy Johnson Residence

November and December 2015Newsreporter XXX1

requested songs. Some we even sing along too. Seasonal songs have been heard as well.

Since we had no resident November birthdays we drew out of a hat 3 places.Subway; where Dianna, Marilyn and Joan enjoyed a sandwich for lunch.Old Country Buffet; was Brian, Mike, Lee and Sam. Red Savoy; delicious pizza was consumed by Wanda, Carla, Kathleen, Tim, Patty and Rose S.

We made adorable festive turkey cupcakes. Many helped for this production. Carla, Brian, Sam, Johanna, Peg, Kathleen, Patty, Joan, Rose S., Dan Z., Lucille and Dianna.

A Thanksgiving feast was had of roasted Turkey, savory stuffing, mac & cheese with green beans and dinner rolls. Pumpkin and pecan pie too!

Library participants for November and December were Rick, Rose S., Marilyn, Wanda. While one of our favorite libraries is being renovated, The George Latimer we have been going to the one on University and Dale. How nice it has an underground

parking lot. We will really enjoy that feature when we get cold and snowy weather.Our Mystery ride takers had a eye full of beauty and delightful smells at the main Bachman's on Lyndale in Minneapolis. Christmas lights, glitter, flowers, Dickens houses, garland filled the store. Those who dared to take this mission of plenty were Johanna, Kathleen, Rose S., Joan and Patricia.

Some of our shopping trips were to Dollar Tree, Target, Payless Shoes, Good Will, Herberger's, Famous Footwear and the post office. Shoppers for November and December were Sam, Kathleen, Johanna, Wanda, Luanne, Rose S., Dianna, Peg, Patty, Patricia, Carla, and Joan.

Our November Movie Critics corner for November was James Bond's Spectre. Dan Z., Kathleen, Tim and Patricia gave it # up!

December Delights

We started out celebrating our December birthdays. Wanda chose McDonalds. Those who had lunch at the golden arches with her were Johanna, Rick, Cheryl and Dianna.

Lucille picked The Great Moon Buffet. Patricia, Rose S., Tim, Dan Z., Patty and Joan celebrated with her.

The third place that was picked was Red Lobster. Mike, Sam, Carla, Kathleen, and Marilyn took part on this lunch adventure.

We had the opportunity to see a free event at Kennedy High School in Bloomington. a beautiful stage, singing and wardrobe changes. Those who went to see these talented young performers were Johanna, Kathleen, Joan.

Our mystery ride for December was a trip to Macy's 8th floor auditorium to see Macy's Santa land. It was fun to see this detailed adventures of elves and cute animated animals figures. Kathleen, Luanne, Rose S. and Lucille also had fun looking at their beautiful decorated theme trees and ornaments.

We had a pie party at a long time friend of Mike's, Tom and Bob. It was so enjoyable to sit in their scenic kitchen and chat.

After dinner one night we took a drive to Lake Phalen to look at Christmas lights. Those who had done this before had said a lot more has been added compared to previous years. Tim, Kathleen, Carla, and Patty went along for the beautiful light show.

Our movie critics' saw Creed, A movie that continued the Rocky saga. Dan Z., Tim,

Kathleen and Rose S. and Joan gave it a unanimous 5 thumbs up!

It was a treat to go to Kathy Kenyon's for Christmas fun and treats. Her house was decorated so beautiful. Patty, Dan Z., Luanne, Lucille, Johanna, Kathleen, Patricia, Dianna, Joan, Rick, Marilyn, Steve, Tim, Wanda, Rose S., Brian and Carla enjoyed this outing.

There will be extra special dinners for Christmas Eve supper and snack. Salad, Pizza, shrimp cocktail, fruit, cheese and relish tray. Christmas day brunch is glazed baked ham, potatoes au gratin, green beans, dinner roll and carrot cake.

Thank you to Cookie McDonough for decorating the house for Christmas. It makes the house even more special with the beauty and glow.

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT

Later...after the angels, after the stable, after the Child, they went back as we always must,

back to the world that doesn't understand our talk of angels and starts and especial not the Child.

We go back to complaining that it doesn't last. They went back singing praises to God!

We do have to go back, but we can still sing the alleluias! (by Ann Weems in "Kneeling in Bethlehem")

NEWS FROM HONDURASDear friendsWe received the checks you sent on September and November for $150.00 each one. Jorge gave me the money in cash for both checks and I deposited $200.00 in the bank at the account of Samaritan's Purse because they will be delivering us on January 150 gifts for the poor children's. (They request this money to pay the freight and other expenses of transportation). We were very happy because the money you sent will help for all the activities we will have on December. We will be using $100.00 for these activities. The children and olders will be enjoying of a delicious food on Christmas.  

Thank you for the Newsreporters of July to October 2015. We enjoyed very much for all the activities the Residents are doing there .We appreciate to everybody they gave us a great strength to continue with the work we are doing in the churches I have in charge in Honduras.

God bless you Deysi Blanco

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS

Save some of your Christmas wrapping paper and cut it into note size paper to write a thank you to people who gave you a gift wrapped in that paper. Also save your used postage stamps for us to sell to a stamp dealer to get money for Honduras.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

November - Staff Corhea Suo (11/8- MA) and Donetta Johnson (11/16-Administrator)December- Lucille Ann McCain (12/22) enjoys writing poetry and also sharing in discussions with pertinent thoughts. Wanda Nustad (12/22) does lovely coloring in books with pictures of animals and birds and also loves to watch Broadway musicals on her videos.Staff- Mersadies De La Rosa (12/10- MA)

THE ROAMING REPORTER

What is your favorite Christmas memory?Brian- Having a turkeyMike- Having goose for Christmas dinnerTim- Going to midnight mass with my mom and sisterWanda- Being with my sister and parentsJohanna- Putting up the tree and receiving a bikeKathleen- Receiving a Crissy dollMarilyn- Waiting for SantaRose S.- Being with familyCarla- Being with my aunt and cousinsPeg- celebrating the birth of Christ in Christian schoolDianna- seeing my daughterLee- going ice skating with a friend when she was 12

Rick- Being with my folksLuanne- receiving a beautiful red blouse, quilted skirt and buck shoes from my parents.

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FRIENDSWe are again looking at the possibilities of a Family Council made up of relatives and friends of the residents of Amy Johnson Residence. The basic purpose of the Council would be for those involved to be more aware of our activities and happenings at Amy Johnson Residence, to make suggestions to further enhance our home, to continue our caring community and to help share skills with the residents. Eventually this Council would be a self running group with liaison to the staff of Amy Residence. If you are interested, please contact Kathy or Devonna at Amy Johnson Residence at 651-227-0574 and leave a message. Thanks for your concern.

Our fun with the Reierson's

Our newest addition Blinky

Downy

We wish you aMerry Christmas

and aHappy New Year!

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