On Monday, January 26, the weather started to warm up, and it was nice to see the sunshine coming in my window. I had cream of wheat for breakfast and went to the whirlpool bath. I had half of a hamburger for lunch. I did my therapy exercises and then we played bingo in the afternoon. I won three times today. For supper we had ham salad sandwiches with chicken and rice soup. Becky stopped in to visit me.
On Tuesday, January 27, for breakfast I had cream of wheat, slice of bacon, and some coffee cake. Dinner was scallop potatoes and ham with mixed vegetables and white cake. Luella Teveldal and Kent stopped in to see me and visit a while in the afternoon. Pastor Sherri stopped in the forenoon with the church bulletin and I played bingo at 3:15. Becky called to remind me that the Spartans were away for a basketball game playing down at Dakota Christian. I was able to watch all four games on TV. Becky and Mike went to Mitchell to watch Carlie Bell in her choir community show.
On Wednesday, January 28, breakfast was scrambled egg, toast, and chocolate milk. I had exercise before a delicious roast beef and potato dinner. I did exercises with Michelle and played bingo in the afternoon, winning five times. Becky stopped in to visit. She helped me to the dining room where they served broccoli cheese soup with a sandwich.
Thursday, January 29, Grandma had Cream of Wheat with raisins and her whirlpool bath. Pizza, lettuce salad, and mandarin oranges were served for lunch. Goulash and broccoli were served for supper with a dish of ice cream. After supper, the lady Spartans were on TV as they played against SCW Blackhawks. The Blackhawks were victorious.
Friday, January 30, I was up early and got my exercises done with Jen Jensen. I had waffles, sausage, and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Becky stopped in after Bingo. I had five birthday cards and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Cindy was on the video frame and so was Connie. They will be on their way for my birthday party.
Saturday, January 31, was a great day for a party. I had ribs for lunch and then rested a bit before my party. It was a good day. I was able to go to the dining room in the north apartments to have cake and ice-cream cake with my family. Throughout the afternoon there were 44 family members there, with all 8 of my kids there with me.
Those attending were: Cheryl and Craig VanAsperen from Huron, SD. Mike, Becky, and Brock Krueger of Wessington Springs. Darryl and Nancy Cuppy from Harrold, SD. Don Cuppy of Mitchell, SD. Connie and Jeff Theurer of Rosemount, MN. Amber, Trey, and Daxton of Rosemount, MN. Amy, Stella, Kiera, and Emma of Rosemount, MN. Carol and Jeff Collins of Castlewood, SD. Brittany, Trent, Ezra and Micah Luoma of Watertown, SD. Ashley and Tony of Watertown, SD. Dylan, Lauren, and Evelyn Collins of Webster, SD. Fred and Cindy Zenk of Webster, SD. Danny, Kaela, Lucas, Owen, and Luella Zenk of Langford, SD. Candi Sails of Wess. Springs, Baleigh Sails and Kiara, Cathy, Ella, and Nora White of Sioux Falls. Deion Sails, Athena and True came to the Senior Center for supper.
At 3pm, some ladies joined me for cake, coffee and fellowship. Those able to attend were Lorianne Schultz, Ann Thomas, Verla Barber, Joyce Mees, Luella Teveldal, and Doris Deneke. I was honored with many cards and wishes. The grandkids and great grandkids opened a small Christmas gift from me. Cindy helped me get them ready.
At the Senior Center, family members enjoyed playing games and another potluck meal was enjoyed. Connie, Cindy, and Becky came to my room for the evening, and I read through the birthday cards and enjoyed my presents. The best gift of all was the presence of family and friends. Laughter is good medicine and I enjoyed the company.
Sunday, February 1, 2026, Happy 93rd birthday to my twin Marleen Caffee! Also celebrating their birthday today are Leon Sails and Ella White. Connie’s family started back for Minnesota. Candi, Deion, Athena, True, and Baleigh stopped around noon to see Grandma before heading home.
Cindy and Becky attended church with Grandma Dar in the dining room. Service was led by Pastor Don Grubb. Susan Arnott played the piano and we sang five wonderful hymns. Cindy had ordered angel-food cakes made by Joyce Krueger. She even had a small cake for Grandma Dar. A candle was lit and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Grandma Darleen. Cindy had strawberries and whip cream, and we enjoyed soft serve ice cream, as well. Candi came and she helped Cindy and Becky serve the dessert to everyone in the dining room after church. Mike and Brock Krueger enjoyed some birthday cake and ice cream and stayed to visit before Brock left to go back to college in Madison.
After Mike and Brock left, Cindy, Candi, and Becky stayed to visit in my room. Carol called to wish me Happy Birthday on my actual birthday. I have been blessed with many wonderful wishes, and the staff and my family made me feel extra special. I appreciate it all! 93 years; 1116 months; 33,945 days; 814,680 hours; a wonderful family; amazing friends; special memories; one blessed life!