Learning New Games as We Get Older: Embracing Fun and Keeping Sharp As we age, learning new games offers more than just fun—it becomes a way to stay mentally sharp, socially connected, and bring fresh energy into our lives. Whether it’s trying out strategy games like Magnetic Chess, which tests hand-eye coordination and critical thinking, or diving into classic favorites with a twist, each game presents an opportunity to stretch our minds in new directions. The laughter and challenges that come with mastering a new set of rules keep us engaged and curious, reminding us that it’s never too late to learn and grow. Learning new games as adults isn’t just about fun—it’s about keeping our minds active, enjoying the process of discovery, and finding new ways to connect with the people around us.

**Celebrating International Coffee Day a Little Late!** We might have missed National Coffee Day on Sunday, but that didn’t stop us from celebrating International Coffee Day today! To make up for it, we decided to indulge by trying a variety of coffee flavors. After some taste testing and lively debate, we unanimously agreed that the non-flavored medium Colombian coffee took the top spot. Of course, there were different preferences when it came to how we enjoyed our coffee. Some of us like a little coffee with our cream and sugar, while the brave ones drink it straight—black and bold. All in all, it was a perfect way to celebrate, even if we were a couple of days late! How do you take yours?

We had a fun day out in the court yard. We “bobbed” for apples. Instead of getting our lovely hair wet we raced to see who could collect the most apples! It was such a beautiful day that Lavern laid in the grass! Some different ladies that didn’t get to make fall pictures did so today and they turned out beautiful! Looks like they had a wonder time!

Who says you need fancy brushes to create stunning art? With a few simple Q-tips, you can paint a beautiful autumn tree bursting with color! This method is perfect for all skill levels, and it adds a fun, textural element to your artwork. We enjoyed releasing our creative sides and remembering the beauty of the season. The child on the swing add a bonus as well!

Today was a delightful day out, and having lunch at Applebee's made it even better. The atmosphere was welcoming, with a perfect mix of casual and cozy. It felt great to enjoy a meal without any rush—just sitting back, savoring delicious food, and chatting away. The experience brought a nice change of pace. Applebee's was the ideal spot to relax, recharge, and make an ordinary day feel special.

We love nail day! It’s always enjoyable to have some one on one time to chat and catch up with each other as we’re getting some pampering. Great conversations between the clippings, filing, and picking out the color of the week to have on our beautiful nails!

Bingo is more than just a game for us—it’s a serious affair! It’s a beloved activity that brings our community together for a lot of fun and some friendly competition. But as anyone who takes bingo seriously knows, half the excitement comes from winning fantastic prizes! If you’re in charge of gathering prizes or just want to give suggestions, here’s how to ask for bingo prizes that will make senior players’ eyes light up. We are asking for prizes that will brighten our residents’ day! Here’s some great ideas if anyone would like to donate! -Snack foods, candies, diet pop -Chips and crackers - Cozy blankets or throws - Gift cards to favorite local spots like cafes, grocery stores, or craft shops - Large-print puzzle books or crosswords - Scented candles - Hand creams or lotions - Movie tickets or streaming service gift cards - Mini gardening kits - Craft kits (especially seasonal items) - Coupons for local services (like haircuts or manicures - Water bottles or fitness bands, light weights - Essential oils or diffusers - Massage vouchers - Healthy snacks or teas - Classic board games or card games (Chinese checkers, anyone?) - Vintage-style décor or items with a retro twist - Favorite treats or candies from yesteryears - Records or music from favorite decades - Journals or photo albums - Holiday décor items - Themed kitchen towels or utensils - Fun mugs with a seasonal twist - Candies or cookies to match the time of year - Winter scarves or hats - Coffee cups -Bath supplies, soaps, towels, etc.

**Creative Energy in Full Swing: Crafting with Resin and Epoxy** The room buzzed with excitement as the ladies dove into a new craft—working with resin and epoxy to create stunning jewelry and decorative pieces. With a little guidance, their creativity flowed effortlessly, sparking a surge of imagination that transformed clear resin into colorful works of art. Each participant approached the process with their unique flair, experimenting with glitter, dried flowers, and vibrant pigments. Necklace pendants and bracelets took shape as they poured their designs into molds, patiently waiting for the resin to cure. The anticipation is high, but the final results will be worth the wait—the pieces need 48 hours to fully harden. The final products will be shown on Friday.

**Crafting Cute Gnomes with Flannel and Maple Leaves: A Fun and Safe Experience** Recently, we decided to try our hands at something new and adorable—making craft gnomes out of flannel and maple leaves. It was a perfect autumn-themed project, and to top it off, the gnomes turned out incredibly cute! We gathered our supplies: flannel in various colors, some vibrant maple leaves, and of course, hot glue guns. One of the best parts? No one burned themselves with the hot glue guns! That’s always a win in any crafting session. It was great to laugh, chat, and enjoy the moment without any crafting mishaps.

**Library Fun with Betsy: A Bird-Themed Adventure** Each month, Betsy from the West Des Moines Library brings a fresh dose of creativity and fun with her visits, and they never disappoint! This month’s theme? Birds! It was a delight from start to finish. We kicked things off with some songs that had bird titles, adding a musical flair to the morning. The tunes really set the tone, making the room feel light and full of energy. Next up were the bird crafts, which let everyone get a little creative. Crafting is always such a great way to connect with the theme, and it was fun to see everyone’s unique take on their little bird masterpieces. But the real fun began when we started playing with a “flying” balloon. We hit it around, pretending it was a bird soaring through the air. Laughter filled the room as we tried to keep it going, until—pop!—Candy accidentally sent it crashing down, but it only added to the fun. Betsy’s visits are always something to look forward to, filled with laughter, creativity, and something new to learn. I can’t wait to see what she brings next month!