Well, the spring planting rush is on in our area. Many farmers have finished planting corn and are turning to beans. The rainy weather has slowed things down and the high winds have caused trouble for herbicide applicators. Our rain gauge showed an inch of rain Wednesday night. This will keep farmers out of the field several days. The wind has been hard on the bedding plants that look so attractive now.

I still have my white crowned sparrows under my feeder, but Barbara tells me they will move on soon. This spring I’ve seen several beautiful Red Winged Blackbirds along the roadsides and we seem to have a Redheaded Woodpecker. I also have a feisty male cardinal who is fighting with himself in my garage window.

Monday, Bernice Commers arranged for the members of her high school graduating class of 1932 to have dinner at the center. Those attending were Mary Stutzman, Alene Millice, George Yoder of Wellman, Mildred Graber of Kalona and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Monroe of Washington. Rex Severt of Washington sat with the class, but said he was “much” younger.

As I came to town for lunch Monday, I met a funeral procession at the corner of Second Street and Ninth Avenue. People at the center said it was probably for Alvin Smith. His services were Monday, May 10 in Kalona. He died May 7 in his home. Everyone at the center was shocked, although he had been having lunches home delivered for a few days. He always came to the center for lunch and will be missed.

Tuesday noon we had a delicious main dish called pork cutlet… so tender. Four of us played two games of Dominoes before lunch and a group stayed and played Skip-Bo after lunch. Several of us agreed to try and organize a game group Tuesday right after lunch. Please plan to stay for an hour or so, a little socialization and relaxation is good for people.

It was reported that the barn swallows are back. An old saying use to say corn planting could start when the swallows were back and the leaves on the hedge trees were as big as a squirrel’s ear. Of course, new varieties of corn and new agricultural practices have changed that. Early planted corn could be rowed this week.

Wednesday was liver and onions day, and we had a good crowd. Kalona guests came via the mini-bus and had a card game going when I arrived. There was a card game going when I left for my meeting Thursday.

Thursday, Elma Erb brought her son, Harlan Berger of Coralville, to lunch. I rushed off to a “task force” meeting in Washington. The “task force” is a group of Washington county residents who are interested in senior problems. Those attending from this area were Murval Weidlein, Rose Mary Johnson of Wellman and Paul Swank and Shirley Van Egdon from Kalona. The program was given by Jennifer Rinas, gift planning officer for the Kirkwood Foundation.

It was announced in the May issue of the Involvement that Jeannette Miksch was selected volunteer of the year from Washington County. Many of you will remember Jeanette from when she taught in Wellman Elementary School. She now lives at the Presbyterian home and has been very active in senior activities. She is recovering from hip surgery and will be honored at a luncheon May 27 in Cedar Rapids.

Paul Swank, Government Relations Chairman for the “task force,” reported that residents of Iowa should be aware that utility de-regulation will effect everyone’s electric bill. Watch for articles in the newspapers on how this may affect you.

I hope you remembered our senior potluck May 18. I forgot to mention it last week, but I am still in time to remind you that Thursday the 20th will be blood pressure checks from 11 to 12 and a health talk after lunch.