December just seemed to fly by. We are so blessed here at Westview for our many friends and relatives that stop in to visit us and everyone that brought us treats to enjoy with our coffee in the morning and afternoon. Also the church groups came to sing Christmas carols.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to the families that have lost loved ones over the holidays. There were many bouquets that you shared with us at Westview. We love having flowers around.

On December 6th at 2:30 p.m. John May came to entertain us. John is a magician. This is always fun and something different. Janet’s bible study was held on the 10th and always have a good crowd that attends this. Sharon Wambold brought us cut out sugar cookies and all the ladies decorated them so everyone got to take a plate full home with them.

What a busy day on the 19th. Pastor Terry Plocher came at 10:00 a.m. for worship service and some good singing. Then it was exercises at 2:00 p.m. and at 4:00 p.m. Sugar & Spice came to entertain us for our Christmas party. When they were done, everyone enjoyed supper which was lettuce salad, lasagna. french bread and Charlene Manlick helped me and made an ice cream roll for desert. The Book Club also met here at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on the 19th.

On the 20th everyone just stayed in because of our first big snow storm.

Connie walked to work but I couldn’t get out of our drive way. Marilyn Storjohann and Mae Jean Hoeppner helped serve dinner and bingo was on the calendar for activities that day and Marlys Boege called the numbers.

On Christmas Day Janet Schildroth came and helped Connie serve dinner. Several got to be with family and some had guests to have dinner with them here.

Alice Glasener had a birthday on the 29th so on the 28th she treated us all to angel food cake and ice cream. Many more birthdays Alice.

New Year’s eve started at 5 p.m. Everyone put on their hats and started blowing their horns. Hot apple cider and hors d’oeuvres were served and then later everyone enjoyed pizza and desserts made by Sara King. Connie Thede was home entertaining the flu so Carol Thede came to help me. When we were done eating we all sang Auld Lang Syne along with Guy Lumbardo CD. Then we called Connie on the phone and wished her a Happy New Year and blew our horns again.

Just to let you know we do not have just Reinbeck people that live here with us at Westview. They come from all over like Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Des Moines, Monticello, Cedar Falls, Hudson, Grundy Center, Lincoln, Gladbrook, Parkersburg and Morrison.

I asked one of our ladies to write something about Westview so you would hear about it from someone else besides me all the time. This is what she wrote:

Why I enjoy Westview-When I first walked in the building I liked the friendly atmosphere, secondly I noticed how clean it is. Irma met us, my son-in-law, daughter and myself with the nicest smile. She showed us two apartments. The first one was a little small for me, but the next one was so perfect. At the time I had to sell my home, but I didn’t want to lose this apartment so I rented it right away. Luck was on my side. I sold my home in a week and moved in two weeks. I love the quietness, the noon meals and especially Irma’s exercise class.

I don’t have to go outside to mail my letters or to get my mail. I don’t have to worry about who will shovel my walks or mow my lawn any more.

Everyone is so friendly and if you want to participate in the activities you can and if you don’t that’s fine.

I have seen many retirement homes in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area and NONE can compare to Westview Estates. Happy Westview Renter-Jo Nette

Better close for this time and everyone at Westview is wishing you a healthy and happy New Year for 2013.