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Short(er) ‘n’ Sweet

12/11/2010

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Friday, December 10, 2010

   Even I realize the Wednesday entry got a little wordy there. So tonight, just a few quick highlights.
   1) The prize-cart drama faded, mostly.
   2) Ari, a newer resident, took a shot at the bingo-calling duties. He did a fine job. And the resident’s son who has helped me before stayed to push the prize cart tonight. He did a fine job, too.
  3) Ken is doing well. He invited me to Betty’s service, which is Saturday (I had thought it was Wednesday). I won’t be able to go, but I told him I’d be thinking of him. And I will.
  4) I asked Ray McDade what he might like for his birthday, which is Dec. 26. "25," he said. 
   "Huh?" I said. "I asked what you want for your birthday." 
   "85," he said. 
   "You're just going to keep saying random numbers every time I ask, aren't you?" 
   Ray smiled. 
   I love Ray.    
  5) I saw Gary in the hallway after Bingo. He was reading the paper, so of course I had to flick it. He gave me a look.
   “Don’t you find me charming?” I asked.
   “I find you to be a pain in the ass,” he said.
   “Mike finds me charming,” I said.
   “No, I don’t think he does,” Gary said.
    I love Gary.
  6) Mike was in music mode, so he didn’t come to Bingo. I went to his room afterward, and when I saw his empty wheelchair and didn’t hear the TV, I was afraid I’d missed him for the night. But Mike wasn’t asleep. He was listening to “Singin’ in the Rain” through his headphones—and singing along.
    He smiled and bolted up to walk me to my car. On the way we ran into Gary again.
   “Tell Gary you find me charming,” I said to Mike.
   Mike was very quiet. But I think I saw him wink.  
   Doesn’t really matter—love ’em all, either way.
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    Author
    My name is Sandy Deneau Dunham. I'm a journalist who’s worked at The Phoenix Gazette, The (Tacoma) News Tribune,  The Seattle Times, Town Hall Seattle and Pacific Lutheran University. I'm now back at The Seattle Times, as associate editor of its gorgeously glossy Pacific NW magazine. I've been a volunteer at the Washington Soldiers Home and Colony in Orting, Washington, since January 2009, and I am still a remedial videographer.   

     

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