Hair Styled

by Kay Heitsch

Since Bea (86) has a vision problem I usually tell her when her hair is in need of a little work.This week when I mentioned she might want to consider going and having her hair styled Bea came back with this one liner. "Well Kay it's either getting my hair cut or taking me to get a dog license!" Bea does NOT have a dog!  I cracked up!  We stopped and had Bea's hair styled. :D :D :D

Hair Rollers

by Kay Heitsch

It was early in the morning when I heard my youngest grandson, Eli, who was almost 2 stirring in his baby bed. I tiptoed in his room not to disturb his older 3 year old brother Noah who was still sleeping. I brought Eli in my room and sat him on the bed. 

I don't live near my grandkids so spending time with them is special. Eli wasn't too sure about what was going on as he really wasn't used to being with Gamma.

I decided I would start to getting ready for the day. I plugged my hot rollers in and began to put my make up on. Eli sat very still watching every move I made. When the rollers were hot I started to put them in in hair.

All of a sudden Eli got a panic look on his face and screamed, "NOAH!" waking everyone in the house up.

Geez, I didn't think I looked that bad!   

Trip To The Park

by Kay Heitsch

Our grandkids do not live near us so it's a treat for me to visit them when I can. Because I don't know the routine I have Eli, who is 3, to keep me in the loop. 

The last time I was visiting I told Noah and Eli that I would take them to the park, which is a block away. 

Shannon got the OSU wagon out of the garage which had cup holders and seat belts in it. The boys climbed in making sure their seat belts were fastened.

I was just about to pick up the handle of the wagon and start walking when Eli informed me, "Gamma, I think you're forgetting something." I couldn't figure out what I could possible be forgetting so I asked, "What is Gamma forgetting?" With the cutest look on his sweet face Eli whispered, "Our drinks."

A Rope

by Kay Heitsch

My friend's 3 year old niece, Abby* was sitting on the back of a chair positioned in the corner of the room. For some reason she climbed down the back and was sitting on the floor behind the chair. Now Abby was in trouble as she couldn't get out. 

Everyone in the room watched and listened to see what Abby was going to do. She was very quiet for a few minutes then all of a sudden Abby yelled, "Throw me a rope Chester!" 

*Name changed

Summer Fun Money

by Kay Heitsch

It was getting close to summer so my husband, Bill, thought it would be nice to send our two little grandsons some "Summer Fun Money."  I picked out a couple cute cards and Bill put a $5.00 and 5 $1.00's in each card.

The day the boys got the cards our daughter Shannon  sent a video of them opening the cards.  Both Noah, age 5 and Eli, age 3 were excited.

After the boys had the cards opened with the money Shannon asked Eli if he wanted to save some of his money in his piggy bank.  Eli was quick to answer, "NO, I save it in my HAND!

The Bike

by Kay Heitsch

The rain was pouring down when I was about to leave Kroger. I decided I would wait to see if it slowed down. As I was at the door I started a conversation with another woman who was also waiting. For some reason we started talking about reading instructions and she told me this funny story.

One year at her grandchild's birthday she bought a bike that was still in the box. She mentioned she was alone at the time so she decided to put the bike together herself. After glancing at the instructions she put them back in the box because she knew she wouldn't need them. After all this looked like a piece of cake.

When she was finished she was very proud of herself until her son came over and looked at the bike. How she didn't notice this herself was anyone's guess, but she had actually put the handle bars on upside down.   

Get On Up

by Kay Heitsch

Our son-in-law was on the porch swing with Noah our 5 year old grandson when Eli our 3 year old grandson came out to see what was going on. Joe suggested that Eli get up on the swing with his brother. 

Eli, who is a card by the way responded, "Get up, get on up, get on the scene, I'm a dancing machine!"

I told Joe I think Eli just might be a Rapper. Pitbull better watch out! :)

We all know Eli can sing after his experience in the Children's Choir when they were singing "This Little Light Of Mine" and Eli was singing "Ba Ba Black Sheep!"

ER With Bea

by Kay Heitsch

We hadn't been home too long from a graduation party when the phone rang.  It was Bea my 86 year old friend.  "Hey Kay, what are you doing?"  I was use to Bea asking this when she called so I didn't think much of it it.  "Oh not much, why?" was my usual answer.  Bea asked, "Well, I was wondering if you would take me to the Emergency Room something is in my eye. I just called there and they said no one waiting."  I got my flip flops on and took off over to see what was up. 

When I rounded the corner I noticed Bea had her car pulled out of the garage. "Hum, her eye couldn't be too bad if she could see well enough to get the car backed out."   I got out of the car and walked in the house.  Bea was ready to go.  I said I'd drive my car, but Bea insisted we go in hers after all it was backed out already.  :D

After arriving at the Emergency Room I dropped Bea off at the door and went to park the car.  When I came in there were several people waiting to be seen.  Why they told Bea no one was waiting was anyone's guess.  After Bea gave the girls her information we sat down.  

It wasn't too long and Bea was up at the desk and wondering what was taking so long.  I'm not sure what the girls told her but she would come back and sit down for 15 or 20 minutes then she was back up.   This went on for about two hours when she barked, "Okay that's it!  We're leaving!! Go and get the car!"  I went out and brought the car to the door, only to be met by Bea telling me the girl told her she was the next person to go back to a room.  I went back out and parked the car again.  

We sat for maybe 45 more minutes, Bea threatening to leave every few minutes, when we were finally taken back to a room.  Now the real fun began.  Bea thought for sure someone would be in pronto, but as we all know that is not the case in the ER.  Bea wouldn't stay in the room so when a person came in to get more information I had to go hunt her down.  She was mad as a hornet that this girl wanted the same information she had already given at the front desk.  Bea made a few comments about the poor service and the girl left.  

Now Bea was out in the hall again trying to get someone to get the show on the road.  She was cracking me up coming back in telling me the girls told they didn't want her walking all around. I told her we were going to be kicked out if she didn't stay put. :)  I heard Bea say she was going to be deducting her waiting time and mine from her bill.  LOL!  

Later rather than sooner a resident (doctor) came in.  She did her thing then another doctor came in and he checked Bea's eye. He gave her some RX for the eye.  Since it was midnight by now the nurse said they would get the drops from the pharmacy in the hospital.  It wasn't too long and the RX was there.  I had to laugh when the nurse said she had never had the pharmacy fill an order so fast since she had been there.  I bet someone told them to fill it ASAP to get us out of there.  

When we were going home Bea told me NOT to answer my phone if I saw the call was from her.  She said she didn't want to put me through another night like this.  Bea is a hoot and a half. 

This Race Is On!

by Kay Heitsch

After watching my son Todd run in a race I made my usual comment,  "Todd, I could walk faster than those women run."  Todd laughed as he knew I wasn't a runner.   "Listen Mom, I want you to put your money where your mouth is.  How about you run with me next year at this race?"  Without thinking, I quickly agreed to this challenge.  I felt this was going to be a piece of cake!  

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine what the next year would bring.  

When it was almost time for this race to take place Todd wasn't going to be running.  He had died in a car accident.  A few of his friends knew this "challenge" I had agreed to with Todd.  They started to encourage me to run the race.  I hadn't trained or anything. Quite frankly, I had almost forgotten I said I would do it. 

I decided I should keep my promise to Todd and run the race.  The first thing I did was go out and buy some running clothes.  I might as well look good, was my thought, even though I hadn't trained at all. 

The day of the race came.  I felt pretty emotional, but I started off.  It wasn't long before some guy started to run next to me.  I wasn't in the talkin' mood which was unusual for me, because I was on the verge of tears.  However, this guy was very talkative.  He kept making remarks on how tired he was and I must be tired too.  The chatter went on and on.  The race was over and lo and behold this guy's wife won!  I was just happy to finish and keep my promise to Todd.

I came home and my neighbor asked about the race.  I told him what had happened and how this guy would not shut up his negative talk. My neighbor laughed and set me straight, "Kay don't you know what this guy was doing?  He thought you were the competition by the way you were dressed.  He wanted his wife to win."  Oh really!?!?

The next year I did train.  I even bought some tapes called, "Win At Sports" and listened to them daily.  If this guy thought I was the competition, you can bet I was going to be the competition.  His attitude in that race built a fire in me!  The race was on!!  

When it was time for the race there I was all dressed and ready.  It was freezing cold that day, but I didn't care.  I took off all my warm clothes and ran with only a sleeveless shirt and shorts on.  Nothing was going to weigh me down.  

The tapes I listened to talked about how to run your race.  It gave ideas about staying behind and knowing when to make your move.  I played the race over and over in my mind when I listened to the tapes.  Now the time had come to put it into practice.

I stayed behind this guy's wife almost the whole race.  I kept her in view, but stayed close behind.  Then I saw HIM!  There her husband was on the curb and not in the race like the year before.  I'll never forget his words to his wife, "Watch out, she's right behind you."  Well, mister, not anymore!  Those were the words I needed to hear.  I ran right past her and won the race!  

I never ran again after that race.  I had proven my point and the fun was over.  

Cabbage Patch Dolls

By Kay Heitsch

Do you remember "Cabbage Patch" dolls? Years ago, those dolls were a big rage. Everyone wanted one, and the stores could not keep them in stock.

To get a doll, people were given a "rain check" they could use when a new supply came in. Even though Bill, my husband, was the General Store Manager of K-Mart, I did not get any special treatment.

I stood with my rain check, waiting to get a Cabbage Patch doll with everyone else. Listening to people whine and complain while waiting for their dolls was interesting.

Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore, so I added to the conversation. With a straight face, shaking my head in disbelief, I spoke up, "You'll never believe this, but I actually slept with the manager of this store, and I'm still standing in line!" You could have heard a pin drop!

Rose Bowl Game

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago when my father-in-law was in medical school in California The University of Michigan played in the  Rose Bowl. My in-laws were excited when they received free tickets for the game from Grandpa Heitsch. 

My father-in-law was having trouble with his thyroid and had to have surgery right before the big event. After the surgery he asked the doctor if he could attend the game. The doctor told him that he could go if he did not yell, jump up and down or get excited.  He agreed and off they went to the game.

Michigan was hot this  year and scored one touch down after another. My mother-in-law was jumping up and down and screaming like everyone else. She was even hugging the man next to her as he was jumping and screaming too. My father-in-law sat totally still not saying a word. 

Finally, the man next to my mother-in-law noticed how quiet my father-in- law was being.  He raised his eye brows, grinned at my mother-in-law as he made this observation, "Stoned huh?" 

How About?

by Kay Heitsch

Our daughter Shannon had taken Noah (5) and Eli (3) to the zoo.  It was the day before Easter so the zoo was passing out candy.  Shannon was carrying the candy bag and offered the boys a piece of candy.  Noah took a piece but Eli looked at Shannon and said, "How about a couple?"  I told Shannon he can't eat just one! 

Batman

by Kay Heitsch

My friend Ellen* teaches 5 year olds. One day she was kidding around with her students and said, "I was Batman!" in her batman voice. Oscar*, a cute little guy spoke up, Mrs. Brown you are a girl!" Ellen smiled and responded, "But I want to be Batman!" Without missing a beat Oscar made this cute statement, "You get what you get and don't have a fit." Boy, you can't mess with those little 5 year olds.  

*Names changed

Fish Fry

 by Kay Heitsch (true story told to me by my friend, Mary.)

The word was out in the nursing home that the VFW was having their Beer Batter Fish Fry.

Alma*, a woman who was paralyzed on one side as the results of a stroke, was listening. Alma got a bright idea!  Although she was in a wheelchair and only had use of one arm she hit the door. Alma managed to wheel herself almost a mile down the road.

Since she wasn't sure where the VFW was she stopped at a gas station and asked directions. When the gas station attendant figured out what was going on he called the nursing home and reported one of their patients was there looking for the VFW.

Years ago there was a commercial that said, "I'd Walk A Mile For A Camel." Pretty sure Alma had that beat! She wheeled herself almost a mile, with one arm, for a fish fry.
   
*Name Changed

Hold It Down

Hold It Down 

Many years ago I worked with three year olds in a "Nursery School." One day I heard a frantic call coming from the bathroom. Mrs. Heitsch, Mrs. Heitsch come here quick! I open the bathroom door and peeked in. There stood Michael with his bottom lip out, tears in his eyes, pointing to the wall. I'll never forget the words that came out of his little mouth, "Mrs Heitsch my mommy always says, 'Michael, you gotsa hold your wiener down!"   

Bird Bath

by Kay Heitsch

As many of you know our weather this month as gone from warm to freezing on several days.  I decided to put my two bird baths out on one of those warm days.  Boy did the little birds love it!

Today I looked out and saw a bird sitting on the edge of the bird bath looking down. It was 22 degrees so the water was frozen.

This brought back a funny thing Bill said a couple weeks ago when the same thing happened. Bill said the bird was thinking,  "Hey, I thought this was a bird bath. Not a skating rink."  :D :D

Isn't it, Fruit Of The Loom?

by Kay Heitsch

Many years ago we were a foster family to 11 children. One of our foster children was a cute little boy named, Brock. One morning I walked in the bedroom while Brock was getting dressed. He looked up, smiled, then informed me that he was putting his "flute of the balloons" on. 

Sing What?

 by Kay Heitsch 

Eli our 3 year old grandson likes to sing. So our daughter, Shannon enrolled him in the children's choir at church even though he's one of the youngest children there.

When Eli got on the phone with me last week I was really impressed that he knew all the words to,"This Little Light Of Mine" and "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" the two songs the choir was going to be singing. 

Even though Eli knew all the words to both songs Shannon was very surprised when she went into choir practice and the kids were all singing, "This Little Light Of Mine" but Eli was singing, at the top of his lungs, "Ba Ba Black Sheep!"

Just Vote For Me

by Kay Heitsch

As Julie* one of the staff at the Memory Care Center was helping Marion* she bumped her foot on the wheelchair. "Ouch! I hurt my food on your wheelchair, Marion." I heard Julie say. Marion was unsympathetic as she responded, "I don't care! Just VOTE for me!" I laughed, "Spoken like a true politician who doesn't care about your problem but ONLY wants your vote!

*Names changed

Look Out! Look Out!

by Kay Heitsch

We were all sitting in the dining room waiting for the meal at the Memory Care Center. All of a sudden Walter* pushed his chair back and started to get up. One of the staff walked over and tried to stop him from leaving before the meal was served. In his gruff manner Walter hollered, "Look out, look out!! I'm about to break air!" 

*Name changed

Priceless Memory

by Kay Heitsch

A few years ago when I was over at my in-laws I had to smile when I watched them send mail out. My mother-in-law would seal the envelope then hand it over to my father-in-law who was sitting on a stool at the counter. On the counter was a bottle of Elmer's glue and a box of several hundred USED but not cancelled stamps. 

When Grandpa was handed the envelope he'd count out the proper amount of stamps that were needed. Then he'd glue the stamp on anyway they happen to land. I noticed that many were upside down and sideways. I counted 5 stamps on one letter.

My mother-in-law had a letter she wanted to use a NEW stamp on. The LOOK on Grandpa's face was PRICELESS.

The post office was not going to get rich on Grandpa.

How Old?

by Kay Heitsch

I was standing in the family room when Junior*, the son of one of our residents at the Memory Care Center came in. He had a big smile on his face when he saw his mom. "Hi Mom, did you remember that today was my birthday?" Thelma* looked surprised and asked, "How old are you?" Junior hugged Thelma and admitted, "Mom today I am 70 years old!" With a look of shock on her face Thelma barked, "Junior, don't lie to this woman (me). You could not be 70 years old when I'm only 35!" 

*Names changed

You Be Her Today

 by Kay Heitsch

One day I came in the Memory Care Center and Joan called me, Mildred. Joan had a habit of calling me names of people from her past. I asked who Mildred was and Joan smiled, "Oh Mildred is my sister-in-law. I want you to be her today." In response I grinned and said, "Okay, well since I'm your sister-in-law, how's my brother doing?" Without blinking an eye Joan laughed, "Well, the last time I saw him he was doing fine!"

The following day Joan called me Maxine. I wanted to make sure she didn't really think I was Maxine so I asked, "Joan, who is Maxine?" Joan quickly answered, "Oh Maxine is my best friend." Trying to be sure Joan knew I wasn't really Maxine I said, "Joan you know I'm not Maxine, then." In a very matter a fact way Joan admitted, "Yes, I know you're not Maxine! Maxine is younger and prettier than you." Gee thanks!  

I'm Having a Bad Time

by Kay Heitsch

One day at the Memory Care Center our "constant complainer" was whining, "I'm having a bad time." Out of nowhere Mildred*, another resident, who was tired of hearing this complaining piped in, "No, you're not having a bad time. You're having a good time feeling sorry for yourself." 

*Name changed

"Activity"

by Kay Heitsch 

Once a week the residents at the Memory Care Center go on an outing. One week while we were out Melvin* walked up to a very pregnant young women. He gave her the once over then announced , "It's obvious to me that there's been some "ACTIVITY" going on." 

*Name changed

Help! Help!

Kay Heitsch

"Help, help, I need help!" Never knowing what to expect at the Memory Care Center I opened the door and peeked in. There Flo stood with her pants half way up. I walked in and helped her pull them up the rest of the way. As I turned to leave Flo whispered, "I hope I'm around if you ever find yourself with your pants down!" 

Do You Have A Boyfriend?

by Kay Heitsch

"Honey, do you have a boyfriend?" Gladys*, a tiny southern resident at the Memory Center asked me one day. I smiled, "No, Gladys I'm married." "Well, how long you been married?" Gladys questioned. When I answered, "Over 35 years." Gladys gasped, "Don't scare me like that! You couldn't have been over 5 years old to be married that long!"

*Name Changed

Did You See?

by Kay Heitsch

Early one morning Wilber*, one of the residents at the Memory Care Center opened the door to his room wearing ONLY an undershirt. When Myrtle* and Ethel* passed his room I heard Myrtle gasp, "Ethel, did you see his legs?" Ethel looked surprised, "You were looking at his legs?"

*Names changed

And Today's My...

by Kay Heitsch

I really got a kick out of Fran* at the Memory Care Center. Fran had her own special way of getting people to pay attention to her. If she asked for something and wasn't attended to right away she would add this announcement to her request, "And today's my birthday too!" 

*Name changed

Don't Ya Know

by Kay Heitsch

When our daughter, Shannon was about four years old my husband, Bill noticed her standing on a stool in the bathroom looking in the mirror. He was curious to see what she was up to. He watched as Shannon took my makeup out and started putting it on her face. When Bill questioned her about why she was doing this Shannon looked bewildered, "Don't ya know Dad, I'm just trying to be a woman!"

Look!

by Kay Heitsch

One day at the Memory Care Center I walked into the bathroom. Edith*, one of the residents walked in behind me. She looked at herself in the mirror and gasp, "Look, I got old!" 

Oh my, now several years later I can relate to her statement! 

*Name changed

Milk

by Kay Heitsch

When it was meal time at the Memory Care Center the staff would go around offering drinks to the residents who lived there. Everyone always had a choice of milk, juice, tea or coffee. Whenever the staff would ask Jenny if she would like, milk, juice, tea or coffee she would always yell, "I never drink milk! Do you know where that comes from? I lived on a farm!" 

Come On Let's Go

 by Kay Heitsch

I saw Albert's door open in the Memory Care Center. Al thought he was ready to start his day. However, he'd forgotten something. Al had on a T-shirt, knee socks with dress shoes, and a Depends over his boxer shorts. He looked at me and barked, "Come on lets go!" I grinned and joked, "Listen Albert, I have my standards in men. I can't go anywhere with a guy who isn't wearin' pants!"

Whatcha Eaten, Elmer?

by Kay Heitsch

Whatcha eaten, Elmer*? Elmer gave me his, I'm up to something grim, then laughed, "I assume it's candy." From out of no where I heard another Memory Care resident chime in, "Well, you better hope it's not Ex-Lax!" 

I Can See...

by Kay Heitsch

Edith*, one of the residents at the Memory Care Center had only been in the hospital a couple of days when I stopped in to visit her. Because she had short term memory loss I wasn't sure she would remember me. After giving her a hug I asked, "Edith, do you remember me?" Edith gave me the once over then replied, "Yes, and I can see you're still holding your looks too."

*Name changed

Still Breathing

 by Kay Heitsch

As I was walking down the hall at the Memory Care Center I noticed a resident had on a new sweatshirt. I smiled when I read what was printed on the front. "My Only Requirement For A Man Is That He Is Still Breathing." I couldn't resist joking with her and said, "If any 'GOOD LOOKING' men come by, let me know." Without hesitation she replied, "I didn't know you were that picky!"

Baked Beans

 by Kay Heitsch

It was dinner time at the Memory Care Center.  An aide asked if anyone cared for seconds.  Ethel spoke up and asked for another serving of baked beans.  Thelma was sitting across the table from her.  I smiled when I noticed the surprised look on  Ethel's face and her eye brows go up hearing this request. I'll never forget the question Ethel asked, "What are you planning to do; keep your husband up all night?"  

I'm Waiting

by Kay Heitsch

Everyone in the dining room at the Memory Care Center were almost finished eating.  I looked over at Hazel and noticed she had quite a bit of food left on her plate.  I was concerned and asked, "Hazel, are you going to finish eating your food?"  I wasn't expecting her, to the point, answer. "I'm waiting to see how fat I feel!"  

Name Changed


 

I'm Old Enough To Be His Mom

by Kay Heitsch

I was watching golf the other day. When the announcer said Phil Mickelson was about to turn 40 years old I said to Bill, "Good grief, I'm old enough to be his mom!" Bill gave me a strange look and said, "Kay. you're old enough to be the mom of MOST professional athletes. How many professional athletes are over 40?" Gee, thanks Bill I hadn't thought of that. I can't help it, I think and feel young!! Must be all the laughing I do

The Great Escape

by Kay Heitsch 

I never knew what a day would bring working in the Memory Care Center. Because the facility was a secure building you have to be buzzed in or out. One day Herbert*, one the the residents decided that he was going to leave. I saw him making his way to the front door. He had his coat and a cowboy hat on with a determined look on his face. I could tell he was meaning business as he pushed on the door.

As Herb pushed on the door the alarm started to go off. Hearing this alarm several of the girls came running. Herb had made up his mind that he was going out and these girls were not going to stop him.

The more he pushed on the door the louder the alarm sounded. Finally it opened! Herbert had made his great escape! But now where would he go?

When Herb got out one of the girls ran to the end of the driveway and stopped the traffic in case he ran into the road. As the cars were starting to get backed up one car rear ended another. Now the police had to be called. This scene was getting to be a comedy act.

I was watching out the window as Herb headed down the drive. I noticed that he had remembered to put on his cowboy hat and coat, but he had forgotten to put on a belt. As he high tailed it down the drive his pants started to slip down. The girls were in hot pursuit! Herb made it all the way down the driveway to the main road where his pants got the better of him. The girls couldn't stop him, but when his pants fell down he tripped. Now they had to call an ambulance in case Herb was hurt.

The police and ambulance all arrived. Herb wasn't hurt so the ambulance left. However, as I glanced out the window I noticed the police car driving up the driveway with Herbert in the back seat. I'll never forget the smile and the look of satisfaction on his face as Herb knew he had nearly made the great escape.

*Name changed

Lula Belle

 by Kay Heitsch

Not long after a tiny southern lady, Gracie "T" Jones* (85+) moved in the Memory Care Center I knew she was going to be funny. Just the fact that she always insisted on using the "T" when she introduced herself made me smile. 

One day I was walking down the hall when Gracie called out to me. Gracie had been reciting some off color poems she had learned from, way back when.

I stopped to see what she wanted. Gracie laughed then announced, "You know Lula Belle, if Momma heard me talking like this she wouldn't like it! So, I'm going to tell her YOU made me say them."

I chuckled then responded, "Whatever Gracie. I just want you to know I've been called a lot of things in my life, but Lula Belle was not one of them."

*Name changed except the "T". 

Little Momma

 by Kay Heitsch

As I was about to go home from the Memory Care Center I noticed a few residents sitting around a table. Howard* called me over. With the sweetest smile on his face he pointed to Lilly* sitting at the table with him. "Ain't 'Little Momma' cute? Just look at her blue eyes." 

Little Momma was a tiny 90+ year old resident who several of the male residents seemed to have a crush on. 

I agreed that 'Little Momma' was adorable with her blue eyes. I thought that was the end of the matter when Howard noticed something else about 'Little Momma'. After studying her a little longer Howard announced, "I think those are her own teeth too."

*Names Changed

Tell It Like It Is!

 by Kay Heitsch

I never knew what I might hear at the Memory Care Center. Many times what they said brought a smile to my face. 

One day a group of residents were sitting in the family room singing. After a song was sung one outspoken resident announced, "Boy, someone in here needs their pipes oiled!" 

Picky People

by Kay Heitsch

It didn't happen often at the Memory Care Center, but once in awhile a resident would complain about the food. 

All of a sudden I heard these words of wisdom from a near by table. "Picky people have a limited menu." 

Wow, how true that is of life in general. We limit ourselves by choosing to be picky in so many things.