Friday, July 9, 2004

I'm starting a letter early so I get the subject right.  Barb had a blood test today & her white blood cell count is low & that makes Barb's body defense against infection dangerous.  Tomorrow, Sat, she starts a series of 5 shots.  And to protect her from infection she can't go to the Mall or places where people are.

We went to the Mall but she stayed in the car.  On the way home we noticed Hatch Patch had fresh corn.  So I got some.  And yellow squash.  We have zucchini from the garden. Mixed they are so good.

I got my hair cut today & it feels so good to have it shorter.  Sheila was saying they are doing very good in their business.  With their own business almost a year old, they can see that Jerry wasn't very fair to his workers financially.  He is back doing haircuts  etc.  but isn't getting his former customers back.  He never bothered to let them know he was closing his shop.  Sheila & Sue "inherited" many of the customers & they choose to stay with S&^S. It's a dog eat dog world.

Are you as happy as Barb is with Kerry's choice of V.P. to be Edwards?  I mute ALL political ads.  Next in line is all the "Carb" ads.  The companies have to get on the band wagon & get more moola!

Barb has lost weight & hopes to stay at her present weight.

Did you notice the Mets might get a Cuban pitcher (if he passes his physical) & he could be ready before the end of the season.  23 years old.  Defected last year, I think.  They've agreed on a contract.

Kim was telling us about her sister in Fla.  She quit smoking & hopes it's for good.  She was smoking & blew smoke in her son's face.  He said, "Mom, you know I asked you not to blow smoke in my direction."  Both kids are anti smoke.  That nite her sister had a dream she quit smoking.  The next A.M. she had her coffee minus the cigarette.  She is keeping up on no smoking.  Kim hopes it really works this time.  Her husband smokes & wants to quit but he is overweight & wants to wait til he loses weight.

Sat. the 10th

In one week you'll be busy, busy, busy as well as the preceding 2 weeks.

We hope you'll be able to make it home.  I'm already dreaming about menus, etc  It is fun to make plans even if they don't come true.

My sleep schedule has changed.  I awaken around 5-6 A.M.  This A.M. I was up at 5:45. Got the table set & ready for breakfast.  I ate my cereal & decided to make coffee cake. Dale is on vacation this coming week but he said he could still have an A.M. snack.  Baked choc. chip cookies I started last nite & put the dough in the fridge.  Now I'm waiting for Dale to come so I can fix his Sat lunch.  Scrambled eggs, sausage links & English muffins.

Last Thurs I only had 3 dinner rolls & since it is a cooler day, I just set dinner rolls.  Have to bake when the weather is cool.  Suppose to warm up some.  T his summer is so much different for me.  Last year I was really lazy.  This year it is much easier to do my tasks.  Of course baking is fun work.  That fall must have done me in more than I realized.

Did the new furniture for the family room arrive.  You mention "and stretched out on the couch in the family room..."

I mentioned Dale is on vacation starting now.  He was asked if he'd like to go to school next Fri.  What was that person thinking?  Even if you don't  have special plans no one wants to give up a day of their vacation.  Naturally Dale said "No thanks!"

Mon. the 12th

Dale was up early as he needed to get a blood test before breakfast.  The Dr. tho't his cholesterol was a bit high & wanted to check.

Tues the 13th

I rained yesterday, really hard.  So Dale worked on his El Camino.  He's never finished it.

Today it is nice so this aft. he went to Jamestown.  Barb & I plan to go to Jamestown on Thurs.

Today Barb saw the Dr.  She didn't need the 5th shot.  Her blood is normal now.  She will have the 2nd chemotherapy on Wed. the 21st.  That way she'll have Mon. & Tues. if she wants to go to Bert's or Lynn's.  Bert called again last nite to see how Barb is.  S he isn't sure when she'll be home.  She is seeing her Dr. in NYC.

Kim & Lar won't be coming this Thurs. as they have other plans.

I started a puzzle -- a harder one.  I started it once & Barb finished it.  This time I'm sticking to it.  It is mostly tall tree trunks with red flowers at the base of the trees.  It will test my patience.  Barb is helping some.

Fri. A.M. the 16th.  Yesterday we went to the Mall in Jamestown or rather Lakewood.  Bon Ton was having a sale & I got a pr. of Capri pants & 3 tops, 1 was Barb's & had to wait in line at least 15 min. to pay for them.  Everyone as saying I don't really need anything but they stayed in line regardless.

Barb's hair is beginning to come out.  Now it will be more real when you lose your hair.

Lar & Kim want you to stay with them if you come.  Since Barb & I exchanged bedrooms there isn't much space there for bags, etc.  And for about 2 weeks Barb isn't that well & is in bed a lot.  But you would be here during the day for meals & we'd be together.  I want to see all of you as much as possible.

We've had so much rain.  Dale worked on his car & on a leak in the basement.  Not much time for sunning.  I hope these next 3 days will be nicer.

Hope your party had nice weather.

Sunday, July 4, 2004

Am I happy!! The Mets won 3 games at Shea against the Yankees.  Won 4 of out 5 games & 2 were shipping the Yankees.  They only bad thing they were only on TV Fri nite.  Fox had the 2 Chicago teams on Sat. & when rain interrupted they switched to N.Y. so we saw parts of the game & luckily the conclusion.  Today I watched the Braves-Philly game & they showed scores at intervals so I knew what was happening.

Barb is doing better.  Hopes to go to Bert's tomorrow.  She said the lump is shrinking already.  Hope that means good news.  It's a tough thing to go thru.

I mentioned they had a potluck at work so that made Dale think they'd get Fri. off.  He was mistaken.  They don't even get Mon, tomorrow, off but they get paid for today.  He has a 10:30 A.M. Dr. appt. tomorrow.  They get time off for that.  I'm sure glad he continues to see the Dr.  The rolls went over big, even with carb diets.  Dale put $20.00 on my dresser for making the rolls.  He asked me how much I wanted.  I said nothing because he does a lot around the house & yard.  Now he's working on a leak in the basement under the stairs. Facing north.

Turned on the A.C. this aft.  It was very muggy outside.  Might as well use it & be comfortable.

Lynn called Barb this aft. & so did Bert who is in NYC.  She'll be home the 12th.  Her ankles are swelling so she is uncomfortable.  Bert didn't want to leave Warren, but her niece pushed her to go & Bert can't say no.

Our pastor was on vacation this past week.  Ray Forstrum preached today.  He is recovering from a kidney ailment.  He made a couple of mental errors but that happens as a retired pastor grows older.  Doug Decker was in church today.  He looks good & he is in the Atlanta area.

Mon. July 5

Dale will take a week's vacation this month & then he'll get a blood test.  He will have to fast as the Dr. wants to check his cholesterol.  I never realized how much the blood can tell a Dr. Not until I started having to get blood tests.

Did Andy enjoy his umpiring?  Seeing the game from a different angle.

While watching the Braves yesterday, one of the announcers said Chipper Jones has never missed the playoffs -- since Little League.  My heart bleeds for him!!! Ha! Ha!  They won't do it this year.  It's a cycle & they've been in the good cycle for a long time.  Hard to tell who will be on top.  The Astros are a disappointment.  The N.L. East isn't that good this year.  The Mets finally have a good  outfield.  They hit against the Yankees & I hope they keep it up. They "out homered" the Yankees & that's pretty good.  I'm not biased at all!

Tues July 6

Barb had to see the Dr. today but she didn't feel up to going.  She called them & they said it is necessary to test her blood.  (She wanted to call you tonite to tell you about it but I said you work Tues. nites.)  So she went & I went with her as we were going grocery shopping afterwards.  The new cancer center is really nice.  It turned out Barb was glad she went. When the Dr. examined her, she was amazed!  The tumor had been reduced 50%.  Barb thought it felt smaller.  T hose at the Cancer Center said kemo would never make it smaller & it should be removed.  We are all elated.  I called Gen & Millie to let them know as both are concerned.  When we got home Barb called Lynn & Bert & they were happy.  She was there 1 1/2 hrs & was concerned as I waited for her.  I talked to a woman who was waiting for a ride home, so the time went fast.  Just hearing the good news made Barb feel better.  And getting out helped as well.

Thursday

Lar & Kim are going to a soccer game the end of the month with Dr. Jay & Nancy.  Kim wanted to know the date & Lar couldn't find the tickets.  (Nancy has them.)  So he started to search thru his dresser drawers.  He didn't find the tickets but he found $500.00 he had squirreled away.  He couldn't remember putting it there.  He also has money in their attic (apt) with the flying squirrels.  Kim wont' go near the squirrels.  She made almost $200.00 on her garage sale.  There were 4 of them & together they took in $700.00.

Monday, June 28, 2004

I'll tell you why I'm thankful for strawberries!  Barb picked 4 qts.  2 for her & 2 for me to make straw. jam.  I got the jars ready, looked for lids & of course I'd forgotten to write it on my grocery list.  I saw I had a pkg but didn't really check.  So I got my berries ready, washed jars, etc. & then noticed the lids were for qts.  So I decided I'd have to walk over town & get some after lunch.  Went to the post office, to Crones to see if they carried canning supplies. They didn't.  Then I cashed a check for July exp., walked to BiLo & got my lids & 3 glazed donuts & a cup of coffee & rested a bit.  I divvied my money into budget envelopes, changed my clothes & started making jam.  Got 6 pints.  It's so much better than store bot.  I've been afraid to walk over town because of the time my knees buckled.  Today I was forced to face the monkey on my back & now I know I can do it.  I'm really happy over that.

Kim called around 2 pm to say Barb called.  She was scheduled for 9:30 kemo but she was about to start around 2.  Others were ahead of her, but why did she have to be there so early.

I did my regular chores today & have supper simmering on the stove.  Chop suey.  And I feel good.

Barb felt pretty good when she came home.  They found cancer in the lymph nodes but it hasn't gotten into the bone.  She had a catalog from the cancer society to order a wig & head coverings.  It takes about 2 weeks to start losing her hair.  After a couple of days she can drive.

I'm so happy for Cyndi & Albert and the new baby.  They waited a long time & now they have Joseph.

Tues. June 29

I'm moving slower this A.M.  After a shower I made my bed with clean sheets & have a load in the washer.

I overslept this A.M.  Woke up at 4:44 A.M., turned over & went back to sleep.  When I looked again it was 5:48 & Dale was already in the shower.  Didn't hear him get up.  Barb will take it easy today.  I'll work my 1000 pc puzzle & be quiet for awhile, meaning take it easy.

Wed. last day of June

Barb still isn't feeling good.  Can't keep food down -- not even medicine.

Lar called & Kim won't be coming Thurs. because she's working on her garage sale for Fri.

Dale got a $300.00 catalogue gift certificate from work.  He had to decide on something by the end of June.  He ordered a camera & I'm enclosing a sheet about it.  He showed it to me & I tho't you'd be interested.

I finished my puzzle today.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  And I didn't lose any pieces.

July 1

Barb feels a little better today.  I told her she should be up more but she didn't take my advice.

Kim was telling us about a party at Bones Blair's former house (estate) next to them.  They always have a 4th of July party -- fireworks, etc.  Kim & Lar's friends Dr. Jay & Nancy are always invited but never attend.  This year the Dr. thinks they should.  They've heard at the end of the party they exchange mates & "enjoy" themselves.  Nancy said to Kim, "if that happens I'm coming over to your place & watch soccer."  Lar & Kim are out there overnite. So that's how the "other half live!"  The host is a Dr. as well.  Came here from Pittsburgh.

Dale just came home for the Danish for his potluck at work.  He says they're all on "carbs" diets trying to lose weight.  But one of the gals there, Sherry, will take any leftover rolls.  She'd like me to make some for her, but I'm not getting into that.  I was up at 5 A.M. to get started.  Also make a strawberry pie & got the garbage out.  When I work, I work & when I'm lazy I'm really lazy so it evens out.

Dale doesn't work tomorrow, Fri, so he will take me to get my hair done if Barb isn't better.

Barb said she's feeling better & is able to keep food down.

I'm watching tennis.  Interesting matches.

Look for obit on Billie Foster. Said stepson Mike F. preceded her in death.

Saturday, June 19, 2004

Finally a clear, humid-free day.  It will dry things out so Dale can mow the lawn later.  He's going to Jamestown this aft.

I'm watching golf.  Very interesting golf course.

Barb's body is sore but she's doing fine.  They put her in a room & she could hear the A.C. fan & some noises drive her crazy.  She knows she couldn't spend the time or night there. But she was better off in her own bed anyway.  Next it's the kemo.  Hope it all works out in her favor.

Last nite at the Mets-Detroit game they honored Mike Piazza for breaking the catcher's home run record.  Yogi Berra, Pudge (Boston & Chicago), & the kid, Met catcher in 80s (can't remember names) were there.  He got a yellow 300 HP sports car from a Chevy dealer, a watch & a bottle of fine French dessert wine from his fellow players, plus other things.  It was very nice.  He said to the Detroit catcher, Pudge Rodre* -- can't spell it, former Marlin catcher, "I hope I'll be at a doing for you after you've broken my record".  And the Mets broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th with 2 outs & 2 strikes on the one at the plate.   Mike Cameron home run. Exciting.

I learned how to spell "Rodriguez"  I'm watching the Mets & saw it in the line up.

The fall Penney's catalog (dream book) came yesterday & have enjoyed looking thru it.  I've seen a couple of things I'd like to order.

It's a beautiful day (Sun. June 20) 2 days in a row.

This A.M. I couldn't decide about going to church.  At 8:55 A.M. I was just getting dressed, but otherwise ready.  I decided to go even tho I coughed during the nite.  I was glad I did. There was a baptism -- the 4th daughter -- & she is a little doll.  And I didn't cough.  9:30 service.

Do you remember Linda Jacobson -- her brother your age -- she was in church today.  she is so attractive but way too heavy.  She teaches in Fla, has for a long time, and loves Fla.  It was in the hi 40s this A.M. & she felt the cold.

As soon as the Mets-Detroit game is over, I'll switch to golf.  Oh yes, the Mets are leading 5-1 in the 7th inning.  And Atlanta is losing.  Did Andy notice as of 6-20 the Mets are ahead of the Braves!  Hi Andy.  Hope they still are when this letter is read.

In golf Barb was rooting for Phil Mickelson & I was rooting for Retief Goosen (S. Africa) & my man won.  To me it seemed like overkill when the announcers talked about Phil.  I suppose they wanted an American to win, but that's the way the ball bounced.

When Charles & Sandy come we'll eat here.  Barb find it hard to work on her hair & wouldn't care to eat out.  Will have steaks, pot. salad, green beans, salad, rolls & a strawberry dessert.  Barb said she should be able to cook the steaks.

First Day of Summer & I've been busy.  In addition to 4 loads of laundry, (Dale turned his mattress & put the mat. pad in the wash) I made Dale's bed & cleaned the bathroom.  Made the batter of a sugar cooky & baked them after lunch.  Cleaned di the dishes, etc.  Sampled the cookies with a cup of coffee.  Then I washed the kitchen floor.  Why the extra activity? Barb isn't feeling up to snuff & has a hard time fixing her hair so she didn't want to eat out.  I called Kim today & forgot to wish her Happy Birthday.  she tho't it would be too much for me but I told her I have the menu (I'm repeating myself) all planned.  Steak, pot. salad, green beans, veggies for salad, rolls (I have to make them), strawberry shortcake for supper dessert.  They didn't know when Charles will be in.  I said send them over & we can sit (hopefully) on the porch & talk & have lemonade & cookies.  That's why I had more jobs today.

Tomorrow we'll get groceries & I'll make dinner rolls.

Wed A.M., I'll get everything all ready so I can visit with them.  We won't eat til 7 p.m. to give Lar an extra hour to work.  He's getting behind in his after work jobs.  Weather hasn't helped either.

I said to Barb I'll have an easy to fix supper.  She said order pizza & make salads.  Good idea.  That is what I'll do -- order pizza.

We didn't eat til about 6:15 & I cleaned up.  I can't seem to make the right choc. chip cooky. Think I found the right one & made a batch of C.C. cookies.  They taste good to me so I hope it's the right one.  I'm soon ready for bed that will watch Cleveland vs. Chicago White Sox for awhile.

Tues. June 22

Got dinner rolls made & went to the Mall & Quality Mkt.   Got strawberries at Hatch Patch. They are so good.  Joyce O'Connor called this A.M. & asked if Barb would need a ride to the hosp.  I said Kim would help.  She said be sure to call if we needed help.  Bev's son's wife had a son last Oct U& Barb's daughter Melissa had a son Dec. 23.  Both are growing fat.  So Joyce is a great grandmother.

Thurs the 24th

Charles told Lar they'd be here the 23rd or 24th but settled on the 23rd.  We waited & waited -- no call, no Charles.  We had our dinner & Kim's birthday.  At 8:15 I got a call from Lar. Charles had called & would be here around noon.  They'd go out for lunch.  But I had already sprayed the oven & racks & I can't stop now.  So I said I'd skip lunch & they'll come over this aft.  What a mix up.

For Kim's birthday, I got her a box of golf balls & cash to equal 50.00  She said I'm not your daughter so you shouldn't give me as much.  I said my daughters-in-law get the same as my children.  I consider both Kim & JoAnna as daughters & love all of your equally.  Kim said she'd get a new golf glove.  She doesn't eat dessert so I fixed a few strawberries in a small bowl & put a candle in one so she had a candle to blow out.

I sprayed the oven & racks at 89 A.M. so it is almost time to get going.

Charles, Sandy & Lar came over about 3:15 p.m. & we had a nice visit.  Sandy loved our porch.  I think Charles has mellowed a lot.  Maybe Sandy is good for him.  I'm glad we had a chance to visit with them.  Lar can work this aft.  Char. & S. left to start on their way home. Want to be home Sat. nite.  Saw pictures of their home & grandchildren -- 2 boys.

Sunday, June 13, 2004

I went to church this A.M. & had a coughing spell during the sermon.  Nothing helped, but I finally stopped.  We have had some leaking around the steeple so we had a meeting after services.  Before the vote, the leak was explained as well as what needs to be done.  They will take the steeple off, fix around the area, & put the steeple back on a cushion of some sort.  They also said some thought we shouldn't put the steeple back & the floor was opened for comments.  I said we need the steeple or it will look like a motel.  (Someone once wondered if it was a motel.)  It will be fixed & the steeple put back on.  I don't usually speak up, but to look complete, the steeple is needed.

Warren's graduation was bad.  Some years ago, they bro't beach balls to outside graduation. Now they added a blown-up penis (a nurse popped it) & water filled balloons. Some parents encouraged it.  One of Kim's friends, a teacher at Warren, refuses to go to graduation.  It's a farce.  The parents don't even dress up.  After graduation, Sheila cut one kids hair.  She said to him, "You guys didn't act very nice at graduation" -- he said don't include me in "you guys".  So not all kids like that kind of humor.

Sheffield's principal is transferred to Youngsville.  Kim didn't always see eye to eye with him, but she hates to see him go.  He put into practice orders from Central office & they (others) don't always do that.  They refuse to.

As usual, I'm watching the Mets vs. Royals.  Mets 3-0.  I'm holding my breath to see if they can be ahead in the 9th.  They need to win at least 1 game!!!!

Kim plays golf every Tues. A.M.  A woman's league (Blueberry) & Kim made 46 for 9 holes. She was pleased.  Kim had low net of 31, whatever that means.  I know par, birdie, & eagle & that's about all.  She was pleased.  If the Mets weren't on TV, I'd be watching golf.

This year Barb planted lettuce in pots.  Last year the in ground lettuce was bitter.  She likes it better in pots & tastes better.

They said Art Howe shouted at the Mets after their bad plays.  I can't imagine him shouting -- he seems like a gentle man.  I think it's paying off -- now it's 5-0.

Dale got his muffler in his car after work yesterday.  He noticed he needs a new tail pipe -- was disgusted with himself for not noticing it as then he could have put a new one on at the same time.

We went to Jamestown but didn't find anything special  We had a fish dinner at Davidson's. Barb did find a birthday gift for Kim.  And we got groceries at Wegman's.

Tues A.M. the 14th of June

Yesterday the pastor called & wondered if I'd serve on the stewardship committee.  I told her I was 83 & didn't care to.  She couldn't believe I'm 83.  Also I had a coughing spell on Sun. but I hated to miss church.  I'm still coughing but I hope it's better by Sun. next.

Thanks for the pictures of your beautiful yard. That's a really big tree.  Yardwork is a good hobby.  I can see that Ed is really changing.  Hearts will get broken by your sons! Handsome guys!

Did you get the sports jacket you had your eye on?

Wed. the 16th

Barb will start kemo the 28th of June.  They wanted her to start June 21, but she wanted another week.  It's not something  person looks forward to.

One Sun. Lar, Kim & Betsy M & her husband, in their Miatas, went on a little ride to Salamanca, N.Y. &^went to the Indian Casino there.  They tired the slots but no big winners.

Thurs. the 17th

Made a strawberry pie & it looks delicious.  We're having chicken & biscuits.  Homemade biscuits.  And lettuce salad from the garden.

Just wrote a note to Ruth.

The hosp. called.  Barb had to be there at 7 A.M.  Around 10 the hosp. called.  They injected a dye & it takes time so she would soon be going to be operated on.  So maybe she's there now.  Kemo next.  Hope it all works out.

Cold is gone, but I'm still coughing.  SOon it will be over.  Otherwise all is fine here.

At 5:30, the hosp. called & said Barb wasn't able to come home yet.  The anesthesia & pain pills don't agree with Barb.  At 8:15 Barb called & said she wanted to come home.  Kim picked her up & Barb said she told them she felt better, but to Kim she said I don't really. Under her chin, she has a bandage patch.  I think she'll fell better in her own bed.  This reaction was worse this time than last operation.

Fri.  Barb is feeling better.

Sunday, June 6, 2004

Yesterday we were a lazy bunch.  I don't know why colds set me down on Sat. & Sun.  I'm not in church because of my cough.  Dale had a headache yesterday & Barb is taking it easy -- I think she overdid things by cleaning at Lynn's too soon.

That is interesting concerning the number 62 in your life.  I don't have a lucky number but life has been good to me.  Carl chose me & we had a good life together.  We were able to live in the great Northwest visiting in Seattle & Tacoma.  Then living in the plains county of Mont. Finally settling down in Warren.  I have no worries in retirement financially so I'm a pretty lucky person.  On top of that I have 2 lovely daughters-in-law & 2 "great" grandsons.  What more could I ask for -- maybe 2 more in-laws, one female, on male! And of course 4 wonderful children.  What more could I ask for.

I guess the Minn. wedding trip turned out to be an expensive one.   You made it more interesting by going to the The Mall of America & the Zoo.

Larry called -- they had heard from Charles & they changed their plans & will stop on the way back from Syracuse.  It will be Wed, June 23.  Larry suggested we go out for dinner.  They will stay overnite with Lar & Kim.  I want to ask Charles if they sold the house in Beloit. I wouldn't think they'd want it left vacant.  That area has gone down in value.

It is suppose to warm up this week -- in the 80's.  It has been cold for this time of the year. I'm wearing a sweater to stay warm & here it is June.

I'm hoping the strawberries will be ripe by the middle of June.  Then I could fix strawberry shortcake & we could have it after we go out to eat on the 23rd.  That way Charles & Sandy (is that right) could be here for awhile.

Yesterday we watched the horse race to see if "Smarty Jones" could win the Triple Crown. He couldn't, but it was exciting.



I'll be eagerly waiting for more excerpts from "the books about the N.Y. Mets, of all things!" You are privileged, special, etc. etc. to read about such a worthy subject, The Mets!!  I recognized all the names of that worthy bunch!  Think I have that year book of the Mets -- or one of that group.  Wonder why he chose the Hooter waitresses or singled them out.  Aren't they mostly a southern concern.  Must be the short skirts.

When I saw the Dr. I got a good report.  Blood work good, blood pressure very good.

We went to the library & I got another book "The Edge of Town" by Dorothy Garlock.  Setting -- small Missouri town after W. War I.  Excellent.  Took one that looked interesting "Cold Day in July" by Stella Cameron but  I'm not sure I'm going to like it.  Had to get interested in.

We're watching golf in Ohio -- Jack Nicklaus' tournament.  The cicadas are so noisy over the TV.  A regular hum.  It bothers Barb but you can't do anything to stop it.  You could mute it but then you miss the "flavor" of the tournament.

Mon the 7th

I've finally warmed up.  After lunch, we went grocery shopping.  Finally all is put away & I'm watching my "soaps".

Barb has 3 Drs. to see.  One this aft. concerning the breast.  Next Mon. to check on the operation & I'm not sure when she see the 3rd Dr.  She received a card from Ruth written by Mim.

Barb will be starting kemo soon.  They wanted her to start Fri. but she wanted a little more time after having her ovaries out.  They are hoping the kemo will shrink the tumor & then they could get it out, if necessary without taking the breast.  They do it a different way now.  From what she said they don't use the veins but implant something & the kemo entered that way. She can't drive after having kemo.  Lar or Kim will help.

When Dale came home from work he said "Oh hum."  I said what's wrong.  "Guess I'm getting old,"  He isn't so "gung ho" about cars anymore.  He wants a new muffler for the Monte Carlo but he has a hard time getting started.  He ordered some mufflers but returned them.  Said they were junk.  Think he found some he likes.

Thus. June 10

They have local strawberries at Hatch Patch, so we're having shortcake tonite.

We had 2 days of hot weather.  Today it's cloudy & humid but cooler.  These are hard menu days.  It was Dale's long day yesterday   I made salads with tuna & that was enough after a hot day.  He had waffles, sausage & scrambled eggs for lunch.

Tomorrow Barb & I will be going to Jamestown.  Probably the last time for awhile as the kemo should start soon.

My 3 new rose bushes are blooming & they are beautiful.  2 different red (one more pinkish) & a light apricot   Gorgeous!  Did you try dahlias this year.  We have the small ones in pots & I like them a lot.  Wine & a rosy pink colors.  Barb plants lettuce in pots & one tomato plant in a pot.  4 others in the ground.

I'm feeling sad for myself -- since I had the cold, cough in Apr., why do I have it in June. It wakes me up during the nite.  Cough medicine helps but I Hope it goes away soon.  They only difference, I didn't lose my voice in Apr.  It's OK now.

I'm watching Braves vs. Detroit.  When I started watching, the Braves were in the lead.  By the end of the 7th, it's Detroit 7, Atlanta 4.  Keep it up Detroit.  If the Mets can't win I don't want Atl. to win!  An aft. game.  Rain out Wed pm.  I was wrong.  Today's game was scheduled for 1 pm

Torey is still here.  Lar had work to do & Kim went out with teh girls.  Gen called again  to ask about Barb.

Monday, May 31, 2004

Last day of May!

Sat. & Sun. were sunny days but cool.  Today has been cloudy & rainy.  I read Barbara Taylor Bradford's book.  It was OK.  Lots of description of the library, drawing room, etc. but not much "meat" to it.

Now at 7:30 I'm watching the Mets at Philly.  It started at 1:00 pm but 2 long rain delays. Mets are ahead, with 6 outs to go, so I'm "holding my breath".  Can they win.  Mike Cameron finally had a 2 run hit.  He's been below the Mendoza line (however you spell it).

Barb still has soreness but she is doing fine.  On Sat. we went to the Mall as she needed some things.  A quick trip.  We thought about getting groceries today but the Mets came back on & I had to watch the game.  We'll go tomorrow.

I washed today but other than that I didn't do much.

Mets won!

Wed June 2.  Not much on TV.  Could watch the Yankees vs. Orioles but they don't interest me.  I'll see what the Pirates are doing vs. St. Louis.

The one nice thing about our cool weather is I can use the oven & it doesn't overheat the kitchen.

Barb got Marisa's graduation pictures.  I haven't seen her for a few years & she sure has changed.  I wouldn't recognize her if I saw her.  Barb was going to make an afghan for a gift but she didn't like how it came out.  She got her another gift.

Fri. June 4.

It was really cool this A.M.  I see the Dr. this aft.  I managed to get a cold with a chest cough & I have laryngitis.

Graduation services today.  The last day of school is Mon.  Kim said each period is about 16 min. & all you do it babysit.  A lot of kids will stay home, making today the last day.  The winter snow days mixed things up.

Last week I didn't get my hair done as Barb couldn't take me, so it felt good to have it done today.  Barb woke up with a headache so she is taking it easy.  I am, too.  Didn't sleep too well last nite & the Mets are on TV tonite & I'll have to watch them. They are back at .500.    They are keeping up with the Braves.

Kim thinks she might visit her sister in Fla.  Lar won't go.  Last Sun. Kim played in a golf tournament for SPCA.  Her first time out this year.  At Blueberry.  She usually plays in a women's league on Tues. at Blueberry.  Lar & Kim like to play on some Sun. afternoons.

Nothing special going on here.  Barb is doing fine & the rest of us are OK.

Last nite I got up about 2 A.M., went downstairs & the moon was shining in the eating area windows.