Saturday, April 22, 2006

It's a hug with a fold in the middle.

It's a cloudy cay so I took a nap after lunch.  This A.M. we went to the Mall.  In the summer Kim has friends at camp for meals & they are usually serve yourself or cafeteria style.  I saw a dish caddy that holds the plates & silverware & I got one for Kim for her birthday.  I'll add napkins & paper plates -- pretty ones -- to add to it.  I think she'll like it.  It is always hard to know what to get.

Dale started cleaning in the attic.  Things get dusty.  As far as I'm concerned, he can clean all he wants.

I'm watching men's senior golf on TV.  It is interesting.

Mailed a letter this A.M.  And since you're home next week I'll mail this note on Mon. when we get groceries.

Just to let you know we're thinking of you & that the healing process is coming along fine.  I think of all of you often during the day & not just because you're healing.  I do it everyday anyway.

We can see leaves coming out on the rose bushes.  Barb is starting to think about flowers for the pots, & getting more potting soil, etc.  It will soon be planting time.

Just a little note to say hello!

Almost forgot -- Betty Casey told me Mike had a heart attack.  It is serious.  Remember he lives in Wisc. now -- has for a long time.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

You sounded good, Paul, on the phone, so I hope things are improving day by day.  I think of you all a lot.

Today is Barb's birthday.  I made a carrot cake -- her wish.  And we're having the chicken with the mushrooms & cheese, another favorite.  Green beans, 'taters & fruit salad.  I also baked the choc. cooky dough from the freezer while the oven was in use.  My favorites now -- with Andes mint topping that melts & make them look so nice.  That was the end of it so I'll have to make another batch to have on hand.  Sheila told me she freezes cooky dough so I tried.  It is great to have on hand.

Last Fri my washer blew a fuse -- only with new wiring we don't have fuses.  Barb said she knew what to do.  But it didn't work.  Dale came home & said you have to push the nob to off & then turn it to on.  But I never tired it again.  On Mon I called the repair man.  There are 2 sides -- one for regular wash & one for delayed wash.  I used that side & finished my laundry. He couldn't find any reason for 1 side to work & not the other.  Yesterday he came again, filled the washer, turned it on & waited for the machine to stop.  It didn't.  I told him we didn't turn the nob to "off" before we tried to set it.  And after Dale told us what to do, we never tested it.  "It's so nice to have a man around the house--" So I wasted money because I didn't try it again.  Oh well, how I know who to call if something goes wrong.

Called Millie on her birthday.  They celebrated on East Sun. at Larry's place at the Cape. Allen stayed around for a couple of days & took Millie to lunch on Mon. & she enjoyed that. She said she never thought she'd live so long.  Each year she said she slows down.  I know that feeling.

The Mets plan to build a new stadium to be completed in '09.  Wonder if I'll still be around to see it on TV.  They lost their 1st series & of course it had to be to Atlanta.

Barb saw the cutest dog sitting by a flower pot that says "welcome".  The dog looks like Torey & it has such a nice expression on its face.  We got it for Lar's birthday.  A yard decoration.

At Valentines & Easter I always get favorite candies to put by the plates.  But I forgot to do it last Sun. -- a senior moment -- so they'll get them tonite.  M&M's for Kim, Hershey milk choc. nuggets for Dale (my favorite as well), & Hershey's dark choc. miniatures for Barb & Lar.

Dale mowed the lawn for the first time last Mon.  We've had a series of beautiful days but starting tomorrow we are in for rainy days.  But it makes the grass nice & green.

Fri. the 21st

We had a nice birthday dinner.  I gave her money & Dale did & so did Lynn so she can shop for what she wants.  Larry said he'd like the same meal Dale had except for the cake.  He wants carrot cake. Then the birthdays will be over until fall.  Oh no, Kim's is in June.

It won't be long before all of your festivities are upon  you, the way time flies.  May will be here in 9 days.  Wow!  Take care of yourself so for all these parties your strength will be back. But you are in good health so that means a lot.

Barb has stated her bike riding & enjoys it.

Sheila told me this A.M. that Angie Pellegrino's daughter &  boyfriend bo't Collins' house. They plan to be married this summer.  Here I thought a family with children would move in. Leave it to the beauty operators or hairdressers to get all the news.

Dale said another guy at work is having marital problems.  Men gossip just as much as women, I guess.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Yesterday Lynn called Barb.  They had a bad weekend.  Bob's heart acted up & spent a nite in the hospital.  He has to take high blood pressure meds.  During the nite, their phone rang. Lynn wondered if something happened to her parents.  It was Scott calling from his room saying he didn't feel good.  She got him to the bathroom but he upchucked on the bathroom floor.  They had to remove the rug & clean the floor but it still smelled.  He did go to school even tho he still didn't feel good.  So he skipped track practice.  Lynn told him Marisa could pick him up after school.  "No, said Scott."  I ant Barb to take me home."  So she helped him study for a test.  Today there is an away track meet but he didn't go -- he is afraid to ride a bus.

Dale said by fixing his Monte Carlo, he gave himself a birthday present.  I'm making a sweet German choc. cake, his choice, for his birthday.

Enjoyed reading your letter & hearing all about Disney World. I know it isn't the place for me -- too much walking, too many people.  It is for younger people.  I'm content where I am.

This A.M. I  washed the kitchen floor & dusted downstairs.  After lunch we got groceries.

The Mets play at Wash. & it is an aft. game.  I'm trying to see the score but the commercials interfere.  Mets 7, wn. 1, final.  The Mets are winning!

Today the new neighbors (Carey) started in on fixing up the landscaping.  All the trees (shrubbery) have been taken out.  They are starting from scratch.  By our property, it will be lawn.  It looks nice with those hemlocks taken down.  We're anxious to see how they'll landscape it.  Bet it will cost plenty.  He has a 6 figure salary, I'm sure.

I got a turkey breast for Easter.  Lar & Kim will be here.  Might try a cheesecake recipe for dessert.

Last Sun. I called Gen.  She said she saw me in church a few Sun. ago.  I said it must be someone who looks like me.  Then she wondered why I didn't come over.  I said I"m too far away for a drop in visit.  She thought I was in the area.

Barb got her bicycle "tuned up".  So now she is ready to start bike riding.  Lately she has been walking outside.  Yesterday we had blue, blue skies & warm temps.  Even warmer today but cloudy skies.  Nice.

Larry has started his "2nd job", working for himself.  He usually has a couple of big jobs he plans for over the winter.  He does OK as he has regular customers for trimming, etc.

Thurs. evening the 13th

WE had a nice birthday dinner.  He likes the pants & knit shirt I got him.  He tried them on & they fit perfectly.  I asked him not to wait too long to try them on in case I had to return them. Barb gave him a CD & a Dale Earnhardt shirt.  Kim & Lar gave him an auto washing kit.  Lar got one for himself & tho't Dale would like it as much as Lar does.  I'm sure he thanked you for your gift when you called him on Mon.  Next birthday Barb -- she told me I could give her money -- then she can get what she likes.

No school Wed-Mon -- 12th-17th.  East vacation.

Yesterday Kim, Betsy, & Michelle went to the Indian Casino.  Michelle won $1000.00 on the 5 cent machine.  They always divide their winnings.  Kim gave some of hers to the Cancer Society.  Today they went to Erie & Kim spent her Christmas gift card from you folks.

Mets won again today.  WOW!!  Now they go to Milwaukee.  Barb went online & got the Mets TV schedule for 2006 on SB11.  Channel 15 for us.

Collins' house has a "sold" sign on the For Sale sign.   On Conewango between 3rd & Verbeck.  Lar said Patterson's house up the st. will be going up for sale.  He is the funeral director.  They will be moving to one of the Carolinas, to be closer to their 2 daughters.

Marisa's "naughty" boyfriend stole $35,000 so he is really in trouble now.  She still doesn't want to let go of him but Lynn hopes this will be the end of it.  She will never change him.

Sheila & Sue added another girl to their salon, so now there are 4 gals plus 1 part time. They don't want to get too big but if they have a following that will make it nice.

I'm watching Phillies at Atlanta.  Phillies won last nite (so did the Pirates who came from behind vs. L.A.) & are ahead tonite.  I'm sure they miss their pitcher coach Leo Muscilli (sp) who went to Baltimore.  Mets to go Atlanta Sat & Sun Apr 29 &30.  The Mets should do better (I hope) this year.  Atlanta just has "regular" pitching now.

Soon my bedtime.

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Yesterday I watched the Met's home opener & they won.  Full house with cheering fans welcoming the old & new players.  It was exciting.  Last nite I watched San Diego beat San Fran.  It is good have baseball again.

Barb is going for a walk.  It turned cold overnite & it is windy & raw today.

Barb doesn't have a printer so she was going thru the email, erasing, when she saw a picture of Andy's & figured it was a letter from you but she had erased most of is not realizing it was from you.

Last week we were discussing TV & Lar figured they have 12 TVs between the 2 places. Dale can't go to sleep without the TV.  If he forgets to set the "off", it si going when I get up during the night.

Last Fri. we went to Jamestown & I found a top for summer -- just what I wanted.  It will be cool for hot summer Sundays.  Has like a cape sleeve & it just what I wanted.  And to top it off, it is reversible.  Different pattern on each side.  Guess you can tell "it is just what I wanted"!  But it is so hard to find anything, guess I go overboard when I find what I'm dreaming of.  While shopping a younger lady passing by said "Wonder what happened to dresses."  That is a good question.  The last one I bot was 4 years ago.

I can't believe East is almost here.  Hope we will have warmer weather.

Did you get the start of a tan in Fla?  I know you had a great time.

Barb said the sign on Ryberg's house said "SOLD".  Collins' house is still "pending".  2 more on 3rd to sell.

The plant that came to "The Nelsons" at Christmas had an amaryllis bulb in it -- now it has 3 beautiful flowers in bloom.  There were 2 shoots but one died.  I'm glad one lived as it is such a showy bloom.  I wonder if we can save the bulb & have it grown again next year.  I'll have to ask Larry.

The $1000.00 insurance policy my Dad started for me at age 20, now is worth $11,000.00  Less cash value but I'd never cash it in.

Today I heard that details between Katie Couric & CBS are being worked out, so you'll be unhappy Paul.  But I bet you never watch CB S news programs.  Barb keeps me informed on the pros & cons, mostly cons on what the GOP are doing.  Most of it goes in one ear & out the other.

Thurs. A.M., the 6th

Wed AM, the telephone rang at 9 A.M. & it was Warren H. saying they were coming to Warren for a dental appt.  Was I free to go out to lunch & you know my answer.  Of course! We went to Perkins & had a good time talking & laughing.  We enjoy each other's company & always have a good time.  Warren has to come back the 26th of Apr. & if nothing interferes, we'll have lunch again.  He is getting new uppers -- the reason for his visits to Warren.

Both yesterday & today Dale isn't home for lunch.  They have it at work, supplied by the owners & hear about new equipment needed to work on cars, etc.

Fri A.M. the 7th

Last nite I watched the Mets vs. Washington.  What a game:  rhubarbs, hit hitters, 4 by the Mets pitchers, home plate umpire getting hit by a foul ball int he throat.  It started to swell & he found it hard to talk.  So another ump had to suit up & that took awhile.  At 10:30 I went5 to bed with 1 inning to go.  I figured the Mets could win as the score was 10-5.

Also watched the golf in the aft, the Master's Tournament and what a beautiful golf course.

So Katie Couric will go to CBS.  Lynn's mother is very disappointed as she had watched CBS since Walter Cronkite & doesn't appreciate Katie C. being hired.  I'm sure there are a lot who don't like it.

Kim didn't come last nite as she had a meeting to go to.  Larry gave Dale a hair cut.  Brab tr4ims her hair.  She said if I don't like it, I have no one to blame.  She does a nice job.

Last nite announcers at the games were Joe Morgan & Chris Berman & they did a good job. That's because Joe knows more than Chris & he let Joe do the talking.  Otherwise He'll take over & talk, talk, talk.  Joe & John are the best -- Sun nite games.  According to this Nelson!

Soon lunch time & I'm "talked out".

Have a nice Easter.  Our thoughts & prayers will be with you Paul & JoAnna on the 17th.

Tuesday, March 29, 2006

Barb & I went to the Chinese buffet tonite.  She liked it & of course I do.  Then we went to the Mall & got Dale's birthday present.  He said he'd like another pair of pants, so I got him a pr. of Hagger's slacks in a bark color 34-34.  The Lee's pant fit very good but they just had the lighter color, so I hope these fit just as well.  Also a knit shirt that matched in a stripe. It's not loud so he should like it.  Light tan background with a stripes that matches the pants.  I stopped at Arby's & picked up 2 sandwiches for Sale & I'll fix French fries to go with them. It's his late Tues.

Dale put in P.C. pipe in the kitchen so no more leaking.

I was surprised  you spent every Sun. at Edna's when you were in Spfld.  I don't remember hearing that before.  I'm sure she looked forward to having you there.  Also remember Johnson's Bookstore -- we used to browse there.

Last month I made a white cake & it was really good & didn't get stale.  Now I can't find where I put the recipe.  I've looked & looked & can't find it.  Tried another recipe but it isn't as good.  I'm great at losing recipes!

The crossword puzzle you mentioned -- pot luck offering -- around here it would be rice pudding or Swedish meatballs.

Around here, they are hoping that an Applebee's will come in the new building we're getting -- i.e. Walmart & Lowe's.  You're so lucky to have a Target.  I wish one would come to Jamestown.  There were rumors one was coming but it never worked out.

Thurs a.m. at 11:30 I'm getting a permanent.  Sheila was away -- Las Vegas -- last week so I had to wait until Thurs. for an opening.  They are 5 gals now but one gal only works Wed. & Thurs.

This A.M. I woke up early 5 A.M. & finally got up & went downstairs. By the time Dale left, I felt tired so I slept in the chair for 30 minutes.  Then I got dressed, etc.  I set dinner rolls & made a batch of choc. cookies.  Baked 24 cookies & froze the dough for later baking. It is handy to have it in the freezer, but I must remember to take the dough out of the freeze the nite before I want to bake the next day.

Barb & Dale listen to the Wrrn radio & say they play good oldies & rock that they enjoy. They don't ever play any music older people enjoy.  Barb also said, she read people are watching TV but more of the older series instead of the newer ones.

I have Thur's menu planned but not dessert.  I have to know since I get a perm & that breaks up my day.  It will be so nice to have it trimmed & curled again.

Apr. 3rd there will be baseball games to watch. While watching ESPN, a couple of announcers said they think the Mets have a good chance to be winners.  Wouldn't that be nice -- my fingers are crossed!

Thurs the 30.   Got a perm today & it looks nice.  Glad not to have it hanging on my neck.

Want to finish this & mail it tomorrow when we go to Jamestown.  Got your letter today & I see this is your last nite. I know you've had a great time & I'm sure Andy enjoyed his baseball experience & Eddie enjoyed Disney World.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Last week Dale worked on the Blazer, got it fixed, so it works good again (drives is the word).  That cheered him up so he won't take the Monte Carlo out if we have snow.

Last week Blanche Jenkins (1st Lutheran) called me up.  She had seen Rose, who was alert that day.  She asked Blanch if she knew how I was.  The reason for the call as she makes calls every week.  But Rose did wonder if Jim was still living.  And she was back in the Alzheimer's ward, which is kept locked.  Kim said she heard Karen is back in Warren. Yesterday Blanche called again to say she couldn't see Rose because too many had the flu & they were limiting visitation . She also said a Pastor David Blank, who served Sheffield & Ludlow as his first call, accepted a call to First Luth.  6 votes against him. It will be 2 yrs in June since the former pastor left, so they are happy.  She think he will work out OK.  I guess a couple of wives nixed their husbands from coming to smalltown Warren.

One of the recent local papers told about the library's website on old time Warren -- its beginnings.  Maybe you read the article & learned about it.

Thank you so much for the photo album of Andy's playing days.  It was fun looking thru it. Hard to imagine him 6'3" & 230 lbs.

The picture of the Forest Park library brought back pleasant memories.  That is where I got my first library card.  Near Forest Park Jr Hi where we went to school.

I know Millie was glad to leave Spfld because of its decline, etc.  I always read about Mass. in the USA Today state section & recently it told of the petty destruction of schools.  It used to be a nice city to live in.  The "X" was very familiar as we walked to the movie theater lots of Sat Aft.  Millie got her hair "done" at a shop in that are.  Can't remember the name of the theater.

Last week Barb saw a suit at Bon Ton she tho't I would like.  Mon. we went to the Mall & I tried it on but I didn't like how it looked on me.  Another disappointment.

When we walked (Spfld. again), first it was the tracks (train) we crossed, then White St. area, then the "X", then the library or the school.  We weren't quite far enough in mileage to ride the school bus.  One year we got a ride with a friend.  Otherwise we walked.  In high school we rode the city buss & got discount tickets.  You kids were lucky we were close to Jefferson & Beaty.  You rode with friends or Dad drove you.  Now all grad school kids are bussed to the new school.

Yesterday the most piercing sound, sounded in our house.  We remembered Dale put a device under the kitchen sink to alert one to leaking water.  We couldn't find it so I called Dale at work &^ he told me where it was & we stopped the noise.  What a relief.  It is battery operated so it isn't attached to anything.  It happened once before when Dale was home & it took him a few minutes to remember what it was.

In the Apr. 18th Family Circle, I copied 3 recipes that appealed to me.  New potatoes & spinach bake, a strawberry rhubarb cheese cake, & blueberry-maple syrup for pancakes.   Perkins has a blueberry syrup I like when I order pancakes or waffles -- if we eat there.  You mix blueberries & maple syrup, heat til the berries popped open, then strain.  Barb makes a similar one but doesn't strain them..  Like blueberries on top of the pancakes.

The weather channel keeps telling us "Welcome to Spring".  I just wish it would arrive here. Next week sounds more promising.  Barb likes to drink blueberry tea.  Back to above paragraph!

This week I got the halibut from Schwans & we had it Tues nite & it was so good.  I'll be getting it from now on.  As long as it doesn't have bones, Dale will like it.  Another addition to our dinner menu.  I had scalloped pot. & cabbage with it.  It was so good.

Sometimes there is nothing worth watching on TV.  This aft. I have 3 choices:  pre-season baseball watching Baltimore vs. Minn, golf, or my soaps.  At 2 pm it will be the soaps as "As the World Turns" is exciting in its story line.

I'm watching Boston Red Sox vs. Minn. Twins & I'm surprised at the number of people in the stands with a cell phone glued to their ear.  At the Mall, I heard a lady saying "I couldn't live without my cell phone."  We're behind times -- both Hollertz & Benson have cell phones. When they visit their kids, they alert them as to how close they are when they travel.  That is nice when you wonder how close they are.

Fri. A.M.  I'm not sure if this will get mailed today or Sat. but I'll have it ready to go.

Saturday, March 10, 2006

I'll start a letter before lunch.  I made a loaf of blueberry bread, took a few things I won't be wearing up to the attic & brought down some cotton shirts.  They need to be washed but that can wait.  It is a nice spring day.

Dale will go to get a blood test at the hosp. lab.  He said his Blazer is acting up, needs a new engine, so he should get rid of it.  Also talks about selling the Monte Carol & just driving the El Camino.  It hasn't been driven for a number of years as he has been working on it. With just 1 car, it can be kept in the garage all the time.  Save on insurance money as well.

When we were at the Lakewood Mall last Thurs, I was wishing I was 50 years younger. Why?  One of the shops had the cutest outfit in their window.  A pretty pink top with the popular tiered skirt in a pretty print to match the top. It is really a pretty outfit.  Guess you know I tho't it was "pretty". by the use of that word!

Also on the way home, we saw a v-shaped flock of geese flying north.  A sign of spring, but I haven't seen a robin yet.  I'm ready for spring.  I have to pull the shades over the kitchen sink windows down a bit as the sun shines in my eyes.

The new family across the st. have someone clearing & raking up.  I heard they want to do some new landscaping.

Once in awhile the Shopping Guide is delivered to our door.  It included a section of houses for sale.  I noticed it said sale pending for Collins house.  The cost is $124,900.  They have 4 bedrooms & a big backyard, double garage so that is not too bad.  Ryberg's house hasn't been sold.  Mail just came so I'll read your letter.

Mar. 17.  Happy St. Patrick's Day

I have really enjoyed the Baseball World Classic.  And I think the announcing team of Gary Thorne, Arestes Destrada & Orel H. are tops.  None are overbearing, or hogs the mike.  I hope they announce a log of the games.

Last nite Lar said he'll soon have a hi-intensity (hope that's the correct word) TV.  He wants it to watch the World Soccer games coming up soon.  Something new in TVs.

When I got up yesterday there wasn't any snow but about 6 AM, it started to snow hard.  Kim said driving to school was really tough.  The neighbor shoveled his walk but by aft. all sidewalks were clear from the sun.  It is clear & cold this A.M.  25.

Yesterday I was busy so today I'm taking it easy.  Our dinner is in the crockpot.  W hen we shopped on Mon. I got some meat whose date was soon to expire.  I got 2 pkg. & froze them & used one today. Nice to get a bargain once in awhile.

Just watched a crazy movie.  TCM, of course.  Of course I didn't see it from the beginning.

Scott is going out for track this spring.  Barb & Lynn wonder how long he'll last.  He wants to go out for sports as the girls go for those guys!  He wants to be "cool".  Marisa arrived home last nite from Fla.  She enjoyed her time there.  Lynn said to Barb things are easier when Marisa is gone.  Scott can't do anything right & Marisa constantly yells & swears at him. She has a filthy mouth & that is not good.

Sheila & Sue are raising their rates because of the increase of gas & elec.  2.00 for shampoo & set & $1.00 for perms.  That's not much.  Starts Apr. 1.

Finally saw 2 robins in our driveway this A.M.

Dale wondered if he got a bad batch of oil for his Blazer.  He changed the oil & that has helped, but there is a noise that bothers him.  So he'll look for the reason for that.  He's not quite ready to give up on the Blazer.

Last nite Lar figured out my state tax & it is ready to mail.  Dale has finished & sent in his taxes.  He'll get a refund.  Barb hasn't figured her out yet.  Last yr. it was finished in Jan.

I've only seen the U.S. team place once & that was against Japan & they should have lost that game. 3rd base "rhubarb" went against Japan & the player didn't leave early.  They aren't very good representatives for the u.S.  I bet some team's gen. manager's mouths are "watering" when they watch some of the Cuban players.  They are good.  I'm anxious for regular baseball to start.  Pittsburgh is doing pretty good in spring training games.  I should root for them, but I don't' know if I can give up being a Met fan.

Apr. 17th is Millie's birthday.  You are constantly in my thoughts & prayers and I know you'll come thru with flying colors!  We all are praying for you.

It's only Thurs. so I'm a day early for St. Pat's.  It has been that way since Lar & Kim come on Wed. Next Wed. is that last time so we'll get back to Thurs. again.

The crockpot dinner was good.  Dale isn't home yet (6pm) so I didn't wait for him.  Most likely he's working on the Blazer.

I pulled another boo boo today.  The crockpot was ready by 9 A.M.  At 11 A.M. I couldn't smell it cooking.  I forgot to turn it on -- another senior moment!!!

USA Today had a story on "the other third baseman in NYC", meaning the Mets David Wright.  They think he'll be an All Star for a long time.  He is really a nice kid, down to earth, & wanting to please. And he's been a Met fan growing up.  He has 3 brothers & his father is a police captain in Va.

There was also an article on the increase of the number of college grads living at home.  Various reasons, debts, cost of apt. or buying one.  They come home so they can save money to get a start.  Some parents like the idea, some don't.

Tomorrow I have to get more meds & will probably go to the Mall.  I need to geet a few things.

Remember we are with you all in thoughts & prayers.

P.S.  John just called to tell us they are going to have a son.  All is well with Fe & the baby. You can tell that John is very excited with this news.