Saturday, February 7, 2004

Here I am starting a letter & I haven't mailed the one I just sealed yet.  Too hard to get to the mailbox.

This A.M. as I was doing breakfast dishes & looking out the window, it was snowing & dark & I thought how much longer can I endure this weather.  Then I got dressed, made my bed, came downstairs & started dinner rolls.  After awhile, so the dough could rise, I made a coffee cake & my dark period was over.  Baking is one thing I love & I was at peace with the snow.  By the way, it's snowing again (2:30 pm)

Last Thurs when Lar & Kim were here they told us on Fri their furnace didn't work -- they had heaters but it was still cold.  Sat. aft. they went to camp where it was warmer & upon entering there was a terrible smell.  Lar had left poison out for squirrels & figured one died. He has a small opening into the attic & when he opened it, 2 squirrels got out & Lar noticed a dead one, which he threw out.  One was in the kitchen & he got that one & one in the guest room & he got that one.  He found where they were coming in & got it fixed so they can't get in now.  Then Larry sprayed something between the smells it was something else.  Kim lighted candles.  So they had an eventful weekend.  The furnace is fixed.

We got a Penney's home sale catalog & Barb likes some sheets that are on sale.  The old fitted sheets are tight for the new mattress.  The sale is on til March sometime so she'll wait awhile to see if there will be a free postage deal.  Had one that expired yesterday & this catalog came today.

Thurs. we went to the library & I got 3 books.  Catherine Coulter "The Nightingale Legacy" & I'm not sure but I might have read it.  M. C. Beaton "Death of a Dentist" set in Scotland & a small town copper.  I enjoy her stories.  Another new author Luanne Rice "The Secret Hour" -- it was so good & she has written several books I'll be looking for.

Miracle the sun is out & there are snow flurries.

Dad & I always ate out Fri. nite & I still find it hard to prepare a Fri. nite meal.  Last nite Dale had froz. pot pie & Barb had a froz. meal  I fixed scrambled eggs for myself.  Time for me to fix a Fri. meal.  We'll see.  We're having chicken spaghetti tonite & pork chops Sun.

Mon A.M.

I'm doing good on my chores -- the washer & dryer are doing the work right now.  Have to do 2 loads of dark clothes as Dale had a work jacket & hooded sweatshirt this week.

A few weeks ago I mentioned a top I got on sale -- a lavendar fleece cardigan.  I wore this past week & it is warm & feels good against the skin.  Barb got a turtleneck fleece on sale -- just over 6.00 with 75% off plus coupons.  If any are left I'd like one since they are warm to wear when the house is harder to heat.  Interruption -- Barb was up at 9 A.M. so I could get in & clean the bathroom.  Most of my regular chores are done, one more load to go.  This is Dale's early week so I get an early start.  It is nice to have it lighter earlier as then I have more ambition to get going.

Our pastor has relatives in Fla. & they are on a 2 week vacation in Fla.  Ray Forstrom preached yesterday & we are using a more difficult liturgy that is hard to sing.  It would work well with a larger church & choir.  Maybe I'll skip church next Sun. as Pastor Beth will still be away.  Depends on my conscience conscious (I was right the first time) CONSCIENCE!

Over the weekend I finished my books & all were good reading.

Tues. evening

Mailed your letter today when we got groceries so it is really late.  No one likes to mail my letters -- guess it is too hard to stop the car & drop it in the slot.  We got groceries in the A.M. today & then went to the Mall.  I got 2 fleece shirts for a little over 12.00  Put the rose colored one on & then I have a lavendar one -- pullover.  I really like them.

I just made a chicken-macaroni casserole tonite.  Tomorrow we'll have a good meal.  Good Lar & Kim come once a week as I try to have a good meal then.  Got my dessert made today.

You've been busy moving things at the library.  Glad it hasn't affected your back.  Do you do stretching exercises?  It helps.  It must be getting close to completion.  What a happy day that will be.

If Ed starts to entertain, you'll have to set up a schedule for the boys.

Yesterday the weather channel said 40 days til spring.  That sounds nice.

Thurs A.M.

Just got the garbage out -- 3 bags & one bag kept slipping off the piled up snow but it finally stayed put.

Am washing my sheets now & plan to wash my bedspread, a job I've been putting off.

Lar & Kim will be coming on Wed nites for the next 4-6 weeks.  They have a soccer league that plays on Thurs. & they needed help so Lar said he would help out.  Kim likes it on Thurs. nites better as then there is only 1 work day left.

I'm thinking of making cookies & will bring some to Sheila & Sue for Valentine's Day.  A sandwich cooky recipe from St. Paul cookbook.  It's Fran Decker's mother's recipe & it's a good one.

We might go to Jamestown tomorrow -- the weather sounds OK.  Dale said the roads are really bad with potholes.

I'm getting tired of politics on TV.  It will be worse as it gets closer to election in the falls.

This is getting to be an epistle & I think I'm at a standstill so love to all.

P.S.  Kim was saying she knew someone laid off from Seneca Eye Surgeons where Barb L. worked.  They changed their bookkeeping so I suppose those in seniority bumped those with less service.  Too bad for Barb.

Sunday, September 30, 2001

Your letter was so interesting & I love to hear about all you do -- your legislative duties & all.

Eddie's project was so interesting to read.  Especially #12 & Mike P.  I say he has good taste!  But I remember ESPN's Joe M. & John talking about Mike saying he is always willing to give an interview & his time.  He is a nice person.

Now for the news.  The pastor had the service this A.M.  His family was in church.  After the final hymn, he went to the pulpit & read a letter of resignation as of that moment.  After a few words of still blaming a few "tormentors" he & his family walked out.  All council members, except 2, resigned.  When Gary first came some weren't happy with him so he formed a committee to deal with it.  When he found out about the opposition now, he couldn't take it.  He'd talk to certain members about how sick he was & his family, etc.  I think he should have taken the criticism & do something about changing things.  All he did was feel sorry for himself & quit.  The main criticism was we never know what was going on.  At the annual mtg. they couldn't give a financial report because the computer was down.  It would come when the computer was fixed.  We have yet to receive the report.

I didn't know how our choir director, John Check, would react.  After the pastor left, he got up & spoke.  He was one of a group who went to the Bishops Elect to tell him of St. Paul's problems.  Everyone was glad he spoke as that started the healing process.  It will all work out.  John mentioned the letter we got last summer saying we'd have to close our church & join another church.  We aren't ready to give up yet.  That's my sad tale but we will survive.  Just glad it's over.

Saw Dr. McNett last Fri.  My blood pressure was a little higher than usual.  He wants me back in a month so the nurse can check it.  If it's still high he will change my medication.

Last nite we had a beef roast cooked in the crockpot and it was so good.  I even made an apple pie for dessert.  Today I have a chicken to roast so 2 good meals in a row.

Last Thurs. Dale was in Rochester for school -- on motors.  He said it was a good session.

This coming Mon. he leaves for mroe school.  Tues. & Wed. coming home Wed. nite.

The kitchen is cleaned up for the nite.  Always a good feeling.

Katherine Peterson is visiting her brother in New Jersey.  She is in the hospital -- they gave her a pacemaker.  Since her last illness Katherine has lost weight & doesn't look that good.

Barb is now a San Diego football fan following Doug Flutie, who is doing OK.  She is not a QB Johnson fan of Buffalo, who lost again.

Back to church.  Gary didn't give the congregation a chance to say goodby so I guess he is made at almost everyone.

Ruth & Russ Thelin were in church today with former members who are visiting Ruth & Russ.  The Becerks & they weren't in Warren too long having been transferred to Texas.  The wanted to attend St. Paul to see old friends.  There was also a new couple in church today & it wasn't a good day for visitors.

Monday, Oct 1.

This A.M. I saw Dr. Keverline (eyes) & found out I needed a stronger lens for my left eye.  I'm seeing good but will see better.  Walking home, I met Mardi's mother & we visited for awhile.  Mardi & her husband bought a home -- she said St. Mary, but I can't find it on the map, so maybe she meant Marysville.  Maybe you've heard from her.  The twins visited them & got back in NYC Sept 10.  

Barb L. wasn't in the Dr's office but Mrs. P said she was away fro the weekend in Maryland & maybe didn't get back.  Maybe she had Mon. off.

Dale left around 6 pm for Rochester so Barb & I are alone for 2 days.  Dale will be home around 7 or so on Wed.

I'm watching the Pirates at the Mets & Fox TV.   The Mets had a very slim chance to win if the Braves & Phillies help by losing.  Slim chance!

Forgot to mention Dr. K wants to see me in 6 months.  I was hoping tit would be a year.  Oh well, eyesight is important.

Barb said Lynn told her Bob was complaining he wasn't getting any good meals.  Lynn wanted the recipe for Hamburg Gravy from Beaty.  I don't make it but make a similar meal using beef cubes.  I wrote how I make it (no recipe) & also gave her old issues of Taste of Home and Quick Cooking.  Maybe she can find some help there.

Tues. Oct 2.

It's a lovely day so after lunch I'll walk to the post office & mail letters & maybe stop into D&K & see what they have that is interesting I might like.  At least you don't spend a lot of money there.

Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Yesterday I had the cataract removed on my left eye.  Had to be there at 6 15 & in an hour I was in the operating room & home by 9:10 A.M.  A fast job.  T hey gave me a valium pill & there was more in the I.V. to make me sleepy.   You don't feel anything.  Today I had to have it checked & all is well.  More red than the right eye was.  It will go away in about 2 weeks.  I see Dr. Keverline in 2 weeks.  Then I should get my prescription for glasses.

Guess what!  Barb Lucia is working there-- must have just started as they were "breaking" her in.  She said to say hello.  She was working the computer for appointments, etc.

Yesterday I took it easy -- napped in the A.M. & in the afternoon.

Also watched the Mets beat Atlanta in Atlanta.  A great game.  Tonite they are on ESPN & Thurs they will be on TBS.  The Mets should have a good year, I hope.  They play each other 19 times this year.

I think spring is finally here.  It is nice to see the sun & it should warm up.

This week I did my Tues. work on Mon. & not much else since then.  Planned to take it easy this week as I'm an old lady.  Planned easy menus.  I love lemon pie & saw a recipe in last Sun. paper & will make one tomorrow A.M.  It's my favorite -- so so with the others.  Made the crust tonite, rather rolled it out.  The pie dough was in the freezer.  The filling isn't that hard to make.

How was your trip.  I'm sure you had a great time.

Did I mention Marissa broke up with the Loranger kid.  Guess she wants to play the field.  A senior wants to date her but Lynn won't allow it.  Scott has improved since starting medication but Barb thinks it's too late as he is a royal brat!

Talked to Gen & she is still hurting.  She did make breakfast Sun. Apr. 1st & clean up but it was slow.  Every 5th Sun. she helps count the offering & it was her turn.  When they called to check if he could do it, Ed said no.  Gen wanted to do it but Ed was right, I thought.  Start that & they'll want her to do something more.  She's going to have to change her ways after this.

This next week will be busy for you getting your kitchen ready for the remodel.  Bet you are getting excited about it.

Not much to write about so I'll pay attention to the ball game.

Thurs.  My pie looks gorgeous & the lemon part tasted good & the meringue brown a golden brown.

I'm watching Murder She Wrote & resting.  Dale doesn't come home for lunch -- a meeting at work -- so at 11 A.M. I plan to walk & get my drops prescription filled.  It's a lovely day & tomorrow showers are predicted.  Also must get 3 cards for April birthday.

Friday, January 26, 2001

Did I say Dale made an end table & it came out so nice.  He has been getting equipment to help him make things.  Kim liked it a lot.

Larry is ready to paint the bedroom at camp so it should soon be done.  Still has the floor to do.

Barb borrowed Saratoga Trunk from the library, starring Ingrid Bergman & Gary Cooper & she loved it.  Made in 1945 -- French flavor, so Barb thinks JoAnna would like it.  Have you seen it.  Today (Mon) she got the book at the library.



Gen called this week.  She said she calls John but he is either out or won't answer the telephone.  She is a worrier & feels bad.  I said John is a man and you need to let him go.  I think she realizes that but can't do it.  He might come over more if they let him go.  She wondered if we had a lot of snow, but it missed us.  Went south to the coast.  They had 12".

We heard that Rex Electronic will be in the mall taking the KBee toy store & CVS store so there will be some remodeling.  Also Big Lot store -- Kim & Dale's favorite in Jamestown -- will take over the former grocery store (County Mkt.) by the mall.  Be easier to go there now.  And the theater might reopen.

We've Pepperidge Farm Texas Toast -- Barb & Dale like the garlic toast but I like the mozzarella & monterey toast.

We're getting snow today -- 3-4".  Imagine Lar & Kim went out skiing.

I'm watching golf play in Arizona & it is cold & rainy out there.  Tiger isn't doing so good.

We're having peppercorn pork loin roast.  We had it before & it was too highly seasoned for all of us -- Lar & Kim also -- so I trierd to wash the peppers off but I'm sd help.  Wouldn't you know I got 2 peppercorn roasts at the time & I wanted to use this & get it out of the way.

Sun aft.

Just finished lunch, enjoying coffee & "Murder She Wrote"on A&E & will continue my letter so excuse any mistakes.

Last Fri. I went to the bank to get money for Feb & as I was leaving Dave Blair was entering.  We talked a moment & he asked if you are still in Wisc etc.  I said you are.  I can't get over how old he looks for a young man.  You are still young, Paul!

Kim stopped in yesterday.  She was looking for the "snow" sprayed at Christmas.  She finally found it at Eckhard's.  She went to pay for it & Barb Lucia was arguing about the price of having pictures developed & she had a 2.00 discount coupon.  The bill was over 8.00 & she only pays 5.99 at KMart.  After several minutes she finally paid for them & said from now on I'll go to KMart.  Naturally Kim was getting restless being held up.  Object of the story -- coupons don't always make things cheaper than KMart's price.  I still collect & use them.

After services today, we had the annual meeting.  Everything went smoothly.  After the business, a few had some questions.  Tom Morelli's wife is on the council & she said a few words encouraging others to say "yes" when asked to help.  She is a very capable asset in the congregation.

I changed my menu -- we're having steak for "Super Sun."

Dale has been in bed all day -- not feeling good & sleeping.  He got up to eat dinner with us -- he thought he'd be able to eat -- but he couldn't eat.  He did drink some ginger ale.  He's asleep on the davenport now.

I had the football game on in the kitchen -- Baltimore was on the 1 yard line but I didn't wait to see if they got a T.D. & haven't turned it on here.  Not that interested.  My nose has been running all day -- it must be an allergy.  Dale is awake & wants to watch the game, so it's on now.

Now it's Mon the 29th.  Before Sun. bedtime I fixed soup for Dale & he ate it all.  He went to work today -- still a little wemuch food in his tummy all day Sun.

Do you remember the Rosenquists from church.  The youngest Rick (younger than Dale) was quite wild in his high school days & later on.  Now he is the weekend cook at the Crary Home.   He has had instruction & is a good cook & the people like him & his food.  And he isn't lazy.  Lar has had Rick helping him getting a house ready for rental.  I think they have gotten 3 houses on the block.  Rick is married & has a young son.  She works at Blair's.  Rick has lost his license & can't drive.  His wife goes to the Jehovah Witness Church & they don't recognize any holidays -- Christmas, etc.  I think it is more of an Old Testament church in beliefs.  The weekly cook is lazy & just does enough to satisfy.  They would like her to quit & then Rick could have her job.  Rick tried to have a pizza shop but it didn't work out.  He probably lost money on that.  He doesn't want evening work as he wants to be around evenings for his son.  I think it was Grandma Rosenquist who kept the family together -- the children were confirmed but we never saw the parents.

When I was at the bank last Fri, I mentioned this might be my last time cashing a check -- (closing) -- but the teller said they aren't sure now.  Maybe public outcry set them to thinking about closing it.  Otherwise I go to the East Side or change to Northwest Savings.  That means changing S. Security & Pension checks.

Monday, July 13, 1987

We are at Gen & Ed's now & their pool is no nice.  Left last Wed. & spent Thurs. & Fri. with Edna & Wally.  They have room air conditioner so it was pleasant inside.  It was & continues to be HOT.  At Gen's we have more breezes so it isn't too bad, plus the pool.  They have flowers around the sidewalks by the pool.  It is so pretty.  We'll take pictures so you can see.  We've also helped with weeding.  Ed has been haying & that's a job.

Tues. nite Edna, Wally & Milly & Jerry will be here for supper.  Thurs. we are going to cousin Larry's home for lunch & we'll see Debby & the baby, 1 yr. old.  They bot a 200,000 home but homes are high here.  She'll have lunch for the 4 of us girls.  This was Millie's idea.  Fri. we go home.  Weather is suppose to break on Wed.  Hopes it's true.  (trip to Larry's about 1 1/2 hrs. near Boston.)

Today after lunch we went to Eastfield Mall & walked around.  Saw a cute skirt on sale but it would have been hard to match with a blouse.  On the way home we stopped at Marshall's & saw just the top for it, but it was too late.  I don't need it anyway.

Noticed the "For Sale" sign on Barb's house was down & haven't seen the car there.  Wondered if she took a trip to Boston to look things over.  The job want ads take a couple of pages.  Plenty of jobs for school kids, house wives & anyone who wants to work.

Kim finishes her job at the Y the end of July.  No hope for a teaching job yet so she plans to work at Watt Office Supply.  Will get medical coverage there.

Our Barb has babysat for Lauri twice now.  Gone for 6 hrs so she got $12.00.  She also got a call from the Employment office.  The Elec. Co. needs cleaners for about 6 weeks the middle of Aug. so she had to fill out an application form.  She hopes she gets it - 9.40 an hour & she has a good chance as she is a Vet. & a woman & they need a % of women.  It's a little late for college students so I hope she has a chance.

They told Dale he's be out this coming Sat. & then they told him he'd need some counseling & it might be a month longer.  And when he got his driver's license he could only drive to & from work.  Naturally he was disappointed.  Whatever it will soon be over.

We are enjoying ourselves.  Won't be long now for JoAnna.  Saw a pg. woman in church close to her time & felt for her in this terrible weather.  We look forward to our visit.  Time for a swim.

Oh yes after my blood test, the Dr. said my cholesterole (sp) was high & I should watch it & lose 10 lbs.  I'm trying!