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.

Monday, March 6, 2000

I'll start a letter & keep adding to it.  Just got home from the Dr.  He said there was a membrane in my right eye & he'd "pop" it & I have to go again to get my eyes tested to see if the prescription has changed.  Couldn't do both today.  On Tues of that week I see Dr. McNett & need to get a blood test first.  On Mon the 20th I get my eyes examined.  He lasered it.  Said I'd see better now.  It hasn't been clear vision for that eye -- it's the one that had the cataract.  Beautiful day so I walked home.

Now it's 9:20 & I'm relaxing.  LCW was a workshop & the women tied a quilt.  They are given to "Safe Place" & the women are really thrilled to get a quilt.  It was a nice time & Marge Woods& I worked well together.  I'm watching Homicide now.

Tues A.M.  A few things I forgot.  Arlene Hornstrom had a stroke & is now in rehabilitation.  Do you remember the Rapps -- Jim and Carol.  Had a son, now in California & a daughter Pam.  Carol was sick a lot -- ended with cancer & she died shortly after Dad died.  Carol's father was Jim Greenlund & he died a couple of years ago.  Now his wife Alice, a sister of Myrtle Wallin, & Jim Rapp started going together & will be married in June.  Alice was the mother-in-law but she was Jim Greenlund's 3rd wife.  1 divorce, 1 death.  But I'm happy for them as Alice is a person who needs a husband & Jim Rapp will have a stable home life.  I'm sure the last years of Carol's life were hard ones for Jim & financially backbreaking.  I'm sure Alice was left financially OK.  Of course there is talk but who cares.  I think it will be good for both of them.

Just a note on Wed.  It's soon bedtime.  Dale said he might sell the Monte Carlo to Sam or he might not.  He realizes he doesn't need 3 cars.  He'd never part with the El Camino & he likes the Blazer for winter driving.  What a dilemma.

Fri A.M. the 10th

In this A.M. paper there is an article on the new State Police Barracks being built.  It states that Wm L. Gordon is the Station Commander.  Is the name familiar -- he's Dale's age & Rose's nephew.  Her twin Violet is his mother.

Winter has returned!  We still  plan to go to Jamestown this aft. as only flurries are predicted & Barb has wanted to go for some time.

Yesterday at the beauty shop (nice to have curl again) Louise Borg was having her hair done & she whispered in a disgusted voice "have you heard Jim Rapp is marrying Alice Greenlund?"   I said "yes".  Her hair had just been washed so there was nothing more said.  But I knew what she thought of it.  I'm sure many agree with her.  Marge Ristau does, I know.  And her sister Martha Andersen would.

Last nite Lar did my taxes for me.  I just have to pay state & local taxes.  Dale has his ready to send in & he expects money back as too much is taken out.  He's still wavering on the Monte Carlo & he said now he wants $5,000.00 for it.  Figures he put 7,000.00 in it at least.

He has the El Camino in Carey's garage while they are in Fla.  Both Paula & husband are working in Buffalo; sold their house & haven't found one in Buffalo so Paula wants to store some things in the garage.  So we'll be playing "musical cars" again.

Last Thurs. I mentioned Lar did my taxes so Kim walked Torey home for his exercise.  She checked the messages on the answering machine.  A very sexy voice said "Bambi call me, Bambi call me."  Didn't leave a telephone number & Kim couldn't remember any "Bambi".  She punched whatever it is that gives you the no. dialed but she wasn't familiar with it.  When Lar got home -- he had to check at Carey's -- she asked "who is Bambi".  Larry didn't know & off hand he didn't remember the phone no.  When she played the message Larry said "that's Monty", playing a joke on you.  She was really upset for awhile. So Kim sent him a email.

Fri aft. Barb & I went to Jamestown.  Had lunch at a new Ruby Tuesday close to the mall on mall property.  We had the salad bar & it was excellent.  It was a nice change.  Neither of us did much shopping -- didn't see anything we needed or caught our eye.

Dale & Sam looked at the Monte Carlo this aft. & Dale doesn't think he can part with it.  He put too  much of himself into it to let it go.  When he's not married he can afford the registration, insurance, etc. for 3 cars.

This has probably been enough reading for you for this time.

Interesting to realize Eddie could see a "messy house".  You ended your letter saying "Now I've probably made you feel like cleaning".  The letter arrived on Fri, close to noon & on Fri, Sat & Sun. I just do the necessary -- mainly meal preparation.  I'm rejuvenated by Mon. & start all over again on my schedule.  When you're almost 80 cleaning isn't a priority.

Sunday, October 31, 1999

Our sunshine left us & it is cloudy & showers today.

I'm not watching football this aft. as skating is on & I want to see Michelle Kwan skate.

After the World Series there is life!  Now I'm reading the news to see who will be traded & where.  Wonder how the Mets' lineup will be changed - not too much I hope.  The series did me in with the late hours (it was Dale's early week 7-4) & I couldn't miss the end.  What a series.  Glad it's over.

I meant to call you Thurs. nite at 10 our time.  Went up to bed & never thought about the call - I'm 79 you understand - but I did try to 10:15 A.M. EDT but there was no answer so you must have gotten an early start.

My new chairs will be delivered on Fri. the 5th of Nov.  Larry tho't maybe Mike Brindis might like the old one & he does so I don't have to call Salvation Army.

Sheila (hair) & Sue took Fri. off as they love Halloween.  They dressed up as devils & they came by to show me their outfits.  Paid 40.00 for the wigs - they were great.  Spent 100.00 ea. on costumes.

I just flipped to watch golf as Barb said some players are wearing knickers to honor Payne Stewart.  I saw some of the funeral or memorial service on TV & it was very emotional.  That was so sad.

Kim was telling us about her sister.  She wasn't feeling well & 1 Dr said 1 thing & sent her to a specialist who had a different answer & had her all mixed up.  But things got straightened out & a cyst was removed but she might yet have to have another operation.  Her 2 aunts are close by & they have been good to help & to keep Kim informed.  Kim says she will have a huge phone bill this month as they have long conversations.

Dale has his Blazer ready for winter & will garage the Monte Carlo for the winter.   Tues. he goes to Rochester for an all-day session.  Will leave Mon. nite.  I think it's Thurs. & Fri. he goes again & this time Sam will also go.  They should have a good time!

Back to Kim - one thing that helped to upset them was the fact their mother died young & Debbie tho't she was going to die.

I'm sure you folks will have to see the Pokemon movie coming Nov. 12.  I'm enclosing a page from one of the magazines.

It's 6:35 pm & I'm set for Trick & Treat.  Have 66 candy bars - small ones & once they are gone & it isn't 8 pm I'll turn out the light.  It's from 6-8 pm.

Barb now has 4 different jobs.  Lynn wants Barb to work 6 hrs a week picking up & organizing things.  The regular cleaning gals don't do that.  She seems to enjoy the work.  Bert is always or most always around but the others aren't.  Barb has 4 different house keys.  Nancy's mother Barbara Jacobs doesn't work but plays cards the Fri. Barb is there.  She was at that one Thanksgiving dinner when she first moved here.

Tues A.M.  I want to bring this to a close & mail it when I go to vote at Calvary Baptist youth bldg.  It's showery & heavy rains are predicted so I'll get going by 8:45 A.M.

Correction - Dale's next study at Rochester won't be til the middle of the month.  He left last night at 6 pm & will be home for supper tonite.

Our summer weather has come to an end.  Colder weather is predicted to start this aft.

What's happening to Green Bay.  It's disappointing but I guess we know we don't win all the time.

October 10, 1999

Thanks for the pictures of the boys.  They are growing up so fast.  I see a lot of changes.

In church today, we had a substitute organist.  She was good, bro't out the power of the organ & we aren't used to that so some people didn't like it.  She outpowered the pastor & he has a loud voice.

Fri. Barb & I went to Jamestown & got some good buys, so it was enjoyable.  We ate at the Red Lobster.  I tried cat fish for the first time & it was delicious.

Thurs. Betty Casey & I went to lunch at Penn Laurel.  I had homemade chicken soup & it was really homemade.  So good.  She said Mike called from Wi. last week & they have snow.  They are in the western part of the state.

Gen & Ed celebrate their 45th anniversary Oct 23rd.  Hope they reach 50.  Both have a few problems.

It cleared up today - was suppose to rain.  Dale is afraid the Nascar race will be postponed & on the weather map it shows rain all across (up & down) the coast line.

What about those Mets.  They won even with Mike P. on the bench & his replacement got the winning home run.  On to Atlanta.  They must remember to be careful of Chipper Jones & the one who follows him or they will kill the Mets.  It's been exciting anyway it ends.  A Subway series would be interesting as I'm sure the Yankees will make it, altho I'd root for Cleveland.

I have a pot roast in the crockpot & it smells good.  Finally a change from chicken  but sometimes Barb doesn't want beef, unless it's steak.

Dale's getting the Blazer transmission remade.  His friend in Frewsburg is doing it & he told  Dale it was good as one part was very thin & would have caused trouble in the winter.

Our flowers are still blooming.  No real frost yet.  We took green tomatoes in & put them in paper bags & then they will ripen.

We're watching Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh & Buffalo is doing good.  Smile for Barb but not for Dale.

In Jamestown we went to Walmart & I found a platter in my everyday Corelle pattern.  They aren't that easy to find & I was so pleased to get it.

I'm still waiting for Christmas ideas.  I think Pokemon are an impossibility.  Cards at least.  I've seen books, posters but no cards.  Except for the ad in the paper & they wanted $550.00 for over 400 cards.  It's a scam!!

Need to clean up lunch dishes.

Betty Gusfatson Mailhot asked me if I'd make 2 doz. of my Danish rolls for a brunch she's having in Dec.  I didn't say yes yet & I don't know if I want to get into baking for others.  Not worth it.

Here it is Wed. & I haven't finished this letter so it will be late.

Today I see the dentist & I hope it is just a one trip experience.

Mildred Wilson died - I worked with her at Beaty & Lar did work for her so Lar & I went to the funeral home.  She was 88 & outlived her husband.

The eating area lock would really bother you, Paul, as it has gotten noisy.  Think it needs a new battery.

Get my hair done on Thurs. this week as Sheila is taking a long weekend to visit her girlfriend in N.W. Wi. to see their new baby.  A few months old now.  She is from Minn. but worked in Warren a few years but returned to the Midwest as her mother isn't well.

This is Dale's early week & I've made applesauce & a banana coffee cake - in a bundt pan with streusel instead of the loaf pan.  It's good.

So it's time to make my bed & get a shower.

P.S.  Saw the dentist - Dr. Walters - he said he wishes his Dad could get around as well as I do.  We're the same age.  My lower left in the back have been sore at times so he took an xray & something is wrong so I have to go back on Mon aft. at 1 pm.  More fun - I like Dr. Walters for a dentist.

Friday, November 13, 1998

Have a couple of thoughts so I better get them down before I forget!  Plan to send the birthday pkg. soon so I won't have to wait in line nearer to Christmas.  Just stash it away Paul but don't forget where you put it!  One gift for JoAnna - the rest are Eddie's.  Your suggestion for JoAnna's gift came too late for birthday but it will be heeded.

Your letter was so clever & interesting.  Larry always enjoyed Boy Scouts.  Mr. Myers was the Scout Master & Lar & Bruce were very close friends.

I missed my Mon. nite out (trip to Mall & grocery shopping) so I'm looking forward to tonite.  Barb's done a lot of my Christmas shopping but I hope to do some tonite.  Hoped to walk over town this A.M. but the weather is showery.  ( did in the aft.  Turned nice.)

Dale went to the dentist this 8 A.M.  Teeth cleaned - no cavities.

Would have loved to have gone shopping with Andy.  It is quite unusual to have one so young like to shop for clothes.  When he's been here we most often looked at clothes.  I think it's great as Dale still doesn't like to shop - except for things for his car.

Maybe you'd like gift suggestions from us but my mind is a blank.  Dad doesn't need much except Depends.  His clothes don't wear out.  I don't need anything either.  Just having you all here will be great.  And you'll be staying at Camp.  That will be so nice for you.  Kim has a tree there - at least she did last year.  It should be beautiful out there esp. if we have snow.  And speaking of that - please don't forget winter jackets, mittens, etc.!!!  If it snows they boys can go sled riding at Beaty.

The next 2 yrs. will be very interesting politically.  Be fun to watch the "antics" of who will finally get the nomination in both parties.

I wrapped Christmas gifts last Wed. mainly to get them out of the bedroom.

Forgot to mention I like the paper you write the letters on.

It's 10 A.M. & Barb isn't up yet.  She's the opposite of me.  I like to get my work done early & have aft. free.  She works aft. & into the evening.

Sat A.M.

I'll add a p.s. as this aft. at 1 pm I get a perm & I really need one.  I put it off for a couple of weeks so it will be good for the holidays.  Then I can mail the letter as I want you to know I'm sending the pkg. early.

Yesterday Lar tore down the old steps & put new ones in.  They look so nice.  The old railings won't work so we'll have to get new ones.  Lar said you will share the cost as our Christmas gift.  So thanks so much.  As I said before we don't need anything.

Dale didn't work this A.M. but he's up there putting a new starter in the  Blazer.  It's harder to get at so he wanted to work up there - & to show off his work.  He is so thrilled - as thrilled as we were when we got a new car.  It really looks so nice.  No more junky cars for him.  He should be set for awhile.

Sunday, October 11, 1998

Dad thanks you for his birthday card.  I roasted a chicken for his birthday dinner, mashed pot. & the last of the yellow string beans from the garden.  A birthday cake from Bilows.  His old shower "conked out" so I got him a new one.  He had quite a lot of facial hair to get rid of.

At church we finally found an organist.  She will start next Sun.  The interim organist was very good but would only fill in until we found a permanent one.  She will be available for vacations.  She was good & knew the service.

The playoffs are very interesting.  San Diego is a real surprise.  Hope they win tonite & I'll be so H A P P Y.  Sony, Andy!

Thanks for the pictures of Andy.   I like that pose so much.  I showed it to Sheila (does my hair) & she thought it was good.  The complete uniform surprised her.

I got another pen as the above writing is light but this isn't much better.  Now it is.

Dale is doing such a good job on the rust spots & a few holes on the Blazer.  Tonite he had me feel how smooth the spots he finished are.  Like silk!  You'll be surprised how nice it looks when you see it.  By then it will have a paint job.

When will you be sure if you're coming for Christmas.  If we have to mail pkgs it will make a difference in our choices of gifts.

2 Mon. ago (by the time you read this) I'm sure there were a lot of disappointed people in your household as Green Bay got beat by Minn.  We watched some of the game.  I like the earlier stat for the East Coast.

Penney's has had some sales - today I ordered from the catalog & got 30% off.  I saw a short sleeve sweater I like so ordered it.

Carol Andersen from church sent Dad a nice plant for his birthday.  She moved back to Wrrn. after her husband died so you don't know her Paul.  Dad helped a lot in visiting her elderly parents when we were first here.  Carol has always thought a lot of Dad.  She is a year older than Dad - and has a great sense of humor & can keep on in stitches.  Hope I can keep the plant without the plants dying.  There are 4 different kinds of green leaf plants.  One is ivy.  Larry could probably tell me the names of the other.  I like it a lot.

Barb is still working on the porch but hopes to be finished this week.  Has the floor to paint & a couple of the lattices.  What a relief for her.  Lar & Dale plan to build new steps.  They have step sets you can get to make it easier.  We also want to get a new rug for the steps, etc.

The city will supply the cement for new sidewalks but you have to get the workers yourself.  Lar thinks we should do that - so may be next spring we'll look into that.  The paper said many have taken advantage of this.  Have you noticed the article, Paul.

Mon. A.M. - 6:30.

This is Dale's early week - 7-4 so I'm up early.  So I should get started on things early except Barb isn't an early rise so I don't like to make too much noise.  Dad is still sleeping altho he was up earlier.  Took off his p.j.'s & depend - he does that a lot & then tries to find clothes & starts upstairs after them.  His appetite has really improved.  He received many cards from people at church for his birthday.  Nice to be remembered.

Now it's Wed the 14th.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was Ekey's delivering a doz. beautiful red roses.  A first in our lives - red roses.  Thanks so much for the flowers.  What a nice thought.

Mon & Tues were beautiful.  Today it is rainy & cooler.  Suppose to be a nice weekend.

Barb plans to go to Jamestown this aft.  First she has to go for some groceries & Depends for Dad.  We didn't get to go Mon. nite, as we usually do.

This A.M. I made Danish rolls - & the house smells so good from the baking.

I'm having coffee now with Halloween corn candy - my favorite.  I like Brach's best & C.V.S. has them so I got a supply!  My comfort food.

Time to get back to my chores.

Sunday, October 4, 1998

This has been a week of more lows than highs.  The high was :  I had a Dr. appt & he said my colesterol is fine, heart OK, blood pressure OK, so it was a good report.  Weight 145 lb.

Tues A.M. I awoke to a mess - Dad, of course, blanket, sheets, etc.  I had a bowl of water to clean him up & I dumped the dirty water into the toilet & forgot the soap was in the water & it plugged up the toilet.  So I had to use the plunger & it was successful.

Thurs. A.M. Dale woke me up - Dad wasn't in his bed & the back door was opened.  We found him in the garage - he must have tried to get in the car.  He was on the floor - no slippers, no robe.  We got him back in the house - Dale carried him in.  How he managed to unlock doors, open back garage door is beyond me.

Thurs. nite he was in the Lazy Boy chair & he wouldn't get out no matter how much I tried.  He said put a blanket over me & let me sleep here.  So what's what I did.  Toward morning he awoke & tried to get out of the chair.  He fell as well as the lamp.  So again Dale had to get him up.  He's just skin and bones but as dead weight is very heavy.

Now this A.M. I cam down & found him on the kitchen floor.  Must have lost his balance while trying to get a drink as a clean glass was there.  I tried to get him up & finally had to wake Dale up.  So that's my saga - lots of fun!

Dale is busy working on the Blazer.  Now he's welding to cover rust spots.  Cuts the part away, welds a new piece in.  He got a welder's helmet so he is protected.  He does a nice job.

It rained Sat the 3rd.  Kim was here having coffee with me & then Lar came over & he put the carpet on the back stairs.  Looks so nice.

Barb is working on the lattices & is soon finished.  There are 4 of them.  And she's started to take the paint off the porch floor.  It rained all day Sat so she couldn't paint.  It's still cloudy today & I want to walk to the mail box.  Need to get out of the house.

Lar bro't Dad a walker.  It was someone's at the Crary home - she fell & broke it & had to go to a nursing home.  Lar fixed it & bro't it over here.  He rescues stuff & so does Dale.  Dale took a vacuum cleaner from the trash bin at work, fixed it up & is using it to catch the dust when he is smoothing out his welding.

Kim wants to know if the boys have sleeping bags.  She was thinking of them for Christmas.

I want to know if Eddie would like a Walkman to listen to his tapes.  You mentioned he was using yours. I need ideas for the boys - clothes & otherwise.  We get our Christmas clubs the end of Oct. & I've also been saving a little each month for Christmas.  I don't get out that much so much time is needed to get thing bo't.  Catalog buying is best for me, or easiest.

Baseball play offs were a disappointment for me.  Was rooting for Houston & Chicago.  Was glad Cleveland won.  I'm sure it will be Atlanta vs. N.Y.

As long as I take things with a grain of salt all is well here.  Just have to spout off a bit.

Enjoyed hearing about Andy's new heartthrob - Kira.  Cute.  Poor Meagan.

[Enclosure]