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.

Friday, December 11, 1998

Larry brought our tree this aft. It is beautiful & smells so good. He gets them at a tree farm. Barb is putting the lights on & I'll help with the other decorations. We'll have to remember to keep it watered. Short needles.

We've had 2 sunny days in a row.  I like it.

Have most of my Christmas cards ready to mail.  Have to write letter to Gen & Millie.

Our neighborhood is really "lit up".  People across the street have lights outside on the front & side of the house. Keeney's (Johnson's house) have a lot of lights.  You'll see them in a couple of weeks.

We are glad JoAnna liked her gift.  Barb spotted it & thought it would be something JoAnna would like - color & all.

Dale waxed the Monte Carol & Blazer.  The Blazer has a shine that hurts your eyes.  It really shines.   We should take before & after pictures.  Dale is so proud of his cars.  He worked hard to get them in shape.

When will you leave for Two Rivers?  This might be the last letter as you'll be gone.  What happens to Boxer?

Your dinner (library connected) sounded interesting but I don't think I understand all the food you mentioned. Out of my category.  I'm too lazy to fuss.

When I read about your library, I couldn't help but contrast it with ours.  I'm so glad you are in such a good situation, & that the budget went thru.  Of course you have the U. of W. & that is a drawing card as well as the industry around.  We're just "small potatoes" around here.

I just turned on T.V. to watch The President's Cup at Melbourne, Australia.  The U.S. isn't doing so well.  It's not over there.  Barb stayed up last nite watching to the end - 2:30 A.M.  I went to bed at 10:30.  This is Dale's early week - 7 am to 4 pm.

Now it's Sun. pm.  I'm at the table with cake & coffee.  Want to get this in the mail Mon.

We have the ornaments on the tree & it looks so nice.  Still have a few gifts to wrap.

Got to church today.  Dad didn't cause any problems.

Last nite we had Orange Roughy for supper & Dale had steak - he's not a fish eater.  It was a good meal so I fixed an easy meal tonite - a baked chicken sandwich.  I hit a blank many times when it comes to meal planning.

We look forward to your visit.

Monday, September 7, 1998

It's a dark, dreary morning.  Rain is expected & then cooler weather for while I'm thankful.  Can start planning Fall meals.  6 AM temp 70, 9 AM temp 65.

I hope to mail Andy's pkg on Wed - to the library.

Kim is back to school.  She has a few complaints.  Her Health classes are large - 38 & 35 kids  8th graders who could care less & Denny Johnson only has 6 in his health class.  She said she's trying not to let things get to her.  Easier said than done.  I say the same concerning Dad & then something gets to me - patience, patience!

Last Mon. we went to the Mall & grocery shopping in the A.M. seeing Dale was here.  I got a basic, collarless blouse that could be worn under a suit for 5.99.  Pink.  Had been 18.00  At the shoe store, Herberts, I got a pair of navy flats as my present ones are getting shabby but still good for around the house.  Barb got a pair of walking shoes.

Dale has the El Camino about completed.  Seats in, doors & windows finished.  He put a new rug in it.  Looks nice.  It took longer so he hasn't got the Blazer here but hopes to today.

Yesterday Kim & Lar ended summer by having a group of friends over.  It was a nice day but very hot & humid.

Yesterday Barb went to Jamestown to do a few errands.  They are working on the road & she took a wrong turn & was lost for about an hour.  Followed the wrong detour sign.

Dale is a coffee drinker.  Between Dale & me, I make 3 pots a day.

Just folded sheets I'd washed.  Was going to say I make Dale's bed up clean on Mon. & he makes it the rest of the week.  But he fooled me and made it today so he'll have clean sheets on Tues.

Fall has arrived - lots of football Sun.  Pittsburgh won so Dale was happy; Barb was disappointed as Buffalo lost but it was close & exciting.  Watching the 1st part of the Steeler's game I wondered if they could win, but they improved.  Flutie did OK for Buff.  And you folks are happy - Green Bay won.  I was unhappy - Mets lost but they beat Maddux & Glavine in the first 2 games.

Dale plans to wax the El Camino & he hopes the weather clears up as he doesn't want to take it to the other garage in this "crappy" weather.

I've filled 2 pages of what happens here & we send our love to all.

Sunday, September 3,1989

We're having a perfect weekend weatherwise.  Couldn't be nicer.

After church we walked to get the paper & soon it will be the Mets at San Fran. & they aren't doing very well.  Dale is taping the races.  He plans to get a "winter" car as he can't drive the El Camino in bad weather.  He found one & Dad wonders where he'll park it.  The car is only $200.00 & is in good condition but I'm sure he'll be working to improve it even more.

Paul do you remember Sandy Sampson, Patty Welsh's girlfriend.  Sandy has 2 children, a boy a senior at W.A.H.S. & Amy a 13 yr old.  It was in the paper that Amy & another girl haven't been seen since last Wed. after school (Aug 30) & they have run away.  Sandy & her husband were in church today & I haven't heard if Amy has come home yet.  A book was sent to Dad asking for funds for Covenant House in N.Y.C.  It is a house for run away children who have no where to go after they hit the big city.  It tells of their experiences - I read it & it surely makes one think & feel sorry for the kids who run from home.

I'm enclosing some pictures of happenings around here.

The Motel 8 building will soon be completed & it looks good.  It is in the area of Holiday Inn.

Barb has been sewing & it looks good.  She is fussy.  2 pr. cord. pants, 2 cord. skirts, tops.

Soon we'll be sending a pkg. for Andy's birthday.

Lar & Kim enjoyed their visit - they had a good trip home.

They'll be here tomorrow as usual.  Lar comes every Mon for dinner & Kim comes just for coffee if she has a class at 7:30.  That's about the only time we see them.

Things are as usual here.

P.S.  Forgot to mention last Thurs nite we were at Bill Braders for Bill's retirement party.  Just family & a few friends.  Cindy is taking over the office & the office is now at the P.O. building.  Gen is so glad to have the office out of the house & it gives them more space.  It was a nice time.  Denny called & he wants them to come down but they aren't too keen on going.  They don't care too much for Brenda.  They'll probably go later on.  Denny is doing OK - has 4 girls in the office.  Think he was able to buy an insurance business.  They hope that Barbara will be able to help Cindy at the office but first she has to pass her insurance test & she has failed it.  She now works at the bank, has remarried, has had another child, a cute 2 1/2 yr old girl.  Heather is in 9th grade & has a boyfriend & Brian is in 8th grade.

Paul Yaegle died & was buried last Tues.  Dad assisted at the service.  Our pastor was away last weekend so Dad was called to the hosp.  Elsie's mother is still living at 102 & has a clear mind.

Wednesday, July 20, 1988

We had 1/2" of rain yesterday - now it is getting dark & more showers are predicted.  It is good to see the rain & it saves me from watering flowers.

A week from today we'll be at Penneys at 10 A.M. to get Andy's pictures.  Can hardly wait.

Yesterday we bot another camera to replace the one that was stolen.  A Vitavir [sic] & Dad thinks he will like.  It doesn't talk but there is a red light that comes on if more light or the flash is needed.

Mon. Lar said Kim's sister had a boy.  Just a little over a year after the daughter.  She'll be a busy mom - 2 in diapers, etc.

Dale finally got his portable disc & it is small.  Says it sounds great.  Still working on the 2nd truck.  He had to take the engine out of a Chevie car & when he got it out in 2 hours, his new boss was surprised.  When he worked at Jones it would take them all A.M. to do it, he said.

We got teh Nelson round robin.  Rudy still has pain in his legs & get discouraged.  Ford & June are at the lake.  Stella visited friends in Iron Mt for 2 weeks & will be at the lake for a week so she's gone most of July.

Carolyn, Jim & Paul arrived from Cal. last Fri. the 15th.  A long drive.  They interviewed 3 men - Jim was the first & he had to wait for the answer.  He tested highest & naturally they are very happy he has a good job & close to home.

We talked to Ruth.  Both of Joyce's girls play softball & one was chosen for the "All Star" game & before it happened she fell & broke her arm.  What a disappointment.  Didn't realize it but Mim & Tom celebrated theire 25th anniv. in June.  Joan & Allan celebrate their 20th this month.  And Carole & Arlen's 2nd son was chosen for further violin training in Calif. this summer.  Guess he is very talented.

The house was so quiet after you left.  We missed all of you & esp. Andy's smile & clapping of hands.  He is so precious.  From what Barbara says Kim isn't interested in a family.  Too bad for us when they are close.  They are both very busy, Lar with his extra work & both of them on the room they are fixing for Kim's aroebics (however you spell it).  Didn't see Kim last Mon. but they'll be over Sun nite for supper.  We're invited over there the 29th for a picnic supper & croquet.  Marion Lewis, a friend of her Gram's, will also be there.

I got so interested in writing this letter, I missed 10 min. of "As the World Turns".

Good you aren't closer to tease me about the Mets, Paul, after the trouncing Cincy gave them last nite.  11-2 - 2 errors.  Terrible!

Last week Dad & I had dinner at Nik L'Inn.  Both had chicken -- different ways & we enjoyed the meal.  Next Sun. Dad preaches at St. Paul - the pastor is on vacation.

We went to K Mart this A.M. - Wed. their sale ads come out & we get a few bargains.  Today one of the bargains was Oreo's!  Umm good!  I bot a pkg.  Good Andy isn't here!

The end of the week is suppose to be cooler so I'm going to do some baking.  Always need cookies on hand & in the freezer.

Give Andy a kiss from all of us - should say kisses!

Sunday, February 16, 1986

We just got back (3:30 p.m.) from the Valley & the annual mtg. which got a little "warm" this year.  The L.C.W. [Lutheran Church Woman] put $5,000,00 into a Historical Fund for church upkeep & according to the constitution that isn't legal as any decision & money spent on the church bldg. must be authorized by the Council so finally it was changed so all is legal.  The L.C.W. is run by e ladies & they don't want anyone else to have a say, but when that amt. of money is in question it must be run, so to speak, by the congregation.  Even the Church Council can spend only 500.00 without the congregation's OK.  Dad even threatened to resign if they wouldn't do things legally. It's in the past.  Dad may seem easy going, but if it's not according to Hoyle, he'll work to make it so.

I'm enclosing the measurements.

The flowers are beautiful - thanks so much.

Dale finally has his car running so he doesn't have to depend upon others for rides.  It's a nice little car & he says it rides good - esp. when he let some air out of the tires.  Over 40 lbs. in each tire before.

We're all getting anxious for spring & warmer weather & no snow.  It snowed again this A.M.  Suppose to warm up.

Lent has started & now there are Wed. midweek services & Thurs. noon services at 1st Meth. followed by a soup & pie luncheon.  We enjoy them.  Tues. nite I'm leader for Circle & the topic is Unity & I have to put some finishing touches on that.

We never hear from Barb - we wonder what she is going & what her plans are.  Maybe we'll find out sometime.

Some kids are playing basketball in the snow.  Be cold on the hands.

Last nite 56 members & friends in Hessel Valley church had a Valentine dinner at Maplehurst County Club.  Walter & Emma Johnson went with us (he doesn't drive at nite) & we had a great time.  Good food & a little program with a Covenant pastor who spoke.  Old & young alike.

Next Sun. Mel & Levina Karlson & a young man who started working at the hosp. in Jan. & comes to church, will come for dinner.  So I'll have to clean the house this week - didn't dust this past week so it is time to get busy.  Have my menu planned.  He is from Pittsburgh area - went to Augustana & I thot it would be nice to be sociable & I like to entertain.

On Easter we will go to Dagus Mines.  They wanted a pastor for that day & it's hard to say no.  We'll go to the Vally on Palm Sun. for Communion, so we'll be free the 1st and 3rd Sun. in Mar.

Things are fine here.

Mon A.M. P.S.  Tonite the N.Y.C. channel has 2 hrs. of Jackie Gleason's Honeymooners which we'll tape for future viewing!