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.

April 3, 2004

What a disgusting situation -- my cold has gotten me down & I'm lazy, but I want to make an apple bread & a batch of cookies.  Maybe after lunch.  It's the cough that is the worst part.  I don't think I can go to church tomorrow.  On top of that, we could get a snowstorm.  I was so pleased with myself for not getting a cold all winter; spring arrives & so does a cold.

The library looks so nice.  You have much to be proud of, Paul.

It turns out I have read Robt. B. Parker in the past but never like his books, but this one is more interesting reading & it takes place in the Boston area.  If I remember I think his books are about that area, so I should like him.

Bert wants to take Barb out for her 50th birthday.   For lunch.  She also said she'd help Barb if she had to have an operation.  Bert wants to go to Jamestown so they might eat lunch there.

Remember Vincent, whose parents bot the Johnson house, he is a senior & such a nice fellow.  He plays soccer & baseball.  He came over a few times when Andy & Eddie visited here.

Later.  About 11 AM I got up off my chair & made the apple bread, & choc. surprise cookies. The surprise is a marshmallow under the icing.  Was hungry for them.  Made some for Dale minus the marshmallow.  Fixed lunch for Dale, cleaned up  & will read more of my book.

This A.M., after I got up I browned a pot roast & put it in the crock pot.  Mashed pots. & veggie & I'm all set.  It makes such good gravy.

Later yet.  Our dinner was good.  Barb made an apple raisin bra using oatmeal, whole wheat flour, etc.  She didn't use a recipe & it came out very good.  I had a piece for dessert & it was tasty.  Wonder what it will be like next time.  I prefer a recipe to follow.

I'm enjoying the Parker book -- I like the short chapters.

Sun. Apr 4

Just as I suspected, I didn't get to church.  The cold has a strangle hold on me, but I have to go to the bank for Apr. expenses, I need stamps & a med refill plus groceries.

Mon. Apr. 5

Today Bert & Barb went to Jamestown & had lunch at the Red Lobster.  They went shopping at the Mall & found 2 tops she liked.  Bert's birthday gift to Barb.  Barb got home about 2 p.m. & in the meantime Lynn had called & said Scott was home from school.  Didn't feel good.  He's following Marisa's ways when it comes to school absences.  So seeing she didn't have to pick Scott up she asked if I wanted to get groceries.  I said let's try going to the post office, bank, & CVS first.  I felt OK, so we also went grocery shopping.  I was glad as my day won't be broken up tomorrow.  Today I did my usual work, except for tying up old newspapers & cleaning the basement bathroom.  Maybe tomorrow & I must wash the kitchen floor.  Today I got Easy Off Oven Cleaner so I have a big hob ahead of me.  I'm coughing a lot & during the nite so it upsets my sleep.  And they say it drags on for 2-3 weeks.  More fun!

Watched some baseball today.  Dale was pleased the Pirates beat the Phillies.  And San Diego beat LA & Detroit beat Toronto.  They haven't won a home opener for awhile.  It's so good to have baseball again.  The Mets play tomorrow nite.

Wonder what kind of a summer we'll have.  Hope it's not as cruel as our winter was.  Today it's still winter -- cold & windy.

I was lazy so we ordered pizza tonite.  When I ordered it, of course I had to cough & the fellow at the other end said "I hope you feel better".

When I got my meds today, I expected to pay $37.00 for it -- the most expensive.  But it only cost $16.00.  I have $250.00 deductable & I must have spent it, so that was a nice surprise. I wonder about the new Medicare -- if it will work for me with medical insurance.  It is suppose to help with medication . I haven't read much about it.

Tues A.M., the 6th

I start coughing around bedtime & Barb wanted to go get cough medicine.  She called Kim & their Dr. friend recommended Delsym, the best without a prescription.  I didn't want Barb to go out -- she was in her pj's.  She finally did -- said she wouldn't sleep if I kept coughing.  I took 2 tsp. at 10 p.m. & again this A.M. at 10.  It really helps.  And I slept much better & didn't hear Dale get up to shower.  When Dale left I sat in my chair for 1/2 hr. &U dozed. Took a shower, etc. & felt better.  When Barb left I washed the kitchen floor.  Wrapped newspapers but still need to do the basement toilet.  The Schwan man comes today so I dont' want to miss him so came upstairs.  He just came so I guess I'll go downstairs.  Have to push myself as it's so easy to be lazy.

April 7.  Wed.

Today Warren H. called.  He had an appointment at Warren Dental Arts & they wondered if I could go out to lunch with them afterwards.  I still cough a lot & said it was best if I didn't.  I hated to refuse but it was for the best.

Last nite I watched the Mets beat the Braves 7-2.  It was a good feeling.  Detroit beat Toronto & Milwaukee took 2 from St. Louis.  And Tampa Bay beat the Yankees.  What's going on. Is this the year of the underdog.  I can dream, can't I.

Jerry Howgard didn't last long as a Schwan Man.  He's now working in N. Warren at Casey's Salon.  Lauri Hause, Janet & Dick's daughter, started it.  She married Joe Casey (Betty & Joe Senior), but they got a divorce & she married again, as Joe also did. I'm not sure if she still owns it.  It will be different for Jerry -- he's not the boss anymore. Sheila inherited some of his customers but they plan to stay with Sheila.

Our Easter weather forecast isn't a happy one.  Cold & a possibility of snow showers.  But they do say our weather should improve in another week!  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Dale got a heavy weight pkg. today.  He ordered a cement cutter for bricks, etc.  He said he'll let Lar keep it & use it.  And if Dale wants to use it, he'll get it from Lar.  It was such a good bargain (200.00), he couldn't pass it up.  They rent for $50.00 A DAY.

The weather channel shows tornados in Miss.  So I guess I shouldn't graumble too much!

In our paper I noticed Sheffield Hi principal finally called the State Police. A girl was in his office kicking furniture & cursing the principal.  Other schools call the police & Kim thinks their principal should try it.  He really must have been ticked off this time. Tomorrow nite we'll hear more about it from K.

Good Fri. the only day the teachers & students got off for vacation due to snow days & bomb scares.

I'm still coughing but much better.  I think I'll live!!!

Saturday, November 8, 2003

I'm glad to be sitting down.  Barb said we'd go to the Mall this A.M. so I didn't start baking. After lunch I got a coffee cake in the oven, started dinner rolls & made an apple crisp.  Now I'm almost thru.  The bell should go off for the last 2 pans.  While the rolls were baking I had a cup of coffee & a piece of warm apple crisp.  Umm.  Very tasty.

Yesterday I saw Dr. McNett for the last time.  Joyce O'Connor took me for a 2 pm appt & I got to see him around 3 pm.  People wanted to talk too long with him.  My blood pressure was good & so was my heart beat.  He felt maybe the new medication he gave me last time took my blood pressure down too fast & that caused my problems.  I imagined all sorts of things but with things OK that calms my mind.  It has a great power over a person. I thanked him for all he has done for Dad & me.  He gave me a hug before I left.  He recommended Dr. Nguyen -- pronounced "when".  He is Vietnamese, bro't up in Texas & has a Texas accent.  Dr. tho't I would like him.  Dale's Dr. was filled up.  T here are 4 Drs & they have an office in Pleasant Twp.  I have an appt. for Nov. 26 a 10 A.M. to get acquainted.  My records will be forwarded to Dry Nguyen.  So I have a new experience ahead of me.  It was a long wait for Joyce but she understood.  We went to supper at Ponderosa in the Mall.  We each had the salad bar & they had a good selection.  We walked a little bit but Joyce isn't a shopper.

We have clear skies & cold weather.  Winter coat time.

I read every word of the Bookworm.  Ken Mack must have been quite young when he died. Too bad he couldn't have lived longer to enjoy the fruits of his efforts.  But what a nice contribution to the library.  Enjoyed reading the bio of the library's pages.  Also about the lib. board chairman.  Lets me know more about your position.  Enjoyed reading about Chautauqua County.  The first I've heard of it.  Nothing in the Buffalo newscasts & we don't get the Jamestown paper.  I didn't even look to see if I had made any plans for supper.  I try (half-heartedly) to make plans for the week so I wont' be in the situation I'm in.  Tired & don't know what to have for super.  Luckily there is always Pizza Hut.

Dale put the glass insert in the front door today & the extra glass for the windows in his & my bedrooms. It helps a lot.

I lost 7 lbs & the Dr. wondered why & how my appetite is.  For awhile I didn't each much breakfast but that phase is over.  But I'd like to keep those pounds off.  But will I give up my coffee breaks -- that is the question!

I'm waiting for golf to come on -- The Ohio State-Mich. State game is going on too long. Penn State couldn't even score.  In the 1st half they were close to the end zone a couple of times & couldn't even kick a field goal.  And Wi. lost -- we switched back & forth between games.  (And Miami lost again.  There is a little talk that Joe (Penn State) should retire. Barb says they need a good QB.  You'd think at 76 he'd want to take it easier.  Guess some people find it hard to give it up.

Wed. Nov. 12

I'm making a new recipe -- Italian Bow Tie supper.  It has gr. beef, onions, tom. sauce & diced tom.  Then you add pasta, thawed spinach & mozzarella cheese.  I tho't it sounded good.  Also spices.  Time will tell.

Remember I mentioned Kim Schuler wanted to buy the house (empty) north of Bert's.  He kept after the absent owner & she finally said yes.  So now it is his & he hopes to bring it back to its former glory.  There is a lot to do.

We went to Jamestown last Mon.  Ate lunch at the Red Lobster.  I didn't find much -- a pink cotton blouse with cuffs & a navy sweat shirt with a Christmas design on the front.

Bert had company last weekend from Madison.  Relatives.  He works for the Dept. of Health & Human Services.  Barb said they are nice people.  Barb mentioned JoAnna working at the Capitol & Paul being library dir. in Middleton.  Their names art Myrt & Tom Seiger.

Larry called yesterday for Dale but it was the Tues. he worked til 8 pm.  He called again -- his truck wouldn't start -- on East St. but it sas too late for Dale to help.  Some people at work would ask Dale to work on relative's cars after work.  He'd get paid but he doesn't need extra money & he doesn't like to work on cars after working on them all day.  Of course he'll help Lar.  Mike Brindis waned Dale to work on his car but he didn't.

The former beauty shop closed as of Sat. the 8th.  Jerry couldn't make it without Sheila & Sue.  He is going to become a Schwan salesman.  It is just the opposite for Sheila & Sue -- they are doing very well.

Thurs. Nov. 13

We had snow today that stuck to the trees.  Making them so pretty.  Barb had to shovel at Bert's but we didn't have to.

Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today.  We'll have the usual menu & Kim said she'll bring pumpkin & pecan pies & a green bean casserole.  I said only 1 pie is necessary but she wants to bring both.  We'll eat about 5 pm.

Sat. Barb is going to Erie alone.  I don't care to go .  Barb wants to look for some tops & she'll stop at Target also.  I'm sure it will be crowded & I never seem to find anything I really like.

Lar's truck needed a new starter.  The first one he got wasn't the right kind.  Today he finally got the new starter in . It wasn't a hard job & it saved him a lot of money.  As it was it cost him close to $175.00.  If he would have had it done, it would mean a towing job plus the cost of starter & the cost of having it done -- labor.

Things are fine here.

Friday, September 12, 2003

I didn't mention this in my last letter, but I enjoyed your interview in the library newsletter.  I didn't realize there were 3 openings in the Oshkosh library.  Erie might have to close 5 branch libraries because of the cut in state aid.  I know our lib. has to cut hours.  It's too bad.

I got the Chadwick catalog & I might get a blazer there.  There sure isn't much in the stores I like.

Someone, Marsha Bines Swanson, in your class died of cancer.  Last week there was a death notice of someone in Dale's class, no he was a yr. older but Dale knew him.  Heart.

Dale is cleaning out under the basement stairs.  Think I mentioned a post is rotten & he plans to put a new one in.  Lot of junk to be thrown out.  Even found the wading pool we bo't for the boys one summer you were here.

I'm watching the Braves at Fla.  Braves are ahead but it's only the 1st inning.

Noticed the weather report said rain for Wisc.  So I wonder if Andy is playing football in the rain.

Sheila & Sue (another operator) are leaving Jerry's shop & opening their own on upper Conewango across the from dance studio.  Jerry was to receive a registered letter today with the news.  Sheila & Sue have a good following & will take a lot of business from Jerry.  If he gets tough with them, they'll leave immediately as the shop is ready.  If he accepts it OK, they'll stay on awhile so he can cover the bills.  The other girls there don't have much of a following so they don't bring in much profit.  Sheila & Sue don't feel they are getting full pay for all their long hours.  And they found out Jerry used the shop credit card for personal use. I'll find out more on Mon. when I get a perm.  '

I'm pretty well set for next Wed.  I decided on a pumpkin dessert.  Cake mix makes a crust-mixed with melted butter & nuts -- then a pumpkin filling & saved 1 c. crumbs for on top.  I'll have 2 kinds of cookies & ice cr. if someone doesn't like pumpkin.  A bar cooky for one & note quite decided on the other. (changed my mind & served cake)

Lilith Johnson called today to say they won't be coming.  Just found out she has to see a heart specialist & she has sugar so bad it has affected her eyes.  She can hardly see anymore.

Barb says 6 more sizes & Andy will catch to the L.A. Laker, whose name won't come to the surface.  I'm sure you know who I mean, or is it whom?  Shack O'Neal is the name I want.  I'm not sure of the spelling.

Not it's Sat. the 13th & what a day for college football.  Both Barb & I didn't think Ohio State would win but they did by holding on the goal line.

Made my regular coffee cake this A.M. & Spritz and I made pie crust -- I like to have it in the freezer.

Now I'm watching my poor Mets at Montreal.

Dale is fertilizing the lawn U& Barb is working upstairs & she'll be switching TV between checking on the Mets & watching Penn State football & they are having some troubles.

Wed the 17th.  My meeting is in the past & all went well -- but I could have done better.

Dale left for Rochester again but only for Thurs.  This time the session in on electronics in the new cars.  I think that's what he said as he left, but don't quote me!

Tues & Wed. have been beautiful fall days.  But late Thurs. & Fri we are to get Isabel's rains.

Today Ret. Gen Wesley Clark announced he will run for pres. on the Dem ticket.  Barb likes him -- she has listened to him on T.V.  What do you think his chances are?

In today's USA puzzle -- I started it & when I get stuck Barb takes over.  If she' can't complete it, it comes back to me & I try to finish it.  Today's puzzle had "Virgin of Kocanic paradise".  Finally there were enough letter to make me think it was HOURI.  I looked it up in the big dictionary & I was right.  I've had it before & my memory is still good!!

After having the ladies here this aft, I wasn't in the mood to make supper so we had Pizza Hut pizza.  It was fine with Dale as he wanted to leave by 6 pm.  It takes almost 3 hours.

Dale fertilized the lawn at the right time as we had a nice gentle rain & you can already see the difference.

Next week I have to clean out my closet  part with things I don't wear.  Hope I follow thru.

It was nice talking to Andy on his birthday.  I like the football program you sent me.  If I counted right there are 9 fellow 6' or over.  Dale commented on #71 John Stucki 5'7" weighing 2498.  Is it muscle -- he doesn't look that big.  I recognize many names of Andy's friends from your letters.

 

Thurs.  I'm tired tonite & it will soon be bedtime.  Seems like I was at the sink most of the day.  First I made an apple pie & it came out real good this time.  I'm wrong first I set dinner rolls & while they raised I made the pie.  Made applesauce as I fixed stuffed pork chops, Andy's favorite.  We didn't eat 'til 6:30 & Dale got home at 6:45.

Today I've been watching the Weather Channel a lot -- what a storm.  We're expecting to get rain late tonite & tomorrow.  They are playing high school football Sat. instead of Fri due to the expected rain.

Guess I'll get ready for bed.  All is fine here.