Monday, December 1, 2002

This is Dale's early week so I have most of my Monday duties accomplished 

Yesterday Pastor Nancy Schwanke preached again.  She is so nice _ preaches good sermons.  It was a slim attendance because of the snowfall & this afternoon more snow is coming.  Tonite is LCW's Christmas meeting with a planned menu.  I'm bringing the strawberry-salad with a pretzel crust, cream cheese filing & topped with jello with strawberries.  It makes a larger recipe.  Janice Carlson will pick me up.  She also gets Evelyn Berglund who lives at the Warren Apartments.

KMart advertised electronic toys & I looked at them bu didn't get one as I didn't think there was any a 10 yr. old boy would like.  I did notice, in passing, one for playing solitaire but didn't give it a thought. Later on at home I tho't how nice it would be to have one to play when I'm in my chair watching TV.  We went to the Mall last Friday & I got myself a new toy.  It is more fun but very hard to win a game.  I've only won 2 games.  Barb likes it & uses it when I'm busy doing other things.  She plans to get herself one.  [She got herself one.]

I have an idea for me for a gift.  A sweater vest size L that buttons or zips.  To go with navy or black pants.  Plain or otherwise -- some have striped fronts.  Plain in a lighter color or even a red one.  So you have an idea now.

I'll be thinking of you on the 17th when you have that breakfast meeting.  That you'll make a good impression, but then why shouldn't you.  Dad made good impressions when he met with church councils in Great Falls & Warren & when he was leaving or retiring all 3 congregations were sorry to see him go.  Whatever happens all will work out for the best, you can be sure.

 Wednesday.  It is cold weather with snow.  This A.M. I got a ride with Barb as I had to go to CVS for 2 prescription refills.  Walked home & had worn an extra sweater which I didn't need.

That spoiled my day as I lost my ambition.  But I did make & rolled out a single crust for a banana cream pie for Thurs.  We had brats & sauerkraut for supper & they are good tasting.  I told Dale there is an extra one if he wants it.  He said no -- he weighed himself & weighs 180 lbs on our scale.  Says he's getting fat!

Called Rose this aft.  Found out Karen married "her man" in Canada.  Kerstin goes to college in Toronto & plans to stay in Canada.  She has a Chinese boyfriend.  Rose has met him & said he's nice.  The woman Rick is going with works at the hospital, is divorced & has 2 sons.

Rose spent Thanksgiving with Jim & family.  Jim's youngest daughter Beth is thinking of the ministry when she finishes college.  I think she is a soph. at Pitt.

Today I got a new magazine Bon Appetit -- hope that is spelled correctly.  Barb has the magazine upstairs.

Last Sat. I made banana streusel coffee cake & I noticed a recipe in "B.A." for one.  Similar but for the streusel my recipe mixed the brown sugar mixture with melted butter.  The new recipe doesn't add any liquid & I like the dry mixture better.  That is what I use on my regular coffee cake recipe.  Thank you very much for the magazine.  It's fun to study recipes.

Yesterday I got Christmas cards addressed, stamped.  Now comes the notes.  I plan to do some baking for the cooky walk at church so it will be the weekend before I think of them.  Already started to get Christmas cards.

There is enough snow so last Sun. Lar, Kim, Friends & dogs went skiing & enjoyed it.

Thurs. aft.  I've had a busy A.M.  Made the banana cream pie & then decided since Dale wouldn't be home for lunch (mtg. at work) I made 2 batches of cookies.  Shortbread formed into rolls & the ends dipped in melted chocolate after baking.  Then I made the choc. cookies with Andes mint icing.  Barb suggested I freeze some so she could have some for a cooky tray for Lynn & family.  I just keep a few to eat as I don't want too many around (to eat).  Dale doesn't care for them & Barb likes just a couple.  Guess who'll be making the Christmas cookies for the tray!  I'm trying a new chicken recipe tonite.  It calls for 2 frozen packages of spinach souffle, rice, milk, Swiss cheese, onion, seasonings.  Mixed together & put in the 13x9 dish & topped with the browned chicken.  Sounds good & I hope it will be.

Hope you can read & understand this letter.

Sunday, November 24, 2002

I'm sure you are watching G.B. vs. T.B. & aren't feeling very good about the game.  Barb said G.B. has many injuries.

Last nite Larry walked Torey while Kim got groceries.  They had been to an aft. wedding at First Methodist.  A soccer player who met his bride via the Internet computer.  When he didn't find anyone in the U.S. he went overseas & met a girl from Lithuania.  He visited her last summer, they hit it off & she came to the U.S.

This A.M. Rick Seteli (Karen's ex) was in church with a "new lady".  She looks very nice -- I'm glad for him as he is a nice fellow.

Back to my story -- I forgot what I started.  Lar lets Torey lead him & after walking awhile, Torey headed over here.  Dale & I were just finishing our dinner so Torey got some meat & ice cream for dessert.  Then he heads to where the doggy treats are kept to let us know he wanted the rest of his meal.  Of course he got some.  Dale bo't more today.

Today the weather was nice & tomorrow doesn't sound that good so I walked to CVS.  Needed 2 refills on my medicine.  It was nice to walk.  Funny tho, whenever Barb needs to go to CVS or the library she gets into the car & drives.  I'm not working things right.  But the exercise is good for me & I'm glad I can walk.  Rose S. can't walk any distance & Pat Benson & Anna Hollertz can't walk much.  Both use canes.  So I have a lot to be thankful for & I'll walk until my legs give out.  Millie still walks & she is 87.

We'll eat dinner at 4:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

At church today there were names on a tree for members to take to buy gifts for Christmas.  For the Salvation Army.  I took the name of a 10 yr. old boy.  They have sizes for clothes & a gift they'd like.  He likes Legos & Harry Potter.  There was a name for a 17 yr. old boy but I thought that name would take more money than I cared to spend.  If you want to give fairly good gifts it doesn't take long for the money to add up.  But I enjoy doing it.

I think I've mentioned about the bios in our church newsletter.  Today Cindy said she'd like to interview me & would I do it.  I really don't want to.  I'm not a lifetime member & even tho we lived in Auburn, Warren & Great Falls, Mt I wouldn't have that much to say.

Heard today that Gary Risher had a heart attack & is in the hospital in Erie.   He sure has had a lot of trouble since he left St. Paul.  Wonder how long he'll be able to enjoy retirement.  He's not 62 yet.

Tues. evening

It's 8 pm & the TV has been off since noon time.  They are updating the cable.  I never dreamed it would be so hard not having TV ready to go when you push the "on" button.  I've thor'ly read the newspaper, looked over some cookbooks & I'm at "loose ends" not knowing what to do.  Could start addressing Christmas cards but I'm not in the mood to do that.

The turkey is thawing in the fridge.  Tomorrow I'll make pie crust & do other jobs relating to Thanksgiving.

JoAnna's pkg. didn't get sent til yesterday.  Before we got groceries yesterday, we went to the Mall.  I got a pair of jeans for my Salvation Army name & a bionic lego set.  Had to have 1 toy besides clothes.  Still want to get a shirt & boxer shorts & maybe pj's depending how much everything is.

The first Mon. in Dec. is LCW with a planned potluck.  2 are bringing a casserole, 2 - salads & 2 desserts.  I'm bringing a salad.  We prefer this to a mixture of food.  This way it's a more balanced menu.  The other way is O.K. & it is always surprising how well rounded it comes out.

Sat. the 7th is a "Cooky Walk" & Soup & Pie luncheon at church.  I'll make a pie for it & this year I think I'll also make cookies.  Usually I've made 2 pies but they only asked for 1 pie this year.

Dale just got home -- his late Tues -- & he can't believe there is not TV yet.

Wed. aft. the 27th.  Stella was born on this day.

This A.M. Barb called the cable company & they said TV should have been on at 5 pm yesterday.  They sent a man over & at 2 pm, just in time for "As the World Turns".  There wasn't much to it as it was fixed in minutes.  It also restored my "cheery disposition"!!

This A.M. I cleaned the turkey & boiled the neck & "innerds" for gravy tomorrow.  I love to eat the meat on the neck & it was delicious so it will be a good turkey to eat.  I'm making beef-veg. soup for supper.  The first homemade soup of the season.

This is your "happy camper" continuing.  Today I got my bimonthly "Taste of Home".  In one of the added materials was a recipe for an apple turnover.  It sounded good & I tho't it would go good with soup.  At 2:30 I started making them & they came out really good.  Almost better than pie.  Very tasty.

The Fri. after Thanksgiving Dale takes a lunch so he won't lose his parking place.  So the fellows planned a lunch & each one will bring something.  When Dale heard about it most plans were made so they said he could bring a dessert.  I tried to think of something easy to fix while preparing a turkey dinner.  Pumpkin pie didn't appeal to Dale.  I said let me think about it.  As I sat watching TV brownies came to me.  They are easy to fix & I've been wanting to try a recipe that uses Hershey choc. syrup in the 16 oz. can.  Most guys like brownies & it is OK with Dale.  When I make my pumpkin pie tomorrow  I'll also make brownies.  Problem solved.  The syrup has been in the cupboard waiting to be used.  Just for us I make a smaller recipe.

Thanksgiving is over & I'll finish this letter.  Our dinner was good.  Lar likes the green bean casserole but he likes how Kim makes it.  She uses a white sauce she makes & adds grated swiss cheese. I just made 1 c. sauce & that was enough for 1 can green beans & I can yellow beans. They all liked it.

I really like the new brownie recipe & the fudge like icing.  I cut around the edges for me & Dale will take the rest to work.

Before we know it Christmas will be here.

Sunday, October 6, 2002

Watching TV again -- Twins vs. Oakland & I'm rooting for the Twins.  Last nite I was so elated when the Yankees lost the series 3-1.  Wow!  Yesterday's Twins-Oakland game was so exciting.  Sorry, but we watched Penn State beat Wisconsin (Guess I lost my threat of tho'ts) & think it's great.  I had to call last nite.  While talking to Andy I told him about Warren's Friday nite game.  They beat Erie East 32-0.  They had a play similar to Andy's only I missed it up telling him.  Warren's David Ditka fell on a fumble on the 5 yard line & went into the end zone for a TD.  Andy's TD was a catch on the 5 yard line & TD.  Just get a little excited.  Had TV on mute watching baseball & the radio on listening to Warren's game.  Dave Grady & Jim Gibson are still the announcers.

This aft. I was outside & Frank, across the street, came over & said "Guess you've heard what happened".  We hadn't but knew something was up as we haven't seen his wife's car for 2 weeks.  Faye left him for another man.  Frank said the other man has troubles & he's afraid they will both go down. Frank is very upset & said he still loves her.  He asked me to pray for both of them.  They never went to church & they know I do.  It is so sad when a marriage is on the rocks.  Why do they go for a loser when they have a good man & lovely home.  A change of life crisis?

A private plane went missing  the end of last week & Saturday's paper said Dr. Keverline was the pilot.  They haven't found the plane & he is dead.  My eye Dr. & I feel so bad this happened.  Selfishly as I wonder who I'll see next spring.  Dr. Weiss (Mary Berglund's husband) is the partner but can he absorb all the patients.  And lots of doctors don't like to come to small towns.  Dr. Weiss' daughter is interning following in her father's footsteps but that is a long way off & maybe she wouldn't want to come to Warren.  They have 2 other M.D.'s.

Tues the 8th

The first 3 days of this week are busy ones.  Had a perm yesterday at 10:30 AM.  We went grocery shopping, a day early so I'd have this aft. to clean the bathroom, etc., & last nite was LCW & I had devotions to think about.  This A.M. I got the dusting done & went to the Bible Study at Church.  I didn't stay for coffee -- at lunch at home.  I made chili & added rice when I served & it was so good so I had a bowl & sandwich on good rolls from Quality.  The bathroom is cleaned; I know what I'm having for supper.  I'm not sure if I'll get the kitchen floor washed today.

Tomorrow A.M. Barb & I are going to Jamestown -- she has to be back to pick Scott up by 3 pm.

I'm having a cup of coffee & instead of working the USA puzzle I'm adding to your letter.

Dale is painting the garage door today.  He sanded it yesterday.  Primed today.  He plans to go to Blairs, Starbrick, to look for work around the house pants.  His old jeans are getting too tight.

Last nite at LCW one of our members, a retired school teacher, but still young, Cindy De Chano is active in the Historical Society.  She presented a program on Warren in the 1800s.  It is prepared for grade school children.  She wore a dress that would have been worn then, but only 1 petticoat.   You would have enjoyed it -- had pictures; old high shoes with pointed toes & very small size with a buttonhook attached.  I remember them.  Pat Howard recognized a great grandfather in one of the pictures.  This was the history of logging & peeling & where they used to be -- Sheffield, Clarendon, etc.  Oil, farming & early buildings.  It was great.  Some members could remember the smells from tanning & the rotting bark from teh trees where they got the tannic acid.

Again I was happy this A.M. (went to bed before the game was over ) to find out San Fran beat the Braves.  I think I lean to St. Louis beating San Fran but I'm not positive.  The games all start late so I'm sure I'll miss the end of them.  I'm staying up later as Dale is on vacation this week.

I turned the furnace on this A.M.  It felt cold.

Wed. nite

We went to Jamestown this A.M. & I was lucky.  At Bon Ton I found a skirt I like & it was on sale.  The only thing it is too long so I'll have to shorten it.

At Penney's they had black & also red jackets on sale.  Just jackets in red.  Black had slacks & skirts but no size 14 in black.  The red will look OK with navy or black.  We were home for lunch.  Oh yes we also stopped at Home Depot next to Wegman's where we also picked up some specials.  Home Depot is quite a place & it would be fun to shop there if we were remodel(2 l's or 1)ing.

I washed the kitchen floor this aft. & rolled out 2 pie shells.  One for banana cream pie tomorrow & I made a quiche for dinner.  Broccoli & ham & used swiss cheese & it was really tasty.

Tomorrow A.M. Bon Ton opens early with special sales & Barb wants to go & wants me to go & use my charge card, as you get an added discount with a charge card.

Dale started on the garage door yesterday & finished it today.  It looks so nice.  He went to Blairs today & didn't find work pants but did get another pair of tan pants & a shirt.  I haven't seen them yet.  He's been busy & so have I.  He's working on the El Camino now & it is just about ready to drive.

Oh yes at Sears I tried a pants suit on but didn't like the fit of the jacket.  It was on sale, as well.  It was nice looking but not for me.

Don't think I'll be staying up too late tonite to watch baseball.  All nite games, next week also, so I'll never know the final scores til A.M.

Dale just showed me his purchases -- tan pants & a brown plaid shirt with tan & it looks good together.   He's getting good taste.

Thurs A.M.  I was watching TV one nite last week & Barb came down & changed the channel. The gov. of Wi. was beating with JoAnna's boss.  He looks like a nice man.  How is the election coming.  We had lots of ads on TV as Pa. will have a new gov.

We got to the Mall & I got my pie made.  A busy time.

Sunday, June 2, 2002

It's Sunday June 2nd so I'm starting early.  In the last letter I knew there was something I wanted to write but it wouldn't come to mind.  Not that important but I'll tell you.  About 3 weeks ago LeRoy Schneck wasn't on the radio A.M. news.   Finally remembered to ask Kim & she said he had a stroke.  He's not back yet -- Jim Gibson takes his place.  One of the daughters came home but didn't know which one.

Rose S. was in church today.  Betty Gustafson Mailhot picked her up.  It seemed good to see her sitting in her regular place.  The high school seniors were honored -- among them Ben Morelli who will go to the U. of Vermont.  8 graduates & as far as I know 6 of them will be going to college.

I bet your living room looks really nice.  I like the color.  Good to have it all clean from floor to ceiling.  I have had to dust a few cobwebs from our L.R. walls.  Haven't done any hard cleaning -- just try to keep things up.

Sat. & Sun. have been nice days so Dale has been tanning in the sun.  Yesterday I enjoyed reading on the porch & drinking coffee with freshly made rolls in the A.M. & freshly made molasses cooky & a peanut butter bar cooky in the aft.

Tonite Barb & I are having salmon & Dale will have a tenderloin steak -- from the grill.  This aft. I made a broccoli salad to take to LCW picnic tomorrow nite.  It needs to be refrigerated overnite.  Recipe from Kim & we all like it.

Now it's Thurs A.M., June 6 -- June's birthday.

The garbage is out for collection; a banana cream pie is in the fridge & I'm showered & dressed.

We had over 1.2" of rain yesterday.  It hit Tidioute & Youngsville hardest.  Trees down, electricity off.  In fact no school today in those areas -- still no elec.  It will be beautiful for Fri. graduations.

Suppose you noticed the Mets played 4 games in Atlanta. One was washed out, Braves won 3 & I'm hoping the Mets might win this aft. game.  They have to get hot sometime, I hope!  Braves' sports writers are not nice in print to the Mets.  Bobby V. keeps changing the outfield line up & I don't think that is a good idea.  Guess they (mgmt) think he's a good manager.  Barb & I don't agree.

Last Mon. nite was LCW & of course there is always "talk".  One lady knows someone in Mt. Jewett where Gary Risher is preaching on Sun.  Comment was "They wouldn't want him for a preacher."  They've been without a pastor for about 3 years.  That's where Ted Benson was.

Many years ago, after Dad retired, he preached at First Luth. for about 6-8 weeks while their pastor had a hip replacement.  Again this spring he had to have another replacement operation.  Recently while he was putting his sock on, he felt something.  A piece of the bone separated & now he has to have another operation.  Football injury.

I have to go to CVS for prescription medicine & to the library to return books & get more.  All is well here. 

Haven't heard from Gen who said she'd call.  Gen will be 80 the 13th.

Saturday, December 1, 2001

Thanks for the pictures.  They Thanksgiving table as beautiful.  If I were 11 or 14 I would be very interested in your handsome sons.  I envy the girls!  They look so good.

Yesterday I went out to lunch.  9 of us.  Ted & Sue Schaffer were able to join us.  They are in E. Ohio.  Ted Bensons picked me up & I rode home with Hollertzs in their new Buick.  Very nice.  Reason I didn't ride home with Benson's -- they were taking a clock to Sugar Grove to be repaired & they could get there by taking another road.

Dale took your pkg. to work as UPS picks up there but they do not weight it -- they'll do it at UPS Kane & put it on Shults acct. & then Dale will get charged.  Anyway, it is on the way & I hope it arrives in time for JoAnna's birthday.

This A.M. I bro't 2 pies (pumpkin & peanut butter) to church for the soup & pie luncheon & Cooky Walk.  It looked so nice.  Red table covering & decorations.  They had 135 doz. cookies to sell.  I've always made pies but next year I might make 3 doz.  That' what they ask for.

Torey's tail is much better & he doesn't pick at it as much.  To keep him from picking at his tail, they had him sleep with them.  But he slept on Kim's side and he took all the room, so Kim either didn't sleep or went to the other bedroom. But since his tail is better, he doesn't have to sleep with them.

I'm just about finished with my Christmas shopping.  Just a couple of little things needed.  Just wrapped 1 gift -- Barb's -- & that was to keep her from peeking.  She knows what it is, but not the coloring, etc.  An angel she liked--  she liked several.

I never got to get my blood pressure checked as it rained a lot.  I plan to go on Mon. as it will be OK for walking home.

Don't know if you got the Warren paper telling of Sherman Burdick's death.  I'm sure he was an acquaintance of yours.  He was 50 -- Oct 27.  Cancer.  Had worked in Portland, Ore.  Buried in Warren.  He went to Eisenhower but I know the name is familiar to me.

I recognize the pictures by the plate.  I have always like that picture so much.  Take before we left Auburn, I think.

I had planned to write 5 notes a day this past week for my Christmas cards.  I wrote 2.  I'll have to get busy as I hope to mail my distant cards on Fri the 7th.  I had a letter greeting from Gene Hasselquist in Minn, formerly Mt.  His wife Gladys is in a nursing home -- sometimes she know them, most times she doesn't.  How sad.  And how lucky I am to be in good health & keep up in baking, house, etc.  This A.M. I made a pie (pumpkin) for us & cookies, choc. chips, for us & Dale's snacks.

I have Penn State vs Virginia on TV.  What a turn around for Penn St.  They might even get a minor bowl invitation.  They are ahead 14-13 so they need to get going.

I think I mentioned I took a name from the Salvation Army for Christmas gifts.  I got elastic waist jeans & a blue striped knit shirt, PJs, underpants & T shirt underwear.  They are so cute & so small.  2T.  At Big Lot I found a stuffed animal in his favorite color, blue, & it was only 3.99.  Then at KMart we saw a soft, plush, blue teddy bear & Barb bo't it as it is so soft & cuddly.  9.99.  Then I weakened & got a farm truck.  Not the one suggested but it looked good for a little boy.  It's fun to do but it dos add up.  One way to bring happiness to a little boy.

Sun A.M.  I'm ready for church with time to spare.

Scott loves the sweet rolls I make & Barb usually takes 3 when I make them. One for Scott, one for Marisa, one for Bob.  Scott thinks he should have all 3.  Then Barb told him they can be frozen.  So he wants 300 for Christmas so he can freeze them & have one when he ants to.  No way will that happen.

We have several large bags of clothes to take to the Salvation Army.  One from Dale plus the suit he had for high school graduation.  A good jacket of Dad's or 3/4 length coat.  Lar took his jacket he wore when he cross-county skiied -- how do you spell it?  One i, too lazy to look it up at the moment.

The church's social hall looked so festive yesterday when I brought my pies over.  Mon. nite is LCW meeting -- a dinner and Eleanor Ristau & Marge Ristau are providing the meal, Janice Carlson will pick me up.  Maybe the husbands were cousins.  Marge's daughter Molly is Dale's age.

Now it's later in the day --= Sun -- & you'll have to be my "sounding board".  Joyce Rohlin sat by me in church today & we visited a bit & we share the same feelings concerning things at church.  She compared the letter we got in July (on a very small basis) to what happened 9-11-01.  NYC work the nation up & the letter woke many of our members up.  They remember planning, raising money & building our new church & the energy that took.  Then to talk about closing the church -- that was the last straw.  She has the same feeling I have -- more energy in the church, members coming back and we know things will work out.  Some of the council met with the interim pastor & were favorably impressed.  He has been divorced & they adopted 2 younger children.  But I don't know his age.  Since Dec. is taken care of, he won't start til Jan 1.

Dale got the outside lights put up but he was upset as if 1 light goes out they all do.  But he must have found the bad light.

I'd better get to my cards.  Wonder if Gerald & Darla are in their home by now.  I never can read her writing but they always send a card.

Later-- cards are close to completion.

I'm enclosing a check so you & JoAnna can buy what pleases you.

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, March 3, 2000

I mailed St. Patrick Day cards to the boys today, Mar. 3.  Can't remember when you leave & tho't maybe they'd like an extra 5.00 for the trip, so they are a little early.

It was colder today but I was able to walk to get my hair done.  The scale goes up so I need to walk again.  Suppose to warm up next week.

Next Mon. I see the eye Dr & will have to get new glasses or lens because one is scratched.  I want to get prescription sunglasses.  Save money from my Christmas Club check so I can get them.

Went to the library this week.  Read Homeport by Nora Roberts.  She also has a book Montana so I'll have to read it.  Affair by Amanda Quick.  Enjoyed them so much.  A short book Belle Haven, a gothic novel you can read in a few hours, by Juliet Fitzgerald.  The bad part is once I start a book it is hard to put it down -- I can't wait to see how it ends.

Saw a recipe for a new sweet roll.  Made the first step today & will finish it tomorrow morning.  Sounds good so I hope it will be one we like.

It's 10:15 A.M. Sat. & already the temp. is 50.  We're getting spoiled as the next few days should be in the 60s.  I love it!

The gal in your class who became a district judge -- she was Kaye Gorenflo.  Maybe you noticed that addition in the next day's paper.  I remember the name but not the girl.

Mon nite the 6th Marge Woods & I serve at LCW.  We chose to serve cake -- the easiest.  Coffee, of course & M&M's on the table.  I have a silk daffodil flower centerpiece for the table.  Didn't get candles -- maybe I have some green ones around.  Just plain napkins.  But it will work out OK.  Marge takes care of children during the day so I got the coffee, etc. & we'll split the cost.

Baked the new roll & I like them.  Need to make them a few times to perfect the shape, etc.  Th ere is no sugar in the batter.  But you roll them out using sugar on the board, sprinkle sugar over the dough, fold in 3rds.  Roll out sprinkle sugar, fold 3 more times & form.  It says you should make 4 doz.  I only made 2 doz. so I must have made mine larger.  T hey aren't that large.  Just flour, 1/2 c. cold butter, 1/2 c. shortening, eggs, sour cr. & van.  Very easy to make.  Chill overnite.  Similar to a bakery roll but I can't recall the name.  I think it would be fun to be a pastry cook.  I haven't had much luck making cream puffs.  I love them so maybe I should try again.

Now it's Mon the 6th.  I see the eye Dr at 2:20 & want to mail this then.  Yesterday I returned 3 books to the library & got 3 more.  Finished the P. D. James, A Certain Justice last nite.  You don't skim thru those books.  It was from last weeks visit.  Glad I like to read.

Thursday, February 17, 2000

Another nice day before the storm hits us.  No school last Mon. due to ice.  Kim & Torey came over for a cup of coffee to get away from the noise.  What noise, you say.  Lar is removing the floor from their living room & he ash the stereo full blast, even singing along.  He'll add insulation & then put down oak flooring.  Kim figures it will take up to 3 weeks to finish it.  So it will be a mess for awhile.

Dale got a glass door book case but it was damaged on top & bottom -- he got it 1/2 price off.  Nice glass doors.  But he has to have perfection so eh got a piece of oak veneer & will replace the top & bottom.  He used the radial saw Dad bot but it didn't cut good so he was frustrated.  Decided to get rid of it & get something better.  It made a couple of little nicks & Dale can't have that.  Lar will take the desk so Dale got it out of his room & Lar took it.  Once he made up his mind Dale works fast.  This is his early week so after work today he plans to go to Cobbs to see if he can get a matching stain for the replacements.

I haven't watched the Millionaire shows.  They don't appeal to me.  Used to watch "Wheel of Fortune" with Dad but not after he died.  Barb watches those programs & tells me about it.

Finally finished my puzzle with Barb's help.  Have 2 more new ones to do & both look harder.  Put the card table away but might start another puzzle this weekend.  [I did.]

Been checking my recipes.  In March I serve LCW with Marge Woods & looked for a recipe I tho't would be easy as well as delicious.  Can't find it anywhere.  So we decided on serving cake.  I'll make chocolate & Marge will make yellow.  Didn't check my calendar when asked to serve & have an eye appt. in the aft.  But we aren't a large group anymore so it will work out.  Told Dale this will be a froz. dinner meal.  We like the Stouffer's froz. lasagna & the spaghetti is good, too.

Sat. aft.

Nascar racing is back & I'm watching the Busch car race.  Watched the truck racing yesterday & there was an accident - flames, rolled over 11 times.  Not hurt that bad.  Did you happen to see it on the news.  (truck accident)

The reason we went to Janesville -- Dad said that's what we'd do & I followed.  After awhile that changed -- the meekness!   The big storm missed us -- just a little snow & nothing today.  It went south.

Gen called last nite to say Aunt Esther died Fri. A.M. -- congestion in the lungs.  Warren & Barbara Luthgren took care of everything.  There will only be a committal service at the cemetery.  Warren lives in N. Carolina now & won't come for the funeral.  Neither is Barbara -- she lives in Colorado.  So it would be Gen, Ed, Millie & Linda who has a week's vacation & Virginia, another cousin.  Gen said she'd have them back for coffee.

I mentioned that you sent Jeff's project to Cindy & Albert & that they would send it to Hawaii.  Had written Gen & Millie about it.  Millie tho't it was great.

Dale is looking for a new dresser.  Is on his way to Jamestown now.  He plans to start painting soon.  He bo't some shelving for the basement & has it set up.  Looks nice.  Oh yes, he plans to look for some kind of an elec. saw set up at Sears.  Can't remember the correct term for it.

Am enclosing a news article Gen sent.  Forest Park brings back many memories -- skating at Porter Lake, etc.  It must be beautiful to see -- the Christmas lights.

Sun.

Tim & Lisa Passinger were in church with their new baby Philip.  He slept the whole time.  Has lots of hair.  Born Jan. 8th.

Dale got a new piece of equipment from Sears.  Still don't know the correct term.  Lar came over & helped him carry it in.

Sun. aft. I'm always so tired so I took a nap.  Now all 3 TVs have racing on.

The following is from Rabbi Harold Kushner's "Who Needs God?"

What is the difference between a person who relies only on himself & a person who has learned to turn to God for help?  It's not that one will do bad things while the other will do good things.  The self reliant atheist may be a fine upstanding person.  The only difference is the atheist is like a bush growing in the desert.  If he has only himself to rely on when he exhausts his internal resources, he runs the risk of running dry & withering.  But the man & woman who turn to God is like a tree planted by a stream.  What they share with the world is replenished from a source beyond themselves, so they never run dry.

I like that & that's why we go to church to receive that special faith & strength.  My thought for today.

P.S.  It's a Craftsman table saw Dale got.  Big one.

Monday, June 7, 1999

It will be a hot day.  I just hung clothes outside.  This aft. we'll get groceries.  Tonite I'll go to LCW picnic & made a salad to bring.  An ice cream salad.  Dissolve jello & 1 c. hot water.  Add a pint of ice cream.  Melt.  Add fruit.  Easy & tasty.

If this heat keeps up I plan to have a salad supper on Thurs.  Chicken, broc, fruit, etc a variety.

June, July & Aug. church is at 9:30 A.M.  Nice before it gets too hot.

Our yard is really looking nice thanks to Barb & Dale who keep it up & of course Lar who did the landscaping. Mulch sets it off.  Too hot to sit on the front porch but the chairs are there.  We need to get a new blind to keep the sun out of the windows on the west side.  Hard to find.

I really enjoyed the Mets-Yankees game last nite.  Two streaks broken & to think it was the losing Mets who did it.  I'm sure Clemens & Jeter didn't expect that.

I could tell Andy was pleased with his double & they won as well.  Lots of games coming up.

Tues. A.M.  9:35.

I've got my big chores done for today.  Cleaned my room, hall, bathroom & stairs.  Dale takes care of his room & Barb takes care of her B.R. & the TV room.  I like to work early & then at 10 A.M.I get to watch Equalizer & Murder She Wrote at 11 A.M.  That, & do my 1000 pc. puzzle.  I'm also doing towels & a load of bathrm. rugs that have piled up.

Dale got the stones yesterday & Lar will bring another load of gravel for a foundation.  They dug around 6" deep, gravel & then the squares.  Should look nice.  Dale did it because "it was driving me nuts" when he mowed there.  The garden was enlarging & he didn't have room for the mower.

Haven't turned on the A.C. yet.  I keep the house closed up during the day & that helps.  I'm hot now but I've been working.

I can't believe you vacuumed the fam. room before you went to bed.  Did I raise you kids to be so fussy?  Barb has to have things just right in the garden - colors that blend.  If you don't buy all the mulch at one time, will it match - not be too light or too dark.  Dale likes to vacuum the stairs with the larger vacuum as the nap comes up better.  The hand vac is good enough for me at my age.  Too bad I didn't do better spiritually!

Hatch Patch advertised home grown strawberries in the A.M. paper.  When they open it for picking I hope to go.  Need to replenish my straw jam.

This is Barb's last day of caring for Scott & she works all day.  Plans to take Scott to Lar & Kim's camp this aft. as he has been asking.  He's not improving in his deportment.  Has picked up swear words & of course Lynn is very unhappy about that.

Almost 10 A.M.  Time to go

My bio is hand written & I need to reread it.

Thursday, March 6, 1986

It's a snowy afternoon so I'll type a letter and hope to remember a number of things I want to say.

Mon. nite was LCW and Robert Silzie showed slides of oldtime Wrrn. and he used 2 screens and showed the sight today.  Very interesting.  He also passed out sheets with interesting facts of Wrrn. and I'm sending one to you.

Today we were at First Meth. for the Lenten noonday service.  Ate lunch with Vi Lilja, Arlene H., and Eva Terry.  The subject of St. Paul pastor came up and Arlene, who is outspoken, said she hoped he didn't stay 23 years.  No one else said anything but you could read their thoughts by the silence.  He isn't too well liked and it is too bad as it is a good situation but he doesn't call and isn't the least big friendly.  It's sad as we have such a good group of people.

Denny [high school classmate] and Brenda Brader are moving to Fla.  They left yesterday with a load of things.  Brenda has a job but Denny will have to find one.  He will be back as they haven't sold their home yet.  Bill and Gen aren't too happy but Bill will teach the girls the insurance business as he will have to have help and wants to keep it in the family.  Bill said he'd keep the job open for Denny a year.

Last Fri. we went to Erie and found some good bargains.  Dad got a nice wool sports jacket for 39.00 and it looks nice on him.  I found a dress and 3 blouses.  2 are summer blouses to wear with suits and slacks.

Last Sat. nite Myrt and Jer Wallin, Alice and Jim Greenlund and Joyce came to supper.  First we had juice and crackers and a relish tray in the living room.  I used the tray you gave me and had dip in the center dish.  After dinner we played UNO around the dining room table and had more fun.

This weekend Dad goes to Dagus Mines but I won't go with him as a group is coming in from Alberta, Can.  They have been touring the US and will have charge of the Sun. a.m. service.  Housing is needed and people weren't responding so I asked Dad if he would go alone to Dagus and then we could have a couple of the young people overnite.  He agreed and they will be here for supper Sat. nite and for breakfast and there will be a potluck after church.  Should be interesting but Dale said he'd have to make arrangements to be away.  That's my kids.

Got the announcement from Ft. Worth announcing the birth of a daughter to Michelle and her husband.  And in the r.r. [round robin] June said that Curt and his wife are expecting a 2nd child in June.

Joyce O'Connor got a new Mercury Topaz and it is nice.  She also sold the apt. on the corner of 5th and Conewango.  She is glad to be rid of that.

Some of the tiles above the tub surround were coming loose from the moisture so Dad is replacing them with a sheet of tile.  Couldn't match the gray but this is a blue and white and blends nicely with the blue tub surround and you don't really notice that it is different from the gray tile.  We are all fine.  How are plans coming.

Monday P.S.

A brief note & then we'll mail your letter.

The youth group from Canada had the Sun. A.M. service & they were great.  Good group in church, too.  2 boys stayed with us.  One from B.C. & the other from Edmonton, Alb.  He shops at that big Mall there - we've seen it on T.V.  They made themselves at home - did a load of clothes; soaked in the tub; in stocking feet.  They loved the dinner & homemade rolls.

A pot luck after church & a good group out for that.  They are in the Pittsburgh area today - will go to N.Y. & Maine.  Left last Sept. & be back in Can. in June.  They said in N. Dak. & Minn. they were served sloppy joes for about 2 months.  The church wouldn't mind entertaining a similar group sometime again.  They really had the electronic equipment.

It's warming up finally.  My washing is done.  Dad is washing the car & then we'll go out for lunch & get groceries.  Tomorrow A.M. I have a dental appt. & that's the A.M. we get groceries.

[Enclosure]