Friday, July 28, 2000

Your letter arrived yesterday & when I was reading the part ab out Boxer & your dramatic outburst, Paul, I started laughing.  Why, because I knew you could never leave your fine family.  But you shouldn't scare the boys like that.

Kim speaks of making a rice salad for a meal.  So I checked my recipe books & found a recipe for chicken-rice salad as I served a cool meal last nite.  It was good & they all like it.

Dale starts a week's vacation on Sat.  The weather reports say showers are possible every day next week.  Time will tell.  Dale hasn't had time to transfer the old dresser drawers to the new drawers.  When he gets that finished he'll put the l dresser in the attic for storage of his extra stuff.  In preparation he had to make room in the attic & so he had to clean it up a bit.  In the winter & the wind blows, the door would rattle & it would bother Barb so she put a pair of old jeans on the bottom to stop the noise.  All along I thot they were there to cover the floor & keep the draft out.  Anyway Dale decided to shake the dust out & lo & behold there was a dead bat.  I'm glad the jeans were there otherwise the bat would have gotten in the house.

Dale also plans to have his eyes examined.  The cost is included in his health insurance from work. He'll also  lay in the sun if it is out.

Now it's Sat. July 29.

Got a birthday card & note ready for Ruth's birthday Aug. 3rd.  DOn't hear much from her but then I don't write too often either.

I'm doing a lot more reading now that the library opens at 9 AM weekdays.  Can return books on Fri & get new one.  Saw in USA Today a review of a book by Kathy Reichs.  Her novels are similar to Patricia Cornwell only they are set in Canada.  Deadly Decision.  Forensics experts -- her Dr. is Dr. Temperance "Tempe" Brennan -- "such bloody-good beach reading" to quote the article.  I'll have to look as this isn't her first novel.  3 other books so maybe I can find one of them.

Sun. the 30th.

Roger Thelin preached today & John Check was liturgist.  Both do a fine job.  Roger is really a good preacher for a layman.

Kim is friends with a lady who goes to St. John's.  The 3 Luth. churches have a joint picnic in Aug. among other things.  This person said they are doing this as St. John's isn't growing & neither is St. Paul.  But I'm sure it will be a long time before St. Paul wants to be "Swallowed up" by First Luth.  I don't go to the picnics but she said our pastor doesn't mingle at all.  And that is true & he doesn't like to make calls for new members.  He talks of retirement & I sure hope our next pastor will have more going for him in a lot of way. The church in Kane has a new woman pastor & they really like her.

It seems to me that George was cremated & Signe will be as well.

Just finished talking to Ruth.  I will send a card to Carolyn & a check for a memorial.  We had a long talk & she asked if I'd heard about Joan.  She had mentioned it to me in a letter.  Allan has already remarried.  Someone in the congregation.  Joan found a note this woman had written in which she wrote "I love you."  The youngest daughter stayed with Allan & the older daughter isn't very nice to Joan.  The son had a heart attack a month or so ago, but he is back to work.  Ruth said when they visited them when they were in N. or  S. Carolina -- even then Allan acted funny & Joan was upset.  At least now Joan has control of the money she earns.  I hope she can find some happiness.

Tues. Aug 1 (already)

Have to write a note to Carolyn & send a card & check.  Forgot to do it yesterday.

Dale has showery weather for a vacation.  He wants to lay in the sun.  Meanwhile he has other jobs to keep him busy.

March 1992

It's a beautiful day -- has been all week.  Saw my 1st robin today.  I've started walking & Dad has to walk.  Next week he should be able to drive in the car -- rather ride.  He can't drive for another 2 weeks.

At the Mall they have a car show & we saw a bright red Dodge van & Barb said that's the car for JoAnna.  26,000 plus.  It's beautiful.  We also saw a Plymouth van with the child's seat.

Barb finished her sweater & it is beautiful.  A design in 4 colors.   Tan, light & dark blue & pink.  She started another summer sweater -- a salmon color.  Think she said she made JoAnna one in the same pattern.

Dad is getting a little bored as there isn't much he can do for awhile.

How are the children liking their new day care?

I'm enclosing some newspaper articles that I tho't might interest you.  The house plan is something else & fun to look at.  I enjoyed the short story Steinway to Heaven.

Signe & Geo. called & they sold their home.  Had to come down on the price.  And they decided on an apt. rather than the house at the same complex.  And it is only 10 minutes from Carolyn & Jim.  So they should be settled in awhile.

Not much to say.  Dad is coming along fine & we'll all be glad when we can get out again.

We love talking to Andy on the phone.  Soon Eddie will have to have a turn -- in a couple of years!

Saturday, January 11, 1992

Received your letter & info, Paul.  Dad took it to the paper & a small item ensued.   A picture would have been nice -- evidentally they couldn't use the one in the info.

Signe & Geo. called Thurs nite to tell us a cousin -in-law died.  Robert Holmberg's wife.  He died last Fall - was 93 & she was 88.  She was Eva's sister-in-law.  Someone likes S & G's house but nothing definite yet.  The retirement house is still waiting.  2 other couples are in the same fix - wanting to move to the retirement center.

Last nite the 6 of us went out to dinner (family).  Mineral Well has reopened & is doing well, served good food & is getting a good crowd.  We all enjoyed ourselves.  Dad & Dale had steaks & enjoyed them.  Lar had shish-kabobs & said they were really good.

Barb & I have been checking the sales & we found 2 cute outfits for the boys.  We'll send them for a Valentine - will send it to the library.

I'm getting over a cold. Didn't go to church last Sun (5th) nor to L.C.W. Mon. nite.  Feel fine now.

Lots of excitement in the Buffalo area & it spills over to surrounding areas.  We're rooting for Buffalo, but not Dale who says people weren't for them when they were losing so why now.  He's a Steeler fan only.  He roots for Denver.  Boo! Boo!  Buffalo all the way.

I received a colored folder from the Mets with a large picture of Jeff Torborg & a smaller inset of Bonilla in the corner.  Inside more pictures of Eddie Murray, HoJo, Doc Gooden, .Vince Coleman.  Plus their schedule & info on tickets.  It's nice!!!!  A keepsake.

Signe & Geo. also said Charles' eyesight is very bad & can hardly see.  Might need an operation.

Still no snow to speak of but cold weather is forecast to come Tues. aft.  We've had very mild weather for Jan.

Barb had her hair colored this past week & liked the results.  Looks nice.

Saturday, October 20, 1990

Time to get y our birthday gift off so I'll write a letter & wish you a Very Happy Birthday from all of us.

Our birthdays were good ones.  Once when we were out walking, we stopped in at Turner's & looked at recliner chairs, but they were too large for our area.  So we went to Reliable & found a smaller one that is comfortable, etc.  Later I went & bought the chair & asked for it to be delivered Oct 10th.  Dad was overwhelmed when he saw it, & he is enjoying it.

The yellow chrysanthemum plant is still very pretty & we are enjoying its beauty.

Signe & Geo. called & they sound good & keep going.  It is Signe's colon but she doesn't say much.  June says it's serious so I hope it isn't cancer.

In Lila's card she wrote that Gen predicted you'd have a girl on the 15th, Grandpa N.'s birthday.  When Dad's cousin's son & wife were expecting Gen told them "you already have 5 granddaughters, so I predict you'll have a grandson on May 23rd & it turned out to be true.  So if this should be true, JoAnna won't like it as it means waiting 10 more days.  Time will tell!

Denise Johnson got married again to a Wm Winslow.  Not much improvement on the 1st husband.

Mr. Bonace fell off a ladder & broke his arm & had 4 stitches in the forehead.  It was a new alum. stepladder & it was just crushed - after the fall outside.

Mr. Holder is full of cancer.

Mr. Africa had a hip replacement & Ed Ryberg has to have a hip replacement.

I just read a great book "The Gift of Asher Lev" by Chaim Potok & it was so good.  But I got the cart before the horse - now I'll have to read "My Name is Asher Lev".

I've been reading more mysteries lately & have found some new authors.

The new dept store is opened but I haven't been there yet even tho I have a gift certificate there.  Bon Ton does a lot more advertising in the Warren paper now.

Are you surprised by the outcome of the first 3 World Series games.  We are- I thought it might be the other way around.  But I'm a National Leaguer so I'm happy.  Too many changes from one year to the next for a dynasty.

Time to watch the game.  We'll call next Sat or Sun to wish you Happy Birthday.

Tuesday, September 25, 1990

I'm watching the Mets at Montreal and they are ahead - for the time being.  Chic. is ahead of Pitts.  But I'm sure Oakland will go all the way this time.  If the Mets come in 2nd to Pitts. I'll be happy.

Tonite Barb answered the telephone and talked a bit and then said I was here so I took the phone and the caller said this was Carolyn and went on to say they had to take her mother to the hospital and it took me awhile to realize it was Signe she was talking about.  Didn't expect to hear her voice.  Signe had a high fever so she was hospitalized for tests, etc.  Still don't know too much.  And Geo. is at a nursing home next to the hosp. so he can see Signe daily.  Sometimes I wonder if the care of Geo. is getting to be too much for her.

We are enjoying the video.  Lar and Kim were over last Sun. so we showed it to them.  In the picture we noticed that Paul was swinging his arms when he was watching Andy in the water and Kim commented that Lar does the same thing and said it must be a family trait.  Later in the film Andy was doing the same thing so it must be.  I never tho't about it before.

Last Thurs. it was a beautiful day for a change so we went to Erie in the aft.  One of the stores was having a sale and I got an all weather coat - it is longer and will cover longer dresses.  A red one.  We ate at the Red Lobster.  In Sept. we have had over 5" of rain.

A couple of Sat. past we met Hollertz at Cook's Forest and it is so nice and we'd never been there before.  We had a late breakfast at a nice place that was rustic and the food was good.  We drove around and stopped to play minature golf and it was fun and it was quite different from the usual course.  We always have fun with them.

Dad cleaned out his closet and put away summer things so I decided to do the same and between Dad, Dale and me, we had several bags for the Salvation Army.  Got rid of things we don't wear any longer.

This noon we had the Senior group potluck at church and we always have lots of good food.  The program was a film on the Amish and it was very interesting.

Things are fine here.  The weather is suppose to improve so we hope that is true.  We can see the trees are beginning to get some color.

Dad called Signe at the hosp - Carolyn gave the number.  She's had tests but won't know the rests for 24 hours.

Sunday, January 24, 1988

We were suppose to go out to dinner with Mel & Levina after church but Levina got sick during the nite.  So we decided to go to First Luth. Jamestown.  It is a large church with an excellent choir & organist.  Young pastor & woman assistant pastor.

Afterwards we went to The Brookwood for a delicious lamb dinner.

Called Sig & Geo. yesterday about 1:30 E.S.T. & Geo. was still in bed.  He has so much pain in his neck & Dr. can't understand why.  He's to have an xray this week.  But they want to come & visit us this spring.  Hope it works out.

They had been to Beloit & Min is losing weight and can't keep food down.  Char. is home & has the basement as his abode.  He's playing in various churches in the area in hopes of becoming music director.  Lila complains of leg pains.  The family is showing its age.

We talked about going to the lake & it sounds as if the Rkfd group won't go & Sig & Geo. aren't sure.  We wondered if there is some other place in Wi. that has rental cottages as it sounds as if Roland & Linda are interested.  Carolyn goes to Green Lake in Wi. but maybe that is already filled.  Think about it & talk it over when Roland & Linda visit.

Carolyn has a chance to teach full time in Ca. but hasn't taken it yet as it sounds like she has to see Paul from time to time.  Wonder if they'll change their custody arrangement.

Kim met with Mr. Ferguson; he suggested she submit a resume as there will be an opening in her field.  She might not get the Beaty job but it will be a job with better insurance, retirement, etc.  Lar can have better coverage, too, on her plan.

Barb & I put a new puzzle together.  This week I'll work on the one you gave us when we retired.

Oven still not in use.  The pilot light didn't work right & he had to order a part.  Maybe next Wed.  And I had made up cookies & rolls to be baked.  So I froze the dough.  Hope it works for the rolls but if not, it would be a loss regardless.

Sig mentioned that Linda was elected to the Church Council & is an officer in the Women's group.  Hint! Hint!

I'd like to set dates if you still want us to come out in the spring.  I think the end of Apr. say if we leave here either Thurs. the 21st or Tues the 26th.  That would leave May open for Swanson's.

How's my little darling.

[Picture used on Jeannette Bell's re-election flyer.]

Dad's fixing a fire in the fireplace so I'll bring this to a close with our love.

Wednesday, October 14, 1987

The ballgame doesn't look good (2nd inning).  At least Minn. won.

Thanks for a wonderful visit.  We had such a good time & seeing Andy was so great.  We enjoyed our visit in Rkfd too.  Celebrated our birthdays again on Sat.  Signe, Geo. & Roland came.  Linda & children were at her sisters for a birthday party so Roland drove the car.

On the way we stopped at the Freeman Factory Outlet in Beloit & it is a great place to shop for both men & women.  Shoes, clothing, underwear & a place for sheets, towels, etc.  We enjoyed it.  Dad got a pair of pants, shirt, & sweater vest.  I got a pair of slippers.

Now for some news.

1)  Curt & his wife expect their 3rd in Jan.  Have 2 boys & she is teaching.

2)  Greg (Joyce) was let go as a pilot in Seattle but they will stay there & he hopes to find other work.  They sold the Co. Jet & laid off the last 2 pi9lots Hired & Greg was one.

3)  David's wife is a Methodist minister & they were married by a Judge & later went to the Luth. church for a blessing of the marriage.

4)  Michelle (Anita's daughter) husband left her, came back long enough to get her pregnant & left her again.  Baby born in Aug so she has 2 girls & lives with Anita.  Mickey (Sharlynn's daughter) quit school but isn't working as she was in an accident a year ago & was in pain & couldn't concentrate in school.

June gave us letters, etc. we had sent home to Grandma N. & we found a picture of Paul at 6 weeks & it looks like Andy.

Barb enjoyed looking thru the book on Wisc.  We do enjoy looking thru it.

Went walking with Joyce today.  It was so beautiful & the sky so blue.

When we entered Pa. it was good to see the hills with their colors.

Dale's license finally came.  He bot another Oldsmobile & will work it over.  He hopes to sell the Firebird that sits in the garage.

Excuse the scribbling but wanted to get a letter off.

Again many thanks.  Kiss Andy for us!

Sunday, February 1, 1987

Dad has a fire in the fireplace (where else) & it's cozy sitting here.

Just finished talking to Geo. & Signe - they called us.  We talked about the lake & told them that we wouldn't be going to the lake.  They had the same idea because they will be moving into their new apt in July.  So we put it off until '88 & see what happens.  We're glad they're not disappointed.  Roland had asked about it, but they wouldn't want to be up there if you weren't' there.  So we'll visit Ed & Gen in July & you folks after the baby comes.  Is that O.K.?

Today we were in Mt. Jewett & we enjoyed being there.  Went to Benson's for dinner & I'm enclosing the recipe that we had today & it is delicious.  And easy to fix - maybe it might appeal to you.  I plan to fix it soon.

Next Sat. nite we are going to a Valentine Dinner with the Holy Trinity group.  Pat & Don Greendahl called & wondered if we'd like to.  It will be at Marvin House, Jamestown.  Suppose to have good food.  Think it's in Lakewood.  (It isn't - downtown Jtown.  It was fun - delicious meal.)

The next Sat. is another Valentine Dinner with the group at Hessel Valley.  This will be at the Maplehurst County Club.

Last nite we watched "Witness for the Prosecution" on channel 3.  Really enjoyed it.  No ads either.

Not much happening around here.  Quite a bit of snow to shovel.  Dad gets his eyes examined on Wed.  Days are getting longer & that is nice.

Now it's a week later & I'll finish this to enclose in your Valentine.  Also a little gift that could go toward a movie or fish dinner.  Enjoy!

We had lunch at the Holiday Inn & looked into the cost of rooms.  We'll also check at Penn-Laurel as we can't wait too long.  Figure Gen & Ed, Edna & Wally, Signe & Geo. & whoever else of the relatives come they will stay in one or the other.  Penn Laurel will be cheaper but H. Inn nicer.

We chose wallpaper for the eating area, got it, put on 2 panels, didn't like how it went on; returned unused rolls & chose a new paper.  The walls are all set to go so I hope Dad can get to it this week.  The 1st choice wasn't the vinyl we expected.  Now we have the right vinyl.  The old was pieced after the new window went in - maybe others couldn't see it but we could.

How's everything with you.  We are all fine here.

Wednesday, June 18, 1986

After all our rain, it turned cool so I baked cookies.  It's almost too cool now - like Two Rivers!  It's nice to see the clear skies, tho.

Carl thanks you for the cheese & beef stick package.  It is tasty & we are enjoying it.

We tired T.V. pop corn (Lar gave us a package) & it is very good.  Only takes about 3 min. on hi & very tasty.

Sat. is Kim's birthday & she & Lar will be here for dinner on Sun.  It is also Edna & Wally's wedding anniversary.

We call Sig & Geo. last Sun. as it was their 40th anniversary.  Linda & Rol & family were down & they all, Carolyn, Ken & Paul, too celebrated.  When we called, Geo. was experiencing a lot of pain.  Outings are hard for him.

Gen also celebrated a birthday.  Johnny got her a beautiful blouse but it was a size 38, much too large for Gen.;  Guess he went by the looks & not size.  Ed gave her money for a microwave.  This is Gen's last month of work & she is looking forward to retirement.

Kim told us about a new restaurant in the area - it has changed hands & they have added onto the eating area.  Gamecock Inn, beyond Jackson Valley Country Club.  Looks nice from the outside & Kim's grandmother went there & said the Prime Rib is delicious & they serve it Thurs.-Sun. 9.95.  We plan to try it soon.  We're always open for a new eating place.  Last Sun. we went to Nic L Inn & enjoyed a nice dinner.

Sat A.M. we met Benson's, Hollertz's, & Shaffer's at Clarion & ate at the Clarion Clipper & it is really nice.  Our next outing will be at Peek N Peak.

We're been getting wine coolers & they are thirst quenching.

How's the new job.  Am anxious to hear about it.

Tomorrow we plan to pick strawberries.  .We've bought some & they've been good.

Have you noticed how well the Mets are doing.  Maybe it will be the Mets & Boston in the World Series.

Dad sends you his thanks.  He leaves the letter writing to me.  Things are as usual here.

Sunday, February 2, 1986

Hope you got the pkg. all right.

I'm watching the last football game - Dad is watching golf.  Soon we'll be watching our favorite team -- The Mets!

Doesn't seem possible it's Feb. 2nd.  If you want to move in Mar. you'll have to get busy.

The boys don't think much of the Cavalier.  Said it's a car for a school teacher marm - they like the Nova, or the Nissan.  The Datsun has given you good service & is like an old horse now - wants to be put to pasture!

The boys will get busy on measurements.  I suggested they go to Carnahan's & have Ed measure them - he know them from when they worked there.

Any housing arrangements you make are fine with us.  How many can stay there.  I'm hoping Barb will still be around & Kim might be coming so there could be 7 of us.  We plan to get there on Thursday.  Ruth wants us to visit after the wedding.  And Linda invited us to visit them before the wedding.

The church in Dagus Mines might call a senior seminarian so that mean he would start in June so just 4 more months of visits for us.  We go there next Sun, then meet Hollertz's for lunch, then go to the Installation of the new pastor (woman) in Johnsonburg.

The 15th about 40 from the Hessel Valley church are going out to dinner at Maplehurst County Club.  Walter Johnsons go out there & they will ride with us to the dinner.  A Valentine celebration.

The 16th we meet Bensons & Hollertzs in Kane for dinner.  We're each bringing a Valentine to exchange & we got 2 cute, funny ones.

Heard a cute joke - Where did the Statue of Liberty get AIDS?  From the Staten Island ferry!

Dale went snowmobiling last Fri nite & had a good time.  With 2 from work - both married & Dale didn't get in til 3AM.  The poor wives!

Dale has his license back but his car isn't ready - maybe this week he'll be driving it.

Signe had a nice 75th birthday.  Carolyn & Ken had a party for her.  She bot a microwave with birthday money.  Roland took video pictures & after they heard we had a V.C.R. they decided to get one.  So we're not the only one to spend, spend, spend!!

We got a ceiling fan on sale for 32.00 & Dad hopes to put it in the upstairs hall.

Lar got nice vinyl for his bathroom walls & has it finished.

We attended church in Wrrn. today & met a young man from the Pitts. area now working at the hosp.  A nice young man and we invited him to dinner the last Sun. of the month.  Will ask Mel & Levina, too.  Have a good chicken recipe I can make ahead & them it bakes in 1 hr.  I'll have juice & crackers & we'll be able to eat by 1:30.  His parents are active in synod affairs so I tho't it would be nice to get better acquainted.

A week ago Gen & Bill Brader came for supper & we had a nice evening.  He gave us some records & Dad taped them.  Bill gave me an Oak Ridge Boys Tape & he's taping some Yorgy Jorguson records for us.  Lot of people don't like Bill but we enjoy their company.  We've learned to overlook some quirks.  When you look a little deeper you find nice people.

All is well with us.  Time will go fast.  Everyone who sees my dress likes it.

Joyce O'Connor will be 60 this week & eligible for Soc. Sec.  We plan to take her out to lunch to celebrate.

[Enclosure]

Sunday, January 5, 1986

Chicago won - I should have had a bet with Dale!

We're sitting in front of a nice fire & I've written 2 letters.  Also made a batch of cookies & gave some to Lar as he was here to shovel 2 walks.

Imagine you got off OK - it was foggy driving home until we got to Corry.  We were glad to get home safe & sound.  Heard this A.M. that Milwaukee has a lot of snow.  We woke up to about 3" inches of snow & more during the A.M.

Because of the early game we decided not to eat out but will cook steaks.  Football comes first!

We took the tree down Sat. & cleaned a bit.  But I wanted to go to J.town & we went for lunch.   Looked around & got some Christmas wrap for 50% off.

When I washed Sat. & took dirty clothes from the hamper I found 2 pr. of your socks.  Don't know how they got there.  I'll send them when Dale gets your batteries so it might be 2 weeks or so.

Just talked to Signe & Geo.  Geo is in a nursing home (as long as Medicare will allow) as he gets therapy there.  Is feeling pretty good.  Talked to Sig first & she gave us Geo. telephone no.  Sig has a bad cold & some flu so she was in bed.

Irma Thelin has a bridal shop so plan to talk to her about dresses.  Maybe she can find one for me.

Geo. said when Roland got home after the holidays there was 5 ft. of snow in their yard.

It was so nice having you & JoAnna home.  We are so pleased with your choice of JoAnna.  We like her so much.

I'm enclosing pictures of the fire.  It will take a while for final decision as to what they'll do - tear it down or whatever.