Monday, September 6, 1999

It's a hot, humid day.  I was up at 5:45 A.M. to bake Danish & make a coffee cake.  Did a wash, went to KMart & stopped at Hatch Patch for corn & peaches. 

Lar & Kim had company yesterday at camp.  Between 40-50 friends.  They invite Paula (Carey) & her husband & Susan is here visiting so Kim said it was OK to bring her.  Her husband went to the Penn State game so Careys met her at State College & bro't her home here.  Her little girl is adorable.  She told her husband he could go BUT she could go to her folks, she wanted new linens & some money!

The trip was great.  I like riding with Hollertz as they are in no rush & stop often.  Warren is a coffee drinker.  At Gen's we were on the go - doing things, having fun.  The casino was fun - so large, so beautiful (colors, etc.) great view - would be lovely to see the fall colors & general excitement.  I'd go again - just to watch & have a nice meal.  And of course going to the Mall was great.  Millie is great to shop with as she knows "the ropes" after working at Steiger's women's dept.  Edith took up - Gen went to the Dr. with Ed.

The church in Wilbraham & East Longmeadow are working together to build a Habitat home.  Ed is on the committee so a lot of the planing falls on him & he will help in the building.

Tomorrow I see the eye Dr. & I'm glad as my eyes tear a lot & it's hard to read the first thing in the A.M.

On Wed. I see McNett & see how my thyroid is doing.

I have A&E on the TV & they are showing your favorite program all day.

I got Andy's birthday gift today.  I'll get it off one of these days.  I don't see anything about "Pokeman" around here.  But I have til Dec. to find out.

You mentioned you had ideas for you & JoAnna for Christmas but we got sidetracked & we never got back to it.  The next letter might have the answer.

The Mets are playing San Fran. on ESPN as well as the NYC station.  I never dreamed I'd be rooting for Ricky Henderson but he has been so good for the Mets.  And he's 40 yrs. old.  Met ahead 3-0 in the 7th inning.

It got so humid & turned on the A.C.  I tho't it would be cooler & planned on the pork loin roast I had in the freezer.  That means I turn on the oven.

Tues A.M.

Last nite Barb & Lar got into it.  She thinks she should get paid for what she's doing around the house - painting, etc.  She said Lar got paid for the steps but he didn't.  They were a birthday & Christmas gift for Dad & me.  She went out in a huff & didn't eat supper.  Lar mentioned she was living at home & if she had an apt. it would cost much more.  They think (Dale somewhat) think it's OK to live at home for next to nothing. But again if they weren't at home I wouldn't live here alone.  I like it this way so I keep my mouth shut.

Did you notice Matt Voight got caught D.U.I.  His bro. did some time ago & it never made the papers.  Makes a difference what your name is.  Mr. Carey isn't driving now - nothing in the paper about a court appearance, etc. for him.

Want to mail this when I go to the Dr.

Wednesday, August 25, 1999

Torey is here today as Lar & Kim went to Erie.  They'll come for dinner tonite as tomorrow nite Ted Benson has planned a 70th birthday party for Pat.  I'll ride with Ray & Eleanor Forstrom - to Mt. Jewett.

Fri. A.M. Warren wants me to meet them at 8 A.M. on Rt. 219 so Barb will bring me over there.  It will save time so we should get to Gen's earlier.  He first said 9 A.M.

Gen called last nite & Sat. nite we'll be at Edith's & Sun. at Millie's.  She has other things planned.

I read your "story" of your trip thru to get the highlights.  Then I read it a 2nd time to digest it.  Sounds like you got your fill of fish.  Bet it tasted great.  It sounded like a fully wonderful time.  You'll enjoy dreaming of the next reunion & what you'll want to take in.  Travel thru Canada going & then New England on the return trip?  I think you wrote it would be 2004 - can't find the sentence in the story by just scanning - but the boys would be going on 16 & 13 & probably be taller than their Mom & Dad.  Hard to believe.

It's raining today & on the cooler side.  More rain is forecast & with the hurricane on the way, wonder if they'll hit the N. Eng. coast.

Tomorrow I'll pack - have every thing already to go & I get my hair done at 2 pm.  Ray & Eleanor will pick me up at 6 pm.

East Longmeadow Mon the 30.

The party was fun & a complete surprise for Pat.

Fri A.M. Barb & I left for Rt. 219 at 7:15 & I met Warren & Anna there & we were on our way & Back back to Wrrn.  It was a nice drive & we arrived at 4:30 pm.  Warren & Anna left for Hartford & a visit with Mark & family.  We went to the China Panda for dinner & it was a delicious meal.  Not real "chinesey" as that is not a favorite for me.

Sat A.M. about 10 we picked Millie up & went to the Yankee Candle at Deerfield, Ma.  A beautiful place both inside and out.  All kinds of candles & I understand the idea started in this man's mind when he made a candle in school.  A Christmas tree room with ornaments for sale (expensive), a Santa toy shop room, an "oompha band" where 3 German dressed characters (very true to life) sang & played German songs & had a little banter between them.  Very real - the trumpet player moved his fingers on the trumpet.  Accordion player moved one hand up & down.  3rd one had cymbals tied to his knees & they moved back & forth & neither Gen or I can remember what he played.  They sang too - mouth moving.  All computerized.  Lots & lots of all kinds of candles.  We had lunch at one of the eating places.  A nice time.

Sat. evening we had a delicious dinner at Edith's.  She has such a lovely home.  Sun. we went to church at 9 A.M.  Just took it easy until it was time to go to Millie's.  Another delicious meal:  ham, pot, salad, beans, corn on cob, & a new dessert she tried which was very delicious.

This A.M. we are going to the Indian Casino in Conn.  Millie said she would spend 5.00 & no more.  Edith said she might try once or twice & then go get a cup of coffee.  I'll try & Gen might but they won't make any money off of this bunch.  We just want to see it.  There is an Indian Museum there & stores to go browze in & look around.  Can't remember how to spell the word I wanted.

Warren will call tonite to tell if we leave Tues. or Wed.  He thinks it will be Wed.  So I'm hoping if we have Tues. here we'll "hit" a mall.  Be disappointed otherwise.  It's a nice time but I'll be glad to be back in Warren.

John is taking the day off & will take us to Conn.  He took me for a ride in his Triumph - wrong spelling of the car, I think.  A convertible.  Along his roller blading rte.  Such beautiful homes being built - so large & expensive.

Andy - you better root for Penn State.  They really beat Arizona.  Maybe they'll go all the way!  They are #2 now on one poll I heard.

How is school going for the boys.

I'm on a "low" - no T.V. this long weekend.  No sports, no soaps, no weather channel.  How long can I go without it!!!

Today is beautiful & on the cool side.

Millie, at 85, has lots of energy & spirit.  Always looks nice.  Takes good care of herself.

Hope to mail this today.

Saturday, August 14, 1999

I'm sitting on the front porch.  Too muggy to do much.

Friday aft. I got a call from Warren Hollertz asking if I wanted to go to Mass. on a short visit.  We'd leave Fri. the 27th & return Tues. the 31st.  I'd have 3 days with Gen & Ed & I prefer a short trip.  Called Gen last nite & they have no plans.  I'd help with the gas.  It should be a fund drive with Warren & Anna.  So I'll get to see Ed, Gen, Millie, John & Edith.  Gen asked what I'd like to do but there won't be much time to do anything.  I'll take my swim suit in case of hot weather.  I'm hoping for a cool spell.  It will be nice to have a brief break from the routine.

Dale says next spring he'll sell the Monte Carlo & just have 2 cars.  He said that before so we'll see.

It rained hard during the nite but I didn't hear it.  Was having crazy dreams.  It woke Dale.  Barb has a barrel to collect the rain to help water the garden.  It all helps.

The elec. bill was 92.00 because of using the A.C.  But it was well worth it during the hot spell.

I got a copy of the will, living will & power of attorney to check over.  I'll call for an appt. to sign them.  Should  learn more about changing the house ownership then. 

Your family birthdays are coming up.  Is Andy grown up enough to prefer money to buy what he'd like or will you give me suggestions - also for you.  I have ideas for JoAnna & Eddie as he will still like a pkg. to open.  I'd still send Andy a little something to open.

Then Sept. will soon be here & that is the month designated for Christmas gift ideas!!  So I'd like gift suggestions!! Pretty Please.

Kim has been busy this past week with preparations for a 30 mi. bike race.  T hey expect a good group.  She's been going for solicitations of fruit, gifts (bikers' names drawn from a hat) & gifts of money.  Profits going to - can't remember the name -- but mothers & children who have been treated badly by husbands.  The poor merchants & business owners get the brunt of it all.  At least when letters come to homes asking for money they can to into the trash.  Some organization keep begging even after you've given.

Time for a cup of coffee so I'll finish this later.

Mon 9 A.M.

I'll finish this & mail it when I mail a card for Bertha Nelson's birthday.

Our paperboy's mother died yesterday at the age of 42 leaving 5 children.  One around Scott's age as Barb remembers her from the Y.  And active swimmer & runner.  It's so sad.  Andrew must be the oldest & he is a Jr. in high school.  She grew up in Wrrn. & so did her husband so they have relatives & parents.

Ted Benson just called & he is planning a 70th birthday party for Pat.  It's for Thurs. the 26th at 6 pm.  A busy time but I'll have my suitcase call packed ahead of time - probably starting on Mon. of that week.  I can get a ride with Roy & Eleanor Forstrom.

Got my answer last nite on your telephone call concerning Andy's birthday gift.  Hope I can find it.

It's a beautiful start to a Mon. weatherwise.  I'll enjoy a little walk.  Want to see the house that stood empty so long & is now being remodeled.  Next to where Schwartzs used to live on Jefferson & Buchanan.  Both Barb & Kim have remarked about it.  All new windows - lots torn out to improve it.  It was a real eyesore.

Better get going.