Sunday, October 17 1999

"Boxer" by Eddie

Just finished putting a puzzle together - 1000 pieces & everyone was there.  Some pieces were missing & because of the rug, they are hard to spot.  I get down on my hands & knees & feel around & find the missing pieces.  If I don't do that the vacuum cleaner "eats" them never to be found again.

Thanks for your flowers.  They are very beautiful.  I have another bouquet - altar flowers.  Carole Anderson always has them on this Sun. in memory of her parents.  And she thought so much of Dad that he always got one of the bouquets.  He would visit them, etc.  Visitation means so much to members & that is what they remember Dad for - one of the things.  Now I got the flowers this year.

Tonite (6 pm reservation) we go out to eat at "Bones & Ribs", in area opposite Jackson Valley Country Club & golf course.  It burned down but was rebuilt.  I has had other names as well & owners.  Suppose to be pre3tty good - time will tell.

In my bedroom we have a heart theme as the quilt has hearts on it & so does the border by the ceiling.  So we tho't a heart shaped wreath would look nice on one wall.  Kim decorated one & gave it to me & it does look so nice.  Barb & Dale gave me Betty Dixon chocolates &^ a candle, votive type, that fits into a black wired heart.  The candle holder part is a heavy glass "thing" you used to see on elec. poles.  Dale told me the correct word but I can't call it to mind.  You'll see it sometime.

We're going to have a real tree again this Christmas.  This aft. Kim & Lar were going to choose trees.  Mark them for cutting in Dec.

Paula Carey - don't know her married name - starts a new job Nov. 1 in Buffalo.  S he has been working for Northwest Savings in the mortgage dept.  The new job means more money.  Her husband is a lawyer & had to get a Pa. law license & now he's not sure what he will do.  Paula will stay up there & come home weekends.  They haven't been here that long.

Mon. the 18th

We left at 5:45 for Ribs & Bones & had a very good dinner.  I got the 1/3 portion of ribs, Lar the 1/2 portion & Dale got steak & ribs.  If you eat a regular portion of ribs they gift you a baseball type cap.  So the portions are generous.

When we left the Mets-Braves were tied at 2.  When we got home it was the 9th inning & still tied so I didn't miss that much.  It was so exciting, as you can testify to.  When the phone rang I knew it was a call from Middleton only this time it was Eddie.  He carries on a good conversation.

Now to football - did you notice the Penn State Q.B.'s name is Richard (pronounced with the French accent) Kelly.  Their up & coming Q.B.

Got my tooth fixed today.  Then we went to the mall.  On the way back to the car, we noticed a couple looking at the van.  When they realized it was our car they spoke & said the van was in such good condition.  Told him we bo't it new & it was a '91 with less than 30,000 miles.  They really tho't it looked newer.  They were from Eastern Pa. & had a Scotty puppy who was so cute.  The man was so friendly, just like Warren Hollertz.

Christmas club checks will be coming soon & so far I've had just 1 suggestion from you people.  More please!  Remember I shop early.

I washed my winter jacket & somehow lost the "thing" that works the zipper & don't know where to find or look for it.  Barb has a nice jacket she doesn't like because it has a couple of tiny spots on it.  I'll look for some solvent to see if they'll come out & then wash it.  It has a zip-in lining.  I like it & a little spot won't bother me.  You can hardly see it.  Sometimes I get going too fast & end up with too many loops.

I had a nice birthday, thanks to my children.  I don't feel like 79.  I don't think I told you this or maybe I did as your letter was late.  He wished his Dad was as active as I.  Oh yes, I mentioned on the phone.  You'll have to excuse me - I'm a year from 80!

Got another puzzle to put together.  But I wanted to finish this & get it off tomorrow when I mail Gen & Ed's anniv. card.

October 10, 1999

Thanks for the pictures of the boys.  They are growing up so fast.  I see a lot of changes.

In church today, we had a substitute organist.  She was good, bro't out the power of the organ & we aren't used to that so some people didn't like it.  She outpowered the pastor & he has a loud voice.

Fri. Barb & I went to Jamestown & got some good buys, so it was enjoyable.  We ate at the Red Lobster.  I tried cat fish for the first time & it was delicious.

Thurs. Betty Casey & I went to lunch at Penn Laurel.  I had homemade chicken soup & it was really homemade.  So good.  She said Mike called from Wi. last week & they have snow.  They are in the western part of the state.

Gen & Ed celebrate their 45th anniversary Oct 23rd.  Hope they reach 50.  Both have a few problems.

It cleared up today - was suppose to rain.  Dale is afraid the Nascar race will be postponed & on the weather map it shows rain all across (up & down) the coast line.

What about those Mets.  They won even with Mike P. on the bench & his replacement got the winning home run.  On to Atlanta.  They must remember to be careful of Chipper Jones & the one who follows him or they will kill the Mets.  It's been exciting anyway it ends.  A Subway series would be interesting as I'm sure the Yankees will make it, altho I'd root for Cleveland.

I have a pot roast in the crockpot & it smells good.  Finally a change from chicken  but sometimes Barb doesn't want beef, unless it's steak.

Dale's getting the Blazer transmission remade.  His friend in Frewsburg is doing it & he told  Dale it was good as one part was very thin & would have caused trouble in the winter.

Our flowers are still blooming.  No real frost yet.  We took green tomatoes in & put them in paper bags & then they will ripen.

We're watching Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh & Buffalo is doing good.  Smile for Barb but not for Dale.

In Jamestown we went to Walmart & I found a platter in my everyday Corelle pattern.  They aren't that easy to find & I was so pleased to get it.

I'm still waiting for Christmas ideas.  I think Pokemon are an impossibility.  Cards at least.  I've seen books, posters but no cards.  Except for the ad in the paper & they wanted $550.00 for over 400 cards.  It's a scam!!

Need to clean up lunch dishes.

Betty Gusfatson Mailhot asked me if I'd make 2 doz. of my Danish rolls for a brunch she's having in Dec.  I didn't say yes yet & I don't know if I want to get into baking for others.  Not worth it.

Here it is Wed. & I haven't finished this letter so it will be late.

Today I see the dentist & I hope it is just a one trip experience.

Mildred Wilson died - I worked with her at Beaty & Lar did work for her so Lar & I went to the funeral home.  She was 88 & outlived her husband.

The eating area lock would really bother you, Paul, as it has gotten noisy.  Think it needs a new battery.

Get my hair done on Thurs. this week as Sheila is taking a long weekend to visit her girlfriend in N.W. Wi. to see their new baby.  A few months old now.  She is from Minn. but worked in Warren a few years but returned to the Midwest as her mother isn't well.

This is Dale's early week & I've made applesauce & a banana coffee cake - in a bundt pan with streusel instead of the loaf pan.  It's good.

So it's time to make my bed & get a shower.

P.S.  Saw the dentist - Dr. Walters - he said he wishes his Dad could get around as well as I do.  We're the same age.  My lower left in the back have been sore at times so he took an xray & something is wrong so I have to go back on Mon aft. at 1 pm.  More fun - I like Dr. Walters for a dentist.

Monday, October 3, 1999

It's a cloudy, cool day but it didn't stop me from doing my work.  The first of the week I have more energy but it lags toward the end of the week.

Nancy, Kim's friend is not a good housekeeper & her mother-in-law is just the opposite.  This week her in-laws are coming so she asked Barb to clean 3 hours on Wed.  Her regular cleaning person & her friend will clean 2 days.  Nancy said her mother-in-law would know Nancy didn't do it & it will cost her over $100.00 to get things in order.  She has 4 daughters but they haven't been trained to pick up after themselves & are no help to clean a little.

Betty Casey wants me to go out to lunch tomorrow - Tues.

The CVS new store is going up fast.  The store on 2nd Ave. will close on Nov. 1st.  Sounds like they want to be opened before the holidays.

Soon lunch time but I wanted to get a start.  My book is so book it is hard to put it down.  Got 3 books on Sat.  Read one on Sat, another on Sun - both easy reading & started on the 3rd.  This is a longer book & I can't skip over parts of it as in some books.  If they're too "wordy" or such.

Now it's Tues A.M.  What about those Mets.  Nobody (except me & a few others) wanted them to win.  It was a great game.  But they play Arizona & that will be a battle, esp. when Johnson is their starter.  Oh well, at least they got to the playoffs.  Some expect Ariz. t5o be the N. L. winner.  I'll root for them if it comes to that.

Barb likes to sleep in - I like to get my work done in the morning.  At 8:30 I was cleaning my room - dusting so no noise yet.  She didn't get up so I went downstairs & vacuumed & made noise.  Still not up so I went upstairs & started to clean the bathroom.  Finally up & went downstairs.  It's 9:30 so I guess she isn't working today.  Bert doesn't come home til the 16th so I guess Barb thinks she can take time off.  Wonder if Barb could ever hold a "regular" job.  But I'm not changing my cleaning times after all these years.  Just a little chance to get it off my chest.  Don't care to make waves.

I'm not going out to lunch until Thurs.  Betty called to change it.  Better for me, too.

In Sept. I completely forgot LCW.  Told Viola Seaquist I'd be there.  Then I remembered the Mets were on so I stayed home.  They were going to tie a quilt & only so many can do that.

You must have used your new furnace by now.  How's it going.

Dale is looking to the future & thinking about finding a house with a 2-car garage so he'll have a place to work on cars.  Also a house that needed to be updated.  He's talked to Larry about it.  That would be good for Dale & a good investment.  I'm sure he could get a loan & has money saved.

I just have to sign the dded & it will belong to you four "kids".  I'm glad that's over & it's the last thing to be done.  Everything is in order.

Did you notice in the Wrrn. paper Warren Hi has a good girls' cross country team.  One of Wrrn's girls always comes in first & Benson's (Mt. Jewett) granddaughter comes in 2nd.  Both are seniors so there is no hope for Bensons to see a winner.  They go to Kane Hi.

It's 10 A.M. &  I need to get a shower & cleaned up.

Bills are winning - Barb is happy.

Steelers are losing - Dale unhappy.

That's how it goes in sports.

Saturday, September 25, 1999

I've done practically nothing today except watch Ryder Cup golf on T.V.  The Americans are a disappointment losing 10-6 on Sat & 14 points win.  Another disappointment are the Mets.  Can't believe how they have slipped.  The young golfer from Spain Sergio is a breath of fresh air.  He played with the Swede Jesper & they were winners.  Hope you follow golf a big so you know what I'm talking about.

Last Wed. I went out for lunch with our pastor friends.  We always have fun together.

Mon. Barb wants to go to Erie shopping.  She is now working for 3 people - all due to Kim.  And she might have another one - one of Kim's friends is losing her cleaning lady.  Barb enjoys it.

Dale is now painting the side door of the garage & the final painting of the 3 windows he fixed.  Did a nice job in them.

Mr. Curtin has his well digging rig at Camp & he hopes to start digging next week.  His 85-year-old dad works with him.  He is the one that climbs on the rig & Mr. C. is on the ground watching.

Lar took some time off to work on master bath & has the tile finished.  They have a shower ordered.  It is a larger one with a seat so you can sit down.  More elbow room.  T hat's why I like our basement shower.

Last Thurs. when Lar & Kim came for dinner I had something besides the usual chicken.  Hatch Patch was still selling corn so we had steak, baked potatoes & corn on the cob & it was delicious.  Kim had some a week ago & they didn't like it so we were lucky.  It was our goodbye to summer meals.

Can't believe that Fri. is Oct. 1.  Before you know it, Paul, you'll be celebrating your 50th birthday.  How time flies.  That means I'll be 1 year closer to 80 & that is harder to believe.  That's old!

Kim was telling they have a new boy who is from Union City.  He assaulted 3 teachers there & they were glad to get rid of him.  How lucky can Sheffield be to inherit him.  And some people think teachers have a soft job & get too much money.

Dale was saying one fellow at work knew someone working at Eisenhower Hi School in the cafeteria & due to the shortage of substitute teachers they asked this gal to sub.  She refused saying I couldn't do that.  That's scraping the barrel all right.

Sun. aft.

The golf is great this aft. with single play & the Americans are making the putts.  If they should win it will be a great overcoming.  I almost wanted to skip church but my "inner voice" said "no!"  And I obeyed it & was glad I did.

What has happened to Wisconsin - I thought they were a better team, but they're losing.  Has Andy noticed Penn State has been winning - at least so far.  Yea, go Penn State!  They have a very loyal alumni - they come from all over & tickets are hard to get to the games.

Saw the lawyer & the new deed to the house is soon ready to be signed.  To be divided evenly between you 4, or the heirs.  We changed it to "heirs" & Mr. Swanson wondered about the daughters-in-law.  I said there's no problem there.  He asked because so many mothers-in-law don't like or get along with theirs.  No problem.  I have 2 wonderful "daughters-in-law".

Just checked & Buffalo is ahead 16-0 in the first half.  Barb is happy.

Guess this covers the news here.  Nothing too exciting goes on here.

P.S.  Ruth called to tell that Stella fell &  broke her wrist (in a cast) & her upper left leg.  She will have her leg operated on Mon. the 27th.

Ruth is fine.  Has had her house painted & a new roof.  New rug for the porch.

David will start a new job (chaplain) Oct. 17th in Mpls.  Have to sell their home & by a new one there.  Be nice for Stella to have him close.

Sunday, September 19, 1999

Chip off the old block

I'm watching football.  Saw Pitts. get their TD & then I switched to Fox & Green Bay.  So I'll keep touch with both teams.

Penn State had us worried yesterday but they got the win with a great pass.  I agree with Cindy - Penn State is the team for Andy!  Can't remember the school Albert favors.  Time will tell.

Maybe Larry had a hard time adjusting to civilian life with no wife to help so he found help on the internet.  Just have to hope it will work out & family will still love him.

Dale has 3 of the garage windows almost completed.  The 2 facing Careys will have to wait til next year.

Mike Brindis asked Lar why he was always working.  He said "Is it to pay off the Meata?"  Lar said, "No, it's paid off."  "Is it to pay off your truck?"  "No, it's paid for."  "Is it to pay off the mortgage on the camp?"  "No, it's paid off."  But Mr. Curtin (teacher) was coming to camp on Fri. last, with his rig to dig a new well for the camp.  So that will be another good accomplishment.

Kim went to a yard sale & saw a chair & foot rest selling for at least $150.00.  Kim liked it but not the price.  The owner had just had new springs, etc. put in it & recovered with nice material.  It didn't sell & the owner wanted to get rid of it & told Kim she'd take $50.00 for it & Kim took it.  Haven't seen it but did see a picture of it & it's beautiful & goes so well in the back room.

They got the shower for their bedroom & that will be a winter job for Lar.  They have the tile.  Think I told you about it.  It was left from work on Crary Museum (where we had the family picture taken) & Lar got it in exchange for landscaping.  More expensive than they could afford & just the color Kim wanted.  Bartering works.

Wed the 22nd our pastor/wife group gets together at Holiday Inn.  Warren called this past Wed & said he had to see the dentist at Dental Arts & Anna would shop at the mall.  He picked me up at 11 AM & we got Anna at the Mall & went to lunch at the Penn Laurel.  It was a nice time.

Finally signed my will, living will & power of attorney.  Now I have to see the lawyer & get the house taken care of.  Always something to keep me moving.

Kerr's Furniture (on the way to Jamestown) had a sale on furniture.  Sat. Barb & I looked & bo't 2 new chairs - recliners - in a pretty rose color.  They only had 1, so they have to order them & we have to wait 8 weeks.  Dad was hard on our recliner. When I talked about getting rid of them, Kim said Mike B. could use them.  I'll need to clean one off better. Either Mike or Salvation Army.  Mike isn't too well & doesn't look at all good.  He lives along & Lar & Kim are good to him.

All for this time.

Monday, September 13, 1999

It's Mon. A.M. - 7:30 - Dale's early week.  Have a load of wash in so I'll sit & write a letter.  Yesterday I wrote letters to Gen, Millie & Edith thanking them for the good time they showed me.

Glad the boys are getting off to a good start in school.

Finally saw an ad in Big K for Pokeman.  Oct 27th a new one is coming out - Pokeman, Yellow Version & I'll get that.  It's for the Game Boy.  Has Eddie inherited Andy's G.B.   There are also Blue & Red versions.  I could get one of those also - unless he has them.  They haven't caught on here but Kim said her nephew in Fla. collects them.  Keep me informed on Christmas suggestions.  Thanks for the one you gave me for you & JoAnna.

The house where Barb is working is in the area where Lar & Kim live - around the corner north on Market. The house that looks castle-like.  Nothing has been done for 50 yrs. to update the house.  Microwave chipped, cobwebs in the windows, etc.  Old iron - sheets in sad shape, etc. etc.  Barb works 2 hrs. a day & the first day Barb spent the time cleaning the messy stove.   Lots could be done but she (owner) doesn't seem to mind the mess.  Barb was quite surprised to see the conditions.  "She" (can't remember her name) is going to N.Y.C. for 2 weeks & Barb will still work her 2 hrs.  Barb is "itching" to get ride of some of the dusty spots.  Can't see out of the kitchen window.

Dale decided he would repair & paint the garage windows.  They need to be regrouted & painted so he got a start on the 2 back windows.  5 altogether but the ones on the sides aren't as bad.

At Gen's we ate at the China Panda & the food was delicious.  Esp. good were the ribs.  A new place opened opp. the mall on Hatch Run & it is a China Panda & you can get take out so we want to try it sometime.

Barb took care of Scott & Marisa Fri. overnite as Bob's father was taken to Erie in bad condition.  An anurism (sp) & they were going to take him off life support.  He hasn't been happy since his wife died.  He had to take care of her & I suppose afterwards time hung heavy for him.  He isn't expected to live.  Bob & Lynn went to Erie.  Marisa is quite upset & stayed at the lake with Lynn's parents.  They might miss school. Marisa loses a lot of school days due to allergies & already has missed 3 days.  She is a good student & they get homework assignments.  All is well here.

P.S.
There is a "gran pappy" fryer that is a little bigger - uses 6 c. oil instead of 4 c.  What about that one?

Barb works for Bert Best.  She grew up in that house which her father built.  She was 3 when her mother died & the father married her aunt.  Bert is in her 80s & active.

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.