Saturday, May 1, 1999

I have something to write so I'll start a letter.  Barb said she would paint my bedroom.  We've talked about colors to match the one wall that has paper on it.  Them Barb said maybe you'd like to change the paper.  A thought that was in my mind.  But I would prefer painted walls rather than paper, & border on the top by the ceiling.  I decided to tackle the job of removing the paper which I started this A.M.  For some reason it comes off in 2 sections.  The top paper peels off easily & the glued part has to be moistened with DIF to make it easier & scraped but it comes off very easily.  I got all the print off & about 1/3 of the glued part.  Next Mon. I'll finish it.  At my age I take it easier!  I'd like to rearrange the furniture, if possible.  It's not a rush job.  Haven't chosen any colors yet.  Will have to choose the borders & get colors from that.  Don't want to change the blue draperies so maybe blues & rose.  Time will tell.

We had a nice time yesterday on our "trip" to Jamestown.  Oh yes, we sold the lift chair & that held us up so we didn't start til 12 pm.  Thurs. aft. I said to Barb if she wanted to take charge of selling the chair - ad, telephone, etc. she could have the money.  She called the ad in Thurs, was in the Fri A.M. paper.  Between 10:30-11 A.M. the telephone rang - someone was interested & said they'd be right over.  The chair was just what they wanted - larger as he is a big man - color & price.  They bot it & gave Barb a check for $250.00  I told her if I knew it would have been that easy, I would have done it.  But she's helping a lot with spring cleaning, etc. so it's fine.  First we went to Red Lobster & had a nice lunch.  I had broiled flounder & it was delicious.

We went to the Mall - looked.  I bot a purse at Bon Ton, some cards at Hallmark.  We had stopped at Brand Names & I got a cover for the porch glider.  We stopped at K Mart & Wegman's (groceries) & home by 3:30 p.m.  A nice outing.

Now it's Tues. after supper.  Dale is at the high school or Vo Tech taking an ASE test for work.  Last time he had to go to Oil City - now he can take it in Warren.  He has to have a test every 5 years to keep up.

This aft. I had an appt. with Dr. Keverline & was fitted with new glasses.  I chose a very light frame, a little different shape.  Like them a lot.  She said it takes about a week.  Their office is across from the hosp. so I hope they come in & at the same time I can get a blood test (for thyroid) at the same time.  See Dr. McNett Fri. the 14th in the aft.

Mon. we went into County Mkt & it was just about empty.  I got milk & a few other things.  Our last shopping trip there.  Be nice if another store would go in there.  Big K has increased their food area & you can pick up milk, etc. there.

Still working on the border in my room.  When it's on a painted wall it takes longer.  The wall behind the bed is plastered & has never been painted.  Nice & smooth.

Today the gal that assists Dr. Keverline couldn't believe my age.  She wouldn't have guessed that.

Fri. nite.

I'll bring this to a close and say think you for the beautiful basket of flowers that arrived this A.M.  So colorful & the roses in the bouquet are a lovely blush color.  I will enjoy their beauty.

Your letter arrived today.  I'm lazy.  The next letter will say more.

Thursday, April 29, 1999

We've had a beautiful week of sunny weather.  Dale mowed the lawn last nite & took the Monte Carlo to work today.  Barb planted peas yesterday.

Went to the library & got 3 books & already read 2 of them.  "M is for Malice" by Sue Grafton & really enjoyed this book.  Also "Homecoming by Belva Plain, Another good story about an estranged family & how the grandmother tired to solve the problem.  Glad my eye is better as it's easier to read & do the crossword puzzles.

I have a carrot cake in the oven & it smells so good.

I got the nicest letter from a Lloyd Johnson who was Dad's roommate at Augie for 2 years.  I never met him or his wife but we exchange Christmas cards & I wrote to tell him of Dad's death.  I'll the enclose the letter.

I cleaned the little closet in our room & found the history of the Nelson family & one little page of Grandma N's family from the 1600's.  Have you received the papers from Ruth yet.

The Mets finally won a game & the Braves Glavine got a win.  It's good to watch baseball again - mostly with the volume turned down - don't like some announcers.

Not much is happening here so this will be a short letter.

Just finished dishes & cleaning up.  Thurs. Kim, Lar & Torey come over.

Tomorrow Barb & I are going to Jamestown for lunch & shopping.

Next Fri. we're going to the Grove City Outlets with Kim.  She has to use her personal days or lose them so she's taking a day off.  Mother's Day outing.

Got your letter today.  Was glad to hear Andy made the baseball team.  Our athlete.

I know I'm tired of hearing about Littleton & the networks won't let it go as it attracts listeners & viewers.

Barb is going thru her clothes & found a sweater vest - white with floral trim embroidery & wondered if I could wear it.  It looks nice - I like it a lot - delicate & pretty.

We'll be getting railing for the front steps.  Some one Lar & Kim know.  It's an after work job so it might take awhile but eh does an excellent job so it's worth waiting for.

Soon bedtime so I'll bring this to a close.  We are all fine here.


Letter from Lloyd Johnson (dated April 20, 1999)

Dear Marion,

Helen and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and are very sorry Carl had to endure a long period of suffering before his death.  Our feelings go out to you for what you went through during Carl's illness.  Thank you very much for your letter giving us this sad news.

Carl was a year older than me and therefore a year ahead of me in school.  Although we lived in the same neighborhood, we had very little contact with each other except at church.  We were in the same Confirmation Class and shared many experiences in church.

I worked for three years before going to Augustana.  Carl was a Junior when I enrolled as a Freshman.  I was assigned a room in the dorm where Carl and he just happened to see me when I arrived.  He was not aware of my coming to Augie.  He took me to my room, told me not to unpack and then left.  He returned in a short time and told me his roommate had agreed to trade places with me.  I thanked him but I don't think I ever let him know how grateful I was.  He got me off to a good start and was a strong influence on me during our two years together.  I came to Augie with a real purpose to prepare myself for engineering studies at the U. of Ill. after 2 years at Augie and Carl's good study habits rubbed off on me.  He was also a meticulous housekeeper and after watching him vacuum, mop and dust a couple of times, my conscience moved me to participate in that activity also.  Although Carl was a serious scholar, he also had a very good sense of humor so we shared a lot of laughs together.

The only time I saw Carl after leaving Augie was sometime in the 1950's when he attended a convention in Milwaukee.  He visited us in our home and preached the Sunday sermon in our church.  It was a short but pleasant visit.

I apologize for my rambling on but wanted you to know how Carl influenced my life as I'm sure he did many others.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wednesday, April 21, 1999

I have to start writing letters earlier so I can mail it on the Fri. when I get my hair done.

Last nite Barb, Dale & I went to Holiday Inn for dinner to celebrate Barb's birthday.  We had a nice dinner.  It is such a nice place for a special dinner.   I can't get rid of nice.

Thur. when Lar & Kim come we'll have another birthday dinner.  Roast chicken & a white birthday cake.  Barb's choices.

Saw the Dr. yesterday & my eye is healing nicely.  I see him again in 2 weeks & then I'll be getting new glasses.  Getting the prescription or whatever it is called.  Then have it filled.

I got a letter from the Pension & I needed to have a paper notarized.  There is one on Jackson so I could walk over & have it done.  Also asked about having the car ownership put in my name.  She wasn't sure if she needed a death certificate - would check into it & then call me, so I can get it done.  I called the Northwestern Mutual in Jamestown to get the beneficiary changed on my insurance policy.  They never sent a form so I'll have to call& ask for another one.  Next - call a lawyer about the house - putting it in Larry's name.

Isn't it awful about the doings in Littleton, Col.  It is so sad.  Those young people will never forget this.

I've been doing some sale shopping, got a couple of summer weight slacks & some  tops.  This weekend both Penney's & Bon Ton are having sales again.

County Market is going to close & there are rumors some other grocery store will go in.  Hope so.  It's getting empty.

We've had a lot of cold & rainy weather.  Hope it soon warms up.  Dale says the grass needs mowing.  Things are getting greener.

Barb bought some seeds & Lar will start them in the greenhouse at work.  She planted some perennial flowers last year & they are coming up & look good.

This A.M. I washed the kitchen floor after 2 weeks.  Couldn't stand it any longer.  I don't have to wear the eye shield during the night anymore.  What a relief.  So I decided I could get back to a more regular work schedule.  Even vacuumed the rugs.  I'll still let Dale do the garbage for awhile.

Tues. was Dale's late nite to work but he worked for Sam last Sat. as Sam's dog had a stroke  didn't want to leave him alone.  So Sam worked last nite for Dale so he could be with us.

This weekend Lar & Kim go to a friend's wedding at Columbus, Ohio.  They'll leave early Sat A.M. - 2 P.M. wedding - 5 hr. drive.  Stay overnite & return Sun.  They'll come for supper as it will be such a busy time & then we can hear about the wedding.

Did you see Lar's picture in the paper today the 21st.  He celebrated 25 years at Crary's & they had a dinner & presented him with a clock (you can see it in the paper) & a check for $500.00.

Wednesday, April 14, 1999

I'll start a letter while I watch the Orioles at the Yankees. I've seen 3 Met games on WPIX.  Gary Thorn & Tom Seaver are the announcers.  Like old times.

I thought I had all my thank yous written & today I got another letter from church with memorials.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Gustafson.  20.00
Sheffield Area Hi School faculty.  20.00
Mrs. Bette Beyer.  10.00
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Johnson 10.00
Chris's folks - your class.
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Ford.  15.00
Hessel Valley Church.  50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Passenger.  10.00

My eye is doing OK.  I see the Dr. next Tues, the 20th, so I'll find out then.  I started today with just 3 drops a day.  Next week 2, then 1 drop a day.  I do it myself & it isn't hard.

Walked over town this A.M. & did a few errands.  It was a lovely day for a walk.

Yesterday & today Barb worked outside tidying up a bit around the yard.

Dale received your birthday gift.  He likes the book a lot.  He says think you.  I don't know if he plans to write but you know Dale.  Not a writer.

My Dr. appt. is for 3:20 next Tues. so that means I'd have to start a meal late & seeing it is Barb's birthday, we plan to go out to eat.  Probably at Holiday Inn.

Kim has a busy weekend.  She is advisor for Student Council & Fri. she & officers go to a Student Council meeting - can't remember where.  Then Sat. nite the S. C. is sponsoring a dance at school & an overnite in the gym.  So Kim doesn't expect to get much sleep & won't get much done that weekend.

Kim said she & Lar would like to visit her sister in Fla - minus Torey.  They would fly & that would give them more time to do things & sightseeing would be easier without Torey.  One of the girls from the school works weekends at Crary's, waiting on tables, etc. & will have more hours during the summer.  Kim will ask her to stay at the apt. & care for Torey.  Mainly give him his long daily walks.  She would pay her.  Kim got her the job at the Crary Home & trusts her.  She is a senior & will go to college in the fall.  [She'll do it.]

More later.

Sat A.M.

I'm back to having my hair done Fri. at 9 A.M.  I like Sat. A.M. free but this letter might be late - it's a rainy weekend & it might not get mailed today.

This is Dale's Sat. A.M. free but he is going to work for Sam.  Sam's dog had a stroke & he doesn't want to leave him alone.  Did I mention Sam & his wife split.

Today is Millie's 85th birthday.  She left on Fri. to spend the weekend with Linda.

Last nite Benson's picked me up & we met Schaffers at Bucktail Inn, Marienville.  All along the way the camps were lit up & cars & campers parked as today is the first day of trout fishing.  It was a nice evening but the food didn't compare with Holiday Inn.

When we planned our dinner out on Barb's birthday I forgot it was Dale's Tues. to work late.  But seeing he is working for Sam, maybe Sam can work for him. Otherwise we'll go to Perkins, etc.

Pat B. will have a cataract removed next Tues. in St. Marys.  A good eye Dr. there.  He's from St. Marys but is in Ridgway 2 days a week so it will be in Ridgway.

Sales this weekend at Bon Ton & Penneys.  Started Fri & we were there on Fri.  Got a pair of summer slacks & a top at B.T.  Light purple (maybe medium) pants & a print knit top.  It's nice.  Got a couple of shirts at Penneys.  Poly/cotton so they are easy care & wear forever.  I've gotten a few things lately, so I'll have to stop shopping & just look!  Ha!Ha!

It's suppose to be "showery" until next Wed.  We need the rain but miss the sunshine.

Barb housecleaned the bathroom yesterday.  It shines.  I'll do some baking today, one load of wash, & some pressing.

My eye is coming along fine.

When you were here Eddie was saying "I love Chicago & can't wait to get there" so it doesn't surprise me that he said he wants to live there.

Oh yes I got a letter from a stranger from Tidioute - suppose to comfort me citing Bible verses, etc.  The clincher:  if you are troubled & in need of help I'm sure Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall would be good for you!  What a joke.  I asked Sheila (from Tid. originally) about her - she's heard of the family & thinks she is young.  I thought so because of her handwriting.

By now I shouldn't have forgotten anything.  I'm sure the boys will never forget this trip to Chicago.  You saw a lot in a short time.

Friday, April 9, 1999

It's a rainy A.M. but the grass is getting greener.  I've a load in the washer & then towels to do.  Not as much washing now.

Tues. the big day.  Dale got me to the hosp. at 6:30.  At 8:30 I was in the operating room.  As I went in, one went out & as I went out, another went in.  Assembly line.  They took my medical history - only a D & C.  The nurse asked "to what do you attribute your good record."  I said "my genes!"  She put the I.V. into a vein in my hand.  Just a little prick.  I wasn't out & could feel nothing so the I.V. took care of that.  I only wanted water afterwards (no eating after midnite on Mon.)  I rested awhile.  Then was able to get dressed & was home by 10 A.M.

I was resting when there was a knock on the door.  It was Warren & Anna Hollertz wanting me to go out to lunch with them at the Peppermill.  They didn't realize this was surgery day.  We decided to eat here - I had pizza in the freezer & Warren went to McDonald's & picked up salad & blueberry muffins.  They were delicious.  The reason they came to Warren was Warren lost a tooth from his plate & wanted it fixed as Sat. they leave for Aruba for a week.  He called St. Mary's but they couldn't do it.  Warren Dental Arts could  We had a nice visit.

Wed. A.M. I had to see the Dr. so he could check it.  Pressure was good, etc.  I have a pair of prescription sun glasses & wore them around the house to shield my eye from the light.  We've had some sunny days.  Last nite I wore my regular glasses & it felt good.  It looks good to me & things are brighter & I can read better.  So all is well.

We celebrated Dale's birthday when Lar & Kim were here.  He decided a 33" waist would be more comfortable so I ordered the lighter blue jeans this time from Penney's to get the 36" length.  We'll have another birthday dinner on Sat. the actual date.  Steaks & baked potatoes.

I forgot to ask Kim if she'd heard from the lab report on her back.  She can't use regular shampoo to wash her hair for awhile.  She uses Dove.  She can't be too active with her arms either.  It was a 2 1/2 hour operation.

We had a card from Mim & Tom with $20.00 memorial to the library.  Betty Casey gave a memorial to the Cancer Assn.

Got your cards.  Kim wonders how you can write that tiny.  I was able able to read it easily .  Sounded like it was a great weekend.

Barb has had a cold but it is improving.

Lar has started his extra work.  Dale has raked the grass & even mowed the back yard as that grows fast.  He is anxious to get his Monte Carlo on the road again.

I'm not doing much this week but next week I should get back to my regular schedule.  I feel so good & am glad it is over with.

We enjoyed our dinner at the Limberlost last Sat.  Lar & Kim took us.  It is under new ownership and the food & atmosphere is just as good as in the past.  Good crowd there.

Next week we're thinking of going to Jamestown & want to have lunch at The Red Lobster.

Time to do some ironing.

Friday, April 2, 1999

After that book you made for the boys, you have me self conscious about writing letters!  But here goes.

I have most of my thank you notes written & that is a relief.  Used up all the notes I got from Mark Patterson & have a couple of stamps left from 50 stamps.

Sent a gift of money in a card to Julianna and got a thank you and a picture when she was 5 days old and it is so cute.

Received your card JoAnna and the check for Hospice.  Thank you so much.  When will your parents be home.  Maybe I'll call & find out their address so I can thank them.

Watched preseason baseball for a few minutes.  That's all I could take from TBS Braves' announcers.

Kim had her 1 day surgery and all is well.  The small spot that was shaved on her head isn't that bad.  The Dr. said it was good she didn't wait to have the growth on her back removed.  Next it will be my cataract removed & I'll be glad to have it over.

Tomorrow nite (Sat the 3rd) Larry & Kim will take us to dinner at the Limberlost.  We chose Sat. nite rather than Sun. when it will be more crowded.  They'll come here on Sun.

We stopped at the Mall today & I found a white blouse at the Bon Ton sale.  I've been wanting a short sleeved white top.

Paul when I make up menus for your next visit, I'll be sure to include lamb to fulfill your desire.

I'll be anxious to hear about your doings in Chicago.  I know the boys were really looking forward to it.  Eddie said "I love Chicago".

I went to the bank today to take Dad's name off the checking account.  They said I should take some of the money out of the ck. acct. so I could get more interest.  She told me about different things but I said I wouldn't do anything until I talked it over with my family.

My insurance bill came today -- all of $4.73 - 4 times a year.  The $1,000.00 policy is now worth $7500.00 I was around 18-19 when my Dad got it for me.  Dad's insurances haven't grown like that.  I have to get a new beneficiary for it.  There is an office in Jamestown so I could call there.  Now it is in a Buffalo office so it could be changed to a closer office.

Larry started his extra outside work today.  He was at Carey's raking, etc.  He has Carey's & another yard because he's had them so long.  He prefers planning & carrying his plans for people.   He likes trimming trees, shrubs, etc. also

Called Gen tonite.  She's busy preparing for company on Easter.

By now you are back to your various schedules & looking forward to summer activities.

How was the visit & baptism, JoAnna.

Friday, March 12, 1999

Artwork by Eddie Nelson

Lar said he talked to you Wed nite so you know the details of what is going on here.  I'm waiting for the Hospice nurse to come & check on Dad & then the aide comes to wash him.  He has a few bed sores - he doesn't get up - sleeps most of the time.  We are to turn him from side to side periodically but it isn't easy as he is very rigid - part of Parkinson's.  He hasn't wanted to eat since last Mon. & takes very little water.  His body is shutting down.  It is so hard to see him esp. when we are eating a good meal & he can't or won't eat.   They told me to wash out his mouth with a small sponge like on a stick.  When I tried yesterday he shut his mouthy & wouldn't let me do it.  So there is still some awareness.

Last Wed. after the R.N. was here, I decided to call the Dr's office & post pone by cataract removal.  And it was like a big burden was lifted.  I couldn't lift after that & I have to do some lifting.  And if Dad leaves us this weekend it wouldn't work out.

The pastor was over but Dad didn't wake up so he didn't have communion.  Ray Forstrom was over yesterday & he had a brief prayer as the nurse arrived at the same time.  All the people from Hospice are so nice - it is a wonderful service.

I've been making out my grocery list to make sure I have the things the boys like.  I have the choc. cookies for Andy & the choc. chip for Paul in the freezer.  Eddie's I make just before you come.  They are better not frozen.

Got your letter yesterday.  Great news about Andy's basketball winning games & his scoring.  Nice to think those fellows will be together in sports.  Some deep friendships will be formed.  Maybe you'll outstay the previous Lib. Director.

We too have snow on the ground.  Had 6-8" this past week.

Did you see how much snow Rochester had this past week.  Think it added up to 48" from 2 storms in one week.

Once all this is finished, I'll have plenty to keep me busy, to make it easier to adjust. I haven't really cleaned the house that good.  The rugs need shampooing & I'd like to get the sofa & love seat recovered.  And our bedroom needs a good cleaning.  That will be therapy for me.

It is so nice to have the eating area back.  Didn't realize I'd miss it so much.  Dale agrees, too.

We have the D.R. table close to the bed so it's easier to care for Dad.  The table is covered with things to help him.  Clean towels for washing him, plastic gloves, liquid soap & lotion, kleenex etc. so it makes it much handier.

We squeezed around the round table last nite - 5 of us so it was tight.  Kim somehow spilled her hot coffee on her lap.  She had to go home & change her pants.  Altho I offered her a Depend!!!  She didn't want to borrow Barb's pants.  I'm so lucky to have 2 wonderful daughters-in-law.  Hope Dale can someday find someone.

Barb & Kim are now L.A. basketball fans seeing Scotty & Rodman play there.

You'll have a busy time in Chicago with all you've planned.  Two lucky boys,.  The 27th will come fast & I'm looking forward to your visit.

000