Sunday, July 21, 2002

Eddie fogs the yard in preparation for Bastille Day

I enjoyed reading about your party.  It was a busy week & few days before the party but I know it is well worth the effort.  Were any of the relatives there -- Mim & Tom & Carolyn & Jim.

I got one of Judith McNaught's books & it was good reading.  At first I couldn't find the "Mc" but asked for help.  I remembered seeing Ed McBain's book but have never read any of them.

Today the Mets can't do anything vs. Cincy.  It is suppose to have reached the 100's.  It has been nice here but it is getting warmer.  Time for the AC I guess.  Dale is sitting in the sun & he has a nice tan on his body.

Kim enjoyed her trip to Fla.  She enjoyed being with the niece & nephew.  They've had nice weather for their weekend trip.  Torey is staying with her friend Nancy & family.  They have Torey's sister.  Kim was upset as they had a new kitten & Torey doesn't like cats.  She said her twin aunts in Fla. have 30 cats & when you go into their new home all you smell is cats.  They have a couple of dogs.  All stray animals.

I'm on the front porch now -- there is a breeze so it's not bad sitting outside.

Jim Lynch is up for reelection for State Representative & for about a week he's had ads on cable TV & they seem to run every 15 min.  He's been good for Warren but this is too much of a good thing.  He doesn't have any opposition.*  To make matters worse the phone rang & Dale answered & it was a message from Jim Lynch!  And his picture is always in the paper.  Enough is enough.  *No Democrats are running.

In July we have had 1/2" of rain.  It is so dry.  Rain is forecast but it never comes.  Rain is suppose to come this week & we hope it it true.  Barb waters the garden so the plants are producing veggies for us.

My mind is a blank -- nothing happening here so that means nothing to write about.

In August Barb & I are going shopping at the Grove City Outlet Mall.  It is big with lots of stores & that means lots of walking.  We went once with Kim but it was new to us -- this time we'll know what to expect & which stores to go to.  Time goes fast at the outlet stores & I get tired.  It will be something different for us.  We plan to go on a Mon., hoping it won't be as crowded as later in the week.

Eddie with Jack, the newest member of the family

Noon time Wed. the 24th.

Finally cool weather & I took advantage & did some baking.

Made zucchini bread (does it have 2 "c"?) & finally found a recipe I like.  Most recipes call for 2 c. sugar -- this one only calls for 1/2 c. sugar, & 1/2 c. B. sugar.  And the 21 plants in the garden are really producing as well as the cucumbers.  Made c. c. cookies, pie crust & brownies.  Like to have pie crust in the freezer in case I want to make a pie.

We had a little rain yesterday & then it cooled off & it is suppose to last a couple of days.

I'm putting together another puzzle.  It keeps me more upbeat than just sitting & I do a lot of that when it's hot & muggy.  I get lazy in humid weather.

Have you noticed some of the Mets are coming alive -- esp. Mo Vaughn.  Fun to watch him run.  They are getting closer to the wild card.  Too bad the Braves can't stop winning.  Will there be a World Series?

Kim talked about making a peach pie.  I'm not sure if I am that fond of peach pie but I'd like to trying making one.  Maybe one for next Thurs.  Have a recipe I'll try.  This week we're having hamburgers & corn on the cob.  Might make a pecan pie -- one of my favorites.  Guess I'll roll out a crust.

Thurs. the 25th.  It's reallyl cool -0- I could have had an oven meal but we're having hamburgers, etc.  Barb got corn to have.  I made a pecan pie.

Kim & Lar had an enjoyable weekend.  They came home Rt. 6 & saw Pa.'s Grand Canyon & thru Coudersport & saw the new bldg. that Riga built & no one uses it.  The homes, etc.  He supported the town so you wonder what the people will do now.  Why do they have to live like kings.  Kim thought the bldg. had gold trim.

Sunday, September 10, 2000

Thanks for the pictures.  Andy's picture is so good & he smiled.  His teeth are looking so good -- he must be taking care of them.  Family pictures are great.  I find it hard to believe Eddie is changing so much -- no more little boy.

I sent Andy's birthday gift last Sat. so it should be there on time.  A teenager now & an interest in girls.  Sounds like he has good taste.

When it cooled off, I wanted to do some baking & ran out of flour.  Unusually I have extra on hand but I slipped up.  Now I have flour but it has warmed up & is more humid.  But it won't last & I can start baking.

Didn't get any more book.  In fact, I didn't finish Tami Hoag's book.  Found it hard to get into & I've been reading a lot so decided to give it a rest.  So I'm putting puzzles together.  Finished one last night.  Maybe I'll start another one while I watch my slipping Mets this aft.  Very discouraging.

Your shed looks very nice with the new paint.  It takes a lot of work to keep one's property.  Both Dale & Barb say driving into the driveway now is much better -- no bump to go over.  Last  Thurs. Beaty had a football game & cares were parked on Third when Lar came with his truck.  He agreed, it was much easier turning into the driveway.

Tues. the 12th.

We're having showers today & I hope it will wash away our humidity.

Barb ordered a bed from Penneys.  The present one squeaks & when she moves it wakens her up.  Should be here the end of the week.

Gen called on Sun.  John got a new car, a Japanese make & I can't remember how to spell it.  Starts with N.  He is also taking flying lessons again, much to their dismay.  It worries them.  He's a grown man who knows what he wants to do.  He's still a boy to them.  Too bad!

Barb is working extra hours this week & next preparing for a rummage sale.  Bob's father died some time ago & they finally put the house up for sale & it sold for their price.  Two families wanted it & one was willing to pay Bob's price.  So there is stuff from there to look over, etc.  Barb is pricing items, etc.

Last Sun. Rose was in church for the first time after her operation.  She's doing OK.

Barb was very happy when the Bills beat Green Bay.  Sure it was the opposite in your house.  But the Bill look good this year, at least so far.  We hope they continue.

Soon time to think of supper.

Sunday, August 1, 1999

The Mets finally beat the Cubs in 13 innings & what an exciting & frustrating time.  Both teams used most of their players & it seemed neither team wanted to win.

It's finally cooling off.  Just turned off the A.C. & opened doors & windows.  Nice breeze.

Today at 4 pm Lar & Kim were entertaining the Crary Home residents at camp.  Grilling hamburgers, having corn, etc.  Fri. Lar made the final payment on the Miata.

If I read your letter correctly you leave on Thurs. for La.  And you should have enjoyed a visit from Tony & family.  Friendships are so nice to keep up & a visit is even nicer.  And you have another one to look forward to.

Gen called the other nite & they've made good use of the pool during the hot spell.  They have blueberry plants & are enjoying the berries & blueberry pie.

Aunt Esther was 100 in June & is bedridden & they have a tube to feed her.  Warren (cousin) is trying to get her off the tube but it takes time, etc.  He must have power of attorney but it requires permission so it takes time.  A living will is best.

To see our downtown area today is sure different from what you saw on the internet.  I think the Busy Bee has changed hands & Lar thinks the Texas lunch is still there but I think there is a new owner also.  A popular place to eat here is the Plaza.  It is really busy & noisy during the lunch hour.  Good food.

Aug 7.

Now it's Sat. nite & I'm watching the Mets beat L.A.  The Mets are really hot now & I love it.  [They were ahead, but lost.]

It has cooled off a lot & it is so enjoyable, especially sitting on the front porch.  Good for baking & I've made cookies & rolls.

Mon. the 9th, Barb, Kim & I are going to Jamestown for lunch & shopping.

Got your letter today.  Sounds like Tony & family's visit was a great success.

I'll be anxious to hear all about your trip to La.

When does football practice start for Andy.  What will Eddie be doing - probably soccer.  How's his bike riding coming.

Reread the letter & realized I've neglected to finish it sooner.  Last Tues. Betty Casey & I went to lunch.  Every booth & table was in use at the Plaza so we went to Penn Laurel & had a nice lunch.  Much quieter there & more class.

We have the railing up on the front porch steps.  It looks nice I think, but it didn't satisfy Barb.  It is narrower as it was fastened to the sidewalk rather than the steps.  Hard to explain but we have a railing now that's the main thing.  Don't want anyone falling or losing their balance.

Now it's Sun. aft. the 8th & I'll get this finished.  Since church is at 9:30 for the summer I can read the Buff. paper before lunch.  I'm sending 2 articles I think might interest you.  One on Frank Lloyd Wright's window displays in Buff.  And the one by an intern Dr. who has an article monthly & I fins them very interesting.  May you will - interesting story on "smells".

The Mets didn't have it last nite & lost to L.A.  Better luck this aft.  They come on - oops they are already on & I missed the first 10 min - how could I do that, esp. when I was watching the "enemy"!!!

Barb finished the outside door in the little room upstairs.  Now she's working on preparing the tin roof for painting.

Betty Casey told me her son Mike decided to go to college 20 years after high school.  Had served in Vietnam so he got the G.I. Bill & he graduated with honors from one of the U.W. schools.  He lives in Eau Claire.  I think he's in some kind of youth work.  I'm sure you remember him.

School starts here the 31st.  When do the boys go back to school.  Is Andy getting excited about going to a new school.  Will Eddie be coming home instead of after school - can't think of the correct term, but you know what I mean - I hope.

Better end this.

Sunday, August 30, 1998

Barb just got back from a walk & she said it was getting warm.  We've had some humid weather & I for one will be glad to see Sept. & cooler weather   Nites are better for sleeping - more low 60s.  This week the day time highs are to be in the 70s.  That is better baking weather.

Went to the library & read "Innocent Blood" by P. D. James & liked it.  I've heard of her but this is the first book I've read.

Dale was in Rochester for 3 days Wed-Fri this past week.  Topic - transmissions.  Now he's on vacation for a week.  Barb & I hope he'll be around long enough so we could make a fast trip to Jamestown.

Last Mon. Lar & Kim got their CRV & it is really nice.  They are pleased with it.  Good sitting & easier to get in like the van.

I've missed church a few Sun. this month, but I got there today & it was good to be back.  After Labor Day we go back to the 10:45 time & I'll be glad.  Today I didn't have much to do in getting Dad set for the day.  Some mornings are worse than others & to be ready for (;30 was a struggle.

In today's bulletin it was announced that there was a rose to honor the birth of a daughter to Mr. & Mrs. Charles Phillips II.  That is Patty Welsh Phillip's son.  I didn't know he was married - or even working.  He was going to JCC.

I sat by Linda Lyle Ekey in church & they have 4 children.  Oldest a girl is a R.N. & working in Bradford Hosp, next son went to school for carpentry & is home & working.  2nd son started a vocational school in Pittsburgh & hated it so he joined the Army last Apr. & is in Okla - Ft. Sill & is learning to drive trucks that carry rockets & loves it.  Will be home in Oct. for 10 days.  Youngest son at Eisenhower.  All smart kids.  It was a tough summer for them - farm equipment broke down (farm in Akeley) washing machine went & they had to get a new car.

Arlene H. sat with us & next Sat. she leaves to visit Beth & family for a month.  She wonders about going as she hasn't felt well this summer.  I think she has sugar & was in the hosp. one time to get it in control.  She mentioned she saw you walking by.

Mrs. Katherine Sundell died.  She was an Ekey & had a daughter & a son Paul who stuttered.  They both live in Maryland now.   Paul never married but has done well in his job.  Mr. Sundell isn't well either.  She was 83.

This A.M. Dad said to me "I wish you could have a baby".  I said we're too old to have children.  He must have been back in the late 40s when I was trying to get pregnant.  When no one (so we thought) in the family had Parkinson's I never thought this would happen to Dad.  He just seemed to give up & give in to the disease.  He doesn't tremble as much as some - more when something upsets him.

The Mets had a good game Sat the 29th.  A homerun in the 9th with 2 outs & kept L.A. from scoring in the bottom of hte 9th.  Too bad McGwire was thrown out of the game against Atlanta but it didn't look like a strike.  I know you can't argue strikes & balls but people pay to see him play.  And last nite the Steelers won.  Dale was happy.  I watched the 1st half.  It will be nice to have football games again but it smothers baseball.  Too much overlapping of sports.  You'll have to send a picture of Andy in his football attire.  Doesn't sound like he's tired of practice.  Would be fun to watch hi mat these sports, Eddie also.

Were they glad to get back to school.  Do they like their teachers.

We're starting to get political literature.  I don't even read anything from Jim Lynch.  He's a shoo in & I don't like him.  Too much ego but I guess it takes a lot in the job like that & someone has to run for office.

I'm rambling so I'll close with our love to all.