Sunday, October 2, 2005

It's is 7:07 pm & it is getting dark.  Dale is outside waxing one side of his car.

The Keeneys are working on the little house across the st.  Dale thinks the man working with him could be his brother.  I don't know which one bought the house.  This weekend they put in new steps for the front entrance.  Barb thinks they plan to paint it.

When I went to church this A.M. Frank (across the st.) was outside so we talked a bit.  I asked about the house & he said he has a bid but it is too low.  He can't give it away & hopes they'll up the bid.  It is going on 3 years, trying to sell it.  There is a lot of outside upkeep & he doesn't seem to do too much to improve the yard.

I really enjoyed reading your article on Rockford.  I never went to the library the year I was there.  Don't think I really went to the library until we moved to Warren.  Are you collecting this information to write a novel with a Rkfd. background?

We're still having wonderful weather, but by Thurs. it's suppose to get cold so I'll have to turn on the furnace.  In setting up the church's budget, they plan to double the heating money. That really will be a budget buster.  My pen goes fast than my thought & I leave words out.

It was interesting to hear about Ed's classes -- what you learned at Open House.  They get a long lunch period.

Barb rode 25 miles on her bike this aft.  She reached 800 miles this spring, summer & now fall.

Today decided who plays who in baseball's playoffs.  I was happy Boston beat the Yankees this aft. so the Yankees don't get home field.  They go to L.A.A.  I'll start a puzzle to do & watch during the games.  Barb was rooting for the Phillies but Houston won the prize.  The Mets ended the season better than they stated it.  I'm all ready looking forward to next spring -- a long way off.

The library called & said someone found my card at the Mall & bro't it in.  I don't keep it with my charge cards, so I can't figure how it fell out.  It was nice of that person to turn it in.  I picked it up along with 3 books written by my favorite authors.  Usually I check to see if the book is familiar but I missed this time.  Looking again at home it is one I've already read. Enjoyed it but don't think I'll reread it this time.

Mon. Oct 3

I fixed an easy meal tonite.  A baked omelet with frozen hash browns, ham & cheese & eggs.  Dale came home with a headache & he doesn't want a big meal so it worked out fine. Also fixed a tossed salad.  Even Barb decided to have some.  She had gone on a bike ride & preferred a meal she didn't have to fix.

Sometime after I go to the bathroom during the nite, I have trouble going back to sleep.  That happened last nite.  This is Dale's early week so after he left I sat in my chair & had a 1/2 hr. nap.  Late aft. I did the same thing -- had another brief nap.  So tonite I can watch my Mon. nite program.

Thurs, Oct 6  9:45 A.M.

I'm ready to sit awhile.  Made biscuits for supper -- we're having chicken & biscuits.

It is another beautiful, warm day.  But tomorrow the weather changes.  Dale mowed the lawn last nite & you could hear others mowing their lawns.  Maybe the last time.

I started my puzzle, a pumpkin scene & watched the playoffs.  I'm rooting for Chicago to win. Don't think Boston has "it" this year.  Was happy to see Houston beat the Braves 10-5. Hope they keep it up. Think St. Louis will be in the World Series.  Mike Piazza is one of the announcers on ESPN & he's doing a nice job.  He won't be a Met next year.  I'm sure he'll go to the A.L. & be a D.H.  He still has some homers left in him.

Did I mention I called Gen.  (Senior moment.)  She wants to get a job because she doesn't have any money.  I'm sure John takes care of her banking.  And she is looking for Ed so they can decide what is going to happen.  You know she thinks he is around with another woman. When I talked to her she sounds O.K. except for these wild ideas.

I picked the last 2 rose buds.  They are so pretty & are the kind I wanted.  This is one Lar planted & a pretty lavendar-pink color.

Barb rides her bike twice a day now.  She wants to reach the 1000 mile goal.

The kids have Fri. & Mom. off from school.  Teachers meeting.

A new Mexican restaurant opened in Warren.  In the vicinity of the old Salvation Army.  It's not a favorite of mine but I'm sure Lar & Kim will visit it.

And the new parking garage will soon open.  And Leroy Schneck sold the radio station & is retired.  You'll read about it in the paper.

Fri A.M.  A few words before I get my hair done.  When Dale was on vacation I suggested he take the porch chairs to the attic.  Yesterday he washed them & put them away.  He even washed the porch.  I've learned, once I made a suggestion, to wait until he is ready.  I know he'll do it, but on his time.  Barb will ask him & wants it done immediately.  If not she'll do the job & grumble.  She hasn't learned he'll do it -- when he wants to.  Each one of us is different.

It warmed up during the nite from 61 to 69.  The rain hasn't come yet.  I had to turn the blanket aisde during the early A.M. hours.

We are all fine.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

How was the bike ride.  Did you have sore butts?

Welcome to the club.  What club?  Why the club that makes parents anxious when their kids aren't home by curfew time!  I went thru that a few times!

When I got my Verizon telephone bill there was a charge of 40.00 for 2 min.  I called to find out & it had something to do with Dale's computer.  Someone got into it, or something.  Dale will pay the 40.00.  But I ended up getting Verizon online.  199.99 for 3 months, then $29.99. Computer comes on faster & one will be able to use the telephone etc. when Dale uses his computer, email, etc.  They will also block 900 numbers.  I don't know if I'm an easy mark but you can opt out of it after 3 months.  Barb is happy to have it.  What's one more bill. Ha!ha!  Dale says he has service thru a local co.  He has an email number but has never used it.  Thurs. nite Lar tried to show him how it works but he didn't succeed.

Bert left today for Atlanta.  She kept wondering why but she really can't be alone.  Barb is only suppose to be there 2-3 hours, 5 days a week.  Barb is kind of glad to have some time off.  She's riding her bike now, & Dale is lying in the sun.  I'm watching Seattle at Cleveland. The Mets aren't on this aft.  Will be on Sun. aft.  Barbs wants to go to Chapman's Dam.

You'll notice from the paper that the new bridge opens Aug 1st.  And work is suppose to start on the Walmart - Lowe's stores in N. Warren.  Some dispute about water run off might stall it.

I think the Chicago White Sox are the best team & could go all the way, even winning the World Series.  Not a good thing from a Nat. leaguer fan!

I've had to change my seat when watching TV, so I can see the print.  When I'm closer I can tell what is going on.  Probably should have my eyes examined again but I see OK otherwise.  It's a little over a year since I had an eye exam.

Millie sent pictures of her 90's birthday.  Allan & Larry have changed so much.  Heavier. Millie wrote Larry is after Debbie to watch her weight, but it's OK for him to have a tummy. Barb said it is nice to see pictures of cousins we never see.  There were pictures of the wives, Linda who looks very good, & Larry & Debbie's 3 children.  I've never met Allan's wife Liane.

USA Today had an interesting article about the rookie QB for Buffalo.  It was very interesting. He was at Jim Kelly's football camp for boys - spent a day there -- & the kids loved him. "Played" football with them & praised the young boy if he caught a pass.   That part was on a Buff. Bills TV program & you could see the adulation on the faces of the boys.  Hope he does as well as the Pittsburgh QB did last year in his rookie year.  It will be fun to see football again.  Shows how fast the time goes.

The Mets were on last nite & in the beginning have signed a 16 year old they expect to be a great player.  He can't start til he's 17.  And they have another future player, a 6'5" pitcher from Venezuela.  Barb said I'll have to take good care of myself so I can see them play. They have an excellent s.s & 3rd base players -- young ones.  So there is hope for the future.

Mon A.M. the 25th

Last Sat. we had another 900 call from Nova Scotia, & it scared me.  Didn't answer.  This A.M. Barb called Verizon about it.  I guess they don't block phone calls, only computer calls. Anyway they call it Modem Hijacking & said they won't pay the bill.  It might be too late to take it out.  If so, it will appear on the Aug. bill.  I have the bill deducted from by bank acct.  I'm glad Barb called as some of this goes over my head.  Now I'll give Dale back his $40.00.

We finally had some rain during the nite, but I slept thru it.  Barb said it filled the plastic water barrel 1/2 full.  We could use more rain.

This will be another A.C. day.  It's not already.  Lot my 3rd load of laundry in the washer. Barb is riding her bike.

Wed. A.M. the 26th

We had a big storm last nite & filled the rain barrel.  I haven't done much this A.M., except clean the bathroom.  We can't go to the Mall this A.M. as we are hemmed in by trucks. The gas co. has started work on replacing the lines, & putting the meter outside.  They had to drill thru the basement wall & it has been noisy.  Now they are out front.

We have "egg on our face" as they started with Cary's house Tues. & had to dig thru where the rhododendrons were planted.  That's why the neighbor has done nothing with it.

We've had 2 small tomatoes from the garden & we should have a good crop if they all ripen. Some big ones.  Barb has given beans to the neighbors (Conaway house) -- can't remember how to spell their names & too lazy to get up.  Also Lar & Kim have received some & we've eaten a lot of them.

I iguess the Mets like "home cooking" because they have a hard time winning on the road.

Dale likes sunflower plants & we planted them from seed.  Now they are 6' high.  There are 5 of them.

Yesterday I watched 3 movies from TCM -- in black & white & enjoyed them.  If you think that's all I did you could be right.  I did change my bed, washed a load & made meals.  And I washed the floor!  Spots came too fast to suit me.

Later.  Barb & Dale aren't too pleased with the new gas meter & will talk to Larry to see how they could cover it.  I think they are thru on our property but the final hook up won't be til next week.

Barb is now on the Internet.  She finally got it all together.

It seems to me, when you lived awhile with Gen & Ed, you stayed out late & Ed went looking after you.  Something your parents never did!

Monday, June 10, 2002

I'm sitting on the porch watching Dale paint the step's railings.  He sanded them on Sat.  It took most of the day because he's so fussy.  Yesterday he put the undercoat on & tonite he's putting the first coat of light tan on.  It looks really nice.  He was saying maybe he didn't have to be so fussy.

Today I hung sheets & underwear outside.  Also washed one of Dale's blankets & put it away for the summer.  They dry fast outside.

Elise Yaegle's sister died -- she had a brain tumor.  She was born in May 1920 -- my age.  Arlene Hornstrom is back in Warren at the nursing home in Pleasant Township.  This way friends can visit her.

What is a Silpat baking mat.  I've never heard of it.  Maybe I should watch the Cooking Channel.  Lately when nothing interests me, I turn to the History Channel & enjoy watching it. 

Lisa Carey & her 2 daughters were home this weekend as well as Paul & John.  The gossip is that they (Carey's) found a house in Buffalo, near Paula & John & will spend the summers there & winters in Fla.  No interest for their house here, altho people have looked at it.

Barb took 2 bike rides Sun. & today.  She's testing to see if her body can take it.  One ride equals 10 miles on the bike path & home Conewango Ave.

Today I mailed a card to Gen & a memorial for Stella to Shirley.  I hope she doesn't mind but I didn't want to wait any longer.  She can get in touch with David.

It's Wed. the 12th & it's hot & humid.  Yesterday I was at church so I put off cleaning the bathroom until this A.M.  The 2 Tues. A.M. mtg. always fall on Dale's long day.  He likes the Stouffers chicken pot pie or the ravioli & garlic toast so lunch is taken care of.  Just has to choose one.

I just watched "The Golden Girls" & had a lot of laughs.

I tried a new cooky yesterday.  Date & nut bars -- the dates are hard to find -- but it is a good cooky.  The brand name won't com\e to me but I also got the iced cooky you like.

Got my new Taste of Home Quick Cooking & plan to try a cooky recipe when it cools off, probably Sat.  Toffee Oat Cooky.  Contains oats & English toffee bits or almond brickle chips, plus sugar, flour, etc.  Tried them.  Very good. 

Scott is going to summer school at Jefferson for math.  There are 6 boys in the class & he likes it.  Tues, Wed & Thurs.  Barb will take care of him & clean for Lynn. When Marisa & Scott are together, they fight like cats & dogs.  Lynn said he likes it.  He told Barb he didn't.

Thurs A.M. is always a busy A.M.  I have to get the garbage out before 8:30 & I have to get a shower first & get dressed.  I'm usually up at 6 A.M. & this A.M. I got a fresh blueberry pie made.  1/2 of the berries are in the sauce I make & it is poured into a baked shell with 2 cups of fresh berries.  Can you understand my thoughts.  Then I got the dirty dishes, etc. cleaned up & started a load of clothes.  So most of my work is done expect to get dinner.  Yesterday I told Barb I was thinking of having a chicken noodle casserole & that didn't appeal to her.  So I said tell me what you'd like.  She chose the chicken with mushrooms & muenster cheese.  Then I said what about dessert -- maybe I'll have gingerbread, knowing she didn't like it.  Her suggestion was blueberry pie & offered to go to BiLo for the cheese & berries.  She also got a bottle of wine.  So we should have a good dinner.

This is the weekend Kim & gal friends go to Pittsburgh for a weekend of golf.  Seeing they dont' get back til late Sun. aft., they came for dinner.  We have celebrated her birthday on that Sun. but seeing her birthday is Fri. this time, we'll celebrate on Thurs.  Excuse my mistakes but I'm watching CNN & the Paula Zahn show & it's interesting & my mind is on 2 things & it doesn't help to write -- when distracting -- (I'm really mixed up) when I'm distracted by an interesting section of the program.  It's Oreo's 90th birthday today & it was fund to watch that section.

Gen called last nite.  Ed is in a nursing home & getting therapy.  She doesn't seem to really know what is going on.  I'll have to call Millie.  They go to lunch today for Gen's birthday & Edith will know about it.  Ed had a little operation but Gen didn't know much about it.  John took the day off & was with Ed.  John won't be taking the trip to Sweden.  John got a new car -- a Mercedes -- a silver color.  Maybe that will attract a girl!

Friday, May 12, 2000

Barb & I went to Jamestown -- left at 10:15 A.M.  Went to the Mall, Walmart, K Mart & Wegman's, a grocery store.  We had lunch at the Red Lobster & you get a nice lunch & it's much cheaper than dinner.  Naturally the portions are smaller but plenty for us.  Bon Ton had a lot of sales & both of us got nice tops on sale.  Oh yes, we went to Penneys who are also having sales.  We had a nice outing.

Both Barb & Dale have been working in the yard.  Dale mowed the grass -- it's growing so fast he mows it every 5 days.  We have all the flowers planted & they look so nice.  Barb has a new camera & she plants to take pictures & we'[ll send some..

When we got home Barb said where did the hanging planter come form.  It came when we were gone & it hung on a hook & the card was in the mail box.  It is beautiful -- a fuchsia plant & a beautiful color.  Thanks so much, and for the card & letter, too.  I really like it.

Congratulations to JoAnna for getting to be a delegate to the Dem. Convention in L.A.  What a great experience it will be -- not many get that honor.  I'm proud of you, JoAnna.

Tomorrow, Sat, we are going out to dinner again -- to celebrate Mother's Day, Barb & Lar's birthdays.  We're going to Holiday Inn again as this is Lar's busy time & he likes to work at least until 6 pm.  We go a 7 pm.  But we like the atmosphere & they have a good menu, so it is always an enjoyable time.

We got some cement squares at K Mart for by the back door side of the house.  Barb wanted 8 & on 6 of them Barb put flower pots filled with petunias & on 1 sq. she got a molded rabbit & on the other one we have a small green watering can & a little turtle figure with a frog on top.  It's so cute.  Barb decided on using more pots this year as they don't require as much water.  She has mulched around the beds.  Oh yes, between the squares she planted white alyssum.  When it starts to spread it should look nice.

Careys returned home last Tues.  It was good to see them again.

Barb has started riding her bike again.  Her aim is for 1000 mi. this summer.  She did that last year.

When Lar edges Carey's walk with his gas edger, Dale borrows it & edges ours so it looks so nice.

A father had written to "Dear Abby" about his 2 sons who worked but still lived at home.  The mother didn't make the boys help in any way.  Both parents worked.  The father refused to fold clothes for his wife while the sons sat & watched TV.  But my situation isn't like that at all.  They both want the house & yard to look nice & work at it.  Once I mentioned to Millie that Dale made his own bed (except on Mon. when I change the sheets) & she was surprised.  Abby said they should push the boys out on their own.  Personally I wouldn't like to live alone & in no way could I do yard work & to hire someone would be costly.  So I'm satisfied with my situation.  Someday they'll have to make a change.

I've been sitting on the porch.  The Mets aren't on TV but I'll watch Atlanta & Phila & Phila good pitcher is pitching & maybe Atl. can lose 3 in a row.  They didn't.

Now it's Tues the 16th of May.

I have 4 library books that were due yesterday so you know what I have to do this aft.  So far it's a nice day so a walk will be good for me.

Nice to talk to you on Sun. nite.  We enjoyed our dinner Sat. nite.  A few prom couples were there & they looked nice in their formal dress.  It was nice as there was no rush as there would have been on Mother's Day.

Yesterday I had a blood test so that is out of the way for 6 weeks or so.  The Dr's office will call if there is a need for any pill dosage change.

It's 8:05 A.M. and I should get dressed & start cleaning upstairs.

Will you be able to go to Genevieve's 60th party.  I sent a card.