Thursday, April 20, 2006

You sounded good, Paul, on the phone, so I hope things are improving day by day.  I think of you all a lot.

Today is Barb's birthday.  I made a carrot cake -- her wish.  And we're having the chicken with the mushrooms & cheese, another favorite.  Green beans, 'taters & fruit salad.  I also baked the choc. cooky dough from the freezer while the oven was in use.  My favorites now -- with Andes mint topping that melts & make them look so nice.  That was the end of it so I'll have to make another batch to have on hand.  Sheila told me she freezes cooky dough so I tried.  It is great to have on hand.

Last Fri my washer blew a fuse -- only with new wiring we don't have fuses.  Barb said she knew what to do.  But it didn't work.  Dale came home & said you have to push the nob to off & then turn it to on.  But I never tired it again.  On Mon I called the repair man.  There are 2 sides -- one for regular wash & one for delayed wash.  I used that side & finished my laundry. He couldn't find any reason for 1 side to work & not the other.  Yesterday he came again, filled the washer, turned it on & waited for the machine to stop.  It didn't.  I told him we didn't turn the nob to "off" before we tried to set it.  And after Dale told us what to do, we never tested it.  "It's so nice to have a man around the house--" So I wasted money because I didn't try it again.  Oh well, how I know who to call if something goes wrong.

Called Millie on her birthday.  They celebrated on East Sun. at Larry's place at the Cape. Allen stayed around for a couple of days & took Millie to lunch on Mon. & she enjoyed that. She said she never thought she'd live so long.  Each year she said she slows down.  I know that feeling.

The Mets plan to build a new stadium to be completed in '09.  Wonder if I'll still be around to see it on TV.  They lost their 1st series & of course it had to be to Atlanta.

Barb saw the cutest dog sitting by a flower pot that says "welcome".  The dog looks like Torey & it has such a nice expression on its face.  We got it for Lar's birthday.  A yard decoration.

At Valentines & Easter I always get favorite candies to put by the plates.  But I forgot to do it last Sun. -- a senior moment -- so they'll get them tonite.  M&M's for Kim, Hershey milk choc. nuggets for Dale (my favorite as well), & Hershey's dark choc. miniatures for Barb & Lar.

Dale mowed the lawn for the first time last Mon.  We've had a series of beautiful days but starting tomorrow we are in for rainy days.  But it makes the grass nice & green.

Fri. the 21st

We had a nice birthday dinner.  I gave her money & Dale did & so did Lynn so she can shop for what she wants.  Larry said he'd like the same meal Dale had except for the cake.  He wants carrot cake. Then the birthdays will be over until fall.  Oh no, Kim's is in June.

It won't be long before all of your festivities are upon  you, the way time flies.  May will be here in 9 days.  Wow!  Take care of yourself so for all these parties your strength will be back. But you are in good health so that means a lot.

Barb has stated her bike riding & enjoys it.

Sheila told me this A.M. that Angie Pellegrino's daughter &  boyfriend bo't Collins' house. They plan to be married this summer.  Here I thought a family with children would move in. Leave it to the beauty operators or hairdressers to get all the news.

Dale said another guy at work is having marital problems.  Men gossip just as much as women, I guess.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Paul had a -- where's my head.  I mean Barb had a nice birthday.  Dale gave Barb money, Lar & Kim gave her a gift card to Walden Books & they both also had little gifts.  I gave her a swim suit from L. L. Bean.  The blueberry pie was delicious.  PLan to make another one for this weekend.

Barb heard a noise in the car she didn't like.  It turned out to be the sway bar which Dale fixed.  If it had been done at the shop it could cost around $150.00.  Lucky me to have Dale to fix things.

In Jan. I saw the Dr. & he wanted me to have some blood tests.  The office called & said he wanted me to have another one in 2 months.  So I had one & the office called again & wanted to change my meds.  I take 2 pills instead of one.  It is my thyroid acting up.  Maybe that's why I lost some weight.  Now I'll have to be careful so I won't gain weight.  It was affecting me in small ways & already I feel better.

Last Fri we went to Jamestown - -Bon Ton had a sale & both Barb & I found tops we liked & bot.  This Fri we are going to Erie (no school) & maybe we'll have more success.  (Enclosed cartoon.)

Good for JoAnna making a speech.  That brings back memories.  In Great Falls I took a public speaking course at the Y.W.  It was fun.  We had to give speeches & then be graded by the group.  There were good things bout Gt. Falls.  2 children born there.

What is taught in the student enrichment time?

Both boys did well in their grades.

Barb recommends the movie "Band of Angels", a movie she got at the library.  Clark Gable & Yvonne De Carlo & it is a Civil War movie.  She really enjoyed it. She bo't a D.V.D, V.C.R. as the old V.C.R. wasn't that good.  In putting it in place she hfound the remote for the L.R. TV.

Jessie Franberry who sits with us in church -- I've mentioned her before -- was upset last Sun. as they won't let her drive anymore because of her medication.  She is heartbroken but that day comes for everyone.  Then we were told the organ needs repairs to the tune of $3500.00  W'll have a congregational mtg. in May to decide.  We finally have a talented organist so I hope it can get done.  I'm willing to give toward it.

We didn't get snow last weekend but it was cold.  40's.  Showers thru the wee & the grass is so green & needs mowing.  This is Dale's late Tues. & the weather is nice.  Maybe toward the end of the week he can now.

Sun. nite I watched Oakland at the L.A. Angels.  If I was an A.L. fan I'd be for the Angels. They won 1-0.



Last nite the Braves were at the Mets.  Mets won but it was dicey until the last out.  5-4 Mets.  Tye are much improved & finally have a new 1st baseman whose name I find hard to remember.  This is how I do it, can't spell his name either.   Mc-Tave-itch.  That is what it sounds like when the announcers say it.  Mientkiewicz.  He is a good first basement.

Thurs A.M. the 28th

I'm taking a coffee break.  Most of my Thurs chores are done.  Made a spice cake for dessert & it smells so good.  We're having pork & applesauce. Will make a corn pudding for a veggie.

Tues nite Dale got home a little after 8 pm & it was still a little light left so Dale mowed the lawn.  We have had so many "showery" days it is hard for Dale to find a dry spell.  Good we don't have much to mow.

Barb borrowed a video catalog from Lynn.  She found movies she'd like to order but they aren't available anymore.  Her first choice "Band of Angels". Lynn said maybe it is available on the internet.  She found it & it cost $70.00!  Barb said to get it & take it out of her pay. She ordered a set of "Bonanza" but returned them as they were so bad.  Hard to look at.

Break time is over -- must clean the sink in the laundry room.

Every year the Kiwanis sponsors a blood testing clinic at Beaty.  Kim & Lar go every other year.  Lar hates needles & the one he got had trouble taking the blood.  Kim said Larry got green & just about passed out.  This happens every time he has to have a blood test.

Kim & her girlfriends are going to the Indian Casino tomorrow.  It's a snow day.  Everyone talks about the food there, that it is wonderful.  I said we should go up there when Dale is on vacation.  He said eh would.  It would be fun to see it & maybe spend a few quarters & then have dinner.  I think it would be fun.

Sunday, April 20, 2005

Another Sun. & another Mets game on TV.  They are really hot after 5 losses.  Full house yesterday when Pedro M. pitched.  Hope they keep it up.

Our nice weather continues.  I washed & pressed a dress I've had for ages -- when Dad was living -- but it was too big.  So I wore another dress that is at least 3 yrs. old.  When Barb saw it, she said "where did you get that dress."  She was with me when I bo't it.  It is dressier & I don't wear it that much.  I've looked for a new dress but ones for old ladies are hard to find.

When I get my hair done Sheila & I talk about our families.  I said Millie would be 90 & she wondered if he hair was white.  I took the picture Millie sent to show her.  Sue, the other gal, was doing one customer & her next lady was there.  Sheila couldn't believe she is 90 & neither could the other 3.

Fri. we went to the Mall & I was looking for a top to go with  skirt I got a couple of years ago in Erie.  The skirt has a light tan background with various shades of lilac & deep red.  I like the skirt a lot but haven't found a top to go with it.  I'm looking for a light lilac & Barb found one.  Very pretty but too dressy.  I bo't it regardless as it will go with slacks.  Also on sale. I'll look for a cotton knit.  We might go to Jamestown this coming Fri.

The grade schools that will be closed are having open house for former students.  Jefferson had theirs last Fri from 3:30-8:30 pm.  They had a live D.J. playing music & all we could hear was the boom, boom, boom! Barb was beside herself.  Sat. she went up to Lynn's as she had forgotten something &U told Lynn about it.  She didn't get any sympathy as Lynn had her own story.  The Sat. before the boys were riding their motorcycles (Scott has one) behind their house.  It was noisy U& another house had loud music.  Lynn said she would have called the police, only her son was one of them.

She also heard that Anne Smith has osteoporosis (can't find the spelling in my small dictionary) & when she was in a store in Syracuse she fell &  broke her hip.  After the operation she was in a wheelchair, now she's using a walker.  Tough to have that happen away from home.

I'm "jelling".  Got some shoe inserts & they are wonderful.

I told Barb your favorite movie of all time is "North by Northwest".  She got that at the library & enjoyed it.  She watched it several time.  It's one of her favorites.

Mon the 21 of April

I got a perm this aft & I really needed one.  It was getting long & no curl.  We usually get groceries on Mon. so Barb said we could get them later.  She didn't get home early so I fixed leftovers.  Last Sat. I made a penne casserole (like lasagna) & I've learned how to make so it taste good.  I make the 12 x 9 dish so there are leftovers.  An easy meal & no one objected. Then we got groceries & it wasn't as busy.

Now I'm watching the Braves at Houston.  Last night I watched the Braves at Philly.  After 9 innings it was 0-0 & I went to bed.  This is Dale's early week.  I was pleased to see Philly won 2-1 in the 11th.  The paper also mentioned that "George" is steaming because the Yankees are 4-8 as of this A.M.  He thinks the players are better than that.  But some of them are showing their age.  Having the Mets filling Shea Stadium twice doesn't help & maybe he wishes he had gotten Pedro M.  Some young guys are showing promise.

Sheila was telling me today that her husband's folks have a camp in the Tidioute area.  It was broken into & damaged.  Broken glass -- damage to everything they could break.  They left no beer to be taken but there was a little liquor.  It can be seen from the road & there is a house close by.  The lady never locked her doors but now she does.  It scared her.

Dale mowed the lawn tonite.  The seeds Barb started have started to sprout.  Even you can see a little green coming on the trees.  A nice time of the year.

I finally memorized the Nicene Creed.

Tues. the 19th

This A.M. I had a blood test.  Came home & made my breakfast -- scrambled eggs, slice of apple bread & one of my rolls.  Made potato salad to go with hamburgers for supper tonite. Washed my kitchen rugs & hung them outside & they dried fast in our "summer weather". It will change & get colder by week end.  Washed the floor -- didn't want to put clean rugs on a dirty floor.  Then I quit & took it easy.

 I see the Catholic church has a new Pope.

Barb rode her bike today for the first time.  For her birthday Barb choose chicken from BiLo -- already baked.  Mashed pot, peas & carrots, fruit salad & blueberry pie.  Double crust.  I have frozen blueberries.   I made the pie crust this A.M. so my biggest job will be to make the pie.  Bert gets these chicken often & Barb wanted to try them & I didn't object.

There are 4 candidates for judge.  3 men & a woman.  Sheila talks to her customers (for lack of a better word as she has both men & women) & asks them about those running.  One is a woman that many favor.  They say she is very fair & has experience with women & children. So I guess I'll vote for her in May.

The gas co. will be putting a new line in on 3rd Ave.  The fellow came for the owner's signature. In our case all 4 of you.  You probably have received a call by now.  It will go thru our lawn -=- about a foot from the sidewalk & they will be responsible if anything goes wrong.

Thurs.  Barb had a nice birthday dinner.  The chicken from BiLo was delicious.  Torey enjoyed it too.  As soon as he came in the house he smelled it.  I reheated it in the oven. The blueberry pie was delicious.  The crust around the edge was a little too thick.  I didn't roll it thin enough. It was just the right texture.   I used 1/4 c. tapioca & 1 T. cornstarch with 4 c. of frozen blueberries.  I plan to make another blueberry pie sometime.

Larry has started his "2nd job" & keeps busy.  He has a good following.  Torey doesn't like the new truck.  He can't get into it -- Lar has to lift him up into it.

Last Sun. our pastor said "it looks like spring has arrived."  Wonder what she'll say this Sun when it's in the 40's & a chance of snow flurries.

Think I've covered our happenings.  One more birthday to go.  Lar's & he wants steak & carrot cake.  We still get the L. L. Bean catalog & Lar saw a shirt he liked.

Saturday, April 17, 2004

Yesterday at 1 pm Barb had an appointment for a mammogram.  She got home just before 3 pm.  No one can believe the mass isn't cancerous.  The Dr. asked Barb to let him know the outcome of the biopsy that will be taken on Thurs. the 22nd.

Called Millie today to wish her a Happy Birthday.  She is 89.  She said Gen called a couple of days ago to wish her a happy Bday & then Millie talked to John.  Gen wanted to visit Millie this weekend but John has a Christmas tree farm behind the grandparents house where John lives.  He had more trees being delivered today so they couldn't go.  They'll go in the near future.

It's 1 pm & the Mets are on NY TV.  Last nite I watched Mets. vs. Pirates.  It looked good for the Mets until they took Glavine out.  Then the pitchers gave up 7 runs & Glavine's excellent game (1 hit) went for naught.  I can watch games on TBS, Braves, & FSN gives the Pirates games.

Barbara went to Erie today shopping.  She spent $200.00 on 2 blouses, & about a dozen cotton toips, so she had a nice shopping trip.  Bert had told her she didn't need any new clothes but Barb didn't agree.

Dale is thinking it is soon time for him to get his "summer" car out.  He's driving it now.

The Pirates beat the Mets again.  Tonite I'll watch the Marlins at the Braves.  It should be a good game.

One Thurs. Kim mentioned one of the boys in her class had his gym clothes stolen & wondered if Dale had any old clothes.  It just so happened Dale had a large bag of Tshirts, a couple of sweat shirts, socks & a pr of jeans.  Kim took the bag.  She let this boy pick out what he wanted & 3 other boys came & said I hear you have some clothes.  One boys saw the NASCAR socks & said I want them.  Kim said the bag emptied so far she couldn't believe it.  The only thing left was the jeans.  Legs too long.  I guess there are a lot of kids that don't have much.  Lar took 4 pr socks -- they were too tight for Dale.  Barb plans to get rid of some tops now that she has new ones.  I'm sure Dale could clean out his closet & find more to give to Goodwill.

Mon. the 19th

This A.M. at 11 I watched Boston vs. Yankees & it was a great game.  Boston overcame a Yankee lead & won the game.  Gary Thorne was the announcer & tonite he is announcing the Boston-Montreal 7th game & in the 3rd quarter it is 0-0.  It is a game for the win to go further in hockey playoff.  So if it continues to be a tie there will be overtime.  It is Patriots Day in Mass.  A holiday & that's why they had a day game, The Boston Marathon & ending with hockey.

Tues the 20th

The 3 of us are going out to dinner tonite.  I thought we should do something special on Barb's 50th birthday.  We aren't asking Lar & Kim as Lar has started his extra work & it's a rush for Kim.  We will go out on a Fri. nite as that is better for all of us.  I also ordered a special birthday cake from BiLo.  Thurs. Barb goes to Bradford for a biopsy & I will go with her.  The appt. is at 11:30 A.M. so it will be mid aft. before we get back & that means it has to be an easy menu.  Barb said we could have hamburgers so I'll make pot. salad Wed. nite & I have fruit for salad plus toppings for burgers.  I guess it will work out.  That is why I wanted something special tonite.

We had a nice dinner.  Barb had a fish platter with salmon, scallops & lobster.  Dale had surf & turf (lobster) & both enjoyed their dinners.  We enjoyed going out.

Thurs the 22nd.

I went with Barb to Bradford while she had ha Dr. appt.  He just checked her & the mammogram.  She will have a biopsy next Mon. the 26th at 3 pm.  The Dr. said she could lose her breast & should have an operation as if it's not cancerous now it could be in the future.  Next Mon. will tell.  He also said she could drive O.K. so I won't go with her next Mon.

Dale will be home right after 4 pm & take me to BiLo to pick up the birthday cake.  Nestles ice cr. cones are on sale this week & I will look & hope some are still left.  They are so good & 2/4.00 this week.

More next week.

Tuesday, April 16,2002

The pictures you sent of the flowers in Pittsburgh are so beautiful.  It must be a wonderful place to visit.  Your bathroom paint job looks very nice.  Nice to have an ambitious wife & husband duo.

Summer is here for a few days.  Walking over to get a perm this aft. I met a man on the bridge who said "This is more like it.  A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I'd been exiled to Siberia."    It is nice to have curl in my hair again.

I strayed from my schedule this A.M.  Put off cleaning the bathroom til tomorrow but did change my sheets.  After Dale left I made potato salad for tonite along with hamburgers.  Took a shower & didn't do much more.  this aft. we got groceries & I am just taking it easy.

Barb went for a bike ride on her new bike.  The tires needed more air & she had to get a new pump.

She decided she wanted the Cheesy Italian Chicken for her birthday dinner & German choc. cake.  Both are easy to fix.  We'll celebrate on Thurs. when Lar & Kim are here.

Sheffield had its 6th bomb alarm & that day it was raining & they were outside for over an hour.  It took the Sheriff awhile to get there due to another emergency.  Now they are offering a $500.00 reward for information.  Kim said they can't just disregard them because of a law the building must be searched.  The notes are always found in the bathrooms.  The principal said if it doesn't stop, they'll have to make up the time in June.

If this weather keeps up Dale will be getting his "summer car" ready to drive.  He's talked about it.

Bob & Lynn got a car for Marisa to drive & Bob will also drive it.  She is 16 this month but now Bob & Lynn decided she can't drive until she is 17.  She is very sassy, using vulgar language & only get 2's in school.  Barb said she has never seen Marisa study or even read a book.  So sad with all the opportunities she can have.

Last nite Braves at Mets were on ESPN Mon. nite baseball.  Naturally I was watching.  In the 1st inning it was Braves 3-0.  A few innings later it was 5-1.  So I switched & watched Trauma - Emergency Room as it was a new issue.  But I would switch back & forth & miracle or miracles the Mets caught up so it was 6-6.  I stayed up thru the 11th inning & missed the Mets winning run in the 12th.  I was thrilled the A.M. to read that the Mets won.

Seeing I got 34 waist for Dale's new pants, I thought a 34 belt would work but it didn't.  Had to exchange it for a 36 waist.

Now it's Thurs. the 18th & I'd better get it finished so I can mail it on Fri.

Called Millie for her birthday.  Yesterday Gen & Edith took her out for a birthday luncheon & then they went to Edith's for dessert.  Gen still drives but Millie doesn't feel safe with her.  Ed & Gen eat out a lot because Gen can't seem to get a meal together.  She hasn't talked to her Dr. about her condition.  I'm sure there is some medication that could help.

Sat. nite Millie's children are taking her out for dinner.  Millie was surprised as she thinks this is more for a 90th birthday.  Jokingly she told Linda "Maybe you don't' think I'll reach my 90th."  She is 87.

John will be visiting Ed's relatives in Sweden this summer.  They visited in E. Long. & urged him to visit Sweden.

I got some summer tops from the attic & got them washed & ironed.  Summer came early but it won't last for which I'm thankful.  Prefer a bit of spring first.

This A.M. I baked a German choc. cake from a box & the icing is also in a can.  Who is lazy?  Barb said it was OK to use a box cake.  They come out better than one made from scratch.

I can hear the kids out at Jefferson.  I'm sure the buildings get stuffy in this unusual heat.

The paper said 1 in 4 in our county get Soc. Sec. retirement & the young people don't come back after college.  Nothing for them here.  I'm sure that is true of many small communities.

Saw in the state news in USA Today that the Rep. gov. lost 3 of his campaigners -- top men. That doesn't sound good for him.

Saturday, April 21, 2001

Baseball & Mets again on TV.  Just hope they can start hitting at the right time & starting winning some games.

It's a cool, dark day & the furnace is still running.  Otherwise I feel cold.  It's suppose to start warming up but the weather is like the Mets -- in a rut.

Yesterday I took Barb out for lunch as it was her birthday.  We went to the Holiday Inn & had a nice lunch.  Fran Decker & Evelyn Berglund were having lunch there, also.

I asked Barb what kind of cake or pie she wanted.  She looked at some cookbooks & chose a cherry choc. cake with a "gooey" icing.  Egg white icing.  It looks pretty -- hope it's OK.  It was a recipe for the microwave & I prefer using the oven which I did.  for the icing you heat egg white, sugar & syrup to boiling in the microwave, & then slowly pour them into the beaten whites (slowly) until thickened.  I added a couple of drop of red coloring so it's a pink icing.

Lar & Kim were going to drive the Miata but seeing it is cloudy, we'll pick them up & all go in the van.  Hope the game goes fast as I have to take a shower & get ready.

I called Millie last Tues -- her birthday.  Gen took another fall.  Going down to do some washing in the basement, she missed the bottom step -- 2nd interruption.  Kim & Torey just stopped over for a cup of coffee.  1st interruption when Dale came home & I fixed lunch for him.

Back to Gen she missed the bottom step and fell on her knees & now they are hurting.  Edith & Gen took Millie to lunch & then to Edith's house for dessert.  Gen was saying how tired she is all the time.  Started making coffee bread & couldn't finish it, & put it in the fridge.  When Millile got home she remembered Allan's wife was always tired before she saw the Dr. & found out she had thyroid trouble.  So Milllie called Gen & asked if she was taking her thyroid pills.  She wasn't -- didn't want to take so many pills.  So maybe that is why she is always tired.  These people that won't take their medications!  Gen has always helped with their income taxes & this year she couldn't do the figures.  She asked Millie how old are you -- 65, 75, & Millie said you know Marion is 80 & I'm older than she is.  I feel so bad for her & I hope Ed will be able to take this set back.  Edith will be a big help.  It will probably get worse.

At camp Lar & Kim have the TV satellite antenna & Kim planned to pay the extra 60.00 but they told her they have to upgrade the works to the tune of $125.00.  Kim said no way but Lar will pay the $125.00 as he wants soccer & Kim will pay the $60.00 for his birthday gift.

My eye is coming along.  It is still red but much improved.

Miracle of miracles, after 6 1/2 innings the Mets are ahead, 4-2.

Thanks for the article on Strawberry.  Haven't read it yet, but you can be sure I will.  It is sad when the "mighty" fall.

Sun the 22nd

Late aft. on Sat. we had a real rainstorm with thunder, but luckily, it stopped raining & warmed up & was nice.  We picked up Lar & Kim & found an open parking spot right in front of Verdino's.  It was busy & very noisy with most of the people from Warren.  Lar & Kim knew many of them & one graduated with Barb.  I chose salmon over the prime rib special which Dale ordered.  It was advertised as peppered prime ribs & that scared me.  Dale said it was spicy.  Barb chose steak & shrimp.  Lar had lasagna as Fri nite he had steak out.  Kim had a noodle dish of some sort.  Our waitress told us they were really busy (we could see that) & short 3 workers & a new one learning the job in the kitchen.  I'm sure they were tired out when it was over, but I'm sure the tips were good.  Ours was $20.00.  It was a nice nite out.  Tell Eddie we missed him as last time we were there, on my birthday, he kept up a good conversation & we enjoyed him.

Did you notice in the Wed. Apr. 18th paper a girl in your class died.  Ronalie Parker Bell.  Her picture was in the paper -- very attractive.  I didn't notice it but Dale did, so I went back & checked it out.

I haven't gotten back to walking again.  Today was nice -- up to 80 -- but I was lazy.  Dale mowed the lawn after work.  This is his early week & he was home by 4:30 pm.  He also did some trimming.

I did clean out the linen closet & my jewelry drawer.  In addition to my Mon. regular chores.

Barb is riding her bicycle again.

Barb is a Pittsburgh hockey fan & she hopes they'll win tonite vs. Washington.  Pitts. is ahead 3-2 at the beginning of the 3rd period.  If they win they'll play Buffalo in the play offs.  2nd round of games.

Soon bedtime so all for this time.

P.S.  Dale got your package.

Sunday, April 16, 2000

Since I wake up early, I chose to go to First Luth. at 8 A.M.  Our service at St. Paul's, with First Luth., was at 11 A.M. & that would be a longer service with extra music, etc.  Besides Pastor Risher, I was the only one from St. Paul, but I know many from First so it wasn't that strange.  I was home a little after 9 AM & then made breakfast.  It's a lovely day.

We had a nice time last nite with Lar & Kim.  We were able to sit on the deck for awhile but had dinner inside.  Kim bo't a birthday cake fro Bi Lo -- they have a good bakery.  It's been a time of celebration -- Mon. eating out; Thurs. birthday cake (left over) for Dale & Dale got to open Lar & Kim's gift & y our gift that arrived on Thurs.  He likes the #3 sweatshirt.  He says thanks to you all.  Barb will open her gifts on Thurs.  A fun time.

I asked Kim about "On the Record".  She said they are fined for punishment.  Today kids (certain ones) have no respect for anyone & don't want to be told "Don't do that", or "Don't curse me" & the officials say the teachers don't have to take anything from the kids.  It's gotten bad -- the next will be hitting, etc.

Last nite Kim told us of 5 7th grade girls who came to a dance.  It was from 9-11:30 followed by a "lock in", otherwise known as a sleepover.  Shortly after the dance started, 1 of the girls said to Kim I have to leave -- my mother is picking me up.  Kim said -- you know once you are here you can't leave (some came only for the dance).  She went back to the other girls & she could see them plotting.  Shortly after another came with the same plea.  They must have wanted to meet some boys.  The 1st girl came up again -- Kim was disgusted & decided to call the girl's parents.  The girl didn't know her telephone number!  Kim had it on the permission slips.  In the meantime the 1st girl's mother came & started screaming & swearing at the girl -- she was grounded & sneaked out. So now she's grounded for 6 weeks.  By the time these girls are 10th graders, they'll be something else.  No one slept during the lock in -- played basketball or other games, watched TV, etc. At 5 A.M. 2 boys tried to sleep as Sat. was the 1st day of trout season & they were going fishing & figured they should sleep a couple hours.

I haven't started any spring cleaning.  USA Today had an article on spring cleaning & how many find it hard to do it.  Even I don't wash the kitchen floor every week.  I spot clean it & give it a good wash every 3 weeks.  I'm lucky Barb & Dale take care of their rooms & Dale vacuums the stairs & L. R. weekly.  The house looks OK as long as I keep it picked up & see that things are in order.  That is fine for me.

Mon the 17th.  Was up at 6 A.M. & after I ate breakfast I started on my chores.  Stripped Dale's bed & then mine.  Both are made.  Washed a load & part of it is in the dryer.  Cleaned the little bathroom in the basement & the shower.  Had done either for awhile.  Dale is good to keep it up but was in the mood to clean them.

Dale has 2 walls painted -- the draperies were taken down so they are washed & set to hang.  The frame of the windows are varnished wood.  Wrong adj. as they don't varnish anymore & I can't get teh correct term.  If he wants them hung up he'll have to move the bed so I can clean them. No heavy moving for me anymore.  I'll ask him at lunch.  Maybe your letter about housecleaning got me in the mood to clean.

Today it is suppose to rain -- we've had a lot of rain.  The dam is a little above summer level.  We had a nice weekend.  If you did, I bet you worked outside.

Last Sat. the 15th Paula Carey was suppose to move their stuff from Carey's garage -- they have their house in Buffalo now.  T hey changed it to Good Fri. & Lar can't help them.  Mike Brindis can help but not much due to his heart.  Can't lift.  And Dale can't help as he works.  And they have a piano to move onto a truck.  Paul will find out the world doesn't stop for her.  Lar has to go to Erie Fri. aft. to pick up something for his work.

Have a bill to mail so will get this ready to mail.  Happy Easter to all.

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.