Saturday, March 17, 2001

Thanks for the pictures. Andy looks good in his basketball outfit. I like the bookcase. It can hold a lot of books, etc.

When I read your letter about Eddie being sick -- it was before lunch so I wasn't eating.

Dale has to go to Rochester for 3 days.  Mon-Wed.  He'll leave about 4 on Sun. so he can drive during the daylight.  The sessions are on transmissions.  Dale said Chrysler will be closing this school and in order to get the warranty money, they have to have so much schooling each year.  Hope the next school isn't too far away.

I got 3 library books on Fri. but I only like 1 of them.  One I can't get interested in & the other ones are short stories & I don't like to read short stories.

Dale had a call today from Ken Dunham -- your age -- one of the twins  they lived by Yostens.  He wanted Dale's opinion on buying a used Jeep.  He has 3 daughters ages 27, 25, 21.  One is married.  They had quite a conversation.

Dale went to Jamestown this aft. & on the way home he stopped at Camp.  Lar & Kim were cleaning there as the bedroom floor is completed.  Kim had ordered some blinds from Penney's & they were putting them up.

Barney Miller is on TV all day today & Sun & I've been watching some of them.  They are so good.

Gen called me this past week & she is in a lot of pain.  She had xrays & there are many breaks.  Ed had to get medicine & had to sign for it as it is a narcotic.  Gen hopes it will be better in a couple of weeks.  I bet it will take a lot longer to heal.

Barb decided to defrost the freezer now.  No problem with me.  She did it in Nov. & this will help because in the summer a  lot of frost comes on it.

Tomorrow, no Mon, I'm going out to lunch with Bensons, Hollertz, etc.  We're going to 5 Fords Restaurant in Tionesta.  It serves hot buffet, salad bar, & dessert bar.  Dad & I drove by it but never ate there.  Benson's will pick me up.

Kim & Lar went to a credit union dance.  There were 9 couples at their table.  They sold 50-50 tickets.  Lar bot some, Kim decided not to, the gal next to Kim did & she won  the 50-50, about $171.00.  If Kim had bo't tickets she'd won.  6 of the 8 couples at their table won the prizes.  Lar & Kim, & Betsy & her husband won nothing.  It was at St. Paul Center, Saybrook, & Kim said the food was delicious.  Ladies of the church served the meal.  It wasn't the usual fare.  They served chicken broccoli rice casserole, stuffed peppers, etc. salads & desserts.

We were supposed to get a snow storm Fri nite into Sat.  So far just flurries.  Hope it stays away.

Thurs. nite Larry did my taxes for me so that is out of the way.  Barb & Dale have their all completed.

When I talked to Gen she said John was in Holland.  Sent there by the company eh works for.  He was to be home the end of the week.

Sun. Mar. 18th

Our pastor was gone today so Roger Thelin preached & John Check had the liturgy.  They always do a good job.  I'm enclosing an interesting article from the Buffalo paper.  Roger had an interesting illustration to close his sermon.  He has spoken of using our talents -- too many have excuses so the future is in our hands.  They story -- a wise man lived on a mountain & 2 college boys wanted to play a joke on him.   They (a boy) showed him a bird caged in his hands.  Tell me is the bird dead or alive in my hand thinking if he said alive, they'd crush it & let it drop; if he said dead, they'd let it fly away.  His answer was "it's on your hand whether it lives or dies."  And so a lot of things are in our hands whether they live or die.  In today's world we are letting a log of good things die due to our neglect.

Dale will eat around 3 pm & be ready to leave by 4 or so.  It will be different without him to talk to.

We awoke to a thin layer of snow but by the time I went to church the sidewalks were clear, due to the March sun.  Really the sun & it is so nice to see, even tho it was 29.

Should start thinking about my grocery list & menus.

Friday, February 9, 2001

We went to the Mall this aft.  I got 2 extra large bath towels at Penney's on sale.  Dale & Barb like the larger ones.  Then I checked out the discount shoe store & got a pair of black flats for walking.  Naturalizers. Slip ons & comfortable.  Then to KMart for soap, cleaners, etc.
 
Lynn asked Barb to work Mon-Thurs from 1-4:30 doing cleaning, changing beds, etc.  Next week Bert has a cataract removed & wanted Barb to sit with her that aft.  But Barb can't do it.  Barb wondered, with all her friends, why Bert would need her.

I now watch Barney Miller from 4-5 pm.  I call it my hour of laughing.  Some scenes are so funny -- it's fun to watch & makes me feel good.

Was supposed to see Dr. McNett today but he wouldn't be in so I'll see him 2 weeks from today.

Sat evening the 10th

Got your letter today.  I don't think the O.T. stories were used much in S.S.  I remember using a flannelgraph about Naaman being cleansed from leprosy.  The most I remember about Jacob was that he was in love with Rachel & he was willing to wait 14 years for her after being ticked by Laban.  But I guess he didn't really wait 7 more years until he "had" her before.   But usually the theme was patience & you'll get your reward.  You made things sound very interesting & I'm sure no one was bored in that session.  What will your book be for the April session.  I once was asked to give a book report to a YW group of women at Gt. Falls.  I did it

Kim stopped in today.  She thinks Lar should go to the reunion & Dale would like to go.  Barb isn't interested & Kim is on the committee for Warren Hi class reunion & that is the next week &^ she figures she'd be busy with duties for that.  So maybe the 3 of us will come, but nothing is definite yet.

Larry got the flooring for their bedroom at the camp -- hickory wood.  They have a friend in Youngsville they get it from him.

Just finished reading an interesting book The Thin Woman by Dorothy Cannell.  Easy reading.  The author was born in England but now lives with her family in Peoria, Il.  It's her first book but I'm sure I saw another book by her a week ago at the library.  I'll keep a lookout for it.  I'm tired of reading books with a lot of swearing & sex.  Kim was saying a teacher took a busload of kids to a hockey game in Erie & the kids had a great time.  Why -- in front of them they had a ball -- watching a drunk who was finally escorted out.  And one of the hocked players name was Pecker & the audience kept shouting "Pecker, Pecker".  Because of some of the books I've read, I knew the meaning of that.  It wasn't something I learned as a teenager!  How times have changed.

Scott is now on Ritalin & Barb can see an improvement.  I'm sure the teacher was glad.  He was really out of hand.

I'm also ready Evening Class by Maeve Binchy.  I like her books.

Now it's Sun the 11th.

Read Evening Class til 11 pm last nite.  It is a good book.  After lunch today I read & then took a nap.  Now I'll add a bit while I have a coffee break.

The sun is shining but it is a cold day.  Was cold walking to church.

If we visit Mim & Tom's cabin would we stay in a motel.  I know Ruth spoke of staying in a motel up there & I would prefer it for myself.  Getting up during the nite is always a problem & it's part of my life now.

How said for Lila & Gen. Gen isn't able to do all that is necessary.   Hope they will get into a home & get proper care.  They should have the means for it -- there must be some sort of help for them.

Tues A.M.  I finished my Tues AM chores & I'm going for a walk.  A nice sunny day, again.

Wednesday, January 17, 2001

Last nite I made pasties using leftover beef rom Sun & they were tasty.  Got rutabaga & that adds flavor.

Tonite I fixed chop suey so I have been more on the ball menu wise.

I'm a little disappointed in the Food Channel.  Guess I don't watch it enough to get the right programs.  I've discovered "Barney Miller" in the aft. after my soap.  I always liked that program & actors.

Barb said Lynn is taking Scott to a new Dr. & thinks it's time for medication, because he can't settle down to learn.   Lynn never wanted to use medication & I think Barb supported her decision.  Both are now realizing something more needs to be done, for their sakes as well as Scott's.  He is very hyper.

Glad you're feeling better, Paul.  It really had you down & out.  My nose still bothers me at times but I'm not sick.  I'm glad as Sun. the 28th is the annual meeting at church & I like to attend.  Last year I missed it.  Jan. has been better to me this year.

Kim & Lar brought some wine for Christmas & Barb likes it so she has been having a glass with her dinner:  Beringer's White Zinfandel.  They have it at the liquor store so it's available for her to buy.

I'm getting used to the new telephone.  It's worth the 7.50 a month to have the caller ID.  There haven't been as many calls to Dale (trying to sell him coins, etc.) since I don't have to answer.  They hang up when answering service comes on.

We haven't changed the message -- use the one on the phone.  You can carry the phone anywhere & that is nice.

Thurs. the 19th 9:50 A.M.

I'll brag a little -- up at 5:50 -- breakfast, got the garbage out -- started soup for lunch with beef cubes I saved for this reason, cleaned the sink & toilet by the washer -- have a load in the washer, & washed the utility room floor -- all before Barb is downstairs.  Have to wash the kitchen floor after Barb leaves.  Pretty good for an 80 year old lady!  I'm just glad I can do it.  That about completes my work but I have to make my bed.  Use flannel sheets so I have to wait til they are dried.  Lar & Kim come tonite -- will have oven fried chicken, etc. Mad a spice cake yesterday -- from scratch.  It is good.  Will serve it with ice cream.  Off to the dryer--

Marissa J. is dating a Loringer boy -- he is in 11th grade.  They live in the former -- now I can't remember the name -- he was the Pres. the Forge -- home that is across the st. from church.  He calls to have her come & watch a movie with him & Barb has taken her there on her way home from tending Scott. The Loringers are divorced.  I'm sure Lynn has more worries now as to how well chaperoned they are.  Barb just left so I'll wash the floor.  Much easier now with the new mop.  Very easy now.

Sunday aft. Jan 21

Thurs. nite Lar had some gossip for us & since you're not in Warren I'll tell you.  Mr. Carey called Lar to tell him they had to take a quick trip to Susan's.  Remember her husband died of a heart attack & after the baby was born Susan had some problems & the in-laws know about them.  Now the in-laws want to take the child from Susan & I guess started proceedings as Susan had to get a lawyer.  She moved from her home to a condo -- less work for her & she has a new man in her life.  She is a good mother.  Barb has watched her Sarah when they visit & the adults go out for dinner & Barb says she is a very darling child.  Sure hope it works out for Susan.  Her name is Sarah -- it just came to me.

Sounds like you had an enjoyable weekend.  Good food, good fellowship, good cards but now winter sports. Nice you can get away like that.

Careys left last Thurs. for Fla.  Lar checks on the house.  One of their dogs had to be put to sleep due to illness.  The sale sign is down but the agent can show the house if she finds an interested person.  Too many houses for sale.

You'll notice, when the paper arrives, that Penney's is closing at our mall.  They toy store went out so there isn't much at that end of the mall.  We can always to go the Lakewood Mall, but I'll miss it.  Didn't see much of interest in the Spring Summer catalog.

It's time for the van's inspection & Dale has been going over it.  He said we'll need new brakes in a few months.

We didn't get much of the storm that hit the East Coast -- a few flurries.  The aft we have sunshine & blue sky.  Walking to church was cold -- temp. 21 but I dress warm.

Seems strange with no football on TV.  The Warren paper had an easy recipe for chicken wings.  It will just be the 3 of us next Sun but I think I'll try making them & have potato salad, etc.  Lar & Kim are usually with friends.

Lar thinks he could build his own garage.  Has some thoughts on a pole building -- whatever that is -- & thinks with Dale's help he could do it.  A project for next Fall.  He said Blair's near them have been cutting trees on their own property -- maybe for their fireplaces.

Nothing much going on so I'll work on my puzzle.  A floral design with colors so I sit & stare a lot & come up with a match now & then.  I finished it.  Will have another going soon.