Sunday, July 9, 2006

I'm sure you've been taking it easy after a busy week.  You'll be glad to get back to work and a regular schedule.

This A.M. in church Fran Decker said to me "I still miss Pastor Nelson."  Things have changed since his time & not always for the good.

Today I started watching the Braves on TV, then to watch the Pirates.  When it was time for golf, I watched golf -- Tiger came in 2nd.  Then I heard World Soccer was tied & there would be 5 kicks for each team & I watched that.  Italy won over France.  Back to watch the end of golf.  Tiger couldn't quite do it.  Then we watched the end of NASCAR race which was just as exciting.  The Mets weren't on TV but I was glad to see they won.  Dale noticed in NASCAR there is a car sponsored by Menard's & driven by a Paul Menard.  He is from Wi & we wonder if he is one of the store Menard's.  We recognize the name from visits.

Probably you had fluffernutter as a kid because your mother liked them & still does.  None of the 4 of your will eat them now but still love peanut butter.

Back to the fruit pizza.  After I mentioned it to Sheila she made one for the 4th & it went over big.  I still plan to make it & have the Pillsbury dough in the fridge.

Forgot to mention concerning the 4th, there was no 6 A.M. bomb this year.  Appreciated by Barb & Dale.  Wasn't used during the day either.

At times I've mentioned Dale's headaches.  When he was the Dr. in Erie, he mentioned his headaches so she gave him a prescription & it really works for him.  I'm glad as they really got him down.

Kim didn't come over last Thurs.  She & her friends were getting ready for a Fri. rummage sale.  Lar comes.

Barb has been receiving a "Muscle Body" magazine & she didn't order it.  I laugh when it comes with muscle body pictures.  She has received 2 copies so far & never looks at them.  The3 city colelctes the newspapers & bottles & certain plastic bottles.  Barb takes magazines, etc. to a place in Sugar Grove that takes them.

Last nite Barb fixed a taco salad for herself & showed it to Dale & me.  It looked so good & Dale said he'd eat one so I have something new to fix for him.  Tacos aren't my "dish of tea".  I'm glad Dale likes salads on hot days.

Now I'm watching Sun. nite baseball.  I should be "TV'd out".

I told Dale I have another reason to be glad.  Barb, Dale & I live together.  Marie Mathis lost weight & is frail looking.  Howard Ford's wife has lost weight since his death.  Living alone you aren't as apt to fix meals & eat well so I'm glad I have to fox meals & have an appetite.  Last night we had a crock pot meal, tonite pork chops with sauerkraut.  Saved some of the kraut for lunch tomorrow.  Hot dogs & kraut.

Last Wed. Barb got what they call a "soft perm: to give her hair a little more body.  It looks nice.

The Chicago White Sox & Boston Red Sox are in the 19th inning of a tie game.  That's like starting a 3rd game.  They will be tired out.  That hasn't happened in a long time.

Mon. July 10

I'm watching the Home Run Derby on ESPN.  The Mets are represented by David Wright.


I'm also "rereading" some of my cookbooks, among them your library cookbook "Read 'em and Eat" & I found 2 recipes I missed before.  Fruit pizza by Marh Nelson & "Baked Chicken with Stuffing" by Debbie Kiedinger.  Plan to make the fruit pizza for Thurs. nite.

Tues. July 11

Tonite I fixed zucchini & yellow squash from the garden & Barb just showed me about 5 more of them.  Will have to give some away.  When it cools off I could make zucc. bread or even a zucc. chocolate cake.

And fresh local corn is available & will get some for Thurs nite at Hatch Patch.

Wed the 12th

Today Barb cleaned the dining room & it looks nice.  Thought about cleaning the living room tomorrow but seeing Lar & Kim come tomorrow it will wait.  I washed my cups & saucers & other things I have out.  I don't do walls or windows anymore.

We're having a rainy, hot & humid spell.  Not very comfortable for working.

Last nite I watched the All Star game for 4 innings & went to bed.  Disappointed to see this A.M. the N.L. lost again.  But the 2 Mets players scored the 2 runs.  Go Mets!

The Braves won't be "America's Team" after '07.  TBS won't feature them but a different way to present baseball.  They plan to have a Sun. aft. game, choosing teams the way ESPN does.  Also they'll get the first playoff games to televise.  They are showing less Braves games this year & less next year.

Pittsburgh got a lot of compliments on the new ballpark.  And visitors found the city much cleaner.  I'm sure you watched some of the game, etc.  Did it bring back memories?

Fri the 14th

Last nite Kim said the 3 of them earned $300 from their rummage sale.  Gave $125 of it to the Animal Shelter.  They have started building their new quarters.  Lar will do the landscaping gratis.  I said I'd give $50 toward shrubbery.  Yesterday the gals divided the rest of the money & went to the Casino & gambled it all away.  Kim plans to take us again this summer, but I've decided I don't care to go to the casino anymore.  Barb says the Indians are getting back at Americans by taking their money at the casino.  They are hauling it in all right.

Got your letter today.  Glad your party was another success.  I'll save anymore for the next letter.

Monday, July 4, 2005

I'm sitting on the front porch enjoying the cool breezes before it warms up.

I'm up early every A.M.  Rolled out & baked a crust & made a strawberry pie.  Cleaned up the dishes, got dressed & watered the flower pots. 

Dale is taking a shower & Barb is still in bed.

At 6 AM, the "booms" went off at Beaty Field to announce the 4th of July.  Parade at 10.

To me it is just another day.  I'll change Dale's bed & do a couple of loads of wash.  I'm sure you both are busy with party preparations.

Sat. was such a nice day.  Fri. I set Danish & when I looked around 8 pm the dough was to the top of the pan.  So I decided to finish them Fri nite.  Sat. A.M. I made a coffee cake & chocolate cake.  We have plenty of desserts.  The cones we like are on sale this week so Barb got 2 pkg yesterday.  Am I getting fat?  Oh yes when Courtney came for dinner she brought a box of my favorite chocolates.  Russell Stover hard centers.  I will get fat.

We went to the Mall on Fri & went into the shoe store where shoes are cheaper.  Barb bo't a pair of light tan mules.  Naturalizer 39.99.  She like them so much she went back & bo't a pair of brown ones.  Her favorite phrase "I don't need anything".  BUT!

Congratulations to Ed for making the honor roll.  You can see now why we wanted you to make it.  I think Andy did every well, except one, on his grades. 

Watched baseball Sun. & will today but the results aren't very satisfying.  The result of the players for the All Star game will make some fans & players unhappy, while others are very happy.  I'm not sure the Mets centerfielder should have been chosen after the season he's having.  They're choosing on past experiences. 

What a thrill having the Gov. at your party.  JoAnna has "earned it" with her dedication.  What Nelson relatives will be there, if any.

Guess I'll go have a 2nd cup of coffee.  We had steak yesterday & will have burgers tonite.

Later in the day

My afternoon ended with joy -- the Mets beat the Wn. Nationals 503.  Finally a win for the Mets & a loos, finally, for the Nats.  Now I'll watch the Cubs at the Braves. 

We haven't been to the library for awhile, so I asked Barb if she had any books I might like to read.  I'm reading "Young Patriots" by Charles Cerami about the starting of uniting the colonies under one gov't & very interesting.  About Alexander Hamilton & James Madison.  I can't skim on this book & I'm enjoying it.

Barb is riding her bicycle for the 2nd time today.

Yesterday I also made 6 jars of strawberry jam using Surejell.  I used up all the jam I made last year.

There was an interesting article in the Sun. Buffalo paper concerning Niagara Falls, U.S.  Niagara Falls, Ont. is going full steam ahead with hotels, casinos, etc. & attracting the visitors.  Buff. & N. Falls, U.S. fight each other about who gets the money, fame etc. instead of working together to make the Falls a better place to visit.  When we visited there, we always preferred the Canadian side.  We'd see even more sights if we visited now.

We have a lot of blueberries on our bush.  That makes Dale happy as he likes them on his cereal.  They are 2 for $4.00 at BiLo, pints.  Barb got some for me & they are very good.

Thurs A.M. July 7

I'm on the porch enjoying  the nice morning & will finish this letter.  Tomorrow we hope to go to Jamestown & I'll mail it there.

This A.M., I made a pecan pie.  When I made the strawberry pie, I did what Barb wanted -- made the crust using butter substitute & used it in the crust.  Didn't like it at all.  This A.M., I went the complete opposite & used Pillsbury pie crust.  It's faster.

Then I got the garbage out & watered all the pots of flowers.

Dale tho't he could wear his work uniform twice but last nite he said it got too dirty, so he did a load of his dark clothes.  He knows I don't like to work after supper.  Good experience for him.

The Mets beat the Nats last nite & took the series.  Tonite they are in Pittsburgh so I can watch the game on the Pitts. channel we get.  I was happy that Jeter (Yankees) didn't get the last spot.  A Chicago White Sox was chosen.  Nasty, aren't I.  I'm referring to the All Star game -- I'm sure you realize that.

Tonite I'm using a new recipe.  It calls for penne, broccoli, zucchini which you cook the last 5 minutes in  the penne mixture.  Saute onion, garlic in olive oil.  Add some (tom) spaghetti sauce, add shrimp & finally mix it all together.  Barb thought it sounded good.  Time will tell.

I better go inside.  Something is making my nose run.  Developed an allergy or something in my old age!  And it's coffee time.

Later.

The kitchen is cleaned up so I'll finish this letter.  They liked my penne-shrimp dinner.  They think I could increase the veggies & I agree.  Barb thought the shrimp "tasted real good".  It's a dinner I can make again.  Always nice to have a little variety in the menu. Very easy to make.

Now Torey's front paws are cracked & sore.  He limps around & still he has to go on long walks.  He will be 13 in the fall.  He wears socks on his front paws now.

Kim said she noticed in The Guide, which is seldom delivered to us -- no one to do it, that a house in the 300 block on Conewango was sold.  She doesn't know if it is Frank's or Collins's.  We should soon know -- see evidence of a move. 

Now your party is over.  It is a lot of work but I'msure it brings a lot of happy memories.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Last nite I was set at 7:10 p, to watch the Mets vs. LA-A interleague play.  There was a rain delay of about an hour or so.  At 11 pm I went to bed not knowing the outcome.  Was I ever surprised this A.M. when I turned to ESPN2 & saw the Mets won 5-3.  I missed the exciting ending.  But I saw it today when they reviewed it before today's game -- and the Mets lost this aft.

Noticed that Atlanta lost 11-5 so that helped ease the pain.  Pittsburgh also lost in the 13th inning.  I've been watching their games during the week & they are really improving.  and their announcers are more laid back & don't talk all the time so I like them.

We're really had a week of hut humid weather.  We started 9:30 services but it was still warm so I had enough.  When I got home I turned on the A.C. & closed the windows.  It has been very comfortable.  It is suppose to cool off by Wed. -- just in time for me to do something.

I can see you are getting ready for your party working outside so the yard looks nice.  And having the rugs cleaned so the inside looks nice.  It will be a busy several weeks for you folks.

I have to correct myself.  Scott did go to school last Fri.  Lynn said he had to.  Lynn's mother gave Barb a puzzle she got for the lake but it was too hard & they gave up.  It was very hard but Barb finished it.  I know I never could have done it.  Too many similar pieces in shapes & colors.

In politics, Buffalo is really having money problems.  They were audited by the state & if they don't get a workable budget by Tues. the 14th a state control board will take over & have the power to control the money.  They have a high deficit.  They cut taxes but not the spending.  It is a mess & changes will be coming.  They lost their credit rating.  Some say no increase in taxes, others say we must have one to get out of this mess.  I look forward to WGRZ 5 pm news.

Barb told me Scott had the choice of working with a tutor, most likely a teacher, or with Barb.  He chose Barb.  They still have to make a schedule, etc.  Lynn wants to take Scott off his meds this summer but Barb said he'll never be able to be still & attentive if she does.  He can't be without it if you want to accomplish anything.

Mon A.M.

I just called Gen to wish her a happy birthday.  It is hard to have much of a conversation with her.  I always ask about her cat.  She seems to know it was her birthday but not her age.

I wasn't surprised you use butter to fry your breakfast.  I always buy butter when it is on sale & put it in the freezer.  I always have butter in the butter dish & use it for Christmas baking.  Either Land o Lakes, Quality brand & Wegman's brands.  So I use it & olive oil.

This is Dale's early week so I was dressed & put out the glass & pop cans to be collected early.  Then I got Dale's sheets, etc. & had a load going before Dale left.  Now the 3rd load -- towels -- are in the dryer.  Watered my plants on the porch & now I'm taking it easy.

Called Kim to find out when we should celebrate her birthday.  It will be this Thurs.  Asked about the menu & she would like hamburgers & potato salad.  She doesn't eat desserts -- she said:  make something Larry likes.  Ill make carrot cake & she can blow out the candles.  Also tom. lettuce etc. & fruit salad.  It is suppose to cool off so I can bake, as I already mentioned!

Barb wants to go to Jamestown Wed, & she'll get ground meat there.  I'm not sure if I'll go.

We got our groceries & Barb stopped at Bert's to deliver what she wanted.  I saw Kim working outside the carriage house so I walked over for a few moments.  Sat. nite the Hospital Guild had a party at Bets field & Lar & Kim always go with Betsy M. & her husband.  They had a great time.  A large tent, delicious food & dancing.  It's a money maker - -you'll read about it when the Wrrn paper arrives.  Also last Wed-Sat there was a ribs festival downtown Wrrn. & that always brings out a crowd.  Lar & Kim went Wed. nite for ribs.

Holiday Inn has the Sun. A.M. breakfast buffet again so maybe we'll go one Sun.  Kim would have gone with us last year if she'd known.  But it was a spur of the moment thing when you were here.

Barb went to Jamestown this aft & as she was turning onto Rt. 62 coming home, she was stopped for speeding.  She was going 68 M.P.H.  She will have a fine to pay.

We finally got some rain after supper & it cooled things off.  Finally!

Hatch Patch has strawberries & Barb wants a strawberry pie for Thurs.

Wed the 15th -- 2 pm

I surprised myself today.  We awoke to cooler weather so after breakfast I made use of ripe bananas & rolling out & baking a pie shell.  Then I cleaned the bathroom, washed towels, & tho't about lunch.  B.L.T's.  After lunch I looked at the kitchen floor & decided it would look better if I washed it, so I did.  And it looks better.  Now I'm resting & have only supper to think about.

I'm still finding out about my children.  Can't get her first name but Mrs. Jenkins from First Luth. called yesterday.  She visits the nursing home & talked to Rose.  Rose couldn't remember if Barb was still in the Navy.  Mrs. J. said she'd call me & find out.  She asked about you -- she remembers you & Rick Nasman went to their Youth Group, (most likely to see Mary Sandblade) I don't remember hearing that.

Thurs. aft.  Watching the U.S. Open golf.  A hard course.  Got my pot. salad & strawberry pie made this A.M.

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.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002

I'm sitting on the front porch & decided I'd better start a letter.

Yesterday was a busy day.  Got my usual Mon. jobs accomplished & got a perm at 11 AM.  I really needed one -- long & not much curl.  What a relief to have curl again.  In the aft. we went grocery hopping.  Got it out of the way.;  Barb works for Lynn. Tues. Wed & Thurs aft so it's after 4 before we can go grocery shopping.

Imagine you are a little relieved your big party is in the past.

Your Wed. family outing sounded very interesting.

I tried an author new to me.  Karen Robards.  It took me a few pages to want to continue but I really enjoyed it.  Another author I plan to check out is Judith McNaught.  Robard's books have a southern flavor.  I'll get more of her books.

Paul, don't you know the grass is always greener on the other side of the street in reference to Middleton vs. Cross Plains.

Kim comes home today.  We'll hear about her trip on Thurs.  I know she played golf a couple of times & they would visit her twin aunts who live close to her sister.

Torey won't be happy this weekend as Kim & Larry will leave on Sat & stay overnite, coming home sun nite.  With Betsy Moran & her husband, whose name I can never remember, they will drive their Miata to Corning, N.Y. & stay overnite there.  Betsy's husband had to heave a Miata convertible after he saw Larry's.  His is navy blue.  It should be a fun time for them.

Last nite Dale went out on Sam B's boat at the Dam. They swam & had a good time.

Twice today the same people looked at Carey's house.  It is taking a long time to sell. Don't know if they have come down on the price.

I mentioned Bert's relative, 10 yr. old Courtney, was here for dinner.  She seemed to enjoy herself.  She is very talkative & can be funny.  It was nice.  She ate everything on her plate.  After miniature golf they got ice cream.  Both Bert & Courtney's mother like to drink & it doesn't take many drinks to affect them.

I got nowhere with USA's puzzle today.  It was harder than usual.

I can't believe it -- the Mets are playing winning ball.  Bo Vaughn & Jeromy Bernitz are hitting finally.  Maybe they can climb the ladder a bit.

Wed. nite

Dale is reading the book on NASCAR you gave him for his birthday & finding it very interesting.

It's a hot day -- AC is on -- & when I finished the dishes I watered the flowers in pots & the rose bushes.  They are blooming.  Lar doesn't think the soil is that good for roses.  We'll see. He planted roses for Careys & they are going good.

Barb saw that Hatch Patch had corn & bo't some & it is delicious.  We're lucky to have Hatch Patch.

Dale is home shortly after 4 pm & gets into shorts & sits in the yard & reads.  It's good to relax.  He had a headache yesterday.

Gen hasn't called so I called her last nite.  She said Ed is better & looks better.  Her impressions are different from Millie's.  he told me she is tired all the time.  I asked her if she's seen the Dr.  She told me she has her checkup in Aug.  It is hard to know what is going on when I'm in Pa.  Luckily Edith is a good sister in law & helps Gen.

We're hoping for rain tomorrow -- Thurs -- as it is in the forecast.  The lawns are so brown & the soil is cracking in places.  Barb keeps the veggies watered.  I saw a recipe for zucchini bread that calls for only 1 c. sugar & I want to try it.  They & the cucumber are ready to pick & we've enjoyed them.  We have green tomatoes on the vine.

Fri.  I'll get this finished.  Kim enjoyed her tip but was glad to be home. Tonite Lar & Kim are attending one of the plays at the Library Theater.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Just mailed a letter today & here I'm starting a letter.

But Barb called from Lynn's to say the van had a flat tire -- a 1 1/2-2" screw in it.  Barb was upset.  Kim came over & both of us had similar thoughts.  Scott is allowed to use power tools & we wondered if he did it.  The screw was in below the surface of the tire, like you do when you screw into wood & then you fill it with filler.  At first Barb wouldn't believe it but she came around.  We think the screw would have to be upright to go all the way into the tire.  And Scott is the type to do something like that.  Dale fixed the tire with  a plug.  It just makes one wonder.  Scott was the one who discovered it.  I think he is too young to use power tools.  They should be locked up.  Dale agrees with us.

I'm watching the Golf Channel with a preview of the British Open that starts tomorrow.  I'll have to remember to turn TV on at 8 A.M.  It's been very interesting to see the golf course, some of the activities & the area.

We had a nice time at the luncheon today.  Food & fellowship was good.  7 of us.

Back to golf.  They took a vote on which open the viewers preferred:  U.S. Open or British Open.  British open won 65% to 35%.   I like the Brit Open because there are more long grasses and other hazards to keep the golfers on their toes.

Fri the 20th.

Barb got Scott to admit he put the screw in the tire.  Bob was pretty upset & he called later in the evening & said that we should buy a new tire & Scott will have to pay for it out of his birthday money.  He tried to blame it on a friend saying he gave him the idea.  He doesn't need any help to get into mischief.  Lynn is always so ware of what people will think. When Dale had his problems I'm sure there was gossip but I held my head high & let Dale know we loved him no matter what.  I'm sure it wasn't easy on Dad.

The other nite our toaster oven started to smoke.  Dale had one in the attic he got from points at Shults.  He's had it several years, but it didn't work - the magnet holding the toasting lever down wasn't strong enough to keep it down.  Dale looked at KMart but they didn't have the make we wanted./  This aft. we went to the mall & Bon Ton had a Black & Decker toaster oven on sale so we got one.  It has become a necessity.  Can't make sandwiches without it.  It works fine.

Sat. aft.

Been watching the British Open most of the time.  Did get rolls baked before 9 A.M. when it came on TV.

Barb brought suitcases from the attic so I'm starting to think of what clothes I'll want.  See what needs to be washed, ironed, etc.  I have a list made so I can check things off.

Ruth will be 88, I think, on Fri. Aug 3rd so we can help her celebrate.

I hope JoAnna's mother is doing better by now.  You proved you could do all the work by yourselves but it's better when the folks are there to hep.  Bet you were tired out, but happy, when the day was over.

Finally called Rose S. & she said Jamie M. told her 5 years ago he had aids & wouldn't live a long life.

Rose had a 4 bypass heart operation.  It's slow for her to get her strength back & she's always been a little negative but I tried to cheer her up.  I can when I haven't gone thru it & hope I never have to.  Karen's daughter love Toronto & has a Chinese boyfriend & Rose wonders about that.  Jim's oldest daughter is in grad school at U. of Indiana, in Indiana.  The youngest girl finished her first year at Pitt.  And Evan (Karen)( start at Warren Hi in the fall.  He wants to go to Penn State.

Sun. the 22nd.  Next Sun get ready for the Nelson invasion!

Roger preached today.  And Fran was back as organist for today.  Several of us went to the organ to thank her & give her a hug.  Wish she could come back.  We'll see you all before long.  I am looking forward to the visit.

Saturday, July 15, 2000

It's your big party day & looking at the Weather Channel it looks like you have a nice day.  Not with us -- it's raining but it isn't in Boston & I hope the rain stays away until the game is over as it's moving eastward.

Dave Blair was walking his dog & we were on the porch.  He looks like an old man with stooped shoulders & the start of a pot belly.  His step children are a throw back of the hippy.

Last week I was watching a TV program "How's That Made".  It showed how the frying pan was made at the factory at Onconomoc (I tho't I learned how to spell it) Oconomowoc.  Home & Garden TV & it was so interesting.  Then in the USA Today there was an article on the Roto Zip tool for installing drywall made in Cross Plains.  I think you mentioned C.P. in your letters -- maybe Andy played ball there.  How they had a fire but started over & are doing well.  Another interesting article.

And Barb got a book at the library "History Matters" by Gerda Lerner, prof. of History Emerita at U of W. Madison and Barb wondered if either you or JoAnna knew her.  Think she is very interested in women's rights - think that's what Barb said.  She had the Robinson-Edwards chair of whatever you call it.

This week Lynn & family are at Chautauqua as her sister & family from Fla. are here.  So Barb has the afternoons free this week.  We didn't go to Jamestown last Fri. as thunder showers were predicted.  We're planning to go next Wed.

Tomorrow Sun. nite, we're going to Nickel Inn for a 6:30 dinner.  We like to go there once during the summer to have a nice meal & to watch the hummingbirds -- they have feeders at each window.

Fri nite's game Mets vs. Boston was so exciting & tense at times but it turned out right as the Mets won.  It was 1 hr. late in starting due to a power outage & I stayed up to the end 11:30.  It's on Fox right now & on the N.Y. channel Sun. so we get to see 3 of the 4 games.  I'm sure Gen & Ed were rooting for Boston -- their team.  The Mets are -- I don't now what!  Not winning.


Mon the 17th.

Think I made a mistake in my city -- not Oconomowoc but Manitowoc where the frying pans are manufactured.

We had a nice dinner at Nickel Inn -- I had fish stuffed cod & it was good.  Even had dessert -- lemon meringue pie.   Dale had a fudge sundae & Lar had strawberry shortcake.  Barb & Kim resisted dessert.

The wedding Kim & Lar attended had the reception at the Conewango Club & the food wasn't good.  Some kind of a pasta dish that must have been overcooked.  Most of it was returned to the kitchen.  The wedding cake was a carrot cake -- unusual but most likely their favorite.

I made fudge today (just what my waistline needs) and it came out so good.  I like it on a coffee break.

Baseball isn't as interesting as it could be, esp. with the Mets losing so many games.  I bet Bobby won't be the manager next year.  I hope not.  I'm hoping for different teams to be in the World Series but I don't have much hope.

I found a recipe for Banana Zucchini Bread that I plan to try.  It's suppose to be cooler tomorrow so I might bake (tomorrow).

We had ants coming in the house.  Dale thought they were coming in by the back door & replaced some dead wood, cleaned it out good & then cemented.  Haven't seen any more ants.  He is currently replacing the glass in the garage windows.  They look nice.

Kim won't be going to Fla. to visit her sister.  Debbie is doing OK & goes back to work on Sat.  She has used her sick & vacation days & Kim doesn't want to visit when Debbie has to work.  Her sister understands.  They'll go next year.  Kim hopes she & Lar can have a couple of long weekends before school starts again.

Tuesday the 18th.

I never have any luck using zucchini in a recipe.  I made the Ban.-Zuc bread.  It doesn't look very good but the taste is OK.

We got groceries after lunch.  Was able to go earlier as Barb is free aft. this week.

Saturday, July 18, 1998

Thanks for the pictures, menu, etc. of your party.  Sounded like everyone had a great time.  I'd like to hear more about the food - sounded so good.  You have such a nice back yard for a party.

I can't believe how tall the boys are getting.  It will be fun to see them as well as their Mom & Dad.

Dale is on vacation this coming week.  He finds things to keep him busy.

Kim says one of her friends will be having 2 of her nephews visiting the week of the 9th & Kim said they will try to do a couple of things together.  They might be a little younger.

Now I'm on the porch with a cup of coffee, after a supper of baked beans, hamburgers & corn on the cob.  It's a beautiful evening.  The weather report:  By Wed. hi in the 90s, low in the 70s.

I saw Carey's go out & about 6:30 their alarm went off.  I couldn't find Larry & Paula wasn't home.  The police came to investigate & I told him we had a key but I don't know how to turn it off.  He could see the dogs running around - maybe they tripped the alarm.  It finally went off - guess the Co. is able to do that.

Kim went to Erie last Tues. to look for furniture & found what she liked at a discount store.  Looked other places first.  They plan to put their apt. sofa bed at camp in the den & the new one in the apt.  She got a couple of chairs also.  And Lar bot a water heater so you'll have hot water when you stay (sleep) there.

Please remember to bring the boys HELMETS as I'm sure Andy will want to ride the bike.  Our sidewalks aren't too good for roller blading but lots of kids have & use them.

Last Mon. I had a dental appt.  One of my front teeth needed a new filling as it was turning dark.  What an improvement.  It didn't hurt as the tooth had a root canal many years ago.

And I got my new lenses - same frames.  A big change & it has taken time to adjust.  Table & flat areas are at an angle but it's improving.  One eye wasn't seeing too well & there is a cataract growing but not close to being removed.

The cancer society had an all nite walkathon at Beaty to raise money.  The only drawback is they play music very loud & most of the nite.  It was quiet from 2 A.M.-4 A.M. & then you could hear more music.  Not good for sleeping.  They rasied about $27,000.00

Did you notice the Mets won 2 games in a row.  On Fox TV today.  In one inning they had 3 great outs - infield outs.  Sun.  The Mets lost today.

We're watching baseball L.A. vs. St. Louis.  The gold in England was exciting this aft.  I was rooting for Mark O'Meara.  He won.

Hot weather is returning - I hope for another cool spell so I can bake Andy & Eddie's favorite cookies in Pa. Maybe they have other favorites at home in Wi.  Hi in the 90s low in the 70s.  You ask about Paul's favorite cookies - maybe!

Looking forward to seeing you all.