Monday, January 2, 2006

I'm watching the Wi-Auburn game & your team is ahead.  I hope they can keep it that way.

Yesterday Barb grilled steaks for our meal.  The meat was so tender & grilled just right. Tonite we're having pork chops & sauerkraut, Pa. lucky start of the New Year dinner.

When I got a letter from the church pension assn. I found I will have a little increase as well as a S.S. increase.  That is always nice.

This A.M. I got a perm & I really needed it.  They last 3 months for me with a hair cut after 6 weeks.

This A.M. Barb was looking thru her purse & found her keys in a pocket she didn't realize was in the purse.  Think I mentioned she was using my keys.

We didn't go for groceries today because it is raining -- and we wanted to watch football.

Whatever bug Dale had (in the chest) it lasted all last week.  He still worked but didn't feel that good.  But he is beginning to feel like himself again.

Did you get a new coffee pot?

I really like the Betty Crocker cooky cookbook.  It has all my favorites in it plus some new ones that sound interesting.  Soon I'll be ready to make cookies again -- for my coffee break!

I agree concerning the Weather Channel's programming for "It Could Happen Tomorrow".  I don't think it will make people more alert to make preparations for a bad storm.  They don't' appeal to me at all & besides I have other favorite programs in that time period.

Bet you were surprised to find a scarf among your gifts.  I liked the softness so much, I got one for myself.  I don't like cold air around my neck.

The next time we go to Jamestown I hope to find a bath mat set & maybe a matching set of towels.  Towels are a weakness of mine.  I miss D&K as they had great seconds of towels cheap.  You had to check them closely & the seconds weren't' bad at all.

Concerning Tom, the cat, you can get over the counter worm medicine for cats & dogs, according to Kim.  Betsy (your age) gets it for her cat.

Kim told us about something Betsy sues when she feels a cold coming on. Called AIRBORNE, "developed" by a school teacher who was tired of getting sick in the classroom. It is created using "a unique natural combination of seven  herbal extracts, antioxidants, electrolytes & amino acids that offer vitamins & herbal support for hours."  6.99 for 10 tablets.  Can be found in drug store or KMart, etc.  I plan to look for it.  (Got it at KMart for $5.99.  It is good.)

Thurs. A.M.  My chores are completed including a banana cream pie for dessert.  The 1st Thurs. of each month they have a lunch meeting.  It's nice to get a break, even if Dale makes his own sandwich.  His late week Tues is when I fix a good lunch for him & if we have some kind of toasted sandwich.

I heard on Buff. TV the 39 cent stamp doesn't go into effect til Sun. the 8th.  We'll have to get some 2 cent stamps.

I watched the first half of Penn State vs. Fla & was fast asleep when they won the game. Wasn't as interested in USC & Texas.  Watched a little of it.  Both were exciting games to watch.  Of course, we were elated PA. State came out on top.  The Ohio State game was exciting as well as the Wi. bowl game.

For 2 days Barb has been frustrated.  Why, you ask!  She couldn't get on the Internet.  She called each day & they said there was a problem at Penn State.  Finally this A.M., it came thru.  When she called the first day, they told her it was either the bill was over due or a power problem.  The bill is deducted each month from my acct. so it can't be that.  It was the power.  When she couldn't get on the Internet she started knitting a sweater for herself.  It is a type of angora like yarn in a peacock blue & it will be beautiful.  She is using large needles so it will go fast -- if she gets back to knitting.

Valentines are out already & I bo't 4 of them so I'm prepared.  When the months go by so fast, it won't be that long before they are in the mail.

Fri.   It's snowing out but not accumulating.

Sunday, September 4, 2005

Sun. again & I'm watching the Mets against Marlins.  Soon baseball will be in the past.  It's fun to watch football.  Yesterday I watched Wisconsin win the game.  Sure was a sea of red in the stands.  Number 2 Brian Calhoun sure can run. (I like the word "sure"!)

Yesterday we received the Penneys Christmas catalogue & you know what that means. Suggestions!  Barb's E mail is.....I'll enclose the slip so you can E mail us ideas.  I'll still send money but like ideas for something to open on Christmas Eve or Day.  So put on your thinking caps -- you know we like to start early.

The gas project on our street is completed & grass is planted.  I suggested Dale water it but he hasn't followed thru.  He did once & Barb did as well.

We had a guest organist today -- a Barry Keller.  The pastor didn't make any comments so we don't know if he is temporary.  He did OK.

Dale's El Camino is in a rented garage & mice got into it & smelled up the car.  So he's been cleaning it until it is fine with him.  Smells gone.  He wants new wheels & tires for it & then it will be complete.  He just got new tires for the white car.  Names of cars don't stick in my mind.

It was 52 this A.M. but it has warmed up.  It is nice to be able to wear fall clothes again.

I watched a little volleyball yesterday on TV.  We played volleyball in high school & it was fun.  I'm sure it is a faster game today.

Barb keeps track of mileage when she rides her bike.  Her dream is 1000 miles but she only has 600 miles sol far.  Last year she couldn't ride at all, so she is happy with what she's dong (so far).  She'll still be able to ride before it gets cold.

The little house across the st. might have sold.  A man & woman have cut down a tree & removed all the weeds in front of the house.  All the stuff is piled up -- wonder if the city will take it away.  It's way past the time alloted for pick up.  Time will tell.

Dale went up to our Mall & brought me home a pkg. of Oreos and 3 dish cloths & I haven't bought any for ages.  He got them at Big Lots.

Labor Day

The Mets were on the NYC TV channel but Dave O'Brien who also works for ESPN wasn't available.  And the announcer talked all the time (not Tom) so I had to mute the broadcast so I missed the usual color of the game.   Tom & David are great together.  And they lost.  They never can get the hits when they need them.  Carlos Beltran is a "bust" this year for the Mets.  Maybe it takes a while to get used to playing in NYC.  I hope he's better next year.

I don't know if I have an allergy or a cold but I'm sure using the Kleenex.

Wed. the 8th

We have a chipmunk that is eating the sunflower seeds.  They are big one 10"-12" in diameter & he's just about finished it.  We try to scare him but we don't always see him. Barb cut them down to dry.

Barb says Andy should be happy that the Braves are on top in their division.  But my question is "Can they win the Big One?"  They've only won 1 World Series, haven't they?

I have a recipe for banana blueberry bread.  Dale likes them separately but isn't sure of the combination.  So I'll try it as I have 2 ripe bananas I want to use.  I'm sure it will get eaten.

Fri. the 9th

Just got home from getting my hair done.  Started a load of wash & will finish my letter.

Kim & Lar are fine.  Next week Thurs. Kim & friends will help Betsy Moran celebrate her 50th birthday.  so it will be a short visit here for supper.

The other Betsy (your classmate) doesn't know if she can take 2 more years of teaching. She bot an old house next to her property, had it torn down so she'd like to get that loan paid off.  At the new elem. school she teaches 2 subjects & they have to follow a schedule -- they change from room to room.  Teacher teaches same subjects to all her classes.  If they run behind there is no time to make it up.  It has been hard getting started in a new school where all kids are bussed but it should get smoother & easier as time goes by.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

This A.M. we had the S.S. Christmas program as part of the service.  It is always nice to see the children.  Fran Leto (she played at Dad's funeral) played this A.M. & it was good to see her.  Our regular organist is having a hard time getting over the death of her daughter.  Fran feels like one of us. Our loss is St. Joe's gain

I'm taking it easy today after a busy 2 days.  2 dinners & 1 breakfast to plan & prepare. Barb gave me a puzzle & I'll soon put up the card table & start it.  It's pretty with a quilt & flowers scene.

Your family picture is so wonderful.  All of you look so good in the picture. Thanks so much. I received a lot of nice gifts.  Dale got me a Hunter Fan for the D.R.  The present one is noisy.  Lar & Kim gave me a set of baskets to hold the "junk" in my bedroom.  This next week I will have to get things organized so it's not so messy.

We asked Bert to come over Christmas Day dinner but she didn't feel up to it, but she appreciated the invitation.  Barb was over there today & they got to talking about the will & she said to Barb "You are in my will."

Kim & Lar have a busy schedule.  Yesterday they were her at 10 A.M. for breakfast & gifts. 2 pm they were at friends:  Nancy & family at Nancy's mom Barb Jacobs for lobster.  Barb J. ordered it from Maine & it is flown in.  Here at 5:30 for dinner.  When they left they were going to Betsy's (Moran) for gift exchange.  Before they came here Christmas Eve they were at Betsy's mom for drinks & shrimp.  They said they are busy all week with get togethers.

The Steelers won today but it wasn't on our TV.  We are watching the Bills at San Fran & they are ahead 7-0 right now.  Next week the Steelers are at Buff & Barb thinks Dale & I shold root for the Bills so they get into the playoffs.  I don't agree.  I'm not really a football fan (baseball is my game, Go Mets!) but seeing the Steelers are doing so well I have to, as a Pennsylvanian, root for them!  I should say as a western Pennsylvanian, I should root for them.

Barb was so pleased to hear Andy liked her gift to him.  She saw it in a catalog & sent for it & we thought it was so nice.  Hope Ed likes his gift from Barb.  I forgot to ask if you liked your watch.

Just a few thoughts on Mon A.M.  This is Dale's early week & I'm in no rush to start my chores.  We were discussing where to hang your picture.  Barb wants me to take the wall clock down (she hates the ticking) & hang it there.  But I like the clock, so I'll take down pictures on the wall by the stairs & hang it there.  I want to be able to see it when I go upstairs.

Tues. Dec. 28

At Christmas, Kim mentioned Betsy (your classmate) gave her some hand cream, from Body & Bath Works & she liked it very much.  Today Barb & I went to the Mall & headed to Body & Bath & found the cream.  For dry hands.  Tried it & like it a lot.

I hung your picture where I can see it every time I go upstairs.  Today the Schwan man came & I always buy chicken breasts.  Today I showed him my son's family picture -- the small one.  Then he showed me a picture of his wife, him & their 4 year old son.  A very nice family picture & you could see he was proud to show it to me.  The boys is 4 years old & looks like his daddy.

Dec 31.  New Year's Eve

I had a letter ready to go & I don't think it got mailed & I can't find it.

Last nite we were at Lar & Kim's & we had a nice time together.  They have a beautiful tree & many decorations including her Santas.

Today I took the picture & showed it to Sheila -- she hears a lot about you folks.  She is very upset as her mother is full of cancer; she is in the hosp. & wants to go home & help is hard to find.  There is no hope that she will improve.  Only 68.

I heard from my friend in Auburn.  Her husband died just before Thanksgiving.  I didn't send her a card as I didn't hear last year.  But I will write to her soon.  Just heard from a friend in Gt. Falls so I'll have another letter to write.

We're going overtown this aft. so I'll be sure to mail this.

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Here it is Thurs & I'm just starting a letter.  Sheila is going to the King of Prussia Mall tomorrow so I had my hair done today.  They are so busy they're working til 10 pm.  They hate to turn anyone away.  Last Sat. they had to turn down 3 perms.  They are looking for another girl.  Interviewed 2 girls but found them wanting.

Today Larry & Kim are going to a soccer game in Pittsburgh with another couple.  They will stay overnite & be home by noon tomorrow.  Betsy Griffin will take care of Torey -- also when they go to Fla.

Yesterday we went to the library & I got 2 books.  Finished Lavyrle Spencer's book Separate Beds & it was a good book.  Also got Some Pleasure There to Find by Elizabeth Rossiter. No good.  Then I went to the bank to cash a check & to Bilo's.

I sure hope that we will have less rain in Aug.  We need sunshine to dry things up.  Even the veggies aren't growing.

My order from Penney's came & I'm pleased.

Barb gets so sock from the chemo, that she decided to give it up, come what may.  I don't know what to think but it is her decision.  I don't like it, but what can I do.  Hope it's not a mistake.

I've written about Dale fixing the leak in the basement.  We had a heavy rain this past week &^ no water.  So it is fixed.  Now he's painting the wall.  It is to the 4 of you advantage to keep the house in good order & Dale is doing his part.

Yesterday Ted Benson called.  He & Pat would be in Warren & wondered if I'd go out to lunch with them.  I never say no.  We went to Perkins & had a nice visit.  She is in her 70's but had to have a hysterectomy but all is well.  No cancer.  She did have a lump removed from her breast 17 years ago.  She gets real upset when she has to see a Dr.  In the car she said "I can feel my blood pressure going down."  Next time they come to Warren, I'd like them to come to lunch here.  They always pay for my lunch.

I wrote a letter to Ruth to enclose in a birthday card.

Fri. A.M. 7:30.  All is quiet here.  Dale is at work & Barb is still in bed.  I just read the lessons for Sun. I like to think how the pastor might preach on the Gospel.

Just made a menu for when Pat & Ted come to lunch -- probably in Sept.  Half the fun for me is the planning.

The new bridge is 10-14 days behind its schedule due to all the rain & they had to open the Dam to release waters & that didn't help.  Maybe a nice fall, hopefully, will help.  Suppose to open the middle of Nov.  21st, I think.