Tuesday, June 13, 2006

The sportsheadline "Steelers hold their breath" in our A.M. paper was true of all Western Pa/. fans, when they heard the news of "Big Ben's" motorcycle accident.  Just hope he will be O.K.

Yesterday A.M.'s temp was 43.  I was freezing & Dale said put the heat on.  I hated to do that because it is practically the middle of June.  But I did to get the chill off the house.  This A.M. was better -- no heat needed.

Last nite I was in bed by 9:30 & asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.  It was a busy day for me.  Barb said she planned to ride her bike so I thought she'd put off getting groceries til today.  So late A.M., I set dinner rolls since it was a cool day.  After lunch, she came dressed to go grocery shopping & said "Want to go to the Mall?"  "Sure," I said.  By the time we got home it was 2:30.  Punched the dough down, put away groceries, rested 10 min. with a cup of coffee.  Then formed & baked my rolls.  Cleaned up the dishes.  Sat & had another cup of coffee.  Planned an easy meal -- spaghetti & meatballs.  Frozen.  I had already cooked & sauce from a jar equals an easy meal.  Plus salad & Italian bread.  Good meal.

Today I'm fixing chop suey & after hearing you cooked meat cubes in the crockpot I decided to try it using beef broth & cr. mushroom soup plus onions & celery.  Easier because the other way I have to watch the liquid doesn't boil away.  Maybe I won't have to thicken it.

 Last Thurs. Kim had good news.  Kim, Betsy & Michelle (she has a membership) go to the Moose Club & take chances on a money thing  you have to sign up on Sun. nite in order to win.  The pile was growing, they signed up, & Kim got a call saying she had won $3400.00.  She couldn't believe it.  They split their winnings 3 ways but that still is a nice bit of cash.  They always tip the bartender & Kim gave her $35.00.

Lar & Kim are planning to add a screened porch off the 2nd bedroom & hope to do it this summer.  Her brother Paul might come up from Atlanta for 2 weeks & help build it.  Too many bugs spoil sitting on the deck.

Today I'm not doing much.  Changed my sheets & did 2 loads of wash.  Got some new sheets yesterday -- the reason for a 2nd load.

Finally the N.L. gets some attention from ESPN.  Mets vs. Phillies Wed. 7 pm.  My lucky day!  Has Andy changed his mind concerning the Mets!  Also the Wed aft game have N.L. teams playing.

Thank you for the picture of Andy & "his parents" in his graduation robe.  Very nice picture of all of you.  Did he find a summer job?

I also got of picture of our pastor's son, taken for his 1st birthday.  In a think you note -- he is so cute.

 Barb sold about $18.00 worth of stuff in the rummage sale.  Lynn didn't sell as much as she hoped to, so will have another one this Thurs & Fri.  Barb is looking for anything I might have that could sell.  found a few things.  I'm not suppose to say anything.  Neither was Barb, but by the time you read this & who would you tell anyway, Lynn & Bob & her parents sold the Masterson property to an oil co.  But they kept some of it where the lockers are.  By the time you read this it could be public knowledge.  Imagine it was a tidy piece for the property.

Hatch Patch has strawberries for sale.  We didn't get any yesterday because we had some from the store, but maybe this week we will.  Nothing like home grown berries.

Dale had to see the Dr in Erie yesterday.  He was home in time for lunch -- a 9:30 appt. -- so he missed a half day of work.  They aren't very bush lately.

Thurs June 15

ESPN advertised Mets vs. Phillies baseball for Wed. nite, right up to 7 pm.  And did they show the game?  No!  And I watched old sports news til 7:30 & no explanation why they didn't show it.  I was very disappointed.  But the Mets won & that is the main thing.  Channel 15 will have them on Sat & Sun. when they play the Orioles at home.  NY TV.

This A.M. after breakfast, Dale went in the basement to put his work shoes, etc. came back to get his snack & ice water & said, "I think we have a mouse in the basement."  How he got in is beyond us.  Dale left the back door opened a bit so he could run out.  Some time later I shut the door & hoped it had exited.  When I went for a shower I didn't see anything or hear any noises.

We got local strawberries from Hatch Patchg & this A.M. I made a strawberry pie.  It looks good.  I plan to grill pork chops, baked taters, corn pudding (not too hot yet for the oven) & applesauce & pie for dessert.  Sounds good to me.

I called Gen & again she said "I wish you'd drop in and visit".  I tried to tell her I'm too far away to drop in & I don't travel anymore.  She doesn't understand I live in western Pa, a good day's drive.

After supper.

I told you Barb wanted more stuff for the rummage sale.  When I quit working, Mr. McFate gave me a cooky jar.   It looks like the Pillsbury Dough Boy but it is a numbered McCoy pottery cooky jar.  The Chef.  When Lynn saw it she said she'd check the Internet & it is worth $80-$100 & Barb was going to put $4.00 price on it.  Now we'll take it home & put it on the shelf.  Maybe we won't get that much but I want more than 4.00 for it.  It is 24 yrs. old.  I have things that were wedding gifts so maybe there is something worthwhile in the bunch.

This is all the news for this tie. 

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Yesterday Lynn called Barb.  They had a bad weekend.  Bob's heart acted up & spent a nite in the hospital.  He has to take high blood pressure meds.  During the nite, their phone rang. Lynn wondered if something happened to her parents.  It was Scott calling from his room saying he didn't feel good.  She got him to the bathroom but he upchucked on the bathroom floor.  They had to remove the rug & clean the floor but it still smelled.  He did go to school even tho he still didn't feel good.  So he skipped track practice.  Lynn told him Marisa could pick him up after school.  "No, said Scott."  I ant Barb to take me home."  So she helped him study for a test.  Today there is an away track meet but he didn't go -- he is afraid to ride a bus.

Dale said by fixing his Monte Carlo, he gave himself a birthday present.  I'm making a sweet German choc. cake, his choice, for his birthday.

Enjoyed reading your letter & hearing all about Disney World. I know it isn't the place for me -- too much walking, too many people.  It is for younger people.  I'm content where I am.

This A.M. I  washed the kitchen floor & dusted downstairs.  After lunch we got groceries.

The Mets play at Wash. & it is an aft. game.  I'm trying to see the score but the commercials interfere.  Mets 7, wn. 1, final.  The Mets are winning!

Today the new neighbors (Carey) started in on fixing up the landscaping.  All the trees (shrubbery) have been taken out.  They are starting from scratch.  By our property, it will be lawn.  It looks nice with those hemlocks taken down.  We're anxious to see how they'll landscape it.  Bet it will cost plenty.  He has a 6 figure salary, I'm sure.

I got a turkey breast for Easter.  Lar & Kim will be here.  Might try a cheesecake recipe for dessert.

Last Sun. I called Gen.  She said she saw me in church a few Sun. ago.  I said it must be someone who looks like me.  Then she wondered why I didn't come over.  I said I"m too far away for a drop in visit.  She thought I was in the area.

Barb got her bicycle "tuned up".  So now she is ready to start bike riding.  Lately she has been walking outside.  Yesterday we had blue, blue skies & warm temps.  Even warmer today but cloudy skies.  Nice.

Larry has started his "2nd job", working for himself.  He usually has a couple of big jobs he plans for over the winter.  He does OK as he has regular customers for trimming, etc.

Thurs. evening the 13th

WE had a nice birthday dinner.  He likes the pants & knit shirt I got him.  He tried them on & they fit perfectly.  I asked him not to wait too long to try them on in case I had to return them. Barb gave him a CD & a Dale Earnhardt shirt.  Kim & Lar gave him an auto washing kit.  Lar got one for himself & tho't Dale would like it as much as Lar does.  I'm sure he thanked you for your gift when you called him on Mon.  Next birthday Barb -- she told me I could give her money -- then she can get what she likes.

No school Wed-Mon -- 12th-17th.  East vacation.

Yesterday Kim, Betsy, & Michelle went to the Indian Casino.  Michelle won $1000.00 on the 5 cent machine.  They always divide their winnings.  Kim gave some of hers to the Cancer Society.  Today they went to Erie & Kim spent her Christmas gift card from you folks.

Mets won again today.  WOW!!  Now they go to Milwaukee.  Barb went online & got the Mets TV schedule for 2006 on SB11.  Channel 15 for us.

Collins' house has a "sold" sign on the For Sale sign.   On Conewango between 3rd & Verbeck.  Lar said Patterson's house up the st. will be going up for sale.  He is the funeral director.  They will be moving to one of the Carolinas, to be closer to their 2 daughters.

Marisa's "naughty" boyfriend stole $35,000 so he is really in trouble now.  She still doesn't want to let go of him but Lynn hopes this will be the end of it.  She will never change him.

Sheila & Sue added another girl to their salon, so now there are 4 gals plus 1 part time. They don't want to get too big but if they have a following that will make it nice.

I'm watching Phillies at Atlanta.  Phillies won last nite (so did the Pirates who came from behind vs. L.A.) & are ahead tonite.  I'm sure they miss their pitcher coach Leo Muscilli (sp) who went to Baltimore.  Mets to go Atlanta Sat & Sun Apr 29 &30.  The Mets should do better (I hope) this year.  Atlanta just has "regular" pitching now.

Soon my bedtime.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002

The weather is ideal & I have my ambition back.

Lar will come to dinner tonite -- for 6 weeks they will come on Wed. as Lar prefers not to lay soccer after a meal on Thurs.  But Kim can't come tonite as she has another golf tournament & they close with a dinner.

The water is off for a couple of hours (10:45 A.M.) as they are putting a new hydrant up the street.

Dale came home after his late Tuesday & said "See what we will wear on Fridays".  A shirt -- NASCAR with Dodge, etc. on it.  Short sleeved, black with a red yoke front & back.  He doesn't like bright colors so I teased him a bit.

We've had corn a few times & it has been excellent.  Peaches have been good & local blueberries.  Big & sweet.  Dale likes them on cereal.

Millie said the funeral was well attended.  Gen held up OK both at calling hours & service.  I'll enclose what Millie sent me.

Yesterday Barb didn't have to watch Scott so she washed windows inside & out.  Downstairs windows.

I'm thinking about rearranging my bedroom but I'll wait til September when Dale takes another week's vacation so he can help me.

I wish we could put the TV in another spot but that means changing wires, etc. so I guess it will stay where it is.  I'd like to put the sofa on the wall where the TV is.  It would make the room look bigger.  At least I think so.

Next Sunday the service will be at Chapman Dam followed by a family picnic.  I wont' be going & I don't believe they should ever close the church on Sundays.

Best gets a perm tomorrow & on Friday we plan to go to Jamestown.

This school year Scott will eat lunch at school -- he takes the new medication -- so he doesn't have to take it at lunch.  Lynn doesn't like people to know he takes meds.  Scott hates taking the buss so now Barb will pick him up & be there til 4:30.  Marisa isn't reliable to watch him. They have rented their building to another trucking firm, offices & all.  They still have an office there & maybe part of the garage for repairs, so Bob keeps busy.

Today's paper said National Forge is up for sale.  If that goes Warren will really be a ghost town.

Thurs. the 22nd

When Torey first saw Dale last nite, Dale had his work uniform & barked at Dale.  Later on, when Dale had changed, he was begging Dale for the treats he buys for Torey.

Someone was conducting a survey -- whether you drink Pepsi or Coke.  I said neither.  He was surprised.

Barb is very pleased with her perm.  It looks so nice.

Had a letter from Darla today.  The grass has been planted around the house & should be ready to mow soon.  Gerald still has a lot of stuff to go thru but they are enjoying the house.  Easy to keep up.

They've had company -- their kids & Darla was busy cooking for them but happy to have them.

Charles & Sandy stopped by & she cooked dinner for them.

Carolyn & Jim were in Iron Mountain & they met them for dinner at Pine Mountain.  Afterwards they went to see their house & visited awhile.

Darla is working at the Hospital gift shop once a week. She enjoys getting out & meeting people.  Good for her.

We are expecting showers today -- but none so far.

2 pm

This A.M. I did it -- I changed my bed to under the windows.  Now I'll only wash my sheets every other week.  One week I'll sleep on the left side & the right side the next.  This way it is a little easier to get up during the nite form either side.  I put a belt around each wheel of the frame & pulled.  I don't have any aches of pains so I guess I didn't hurt myself.  I got half of the room cleaned.  That's all I could manage today.  Got rid of dust & vacuumed where the bed was.  I also found some summer tops in a box between (watching TV) under the bed.  I still have a few things to put away in my room so I'll sign off for this time.

Dale looked nice in the Dodge NASCAR shirft.  The short sleeves are also red.  A bright red.

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, September 23, 2000

It is nice to hear that you & Eddie, Paul, will come for my 80th birthday.  It is hard to believe I will be 80.  Millie is 85 so maybe there are more years ahead for me.  I had a Dr. appt. for Fri. the 13th but I cancelled it & will go the 27th.  Don't care to spend the aft. at the Dr.'s office when you are here.  Maybe we can get to lunch at the Plaza.

Our get together luncheon date for the 25th is postponed.  Ted & Pat Benson are leaving Sun. to visit their daughter & new granddaughter.  Anna & Warren H. will still have company from their anniversary party.  They don't have a very nice day for it -- we've just had a hard shower & more are forecast.

I'm back to reading.  Stayed up last nite til 11:30 pm to finish The Alibi by Sandra Brown.  It was so good.  I've already read several of Anne Perry's novels but never the first one -- The Cater Street Hangman -- a Victorian novel.  It tells how the daughter of a middle class family falls in love with an Inspector policeman who is considered below her class.  They marry & she is a big help in solving the crimes in her novels concerning Insp. Pitt.  I've enjoyed reading them.

I have to put some of my summer clothes away in the attic but I want to be sure the bats are gone.

Was also glad to hear you'll be coming for Thanksgiving.  I've already started to think about plans & menus.   And of course -- cookies!
Dale is driving the Blazer now.  He works til noon this Sat. & after work he plans to align the wheels.  They have a new computerized machine that figures it all.  Dale was telling me how it works & of course I don't understand any of it, but I listen as it is good for him to talk about things at work.

Just about lunch time so more later.

Kim stopped by with Torey for a quick cup of coffee.  She still has to go to the grocery store.

Barbara started her Christmas shopping yesterday.  It is time for gift ideas!  We can talk about it when you are here so please start to think about it.

Sun:  I had the wrong date at the beginning of this letter.  Reason - I have 2 calendars, one on Sept. & one on Oct.  Looked at the Oct. page.  Time goes fast enough.

Arlene Hornstrom was in church today.  Her illness surely has changed her.  She still can't do all the things she'd like to.  Her busy life is a thing of the past.

I'm watching St. Louis at Atlanta -- football on Fox.  Was watching Pittsburgh but I couldn't take it they are so bad.  They are playing Tenn.  Just checked & they are tied 13-13 so my face is red!  Tenn. just got a field goal so it's 16-13.  I'll go back to Fox TV.  I like St. Louis but Barb doesn't -- because of Buffalo.

Buffalo paper had an article on the two Niagara Falls.  The Canadian city is growing & doing well, while the N.Y. Falls is going down due to poor management.  It said people stay an average of 4 hrs. in N.Y. & then go on to Canada so it is the Canadian hotels & eating places that are flourishing while the N.Y. Falls are less than half full and no really good restaurants.  But they have plans for the future.  We always considered the Canadian side prettier.

Pittsburgh just went ahead of Tenn. with a T.D.  Can they keep ahead - time will tell.  They couldn't.

Mon A.M. - the 25th

Lar & Dale are digging up the driveway.  Lar is taking the first load to camp to put by the stream to prevent erosion.  Lar has a jack hammer to break it up.  I'm sure that will take a couple of days to break it up, etc.

Careys wanted Barb to "baby sit" the dogs while they go to Fla. for 2 weeks.  But that is the time Bob & Lynn will go to Fla. & she will take care of their 2 cats & 1 dog.  At Carey's it means she would have to sleep there & that doesn't interest her.  The money isn't that important.  Bert leaves today for 2 weeks in Fla.  Maybe you could see her house on Market St.  The 2nd house beyond the Crary's Art Museum -- the same side.  More later.

After supper:  There is 1 block left to break up.  The side edge is out - Dad always hated that.  He would approve of this project!  Lar & Dale worked hard breaking up the cement & lifting it into the truck.  This first stuff went to Monty's place.  The smaller pieces that are left will go to Lar's place.

Tell Andy we got his tank you notes.

Last nite I watched the story of murders in N. Calif.  Up to 14 murders.  On Discovery Channel 2 hr. program so another late nite for me.  But I had a hard time getting to sleep so I guess it isn't a good pre-bedtime story.

Forgot to add -- Dale said his arms feel a little sore.

Now it's Thurs. Wed A.M. (Guess I'm not with it) the 26th.

All the cement is gone & Lar is leveling it out with his new piece of expensive machinery - the tractor with a back hoe & bucket.  Nice to have it, as it saves a lot of back breaking work.

Lar was here a little after 8 this A.M. -- usually it's been around 9 A.M.  Torey comes along.  I didn't hear them come & Tor comes upstairs to my room -- I didn't expect him & I jumped a little.  He wanted his cheese.  Now he's under the D.R. table.

I want to go over to the bank today.  Lar will have to haul away the excess dirt & Tor goes with him so I should be able to go then.

Want to mail this so I'll bring it to an end with our love to all.