Saturday, March 17, 2005

I have a red circle around Apr. 1 to remind me to think of Ed on that day.  We're rooting for him.

The Mets were on the NYC channel & they look good.  I just hope it continues into the season.

Our paper has had very little on the Erie mayor -- we hear about it on Erie TV.  Interesting it reached your papers.

They finished the digging (gas) by our driveway.  The spot near Conaway's driveway is still a hole.

I finally used my paper shredder.  One drawer needed to be cleaned out.  It is lighter now.  I keep my charge receipts in a shoe box & cleaned out papers as far back as '01.  Got 5 grocery bags full of shredded paper.  Lar took it to use with garbage.  He came by with my state tax.  All I owed was $11.00  Got it sent in.  He also took our wrapped newspapers.

Sheila & I were talking about desserts while getting my hair done.  She said this is easy & good.  Cut choc. cake into cubes.  Make choc. pudding.  Ina trifle bowl layer cake, pudding, cool whip (in layers).  Sprinkle with Heath toffee bits to finish.  Could use other flavors as well.  When I was looking thru dessert recipes I found a similar one using brownies, pudding mix, cool whip, & Heath bar chips.  Plan to try it sometime.  Recipes used van. pudding & milk to mix & then added 1/4 c. cold coffee.  I'm getting tired of pies for dessert.

Back to the Mets.  Galarraga is trying to make the Mets lineup.  He came up with 2 terrific plays & got 2 hits, one a home run.  He's in his early 40's.

We've had a lovely day today but rain is suppose to come in tonite.  Won't be nice tomorrow, Palm Sun.

I called Schwan's yesterday for chicken.  They don't have anyone in Warren now but will see about getting some for me.  They could sent it in dry ice but I don't want to pay postage on it.

Sun. the 20th

I have a new racing "hero".  The bad thing he drives a Ford.  He won the Busch Race yesterday &^ the NASCAR race at Atlanta today.  Carl Edwards. Barb said it's because of the name "Carl".  He just looks like a nice guy.

I finally called Schwan's to find out if I can get chicken.  They don't' have Warren covered but will see what they can do.  I ordered 2 boxes of chicken & if I get it, I hope I can keep getting it.  We are spoiled because their chicken is so good.

[In margin.  repeat!!!!  I'm losing it!]

We had steak for supper.  I marinated it in a sauce from the gal on the Italian program  (Food Channel.)(It was very good.  Barb usually grills the steak but she didn't want to so I said it will be done on the grill inside.  She said it was good.  The best steak I've had for awhile.

I can't imagine Charles trying to use any kind of tools.  Wonder if he ever finished the job.

I like the picture of Roger.  He will be 71 in July.

Kim said she tired chicken in the crock pot using cr. chicken soup & they liked the results.

Betty Casey was back in church today.  But she is retaining water in her body so her ankles, legs, etc. are swollen.

Talked to Marie Mathis today.  She was riding in a bus that picks up the elderly to shop, see the Dr., etc & met a lady from the Crary Home.  Marie said she spoke highly of Larry & Torey.  Torey visits her every day & that helped to adjust to living there.

Tues. the 22nd.

I'm set to wash the kitchen floor but I have to wait for Barb to eat & leave.

The gas men don't do a good job on finishing off the hold they dug.  They don't tamp it down & it sinks down several inches.  Now they are filling it again.  Dale gets disgusted at their work.  At work Dale is doing a transmission job on a gas co. truck.  I'm sure they want a good job done on their truck & they'll get with Dale doing the job.  And that's not just a mother's bias.

I watched Nanny 911 on Fox & I can't believe there are families so out of control.  Have you ever watched it?  The husband, at first, spent more time with his carrier pigeons than his family.  All 5 slept in one bed plus the dog.  The middle boy was afraid of going to the bathroom in the house & went outside the house -- he was "watering the plants".


Thurs. the 24th

Last nite was the last Wed. Lar & Kim come for dinner.  Next week it's back to Thursdays.  No school today or Fri.  They were to have Wed. off but it turned out to be a snow day.  So Kim & 2 of her friends went to play Bingo at the Moose Club.  One friend is a member.

It snowed last nite but it won't last.  Rain is in the forecast for Easter Sun.

We're going to the Mall this aft.

Will enclose our library's newsletter so you can see what happens here.  The paper will tell you about the steel beams for the bridge.  Lots going on in "downtown" Warren.

Heard from Millie & she said Johnny went to Aruba for 5 days.  He had someone to care for Gen.

Nothing special going on here.

Sunday, June 6, 2004

Yesterday we were a lazy bunch.  I don't know why colds set me down on Sat. & Sun.  I'm not in church because of my cough.  Dale had a headache yesterday & Barb is taking it easy -- I think she overdid things by cleaning at Lynn's too soon.

That is interesting concerning the number 62 in your life.  I don't have a lucky number but life has been good to me.  Carl chose me & we had a good life together.  We were able to live in the great Northwest visiting in Seattle & Tacoma.  Then living in the plains county of Mont. Finally settling down in Warren.  I have no worries in retirement financially so I'm a pretty lucky person.  On top of that I have 2 lovely daughters-in-law & 2 "great" grandsons.  What more could I ask for -- maybe 2 more in-laws, one female, on male! And of course 4 wonderful children.  What more could I ask for.

I guess the Minn. wedding trip turned out to be an expensive one.   You made it more interesting by going to the The Mall of America & the Zoo.

Larry called -- they had heard from Charles & they changed their plans & will stop on the way back from Syracuse.  It will be Wed, June 23.  Larry suggested we go out for dinner.  They will stay overnite with Lar & Kim.  I want to ask Charles if they sold the house in Beloit. I wouldn't think they'd want it left vacant.  That area has gone down in value.

It is suppose to warm up this week -- in the 80's.  It has been cold for this time of the year. I'm wearing a sweater to stay warm & here it is June.

I'm hoping the strawberries will be ripe by the middle of June.  Then I could fix strawberry shortcake & we could have it after we go out to eat on the 23rd.  That way Charles & Sandy (is that right) could be here for awhile.

Yesterday we watched the horse race to see if "Smarty Jones" could win the Triple Crown. He couldn't, but it was exciting.



I'll be eagerly waiting for more excerpts from "the books about the N.Y. Mets, of all things!" You are privileged, special, etc. etc. to read about such a worthy subject, The Mets!!  I recognized all the names of that worthy bunch!  Think I have that year book of the Mets -- or one of that group.  Wonder why he chose the Hooter waitresses or singled them out.  Aren't they mostly a southern concern.  Must be the short skirts.

When I saw the Dr. I got a good report.  Blood work good, blood pressure very good.

We went to the library & I got another book "The Edge of Town" by Dorothy Garlock.  Setting -- small Missouri town after W. War I.  Excellent.  Took one that looked interesting "Cold Day in July" by Stella Cameron but  I'm not sure I'm going to like it.  Had to get interested in.

We're watching golf in Ohio -- Jack Nicklaus' tournament.  The cicadas are so noisy over the TV.  A regular hum.  It bothers Barb but you can't do anything to stop it.  You could mute it but then you miss the "flavor" of the tournament.

Mon the 7th

I've finally warmed up.  After lunch, we went grocery shopping.  Finally all is put away & I'm watching my "soaps".

Barb has 3 Drs. to see.  One this aft. concerning the breast.  Next Mon. to check on the operation & I'm not sure when she see the 3rd Dr.  She received a card from Ruth written by Mim.

Barb will be starting kemo soon.  They wanted her to start Fri. but she wanted a little more time after having her ovaries out.  They are hoping the kemo will shrink the tumor & then they could get it out, if necessary without taking the breast.  They do it a different way now.  From what she said they don't use the veins but implant something & the kemo entered that way. She can't drive after having kemo.  Lar or Kim will help.

When Dale came home from work he said "Oh hum."  I said what's wrong.  "Guess I'm getting old,"  He isn't so "gung ho" about cars anymore.  He wants a new muffler for the Monte Carlo but he has a hard time getting started.  He ordered some mufflers but returned them.  Said they were junk.  Think he found some he likes.

Thus. June 10

They have local strawberries at Hatch Patch, so we're having shortcake tonite.

We had 2 days of hot weather.  Today it's cloudy & humid but cooler.  These are hard menu days.  It was Dale's long day yesterday   I made salads with tuna & that was enough after a hot day.  He had waffles, sausage & scrambled eggs for lunch.

Tomorrow Barb & I will be going to Jamestown.  Probably the last time for awhile as the kemo should start soon.

My 3 new rose bushes are blooming & they are beautiful.  2 different red (one more pinkish) & a light apricot   Gorgeous!  Did you try dahlias this year.  We have the small ones in pots & I like them a lot.  Wine & a rosy pink colors.  Barb plants lettuce in pots & one tomato plant in a pot.  4 others in the ground.

I'm feeling sad for myself -- since I had the cold, cough in Apr., why do I have it in June. It wakes me up during the nite.  Cough medicine helps but I Hope it goes away soon.  They only difference, I didn't lose my voice in Apr.  It's OK now.

I'm watching Braves vs. Detroit.  When I started watching, the Braves were in the lead.  By the end of the 7th, it's Detroit 7, Atlanta 4.  Keep it up Detroit.  If the Mets can't win I don't want Atl. to win!  An aft. game.  Rain out Wed pm.  I was wrong.  Today's game was scheduled for 1 pm

Torey is still here.  Lar had work to do & Kim went out with teh girls.  Gen called again  to ask about Barb.

Monday, May 24, 2004

This aft. I went to the dentist.  Cleaning & a checkup.  No cavities -- happy day.

Tomorrow Dale goes to school with another fellow.  Near Pittsburgh so it will be a long day for him.  They leave at 5:30 A.M.  The other fellow said he didn't have any money in case they needed gas along the way.  I asked Dale what about lunch.  He said he'd probably have to treat.  Payday is Wed.  This fellow isn't married but spends his time in bars.

We've had some ants in the kitchen.  While I was watching TV, I could hear him in the kitchen cleaning.  He told me he cleaned the sink good & around it so there are no crumbs for ants.  He should be a husband.

Tomorrow A.M., early I hope, we'll get groceries.  It is Bible Study at church & I want to make a fruit salad for the pot luck but I don't have all the ingredients I need.  It's at 11 A.M. for an hour & then lunch.

When I talked to you on Sun, I forgot to mention the game Tom Glavine pitched.  Almost a no hit.  I was rooting for one but it was a one hitter.  I watched & rooted for Arizona's Johnson when he pitched his no hit against Atlanta.  It was great.  The Mets hit the 500 mark.  Hope it stays that way & goes up.  I can dream, can't I!

Wed. May 26

Barb got home about 5:30 after outpatient surgery.  Only the fibroids (ovaries) were removed. Lar took her for an 8:30 appt & Barb had his cell phone & called him.  They don't decide til 5 pm if the patient can go home.  Kim got a prescription of pain pills for her.  She has to see the Dr. in 2 weeks.  She hadn't had any thing to eat so I made her a peanut butter jelly sandwich -- her choice.  Lynn called & I told her what happened.  Barb wasn't up to talking now.

Larry received a call from Charles S. last weekend.  They are going to Syracuse & will stop off in Warren & take us out to lunch.  I don't know if they are looking to stay overnite -- maybe Lar & Kim could invite them.

Went to the library last Fri. (paid my $10.00 membership dues) & got 4 books.  Read 2 of them & enjoyed them.  A new author Dorothy Garlock's Mother Road.  Other authors: Barbara Taylor Bradford, Mary Baloch, & Lilian Jackson Braun, "The Cat Who Brought the House Down".  I've read her before & like her books once in awhile.

I used the crockpot for swiss steak.  I left it going so Dale won't have to zap his dinner.  Then I'll clean up.

When we got groceries yesterday I had a big order.  Dale would take me if I needed something & Kim said if I needed anything on Sat. she'd get it for me when she shops at BiLo.

There are no restrictions on Barb.  She can do things as she feels better.  Work, drive, etc.

The one rose plant Lar planted has buds on it.  I'm anxious to see the color.  The only flowers needing water are the hanging baskets   The rest have plenty with all the rain we've had.  We're suppose to have a nice weekend but maybe rain on Memorial Day.  We don't have anything planned for the holiday.  I'll watch baseball.  Tonite ESPN 2 has Boston vs. Oakland.

Dale needs new mufflers for his Monte Carlo but can't find any he approves of. He ordered some locally but returned them.

It has really surprised me that Mass. has allowed same sex marriages.  Never thot that would happen.

Dale was telling me about Randy Swanson's stepson.  He's really good on the computer & was in one of the southern states but has returned home.  Is living at home with his "boyfriend"!  Dale says "Poor Randy".

Thurs the 27th.  Last nite Dale was talking to our new neighbor.  He is comptroller at the Forge.  They are doing well & he told Dale the Forge is a gem.  I'm glad they are successful so we won't lose jobs.  Some slackers weren't rehired when the owners took over.

Barb is doing OK but she hasn't been able to keep anything down.  She said later she'll have some fruit.  She showed me her tummy & they went thru the navel & 4 other spots covered with a bandaid. Gen just called last nite so I told her about Barb.  Now I should call Millie. Gen will probably call her & tell her about Barb.

I'm trying a new chicken recipe that sounds interesting.  You flatten a chicken breast U& put a spinach filling in it, fold it over & fasten with toothpicks.  You add onion, cracker crumbs & parsley to the spinach.  Marinate the flattened chicken in Ital. salad dressing.  Almost forgot that so I'd better start pounding so they can marinate 2 hrs.  It's just mid A.M., so I have plenty of time.  Bake the chicken & pour a cheese over the individual pieces of Lar & Dale don't really like sauces so I might omit that.

Barb had her ovaries and fallopian tube out.

Fri the 28th

Dale said the new neighbor wondered if the El Camino went with the house as he saw it parked in Carey's garage when they looked at the house.

Last nite Lar said he wondered if he'd have much extra work this summer & he will.  He just got another landscape job & he won't be able to do it til fall.

Back to the El Camino, when Dale talked to the new neighbor, he wanted to look at the El Camino closer.

Will be anxious to hear about the wedding.

Tuesday, August 7, 2001

Thanks for a good time in Middleton.  Dale had a great trip & looks forward to the next reunion.  He hasn't traveled like the rest of you.  Paul hitchhiked to Calif; Lar traveled across the country with Bruce; Barb joined the Navy.  Dale went 1 semester to a school in Columbus, Ohio & wouldn't stay there.  He enjoyed Devil's Lake, the trip to Milwaukee & being at the lake.  He didn't look forward to work   Today is his long day -- 12 hours.

It was a long trip home.  After we crossed the bridge & toward Flint, Detroit, etc.  We ran into a lot of traffic, the stop & go type.  Barb was driving.  After Flint, going toward Port Huron, it slowed down & was easier driving.  It was a long drive between stops.  We had a good breakfast at the motel & a rest stop before the bridge.  At 1:15 we stopped at a Subway for subs.  Rest stop at 4:30 near Port Huron.  Got into Canada at 5:15 & left at 8:15.  Easier driving but more traffic as we got to Hamilton.  Finally stopped on N.Y. Thruway for a rest stop & something to drink.  No dinner meal.  Home at 11 pm  Unpacked the car -- looked at the weather channel, in bed at midnite.

Mon. I did 3 loads of wash.  We went for groceries as the fridge was bare.  Then I made a good meal for supper.  In bed at 9:30 pm.

Today I cleaned my bedroom & the bathroom.  Then I ironed clothes that needed to be pressed & now its aft. & I'm taking it easy.  Tomorrow I go to the bank to get cash for Aug. expenses.

Barb had a headache on Mon. & didn't work.  Went back to bed til aft.

Lar was at Careys last nite & he was fine.  Took the aft. off & played golf with his brother-in-law & the 2 children.  Kim's sister & family arrived on Sun.  We won't see Kim till the end of the week.

Were you aware that Lila can't control her bowels.  Joyce cleaned up a mess -- Gen can't do it & they say Lila won't wear adult Pampers (correct word won't come) so they say.  I bet Charles doesn't want to spend money on disposals.  Joyce had to wash Lila & then washed disposable pants.  I think it's too bad that Lila can't have decent care in a home.  They always say Lila won't do it, but I feel that Lila doesn't know what is going on & that is cruelty to a human.  I know Ruth is upset over the situation.

Looked thru the mail & found the taxes for the house had come & the household insurance bill.  The good thing I have the money to pay the bills.

At first I was wondering how I'd take the trip but it went very well for me.  And I thoroly enjoyed myself.  I'll have to take good care of myself so I can make the trip in '03.

Ruth had a listing of all the addresses of the relations.  We didn't get one.  Carolyn thought Lar got one, but he didn't. If you have one, would you make a copy for me & enclose it in a letter.

I'm already making a list of things I'll want for the next trip.  Things I discovered it would be nice to have had for this trip.  Either forgot or didn't think about.  Another thought, it would be nice to have the Fri. nite dinner at another place.  And it would be nice to order from the menu.  What are your thoughts.  We are having very warm weather but by the end of the week it should cool off.

The Johnson's house across the st. is being painted using new colors.  Now owned by Keeney's.  A pretty beige color.  A real improvement.

Mon A.M. paper told of a fire at the Liberty St. Cafe. It was destroyed & lots of smoke damage.  But they plan to rebuild but it will be closed for some time.  Extension cord was the blame -- accidental.

Will mail this tomorow.

P.S.  The white envelope containing money I thought I had with me was at home in my "safe".  A used large popcorn tin where I keep my monthly expense money.

Monday, August 25, 1997

I finally found a box to fit your "dirty clothes" (now clean) & hope to get it mailed tomorrow.  Dale is on vacation so he should be able to take me to the post office.

Paul you remember Jacque Welsh - her oldest daughter is spending her senior year of college in Kyoto, Japan & will graduate next spring from U. of Penn.  She is a smart gal.  Saw Jacque at the store tonite & she hopes to hear soon that she arrived safely.  She spent 3 days with Janelle & family in Calif. & they saw her off.

Called Ruth last nite.  She is doing fine & leaves on Fri. for Seattle & a visit with Joyce & family.   Lila walks with a walker.  Ruth was surprised to see their lawn wasn't cut & in spite of the warm weather Charles never got their window air conditioner in.  We were never told but in May Stella fell & broke her hip & was operated on. She can't live alone & is in the care unit of the Augustana Home in Mpls.  I'm pretty sure David moved to Mpls & a job there.  Then I called Gen.  They had been over to Edith's as Edith & Ed's cousin from Sweden were visiting & staying with Edith.  Things are fine with them.  John is still looking at houses but hasn't bee3n successful so far.

We've been watching a program on ABC entitled "Explosion" showing the exploding of buildings to make way for new buildings.  Also bombings in movies & police having to deal with bombs placed by "crazies".  Very interesting.

Dale is working on his car - has the door completed on the driver's side.  It looks so good.  Next will be to change the wheels on the other side; the door, etc.  Sam m ight buy his present "winter car".

Just want to let you know the pkg is on the way.

We miss having the boys around.  We enjoyed having them here so much.

P.S.  I ordered a Bose radio today.  Should come in a week.

Monday, April 14, 1997

Ruth called last nite to tell us she will have a hip replacement on Fri. about 1pm. It will be at Swedish American Hosp, Rkfd. She'll be in the hosp. about 5 days & then will go to P. A. Peterson Home for therapy, etc.

At noon today our time Charles called to tell us Lila took a fall yesterday & will have an emergency hip replacement this aft. as soon as the Dr. finishes another schedule operation. She has complained of sharp pains & fell a couple of times at home yesterday. They went out to a meeting & she fell in the parking lot. They called 911. The nurse said the bone was already broken so the fall didn't cause it. That's probably the only way Lila would see a Dr. or go to the hosp. What a coincidence - both sisters having the same operation.

Chas. mentioned he was in Madison for a mtg. & called at the library to see you.  He said the library is so nice. Think he was surprised.  He spoke with someone who is active in Lib. work & she spoke very highly of you, Paul.  Nice words for a mother to hear!

Cleaned upstairs today.  Usually it's a Tues. job but tomorrow is suppose to be nice & warmer for a change.  So in the A.M. I'll walk over town & cash a refund check (returned 4 cases kitchen tiles ) & go to the library.  In the aft. have circle at church.