Monday, December 26, 2005

It sure is quiet today after the excitement of Christmas.  I didn't wake up til 6:20 this A>M. As I was going downstairs, I heard Dale's voice.  "I'm not going to work today.  I have congestion in my chest."  So he has been taking it easy.  Resting & he hasn't eaten that much.

I did my regular duties of washing 3 loads & making Dale's bed with clean sheets.  After lunch Barb & I went grocery shopping.

We had a nice Christmas & Santa was very good to all of us.  The 2 silver trays you gave me are very pretty & I like them a lot.  We all got the regular run of gifts.  The dishes from Lar & Kim are very pretty & looked so nice on the table.  The biggest problem is where do I store them.  Barb says we'll have to look for a shelf for the basement to store them.  Barb was so pleased the boys liked their gifts.  She fretted over them once she had ordered them so was happy to hear they were pleased.

I didn't get last week's letter mailed until today & most likely it won't go out til tomorrow.

It's been trying to snow today but it is still mild.  Dale gave me a new outdoor thermometer & put it up on the font porch.  One that is easier to read.  He also gave me an oven (meat) thermometer & I used it on the turkey breast for Christmas.  Worked fine.

Last Fri. at Shults they had a pot luck lunch at noon.  They  had prizes & Dale finally won something -- $50.00.

Heard from Gerald & Darla.  Chance is in the 5th grade & doing well.  They were expecting one of her sons & family for Christmas.

At the grocery store today, I noticed a jump in some of the prices of groceries & meat.  Must be the high price of transportation.

Thurs. I don't have to fix dinner so as will be going to Lar & Kim's.  They'll put the queen sized mattress in the guest room.  It isn't that old so should be more comfortable the next time you visit.  The king-sized bed will provide more room for Kim as Torey sleeps with them now.  They hate to push him off when he is getting old & slower.  It will be a sad day when they have to put him to sleep.

Barb has been using my car keys.  She can't find hers.  She has looked thru her jacket & no keys.  They must have dropped somewhere.

There was an article in today's paper concerning churches are hurting because the high cost of heating bills.  Churches like First Methodist are most likely wishing their church was less cathedral like now.  People don't want to sit in a cold church.

Made a date bread for Christmas breakfast & Kim really like it.  It is a favorite of mine.  I didn't get any Bond Ost cheese this year as only Larry & I like it.  It is quite pricey now.

Sheffield is losing 2 companies due to them closing or moving away.  Kim thinks that could affect the Sheffield schools as she thinks people will have to move away.  If the schools should close she would have seniority & "bump" a new teacher.  She wouldn't care to go to the high school as her friend teaches there & said the kids are bad.  Barb always thinks Sheffield is so bad but I say all the schools have problem kids.  "Oh, Sheffield is worse."  So it pleased me to hear Kim say because Warren is larger, they have more problems.  She'd go there if she had to, to continue teaching, but would prefer the younger grades.  It won't happen tomorrow, but it is on her mind.  When you kids went to school there never was an asst. superintendent.  Now there is with a hefty salary.  That could be a savings.  The school population is much smaller now.

Tues. the 27th

Dale went to work today.  He told me he was scared -- maybe he thought it was heart pains. But wasn't.  He dozed a lot all day.  At times he had a blanket around him because he felt chilled.  Can't remember if I wrote John sent pictures of their wedding.  Took 22 hrs. to get to Manila.  His best friend was with him as he also has a Phillipino girlfriend.  Fe must come from a well-to-do family judging by the pictures of her home & of the wedding.

I sit here wondering what I should do.  Can't do much until we take the tree & decorations down for another year.  It's easier just to be lazy!

My next letter will have an increased postage stamp on it.

Thurs A.M.

We went to the library on Tues. & I got 5 books, 2 of them new authors.  Read Thunder Creek by Jill Gregory, set in Wyoming & enjoyed it a lot.  Will look for more of her books. Read Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson.  It was OK but not enough to make me read another of her books.  The 3 old faithfuls -- Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky & The Bailey Chronicles by Catherine Cookson.  Both sound so good.  I can't decide which to read first.  Then White Kat by Sandra Brown.  I'll read that last as it sounds familiar but I like her.

We never got Eddie's latest school picture.  Didn't he like it?

It is nice to have a Thurs. when I don't have to plan a meal.  Or make a dessert.  My New Year's resolution is to fill each daily square with a meal plan so I will be prepared.  Hope I'm successful as that is my downfall.  One of them anyway!

Fri. A.M.

We had a nice time at Lar & Kim's last nite.

The Bailey Chronicles by Cookson is such a good book.  I'm enjoying it so much.  550+ pages.  almost finished.

Barb & I are going out to lunch.  Her treat for me making cookies for Lynn & Bob & family.

P.S.  Your Christmas letter was such a great idea & so much fun to read.  Thanks for including it.

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.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

We watched the Bills beat the Browns & now Pittsburgh is playing the Jets & the Steelers couldn't get a TD but got a field goal.  Steelers won!!!

I asked Dale what kind of cookies he liked outside of tea cakes.  He said those date ones meaning the date-filled cookies.  Haven't made them for years & he really surprised me. They are a favorite of mine.  Before the Steeler game I found the recipe & made the dough & it is chilling in the fridge.  My dates are too old but we'll get groceries tomorrow.  I'm going to try making Biscotti.  The coffee shop in Warren has them & they as good to dunk.

We needed bananas so we stopped at Quality on our way home from the Mall.  Dale likes cacti plants & we saw a pretty arrangement of 3 cacti with stones, pebbles & wood.  We got it as a gift for him. Barb brought it over to Lar to keep it til Christmas Eve.  We didn't know where to hide it uncovered & we didn't want to keep it loosened in a plastic bag.

Barb went up to Lawn & Garden to look around & she found the cutest Santa on sale.  It is a policeman Santa holding a little boy on one arm & a flag in the other hand.  It plays "God Bless America".  I claimed it & paid her for it.  The boys is saluting the flag.  He (Santa) has a fat tummy, blue suit with a whistle around his neck & a club on his belt.

I got my "away" cards mailed.  Had a letter card from Carole & Arland & see they have a new address & I had their old address on the card.  I used a label and covered it.

Noticed UB's baseball won over Niagara "in a thriller" to quote the Buff. paper.  Another article says "UB athletic dept. has something special brewing".   They have a new athletic director & I guess they have hopes of better teams & more winners.

Barb said the announcers on the  Buff. game said the Steelers would have a hard time winning then the Steelers play in Buff.  I said that's crazy & she didn't like it being a Buff. fan. So that should be an interesting game for this Nelson family.  2 against 1.

Mon. the 13th

I'm watching CNN news & they were telling about 2 men robbing a house when they heard a video "Stop, we've got the house surrounded."  They ran out of the house & didn't take anything.  Guess the videos are good for something.

Our toaster oven won't toast anymore.  We got another one & without reading the direction, Barb said it gets too hot.  She had the oven part on.  I'm not sure how it will heat rolls up.  It is a Black & Decker so it should be OK.  To toast you don't heat the oven.

We're getting our first snow but not as much as in Chautauqua County.  Erie had had an accumulation.  We don't' have much but more is expected thru the nite into Tues.  There was a late start to school (10 A.M.) because of slippery conditions in the outer parts of Warren County.  Frozen slush, etc.

I've noticed the adds on TV like the videos you are now getting.  Will you, rather are you watching them.

Tues. the 14th

I looked at the calendar & realized Christmas is next week & tho't I'd better get busy.  And so I did this A.M.  This is Dale's early week so I was up at 5 AM.  After getting things ready for breakfast, I formed my rolls & baked them.  Then I made molasses cookies -- I put them thru the cooky press & they came out very thin & have ridges -- I love them that way.  Then I made the Russian tea cakes; next came the rolled out cookies.  I put a date mixture on one cooky & covered it with another circle & baked them.  I'm not good at making rolled out cookies & their looks aren't hat great but they taste good.   I washed pans, etc. several times, rested a bit with a cup of coffee & then got lunch for Dale & myself.  After lunch I started a veg. beef soup & made a pumpkin pie.  Soup & pie for supper.  Finally at 2 pm I sat down & I'm watching my soaps.  It feels good to take it easy.  Oh yes I changed my sheets & did a load of wash.  Pretty good for an old lady, don't you think.  I'm just thankful I can do it.  I still plan to make one or two more recipes of cookies.  Barb likes to give a plate of cookies to Bob & Lynn.

Your pkg. arrived late aft.  Barb & I opened it i& she put your gifts under the tree.

Wed. the 15th

Dale said the bank at the Mall was robbed this aft.

Erie has had a rash of robberies -- pizza places, fast food & Radio Shack.  Tonite the Erie news at 6 pm told they arrested a young fellow.  I missed the first part that told how they caught him, but it probably will be in the Wrrn. paper tomorrow.  They know he committed 2 of them & think he did them all.  He carried a gun & used it at times.  When someone tried to take it away he shot it to let them know he'd use it.  He didn't look at all sorry but when he's in jail for a few years, he'll change his tune.

Made 2 batches of cookies today & plan to make 2 or 3 more batches.  Made Spritz & a sugar cooky today.  Want to make the peanut butter cooky you put a Hershey kiss on after it's baked awhile.  And a peanut butter bar cooky & my favorite a coconut macaroon.  Who wasn't going to make many cookies.  Maybe I'll bring some over to Viola Seaquist.  I did last year so I will this year.  And Barb will fix a plate for Lynn. Yesterday Scott got one of my rolls & today he got 2 Spritz & 2 sugar cookies.  He likes them.

Fri. the 17th

Did you get a Christmas card from Gerald & Darla.  It is a picture of the white painted out hosue & it has a small flower box with red flowers.  There was a note & Darla said "write".  I did write & never got a reply to my last letter so gave up.  It's nice to get an answer.

We got an inch of snow overnite but we don't have very much but it is nice to have for Christmas.

I know you'll have a great Christmas.

P.S.  Which pkg. did the boys "peek" into!!!

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

I'm getting a late start on my letter this week.  Just lazy, I guess.

Our tree & decorations are up & they look nice.  Gifts are under the tree.  We always get an early start so the birthday gifts go in the pkg.

Our cooky walk & soup & pie luncheon was a success.

On Sat. I always bake something for Dale's A.M. snack.   He has cereal & juice but prefers to have a mid A.M. snack.  He told me when I make the coffee cake I don't spread the center of sugar, cinnamon & nuts as near to the edge as I should.  So last Sat. I sprinkled it over the 1st half of the batter closer to the edge.  Then I spread the rest of hte batter over it.  He's so funny, in a nice way.

Today's paper tells us the lawyers arranged a settlement so Walmart will go ahead & build in N. Warren.  It could be opened before next Dec.

The waters are high again making it hard for the bridge builders.  Now it most likely won't be opened til June or July.  The Bank Bldg. & the hi rise apt. are looking really nice on the outside.

I'd better get dressed & get going.  More later.

My first Christmas cards are usually from Gene Hasselquist (Pastor in Gt. Falls when we were there) & JoAnna's folks.  It was this year.  Mine are ready to go but not mailed.  Maybe Fri.

I'm sitting & watching "Baby Story" on TV.  Why, because one of the characters in "As the World Turns" is having a baby in real life.  As I watched the soap I never realized she was pg.  Usually I can see it.  She just came back after 4 month leave.  This is the 3rd actress on A.T.W.T. to have her baby on "Baby Story".

Thurs. the 10th

I have towels in the washer.  My menu is planned so I'll add to this leetter.  Decided to make brownies & add ice cr., choc. sauce & topping for dessert.  Found a recipe I really like even tho I have a couple of brownie mixes on hand.  Like this recipe better.

The Erie mayor is in trouble.  He knew in advance that a race track wanted to come to Erie & he & 3 friends bought 4 properties close by knowing their value would increase.  The state atty general is looking into it.  The mayor also has had trouble with the city council & the city is having financial trouble.  But I guess that covers a lot of cities & states as well.

Maybe you have noticed that Warren's school population is going down, down, down.  This is the last  year Jefferson will be opened.  Wonder if it will stand empty.

Barb plans to go to Jamestown tomorrow but I'm not sure if I care to go.  Anything I need, I can get in Warren.

We have a new women's store in the old Kresge bldg.  We haven't been in there -- have heard things are pricey.

Our temps have been above average but it sounds like a change is coming this weekend.

More sunshine than usual.

Sometimes I wonder how I got meals for 6 everyday when I have a hard time planning for 3, sometimes only 2.  When I've made rice pudding, it was only for me.  This week Barb decided to try some & she loved it & will be making more.  She used a recipe of mine.  Times change.  Maybe I can get her to try bread pudding which they don't like.  I love it.

When I had frozen meals on hand, it was usually because Dad & I were going out & you kids were able to take care of yourselves.  The only frozen meal I like is lasagna.

Now I'm watching TV awhile before I retire.  I'm watching the Food Channel & enjoy it.  They just had a marinade for pork loin & it sounds good.

Tomorrow I get my hair trimmed.  It is getting long & then it's hard to handle.  Barb has been going without a head covering.  Her hair is short but it looks OK.  It's not coming in that fast.

Time for bed.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

This A.M. I finished Danish for Dale at work.  36 rolls.  And I cleaned a turkey.  Had planned on Beef Loin for tomorrow but waited too long to buy one, so I got the turkey out.  I did a little cleaning -- a "lick & a promise", in the bathrooms.  Then I got a shower & dressed for the day.  Just finished the USA Today crossword puzzle & decided to start a letter.  I'm surprised I have time to relax.  Kim & Lar won't be here until 6:30 or so; it will be 7 before we eat.  We're having shrimp cocktail, steak & lobster, baked pot. & tossed salad.  Didn't know what to have for dessert & Barb suggested Vienetta & said she'd go buy some.  She couldn't find it so she got a Breyers ice cream cake.  I'll still put out some cookies & candy -- made fudge & another choc. candy Sheila recommended.

At work today the guys chipped in for company provided $50 for a cash drawing & Dale won it.  Pa. now has the Power Ball lottery & Barb got 5 tickets & then went back & got 4 more for me for stocking gifts.  Are you shocked?

The fellows that worked 7-5 this week didn't have to work today.  Dale went in at 11 A.M. for the lunch & the place closed at noon.  He said the Mall was really crowded today -- from the looks of all the cars.  He thought about going in but he changed his mind.

Thursday

I'm taking it easy the rest of the week.  I need to.  Got everything in the washer (changed my sheets) & as I started writing I was sure I hadn't started the washer.  Sure enough, it was just waiting to be started.

We had a wonderful Christmas & thank you for your part.  I'm anxious to try the new baking sheets & liners.  Now I know what they are.  Barb's sweater & pin look so nice on her.  It's hard to get Dale anything but clothes & he appreciates that.  He likes everything including your sweater & book.  And Lar & Kim were thrilled with your gift -- it's a beautiful place according to an included picture & they are looking forward to seeing it in person, esp. the whirlpool tub or whatever you call them.  I was so surprised to get a TV for the bedroom & can't wait until ti is hooked up.  I said that was too much but Kim said they are here every Thurs & by the end of the week she appreciates it.  It works both ways as I'm sure I have contact with them every week.  And they are here birthdays & holidays.  So I'm thrilled to heave it.

Our Christmas Eve dinner was so delicious.  The lobster was so good.  Wasn't sure how to cook it & my old Fannie Farmer (shower gift) cookbook said to boil it 20 min.  And the Breyers ice cream cake is very delicious according to Lar, Barb & Dale.  Kim had a taste of Lar's so he had to have another piece before they left.

Our Christmas day dinner was similar to yours except we had corn pudding & no pumpkin pie.  Think we started a new Christmas Eve custom -- lobster & steak.

Kim will be glad to get back to work -- they have been on the go every day.  Tonite they go to Mike's house -- his sister Barbara is home for a visit & they always invite Lar & Kim over as Lar is a real friend to Mike Brindis.  If he has an emergency he calls Lar; if he needs a small loan the end of the month, he can call on Lar.  Fri. nite they go out to friend Jay & Nancy & Nancy's mom.  Sat. nite Kim is having the neighbors over.  Sun. nite we are invited over for a 6pm dinner.  Mon the "gals" to go Erie to visit a friend.  They sold their Warren home & got a condo in Erie.  The husband will be here until June.  Their home sold very quickly so they had to make a move.  Kathy had the aerobic classes with Kim & she was in Kim & Lar's wedding.  A tall dark gal.  Her husband works in the Business Dept. of Blair's.  A good job.  Three sons are all gone from home, 2 married.

New Year's Eve they are at Betsy Moran whose lst name always evades me (don't want to say forget again) for a party.  New Year's Day they just want to be home & not have to go anywhere.  Back to school on Thurs.

Whenever I have a roast Torey always knows where to go.  He keeps watch over it, hoping to get a taste.  Last nite he stayed here while they were at Betsy's.  He slept the whole time.

Time for a coffee break.  This aft. we'll go to the Mall & then to Quality where I have a 15.00 coupon (for spending more money) for meat goods until the 28th.  Probably won't get back to this letter.  Love you all.

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 29, 1995

I've had my hair done; came home & had a cup of coffee so I'll write a letter.  It's a lazy day for me.

I'm sure you had a great Christmas & we did as well.

Started reading my Kuralt book - New Orleans is the 1st chapter & he talks a lot about the good food down there.  I know I'll enjoy it & thanks so much.  Haven't tried the popper yet & think I might save the puzzle for Super Bowl Sun.  Barb said it was good it was your turn to be with the Richard Family since Gr. Bay played Pitts & it wouldn't have meant unity here -- Barb rooted for G. B. but Buff. is really her team.  Pitt is Dale's.  .



Dad likes the radio & cassettes (is it 2 s's) you know what I mean (as I said I'm lazy).  Likes the feel on his ears.  We got the usual gifts - flannel nightie, "Chicken Soup for the Soul II, & Chicken Soup recipe book.  I like the inspirational readings.  Bot Chicken Soup I myself.  Barb gave me an electronic memo mate.  Talk into it instead of making a list.  She tho't it would be good for things I want to remember for letters.  All in all it was a very nice Christmas as well as a white one.  It just keeps snowing - we must have a foot but temp. have been OK.  Barb wants new cross country skis (old ones stick) so she'll use Christmas money for that.  She got 200.00 from Lynn  & Bob & they sent us a beautiful white poinsettia.

The Thurs. before Christmas Hollertz's from  Ridgway came for lunch & we had a nice visit with them.  They wanted to meet us for lunch but since Dad doesn't like to go out, I said some here instead.  I fixed chicken, etc. & we had a nice meal.   Had the same when Lar & Kim came for supper that nite.

Warren suggested we should get together again so we set a date for Feb (they're in Fla in Jan) & they'll see about getting Bensons to come also.  They are now retired & living in the area.  I like to entertain so don't mind planning a lunch.

Kim & Lar liked the dishes a lot.  We all tho't they are so pretty.   Lar has the wood stove working now & has started insulating.  Next will be putting up the walls so it's moving along.  They've gone cross co. skiing several times & it's been good.  They climb the hill opp. them, via a logging road, They ski at the Country Club.  Hope Barb finds ski equipment so she can go before the snow melts.

Barb & I went to Blaris & I saw a pair of stirrups I tho't would be OK for me.  Got them & like them a lot.  Not tight ones.  Wanted them as they fit into snow boots so much better.  It's a nice clean looking store.

They had another ad in the paper for the centennial brick walk & named new people for whom bricks had been purchased, including Rev. Carl E. Nelson & Andy & Eddie Nelson.  Am enclosing a card received for people honored.

It's a dull day here - sun is suppose to come out.

Got a card from Anita with a picture of Anita & her 9 grandchildren.  Michelle's oldest is 10 in Jan.  Also heard from Tom & Mim & that was a nice surprise.  And a note from Dick & I'll copy it so you can hear.

"We are now grandparents.  Rob (youngest) & Lisa were proud parents in Sept..  Hannah Dee Nyquist.  She joins Benjamin Allen who will be 2 in Jan.  They were here to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Kay, Jean & her husband Jim were also here.  Rob & his family6 live in Rockford, Mi. & he is a vet in Grand Rapids.   Jim & jean live in Denver.  Jean is an engineer for AT&T & manager of her dept.  Kay works for Texaco in Denver & lives in Arvada.  She is an accountant.  We visited Col. in Oct. for 10 days & saw Richard, who lives in Boulder & works for Ball Aerospace.  He is the principle scientist on the Hubble Space Telescope project.  He enjoys skiing & rock climbing in the Rockies.  I can't believe he will be 40 in July.  Neither Rich or Kay seem interested in getting married.

I retired from Dow Dec 31, 1994 after 41 1/2 years.  However, I still have an office there.  They let me keep it to finish a book I was working on.

The book is now being published by Academic Press in Boston, Ma.

I had an opportunity to obtain a PhD from Univ. Utrecht, Netherlands based on research I had published over the years.  I had to write a thesis & defend it at the U. in front of 7 people & the open public.  Irene, Jean, Jim & my Dutch friends from Terneuzen, Neth.  Prof. John Van de Maas was my Promotor.  Was happy to have passed the exam with high honors.  This took place Sept-Oct 1994.  We also visited Dow sites in Europe & traveled 2 weeks in Germany.

Irene is still working in the Patent Dept. at Dow.  Both of us are feeling OK."

Wouldn't Svea have been proud of her son.

Pictures from our visit to Warren for Thanksgiving

What a sweetie our Andy is!

Grandma Nelson always took full advantage of spoiling the boys during their infrequent visits.  Due to Dad's increasing illness (Parkinson's), their last visit to Wisconsin occurred during the spring of 1990.

Not sure what the boys are studying here.

Eddie was quite the dress-up performer during his pre-school years.  He would make us laugh until our stomachs ached.

Note the gloves.

Thursday, December 11, 1986

I'll start a letter to go in your card. Today (11th) the Ministerial Assoc. met at First Meth. with the wives invited. We had a good time & there was a nice representation.

Tonite we go to church for our 2nd potluck this week. Tues the Senior group met at noon. Lots of good food. Tonite is for the family - carol sing & 2 films.

Fri. nite I go out with the "girls" from work - a combined Christmas & retirement party for one who turned 62.

Dad attended a mtg. in Sheffield for Luth. Roman Cath. & Episcop. One of the priests asked Dad which church he served. When Dad said he was retired the priest said, "I bet you're the happiest man here".

Today we finally had sunshine - think that last time we saw it was Dec. 1st. Maybe we'll see the moon tonite as it's almost full.

We haven't sent you pkg. yet as I'm waiting for something. But it'll get there as U.P.S. goes fast. All my gifts are wrapped. So is the tree up & decorations so it looks like Christmas is soon here. Cards are coming & it's fun to hear from old friends & what is happening in their lives.

Lar didn't wait for the lib. address & sent your pkg. to the apt. as you must know by now.

We heard from Svea & she is walking with a cane & hopes to be able to come to the wedding.

Fun to hear baseball news - the trades, etc. It won't be long & it will be here again. Doesn't look like Ray Knight will be a Met next yr. He wants too much money. We saw on N.Y. channel that Lenny Dykstra has a poster that will go on sale - I'm not interested!! Keith Hernandez would be another story!!! Ha!Ha!

Did I mention Dad put up the elec. train set in the D.R. on the window seat. It's on a board that overlaps. Has the lighted village scene & it looks nice & fun to "play" with - watch it go round, etc.



Read a good book "The Officer's Wives" by Thomas Fleming & really enjoyed it. About a class of '50 West Point grads, their wives & their experiences in "getting to the top". Talked about the unpopular war in Vietnam, how 1 wife pushed & schemed to get her husband to top rank, etc. It made me think - I lived thru that war, peace marches, long haired kids, and all & really didn't realize history was being made & a lot of it on the bad side. Usually I don't read books to make me think but this was a good exception. 645pp.

Haven't made cookies yet but plan to the week of the 14th. Will make caramels - they are so good. Got dad a box of Russell Stover Choc. for a gift - one we'll all enjoy!

The Chinese Golden Dragons - Acrobats & Magicians of Taipe are coming to the Library Theater Mon. Jan 12 & I want to see them. Later on (Feb or Mar.) the Penn State Glee Club will perform &^ I want to go to that also.

Sat A.M. I beautiful but cold day. Walked to the library & it felt good to exercise.

Dad called & got Dennis' phone number & we just talked to Barb. She promised to write & tell us what is happening in her life. Wouldn't say over the phone. We told her about Dale. Something is happening & I can't imagine what it could be. I hope she keeps her promise & writes. Hope it's not some crazy dream & that she is realistic.

If I get ambitious I might make cookies this aft. We went out for breakfast so will eat supper at home.

P.S. Your pkg. might be late because I couldn't make up my mind & ordered late. I'll try to be better next year. This is the 18th & I'm hoping I'll be able to send it by U.P.S. today. It will go to the library.

We have rain but it's suppose to turn to snow later today.

I've made cookies & plan to make some more. Otherwise we're all set. Lar & Kim won't be here til Christmas Day aft. as they open their gifts in the A.M., too Lar wasn't sure about Christmas Eve.

If you call, call later if you want to talk to Lar & Kim. Dale will be here at 9 A.M.

Sunday, January 5, 1986

Chicago won - I should have had a bet with Dale!

We're sitting in front of a nice fire & I've written 2 letters.  Also made a batch of cookies & gave some to Lar as he was here to shovel 2 walks.

Imagine you got off OK - it was foggy driving home until we got to Corry.  We were glad to get home safe & sound.  Heard this A.M. that Milwaukee has a lot of snow.  We woke up to about 3" inches of snow & more during the A.M.

Because of the early game we decided not to eat out but will cook steaks.  Football comes first!

We took the tree down Sat. & cleaned a bit.  But I wanted to go to J.town & we went for lunch.   Looked around & got some Christmas wrap for 50% off.

When I washed Sat. & took dirty clothes from the hamper I found 2 pr. of your socks.  Don't know how they got there.  I'll send them when Dale gets your batteries so it might be 2 weeks or so.

Just talked to Signe & Geo.  Geo is in a nursing home (as long as Medicare will allow) as he gets therapy there.  Is feeling pretty good.  Talked to Sig first & she gave us Geo. telephone no.  Sig has a bad cold & some flu so she was in bed.

Irma Thelin has a bridal shop so plan to talk to her about dresses.  Maybe she can find one for me.

Geo. said when Roland got home after the holidays there was 5 ft. of snow in their yard.

It was so nice having you & JoAnna home.  We are so pleased with your choice of JoAnna.  We like her so much.

I'm enclosing pictures of the fire.  It will take a while for final decision as to what they'll do - tear it down or whatever.