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.

Saturday, May 24, 2003

This A.M. I awoke at 7 A.M. -- mice to sleep in!  After breakfast & getting dressed I made a coffee cake & choc. cookies.  Once everything was cleaned up, I returned to reading Stone Kiss by Faye Kellerman.  A different book for me to read but once I got into it I really enjoyed it.  A Jewish setting in N.Y.C.  Murder, etc.  Have another by her to read.  Moon Music. Stopped at the library on Fri. to get books to read over the weekend.  Another new author A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh.  This is a Victorian novel I enjoy reading.  Easier reading.

We're having hamburgers tonite & I have steaks for Sun. or Mon.

Dale has been working on his Monte Carlo.  The cylinder heads on the vales needed to be fixed & someone in Youngsville did that & now he's putting them back -- stuff I don't understand, but it keeps him busy.l  The drain in the bathroom sink upstairs was clogged so he fixed that first this A.M.

We enjoyed watching Aniika Sorestam play golf & were disappointed she didn't make the cut.

Barb has flower pots by the back door & when it rained the pots got dirty.  The pots are on square red tiles.  She wanted to put red limestone pellets down to protect the pots.  Lar said she'd have to take the dirt out which she did.  Put the squares back & then the pellets.  It really looks nice.  She has a pot, then a figure -- angel, rabbit & one she got in Jamestown -- an animal (a raccoon) holding a red apple.  It is so cute.  She put white pellets by the whiskey barrel by the front steps.  The side yard looks so nice.  She just left to go to Big Joe's to get veggie plants.  Last Thurs. Lar bro't over his garden tiller & she tilled the garden & raked it so it is ready for planting.

I got a new Light and Tasty cookbook & it is interesting.  Put out by Taste of Home Greendale, Wi.

I took the pictures of Boxer & Jack to show Sheila as she is a cat lover.  She has 2 cats & a dog.  She & Marilyn, another hairdresser, said they are nice looking cats.

Bert is back in Warren & she likes the work Barb did on the floors.  Fri. Barb said she didn't do much work -- just listened to Bert talk & heard what Bert did in N.Y.C.

Labor Day [sic] & it's a beautiful so far (1:10 pm thankfully the weatherman is wrong -- so far.

I had 2 overripe bananas so I made banana bread this A.M.  Also choc. chip & molasses cookies.  Froze the bread & half of the cookies.  Then 2 loads of wash.  Dale has painted parts of the motor of the Monte Carlo.  Barb watched tennis & is now riding her bike.  She rides 20 mi. now & has reached the 400 mi. mark 1000 mi. is her goal this summer.

I'm not making any promises this early to say I'll be at Andy's graduation.  3 years is a long time to make any promises.

The 2nd Faye Kellerman takes place in Las Vegas & doesn't appeal to me so I'll return it unread.  Mets aren't on today so I'm watching Braves vs. Cincy.  The Yankees play Boston at home. & Roger Clemens hopes to get his 300 win but I'm not interested in him or the Yankees.  I'm a N.L. fan.  I started out rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers & kept with the N.L.

Tues the 27th

This A.M. we went grocery shopping by 9 A.M.  When we got back & after all was put away, I cleaned the bathroom & dusted my room.  Saw Dr. Vance at 1:30 & my back is much better.  I'm going 1 more time on Fri. aft.

Made spag & meatballs for supper.  I enjoyed it.  This is Dale's late nite so he hasn't eaten yet.

Tomorrow I have to wash the kitchen floor & have some ironing to do.  I can watch TV while I iron.  And the fridge needs cleaning so I need to get that done.  Maybe next week.

Wed.  I was ambitious this A.M.  Did my ironing, washed the floor AND cleaned the fridge. Now I'm watching my favorite "soap" & taking it easy.  But I don't  know what I'm having for supper.  Guess I can't be that efficient!

This A.M., when I was getting the garbage out, Mr. Carey asked me if I wanted a fern plant.  I took it but said I don't seem to be able to keep live flowers alive for long.  It is on the front porch now -- we'll see next fall if i can save it in the house.

Thurs. nite

The kitchen is all cleaned up so I'll finish my letter as I watch the Mets at Philly.  And in the top of the 5th inning the Mets lead 2-0, but there are still 4 1/2 innings to go.

June is just about here so I walked to the bank after lunch & also picked up stamps & mailed a note to Gen.  It's been a lovely day & Fri. should be.  Rain for Sat. & Sun.  And the furnace keeps coming on in the A.M.

Did you notice Don Zimmer of the Yankees spoke out against "George".  He feels if George can speak out against the team's efforts, he can answer back.  Good for "Zim".

Tonite we talked bout going out for Lar & Kim's birthdays & anniversary.  Maybe a let aft. Sun & we'll go to Nickel Inn.  We like to go there at least once during the summer.

Everything is fine here.

Sunday, October 31, 1999

Our sunshine left us & it is cloudy & showers today.

I'm not watching football this aft. as skating is on & I want to see Michelle Kwan skate.

After the World Series there is life!  Now I'm reading the news to see who will be traded & where.  Wonder how the Mets' lineup will be changed - not too much I hope.  The series did me in with the late hours (it was Dale's early week 7-4) & I couldn't miss the end.  What a series.  Glad it's over.

I meant to call you Thurs. nite at 10 our time.  Went up to bed & never thought about the call - I'm 79 you understand - but I did try to 10:15 A.M. EDT but there was no answer so you must have gotten an early start.

My new chairs will be delivered on Fri. the 5th of Nov.  Larry tho't maybe Mike Brindis might like the old one & he does so I don't have to call Salvation Army.

Sheila (hair) & Sue took Fri. off as they love Halloween.  They dressed up as devils & they came by to show me their outfits.  Paid 40.00 for the wigs - they were great.  Spent 100.00 ea. on costumes.

I just flipped to watch golf as Barb said some players are wearing knickers to honor Payne Stewart.  I saw some of the funeral or memorial service on TV & it was very emotional.  That was so sad.

Kim was telling us about her sister.  She wasn't feeling well & 1 Dr said 1 thing & sent her to a specialist who had a different answer & had her all mixed up.  But things got straightened out & a cyst was removed but she might yet have to have another operation.  Her 2 aunts are close by & they have been good to help & to keep Kim informed.  Kim says she will have a huge phone bill this month as they have long conversations.

Dale has his Blazer ready for winter & will garage the Monte Carlo for the winter.   Tues. he goes to Rochester for an all-day session.  Will leave Mon. nite.  I think it's Thurs. & Fri. he goes again & this time Sam will also go.  They should have a good time!

Back to Kim - one thing that helped to upset them was the fact their mother died young & Debbie tho't she was going to die.

I'm sure you folks will have to see the Pokemon movie coming Nov. 12.  I'm enclosing a page from one of the magazines.

It's 6:35 pm & I'm set for Trick & Treat.  Have 66 candy bars - small ones & once they are gone & it isn't 8 pm I'll turn out the light.  It's from 6-8 pm.

Barb now has 4 different jobs.  Lynn wants Barb to work 6 hrs a week picking up & organizing things.  The regular cleaning gals don't do that.  She seems to enjoy the work.  Bert is always or most always around but the others aren't.  Barb has 4 different house keys.  Nancy's mother Barbara Jacobs doesn't work but plays cards the Fri. Barb is there.  She was at that one Thanksgiving dinner when she first moved here.

Tues A.M.  I want to bring this to a close & mail it when I go to vote at Calvary Baptist youth bldg.  It's showery & heavy rains are predicted so I'll get going by 8:45 A.M.

Correction - Dale's next study at Rochester won't be til the middle of the month.  He left last night at 6 pm & will be home for supper tonite.

Our summer weather has come to an end.  Colder weather is predicted to start this aft.

What's happening to Green Bay.  It's disappointing but I guess we know we don't win all the time.

Saturday, August 14, 1999

I'm sitting on the front porch.  Too muggy to do much.

Friday aft. I got a call from Warren Hollertz asking if I wanted to go to Mass. on a short visit.  We'd leave Fri. the 27th & return Tues. the 31st.  I'd have 3 days with Gen & Ed & I prefer a short trip.  Called Gen last nite & they have no plans.  I'd help with the gas.  It should be a fund drive with Warren & Anna.  So I'll get to see Ed, Gen, Millie, John & Edith.  Gen asked what I'd like to do but there won't be much time to do anything.  I'll take my swim suit in case of hot weather.  I'm hoping for a cool spell.  It will be nice to have a brief break from the routine.

Dale says next spring he'll sell the Monte Carlo & just have 2 cars.  He said that before so we'll see.

It rained hard during the nite but I didn't hear it.  Was having crazy dreams.  It woke Dale.  Barb has a barrel to collect the rain to help water the garden.  It all helps.

The elec. bill was 92.00 because of using the A.C.  But it was well worth it during the hot spell.

I got a copy of the will, living will & power of attorney to check over.  I'll call for an appt. to sign them.  Should  learn more about changing the house ownership then. 

Your family birthdays are coming up.  Is Andy grown up enough to prefer money to buy what he'd like or will you give me suggestions - also for you.  I have ideas for JoAnna & Eddie as he will still like a pkg. to open.  I'd still send Andy a little something to open.

Then Sept. will soon be here & that is the month designated for Christmas gift ideas!!  So I'd like gift suggestions!! Pretty Please.

Kim has been busy this past week with preparations for a 30 mi. bike race.  T hey expect a good group.  She's been going for solicitations of fruit, gifts (bikers' names drawn from a hat) & gifts of money.  Profits going to - can't remember the name -- but mothers & children who have been treated badly by husbands.  The poor merchants & business owners get the brunt of it all.  At least when letters come to homes asking for money they can to into the trash.  Some organization keep begging even after you've given.

Time for a cup of coffee so I'll finish this later.

Mon 9 A.M.

I'll finish this & mail it when I mail a card for Bertha Nelson's birthday.

Our paperboy's mother died yesterday at the age of 42 leaving 5 children.  One around Scott's age as Barb remembers her from the Y.  And active swimmer & runner.  It's so sad.  Andrew must be the oldest & he is a Jr. in high school.  She grew up in Wrrn. & so did her husband so they have relatives & parents.

Ted Benson just called & he is planning a 70th birthday party for Pat.  It's for Thurs. the 26th at 6 pm.  A busy time but I'll have my suitcase call packed ahead of time - probably starting on Mon. of that week.  I can get a ride with Roy & Eleanor Forstrom.

Got my answer last nite on your telephone call concerning Andy's birthday gift.  Hope I can find it.

It's a beautiful start to a Mon. weatherwise.  I'll enjoy a little walk.  Want to see the house that stood empty so long & is now being remodeled.  Next to where Schwartzs used to live on Jefferson & Buchanan.  Both Barb & Kim have remarked about it.  All new windows - lots torn out to improve it.  It was a real eyesore.

Better get going.

Friday, April 9, 1999

It's a rainy A.M. but the grass is getting greener.  I've a load in the washer & then towels to do.  Not as much washing now.

Tues. the big day.  Dale got me to the hosp. at 6:30.  At 8:30 I was in the operating room.  As I went in, one went out & as I went out, another went in.  Assembly line.  They took my medical history - only a D & C.  The nurse asked "to what do you attribute your good record."  I said "my genes!"  She put the I.V. into a vein in my hand.  Just a little prick.  I wasn't out & could feel nothing so the I.V. took care of that.  I only wanted water afterwards (no eating after midnite on Mon.)  I rested awhile.  Then was able to get dressed & was home by 10 A.M.

I was resting when there was a knock on the door.  It was Warren & Anna Hollertz wanting me to go out to lunch with them at the Peppermill.  They didn't realize this was surgery day.  We decided to eat here - I had pizza in the freezer & Warren went to McDonald's & picked up salad & blueberry muffins.  They were delicious.  The reason they came to Warren was Warren lost a tooth from his plate & wanted it fixed as Sat. they leave for Aruba for a week.  He called St. Mary's but they couldn't do it.  Warren Dental Arts could  We had a nice visit.

Wed. A.M. I had to see the Dr. so he could check it.  Pressure was good, etc.  I have a pair of prescription sun glasses & wore them around the house to shield my eye from the light.  We've had some sunny days.  Last nite I wore my regular glasses & it felt good.  It looks good to me & things are brighter & I can read better.  So all is well.

We celebrated Dale's birthday when Lar & Kim were here.  He decided a 33" waist would be more comfortable so I ordered the lighter blue jeans this time from Penney's to get the 36" length.  We'll have another birthday dinner on Sat. the actual date.  Steaks & baked potatoes.

I forgot to ask Kim if she'd heard from the lab report on her back.  She can't use regular shampoo to wash her hair for awhile.  She uses Dove.  She can't be too active with her arms either.  It was a 2 1/2 hour operation.

We had a card from Mim & Tom with $20.00 memorial to the library.  Betty Casey gave a memorial to the Cancer Assn.

Got your cards.  Kim wonders how you can write that tiny.  I was able able to read it easily .  Sounded like it was a great weekend.

Barb has had a cold but it is improving.

Lar has started his extra work.  Dale has raked the grass & even mowed the back yard as that grows fast.  He is anxious to get his Monte Carlo on the road again.

I'm not doing much this week but next week I should get back to my regular schedule.  I feel so good & am glad it is over with.

We enjoyed our dinner at the Limberlost last Sat.  Lar & Kim took us.  It is under new ownership and the food & atmosphere is just as good as in the past.  Good crowd there.

Next week we're thinking of going to Jamestown & want to have lunch at The Red Lobster.

Time to do some ironing.

Friday, May 16, 1997

The flowers you sent are so lovely - Thanks so much.

Still no spring but 70s are predicted for next week. We have done nothing outside yet. Lar did till the garden but it's still too cold here. Some days are more like March. The furnace goes on every A.M. Dales has mowed the lawn.

Our pastor is taking a sick leave starting June 1st for about 2 months or more. Ray Forstrom (Youngsville & a retired pastor) will preach.

Did you notice that "The Mets" reached & went over the .500 mark. Hope they keep it up. I sure miss their broadcasts. I like to watch hockey but it bothers Dad to watch it. I'm for Colorado -- all the way.

Dale is getting another car - too good to pass up. Sam B. had first "dibs" on it but Dale didn't think he'd want it as it required too much work to be done. Sam has a wife & also a boat so they spend time boating at the Dam.

The car is a Monte Carlo SS - an '85.  Be a winter car & he'll sell the present winter car.  It is good for him to have a project like this to keep him busy when he doesn't go out any more.  He also has projects around the house.

Last Sun. we took Dad to see Lar & Kim's place.  It is looking so nice - floor completed, except for the kitchen area.  He was ready to grout the tile so we haven't seen that completed.  Last nite he said he put the sink & faucet in.  They hope to have the front rooms completed by the 4th of July so they can entertain.

Kim is in Fla. at her sister's.  Left Wed. nite & will be home Mon. nite.  Taury is lost - keeps looking for her.  Sat is the big day when her niece's story she wrote for a school contest is read, along with others in the area.

Back to Lar - they got the cupboards, refrig, stove & dishwasher for $100.00 from one of the Crary homes.  He sanded the cupboards, etc. so now they are light & look wonderful.  The appliances aren't in yet.  Have to do the floor first.

Our freezer gave out so I got another one.  Lost a few things but nothing big.

This week Dale works from 7 A.M. - 4 P.M. & is home for lunch soon after 11 A.M.  So I'll bring this to a close.

Not much goes on here.