Sunday, March 28, 2004

Yesterday Barb & I went to the library & I got 5 books.  Read Strangers by Rosie Thomas. She is a new author to me & she is British.  T he last time it was taken out was '02 -- it was different but enjoyable.  Was looking for Thomason but could not find any of her books.  Got her name from the Buff. paper.  Others are Back Story by Robt. B. Parker; Violets Are Blue by James Patterson (Kim's friends read his books); Follow the Stars Home by Luanna Rice; & another new author to me; Heather Graham -- A Season of Miracles.  So I'll be reading.

The car sounds really nice, but you didn't mention the color.  You're going to be on the hot seat!!

It has been nice to be able to wear short sleeves again & I hope it continues.  I know it can still be cold but I can dream.

This aft. Dale washed & waxed his "winter car".  He thinks he can get 2 more years out of it & then sell it in New York where it could be good for 10 more years.  You see a lot of old cars in Jamestown as well as news ones.

We went to Jamestown last Fri. & I got a couple of tops & 2 pr. slacks so I'm set for spring. I'm keeping at my present weight.  I needed a smaller size.  It's easier to get my panty hose on now.

On Easter Sun. the Sun. School will have an Easter egg hunt.   They asked for plastic eggs & candy.  I bot candy but forgot to bring it today.  They'll fill them next Sun. after church so I'll have to remember next Sun -- or maybe during the week.  Pastor Beth is surprised at the response of the people.  We are a good bunch!!!

The Mets start the season against the Braves in Atlanta.  I hope they improve on their errors  Less errors, more outs.  Who do you predict to win in each league.  I know it won't be the Mets & I hope it won't be the Yankees.

Mon. Mar. 29

This aft. we got groceries & then to CVS for 2 refills of my meds.  At CVS I saw Mrs. Peterson, Terry's mom & he was Lar's friend at Beaty, & we talked a bit.  I asked about Terry & she said he is an alcoholic, was divorced & lost a son who died & is in bad shape.  We agreed we both love our children no matter what.  She asked if I'd like to see Terry as he was in the car.  I talked awhile -- he didn't recognize me at first.   He looks terrible, long hair pulled back in a pony tail, skin & bones.  He was clean but his condition really hit me.  It's too bad what people do to themselves -- Mike as well.  I almost wish I hadn't seen him.  Mike has gotten fat & needs oxygen.  I asked if Terry was living with her.  He has his own house that Mrs. Peterson & her younger son built for him.

I'm watching Anaheim vs. Chicago.  When I get up Tues A.M.  I could watch the Yankees vs. Tampa Bay in Japan.  They come on at 5 A.M., so I could see the game after a few innings.

Today Barb had a Dr. appt. to examine her breast.  The Dr. thinks the lump is getting larger. She will have to have a mammogram & then will have to have a biopsy.  She'll go to Bradford for that . The Dr. thinks she will need an operation.  It's something you can't put off.

Last Sun. A.M. when I came downstairs  the phone was beeping.  I answered.  It rang Sun. 2:30 A.M. U& none of us heard it.  The ring upstairs is very quiet.  It was a wrong number. Usually they are.  Was glad it didn't wake me.

Dale will be home soon -- his late nite.  He likes to sit awhile before he eats.  It is ready for him to put in the microwave.

Thurs, Apr. 1

Lar, Kim & Torey have left; all is cleaned up & I'm walking Weekend Warriors on A&E.  Jobs around the house done by the owners.

Was suppose to go out for lunch tomorrow but I have a chest cold & cough so I called Ted Benson & told him I couldn't go.  They are going to "Five Forks" out of Marienville & I like going there.  Buffet style & they have a lot of nice dessert.  All good food.

Excuse the light pen -- couldn't find the other one.

Friday, November 13, 1998

Have a couple of thoughts so I better get them down before I forget!  Plan to send the birthday pkg. soon so I won't have to wait in line nearer to Christmas.  Just stash it away Paul but don't forget where you put it!  One gift for JoAnna - the rest are Eddie's.  Your suggestion for JoAnna's gift came too late for birthday but it will be heeded.

Your letter was so clever & interesting.  Larry always enjoyed Boy Scouts.  Mr. Myers was the Scout Master & Lar & Bruce were very close friends.

I missed my Mon. nite out (trip to Mall & grocery shopping) so I'm looking forward to tonite.  Barb's done a lot of my Christmas shopping but I hope to do some tonite.  Hoped to walk over town this A.M. but the weather is showery.  ( did in the aft.  Turned nice.)

Dale went to the dentist this 8 A.M.  Teeth cleaned - no cavities.

Would have loved to have gone shopping with Andy.  It is quite unusual to have one so young like to shop for clothes.  When he's been here we most often looked at clothes.  I think it's great as Dale still doesn't like to shop - except for things for his car.

Maybe you'd like gift suggestions from us but my mind is a blank.  Dad doesn't need much except Depends.  His clothes don't wear out.  I don't need anything either.  Just having you all here will be great.  And you'll be staying at Camp.  That will be so nice for you.  Kim has a tree there - at least she did last year.  It should be beautiful out there esp. if we have snow.  And speaking of that - please don't forget winter jackets, mittens, etc.!!!  If it snows they boys can go sled riding at Beaty.

The next 2 yrs. will be very interesting politically.  Be fun to watch the "antics" of who will finally get the nomination in both parties.

I wrapped Christmas gifts last Wed. mainly to get them out of the bedroom.

Forgot to mention I like the paper you write the letters on.

It's 10 A.M. & Barb isn't up yet.  She's the opposite of me.  I like to get my work done early & have aft. free.  She works aft. & into the evening.

Sat A.M.

I'll add a p.s. as this aft. at 1 pm I get a perm & I really need one.  I put it off for a couple of weeks so it will be good for the holidays.  Then I can mail the letter as I want you to know I'm sending the pkg. early.

Yesterday Lar tore down the old steps & put new ones in.  They look so nice.  The old railings won't work so we'll have to get new ones.  Lar said you will share the cost as our Christmas gift.  So thanks so much.  As I said before we don't need anything.

Dale didn't work this A.M. but he's up there putting a new starter in the  Blazer.  It's harder to get at so he wanted to work up there - & to show off his work.  He is so thrilled - as thrilled as we were when we got a new car.  It really looks so nice.  No more junky cars for him.  He should be set for awhile.

Sunday, October 18, 1998

I went to the library & got books by 3 favorite authors.  "Death of a Snob" by M. C. Beaton.  Takes place in Scotland.  About a small time "copper" who always solves the case.  Finished it -- only 150 pages.  Now I'm reading "Small Town Girl" by LaVyrle Spenser & I enjoy her books a lot.  Next to read "Fat Tuesday" by Sandra Brown.

Read, & listened to the 1st World Series game.  Went to bed at 11 pm when I knew S. D. wouldn't win.

Our new organist is good but she isn't familiar with our liturgy but it will come.

I'm watching Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore & Pitts just fumbled.  Barb would watch Buffalo but they aren't on T.V.

Heard from Millie & she had her bottom teeth removed.  She already had false uppers but will get a new set so they will match.

Heard from Gen finally.  She enclosed a clipping about Merriam-Webster.

Dale has the car ready to take to Fred Blick for painting.  He did a wonderful job on the body work.  So nice & smooth.

Barb has the 1st coat of the pain on the porch after 2 coats of undercoat.  Soon finished.

It was really warm this A.M.  But I still wore a light coat to church - could have gone without it.  Such unusual weather for this time of the year.

Eddie's picture is so cute - looks like he is flirting with someone.

Thanks for the birthday cards.  The roses are still nice - have kept them watered.

Just got Dad's bed made up clean.  The third day in a row I've had to change his bed.

Dad received a card from Signe with $10.00.  Carolyn enclosed a note & she mentioned Signe's stroke.  We never heard she had a stroke.  So she can't write but can sign checks.  She recently had cataract surgery.  I have the start of one in one eye.  Guess there's nothing to it today - taking it off.

My book is calling so I'll sign off.  Have more letter to write but not now.

Mon A.M.

When at Penney's last Fri. nite, the lady ahead of me, at the cash register, was buying 2 pr. of jeans Andy likes & a sweater vest & it cost $113.00 for those 3 items.  I know Andy likes clothes so was wondering if I should get him a pr. of those jeans for Christmas.  If so I'll need size, etc.  I need a suggestion for something besides clothes.  A.S.A.P.!!!!

I told Barb I'd get a "live" Christmas tree if she'd decorate it, etc.  That didn't go over so good we we'll stick to the artificial tree with me decorating it.

Finished my book last nite.  It was so good.  One more to go.  Bad part is I just want to read & that isn't possible.  Am washing 3 loads & have beds to make up clean.  It's 9:30 & Dad hasn't eaten breakfast yet.  He is dressed but wasn't ready to eat.

Be on the lookout for a birthday pkg, Paul.  Have to get it ready for mailing.

Sunday, October 4, 1998

This has been a week of more lows than highs.  The high was :  I had a Dr. appt & he said my colesterol is fine, heart OK, blood pressure OK, so it was a good report.  Weight 145 lb.

Tues A.M. I awoke to a mess - Dad, of course, blanket, sheets, etc.  I had a bowl of water to clean him up & I dumped the dirty water into the toilet & forgot the soap was in the water & it plugged up the toilet.  So I had to use the plunger & it was successful.

Thurs. A.M. Dale woke me up - Dad wasn't in his bed & the back door was opened.  We found him in the garage - he must have tried to get in the car.  He was on the floor - no slippers, no robe.  We got him back in the house - Dale carried him in.  How he managed to unlock doors, open back garage door is beyond me.

Thurs. nite he was in the Lazy Boy chair & he wouldn't get out no matter how much I tried.  He said put a blanket over me & let me sleep here.  So what's what I did.  Toward morning he awoke & tried to get out of the chair.  He fell as well as the lamp.  So again Dale had to get him up.  He's just skin and bones but as dead weight is very heavy.

Now this A.M. I cam down & found him on the kitchen floor.  Must have lost his balance while trying to get a drink as a clean glass was there.  I tried to get him up & finally had to wake Dale up.  So that's my saga - lots of fun!

Dale is busy working on the Blazer.  Now he's welding to cover rust spots.  Cuts the part away, welds a new piece in.  He got a welder's helmet so he is protected.  He does a nice job.

It rained Sat the 3rd.  Kim was here having coffee with me & then Lar came over & he put the carpet on the back stairs.  Looks so nice.

Barb is working on the lattices & is soon finished.  There are 4 of them.  And she's started to take the paint off the porch floor.  It rained all day Sat so she couldn't paint.  It's still cloudy today & I want to walk to the mail box.  Need to get out of the house.

Lar bro't Dad a walker.  It was someone's at the Crary home - she fell & broke it & had to go to a nursing home.  Lar fixed it & bro't it over here.  He rescues stuff & so does Dale.  Dale took a vacuum cleaner from the trash bin at work, fixed it up & is using it to catch the dust when he is smoothing out his welding.

Kim wants to know if the boys have sleeping bags.  She was thinking of them for Christmas.

I want to know if Eddie would like a Walkman to listen to his tapes.  You mentioned he was using yours. I need ideas for the boys - clothes & otherwise.  We get our Christmas clubs the end of Oct. & I've also been saving a little each month for Christmas.  I don't get out that much so much time is needed to get thing bo't.  Catalog buying is best for me, or easiest.

Baseball play offs were a disappointment for me.  Was rooting for Houston & Chicago.  Was glad Cleveland won.  I'm sure it will be Atlanta vs. N.Y.

As long as I take things with a grain of salt all is well here.  Just have to spout off a bit.

Enjoyed hearing about Andy's new heartthrob - Kira.  Cute.  Poor Meagan.

[Enclosure]

Saturday, September 12, 1998

Just had a coffee break & will start a letter.  Am also watching St. Louis/Houston & I'm rooting for Houston to win so they get home field thru out the play offs.  They did win.

Kim said her sister got a year old computer for 300.00.  Cost $2,000.00 originally.  The one who owned it works with her husband & gave them a good deal.  It has the internet & E Mail.  So she wants Lar & Kim to get the internet, etc. so they can E mail each other.  Kim has been thinking of it but has to wait til aft. Oct.  Too many bills & that is the last payment of the Camp.  Denny Johnson told Kim the internet is great for ideas for Psy. Ed (Gym) so she's had it on her mind.

Betsy Moran had a birthday this past week & Fri. nite Lar & Kim were invited to her birthday dinner at a restaurant in Jamestown -- can't rem at the Iron Stone.  (It finally came to me - the name.)  It was Betsy, her husband, her father-in-law, her mom & bro. Bob.  Mother-in-law died a couple of yrs. ago.

Barb is getting the porch finished.  Still has the floor, etc. to do.  Looks so nice.

Now it's 7:30 & the Braves are on.  Kim stopped by this aft. & that ended my writing.  Hope I can remember what I wanted to tell  you.

Betsy M. is married to a Jim Senger - he worked at United Refinery.  Kim said she & Lar aren't in their "League".  Jim gave Betsy a gold necklace & it's not a cheap on, Internet service, & a nice Santa that wasn't cheap.  One weekend in Nov. they - Jim & Betsy, Lar & Kim - plan to go to Toronto to see a show, shop, etc.  Kim was surprised when Lar said they'd go.  Leave Sat A.M. & return Sun. aft.

Dale's been working on the Blazer.  Got it cleaned up, etc.  Fred Blick will paint it - he'll have time to work it in between jobs.  Dale hopes to get it ready soon so it can be painted as Fred said it should stand for a month so it sets up.  Dale could still work on it when he gets it back from being painted.

Hatch Patch still has corn so we had corn for supper & it was delicious.  Corn & hamburgers.

Andy - Sammy S. has hit his 60th home run.  I'm still hoping he'll surpass 61 homers.  It's an exciting baseball season.

Almost forgot - Thanks for the calendar & congratulations to Eddie for his art work.  That is wonderful.  I remember working with you kids on vocabulary, esp. Dale.  I don't think you needed a lot of coaching, Paul.

Now it's Sun aft. & I'm watching Pittsburgh vs. Chicago & you know who I'm rooting for.

I tried to get the book you tho't I'd like but it was out.  I did try one of Russell Banks - "Hamilton Stark" but I can't get into it.  But I did enjoy "Pretend You Don't See Her" by Mary Higgins Clark & I really enjoyed that.  More my style.

The latest "Bud" ad on T.V. is a cute one I like to watch.  The one where the frog (I think it's a frog) says "I can't work in this environment", when the other creature won't stop "talking", or is it a burp?

Football is taking over letter wiring & I think I've hit all the highlights.

Sun 20th a week later.  This got pushed aside & never mailed.  So a p.s. & it will get mailed as Rose S's birthday is Tue.  She's having back problems & can't get out.

This weekend is an Augustana Synod doings at Chautauqua & Carole & Arland are there.  Carole called & they will stop Mon. aft. for awhile on their way to Pittsburgh's airport.  They rented a car.  Will be fun to see them.

Tomorrow Dale goes to Troy, N.Y. for a sessions on Tues.  When the class is over at 4 pm he drives to Rochester for a class on Wed. & will be home Wed nite.  1st class on computer for cars.  Can't remember the 2nd class.  He has to go to these classes so they can be a 5 star outfit.  A long ride.  Time for supper preparations.

Sunday, August 16, 1998

What a difference a week makes.  Last Sun. our thoughts were on your trip home - now you've been home a week & Andy has his football equipment.

I was able to do some baking this past week, but it didn't cool off that much.  I'm looking forward to fall & cooler weather.

Barb has the first section of the porch rails just about completed.  This part goes faster.  Looks very nice.

I lost a filling in a back tooth so will see the dentist on Tues.  My 3rd visit in a short time after a 2 year absence.  Shouldn't let it go so long.

We've been watching golf from Redmond, Wn.  It's interesting.  Thurs - Sat. real nice weather - today, cooler & rainy.  It's a major & they are fun to watch.

This past week I finally got ambition & shortened 2 pair of lacks.  It's a job I don't like but a good feeling once it's done.

Kim & Lar have to decide on a car - if they buy the present one leased, it would mean a 5 yr. loan & they don't like that.  They are looking into a CRV Honda.  (I think it's Honda.)  But Kim prefers the regular shift & they are harder to find.  They'd like the color of their present wagon so 1st choice & a red as 2nd choice.  The salesperson is looking for one.  Wouldn't you know it - one was sold a couple of days before they called.  They get it in DuBois.  It will be a lease.

Dale went to Seaman's yesterday & got a fender for the Blazer.  First he cleaned it up good - it is good condition - no rust.  Then a coat of rust prevention & he spray paints it.  The Blazer had some dents so he got 2 new fenders thru the one who painted the El Camino.  It will look nice once he's completed the re-conditioning. It will be ready for winter.  Maybe this winter will be harsher.

Must write to Gen & I seem to have hit a blank.  Not much happens here.

It was great having you home & seeing how the boys have grown.  I'm proud of my grandsons as well as my sons & daughters.

Sunday, May 25, 1998

We had a nice dinner with Lar & Kim celebrating their anniversary.  We are watching baseball on ESPN, kitchen cleaned up & Lar & Kim left to spend the nite at camp.

Yesterday I got a perm.  Sheila told me Carnahans is closing.  After my appt. I looked & there are sale closing signs in the windows.  Seeing is believing!

Turner's TV is closeod - they declared bankruptcy.  County Mkt. is suppose to be closing, be remodeled & open as another store.  Tops Mkt. wants to get in here.  Time will tell.

Dale didn't work yesterday - they got 3 days off.  He went to Seaman's & got "stuff" for his Blazer.  He still has a little work to do on the El Camino & then he'll start on the Blazer but he's in no rush.

Got your letter yesterday.  Kim & Lar mentioned they heard from you folks.  Will you drive the boys out & return for them.  Things will be different this year.  We eat in the dining room so no T.V. during meals.  Eddie will miss the kitchen table.  We'll put the card table up in  the living room.

Barb has a sore shoulder, probably bursitis.  It's better but she might have to get a shot.

Denny Brader was in church today.  He looks the same - just as heavy weightwise.  Had a chance for a little visit with him.  Heard today we're going to lose our organist but no official announcement.  Sad news as she is so good & organists are a rare commodity.  Back to Denny - he won't be attending your class reunion either.

Roger T. preached today.  He always does a good job & John Check had the liturgy.  We're lucky to have good laymen.  The pastor takes a lot more Sun. off than Dad ever did.  Guess he is smarter than Dad was, or less dedicated to the job.  It's a different generation.

Now it's Tues A.M.  Barb & Scott were just here.  The last day & she is so glad as Scott just won't listen & gets into everything he shouldn't.  For a little kid he has a bad mouth.  He'll be going to the Y.W. 4 days a week.  Bob has Fri. off so he'll have him then.

When I paid my Penney's bill recently at the box at local Penney's they rang it up wrong & gyped me 40.00 & then charged me interest.  When the bank statement came I saw it wasn't my error.  So I got a copy of the check & wrote a letter & the last Penney's statement credited me with the 40.00 plus int.  It pays to check carefully.

Our weather is warming up & so clear.  I'd like to clean our bedroom but it's hard for me to move things out to clean, etc.  I'd like to rearrange the bed but I don't have many choices.

When the boys come they'll want to go in the water at Lar & Kim's.  Old sneakers should do the trick.  If Andy's feet are growing maybe he could wear a pair of water shoe (correct term?) I have & never wear.  The stones, etc. are too hard on the bare feet.  If it's a dry summer maybe the creek will be dry.  We had 3.11" of rain the first few days of May & not much since.

Yesterday we started buying plants for the yard.  Oh yes, I know Pentecost is the last Sun. of the month.  Forgot there are 5 Sun. in May.

As of today, Barb is free for awhile.  I hope some job comes up.  Lynn gave a $100.00 credit from Penney's as a thank you & said she's welcome to come up & see them any time.

I started planting my flower pots by the garage.  Washed them out & filled 3 of them.  I pot reseeded itself - pansies & I dont' know if I should freshen the soil & transplant them.  Tomorrow Barb will get more potting soil & more flowers.

Finally made an appt. to see the dentist & get a cleaning.  The one who used to clean my teeth retired so I'll have a new gal.  It's been too long since I've had my teeth checked.  My appt. is for July 1.  Could have gotten in today but I can't leave Dad alone.  Wouldn't have gone anyway.

Better close.  Need to mail 2 bills but not til tomorrow.

Saturday, May 16, 1998

I'll start a letter while your questions are still fresh in my mind.

The floral bouquet consisted of yellow lilies, lge. pink carnations & a deeper pink -- a flower I think are called "Pinks" a smaller type carnation with stock & greenery.  And sitting in it is a bird on a nest that is reusable.  I'll put it in the wreath in the D.R.  Also a "Happy Mothers Day" on a plastic piece.  Very pretty, altho it doesn't sound like the colors to together but they do.

Paul I find it hard to believe you are becoming fond of "Boxer".  But when you get a baby animal it makes a lot of difference.  Will you have it neutered as well as declawed.

We have the twin bed in the eating area & it looks O.K.  I think he'll be O.K. as he doesn't "roam" at nite - too hard to get around.

Lar called at noon to find what we had done.  He will be over after 5 to help carry the seats, table, etc. up to the attic.  I'll miss sitting at the table & watching. - Dale will miss the same at nite when he eats - around 9 pm.

Lar said they found a chair for Dad - can't remember the correct term, but it helps one get out of a chair.  That is one of the problems - no strength to lift himself up.  This lady said we could try it out & then decided on a price.  I'd prefer if she'd name the price she wants.

Dale didn't work today.  Washed his car & is in the process of putting the stereo system in this car - the one he took out of the old car.  Now he's on the way to Seaman's probably to find "stuff" for the Blazer.  He'll stop at the Youngsville Dairy Queen for a burger.  Says they are the best ever.  He found a door for the Blazer.

Barb worked around the yard this A.M. U& washed off the porch furniture so it's all set for us to sit out there.  We haven't gotten any flowers yet but I'm sure we'll get some during the week.  I'll need a red geranium for church the last Sun. of May.  Pentecost.  Members bring red ger- & they are planted outside during the week.  It looks nice to see the red flowers in the altar area.

The exchanges of 4 Marlins for 2 L.A. Dodgers was a surprise.  Sounds like it will go thru.

We were watching Cleveland vs. Texas & since Cleveland was ahead I switched to golf & noticed a Bob Friend was playing & doing well.  Said to Dad there was a pitcher with that name in Pittsburgh & then a note came on T.V. that he had been a pitcher with the Pirates.  So he has a 2nd career.  Encouraging to other athletes who are avid golfers.  Now it sounds like he is the son - he's only 33 so I guess that's true.  Must have missed something.

We got a letter this A.M. from Messiah Luth. stating they will be celebrating their 75th Anniv. in '99.  It will be a yearlong celebration & hoping we could come for the final weekend next spring.  Be nice but an impossible dream.  That's Auburn, Wn.

Sun A.M.   P.S.

I'm set for church but it's too early so I'll let you know how things are.  Last nite Lar & Dale got the lift chair to try out & it will be great.  It is one of the workers at the Crary Home.  Said it cost $1,000.00 & they tried to sell it for $500.00, then $250.00 & no takers.  So maybe it will be less then $250.00.    It is blue so it fits in.  Dad just has to push "up" to get out of the chair & down to sit.  He can just stand against it so that problem of lifting is over.  Has the leg rest, too.  Very nice.

The bed went well.  I got up at 6 A.M. to check, went back to bed til 7 & got him ready & we had breakfast.  But he isn't eating much at all.  I don't make large portions & still a lot get thrown out.

It is another lovely day.

Barb has an aching shoulder.  Too much lifting & working outside Sat.   She said she was weight lifting - why I don't know.  She saw the Dr., had another pap smear & it shows an irritation.  No insurance - an operation, hysterectomy (sp) would be the thing but they are trying other things - a shot to stop her period & heavy bleeding.  Maybe things will be better when she won't have Scott to deal with.  Good I'm not a "worrier".  Barb is good at that.

Friday, May 8, 1998

Didn't write this A.M.  Did some baking instead, & fixed a tuna macaroni salad for supper.  Never know what to have Fri. nite.

This A.M. the doorbell rang & it was a delivery from Ekey's.  Thanks so much for the floral arrangement.  It is very pretty  I will enjoy it.  Thanks so much.

We'll be celebrating Larry's birthday on Sun.  He wants steak & that is easy - Dale will grill it.  Kim will get a cake at BiLo's - they are very tasty - icing not too sweet.  It's suppose to be a rainy weekend.  We've already had more than 2" in May.

Dale bot an '86 Blazer for his next winter's car.  He paid 300.00 for it.  It will keep him busy getting it in order during the summer.  He sold the other winter car to someone at work who bot it for his son.  It is a good car - in good working order with new tires, A.C., etc.

I've been watching the hockey playoffs & they are exciting.  Barb & Kim are watching the Bulls playoffs & are sad when they lose.  We'll eat at 5:30 Sun. & the game starts at the same time.  The TV will be on & if it gets exciting they'll be up & down to see what's going on.  I think Larry Bird is doing a great job as a 1st year coach.  I'd like to see them get to the final games.

Have a new recipe for a Pecan Bar - similar to Pecan pie.  It is do good.  Kim copies the recipe & made it & Larry likes them.  Dad got a haircut this week & I made the bars & gave them to Jerry.  Do that each time he comes to the house to show our appreciation.

Barb came home today & went to take a nap as she didn't sleep well last nite.  We'll grocery shop tomorrow after I get my hair done.

I'm feeling much better so I hope I can get more work done around the house.  Finally vacuumed the L.R. & D.R. rugs.  For awhile it hurt to push the vacuum cleaner, so it didn't get done.

I can see a hummingbird at the tree at the school yard - a flowering crab.  The buds are not quite opened - it is pretty to look at.

Soon time to get busy setting the table, etc.

P.S.  Barb got rid of her headache so we went grocery shopping.  I needed to cash a check but the bank closed at 6.  Barb had money to lend me so I was able to go to County.  San Diego is ahead of Atlanta 3-0 in the 3rd inning.  Hope they get a win - S.D. that is.

Sunday, August 31, 1997

Just a little note to enclose an obit. for Mr. Sandblade & a note on Pa. libraries.

Dad saw the Dr. on Wed - I went with.  He wants Dad to have an upper G.I. to find out why he has trouble swallowing.  It will be Wed at 89 A.M.  I mentioned a pain in my left leg - calf area & he wants me to have an ultra sound to find out why.  That is Wed. at 1 pm.  Fri aft. I have an eye exam.  Every thing comes at once & the next week we have company.  But I've decided on a menu.  Dad has lost 15 lbs in 3 months & that concerned the Dr.

Dale is still working on the car - everything has to be perfect.  Fred told him not to drive it for a month so the paint can "set" property.

I'm watching the Steelers-Dallas game.  Go Pittsburgh!

We saw the Met vs. Baltimore Sat. on Fox.  What a game for Met lovers to see. It was great.  I'm going to root for L.A. to win the Nat. League.  L. A. against Orioles!  Andy won't like that.

Labor Day Lar & Kim will come for a picnic supper.  Burgers on the grill & a blueberry pie.  Barb's request. Got them at Farmer's kt.  Most likely the last of the season.l  She wants a double crust, old fashion pie.

We'll be sending Andy's birthday gift soon.

We've had a lot of cool & cloudy weather.  Over 3" of rain in Aug.  We didn't have any in July.  The grass has come back & it grew a lot this past week.

I've hit a snag - no more news.

Mon. A.M.    My pie was a bit "juicy" but delicious, esp. the crust which I got out of the Wi. cook book you gave me.  I'll enclose recipe - similar to the one you use, JoAnna.

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.