Saturday, November 8, 2003

I'm glad to be sitting down.  Barb said we'd go to the Mall this A.M. so I didn't start baking. After lunch I got a coffee cake in the oven, started dinner rolls & made an apple crisp.  Now I'm almost thru.  The bell should go off for the last 2 pans.  While the rolls were baking I had a cup of coffee & a piece of warm apple crisp.  Umm.  Very tasty.

Yesterday I saw Dr. McNett for the last time.  Joyce O'Connor took me for a 2 pm appt & I got to see him around 3 pm.  People wanted to talk too long with him.  My blood pressure was good & so was my heart beat.  He felt maybe the new medication he gave me last time took my blood pressure down too fast & that caused my problems.  I imagined all sorts of things but with things OK that calms my mind.  It has a great power over a person. I thanked him for all he has done for Dad & me.  He gave me a hug before I left.  He recommended Dr. Nguyen -- pronounced "when".  He is Vietnamese, bro't up in Texas & has a Texas accent.  Dr. tho't I would like him.  Dale's Dr. was filled up.  T here are 4 Drs & they have an office in Pleasant Twp.  I have an appt. for Nov. 26 a 10 A.M. to get acquainted.  My records will be forwarded to Dry Nguyen.  So I have a new experience ahead of me.  It was a long wait for Joyce but she understood.  We went to supper at Ponderosa in the Mall.  We each had the salad bar & they had a good selection.  We walked a little bit but Joyce isn't a shopper.

We have clear skies & cold weather.  Winter coat time.

I read every word of the Bookworm.  Ken Mack must have been quite young when he died. Too bad he couldn't have lived longer to enjoy the fruits of his efforts.  But what a nice contribution to the library.  Enjoyed reading the bio of the library's pages.  Also about the lib. board chairman.  Lets me know more about your position.  Enjoyed reading about Chautauqua County.  The first I've heard of it.  Nothing in the Buffalo newscasts & we don't get the Jamestown paper.  I didn't even look to see if I had made any plans for supper.  I try (half-heartedly) to make plans for the week so I wont' be in the situation I'm in.  Tired & don't know what to have for super.  Luckily there is always Pizza Hut.

Dale put the glass insert in the front door today & the extra glass for the windows in his & my bedrooms. It helps a lot.

I lost 7 lbs & the Dr. wondered why & how my appetite is.  For awhile I didn't each much breakfast but that phase is over.  But I'd like to keep those pounds off.  But will I give up my coffee breaks -- that is the question!

I'm waiting for golf to come on -- The Ohio State-Mich. State game is going on too long. Penn State couldn't even score.  In the 1st half they were close to the end zone a couple of times & couldn't even kick a field goal.  And Wi. lost -- we switched back & forth between games.  (And Miami lost again.  There is a little talk that Joe (Penn State) should retire. Barb says they need a good QB.  You'd think at 76 he'd want to take it easier.  Guess some people find it hard to give it up.

Wed. Nov. 12

I'm making a new recipe -- Italian Bow Tie supper.  It has gr. beef, onions, tom. sauce & diced tom.  Then you add pasta, thawed spinach & mozzarella cheese.  I tho't it sounded good.  Also spices.  Time will tell.

Remember I mentioned Kim Schuler wanted to buy the house (empty) north of Bert's.  He kept after the absent owner & she finally said yes.  So now it is his & he hopes to bring it back to its former glory.  There is a lot to do.

We went to Jamestown last Mon.  Ate lunch at the Red Lobster.  I didn't find much -- a pink cotton blouse with cuffs & a navy sweat shirt with a Christmas design on the front.

Bert had company last weekend from Madison.  Relatives.  He works for the Dept. of Health & Human Services.  Barb said they are nice people.  Barb mentioned JoAnna working at the Capitol & Paul being library dir. in Middleton.  Their names art Myrt & Tom Seiger.

Larry called yesterday for Dale but it was the Tues. he worked til 8 pm.  He called again -- his truck wouldn't start -- on East St. but it sas too late for Dale to help.  Some people at work would ask Dale to work on relative's cars after work.  He'd get paid but he doesn't need extra money & he doesn't like to work on cars after working on them all day.  Of course he'll help Lar.  Mike Brindis waned Dale to work on his car but he didn't.

The former beauty shop closed as of Sat. the 8th.  Jerry couldn't make it without Sheila & Sue.  He is going to become a Schwan salesman.  It is just the opposite for Sheila & Sue -- they are doing very well.

Thurs. Nov. 13

We had snow today that stuck to the trees.  Making them so pretty.  Barb had to shovel at Bert's but we didn't have to.

Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today.  We'll have the usual menu & Kim said she'll bring pumpkin & pecan pies & a green bean casserole.  I said only 1 pie is necessary but she wants to bring both.  We'll eat about 5 pm.

Sat. Barb is going to Erie alone.  I don't care to go .  Barb wants to look for some tops & she'll stop at Target also.  I'm sure it will be crowded & I never seem to find anything I really like.

Lar's truck needed a new starter.  The first one he got wasn't the right kind.  Today he finally got the new starter in . It wasn't a hard job & it saved him a lot of money.  As it was it cost him close to $175.00.  If he would have had it done, it would mean a towing job plus the cost of starter & the cost of having it done -- labor.

Things are fine here.

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Here it is Wednesday & I haven't started a letter.  Thanks so much for the beautiful basket of flowers.  At church Carol Andersen always has the altar flowers at this time & one vase always went to Dad & now I get them.  She always orders flowers from Ekeys & wants something special & she pays more than the regular price for altar flowers.  I received many birthday cards & thank you for your card & comments.  Yes, it must be the sweets!!

Last Friday we went out to eat & I chose Chiodo's.  I had the fish fry & it was very good.  Dale & Barb had baked fish topped with onion, mushroom & tomato & they said it was excellent.  Lar had a sausage pasta & Kim had an eggplant pasta dish.  We were all satisfied.  Then we came home for birthday cake from BiLo & ice cream.  Thanks for the phone call.  It was good to talk with the boys & you.

Heard from Millie -- she enclosed Edith's obit.  Gen called last nite so she remembered my birthday.  Edith had oriental rugs, Waterford crystal, Sterling Silver silverware &  beautiful china.  The lawyer said she didn't have a will.

Enjoyed your letter & the plans of the high school.  What a building.  Enjoyed reading about Andy's classes. They are lucky to get 50 minutes for lunch.

Last week was a busy week, this week isn't.  Today I made dinner rolls & a new recipe of blond brownies.  I just tried 1/2 recipe (9x9 pan) & it is on the sweet side.  Good with coffee, tho.  Also rolled out a pie crust for an apple pie Ill make tomorrow A.M.  As usual it will be chicken, but a new recipe.  You marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce & Italian dressing & bake them in the oven. It was tasty.

Today my nose has been running & I finally looked for cold tablets.  I found a pkg with 2 left & it has helped as it's better tonite.  Don't think it's a cold but an allergy to something.

We had a rainy day & only in the hi 40s.  I can't complain about rain when so many in the world need it & don't get it.

I'm not too excited about the World Series this year.  It will be a late start so I won't see the end of the game.  I like Mike Scioscia (former L. A. Dodger) so I'll root for his team -- the Angels.

Last Friday I saw Dr. McNett & my blood pressure was good & the rest of fine so I don't have to go for 4 months.

Thurs pm the 17th

The kitchen is cleaned up & we're watching HGTV.  Good programs on Thurs nite.

I don't think Lar, Kim & Torey can stay at Pine Lodge.  They are sticking to no dogs rule.  But 2 other motels take animals.  They brought me a birthday gift tonite -- 4 blown glass tree ornaments.  Next weekend Kim & Lar pick out Christmas trees.  I told her to find a smaller one this year.  I think I'll go back to an artificial tree next year.

A shorter letter this week.

Tuesday, March 21, 2000

Yesterday I saw Dr. Keverline & got a prescription for glasses.  Left eye OK.  A change in the right eye.  I went to Wrrn.  Vision, over town, for new glasses & got new frames as well.  I don't see Dr. K. for a year.

Today I saw Dr. McNett & all is well except that I gained 5 lbs. in 6 weeks.  I'll have to be good about walking & cutting out sweets.  That will be a tough job.  My thyroid is OK.  Have to have a blood test in 6 weeks, but I don't see the Dr. for 4 months.  He put on the paper that it is a standing order as I'll have to have blood tests from time to time.  Saw 2 gals that I used to work with.  One was 88 yesterday, Martha Mahood, & she has had heart surgery.  Then Sara Lyle, who was there for her 6 mo. check up.  We got caught up on our children, etc. while we waited & talked. 

When I got home I decided to call Rose & tell her about Martha.  We talked for about 1/2 hr.  Next Tues. she goes to Erie to see the Dr. about her back. She never wanted surgery but Karen has been pushing & Rose hurts so much she's ready for an operation.  She doesn't get to church as it hurts to walk.  I'[m so glad Rose is doing this.  She'll know next Tues. the 28th about what will happen.  I'm daughter graduated from Penn State in May.  The youngest starts college next fall.  Karen's daughter has been accepted at Penn State but wants to go to U. of Toronto but hasn't heard from them yet.  They spend vacation in Toronto & love i up there.  She had to take a special SAT test for Toronto.

Do you remember Mrs. Highhouse, a teacher at Beaty.  She died some time ago.  Her husband & Rose have known each other for a long time.  He called Rose & they've been seeing each other.  Out to eat, the Rotary films, etc.  Recently he fell on the ice & broke his clavicle & the tip of his back bone.  Was in the hosp. for a month.  Is home now & might have to go in a nursing home.  Rose will miss him.  Said he has been so good to her.

Called Gen last nite.  John had been on a skiing trip in Switzerland & spent a couple of days in Paris.  Bet he had a good time.  They were expecting him home that nite.

Fri. the 24th.  9 pm.

This aft. we went to the Mall & I got a pair of navy shoes at Bon Ton - on sale.  Barb wants to go to Erie next week Tues. & I plan to go with her.  If I don't feel like shopping I'll sit & watch people go by.  We're never there too long.  A couple of hours shopping & lunch.

My favorite TV programs now are "Trauma, Life in the E.R."  Mon & Tues. nite 8-10 pm.  Wed nite - can't remember the title but it's on forensics & how they solve murders.  Very interesting.  And the things they have to work with today.  It boggles the mind.  Would be an interesting career.

You most likely are in your motel by now.  Tomorrow you'll be in Pa. on the way to Gettysburg.

Last Mon. I meant to mail your letter when I went to the Dr. (eye) but I forgot them so they didn't so they didn't get mailed until Tues. so I don't know if you heard before you left.  If not, you'll have 2 letters to read.

Wed the 22nd, the called from Wrrn. Visions to say my glasses were in.  I got ready & walked over to get them.  I see much better with the right eye now.  That was fast service.

Kim took a personal day today.  They can only accumulate 5 days or they lose it.  She & a friend went to Grove City shopping area for the day.  Same place we went to last year.  The floor is almost finished.  Larry also painted the ceiling & upper walls.  Below the chair rail Lar papered.  One room will be cleaned but the rest of the house is dusty from the work, etc.  A film over everything. 

I've been thinking about Andy -- all good.  If you put him in a room full of strangers, it wouldn't take long for Andy to get acquainted & feel at home.  That is a wonderful attribute.  He's friendly, can carry on a conversation & comes across very favorably.  That is so important in life.  He'll do fine & don't forget he has quite a full schedule for a kid.  You didn't start basketball until 8th grade, wasn't it.  Baseball was a summer thing.

When I was walking home from getting my hair done, I decided I was hungry for potato salad.  So I made some & had it in the fridge by 11.  We even had some for lunch.  It had cooled a bit & tasted good.  And we had it for supper.  Daylight savings starts next week - Apr. 3rd so it's pot. salad time.

Saturday

After golf was over Barb switched to basketball & it was so exciting I turned to mute.  Can't take it.  Long 2 minutes with the time outs, etc.  Naturally we're rooting for Wisconsin & they won.  Great.  I'm glad the game is over - too nerve racking for me.  Should that be wracking  Too exciting to think.

Tonite Barb &U I grilled salmon on the grill on the front porch.  It was so good.  Dale doesn't like fish too much so he'll grill a steak later.  He likes to eat later.  W hen we grill the fish there is no smell in the house to bother Dale.  Fussy people.  He really isn't.   Anyway we prefer the grilling.

When you get home you'll lose an hour.  It's "spring ahead" time.  For us E.D.T.  Doesn't seem possible it will be nice to have it light longer in the evenings.

Time to bring this to an end.  Bet you enjoyed all the sights during the trip esp. the cherry blossoms.  Bet they were beautiful.

Now it's Mon, the 27th.  I'll keep adding as I won't mail it til later in the week.

Sun. was nice but windy & I walked to the library & got 4 books, one a new author to me.  The Buff. paper reviewed a book by Kate Wilhelm and I found she has many books available.  Nice to find a new author.  Setting of books in Oregon & Calif.  260 pages of easy & interesting mysteries & murder.  Got 2 by Wilhelm, 1 by Sandra Brown & a favorite by M. C. Beaton.  A Hammish Macbeth mystery.  A bumbling country constable who solves murders to the consternation of his superior officer.  They are fun to read.  I'm one of those who prefers to get books at the library rather than buy them.  Library was pretty busy.

Dale painted his ceiling so he's gotten a start.

Wed. the 29th.

We enjoyed the trip to Erie yesterday.  Weather was perfect.  But we didn't find much in the shopping part.  Barb got 2 blouses & I got some underwear & jelly beans, the latter a very important purchase!!

Arlene H. is out of the hospital & in Buffalo with Julie.

Rose called last nite.  She will have the operation the 2nd week of May.  Has some tests to take but she can do them in Warren.  The bone has started to crumble & that will have to come out.

Lar called today & wants me to "babysit" Torey Thurs. aft.  Will bring him over at 11 A.M. & Kim will pick him up after school.  Lar is taking the car to Du Bois for a checkup & also plans to look around at tractors -- I think that's what he said.  Better quit!

Sunday, May 16, 1999

We are having perfect summer weather, but we do need rain.  Yesterday I planted my pots along the garage.  3 with pansies, 3 with geraniums, 7 begonias.  Dale gave me a Mother's Day planter for the porch.

This aft. I walked overtown - mailed letters, went to CVS & enjoyed a walk.  Stopped at the library.  People were using it.  How are your Sun. openings going?

Mr. Bonace is having a fireplace built facing Carey's side.  He told Lar he did it so they'd have heat in case of Y2K problems.

Did you notice Fri. blotter - Mr. Carey stopped for DUI.  He's quite a drinker.  He's started by the time Lar is there on Thurs.

I called to find out about my new glasses - they aren't in yet & it's 2 weeks this coming Tues.  Soon I shop.

Saw. Dr. McNett last Fri. & all is well.  Blood pressure good.  I start taking just 2 pills for thyroid now & in the middle of June I just need to take 1 a day.  I had been taking 3 a day.  I fell good.  Gained some weight.  Weigh 136 & I want to stay around there.  Have to give up my coffee breaks.  Dr. Mc said it's not the coffee it's what you have with it.  How well I know that!

The former Blue Manor - now Liberty St. Cafe - Jeff Smith tried his hand at running it.  He sold out.  The owner of Gaughn's Drug Store - his son has it now.   He was chef in Fla. U& wanted to come home.  Lar & Kim went there for breakfast & it's expensive.  Heard their prime rib is $22.95.  I don't  know if Warren is ready for those prices in an ordinary building.  They fixed it up a bit.  Lar, Kim & others go to the Peppermill for Sun. breakfasts now.

Barb started painting the front steps but ran out of primer paint.  She is riding her bike again. . A 10-mile loop on the bike path & home by Hatch Patch & Conewango.

Now it's Mon. A.M. & Dale left for work.  For your anniversary I'm sending money so you can buy something gyoy've been hoping to get.  I thought maybe something you'd like for your Bastille Day party.  Something to keep food warm or cold, etc.  Whatever.  Hope this meets with your approval.  We got a set of Corelle for Lar & Kim.  Then she saw something she liked at Blairs but I already bought the dishes.  I saved the sales slip so she can exchange or return them at K Mart.  They'll come for dinner next Sun.

Tues A.M.

Got the bathroom cleaned; cleaned myself & walked to Calvary Baptist Church & voted in their bldg, behind the church.

Last nite I got a call to vote for Williams to continue as County Commissioner.  She said Can I depend on your vote.  I said "no" & think that surprised her but I would never vote for him.  H e is against everything including library funding.  I voted for James Hunter & John Zavinsky.

Now I'm going to walk overtown, get some stamps & mail some letter.  Another beautiful day.

Sunday, May 8, 1999

I'll start a letter as there is something to write about.

Kim took a personal day last Fri. & took us to the Grove City Outlet, a maze of outlet stores in a lovely setting.  Very tastefully arranged groups of building with several stores in each section.  Andy would have loved all the sport stores - clothes, shoes, etc.  But too much to take in.  Barb & I went in the Corelle Store; Paper Works; Eddie Bauer, where she got a nylon jacket, (a spring one); London Fog store; Off Fifth Ave; etc., etc.  Didn't buy much.  a 2 hr. drive, shopped for 2 hours, ate lunch, home by 3 pm.  Left at 8:30 A.M.  And I was tired out.  Laid down when I got home.  Everyone got their own supper.  I was in bed at 8:45 & slept til 6 A.M.  That isn't my cup of tea anymore.  Fun to see but once is enough.

Sat. Kim & Lar were having a couples' shower at camp for one of their friends.  40 people expected & Sat. was a day of rain showers.  We'll find out today how it was.  I don't care to go out to eat on Mother's Day - too crowded so they'll be there at 5:30.  Celebrate Lar's birthday as well.  Steak (Kim paid for), potato salad, fresh green beans, tossed salad.  Ice cream & cake & Kim ordered a cake so it's very easy for me.

This past week I got a card saying Junior Himes & Diane & families gave to the Memorial Fund for Dad.  Heard from a lay pastor that helped at Hessel Valley when we were there.  They live in Fla. now.  Got a card from the choir members saying they were getting an anthem in memory of Dad.  They'll sing it some Sun.

Today was music Sun. - bell choir, t numbers of the choir & several hymns by the congregation.  Denny & Elaine Jacobson Crandell's daughter Carrie, a college senior in music is our organist now.  She accompanied the bell choir on the clarinet.  "Just a Closer Walk with Thee."  She is an excellent musician, piano, organ & instruments.  She will spend the fall semester student teaching & then if she can't find a job will sub in Warren.  Plans to be married in the summer of 2000.

I'm written out but wanted to write while it was fresh in my mind.

Can you pick the art show exhibit 

that belongs to Eddie Nelson?

More - just remembered your letter.  I wasn't close to finding Eddie's drawing.  I chose the one of the faces in the lower right corner because of his drawing on the school calendar.  Barb chose either the one he drew or the one on top of it.  Couldn't decide so she was closer to the real thing.  Very interesting work with the shadings, coloring, etc.

Not it's Thurs. pm.  Dishes done, etc. U& I must get this ready to mail tomorrow.

Tues one of the resident guests at the Crary Home stopped by to invite me to a little birthday pie & coffee for Lar's birthday.  T hey wanted to meet Lar's mom.  It was at 12:30 & very nice.  One of the ladies gave a neighbor & me a tour of the house.  I'd never been there before so it was fun to see it.  They served either peach or strawberry-rhubarb pie.  (From Ecklof's Bakery in Jamestown), ice cream & coffee.  It was nice to be asked & I enjoyed it.

Tomorrow I see Dr. McNett again to see how my thyroid is doing.  Had to have a blood test yesterday.

Don't have my new glasses yet - it's taking longer & I'm anxious to get them.

Got a letter & card from a couple in Auburn with 10.00 for a memorial for Dad.  The letter mentioned good times we had.  Dad confirmed them, married them & baptized their 2 daughters.  They married young - out of high school - & we've kept in touch.  Also Ted & Sue Shaffer from Ohio gave a memorial to Hospice for Dad.  2 more thank you's to send.  Have to do it this weekend.

Got your letter today.  Dale moved & edged by the sidewalk so the yard looks nice.  Barb washed the kitchen side of the house.  Did the porch last week, so the chairs are out.  All is well here.