Sunday, September 4, 2005

Sun. again & I'm watching the Mets against Marlins.  Soon baseball will be in the past.  It's fun to watch football.  Yesterday I watched Wisconsin win the game.  Sure was a sea of red in the stands.  Number 2 Brian Calhoun sure can run. (I like the word "sure"!)

Yesterday we received the Penneys Christmas catalogue & you know what that means. Suggestions!  Barb's E mail is.....I'll enclose the slip so you can E mail us ideas.  I'll still send money but like ideas for something to open on Christmas Eve or Day.  So put on your thinking caps -- you know we like to start early.

The gas project on our street is completed & grass is planted.  I suggested Dale water it but he hasn't followed thru.  He did once & Barb did as well.

We had a guest organist today -- a Barry Keller.  The pastor didn't make any comments so we don't know if he is temporary.  He did OK.

Dale's El Camino is in a rented garage & mice got into it & smelled up the car.  So he's been cleaning it until it is fine with him.  Smells gone.  He wants new wheels & tires for it & then it will be complete.  He just got new tires for the white car.  Names of cars don't stick in my mind.

It was 52 this A.M. but it has warmed up.  It is nice to be able to wear fall clothes again.

I watched a little volleyball yesterday on TV.  We played volleyball in high school & it was fun.  I'm sure it is a faster game today.

Barb keeps track of mileage when she rides her bike.  Her dream is 1000 miles but she only has 600 miles sol far.  Last year she couldn't ride at all, so she is happy with what she's dong (so far).  She'll still be able to ride before it gets cold.

The little house across the st. might have sold.  A man & woman have cut down a tree & removed all the weeds in front of the house.  All the stuff is piled up -- wonder if the city will take it away.  It's way past the time alloted for pick up.  Time will tell.

Dale went up to our Mall & brought me home a pkg. of Oreos and 3 dish cloths & I haven't bought any for ages.  He got them at Big Lots.

Labor Day

The Mets were on the NYC TV channel but Dave O'Brien who also works for ESPN wasn't available.  And the announcer talked all the time (not Tom) so I had to mute the broadcast so I missed the usual color of the game.   Tom & David are great together.  And they lost.  They never can get the hits when they need them.  Carlos Beltran is a "bust" this year for the Mets.  Maybe it takes a while to get used to playing in NYC.  I hope he's better next year.

I don't know if I have an allergy or a cold but I'm sure using the Kleenex.

Wed. the 8th

We have a chipmunk that is eating the sunflower seeds.  They are big one 10"-12" in diameter & he's just about finished it.  We try to scare him but we don't always see him. Barb cut them down to dry.

Barb says Andy should be happy that the Braves are on top in their division.  But my question is "Can they win the Big One?"  They've only won 1 World Series, haven't they?

I have a recipe for banana blueberry bread.  Dale likes them separately but isn't sure of the combination.  So I'll try it as I have 2 ripe bananas I want to use.  I'm sure it will get eaten.

Fri. the 9th

Just got home from getting my hair done.  Started a load of wash & will finish my letter.

Kim & Lar are fine.  Next week Thurs. Kim & friends will help Betsy Moran celebrate her 50th birthday.  so it will be a short visit here for supper.

The other Betsy (your classmate) doesn't know if she can take 2 more years of teaching. She bot an old house next to her property, had it torn down so she'd like to get that loan paid off.  At the new elem. school she teaches 2 subjects & they have to follow a schedule -- they change from room to room.  Teacher teaches same subjects to all her classes.  If they run behind there is no time to make it up.  It has been hard getting started in a new school where all kids are bussed but it should get smoother & easier as time goes by.

Monday, May 24, 2004

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

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

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

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

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

Wed. May 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barb had her ovaries and fallopian tube out.

Fri the 28th

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

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

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

Will be anxious to hear about the wedding.

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

I called Millie last nite as I can get answers from her. Tonite (& this aft.) are calling hours.  Almost over by now.  Funeral tomorrow at 11 A.M.   Then burial at Hillcrest Cemetery & back to church for lunch.  Linda & Allan will go with Millie.  Last Sat. Ed had another stroke & heart attack so the family was called.  Ed died about 7:30 pm but Gen had gone home at 7 pm.  Edith & John were there til the end.  Edith is taking it very hard.  Only 2 months illness.  It is hard to believe.  Sounds like the Chinese fellow will stay on.  Gen said they can't push him out now.  We'll see what will happen.  I know they are worried about Gen.

Dale is on vacation this week.  Monday he went to Seaman's Auto Junk Yard.  Today he is working on the El Camino & trying to remember where he put a part he needs.

I'm watching San Fran. at Atlanta & in the 3rd inning San Fran is 3-0.  The Mets aren't on TV for us but already they are behind 4-0.  Soon football will take over.

We're having more hot weather & not much improvement in sight.  Tonite we had deli beef sandwiches.  I sauteed onion, green pepper & mushrooms.  Heated the beef & topped the onion, etc. with melted cheese.  It was good.  Also had potato salad 7 fruit.  Later on I had a Klondike bar -- a choc. peanut one.  It is new & very good.

I'm working on another 1000 pc. puzzle.  Today's USA's puzzle is a hard one so I got very few of the words.  It is a tricky one & today I wasn't up to tricks!

Mon A.M.  Dale had on the new tan shorts I got him with a new shirt he got thru work.  Knit shirt with a collar.  He got 3 of them.  He looked so nice & I told him he did.

Tomorrow Lar & Kim go with their friends to the soccer game at Columbus, Ohio.  They leave at noon & will be home Thurs. aft.  Lar will be here for dinner but Kim won't.  One of the girls in having a picnic on her patio.  Torey will be here.  We'll have steak & corn on the cob.  Maybe peach shortcake for dessert.

Thurs A.M. the 22nd 15th.  Getting ahead of myself.  It goes fast enough.

We've had showers during the nite & so far this A.M.   Warren hit 91 yesterday.  Will it ever end.  I don't do much during this heat, even with the AC I fell so lazy but I keep things in order so the house looks O.K.

Are Albert & Cyndi at their new base yet?  Julianna must be a real little doll.

Barb will pick up steaks &^ she'll look for shortcake at BiLo.  Too hot & muggy to heat the oven to 425.  If there is no shortcake, the 2nd choice is frozen pound cake.

How is your veggie garden.  It is nice to have tomatoes & cucumbers from the garden.  Dale has one little sunflower growing.  His specialty.

Thurs. edition of our paper has the Spotlight and on the back page they tell of tours you can take -- Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Cape Cod potato chips, Celestial Seasonings tea factory & Jelly Belly in Pleasant Prairie, Wi.  A 30 min. ride on the Jelly Belly Express telling its history, how candy is made & samples.  I don't know where Pleasant Prairie is in the state -- it's right near Kenosha so that isn't close to you.  It sounds interesting but I prefer spiced jelly beans, not fruit flavors.

Last Sat. Lar & Kim were invited to a 50th birthday celebration of Lar's classmates.  A boat ride on the Chautauqua Maid from 7-10 pm.  Started at Mayville, went as far as the new bridge & back again.  Food, a trio provided music for dancing, drink.  A fun time.  A large group & the husband footed the bills & it was a surprise for his wife.  She was Jill Berdine -- don't know if you know her.  His name is Fasenmeyer, Randy I think.  They enjoyed the soccer game very much.  It didn't rain until the game was over.

Guess this is all the news.  I'm switching between San Fran. vs. Atlanta & Designing for the Sexes, a favorite of ours.

How is football practice for the boys.  Any aches & pains.

Monday, September 3, 2001

We slept in a bit but we all are "laboring" some.  I made a coffee cake & banana bread as I had ripening bananas.  Just had a slice of banana bread with mid A.M. coffee.  Also did my usual Mon. load of clothes & changed Dale's bed.

Dale, the 2nd one up, went out to the garage to work on one of the cars.  The El Camino isn't turning out to his satisfaction so more changes are planned.

After Barb ate breakfast she went to work in the garden.

It has cooled off so yesterday I wore my new necklace, which I don't wear in hot weather.  It is so delicate & dainty.  I like it so much & when I wear it I think of all of you -- and in between, of course.

Was sorry to hear of Larry's setback but I hope this time the recovery will go faster.  It has been a merry-go-round for the relatives.

Last Fri. Barb & I went to the Bradford Mall, thinking there was a Penney's store there.  There wasn't but a salesperson suggested we go to Olean & we did.  Barb didn't find the pants she wanted so she ordered them from the catalogue.  She did find 2 tops on sale.  There was also a Bon Ton in Olean.  What surprised me the most was after 10 or so years I was able to remember the way.  We found both Malls without any trouble.  Not too bad d for an old lady!

The youngest Patterson daughter (undertaker) got married last Sat. & Kim & Lar were invited.  4 pm wedding & reception.  So Torey was over here with us.  Lar picked him up about 9:30 pm.

Last nite the lights went out for about a minute & came back on.  It was on long enough for Carey's alarm to come on.  We know Lar & Kim were at camp so we called & Lar told Dale how to turn it off.    We have the key & that saved Lar a trip.  The paper said there was electrical pole fire on the 300 block of Conewango.   8:20-9:15 it was fixed & it didn't affect our lights.  I was watching a series of "Murder She Wrote " on A&E.  Today they feature "Law & Order".

School started & Kim vows not to let the kids or things bother her.  The other Phy Ed teacher, after a couple of days, doesn't know if he's cut out for this.  You know how kids are trying the patience of a new teacher.

Last Sat. Dale went to Jamestown & said he might stop at Sam's Club so I asked him to pick up pecans for me.  Kim was here & she wanted pecans.  We got our pecans -- 2 lbs. for 9.00 -- & Dale also bought walnuts but he paid for them.  Also got himself a pr. of shorts on sale.

In Bradford they have a Big Lot store & the salesperson told us Warren is getting one & Barb noticed lights in the old Penney's store so maybe that is where they'll be.  Both Dale & Kim love to go there & find bargains.

Don't think I wrote this.  Ruth called me one afternoon.  Naturally, I thought it was bad news.  It wasn't.  She was working on the family history & wondered if we have one.  I know we have some of it so she sent me the completed history she has worked on.  It is very interesting.  More than what we've had, more detailed of the Nelson family.  So I wrote to thank her, answered Millie's letter & wrote to Gen.  So I did my good deed.  Plan to write to Darla but haven't had the inspiration yet!

I'm working on another 1000 pc. puzzle.  I've done it before but it's still a harder one.  If I don't have something to do I get bored, like Eddie says.  Then I want to snack -- if I'm busy I'll still snack but not as much or as often!

Tues. A.M.

My regular chores are done & I've showered & dressed.

Adam, next door, got or passed his driver's exam & has his license.  He had the car Sat. nite for a date.  Twelve o'clock came around & no Adam.  They -- Sally & Dan, went looking for him as today 16 yr. olds have to stop driving at midnite.  T hey knew the girlfriend's house & there were to be there.  He said he didn't know about the midnight deadline.  Now he has to be home by 11 pm.  Something you'll be experiencing a few years.

Sunday, November 5, 2000

I was tired last nite so it was "early to bed & early to rise" & the house is quiet & I'm set for church except to get into my dress.

Got my Thanksgiving cards for "the sisters" & started writing notes.  4 on Carl's side & 2 on my side.

Kim is afraid the teachers will strike & to make up the days they will lose all their holidays & she doesn't like that.  I hope they ca work it out.  In my memory there has been at least one strike.

On Halloween 2 interesting things happened.  I cleaned the bathroom on Tues. & keep my bucket on the attic stairs.  When I went to fill the bucket there was another bat.  I dropped everything, closed the door & quit working.  No one was home so when Dale came for lunch he took care of it.

Just before lunch the doorbell rang (I was glad I had showered & was presentable) & when I answered there were 3 persons in costume & I only expected 2 so for a minute I was at a loss for words.  It was Sheila & Sue with Sue's boyfriend. (Don't know what happened to her husband.)   Their get up was so good.  Barb took pictures so yesterday when I walked over town I gave them each a picture.  They came out so good & clear.  It was the last picture on the film & that aft. we went to the Mall & she dropped them at KMart & they were ready on Fri.  The pictures at the Dam came out so clear & nice.  She only wished a couple were closer up but she wanted the background.  She plans to send some.  She, meaning Barb.

Yesterday I went into D&K to get some Christmas wrapping.  This one clerk recognizes me & I said I wanted wrap so when my soon comes at Thanksgiving they can take some gifts back.  She wondered if there were grandchildren & when I said yes, she said we have some nice clothes for children, trying to be helpful.  I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I said I'll look next time I'm in.  But I can't imagine Andy wanting anything from D&K to wear.  Or Eddie, either.

Saw Mrs. Africa recently & she raved about the driveway.  Thinks it's wonderful.

Now it's afternoon & I'm watching golf on TV.

Yesterday I had a turkey roast so today we're having left overs.  Easy meal.

Yesterday Dale went to Frewsburg to see his friend & on the way he got a flat tire.  On the El Camino.  He changed the tire himself.  Today he cleaned it up & back to the garage it goes.  So he'll drive the Blazer.  He'll get new tires..

The refrig. in the basement won't work so Dale plans to get rid of it.  In its place he'll put a new set of shelves he bought.  We have an attic & a basement & still the space is filled.  Lots of junk.

This aft. Kim was going to tag several Christmas trees.  She'll tag one of us so we'll have a real tree again.  Plan to put in the area by the L.R. mirror.  Reason:  when it was by the stairs I couldn't sit & watch TV & see the tree at the same tie.  Now when I sit in my chair I can see both.  Just have to move the rocking chair.  I like to see the lights.

Upstairs Barb is clapping so Buff must be doing OK.  Now it's a tie & overtime.  They won.

Warren Hollertz called last week.  The group will get together Mon. Nov 20 at noon.  Someplace outside of Youngsville & they'll pick me up.  They had visited their son in Hartford & just came home from a visit in Ohio to their middle daughter.  They get around.  He said their anniversary was great.  Will be nice to see everyone again.

We still plan to go to Erie next Fri.  On Sat. I'll get a permanent.  I really need one -- my hair is getting long & straggly.

Just had a nice visit with Gen on the telephone.  It was my turn to call.  Ed answered the phone & he wondered about the Mets.  He always has to tease me.  But I got him back telling him the Mets did better than Boston by reading the World Series.

We're suppose to have showers in Tues.  Hope they aren't bad ones.  I like to vote in the A.M. & walk to Calvary Baptist church to vote.  Then at 4 I see the Dr.

Guess I've covered all the news here.  Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving.

Monday, March 6, 2000

I'll start a letter & keep adding to it.  Just got home from the Dr.  He said there was a membrane in my right eye & he'd "pop" it & I have to go again to get my eyes tested to see if the prescription has changed.  Couldn't do both today.  On Tues of that week I see Dr. McNett & need to get a blood test first.  On Mon the 20th I get my eyes examined.  He lasered it.  Said I'd see better now.  It hasn't been clear vision for that eye -- it's the one that had the cataract.  Beautiful day so I walked home.

Now it's 9:20 & I'm relaxing.  LCW was a workshop & the women tied a quilt.  They are given to "Safe Place" & the women are really thrilled to get a quilt.  It was a nice time & Marge Woods& I worked well together.  I'm watching Homicide now.

Tues A.M.  A few things I forgot.  Arlene Hornstrom had a stroke & is now in rehabilitation.  Do you remember the Rapps -- Jim and Carol.  Had a son, now in California & a daughter Pam.  Carol was sick a lot -- ended with cancer & she died shortly after Dad died.  Carol's father was Jim Greenlund & he died a couple of years ago.  Now his wife Alice, a sister of Myrtle Wallin, & Jim Rapp started going together & will be married in June.  Alice was the mother-in-law but she was Jim Greenlund's 3rd wife.  1 divorce, 1 death.  But I'm happy for them as Alice is a person who needs a husband & Jim Rapp will have a stable home life.  I'm sure the last years of Carol's life were hard ones for Jim & financially backbreaking.  I'm sure Alice was left financially OK.  Of course there is talk but who cares.  I think it will be good for both of them.

Just a note on Wed.  It's soon bedtime.  Dale said he might sell the Monte Carlo to Sam or he might not.  He realizes he doesn't need 3 cars.  He'd never part with the El Camino & he likes the Blazer for winter driving.  What a dilemma.

Fri A.M. the 10th

In this A.M. paper there is an article on the new State Police Barracks being built.  It states that Wm L. Gordon is the Station Commander.  Is the name familiar -- he's Dale's age & Rose's nephew.  Her twin Violet is his mother.

Winter has returned!  We still  plan to go to Jamestown this aft. as only flurries are predicted & Barb has wanted to go for some time.

Yesterday at the beauty shop (nice to have curl again) Louise Borg was having her hair done & she whispered in a disgusted voice "have you heard Jim Rapp is marrying Alice Greenlund?"   I said "yes".  Her hair had just been washed so there was nothing more said.  But I knew what she thought of it.  I'm sure many agree with her.  Marge Ristau does, I know.  And her sister Martha Andersen would.

Last nite Lar did my taxes for me.  I just have to pay state & local taxes.  Dale has his ready to send in & he expects money back as too much is taken out.  He's still wavering on the Monte Carlo & he said now he wants $5,000.00 for it.  Figures he put 7,000.00 in it at least.

He has the El Camino in Carey's garage while they are in Fla.  Both Paula & husband are working in Buffalo; sold their house & haven't found one in Buffalo so Paula wants to store some things in the garage.  So we'll be playing "musical cars" again.

Last Thurs. I mentioned Lar did my taxes so Kim walked Torey home for his exercise.  She checked the messages on the answering machine.  A very sexy voice said "Bambi call me, Bambi call me."  Didn't leave a telephone number & Kim couldn't remember any "Bambi".  She punched whatever it is that gives you the no. dialed but she wasn't familiar with it.  When Lar got home -- he had to check at Carey's -- she asked "who is Bambi".  Larry didn't know & off hand he didn't remember the phone no.  When she played the message Larry said "that's Monty", playing a joke on you.  She was really upset for awhile. So Kim sent him a email.

Fri aft. Barb & I went to Jamestown.  Had lunch at a new Ruby Tuesday close to the mall on mall property.  We had the salad bar & it was excellent.  It was a nice change.  Neither of us did much shopping -- didn't see anything we needed or caught our eye.

Dale & Sam looked at the Monte Carlo this aft. & Dale doesn't think he can part with it.  He put too  much of himself into it to let it go.  When he's not married he can afford the registration, insurance, etc. for 3 cars.

This has probably been enough reading for you for this time.

Interesting to realize Eddie could see a "messy house".  You ended your letter saying "Now I've probably made you feel like cleaning".  The letter arrived on Fri, close to noon & on Fri, Sat & Sun. I just do the necessary -- mainly meal preparation.  I'm rejuvenated by Mon. & start all over again on my schedule.  When you're almost 80 cleaning isn't a priority.

Thursday, January 20, 2000

No letter from me this week as I just mailed your letter when I got a blood test today.  It's been too cold & snowy for me to talk to the P.O. box on 5th.  The weather channel says next week will be stormy as well.

I finally ordered a white shirt from Penney's catalogue & I like it.  Couldn't find one in the stores locally.  T hey had a special 25% discount so it was inexpensive.

Barb washed the kitchen floor today & it's nice to have it clean again.

Dale is talking about getting a new rug for his room & painting it (the room!)  He wants to get rid of Dad's desk if he knows what to do with the stuff in the drawers.  He should get a new mattress & springs but he doesn't think so.  We'll see when this happens.  He did look at a rug at the West End place.  Saw one he liked & with a pad would cost 400.00.  Blue & he'd keep the walls the same neutral color.

He also said he might sell the El Camino this spring or maybe the following spring.  He'll be fussy on the buyer as he'd want it kept in good condition.  He'd sell it for at least $5,000.00.  He doesn't think it would be hard to find a buyer.  He could change his mind as he thinks a lot of that car.

Fri. the 21st.

I had my hair done today & it felt good to get out.

Dale thinks he will get the rug & store it in the attic -- before prices go up.  He'll wait til spring to start painting, etc.  He plans to lay the rug himself.  I'm sure he can do it as he did such a good job on the back steps.

We have a leak in a pipe in the basement.  Lar & Dale can fix it & Lar will be over at 1 pm tomorrow.  Tonite Dale started to remove a pipe that we don't need anymore.  Dale got all the necessary pipes, etc. needed. Saves me a lot of money.

Got your letter today.  Thanks for the pictures. The new furniture is so nice looking.  Bet it's real comfortable.  The place where you stayed looked interesting.  You eat well on those trips.

I finished the 4th book in the Jan Karon series.  I've enjoyed them so much. It's like you're reading about friends -- they become almost real.  They're great.  One more to go in this series of 5 books.

Finished putting together one puzzle & started on the next one.  Gen called & she said Millie likes to do puzzles & was working on one.

Sat. evening.

Dale is still working in the basement getting it in order as they had to move things.  The old pipe wasn't on a slant so sludge built up.  The new pipe is on a slant & should give no problem.  Lar was here only a couple of hours.

Tonite Lar & Kim are going moonlight skiing with Nancy & Jay & then back to Endres' for pizza.  Don't think they'll be out too long as it's COLD outside.

Mon. we're supposed to go out to lunch - Bensons, Hollertz, etc.  I haven't made reservation because of the weather & on a Mon. they won't be that crowded.  We always go to the Holiday Inn.

I had a letter from Linda (cousin) & was surprised.  Reason:  Larry's youngest son has a school project - we are asked to send a postcard & a little about where we live.  Linda tho't I could do that & suggested I send it on to you so be prepared to tell about Middleton & find a postcard.  Linda started it out.  All instruction are in there.  Barb got interested in it & will do the project.  Give a little history of Warren; the 1st oil well, the Dam.  You'll get to see it.  Checking it over again I see you are to send a card to the teacher with teh child's name so they check the places on the map now.  I think it's a great project for the  children.  Kim was going to tell Betsy who teaches at Home School about it.

Now it's Mon.

Had a nice time with "the gang". There were 7 of us - Ray Forstrum's weren't' there.

Barb has the "project" finished & it sounds good.  I have to get a mailing folder & then it will be sent to you for your "contribution".

Tomorrow Barb is taking the A.M. off & we'll go to the Mall.  I have a long list of things to get...mostly at Big K.  I get soap & paper products there - their brand is cheaper & just as good.

Soon supper time.

Sunday, July 25, 1999

Dale has been on vacation this past week working on his El Camino, tanning in the backyard & taking it easy.  Tonite we're finishing it off by going out to dinner, 6 pm reservation at Nickel Inn, with Lar & Kim.  They got home late Thus. pm after a nice week in Fla. with her sister & family.

They have 6 cats but they were closed in their bedroom so they wouldn't bother Larry...his allergy.  But both Woody & Debbie are chain smokers & that bothered both Lar & Kim.  Now they have 2 dogs & a beagle is only 6 weeks old & not trained in any way.  So Kim started to train him to go outside to the bathroom.  She bot leashes for both dogs & each A.M. Lar, Kim, Eric & I can't remember the girl's name walked the dogs.  Then the 4 of them went roller blading.  Woody & Debbie had vacations so they went different places.

Torey was a basket case.  The 1st day he spent under Lar's truck.  He improved some but the last day, he carried his toy bunny all around & tried to bury it several times during the day.  Kim came over on Fri. & Torey was excited to see us so you can imagine how he acted when Lar & Kim came home.

One of my favorite authors is M. C. Beaton & detective Hamish McBeth.  The stories are so good & not too lengthy.  I'll enclose an item from the Sun. Buffalo paper.  Also another item I forgot to enclose the last time.   Cats & libraries.

As of today the Mets are 1/2 game behind Atlanta.  Wonder what it will be next letter.  But they've been playing very well.  Have a great infield & their new pitcher Dotel, only 23, is a great one.  So now my hopes are high for the wild card.

This A.M. the Conewango Clippers, a men's chorus, sang in church.  Ray Forstom preached for Gary & he is a chorus member.  They sang many well known hymns & were well received.

Wait til you walk down 2nd Ave toward town.  The nursing home between Water & East sts. have built a high fence by one side.  When I walked home on Fri. Jack Spenser (Meth. pastor) & a neighbor were taking about it.  Jack said how do you like our "stockade".  They got a permit but the neighbors didn't know anything about it & aren't very happy.  It must be 8' high.

I'm so happy we have A.C. as this has been a long hot summer so far.  We've kept it going several days running.  Last nite it cooled off so I turned it off & today it is better & less humid.  Suppose to be cooler on Tues. & I hope it's true so I can do some baking.  Did make zucchini bread & a coffee cake.  We have lots of zucchini from the garden & I want to try a choc. zucchini cake Kim has made & Lar says it's good.  Cucumbers are also ripe & tomotoes have formed & are growing. 

Tuesday, August 23, 1988

Guess it's time to write a letter as it's a rainy early evening - dark & cool.  Dale is on vacation this week & wants nicer weather.  He has been working on the latest El Camino & it looks so nice.  It is a bright blue & looks beautiful  now that it has been painted.l  Still a few things to do but with Dale he can always find things to do on a car.

I'm enclosing a couple of recipes that sound interesting, esp. the rolls.  Nice because they can be started the nite before & bake in the A.M.  Haven't tried them yet but plan to.  Made a fresh blueberry pie & I'll enclose the recipe.  Easy & tasty.

Dad has a wedding next Sun. at 11 A.M.  Remember Tom Carlson (has a br4other Doug, Father Bud) he asked Dad to marry them - it will be at Chapman Dam & a picnic reception at 1 pm./  Tomorrow nite is the dinner - can't call it rehearsal as there is no rehearsal.  Will be at Deerhead Inn.

Had a long letter from Gen & she keeps busy.  Edna's 75th party will be at their home (more room for 30) but Wally's family will bring the food.  Gen & Ed have the space.  The next day friend of John at work will have a picnic at Gen's & they will bring the food.

Last nite I was up until 1:15 AM to watch the Mets beat J. Tudor & L.A.!!  7-1.  Finally a good game.  Will stay up tonite again.  Dad goes to bed around 11.  This week we can sleep in a bit.

Andy must be cute walking around & keeping Mom & Dad busy!

Watching N.Y. news & the state police are getting Mustangs that go up to 150 m.p.h. to catch speeders.  Now we're watching golf from Portland.

Kim's studio is coming along & should be finished for the Sept. opening.  It has kept them busy.

Just finished an excellent book Susquehanna by Harriet Segal.  About a Jewish family starting with the grandfather in Russia, the move to U.S. & then centering on the grandson.  Really enjoyed it.  Also read Lace some weeks ago.  Enjoyed it but it was on the sexy side.  This one wasn't.

Lar just came by.  I meant to have the blue. pie for dinner last nite & about 4 pm I remembered & then it was too late.  So I said they should come by tonite for a piece.

This weather is nice for baking & having oven meals.

Not much happening.  We made reservations for the trip to Williamsburg with Rex Graham.  Oct 12-16.  Wed-Sun.  Will celebrate my birthday on the trip.

We are all fine.

P.S. hope you can understand my pie recipe.