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!

Friday, October 27, 1995

Thanks for your letter.  I have a good start on Christmas - Bon Ton has had some great sales.  Really need ideas for Paul & JoAnna..

To celebrate the Bicentennial they will put an engraved brick walk in front of the theater.  Engraved names in blocks for 75.00 a brick.  Plan to get one for Dad & am thinking of getting one with Andy & Eddie Nelson on it.

I bought a paperback finally.   K is for Killer by Sue Grafton.

Also got a book by Sara Paretsky at the library, "Guardian Angel" & now I found I've already read it.  Also got "Texas Rich" by Fern Michaels & "The Nightingale Legacy" by Catherine Coulter, a newer book at the library.  If I couldn't read, life would be drab.

Went to the dentist for a cleaning & check & had 1 cavity & got it filled last Mon.  Next Mon. I get my yearly physical, which was postponed from a Sept date.

We are enjoying the World Series.  I stayed up to the end of the 11 inning game.  12:45 AM, our time.

Don't care for the TV set up - for the play offs & the 2 channels having to share.  Prefer A.B.C. but they talk too much to suit me.  I put together 2 puzzles while watching the games.  Prefer to be doing something as I watch.

When Barb first started bringing Scott here for a cooky, he was shy.  Now he comes in with a big "hi" & leaves with "goodby".  He is talking much more.

Barb wants to take Fri. Nov. 3rd off & she & will go to the Erie Mall to shop.

Stella is home from the hospital.  Did OK after the operation.  But the Dr said she'd either have to go to a nursing home or to Dan's for awhile, so she is with Dan & family.  Naturally she hopes to get to her own apt as soon as possible.

Signe is at Lila's this weekend as Carolyn will be at her college reunion.  Ruth called to let us know about Stella & told us about Signe.

Now it's Sat A.M., Nov. 4th & I'll finish this.

When talking about books, forgot to mention I bot "Chicken Soup for the Soul"  and have enjoyed reading the different stories by various people.  They are inspirational.

I had my yearly physical & all is well.  Visited the dentist, had 1 cavity & got it taken care of.  Got my eyes examined & just had 1 little change in my right eye.  He said my eyes are in fine shape, couldn't believe I was 75 & that whatever I was doing to keep it up.

Yesterday Barb & I went to Erie.  She drove & we had no problems - she is a good driver.  We went to a new dept store Kohl's & it is nice.  Ate at The Olive Garden & really enjoyed it.  T hen to Barnes & Noble Book Store.  Fun to look there.  Next Stop Toys R Us & we had fun there & just about finished the boys' shopping there.  (If only it were that easy to shop for their parents!!)   We weren't in the Mall for long as it was nearing 3 pm & we wanted to be on our way home.  Time went just too fast, but so much fun.

I was in bed by 10 pm & up at 6:30 A.M. as I couldn't sleep any longer.   Dad gets a hair cut this A.M. & then Barb & I will go to our Mall for a couple of things and get groceries.

We're having our first snowflakes this A.M.  Yesterday we were lucky, we had sunshine but you could feel it getting colder.

Finally met our new neighbors.  Halloween I made double batch of Danish & bro't over 8 & introduced myself.  The next day I got a nice note from her.  Al & Pat Herrera, Kyle & Alyssa.  We just talked at the door a few minutes.  In the card she said when she is "more settled we'd love to have you over".

Bob & Lynn bro't Marissa & Scott here for trick 'n' treat & I had 8 rolls for them.  And Lar stopped in after raking at Carey's & he got some rolls.  I'm known for something - my rolls!  Better than nothing!

Kim will be glad when 5 pm comes as then she will have completed more credits toward her master's degree.  Thurs nite after they left here, she had to complete a paper for this.  A new Sam's (WalMart) opened in Lakewood so they'll go out to eat & then shop there, etc.

Dale got a V.C.R. for his room & also bot & installed a garbage disposer for our sink.  Old one wore out.  All is well here.

Monday, April 17, 1995

I'm lazy today & don't feel like doing  much.  Could start spring cleaning but ---!

Thurs. we went to Erie - Kim, who drove, Barb & I & 2 friends of Kim.  We left at 9:45 A.M. & ate lunch as soon as we got there.  Then we had about 2 hours to look around.  They now have Barb's favorite store (where you got the sweatshirt) & we spent some time there.  Barb got a couple of tops & shorts.  They have so many nice things.  We also spent time at T. J. Max & PharMore Drug store.  Latter is where I like to look for things.  We were home about 5 pm./  Rained all the way home.

Barb took Thurs. & Fri. off.  After my hair appt. on Fri. Barb & I went to the Pastry shop for an early lunch & we shopped a bit.

Sun. Lar & Kim were here for a 5 pm Easter & Birthday dinner.  We waited to celebrate Dale's birthday. I'll think you for his card & book.  Both he & Lar enjoyed looking thru it.

About 10 days ago our pastor had a mini stroke & missed Palm Sun services.  The asst. to the Bishop was with us.  Then he was hospitalized due to an extremely high blood pressure count & they also found he has sugar.  He was in church on Sun. & preached but the Bishop's Asst. had the liturgy & communion.  Gary will have to take it easy for awhile.  He is 48, a dangerous age so he's had his warning.

Heard from Gen.  Edith, Edna & Frank would be at Gen's for Easter dinner.  Mon-Wed they have Swedish relatives on Ed's side.  They'll stay with  Edith & be at Ed & Gen's Mon. for dinner.  They'll sightsee, all be at Edith's for Tues. dinner.  Wed. they'll go out to eat & they leave at noon on Thurs.  Because of this visit, Millie's birthday luncheon is delayed.  Edna, Millie, Edith & Gen go out for lunch on each birthday.

Gen wrote Edna saw the eye Dr. & she's had some bleeding on one eye & will have some laser work on it.  I meant to call her last nite but forgot until it was too late.

Frank (cousin) is now at a Jewish home & seems to be doing better as they have more therapy there.  He invited Ed & Gen to a Seder dinner on Good Fri.  A prime rib dinner.  I'm anxious to hear more about it.  It's funny.  Gen is so concerned about Frank's clothes when he has to see a Dr.  She makes sure he should wear slacks, shirt, etc.  She'll wash his shirts if they look dirty.  He usually wears jogging outfits which is best as they are so easy to get on & off.

Ed found a kitten in their barn & fed it milk so now they have a cat.  Gen wrote come & meet her!  She knows I'm not fond of cats.

Gen likes the family picture.  Her's is the first I've heard after sending them.

Are you knee deep in taxes today, or have you already mailed your taxes.  There is a lot of "stuff" on T.V. today concerning late payments, resistors, etc.  Can be interesting to listen to.

There was an interesting cartoon in the paper last week.  It showed a man trying to resist watching baseball on T.V. & he couldn't resist.  I watched a preseason game on Sat:  Braves beat the Yankees & part of the Sun nite game on E.S.P.N.  We're ready to watch WWOR, ESPN, & TBS.  The 26th the Mets play at Colorado & I hope they show a lot of the new stadium - like they did in Toronto.  Part of ESPN's "triple play".  Aft it's the Yankees & late nite a coast game.

Better get busy - put clean clothes away.  Fun to be lazy.

Saturday, July 10, 1993

All we do is sit so I'll write a letter.  Will enclose one from Edna as it is "newsy".  It's never been as hot as it is - doesn't even cool down at nite.  Not even a sheet is needed.  We've had 5 days of temps in the 90's & humidity, too.  I just do what is necessary & then sit by the fan.  But I'm thankful it's not the flooding of the Midwest & the damage that follows.

July 4th we were at Lar & Kim's camp & the screened in porch is so nice.  It is the small porch on the side.  Dr. Jay, Nancy & their 4 daughters were also there.  They went in the stream to cool off & had a great time.  Their dog (from the same litter) was there & Ginger & Taury have more fun playing together.  They also enjoyed the water.  The girls made "Some Mores" & enjoyed toasting the marshmallows.  It was a nice time.  Jay & Nancy are very down to earth.

Lar & Kim leave the 16th for a visit in Atlanta & in Fla.  They decided to take the dog so Barb won't have to "dog-sit".  She was to stay at the apt. but I don't think Kim can leave the dog that long.

The Bishop of the Synod was here one Wed. in June to present Dad with a certificate & a gift for his 50th anniv.  He was here for lunch & we had a nice visit.  Gift from Synod.

Fri  July 2nd Kim took Barb & me to the Erie Mall as a thank you.  Barb for helping her clean the camp & me for baking cookies for when her 2 aunts & uncle were here.  They loved the double choc. cooky.  We did some shopping & ate lunch at Ruby Tuesday.  A new place, nice environment & good food.

Edna [Mom's oldest sister] wrote in her letter she hasn't bot anything for herself in over a yr.  Dad says hardly a week goes by for me to shop for something if I see a bargain I must have it.  That keeps me going & happy.  I think Edna will be 80, Aug 27th.  Maybe you could drop her a card.

This past week Dad got another floral arrangement from the Hessel Valley Church - for his 50th.  It is beautiful with maroon colored lilies.  Haven't see them before.

Barb is getting her hair colored this A.M. & this aft. we'll go to the Mall as she has a pkg. to pick up at Penney's.  We'll also get some groceries.

If the weather ever cools down I'll be glad as I get restless not doing anything.  Didn't dust or vacuum this week.  Need to bake cookies also.

But we are all fine & send you our love, hugs & kisses.


Edna's letter.  (Monday, July 5, 1993)

I can't remember the last time I wrote to you but thought I should write now.

As far as my condition is concerned I think I told you I had ultrasound therapy for my shoulder during the month of January.  I used to wake up about 3 or 4 in the morning with a pain in my shoulder & I would massage it & it would feel better.  However, I wasn't getting any better so on May 24 I went to a rheumatologist who said I had bursitis.  (I thought I had arthritis.)  I had a cortisone injection and in 2 days the pain was gone.  I should have gone to him much sooner.  My arm is still a little stiff because I haven't done my exercises very much.  If I'm on my feet a lot, I get tired and sometimes when I walk I feel as though People think I'm drunk.  But people say I walk as if nothing had happened to me.  Now I'm following in Aunt Esther's footsteps.  Every morning before getting up, she does exercises in bed.  Now I massage my arms & legs in bed & get the circulation going and the stiffness out and I feel much better.

Yesterday we had a July 4 picnic at Gen's.  I picked up Aunt Esther & Uncle Wilfred at the nursing home & brought them over.  Frank Carlson brought them back.  It was a beautiful day and we had a delicious meal.  You should have seen Esther & Wilfred eat!  They had ravenous appetites.  He is very thin but Esther should lose weight.  She has gained.  Wilfred was rambunctious when he first entered the Home but now seems calmer.  He rambles on about things which we can't understand.  He looked very nice yesterday.  At one time he wore 3 ties at once and also slept in a chair because he laid out all his clothes on the bed.  The nurses decided to let him do as he pleased because he was mean to them otherwise.

Gen & Ed & Edith had a wonderful time in Sweden & a couple of days in Copenhagen.  I was glad they went.  They saw Ed's relatives and the Luthgren family.  Everybody was so good to them.  But it rained most of the time, I guess.  About that time, I think, we had about 10 days with no rain.  My lawn looks terrible.  I watered it a few times, but I didn't start early enough & I finally gave up.  We haven't had much rain this past week, just a shower now & then.  It's been in the 80s, near 90.

Wally's son-in-law painted my house in May because he's not working.  I was lucky because he charged only half or less than a professional would charge.  Later on he's going to do the panelling on the front porch.  He wanted to go back to Florida to work on a house that he bought cheap from his aunt who was willed it and didn't want it.  It was a mess so he's spent a lot of time there fixing it up both inside and out.  It's a long trip to Florida & back.

I'm also lucky that I have Wally's son, Ralph, next door to mow the lawn, but I pay him like anyone else.  It saves me from trying to find someone who is reliable.

I'm also having 4 birch trees treated for Birch Leaf Minor.  Some of the leaves were brown this Spring so I'm having 3 treatments.  There is always something to spend money on.  I haven't spent any money on myself for over a year.  I have to get some new shoes though.

It will be 3 years this month since Wally died  I can't believe it.  It will be 4 years in December since Jerry died.  Both Larry & Linda like to have Millie visit them quite often.  Allan is good to her, too.  Jerry's brother Tony and his wife take her out quite often while they are here; they go to Florida for the winter.

Steiger's is downsizing their downtown store from 4 floors & a basement to 2 floors & a basement.  They are going to lay off more people.  Millie got a call the other day, thinking she was going to be laid off.    [Millie was born in 1913.]  Instead, they want her to work 4 days instead of 3 and longer hours.  She doesn't like the hours because 2 days she has to work until 5 PM and she can't get the afternoon bus when she goes to visit Larry & Debbie on the week-ends.  But it is better than nothing.  She would go crazy if she didn't work because she has to be on the go all the time.  I'm just the opposite; I don't mind staying home.  Of course, I have a larger house & I try to keep busy.

I hope Carl is feeling alright and I hope you all have a good summer.

P.S.  I forgot about Carl's 50th anniversary.  I hope you all had a good time.