Tuesday, July 16, 2002

I'm sitting on the front porch & decided I'd better start a letter.

Yesterday was a busy day.  Got my usual Mon. jobs accomplished & got a perm at 11 AM.  I really needed one -- long & not much curl.  What a relief to have curl again.  In the aft. we went grocery hopping.  Got it out of the way.;  Barb works for Lynn. Tues. Wed & Thurs aft so it's after 4 before we can go grocery shopping.

Imagine you are a little relieved your big party is in the past.

Your Wed. family outing sounded very interesting.

I tried an author new to me.  Karen Robards.  It took me a few pages to want to continue but I really enjoyed it.  Another author I plan to check out is Judith McNaught.  Robard's books have a southern flavor.  I'll get more of her books.

Paul, don't you know the grass is always greener on the other side of the street in reference to Middleton vs. Cross Plains.

Kim comes home today.  We'll hear about her trip on Thurs.  I know she played golf a couple of times & they would visit her twin aunts who live close to her sister.

Torey won't be happy this weekend as Kim & Larry will leave on Sat & stay overnite, coming home sun nite.  With Betsy Moran & her husband, whose name I can never remember, they will drive their Miata to Corning, N.Y. & stay overnite there.  Betsy's husband had to heave a Miata convertible after he saw Larry's.  His is navy blue.  It should be a fun time for them.

Last nite Dale went out on Sam B's boat at the Dam. They swam & had a good time.

Twice today the same people looked at Carey's house.  It is taking a long time to sell. Don't know if they have come down on the price.

I mentioned Bert's relative, 10 yr. old Courtney, was here for dinner.  She seemed to enjoy herself.  She is very talkative & can be funny.  It was nice.  She ate everything on her plate.  After miniature golf they got ice cream.  Both Bert & Courtney's mother like to drink & it doesn't take many drinks to affect them.

I got nowhere with USA's puzzle today.  It was harder than usual.

I can't believe it -- the Mets are playing winning ball.  Bo Vaughn & Jeromy Bernitz are hitting finally.  Maybe they can climb the ladder a bit.

Wed. nite

Dale is reading the book on NASCAR you gave him for his birthday & finding it very interesting.

It's a hot day -- AC is on -- & when I finished the dishes I watered the flowers in pots & the rose bushes.  They are blooming.  Lar doesn't think the soil is that good for roses.  We'll see. He planted roses for Careys & they are going good.

Barb saw that Hatch Patch had corn & bo't some & it is delicious.  We're lucky to have Hatch Patch.

Dale is home shortly after 4 pm & gets into shorts & sits in the yard & reads.  It's good to relax.  He had a headache yesterday.

Gen hasn't called so I called her last nite.  She said Ed is better & looks better.  Her impressions are different from Millie's.  he told me she is tired all the time.  I asked her if she's seen the Dr.  She told me she has her checkup in Aug.  It is hard to know what is going on when I'm in Pa.  Luckily Edith is a good sister in law & helps Gen.

We're hoping for rain tomorrow -- Thurs -- as it is in the forecast.  The lawns are so brown & the soil is cracking in places.  Barb keeps the veggies watered.  I saw a recipe for zucchini bread that calls for only 1 c. sugar & I want to try it.  They & the cucumber are ready to pick & we've enjoyed them.  We have green tomatoes on the vine.

Fri.  I'll get this finished.  Kim enjoyed her tip but was glad to be home. Tonite Lar & Kim are attending one of the plays at the Library Theater.

Sunday, July 7, 2002

I'm home from church & changed my clothes.  No paper yet so I'll start a letter.  Today the asst. to the Bishop preached.  He seems like a very nice person & preached a good sermon.  The service lasted just 1 hour.  I also remember a pastor saying it's no good preaching when the congregation has said "Amen" in their minds.  Afterwards they were having strawberry shortcake so people could visit with him.  I didn't stay.  Lar & Kim are coming for dinner (6 pm) to make up for last Thurs.  I was up at 6 A.M. (because I didn't make the pie crust, I mean form the crust into the pan), so I did that this A.M. & made a strawberry pie.  I'm having an easy meal.  Steak & baked pot. & salad & pie.  Forgot to get green beans.  I do the inside preparations & Barb or Dale do the steak & fix mushrooms & onions if they want them.

Dale didn't work Sat - his early week so he went to his shopping "meccas".  He couldn't pass up a volt amp tester for car batteries.  New it would cost between $600-800.  He paid $125.00 -- he couldn't pass it up.

Kim stopped by Sat. & I mentioned about getting a frost free freezer.  She asked what will we do with the present one.  Do you want it.  She said yes & she'd pay us for it.  When I told Barb that, she said we don't have to wait.until cold weather.  We can move it & plug it in elsewhere & then fill up the new one & defrost & clean the old one & they can pick it up.  Sears' flyers had a sale on freezers so off Barb & I go to Sears on the west side & get one.  It won't come til the 29th but we can wait that long.  Same size as we have. It can't be wider but I would have liked it taller but they don't come that way.  So soon we'll have a frost free freezer.

Kim ordered a pair of bike riding pants for Barb.  Lar bro't them over when he walked Torey.  I asked Kim the cost & she wasn't sure.  Barb was picking more strawberries so she wasn't here.  Kim said if Barb picked 8 qt. of strawberries for Kim, she'd call it square.  So Barb will pick 8 qts. for Kim & that will pay for the pants.  Kim will have to freeze some as she leaves for Fla. Wed.  She'll leave a couple of Larry to munch on.

It's amazing how ignorant I was when you kids were growing up, from the tales I hear about now.  I never knew about your sun stroke.  I thought I was pretty good knowing what went on with my children.  At least we all lived thru it.

Both Hollertzs and Bensons are dieting & have lost some weight.  With Pat B., it is a must as she was in the hospital because of her heart.  She is taking more medication -- blood thinner, etc, but all of them could lose 50 lbs..  Pat says they're hungry all the time & even a little testy at times.  Pat has a hard time walking & uses a cane.

Bert (Barb's lady) on the other hand is too thin & that can cause problems.  So it's OK for me to be a little overweight as I can get around, walk, etc.  But I would like to lose a few pounds as some of my clothes, esp. skirts, are too tight around the waist.  Do I have the will power to give up my "coffee and" breaks.  I don't' know.

Yesterday we checked the Martha Stewart roses at KMart.  They were under $10.00 so I got 2 more plants & then Barb went back in the afternoon and got 2 more as she wanted 8 altogether.  They are blooming - the first 4 -- and are so pretty.  Finally I have my rose garden.

When we were kids in order to get to church, which we did every Sun. we'd take a bus downtown, have a transfer & usually had to wait 20 min. for the bus we needed -- the schedules didn't click -- & in the winter it was a cold wait.  We did it because it was the thing to do.  That was for Sunday School at 10 A.M., followed by church at 11 A.M.  So that was a long morning & we were starved by the time we got home.  My mother usually got a ride if the member was going to church.  She's bring us a roll to eat before church but I remember liking the idea of a roll but not eating it in front of people.  It would get eaten before we got into church.  Sometimes we were allowed to skip the Sun they had Communion as that would be a longer service -- but not too often.  If you remember anything about Springfield. the church was on King St. & Merrick Ave.  When they relocated they sold the church to a black congregation -- it is a black neighborhood now.  Just a little remembering of my Sunday School days.

I've been sitting on the front porch enjoying the beauty of the day.  And I remembered something Pat told me.  Gary Risher is now interim pastor of the Mt. Jewett church.  He visited Pat when she was in the hospital.  He talked a little about St. Paul & said Dad warned him of certain people -- troublemakers.  Who they could be I can't imagine since it's such a long time since Dad retired and he never had any problem with anyone.  Only when 3 families didn't like the idea of a new church & that was no big deal.  And one family came back.  He also told her he now has a convertible.  He was having trouble with his car.  Went back to the dealer, whom he knew & the dealer said we'll give you another car & he chose a convertible.  His cars were a sore spot with some members & he has several cars.

Tues. the 9th

We had an all day rain -- a nice one as it was a light rain that would sink into the ground.  It will only be in the low 70s for 3-4 days. I set dinner rolls & put them in the fridge overnite & will finish them in the A.M.

Mon. I had 12 rolls for Scott's birthday & today Barb informed me she invited Courtney for dinner Thurs.  Bert & her niece are going out to dinner & Barb will watch Courtney who is 10 years old.  She is really the niece's granddaughter but she calls her mother.  The son is the father but he messed up on drugs so the grandmother has raised her.  She's probably in her 50s according to Barb.  They will also go miniature golfing & to Beaty field.  They go back to Atlanta on Sat.  Courtney likes it here.  Courtney also likes Larry like all the little girls have.  I remember Paula C. coming over to see if "Wrarry" was home.  She lost the baby she was expecting.

I didn't watch any of the All Star doings last nite -- home run derby, etc.  Don't know if I'll watch much of the game tonite.  Maybe it will be good if it's the Braves vs. the Yankees -- no world series.

I guess this is enough to read at one time.

Called Millie last nite.  Ed isn't doing that good.   He is worrying about Gen & has other ills besides the stroke.  When you get to your 60s see your Dr. regularly.  Ed never did.  Gen is depressed because she can't drive & feels isolated.  She isn't taking her medication, won't wear her glasses & wants to sleep all the time.  Millie told her put on some peppy music & exercise.  Start & finish just 1 job & then do more.  She can't handle it.  It's so sad!

Monday, June 10, 2002

I'm sitting on the porch watching Dale paint the step's railings.  He sanded them on Sat.  It took most of the day because he's so fussy.  Yesterday he put the undercoat on & tonite he's putting the first coat of light tan on.  It looks really nice.  He was saying maybe he didn't have to be so fussy.

Today I hung sheets & underwear outside.  Also washed one of Dale's blankets & put it away for the summer.  They dry fast outside.

Elise Yaegle's sister died -- she had a brain tumor.  She was born in May 1920 -- my age.  Arlene Hornstrom is back in Warren at the nursing home in Pleasant Township.  This way friends can visit her.

What is a Silpat baking mat.  I've never heard of it.  Maybe I should watch the Cooking Channel.  Lately when nothing interests me, I turn to the History Channel & enjoy watching it. 

Lisa Carey & her 2 daughters were home this weekend as well as Paul & John.  The gossip is that they (Carey's) found a house in Buffalo, near Paula & John & will spend the summers there & winters in Fla.  No interest for their house here, altho people have looked at it.

Barb took 2 bike rides Sun. & today.  She's testing to see if her body can take it.  One ride equals 10 miles on the bike path & home Conewango Ave.

Today I mailed a card to Gen & a memorial for Stella to Shirley.  I hope she doesn't mind but I didn't want to wait any longer.  She can get in touch with David.

It's Wed. the 12th & it's hot & humid.  Yesterday I was at church so I put off cleaning the bathroom until this A.M.  The 2 Tues. A.M. mtg. always fall on Dale's long day.  He likes the Stouffers chicken pot pie or the ravioli & garlic toast so lunch is taken care of.  Just has to choose one.

I just watched "The Golden Girls" & had a lot of laughs.

I tried a new cooky yesterday.  Date & nut bars -- the dates are hard to find -- but it is a good cooky.  The brand name won't com\e to me but I also got the iced cooky you like.

Got my new Taste of Home Quick Cooking & plan to try a cooky recipe when it cools off, probably Sat.  Toffee Oat Cooky.  Contains oats & English toffee bits or almond brickle chips, plus sugar, flour, etc.  Tried them.  Very good. 

Scott is going to summer school at Jefferson for math.  There are 6 boys in the class & he likes it.  Tues, Wed & Thurs.  Barb will take care of him & clean for Lynn. When Marisa & Scott are together, they fight like cats & dogs.  Lynn said he likes it.  He told Barb he didn't.

Thurs A.M. is always a busy A.M.  I have to get the garbage out before 8:30 & I have to get a shower first & get dressed.  I'm usually up at 6 A.M. & this A.M. I got a fresh blueberry pie made.  1/2 of the berries are in the sauce I make & it is poured into a baked shell with 2 cups of fresh berries.  Can you understand my thoughts.  Then I got the dirty dishes, etc. cleaned up & started a load of clothes.  So most of my work is done expect to get dinner.  Yesterday I told Barb I was thinking of having a chicken noodle casserole & that didn't appeal to her.  So I said tell me what you'd like.  She chose the chicken with mushrooms & muenster cheese.  Then I said what about dessert -- maybe I'll have gingerbread, knowing she didn't like it.  Her suggestion was blueberry pie & offered to go to BiLo for the cheese & berries.  She also got a bottle of wine.  So we should have a good dinner.

This is the weekend Kim & gal friends go to Pittsburgh for a weekend of golf.  Seeing they dont' get back til late Sun. aft., they came for dinner.  We have celebrated her birthday on that Sun. but seeing her birthday is Fri. this time, we'll celebrate on Thurs.  Excuse my mistakes but I'm watching CNN & the Paula Zahn show & it's interesting & my mind is on 2 things & it doesn't help to write -- when distracting -- (I'm really mixed up) when I'm distracted by an interesting section of the program.  It's Oreo's 90th birthday today & it was fund to watch that section.

Gen called last nite.  Ed is in a nursing home & getting therapy.  She doesn't seem to really know what is going on.  I'll have to call Millie.  They go to lunch today for Gen's birthday & Edith will know about it.  Ed had a little operation but Gen didn't know much about it.  John took the day off & was with Ed.  John won't be taking the trip to Sweden.  John got a new car -- a Mercedes -- a silver color.  Maybe that will attract a girl!

Wednesday, May 29, 2002

This is a short week due to Memorial Day.  Last Sat. nite we went to Lar & Kim's for a cookout.  I hadn't seen what had been done since I was last there -- the stones by the wood stove & Lar started with the new siding.  It does the trick -- the squirrels don't like it.  He started by the front door & around the deck to the back.  He plans to paint it when he gets time. Shingled the top gable & they add a lot.  Is gable the right word.

Mon. Barb cleaned the front porch -- I sat out there reading last nite.  Found a new, to me, author Katherine Stone.  I like her books a lot.

Last Thurs & Fri Dale had to go to school again so he was 5 days away from the job.  He enjoyed this session a lot.

I called Gen last nite & Ed was still in the hospital.  He had an MRI to see why he had blood in his head.  He has a strong will to get well.  Gen thinks they'll have to study what their future will be.  Thinks they need a smaller place, one with much less work required.

Sent a card & memorial money to Shirley C.  Need to write to Stella but haven't gotten to it yet.

Both Kim & Lynn have Hoover wind tunnel vacuum & they like them a lot.  Barb uses it at Lynn's & both Barb & Kim find it gets the animal hair up.  Lar said maybe it needed to be emptied or the bag could be in the wrong way.

Both Kim & I have "Mr. Coffee" makers & I know they are apt to leak but I find if I pour carefully & not too fast it doesn't leak when I put water in the opening.  Have to have a few problems to keep one on their toes!!

Did I say we now have 4 rose bushes & Barb picked one for a bud vase.  I just love them.  She also planted some veggies -- plants & seeds.

Enjoyed reading the article on Nordic culture.  Amused when one returnee said, I think it was Finland, the country was too Americanized -- they all spoke English.

Wed. baseball on ESPN & L.A. vs. Milwaukee.  Milwaukee fans must be very disappointed.  I'm disappointed the Mets are so up & down in scoring & winning games. 

A week from today Kim  & teachers will be happy.  Only 1 1/2 days left then.  Imagine Andy & Ed are looking forward to vacation & sleeping in.

It is Thurs. aft so I'd better finish my letter to mail tomorrow.  I spilled my coffee & some drips got on my letter.  I'm watching TV in my chair in the living room when it happened.

Was sorry to hear of Stella's death but it is also a blessing.  She was 92.  I'm really glad that Ruth is giving up her home.  Once she gets settled she'll be very happy.

Took the electric blanket off my bed today.  Think the cold weather is in the past.

We're having Andy's favorite meal tonite -- stuffed pork chops.  Planned to make a banana cream pie but the bananas didn't last -- didn't buy enough so I made a pecan pie.

I saw a Hoover wind tunnel vac in the For Sale ads in the paper.  $40.00.  Someone else didn't like theirs.

Bert has ha lady that sleeps overnite so Bert won't be alone.  Last week Elsie Mae came in about 11 pm & was tired so went right upstairs to bed.  Bert didn't realize that & tho't she hadn't come in & was concerned.  About midnight she called Dave & Lois & then called Lar & Kim waking both couples up.  Finally she found out Elsie Mae was asleep upstairs & was embarrassed.  She told Barb she'd give Lar & Kim a bottle of wine for the interruption.

I guess I've exhausted any thoughts I had to share with you.  So I'll sign off for this time.

Tuesday, May 21, 2002

This A.M. I walked to Calvary Baptist Church to vote.  There is a race for State representative -- the seat is Jim Lynch's.  I voted for him because I think he has done & gotten a lot for Warren County.  Some are against him because of the Commissioners & the situation that is going on.  I'm sure you've read about it in the paper, Warren, of course!

When I got back, Barb was ready to leave so I hitched a ride & went to CVS for a few items.  Now I'm enjoying a cup of coffee & TV.  I won't do much today as we go for groceries after lunch.

It is still chilly but the sun is warm & I enjoyed the walk.  The plants are in the garage to escape the low temps.  Maybe tomorrow they can be put in their posts & the hanging plants can swing in the sun.

Gen called Sun. nite to tell me Ed had a stroke.  He came into the kitchen sun A.M. & Gen noticed he was drooling.  He went to go outside & he fell.  Gen called John & he called 911 & they came in a hurry.  They got him there early enough to do something that helps only in 3 hours after the stroke.  He'll be in the hosp. 4 days, if they can keep him there.  There were warnings, numb arms but they didn't heed the warnings as most of us don't want to admit we might be sick.  I doubt if Gen can take care of him & I'm sure he'll need help for awhile.  I'll call tonite to see how things are going.

Dale goes to Rochester for schooling.  Leaves on Wed. & home Thurs. Fri. (changed it) nite.  This time he goes alone so I have to have some supper ready early Wed.  I like it when 2 go as they eat out & I have it easy.  You lazy mother!  This is his early week so he can get an early start & drive in daylight.

My puzzle is going together slowly.  But since this is a harder one, it will take longer.  It's a good challenge.

Since Lar & Kim's anniv. falls on Thurs. they chose the menu.  It will be the chicken with mushrooms & muenster cheese, baked pot. & a spinach casserole.  Not sure of dessert.  Seeing Lar & Kim are here we decided on an anniv. gift for them.  A croquet set as the one they had burned in the fire.  They used it a lot so I hope they like the idea.  If not, they can return it & get what they like.  It is hard to think of gifts.

Wed. the 22nd

Called Gen last nite & talked to John.  Called Millie tonite but she didn't know a lot either.  Ed wants food but for some reason he can't have solid food.  He got lime or is it lyme disease & had been to the Dr. for that.  His blood pressure must have been high -- funny the doctor didn't check it.  Millie said they are very hard to get information from -- she has to ask a lot of questions.  And Gen doesn't ask the Dr. any questions.  Even Edith gets disgusted as they are hard to talk to.  Each to his own.

The Liberty St. Cafe gives gift certificates so I'll get one tomorrow.

I think Dale was a little disappointed he won't be home for the anniversary.  They are sending him so often now.

Barb got the potted plants back in their places this afternoon.  Next she will wash off the porch &  bring out the porch furniture.

I got my pictures today -- the one taken at church for the pictorial book.  I didn't order any -- you get one free.  It guess it's not too bad for an old lady.  Barb thought it was O.K.  I don't like my eyes as the result of the thyroid.

I made a carrot cake for dessert Thurs.  When I tried to get it out of the pan, it stuck.  Then part of it came out & part of it didn't.  So it doesn't look so good but tastes so good.  I tasted some of the crumbs & it's too tasty to throw out.  I hope the frosting will cover some of the damage.

Soon it's my bedtime so I'll say good night.

Tuesday, April 16,2002

The pictures you sent of the flowers in Pittsburgh are so beautiful.  It must be a wonderful place to visit.  Your bathroom paint job looks very nice.  Nice to have an ambitious wife & husband duo.

Summer is here for a few days.  Walking over to get a perm this aft. I met a man on the bridge who said "This is more like it.  A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I'd been exiled to Siberia."    It is nice to have curl in my hair again.

I strayed from my schedule this A.M.  Put off cleaning the bathroom til tomorrow but did change my sheets.  After Dale left I made potato salad for tonite along with hamburgers.  Took a shower & didn't do much more.  this aft. we got groceries & I am just taking it easy.

Barb went for a bike ride on her new bike.  The tires needed more air & she had to get a new pump.

She decided she wanted the Cheesy Italian Chicken for her birthday dinner & German choc. cake.  Both are easy to fix.  We'll celebrate on Thurs. when Lar & Kim are here.

Sheffield had its 6th bomb alarm & that day it was raining & they were outside for over an hour.  It took the Sheriff awhile to get there due to another emergency.  Now they are offering a $500.00 reward for information.  Kim said they can't just disregard them because of a law the building must be searched.  The notes are always found in the bathrooms.  The principal said if it doesn't stop, they'll have to make up the time in June.

If this weather keeps up Dale will be getting his "summer car" ready to drive.  He's talked about it.

Bob & Lynn got a car for Marisa to drive & Bob will also drive it.  She is 16 this month but now Bob & Lynn decided she can't drive until she is 17.  She is very sassy, using vulgar language & only get 2's in school.  Barb said she has never seen Marisa study or even read a book.  So sad with all the opportunities she can have.

Last nite Braves at Mets were on ESPN Mon. nite baseball.  Naturally I was watching.  In the 1st inning it was Braves 3-0.  A few innings later it was 5-1.  So I switched & watched Trauma - Emergency Room as it was a new issue.  But I would switch back & forth & miracle or miracles the Mets caught up so it was 6-6.  I stayed up thru the 11th inning & missed the Mets winning run in the 12th.  I was thrilled the A.M. to read that the Mets won.

Seeing I got 34 waist for Dale's new pants, I thought a 34 belt would work but it didn't.  Had to exchange it for a 36 waist.

Now it's Thurs. the 18th & I'd better get it finished so I can mail it on Fri.

Called Millie for her birthday.  Yesterday Gen & Edith took her out for a birthday luncheon & then they went to Edith's for dessert.  Gen still drives but Millie doesn't feel safe with her.  Ed & Gen eat out a lot because Gen can't seem to get a meal together.  She hasn't talked to her Dr. about her condition.  I'm sure there is some medication that could help.

Sat. nite Millie's children are taking her out for dinner.  Millie was surprised as she thinks this is more for a 90th birthday.  Jokingly she told Linda "Maybe you don't' think I'll reach my 90th."  She is 87.

John will be visiting Ed's relatives in Sweden this summer.  They visited in E. Long. & urged him to visit Sweden.

I got some summer tops from the attic & got them washed & ironed.  Summer came early but it won't last for which I'm thankful.  Prefer a bit of spring first.

This A.M. I baked a German choc. cake from a box & the icing is also in a can.  Who is lazy?  Barb said it was OK to use a box cake.  They come out better than one made from scratch.

I can hear the kids out at Jefferson.  I'm sure the buildings get stuffy in this unusual heat.

The paper said 1 in 4 in our county get Soc. Sec. retirement & the young people don't come back after college.  Nothing for them here.  I'm sure that is true of many small communities.

Saw in the state news in USA Today that the Rep. gov. lost 3 of his campaigners -- top men. That doesn't sound good for him.

Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Yesterday I had the cataract removed on my left eye.  Had to be there at 6 15 & in an hour I was in the operating room & home by 9:10 A.M.  A fast job.  T hey gave me a valium pill & there was more in the I.V. to make me sleepy.   You don't feel anything.  Today I had to have it checked & all is well.  More red than the right eye was.  It will go away in about 2 weeks.  I see Dr. Keverline in 2 weeks.  Then I should get my prescription for glasses.

Guess what!  Barb Lucia is working there-- must have just started as they were "breaking" her in.  She said to say hello.  She was working the computer for appointments, etc.

Yesterday I took it easy -- napped in the A.M. & in the afternoon.

Also watched the Mets beat Atlanta in Atlanta.  A great game.  Tonite they are on ESPN & Thurs they will be on TBS.  The Mets should have a good year, I hope.  They play each other 19 times this year.

I think spring is finally here.  It is nice to see the sun & it should warm up.

This week I did my Tues. work on Mon. & not much else since then.  Planned to take it easy this week as I'm an old lady.  Planned easy menus.  I love lemon pie & saw a recipe in last Sun. paper & will make one tomorrow A.M.  It's my favorite -- so so with the others.  Made the crust tonite, rather rolled it out.  The pie dough was in the freezer.  The filling isn't that hard to make.

How was your trip.  I'm sure you had a great time.

Did I mention Marissa broke up with the Loranger kid.  Guess she wants to play the field.  A senior wants to date her but Lynn won't allow it.  Scott has improved since starting medication but Barb thinks it's too late as he is a royal brat!

Talked to Gen & she is still hurting.  She did make breakfast Sun. Apr. 1st & clean up but it was slow.  Every 5th Sun. she helps count the offering & it was her turn.  When they called to check if he could do it, Ed said no.  Gen wanted to do it but Ed was right, I thought.  Start that & they'll want her to do something more.  She's going to have to change her ways after this.

This next week will be busy for you getting your kitchen ready for the remodel.  Bet you are getting excited about it.

Not much to write about so I'll pay attention to the ball game.

Thurs.  My pie looks gorgeous & the lemon part tasted good & the meringue brown a golden brown.

I'm watching Murder She Wrote & resting.  Dale doesn't come home for lunch -- a meeting at work -- so at 11 A.M. I plan to walk & get my drops prescription filled.  It's a lovely day & tomorrow showers are predicted.  Also must get 3 cards for April birthday.

Saturday, March 17, 2001

Thanks for the pictures. Andy looks good in his basketball outfit. I like the bookcase. It can hold a lot of books, etc.

When I read your letter about Eddie being sick -- it was before lunch so I wasn't eating.

Dale has to go to Rochester for 3 days.  Mon-Wed.  He'll leave about 4 on Sun. so he can drive during the daylight.  The sessions are on transmissions.  Dale said Chrysler will be closing this school and in order to get the warranty money, they have to have so much schooling each year.  Hope the next school isn't too far away.

I got 3 library books on Fri. but I only like 1 of them.  One I can't get interested in & the other ones are short stories & I don't like to read short stories.

Dale had a call today from Ken Dunham -- your age -- one of the twins  they lived by Yostens.  He wanted Dale's opinion on buying a used Jeep.  He has 3 daughters ages 27, 25, 21.  One is married.  They had quite a conversation.

Dale went to Jamestown this aft. & on the way home he stopped at Camp.  Lar & Kim were cleaning there as the bedroom floor is completed.  Kim had ordered some blinds from Penney's & they were putting them up.

Barney Miller is on TV all day today & Sun & I've been watching some of them.  They are so good.

Gen called me this past week & she is in a lot of pain.  She had xrays & there are many breaks.  Ed had to get medicine & had to sign for it as it is a narcotic.  Gen hopes it will be better in a couple of weeks.  I bet it will take a lot longer to heal.

Barb decided to defrost the freezer now.  No problem with me.  She did it in Nov. & this will help because in the summer a  lot of frost comes on it.

Tomorrow, no Mon, I'm going out to lunch with Bensons, Hollertz, etc.  We're going to 5 Fords Restaurant in Tionesta.  It serves hot buffet, salad bar, & dessert bar.  Dad & I drove by it but never ate there.  Benson's will pick me up.

Kim & Lar went to a credit union dance.  There were 9 couples at their table.  They sold 50-50 tickets.  Lar bot some, Kim decided not to, the gal next to Kim did & she won  the 50-50, about $171.00.  If Kim had bo't tickets she'd won.  6 of the 8 couples at their table won the prizes.  Lar & Kim, & Betsy & her husband won nothing.  It was at St. Paul Center, Saybrook, & Kim said the food was delicious.  Ladies of the church served the meal.  It wasn't the usual fare.  They served chicken broccoli rice casserole, stuffed peppers, etc. salads & desserts.

We were supposed to get a snow storm Fri nite into Sat.  So far just flurries.  Hope it stays away.

Thurs. nite Larry did my taxes for me so that is out of the way.  Barb & Dale have their all completed.

When I talked to Gen she said John was in Holland.  Sent there by the company eh works for.  He was to be home the end of the week.

Sun. Mar. 18th

Our pastor was gone today so Roger Thelin preached & John Check had the liturgy.  They always do a good job.  I'm enclosing an interesting article from the Buffalo paper.  Roger had an interesting illustration to close his sermon.  He has spoken of using our talents -- too many have excuses so the future is in our hands.  They story -- a wise man lived on a mountain & 2 college boys wanted to play a joke on him.   They (a boy) showed him a bird caged in his hands.  Tell me is the bird dead or alive in my hand thinking if he said alive, they'd crush it & let it drop; if he said dead, they'd let it fly away.  His answer was "it's on your hand whether it lives or dies."  And so a lot of things are in our hands whether they live or die.  In today's world we are letting a log of good things die due to our neglect.

Dale will eat around 3 pm & be ready to leave by 4 or so.  It will be different without him to talk to.

We awoke to a thin layer of snow but by the time I went to church the sidewalks were clear, due to the March sun.  Really the sun & it is so nice to see, even tho it was 29.

Should start thinking about my grocery list & menus.

Saturday, March 10, 2001

I just called & got motel reservations in the Iron Mt. Motel 8.  Got the combination numbers for 2 rooms.

Your kitchen plans sound wonderful./  Lots of cupboard space.  Bet you can hardly wait for them to get started.  But you will need the time to take out the cupboards, etc.  Will be fund to see it in July.

It doesn't seem to want to stop snowing.  We haven't had a lot this past week -- after the 6" we got -- but flurries each day.  Today it 's been strange, cloudy, flurries, & then sunshine but it doesn't last.

We know what is going into the former CVS & KB toy store at the Mall -- a Dollar Store.  Already there is one in the Market St. Plaza -- opposite BiLo.  Kim goes in there & finds bargains so I hope it will work at the Mall.  They have a sign in the window (Mall) concerning hiring.  One down & several to go.

I didn't get any library books on Fri.  I decided I couldn't spend the weekend reading.  In the Apr. 3 Family Circle there is an article on bumper stickers & one caught my eye -- from Appleton, Wi.  "Librarians are novel lovers."  Another one I saw was cute.  "I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go."

Did you notice Penn State beat Mich. State in the Big Ten tournament.  Go Penn State!!!

Got a letter from Millie & she said Gen broke 1 or 2 vertabrae when she fell.  She went to emergency room Mon A.M.  The Dr. gave her pain medicine & she is in a lot of pain.  Can't do anything so Ed has the responsibility of meal, etc.  She sleeps a lot.  Larry said they should get 2 way radios & contact Ed that way.

Millie wrote Linda was home for 5 days & they went shopping.  Millie got a new wreath for her front door.  She has a little storage shed & the window box she had for it was broken.  She got a new one to be put up if spring ever comes.  She had 3 boys shovel for her.  Lots of drifting snow.

The Warren Co. teachers finally got their new contract after waiting 8 months.  They didn't get everything they wanted but some of the things that were important were given them.  Kim was happy.  Lar has the bedroom floor half done.  They get Fri thru Mon, the 16-19 off so Kim hopes it will be done so she could start cleaning -- dust, etc.  Then the house is completed.  He's talking garage.  Thinks he could do it himself, with Dale's help.  And he'd like to get cement siding as the squirrels are gnawing on their siding.  He'd do the job himself.

Sun. aft the 11th

We had snow this A.M. & it came down fast.  Bet we got 3 inches.  It's clear now -- 1:45 pm.

All our 3 TVs have NASCAR racing.  Barb upstairs, Dale in the kitchen.  I'm in the L.R.  During the 3rd lap, 700 balloons were released in memory of D. Earnhardt & everyone saluted with 3 fingers in the air.  The one who is driving in place of D. E. is doing very well. He's just a young one starting out & didn't figure to race NASCAR this early in his career.


Don't laugh, but I've already started making a lit of what I'll need to bring on the trip.  I like to make lists.

Supper is over & the kitchen is cleaned up.

The end of the race was so exciting.  Kevin Harvick who now races D. E. car with a different number, 29, beat Jeff Gordon by 1/1000 of a second.  You should have heard the cheering & seen the #3 flags waving in the grandstands.  This is only his 3rd Nascar race & he won.  He wasn't suppose to NASCAR race until next spring & then ease into it gradually.  What a thrill for him.  Guess you'd say we're into racing as much as ever.

Penn State didn't do so good in their 2nd game.  Guess winning over Mich . State wore them out.

You're probably watching the college playoff of basketball games.  I'm not into basketball, except if Penn State is winning & I want to see if they win the game.

Tues. Mar. 13th.  My room & the bathroom are cleaned & towels are washing.  Put Swiss steak in the cork pot & it smells good.  We get groceries today so it will be nice to have dinner cooking.  It's raining her e-- more showers.  Love to all.

Saturday, March 3, 2001

Last nite I started reading "Light a Penny Candle" by M. Binchy.  Didn't do much today but read & now at 9 pm I finished it.  I enjoyed it so much.  Even ordered pizza for supper so I was really lazy today & it was fun.

Kim stopped by today.  Barb smiled when she read about your dream & Kim said you must have eaten late that nite before you retired.

Got your letter today & one from Gen but hers was very disappointing.  It contained some newspaper articles & a page on what they youth group at church did last Nov. & Dec.  Not a word form her -- very disappointing.

Your ribs sounded delicious.  I've never fixed them -- maybe I'll get courage & try fixing them.  I should use my crock pot more.

Now it's Sun. the 4th.  After church I had lunch, scanned the Buffalo paper, & made out my grocery list.  And I've been watching the Weather Channel for news of the big storm. I was hoping for a nice Mon. as I see the eye Dr. at 8:40 A.M.  So I've been keeping my eye on the weather channel.

We are suppose to get a new channel the 30th of Mar.  National Geographic Channel.  Should be interesting.

Have another book to read Fern Michaels Yesterday.  Maybe I'll start it later this aft.  When I get a good book I hate to lay it down but I can't put off a meal tonite.  I have a good chicken-spaghetti recipe that is easy & tasty.  With garlic bread & a salad it makes a good meal.

Our snow has started -- 2 pm.

At the Mall, they've taken out the wall that divides the former K Bee stores & CVS, so something must be going in there.   A new rumor -- Blairs Store will go into the former Penney's.  There are so many rumors.

I have a couple of pair of slacks to shorten for me.  Barb said they weren't too long but I felt an inch taken off would be better.  Got them ripped out -- the seam -- but that's all.  I'll put it on my list for this coming week.

Barb & Lynn had a discussion on NASCAR racing.  According to Lynn it's a "redneck" sport & it uses too much gas.  Barb disagreed but didn't argue.  But at home she said they have a boat at the lake & Bob drives a large SUV & they take a lot of gas.  That's a different story.

Last nite Barb had to chauffer Bert, Jo Africa & the one who is staying at the Holiday Inn to dinner over town.  Then she picked them up afterwards.  Barb picked Jo Africa up first & she had to sit in the front seat as she gets dizzy in the back seat.  So Bert had to climb in the back seat & that is harder for her.  J. Africa doesn't drive at nite.

Just called Gen -- Ed answered.  Gen slipped on some ice & went down hard & has a very sore back.  Ed had to make meals today.  He wasn't sure if Gen would come to the phone but she wanted to but we didn't talk too long.  She wouldn't go to the emergency room -- it happened on Sat. & now with this storm she might not get there until the middle of the week.  With her bad back, she could have broken a bone.  She'll need an xray, I bet.

Mon the 5th.
Just got home from Dr. Keverline.  I need to have the cataract removed from the left eye.  I chose Apr. 3rd as I hope by then, the weather will be nicer, and everything will be over by Easter.  We didn't get more snow during the night & I was able to walk home.  Just a little frozen rain.  The bridges weren't cleared & the sidewalk over the Hickory St. Bridge is very narrow.  I met a man coming toward me & he wouldn't walk in the deeper snow, so I had to.  The 3rd Ave bridge wasn't cleared either but most sidewalks were.  Our neighbor cleared our walk around 6 A.M.  I'll have to make cookies for them -- maybe around Easter. Snow should be gone by then.  Got home in time to watch Murder She Wrote.  Now I'm enjoying a cup of coffee.

I've gotten a good start on my book Yesterday & it is another good one.  I just finished it & it was so good. 9 pm.  I did make dinner, tho & clean sheets for Dale's bed.

Saturday, February 17, 2001

We've had snow during the day - spot showers & looking out the window now we have a storm. Lar, Kim & 3 other couples planned to go to Jamestown for dinner.  Dale went to Jamestown this aft. & coming home there was a sudden storm & he couldn't see the car in front of him.  T hen he went into sunshine.  Hope the driving isn't too bad -- they're going to Verdina's. where we went for my birthday.  They went.

Thurs. nite we were talking about the reunion & now it sounds like Barb is changing her mind & wants to attend.  We would need 2 motel rooms.  Barb said she would start saving for it.  When we're at your place I would like to go to the Mall, one that is larger than what we're used to.

Gas bills are high.  Barb said Bert's gas bill for 1 mo. was $10,000.00  No insulation, etc. in her old house.  It was $2,000.00 at church & they are asking for more money.  We've been spoiled with our warmer winters.  Not this winter.  We're on the budget -- pay each month of the year -- & our bill was $99.00.

It's a cold Sun. Feb 18 but the sun is out so I'll sit at the kitchen table & read Maeve Binchy's "The Copper Beech".  This book & the last one (maybe all) are character studies of people in the book.  It's an interesting theme.  First day of Nascar --Daytona 500 & it's nice to have Fox sports as they have so many interesting features.  Barb & Dale will watch it.

How are plans for your kitchen coming.  How long will it take once they get started?

By now you've heard that Dale Earnhardt was killed at the Daytona race.  It was practically over when the accident happened.  Barb took the death very hard.  She won't watch racing anymore.  It is very sad -- he had so many fans.  It just doesn't seem possible it happened.



Lilith Johnson, Denise's mother, had a heart attack & hospitalized. She is home now & didn't want to get out of bed.  But Bob finally got her to get her hair done -- she goes where I go & on Fri.  But Bob does all the cooking & he's never done that before.  Bob's mother is in her 90s & Bob goes to see her.  So he has his hands full.  And last week Bernie Bloom had a hip replacement.  I think he has Parkinson's as well.

Finished "The Copper Beech".  It was a good book.

I made a new cookie and it's good.  You can use Pillsbury peanut butter cooky dough or your own P.B. cooky recipe, which I did.  Form into little balls & then mold into the tiny cup cake tins.  Bake 9-12 min. & then remove from oven & press in a small Reese P.B. cup.  Let stand 10 min.  Then remove from tins.  Makes 36 cookies.  Very tasty.  The chocolate melt but hardens as they cool.

Monday the 19th.  Barb is a bit teary today & Dale doesn't say much but it is on our minds.  Guess it doesn't pay to be such ardent fans.  It hurts when something like this happens.

Kim seems to have a knack for finding good buys.  Sh e went to Blair Outlet & found a coverlet for their bed at camp.  It has squares of various birds on it & she plans to use her bird house collection to decorate.  She also got a pair of pants for Lar.  All items on a good sale price.

Gen called me on Valentine's -- Wed.  During the night she got up & was dizzy & afraid of falling.  She called Ed to help her.  Ed said we go to the Dr.  It was her thyroid.   She had stopped taking her medication.  She kept putting off calling the Dr. for an appt.  She also had trouble getting my telephone number dialed & blamed it on a new phone.  I asked her if she had her glasses on. She didn't & said she could see without them.  She won't change her ways of neglect.

Tues the 20th.  Barb has a sick headache so she is still in bed & hopes it is better by noon.  Maybe we won't be able to go grocery shopping today.  I still cleaned my room & the bathroom this A.M.  Am washing dishes (dishwasher) & will do a load of towels when the D.W. shuts off.  Soon time for "Murder She Wrote" so I'll watch that.  This is the Tues. Dale works til 8 pm so I usually have pancakes, egg & sausage or French Toast or waffles.  Today it's Fr. toast.  They get 1/2 hr. from 5-5:30 to eat if they want to.  Dale has snacks to tide him over.  No wonder he's happy at home.

Friday, January 26, 2001

Did I say Dale made an end table & it came out so nice.  He has been getting equipment to help him make things.  Kim liked it a lot.

Larry is ready to paint the bedroom at camp so it should soon be done.  Still has the floor to do.

Barb borrowed Saratoga Trunk from the library, starring Ingrid Bergman & Gary Cooper & she loved it.  Made in 1945 -- French flavor, so Barb thinks JoAnna would like it.  Have you seen it.  Today (Mon) she got the book at the library.



Gen called this week.  She said she calls John but he is either out or won't answer the telephone.  She is a worrier & feels bad.  I said John is a man and you need to let him go.  I think she realizes that but can't do it.  He might come over more if they let him go.  She wondered if we had a lot of snow, but it missed us.  Went south to the coast.  They had 12".

We heard that Rex Electronic will be in the mall taking the KBee toy store & CVS store so there will be some remodeling.  Also Big Lot store -- Kim & Dale's favorite in Jamestown -- will take over the former grocery store (County Mkt.) by the mall.  Be easier to go there now.  And the theater might reopen.

We've Pepperidge Farm Texas Toast -- Barb & Dale like the garlic toast but I like the mozzarella & monterey toast.

We're getting snow today -- 3-4".  Imagine Lar & Kim went out skiing.

I'm watching golf play in Arizona & it is cold & rainy out there.  Tiger isn't doing so good.

We're having peppercorn pork loin roast.  We had it before & it was too highly seasoned for all of us -- Lar & Kim also -- so I trierd to wash the peppers off but I'm sd help.  Wouldn't you know I got 2 peppercorn roasts at the time & I wanted to use this & get it out of the way.

Sun aft.

Just finished lunch, enjoying coffee & "Murder She Wrote"on A&E & will continue my letter so excuse any mistakes.

Last Fri. I went to the bank to get money for Feb & as I was leaving Dave Blair was entering.  We talked a moment & he asked if you are still in Wisc etc.  I said you are.  I can't get over how old he looks for a young man.  You are still young, Paul!

Kim stopped in yesterday.  She was looking for the "snow" sprayed at Christmas.  She finally found it at Eckhard's.  She went to pay for it & Barb Lucia was arguing about the price of having pictures developed & she had a 2.00 discount coupon.  The bill was over 8.00 & she only pays 5.99 at KMart.  After several minutes she finally paid for them & said from now on I'll go to KMart.  Naturally Kim was getting restless being held up.  Object of the story -- coupons don't always make things cheaper than KMart's price.  I still collect & use them.

After services today, we had the annual meeting.  Everything went smoothly.  After the business, a few had some questions.  Tom Morelli's wife is on the council & she said a few words encouraging others to say "yes" when asked to help.  She is a very capable asset in the congregation.

I changed my menu -- we're having steak for "Super Sun."

Dale has been in bed all day -- not feeling good & sleeping.  He got up to eat dinner with us -- he thought he'd be able to eat -- but he couldn't eat.  He did drink some ginger ale.  He's asleep on the davenport now.

I had the football game on in the kitchen -- Baltimore was on the 1 yard line but I didn't wait to see if they got a T.D. & haven't turned it on here.  Not that interested.  My nose has been running all day -- it must be an allergy.  Dale is awake & wants to watch the game, so it's on now.

Now it's Mon the 29th.  Before Sun. bedtime I fixed soup for Dale & he ate it all.  He went to work today -- still a little wemuch food in his tummy all day Sun.

Do you remember the Rosenquists from church.  The youngest Rick (younger than Dale) was quite wild in his high school days & later on.  Now he is the weekend cook at the Crary Home.   He has had instruction & is a good cook & the people like him & his food.  And he isn't lazy.  Lar has had Rick helping him getting a house ready for rental.  I think they have gotten 3 houses on the block.  Rick is married & has a young son.  She works at Blair's.  Rick has lost his license & can't drive.  His wife goes to the Jehovah Witness Church & they don't recognize any holidays -- Christmas, etc.  I think it is more of an Old Testament church in beliefs.  The weekly cook is lazy & just does enough to satisfy.  They would like her to quit & then Rick could have her job.  Rick tried to have a pizza shop but it didn't work out.  He probably lost money on that.  He doesn't want evening work as he wants to be around evenings for his son.  I think it was Grandma Rosenquist who kept the family together -- the children were confirmed but we never saw the parents.

When I was at the bank last Fri, I mentioned this might be my last time cashing a check -- (closing) -- but the teller said they aren't sure now.  Maybe public outcry set them to thinking about closing it.  Otherwise I go to the East Side or change to Northwest Savings.  That means changing S. Security & Pension checks.

Saturday, December 23, 2000

I'll start a letter & keep adding to it.  We are having COLD weather but I still walked to get my hair done.  My new jacket keeps me warm & I use the hood to keep the breezes out of my neck.

Yesterday they had their pot luck lunch at Shults & Dale has to bring rolls -- I made 70 of them.  He took 40, Barb put 4 on a tray she made for Lynn & Bob, I I bro't 2 each plus a few cookies to the 5 when I get my hair done.  They are all so nice & friendly.  The few left went into the freezer.  I made several kind of cookies.  Barb wanted to give something to Lynn & she has "everything" so I suggested a cooky tray.  Barb found a Christmas plate at Bon Ton 1/2 half price & it is so pretty.  So she made up a plate.  Lynn doesn't make cookies -- maybe some from Pillsbury mix, & Scott loves "Torey cookies" & others so I knew a cooky plate would go over with Scott and Bob.

Your pkg. arrived on Thurs.  Imagine it -- Dale has his packages wrapped & under the tree.  He is on the ball this year.

He got a Bush desk for his computer thru a fellow at work.  His wife works at the factory & got it cheaper thru her.  Now he has to put it together & figure out how to rearrange his room to fit it in.  It is 70" long.  The pieces look nice.  T hey said to assembly all the pieces on the floor & work from there.  Should take about 4 hours to assemble it.

Christmas Eve day Lar & Kim always go to Moran's around 4 pm.  It is "Young" Bob's 49th birthday.  Then they come here & we'll eat between 6:30-7 pm.  Saw a recipe for an egg nog pie & will try it, using egg nog from the store.  Before the egg (raw) deal I used to make it & I love it.  Commercial should be just as good.  Plan to make the strawberry salad & want to make dinner rolls so I'd better get started.

2:10 Sat.  I'm ready to sit awhile.  Tonite we're having soup for supper so got it started.  Made dinner rolls & a coffee bread.  Made my crust for my 1 crust Egg Nog Pie.  Uses Knox gelatin.  Have the pecan pie in the oven.  We can have that tonite -- with 21 pies & Kim not eating dessert there will be plenty of pie -- plus cookies & candy.

Dale rigged up a remote control for the Christmas tree.  Works great.

Barb & I got Dale a bedside table & Kim got a lamp for it.  Now I wonder if there will be room for it when the computer is there.  Think I told you Dale got 2 lamps but they are smaller & wouldn't work as well for reading.   Kim wondered about another lamp but it can always be used.  Kim is here.  More later.

Kim had a hair cut today & the man who does it (Beauty Shop - Jamestown) is always after her to have her hair straightened ($125.00).  She told him my husband would never pay for it.  His daughter straightened her hair as a gift -- just to try it out.  She didn't like it -- Lar came & he tho't it was nice until he heard how much it cost.  Then he liked the natural better.  Kim invited us over next Thurs. for dinner.  We haven't seen the new floor or rug.  I like the idea of having someone else make the meal.

Thanks for the pictures of the boys' rooms.  They look very nice.

Yes, I used to use the rubber rings on rugs but they never worked that good.  Don't they have a spray to put on rugs so they don't slip & slide.  You might find rings during canning season.

Had a card from Gerald & Darla.  Gerald wrote a note  -- He was 60 in 2000 & retired from his civil service job.  They are thinking of building a home at the lake-- Spread Eagle -- next year.  It would be a drastic change for Darla after living all her life in Texas.

Barb didn't like how she looked on the Christmas card but I think it was a nice family card.

In Ruth's card she said something about Joan having brain surgery & she is doing OK.  Will soon be going back to work starting with 1/2 days.  Joan has had more bad luck.

Heard from Gen today & she isn't ready.  They go to Edith's for Christmas Eve & to Gen & Ed's Christmas Day.  Ed got a beautiful Christmas tree (not real, naturally) when he retired but they don't put it up & if they do, it's put up for Christmas Eve & taken down the day after Christmas.  How can we be so different -- Gen & I.

Mon Tues A.M., Dec. 26.

I knew I'd get mixed up with a holiday on Mon.  Usually clean upstairs on Tues. but I'm taking it easy today.  Barb goes to Bert's today but in the aft.  We'll go to the mall & grocery shopping.  Hoping to find some plastic containers to store Christmas wrap & such.  They are advertised at KMart so we should find some.

"Santa" was very good to all of us.  Lar & Kim got us a white microwave.  But it was damaged on one side.  Kim & neighbor Lois are leaving about now 7:30 AM for Jamestown to find bargains -- Christmas wrap, etc.  Andy they will return the micro which they bo't at Sam's Club.

What pleased me most was Dale.  He has found shopping is fun esp. at Big Lot.  He picked up extra little gifts & wrapped them.  Even Begon Strips for Torey.  Maybe I can ease him into his own shopping.

Barb & I got him a night stand & Kim found a lamp. Then we wondered if it would fit in but he put it by his bed & it looks nice.  He put the computer on the side wall facing Conewango.  Moved one speaker nearer the stereo & the sound is much improved.  He wishes he could crank it up to really hear the sound.  His room looks so nice.

Now he needs to learn about the computer.  Instead of Lar & Kim coming here on Thurs, we are invited over there.  Barb & I haven't seen the new floor or the new rung.  We'll enjoy that.  A little repeat!

Everyone was pleased with their gifts.  Dale really liked the D. Earnhardt shirt -- he liked the V neck style.  Both Lar & Dale were reading their books.

Mealwise I got it right with easy meals.   Pork loin that is always tender & needs only 3/4 hr. to bake.  Christmas Day I had beef loin & that is easy to prepare as well as the trimmings.  Oven baked pot. with beef & they were good.

Lar gave Kim cross country skis & she opened them early so they could ski Sun. aft.  Kim told Barb she could have her old ones.  Barb has some but they stick no matter how she waxes them. She'll take them.

Better bring this to an end.  We all had a very nice Christmas and know you did with the boys.

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.

Sunday, September 10, 2000

Thanks for the pictures.  Andy's picture is so good & he smiled.  His teeth are looking so good -- he must be taking care of them.  Family pictures are great.  I find it hard to believe Eddie is changing so much -- no more little boy.

I sent Andy's birthday gift last Sat. so it should be there on time.  A teenager now & an interest in girls.  Sounds like he has good taste.

When it cooled off, I wanted to do some baking & ran out of flour.  Unusually I have extra on hand but I slipped up.  Now I have flour but it has warmed up & is more humid.  But it won't last & I can start baking.

Didn't get any more book.  In fact, I didn't finish Tami Hoag's book.  Found it hard to get into & I've been reading a lot so decided to give it a rest.  So I'm putting puzzles together.  Finished one last night.  Maybe I'll start another one while I watch my slipping Mets this aft.  Very discouraging.

Your shed looks very nice with the new paint.  It takes a lot of work to keep one's property.  Both Dale & Barb say driving into the driveway now is much better -- no bump to go over.  Last  Thurs. Beaty had a football game & cares were parked on Third when Lar came with his truck.  He agreed, it was much easier turning into the driveway.

Tues. the 12th.

We're having showers today & I hope it will wash away our humidity.

Barb ordered a bed from Penneys.  The present one squeaks & when she moves it wakens her up.  Should be here the end of the week.

Gen called on Sun.  John got a new car, a Japanese make & I can't remember how to spell it.  Starts with N.  He is also taking flying lessons again, much to their dismay.  It worries them.  He's a grown man who knows what he wants to do.  He's still a boy to them.  Too bad!

Barb is working extra hours this week & next preparing for a rummage sale.  Bob's father died some time ago & they finally put the house up for sale & it sold for their price.  Two families wanted it & one was willing to pay Bob's price.  So there is stuff from there to look over, etc.  Barb is pricing items, etc.

Last Sun. Rose was in church for the first time after her operation.  She's doing OK.

Barb was very happy when the Bills beat Green Bay.  Sure it was the opposite in your house.  But the Bill look good this year, at least so far.  We hope they continue.

Soon time to think of supper.

Monday, August 21, 2000

Got your letter today.  Interesting newspaper article & a nice picture of JoAnna.

I didn't watch either political convention & always mute any commercials.

I sent that article to get your thoughts about the article & porn.  In this letter I'm enclosing an article from the Buff. Sun. paper concerning how hard it is to collect fines & books that are way overdue.  Do you have these problems.

\This A.M. I started to make dinner rolls.  Then I finally called for an appt. to have my teeth cleaned & checked.  Nothing until March but she said she'd check cancellations.  I could have had an A.M. appt. but that wouldn't work -- rolls would be ready for forming &  baking.  Had 2 aft. appts. & I took the 3:30 pm.  Got in right away & didn't have to wait long for Dr. Walters to check my teeth so I was home in an hr.  This time I made an appt. for May.  I don't get a lot of tartar on my teeth & other problems are usually a lost filling.  So that's out of the way now.

I also picked a qt. of blueberries from the 2 bushes in the yard.  They are really producing this year.

Called Gen last week.  They are fine.  Not much of a garden th is summer -- too much rain & deer & wild turkey are helping themselves.  They planted blueberries but they don't have many berries at all.  Gen said John would like to have a girlfriend but he doesn't know how to treat  girl.  He is too stingy with his money.  Should be more like Ed -- generous & interested in someone else instead of centering on himself.  I'm glad I had 4 children so you could learn give & take.

Kim was surprised to read how much it cost to register Andy in school.  Barb said it's a preview of college expenses.  They don't pay for anything here but Kim thinks it won't be long before they will have to charge for sports.

Carol Stedman (now married) is living in the old Parish House on Water St.  A couple of times I've walked home on 2nd Ave & seen her & she always speaks -- I don't know her personally -- but Lar & Barb do.  Lar & Kim were out to eat & Carol saw them & came over & gave Lar a big kiss & then talked for quite a while & didn't include Kim.  Kim wasn't very happy & wondered why Lar didn't introduce her.  I think Lar was too surprised to.  So Carol doesn't rate very high on her list.  Kim played golf last Sat & Lar didn't do any extra work because of a sore back.  Kim told him it's better to take a couple of days off rather than not work for 2 weeks.  So Sat. nite Lar & Torey walked over (Kim got home at 7 pm) to see "Grandma".  As soon as Tor was here, he looked all over for Kim.  They weren't here too long as they were going out to eat once Kim got home.  She was home before Lar & she figured they were over here.

I decided to quit reading for awhile & I'm putting a 1000 pc. puzzle together.

I'm watching Paramedics, one of my favorite programs.  It's from Phoenix tonite.

Heard on TV that Washington State is trying to interest children in reading by varying the library cards -- maybe more colorful, or a picture, etc.  Do you think that would help.  I can remember my Dad sitting in his chair reading the newspapers with Nifty (dog) on his lap.  My mother never had much spare time to read but I've always loved to read & still do.

Catherine Coulter's books are so good.  I must have her mixed up with another author as I thought her books were about Scotland, but they take place in San. Fran. or other Calif. areas.

We had hamburgers & corn on the cob for supper.  An easy meal in case my time at the dentist took longer.  The corn has been so good.  They surely planted a lot knowing people will pay 3.99 for 13 ears.  They've always been good for us.

Also got some peaches. I'd like to try to make a peach cobbler.

Have a couple of bills to mail tomorrow so will bring this to an end & have it ready to mail.

Friday, June 23, 2000

It's a beautiful day on the cool side.  Good day to do some baking but I made cookies earlier in the week.

We've had a lot of rain & Beaty Field was wet.  Tonite (all nite) until Sat. mid morning there is a cancer get together going on but not at Beaty this year due to the wet.  It was moved to the High School grounds.  Do we card?  Not a bit when a rock band was scheduled for 11 pm - 1 A.M. plus the sound system announcing various things going on.  It is very hard to get to sleep & stay asleep.  So we're happy to let some other people find it hard to sleep.  Let's hope they like the high school property better.  More parking & I think a little more secluded but sound does carry.

Sounds like Eddie is keeping up with Andy on baseball.  That is great.

I remember when Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving & the grumbling that took place.  There was grumbling when Soc. Security started & I suppose there still is but a lot of people would have very little to go on unless it was forced on them.  My S.S. payment is higher than the pension.  It's best to have something you can't get at to borrow.  Usually it never gets paid back.  I remember Gen & Ed saying they'd never see a S.S. check & now they are getting it.  Grandma Nelson got a small S.S. check and she treasured it -- it was hers to spend.  I'm sure she never had any spending money.

Rhubarb is hard to come by.  I'd love to make a strawberry rhubarb pie.  We've had straw. shortcake but no straw pie yet.  We plan to go to the Mall later (Kim said she's stop by after 3) & we'll stop at Hatch Patch for berries.

Sat aft. the 24th

Dale just finished his rug & it looks so nice.  He didn't have to pay rent for it  (stretcher*) as the owner (2 years older than Dale) wanted his advice on what was wrong with his van -- it was the fuel pump & he could fix it himself once he knew what the problem was.   *The equipment to get it stretched, etc.  Dale just had to listen to the problems & knew what it was.

Sam B. stopped by to show Dale his '84 Monte Carol.  A light navy color, 2 door & very nice looking.  The owner started out wanting $8,000.00 & it didn't go.  Sam offered $5,000.00 & they took it.

Had a letter from Millie.  Gen was on the committee for their 60th anniversary get together of graduation (hi school) so she wanted a new dress & Millie went shopping with her.  Millie is very good to shop with.  Gen found a dress & a pants suit that looked good on her & Millie insisted Gen get both & she did.  I wouldn't have to be told twice to get both outfits but Gen doesn't like to shop.  Ed also insists sometimes when the go shopping.

Went to the library this A.M. & got 3 books - my limit when I walk.  I'll be glad when July is here as the library will be opened longer hours.

Barb picked 5 qts. strawberries this A.M. at Hatch Patch.  $1.05 vs. $2.75 already picked.  Delicious.  The corn is really growing.

I'm watching N.Y.Y. vs. Chicago White Sox & the Yankees are ahead.  But as of now 3 pm the W. Sox are 1/2 game ahead of Boston & N.Y.Y. in third place.  Deals are going on  - wonder who will get who or is it whom!

You can be sure I'll be watching T.V. Thurs-Sun when the Mets host the Braves.  Esp. to see how things go with Rocker, who should learn not to talk to reporters.

One of the Sheffield teachers is getting married & Kim was invited to a shower for her at a summer home at Chautauqua this afternoon.

Patterson (funeral director) left last week for a visit in Italy.  Kim is watering their plants while they are away.

Tues. the 27th.

I'm reading again.  Enjoyed The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy.  Now I'm near the end of I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick.  That's all I want to do once I start a book so I've done just the basics in the house.  Tomorrow I plan to go to the bank to get money for next month's budget.

Kim heard from her sister.  At an exam the Dr. found that she has melanoma -- is that correct spelling -- & it's very serious.  She will be operated on July 11 & until then, not a lot is know as to the outcome -- how deep into the bone, etc. etc.  Kim will be going down to Fla. after the operation & of course her sister & family won't be coming up here, unless Kim brings the niece & nephew back & they would return by plane if Debbie would allow it.