Monday, December 26, 2005

It sure is quiet today after the excitement of Christmas.  I didn't wake up til 6:20 this A>M. As I was going downstairs, I heard Dale's voice.  "I'm not going to work today.  I have congestion in my chest."  So he has been taking it easy.  Resting & he hasn't eaten that much.

I did my regular duties of washing 3 loads & making Dale's bed with clean sheets.  After lunch Barb & I went grocery shopping.

We had a nice Christmas & Santa was very good to all of us.  The 2 silver trays you gave me are very pretty & I like them a lot.  We all got the regular run of gifts.  The dishes from Lar & Kim are very pretty & looked so nice on the table.  The biggest problem is where do I store them.  Barb says we'll have to look for a shelf for the basement to store them.  Barb was so pleased the boys liked their gifts.  She fretted over them once she had ordered them so was happy to hear they were pleased.

I didn't get last week's letter mailed until today & most likely it won't go out til tomorrow.

It's been trying to snow today but it is still mild.  Dale gave me a new outdoor thermometer & put it up on the font porch.  One that is easier to read.  He also gave me an oven (meat) thermometer & I used it on the turkey breast for Christmas.  Worked fine.

Last Fri. at Shults they had a pot luck lunch at noon.  They  had prizes & Dale finally won something -- $50.00.

Heard from Gerald & Darla.  Chance is in the 5th grade & doing well.  They were expecting one of her sons & family for Christmas.

At the grocery store today, I noticed a jump in some of the prices of groceries & meat.  Must be the high price of transportation.

Thurs. I don't have to fix dinner so as will be going to Lar & Kim's.  They'll put the queen sized mattress in the guest room.  It isn't that old so should be more comfortable the next time you visit.  The king-sized bed will provide more room for Kim as Torey sleeps with them now.  They hate to push him off when he is getting old & slower.  It will be a sad day when they have to put him to sleep.

Barb has been using my car keys.  She can't find hers.  She has looked thru her jacket & no keys.  They must have dropped somewhere.

There was an article in today's paper concerning churches are hurting because the high cost of heating bills.  Churches like First Methodist are most likely wishing their church was less cathedral like now.  People don't want to sit in a cold church.

Made a date bread for Christmas breakfast & Kim really like it.  It is a favorite of mine.  I didn't get any Bond Ost cheese this year as only Larry & I like it.  It is quite pricey now.

Sheffield is losing 2 companies due to them closing or moving away.  Kim thinks that could affect the Sheffield schools as she thinks people will have to move away.  If the schools should close she would have seniority & "bump" a new teacher.  She wouldn't care to go to the high school as her friend teaches there & said the kids are bad.  Barb always thinks Sheffield is so bad but I say all the schools have problem kids.  "Oh, Sheffield is worse."  So it pleased me to hear Kim say because Warren is larger, they have more problems.  She'd go there if she had to, to continue teaching, but would prefer the younger grades.  It won't happen tomorrow, but it is on her mind.  When you kids went to school there never was an asst. superintendent.  Now there is with a hefty salary.  That could be a savings.  The school population is much smaller now.

Tues. the 27th

Dale went to work today.  He told me he was scared -- maybe he thought it was heart pains. But wasn't.  He dozed a lot all day.  At times he had a blanket around him because he felt chilled.  Can't remember if I wrote John sent pictures of their wedding.  Took 22 hrs. to get to Manila.  His best friend was with him as he also has a Phillipino girlfriend.  Fe must come from a well-to-do family judging by the pictures of her home & of the wedding.

I sit here wondering what I should do.  Can't do much until we take the tree & decorations down for another year.  It's easier just to be lazy!

My next letter will have an increased postage stamp on it.

Thurs A.M.

We went to the library on Tues. & I got 5 books, 2 of them new authors.  Read Thunder Creek by Jill Gregory, set in Wyoming & enjoyed it a lot.  Will look for more of her books. Read Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson.  It was OK but not enough to make me read another of her books.  The 3 old faithfuls -- Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky & The Bailey Chronicles by Catherine Cookson.  Both sound so good.  I can't decide which to read first.  Then White Kat by Sandra Brown.  I'll read that last as it sounds familiar but I like her.

We never got Eddie's latest school picture.  Didn't he like it?

It is nice to have a Thurs. when I don't have to plan a meal.  Or make a dessert.  My New Year's resolution is to fill each daily square with a meal plan so I will be prepared.  Hope I'm successful as that is my downfall.  One of them anyway!

Fri. A.M.

We had a nice time at Lar & Kim's last nite.

The Bailey Chronicles by Cookson is such a good book.  I'm enjoying it so much.  550+ pages.  almost finished.

Barb & I are going out to lunch.  Her treat for me making cookies for Lynn & Bob & family.

P.S.  Your Christmas letter was such a great idea & so much fun to read.  Thanks for including it.

Sunday, December 12, 2004

We watched the Bills beat the Browns & now Pittsburgh is playing the Jets & the Steelers couldn't get a TD but got a field goal.  Steelers won!!!

I asked Dale what kind of cookies he liked outside of tea cakes.  He said those date ones meaning the date-filled cookies.  Haven't made them for years & he really surprised me. They are a favorite of mine.  Before the Steeler game I found the recipe & made the dough & it is chilling in the fridge.  My dates are too old but we'll get groceries tomorrow.  I'm going to try making Biscotti.  The coffee shop in Warren has them & they as good to dunk.

We needed bananas so we stopped at Quality on our way home from the Mall.  Dale likes cacti plants & we saw a pretty arrangement of 3 cacti with stones, pebbles & wood.  We got it as a gift for him. Barb brought it over to Lar to keep it til Christmas Eve.  We didn't know where to hide it uncovered & we didn't want to keep it loosened in a plastic bag.

Barb went up to Lawn & Garden to look around & she found the cutest Santa on sale.  It is a policeman Santa holding a little boy on one arm & a flag in the other hand.  It plays "God Bless America".  I claimed it & paid her for it.  The boys is saluting the flag.  He (Santa) has a fat tummy, blue suit with a whistle around his neck & a club on his belt.

I got my "away" cards mailed.  Had a letter card from Carole & Arland & see they have a new address & I had their old address on the card.  I used a label and covered it.

Noticed UB's baseball won over Niagara "in a thriller" to quote the Buff. paper.  Another article says "UB athletic dept. has something special brewing".   They have a new athletic director & I guess they have hopes of better teams & more winners.

Barb said the announcers on the  Buff. game said the Steelers would have a hard time winning then the Steelers play in Buff.  I said that's crazy & she didn't like it being a Buff. fan. So that should be an interesting game for this Nelson family.  2 against 1.

Mon. the 13th

I'm watching CNN news & they were telling about 2 men robbing a house when they heard a video "Stop, we've got the house surrounded."  They ran out of the house & didn't take anything.  Guess the videos are good for something.

Our toaster oven won't toast anymore.  We got another one & without reading the direction, Barb said it gets too hot.  She had the oven part on.  I'm not sure how it will heat rolls up.  It is a Black & Decker so it should be OK.  To toast you don't heat the oven.

We're getting our first snow but not as much as in Chautauqua County.  Erie had had an accumulation.  We don't' have much but more is expected thru the nite into Tues.  There was a late start to school (10 A.M.) because of slippery conditions in the outer parts of Warren County.  Frozen slush, etc.

I've noticed the adds on TV like the videos you are now getting.  Will you, rather are you watching them.

Tues. the 14th

I looked at the calendar & realized Christmas is next week & tho't I'd better get busy.  And so I did this A.M.  This is Dale's early week so I was up at 5 AM.  After getting things ready for breakfast, I formed my rolls & baked them.  Then I made molasses cookies -- I put them thru the cooky press & they came out very thin & have ridges -- I love them that way.  Then I made the Russian tea cakes; next came the rolled out cookies.  I put a date mixture on one cooky & covered it with another circle & baked them.  I'm not good at making rolled out cookies & their looks aren't hat great but they taste good.   I washed pans, etc. several times, rested a bit with a cup of coffee & then got lunch for Dale & myself.  After lunch I started a veg. beef soup & made a pumpkin pie.  Soup & pie for supper.  Finally at 2 pm I sat down & I'm watching my soaps.  It feels good to take it easy.  Oh yes I changed my sheets & did a load of wash.  Pretty good for an old lady, don't you think.  I'm just thankful I can do it.  I still plan to make one or two more recipes of cookies.  Barb likes to give a plate of cookies to Bob & Lynn.

Your pkg. arrived late aft.  Barb & I opened it i& she put your gifts under the tree.

Wed. the 15th

Dale said the bank at the Mall was robbed this aft.

Erie has had a rash of robberies -- pizza places, fast food & Radio Shack.  Tonite the Erie news at 6 pm told they arrested a young fellow.  I missed the first part that told how they caught him, but it probably will be in the Wrrn. paper tomorrow.  They know he committed 2 of them & think he did them all.  He carried a gun & used it at times.  When someone tried to take it away he shot it to let them know he'd use it.  He didn't look at all sorry but when he's in jail for a few years, he'll change his tune.

Made 2 batches of cookies today & plan to make 2 or 3 more batches.  Made Spritz & a sugar cooky today.  Want to make the peanut butter cooky you put a Hershey kiss on after it's baked awhile.  And a peanut butter bar cooky & my favorite a coconut macaroon.  Who wasn't going to make many cookies.  Maybe I'll bring some over to Viola Seaquist.  I did last year so I will this year.  And Barb will fix a plate for Lynn. Yesterday Scott got one of my rolls & today he got 2 Spritz & 2 sugar cookies.  He likes them.

Fri. the 17th

Did you get a Christmas card from Gerald & Darla.  It is a picture of the white painted out hosue & it has a small flower box with red flowers.  There was a note & Darla said "write".  I did write & never got a reply to my last letter so gave up.  It's nice to get an answer.

We got an inch of snow overnite but we don't have very much but it is nice to have for Christmas.

I know you'll have a great Christmas.

P.S.  Which pkg. did the boys "peek" into!!!

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Meanwhile, back in Middleton

When I told Barb about your deals with Andy & Ed, I said Paul is bribing the boys to get good marks.  Barb said that's not bribery but an incentive to do better.  I hope it works!

Before I forget Lar & Kim enjoyed their time at the Bed & Breakfast, or whatever it's called. They went the first weekend in Nov -- they wanted to go in Oct when the leaves were turning, but they waited too long to all for reservations.  They enjoyed the visit.  Other rooms were filled.  One man was visiting his daughter, a student at St. Bonaventure.

We  had a nice Thanksgiving -- a good meal.

Fri it rained "cats & dogs".  Got my hair done at 9 a.m. & we waited til 11:30 & went to Holiday Inn for lunch.  Then to Gayle's store where they have a lot of Christmas things. Chuck Johnson & wife own it.  We bo't a couple of things.  Then to Blair's Outlet but we didn't see much we wanted.  Then to the Dr. office to give them my Medicare & Insurance info.  Then to the library where I got 3 books, all just about 200 pages.  2 by Sandra Brown & one by Barbara Paul.  Didn't have too much tie to browse.  We were back by 2 pm.  Barb did a couple of loads of clothes & about 3 we went to the Mall. Barb saw a sweater she tho't I'd like.  It is black with large red & purple-ish poppies.  I like it a lot.  Made by Cathy Daniels.  It has longer stems.  So we had a nice day.

The weather for Mon. is suppose to be snow flurries, but Barb thinks we'll b able to go to Erie.  I have a long list so I hope it will be successful.

This A.M. we woke up to snow -- the heavy kind.  Dale said they lost electricity for about an hour but we didn't.  His Sat. to work in the A.M.

Last Fri I got a pkg in the mail from "country Bumpkins" in Biddeford, Me.  A wooden Santa made by a Connie Verville.  It's different but very nice.  But it is a mystery -- there was no card to say who sent it.  So I don't know who to thank. I remember when I was in Jr. Hi I got a box of Whitman chocolates with no name.  I finally found out who sent it & I didn't even know him & besides he was short!  But I sure enjoyed the candy!

Sun. Nov 30

This aft. Dale put up our prelighted artificial tree.  We still h ad problems as the light in the middle of the tree wouldn't light up.  We tired checking bulbs -- finally Barb used one set of old lights & filled int he area.  It's a narrower one & fits better in our L.R.  It looks very nice, I'm please. . We still have other decorating to do, but that will happen during the week.

We finished the rest of the turkey tonite.  I made a casserole of leftover stuffing, turkey & gravy.  It was good -- Dale had a second helping.  Last night I made a turkey -broccoli quiche, so they didn't mind leftovers.

Mon. Dec 1

Thanks for your call.  I'm sorry I spoiled your surprise -- but when a pkg. comes & you know nothing about it, naturally you open it.   I really like it.

We left for Erie at 8:45 A.M. & arrived at Target at 10 A.M.  Barb returned the Spelling Ace with Thesaurus & got another one & it works.  My crossword puzzle aid.  I got gifts for the Salvation Army name.  We went to Marshall's but we didn't see anything interesting & to a kitchen & other things & I got two frames for the boy's large pictures.  They are nice & sturdy to stand on a table.  Also went to KMart.  Then on to home, stopping at Perkins for lunch in Corry.  Home by 1:45 pm in time for my 2 pm soap.

Then I started a load of wash, made Dale's bed up clean.  2 more loads of wash & I cleaned the bathroom so I got most of my Mon  duties accomplished.  By suppertime, I was tired so I ordered pizza & made a salad.  Dale likes pizza so that's no problem.

Next Sat the 6th we have a cooky walk & soup & pie luncheon at church. I'll make 2 pies for it.  I might make some cookies -- 3 doz.

Tues. the 2nd

We awoke to a snow storm & slippery roads.  First they said school would be delayed til 10 A.M.  Then they called it off because of the snow & bad roads.  Barb & I went to CVS for a prescription for me & then to Quality for groceries.  Barb drove carefully.

Looking thru my "Taste of Home" magazine I saw a recipe for Peanut Butter Choc. Chip Peanut cooky & I tried it today & it's the one Barb & Dale like best.  So I'll have to be careful & not lose this one.

I'll have to start addressing cards for Christmas & I'll have a few notes to write.

Also heard from Gerald -- a thank you card for money for June's memorial.  I dont' know if Darla wrote or Gerald & they said write, but it is no fun writing when you never get an answer, so I gave up writing.

Wed. the 3rd

We had hamburgers & macaroni 'n' cheese for supper.  The Fri. after Thanksgiving Dale & the guys don't leave for lunch.  One of the fellows bro't his G. Foreman grill & they cooked hamb. & Dale said they were so good.  So I cooked our hamb. on our Foreman grill.  This time I got ground meat with 10% fat (usually get 5% fat) & the burgers were very tasty.  Barb & I like mac & cheese but I don't think Dale is so fond it it.  Majority counts.

Got my first Christmas card today from Jim & Diane Seeley.

Barb had to cash a check today & wanted to go to the Mall & I went with her.  Kim said she could use a belt so I found one for her & got myself a pair of black slacks, size 14.  My size 16 were too baggy in the seat.  They were on sale so I might get a navy pair next time we go to the Mall.

Thurs. nite.  After dinner Lar gave Dale a haircut.  Lar walks Torey home so they both get exercise.  We have lites by the TV, on the one buffet in the D.R. & along the window bench. The Santas are under the windows. It all looks nice.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002

The weather is ideal & I have my ambition back.

Lar will come to dinner tonite -- for 6 weeks they will come on Wed. as Lar prefers not to lay soccer after a meal on Thurs.  But Kim can't come tonite as she has another golf tournament & they close with a dinner.

The water is off for a couple of hours (10:45 A.M.) as they are putting a new hydrant up the street.

Dale came home after his late Tuesday & said "See what we will wear on Fridays".  A shirt -- NASCAR with Dodge, etc. on it.  Short sleeved, black with a red yoke front & back.  He doesn't like bright colors so I teased him a bit.

We've had corn a few times & it has been excellent.  Peaches have been good & local blueberries.  Big & sweet.  Dale likes them on cereal.

Millie said the funeral was well attended.  Gen held up OK both at calling hours & service.  I'll enclose what Millie sent me.

Yesterday Barb didn't have to watch Scott so she washed windows inside & out.  Downstairs windows.

I'm thinking about rearranging my bedroom but I'll wait til September when Dale takes another week's vacation so he can help me.

I wish we could put the TV in another spot but that means changing wires, etc. so I guess it will stay where it is.  I'd like to put the sofa on the wall where the TV is.  It would make the room look bigger.  At least I think so.

Next Sunday the service will be at Chapman Dam followed by a family picnic.  I wont' be going & I don't believe they should ever close the church on Sundays.

Best gets a perm tomorrow & on Friday we plan to go to Jamestown.

This school year Scott will eat lunch at school -- he takes the new medication -- so he doesn't have to take it at lunch.  Lynn doesn't like people to know he takes meds.  Scott hates taking the buss so now Barb will pick him up & be there til 4:30.  Marisa isn't reliable to watch him. They have rented their building to another trucking firm, offices & all.  They still have an office there & maybe part of the garage for repairs, so Bob keeps busy.

Today's paper said National Forge is up for sale.  If that goes Warren will really be a ghost town.

Thurs. the 22nd

When Torey first saw Dale last nite, Dale had his work uniform & barked at Dale.  Later on, when Dale had changed, he was begging Dale for the treats he buys for Torey.

Someone was conducting a survey -- whether you drink Pepsi or Coke.  I said neither.  He was surprised.

Barb is very pleased with her perm.  It looks so nice.

Had a letter from Darla today.  The grass has been planted around the house & should be ready to mow soon.  Gerald still has a lot of stuff to go thru but they are enjoying the house.  Easy to keep up.

They've had company -- their kids & Darla was busy cooking for them but happy to have them.

Charles & Sandy stopped by & she cooked dinner for them.

Carolyn & Jim were in Iron Mountain & they met them for dinner at Pine Mountain.  Afterwards they went to see their house & visited awhile.

Darla is working at the Hospital gift shop once a week. She enjoys getting out & meeting people.  Good for her.

We are expecting showers today -- but none so far.

2 pm

This A.M. I did it -- I changed my bed to under the windows.  Now I'll only wash my sheets every other week.  One week I'll sleep on the left side & the right side the next.  This way it is a little easier to get up during the nite form either side.  I put a belt around each wheel of the frame & pulled.  I don't have any aches of pains so I guess I didn't hurt myself.  I got half of the room cleaned.  That's all I could manage today.  Got rid of dust & vacuumed where the bed was.  I also found some summer tops in a box between (watching TV) under the bed.  I still have a few things to put away in my room so I'll sign off for this time.

Dale looked nice in the Dodge NASCAR shirft.  The short sleeves are also red.  A bright red.

Tuesday, April 30, 2002

I'm getting my hair done on Thurs. this week as later in the aft. I get my picture taken for a pictorial book for church.  So I'd better get to writing a letter.

The furnace is still running & it feels good to have the heat.

In my casserole cookbook there is a recipe using tortellini in a cheese sauce.  I tried it tonite but the more I thought about it the more I doubted the cheese sauce.  I used a spag. sauce & added cheese.  Barb really liked it & so did I.  This is Dale's late Tues so I'll find out later what he likes.  Very easy to fix!

I finally wrote to Darla & I got a letter from her on Fri. last week.  She said write soon so I'll try.  They had visited in Okla. & Texas on Chance's spring break.  Darla's boys & Jerry (Darla & Gerald's) will be visiting them this summer.  She said something about building a retaining wall so they can park the car better next winter.

I got the Mets cap for Eddie & will mail it when I mail the letters.  Found one at Penney's last Fri.

When taking the picture, they recommend wearing long sleeves.  I didn't want to wear a winter outfit so I found a navy jacket & slacks.  Not a fitted jacket, light weight materials with sleeves that fold up.  I'm sure JoAnna knows what I'm talking about.  Will be nice with other outfits it it's cool.  They are very popular & in many colors.  It feels good on me.

While I write this I'm enjoying a cup of coffee & your favorite "store bot" cookies.  Frosted oatmeal.  I like to have coffee and ..... after the kitchen is cleaned up.

I watched Montreal's hockey team beat the Boston Bruins last nite to take the series.  Score 2-1.  It was an exciting finish & I was rooting for Montreal.

I've also enjoyed watching the Braves get beat (poor grammar) & lay like they did in the 80s.

At work, they threw away an old TV.  Dale spotted it & rescued it.  Fiddled around with it & got it to work.  I guess that one semester at school taught him a lot.  He seems to be able to fix almost anything.

He's doing another transmission job for someone at work. Only it wasn't worth fixing.  Last Sat he went to Seaman's to look for parts.

Dale found some Oatmeal Graham Crackers at Big Lots.  We still have an opened pkg. of regular ones, so I haven't tasted them yet.

Last Thurs. Kim said "29 more days until school is over."  Teachers count the days as well as students.

We were discussing what to get Lar for his 50th birthday.  Kim said he loves the cherry beer served at Liberty St. Cafe & available at one of the places in Warren.  The catch -- it is expensive & comes only by the case @ $100.00  So we decided to go together & get him a case as he would like that & yet wouldn't expect it.  Lar also had it at a friend's home -- the one who bot the Dr's home on 4th Ave - whose name I can never remember.

Wed.  A lovely day so I walked over to the bank & cashed a check.  Also sent the pkg. for Ed. to the library.

Dale said he'd mow the lawn tonite -- more showers are forecast for tomorrow.  But Sat. is suppose to be a lovely day.  Returned library books today, but didn't get any new ones.  Maybe on Sat. I'll take a walk.  The Dam is at summer pool level measure so we've had a lot of rain & that will help.

Noticed today that Northwest Savings is putting a new front on the old Levinson's facing Liberty St.  Like an overhang -- curved & a copper color.  Hard to explain but maybe there will be a picture in the paper once it is complete.  They are trying to get owners to update their buildings.

Bert will be home next Mon. so Barb is finishing up painting & getting the kitchen in order.  She'll also get groceries so Bert will have food on hand.  Barb bro't home one of the drawers to work on here.  Must be as old as the house.  Metal & it is rusted.  At least it will be cleaner with new paint & new contact paper in the drawer bottom.

May is here today.  Hard to believe it.  The Phillies are playing at San Fran this aft.  It's on ESPN.

Soon time to think of dinner plans.

Saturday, February 23, 2002

Today I've switched between golf & the Olympics on TV.  We've enjoyed the Olympics.  Tomorrow U.S. plays Canada in hockey for the Gold medal.  Should be good to watch.

Had a letter from Darla today.  Gerald got a snowmobile so he & Chance have been riding. Darla hasn't tired it yet.  They were expecting Curt & Denise for a weekend visit.  Either this week or next.  Chance likes school & has a couple of friends to play with.  They are pretty much settled, except for Gerald's office.   Still have 9 more boxes to unpack.  They like it & winter hasn't been too bad this year.

What a nice picture of Eddie in his Scout uniform.  Good for Andy to make cookies.  a little competition is good.  (His friend making cookies.)  The rug looks nice under the kitchen table.

Lila's birthday is Mar. 7th in case you want to send her a card.  She will be 90.

Lar & Kim pay their Discover credit card thru the computer.  When they got the bill there were charges on it they didn't charge.  Somehow someone got their credit card numbers & used their  card.  They've looked into it but it's not settled yet.  They asked for a new card & cut up the old one.

I changed my long distance telephone from AT&T to Verizon so I'll just have 1 bill rather than two.

Tues. 11 A.M. there is a Bible Study at church & I plan to attend.  It is followed by a pot luck lunch.  So I'll change my schedule this week.  I will clean upstairs on Mon. & will have Tues free.   Plan to take a scalped potato-ham casserole.  About 30 attend.  I attended the Lenten midweek last Wed & will continue to attend.  The last couple of years, I haven't attended -- I figure we need all the "bodies" we can get.  It was an interesting session.

I'm still working on my puzzle.  Hardly touched it this past week.  Filled in a few pieces today.

Sun the 24th

In the Sun. paper, the book section, has a review of one of your favorite authors, Carl Hiaasen, "Stripped of his schtick, Hiaasen still sizzles."  The review sounded interesting.  Do you think I'd like this book (to read).  Others didn't appeal.

And I'll enclose some stamp news.  Scenes saying "Wish You Were Here".  Greetings from teh states that sound very interesting.

Just wrote a note to Gen.

While waiting for the hocked game -- U.S. vs. Canada -- I got interested in a Jean Arthur-Ray Milland comedy.   Missed the opening.  It was so funny.  For awhile I was switching back & forth.  The hockey is exciting.  My favorite, Gary Thorne, is the announcer for the games.  He is so good.

Tues a.m.

The Olympics are not very & they were good.  Now it's time for me to turn my thoughts to baseball & "The Mets".

It's started to rain & I go to the Bible Study this a.m.  Must get started but I want to finish this & hope it gets mailed today or tomorrow.

Finished my puzzle and started a new one.