Saturday, March 10, 2006

I'll start a letter before lunch.  I made a loaf of blueberry bread, took a few things I won't be wearing up to the attic & brought down some cotton shirts.  They need to be washed but that can wait.  It is a nice spring day.

Dale will go to get a blood test at the hosp. lab.  He said his Blazer is acting up, needs a new engine, so he should get rid of it.  Also talks about selling the Monte Carol & just driving the El Camino.  It hasn't been driven for a number of years as he has been working on it. With just 1 car, it can be kept in the garage all the time.  Save on insurance money as well.

When we were at the Lakewood Mall last Thurs, I was wishing I was 50 years younger. Why?  One of the shops had the cutest outfit in their window.  A pretty pink top with the popular tiered skirt in a pretty print to match the top. It is really a pretty outfit.  Guess you know I tho't it was "pretty". by the use of that word!

Also on the way home, we saw a v-shaped flock of geese flying north.  A sign of spring, but I haven't seen a robin yet.  I'm ready for spring.  I have to pull the shades over the kitchen sink windows down a bit as the sun shines in my eyes.

The new family across the st. have someone clearing & raking up.  I heard they want to do some new landscaping.

Once in awhile the Shopping Guide is delivered to our door.  It included a section of houses for sale.  I noticed it said sale pending for Collins house.  The cost is $124,900.  They have 4 bedrooms & a big backyard, double garage so that is not too bad.  Ryberg's house hasn't been sold.  Mail just came so I'll read your letter.

Mar. 17.  Happy St. Patrick's Day

I have really enjoyed the Baseball World Classic.  And I think the announcing team of Gary Thorne, Arestes Destrada & Orel H. are tops.  None are overbearing, or hogs the mike.  I hope they announce a log of the games.

Last nite Lar said he'll soon have a hi-intensity (hope that's the correct word) TV.  He wants it to watch the World Soccer games coming up soon.  Something new in TVs.

When I got up yesterday there wasn't any snow but about 6 AM, it started to snow hard.  Kim said driving to school was really tough.  The neighbor shoveled his walk but by aft. all sidewalks were clear from the sun.  It is clear & cold this A.M.  25.

Yesterday I was busy so today I'm taking it easy.  Our dinner is in the crockpot.  W hen we shopped on Mon. I got some meat whose date was soon to expire.  I got 2 pkg. & froze them & used one today. Nice to get a bargain once in awhile.

Just watched a crazy movie.  TCM, of course.  Of course I didn't see it from the beginning.

Scott is going out for track this spring.  Barb & Lynn wonder how long he'll last.  He wants to go out for sports as the girls go for those guys!  He wants to be "cool".  Marisa arrived home last nite from Fla.  She enjoyed her time there.  Lynn said to Barb things are easier when Marisa is gone.  Scott can't do anything right & Marisa constantly yells & swears at him. She has a filthy mouth & that is not good.

Sheila & Sue are raising their rates because of the increase of gas & elec.  2.00 for shampoo & set & $1.00 for perms.  That's not much.  Starts Apr. 1.

Finally saw 2 robins in our driveway this A.M.

Dale wondered if he got a bad batch of oil for his Blazer.  He changed the oil & that has helped, but there is a noise that bothers him.  So he'll look for the reason for that.  He's not quite ready to give up on the Blazer.

Last nite Lar figured out my state tax & it is ready to mail.  Dale has finished & sent in his taxes.  He'll get a refund.  Barb hasn't figured her out yet.  Last yr. it was finished in Jan.

I've only seen the U.S. team place once & that was against Japan & they should have lost that game. 3rd base "rhubarb" went against Japan & the player didn't leave early.  They aren't very good representatives for the u.S.  I bet some team's gen. manager's mouths are "watering" when they watch some of the Cuban players.  They are good.  I'm anxious for regular baseball to start.  Pittsburgh is doing pretty good in spring training games.  I should root for them, but I don't' know if I can give up being a Met fan.

Apr. 17th is Millie's birthday.  You are constantly in my thoughts & prayers and I know you'll come thru with flying colors!  We all are praying for you.

It's only Thurs. so I'm a day early for St. Pat's.  It has been that way since Lar & Kim come on Wed. Next Wed. is that last time so we'll get back to Thurs. again.

The crockpot dinner was good.  Dale isn't home yet (6pm) so I didn't wait for him.  Most likely he's working on the Blazer.

I pulled another boo boo today.  The crockpot was ready by 9 A.M.  At 11 A.M. I couldn't smell it cooking.  I forgot to turn it on -- another senior moment!!!

USA Today had a story on "the other third baseman in NYC", meaning the Mets David Wright.  They think he'll be an All Star for a long time.  He is really a nice kid, down to earth, & wanting to please. And he's been a Met fan growing up.  He has 3 brothers & his father is a police captain in Va.

There was also an article on the increase of the number of college grads living at home.  Various reasons, debts, cost of apt. or buying one.  They come home so they can save money to get a start.  Some parents like the idea, some don't.

Tomorrow I have to get more meds & will probably go to the Mall.  I need to geet a few things.

Remember we are with you all in thoughts & prayers.

P.S.  John just called to tell us they are going to have a son.  All is well with Fe & the baby. You can tell that John is very excited with this news.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

61 years ago Dad & I were married on a cold, foggy night.  61 sounds like so many years but it seems like yesterday.  Lots of pleasant memories.

John called the other nite -- he had good news.  John & Fe will have a son or daughter later this summer.  They are very happy.

I called Millie & John had called her.  In our conversation Millie said "I bet you are happy about the Pittsburgh Steelers".  I said "very happy!"  She was disappointed in her N.E. team.

Do you ever hear Jeannie Most ? (sp, but that's the way it sounds).  Yesterday she had a story about the latest "thing".  Eye gazing when dating.  No conversation.  18 seconds of gazing into each other's eyes & getting the message.  No blinking.  It was so cute & she has such a good way of telling these stories.

Also Craig Wilson of USA Today had a cute article on retirement.  The first group of baby boomers turned 60.  Wonder how many of the parents are till happily married.

Marisa is having problems with depression & saw the Dr. yesterday.  That is so sad for a young person.

Last nite Barb & Larry were talking about the TV show "American Idol".  Barb watched it for the first time Tues. nite & couldn't get over the lack of talent.  Both Lar & Barb treat it as a joke.  If the contestant was bad, they started swearing at the judges & one said what does Paula know.  Lar also watches "Desperate Housewives" & like it.  Kim falls asleep during the program.  Last nite I watched the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Wn. 8-1.  Finally they won a game.  They have a great young player, Sidney Crosby, who will be a star hockey player. He's only 20 years old & can really play.

Winter is back.  We got enough snow to shovel but the temps are suppose to rise.  It was cold this A.M., when I put the garbage out.  Yesterday when it was snowing & blowing, Dale had to go to Pittsburgh for school.  He got home safe & sound but said the driving wasn't too good.

Mon. when we went to the Mall, I got a new puzzle.  Small floral design.  Started it & it won't be an easy one, but there is no rush to finish it.

The library's annual report is so good & what makes it so interesting are the graphs you have explaining the money, use of books, etc.  Interesting to hear of your retirement plans.  It will be here before you know it.  You have made the library an excellent situation for the next director.

Alice Nasman gave me a pair of slacks a 14 petite & they fit beautifully, esp. around the rear. Even the length is good.  I've been getting Brigg's slacks but they are a little large in the hips & I don't like the look but still wear them. Took in the back seam some & that helps.

When Lar & Kim come Wed. nites, Thurs. seems like an extra day.  I don't do much.  Will work on the puzzle & on Thursday.  After lunch I plan to make a peanut butter pie.  It's for the freezer & dessert for Dale.

Fri. the 27th

Today is Bob's 50th birthday.  He anted to spend it in Fla. with Lynn but that didn't happen. Lynn didn't want to leave Marisa & Scott alone, esp. since Marisa is still seeing her "bad" boyfriend.  Instead Marisa is taking time off because of her moods & will go to Fla. to be with her grandparents -- Lynn's folks.  She will spend 2-3 months down there & hopes (folks) she will forget Dan, a real loser.  Why are nice girls attracted to bad boys & he has been bad since teens & before.  His folks like Marisa because they hope she can change him.

Sunny day but it was 9 this A.M.

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.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

It's a damp, sometimes rainy Sat.  I'm not baking today -- have banana bread in the freezer.

They (Russell school) are taking down the newer playground equipment at Jefferson School. It is a big project & several men are there.  I'm sure it is a time free job by PTA volunteers.

I copies 2 recipes from Bon Appetit.  One a choc. cake & frosting that sounds delicious. The other Schmaltz balls for thickening gravy.  Don't' know if I'll have the chicken fat to make them.  Article by Alton Brown from the Food Channel & fun to watch if you can take his humor.  Sometimes I can't.  Dale watches it at times.

Watching Baseball Tonight on ESPN last nite, 3 of the 4 announcers pick the White Sox to win. One stock with the Astros.  I'm having a hard time deciding.  I'm an N.L. booster but -- ! One has to lose.

This past week I've been up at 5 AM.  Work up this A.M. at 5 AM, went to the bathroom & back to sleep til after 7 A.M.  It's a lazy day for me & that is why I started a letter.

Barb is still in her p.j.'s on the laptop.  Dale slept in & is taking it easy.  He got what he needed to automatically open the car doors so we should so be able to use the keys for that.

Yesterday we went to Jamestown.  Ate lunch at Red Lobster.  Did some shopping.  Found a top I liked.  Tried it on & bought it.  A Kathy Daniels red zippered top with a black scroll design stitched on.  The "stitched" should have gone before "scroll" -- or something like that.

Later.  We're watching the Wi-Purdue game.  As of the half they are tied.  Go Wisconsin!

I'm making "Almost Homemade Chicken Soup' using canned chicken broth, veggies & noodles & of course cubed chicken.  Barb wondered if I made a pie.  Tho't of it but we have leftover apple crisp to finish.  Next time I'll plan a soup & pie supper.

Wed, 8 A.M.

I'll write some more before I get dressed.  Last Sun. as I made my bed I turned the wrong way & felt a twinge in my back.  I've applied heat & exercise.  It's not bad enough to go to the chiropractor, but it is a little bothersome.

Millie called to tell me that John, Fe (Fay) & Gen went to see Millie last Sun. They gave her a wedding invitation, 3 pages telling about sponsors, attendants, etc.  Done in pink & white. Her father is dead & was mayor of their city.  Mother an M.D.  Large group of attendants. Following the ceremony the reception & it said dance, dance, dance so it must be an all nite affair.  John & Fe leave tomorrow the 27th & it's a 24 ur trip.  Gen thinks John is going on vacation.  Gen doesn't believe John is her son.  Millie can see how that can happen because he is so much like Ed.  And when he called me, he sounded like Ed.  They also went to Larry's cottage & Gen told Larry she planned to divorce Ed.

Sun. in church the pastor announced Rose Seeley's family wished members would visit Rose, esp. old friends.  That hit home as I've tho't I should visit Rose but haven't.  But I will. She is at the home on Water St. so I can walk over there.  But it's been a rainy week so I'll wait for a nicer day but I have to do this.  No more putting it off.

John is either 41 or will be in Nov.  That means my mother died 41 years ago.  She died in Jan & John was born in Nov.  Millie figures Fe is in her middle 30s.  She is an emergency room nurse.  Works 4 10 hr. days & has 3 days off.

I made lasagna last nite, using "no cook" noodles & it was very good.  Veggie lasagna with spinach.  When I had to cook the noodles they would always split on me & I didn't like that.

Better get going.

Thurs nite.

My back is OK & I'm thankful for that.

I was sorry that the Astros couldn't even win one game, but it is nice the White Sox finally won a World Series.  I didn't think it was a very interesting World Series.

Have you noticed how well Penn State & the Steelers are doing.  I guess "Papa Joe" as he is affectionately called still has "it" along with the help of a few good freshmen.  He doesn't usually use freshman.  I'm sure Cyndi is happy.  Is that how she spells her name.  Seems to be it was a different spelling.  We're hoping that we see the sun soon. Maybe this weekend.

Barb finished her puzzle & I started one.  A winter scene.  Barb's was a hard one.

Tuesday, May 5, 2005

Last week I got a letter from John & it surprised me.  Told me about Fe (pronounced Fay) his Philipino girlfriend & sent pictures of their trip to Aruba.  John looks very happy.  He wears glasses now & in one picture you could be brothers, except he carries more weight & has a fuller face.  He took Gen to a day care center but she didn't like it.  He is still keeping the farm up & 2 of his buddies help him.  He has planted 2000 Christmas trees in back of the house that was his grandparents.  It will be several years before they are grown.  Gen would have a fit if she knew they were together in Aruba.  Now John has freedom & is better off.

I called Millie east Sat.  That was the day of the family birthday party.  She is feeling fine again.  Allan, knowing she had lost her appetite, bro't her chicken soup, turkey soup, spag. & meat balls & chili -- he had made them all.  He is 63 & retired.  Is pres. of the "Friends of the Library" (they live in Westfield) & has sponsored several parties to make money.  One in their backyard & it was a beer tasting party & Allan had made finger food to go with it.

I finally got 3 boxes of Schwans chicken thru Sheila.  He said he would stop at the house last Sat. but he didn't.  Hope he does sometime.

We went to Erie & I thin kit will be my last trip.  Too much walking & I like to stay near Barb so it is hard to shop for what is on my list.  Jamestown is better for me.  We wish a Target would come in the area somewhere.

I was ironing last week & my iron quit.  Dale looked at it & fixed it so I won't need to get a new one.

My 2nd blueberry pie came out better -- the crust around the edge wasn't as thick.  I cut it away as I should have done with the 1st one.  Now I have to get the cut out in the top crust centered so it looks better.  It is a good recipe & taste good.

We are looking forward to tomorrow.  Why?  Warmer weather & sunshine are on the way!  Oh happy day.  The furnace has been running to keep us warm when it's in the 30's outside.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was the new Schwan man -- they got someone to take the route.  He'll come every other Tues.

Sat. nite we are invited to Lar & Kim's camp to celebrate Mother's Day.  It should be in the hi 60's, so we can be outside.

We went to the library yesterday & I got 4 books.  2 by Fern Michaels, 1 by Karen Robards, 1 by Mary Baloch.

I got an invitation to Ted & Pat Benson's 50th wedding anniversary party in June.  I think it is the 50th of his ordination as well.  In June sometime.

Thurs. May 4

Yesterday I decided to try to finish my second book.  So at 7 A.M. (Dale's early week) I started reading for an hour.  When I looked at the clock it was close to 8:15.  I shut the book & did dishes & then got dressed, etc.  Read some more & finished the book.  Started dinner rolls & finished them after lunch.  Baked a pie shell for the banana cream pie I made this A.M.  A new recipe I got in the Sun. paper.  You fold whipping cream into the custard.  It looks good.

Barb was up early yesterday so she could be at Lynn's at 11:30 to help Scott (who didn't go to school) write a book report on Tom Sawyer which is due tomorrow.  She had to go to Bert's first.  Lynn said she'd see that Scott read the book, but she never did.  She tanked Barb many times for helping Scott.  I asked her if she will be helping him thru the high school years.  They are pushing the kids so they'll do well on the 8th grade tests.  My high school subjects must seem like pap in regard to what they learn today.

Yesterday aft. I started the 3rd book & finished it this A.M.  No TV last night.  I really admire authors who can write books that make one want to read til it's finished.  I just wish I could spread my reading time out.  One more book to go.  I'll have to try to save it for a couple of days.

It warmed up today & was so nice.

Lar tilled the garden for Barb.

Will enclose John's letter & a picture.