Friday, June 17, 2005

We've been watching the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Golf Course in N. Carolina.  It is a hard course with not many under par.  It's fun to watch.  A couple from our church & their son are there.  The son is carrying the names of certain players & the father has some volunteer job.  What a thrill.  Both father & son are good golfers.  Maybe you noticed Aaron's picture in our paper.  Sports section. 

It's been very cool today with showers & the sun alternating in making an appearance.  I'm baking tomorrow, dinner rolls, coffee cake & short cake to go with fresh strawberries.  Also plan to make jam as I used the last jar, or I should say the last jar is in the fridge.   I won't make jam for awhile.  Barb says she wants to pick berries to freeze & she'll pick some for me.

Dale was saying he was working on a truck & it smelled so strong with men's cologne he could hardly stand it.  He wondered if they poured it on themselves.

Kim's birthday party was very nice.  When I made a pie instead of cake, I arranged some strawberries on cool whip & put birthday candles on them so she had candles to blow out.

We went to CVS today to get my meds & then to the Mall.  I went into Big Lots & noticed they had "Anna's ginger cookies".  I got a pkg. of the ginger ones & 1 pkg. of the almond ginger cookies.  The regular Swedish thin wafer cooky & they are as good as the ones you gave me one Thanksgiving & they were cheaper.  Not in a tin.  I love them & hope to get more if they aren't sold out.  They taste so good with a cup of coffee.

Then I went to the Dollar Store & got toilet paper & kleenex.  Kim gets a lot of her paper goods & cleaning supplies there.

Kim is painting her kitchen.  She wants to get all her chores out of the way & then enjoy the summer.  She'll play in a women's league Tues. A.M.'s. 

Tonite I made tuna noodle casserole & Dale said it tasted pretty good.  Leftover strawberry pie for dessert.

What did the Pittsburgh Pirates do to deserve the present games.  3 at Yankee Stadium & now a weekend series in Boston.  They did have a couple of home runs in NYC.

Sheila said they enjoyed their cruise.  One interesting thing -- they had to sanitize their hands before going on board the ship & before going into restaurants.

Mon the 20th.  I'm enclosing a recipe from "Quick Cooking" (Greendale, Wi) for Brats & Beer muffins.  You could use some of your leftover brats.  I thought it looked interesting.  Recipe came from a lady in Texas.

Wed the 22nd.

I'm watching the Mets at Philly.  Just the 1st inning & no score.  We now can get Turner movies as of today.  What will be interesting.  And we also have the Discovery Health so I'll get my fill of hospital stories.

A cool spell came in today & it is really nice tonite.  I made a carrot cake this aft & it is so good.  I couldn't eat a whole cake in on aft!

Barb's garden is looking so good.  The flowers are blooming & healthy looking.  It was worth starting them from seed.

The Mets had a shaky 1st inning.  Phila had the bases loaded & no outs.  Thome was up & struck out & then the next one hit into a double play so I feel better now.  But Mets lost.

Thurs. pm the 23rd

I fixed chicken & rice for dinner, a favorite.  Yesterday it was cooler so I made a carrot cake.  This A.M. I made an apple pie.  Tomorrow the temps rise & more humidity -- no baking.  We've talked about going out to dinner & Kim said they like to go out Sun. evenings.  Barb said Nickel Inn would be nice & Kim said how about Sun nite.  So Sun. we'll go to Nickel Inn for a 6:30 reservation.  We like the ride going out thru Scandia. 

I noticed your temps were in the 90s.  Hot, hot, hot.  Suppose it will come our way.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Last nite I was set at 7:10 p, to watch the Mets vs. LA-A interleague play.  There was a rain delay of about an hour or so.  At 11 pm I went to bed not knowing the outcome.  Was I ever surprised this A.M. when I turned to ESPN2 & saw the Mets won 5-3.  I missed the exciting ending.  But I saw it today when they reviewed it before today's game -- and the Mets lost this aft.

Noticed that Atlanta lost 11-5 so that helped ease the pain.  Pittsburgh also lost in the 13th inning.  I've been watching their games during the week & they are really improving.  and their announcers are more laid back & don't talk all the time so I like them.

We're really had a week of hut humid weather.  We started 9:30 services but it was still warm so I had enough.  When I got home I turned on the A.C. & closed the windows.  It has been very comfortable.  It is suppose to cool off by Wed. -- just in time for me to do something.

I can see you are getting ready for your party working outside so the yard looks nice.  And having the rugs cleaned so the inside looks nice.  It will be a busy several weeks for you folks.

I have to correct myself.  Scott did go to school last Fri.  Lynn said he had to.  Lynn's mother gave Barb a puzzle she got for the lake but it was too hard & they gave up.  It was very hard but Barb finished it.  I know I never could have done it.  Too many similar pieces in shapes & colors.

In politics, Buffalo is really having money problems.  They were audited by the state & if they don't get a workable budget by Tues. the 14th a state control board will take over & have the power to control the money.  They have a high deficit.  They cut taxes but not the spending.  It is a mess & changes will be coming.  They lost their credit rating.  Some say no increase in taxes, others say we must have one to get out of this mess.  I look forward to WGRZ 5 pm news.

Barb told me Scott had the choice of working with a tutor, most likely a teacher, or with Barb.  He chose Barb.  They still have to make a schedule, etc.  Lynn wants to take Scott off his meds this summer but Barb said he'll never be able to be still & attentive if she does.  He can't be without it if you want to accomplish anything.

Mon A.M.

I just called Gen to wish her a happy birthday.  It is hard to have much of a conversation with her.  I always ask about her cat.  She seems to know it was her birthday but not her age.

I wasn't surprised you use butter to fry your breakfast.  I always buy butter when it is on sale & put it in the freezer.  I always have butter in the butter dish & use it for Christmas baking.  Either Land o Lakes, Quality brand & Wegman's brands.  So I use it & olive oil.

This is Dale's early week so I was dressed & put out the glass & pop cans to be collected early.  Then I got Dale's sheets, etc. & had a load going before Dale left.  Now the 3rd load -- towels -- are in the dryer.  Watered my plants on the porch & now I'm taking it easy.

Called Kim to find out when we should celebrate her birthday.  It will be this Thurs.  Asked about the menu & she would like hamburgers & potato salad.  She doesn't eat desserts -- she said:  make something Larry likes.  Ill make carrot cake & she can blow out the candles.  Also tom. lettuce etc. & fruit salad.  It is suppose to cool off so I can bake, as I already mentioned!

Barb wants to go to Jamestown Wed, & she'll get ground meat there.  I'm not sure if I'll go.

We got our groceries & Barb stopped at Bert's to deliver what she wanted.  I saw Kim working outside the carriage house so I walked over for a few moments.  Sat. nite the Hospital Guild had a party at Bets field & Lar & Kim always go with Betsy M. & her husband.  They had a great time.  A large tent, delicious food & dancing.  It's a money maker - -you'll read about it when the Wrrn paper arrives.  Also last Wed-Sat there was a ribs festival downtown Wrrn. & that always brings out a crowd.  Lar & Kim went Wed. nite for ribs.

Holiday Inn has the Sun. A.M. breakfast buffet again so maybe we'll go one Sun.  Kim would have gone with us last year if she'd known.  But it was a spur of the moment thing when you were here.

Barb went to Jamestown this aft & as she was turning onto Rt. 62 coming home, she was stopped for speeding.  She was going 68 M.P.H.  She will have a fine to pay.

We finally got some rain after supper & it cooled things off.  Finally!

Hatch Patch has strawberries & Barb wants a strawberry pie for Thurs.

Wed the 15th -- 2 pm

I surprised myself today.  We awoke to cooler weather so after breakfast I made use of ripe bananas & rolling out & baking a pie shell.  Then I cleaned the bathroom, washed towels, & tho't about lunch.  B.L.T's.  After lunch I looked at the kitchen floor & decided it would look better if I washed it, so I did.  And it looks better.  Now I'm resting & have only supper to think about.

I'm still finding out about my children.  Can't get her first name but Mrs. Jenkins from First Luth. called yesterday.  She visits the nursing home & talked to Rose.  Rose couldn't remember if Barb was still in the Navy.  Mrs. J. said she'd call me & find out.  She asked about you -- she remembers you & Rick Nasman went to their Youth Group, (most likely to see Mary Sandblade) I don't remember hearing that.

Thurs. aft.  Watching the U.S. Open golf.  A hard course.  Got my pot. salad & strawberry pie made this A.M.

Saturday, June 19, 2004

Finally a clear, humid-free day.  It will dry things out so Dale can mow the lawn later.  He's going to Jamestown this aft.

I'm watching golf.  Very interesting golf course.

Barb's body is sore but she's doing fine.  They put her in a room & she could hear the A.C. fan & some noises drive her crazy.  She knows she couldn't spend the time or night there. But she was better off in her own bed anyway.  Next it's the kemo.  Hope it all works out in her favor.

Last nite at the Mets-Detroit game they honored Mike Piazza for breaking the catcher's home run record.  Yogi Berra, Pudge (Boston & Chicago), & the kid, Met catcher in 80s (can't remember names) were there.  He got a yellow 300 HP sports car from a Chevy dealer, a watch & a bottle of fine French dessert wine from his fellow players, plus other things.  It was very nice.  He said to the Detroit catcher, Pudge Rodre* -- can't spell it, former Marlin catcher, "I hope I'll be at a doing for you after you've broken my record".  And the Mets broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th with 2 outs & 2 strikes on the one at the plate.   Mike Cameron home run. Exciting.

I learned how to spell "Rodriguez"  I'm watching the Mets & saw it in the line up.

The fall Penney's catalog (dream book) came yesterday & have enjoyed looking thru it.  I've seen a couple of things I'd like to order.

It's a beautiful day (Sun. June 20) 2 days in a row.

This A.M. I couldn't decide about going to church.  At 8:55 A.M. I was just getting dressed, but otherwise ready.  I decided to go even tho I coughed during the nite.  I was glad I did. There was a baptism -- the 4th daughter -- & she is a little doll.  And I didn't cough.  9:30 service.

Do you remember Linda Jacobson -- her brother your age -- she was in church today.  she is so attractive but way too heavy.  She teaches in Fla, has for a long time, and loves Fla.  It was in the hi 40s this A.M. & she felt the cold.

As soon as the Mets-Detroit game is over, I'll switch to golf.  Oh yes, the Mets are leading 5-1 in the 7th inning.  And Atlanta is losing.  Did Andy notice as of 6-20 the Mets are ahead of the Braves!  Hi Andy.  Hope they still are when this letter is read.

In golf Barb was rooting for Phil Mickelson & I was rooting for Retief Goosen (S. Africa) & my man won.  To me it seemed like overkill when the announcers talked about Phil.  I suppose they wanted an American to win, but that's the way the ball bounced.

When Charles & Sandy come we'll eat here.  Barb find it hard to work on her hair & wouldn't care to eat out.  Will have steaks, pot. salad, green beans, salad, rolls & a strawberry dessert.  Barb said she should be able to cook the steaks.

First Day of Summer & I've been busy.  In addition to 4 loads of laundry, (Dale turned his mattress & put the mat. pad in the wash) I made Dale's bed & cleaned the bathroom.  Made the batter of a sugar cooky & baked them after lunch.  Cleaned di the dishes, etc.  Sampled the cookies with a cup of coffee.  Then I washed the kitchen floor.  Why the extra activity? Barb isn't feeling up to snuff & has a hard time fixing her hair so she didn't want to eat out.  I called Kim today & forgot to wish her Happy Birthday.  she tho't it would be too much for me but I told her I have the menu (I'm repeating myself) all planned.  Steak, pot. salad, green beans, veggies for salad, rolls (I have to make them), strawberry shortcake for supper dessert.  They didn't know when Charles will be in.  I said send them over & we can sit (hopefully) on the porch & talk & have lemonade & cookies.  That's why I had more jobs today.

Tomorrow we'll get groceries & I'll make dinner rolls.

Wed A.M., I'll get everything all ready so I can visit with them.  We won't eat til 7 p.m. to give Lar an extra hour to work.  He's getting behind in his after work jobs.  Weather hasn't helped either.

I said to Barb I'll have an easy to fix supper.  She said order pizza & make salads.  Good idea.  That is what I'll do -- order pizza.

We didn't eat til about 6:15 & I cleaned up.  I can't seem to make the right choc. chip cooky. Think I found the right one & made a batch of C.C. cookies.  They taste good to me so I hope it's the right one.  I'm soon ready for bed that will watch Cleveland vs. Chicago White Sox for awhile.

Tues. June 22

Got dinner rolls made & went to the Mall & Quality Mkt.   Got strawberries at Hatch Patch. They are so good.  Joyce O'Connor called this A.M. & asked if Barb would need a ride to the hosp.  I said Kim would help.  She said be sure to call if we needed help.  Bev's son's wife had a son last Oct U& Barb's daughter Melissa had a son Dec. 23.  Both are growing fat.  So Joyce is a great grandmother.

Thurs the 24th

Charles told Lar they'd be here the 23rd or 24th but settled on the 23rd.  We waited & waited -- no call, no Charles.  We had our dinner & Kim's birthday.  At 8:15 I got a call from Lar. Charles had called & would be here around noon.  They'd go out for lunch.  But I had already sprayed the oven & racks & I can't stop now.  So I said I'd skip lunch & they'll come over this aft.  What a mix up.

For Kim's birthday, I got her a box of golf balls & cash to equal 50.00  She said I'm not your daughter so you shouldn't give me as much.  I said my daughters-in-law get the same as my children.  I consider both Kim & JoAnna as daughters & love all of your equally.  Kim said she'd get a new golf glove.  She doesn't eat dessert so I fixed a few strawberries in a small bowl & put a candle in one so she had a candle to blow out.

I sprayed the oven & racks at 89 A.M. so it is almost time to get going.

Charles, Sandy & Lar came over about 3:15 p.m. & we had a nice visit.  Sandy loved our porch.  I think Charles has mellowed a lot.  Maybe Sandy is good for him.  I'm glad we had a chance to visit with them.  Lar can work this aft.  Char. & S. left to start on their way home. Want to be home Sat. nite.  Saw pictures of their home & grandchildren -- 2 boys.

Friday, June 19, 1998

Tues. Sears called to say the washer & dryer were in & could they deliver it on Wed.  In stead it will be on Mon. A.M. the 22nd.  Last nite Dale helped Lar take the washer & dryer.  No washing til Mon.  Barb is busy readying the walls for painting.  The cupboards won't be completed but they can be done after the W & D are in.  Larry thinks the color is too dark but we like it - so does Kim & would like that color in their den but she won't get her way.  The following week we'll get the dishwasher so no more noisy equipment.  It better last thru my lifetime. I tho't the present ones would & they probably would have if I hadn't gotten money from Edna.

Got your letter today.  The cat is adorable.  Not according to Dale, tho as he doesn't like cats.  They (males) squirt on his tires & try to sit on his car.  Pictures of the boys & the yard are so nice.

The new Penney's catalog came today & already I've glanced thru it.  Saw a dress I like & most likely will order it.  15% off if you order before July 14.

Kim & 7 other women friends are on their way to a golfing weekend.  In the Pittsburgh area.  They'll stay at a Holiday Inn & play 18 holes on Sat. & Sun.  Sun. is her birthday & she'll be home in time for a 6 pm dinner here.

Kim's sister (in Fla.) & family want to visit in Warren & are talking about coming for Thanksgiving - still in the dream stage, tho.  I asked Kim if they'd be here for Thanks. dinner & she tho't that would be too much.  I don't because it wouldn't be much of a holiday if it were just the 5 of us.  Time will tell.

Not it's Tues.

The washer & dryer have already gotten much good use.  They are so nice & the room looks good.  The doors aren't finished yet & we have a wall paper border to put around the top of the walls.

Kim had a wonderful weekend.  Some (who didn't have to work) left at noon to go to Grove City & the discount stores.  Their destination was Sharon.  This Holiday Inn caters mostly to golfing groups - makes all the arrangements, etc.  It included 1 dinner & you could order anything from the menu, 2 drink tickets, 2 breakfasts, continental.  They went shopping in Sharon as well.  They enjoyed it so much, they are making arrangements for next year.  The L.G.P.A. will have a tournament nearby & they could go from Fri-Sun, taking in the tournament on Sun.  8 women.

Sun. nite we sat on the porch.  They said you could stay at camp & spend the days here - meals, visiting, etc..  You see Dad is in bed by 10 p.m. & when he sleeps downstairs, it will be hard to watch T.V., etc.  Barb watches T.V. or is in her room reading; Dale in his room watching T.V. & I'm usually ready for bed.  The boys could be with you or could watch T.V. & sleep in the den.  We'd fix the T.V. so it would shut off around 11 pm.  Most Braves games are over by then.  It's up to you.  Lar & Kim have a new queen size mattress on their bed.  Right now Dale is on a 7-5 work day.  Working extra hrs. because they are behind.  He doesn't know how long that will last.   When are you coming.

I like letters as I can reread them.  Phone calls are harder to recall accurately.

Dad thanks you for his Father's Day card.