Wednesday, May 11, 2005

We had a nice dinner Sat. nite at Kim & Lar's.  Kim served turkey loin & it was very good.  It was too chilly to eat outside.  Later we sat in front of the fire & that was fun.  Lar & Kim gave me a birdhouse for the porch & a gift certificate from Penney's.  Dale gave ma a hanging planter, like last years, & Barb & I bo't mine when we were in Erie.  A frying pant that is deeper & has a cover.  I wanted one from watching Food Channel.  Thanks you for the silk flower arrangement.  It is very pretty with 2 butterflies, ivy at the bottom & flowers.  Hard to describe.

Summer has returned again & it's nice.  The flowering trees are beautiful.  There is one in Frank's yard across the st. & it's pretty to look at.

We're having steak & baked potatoes for Lar's birthday.  Carrot cake for dessert.  Salad, etc. I got him the shirt he picked out & some golf balls.  He & Kim play during the summer.

I'll warn you -- I'm sending money for your anniversary.  Maybe you want something for the yard or your July party.

And don't count on me being at Andy's graduation.  It's too far to travel for an old lady.

I finished the last library book & enjoyed it.

Barb gave me a puzzle & I started putting it together.  It has a lot of flowers & that makes it harder, but it's coming.  I enjoy doing puzzles.

If Scott passes 6th grade it will be because Barb does homework with him.  He doesn't like to write the answers so Barb says "I'm going home" & then he will because he knows he'll be in trouble with his Mom.  He is a very stubborn kid.

Thurs. evening.

We had a nice birthday dinner for Lar.  The steaks were delicious & Larry liked his gifts. Dale gave him something like an electric gun to make it easier to take of the lug nuts when changing a tire.  Barb gave him a lamp for the camp.  She got it at L. L. Bean.  It lights for 6 hours & then you can plug it in to be used again.  Did I make myself clear?

It really cooled off today.  Good I didn't take the electric blanket from my bed.  I did change to a lighter nightie.

Alice Nasman called me.  She can't be at church this Sun. (15th) when we have a meeting concerning the organ.  You must be present to vote so I can't vote for her.   The pastor thinks it will be accepted to spend money to fix the organ.  She mentioned Wayne finished his training in York (motorcycles).  This week he is in Arizona for further education.  He works in Erie so he must have gotten a job.

Not much news this week.  All is well with us.

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

Thank for the news article on the library open house & the picture of my handsome grandson, Andy.  What a heartbreaker -- I'm sure the girls think he's cool!  Same for Eddie when he is 16.

And thank you for the lovely fushia -- that doesn't look right but I can't find it in the dictionary, but you know what I mean.  It has double flowers.  Very pretty.  Another one hangs on the front porch & it is from Dale.   A yellow flower like a small petunia.  Barb gave me a plant for inside & one I think I can have for awhile as it doesn't take much water so I won't over water. Larry dug up the roses opposite the back door & planted 3 rose bushes that have blooms you can cut & they'll keep awhile in a vase.  We went to camp for supper Sun. nite.  We were on the deck & the weather was perfect.  We'd had storms so the creek was really running.  It was a nice time.  And thanks for the cards.  I'm a lucky mom!

Had my mammogram & the gals said "See you next year."  I don't think so.  Dr. Fino said I should have one, & so did Dr. McNett but I never followed thru.  Dr. Clifford gave me info & I tho't I'd better do it before my May appt.  Just made it.

This is Dale's late Tues.  He worked til 5:30 & then went to take a 3 hr. test to keep his accreditation.  Every few years they must take it.

The School  Board is having problems but ti has awakened a group in Warren to fight this. They don't want a tax hike; or a high school in Tidioute; & they want the new school finished for a grade school & not a middle school.  More fun.

I won't get my hair done this Fri.  Barb has to take 2 tests.

Gen called the other night.  She sounded good.  She wondered about Barb.  Don't think I mentioned this -- but I had a note from Ruth with Mim writing it for her.  Carole's daughter had a 2nd son & Mim & Tom were going to Alaska for 5 days.

Had a nice visit with Viola but her house was so warm I started coughing & my eyes teared.  Didn't stay long so I managed.

We'll celebrate Lar's birthday on Thurs.  Sun. we had steaks so it wasn't time for steaks so soon, & we have a lot of chicken & pork so it was decided to have hamburgers & pot. salad. The menus for birthdays it seems.  I'll make a carrot cake, Lar's favorite.  Sat nite we all are going out to eat at the Fernwood a little past the bridge going toward Clarendon.  On the left.

May 12

Yesterday Warren H. called & said he had a dentist appt. today & did I want to go to lunch. Naturally I said yes.  We ate at the Plaza.  I like it there & the food is good.  They had been in Cancun for a week & enjoyed it.  Another couple went with them.  Lots of good food & drinks.  Warm ocean water.  Sounds nice.  Anna had gained weight & the Dr. wasn't happy.

In my present bedroom the fan isn't noisy so I had it on low during the night.  It is warm for May.

I'm watching baseball in ESPN2 -- Braves at St. Louis & in the 4 inning St. L. leads 3-0. They lost last night.  Am I happy.  YES!!  How is Andy feeling these days when the Braves aren't much better than the Mets!

Today I showed Warren & Anna the info you sent me on the library work. They were impressed.  Warren asked if you got complaints on certain books people don't approve of.  I didn't know & said I'd ask.  Anna's cousin is a librarian in the Boston area & she has received complaints at times.  Against a certain book, etc.  I said you are in a more liberal area -- so close to Madison & the University.

Thurs, May 13

Larry is still mowing the lawn where Mr. Crossest used to live.  A couple from the Phila. area & want to move back to Warren.  He is a Boger, father Dr. Boger, a dentist.  They have to find jobs here so the house is empty & they asked Lar to continue the lawn work & trim.

After Mrs. Morelli died, they sold the house.  The wife tho't it was too small so they added on the empty lot on Redwood.  Lar was asked to submit a bid for yard work.  He starts soon. The bid was $5,000.00 & he got a down payment of $2,000.00 to buy shrubbery, etc.

Wednesday, May 14, 2002

At 1pm, I had my teeth cleaned & checked.  Have 1 that needs a filling & that will be done June 17th.  Dr. Walters said he's building an ark!  We've had so much rain but the ground has absorbed it, tho there is some flooding.  Today it's beautiful & sunny.  Barb put the plans she planted in pots on the porch as they were getting too much rain.  We put the hanging baskets up & they look so nice.  We waited because of the winds & rain.  The begonia plant is so large & beautiful, esp. the varigated leaves -- yellow & green.  Dale gave me a Fuscia plant.  Thanks for the plant.

Mon's paper always has an article about a local resident & last Mon. it was about Barb Lucia's brother who has returned to Warren.

When I washed on Mon. the spin cycle wouldn't work so I called a repair man.  When he came, he suggested I call Maytag Co. as they are pretty good about the Maytag Neptune.  They talked to him & they said I wouldn't have to pay for parts -- just the service call.  That was Tues. the 14th.  He called Buffalo for parts -- he got them today -- he came over & as of now I have a load of towels washing.  I got it at Seats but didn't call them as you wait forever for them to come, etc.

Barb's pkg. came & I'll let her thank you.  She likes the jewelry box a lot.  Very attractive.

I got 3 puzzles at KMart for 99 cents each.  I did one already & it was so pretty.  Lake Superior Harbor at Bayfield, Wi.  Last nite I started a 2nd one -- Along the Oregon Coast scene & it will be harder with yellow & violet large & small flowers & dark areas.  Barb said she'd help if I have problems finding the right pieces.  Barb is taking advantage of a nice day to ride her bike.

Dale will mow the lawn tonite as more rain is predicted for the rest of the week. Hope they are wrong.

I made a caramel brownie today today & they are delicious.  Melt 18 caramels with butter & milk.  Then add eggs, flour, nuts, etc. & bake & I love them. Easy to make & too easy to eat.  Too tempting.

I've been getting the Icelandic frozen haddock & it is good baked.  Dale likes it -- no bones & we are having fish for dinner.

Our interim pastor love N.W. Pa.  Thinks our valley is so beautiful.  He said if he had realized how beautiful this area is, he would have liked a call in the area.

Last Fri. nite Dale looked so nice when we went out for dinner in his new pants.  I wish he'd meet a nice girl to date.

Thurs.  Dishes are clean or in the dishwasher & I'm watching TV.  We had Kim's favorite creamed chicken on biscuits & I made cheesecake brownies with ice cream for dessert.  Regular brownies & then a creamed cheese mixture spooned over the batter & swirled with a knife.  They liked them, in fact Larry said he wouldn't mind taking some home.  So I fixed a plate.

Careys aren't home yet - maybe next weekend.  Mary Ann had back surgery in Fla. & both will be flying home & someone else will drive the car home.

Lar's birthday party was nice according to Lar & Kim.  Nancy & Jay gave Lar a special birthday gift.  Both couples are soccer fans so Aug 14 they are going to a pro soccer game in Columbus, Ohio.  All arrangements have been made by Nancy -- tickets, hotel, etc.  They just have to decide who will drive.  Lar is thrilled.

Cherrios offers small Star Wars cars with proof of purchase & money to cover cost of mailing.  There are 3 of them & I ordered the set of 3 & it will go out in the mail tomorrow.

I always enjoy reading your letters.  It's nice to know one of my children has his own sons & will experience the ups & downs of teenagers.

Soon bedtime so I'll sign off.

Tuesday, May 7, 2002

We got the necessary items for Lar's birthday dinner today.  Yesterday we got flowers & this aft. Barb is planting pots.  We chose pansies, petunias & dahlias plus allysum or however it is spelled .  They are looking nice.

This A.M. I made pie crust & banana bread.  Then my usual Tues. duties.  We're having an easy supper -- pizza & salad.  We are trying frozen Freschetta on Kim' recommendation.  They had a pizza party & tried different froz. pizzas.

I wrote what we are getting for Lar's birthday:  cherry beer but you can only get it in Erie & Kim's friend Nancy is going to Erie & will pick it up.  I did find a Snow Baby soccer figure so he has a little gift to open with his special "50 year" birthday card.

Fri. nite we are going out to celebrate Mother's Day.  I never like to go out on Mother's Day as it is usually so crowded.  So I prefer Fri. & we will go to Fernwood -- just out of Warren toward Sheffield.

The children's part of the library looks so nice.  Looking in you see a small arc of computers.  I never go into that room so I just get a glimpse of it.

Scott was telling Barb he is making bombs.  She cautioned him about talking about it in school as he could get in trouble.  She doesn't think it is true as he talks a lot about his ideas.  Lynn had a call from the school about his swearing on the school bus.  Poor Lynn & she wants everything so perfect.

Sat. Kim is planning a party for Lar.  Some of the couples they are with a lot.

I pressed Dale's birthday shirt & tan Dockers in case he wants to wear them Fri. nite.  He usually wears good jeans when we go out.  Now he has another pair he can wear.

I wonder -- I didn't find out what Lar wanted for his birthday dinner as I think he didn't tell me til Thurs. & by then your letter was set to mail on Fri.  I'll report:  turkey breast, sweet potatoes & apple pie.  I wrote to Gen & usually my letters are similar --i.e. news -- so sometimes I don't know what I write to whom.  I also wrote to Darla.  I'm glad you aren't an English prof & grading my letters.  At times they sound mixed up when I reread them.

Did I write I got another Country Cook Book & it has some good recipes.  With all the cook books I have, menu planning should be easy but it isn't.

Next Tues. is the Bible Study at church & I bring rolls for coffee.  Wed. at 1 pm I have a dentist applt & cleaning.  My usual schedule will be upset & somethings won't get done.

What room will JoAnna want to paint next.  Your bedroom color sounds nice.  A good way to get a room housecleaned or spring cleaning done.

Your writing about your library work never is boring for me.  I like to hear what is going on in your lives -- meaning the entire family.

Barb decided she needs more plants  so we'll go for more.

Things are happening in Warren.  Maybe it will wake up people to see that we need to move out of the rut the city is in & that improvements & jobs are needed.  The commissioners are in the hot seat, esp. Hunter.

Mary Ann Carey had surgery on her back in Fla.  They should be home any time now.

Larry & Mike were up in Buffalo a couple of weeks ago for Paula's husband's 40th birthday.  Kim was invited but she didn't go.  Mike & John (husband) became good friends as they were neighbors when they lived in Warren.  John would spend time with Mike.  I think sometimes Mary Ann & Jack come on too strong for John & he needed an escape.

The pizza was pretty good but rather spicy for my taste buds.  Good crust.

Barb gave me a rose plant for Mother's Day.  It will go in with the roses Lar planted years ago.  They are pretty but don't last to pick for a vase.  This one is a regular ever-blooming plant by Martha Stewart so it had better be good.  I might buy a 2nd one myself.  I like roses in a bud vase.  Barb's next job is to hose off the porch & get the porch furniture down from the attic.  Soon we should be able to sit out there & watch the cars go by.

I have to send my health insurance payment in each month by the 25th.  I completely forgot Apr. so it was late.  Now I put the envelopes I have addressed for each month by my church offering envelopes so I won't forget.

Sunday, May 8, 1999

I'll start a letter as there is something to write about.

Kim took a personal day last Fri. & took us to the Grove City Outlet, a maze of outlet stores in a lovely setting.  Very tastefully arranged groups of building with several stores in each section.  Andy would have loved all the sport stores - clothes, shoes, etc.  But too much to take in.  Barb & I went in the Corelle Store; Paper Works; Eddie Bauer, where she got a nylon jacket, (a spring one); London Fog store; Off Fifth Ave; etc., etc.  Didn't buy much.  a 2 hr. drive, shopped for 2 hours, ate lunch, home by 3 pm.  Left at 8:30 A.M.  And I was tired out.  Laid down when I got home.  Everyone got their own supper.  I was in bed at 8:45 & slept til 6 A.M.  That isn't my cup of tea anymore.  Fun to see but once is enough.

Sat. Kim & Lar were having a couples' shower at camp for one of their friends.  40 people expected & Sat. was a day of rain showers.  We'll find out today how it was.  I don't care to go out to eat on Mother's Day - too crowded so they'll be there at 5:30.  Celebrate Lar's birthday as well.  Steak (Kim paid for), potato salad, fresh green beans, tossed salad.  Ice cream & cake & Kim ordered a cake so it's very easy for me.

This past week I got a card saying Junior Himes & Diane & families gave to the Memorial Fund for Dad.  Heard from a lay pastor that helped at Hessel Valley when we were there.  They live in Fla. now.  Got a card from the choir members saying they were getting an anthem in memory of Dad.  They'll sing it some Sun.

Today was music Sun. - bell choir, t numbers of the choir & several hymns by the congregation.  Denny & Elaine Jacobson Crandell's daughter Carrie, a college senior in music is our organist now.  She accompanied the bell choir on the clarinet.  "Just a Closer Walk with Thee."  She is an excellent musician, piano, organ & instruments.  She will spend the fall semester student teaching & then if she can't find a job will sub in Warren.  Plans to be married in the summer of 2000.

I'm written out but wanted to write while it was fresh in my mind.

Can you pick the art show exhibit 

that belongs to Eddie Nelson?

More - just remembered your letter.  I wasn't close to finding Eddie's drawing.  I chose the one of the faces in the lower right corner because of his drawing on the school calendar.  Barb chose either the one he drew or the one on top of it.  Couldn't decide so she was closer to the real thing.  Very interesting work with the shadings, coloring, etc.

Not it's Thurs. pm.  Dishes done, etc. U& I must get this ready to mail tomorrow.

Tues one of the resident guests at the Crary Home stopped by to invite me to a little birthday pie & coffee for Lar's birthday.  T hey wanted to meet Lar's mom.  It was at 12:30 & very nice.  One of the ladies gave a neighbor & me a tour of the house.  I'd never been there before so it was fun to see it.  They served either peach or strawberry-rhubarb pie.  (From Ecklof's Bakery in Jamestown), ice cream & coffee.  It was nice to be asked & I enjoyed it.

Tomorrow I see Dr. McNett again to see how my thyroid is doing.  Had to have a blood test yesterday.

Don't have my new glasses yet - it's taking longer & I'm anxious to get them.

Got a letter & card from a couple in Auburn with 10.00 for a memorial for Dad.  The letter mentioned good times we had.  Dad confirmed them, married them & baptized their 2 daughters.  They married young - out of high school - & we've kept in touch.  Also Ted & Sue Shaffer from Ohio gave a memorial to Hospice for Dad.  2 more thank you's to send.  Have to do it this weekend.

Got your letter today.  Dale moved & edged by the sidewalk so the yard looks nice.  Barb washed the kitchen side of the house.  Did the porch last week, so the chairs are out.  All is well here.

Friday, May 8, 1998

Didn't write this A.M.  Did some baking instead, & fixed a tuna macaroni salad for supper.  Never know what to have Fri. nite.

This A.M. the doorbell rang & it was a delivery from Ekey's.  Thanks so much for the floral arrangement.  It is very pretty  I will enjoy it.  Thanks so much.

We'll be celebrating Larry's birthday on Sun.  He wants steak & that is easy - Dale will grill it.  Kim will get a cake at BiLo's - they are very tasty - icing not too sweet.  It's suppose to be a rainy weekend.  We've already had more than 2" in May.

Dale bot an '86 Blazer for his next winter's car.  He paid 300.00 for it.  It will keep him busy getting it in order during the summer.  He sold the other winter car to someone at work who bot it for his son.  It is a good car - in good working order with new tires, A.C., etc.

I've been watching the hockey playoffs & they are exciting.  Barb & Kim are watching the Bulls playoffs & are sad when they lose.  We'll eat at 5:30 Sun. & the game starts at the same time.  The TV will be on & if it gets exciting they'll be up & down to see what's going on.  I think Larry Bird is doing a great job as a 1st year coach.  I'd like to see them get to the final games.

Have a new recipe for a Pecan Bar - similar to Pecan pie.  It is do good.  Kim copies the recipe & made it & Larry likes them.  Dad got a haircut this week & I made the bars & gave them to Jerry.  Do that each time he comes to the house to show our appreciation.

Barb came home today & went to take a nap as she didn't sleep well last nite.  We'll grocery shop tomorrow after I get my hair done.

I'm feeling much better so I hope I can get more work done around the house.  Finally vacuumed the L.R. & D.R. rugs.  For awhile it hurt to push the vacuum cleaner, so it didn't get done.

I can see a hummingbird at the tree at the school yard - a flowering crab.  The buds are not quite opened - it is pretty to look at.

Soon time to get busy setting the table, etc.

P.S.  Barb got rid of her headache so we went grocery shopping.  I needed to cash a check but the bank closed at 6.  Barb had money to lend me so I was able to go to County.  San Diego is ahead of Atlanta 3-0 in the 3rd inning.  Hope they get a win - S.D. that is.

Monday, May 13, 1995

Lunch is over & I'm watching Perry Mason & will write a letter.   I've been lazy today & have done only the necessary, such as make beds, 2 loads wash, etc.

Thanks so much for the pictures - they are so good.  What handsome sons & grandsons.  We'll be glad to see you all but I find it hard to believe Andy & Eddie want to be here 3 weeks as it doesn't seem to be an exciting stay but we try to do some things to make it more exciting - miniature golf, swimming, etc.  So as long as they're happy so am I.  It will be great having them.  I wish I could find an inexpensive 2nd-hand bike.  No Cap store this time but a card store - if it's still there by then.

We also celebrated Lar's birthday yesterday.  They came for a 6 pm dinner & I had Lar's favorite.  Cornish hens.  This time I split them & they came out so good & delicious as well.  A carrot birthday cake.  Got 2 hanging plants - 1 from Dale, 1 from Lar & Kim.  Altho I haven't sen them yet as last nite it was to get down to 29 - ditto tonite so Lar tho't they'd be better off in the greenhouse.  Hopefully I can hang them out soon.  Can't remember the name of the flowers.

Forgot to ask you if you got the pkg. & did the shirts fit Andy.

That was some meal you described.  A lot of work went into it.  You must have been filled when you were thru.

I've been picking dandelions - trying to get them out of the lawn.  At least they are easy to get up because of the damp ground.  Haven't gotten to the side of the house facing west.  Filled a couple of pails already.

Forgot to mention Barb gave me a prettily decorated grape vine wreath.  Want to hang it in the living room.  Remember Mr. Grimm, math teacher, his wife has a place where she sells - wreathes & other decorative items.  They live next to Lynn & that is where Barb got it.  He plans to retire this year & they might sell their home.

I heard about an author new to me - Richard North Patterson - & I got one of his books "The Lasko Tangent".  An old one from 1979.  Not really into it yet but it sounds good.  Also got one by Sidney Sheldon & I like him as an author.

Now it's time for "As the World Turns" so I'll give it my full attention.

Sunday, May 9, 1993

Thanks for the bouquet of flowers.  They are in a basket & are so pretty.  Kim especially liked the basket.  I liked the cards, too.  Kim & Lar took us out to dinner (Barb & Dale went) at Cable Hollow.  A buffet & it was good.  That's where we'll go on Sun the 5th.  We'll have a side room & we'll be 15.  Was pleased to hear Paul & boys would be home but disappointed to hear JoAnna can't make it.  You'll be missed.  Dale got me a hanging basket, Barb got me a pretty pink sweat shirt with a design on the front.

After we talked to you Dad called Ruth to tell her about the arrangements he has made & Ruth said seeing they're coming so far they decided to stay a week.  They'll come in on Thurs. & leave the following Thurs.  The summer schedule starts in June so the service starts at 9:30 A.M. followed by a coffee hour & then we go to Cable Hollow for a 1 pm reservation.  I just hope for a week of nice weather.

After dinner this aft. we came home for Lar's birthday cake as Kim tho't she couldn't be here on Tues. but she can, as there is no track meet.  Since I had the cake made we celebrated & will have the birthday dinner on Tues.  Kim wanted to get him a pull cart for his golf bag so we went in on it with her.  He was pleased & they left to play 9 holes of golf with another couple.

Barb cleaned the porch Sat. & the porch furniture & we sat out there last nite & I was out there after the birthday cake.

Forgot to say I made a carrot cake & it is good.  The recipe has crushed pineapple in it & that adds a lot.

We've got the house cleaned & I'm glad of that.

Dad sent for a new golf club - a driver & it came this past week & he is anxious to get to use it.  Dan
Greendahl got a new driver to so I hope they can go out soon.  I think they're similar to a "Big Bertha".  Paul, maybe you & Dad can play one day.  You could use Lar's clubs.

The Mets are terrible & I'm wondering who'll get fired first - the manager or the general mgr, or both!  Interesting - they can't even beat the Marlins, except for Gooden.  But they're still my team - thru thick or thin!

I read a book by Dominick Dunne - "People Like Us" if I remember the title & enjoyed it.  Plan to read more of his books.

Guess I've covered all that's been happening here.  Barb earned $350.00 that week she stayed with Lynn's grandmother.  Scottie was brought over there during the day.  She was there from Wed with no time off.  The grandmother is in her 80's & very forgetful.  So Barb has decided to get contact lenses.

School is out there the 10th of June.  Kim has enjoyed teaching.  She expects her twin Aunts over Memorial Day.  One is married & her husband will be here as well.  The other one has been divorced.  Finally good by for now.