Saturday, February 7, 2004

Here I am starting a letter & I haven't mailed the one I just sealed yet.  Too hard to get to the mailbox.

This A.M. as I was doing breakfast dishes & looking out the window, it was snowing & dark & I thought how much longer can I endure this weather.  Then I got dressed, made my bed, came downstairs & started dinner rolls.  After awhile, so the dough could rise, I made a coffee cake & my dark period was over.  Baking is one thing I love & I was at peace with the snow.  By the way, it's snowing again (2:30 pm)

Last Thurs when Lar & Kim were here they told us on Fri their furnace didn't work -- they had heaters but it was still cold.  Sat. aft. they went to camp where it was warmer & upon entering there was a terrible smell.  Lar had left poison out for squirrels & figured one died. He has a small opening into the attic & when he opened it, 2 squirrels got out & Lar noticed a dead one, which he threw out.  One was in the kitchen & he got that one & one in the guest room & he got that one.  He found where they were coming in & got it fixed so they can't get in now.  Then Larry sprayed something between the smells it was something else.  Kim lighted candles.  So they had an eventful weekend.  The furnace is fixed.

We got a Penney's home sale catalog & Barb likes some sheets that are on sale.  The old fitted sheets are tight for the new mattress.  The sale is on til March sometime so she'll wait awhile to see if there will be a free postage deal.  Had one that expired yesterday & this catalog came today.

Thurs. we went to the library & I got 3 books.  Catherine Coulter "The Nightingale Legacy" & I'm not sure but I might have read it.  M. C. Beaton "Death of a Dentist" set in Scotland & a small town copper.  I enjoy her stories.  Another new author Luanne Rice "The Secret Hour" -- it was so good & she has written several books I'll be looking for.

Miracle the sun is out & there are snow flurries.

Dad & I always ate out Fri. nite & I still find it hard to prepare a Fri. nite meal.  Last nite Dale had froz. pot pie & Barb had a froz. meal  I fixed scrambled eggs for myself.  Time for me to fix a Fri. meal.  We'll see.  We're having chicken spaghetti tonite & pork chops Sun.

Mon A.M.

I'm doing good on my chores -- the washer & dryer are doing the work right now.  Have to do 2 loads of dark clothes as Dale had a work jacket & hooded sweatshirt this week.

A few weeks ago I mentioned a top I got on sale -- a lavendar fleece cardigan.  I wore this past week & it is warm & feels good against the skin.  Barb got a turtleneck fleece on sale -- just over 6.00 with 75% off plus coupons.  If any are left I'd like one since they are warm to wear when the house is harder to heat.  Interruption -- Barb was up at 9 A.M. so I could get in & clean the bathroom.  Most of my regular chores are done, one more load to go.  This is Dale's early week so I get an early start.  It is nice to have it lighter earlier as then I have more ambition to get going.

Our pastor has relatives in Fla. & they are on a 2 week vacation in Fla.  Ray Forstrom preached yesterday & we are using a more difficult liturgy that is hard to sing.  It would work well with a larger church & choir.  Maybe I'll skip church next Sun. as Pastor Beth will still be away.  Depends on my conscience conscious (I was right the first time) CONSCIENCE!

Over the weekend I finished my books & all were good reading.

Tues. evening

Mailed your letter today when we got groceries so it is really late.  No one likes to mail my letters -- guess it is too hard to stop the car & drop it in the slot.  We got groceries in the A.M. today & then went to the Mall.  I got 2 fleece shirts for a little over 12.00  Put the rose colored one on & then I have a lavendar one -- pullover.  I really like them.

I just made a chicken-macaroni casserole tonite.  Tomorrow we'll have a good meal.  Good Lar & Kim come once a week as I try to have a good meal then.  Got my dessert made today.

You've been busy moving things at the library.  Glad it hasn't affected your back.  Do you do stretching exercises?  It helps.  It must be getting close to completion.  What a happy day that will be.

If Ed starts to entertain, you'll have to set up a schedule for the boys.

Yesterday the weather channel said 40 days til spring.  That sounds nice.

Thurs A.M.

Just got the garbage out -- 3 bags & one bag kept slipping off the piled up snow but it finally stayed put.

Am washing my sheets now & plan to wash my bedspread, a job I've been putting off.

Lar & Kim will be coming on Wed nites for the next 4-6 weeks.  They have a soccer league that plays on Thurs. & they needed help so Lar said he would help out.  Kim likes it on Thurs. nites better as then there is only 1 work day left.

I'm thinking of making cookies & will bring some to Sheila & Sue for Valentine's Day.  A sandwich cooky recipe from St. Paul cookbook.  It's Fran Decker's mother's recipe & it's a good one.

We might go to Jamestown tomorrow -- the weather sounds OK.  Dale said the roads are really bad with potholes.

I'm getting tired of politics on TV.  It will be worse as it gets closer to election in the falls.

This is getting to be an epistle & I think I'm at a standstill so love to all.

P.S.  Kim was saying she knew someone laid off from Seneca Eye Surgeons where Barb L. worked.  They changed their bookkeeping so I suppose those in seniority bumped those with less service.  Too bad for Barb.

Sunday, July 13, 2003

The Mets just tied the Phillies -- dare I wish for a win?  They took the lead -- 5th inning.  They won!

Last nite we were at Lar & Kim's for dinner.  Steak on the grill & it was so tender.  It was chilly but we dressed for it as we like to eat on the deck.  They bo't a chimnea & they had a fire in it & it was nice to watch it burn & it gave off a little warmth.  They are so lucky to have that place.

Dale is on vacation this week.  Wed. he goes to a neurologist in Erie.  Kim doesn't think he should go alone so Lar will go with him.  They have to be there for a 9 A.M. apt.  He's been fine with the medication.

How did Eddie like being away from home.  He has been away but with grandparents so that is different.

Enjoyed reading about your 4th of July experience with Mike.  We had a good dinner & you missed supper which was probably sandwiches & you probably didn't want to fix one.  But I still sounded like a "mean mom!"  That's life.

Last nite we feasted so tonite we'll fast.  Dale said he liked the idea of a salad topped with chicken.  I have strawberries & when the game is over I'll make shortcake so we can have strawberry shortcake for dessert.

In the Family Circle I saw a recipe for flourless choc. chip cookies.  Brown sugar, peanut butter, baking soda, an egg, and choc. chips.  They taste good.  Sat. was a cool day so I made dinner rolls & used 3 overripe bananas & made banana bread.

My meal was cereal with a banana & blueberries followed by straw. shortcake. Made the salad for Dale but he wants to see the end of the NASCAR race in Chicago before he eats. Earnhardt Jr. crashed so he is out.  Also another bad crash but no one was hurt.  I enjoyed reading the interview with Ilene Bishoff, esp. the last questions.  "Any pet peeves".... I laughed at the answer "Interviews."  I wonder if she has any relatives in the Mt. Jewett area. Bishoff isn't a popular name.  The book "Walking the Bible" sounds interesting.*

We heard more about our pastor candidate.  She lived in Fla., became active in the church -- not brought up in a church home, so she considers herself a convert.  Taught school, active in church & local organizations.  A grad of Gettysburg Sem.  We meet her Aug 10, & vote on a call Aug 24 so maybe we'll have a pastor in Sept.  Those who met her are impressed.

*The cucumber salad -- Mizeria -- sound good.  Plan to try it.

Last nite Kim served a wild rice mix by Uncle Ben  & it was delicious.  Plan to get some. Also a carrot-raisin salad that is a favorite of mine.  She used match stick cut carrots that are available at BiLo.  Also have seen them at Wegman's.

Wed. the 15th

Yesterday I got my new glasses & decided to have sumglasses using my old frames.

Today I talked with the fellows doing the roofing next door & he'll give me a bid.  Lar said I should get 3 bids.

Yesterday I went to the library & got 2 books.  I read Kentucky Rich by Fern  Michaels & it was so good.  It is followed by a sequel so I'll have to look for it.  This A.M. I did a load of wash - clean sheets for my bed and washed the kitchen floor.  This A.M. I started "I Thee Wed" by Amanda Quick -- a Victorian theme that I like.

Dale didn't say too much about his visit to the Dr. in Erie but that he got a different prescription.  They hadn't gotten the results of tests taken at Wrrn.  Hosp.  The local Dr's office called this aft. & Dale mentioned about the tests.  The hops. can forward them.

This aft. I talked to the roofer next door & asked for a bid.  He came later with some questions.  Mentioned the porch off the little room upstairs & said the chimney needs pointing up.  The cement is crumbling.  I'm sure it will be an expensive job.  I told him to include those in his bed.  They (Barb, Dale, Lar) think it should be a tan roof & he'll bring samples.

When I went to bed last nite the N.L. led the A.L. in the All Star Game but this A.M. I saw they couldn't keep the lead.  Too bad.

Here it is Thurs. the 17th & time to finish this letter.  All is cleaned up & I'm ready for bed. I'm watching the Mets at Atlanta & the game is tied 1-1 in the 6th.

We sat on the front porch awhile after dinner.   Larry is trimming shrubs at Bonace's house. Kim mentioned that all the sores have their school supplies out already.  Something she doesn't like to be reminded of.

Atlanta just went ahead 2-1, so what else is new.  The Mets just don't have it no matter how much I Hope for more runs.  I hope the building the building the Mets are doing pays off.

Watched golf in Great Britain today.  With that wind & hilly grounds it must be a tough course to play on.

Guess I'll concentrate on the game.

Mets just got a home run. Will it mean anything?  More exciting anyway.

Sunday, August 12, 2001

Before I forget Barb found the camera in the car & I took it to be developed.

The weather finally broke & it is cooler but so far no rain for us & we really need it.
It was good to be back in church today & also be back on a schedule.

Last Thurs mid morning I got a call from Warren Hollertz asking if I wanted to go to Jamestown with them. I surprised them & said "yes". Usually on Thurs. Lar & Kim come for dinner, but that nite we were invited to camp for dinner.

Back to Hollertz -- we went to the Italian Fisherman in Lake Chautauqua, a place I've heard about but never ate there.  It was so nice & a good meal.  The we went to Tops grocery store for Swedish cheese "Bon Ost" because it is cheaper there.  Then we went to Ecloff's Swedish Bakery & they bot breads, coffee bread, & cookies.  I got a almond tart which I love & enjoyed it with coffee when I got home.  It was a nice outing. 

We met Kim's sister Debbie, Woody, Jessica & Eric & enjoying visiting with them.  During the summer this year, Jessica & Eric stayed home while the parents worked.  They stayed inside, as it get so hot & they're not allowed in their pool when parents aren't around.  So they don't get a lot of exercise & are quite chubby.  The kids would like to move north.  They really like to be with Lar (favorite uncle) & Kim.  Jay & Nancy (Dr. friends) & their 4 daughters & Nancy's Mom (you met her Barbara one Thanksgiving) were along.  The girls are growing up & are attractive.  Oldest girl starts college soon.  It was a nice evening -- good food, good conversation.

Fri. I went to the library after getting my hair done.  Got 4 books (not long books, i.e. many pages) & I've read 3 of them & started the 4th.  Ones I enjoy.  Went to the post office for stamps & to CVS for peanuts as they were 2/4.00.  Made choc. chip peanut butter & peanut cookies.  But it made a heavy bag to carry but I made it home.

It's nice to have it cooler so I made a coffee cake as well as the cookies.

Ray Forstrum preached today & he had an interesting point.  "If you feel apart from Christ, who moved/"  Or you could say the church.

Mim asked me what books I'd been reading.  She recommended a British author -- Fifield, but I couldn't find any books by that name.  Maybe I spelled it wrong.  Will have to look the name up.  I did fine a new author Patricia Hall -- the book "The Dead of Winter", a Yorkshire mystery.  It's starting out as one I'll like & will want to read more of her books.  Another one I love is M. C. Beaton & "Death of a Macho Man".  It was good.

Now it's Mon the 13th.  We went to KMart for some items I needed -- kleenex, dish soap, etc.

Got your letter & thanks for the pictures of Andy's team.  I remember some names & checked them out.  Dale didn't call for an eye appt. until today & couldn't get an early appt. for after 4 pm.  He got one for Fri 9:30 A.M. so he'll leave work & make up the time.  He plans to get glasses as well as contacts -- for emergency.  He will go to Jim Spangler -- get in there faster than the M.D.  Lar & Kim went to him & were satisfied.

Kim stopped by -- it was raining at their place but not over here.  The rain cloud must have been a small one.

I really enjoyed Patricia Hall's book & will look for more.  She is a newer author & I just happened to see it & picked it up.

Dale is washing his car.  He had a muffler put into his El Camino but it's still too loud so he ordered something over the Internet & they had it.  A place he's ordered from before & they send catalogues.

When we were leaving the Mall, Barb said is that money on the Mall road.  I looked & it was 1.00 so I got out & picked it up.  Gave to Barb as she saw it.

Our flowers are so nice -- People walking by comment on how pretty they are.

Not much more happening here.

Is Larry out of the hospital now?

Saturday, March 17, 2001

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sun. Mar. 18th

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

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

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

Should start thinking about my grocery list & menus.

Sunday, August 27, 2000

It's almost lunch time but I'll start a letter so I won't be tempted to try & put another piece of a puzzle together. This is a harder one with lots of darker tree colors so it's a slow process.  But a good one to make me think Y have patience.  I like things to move fast.

Last nite we went to Lar & Kim's for dinner.  At their camp.  Such a restful place with the trees, flowing water from lots of summer rains, & pretty flowers.  We got home about 9 pm in time for me to see the Mets get beat by Ariz. and for Barb and Dale to watch Nascar at Bristol, Tenn.

I bro't your letter for Kim to read.  She was anxious to hear about JoAnna & the convention.  They can really lift you up but at the same time it's good to get home & get some sleep & a more normal schedule.

Last nite we had steak, baked pot, corn on the cob & I bro't a salad & homemade rolls.  Kim made a fresh peach pie.  It was so good -- guess I should get ambitious & make one.

Teachers go to school Mon & Tues. & the kids go back on Wed.  Where has the summer gone.  It just goes too fast.

Hope your library cleaning problems are over.  Isn't it strange, but when you get a late or early A.M. telephone call you automatically think of a death.  We've had a couple of wrong numbers after all of us have gone to bed.

I almost forgot the Mets are on TV & I missed 20 min. while watching "How's That Made" on H&G.  I really enjoy listening to the Mets with Gary Thorne & Tom Seaver as announcers.  They make it so interesting with their humor & wit.  Sometimes Tom gets going on a spiel but I forget that when I like them so much.  They make me laugh.

No more visits from Kim & Torey during the week.  Kim was saying -- 3 gals go walking & Torey & they went to Betsy's house (your classmate) for coffee.  Torey went into his "pleas" or "begs" for food like he gets at Grandma's.  Cheese, ice cream & cooky or dog biscuits.  Kim tried to interest me in a part basset hound.  A lady she knows has to give him up -- it was her mother's who died -- but I'm not interested.  Not interested in visits to the vet -- don't' want my money going to the dogs!! Ha, ha.

I have to go to the bank this week to get next month's money.  I have a list as to how many 20s, 10s, etc. I'll need to make it come out right.  Sometimes it takes quite awhile for it to come out even.  Eventually I get it right.

I'm wondering if Andy is watching Tiger & golf on TV.  I'll switch once the baseball game is over & between innings.  Tiger is in a class of his own.  I bet the other golfers are happy when he takes a week or 2 off.

Kim stopped by -- Lar was busy.  Their house at camp is being eaten by squirrels -- they chew at the wood & ruining it so Lar wants to get cement shakes that look like wood to discourage them.  He'll do it himself.  They stayed overnite & were awakened by the varmints chewing the shakes.

I have golf on now but it has been delayed by rain.  Tiger has lot a couple of points but I'm sure he'll win.

Mets-Ariz. game was good.  Naturally Mets won.  On Fri. nite the Mets chased Johnson in the early innings -- they have his number.

Just made a milk shake for Dale to go with hamburgers & corn on the cob.  Barb & I ate earlier but Dale had a headache so he was taking it easy for awhile.

I'm watching golf & rooting for Phillip Price of Wales as then he'd make as much money as he did in his first 5 years of pro golf.  They are practically playing in the dark -- 8:15 our time & it gets earlier now that Fall is soon here.   I hope Andy was able to see the last few holes of the game as they were so exciting.  Both for Sutton & Tiger.

Aug. 29 - Tues.

It's 10:20 & I'm at the kitchen table watching Murder She Wrote.  I washed the kitchen floor & cleaned the bathroom & I'm thru for today.  Had my shower but it's a muggy day.

Back to the bathroom.  I keep my pail on the attic steps -- brought it out & was ready to fill it with water & I looked down and what did I see -- a bat but it was dead, but dead or alive I don't like them. Barb was still home so she took care of it.  And I cleaned the bathroom.

Want to get this to the mail box.

Sunday, April 16, 2000

Since I wake up early, I chose to go to First Luth. at 8 A.M.  Our service at St. Paul's, with First Luth., was at 11 A.M. & that would be a longer service with extra music, etc.  Besides Pastor Risher, I was the only one from St. Paul, but I know many from First so it wasn't that strange.  I was home a little after 9 AM & then made breakfast.  It's a lovely day.

We had a nice time last nite with Lar & Kim.  We were able to sit on the deck for awhile but had dinner inside.  Kim bo't a birthday cake fro Bi Lo -- they have a good bakery.  It's been a time of celebration -- Mon. eating out; Thurs. birthday cake (left over) for Dale & Dale got to open Lar & Kim's gift & y our gift that arrived on Thurs.  He likes the #3 sweatshirt.  He says thanks to you all.  Barb will open her gifts on Thurs.  A fun time.

I asked Kim about "On the Record".  She said they are fined for punishment.  Today kids (certain ones) have no respect for anyone & don't want to be told "Don't do that", or "Don't curse me" & the officials say the teachers don't have to take anything from the kids.  It's gotten bad -- the next will be hitting, etc.

Last nite Kim told us of 5 7th grade girls who came to a dance.  It was from 9-11:30 followed by a "lock in", otherwise known as a sleepover.  Shortly after the dance started, 1 of the girls said to Kim I have to leave -- my mother is picking me up.  Kim said -- you know once you are here you can't leave (some came only for the dance).  She went back to the other girls & she could see them plotting.  Shortly after another came with the same plea.  They must have wanted to meet some boys.  The 1st girl came up again -- Kim was disgusted & decided to call the girl's parents.  The girl didn't know her telephone number!  Kim had it on the permission slips.  In the meantime the 1st girl's mother came & started screaming & swearing at the girl -- she was grounded & sneaked out. So now she's grounded for 6 weeks.  By the time these girls are 10th graders, they'll be something else.  No one slept during the lock in -- played basketball or other games, watched TV, etc. At 5 A.M. 2 boys tried to sleep as Sat. was the 1st day of trout season & they were going fishing & figured they should sleep a couple hours.

I haven't started any spring cleaning.  USA Today had an article on spring cleaning & how many find it hard to do it.  Even I don't wash the kitchen floor every week.  I spot clean it & give it a good wash every 3 weeks.  I'm lucky Barb & Dale take care of their rooms & Dale vacuums the stairs & L. R. weekly.  The house looks OK as long as I keep it picked up & see that things are in order.  That is fine for me.

Mon the 17th.  Was up at 6 A.M. & after I ate breakfast I started on my chores.  Stripped Dale's bed & then mine.  Both are made.  Washed a load & part of it is in the dryer.  Cleaned the little bathroom in the basement & the shower.  Had done either for awhile.  Dale is good to keep it up but was in the mood to clean them.

Dale has 2 walls painted -- the draperies were taken down so they are washed & set to hang.  The frame of the windows are varnished wood.  Wrong adj. as they don't varnish anymore & I can't get teh correct term.  If he wants them hung up he'll have to move the bed so I can clean them. No heavy moving for me anymore.  I'll ask him at lunch.  Maybe your letter about housecleaning got me in the mood to clean.

Today it is suppose to rain -- we've had a lot of rain.  The dam is a little above summer level.  We had a nice weekend.  If you did, I bet you worked outside.

Last Sat. the 15th Paula Carey was suppose to move their stuff from Carey's garage -- they have their house in Buffalo now.  T hey changed it to Good Fri. & Lar can't help them.  Mike Brindis can help but not much due to his heart.  Can't lift.  And Dale can't help as he works.  And they have a piano to move onto a truck.  Paul will find out the world doesn't stop for her.  Lar has to go to Erie Fri. aft. to pick up something for his work.

Have a bill to mail so will get this ready to mail.  Happy Easter to all.

Monday, June 29,1998

I'm sitting on the porch cooling off.  Barb is putting up the wallpaper border in the laundry area.  It's finally done & looks so nice.  Dad is watching T.V. & Dale is working in the garage.  He had a crack in his windshield & it was replaced today.  And I'm drinking coffee & eating fudge.  Barb's next project is painting the porch.

The washer & dryer work so nice & look so good.  The dishwasher came today but they don't install it for free.  Dale said eh could do it.  So Thurs. nite Lar will help him take it in.  They put it in the garage.  Now I won't get the old one taken away.  Lar said he'd take it to Valentine's Disposal - Kim said put an ad in the paper & sell it. Lar's suggestion is the easy way out.  We have other junk that could go as well.  Barb like to clean & get rid of stuff.

Thinking of Melinda (pastor's daughter).  Things have come easy for her & she hasn't had any job maturity yet & she's pretty sure of herself. (a good quality) but I'm sure her mind will be changed as she gets into the "real world".  Gary can make mountains out of molehills - we've seen that at church so she could be a little biased.

To a degree (3rd game) I enjoyed the Mets-Yankees series.  The 3rd game was more interesting & not just because the Mets won.  It was closer & you couldn't guess the outcome til the last out.  Nice to see a full house.  I like the interleague games.

Barb just came to have me see the border & it adds so much.  It is a leaf design & not straight on the bottom.  Cut like leaves are.  Hard to describe - you'll see when you visit.

You are busy people with all the baseball games & special ones.  Here you mostly played at Beaty & could walk.

The 80.00 for the pool membership is money well spent as kids have so much fun swimming.  Has Eddie learned to swim.

Nancy Davis' daughter Amy is a cashier at KMart.  I know her from church but not that well.  We recognized each other from church.  She is very personable.  Think she'll be a senior at college this fall.  She is an education major.  The 2nd child, a boy, graduated from high school this yr. & will to go Penn State Behrend, Erie, in the fall.

The first of June we had a lot of rain.  The last 2 weeks nothing & it's quite dry.  Rain is forecast but nothing happens.  At Hatch Patch the corn is really high & tasseled so they should be picking soon.  Probably be at least 3.00 a dozen - baker's dozen.

Kim stopped over today to return the papering equipment Lar borrowed.  She mentioned having us out at camp next Sun aft.  Lar plays in a soccer game at 2 pm.  Young guys vs. "old" guys.  So it wouldn't be until 4:30.  Kim wondered if it would be too late for Dad.  Barb thinks if it's a hot day, later would be better as then it would start to cool off.  They want us to see what has been done recently.  The back room about completed.  Lar's started stairs from the deck near the storage shed.  Kim has put up some of her collections. She was looking thru boxes Lar has at the Carriage House basement & came upon a tea set Barb got Lar when she was in Italy.  She wants to up that up.  Lar has made shelves for her stuff.  So there are new things I'd like to see.  And it's so pretty up there.

This turned out to be longer than I expected.  Didn't think there was much to talk about.

In the June Good Housekeeping there is an article about "children" coming home to live.  Some to pay off college debts faster; some as a result of divorce & need Grandma to baby sit, one lost her apt. lease & went to live with sister & bro.-in law.  All seemed to work out fairly well.  And money wasn't the problem.  It was interesting to me having 2 at home.

Will bring this to a close.  Am looking forward to seeing all of you in Aug.

Sunday, June 14, 1998

It is really cool & cloudy & we've had rain this weekend which was sorely needed.  But where is our warm June weather.  The next letter I could complain about the heat.

I've been reading again & have come to the conclusion that some authors are like preachers.  They hem & haw, repeat themselves & don't know when to say AMEN.  I always remember what one pastor said - "It's no use preaching when the congregation has said Amen."

Barb is painting the laundry area.  Took off the wallpaper etc. & has part of it completed.  A beige & the cupboards will be a shade lighter.  Will look nice.

Last letter I said my dryer wouldn't work.  When Dale tried it, it made a noise & then no noise & the dryer was O.K.  A coin or something must have gotten in & somehow slipped out.

Fri. nite Barb & I went to Sears & I spent more of the money from Edna.  We're getting a Maytag washer, dryer, & dishwasher.  The W & D will be in the 17th - Lar will take away the old ones & when the painting is completed we'll get them delivered.  The dishwasher won't be in til the 29th.  No more noisy equipment.  Lar wants the old W & D so he can wash his dirty work clothes (mud, dirt, etc.)  He'll put them in their basement.

Barb got a gallon of paint & will have some left over.  So she wants to tear off the Back entry paper & paint it the same color.  She can do as she pleases as long as I don't have to.

The baseball game sounded like fun.  If it was on ESPN, I'm sure we watched it.

Kim had 30 teachers at the baby shower for 2 of the Sheffield teachers at camp.  They loved the house.  By the steps from the deck, Lar built a brick sidewalk using the bricks from the chimney from the old bldg.  Kim said it looks so nice.  We'll  have to take a ride out there.  The den is all done except for the final floor.  A rug is covering it for now.  Lar's too busy with extra work.

I just had a little nap - my eyes wouldn't stay open.  Now the Braves vs. Montreal are on T.V.  It looks a little brighter outside.  (I sure now "now".)

Dad received about 50 cards for his 55th anniv.  Reading the cards bro't tears to his eyes.  The pastor bro't the cards over & he stayed awhile to visit.  I asked about his oldest daughter who finished an additional degree.  She hasn't decided on a job yet.  She visited Beloit College - a job as asst. of student housing.  They asked her are you a Christian.  When she said yes - they replied you wouldn't like it here.  We allow drinking & drugs on campus.  Then when she went into the cafeteria to eat 2 women were "making out".  So she wouldn't be happy there even if the pay was much higher than other offers.  I was surprised to hear that & I'm sure Melinda wouldn't exaggerate.  What do you think .  I was surprised.

Strawberries are ready for public picking now.  We bot some yesterday & they are so delicious.  Had shortcake last nite.  Barb & Kim hope to pick some.  I won't be able to - my leg won't take it.

When I got home from church today, Dad said "Why did you tie me into this chair."  Needless to say, I didn't.  Sometimes he has trouble working the lift chair.  His fingers don't have the strength or he can't find the cord.

Mon A.M.  Have a few minutes before I get lunch.  Got 4 thank you notes off as 4 members put a money gift in their card.  Also wrote a note to Bertha Nelson who had a niece send a card to Dad.

It's another cloudy day.

Barb has parts of 2 walls completed in the laundry room.  A darker beige & will have lighter cupboards.  The color is nice.  Glad she likes to do that as I don't.

Barb & Kim are on Cloud 9.  Bulls Win, Bulls Win!  Now will the team break up.

Better bring this to a close.

Friday, January 23, 1998

I'm watching Senior Skins from Hawaii.  What a beautiful place - people in shorts, etc.  It's not that bad here but school was delayed 2 hrs. due to slushy & icy roads.  Suppose to warm up in the 40's this aft.

Kim & Lar were here last nite & Lar said both Monty & Mike wondered if Barb would date them.  No way.  What Monty wants is someone to support him.

Lar & Kim will watch the Super Bowl game at Betsy Moran & her husband's home.  Betsy is tempoprary director of the Y.M. - they are interviewing now & then her Mom had a back operation so Betsy has been extra busy & concerned.  The friends will bring the food.  They have a new 36" T.V.  Lar & Kim have T.V. at Camp & enjoy it.  They've spent a few weekends there.  Overnite Sat.

How was your weekend.  It wasn't as cold was it.

 Pinehurst Inn exterior.

Pinehurst Inn.  R. D. Pike Room.

Pinehurst Inn.  Reception area.

Pinehurst Inn.  Dining room.

Pinehurst Inn.  R. D. Pike Room

Wheel of Fortune celebrated Super Bowl week & had players & their favorite football player so it's been interesting to watch.  I did a jigsaw puzzle last week & plan to do one rather than start one this weekend.  Like to do something while watching T.V.  Dad & I don't always agree on programs so I sit in the kitchen, watch T.V. & play Solitaire.

I'm trying to make out daily menus to make getting needed groceries easier but it is a difficult job.

Heard from both Gen & Millie today.

Barb & I started out to the Mall but the van stalled in front of Pelligrino's home.  We walked home - called Dale & he came & got it home.  Said it is the fuel pump.  Lar was here this aft. working on wiring.  Put micro on its own circuit breaker.  He still has a little more to do on other things - our Christmas gift at my suggestion.  So Torey was here & Kim stopped to pick him up & had a cup of coffee.

Wednesday, June 18, 1997

It's been a rainy, dull day.  This aft. we watched Mets vs. Yankees.  It was a good series, esp. the first game which the Mets won.  But they put up a good fight.  I'm sure they gave the Yankees a scare.  So I think the Mets made a good showing.  I like the idea of inter league play.

Yesterday the A.M. & aft. circles from church went out to lunch at Heritage House in Russell - they take groups of at least 10 & aren't open daily.  We had a nice time & enjoyed the food.

Interruption as Kim & Torey came over for awhile.  Lar was at camp due to the rain.  It's looking so nice - you'll be surprised when you see it.

We'll celebrate Kim's birthday on Sun.  She can't some on Thurs, as usual as she has to teach a 3 hr. course at the Red Cross Thurs. & again on Mon. nite - 6-9.  Her birthday is Sat. but they'll go out to dinner.  Just 2 sessions for the class.

Now I'm watching Braves vs. Toronto & Tor. is ahead so far.  They won.

Barb's been doing some weeding at the library.  Lar got - can't think of the word - like mulch & she put it around the shrubs & it's a great improvement.  Now she is starting in the basement - painting the floor & walls.  A cream color for the walls & a tan floor.  She's going by sections & has one section completed.  What an improvement.  It will take awhile - we have stuff we should get rid of.  Lucky you don't have a basement to collect junk!

Dale is keeping the outside looking nice.

Enjoyed your letter & hearing of your doings.  That is said about Renee but she sounds very cheerful & sure of the results.

Thurs.  It's a beautiful day.  I did a load of wash & hung it outside.  Dale put the hooks up & then the lines so I can dry sheets outside.

When I asked Kim what to serve for her birthday - (when I asked anyone for ideas I don't get much response) Kim suggested salads & to grill hamburgers.  We had steaks for Father's Day.  So I'll make pot. salad, Broccoli Salad & fruit salad.  Noticed Betty Crocker has a small angel food mix that makes 12 cupcakes or a loaf cake.  I'll try that so she can have some candles even tho she doesn't eat desserts - except M&M's.

Now it's Fri A.M.  Will be warmer & more humid today.  They came & checked the air cond. & all is in good order.  We'll probably use it today.

This letter will finally get mailed tomorrow - when I go over town.

Just watched a Western starring Audie Murphy.  Enjoyed it.

Yesterday the movers were here (Conaways) & Dad sat on the porch watching.  They (Harraras) are still here - at least the car is there & the back end opened so I suppose it's the last minute stuff before they take off to N. Dak.  Haven't heard a thing about the new neighbors.

Strawberries are late this year - none so far at Hatch Patch.  I need to make jam.  Usually I pick with Kim. They have raspberries you can pick.  Maybe I'll try that when they're ripe.

Gen was 75 June 13th & it was Fri.  They (Millie, Edith, John, Gen & Ed) went out to dinner & then back to Gen's for cake & ice cream.  Millie & Edith got a special cake decorated with "75".

Think I've "gabbed" enough.

Friday, May 16, 1997

The flowers you sent are so lovely - Thanks so much.

Still no spring but 70s are predicted for next week. We have done nothing outside yet. Lar did till the garden but it's still too cold here. Some days are more like March. The furnace goes on every A.M. Dales has mowed the lawn.

Our pastor is taking a sick leave starting June 1st for about 2 months or more. Ray Forstrom (Youngsville & a retired pastor) will preach.

Did you notice that "The Mets" reached & went over the .500 mark. Hope they keep it up. I sure miss their broadcasts. I like to watch hockey but it bothers Dad to watch it. I'm for Colorado -- all the way.

Dale is getting another car - too good to pass up. Sam B. had first "dibs" on it but Dale didn't think he'd want it as it required too much work to be done. Sam has a wife & also a boat so they spend time boating at the Dam.

The car is a Monte Carlo SS - an '85.  Be a winter car & he'll sell the present winter car.  It is good for him to have a project like this to keep him busy when he doesn't go out any more.  He also has projects around the house.

Last Sun. we took Dad to see Lar & Kim's place.  It is looking so nice - floor completed, except for the kitchen area.  He was ready to grout the tile so we haven't seen that completed.  Last nite he said he put the sink & faucet in.  They hope to have the front rooms completed by the 4th of July so they can entertain.

Kim is in Fla. at her sister's.  Left Wed. nite & will be home Mon. nite.  Taury is lost - keeps looking for her.  Sat is the big day when her niece's story she wrote for a school contest is read, along with others in the area.

Back to Lar - they got the cupboards, refrig, stove & dishwasher for $100.00 from one of the Crary homes.  He sanded the cupboards, etc. so now they are light & look wonderful.  The appliances aren't in yet.  Have to do the floor first.

Our freezer gave out so I got another one.  Lost a few things but nothing big.

This week Dale works from 7 A.M. - 4 P.M. & is home for lunch soon after 11 A.M.  So I'll bring this to a close.

Not much goes on here.

Sunday, March 2, 1997

My cold is much better but I think Dad has it now.

Saw in the paper that Mr. Van Volkenburg died.  He was 72.  He had been ill for some time but I don't know what it was.

Last Thurs. Bensons, Hollertzs, and Forstroms were here for lunch & as usual we had a great time.  Warren is preparing a paper to read at Ridgway's Historical Society & he found an interesting tho't.  When their church was founded by the Swedes they named it The English Lutheran Evangelical Bethlehem Church.  When the next generation were the leaders they officially renamed it The Svenska -----Church.  The new Swedes wanted to be "Americanized", their children wanted to go back to their roots.  In Warren's time they changed it back legally to the first name.

Bensons just came back from a trip to visit friends in Texas & Fla.  In June they are going to Sweden for a 3 week trip.

Signs of spring are appearing.  I haven't seen a robin yet but some people have.

We arranged for an electrician to put in a new elec. box.  But they have to wait for warmer weather.  I think I'm repeating myself but my mind seems to be blank in trying to write a letter.  I'm watching a Claudette Colbert war movie & that doesn't help.  Joel McCrae is in it but I don't know the title as it had already started when I put it on.  Barb & Dale are watching Nascar racing & Dad is asleep in his chair.

Now it's Fri the 7th & I want to finish this so I can mail it tomorrow.

My cold is much better but I did something to my back - lifted wrong or something.  Have had the heating  pad on it so that helps.

The materials for our kitchen floor were delivered.  Don't know when Lar will work on it.

Kim & Lar got the tile for their kitchen & yesterday Lar got most of it glued on.  Just the part left where the tiles must be cut to fit.  He said it looks nice.  They also got the hard wood for the floor & kit. bar.  But I don't remember what kind it is.  So that part of the house will be ready for summer entertaining.  Only the 2 bedrooms to finish.

Today is Lila's 85th birthday.  We plan to call her a little later.

We got a bit of snow overnite & the roads were slippery so school was delayed 2 hours.  It was a sunny day, for a change, so a lot of snow melted.

Gen called recently - have you heard from her.  She got the returned cancel check for Andy, but not Eddie's so she wondered if it was lost.  If so, she'll send another one.  She said she'd write to find out.

Johnny was in Texas for the Company he works for.

Larry G. has to go to Las Vegas for a convention & he wants to take his 10 yr. old son & wants Millie to come so she can care for him when Larry is at meetings.  It might be this weekend.  They'll leave on Fri. so they'll have Sat & Sun free & the mtgs are Mon & Tues. & they'll be home Wed.  Millie doesn't like to fly but they should have a good time.

Time to watch TV.

Sunday, July 23, 1995

I have a little time before church so I'll start a letter.  Thanks for the post cards.  Glad you had a good trip home.

The house has seemed so empty - we really miss Andy & Eddie & have pleasant memories of their visit here.  We hope it can happen again.

This past week Dad has awakened with headaches - they gradually disappear.  We'll have to contact the Dr & see if he can help him.

Tell the boys that Scott fell & has a fracture in his wrist.  They didn't put a cast on it but something else & he doesn't like it & tries to remove it.  They didn't realize it at first & it wasn't until the next day that Lynn took him to the Dr.

Barb doesn't have to work on Wed so we're going to Jamestown.  She'll look for yarn & we'll have lunch at Red Lobster.

One A.M. it was cool enough to bake & I made the boys' (one of the favorites) favorite cookies & they aren't here to share them.

This aft. we might to go see Kim's & Lar's house as he has started to partition off the rooms so you can get an idea of how it will be.  He took a couple of vacation days this past week.  One aft. Kim weeded by the side of the house & got that looking nice.

Am enclosing a clipping of 2 old houses.  The one on the left, Sheila said, her sister had hoped to buy, restore & use it as a bed & breakfast.  She & her husband (Sheila's sister) restored an old Victorian house but he doesn't want strangers sleeping in it or she would use that for a B&B.

Soon time to leave & not much news.

We loved having you all home, even for a short visit.