Saturday, February 12, 2000

Thanks for the pictures -- the boys room looks so nice & colorful.  So do the cupboards.  I'm envious.

What a good idea to send the project of Jeff''s to Albert & Cindy & then on to Hawaii  It should be very interesting.  Some people never move & don't have relatives or friends who are far away.  Don't even know if Debbie has bothers or sisters.

Looking outside I see sunlight & blue, blue sky but it's deceiving as it hasn't warmed up much.  We had a couple of days in the 40s & you can see the snow level is down.  I did walk home on Fri. after getting my hair done.  Felt good.

Lynn is concerned about Scott but won't allow him to have medication.  He won't listen.  Barb tells him he can't do something & he runs to the phone & calls Lynn .  She doesn't want to be interrupted but he calls several times to try to get his way.  She should just hang up on him so he'd get the message.  Barb picks him up from school Mon-Wed - so he doesn't have to go to the Y.  Lar doesn't mind he's not in soccer -- but he said there are others who are rascals.  They have too many kids for those who help.

Back to memories of Auburn.  The new parsonage was only a block from Strands & I used to take you over there to visit.  You loved to take the pots & pans out of the cupboard & have them over the floor.  I tried to protest but Mrs. S. always said let him bee.  They had 1 daughter & she lived in Everett - worked so wasn't home much.

Had a note from Ruth with 2 pictures of Signe's party.  She said it was nice you were able to be there.

Dale is on his way to Jamestown to pick up his rug.  He bo't it last Sat. to be picked up today.  He chose a light gray.  Bro't home the padding last Sat.  Plans to get rid of the desk.  Lar might want it so it will be stored in the attic.  It's a good desk & once shined up, etc. will look good again.  I'm glad Dale is fixing up his room as it needs a point job, etc.  What got him started -- he wired something, stereo or something & put the wire under the rug.  When he lifted it up the underside disintegrated & he realized he should do something.  It's been down a long time so he got his money's worth.  He wants to get something to hold his TV, VCR, etc. & he should have a comfortable chair to sit on.

Don't think I told you Larry got a raise this year.  Think Kim said it amounts to about $5,000.00.  He has more work tho with the Salvation Army officer & wife living in one of the houses the committee bought.  Had to do plumbing as the pipes froze.  More walked to shovel - more grass to mow.  They added 2 houses to that they already had but aren't able to use them as retirement homes so that's why the S. Army couple can live there.  Couldn't get the ordinance changed but they're still trying.  First Meth. church is the one who has the authority over it all -- not the ordinance, tho.

Racing season starts Sunday.  Qualifying took place today.  D. Earnhardt came out with a red car rather than the usual black.  Don't know if it's permanent - my thoughts get ahead of my hand.

Now it's Sat. evening -- dinner over, dishes done (in dishwasher) & I had a little nap in my chair.

Dale's rug is nice.  Lar helped him put it in the attic.

The veggie dish you had at Mim's sounded good.  Peas, carrot & onion casserole.  I'll have to look thru my cookbooks to see if I can find one similar.  Kim said she's had one like that.  I'm always on the lookout for an interesting veggie dish.  Found one somewhat similar -- called for other veggies.

I'm tired at nite & if nothing is on TV I go to bed earlier but then I wake up earlier.  L.A. Law is on at 6 pm & I got interested in that, then Law & Order.  To keep awake I turned to Court TV & watch 2 programs from 8-10.  Cops is one & then another one.  Wouldn't care to be a policewoman in a large city.  Get my eyes opened to what goes on in life watching those programs.  Tonite at 9 pm skating comes on & that is interesting.  Watched golf this aft & Tiger is moving up but not on top yet.  Wonder if he can win his 7th in a row.  He couldn't.

I read the article about JoAnna's boss.  He must be a very interesting man to know & work for.  May be the race be successful.

All is well here.

Thursday, December 16, 1999

Yesterday Benson's & Hollertz's came for lunch & it was a real high point for me.  They arrived around 1 pm.  We ate & sat around the table just letting the dishes sit.  Did clear dinner plates, etc. & put them in the sink.  They didn't leave til 4:30. 

Warren & Anna went to their grandson's school in Pittsburgh as the teacher wanted people to tell of their school days & they didn't have any over age 50.  Karen said my parents will come & they enjoyed it so much.  Even had an old toy to show - no plastics, etc. back then.

We got to talking of the "tabs" pastors used to wear (collar) & I got Dad's class picture to show them.  Then we got to talking about baptism & how years ago babies were baptized at home.  I got Dad's baptismal certificate & showed it to them.  Ted wrote down the date & said he could figure it out.  He called this A.M. & as far as he could figure out it was on a Fri. so most likely at home.

It was just a most delightful time for all of us.  Benson's bro't a poinsettea plant & Hollertzs Dan Smith soft center chocolates.  Not necessary but nice.

This A.M. we had snow flurries but I walked to the post office to mail letters & get more stamps.

Grandma forgot to have Dale sign a birthday card for Eddie but it should be there after his birthday, Mon. so tell - no this will be after he gets it as I won't mail it until tomorrow when I get my hair done.

Time is going fast.  I've got most of my cookies made & will have to get groceries for when you're here - like grapefruit & lamb!!  Plus what the boys like - stuffed pork chops for Andy & beef or chicken for Eddie.

Soon lunch time.  Just felt like writing you.

I was surprised to get a call from Dr. McNett last time to tell me all was well with the blood test except the thyroid & he wants me to increase the pill from 1 to 3 a day & have another blood test in a month.  I have good veins so it doesn't hurt.  Glad I have Blue Cross & Medicare also.

On Thurs. I don't see Law & Order at 7 pm & plan to watch at 1 pm but I always forget & missed it today.  I couldn't keep my eyes opened last nite to watch the 10 pm Law & Order.

Felt like talking to Millie so I called & we talked about 1/2 hr.  She has the family on Christmas Eve.  Larry & family go home & Millie & Linda go to Allan's on Christmas Day.  She has a tree up & other decorations.  Gen doesn't do much decorating & doesn't have her tree up yet & doesn't keep it up very long.  I love to decorate.  Larry & Debbie go to Debbie's folks on Christmas.  T hey aren't well & don't leave their home.  Her mother has a cigarette in her hand constantly & neither drive any more.  Larry had business in Wilbraham & the next day so he stayed at Millie's as well.  He likes to be on the move so he wanted to go to the movies to see the new Tom Hanks film.  Millie wasn't sure she'd like it but went.  She loved it - wasn't what she thought it would be.  She said he is Oscar material.  Have you seen it.  The Green something, I think she said.  I'm not into movies!  My mind goes faster than the pen & often I leave things out.

Linda will be home next Wed. & will stay thru Sun. so Millie & she can do things together.

Kim gave me an early Christmas gift.  Holders for the Christmas stockings & they sit on the mantel.   Got them at Sam's Club.  They look nice.  Set of 4 with an angel, sleight, tree & reindeer.

Soon bedtime so I'll bring this to a close.

Friday, December 10, 1999

Lar bro't the tree today & Barb is putting the lights on it & then I'll help with the rest of the decorations.  I think I'm thru with my shopping.

Wed. Bensons and Hollertzs are coming for lunch.  I'll fix a chicken dinner with vienetta & cookie for dessert.

I got a start on the rolls for Betty G. Mailhot.  She called this A.M. to check & ask me how much they'd be.  I didn't want money so I said a gift to Hospice or the animal shelter.  I don't want to start baking rolls to sell.  They have to be done by 9:30 so I'll get up early.  Have things ready to go - pans, etc.

Got your letter today as well as the Christmas letter.  That was a surprise - it's only the 10th!!!

Had a Dr. appt. this aft.  The thyroid makes my eyes funny so he gave me a new prescription.  Start with 4 pills  3 times a day & by the end of the month I go down to 3 pills, 3 times a day & then I have to see him Dec. 27th at 3:45.  Blood pressure & weight O.K.

 Law & Order is on so I'm not sure if I can write & listen at the same time.

Last Wed. Betty C. & I went to lunch at The Plaza.  They are always crowded & the food is good.

Yesterday I got a permanent & today the Dr.  Next week nothing except Wed.  But that means cleaning the house & some baking.  Cardamon rolls as they love them.

When you're here we'd like to go out to eat but it would be in Warren & the best place is Holiday Inn.  We can decide when you're here.

Kim took a personal day last Wed.  Worked at home & did errands.  Next weekend they go to a party & wear dressy clothes.  Kim has a long black skirt & wanted a new top.  She went o the Salvation Army Store & found  a top - never worn.  Price tag was 60.00 & Kim got it for 3.00.  The clerk asked her if she had seen the red dress made by the same co.  Kim looked at it.  Also new, her size & she got it for 6.00.

Last Mon. we went to Jamestown & I saw a dress I liked.  A Lesley Fay.  Tried it on & liked it.  2 piece.  A print, pleated skirt & a plain light purple top.  Feels good on me so I got it - on sale but had to pay tax in N.Y.  Got a cute jumper & turtleneck at Walmarts for the little girl I wrote about.  Good prices at Walmart.

It was a good Law & Order.  I like the dark haired D.A.  He's good.

P.S.  Almost forgot.  Good report card for Andy.  I hope he makes the Honor Roll next time.  Now you're a parent & want your child to do his best.  I felt the same way!!  Only you "guys" didn't cooperate.  I hope Andy will.

Just remembered I changed the gift for Eddie.  It cost more than the one I tho't I'd send.

Now it's Sat. aft.

Was up at 5:30 this A.M. & had the rolls ready before 9:30.  Then I made us a coffee cake & 2 kinds of cookies.

Took it easy for awhile & this aft. finished trimming the tree.  Looks nice.

I know from letters, Eddie like to help in the kitchen at times.  I made the tea cakes that have to be rolled in powdered sugar & could have used his help.  He might have enjoyed that.  But it all got done.

Found a new idea for baked pot.  Cut it in half lengthwise.  Put a slice of onion & a slice of cheese between the 2 pot.  Wrap in foil. & bake in oven.  Delicious.  Had them last Thurs & will again this Wed.

Did you notice Everett Borg died.  Didn't give his age but I think he was at Upsala College when Frank C. was.

Sunday, December 4, 1999

I'm using paper that maybe could have been some you "kids" used.  Want to use it up.

Just finished a letter to Gen.  Their horse Happy died recently.  Don't know how old he was but John is in his late 30's & he rode him as a child.  For a long time he didn't get any exercise - the horse, that is.

Thurs. A.M., the 2nd, Barb woke up with the flu.  She is just now getting to feel better.  I made chili for supper & she had a little of it.  I was running out of milk, bananas & other things so I went to Bi-Lo with Kim.  It was busy but it gave me a chance to go down different aisles & check things out.  Kim plans on an hour to get groceries.  I was done first but didn't have to wait long.

Time is going fast & I should get a box with gifts for JoAnna from us.  Will enclose 1 gift for the boys & Paul - the rest will be opened here so we can be in on the fun.

Today at church they had a "cooky walk" - cookies 3.00 doz. & you could choose from a variety.  And a soup & pie luncheon.  I made 2 pies for it.

The Salvation Army sponsors an Angel Tree & we have one at church.  You choose a name hanging on the tree & there are gift suggests, sizes, etc.  I chose a 5 yr. old girl who wanted a doll & clothes.  I got a doll & a slack outfit for the girl.  Barb wants to get a dress & I want to look for p.j.'s.  Kim wondered who the doll was for & when she heard she said I'd like to do something.  So I got a boy's name.  He wants trucks & some clothes.   They've done it for several years & this is the first time I've done it.  You supply the wrapping paper & tags & the S.A. will check it over & have women to hope wrap.  Reason for this - when they first started you could wrap the gifts & some were worthless - rags & junk.  It was fun to shop for a little girl.

Barb said we might go to Jamestown Mon. aft. & look for things.  We get our tree on Fri. the 10th.  I've put a few Santas up but not much.

Wed the 15th I invited Bensons for lunch.  Haven't been able to get a hold of Warren & Anna.  Hope they can come that day.  Ted Benson got a deer on the 1st day of hunting.  On their property.

By mistake I got free blue cheese dressing for Dale & he agrees with Andy.  NO GOOD.  So I got the right one today.

I'm not ready to agree or not to agree to visit the last week of March.  Time will tell.  Guess I'm just a home body.

Fri. after Thanksgiving I discovered Law & Order on A&E at 9:30 A.M. so I watched it most of the day.  Dale took his lunch that day so he wouldn't lose his parking spot.

He went to Seamons junk yard to day.  At work he worked on an '88 Blazer & once he fixed it, it drove better than his.  So he got something - he told me what is was but I can't remember - & put it in & it drives better so he's happy.  We had snow on Mon. for the 1st day of deer hunting but it didn't last.  Warmed up again.

Your Thanksgiving dinner sounded real special.  I've read about baking sweet potatoes but have never tried it.  Kim bro't a cranberry-apple pie & it was very good.  She took it home for Lar to eat, as we also had pumpkin pie.

Sun.  JoAnna's birthday.  Hope it was a good one.

I found a box to send some gifts but it has to be cut down so I'll ask for Dale's help.  He is out now.

It was 51 at 8 A.M.& it has warmed up.

Explain to the boys so they will know more gifts are waiting for them.  I'm just sending small packages & Eddie's isn't as expensive as Andy's small sized one.  It will even up in the end.

I'm drinking coffee (3 pm) & watching Indianapolis vs. Miami.  The Colts QB is great & only 23 years old.  Fun to watch.  Barb wants Miami to win - better for the Bills - but they are trailing.  Coach Mora is lucky to get such a good team.

Hope to mail the pkg on Tues.

Guess t his is all for now.

Saturday, November 20, 1999

Your letter came today & I'll start a letter because this will be a busy first of the week in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Don't know if Barb J. is coming but if she does I'll have to fuss a little more.

Thurs. nite we heard from Kim that Torey had dug up an old bone & chewed on it.  Result he had "the runs".  Thurs. he still had to eat her e- cheese, salmon, ice cream & cookies.  That didn't help - at 2:30 A.M. he woke Kim up - he had messed on the rug in the living room -- all liquid.  He stood by the door meaning he wanted to go out.  So Kim put a coast over her pj's & took him out.  Meanwhile she tried to clean up the rug.  The worse part was Lar slept all thru this & Kim couldn't take that.  She turned on all the lights & Lar finally roused.  Kim said it's your turn if he needs to go out.  About 5:30 A.M., Kim heard Tor & Lar had to get up.  Kim said to Lar "don't let Torey eat old dug up bones."  Lar said "that's part of being a dog."  Kim - "Not for Torey, he's almost human."

Dale was in Rochester Thurs & Fri this week.  Sam B. also went so they went together.  It was about noises & squeaks in cars - at least part of it.  Dale said it was an interesting 2 days.  Shults has an agency in Erie & was asked to take over a Ford agency in Pittsburgh & get it back to be successful.  T hey have Toyota, Ford as well as Chevy & Pontiac, etc.  Dale said the one son is the one who has the smarts to be successful.  The 2 songs have taken over from the father.

Where Barb works for Bert, one bedroom ceiling had a hole in the plaster.  On Tues. someone went to plaster & also painted the ceiling & walls.  Barb didn't' work Fri. as the room wasn't finished.  So she worked today but didn't get finished so will go in tomorrow for a couple of hours.  Bert's niece doesn't come til Mon. aft. so that will help & barb can go over the downstairs on Mon.  Painting the kitchen took time so she didn't get any cleaning done.

I guess Penn State is going to lose for a 3rd time in a row.  Lots of unhappy Penn Staters around - including Cindy I'm sure.  When is Julianna a year old.

When Dale was gone Thurs. nite, it gave us a chance to have fish.  Salmon & it was delicious.  Dale is not a fish eater.  Doesn't like the smell.

Last Wed. when Sam came to pick Dale up, he was early so we talked awhile.  He divorced his wife but still they see each other.  He put winter tires on her car, check to see the storm windows were OK.  They are friends but being husband & wife won't work.  I like Sam but he's not husband material.  It was her - she spent & charged too much money - one of the problems.  There were others.  Sam was her 2nd husband & she has 2 children.  A son 16 & a daughter 14 going on 30.  Sam told her you'd better watch the girl or you'll be sorry but she said that' how kids are today.  She's an R.N. & can support herself.

Mon A.M.

I'm going out to lunch with our pastor friends at Holiday Inn.  Hollertzs won't be there as their daughter Valeria is home for a short visit.  Bensons will pick me up.

Last nite I was the last one in bed - this is Dale's early week.  Reason: I watched Law & Order from 8-11 & really enjoyed it.  I'm going to think about watching L&) on Wed. nites at 10 pm.

Luncheon date is 1 pm & we're there about 2 hours so Barb will get the groceries while I'm gone so we can go to the Mall when I get home.

Another warm day here - should be in the 60s.  Hit 59 yesterday.  Nice Nov. weather!

Guess I've covered everything.

Friday, October 22, 1999

I'll start a letter tonite as the World Series starts tomorrow & with football, etc. decided to get an early start.

Thanks for the pictures of the wedding.  I feel like I don't know Rachel as we've seen so little of her, so it was nice to get the pictures.

In your letter that came today you mentioned having to take Andy to Lenscrafters.  Did I miss something - does he need glasses or is it something special he needed or wanted.

Back to the wedding - did they blow bubbles in place of rice or bird seed?

Today after lunch we went to the mall & I bo't a black skirt at Bon Ton & a flannel nightie at Penneys.  Barb is looking for a tan turtleneck & couldn't find any.  I had an order for L. L. Bean & she saw one so decided to get one.  Lar always likes a certain L. L. Bean shirt for Christmas so I ordered that as well.  Kim collects bird houses & Penneys Home Values Catalog had a darling Christmas bird house so I ordered that one.  I'm getting a start on Christmas.  We want to send y our pkg. by the end of Nov.  Oh yes, I finally found Pokemon cards at KMart.

Next week we plan to go to Jamestown again & will go to the Old Navy store & look at things the boys might like.

I've been trying to remember Law & Order at 7 p.m.  I've done it a few times now & enjoy them but to really understand it, I have to watch from the start.

Bert, who Barb works for, gave Barb a red blazer jacket - Liz brand, size 12.  But it fits me better than it does Barb so I'm the one to get it.  What a lucky break.  It is really nice.

After the Met game Tues. nite - I stayed up til 12:15 A.M. & then went to bed & couldn't get to sleep.  Too disappointed, I guess.  When I couldn't sleep many thoughts went thru my mind & I got to thinking of the winter jacket I wrote about in my last letter.  I thought "I bet that clasp or whatever could have slipped up to the top of the zipper."  Sure enough, when I checked there it was so my jacket is still wearable & I still have the one from Barb.  Lucky me!

Careys went to Fla. for 3 weeks.  They go for the winter after the holidays.  Someone is staying at the house as they didn't take the dogs.

Now it's Mon A.M.  I want to mail this and thanks for the Christmas suggestions.  Barb & I will start our shopping.

Enjoy your birthday weekend.  I'll be thinking of you on the 29th - with many happy memories.