Friday, February 5, 1999

It's 8:30 A.M. & all is quiet.  This is Dale's early week so I'm up, dressed & set to go.  Where - well I should cash a check for Feb. expenses so I plan to walk over town.  It is sunny so should warm up a bit.

You got 2 letters as I'm trying to write letters on Fri. & mail them Sat. when I get my hair done.  It doesn't always happen.

Early this A.M. - 3:15 I heard a noise & saw a light downstairs.  Dad was up sitting in a chair - 2 lamps on in the L room, back door & basement light on & in the bathroom.  Finally got him up, changed his Depend & got him back in bed.  But I just dozed so I'll probably take a nap this aft.

Been thinking of Cindy & the baby.  Be sure to keep me informed.

Already wrote notes to Millie & Gen.

Am watching the Weather Channel & one gal has a pretty yellow suit on.  Makes me think of spring.  We still have piles of snow in spots - the sun doesn't reach them - and it feels like spring but I know it's too early for W. Pa.

Noticed in the paper that the Mets fired Tim McCarver & hired Tom Seaver.  AND they will be on Ch. WPIX so we'll see some of their games.  Oh Happy Day!  What more could I ask for?

Signe called last Sun. but Carolyn & I talked.  Dad said a few words.  Carolyn said she'd be taking Paul back to college & would miss the wedding.  (Charles)  But maybe Jim would take Signe.  Hope you can make it.

In Buffalo there is talk about moving Children's Hospital & people are very upset about that.  I watch Buff. Ch. 2 news - it is the most investing.  NBC.

NASCAR racing starts Sun. & Dale is happy.  The book on Dale Earnhardt family came & it is so interesting.  Read it thru.  He is family oriented.  Followed in his father's footsteps & learned form him.  Father died at 44 of a heart attack & he still misses him.  Mother, 2 brothers & 2 sisters still in N. Carolina.

Aft. (PM)

I tried to get Dad up & he didn't want to so I let him sleep & went to cash a check.  So I have my cash for the month.  I got him up & he had "brunch", 2 meals in 2.  He was up awhile & now he's sleeping again.

Stopped at the library & got "Pictures of Perfection" by Reginald Hill.  Tried to get a book by Ian Rankin but couldn't find one & didn't have time to check.  In Buff. paper there was a good review of his books in general & the latest one "Black & Blue".  To quote - "There are no barrooms, no four letter words.  And when he romances the town librarian, there are no affecting descriptions of just who does what to whom.  They enjoyed their lovemaking 'he says', and that's all I'm going to tell you on the subject."  My kind of book - tame!

We got a letter today from Messiah Church Auburn inviting us to the 75th Anniversary May 1 & 2.  We can stay with Elfrieda Kennedy but it will be just a dream.  No way can we accept,m as nice as it would be to return to Auburn once again.  I'll have to write a letter.

Better bring to a close.

Sunday, May 31, 1998

I'm on the porch, lost interest in the crossword puzzle in the Buff. Sun. paper & will write a letter instead.

Read a good book Klondike Fever by Suzann Ledbetter.  About the gold rush with a love interest.  Easy reading.

Did I write Messiah Church, Auburn, is having a year long celebration of their 75 years.  So they are sending us their newsletter & the first one came yesterday.  Interesting to read.  Recognized only 1 name, Erv Steinle who is now the business mgr. of Messiah.  They have 2 pastors, a female associate in ministry, & 3 others so that's quite a staff.  It has really grown but it's in a growing area with a good job field.

We've had some rain, more is suppose to come & then cool off.  It was very hot in church this A.M. plus an extra long service honoring the graduating seniors, communion, etc.  Most of the seniors are going off to college.  One family who moved here after the husband retired (originally from the area) are moving back to Michigan.  The 2nd daughter graduated this June.  So retirement away from a familiar place, relatives, friends,etc. didn't work out for them.  And they've been very active members.

Barb brought some things to Lynn's garage sale & we got 30.00.  Sold all she brot up so we have a little less "junk" in the attic.

Mon. after work Dale goes to Rochester for classes & returns Thurs. nite.

Lar had some trouble with his truck & was without it most of last week.  Still didn't have it Sat.  He was using the station wagon as it wasn't Kim's turn to drive last week.  Mrs. Patterson, up the4 st. teaches at Sheffield so they take turns driving.  The teachers look forward to vacation as much as the kids do.

Gen called the other nite to see how things are.  They don't have their pool ready yet.

Andy!  Atlanta lost 3 games in a row.  What happened to your favorite team?  I won't say anything about the Mets.  Don't want to jinx them!! So far they're ahead today.  Buffalo has been a disappointment in their playoff games against Washington.  Nice they got that far when it wasn't expected.

Sounded like you had a great Memorial Day weekend & anniversary.

We're suppose to have a few cool days so I'll get some baking done.  The cooky tins are bare.

Lynn gave Barb a 100.00 Penney's gift certificate.  She couldn't find anything here so Fri. she went to Jamestown.  Got 2 skirts, 2 bras, slacks & a top to go with it.  Spent it all & enjoyed it.

We can get the Erie Sun. paper delivered so I will call about that & then someone won't have to go out for a paper.

Now it's Tues. aft. & the letter isn't mailed, so it won't go out til Wed.

Yesterday I hung sheets out to dry.  There was a nice breeze so they dried in no time.  I washed the quilt & ruffle for our bed last week.  It's been great weather for drying blankets, etc.

Barb got flowers & some veggies planted.  I filled my pots with pansies, geraniums, & alyssum (sp).  I like to look out the kitchen window & see them.  Pansies are my favorite with their pretty faces.

Better get this ready for mailing.  I'm just filling paper now.

Saturday, May 16, 1998

I'll start a letter while your questions are still fresh in my mind.

The floral bouquet consisted of yellow lilies, lge. pink carnations & a deeper pink -- a flower I think are called "Pinks" a smaller type carnation with stock & greenery.  And sitting in it is a bird on a nest that is reusable.  I'll put it in the wreath in the D.R.  Also a "Happy Mothers Day" on a plastic piece.  Very pretty, altho it doesn't sound like the colors to together but they do.

Paul I find it hard to believe you are becoming fond of "Boxer".  But when you get a baby animal it makes a lot of difference.  Will you have it neutered as well as declawed.

We have the twin bed in the eating area & it looks O.K.  I think he'll be O.K. as he doesn't "roam" at nite - too hard to get around.

Lar called at noon to find what we had done.  He will be over after 5 to help carry the seats, table, etc. up to the attic.  I'll miss sitting at the table & watching. - Dale will miss the same at nite when he eats - around 9 pm.

Lar said they found a chair for Dad - can't remember the correct term, but it helps one get out of a chair.  That is one of the problems - no strength to lift himself up.  This lady said we could try it out & then decided on a price.  I'd prefer if she'd name the price she wants.

Dale didn't work today.  Washed his car & is in the process of putting the stereo system in this car - the one he took out of the old car.  Now he's on the way to Seaman's probably to find "stuff" for the Blazer.  He'll stop at the Youngsville Dairy Queen for a burger.  Says they are the best ever.  He found a door for the Blazer.

Barb worked around the yard this A.M. U& washed off the porch furniture so it's all set for us to sit out there.  We haven't gotten any flowers yet but I'm sure we'll get some during the week.  I'll need a red geranium for church the last Sun. of May.  Pentecost.  Members bring red ger- & they are planted outside during the week.  It looks nice to see the red flowers in the altar area.

The exchanges of 4 Marlins for 2 L.A. Dodgers was a surprise.  Sounds like it will go thru.

We were watching Cleveland vs. Texas & since Cleveland was ahead I switched to golf & noticed a Bob Friend was playing & doing well.  Said to Dad there was a pitcher with that name in Pittsburgh & then a note came on T.V. that he had been a pitcher with the Pirates.  So he has a 2nd career.  Encouraging to other athletes who are avid golfers.  Now it sounds like he is the son - he's only 33 so I guess that's true.  Must have missed something.

We got a letter this A.M. from Messiah Luth. stating they will be celebrating their 75th Anniv. in '99.  It will be a yearlong celebration & hoping we could come for the final weekend next spring.  Be nice but an impossible dream.  That's Auburn, Wn.

Sun A.M.   P.S.

I'm set for church but it's too early so I'll let you know how things are.  Last nite Lar & Dale got the lift chair to try out & it will be great.  It is one of the workers at the Crary Home.  Said it cost $1,000.00 & they tried to sell it for $500.00, then $250.00 & no takers.  So maybe it will be less then $250.00.    It is blue so it fits in.  Dad just has to push "up" to get out of the chair & down to sit.  He can just stand against it so that problem of lifting is over.  Has the leg rest, too.  Very nice.

The bed went well.  I got up at 6 A.M. to check, went back to bed til 7 & got him ready & we had breakfast.  But he isn't eating much at all.  I don't make large portions & still a lot get thrown out.

It is another lovely day.

Barb has an aching shoulder.  Too much lifting & working outside Sat.   She said she was weight lifting - why I don't know.  She saw the Dr., had another pap smear & it shows an irritation.  No insurance - an operation, hysterectomy (sp) would be the thing but they are trying other things - a shot to stop her period & heavy bleeding.  Maybe things will be better when she won't have Scott to deal with.  Good I'm not a "worrier".  Barb is good at that.