Monday, July 21, 2003

I didn't start a letter yesterday because I was reading.  Vegas Rich was the book I read on Sat. finishing it at 12 A.M.  It was so good.  On Sun. I started Vegas Heat & finished it this A.M.  A trilogy so the next book I get will be Vegas Sunrise.  Ten I'll look for a 4 series set Rich Rich, Texas Heat, Texas Fury & Texas Sunrise.

Sat. nite Lar & Kim, Betsy Moran & her husband & Kathy & her husband who now live in Erie, drove their sports cars to Bemus Point for dinner.  At 4 pm, Kim bro't Torey over to stay with us, & picked him up at 9:30 P.M.  He missed them & goes to the door tot look for them but he is good.

Today we're having thunder showers & the same for Tues. & Wed.

This year we'll be getting blueberries from our bush.  Dale got nets to cover them & Barb picked a few today.  Hatch Patch had corn last week & we got some but they were small ears with not much taste. I think they were picked too soon.  We'll try again for Thurs. when I plan to have hamburgers.  Probably potato salad & Barb wants macaroni.  A picnic meal.

Yesterday was the last Sun. for the interim pastor.  We'll have visiting pastors in Aug. & maybe a new pastor in Sept.

Tues. A.M.

We had about 3 1/2" of rain Mon.  Of course, the basement is puddled.  I tried to wipe up & Dale finished the job.  This A.M. I saw water in the other side so I swept it toward the drain & put the fan over there to hep dry it out.  This is Dale's long day so I try to hep him a bit. Yesterday I tried mopping it up & got 2 buckets of water.  Franklin had 6-8" of rain.  Our streets downtown were filled with water for awhile.  Mt. Jewett had winds of 80 mph & part of the Kinzua Bridge came down.  It is closed as they were working to restore it.  Wonder what happens now with tight funds.

4 men, including Mr. Bonace, tried to stop work on the Court House -- they have been updating it & they sued the Commissioners to stop work & they lost the case.  I'm happy it went against them. They are always trying to stop progress.  They are also against the new grade school.  Another group is suing the school board.  If you can't get your way, sue.  That happens too much!!!

Tues. the 22nd

More rain -- more water in the basement.  The TV showed that the middle of the Kinzua Bridge came down -- only the ends are left.

WOW!  The Mets beat the Phillies last nite AND this aft.  Last nite with a young pitcher -- 1st win & this aft. Trachsel beat Millwood.

Golf was exciting last Sun. when a rookie won.  Ben Curtis.  He's a happy guy.

Today's USA has an interesting story of a young hockey player Jordan Tootoo who lives in Rankin Inlet, Nunavit just below the Arctic Circle.  Only way in by boat or airplane.  An Inuit. Very interesting.

I'm enclosing some pictures Barb took about the flowers, etc.

We're seeing sunshine at times.  This is the weekend at the lake.  Have a good time, rather I know you had a good time.  I forgot to ask you  to ask about Ruth.  Is she at the same address, etc.  I know I waited too long.

Time for my soaps!

Saturday, September 2, 2000

School started & hot, humid weather decided to return.  I've used the A.C. several times to keep the house cooler.  Things have started OK for Kim.  At least she doesn't have lunch room duty this year.

Received an invitation to Anna & Warren's 50th Wedding anniv. the end of Sept.  No one is going from this area so I won't be able to attend.  It will be at the Country Club but I'll send a card & look for a gift.

I did laugh when I read that paragraph about "now he knows what it's like to have children".  In fact I just read it again & laughed again.  You know they say laughter is good for a person.  No one said it was easy but it's the most wonderful experience ever.

Penn State "stinks" this year.  Barb is watching the game but I'm watching "Murder She Wrote" on A&E.  Barb thinks they should bench R. Casey & use the red shirt freshman who was in on a couple of plays in the first game & was good.

Read about the "shoe situation" of U. of Wisc.  But Wisc. still won minus the players who had to sit out.  Hope they'll continue to do OK.

Dale went to the care junkyard this aft.  The heat doesn't bother him.  He also loves to go to Don Gage & look over the variety of merchandise.

He got a pair of shoe stretchers made of cedar wood & they have a nice aroma to them.  Keeps his shoes smelling good.  The ones he wears a few times a year when he dresses up.  Shoes he inherited from Dad.

In St. Louis temp is suppose to reach 100 & the Mets play S.L. in an aft. game.  More fun.  It's not on TV.  They couldn't make it 1/2 ahead of the Braves when both teams lost.  It is exciting.

We finally had a thunder shower.  The grass has turned brown in spots & rain was needed.

I'm reading another author new to me -- Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag.  Setting in Minn.  Another one by Patricia Cornwell, Point of Origin.  Noticed she has another one coming out soon.

Dale just came home -- he didn't get wet but it did rain there.  He was able to get what he was looking for.  A manifold for read end of car & in good condition.

It's funny how you forget your "problems" with your children growing up.  I know you 4 were no angels but I also know, in spite of everything, you are good, upstanding sons & daughter.  You have made me very happy as a mother & I know teenage years are hard -- learning to grow up, etc., but this, too, shall pass & become a distant, cloudy memory.  It's just a stage both parents & children have to go thru, & it's hard for both sides.  That's my sermon for this time!!!

It's Sun Sept 3rd & it's Mets time on TV.  I'm almost finished reading Pat. Cornwell's book & it's so good.

It's beautiful this aft. 2 pm.  Less humid.  It was still warm in church this A.M.

This summer Mr. Bonace has done a lot of walking but he started in walking the bike path all the way twice a day.  He ended up with leg splints.  He was really crippled for awhile & had to go to the Dr.   He started walking too far.  So we haven't seen him walking for awhile.

That was a nice compliment the mayor gave you, Paul.  Of course, I agree with him.

I have Andy's birthday gift & will soon get it on its way -- to the library.

Soon I'll start thinking of Christmas & suggestions for gifts.  So get your thinking cap on!  You know I like to start early.

Labor Day.

Larry came over this A.M. with his jack hammer & took out the "bump" in the entry to the driveway on 3rd.  (Hard to explain.)  Then Dale cleaned it up & put on black top patch & tamped it down. Easier to drive in & back out now.  The first step in the driveway changeover.  Now Dale is cleaning out the eaves by the front porch.  When it rains, it overflows so Dale is trying to fix it.  Also needed to cut a branch off the tree.

Kim stopped over, for a short visit, with Torey.

Mets are losing for the 4th time in a row.  But then the Braves are losing games as well.  Not many games left.

Green Bay comes to Buffalo.  Buff. played a great game last nite winning the game.  Full house -- 75,000 people.  Fun to watch.

Sunday, July 23, 2000

I'm watching the British Open with Tiger Woods in the lead.  It's wonderful golf to watch.  It will be hard to write a letter because I have to watch what Tiger does.  What a talent.

We're hearing so much about the "rages" of today.  How do parents behave at Andy and Eddie's games.

Thanks for the copy of the menu -- it means that a lot of work had to be done to have enough food for all.

Last Tues. Dale was late in coming home on his early week.  Reason, he cut his hand using a utility knife, with a new blade, cutting cardboard.  He went to the emergency room & had 3 stitches.  It is healing fine.  Had to have a tetanus shot.

Sat, yesterday, he went to Oak Express in Erie & got an oak dresser & an entertainment center, also in oak.  It looks so nice.  Together he spent $700.00.  The dresser was 1/2 price because of minor defects.  It is very attractive.  W hat a difference furniture can make in a room.

Tomorrow I have a Dr. appt.  Regular check up.

One of Kim's friends -- she teaches at Warren Hi -- was able to find a house she could afford.  She will be moving in next Sun. & Lar & Kim will help.  Kim wondered about the twin bed we got for Dad.  You can't sell (thru an ad) a used bed & we have no use for it so "Dannie" can have it.  It was covered with a plastic mat &U then with a mattress pad so it is clean & spotless.  Eddie always said it was a comfortable place to rest.  It will be one less item in the attic.

I made a blueberry coffee cake & it's good.  A batter & then you sprinkle 1 c. of blueberries.  Also made a 1 crust blueberry pie & it came out really good.  Use half of the berries mixed with sugar, water & cornstarch til it thickens, etc.  Put rest of berries in the baked shell & pour the cooked berry sauce over it & chill.  Lar had a 2nd piece as did Dale.

If you watched any of the British Open, did you notice how deep the bunkers were & so small in diameter & deep, deep, deep.

Now to baseball.  The Mets beat the Braves yesterday aft. 4-0, so I was pleased.  And tonite they are on ESPN with Jon & Joe as announcers, 2 of the best.  Gary Thorn is right up there with them.

Tiger's girlfriend is JoAnna.  And she's white.  And Tiger won -- the announcers really heaped lots of praise of Tiger for what he has accomplished.

Last Fri I saw Lauri Heckler (she's on Jefferson & used to do my hair) & next fall she will be teaching at Allegany Valley -- 2nd grade -- regular & not special ed. as she did in Tidioute.  Danny graduated from Wrrn Hi last June & Allison goes into 9th.  She said it was well worth the effort of finishing college as she loves teaching.

We've really had a cool summer, esp. this last week.  Nights are cool but it's suppose to start warming up.  68 in Buffalo now.  I wouldn't mind it a little warmer & forget the humidity.  I'm dreaming.

Still Sun.  Was sitting on the porch reading & Mr. Bonace walked by.  He told me he joined Weight Watchers & has lost 15 lbs.  He also walks morning & evenings.  He was getting heavy.

Now it's Tues A.M. & I've got my work done.  So I'm enjoying a cup of coffee, an oatmeal cooky & watching "Murder She Wrote".

Kim was telling us an 8th grade girl got caught selling Ritalin & Marisa was involved somehow.  Gossip can't be kept under control & Lynn has said nothing to Barb.  Poor Lynn with 2 problem kids.  The girl that got caught starts 9th grade in Alternative Ed. for the whole year.  According to gossip Marisa got off "because the parents have money".

Guess I've covered the news & gossip here.  Oh yes, my physical went fine.  Blood pressure OK, except I gained 3 lbs in 5 months. It's time to do something about it, I tell myself.  Time will tell what kind of self control I have.  Thyroid OK.

Sunday, May 16, 1999

We are having perfect summer weather, but we do need rain.  Yesterday I planted my pots along the garage.  3 with pansies, 3 with geraniums, 7 begonias.  Dale gave me a Mother's Day planter for the porch.

This aft. I walked overtown - mailed letters, went to CVS & enjoyed a walk.  Stopped at the library.  People were using it.  How are your Sun. openings going?

Mr. Bonace is having a fireplace built facing Carey's side.  He told Lar he did it so they'd have heat in case of Y2K problems.

Did you notice Fri. blotter - Mr. Carey stopped for DUI.  He's quite a drinker.  He's started by the time Lar is there on Thurs.

I called to find out about my new glasses - they aren't in yet & it's 2 weeks this coming Tues.  Soon I shop.

Saw. Dr. McNett last Fri. & all is well.  Blood pressure good.  I start taking just 2 pills for thyroid now & in the middle of June I just need to take 1 a day.  I had been taking 3 a day.  I fell good.  Gained some weight.  Weigh 136 & I want to stay around there.  Have to give up my coffee breaks.  Dr. Mc said it's not the coffee it's what you have with it.  How well I know that!

The former Blue Manor - now Liberty St. Cafe - Jeff Smith tried his hand at running it.  He sold out.  The owner of Gaughn's Drug Store - his son has it now.   He was chef in Fla. U& wanted to come home.  Lar & Kim went there for breakfast & it's expensive.  Heard their prime rib is $22.95.  I don't  know if Warren is ready for those prices in an ordinary building.  They fixed it up a bit.  Lar, Kim & others go to the Peppermill for Sun. breakfasts now.

Barb started painting the front steps but ran out of primer paint.  She is riding her bike again. . A 10-mile loop on the bike path & home by Hatch Patch & Conewango.

Now it's Mon. A.M. & Dale left for work.  For your anniversary I'm sending money so you can buy something gyoy've been hoping to get.  I thought maybe something you'd like for your Bastille Day party.  Something to keep food warm or cold, etc.  Whatever.  Hope this meets with your approval.  We got a set of Corelle for Lar & Kim.  Then she saw something she liked at Blairs but I already bought the dishes.  I saved the sales slip so she can exchange or return them at K Mart.  They'll come for dinner next Sun.

Tues A.M.

Got the bathroom cleaned; cleaned myself & walked to Calvary Baptist Church & voted in their bldg, behind the church.

Last nite I got a call to vote for Williams to continue as County Commissioner.  She said Can I depend on your vote.  I said "no" & think that surprised her but I would never vote for him.  H e is against everything including library funding.  I voted for James Hunter & John Zavinsky.

Now I'm going to walk overtown, get some stamps & mail some letter.  Another beautiful day.

Saturday, October 20, 1990

Time to get y our birthday gift off so I'll write a letter & wish you a Very Happy Birthday from all of us.

Our birthdays were good ones.  Once when we were out walking, we stopped in at Turner's & looked at recliner chairs, but they were too large for our area.  So we went to Reliable & found a smaller one that is comfortable, etc.  Later I went & bought the chair & asked for it to be delivered Oct 10th.  Dad was overwhelmed when he saw it, & he is enjoying it.

The yellow chrysanthemum plant is still very pretty & we are enjoying its beauty.

Signe & Geo. called & they sound good & keep going.  It is Signe's colon but she doesn't say much.  June says it's serious so I hope it isn't cancer.

In Lila's card she wrote that Gen predicted you'd have a girl on the 15th, Grandpa N.'s birthday.  When Dad's cousin's son & wife were expecting Gen told them "you already have 5 granddaughters, so I predict you'll have a grandson on May 23rd & it turned out to be true.  So if this should be true, JoAnna won't like it as it means waiting 10 more days.  Time will tell!

Denise Johnson got married again to a Wm Winslow.  Not much improvement on the 1st husband.

Mr. Bonace fell off a ladder & broke his arm & had 4 stitches in the forehead.  It was a new alum. stepladder & it was just crushed - after the fall outside.

Mr. Holder is full of cancer.

Mr. Africa had a hip replacement & Ed Ryberg has to have a hip replacement.

I just read a great book "The Gift of Asher Lev" by Chaim Potok & it was so good.  But I got the cart before the horse - now I'll have to read "My Name is Asher Lev".

I've been reading more mysteries lately & have found some new authors.

The new dept store is opened but I haven't been there yet even tho I have a gift certificate there.  Bon Ton does a lot more advertising in the Warren paper now.

Are you surprised by the outcome of the first 3 World Series games.  We are- I thought it might be the other way around.  But I'm a National Leaguer so I'm happy.  Too many changes from one year to the next for a dynasty.

Time to watch the game.  We'll call next Sat or Sun to wish you Happy Birthday.