Sunday, June 8, 2003

Just finished watching Seattle cream the Mets.  1st game of a double header.  We don't get the 2nd game, so I turned Fox Sports Pittsburgh & will watch Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 2, in the 5th.

Marie Mathis called me to let me know Pastor Risher died Sat.  We talked about a new pastor & she heard some don't want a woman pastor.

Barb won't be taking care of Scott during the summer so we plan to go to Jamestown Mon. A.M. & she'll go to Bert's in aft.  We'll grocery shop at Wegman's.  Wed aft. I see Dr. McNett & Thurs. A.M. I go to Dr. Walters, dentist.  It will be a cut up week.

Last Fri. I got 2 library books & read them already.  An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky & Kate Hannigan's Daughter by Catherine Cookson.  Both were excellent -- enjoyable.

Barb has had bifocals for some time.  For when she knits & watches TV.  I talk about getting sun glasses but never do anything.  I haven't called to have my eyes checked because I can't walk home & Barb can't always pick me up.  Next Tues. Kim will take me to the Dr. & Barb will pick me up.  They say the bridge will come down around the first of July.  They can't wait too long without a bridge being erected.

Mon. the 9th

We had heavy rain last nite & a little got into the basement so Dale is cleaning it up now.

This A.M. we went to Jamestown.  A fast trip -- I got a girdle & a purse at Bon Ton. Half price plus a 20% off coupon so they were good buys.  Barb found a top she liked.  We walked thru Sears but didn't stop.  On to Wegman's.  We got some Paul Newman ginger snaps & they are so good.  Cream filling.  We'll buy them again.  So good if you like molasses.

Had planned to have hamburgers tonite but Barb asked me to hold off a day.  She planned to have leftover pizza & a salad.  So I had to decide what to have.  I had frozen ravioli so I cooked it, put it in spaghetti sauce & heated it up in the microwave.  So easy & so good, along with a salad.

Gary Risher was only 56 years old.  He had been sick for 2 years & it sounded like he just gave up.

Last nite I watched the Yankees at the Cubs in Chicago & what an exciting game.  The Cubs pitcher was so good for 6 innings when I turned off the TV in the bedroom.  But I couldn't get to sleep so I decided to watch the game -- it was the 89th inning & the Yankees were getting runs, but the Cubs held them off.  It made me happy.  The Braves keep winning -- and the Mets win one & lose many more.  Too many injuries.

It's been a nice day & I got my chores completed.

Tues. the 10th

Barb rode her bike this late aft. & she was in front of the state hosp. when a groundhog crossed her path & she rode over it & it threw her off her bike.  She landed on her back & laid there for a minute or two.  A lady came to check & Barb said she was OK & rode home. The wheels on the bike wobbled so she'll have to have it checked.  She is sore all over & it hurts to walk. She is using the cane I got for Dad.  She'll be sore for awhile.

About 8:30 this A>M. Warren H. called telling me about going out to lunch in Pittsfield.  The old hotel now the Acock Inn.  They will pick me up.  Warren told me he talked with a pastor friend from the O.C. area from 11 p.m. to 12:15 A.M.  Then he decided to watched TV & didn't get to bed until 2:45 A.M.  And Ted Benson woke him up with an early morning call to tell him our friends in Ohio can't come this time so they changed where we'll have lunch. Then Warren called me.

Dale won't be home for lunch either Thurs. or Fri.  Thurs. they'll have a lunch mtg. to talk about health insurance.  It has been raised 50% & they're hoping to change companies.  Fri. will be their regularly monthly work mtg.  He wants me to pack a sandwich for him on Thurs. as he doesn't know if there will be food at that mtg.  They always have pizza at the work mtg.

Wed the 11th

Barb is still sore but is feeling better.  Kim took me to the Dr. & waited for me.  We went Pa. Ave W & came home Dorcon Rd.  There was so much traffic going over.  Much easier going home Dorcon Rd.

My blood pressure was higher so he gave me a new prescription & I go back in 30 days to have the nurse check my blood pressure.  Dr. McNett said this is a pill that is also good for the heart & kidneys. The bad part it can make you cough so I hope it won't bother me.  It made him cough in the aft. so he had to go to another pill that is more expensive.  The new pill I'll take isn't that expensive -- none of my prescriptions are, so I'm lucky that way.

Everyone remarks about the rainy weather.  Even at noon Dale wondered when the sun will shine. It does get a person down. Dale wants to mow the lawn -- the rain makes it grow so fast.

Just noticed another cooky recipe in the new Bon Appetit.  Oatmeal cookies with raisins, dates & walnuts.  also copies the Turtle Bars that sounds so good -- for around the holidays.  When I get a permanent I usually bring a treat for "the gang" -- they are all so nice.  Have a perm. coming up the last Mon. of June so will have to decide what to make.  When Jerry came to the house to cut Dad's hair, I always had a treat for him.

When I got weighed to day I had lost 5 lbs -- I've been cutting down on snacks.  Barb spurred me on.  She has lost weight but hasn't reached her goal yet.  I just didn't want to see the scale go up anymore.

Thurs the 12th.  I got all the work done in one visit to the Dentist & I'm glad of that.  We've had so much rain today.  Larry wasn't able to finish all eh wanted to do at Carey's   He got the lawn moved & hoped to do some trimming.

All for this session.

Houston's no-hitter against the Yankees was super, even it if took 7 pitchers!

Sunday, November 24, 2002

I'm sure you are watching G.B. vs. T.B. & aren't feeling very good about the game.  Barb said G.B. has many injuries.

Last nite Larry walked Torey while Kim got groceries.  They had been to an aft. wedding at First Methodist.  A soccer player who met his bride via the Internet computer.  When he didn't find anyone in the U.S. he went overseas & met a girl from Lithuania.  He visited her last summer, they hit it off & she came to the U.S.

This A.M. Rick Seteli (Karen's ex) was in church with a "new lady".  She looks very nice -- I'm glad for him as he is a nice fellow.

Back to my story -- I forgot what I started.  Lar lets Torey lead him & after walking awhile, Torey headed over here.  Dale & I were just finishing our dinner so Torey got some meat & ice cream for dessert.  Then he heads to where the doggy treats are kept to let us know he wanted the rest of his meal.  Of course he got some.  Dale bo't more today.

Today the weather was nice & tomorrow doesn't sound that good so I walked to CVS.  Needed 2 refills on my medicine.  It was nice to walk.  Funny tho, whenever Barb needs to go to CVS or the library she gets into the car & drives.  I'm not working things right.  But the exercise is good for me & I'm glad I can walk.  Rose S. can't walk any distance & Pat Benson & Anna Hollertz can't walk much.  Both use canes.  So I have a lot to be thankful for & I'll walk until my legs give out.  Millie still walks & she is 87.

We'll eat dinner at 4:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

At church today there were names on a tree for members to take to buy gifts for Christmas.  For the Salvation Army.  I took the name of a 10 yr. old boy.  They have sizes for clothes & a gift they'd like.  He likes Legos & Harry Potter.  There was a name for a 17 yr. old boy but I thought that name would take more money than I cared to spend.  If you want to give fairly good gifts it doesn't take long for the money to add up.  But I enjoy doing it.

I think I've mentioned about the bios in our church newsletter.  Today Cindy said she'd like to interview me & would I do it.  I really don't want to.  I'm not a lifetime member & even tho we lived in Auburn, Warren & Great Falls, Mt I wouldn't have that much to say.

Heard today that Gary Risher had a heart attack & is in the hospital in Erie.   He sure has had a lot of trouble since he left St. Paul.  Wonder how long he'll be able to enjoy retirement.  He's not 62 yet.

Tues. evening

It's 8 pm & the TV has been off since noon time.  They are updating the cable.  I never dreamed it would be so hard not having TV ready to go when you push the "on" button.  I've thor'ly read the newspaper, looked over some cookbooks & I'm at "loose ends" not knowing what to do.  Could start addressing Christmas cards but I'm not in the mood to do that.

The turkey is thawing in the fridge.  Tomorrow I'll make pie crust & do other jobs relating to Thanksgiving.

JoAnna's pkg. didn't get sent til yesterday.  Before we got groceries yesterday, we went to the Mall.  I got a pair of jeans for my Salvation Army name & a bionic lego set.  Had to have 1 toy besides clothes.  Still want to get a shirt & boxer shorts & maybe pj's depending how much everything is.

The first Mon. in Dec. is LCW with a planned potluck.  2 are bringing a casserole, 2 - salads & 2 desserts.  I'm bringing a salad.  We prefer this to a mixture of food.  This way it's a more balanced menu.  The other way is O.K. & it is always surprising how well rounded it comes out.

Sat. the 7th is a "Cooky Walk" & Soup & Pie luncheon at church.  I'll make a pie for it & this year I think I'll also make cookies.  Usually I've made 2 pies but they only asked for 1 pie this year.

Dale just got home -- his late Tues -- & he can't believe there is not TV yet.

Wed. aft. the 27th.  Stella was born on this day.

This A.M. Barb called the cable company & they said TV should have been on at 5 pm yesterday.  They sent a man over & at 2 pm, just in time for "As the World Turns".  There wasn't much to it as it was fixed in minutes.  It also restored my "cheery disposition"!!

This A.M. I cleaned the turkey & boiled the neck & "innerds" for gravy tomorrow.  I love to eat the meat on the neck & it was delicious so it will be a good turkey to eat.  I'm making beef-veg. soup for supper.  The first homemade soup of the season.

This is your "happy camper" continuing.  Today I got my bimonthly "Taste of Home".  In one of the added materials was a recipe for an apple turnover.  It sounded good & I tho't it would go good with soup.  At 2:30 I started making them & they came out really good.  Almost better than pie.  Very tasty.

The Fri. after Thanksgiving Dale takes a lunch so he won't lose his parking place.  So the fellows planned a lunch & each one will bring something.  When Dale heard about it most plans were made so they said he could bring a dessert.  I tried to think of something easy to fix while preparing a turkey dinner.  Pumpkin pie didn't appeal to Dale.  I said let me think about it.  As I sat watching TV brownies came to me.  They are easy to fix & I've been wanting to try a recipe that uses Hershey choc. syrup in the 16 oz. can.  Most guys like brownies & it is OK with Dale.  When I make my pumpkin pie tomorrow  I'll also make brownies.  Problem solved.  The syrup has been in the cupboard waiting to be used.  Just for us I make a smaller recipe.

Thanksgiving is over & I'll finish this letter.  Our dinner was good.  Lar likes the green bean casserole but he likes how Kim makes it.  She uses a white sauce she makes & adds grated swiss cheese. I just made 1 c. sauce & that was enough for 1 can green beans & I can yellow beans. They all liked it.

I really like the new brownie recipe & the fudge like icing.  I cut around the edges for me & Dale will take the rest to work.

Before we know it Christmas will be here.

Saturday, October 26, 2002

I'll start my letter early to tell you I fixed a complete dinner tonite!  Pork loin, oven fried potatoes, corn, applesauce, rolls AND lemon meringue pie.  I always have dessert on Thursdays.  Dale has ice cream before he goes to bed & I like coffee & cookies or candy after I get the kitchen cleaned up so that is our usual dessert.  The pie is my favorite & it is so good!

Last Friday was our luncheon.  About 12:30 Warren called to say they wouldn't be coming.  Anna was at the Ridgway hospital with her exercise program & her heart started acting up so she was on the way to the hospital in Du Bois.  They told Warren she would be there a couple of days.  The luncheon was just OK.  The two Teds kept up their church discussions.  It got long & we missed Warren & Anna.  Warren is "the life of the party".

We're watching Wi. vs. Mich. State & I'm sure there was groaning because of a couple of bad plays..  They just got a TD -- Wi. did.  In your home, that is.

Last nite I watched the Wi. debate -- Gov. & Doyle.  Barb & I were very impressed with Doyle.  It seemed to me that the Gov. was evasive in his answers & I'm not saying that because JoAnna is campaign manager.  We were both very impressed with J. Doyle's presence.  How are the polls rating the chances?  It won't be long now.  

What do you think of Art Howe being the new manager. That's what the papers say -- it can't be announced til after the World Series.  To me he seems like a mild mannered man -- just the opposite of Bobby.

I got my Christmas Club check today.  So I have money to spend & don't know what to buy.  Hint, hint!

We're changing our mind -- about going to Grove City at this time.  Now we want to go to Erie in 2 weeks on a Friday.  Kim went to Erie last Sunday & Lar went to Nancy & Jay's to watch soccer.  They are all avid fans of soccer.

Sun. the 27th

When I went to bed last nite, I was sure San Fran had won the Series.  It was nice to hear this A.M. that there is a game tonite -- there is still hope.

Last Friday  Ray Forstrum said he had visited Gary Risher & now he is in a wheelchair.  I can't remember the name of his problem but his feet swell & it is hard to walk.  I'm sure he misses the congregation because they are good people to help & now it places them in an odd situation.  We didn't reject him -- he rejected us.

I've had an easy day.  Each one makes his own lunch & since Dale doesn't necessarily want a big meal, we had Pizza Hut pizza & salad, the only thing I had to make.

Diane Himes Darling's youngest had a baby, a boy.  They live in Columbus, O. while her husband goes to school. Chris & his wife have a daughter & are expecting a son in Dec.  He is a pharmacist at Crone's.  Lois showed me a picture in church of the new baby.

I was just reading the Viewpoints section of the Buffalo Sunday paper. Buffalo Democratic mayor is backing the Republican Pataki for Governor.  Of course the Dems are made at him, but he feels Pataki has made a good start & should continue.  I bet he doesn't run for mayor again; if he does it would be hard to get the votes of the Dems.  The article surprised me.  Dale also likes to read this section.

Mon. the 27th

Warren County has a murder.  One Sheffield man shot another Sheffield man.  Drugs were found in the killer's home so maybe it was over drugs.  Both in mid 30s.

This afternoon I walked over town to cash a check for November expenses & then across the street to cash my Christmas Club check.  A nice day for a walk & later on in the week the weather doesn't sound that good.

Finally tried the Schwan brats tonite.  Their recipe said to put frozen shredded home fries on the bottom, then kraut & finally the brats on top.  Barb didn't like the idea of fries covered with kraut.  So I cooked them separately.  Added some olive oil, onion, salt & pepper to the fries -- covered them U& baked them in the oven.  Delicious!  Put the brats on top of the kraut & spinkled brown sugar over the kraut first.  Barb had gotten good rolls & I put my brat in a heated roll & covered it with kraut.  Ummm!  Easy, too.

I was very pleased with the outcome of the World Series.  Stayed up til the last out!  Didn't watch the celebrating.

On Thursday Sheila & Sue will come over to show me their Halloween get up.  They take the day off & visit around:  nursing homes, friends, etc.  So I'll make 3 kinds of cookies & share some with them.  They are very clever in planing their costumes.  Their masks are expensive ones & very real looking.

Tues Oct. 29th -- Thinking back 53 years when Paul was born.  It was a full nursery, many babies born, & your parents were very happy.  My mother was with us & then she went to Portland to visit her brother & wife.  George & Victoria Randolph.  At that time he was a chaplain at Emanuel Hospital.

They finally finished paving 3rd Ave. & just in time as the coming weather doesn't sound very good.  Cooler & chances of now.  Hope it doesn't hit us.

We aren't going grocery shopping til after 4 pm.  Reason at 5 pm Bon Ton starts a sale with prices off items we're interested in.  And this is Dale's late nite.

Thurs the 31

Sheila & Sue were just here in their costumes.  Dressed as motorcycle guy's "babes".  They have soft pig's face masks that are handmade in Buffalo, leather jackets & pants, boots & "tattoos".  Fake of course.  I had cookies for them.  They went to Burger King for lunch & people waited for them to take off their masks but they didn't.  Could eat thru the mask lip openings.  They love Halloween.  Had fun last Saturday night making the rounds.  Got $90.00 in prizes.  Got your letter today but will save comments for next letter.

Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Dale wasn't satisfied with the contacts & eye exam he got from Jim Spangler.  Lar & Kim recommended him -- so he went back to the one he usually went to over town.  He got the new contacts & he is happy as now he can see the small print again.  He also got glasses to have on hand from Jim S. but could never wear them -- didn't see right in them.  Lar & Kim are very satisfied with Dr. Spangler.

We are back to the Tues. mtgs. 11:15 A.M. & the first one was today.  Roger Thelin is the leader & we have interesting sessions.  Roger has started on a series of 6 5 hr. sessions to become a licensed lay pastor.  He said the sessions are interesting  -- 6 are in the class.  We have a pot luck lunch & we also have an interesting menu of food.  I made a chicken noodle casserole & made enough for supper tonite.  One of my favorites.

I enjoyed reading about your library board mtg.  Do you have a good group of board members?  Dad always felt he had good council members & enjoyed them most of the time.

Marge Ristau mentioned today the former pastor Risher called her up.  I don't think he should do that.  The interim pastor was there & I wondered what he thought.  It's really a no!no!

Larry & Kim want to go to the Nelson reunion but that means bringing Torey along so they have to find a motel that would take dogs.

Gen called me last weekend to tell me that Edith isn't doing well at all.  In fact the hospital called last Sat. to tell them to come to the hospital.  She is full of poison from bad teeth.  Ed was always telling her to go to the dentist & the last time I was there I noticed how bad her front teeth were.  Maybe she has some soft of phobia against dentists.

When you were in Springfield you must have been in her home & could see what a good hostess she was, etc.  What a shame.  I hope they can save her.

This aft. I walked to CVS to have 3 prescriptions filled & since it's close to the end of the month (went & cashed a check for next month's expenses.  Then I file the money in various envelopes 00 food, spend, hair, stamps, etc.

The Mets are playing in Pittsburgh so we can see them on TV.  Not that there is much to see but maybe they can score some runs.  I live in hope!

I notice that Penn State plays in Wisconsin in a week or two.  That should be an interesting game to watch.  Penn State is much improved this year.

To answer your questions.  I graduated from high school in 1938.  That summer Aunt Helen took me to Minneapolis where her brother George Randolph lived.  He was a Lutheran pastor.  From Minneapolis we went to Alexandria, Mn for a week at Mt. Carmel Bible Camp.  Uncle George taught at the Lutheran Bible Institute & they thought I should attend there (to tame me down, I guess!!)  So I went there for the 2 year course & enjoyed those 2 years away very much.  Then I went home for 3 years & attended A.I.C. & gave up on college.  Both Gen & I went to Minneapolis but when my mother had a stroke she went back home to help out.  I found a job & then Pastor A. W. Knock, a teacher at LBI, asked if I'd be interested in a job in Rockford at his brother's church.  E. G. Knock.  I was interviewed, got the job in Feb.  The following August Carl came home from Auburn on vacation & you know the rest.  So I guess leaving home wasn't such a bad thing for me.  The funny part, one of those 3 years I was back home, Dad was at the church in Hartford in his intern year & we never met.  He was suppose to visit our Luther League but never made it.

Dale bo't another vacuum cleaner, a Hoover, which you don't like.  Fire sale but he took it apart to make sure there was no moisture.  It doesn't have a bag, just a cup that is easy to empty.  He was surprised at the amount of dog hairs it took up.  He is pleased with it.

Thurs. A.M.   I wanted something different to eat tonite when Lar & Kim are here so I got a turkey breast which happened to be on sale th is week at Quality.  I made an apple pie & fixed sweet potatoes this A.M.  A little preview of Thanksgiving.

We're expecting rain tomorrow from Isidore.  It will be nothing compared to what New Orleans is experiencing.

Time to sign off with love to all.

Sunday, July 7, 2002

I'm home from church & changed my clothes.  No paper yet so I'll start a letter.  Today the asst. to the Bishop preached.  He seems like a very nice person & preached a good sermon.  The service lasted just 1 hour.  I also remember a pastor saying it's no good preaching when the congregation has said "Amen" in their minds.  Afterwards they were having strawberry shortcake so people could visit with him.  I didn't stay.  Lar & Kim are coming for dinner (6 pm) to make up for last Thurs.  I was up at 6 A.M. (because I didn't make the pie crust, I mean form the crust into the pan), so I did that this A.M. & made a strawberry pie.  I'm having an easy meal.  Steak & baked pot. & salad & pie.  Forgot to get green beans.  I do the inside preparations & Barb or Dale do the steak & fix mushrooms & onions if they want them.

Dale didn't work Sat - his early week so he went to his shopping "meccas".  He couldn't pass up a volt amp tester for car batteries.  New it would cost between $600-800.  He paid $125.00 -- he couldn't pass it up.

Kim stopped by Sat. & I mentioned about getting a frost free freezer.  She asked what will we do with the present one.  Do you want it.  She said yes & she'd pay us for it.  When I told Barb that, she said we don't have to wait.until cold weather.  We can move it & plug it in elsewhere & then fill up the new one & defrost & clean the old one & they can pick it up.  Sears' flyers had a sale on freezers so off Barb & I go to Sears on the west side & get one.  It won't come til the 29th but we can wait that long.  Same size as we have. It can't be wider but I would have liked it taller but they don't come that way.  So soon we'll have a frost free freezer.

Kim ordered a pair of bike riding pants for Barb.  Lar bro't them over when he walked Torey.  I asked Kim the cost & she wasn't sure.  Barb was picking more strawberries so she wasn't here.  Kim said if Barb picked 8 qt. of strawberries for Kim, she'd call it square.  So Barb will pick 8 qts. for Kim & that will pay for the pants.  Kim will have to freeze some as she leaves for Fla. Wed.  She'll leave a couple of Larry to munch on.

It's amazing how ignorant I was when you kids were growing up, from the tales I hear about now.  I never knew about your sun stroke.  I thought I was pretty good knowing what went on with my children.  At least we all lived thru it.

Both Hollertzs and Bensons are dieting & have lost some weight.  With Pat B., it is a must as she was in the hospital because of her heart.  She is taking more medication -- blood thinner, etc, but all of them could lose 50 lbs..  Pat says they're hungry all the time & even a little testy at times.  Pat has a hard time walking & uses a cane.

Bert (Barb's lady) on the other hand is too thin & that can cause problems.  So it's OK for me to be a little overweight as I can get around, walk, etc.  But I would like to lose a few pounds as some of my clothes, esp. skirts, are too tight around the waist.  Do I have the will power to give up my "coffee and" breaks.  I don't' know.

Yesterday we checked the Martha Stewart roses at KMart.  They were under $10.00 so I got 2 more plants & then Barb went back in the afternoon and got 2 more as she wanted 8 altogether.  They are blooming - the first 4 -- and are so pretty.  Finally I have my rose garden.

When we were kids in order to get to church, which we did every Sun. we'd take a bus downtown, have a transfer & usually had to wait 20 min. for the bus we needed -- the schedules didn't click -- & in the winter it was a cold wait.  We did it because it was the thing to do.  That was for Sunday School at 10 A.M., followed by church at 11 A.M.  So that was a long morning & we were starved by the time we got home.  My mother usually got a ride if the member was going to church.  She's bring us a roll to eat before church but I remember liking the idea of a roll but not eating it in front of people.  It would get eaten before we got into church.  Sometimes we were allowed to skip the Sun they had Communion as that would be a longer service -- but not too often.  If you remember anything about Springfield. the church was on King St. & Merrick Ave.  When they relocated they sold the church to a black congregation -- it is a black neighborhood now.  Just a little remembering of my Sunday School days.

I've been sitting on the front porch enjoying the beauty of the day.  And I remembered something Pat told me.  Gary Risher is now interim pastor of the Mt. Jewett church.  He visited Pat when she was in the hospital.  He talked a little about St. Paul & said Dad warned him of certain people -- troublemakers.  Who they could be I can't imagine since it's such a long time since Dad retired and he never had any problem with anyone.  Only when 3 families didn't like the idea of a new church & that was no big deal.  And one family came back.  He also told her he now has a convertible.  He was having trouble with his car.  Went back to the dealer, whom he knew & the dealer said we'll give you another car & he chose a convertible.  His cars were a sore spot with some members & he has several cars.

Tues. the 9th

We had an all day rain -- a nice one as it was a light rain that would sink into the ground.  It will only be in the low 70s for 3-4 days. I set dinner rolls & put them in the fridge overnite & will finish them in the A.M.

Mon. I had 12 rolls for Scott's birthday & today Barb informed me she invited Courtney for dinner Thurs.  Bert & her niece are going out to dinner & Barb will watch Courtney who is 10 years old.  She is really the niece's granddaughter but she calls her mother.  The son is the father but he messed up on drugs so the grandmother has raised her.  She's probably in her 50s according to Barb.  They will also go miniature golfing & to Beaty field.  They go back to Atlanta on Sat.  Courtney likes it here.  Courtney also likes Larry like all the little girls have.  I remember Paula C. coming over to see if "Wrarry" was home.  She lost the baby she was expecting.

I didn't watch any of the All Star doings last nite -- home run derby, etc.  Don't know if I'll watch much of the game tonite.  Maybe it will be good if it's the Braves vs. the Yankees -- no world series.

I guess this is enough to read at one time.

Called Millie last nite.  Ed isn't doing that good.   He is worrying about Gen & has other ills besides the stroke.  When you get to your 60s see your Dr. regularly.  Ed never did.  Gen is depressed because she can't drive & feels isolated.  She isn't taking her medication, won't wear her glasses & wants to sleep all the time.  Millie told her put on some peppy music & exercise.  Start & finish just 1 job & then do more.  She can't handle it.  It's so sad!

Sunday, June 2, 2002

It's Sunday June 2nd so I'm starting early.  In the last letter I knew there was something I wanted to write but it wouldn't come to mind.  Not that important but I'll tell you.  About 3 weeks ago LeRoy Schneck wasn't on the radio A.M. news.   Finally remembered to ask Kim & she said he had a stroke.  He's not back yet -- Jim Gibson takes his place.  One of the daughters came home but didn't know which one.

Rose S. was in church today.  Betty Gustafson Mailhot picked her up.  It seemed good to see her sitting in her regular place.  The high school seniors were honored -- among them Ben Morelli who will go to the U. of Vermont.  8 graduates & as far as I know 6 of them will be going to college.

I bet your living room looks really nice.  I like the color.  Good to have it all clean from floor to ceiling.  I have had to dust a few cobwebs from our L.R. walls.  Haven't done any hard cleaning -- just try to keep things up.

Sat. & Sun. have been nice days so Dale has been tanning in the sun.  Yesterday I enjoyed reading on the porch & drinking coffee with freshly made rolls in the A.M. & freshly made molasses cooky & a peanut butter bar cooky in the aft.

Tonite Barb & I are having salmon & Dale will have a tenderloin steak -- from the grill.  This aft. I made a broccoli salad to take to LCW picnic tomorrow nite.  It needs to be refrigerated overnite.  Recipe from Kim & we all like it.

Now it's Thurs A.M., June 6 -- June's birthday.

The garbage is out for collection; a banana cream pie is in the fridge & I'm showered & dressed.

We had over 1.2" of rain yesterday.  It hit Tidioute & Youngsville hardest.  Trees down, electricity off.  In fact no school today in those areas -- still no elec.  It will be beautiful for Fri. graduations.

Suppose you noticed the Mets played 4 games in Atlanta. One was washed out, Braves won 3 & I'm hoping the Mets might win this aft. game.  They have to get hot sometime, I hope!  Braves' sports writers are not nice in print to the Mets.  Bobby V. keeps changing the outfield line up & I don't think that is a good idea.  Guess they (mgmt) think he's a good manager.  Barb & I don't agree.

Last Mon. nite was LCW & of course there is always "talk".  One lady knows someone in Mt. Jewett where Gary Risher is preaching on Sun.  Comment was "They wouldn't want him for a preacher."  They've been without a pastor for about 3 years.  That's where Ted Benson was.

Many years ago, after Dad retired, he preached at First Luth. for about 6-8 weeks while their pastor had a hip replacement.  Again this spring he had to have another replacement operation.  Recently while he was putting his sock on, he felt something.  A piece of the bone separated & now he has to have another operation.  Football injury.

I have to go to CVS for prescription medicine & to the library to return books & get more.  All is well here. 

Haven't heard from Gen who said she'd call.  Gen will be 80 the 13th.

Sunday, February 10, 2002

It's a cloudy aft. dark & trying to rain.  A good time for a nap but I want to start your letter.

Wed. is Ash Wed. & many Lutheran churches use ashes.  Our interim pastor plans to, so that will be a new experience for us.  First & St. Paul have had Wed Lenten midweek services together alternating churches.  Not this year.  First's pastor had to have a knee replacement & guess who is helping for 6 weeks.  St. Paul's former pastor, Gary Risher & he wouldn't want to come to St. Paul.  Heard he had a chance to go to a church in Pittsburgh but because of being at First for 6 weeks, he didn't take it.  Sounds funny to me.  Seems like he'd want a salary & benefits.  Margaret doesn't want to give up her teaching job so she'll have to support him. He still has a couple of years before Social Security.

A couple of thoughts have been on my mind.

Aunt Ida & Aunt Helen gave my folks 6 sets of sterling silverware for their 25th wedding anniversary.  Eventually I got it.  (Gen has her own.)  I always thought I'd give it to Barb, the only daughter.  But Barb is apt to sell things if she is short of money (yard sales she had in Oshkosh).  And I wouldn't like that.  So I'm wondering about the boys getting it.  Dividing it -- 4 each.  I added a serving fork, gravy ladle & other pieces so there is service for 8.  Then there is Grandpa Nelson's watch Ford gave Dad.  Who gets that?  It is something to think about.  I'd like that settled now.

For me, half the fun of having company or your visits is the planning.  I have meals planned, grocery lists & things to do before you come.  A couple are to clean the storage spaces below the sinks.  Things get shoved in back & I don't know what's what.  I'll try to get them in order.  Need to check my closets.  Will have more for the Salvation Army.

Carey's left for Fla. last Sat. via Buffalo.  May Ann has a bad back so she will stay with Paula in Buff. & Jack will drive to Fla. with the dog.  When he arrives, Mary Ann will fly down & he will pick her up at the airport.  He brought the garage door opener over for Dale so he can use their garage.  They'll be back in May.  Larry stops in  to water plans & check on things.  They had 2 dogs but one had to be put to sleep.

Barb is sewing her sweater together.  Has ends to weave in & the neck to finish.  She hopes to finish it next week.  It came out so nice.

John Hornstrom was in church this A.M.  He brought Arlene home for 4 days.  He's on vacation.  She was living with him but she didn't want him to go to work & he can't do that.  So she is with Julie & her family.  They'll make Arlene get up, get dressed & make her take her medications.

Mon A.M.

This is Dale's early week so I got an early start on my work & I'm ready for a break.  I got the cupboards under the kitchen & laundry room sinks cleaned & in order.  They look nice for awhile.  Now I'm getting 2 loads of wash done & then I'll make Dale's bed.  I only have 1 set of flannel sheets for his bed.  Am suppose to hove another set but where I stored them is a secret!  I can't find them.

We awoke to a layer of snow but not enough to shovel.  The sun is out now (10 am) so things are pretty.  I'm at the kitchen table & looking at the fir trees & they are snow tipped & make a pretty picture.  It is also time for "Murder, She Wrote".

I noticed your favorite author C. Hiaasen had a new book out.  Also another book "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen that sounds interesting to me.

Betty Casey has 14 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren.  Just welcomed a new g.c.

Tues A.M. the 12th

I'm on a "coffee break" having finished my chores for today.  After lunch we get groceries.  You can see I don't push myself.  I figure if you keep your house picked up, it always looks O.K.  The pastor who preached last Sun. is from Jamestown & they live in the Lutheran Home Apts.  Their apt. was just repainted & things had hto be gone over & she found many things she didn't use anymore & was getting rid of things.  Her spring housecleaning was done for her.  At home Spfld. spring housecleaning meant airing mattresses, beating rugs hung over the clothes line.  Curtains dried on curtain stretchers.  Glad that is in the past.  Ah memories.  We all helped.

Today's paper had the obit of Scott Daelhausen.  51 yrs.  Graduated with you.

Saturday, September 22, 2001

Yesterday aft. on our way to the Mall, I noticed a new batch of corn on the cob coming in.  On our way home we stopped to pick up a baker's dozen.  It was so good. Will have more today with steaks.

Don't think I mentioned this (sometimes in my mind I think of what to write you) but I didn't know what to make for supper on nite.  Settled on a casserole using ground beef, veggies, kidney beans & noodles. It was good.  The next day for lunch I added bouillon to it & made it soup & it also was tasty.  Think I'll use it for soup by adding more bouillon.  I've heard of hamburger soup but never made it.  Dale liked it.

Did you happen to watch the Mets/Braves game in NYC.  The opening was inspirational.  Good rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.  During the 7th inning stretch & Liza Minnelli sang New York, New York with 5 firemen or policemen behind her.  She was so good & the men were doing a little side step.  Almost a full stadium & Mike Piazza won the game with a home run.  The Major was there & a lot of police & fire people were at the game as guests.  And the Mets gave up a day's pay to go to the Police & Firemen's fund.  It was really a great thing, not only for Met fans but for all people.

Wonder what the Yankees will do to top this, when they play again in NYC.

I got Andy's thank you note.  It sounds like he had a good day.

Which brings to mind Christmas.  And that means suggestions.  Money or ideas for gifts.  Please think about it as Barb & I like to get going early on this.  Pretty Please!

About 6 years ago -- longer than that, an older woman asked Kim to be her power of attorney.  Kim agreed to help.  Last week this person called Kim & wanted help.  She has an apt. at the Towers.  When Kim saw her she understood.  The woman has a bad heart & needs oxygen handy.  The she got worse, was in the hosp. & then Central Nursing Home.  She doesn't have much money so had to go on assistance but first there are many questions to be answered & Kim was called.  When she works she can't make day appointments to see people.  Kim didn't even have a key to get the necessary papers, etc.  But the social worker for Beverly, Inc. is a great help & will take care of the questionnaire, etc.  But Kim was upset so I guess it isn't always easy to be nice & help people.  The woman has a daughter in Fla & she could care less. They don't' get along.

Sun the 23rd.

The pastor wasn't in church this A.M. & we wonder why.  A retired pastor from Jamestown had the service.  He's a former Augustana Synod, & those pastors know how to preach so we receive something.

It's a lovely day & Barb is riding her bike.  A rainy, cooler week is predicted.

I'm including a cartoon that fits me to a "T".  So hard to give up those coffee breaks, plus.

Buffalo just got an interception & got a TD, thanks to Peyton Manning.  I'm sure they don't have a chance for a win.  Like Penn State yesterday.  And Coach Paterno wants his 100th win.  You were happy Wisc. won.

And what about those Mets, amazing, aren't they?

Much to my dismay, the Mets aren't on TV today.  It's been a great series with all that has happned in NYC.  "You gotta believe".

Remember Sandy Casey, your age.  Her son, in his early 20s, lost one testicle & the cancer spread to spots on his lung.  Now the other testicle has to be removed & then chemo or is it Kemo.  Right now his blood count is too low for an operation.  He has a baby around a year or so.  Not married & it sounds like the gal left & he has the child.  Betty Casey is the grandmother & we sit together in church.

Tues. A.M. the 25th.

Next letter will have an Oct. date.  Hard to believe.

Fri. Dale has to go to school for the day.  Next week he goes for 2 days.

Better get this ready for mailing.  All is well here.

Friday, July 28, 2000

Your letter arrived yesterday & when I was reading the part ab out Boxer & your dramatic outburst, Paul, I started laughing.  Why, because I knew you could never leave your fine family.  But you shouldn't scare the boys like that.

Kim speaks of making a rice salad for a meal.  So I checked my recipe books & found a recipe for chicken-rice salad as I served a cool meal last nite.  It was good & they all like it.

Dale starts a week's vacation on Sat.  The weather reports say showers are possible every day next week.  Time will tell.  Dale hasn't had time to transfer the old dresser drawers to the new drawers.  When he gets that finished he'll put the l dresser in the attic for storage of his extra stuff.  In preparation he had to make room in the attic & so he had to clean it up a bit.  In the winter & the wind blows, the door would rattle & it would bother Barb so she put a pair of old jeans on the bottom to stop the noise.  All along I thot they were there to cover the floor & keep the draft out.  Anyway Dale decided to shake the dust out & lo & behold there was a dead bat.  I'm glad the jeans were there otherwise the bat would have gotten in the house.

Dale also plans to have his eyes examined.  The cost is included in his health insurance from work. He'll also  lay in the sun if it is out.

Now it's Sat. July 29.

Got a birthday card & note ready for Ruth's birthday Aug. 3rd.  DOn't hear much from her but then I don't write too often either.

I'm doing a lot more reading now that the library opens at 9 AM weekdays.  Can return books on Fri & get new one.  Saw in USA Today a review of a book by Kathy Reichs.  Her novels are similar to Patricia Cornwell only they are set in Canada.  Deadly Decision.  Forensics experts -- her Dr. is Dr. Temperance "Tempe" Brennan -- "such bloody-good beach reading" to quote the article.  I'll have to look as this isn't her first novel.  3 other books so maybe I can find one of them.

Sun. the 30th.

Roger Thelin preached today & John Check was liturgist.  Both do a fine job.  Roger is really a good preacher for a layman.

Kim is friends with a lady who goes to St. John's.  The 3 Luth. churches have a joint picnic in Aug. among other things.  This person said they are doing this as St. John's isn't growing & neither is St. Paul.  But I'm sure it will be a long time before St. Paul wants to be "Swallowed up" by First Luth.  I don't go to the picnics but she said our pastor doesn't mingle at all.  And that is true & he doesn't like to make calls for new members.  He talks of retirement & I sure hope our next pastor will have more going for him in a lot of way. The church in Kane has a new woman pastor & they really like her.

It seems to me that George was cremated & Signe will be as well.

Just finished talking to Ruth.  I will send a card to Carolyn & a check for a memorial.  We had a long talk & she asked if I'd heard about Joan.  She had mentioned it to me in a letter.  Allan has already remarried.  Someone in the congregation.  Joan found a note this woman had written in which she wrote "I love you."  The youngest daughter stayed with Allan & the older daughter isn't very nice to Joan.  The son had a heart attack a month or so ago, but he is back to work.  Ruth said when they visited them when they were in N. or  S. Carolina -- even then Allan acted funny & Joan was upset.  At least now Joan has control of the money she earns.  I hope she can find some happiness.

Tues. Aug 1 (already)

Have to write a note to Carolyn & send a card & check.  Forgot to do it yesterday.

Dale has showery weather for a vacation.  He wants to lay in the sun.  Meanwhile he has other jobs to keep him busy.

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.

Sunday, May 25, 1998

We had a nice dinner with Lar & Kim celebrating their anniversary.  We are watching baseball on ESPN, kitchen cleaned up & Lar & Kim left to spend the nite at camp.

Yesterday I got a perm.  Sheila told me Carnahans is closing.  After my appt. I looked & there are sale closing signs in the windows.  Seeing is believing!

Turner's TV is closeod - they declared bankruptcy.  County Mkt. is suppose to be closing, be remodeled & open as another store.  Tops Mkt. wants to get in here.  Time will tell.

Dale didn't work yesterday - they got 3 days off.  He went to Seaman's & got "stuff" for his Blazer.  He still has a little work to do on the El Camino & then he'll start on the Blazer but he's in no rush.

Got your letter yesterday.  Kim & Lar mentioned they heard from you folks.  Will you drive the boys out & return for them.  Things will be different this year.  We eat in the dining room so no T.V. during meals.  Eddie will miss the kitchen table.  We'll put the card table up in  the living room.

Barb has a sore shoulder, probably bursitis.  It's better but she might have to get a shot.

Denny Brader was in church today.  He looks the same - just as heavy weightwise.  Had a chance for a little visit with him.  Heard today we're going to lose our organist but no official announcement.  Sad news as she is so good & organists are a rare commodity.  Back to Denny - he won't be attending your class reunion either.

Roger T. preached today.  He always does a good job & John Check had the liturgy.  We're lucky to have good laymen.  The pastor takes a lot more Sun. off than Dad ever did.  Guess he is smarter than Dad was, or less dedicated to the job.  It's a different generation.

Now it's Tues A.M.  Barb & Scott were just here.  The last day & she is so glad as Scott just won't listen & gets into everything he shouldn't.  For a little kid he has a bad mouth.  He'll be going to the Y.W. 4 days a week.  Bob has Fri. off so he'll have him then.

When I paid my Penney's bill recently at the box at local Penney's they rang it up wrong & gyped me 40.00 & then charged me interest.  When the bank statement came I saw it wasn't my error.  So I got a copy of the check & wrote a letter & the last Penney's statement credited me with the 40.00 plus int.  It pays to check carefully.

Our weather is warming up & so clear.  I'd like to clean our bedroom but it's hard for me to move things out to clean, etc.  I'd like to rearrange the bed but I don't have many choices.

When the boys come they'll want to go in the water at Lar & Kim's.  Old sneakers should do the trick.  If Andy's feet are growing maybe he could wear a pair of water shoe (correct term?) I have & never wear.  The stones, etc. are too hard on the bare feet.  If it's a dry summer maybe the creek will be dry.  We had 3.11" of rain the first few days of May & not much since.

Yesterday we started buying plants for the yard.  Oh yes, I know Pentecost is the last Sun. of the month.  Forgot there are 5 Sun. in May.

As of today, Barb is free for awhile.  I hope some job comes up.  Lynn gave a $100.00 credit from Penney's as a thank you & said she's welcome to come up & see them any time.

I started planting my flower pots by the garage.  Washed them out & filled 3 of them.  I pot reseeded itself - pansies & I dont' know if I should freshen the soil & transplant them.  Tomorrow Barb will get more potting soil & more flowers.

Finally made an appt. to see the dentist & get a cleaning.  The one who used to clean my teeth retired so I'll have a new gal.  It's been too long since I've had my teeth checked.  My appt. is for July 1.  Could have gotten in today but I can't leave Dad alone.  Wouldn't have gone anyway.

Better close.  Need to mail 2 bills but not til tomorrow.