Sunday, May 7, 2006

Oh no!  No TV.  It is all "snow".  Something needs to be fixed & I hope it is fast.  It happened as I was doing dishes -- rather pots and pans.

Last Fri. nite the Braves were at the Mets & on TBS, so I was in front of the TV hoping for a fast game.  Just the opposite -- it went 12 inning before the Mets won & I stayed up.  Dale didn't work on Sat.  When I got to bed at midnight I couldn't fall asleep.  Up at 1 A.M. to go to the bathroom & then I slept fitfully til 6 A.M.  Made myself stay in bed til 7 A.M.  Another interesting game on Sat. & the Mets lost today big.  It was a crazy game.

Sat. A.M. there was a box & Barb tho't it was for Dale but it turned out to be my Penney's order.  It was behind the glider & beet it come on Fri. when we were out so he put it out of sight.  I got a longer lace tablecloth & I like it.  It's on my table.  The chair pad & back are thicker but maybe it will flatten out a bit.  I like it -- it makes me sit up straighter.

Warren H. called today.  He has a 1:30 dentist appt. so they'll come at 11 A.M. & we'll go out to lunch.  After the dentist appt. are over, I'll probably not see them so often.  It's an hour trip one way.

Last Ts. we had some overripe bananas so I decided to make a banana cake with a recipe from Ethel Johnson.  The first time I made it, it came out so nice -- this time I was disappointed.  Not light & nice.  We still ate a piece.  This week I make a carrot cake for Lar's birthday.  I'd better do a good job on that.

Did you notice the Buffalo hockey team made the playoffs & are in the 2nd division after beating Phila.  Now they play a Canadian team, & won the 1st game.  It is Ottawa.  Go Sabers!

I haven't taken the elec. blanket off the bed yet as it cools off after midnight.  Turned the furnace off for a couple of days but yesterday I was cold so turned it back on.  It went on this A.M., but not during the day.  The gas bills should be lower during the summer.  Gas bills at church have surely wrecked their budget.  I'm sure many churches have that problem.

May 9th Tues.

We had a nice lunch yesterday.  Warren & Anna picked me up at 11 A.M. & we went to Perkins.  His appt was at 1:30 so this time we ate first.  I always have a good time when I'm with Warren & Anna.  I got my Mon. chores done in a hurry.  Just before I left, I put the 3rd load, the towels, in the drier.

We put off grocery shopping til today.  And then I forgot to get carrots even tho it was on my list.  But Barb bought some bagged lettuce & when she went to use it tonite, it wasn't that good, even tho the date was 5/15.  She plans to return it & then she can pick up carrots for me.  Need them for the cake I have to make.

I'm watching the Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh & Pitts. is ahead 1-0 after 1 inning.  Wonder how long that will last!  Jim Leyland is doing OK with the Detroit team.

At lunch yesterday, I had an omelet with a blueberry muffin & they are huge & very good, the muffin.

Sat. May 13

Thank you for the beautiful Mother's Day plant & the cards.  They are appreciated very much. The plant is already hanging on the front porch.

Yesterday I had a nice visit with my friends. They have a nice luncheon menu & of course the fellowship is great.  We plan to meet at Holiday Inn on July 7th.  This way I can go.

Larry had a nice birthday.  The menu was steak & baked pot,. tossed salad & carrot cake for dessert.  Your gift didn't arrive til Fri. so we'll give it to Larry tonite.  We are going out to eat to celebrate Mother's Day.  We're going to Chiodi's, my choice.  We get a nice dinner there. Have a 7 pm reservation.

Dale worked this A.M., Barb is riding her bike & I'm watching TV.  Barb gave me a new puzzle so I started working on that.  This A.M. I made a blueberry bread.

We're getting much  needed rain but no rain so far today.  It is sometimes cloudy, sometimes sunny.  Things are really growing now.

We didn't go to the Mall this Fri or Sat. so this won't be mailed til Mon.  I could mail it by the Post Office but it isn't collected 'til Mon. so there is no difference.

The boys' car is so cute.  Yours very meaningful.

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Yesterday I watched the Met's home opener & they won.  Full house with cheering fans welcoming the old & new players.  It was exciting.  Last nite I watched San Diego beat San Fran.  It is good have baseball again.

Barb is going for a walk.  It turned cold overnite & it is windy & raw today.

Barb doesn't have a printer so she was going thru the email, erasing, when she saw a picture of Andy's & figured it was a letter from you but she had erased most of is not realizing it was from you.

Last week we were discussing TV & Lar figured they have 12 TVs between the 2 places. Dale can't go to sleep without the TV.  If he forgets to set the "off", it si going when I get up during the night.

Last Fri. we went to Jamestown & I found a top for summer -- just what I wanted.  It will be cool for hot summer Sundays.  Has like a cape sleeve & it just what I wanted.  And to top it off, it is reversible.  Different pattern on each side.  Guess you can tell "it is just what I wanted"!  But it is so hard to find anything, guess I go overboard when I find what I'm dreaming of.  While shopping a younger lady passing by said "Wonder what happened to dresses."  That is a good question.  The last one I bot was 4 years ago.

I can't believe East is almost here.  Hope we will have warmer weather.

Did you get the start of a tan in Fla?  I know you had a great time.

Barb said the sign on Ryberg's house said "SOLD".  Collins' house is still "pending".  2 more on 3rd to sell.

The plant that came to "The Nelsons" at Christmas had an amaryllis bulb in it -- now it has 3 beautiful flowers in bloom.  There were 2 shoots but one died.  I'm glad one lived as it is such a showy bloom.  I wonder if we can save the bulb & have it grown again next year.  I'll have to ask Larry.

The $1000.00 insurance policy my Dad started for me at age 20, now is worth $11,000.00  Less cash value but I'd never cash it in.

Today I heard that details between Katie Couric & CBS are being worked out, so you'll be unhappy Paul.  But I bet you never watch CB S news programs.  Barb keeps me informed on the pros & cons, mostly cons on what the GOP are doing.  Most of it goes in one ear & out the other.

Thurs. A.M., the 6th

Wed AM, the telephone rang at 9 A.M. & it was Warren H. saying they were coming to Warren for a dental appt.  Was I free to go out to lunch & you know my answer.  Of course! We went to Perkins & had a good time talking & laughing.  We enjoy each other's company & always have a good time.  Warren has to come back the 26th of Apr. & if nothing interferes, we'll have lunch again.  He is getting new uppers -- the reason for his visits to Warren.

Both yesterday & today Dale isn't home for lunch.  They have it at work, supplied by the owners & hear about new equipment needed to work on cars, etc.

Fri A.M. the 7th

Last nite I watched the Mets vs. Washington.  What a game:  rhubarbs, hit hitters, 4 by the Mets pitchers, home plate umpire getting hit by a foul ball int he throat.  It started to swell & he found it hard to talk.  So another ump had to suit up & that took awhile.  At 10:30 I went5 to bed with 1 inning to go.  I figured the Mets could win as the score was 10-5.

Also watched the golf in the aft, the Master's Tournament and what a beautiful golf course.

So Katie Couric will go to CBS.  Lynn's mother is very disappointed as she had watched CBS since Walter Cronkite & doesn't appreciate Katie C. being hired.  I'm sure there are a lot who don't like it.

Kim didn't come last nite as she had a meeting to go to.  Larry gave Dale a hair cut.  Brab tr4ims her hair.  She said if I don't like it, I have no one to blame.  She does a nice job.

Last nite announcers at the games were Joe Morgan & Chris Berman & they did a good job. That's because Joe knows more than Chris & he let Joe do the talking.  Otherwise He'll take over & talk, talk, talk.  Joe & John are the best -- Sun nite games.  According to this Nelson!

Soon lunch time & I'm "talked out".

Have a nice Easter.  Our thoughts & prayers will be with you Paul & JoAnna on the 17th.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

This is Dale's Tues. to work til 8 so Barb & I went to Perkins for supper.  Will fix tacos for Dale later.

I'll try to answer some quick questions.  You mentioned greetings from Janet Lavelle.  The other pastor who picnicked with us was Russell & Mildred Lundgren from Titusville.  He was older than Dad & we lost contact with them.  He moved a lot.

I enjoyed reading about JoAnna's aunts and uncles.  I hope her mother is feeling better.

Sun. Gen called.  She asked about the girls & wondered how they are -- are they in school, etc.  I went along with her.  She must be living in the past.  The only girls I can think of is the 4 of us girls growing up.

I should write notes for letters.  I know there is something else I want to write about but it won't come forth.

I got 5 more books & have read 3 of them.  All very good.  Nora Robers Northern Lights set in Alaska.  Sandra Brown's Above & Beyond set in Texas & Shattered Silk by Barbara Michaels set in D.C.  I'm so glad I love to read & enjoyed these books so much.  (Finished the 4th.  New Orleans setting.  5th a repeat I won't read.)

There is another house on 3rd Ave. E up for sale.  The very last house up the st. on our side. Someone is working on the little house across the st.  Barb thinks they are getting ready to paint it.

Fall is budget time at church -- pledges, etc.  In her column in the church's newsletter, our pastor talked about sacrificial giving.  She wrote her husband likes to buy videos & she likes to eat out once in awhile but they don't -- they practice sacrifice giving.  The first yr. they went on a cruise for vacation & this year they planned a trip to Hawaii but cancelled due to the baby.  Now all of a sudden they can't afford a few small pleasures of life.  It left me with a bad feeling.  Their housing expenses, gas allowance, hosp. insurance, plus is given them so if they budgeted they should be able to do a few things.  I don't know how other people felt.  I know when you kids were little we didn't eat out a lot & still gave a good amount to the church.  Just a little gripe & it won't stop me from doing my part.

Wed. the 14th

The Warren radio said the 5th Ave. bridge won't be started until next March.

We're still having perfect weather.  When Dale left yesterday after lunch, he commented when he gets home after 8 pm, it will be dark.  Sure enough it was & I put the back door light on to welcome him home.

I picked 2 red roses yesterday & they are so lovely.  A few more buds on coming along.

Fri. A.M.

Just got back from having my hair done.  Barb didn't sleep much last nite so she went back to bed.  After I finish this letter I plan to think about meal planning.  Have my recipes out & grocery list so we'll see what happens.

Dale likes to watch TV when he eats.  He's like a little kid -- he gets so involved his food gets cold.  And besides, he is a slow eater, compared to the rest of us.

I don't know if you knew Rick Schomer, one of Dale's friends.  He is involved with the Mercy Ship that goes to different poor areas & helps out.  Rick & his wife stopped by work to see Sam & Dale.  Later in the aft. he came here & we had a nice visit.  He builds & his wife is an M.D.  Very nice. They leave Oct. 1 for Guatemala & they have to raise money for them to live while there.  They were on their way to Boston.  They didn't ask me for support just to remember them in my prayers.

It was very nice to talk to Andy last night.  He said he had a nice birthday.  Next one will be yours.  That means fall is here & the holidays are ahead & all that goes with them.  I look forward to it all.

Better get to my menu planning.

Thursday, February 3, 2005

As I look outside, I see snow flurries & I tho't that report was sunshine & clear for today.  The temp is 32.

Last Mon.  Barb & I went to Jamestown.  No tax on clothes for a week.  I bo't a pair of slacks.  Barb got a treadmill at Seats but it won't be delivered until Mar 4.  It was on sale. After getting groceries, we decided against eating lunch there & came home.

Dale says they use the flash drive working with cars.

Last Sun. Ted & Pat Benson came to church with me.  Afterwards we went to Perkins to eat.  We had a nice visit.  In June Ted celebrates his 50th year of ordination & they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  Their children are planning a party for them.

Last nite Kim was telling about a 9th grade boy who would be in one of her classes this semester.  Passing in the hall, he told he he'd be in one of her classes.  She answered and I expect you to behave in my class or you'll be sent to the office.  She's been waiting for him to misbehave but he hasn't & it has surprised her.  He has even been very helpful to her -- putting things away, etc.  I guess if they teacher expects you to behave, one can.  They have 2 classes going in the gym & he has the other teacher.  He doesn't behave & is constantly being yelled at.  Guess you have to demand respect.

It's 9:15 & I don't hear Barb yet.  Now I do.  I clean the bathroom & do a load of towels.  Her time clock & my time clock don't get together.

Our organist resigned to care for her family.  19 year old grandson in Erie whose mother died.  Last Sun. a young man played & did well considering the liturgy is new to him.  He plays very well so I hope we can keep him.

I plan to try the potatoes you made except I'm not sure if I'll use feta cheese.  Maybe I've seen it in the stores.  I don't know.

I'm not much of a worker anymore.  I did get the bathroom cleaned & the towels are in the washer.  I've been playing Solitaire & I have a puzzle on the card table.  I like to drink coffee & be lazy.

Last nite for supper I fixed chicken, mashed potatoes, corn pudding & apple pie for dessert. As long as I know the menu, it's not a job.  The job is planing meals & trying to make it interesting.  I was going to try a macaroon pie but I stuck to what I know they like.  I'm enclosing the recipe.  I got ads from Better Homes & Garden cookbook.  It was a lower price so I sent for it.  I like to "read" recipe books.

In yesterday's paper an article by a Coop. Extension person remembered wash day as a child.  It bro't back memories.  Mon. was washday & if it was nice weather the clothes line filled the back yard.  In the winter they hung in the basement.  It was the wringer washer. One summer friends were driving to Maine & offered to take my mother & 1 child.  I was the lucky one.  We visited my Uncle Carl & family in Caribou, Maine.  They had a potato farm & 5 children.  Oldest one married & living at home & working with his dad.  At home Gen decided to do some washing & got her hands stuck in the wringers.  Don't remember if she finished the wash.  She didn't break any bones.  I remember her saying she sat at the piano to exercise her hands.  Dad dated my cousin Carlotta (Maine cousin) before he met me, but I guess she wasn't the one for him.

It's Fri A.M.  Just got my hair "done".  It's beautiful out -- will be in the 40's.  Enjoyed your M. Monroe discourse.  She had it all but still wasn't fulfilled.  Anything more happen about that 9 yr. old boy.  It's so sad.  Something is lacking in his life.  Discipline most likely.

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Meanwhile, back in Middleton

When I told Barb about your deals with Andy & Ed, I said Paul is bribing the boys to get good marks.  Barb said that's not bribery but an incentive to do better.  I hope it works!

Before I forget Lar & Kim enjoyed their time at the Bed & Breakfast, or whatever it's called. They went the first weekend in Nov -- they wanted to go in Oct when the leaves were turning, but they waited too long to all for reservations.  They enjoyed the visit.  Other rooms were filled.  One man was visiting his daughter, a student at St. Bonaventure.

We  had a nice Thanksgiving -- a good meal.

Fri it rained "cats & dogs".  Got my hair done at 9 a.m. & we waited til 11:30 & went to Holiday Inn for lunch.  Then to Gayle's store where they have a lot of Christmas things. Chuck Johnson & wife own it.  We bo't a couple of things.  Then to Blair's Outlet but we didn't see much we wanted.  Then to the Dr. office to give them my Medicare & Insurance info.  Then to the library where I got 3 books, all just about 200 pages.  2 by Sandra Brown & one by Barbara Paul.  Didn't have too much tie to browse.  We were back by 2 pm.  Barb did a couple of loads of clothes & about 3 we went to the Mall. Barb saw a sweater she tho't I'd like.  It is black with large red & purple-ish poppies.  I like it a lot.  Made by Cathy Daniels.  It has longer stems.  So we had a nice day.

The weather for Mon. is suppose to be snow flurries, but Barb thinks we'll b able to go to Erie.  I have a long list so I hope it will be successful.

This A.M. we woke up to snow -- the heavy kind.  Dale said they lost electricity for about an hour but we didn't.  His Sat. to work in the A.M.

Last Fri I got a pkg in the mail from "country Bumpkins" in Biddeford, Me.  A wooden Santa made by a Connie Verville.  It's different but very nice.  But it is a mystery -- there was no card to say who sent it.  So I don't know who to thank. I remember when I was in Jr. Hi I got a box of Whitman chocolates with no name.  I finally found out who sent it & I didn't even know him & besides he was short!  But I sure enjoyed the candy!

Sun. Nov 30

This aft. Dale put up our prelighted artificial tree.  We still h ad problems as the light in the middle of the tree wouldn't light up.  We tired checking bulbs -- finally Barb used one set of old lights & filled int he area.  It's a narrower one & fits better in our L.R.  It looks very nice, I'm please. . We still have other decorating to do, but that will happen during the week.

We finished the rest of the turkey tonite.  I made a casserole of leftover stuffing, turkey & gravy.  It was good -- Dale had a second helping.  Last night I made a turkey -broccoli quiche, so they didn't mind leftovers.

Mon. Dec 1

Thanks for your call.  I'm sorry I spoiled your surprise -- but when a pkg. comes & you know nothing about it, naturally you open it.   I really like it.

We left for Erie at 8:45 A.M. & arrived at Target at 10 A.M.  Barb returned the Spelling Ace with Thesaurus & got another one & it works.  My crossword puzzle aid.  I got gifts for the Salvation Army name.  We went to Marshall's but we didn't see anything interesting & to a kitchen & other things & I got two frames for the boy's large pictures.  They are nice & sturdy to stand on a table.  Also went to KMart.  Then on to home, stopping at Perkins for lunch in Corry.  Home by 1:45 pm in time for my 2 pm soap.

Then I started a load of wash, made Dale's bed up clean.  2 more loads of wash & I cleaned the bathroom so I got most of my Mon  duties accomplished.  By suppertime, I was tired so I ordered pizza & made a salad.  Dale likes pizza so that's no problem.

Next Sat the 6th we have a cooky walk & soup & pie luncheon at church. I'll make 2 pies for it.  I might make some cookies -- 3 doz.

Tues. the 2nd

We awoke to a snow storm & slippery roads.  First they said school would be delayed til 10 A.M.  Then they called it off because of the snow & bad roads.  Barb & I went to CVS for a prescription for me & then to Quality for groceries.  Barb drove carefully.

Looking thru my "Taste of Home" magazine I saw a recipe for Peanut Butter Choc. Chip Peanut cooky & I tried it today & it's the one Barb & Dale like best.  So I'll have to be careful & not lose this one.

I'll have to start addressing cards for Christmas & I'll have a few notes to write.

Also heard from Gerald -- a thank you card for money for June's memorial.  I dont' know if Darla wrote or Gerald & they said write, but it is no fun writing when you never get an answer, so I gave up writing.

Wed. the 3rd

We had hamburgers & macaroni 'n' cheese for supper.  The Fri. after Thanksgiving Dale & the guys don't leave for lunch.  One of the fellows bro't his G. Foreman grill & they cooked hamb. & Dale said they were so good.  So I cooked our hamb. on our Foreman grill.  This time I got ground meat with 10% fat (usually get 5% fat) & the burgers were very tasty.  Barb & I like mac & cheese but I don't think Dale is so fond it it.  Majority counts.

Got my first Christmas card today from Jim & Diane Seeley.

Barb had to cash a check today & wanted to go to the Mall & I went with her.  Kim said she could use a belt so I found one for her & got myself a pair of black slacks, size 14.  My size 16 were too baggy in the seat.  They were on sale so I might get a navy pair next time we go to the Mall.

Thurs. nite.  After dinner Lar gave Dale a haircut.  Lar walks Torey home so they both get exercise.  We have lites by the TV, on the one buffet in the D.R. & along the window bench. The Santas are under the windows. It all looks nice.

Tuesday, November 4, 2003

Andy kicks a point after

We've had 2 days with the temp. in eh 70's.  The end of the week won't be as nice.

Today we voted.  And we were disappointed because we didn't do a write in vote successfully.  A good man was running for school director as a write in & we wanted him to get our votes.

I sent a card to Gerald with a memorial check so he should have it by now.

You won't believe this, BUT our Christmas box to you will soon be ready to send.  We'll  mail it in time for JoAnna's birthday.  I got small gifts to open & the main gifts will be a check. For you & JoAnna & Andy & Ed.  You might want to buy something the boys want but also I thought they might like a little cash to spend themselves.

Wed. Nov. 5

The library is having a book & magazine sale so I started looking thru my Taste of Home & Quick Cooking 2000-2001 magazines.  I think they should sell -- people always like recipes, but I'll check first.  I found a few interesting recipes I've missed.

Barb & Dale said I've been making the wrong choc. chip cookies.  Barb said I'm not u sing the recipe when I made your favorite cookie.  I've looked & looked but can't find that recipe. Barb wonders if you have it.  I'm sure it's a recipe I found somewhere.  It had peanuts in it.  I have more problems with favorite recipes -- they seem to disappear.  Most likely I misplace them.  I'm trying a recipe tonite using frozen hash browns with chicken.  I was disappointed in it.

I'm watching a good episode of Perry Mason. (It is a good one.)  So I probably won't get much written.  You can see I wasn't concentrating.

Thurs. the 6th

Benson's called this A.M. & asked if I'd like to go out to lunch.  I said yes.  We went to Perkins & enjoyed a nice visit.  They have large acreage & Ted has been planting many trees.  The latest is pine trees to act as a protection against snow, etc.  Ted even saw a bear.  They see many different animals & Ted can hunt on his property right in his yard.

I guess the teachers are a little disappointed because of those elected to the School Board. 2 from Tiditioute Tidioute. I need to write Tidioute 25 times to remember how to spell it.  Had to check in the telephone directory.  They are sure they will want to rescind all that has happened -- closing Tidioute high school & another school whose name I can't remember. Kim said one man elected has virtually no education & there is a lot of reading material to go through.

Not much to write about & the little I've written contains cross outs & poor sentence structure but at least you'll hear a little news from us.  I see the Dr tomorrow so the next letter will tell about it.  No school Mon next (teachers conferences) so Barb & I plan to go to Jamestown.

Friday, January 13, 1989

I am going to try my hand at typing again so bear with the mistakes due to mostly to not being familiar with the typewriter.  Good excuse is better than none.

It looks like you will have a good weekend for skiing.  This is Fri a.m.  And you should have the car by now and I know you are enjoying it.

The other day Barb went over town to return the free lottery ticket and bot 2 more, one for me and one for her. We were not successful but the ticket she returned was another free one so we are still working on the one you got, Paul.

The weather has been nice so Dad and I have been walking and it is good to be back at it.

Barb is making herself a cardigan sweater and it is really nice so I asked her to make one for me and she will.   We have to get the yarn and I would like 2 shades of blue.  It has a different yoke and it makes the sweater.  It is wool yarn so it will be a nice sweater for early spring and late fall.

Perkins finally has Belgian waffles on the menu so we went for breakfast this week and they are delicious.

Where Kim has her studio there is a baby sitting service and there has been no rental charge - suppose to start in Jan. but the lady is giving up the service as she is pregnant.  Kim plans to find out if they can keep the service going without the rental charge as the rent of 100.00 a month doesn't leave much left for profit.

Anyway she asked Barb if she would be interested in the job if it can be worked out.  Barb said yes so we hope it will work out.  The sitting is necessary as Kim has mothers who depend upon the service as well as the weight lifting group.  It is from 8-12 a.m.  The lady would leave all the supplies there, games, puzzles, etc.

The birds haven't found the new feeder yet but they will.  It took quite awhile for them to find the old one.  I think it has been used a few times as we can see seeds scattered under it.  And they can really scatter the seeds.

Had a nice letter from Gen.  Aunt Esther is now in a nursing home at East Longmeadow.  Gen said she looks good and has (how else you say it) her mind back.  Is lucid, I guess you would say.  She had her hair done and was dressed up when they went to see her so she is content.

Edna and Wally will join the E. Longmeadow church.  It is hard for Edna to give up Bethesda but Wally refuses to go there because of the pastor so Edna gave in.

I'm enclosing the pictures we took.  Lar hasn't been over with the ones taken at his place.