Saturday, February 19, 2005

This is the weekend NASCAR returns to racing & we have been watching Speed Channel & races.  The big race is tomorrow from Fla.  If you are a real fan & have the money that is the place to be this weekend.  Daytona Beach.

Think I've mentioned this before what I learned from the Food Channel.  Marinate chicken with balsamic vinegar, onions & garlic, only I omit the garlic.  It is absolutely Dale's favorite way to do chicken.  They pan fried the chicken, but I baked it.  We had that tonite with Uncle Ben's rice, another of Dale's favorite.  And broccoli & fruit salad.  An easy & fast meal to prepare.  Make peanut butter bars for dessert.  Another easy recipe.  Similar to choc. chop cookies.

Barb has to go to the liquor store almost every week for Bert.  Barb hopes they don't think she uses all of it.  Barb thinks Bert should cut down on alcohol.  She is 87, in poor health, her friends have died or are in nursing homes so I say let her have her comforting drink.  She doesn't get out that much anymore.

Sun. Feb 21

We're watching the racing -- it is exciting to watch.  I forgot to mention when I had my hair done, I said to Sheila racing starts Sun.  Sue's customer said "Marion do you like racing?" Sheila answered for me.  "She is a big face fan."  I said I have to be as that is the main sport for Dale so I have to understand it.  I do enjoy it but it takes a back seat if baseball happens to be on at the same time.

I don't know if you remember the Nicholson's.  They lived on East St. next to the funeral home.  There were 2 sisters & 3 brothers.  One was a lawyer who was a good one but ides young.  None ever married.  They all have died & the last one died rectally.  They were ever active in the church but open to it.  They left over a 2 million estate.  The church will get the interest of 20% of the estate but it will probably take up to 2 y ears to settle (the estate). Pretty nice.  I know Dad used to call on the sisters who died first.

Barb & I finally finished the puzzle.  I'll put the card table away for awhile.

We won't go to Jamestown tomorrow -- the weather won't be that nice, sleet & rain.  I'd rather wait for nicer weather.

We like our new organist.  He plays very well & is getting acquainted with the liturgy.  He makes the organ sound very good.  He will lead the choir.

Tues pm the 22nd

This A>M. I went to Bible Study at church followed by pot luck lunch.  I made my tools to bring.  One thing that is never left over.  The pastor took 3 rolls home the last time I bro't them.  Her husband ate all three of them. He said "who made those rolls, I want to marry her."  Today I gave her the left over rolls so her husband should be happy.

Barb took the laptop computer to Lynn's so Lynn could help her get started -- how to use it.

You know what I remember about Janesville.  We spent our first nite as man & wife in a hotel there.  Our wedding was at 8 pm; after the reception we drove with Min & Lila & family to Beloit & then we took their car & drove to Janesville.  It was a terrible night.  Jan 26 & it was foggy & you couldn't see anything & it took a long time to get there.  We spent Sat. night with Min & Lila.  Dr. Benander asked Dad to preach at Salem that Sun & he did.  The first of the week we left for Auburn via train.   We got to Auburn in the morning & went from the train to the Strands for breakfast.  They are the ones that let you, Paul, open the cupboard doors & play with the pots & pans.

We've been watching reruns of Seinfeld & they are so crazy.  The other nite I was surfing the TV & came upon "Beverly Hills Cop 2". It was so crazy & I laughed so hard. Dale came downstairs to see what I was watching.  And today Perry Mason was in color.  Barb tho't that was the only one in color -- the first series.

That was really nice to be invited to consider applying for the job in Janesville.  But I can understand you not wanting to move because of the boys & the feeling you still have something to give at Middleton.  I guess that is why we continued to stay in Warren. It sure looks like a nice modern building.

I hope you're over the flu by now.  I had an extra Valentine so I sent it to my friend Shirley in Auburn.  She's the one whose husband died last Nov.  Heard from her today. The card arrived when she was getting over a bad case of the flu that left her very weak.

I don't know if you remem -- I've already covered that subject.  Nicholsons.

Our organist is 32 years old & last fall he had a triple bypass operation.  He was at church this A.M. When we were eating lunch the phone rang & it was his wife.  When he returned home he collapsed & was driving himself to Warren hosp.  He lives in Jamestown but didn't want to go to the Jamestown hosp.  We hope all things will be OK for him as organists are hard to come by.  His wife is only 22 yrs. old.  They have 3 children, the oldest is 6.  She was young when she had the 1st one.  T hey are a nice couple.

Wed. the 23.  I made the apple dessert from Bon Appetit (however you spell it) and it is good.  I had to sample it.  It has a think graham cracker base & that adds to the taste.

Gen called this noontime.  She tho't she was calling Millie.  We visited a bit.  Called Betty Casey -- she had a slight stroke & is doing better.  Hope to get to church soon.

Love to all.  Marion, better make it Mom.

Monday, July 17, 2004

By now you should be over the big party & things are normal again. I know it was a great success.

I always read the USA Today state's news & saw a familiar name in Wisc. news.  Jon Erpenbach -- he introduced a bill to increase the fine on unwanted calls -- for ads, etc.

Barb is really losing her hair.  They have head coverings at the Cancer Center but Barb didn't car for the.  She got some materials & made 3.  They are really nice.  She will be bald soon. Lynn gave her a wig but Barb thinks it's a shade too light.  She bro't it to the beauty shop & they will see if they can darken it a bit.  She also had her hair cut short so there won't be so much hair around.

The roof at church has been shingled & is ready for the steeple.  It has to be painted first so it will be a couple of weeks.  We need rainless weather.  One of the members will paint it. People in the area miss the steeple.

The pastor told us she received an "arrest paper".  In Aug. she goes to "jail" at the Holiday Inn for an hour.  She asked for people to bail her out for muscular dystrophy.  She doesn't know who suggested her name but she's willing to help for a good cause.  I'm sure members will donate.  I will.

We've really have had some loud thunder blasts.  The A.M. one sounded like it was over the house.  I thought something was falling down.

The Buff. paper had a review of Sue Grafton's new book.  It sounds interesting, tho I haven't read any of her latest ones.

I sent, rather called in an order to Penneys.  For a sweater, & 2 tops.  I did it finally as of the 20th I could get free postage on an order of $25.00.  A cardigan sweater.  Getting ready for fall.  Also hope to find a suit -- maybe in Jamestown.

From 3-5 pm Perry Mason is on TV.  Most of the time you'll find me watching it.

Wed. the 21st

Barb is having treatment this A.M.  She had to be there at 9 A.M.  Kim picked her up.

I got the garbage ready & made applesauce from apples in the fridge   It was that or in a week or so, throw them out.  My "thrifty" side said "make applesauce".  Then I washed the floor.  Now I'm taking it easy before lunch.

Yesterday we got groceries & went to the Mall & CVS.  Both of us needed meds.  Barb has to take pills before & after her treatment.

Barb appreciated your card.  At a time like this cards help.

The elec. panel for the security system at Bert's must have been hit by lightning -- it was only a year old.  Mon. Barb was at her house from 8-12 waiting for a man to check it out. Ditto Tues. for the man to repair it.  Now Bert doesn't know when she'll be back as her eyes are bothering her.  She said she wants to drive when she's back in Warren but Barb thinks her driving days are over.

I always enjoy reading your library newsletter.  The library has a lot to offer.  I don't think our library has special activities for teens.  Barb wanted videos for when she is in bed so we went to the library last nite.  I got 3 books -- 2 by Sandra Brown & 1 by Catherine Coulter.  I might have read one of the Brown novels but they are very rereadable.  I didn't write down one new authors's and & now I can't remember it (her name) & it won't come back.  2 extra words -- a bad habit.

Barb was up for awhile, then went to bed.  Later she wanted a milkshake but it didn't stay down.

I fixed spaghetti & meat balls for supper.  Frozen meatballs.  Asked Dale how he liked them. Not so good -- not as good as last time.  They were meatballs I made.  What a surprise. They were a little spicy but I didn't think they were bad at all.

It's finally hot weather.  But we can't complain as so far we've had a cool summer & summer is about half over.  One more week in July then Aug. & nites get cooler in Sept.

Lar & Kim will fly to Fla.  They'll only go for 4 days but it gives them time to spend with her niece & nephew.  Never can remember which letter comes first in niece, I or E.

I started reading Best Kept Secrets by Sandra Brown.  Set in Texas & I'm enjoying it.

Thurs the 22nd

Kim & Lar were here for dinner  & then Lar & Dale installed a new Hunter Fan in Barb's room. The old fan was too noisy.  It's a nice one, the new one.

Tomorrow Kim will take me to my hair appt.  I had told Sheila I wouldn't be there this week, but Kim called to tell me she'd take me.  I know she has a busy schedule so if I miss a hair appt. that is OK.

Barb's recovery after chemo this time is much better than 3 weeks ago.  She is keeping food down & is up more.  She has to get a shot to help her blood -- so it stays normal.

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.

Sunday, March 16, 2003

Artwork by Eddie Nelson

Yesterday I was up early due to a runny nose & cough & didn't want to make a lot of noise.   I sat in the chair with the afghan.  At 6:15 the telephone rang and it was the hospital.  Bert hadn't answered her phone.  So I woke Barb up & she called Bert & she answered.  The phone rang twice but when Bert answered no one was there.  Later in the day Bert called to apoliage make an apology (spelling wouldn't come) for waking me up early but I told her I'm an early rise.  She has this call to make sure she is OK.

I didn't feel good all day Sat, -- nose ran all day. But I did manage to make a batch of cookies & made chicken & spag. for dinner.  Was in bed by 9 pm.  Today I feel fine.  Dale had a headache Sat.

Today Christopher Darling was baptized.  H is wife's mother Roxie Sasserson (daughter Kristen).  They have a girl Emma and the baby Ian.  A big group of relatives in church.

You have a very active library with activities for all ages.  That is great.

Now that warmer weather is on the way -- hit the 60s Sat. & will today -- which job on your list comes first.  You'll be kept busy with what you hope to accomplish.

Rose S. was in church today & she said she has swelling in her legs & that isn't good.

We went to Jamestown last Fri. -- no school so Barb didn't have to pick Scott up after school.  We had lunch at Red Lobster.  I got a pair of light blue summer slacks at Bon Ton & a top to go with it at Sears.  I didn't plan to buy anything, but I couldn't resist the slacks & then I need a top that matched the color.  Excuses, excuses!

On Sun. aft. LeRoy Schneck has a radio program of oldies & since there is nothing that interests me on TV, I'm enjoying some old tunes.

Mon. A.M., the 17th

I'm taking a time out.  I've been up & down the attic stairs to put away some winter clothes & take down supp summer things.  (Guess I was thinking of food.)  Reason -- the bats come back sometime in Mar. & they like our attic, but I don't like them.  We should look for light coming thru & put foam there.  Just looking I can't see anything.  I should hire a House Detective (H&G) & see what should be done before "you guys" sell it.  I know there will have to be a railing by the attic stairs -- it would be very handy for me now.  Maybe I'll suggest it to Dale.

Wed. A.M. Mar 19

I'm glad I'm not in Denver with the blizzard the state is having.  Everything is closed down. The Weather Channel keeps us informed.

Mr. Collins is a real nut -- he sweeps the road in front of his house to the other side edge. He doesn't care about the traffic.  And he was moving his backyard already & the grass isn't green yet or even growing.  And his equipment is so loud.

Scott told Barb he would like 12 of the choc. surprise cookies I make.  They are his favorite now.  He'd like them for his July birthday.  Every time I make them Barb brings him a couple. At least he'll have memories of homemade cookies.

The snow (piled up mounds) is just about gone.  And much faster due to the warm weather. Rain is predicted but I don't think it will mean flooding.  The creek isn't that high.

I can hear Barb moving around so I'd better get busy before I lose my ambition. It's easily lost!  Later.

I washed the floor this A.M., started dinner rolls, made a good lunch for Dale.  Why -- because yesterday I forgot all about it being Dale's long day at work & didn't fix a good lunch & forgot an extra snack, which he added himself.  Made up for it today.  After cleaning up after lunch, I made a batch of choc. cookies, then formed my rolls.  While they were raising, I baked the cookies.  Then the rolls.  Now the rolls are in the freezer, the cookies frosted & put away.  And I'm enjoying a cooky & coffee.  Too bad you're not closer.

The other aft. there was a smell in the laundry area.  I smelled the sponges, my basket of leaflets, & even the rug around the toilet.  No odor.  Finally I smelled the drain in the tub. That was the culprit.  Put in soda & vinegar followed by boiling water & that did the trick. When I told Dale about ti, he said if the pipe dries out you get the gas odors so I must be sure that I put water in it as we don't use it that much.  The sink was put in when we moved here as then we had a suds saver washing machine.

Thurs. Mar. 20

Well we are at war & all the networks are covering it so I don't get to see my soaps.  But I can turn to Hallmark TV & watch 2 hrs of Perry Mason.  I'm watching Fox TV & it is interesting to hear what is & will happen.  I don't know how much they really know.

We didn't get our Warren paper this A.M.  I called the newspaper but still no paper.  With the former owners I could depend upon our paper to come 15 min. after I called.  We don't have a very reliable paper boy.  And the USA wasn't in the mail either.  It's not my day newspaper-wise!  They drive the paper & I suppose the war news held it too late to be delivered on time.

I'm enjoying TV & have covered all the news I know or can remember!\

Saturday, February 16, 2003

Wisconsin Library Association members meet with Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton

The snow was south of us so we just have the cold weather.

This A.M. I made an apple pie & started veg. beef soup.  Both tasted very good.  Figured soup would go with the cold weather.

Mentioned I was to see the Dr. yesterday & all is well.  See Dr. McNett in 4 months.  Barb didn't feel good Fri. A.M. so I walked to get my hair done.  9 degrees but I bundled up & the sun was out.  Walked home from the Dr's visit so I got some exercise.

When I got home I acted on an idea in my mind.  Called Joyce O'Connor & asked if she'd be interested in watching "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with me.  She said yes, & then asked her to come for dinner. Fixed chicken, baked pot, broc., fruit salad & the leftover cherry dessert.  We had a great visit as we haven't seen each other for some time.  She exercises (walking) at the Y & a couple of the men walkers have made passes at her.  She said why are the married men the ones attracted to me.  When first widowed she wouldn't have minded dating.  She was in her late 40's when Dugey died & he was 51.  But now she isn't interested.  She is so funny talking about her experiences.  We both enjoyed the movie & had some good laughs.  I'll watch it again.  I had 2 Greek girlfriends in high school & they talked about their experiences & both spoke Greek.

Barb didn't come downstairs til noon today & spent the day in her p.j.'s.  As I was enjoying my dessert, after all was cleaned up, she came down dressed to go to BiLo.  She wanted grapes & I had a list of her.

Glad your Legislative Day turned out to be a success.  Guess Mother Nature is an Independent!

Bet it made you think of spring when you attended the Garden Expo.

No school on Mon.  Pres. Day.  But they will miss one of the days over Memorial Day due to a snow day Wed. last.  The first one in spite of our winter.

All for now.  Started a new puzzle so I'll work on that for awhile.

Oh I tho't of something.  Sam's ex wife's house burned down early last Thurs A.M.  At 2:30 A.M. she called Same & his latest gal answered the phone & wondered why she was calling Sam.  But Sam & his ex have a good relationship & when he was without a gal, he would be with her.

We enjoyed golf & watching Tiger play after a lay off.  He's on top as of Sat. nite.

Tues. the 18th

Thanks Andy & Eddie for my valentine.

We really have snow piled high but not as much as the Eastern big cities.  We got about 5-6 inches.  Lots to shovel.

Yesterday there was no school because of the holiday.  Today they had a 2 hour delay.

The main roads are clear so we were able to go to the Mall & get groceries.

Last Fri. when I walked by Beaty in the aft. I saw my first robin.  He's waiting for spring just like everyone else.

Gen called the other nite.  Next summer they'll have to get a new roof & paint the house.

We've gotten some good strawberries at the store.  From Calif.  I remember Andy loves strawberries.

I'm at the kitchen table, looking out the window at the snow piles on the fir trees.  One looks like a little lamb the way it settled on the branches.

When we looked at a window for over the kitchen sink, I would have like the kind you described you'd like.  It would have been more expensive but I've regretted I didn't push for it.

Too bad we aren't closer with Lar & Dale experienced in brick laying.  They did a nice job here but it was a big job.  (Pat & Ted commented on it again today, Thurs.)

This A.M. Bette Davis was on the Perry Mason show.  She was the lawyer while Perry was "sick" (probably on vacation) & it was good to see her again.  She was a great actress.

Thurs. evening the 20th.

This A.M. Ted Benson called & asked if they could take me out to lunch.  Of course I said yes.  They picked me up at 12:30 & we went to Perkins.  Pat said she had cabin fever & wanted to get out.  We had a nice visit & I didn't get home til 3pm.  Just in time for Perry Mason.  Pat & Ted were going to the Mall after they took me home.  I had pork loin tonite. Made the applesauce yesterday and a pecan pie this A.M.  Also made dinner rolls yesterday as well as a batch of cookies.  So things were under control so I could go out this aft.  We hadn't been together since last Nov.  So we had a lot to talk about.

When Kim was walking Torey he stepped in a puddle that had gasoline in it.  Kim didn't realize it until they smelled the gasoline.  They washed his paws but the smell still lingered so they were going to wash him again.

I didn't wear boots today as the sidewalks & roads were clear.  It was lovely to have it a little warmer & the sky was so blue.  BUT snow & colder is forecast for the weekend & colder temps.

Guess I've covered activities for this time.

Monday, May 13, 1995

Lunch is over & I'm watching Perry Mason & will write a letter.   I've been lazy today & have done only the necessary, such as make beds, 2 loads wash, etc.

Thanks so much for the pictures - they are so good.  What handsome sons & grandsons.  We'll be glad to see you all but I find it hard to believe Andy & Eddie want to be here 3 weeks as it doesn't seem to be an exciting stay but we try to do some things to make it more exciting - miniature golf, swimming, etc.  So as long as they're happy so am I.  It will be great having them.  I wish I could find an inexpensive 2nd-hand bike.  No Cap store this time but a card store - if it's still there by then.

We also celebrated Lar's birthday yesterday.  They came for a 6 pm dinner & I had Lar's favorite.  Cornish hens.  This time I split them & they came out so good & delicious as well.  A carrot birthday cake.  Got 2 hanging plants - 1 from Dale, 1 from Lar & Kim.  Altho I haven't sen them yet as last nite it was to get down to 29 - ditto tonite so Lar tho't they'd be better off in the greenhouse.  Hopefully I can hang them out soon.  Can't remember the name of the flowers.

Forgot to ask you if you got the pkg. & did the shirts fit Andy.

That was some meal you described.  A lot of work went into it.  You must have been filled when you were thru.

I've been picking dandelions - trying to get them out of the lawn.  At least they are easy to get up because of the damp ground.  Haven't gotten to the side of the house facing west.  Filled a couple of pails already.

Forgot to mention Barb gave me a prettily decorated grape vine wreath.  Want to hang it in the living room.  Remember Mr. Grimm, math teacher, his wife has a place where she sells - wreathes & other decorative items.  They live next to Lynn & that is where Barb got it.  He plans to retire this year & they might sell their home.

I heard about an author new to me - Richard North Patterson - & I got one of his books "The Lasko Tangent".  An old one from 1979.  Not really into it yet but it sounds good.  Also got one by Sidney Sheldon & I like him as an author.

Now it's time for "As the World Turns" so I'll give it my full attention.