Friday, June 3, 2005

This aft. I saw the Dr.  My blood tests were all good & my blood pressure wsa 130/60 & that is very good for me.  It was higher last time in Feb.  So I will just keep taking my meds & vitamins.

Did you happen to see the amazing catch Met M. Cameron at R.F. made.  I'm sure it was repeated many times.  He was running to catch a ball, tripped & fell & put out his hand & the ball dropped right in.  A catch he never knew he would make.  It would have been a triple for Cruz, Jr. of the Rockies.  It was great.  Pedro pitched a great game.  When he was traded to the Mets I was n't sure about the deal.  It seemed he was temperamental, etc. but he fits in great with the Mets so it's nice ot have a good pitcher.

Ask Any how it feels to slide into a base just ahead of the ball.  Does he slide feet first or head first.  They say feet first is better.  The other way fingers or hands could get hurt.  Why do pitchers keep fiddling with their caps.  Taking them off & on.  The only pitch I recognize is the curve ball, maybe fast ball.

Lynn will have a garage sale tomorrow (Sat) & Barb is up there now helping her.  Barb folded clothes, etc. to help her during the week.  She put masking tape on the articles & Lynn prices them. Having to take me to the Dr. held her up -- that's her job to take me to appointments.

Shults, Wrrn. has added Toyota cards to their selling program.  Dale says they don't have enough space for all the cars now, & tools & working area.

Today I saw a spider on the stove -- went for a paper towel to kill it but Dale let it live.  He has a thing for spiders.  For one summer he had a spider web in the garage & kept it safe & even tried to feed it.  I was a big one.

Sat. aft the 4th

This A.M. we went to Sears & before I do anything I'll see if something can be done to our washer.  The salesman said they could fix this problem.  I thought this would be my last washing machine. 

Then we went nto Lawn & Garden as Barb needed more garden stuff.

We ended up at the Mall.  The earrings Barb likes were on sale.  She got 2 prs. & I got some white earrings.  I got some paper supplies at theh 1.00 store.  Kim says she gets all her paper supplies & cleaners there.  A better buy.

Sun. aft.

While watching the Mets they said there would be a special (paper) on the Mets.  So Barb got a N.Y. Times (that was the paper) but it must have been for the local area.  But I found the "sun Styles " had a couple of interesting article & wondered if you read them.  On p. 11 "A Bad Case of Puppy Love".  It was cute.  P. 3 "Love Thy Busybody".  Another cute one.  Stories like you might write.

This aft. I watched Pitts. beat the Braves & Pitts. took the series.  They are doing well & I like Pitts announcers.  The Mets were rained out Sat. so there is a doubleheader going on now 4 pm.  Mets will be on ESPN at 8 pm.  Mets are playing San Fran & the Mets are improving.

I see the "George" says the Yankees must improve.  If they don't will there be a new mgr?  Who cares, not me.  Their skid makes me happy.

Our pastor was in church today -- Pastor Ray Forstrum had the service. She made an announcement.  The baby is home but they can't have any visitors for 2 weeks & the baby can't go out in a crowd for 2 weeks. s We won't see her until the middle of July.  She will be on maternity leave.  

Wed. A.M. the 8th

Summer has arrived.  There are buds on the rose bushes & the plants Barb planted from seed are coming along fine.  I've sat on the front porch & it is nice to watch the birds, etc.

Did Andy notice (as of this A.M.) that Atl. & N.Y.M. are tied for 2nd place with Wn. in 1st place.  Looks good to me. (Didn't last long.  Fri. the 9th)

School is over on Fri. the 10th.  I said to Barb "I bet Scott won't go to school on Fri."  Her reply, "Oh no, he'll want to see his friends."  I was right (for once) he won't go to school on Fri.

Just wrote a note to Gen to add to her birthday card.  She will be 83 on Mon.  She won't realize it is her birthday until John tells her.  She doesn't know how old she is.  It's so sad.

Thanks for the pictures.  Andy looks nice in his baseball uniform.  When does he start his summer job.  What about Ed -- will he get a summer job. 

Collins on Conewango have their home up for sale.  It's probably getting to be too much for him to keep up.  It will be interesting to see if it sells before Frank's does.  (Across the st.)  Collins keeps his property in top condition.  Frank's yard upkeep leaves a lot to be desired.

This A.M. Dale asked me if I heard them painting the crosswalk lines about 1:30 A.M. (not much traffic).  He said the machine was so noisy it woke him up & Barb as well.  I didn't hear a thing.  Am I losing my hearing -- I don't think so -- I was really tired last nite & must have been in the deep sleep cycle.

I see the Mets picked a pitcher in the draft who is suppose to be pretty good.  Time will tell.  A few years ago, it seems to me they tho't that about Isringhausen & 2 others but they didn't work out as regular pitchers.  It seems only to happen for the Braves.  Wed. aft. & I'm watching Toronto at the Cubs -- after I watched "As the World Turns" which is getting very exciting.  Me & my soaps!

I took the easy way out & got pizza for supper, delivered from Pizza Hut.  The one who delivered it used to work at Shults & recognized Dale's car.  The Monte Carlo.  He said "that's Dale's car & I want it!"  More than one would like the car but he's not selling it.
 

April 3, 2004

What a disgusting situation -- my cold has gotten me down & I'm lazy, but I want to make an apple bread & a batch of cookies.  Maybe after lunch.  It's the cough that is the worst part.  I don't think I can go to church tomorrow.  On top of that, we could get a snowstorm.  I was so pleased with myself for not getting a cold all winter; spring arrives & so does a cold.

The library looks so nice.  You have much to be proud of, Paul.

It turns out I have read Robt. B. Parker in the past but never like his books, but this one is more interesting reading & it takes place in the Boston area.  If I remember I think his books are about that area, so I should like him.

Bert wants to take Barb out for her 50th birthday.   For lunch.  She also said she'd help Barb if she had to have an operation.  Bert wants to go to Jamestown so they might eat lunch there.

Remember Vincent, whose parents bot the Johnson house, he is a senior & such a nice fellow.  He plays soccer & baseball.  He came over a few times when Andy & Eddie visited here.

Later.  About 11 AM I got up off my chair & made the apple bread, & choc. surprise cookies. The surprise is a marshmallow under the icing.  Was hungry for them.  Made some for Dale minus the marshmallow.  Fixed lunch for Dale, cleaned up  & will read more of my book.

This A.M., after I got up I browned a pot roast & put it in the crock pot.  Mashed pots. & veggie & I'm all set.  It makes such good gravy.

Later yet.  Our dinner was good.  Barb made an apple raisin bra using oatmeal, whole wheat flour, etc.  She didn't use a recipe & it came out very good.  I had a piece for dessert & it was tasty.  Wonder what it will be like next time.  I prefer a recipe to follow.

I'm enjoying the Parker book -- I like the short chapters.

Sun. Apr 4

Just as I suspected, I didn't get to church.  The cold has a strangle hold on me, but I have to go to the bank for Apr. expenses, I need stamps & a med refill plus groceries.

Mon. Apr. 5

Today Bert & Barb went to Jamestown & had lunch at the Red Lobster.  They went shopping at the Mall & found 2 tops she liked.  Bert's birthday gift to Barb.  Barb got home about 2 p.m. & in the meantime Lynn had called & said Scott was home from school.  Didn't feel good.  He's following Marisa's ways when it comes to school absences.  So seeing she didn't have to pick Scott up she asked if I wanted to get groceries.  I said let's try going to the post office, bank, & CVS first.  I felt OK, so we also went grocery shopping.  I was glad as my day won't be broken up tomorrow.  Today I did my usual work, except for tying up old newspapers & cleaning the basement bathroom.  Maybe tomorrow & I must wash the kitchen floor.  Today I got Easy Off Oven Cleaner so I have a big hob ahead of me.  I'm coughing a lot & during the nite so it upsets my sleep.  And they say it drags on for 2-3 weeks.  More fun!

Watched some baseball today.  Dale was pleased the Pirates beat the Phillies.  And San Diego beat LA & Detroit beat Toronto.  They haven't won a home opener for awhile.  It's so good to have baseball again.  The Mets play tomorrow nite.

Wonder what kind of a summer we'll have.  Hope it's not as cruel as our winter was.  Today it's still winter -- cold & windy.

I was lazy so we ordered pizza tonite.  When I ordered it, of course I had to cough & the fellow at the other end said "I hope you feel better".

When I got my meds today, I expected to pay $37.00 for it -- the most expensive.  But it only cost $16.00.  I have $250.00 deductable & I must have spent it, so that was a nice surprise. I wonder about the new Medicare -- if it will work for me with medical insurance.  It is suppose to help with medication . I haven't read much about it.

Tues A.M., the 6th

I start coughing around bedtime & Barb wanted to go get cough medicine.  She called Kim & their Dr. friend recommended Delsym, the best without a prescription.  I didn't want Barb to go out -- she was in her pj's.  She finally did -- said she wouldn't sleep if I kept coughing.  I took 2 tsp. at 10 p.m. & again this A.M. at 10.  It really helps.  And I slept much better & didn't hear Dale get up to shower.  When Dale left I sat in my chair for 1/2 hr. &U dozed. Took a shower, etc. & felt better.  When Barb left I washed the kitchen floor.  Wrapped newspapers but still need to do the basement toilet.  The Schwan man comes today so I dont' want to miss him so came upstairs.  He just came so I guess I'll go downstairs.  Have to push myself as it's so easy to be lazy.

April 7.  Wed.

Today Warren H. called.  He had an appointment at Warren Dental Arts & they wondered if I could go out to lunch with them afterwards.  I still cough a lot & said it was best if I didn't.  I hated to refuse but it was for the best.

Last nite I watched the Mets beat the Braves 7-2.  It was a good feeling.  Detroit beat Toronto & Milwaukee took 2 from St. Louis.  And Tampa Bay beat the Yankees.  What's going on. Is this the year of the underdog.  I can dream, can't I.

Jerry Howgard didn't last long as a Schwan Man.  He's now working in N. Warren at Casey's Salon.  Lauri Hause, Janet & Dick's daughter, started it.  She married Joe Casey (Betty & Joe Senior), but they got a divorce & she married again, as Joe also did. I'm not sure if she still owns it.  It will be different for Jerry -- he's not the boss anymore. Sheila inherited some of his customers but they plan to stay with Sheila.

Our Easter weather forecast isn't a happy one.  Cold & a possibility of snow showers.  But they do say our weather should improve in another week!  I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Dale got a heavy weight pkg. today.  He ordered a cement cutter for bricks, etc.  He said he'll let Lar keep it & use it.  And if Dale wants to use it, he'll get it from Lar.  It was such a good bargain (200.00), he couldn't pass it up.  They rent for $50.00 A DAY.

The weather channel shows tornados in Miss.  So I guess I shouldn't graumble too much!

In our paper I noticed Sheffield Hi principal finally called the State Police. A girl was in his office kicking furniture & cursing the principal.  Other schools call the police & Kim thinks their principal should try it.  He really must have been ticked off this time. Tomorrow nite we'll hear more about it from K.

Good Fri. the only day the teachers & students got off for vacation due to snow days & bomb scares.

I'm still coughing but much better.  I think I'll live!!!

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.

Saturday, May, 10 2003

We had an easy meal tonite -- pizza from Pizza Hut so there isn't much work to that or clean up.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was Ekey's with a beautiful geranium hanging basket.  Thank you so much. It is hanging on the porch.  Thanks for the Mother's Day cards.  I'll go with Eddie's "All the way, Mets" & boo to Andy's "All the way, Braves".  I know I'm dreaming when it comes to the Mets.  When they reach .500, I'll be happy.  They did win today with Mike P. home run in the 10th.  More smiles then.  Good or bad they are my team.

Yesterday I got 2 books at the library.  Read one yesterday & one today.  Both by Karen Robards, easy reading & I liked them a lot.  Hunter's Moon & Heart Break.  She has more I haven't read.  Good entertainment for me.

Barb got petunias & impatiens to plant which she is doing now.  For by the back door & the leftovers will go in the back yard.

Kim will make Larry's birthday carrot cake.  That is fine with me.

Kim went to Erie today as one of her Sheffield students graduated from college.  The girl has worked for Lar during the summer (weeding, etc.) & had dog sat Torey.

Tonite I'll watch the Braves & San Fran.  I could watch Houston at Pitt. but I think San Fran will be more interesting   Of course I root against the Braves!

Dale had his blood test this A.M. & they filled 5 vials & also a urine test.  He has an EEG test coming up in about 10 days.  He is getting a good check up.

Your new patio furniture sounds very nice.  You are lucky to have such a nice backyard.

Mon. May 12

We had a nice birthday & Mother's Day celebration.  Larry & Kim replaced the worn out "whiskey barrel" by the front steps & planted petunias (kind that spread out) in it.  Barb gave me earrings & a matching necklace, which I like a lot.  Dale gave me a fuchsia plant so the porch looks nice with 2 pretty hanging baskets.

The rain held off so we could grill steaks outside.  I gave Larry a gift certificate from Lawn & Garden so he can get what he likes.  Dale gave him a hammer & other little things he buys on his shopping trips.  Barb gave him a nice bear & cub in the form of a little candle holder. Be nice on the outdoor tables at the camp.  She also found a piggy bank in the form of a soccer ball.  It is so cute.  Dale also gave me a "little gift" -- bandaids with the logos of the baseball teams.  Cute.

I got my first copy of Home & Garden magazine.

Paul, it seems like you spend time in the "public" part of the library.  I don't think I've ever seen our Director around.  I don't' know her but I never ever saw the previous Director around & I know her.  Maybe I'm not around when they are or were.  Libraries around the state are crying the blues over the gov. budget.  Libraries & schools are getting the short end of the deal.  But the budget hasn't passed yet, so maybe things can change.  Our library surely will have to cut hours & jobs.

This A.M. I was up & dressed by 6 A.M.  Reason I wanted to get the glass out for recycling. They collect it early.  I told Dale I have ambition on Mondays but it fades as the weeks goes on.  Before Dale left (*8-5 this week) I had cleaned the counter tops, moving everything.  After lunch I'll do some ironing.

I was mistaken about when the pastor visits Warren. It is in June.  I guess I'm anxious & wondering why we don't hear more about the couple....where they are from, etc.  Next Sun. after church we have a meeting concerning the elevator situation.

In the June 10 Family Circle there is a recipe for Double Chip Bars that I plan to make today. It calls for white & milk choc. chips, coconut, peanut butter & peanuts.  Plan to halve the recipe & use a 9x9 dish for a sample.  If Dale doesn't like it, Barb on a diet, it will be too much for me to finish *even if I could!)  Also you put a drizzle of melted van. chips over the bars.  I like them so they came out & taste good.

Gen called today.  Her church is building an educational wing & she isn't in favor of it.  But she still made a gift of money.  John did & said she should.  Ed wasn't in favor of it but that's the way they are.  They wouldn't build unless they needed the room.

Heard some interesting gossip.  Arlene Hornstrom is now at the nursing home in Pleasant Twp. & she has found herself a man who is also there.  In fact, they were found in bed together.  She had another man friend before she got sick.  What happens in these homes!

"How sweet it is" this Wed A.M., the SUN is OUT.  Finally but showers are till haunting us.

Just finished washing the kitchen floor.  Sure glad that job is over.   After lunch I plan to walk to the library & get more books.  I'm in a reading mood.

Thurs. aft.

I tried a new recipe tonite -- chicken squares.  It was OK but I don't think I'll try it again.  Dale had a 2nd piece so it must be OK.  I was just a little disappointed in the results.  But the apple pie for dessert was good.

More rain today but a good weekend is forecast.

Are the boys counting the days til school is out.  Kim is.