Wednesday, April 26, 2006

I'm sure you noticed the Brewers beat the Braves.  The only bad thing about it, the Mets go to Atlanta & I'm sure the Braves will be thinking "We can beat those Mets."  Fri. nite it will be Smoltz against Pedro M.  But it won't be on TV for us to see.  At least the Mets are still on top in their division.

In the paper there was an article about the Indian tribes building golf courses near their casinos to draw more people.  This one was in Minn.  They are well planned courses & people love to play them.  (My mind works faster than the pen.)  They don't make money but people are drawn to the casino & most likely can't resist a little gambling.

I made a new blueberry coffee cake recipe & it is a good one.  It called for 3 cups of flour so I used my angel food pan to bake it.  Dave gave his approval.

Warren & Anna came to Warren today & after his dental appt., they picked me up & we had lunch at the Plaza.  Warren suggested we go there.  The bad thing is that the lady in the next booth smoked & that spoiled it for me.  And I don't think their food is as good as it used to be.

I see that Favre will be back with Green Bay for another year.

I can't get over how much Eddie has changed since I last saw him.  I didn't recognize him at first & then realized it was Eddie.  You have 2 handsome sons.  And nice ones as well.

Last Sun. we had a meeting after church to discuss the organ.  Ants (carpenter) have gotten into the organ chamber & eating at the parts.  Ants have been seen in the kitchen so an exterminator was called & when all the ants are gone they will have to take out some of the pipes, clean up the dust & insulate that part of the roof with foam that sets, to hep the situation.  Then replace the pipes, tune the organ, etc.  Cost around $3,000.  Albert Johnson left money to the church to be used for music, so they have that to use.  Never thought ants would bother the organ.

Nothing much on TV that interests me so I turned to the History Channel & am watching a program on concrete & its uses.  Doesn't sound interesting but it is.

About 6 weeks ago Barb saw a top she liked & said I could get her that for her birthday.  It was on sale, I got it, put it aside & after she opened her birthday gifts, she said "where is my top".  I had forgotten & on top of that couldn't remember where I put it.  Finally yesterday Barb found it in a bag behind my bed.  Another senior moment!!

Today Warren said he left his wallet at home on the dining room table.  He couldn't understand why he did that.  Anna had money.  See what you have to look forward to!!!

Last Sun. Dale went to Jamestown & Sam Baughman called from N. Carolina & he wasn't here so I talked to him for a few minutes.  He & his wife were at the beach & just wanted to rub it in a little.  They like living down there with the warm weather.  I told him when you're in the middle of a hot spell in the summer, you will miss our cooler breezes.  He didn't think so.

Back to Warren & Anna.  They are concerned about their future if something should happen to stop them from their travels, or if one is left alone.  They think I'm lucky to have Barb & Dale with me.  I am, but I still hope they will find someone to love.

Back to my program, they can recycle concrete to make more concrete.  That is interesting.  Frank Lloyd Wright used a lot of concrete in his day.  It is happening more today in house building.

Thurs aft. Apr 27

Your letter came today & I read it eagerly to see the details of your operation.  I'm glad you told me all the details, catheter & all.  By now, you are feeling much better & are realizing it's not that bad.

Made a banana cream pie for dessert tonite.  We're having stuffed pork chops, Andy's favorite.

Better get busy.

Glad things are going so well.

Saturday, September 17, 2005

I was finally happy after the Mets game last nite. The Mets beat the Braves 4-0 & Pedro M pitched the entire game.  Except the last inning was scary -- bases loaded & Pedro got both Chipper Jones & Andrew Jones out -- the home run hitters.

Sun. is sure a busy TV day.  The Mets last game on NY channel to be on TV so I have to watch that, Nascar & the Steelers at Houston & the Steelers are good!  Even Penn State has improved.

To answer your questions -- it was just the Lavelles, Lundgren & Nelson's who picnicked together.  I remember Janet L. made the best macaroni & cheese.  Oil City was their first church, I think.

Dale is on vacation this next week.

Yesterday Barb & I went to our Mall & we were looking around & I bo't my 1st Christmas gift.  Mentioned we start early!  Barb also bo't her first gift.

Sun. aft. the 18th

Last nite I watched the Wisc/UNC game & it sure was an exciting game.  I was rooting for Wisc.  Boy those guys took some hard tackles.  I bet the Carolina QB was sure sore today. How do the bodies take that punishment?

Today I'm watching the Mets.  Dare I think they could win the game.  They are in the lead as of the 7th inning.

Dale is always changing my dish cloths.  This A.m. I decided to beat him at his own game & took a clean one.  At noon there wasn't the blue one I put out but another one.  He just took it for granted I left the old one there.  Usually he smells if they are sour.  I let him know I didn't like it.

Then I asked him what we could have for supper other than chicken.  He suggested pizza & I liked that.  Win a few, lose a few.

In church this A.M. Patty W. Phillips' boyfriend held the baby during church.  He was a little fussy & they took him out for a little bit.  He is so cute & a good one, that baby, that is.

The Mets did it - they beat the Braves 4-1.  Glavine had a complete game.  Chipper, Andruw, Francouer, who is young & a good hitter.  Just 6 pitches to get those 3 out.  Wow!!!  They took 2 games to 1.  That is a miracle.

Thurs. Sept 22

Kim was fine tonite.  Talkative & in a good mood.  Everyone has problems at one time or another.

Barb tried to cover some spots on the car.  Dale got the color from work but she didn't do a good job -- even she admitted that.  So today Dale redid the job; waxed the car & it looks so nice.  You had to do an A+ job to please Dale.

Yesterday Barb & I went to the Lakewood Mall & I did some more gift shopping.  Also got gift ideas from Kim for Larry.  We went grocery shopping at Wegman's.

We didn't get to the casino.  Guess we lost interest & Dale didn't really care to go.

He has enjoyed his vacation just lazing around.  That's what vacations are for.  This week was Sam B's last day at Shults.  They are moving to N. Carolina.  He has a job in a garage down there.

The weather has been perfect for Dale.  He has spent time in the sun.

Can you believe Hurricane Rita.  I'm glad I'm a Northern & away from the storms.



It is dark before 8pm now so you know summer is over.  Next week, even tomorrow, will show a change in the temps.

We are all in good spirits here.  Glad we are a family that cares for one another.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

The snow has arrived & our temp. at 7 AM was 7 degrees.  It won't get much higher.  I look forward to next week as the temp will rise -- 30's.  Happy Day.

Barb is working in the attic.  She found a snapshot she tho't you'd like to see.  Also an "epistle" of Ruth & Rudy's 1971 trip to Sweden.  26 typewritten sheets, 1 side only.  It will be here for you to read sometime in the future.  There are leftover parts of rugs & stuff like that to go & create more space for more stuff.  Barb was thinking of getting rid of her college notes but changed her mind.  Both Barb & Dale have things stored up there.  There is our Christmas decorations, etc. up there.  What do you do without an attic or basement?   Don't gather as much, I'm sure.

Dale's back is much better & he has 1 more appt.  Before he went, he couldn't do any stretching exercises.

Barb plans to clean the freezer today.  When we have zero weather is a good time as we put stuff into large plastic bags on the front porch.  Some things get thrown out as they get pushed back & we don't see them.  She does the work & I sort out what gets thrown away.

Sheila's mother died.  The new girl did my hair yesterday but Sheila will be back next Fri. Her mother went fast.  I wonder why she never went to a doctor.  It must have been a fast form of cancer, as she was full of it.

Sat. aft.

We got the freezer cleaned & going again.  After a cup of tea, Barb went out to shovel the snow.  Next it's Dale's turn.  He bo't a new shovel with a longer handle.  It shouldn't hurt his back now.  Dale didn't finish with a car til after 12 PM.  T hen he put his tools away & brushed the floor.  He couldn't stand thinking of coming to work on Mon. with mud on the floor.  Another perfectionist.

I like the colors of your new dishes.  The movie you saw "In Good Company" sounds very interesting & one that might appeal to me.  When I see ads on TV for new movies, I wonder how people can sit thru them.



After I made Dale's lunch, I made a cake.  Wanted something for dessert & to snack on. Barb suggested the chicken & broccoli dish for supper & cleaning out the freezer I found 3 steaks for Sun. diner.  So I'm set for meals.

The recipe you sent sounds interesting.  I'll try it. I'll let you know the results.

We received the Spring Penney's catalogue & it is fun to look thru on a cold winter day.

I'm skimming thru P. D. James' book "Devices & Desires".  She likes words & uses them too much to suit me.  I like the action better than too much description of the area, rooms, scenery, etc.

Sun. Jan 23

Yesterday I didn't think I'd go to church today.  This A.M. I changed my mind & went to church.  Barb drove me over & I walked home.  The sun is out so it seems warmer.  Don't know if you remember the Bakers.  He worked at the Dam & she was active in the church. They were in church today -- in Wrrn. for friend's 50 wedding anniversary.  They had a girl & a boy.  He was Barb's age & the girl Dale's age.  Chuck & Penny Baker.

Talked to Denise Johnson today.  Her mother has been in the hosp. in Erie & now they want to put her in a home in Ohio.  The family can't understand that.  It's hard on husband Bob -- visiting her in Erie.  Surely there must be a place closer to home.

I finished P. D. James books.  I tried to cheat by looking at the ending but it didn't help so I finished the book & enjoyed it even tho her writing isn't my favorite.

We couldn't have the annual meeting t church as we didn't have a quorum.  Too many afraid of the weather & stayed home.

Soon football time.  I don't care who wins the first game, but I hope the Steelers can do it. Last nite we watched a program on the life of Jerome Bettis & it was very interesting.

Barb is shovelling again.  Dale's back is still a little tight.

Thurs the 27th

Jan 26, yesterday was 60 years since we got married.  That's a long time.

Torey felt better this week.  Someone fed him some spoiled food,k but not on purpose -- just a mistake.  They were up that nite with him several times.  Lar walked him home & they stopped several times on the way.  The soccer team is doing good winning games.

It's been cold again & I hope it will soon warm up.

Today I made choc. cookies with 1/2 marshmallow on top, then iced.  It is Bob's birthday so a little treat for him & the rest of the family.

Barb & I were working on the puzzle & watching TV when the lights went out.  Black, black, black.  We got candles lit & then the lights came on.  Then we had to set clocks.  Barb called Bert but the lights didn't go out there.  Transformer in Starbrick.

Sam Baughman & Nancy have been having problems.  She went to Fla. but she called Sam & as of yesterday he is on his way to bring her back.  Dale thinks Sam is crazy.

We were disappointed the Steelers couldn't win, but better luck next year.  I'm ready for baseball.  The Mets have been busy & I hope it pays off.  No matter what, they are my team.

Sunday, February 15, 2004

First Sun. racing of the year at Daytona & I'm watching it.  Dale is at Sam B's watching it & some other guys.  Randy Swanson picked Dale up.

Looking out the window one sees blue skies & sunshine but it is deceiving as it is cold out. Suppose to be minus degrees tonite.

When I got up this A.M. the question was do I go to church this A.M. or do I stay home.  I went to church & glad I did.  Lois Himes has cancer & is in a wheel chair & she & Junior are in church every Sun. so I said to myself there is no reason for you to stay home.  It was a good service.

Many crashes in the race today & it affects many cars as they take other cars out with them.

We went to Jamestown last Fri.  I found a top I liked & got it.  More expensive but 25% off. We had lunch at the Red Lobster, Barb's favorite.

We also stopped at WalMart as Barb wanted to look at yarn -- she found some.  I got some birthday & get well cards to have on hand.

Viola Seaquist has been in the hospital & now is in a nursing home.  She is 94 years old so it is critical.

This week I have to get a blood test & the 26th I see the Dr.

We didn't get our USA Today on Fri & it wasn't in the mail box on Sat.  No mail on Mon so I doubt we'll ever see it.  It's the puzzle I like but I always check out each section.

Barb & I each got a puzzle at Walmarts & I started mine yesterday.  It's a pretty one with bright colors & it is going together pretty fast.

Tues. the 17th is a busy day in Wi. with all the hype for the Dem. race to become the nominee for pres.  Barb has switched her loyalty to Kerry.  Sounds as if he is the lucky one.  Dean shot himself in the foot.

I've recently discovered the "Viewpoint" section of the Buffalo Sun.  paper.  It has good articles.  Dale likes to read that section as well.

Mon. Feb 16

Yesterday I watched the Daytona race & golf switching between the 2.  John Daly won in golf & we were rooting for him.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona race & we were rooting for him. The Sat. Busch car race was rained out so they finished it this A.M. & Dale Jr. won that race.  Dale is happy the faces are back.  He said he'd never go to Sam's again to watch the race as it was too smoky to suit him. Both Sam & Nancy smoke & I'm not sure about Randy.

I used a new recipe yesterday for potatoes & they were good.  Peel potatoes, dip them in melted butter, then crumbs & bake them in a pan in the oven til done, almost an hr.  They are good & I had oven fried chicken & broc. for veg. with them.  I might have the same menu Wed nite when Lar & Kim come over.  I'm putting "Pammed" foil in the bottom of pan so I don't have to scrub them.  Works for fudge & bar cookies.  Anything to make cooking easier.

Tues aft. 17th

What a wonderful surprise to read about your award from the WLA.  I know you worked hard on the committee you chaired & how nice to receive the award.  I'm very proud of you, Paul. You have made use of your God given abilities.  And the newspaper's article on the library is nice to read.  A feather in your cap to make this come true, under your capable leadership.

Reading your letter, I remember we didn't stay up til you all got home from dates or just "out".  Maybe we should have!

The article you wrote (quoted) about cookbooks & food is interesting.  When I'm just sitting & don't know what to do, I'll get a cookbook & go thru it.  It seems something often takes my eye that I've missed before.  Depends upon my mood, I guess.

Dale is starting to eat earlier so often he eats when it's ready so I don't  have to fix a plate for him. Many times Barb fixes her own mail, esp., if she doesn't want what I've fixed.

Thurs. Dale has to go to Rochester for school, along with Mark Peterson.  He is the son of Mr. P at Beaty, the shop teacher.  Now they can't go the day before but make it a one day trip.  They'll have to leave at 5 A.M. so that will make a long day.  Next week they go for a 2 day trip so they'll have to stay overnite.

I can remember from the "dark days" of high school how the girls always had their eyes on the athletes & wishing they could catch his eye & snag him.  A difficult job.  It was fun to dream!  Now Andy is the athlete taking the girl's eye.

This is Dale's late day -- I made veg. soup to go with deli beef sandwiches.  Not ready made. Tomorrow I'm making strawberry pie for dessert.  Will use frozen berries for the filling that pours over fresh berries.  Think spring!

Benson's grandson is in his first year of college & they are still going to his meets.  He runs & is good oat it.  The granddaughter is a senior & she also runs on her college team.  She goes to Allegheny College & he goes to Lock Haven.

This A.M. I went to get a blood test & the info wasn't there.  Dr. McNett ordered it but since I have a new Dr. I don't' know what happened   I asked, at the time, are you sure it will be there & they said "yes".  They called from the hosp. to the new Dr. but I decided not to wait around.  I see the Dr. next week & will get a sheet from him for the info, that's for sure.

Gen called last nite -- she tired for 3 nites & finally got me*.  She always calls John - "Ed". Ed does this for her, etc.   Millie sold her house so she'll be moving.  I'll have to call for more info.

*It's her dialing -- she misses & gets the wrong number.

Sounds like Ed is growing up.  Would be fun to see him with his friends.

Wed A.M.

Called Millie last nite -- got her new address & she hopes to be living there by the middle of March.  The house is sold but she's waiting for the money & then she'll be sure. She deeded the house to her children & they'll get the money.  Millie said she has enough to go on from pensions & S.S.  She worked at Steiger's 38 yrs & she gets a pension even tho they went out of business.

Barb was all excited last nite with Kerry's headquarters in Middleton.  She kept watching in as she would see JoAnna in the crowd.  More candidates will be left by the highway.

This A.M. I made the strawberry pie & started sweet rolls.  After my time out, I have to dust downstairs, etc.  It's a sunny day making one feel good & ambitious.

Later.  The potatoes went over big tonite.  Lar really liked them & he was the one I wasn't sure of.

Dale & Mark P. decided to take a lunch for tomorrow & Dale said he'd have some of the fruit salad I made for dinner.  But just a little was left so I added an orange & a couple of strawberries to it so there is salad for him.  I'll make a ham sandwich in the A.M.  He has juice & chips ready to go.

Kim didn't have her glasses so Lar read the award article aloud.  Such a nice article. Reading aloud sounded so good.

Sunday, March 2, 2003

I've been watching golf with Tiger vs. David Thoms.  They are on the 35th hole & Tiger is 1 up.  It's been a good game.  Yesterday we were disgusted -- the TV went off in the aft., came on for about 15 min. & then off again.  And golf was coming on.  We didn't get it back til close to 10 pm!  By then it was bedtime.  It was so quiet -- Barb watched a video & Dale did also.  I worked on my puzzle.

Another quiet day & not because Dale is that noisy.  He went to Ohio today with Craig Williams who also works at Shults.  They went to a tool sale.  So I didn't make a meal.  He left at 6:45 A.M. & at 7:15 pm, he isn't home yet.  It has started to snow a bit.  Craig must be about your age.  He married young and is now a grandfather.  He's a nice fellow.

Last Fri. we went to Jamestown & ate lunch at Red Lobster.  Barb had her favorite meal but the luncheon size or portion.  I had fish.  All I bought was a mattress pad for Dale's bed.  With the thicker mattress the old covers don't really fit, & don't stay on that well.

Do you recall the Bob Bensons?  Their son Keith's daughter was baptized today.  They live in Pittsburgh but haven't settled on a church there.  Can't remember if one daughter was your age.  They, Benson's, had 2 girls & 2 boys.

Thanks for the picture of Andy.  He looks different -- his hair is darker.  It is just hard to believe he is growing up.  When I think of you & Lar in the 50s & Barb getting close, that is hard to believe as well.

Tues. Mar. 3rd

Last Sun. Dale called about 8 pm saying they would be late coming home due to an accident on 80 & bad roads.  They had been in the area of Canton, Ohio, to an opening of a new tool place, that was very large.  He enjoyed the day but not the weather.  They got home about 10:30 pm.

Last nite Dale told me Sam asked to borrow 50.00  Payday is tomorrow & Sam had to make a payment at the jewelry store.  He is suppose to have given Nancy an expensive engagement ring.  His friends think he has blinders on when it comes to Nancy.  It will be her 4th marriage, drinks like a fish & has had so many men in her life.  Nothing but a slut but they say "love is blind" & it must be.  No one thinks it will last.

Warren also called Sun. nite.  H e has a 9:30 appt. this A.M. at Warren Dental Arts & they wanted me to go to lunch with them.  This is Dale's long day & I like to give him a good lunch.  Barb made chili so he'll have a bowl of chili & a sandwich.  He gets 1/2 hr. off so if he's hungry he could go to Arby's for a sandwich.  Can't give up a lunch date with friends.

We woke up to more snow & no spring is in sight this week.  Alaska would like the snow we've gotten.

Late aft. Tues.

Had a good visit with Warren & Anna.  We went to Perkins & they had a new fish menu.  Anna & Warren ordered fish dinners & I had a fish sandwich & the fish was very good.  Soon they leave on a 2 week trip to visit New England relatives.  They are on the go all the time.  Anna is doing fine & you can tell Warren is losing weight -- his fat tummy has gone down a lot.  I think Anna's heart attack frightened him into losing weight.  He exercises by walking but the weather is such Anna can't do much walking outside.  Ted & Warren are doing much better than their wives.

I don't make good meatball but I tried again as we're having spaghetti & meatballs for supper.  I know my mother always used a mixture of beef & pork & sometimes veal but it is hard to find a mixture today.  That's when there were butchers to serve you.

Thurs. aft. Mar. 6

Got your letter today & I got another nice laugh of your explanation of the cats using the chairs for a bathroom.  Barb kept me informed on Bert's cats, who also soiled her chairs.  But they went outside & waited til 11 pm to want to go out & then would return at 6 A.M.  Bert stayed up to let them out & got up at 6 A.M. to let them in!  That is why Barb didn't like to sleep overnite -- that & a poor bed to sleep on.

I made a banana cream pie this A.M. & it looks delicious.  I scraped the pan so I know it tastes good.

I'm using a new recipe for making a corn pudding tonite.  It calls for a pkg. of corn muffin mix & French onion sour cream mix.  Both corn & creamed corn.  Hope it's good.  Having salmon & a piece of halibut for Dale who doesn't like salmon.

The cover of the latest Bon Appetit has a lemon layer cake that Barb said I could make for her birthday.  The brown sugar apple crisp with vanilla ice cream is different in that you add an egg yolk & 1 t. soda to the topping  Just noticed an interesting marinade for salmon. but it should marinate 2 hrs. & it's 4 pm now.  Then there is a cucumber sauce for it.  Have to try it another time.

Larry had to "earn" his dinner tonite -- he worked out my state tax and gave Dale a haircut.

P.S. to Barb's comments on Bert's cats.  They would come in at 10 pm & then want to go out at 2 A.M., coming in at 6 A.M. & Bert would do all that for them.  She misses cats but not the getting up, etc.  Had it wrong in the previous paragraphs.

We got a couple of inches of snow today.  Will it ever end -- will spring ever come.  More snow next week.

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.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002

I'm sitting on the front porch & decided I'd better start a letter.

Yesterday was a busy day.  Got my usual Mon. jobs accomplished & got a perm at 11 AM.  I really needed one -- long & not much curl.  What a relief to have curl again.  In the aft. we went grocery hopping.  Got it out of the way.;  Barb works for Lynn. Tues. Wed & Thurs aft so it's after 4 before we can go grocery shopping.

Imagine you are a little relieved your big party is in the past.

Your Wed. family outing sounded very interesting.

I tried an author new to me.  Karen Robards.  It took me a few pages to want to continue but I really enjoyed it.  Another author I plan to check out is Judith McNaught.  Robard's books have a southern flavor.  I'll get more of her books.

Paul, don't you know the grass is always greener on the other side of the street in reference to Middleton vs. Cross Plains.

Kim comes home today.  We'll hear about her trip on Thurs.  I know she played golf a couple of times & they would visit her twin aunts who live close to her sister.

Torey won't be happy this weekend as Kim & Larry will leave on Sat & stay overnite, coming home sun nite.  With Betsy Moran & her husband, whose name I can never remember, they will drive their Miata to Corning, N.Y. & stay overnite there.  Betsy's husband had to heave a Miata convertible after he saw Larry's.  His is navy blue.  It should be a fun time for them.

Last nite Dale went out on Sam B's boat at the Dam. They swam & had a good time.

Twice today the same people looked at Carey's house.  It is taking a long time to sell. Don't know if they have come down on the price.

I mentioned Bert's relative, 10 yr. old Courtney, was here for dinner.  She seemed to enjoy herself.  She is very talkative & can be funny.  It was nice.  She ate everything on her plate.  After miniature golf they got ice cream.  Both Bert & Courtney's mother like to drink & it doesn't take many drinks to affect them.

I got nowhere with USA's puzzle today.  It was harder than usual.

I can't believe it -- the Mets are playing winning ball.  Bo Vaughn & Jeromy Bernitz are hitting finally.  Maybe they can climb the ladder a bit.

Wed. nite

Dale is reading the book on NASCAR you gave him for his birthday & finding it very interesting.

It's a hot day -- AC is on -- & when I finished the dishes I watered the flowers in pots & the rose bushes.  They are blooming.  Lar doesn't think the soil is that good for roses.  We'll see. He planted roses for Careys & they are going good.

Barb saw that Hatch Patch had corn & bo't some & it is delicious.  We're lucky to have Hatch Patch.

Dale is home shortly after 4 pm & gets into shorts & sits in the yard & reads.  It's good to relax.  He had a headache yesterday.

Gen hasn't called so I called her last nite.  She said Ed is better & looks better.  Her impressions are different from Millie's.  he told me she is tired all the time.  I asked her if she's seen the Dr.  She told me she has her checkup in Aug.  It is hard to know what is going on when I'm in Pa.  Luckily Edith is a good sister in law & helps Gen.

We're hoping for rain tomorrow -- Thurs -- as it is in the forecast.  The lawns are so brown & the soil is cracking in places.  Barb keeps the veggies watered.  I saw a recipe for zucchini bread that calls for only 1 c. sugar & I want to try it.  They & the cucumber are ready to pick & we've enjoyed them.  We have green tomatoes on the vine.

Fri.  I'll get this finished.  Kim enjoyed her tip but was glad to be home. Tonite Lar & Kim are attending one of the plays at the Library Theater.

Friday, June 23, 2000

It's a beautiful day on the cool side.  Good day to do some baking but I made cookies earlier in the week.

We've had a lot of rain & Beaty Field was wet.  Tonite (all nite) until Sat. mid morning there is a cancer get together going on but not at Beaty this year due to the wet.  It was moved to the High School grounds.  Do we card?  Not a bit when a rock band was scheduled for 11 pm - 1 A.M. plus the sound system announcing various things going on.  It is very hard to get to sleep & stay asleep.  So we're happy to let some other people find it hard to sleep.  Let's hope they like the high school property better.  More parking & I think a little more secluded but sound does carry.

Sounds like Eddie is keeping up with Andy on baseball.  That is great.

I remember when Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving & the grumbling that took place.  There was grumbling when Soc. Security started & I suppose there still is but a lot of people would have very little to go on unless it was forced on them.  My S.S. payment is higher than the pension.  It's best to have something you can't get at to borrow.  Usually it never gets paid back.  I remember Gen & Ed saying they'd never see a S.S. check & now they are getting it.  Grandma Nelson got a small S.S. check and she treasured it -- it was hers to spend.  I'm sure she never had any spending money.

Rhubarb is hard to come by.  I'd love to make a strawberry rhubarb pie.  We've had straw. shortcake but no straw pie yet.  We plan to go to the Mall later (Kim said she's stop by after 3) & we'll stop at Hatch Patch for berries.

Sat aft. the 24th

Dale just finished his rug & it looks so nice.  He didn't have to pay rent for it  (stretcher*) as the owner (2 years older than Dale) wanted his advice on what was wrong with his van -- it was the fuel pump & he could fix it himself once he knew what the problem was.   *The equipment to get it stretched, etc.  Dale just had to listen to the problems & knew what it was.

Sam B. stopped by to show Dale his '84 Monte Carol.  A light navy color, 2 door & very nice looking.  The owner started out wanting $8,000.00 & it didn't go.  Sam offered $5,000.00 & they took it.

Had a letter from Millie.  Gen was on the committee for their 60th anniversary get together of graduation (hi school) so she wanted a new dress & Millie went shopping with her.  Millie is very good to shop with.  Gen found a dress & a pants suit that looked good on her & Millie insisted Gen get both & she did.  I wouldn't have to be told twice to get both outfits but Gen doesn't like to shop.  Ed also insists sometimes when the go shopping.

Went to the library this A.M. & got 3 books - my limit when I walk.  I'll be glad when July is here as the library will be opened longer hours.

Barb picked 5 qts. strawberries this A.M. at Hatch Patch.  $1.05 vs. $2.75 already picked.  Delicious.  The corn is really growing.

I'm watching N.Y.Y. vs. Chicago White Sox & the Yankees are ahead.  But as of now 3 pm the W. Sox are 1/2 game ahead of Boston & N.Y.Y. in third place.  Deals are going on  - wonder who will get who or is it whom!

You can be sure I'll be watching T.V. Thurs-Sun when the Mets host the Braves.  Esp. to see how things go with Rocker, who should learn not to talk to reporters.

One of the Sheffield teachers is getting married & Kim was invited to a shower for her at a summer home at Chautauqua this afternoon.

Patterson (funeral director) left last week for a visit in Italy.  Kim is watering their plants while they are away.

Tues. the 27th.

I'm reading again.  Enjoyed The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy.  Now I'm near the end of I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick.  That's all I want to do once I start a book so I've done just the basics in the house.  Tomorrow I plan to go to the bank to get money for next month's budget.

Kim heard from her sister.  At an exam the Dr. found that she has melanoma -- is that correct spelling -- & it's very serious.  She will be operated on July 11 & until then, not a lot is know as to the outcome -- how deep into the bone, etc. etc.  Kim will be going down to Fla. after the operation & of course her sister & family won't be coming up here, unless Kim brings the niece & nephew back & they would return by plane if Debbie would allow it.

Saturday, November 20, 1999

Your letter came today & I'll start a letter because this will be a busy first of the week in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Don't know if Barb J. is coming but if she does I'll have to fuss a little more.

Thurs. nite we heard from Kim that Torey had dug up an old bone & chewed on it.  Result he had "the runs".  Thurs. he still had to eat her e- cheese, salmon, ice cream & cookies.  That didn't help - at 2:30 A.M. he woke Kim up - he had messed on the rug in the living room -- all liquid.  He stood by the door meaning he wanted to go out.  So Kim put a coast over her pj's & took him out.  Meanwhile she tried to clean up the rug.  The worse part was Lar slept all thru this & Kim couldn't take that.  She turned on all the lights & Lar finally roused.  Kim said it's your turn if he needs to go out.  About 5:30 A.M., Kim heard Tor & Lar had to get up.  Kim said to Lar "don't let Torey eat old dug up bones."  Lar said "that's part of being a dog."  Kim - "Not for Torey, he's almost human."

Dale was in Rochester Thurs & Fri this week.  Sam B. also went so they went together.  It was about noises & squeaks in cars - at least part of it.  Dale said it was an interesting 2 days.  Shults has an agency in Erie & was asked to take over a Ford agency in Pittsburgh & get it back to be successful.  T hey have Toyota, Ford as well as Chevy & Pontiac, etc.  Dale said the one son is the one who has the smarts to be successful.  The 2 songs have taken over from the father.

Where Barb works for Bert, one bedroom ceiling had a hole in the plaster.  On Tues. someone went to plaster & also painted the ceiling & walls.  Barb didn't' work Fri. as the room wasn't finished.  So she worked today but didn't get finished so will go in tomorrow for a couple of hours.  Bert's niece doesn't come til Mon. aft. so that will help & barb can go over the downstairs on Mon.  Painting the kitchen took time so she didn't get any cleaning done.

I guess Penn State is going to lose for a 3rd time in a row.  Lots of unhappy Penn Staters around - including Cindy I'm sure.  When is Julianna a year old.

When Dale was gone Thurs. nite, it gave us a chance to have fish.  Salmon & it was delicious.  Dale is not a fish eater.  Doesn't like the smell.

Last Wed. when Sam came to pick Dale up, he was early so we talked awhile.  He divorced his wife but still they see each other.  He put winter tires on her car, check to see the storm windows were OK.  They are friends but being husband & wife won't work.  I like Sam but he's not husband material.  It was her - she spent & charged too much money - one of the problems.  There were others.  Sam was her 2nd husband & she has 2 children.  A son 16 & a daughter 14 going on 30.  Sam told her you'd better watch the girl or you'll be sorry but she said that' how kids are today.  She's an R.N. & can support herself.

Mon A.M.

I'm going out to lunch with our pastor friends at Holiday Inn.  Hollertzs won't be there as their daughter Valeria is home for a short visit.  Bensons will pick me up.

Last nite I was the last one in bed - this is Dale's early week.  Reason: I watched Law & Order from 8-11 & really enjoyed it.  I'm going to think about watching L&) on Wed. nites at 10 pm.

Luncheon date is 1 pm & we're there about 2 hours so Barb will get the groceries while I'm gone so we can go to the Mall when I get home.

Another warm day here - should be in the 60s.  Hit 59 yesterday.  Nice Nov. weather!

Guess I've covered everything.