Tuesday, May 2, 2006

What a beautiful day(s) we've been having.  Last Sat. Barb gave the van a good washing.  Wanted to wax it but worked in the garden instead.  Preparing for the flowers we'll get.  She also worked outside the house facing west, trimming some of the shrubbery.  And last Sat. she also washed the front porch getting it ready for summer furniture.  You ask "What did Dale do?"  He had a headache -- it was his Sat to work from 8-12 & in the aft. took it easy.

Last fall Barb planted some daffodil bulbs but only 4 came up & they are very small.  One is blooming & I see another bud.  Maybe they were planted too deep.

Lynn's parents are at the Lake so they are going there tonite to see them. Scott likes to wear his pants low on the hips.  Barb said to him why don't you change to nicer clothes & surprise your parents?  I don't want to do that."  Barb doesn't yell at him but talks nice to him. Then she took the dogs out & got ht email.  When she went in the house she saw that Scott had changed his clothes.  So he listened.  He likes Barb & tells her things he'd never tell his mother.

I called in an order to Penney's.  A 2 piece set for the rocker you gave us.  I sit there a lot & the present set has gotten a lot of wear.  Also ordered a lace tablecloth.  And they had a special.  Spend 25.00 & get free postage.  Both are sale items.

This is Dale's early week & he just came home.  He plans to mow the lawn -- it grows fast.

Barb & I plan to go to Jamestown tomorrow.  We'll have lunch at the Red Lobster.  Barb has some birthday money to spend.  I'd like a pair of tan shoes if I see any I like.  They have a discount shoe store there.  We'll also stop at WalMart -- Barb's idea!

I don't know what Andy will want for graduation but I plan to send a check.  He can choose for himself.  Ditto for your anniversary.  Twenty years -- where has the time gone?

Fri. May 12th, I'll be going out to lunch with Bensons, Hollertzs & Shaffers from Ohio -- at Warren Holiday Inn.  Haven't seen Shaffers for a long time.  They live just over the Pa line so it's easy for them to get here.

Wed, May 3

We went to Jamestown this A.M.  Before we left I got the kitchen garbage ready for tomorrow & put a swiss steak supper in the crockpot.  Just have to make salads.  First we went to WalMart -- they have a new store (in the same location) & it is nice.  Barb chose some petunias for her pots & I chose marigolds.  At BonTon I found a sweater I liked -- to wear now -- pink with colors of trim.  Hope others don't choose the same thing.  Also got a couple more tank tops -- on sale, and a knit shirt also on sale.  I told Barb don't let me spend any more on tops.  Yesterday I sent an order (telephone) for the tablecloth & rocker set I want.  Fun to spend, spend, spend!  As long as I can pay for it I'm OK.  We had lunch at the Red Lobster & enjoyed it.

Barb really has the outside landscaping looking good.  Now she doesn't say Dale should help any more.  She realizes he is on his feet all day & says his long legs make it harder for him to kneel & do the work.  Getting things in order doesn't take that long.  The lawn moving & sweeping up goes on all summer.  He does the edging so he does his share.

Dale just came home & as soon as he changes his clothes, he goes & sits outside in the sun.  Starting his tan early.  We expect showers tomorrow, but they are needed.

Tonite & tomorrow nite I can watch the Mets, thanks to Pittsburgh playing at Shea.

Fri. A.M.

Had my hair cut & set & now I reread your letter while drinking coffee.  Glad to hear news of the Nelson families, i.e., Carolyn's husband & the wedding, etc.  Good to know you are rid of the catheter & that all is going well.  It will soon be a memory the way time flies.

The flower pots Barb filled are looking nice.  We didn't get the showers they forecast & now there is a fire ban.

On Fri, I don't do much -- 2 loads of wash -- just take it easy after a busy week.

Saturday, October 25, 2003

I was sorry to hear of June's death.  But I guess it was to be expected - -she lived a long life. 90 years.  She & Ruth were born in 1913.

Thurs. nite I didn't sleep well at all.  I was really tired last nite & went to bed by 8:20.  And I made up for Thurs. nite.  Got up about 6:45 a.m. today.  It's a cloudy day.  Made banana bread, read the paper, made a grocery list but mostly just taking it easy.

Tonite I will see 9 innings of baseball unless the Yankees are way ahead, then I'll switch to another channel.

Yesterday my pastor friends met for lunch in Franklin.  Ted & Sue came from Ohio & Ted & Pat would have picked me up but I didn't go.  Just didn't feel like hearing the 2 Teds & their know it all taking over the conversation.  I might have fallen asleep.  I wasn't feeling up to it.

Nov. 7th I have a Dr. appt. & that is the wrong aft. for Barb to take me.  So I called Joyce O'Connor & asked for a favor (she had told me to call if she could help in any way) & she will take me.  I wanted to take her out to dinner but she said no to that.  She said people do favors for me & I do favors for others.

Barb's (O'Connor) daughter is expecting around Dec. 26th.  So the family is going to Philly for a shower for her.  Bev's son's wife had a baby in Oct. so Joyce is already a great grandmother.  Melissa is going to be an optometrist & will have 6 mo. left.  Her husband is taking his residence years in a Philly hosp.  Still has a couple of years left.  High school sweethearts.

Sun. Oct 26

I was so happy last nite to see the Marlins win.  Pastor Beth is from Fla. & very happy they won.  Denny Crandrell is a Yankee fan & very unhappy.  He is married to Elaine Jacobson & they are active members.  The Marlin pitcher did so well & only 23.  Now we'll be hearing about changes in the team's players.  Who will go where.  Will Torre be back in N.Y. Baseball is my favorite sport, but I like to watch all of them.

Tues. the 28th

Millie called Sun nite & she was telling me more about the retirement home.  She has already started to get rid of things.  In Dec. Linda will check to see how close Millie is to get in. She said Spfld. is really getting bad.  People don't go downtown any more.  They are afraid to.  She won't miss Spfld.  Once they tell her she has a place, she'll have 30 days to get ready to move.  That makes it hard as she  might not be able to sell the house that fast. And she doesn't want to put it up for sale now for fear it would see fast & she'd be left without a home.  The agent said to leave any furniture she doesn't want as furniture adds to selling a house.  I hope it all works out.

Barb started her Christmas shopping & has a good start.  I have some thoughts about what I want to do.

With standard time back, it sure gets darker earlier & makes for a long evening.

Let me tell you about this nite in Auburn, Wn.  My mother was with us & Dad was meeting with a couple with problems.  Around 11 pm, Mom & I went to bed & as I got into bed my water broke.  Dad got home & around 3 AM Dad called the Dr. & off we went to the hosp. Can't remember the exact time but you were born between 5-6 AM.  It was a busy time as several babies were born thru Halloween.  I was in the hosp. 5 days, I think. When I got home I had to make formula & a member L. G. Strand came -- he had to see the new baby.    And you were good & didn't even cry for a feeding until after he left. And that's the start of our family.

Wed Oct 29

This A.M. I made a white cake for dessert tomorrow.  Then I washed the floor & I'm always glad that's done for 2 weeks.

At lunch time Dale said no treats?  And I didn't have any so after my soap & now watching Perry Mason, I made some brownies.  The recipe uses Hersheys choc. syrup & I like that recipe.  It also has a recipe for the frosting -- using choc. chips & miniature marshmallows. We're having an easy supper.  Spag. & meatballs & the meatballs were frozen & I used ready made sauce.  Oh I also made an easy recipe.  Snack Mix Squares for Sheila & Sue. They close the shop on Halloween -- their favorite holiday -- dress up & visit some schools, nursing homes & they come here to show me their costumes.  So I always have a treat for them.  It contains the small stick pretzels, corn chex & M&M's.  Make a mixture of oleo,k peanut butter & miniature marsh. melted together.  Pour it over the pretzels, etc., press it in a buttered foil-lined pan & let set.  It's good.  This year they are dressing in old fashioned bathing suits.  I'll tell more next letter.  They always do a great job dressing up.

I'll finish this & then walk to 5th to mail it.

We're having a warm spell & enjoy it.

Nothing special going on with Lar & Kim, or the rest of us.  I turned one of the calendars to Nov.  Soon it will be Thanksgiving.  But it is fun thinking about Christmas preparations & receiving Christmas cards from friends in the past.

Saturday, October 26, 2002

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sun. the 27th

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

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

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

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

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

Mon. the 27th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thurs the 31

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

Saturday, December 1, 2001

Thanks for the pictures.  They Thanksgiving table as beautiful.  If I were 11 or 14 I would be very interested in your handsome sons.  I envy the girls!  They look so good.

Yesterday I went out to lunch.  9 of us.  Ted & Sue Schaffer were able to join us.  They are in E. Ohio.  Ted Bensons picked me up & I rode home with Hollertzs in their new Buick.  Very nice.  Reason I didn't ride home with Benson's -- they were taking a clock to Sugar Grove to be repaired & they could get there by taking another road.

Dale took your pkg. to work as UPS picks up there but they do not weight it -- they'll do it at UPS Kane & put it on Shults acct. & then Dale will get charged.  Anyway, it is on the way & I hope it arrives in time for JoAnna's birthday.

This A.M. I bro't 2 pies (pumpkin & peanut butter) to church for the soup & pie luncheon & Cooky Walk.  It looked so nice.  Red table covering & decorations.  They had 135 doz. cookies to sell.  I've always made pies but next year I might make 3 doz.  That' what they ask for.

Torey's tail is much better & he doesn't pick at it as much.  To keep him from picking at his tail, they had him sleep with them.  But he slept on Kim's side and he took all the room, so Kim either didn't sleep or went to the other bedroom. But since his tail is better, he doesn't have to sleep with them.

I'm just about finished with my Christmas shopping.  Just a couple of little things needed.  Just wrapped 1 gift -- Barb's -- & that was to keep her from peeking.  She knows what it is, but not the coloring, etc.  An angel she liked--  she liked several.

I never got to get my blood pressure checked as it rained a lot.  I plan to go on Mon. as it will be OK for walking home.

Don't know if you got the Warren paper telling of Sherman Burdick's death.  I'm sure he was an acquaintance of yours.  He was 50 -- Oct 27.  Cancer.  Had worked in Portland, Ore.  Buried in Warren.  He went to Eisenhower but I know the name is familiar to me.

I recognize the pictures by the plate.  I have always like that picture so much.  Take before we left Auburn, I think.

I had planned to write 5 notes a day this past week for my Christmas cards.  I wrote 2.  I'll have to get busy as I hope to mail my distant cards on Fri the 7th.  I had a letter greeting from Gene Hasselquist in Minn, formerly Mt.  His wife Gladys is in a nursing home -- sometimes she know them, most times she doesn't.  How sad.  And how lucky I am to be in good health & keep up in baking, house, etc.  This A.M. I made a pie (pumpkin) for us & cookies, choc. chips, for us & Dale's snacks.

I have Penn State vs Virginia on TV.  What a turn around for Penn St.  They might even get a minor bowl invitation.  They are ahead 14-13 so they need to get going.

I think I mentioned I took a name from the Salvation Army for Christmas gifts.  I got elastic waist jeans & a blue striped knit shirt, PJs, underpants & T shirt underwear.  They are so cute & so small.  2T.  At Big Lot I found a stuffed animal in his favorite color, blue, & it was only 3.99.  Then at KMart we saw a soft, plush, blue teddy bear & Barb bo't it as it is so soft & cuddly.  9.99.  Then I weakened & got a farm truck.  Not the one suggested but it looked good for a little boy.  It's fun to do but it dos add up.  One way to bring happiness to a little boy.

Sun A.M.  I'm ready for church with time to spare.

Scott loves the sweet rolls I make & Barb usually takes 3 when I make them. One for Scott, one for Marisa, one for Bob.  Scott thinks he should have all 3.  Then Barb told him they can be frozen.  So he wants 300 for Christmas so he can freeze them & have one when he ants to.  No way will that happen.

We have several large bags of clothes to take to the Salvation Army.  One from Dale plus the suit he had for high school graduation.  A good jacket of Dad's or 3/4 length coat.  Lar took his jacket he wore when he cross-county skiied -- how do you spell it?  One i, too lazy to look it up at the moment.

The church's social hall looked so festive yesterday when I brought my pies over.  Mon. nite is LCW meeting -- a dinner and Eleanor Ristau & Marge Ristau are providing the meal, Janice Carlson will pick me up.  Maybe the husbands were cousins.  Marge's daughter Molly is Dale's age.

Now it's later in the day --= Sun -- & you'll have to be my "sounding board".  Joyce Rohlin sat by me in church today & we visited a bit & we share the same feelings concerning things at church.  She compared the letter we got in July (on a very small basis) to what happened 9-11-01.  NYC work the nation up & the letter woke many of our members up.  They remember planning, raising money & building our new church & the energy that took.  Then to talk about closing the church -- that was the last straw.  She has the same feeling I have -- more energy in the church, members coming back and we know things will work out.  Some of the council met with the interim pastor & were favorably impressed.  He has been divorced & they adopted 2 younger children.  But I don't know his age.  Since Dec. is taken care of, he won't start til Jan 1.

Dale got the outside lights put up but he was upset as if 1 light goes out they all do.  But he must have found the bad light.

I'd better get to my cards.  Wonder if Gerald & Darla are in their home by now.  I never can read her writing but they always send a card.

Later-- cards are close to completion.

I'm enclosing a check so you & JoAnna can buy what pleases you.

Thursday, January 20, 2000

No letter from me this week as I just mailed your letter when I got a blood test today.  It's been too cold & snowy for me to talk to the P.O. box on 5th.  The weather channel says next week will be stormy as well.

I finally ordered a white shirt from Penney's catalogue & I like it.  Couldn't find one in the stores locally.  T hey had a special 25% discount so it was inexpensive.

Barb washed the kitchen floor today & it's nice to have it clean again.

Dale is talking about getting a new rug for his room & painting it (the room!)  He wants to get rid of Dad's desk if he knows what to do with the stuff in the drawers.  He should get a new mattress & springs but he doesn't think so.  We'll see when this happens.  He did look at a rug at the West End place.  Saw one he liked & with a pad would cost 400.00.  Blue & he'd keep the walls the same neutral color.

He also said he might sell the El Camino this spring or maybe the following spring.  He'll be fussy on the buyer as he'd want it kept in good condition.  He'd sell it for at least $5,000.00.  He doesn't think it would be hard to find a buyer.  He could change his mind as he thinks a lot of that car.

Fri. the 21st.

I had my hair done today & it felt good to get out.

Dale thinks he will get the rug & store it in the attic -- before prices go up.  He'll wait til spring to start painting, etc.  He plans to lay the rug himself.  I'm sure he can do it as he did such a good job on the back steps.

We have a leak in a pipe in the basement.  Lar & Dale can fix it & Lar will be over at 1 pm tomorrow.  Tonite Dale started to remove a pipe that we don't need anymore.  Dale got all the necessary pipes, etc. needed. Saves me a lot of money.

Got your letter today.  Thanks for the pictures. The new furniture is so nice looking.  Bet it's real comfortable.  The place where you stayed looked interesting.  You eat well on those trips.

I finished the 4th book in the Jan Karon series.  I've enjoyed them so much. It's like you're reading about friends -- they become almost real.  They're great.  One more to go in this series of 5 books.

Finished putting together one puzzle & started on the next one.  Gen called & she said Millie likes to do puzzles & was working on one.

Sat. evening.

Dale is still working in the basement getting it in order as they had to move things.  The old pipe wasn't on a slant so sludge built up.  The new pipe is on a slant & should give no problem.  Lar was here only a couple of hours.

Tonite Lar & Kim are going moonlight skiing with Nancy & Jay & then back to Endres' for pizza.  Don't think they'll be out too long as it's COLD outside.

Mon. we're supposed to go out to lunch - Bensons, Hollertz, etc.  I haven't made reservation because of the weather & on a Mon. they won't be that crowded.  We always go to the Holiday Inn.

I had a letter from Linda (cousin) & was surprised.  Reason:  Larry's youngest son has a school project - we are asked to send a postcard & a little about where we live.  Linda tho't I could do that & suggested I send it on to you so be prepared to tell about Middleton & find a postcard.  Linda started it out.  All instruction are in there.  Barb got interested in it & will do the project.  Give a little history of Warren; the 1st oil well, the Dam.  You'll get to see it.  Checking it over again I see you are to send a card to the teacher with teh child's name so they check the places on the map now.  I think it's a great project for the  children.  Kim was going to tell Betsy who teaches at Home School about it.

Now it's Mon.

Had a nice time with "the gang". There were 7 of us - Ray Forstrum's weren't' there.

Barb has the "project" finished & it sounds good.  I have to get a mailing folder & then it will be sent to you for your "contribution".

Tomorrow Barb is taking the A.M. off & we'll go to the Mall.  I have a long list of things to get...mostly at Big K.  I get soap & paper products there - their brand is cheaper & just as good.

Soon supper time.

Wednesday, April 14, 1999

I'll start a letter while I watch the Orioles at the Yankees. I've seen 3 Met games on WPIX.  Gary Thorn & Tom Seaver are the announcers.  Like old times.

I thought I had all my thank yous written & today I got another letter from church with memorials.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Gustafson.  20.00
Sheffield Area Hi School faculty.  20.00
Mrs. Bette Beyer.  10.00
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Johnson 10.00
Chris's folks - your class.
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Ford.  15.00
Hessel Valley Church.  50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Passenger.  10.00

My eye is doing OK.  I see the Dr. next Tues, the 20th, so I'll find out then.  I started today with just 3 drops a day.  Next week 2, then 1 drop a day.  I do it myself & it isn't hard.

Walked over town this A.M. & did a few errands.  It was a lovely day for a walk.

Yesterday & today Barb worked outside tidying up a bit around the yard.

Dale received your birthday gift.  He likes the book a lot.  He says think you.  I don't know if he plans to write but you know Dale.  Not a writer.

My Dr. appt. is for 3:20 next Tues. so that means I'd have to start a meal late & seeing it is Barb's birthday, we plan to go out to eat.  Probably at Holiday Inn.

Kim has a busy weekend.  She is advisor for Student Council & Fri. she & officers go to a Student Council meeting - can't remember where.  Then Sat. nite the S. C. is sponsoring a dance at school & an overnite in the gym.  So Kim doesn't expect to get much sleep & won't get much done that weekend.

Kim said she & Lar would like to visit her sister in Fla - minus Torey.  They would fly & that would give them more time to do things & sightseeing would be easier without Torey.  One of the girls from the school works weekends at Crary's, waiting on tables, etc. & will have more hours during the summer.  Kim will ask her to stay at the apt. & care for Torey.  Mainly give him his long daily walks.  She would pay her.  Kim got her the job at the Crary Home & trusts her.  She is a senior & will go to college in the fall.  [She'll do it.]

More later.

Sat A.M.

I'm back to having my hair done Fri. at 9 A.M.  I like Sat. A.M. free but this letter might be late - it's a rainy weekend & it might not get mailed today.

This is Dale's Sat. A.M. free but he is going to work for Sam.  Sam's dog had a stroke & he doesn't want to leave him alone.  Did I mention Sam & his wife split.

Today is Millie's 85th birthday.  She left on Fri. to spend the weekend with Linda.

Last nite Benson's picked me up & we met Schaffers at Bucktail Inn, Marienville.  All along the way the camps were lit up & cars & campers parked as today is the first day of trout fishing.  It was a nice evening but the food didn't compare with Holiday Inn.

When we planned our dinner out on Barb's birthday I forgot it was Dale's Tues. to work late.  But seeing he is working for Sam, maybe Sam can work for him. Otherwise we'll go to Perkins, etc.

Pat B. will have a cataract removed next Tues. in St. Marys.  A good eye Dr. there.  He's from St. Marys but is in Ridgway 2 days a week so it will be in Ridgway.

Sales this weekend at Bon Ton & Penneys.  Started Fri & we were there on Fri.  Got a pair of summer slacks & a top at B.T.  Light purple (maybe medium) pants & a print knit top.  It's nice.  Got a couple of shirts at Penneys.  Poly/cotton so they are easy care & wear forever.  I've gotten a few things lately, so I'll have to stop shopping & just look!  Ha!Ha!

It's suppose to be "showery" until next Wed.  We need the rain but miss the sunshine.

Barb housecleaned the bathroom yesterday.  It shines.  I'll do some baking today, one load of wash, & some pressing.

My eye is coming along fine.

When you were here Eddie was saying "I love Chicago & can't wait to get there" so it doesn't surprise me that he said he wants to live there.

Oh yes I got a letter from a stranger from Tidioute - suppose to comfort me citing Bible verses, etc.  The clincher:  if you are troubled & in need of help I'm sure Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall would be good for you!  What a joke.  I asked Sheila (from Tid. originally) about her - she's heard of the family & thinks she is young.  I thought so because of her handwriting.

By now I shouldn't have forgotten anything.  I'm sure the boys will never forget this trip to Chicago.  You saw a lot in a short time.

Sunday, April 24, 1994

This hasn't been my spring.  My back is OK now; then a cold & cough.  Finally that was over & another took its place.  This time it's in my throat & I have laryngitis.  Started last Tues. & I still have it so I didn't go to church - can't sing, can't talk.

Last Fri. nite Bensons, Hollertzs & Schaffers came to Warren & we had dinner at Holiday Inn.  It was enjoyable but Pat Benson said it was quiet when Marion couldn't talk!!  Benson's retire next year & this summer will be putting up a home in the round on their property outside of Kane.  A prefab deal.  Hollertz retired last Nov &bot a house in Ridgway.  An older one (1870) but haven't done much yet.  Anne decided to work until Aug. to keep the money coming in.  They like to spend but they should do OK on their retirement.

On Barb's birthday Dad, Barb, and ( went out to dinner at Fernwood Inn - on the way to Sheffield - a little beyond the new bridge.  We celebrated again on Thurs. when Lar & Kim came to dinner.  She wanted a carrot cake & the recipe I used came out so good.

Dad sees the Dr. on Wed. & I hope he can do something to help.  So many times in the A.M. he's unsteady on his feet.  He called the Dr. awhile ago & he told him to stop one medication but it hasn't helped.  He didn't make it to church last Sun & he didn't go this A.M. either.  He was dressed to go but then decided against it.

He called Stella yesterday & found out that Dan didn't get to I.M. [Iron Mountain] as planned.  Didn't have the money but hopes to come sometime.  Stella is left to pay the bills & she can't afford 2 rents (payment on house).  They are working in Fla. but not at well paying jobs.  Stella gets lonesome - too bad she didn't stay in Rockford.

After about a year the Nelson round robin arrived.  It had slipped down in a chair at Ruth's & she finally found it.  It came around fast but we've had it about a week so I'll have to spur Dad on to help me write it.  It's my job now.

The roses you sent Barb are beautiful.  Yellow & so nice.  They have opened up & are still lovely.  A nice surprise.  I'll leave it to her to thank you.

She is enjoying her bike.  Yesterday she rode up to the high school but she had to stop a couple of times to make it up the hill.

All of the tests they gave Dale came back negative.  I'm after him to get more rest & it's a tough job.

Genevieve sent Barb a card & enclosed a picture of her head all wired up.  She was to hear last Thurs. the results of all the tests.

Kim and Kathy's business is closed & they have until the 30th to clean everything out.  The bldg. owner bot the flooring they put in for $1200.00 & they were selling the equipment they have - stereo, steppers, bar bells, etc.  The Y.W. has a group similar to what Kim did so some will go there.  Kim will get her exercise by daily walking the dog.  They go up over Washington Park to Beech St. &  back.  Taury doesn't have to be on the leash all the way so he can run.

Millie has retired now.  Steigers downtown closed & some of their mall stores were bot by a larger group.  Private stores can't compete now.  (Privately owned, that is.)  She will keep busy visiting Larry & Linda.  She is near the bus so can get out.  My cousin Frank Carlson had a stroke & is now in a place to get therapy like Edna did.  He was at Mercy Hosp & this place is part of that.  He joined Holy Name Church (Forest Park area) & went to Mass every A.M. before work.  Was surprised to hear that as they never went to church growing up.  Of the relatives my Dad was the only one who stayed with the church.

After 3 pages I must have covered all the news.  Usually when the env. is sealed I remember something.  Dale just got the paper so I'll read it & do my puzzle.

We all send our love.

Wednesday, June 18, 1986

After all our rain, it turned cool so I baked cookies.  It's almost too cool now - like Two Rivers!  It's nice to see the clear skies, tho.

Carl thanks you for the cheese & beef stick package.  It is tasty & we are enjoying it.

We tired T.V. pop corn (Lar gave us a package) & it is very good.  Only takes about 3 min. on hi & very tasty.

Sat. is Kim's birthday & she & Lar will be here for dinner on Sun.  It is also Edna & Wally's wedding anniversary.

We call Sig & Geo. last Sun. as it was their 40th anniversary.  Linda & Rol & family were down & they all, Carolyn, Ken & Paul, too celebrated.  When we called, Geo. was experiencing a lot of pain.  Outings are hard for him.

Gen also celebrated a birthday.  Johnny got her a beautiful blouse but it was a size 38, much too large for Gen.;  Guess he went by the looks & not size.  Ed gave her money for a microwave.  This is Gen's last month of work & she is looking forward to retirement.

Kim told us about a new restaurant in the area - it has changed hands & they have added onto the eating area.  Gamecock Inn, beyond Jackson Valley Country Club.  Looks nice from the outside & Kim's grandmother went there & said the Prime Rib is delicious & they serve it Thurs.-Sun. 9.95.  We plan to try it soon.  We're always open for a new eating place.  Last Sun. we went to Nic L Inn & enjoyed a nice dinner.

Sat A.M. we met Benson's, Hollertz's, & Shaffer's at Clarion & ate at the Clarion Clipper & it is really nice.  Our next outing will be at Peek N Peak.

We're been getting wine coolers & they are thirst quenching.

How's the new job.  Am anxious to hear about it.

Tomorrow we plan to pick strawberries.  .We've bought some & they've been good.

Have you noticed how well the Mets are doing.  Maybe it will be the Mets & Boston in the World Series.

Dad sends you his thanks.  He leaves the letter writing to me.  Things are as usual here.

August 1985

A note to tell you of our change of plans.  We won't be coming to Oshkosh.  Dale totaled the Olds last Sat. on the way to the junkyard.  He called from the hosp. for Dad to get him.  Had some stitches on his face & a black eye so he was lucky.  Going too fast according to State police.  So the 4 of us will drive together, leaving early Fri. aft & go as far as Toledo & stay overnite.  That way we'll get to the lake by late afternoon.  Otherwise Lar would have to drive his truck & he'd rather not.

Today Dad went to see Tom Scarcella & we bought a Celebrity Station Wagon.  A good deal.  Had been used as a rental car - 5600 mi. on it.  Light gray & gray interior.  More on it than usual - power windows, extra seats in the back so we can all go in one car when we go out to eat at the lake.  Even the carrier on car roof.  Difference is 6237.00 plus Dad got the guardian service for 381.00 for 4 years.  The difference for our present car was 7636.00.  We got 1000.00 off as a used car plus a good deal.  So by next Mon. we'll be driving at S.W.  It will give us more room for luggage when we travel.  We took it for Lar & Dale to see & they thot it was OK if we did it.

Naturally Dale is sick that his beloved car is a wreck.  He'd just put something new in it Fri. nite costing 160.00.  He put a lot of money into it.  Sam is taking him to work & Marcy is still coming & picking him up.

Tomorrow we go out to dinner with Hollertz, etc.  We're going to a place in Clarion, Pa.  That's closer for Schaffers who are now in Ohio.

The play last Thurs was good.  Almost a full house on the 4th.  This Thurs we'll see "They're Playing Our Song".  Last week on George M. Cohan.

Just a little note to tell you of our change of plans.