Sunday, May 15, 2005

Yesterday I wrote a thank you to John for his letter & pictures.  Also wrote a note to Gen.

Today was Pentecost & we were encouraged to wear red.  I got a 2-piece red dress when we went to Erie several years ago.  Red jacket & a printed red shift.  Haven't worn it that much. After the service we went right into the meeting about the organ.  One part is completely gone & the other 3 parts will be going so the company suggested fixing all of them, as well as releathering another part & a cleaning.  They said the value of the organ is one half million & they also said more work will be needed in a dozen years or more.  When they called for a motion a few second went by so I made the motion & Betty Casey seconded it.  It will cost $3200.00 & a member left a $3000.00 gift to the church & they'll use that.  All yeses, no no's.  Once they get started it will take about 10 days.

Did you happen to see the Weather Channel & the bit on Great Falls' Giant Springs, now Giant Springs Park.  It was interesting.  Brought back memories of your trek to Giant Springs, wasn't it -- or along the river.

This little interlude will have to do.


Some small birds are trying to build a nest in the hanging basket on the porch.  To stop them we put some small sticks to prevent it.  I have to water the plants & it drowns the nest. They must use the trees for nests, not my plant!

Dad was assigned to Hartford for his intern year.  During the summer before his last year at the Seminary, he served a large church in Peoria, Il. & when the summer was over, they asked him if he would consider a call as the pastor had left.  He said he didn't think he should start out in a large congregation.  His friend Gordon Loren had a call to Bainbridge Island & Dad had the one from Auburn & I think that is why he accepted the call.  There were also some interns in Seattle & the group got together & had a good time.

Maybe he wanted to get away from the family.  I don't remember him saying too much about it.  I do know that Stella & Frank liked to be the ones in control.  We weren't home that much & when we were things went pretty well.  Maybe it was more with the sisters.  I know, tho, they liked me as a wife for their brother, or approved.  It is really sad about Ruth. Too bad she won't even try & make it easier on Mim.  My mother was the one to care for her parents & she always said she hoped she wouldn't be in the same boat & she wasn't.  I think every parent hopes that.

Today in church our pastor asked those to stand who weren't lifetime Lutherans.  Surprising how many stood & looking around, I noted many were brought into the church by Dad.

I'm enclosing an article about one of our members.  It is interesting to read about the prices in the restaurant she & her mother ran.  She always enjoyed Dad's visits when her husband was sick.  She always started the coffee pot when he called.  He was very good about bringing communion to the shut-ins.

Alice Nasman called me tonite to find out about the meeting & was glad to hear the organ will be repaired.  But we talked over an hour & I thought she'd never hang up.  Her feelings are easily hurt so the conversation went on & on.  Maybe she just needed someone to talk to.

Tues. the 17th

Last nite I had to turn on the heat & this A.M. it was 34 & the heat went on to take the chill off.  It's too late to be using the furnace.

Yesterday Dale went to the dentist at 8 A.M. & then took off for Erie for an 10 a.m. appt with the neurologist for a checkup.  He got a new medication . He was back at work at 11:30.

This A.M. after breakfast I read my book "Sleeping Beauty" by Judith Michaels from 7-8 A.M. Then I did the dishes, showered, got dressed &^ made my bed up clean.  Did a load of clothes, read some more.  Then Barb took me to vote at Holy Redeemer.  Back home I read some more, made lunch & read all aft. & finished my book.  It was so good.  Over 500 pages.  So I didn't do much today but read.  The Schwan man came & I got pork chops & I fixed stuffed pork chops for supper.  I didn't even watch my "soaps".

We went to the library yesterday & I got 4 books.  A small one to read next Tues while I wait at the dentist's office.  Fern Michael's "Trading Places", "The Side of the Angels" by Leona Blair, & "Into the Darkness" by Barbara Michaels.

They want to close the Naval Station at Niagara Falls & of course they are upset & will try to fight it.

Just like they want to fight the closing of the Sheffield grade school . They would be bussed to Clarendon.  The school tax will go up.

I'd like to start reading another book but I won't let myself because I never want to lay it down.  I have to do some work tomorrow.

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod for Erie Mayor.  The Erie paper didn't endorse R. Filippe (if that's how you spell it).

Wed A.M.

I worked this A.M. But still am tempted to start another book.  Have to plan Thurs. menu first.  Kim won't be coming -- her club meets that nite.

I did what I said I shouldn't do.  I said I'll only read 100 pages & I'm on p. 160.  I cant put it down.  484 pages.

Sat. Dale & 5 others from work are going to a stock care race in Indianapolis -- the cars to 1/2 mile in 3-4 seconds.  They will leave at 3:30 a.m. Sat. morning.  It takes 6 hours to get there.  They'll stop for breakfast along the way.  Randy Swanson is driving he has a van.

Thurs. nite.  Correction they are going to Columbus, Ohio.  It is drag racing.

Finished my book this aft. & it was such a good book.

In the library how do you choose board members?  Do you always like the ones who are chosen.  Is it hard to find people who choose to accept?  Just curious.  I got a letter from our library wanting a donation.  I'll probably send a donation.

Tuesday, May 5, 2005

Last week I got a letter from John & it surprised me.  Told me about Fe (pronounced Fay) his Philipino girlfriend & sent pictures of their trip to Aruba.  John looks very happy.  He wears glasses now & in one picture you could be brothers, except he carries more weight & has a fuller face.  He took Gen to a day care center but she didn't like it.  He is still keeping the farm up & 2 of his buddies help him.  He has planted 2000 Christmas trees in back of the house that was his grandparents.  It will be several years before they are grown.  Gen would have a fit if she knew they were together in Aruba.  Now John has freedom & is better off.

I called Millie east Sat.  That was the day of the family birthday party.  She is feeling fine again.  Allan, knowing she had lost her appetite, bro't her chicken soup, turkey soup, spag. & meat balls & chili -- he had made them all.  He is 63 & retired.  Is pres. of the "Friends of the Library" (they live in Westfield) & has sponsored several parties to make money.  One in their backyard & it was a beer tasting party & Allan had made finger food to go with it.

I finally got 3 boxes of Schwans chicken thru Sheila.  He said he would stop at the house last Sat. but he didn't.  Hope he does sometime.

We went to Erie & I thin kit will be my last trip.  Too much walking & I like to stay near Barb so it is hard to shop for what is on my list.  Jamestown is better for me.  We wish a Target would come in the area somewhere.

I was ironing last week & my iron quit.  Dale looked at it & fixed it so I won't need to get a new one.

My 2nd blueberry pie came out better -- the crust around the edge wasn't as thick.  I cut it away as I should have done with the 1st one.  Now I have to get the cut out in the top crust centered so it looks better.  It is a good recipe & taste good.

We are looking forward to tomorrow.  Why?  Warmer weather & sunshine are on the way!  Oh happy day.  The furnace has been running to keep us warm when it's in the 30's outside.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was the new Schwan man -- they got someone to take the route.  He'll come every other Tues.

Sat. nite we are invited to Lar & Kim's camp to celebrate Mother's Day.  It should be in the hi 60's, so we can be outside.

We went to the library yesterday & I got 4 books.  2 by Fern Michaels, 1 by Karen Robards, 1 by Mary Baloch.

I got an invitation to Ted & Pat Benson's 50th wedding anniversary party in June.  I think it is the 50th of his ordination as well.  In June sometime.

Thurs. May 4

Yesterday I decided to try to finish my second book.  So at 7 A.M. (Dale's early week) I started reading for an hour.  When I looked at the clock it was close to 8:15.  I shut the book & did dishes & then got dressed, etc.  Read some more & finished the book.  Started dinner rolls & finished them after lunch.  Baked a pie shell for the banana cream pie I made this A.M.  A new recipe I got in the Sun. paper.  You fold whipping cream into the custard.  It looks good.

Barb was up early yesterday so she could be at Lynn's at 11:30 to help Scott (who didn't go to school) write a book report on Tom Sawyer which is due tomorrow.  She had to go to Bert's first.  Lynn said she'd see that Scott read the book, but she never did.  She tanked Barb many times for helping Scott.  I asked her if she will be helping him thru the high school years.  They are pushing the kids so they'll do well on the 8th grade tests.  My high school subjects must seem like pap in regard to what they learn today.

Yesterday aft. I started the 3rd book & finished it this A.M.  No TV last night.  I really admire authors who can write books that make one want to read til it's finished.  I just wish I could spread my reading time out.  One more book to go.  I'll have to try to save it for a couple of days.

It warmed up today & was so nice.

Lar tilled the garden for Barb.

Will enclose John's letter & a picture.

Monday, February 7, 2005

I'm sorry I didn't know about Andy's confirmation.  I'll send a card as soon as I can.  Don't have any on hand!

I recognized the liturgy right away.

Sheila thinks the house she grew up in is haunted.  They have a rocking archaic upstairs that will rock for no reason at all.  Someone who worked before her mother died (night shift) told them your house is haunted.  Since her mother died funny things have happened but she didn't say what.  Before her folks bo't the house someone committed suicide there.

I didn't watch the big game & we were sorry Phillie didn't win.  Barb \fixed chili & I made pot. salad & baked chicken thighs & legs in a B.B.cue sauce.  And pumpkin pie.  I watched poker on the travel channel & also watched Court Channel.  Cold Case Files, etc.

Dale noticed in the trash barrel, at work, a kitchen faucet.  The handy man at work put a new one in at one of the Shults homes & threw away the old one.  Dale claimed it & is fixing it up.  It's a real nice one.

We were lucky at church.  We have a new organist.  It all helps to get rid of the worry -- not mine but the pastor's worry.

The pastor announced yesterday that Rose Seeley is now in the nursing home on Water St. Her sister is there.  Rose has Alzheimer's.  It was quite a shock to me.

I like your kitchen chairs.  Your pictures are very interesting.

I don't know if you recall Anne Sears.  She lived next to Arlene Hornstrom on Glenwood. Had a daughter Kathy & one son Bob.  Her husband died last week.  We worked together at Beaty.  You might see the obit in the paper.

Larry stopped by last Sat. to show us his new truck, a Mitsubishi, and it is very nice.  One side of the truck folds down for easy loading or unloading.  It is a flat front & the front cab lifts up very easily to show the motor.  It has a high step into the cat & Lar has to lift Torey up to get into it.  Torey doesn't seem to like it.  Barb took a picture but when it will be developed is another thing.  Lar said he could take a picture & send it to you.  He's very pleased with his purchase.

Our Schwan man quit after an argument with the manager.  He couldn't take it anymore.  No job in sight.  And they have several vacancies so I'm not sure when we'll get their chicken today.  I got 2 boxes today.  It is such good chicken.  The mgr. also fired the asst. mgr. because he is in the hospital having had an operation.  I'm sure the man can fight that -- no reason for a firing.  Mostly I just bo't chicken but he thanked me for being a good customer.

I mailed Valentines yesterday -- to the boys, Ruth, Millie, Gen, a friend in Gt. Falls.  I didn't send a card to her this year or last as I didn't hear from her last y ear.  A letter in a Valentine.  She is apt to skip a year.

I got a card for Andy but it probably won't get mailed til Fri.  I miss the mailbox on 5th & Conewango.

Thurs. the 10th

Lynn & Barb were talking & somehow got to talking where they were born.  Lynn was surprised to hear Barb was born in Gt. Falls Mont.  She told Lynn you & Lar were born in Auburn, Wn. & Dale in Mont as well.  Guess she didn't realize ministers could move like that.  After the merger most pastors stay in one area.  The old Augustana Synod, you could go all over the U.S.

The new Bon Appetit had 2 good recipes I copied.  One for baked French toast that you make the nite before.  Good for Christmas breakfast.  The other an apple cake that is a little different than other recipes for apple cake I have.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

This A.M. we had the S.S. Christmas program as part of the service.  It is always nice to see the children.  Fran Leto (she played at Dad's funeral) played this A.M. & it was good to see her.  Our regular organist is having a hard time getting over the death of her daughter.  Fran feels like one of us. Our loss is St. Joe's gain

I'm taking it easy today after a busy 2 days.  2 dinners & 1 breakfast to plan & prepare. Barb gave me a puzzle & I'll soon put up the card table & start it.  It's pretty with a quilt & flowers scene.

Your family picture is so wonderful.  All of you look so good in the picture. Thanks so much. I received a lot of nice gifts.  Dale got me a Hunter Fan for the D.R.  The present one is noisy.  Lar & Kim gave me a set of baskets to hold the "junk" in my bedroom.  This next week I will have to get things organized so it's not so messy.

We asked Bert to come over Christmas Day dinner but she didn't feel up to it, but she appreciated the invitation.  Barb was over there today & they got to talking about the will & she said to Barb "You are in my will."

Kim & Lar have a busy schedule.  Yesterday they were her at 10 A.M. for breakfast & gifts. 2 pm they were at friends:  Nancy & family at Nancy's mom Barb Jacobs for lobster.  Barb J. ordered it from Maine & it is flown in.  Here at 5:30 for dinner.  When they left they were going to Betsy's (Moran) for gift exchange.  Before they came here Christmas Eve they were at Betsy's mom for drinks & shrimp.  They said they are busy all week with get togethers.

The Steelers won today but it wasn't on our TV.  We are watching the Bills at San Fran & they are ahead 7-0 right now.  Next week the Steelers are at Buff & Barb thinks Dale & I shold root for the Bills so they get into the playoffs.  I don't agree.  I'm not really a football fan (baseball is my game, Go Mets!) but seeing the Steelers are doing so well I have to, as a Pennsylvanian, root for them!  I should say as a western Pennsylvanian, I should root for them.

Barb was so pleased to hear Andy liked her gift to him.  She saw it in a catalog & sent for it & we thought it was so nice.  Hope Ed likes his gift from Barb.  I forgot to ask if you liked your watch.

Just a few thoughts on Mon A.M.  This is Dale's early week & I'm in no rush to start my chores.  We were discussing where to hang your picture.  Barb wants me to take the wall clock down (she hates the ticking) & hang it there.  But I like the clock, so I'll take down pictures on the wall by the stairs & hang it there.  I want to be able to see it when I go upstairs.

Tues. Dec. 28

At Christmas, Kim mentioned Betsy (your classmate) gave her some hand cream, from Body & Bath Works & she liked it very much.  Today Barb & I went to the Mall & headed to Body & Bath & found the cream.  For dry hands.  Tried it & like it a lot.

I hung your picture where I can see it every time I go upstairs.  Today the Schwan man came & I always buy chicken breasts.  Today I showed him my son's family picture -- the small one.  Then he showed me a picture of his wife, him & their 4 year old son.  A very nice family picture & you could see he was proud to show it to me.  The boys is 4 years old & looks like his daddy.

Dec 31.  New Year's Eve

I had a letter ready to go & I don't think it got mailed & I can't find it.

Last nite we were at Lar & Kim's & we had a nice time together.  They have a beautiful tree & many decorations including her Santas.

Today I took the picture & showed it to Sheila -- she hears a lot about you folks.  She is very upset as her mother is full of cancer; she is in the hosp. & wants to go home & help is hard to find.  There is no hope that she will improve.  Only 68.

I heard from my friend in Auburn.  Her husband died just before Thanksgiving.  I didn't send her a card as I didn't hear last year.  But I will write to her soon.  Just heard from a friend in Gt. Falls so I'll have another letter to write.

We're going overtown this aft. so I'll be sure to mail this.

Tuesday, September 17, 2002

Millie called last nite to let me know Edith (Ed's sister) has leukemia & it is pretty bad.  She was in the hospital & got staph & that hasn't helped.  She is getting chemo & will most likely lose her hair.  Gen doesn't really know or care what is going on.  When Millie talked to her , she said she was mad, really mad.  Reason:  Dr. told her she can't drive.  So she is stuck there, esp. now that Edith is sick.  She asked Millie if Millie thought she was made, meaning crazy.  Millie asked if she talked to the Dr. & she doesn't ask or tell anything about herself-- tired all the time, no ambition to do anything.

Bert told Barb she called Mrs. Africa to go out to eat.  She couldn't because Mrs. A said she gets sick riding in cars.  Bert wanted to get Chinese & go over & eat there.  That couldn't be done either.  Only one person knows her problem & she is sworn to secrecy.  It's probably something like Gen & she doesn't want anyone to know.  She's all alone in a big house.  How lucky I am to have Barb & Dale.

Received info this A.M. from Carolyn about the Nelson get together.  Sounds good.  We'll talk it over with Lar & Kim.  We're back to Thurs. nite when they come over.

I'm using the crock pot for supper.  Swiss steak.  It smells good.

It is a warm day for Sept.  We got about 2" of rain over the weekend & it sure perked up the grass.

Last Fri. we went to Jamestown & I got a sweater set.  2 pieces as one.  Black sleeves & back & the sweater sections in front are a red, black & gold mixture -- like a stripe but not really one.  Does that sound mixed up?  I like it.  Saw one in the Christmas catalog.  I'll order for later on.  They are pastel colors.

Finally finished the puzzle I've had on the card table for 2 weeks.

Viola Seaquist wasn't in church last Sunday & I wondered why.  She was in one of the Carolinas with her daughter whose husband died.  He was in an auto accident & died of a heart attack in the hospital.  That is pretty sad --- a double whammy.

The weather has been so nice Barb is continuing her bike riding.  She now rides 15 or 20 miles depending on how much time she has.  She reached her 1000 mile goal & is adding to it.

I'm looking at a pretty apricot colored rose from the bushes we planted.  It is in a glass bowl. Hope they make it over the winter.  Larry wasn't sure how well they would do in our limited garden area.

Thurs A.M.

I'm taking a time out for my coffee.  It is warm & humid.  I want to finish this letter & Rose has a Sun. birthday so I'll get a card ready to mail.

I got new books last Fri. so I'm sure I haven't written about them. Another Catherine Coulter book which I enjoyed.  In a book review I noticed the author Fannie Flagg so I looked for her books & took Coming Attractions but it didn't attract me to read it.  She has a new one out. The author's name is easy to remember.

I've been memorizing some favorite hymns that are in a small supplemental hymnal.  So far:  How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms & the next one will be Shall We Gather at the River.  All verses.  I pick a certain word in a line to help me remember the phrase & if I can't recall it I'm lost.  But I keep at it until it's in my mind.  Have to keep my brain working at least 50% -- HA HA.

I made a pecan pie for dinner.  Pies go over best for dessert.  Pecan, apple, banana cream, pumpkin & if there a 5 Thursdays maybe I'll make my favorite lemon meringue.  Also I like graham cracker cream.

The Schman man comes today so I have to get the money ready for the order.

Oh yes, finally Dale has one sunflower in bloom.

Eddie's pictures are so good & it was fun to see the series of Andy pitching.  Nice form.

Thursday, September 5, 2002

Lar & Kim were over last nite -- I like Wed. night as it gives me Thurs. off before I get my hair done on Fri.  But we'll go back to Thurs. in a few weeks.  So far this A.M. I've changed my bed & started a load of wash.       Another prescription needs to be filled.  I miss D & K as there is no place to browse.  The owner of the Market St. Cafe bo't the bldg. but didn't announce any plans.  At least part of the rumor came true.

We were suppose to meet the "gang" last Fri. but Ted. B. had a funeral; Ted S (Ohio) wasn't feeling well so no get-together.  Fri. A.M. the phone rang & it was Warren saying how about lunch -- we'll come to Warren.  We went to "The Cafe" & they really enjoyed it & we were there from 12:20-2:45 & we did a lot of talking.  It was fun.  They had been to Pittsburgh to see "mama Mia" which they loved & didn't get home until 2:30 A.M.  In Sept. they go to Fla. for their family get together at Disney World.  Karen has a time share apt. there.  Later in the month they go to Worcester, Ma.  He'll perform a wedding for a relative's daughter.  In a Congregational church whose pastor left.  We make plants to get together Sept. 30.

In yesterday's USA Today there is an interesting article by a rabbi "Clergy's Ego Can Undermine Faith".  He mentions the decline of interest in the church.  In the 70's organized religion was ranked higher by the public than any other institution.  A recent Gallup Survey that people who had either "very much" or "quite a lot" of confidence in religion fell from 60% to 45%.  One dissatisfied congregant express to me, "We assume you have all the answers that we don't have."  He was surprised & answered "Being human, too, I don't' have all the answers, but here are some routes I have taken in looking for them & maybe you can try them, too."  Clergy has doubts as well & people forget that.  My comment.  He said clergy should put aside robes & collars, etc & engage members in discussion on everyday matters we all enjoy such as sports & entertainment.  That is the point of this.  The 2 Teds are retired & when we are together they should forget their self importance & enjoy the day talking, joking & having a change of pace.  AMEN!!!

I'm anxious to hear how the boys like their new schools, etc.  Isn't it fun being a parent -- the escapades & all.

The Schwan Man just came.  I noticed they had brats & decided to try them.  They have a recipe:  Brats Bake using hash browns, sauerkraut, brown sugar & brats cut 1" pieces.  Sounds interesting.  Also how to broil or pan fry.  There aer new to me.  I tired some once but I hope these will be tastier.

Nyla Thelin Luvison died Mon.  She was born April 9, 1957, one day before Dale.  So sad.  Leaves a husband & 2 daughters.

This Fri. & Sat. are Warren's Sidewalk Days.  I notice it is Thurs & Fri. this year so maybe I can see things this aft.  I'm ready to read again so I'll go to the library.

We've been watching & enjoying tennis on TV.

We haven't gotten to Grove City Outlet yet, but we hope to in Oct.  Bert will be going to NYC in Oct. so it will be easier to get away.  We'll go on a Mon.  Barb is a little concerned driving on 80 but she can do it.  She's a good driver until she gets behind someone going 35 mph on the way to the Mall via Conewango.  It upsets Dale when he gets behind a poky driver on the way home from work.  This is the fast generation.

It was nice walking to CVS & the library.  Got another book by Catherine Coulter & a new author that looked interesting.  Love & Money by Ruth Harris.

I heard on the radio that the Conewango Club plans to finish the first & second floors but not the 3rd floor.  Will put on a domed roof -- I think I heard that.  Kitchen in basement, library rooms & eating on 1st floor as befitting a men's club & the ballroom on the 2nd floor.  Will rebuild both front & side porches with pillars.  The ballroom gets a lot of use for wedding, etc. dances.  Maybe they get it air conditioned.  Larry & Kim have been there for hi school reunions & it's been very warm.

Soon, I hope, I'll be sending you an early birthday gift Paul.  I've had it for awhile.  Something I saw that you might like -- I hope.  That's all I'll say.