Thursday, March 23, 2006

Last week Dale worked on the Blazer, got it fixed, so it works good again (drives is the word).  That cheered him up so he won't take the Monte Carlo out if we have snow.

Last week Blanche Jenkins (1st Lutheran) called me up.  She had seen Rose, who was alert that day.  She asked Blanch if she knew how I was.  The reason for the call as she makes calls every week.  But Rose did wonder if Jim was still living.  And she was back in the Alzheimer's ward, which is kept locked.  Kim said she heard Karen is back in Warren. Yesterday Blanche called again to say she couldn't see Rose because too many had the flu & they were limiting visitation . She also said a Pastor David Blank, who served Sheffield & Ludlow as his first call, accepted a call to First Luth.  6 votes against him. It will be 2 yrs in June since the former pastor left, so they are happy.  She think he will work out OK.  I guess a couple of wives nixed their husbands from coming to smalltown Warren.

One of the recent local papers told about the library's website on old time Warren -- its beginnings.  Maybe you read the article & learned about it.

Thank you so much for the photo album of Andy's playing days.  It was fun looking thru it. Hard to imagine him 6'3" & 230 lbs.

The picture of the Forest Park library brought back pleasant memories.  That is where I got my first library card.  Near Forest Park Jr Hi where we went to school.

I know Millie was glad to leave Spfld because of its decline, etc.  I always read about Mass. in the USA Today state section & recently it told of the petty destruction of schools.  It used to be a nice city to live in.  The "X" was very familiar as we walked to the movie theater lots of Sat Aft.  Millie got her hair "done" at a shop in that are.  Can't remember the name of the theater.

Last week Barb saw a suit at Bon Ton she tho't I would like.  Mon. we went to the Mall & I tried it on but I didn't like how it looked on me.  Another disappointment.

When we walked (Spfld. again), first it was the tracks (train) we crossed, then White St. area, then the "X", then the library or the school.  We weren't quite far enough in mileage to ride the school bus.  One year we got a ride with a friend.  Otherwise we walked.  In high school we rode the city buss & got discount tickets.  You kids were lucky we were close to Jefferson & Beaty.  You rode with friends or Dad drove you.  Now all grad school kids are bussed to the new school.

Yesterday the most piercing sound, sounded in our house.  We remembered Dale put a device under the kitchen sink to alert one to leaking water.  We couldn't find it so I called Dale at work &^ he told me where it was & we stopped the noise.  What a relief.  It is battery operated so it isn't attached to anything.  It happened once before when Dale was home & it took him a few minutes to remember what it was.

In the Apr. 18th Family Circle, I copied 3 recipes that appealed to me.  New potatoes & spinach bake, a strawberry rhubarb cheese cake, & blueberry-maple syrup for pancakes.   Perkins has a blueberry syrup I like when I order pancakes or waffles -- if we eat there.  You mix blueberries & maple syrup, heat til the berries popped open, then strain.  Barb makes a similar one but doesn't strain them..  Like blueberries on top of the pancakes.

The weather channel keeps telling us "Welcome to Spring".  I just wish it would arrive here. Next week sounds more promising.  Barb likes to drink blueberry tea.  Back to above paragraph!

This week I got the halibut from Schwans & we had it Tues nite & it was so good.  I'll be getting it from now on.  As long as it doesn't have bones, Dale will like it.  Another addition to our dinner menu.  I had scalloped pot. & cabbage with it.  It was so good.

Sometimes there is nothing worth watching on TV.  This aft. I have 3 choices:  pre-season baseball watching Baltimore vs. Minn, golf, or my soaps.  At 2 pm it will be the soaps as "As the World Turns" is exciting in its story line.

I'm watching Boston Red Sox vs. Minn. Twins & I'm surprised at the number of people in the stands with a cell phone glued to their ear.  At the Mall, I heard a lady saying "I couldn't live without my cell phone."  We're behind times -- both Hollertz & Benson have cell phones. When they visit their kids, they alert them as to how close they are when they travel.  That is nice when you wonder how close they are.

Fri. A.M.  I'm not sure if this will get mailed today or Sat. but I'll have it ready to go.

Saturday, March 17, 2005

I have a red circle around Apr. 1 to remind me to think of Ed on that day.  We're rooting for him.

The Mets were on the NYC channel & they look good.  I just hope it continues into the season.

Our paper has had very little on the Erie mayor -- we hear about it on Erie TV.  Interesting it reached your papers.

They finished the digging (gas) by our driveway.  The spot near Conaway's driveway is still a hole.

I finally used my paper shredder.  One drawer needed to be cleaned out.  It is lighter now.  I keep my charge receipts in a shoe box & cleaned out papers as far back as '01.  Got 5 grocery bags full of shredded paper.  Lar took it to use with garbage.  He came by with my state tax.  All I owed was $11.00  Got it sent in.  He also took our wrapped newspapers.

Sheila & I were talking about desserts while getting my hair done.  She said this is easy & good.  Cut choc. cake into cubes.  Make choc. pudding.  Ina trifle bowl layer cake, pudding, cool whip (in layers).  Sprinkle with Heath toffee bits to finish.  Could use other flavors as well.  When I was looking thru dessert recipes I found a similar one using brownies, pudding mix, cool whip, & Heath bar chips.  Plan to try it sometime.  Recipes used van. pudding & milk to mix & then added 1/4 c. cold coffee.  I'm getting tired of pies for dessert.

Back to the Mets.  Galarraga is trying to make the Mets lineup.  He came up with 2 terrific plays & got 2 hits, one a home run.  He's in his early 40's.

We've had a lovely day today but rain is suppose to come in tonite.  Won't be nice tomorrow, Palm Sun.

I called Schwan's yesterday for chicken.  They don't have anyone in Warren now but will see about getting some for me.  They could sent it in dry ice but I don't want to pay postage on it.

Sun. the 20th

I have a new racing "hero".  The bad thing he drives a Ford.  He won the Busch Race yesterday &^ the NASCAR race at Atlanta today.  Carl Edwards. Barb said it's because of the name "Carl".  He just looks like a nice guy.

I finally called Schwan's to find out if I can get chicken.  They don't' have Warren covered but will see what they can do.  I ordered 2 boxes of chicken & if I get it, I hope I can keep getting it.  We are spoiled because their chicken is so good.

[In margin.  repeat!!!!  I'm losing it!]

We had steak for supper.  I marinated it in a sauce from the gal on the Italian program  (Food Channel.)(It was very good.  Barb usually grills the steak but she didn't want to so I said it will be done on the grill inside.  She said it was good.  The best steak I've had for awhile.

I can't imagine Charles trying to use any kind of tools.  Wonder if he ever finished the job.

I like the picture of Roger.  He will be 71 in July.

Kim said she tired chicken in the crock pot using cr. chicken soup & they liked the results.

Betty Casey was back in church today.  But she is retaining water in her body so her ankles, legs, etc. are swollen.

Talked to Marie Mathis today.  She was riding in a bus that picks up the elderly to shop, see the Dr., etc & met a lady from the Crary Home.  Marie said she spoke highly of Larry & Torey.  Torey visits her every day & that helped to adjust to living there.

Tues. the 22nd.

I'm set to wash the kitchen floor but I have to wait for Barb to eat & leave.

The gas men don't do a good job on finishing off the hold they dug.  They don't tamp it down & it sinks down several inches.  Now they are filling it again.  Dale gets disgusted at their work.  At work Dale is doing a transmission job on a gas co. truck.  I'm sure they want a good job done on their truck & they'll get with Dale doing the job.  And that's not just a mother's bias.

I watched Nanny 911 on Fox & I can't believe there are families so out of control.  Have you ever watched it?  The husband, at first, spent more time with his carrier pigeons than his family.  All 5 slept in one bed plus the dog.  The middle boy was afraid of going to the bathroom in the house & went outside the house -- he was "watering the plants".


Thurs. the 24th

Last nite was the last Wed. Lar & Kim come for dinner.  Next week it's back to Thursdays.  No school today or Fri.  They were to have Wed. off but it turned out to be a snow day.  So Kim & 2 of her friends went to play Bingo at the Moose Club.  One friend is a member.

It snowed last nite but it won't last.  Rain is in the forecast for Easter Sun.

We're going to the Mall this aft.

Will enclose our library's newsletter so you can see what happens here.  The paper will tell you about the steel beams for the bridge.  Lots going on in "downtown" Warren.

Heard from Millie & she said Johnny went to Aruba for 5 days.  He had someone to care for Gen.

Nothing special going on here.

Saturday, September 6, 2003

I did something today I seldom do on Sat. I worked. (When I bake it isn't work.)  First I washed a load of underwear, socks, etc. -- waited for Dale's dirty clothes.  Then I decided to wash the L.R. draperies.  With my extension brush, I dusted the walls, corners, etc. Washed windows & polished the furniture.  Need to vacuum the furniture, but that can wait til next week.  Got the draperies up & washed trinkets I have around.  So things are in order -- it's good enough for me.  Also washed the light fixture by the stairs & my fingers aren't as agile as they were so it took me some time to get it back in order.  Took me awhile to get the wires into the small holes.  I had the "dangles" upside down so I had to start over. Next week I'll get my bedroom in order & the kitchen.  Before I sat down I Put a pumpkin pie in the oven.  Fall is her e-- our first pumpkin pie.  Oh yes I washed 3 of the kitchen rugs & they are on the line.  It's a beautiful day & I didn't want to wait any longer.

Dale enjoyed his 3 days of school.  It's good to have him back. He is in the sun now & will now the lawn later.

Barb got a bike ride in this A.M.  She's so concerned she won't get all the miles in she plans on.  She has to go to Bert's to mow the lawn.  She's been sitting in front of the TV watching tennis.  That is her priority.  Job comes second or third.

Last week Warren got whipped by Oil City, but the Wrrn. QB was sidelined by some infraction.  Last nite he played & Wrrn. won big.  The QB's dad is Barb's doctor.  They have all boys, one in college at St. Bonaventure & 2 in high school & I'm not sure about any younger ones.  Your next letter will tell me about Andy's games.

Later 6:45 P.M.

I'm set to watch the Mets at Philly.  Dale likes salads so I made a tossed salad with chicken.  It was good.  And the pie was so good -- one of my favorites.  Barb & Dale will have their dessert later.  Yesterday's USA Today mentioned that people aren't ordering dessert because they dont' have time & dohnt' order them because of the economy slowdown.  My problem many times, I don't know what to make.  Mostly it's pies but a change is nice sometimes.

Just watched the end of the tennis game.  3 1/2 hrs. & Andy Roddick was down 2 sets but came back & won.

I sent out the invitations for the cottage meeting.  Howard Ford called today & said they'd be away.  The other 2 couples are Denise Johnson's folks & Lilith isn't well so I don't really expect them.  And I doubt if Jr. & Lois Himes will come as Lois isn't well & having kemo therapy.  The others are widows, Marie Mathis, Betty Casey, Irene Bloom, Lois Mattone, Alice Nasman (Wayne's mom), and Jessie Franberry.  All widows.  I would think most of them will come.  Did I say these are 9 home & 7 Bible leaders, so someone takes more than 1 lesson.  But I'm not doing it.

Tues. the 9th

Am I glad I know what we're having for supper tonite!  Hamburgers & corn on the cob.  Today I cleaned the kitchen my way.  Washed all the cupboards on the outside, cleaned off the counters.  Moved the microwave, toaster, & carts --vacuumed & washed the floor & will have to go over it before the 17th.  But to my eyes things look OK.  I'll stilt have to dust etc. & decide on refreshments.  Tomorrow I'll highlight my bedroom.  After my 2 pm soap, I took a shower, got dressed & sat in my chair & took a nap.  Barb did the D.R. windows & the ones in the eating area -- on the outside.  And she will clean the D.R. fan as I'm not steady on a ladder.  I'm just glad I can do this much.

Today I got a big order from Schwan's.  Tried their individual lasagna & pot pies.  Got sausage links as Dale likes them & tried their peas.  And the chicken which I always get every 2 weeks.  They must have a hard time getting driver salesmen.  I've had several different ones -- the hours are very long -- most come from Titusville.  The last one up & quit & it didn't surprise me to have a new one this week.  He said he likes the job but the hours are long.  I could see he was married so a job is a necessity.  I told him I usually only order chicken but wanted to try the lasagna & pot pies.  I hope they are tasty as it would be a meal plan booster.

Last nite Marie Mathis called & we talked for about 40 min.  About church, about some bringing their children to S.S.  Tim Passinger will be S.S. superintendent so that is a plus. We're getting different younger people to each S.S. & that is a plus.  Our pastor will start Oct 15th.

I'm glad I'm not buying clothes & shoes for children now.  But you are making much more than Dad did.

Thurs A.M. the 11

Just walked to the mailbox on 5th & mailed birthday cards to Andy from Dale & mine.  Just think 16 yrs old.  Where has the time gone.

Thanks for the pictures of your front door.  I like it a lot.  It's nice you like to keep your home & yard in such good conditions.  A good hobby.  And it is nice that you work together on projects.  When Dad worked I was the go for helper & he did the real work.  I remember how hard he worked trying to get elec. wiring thru the walls for new plugs.  Old houses don't have many elec. outlets & Dad added a lot of them.  He'd be in the room trying to get wires thru & I'd be at the opening trying to pull it thru.  Many happy memories.

Saturday, November 13, 1999

This is the last sheet of paper on this pad so it will be a mixed paper letter.

Just walked & mailed 2 bills in the 5th Ave box.  It's cloudy but still mild.  They keep saying colder weather is on the way but it doesn't last.  I'm not complaining tho.  Let it be nice thru the holidays.

The Schwan man comes every other Thurs. & last Thurs. he said he'd come on Wed. as the Thurs. was Thanksgiving.  I have a turkey in the freezer but it still doesn't seem possible the holidays are getting so close.

Still, both Barb & I have a good start on our Christmas shopping.  In fact, Barb is just about finished.  Soon a pkg. will be on the way with birthday presents.

I don't think I could worship every Sun. at the Hosanna Church.  I, too, would miss the liturgical service & sacraments.  Altho, when a child & saw the communion elements on the altar I knew it would be a longer service & wished I could go home after Sun./ School.  I couldn't take that type of music Sun. after Sun.  But each to his own, or hers!

Is Signe in a nursing home?  I wonder if the sisters know as Ruth always calls me to tell of any operations, etc.

This A.M. I made a coffee cake & a white (box) layer cake.  Dale likes an A.M. snack so it's either rolls or coffee cake.  And I love to bake so it's no problem.  Keeps me young!  Ha, ha.

Lar & Torey came over last nite.  Kim was at a school dance & Lar forgot the USA Today papers I save for him.  Torey loves to come to Grandma's as he gets cheese, ice cream & 2 sugar cookies.  He expects it & makes his wants known if I'm too slow in getting them.

I'm a little surprised it's taking so long to get Andy fitted for glasses.  Maybe he's not looking forward to wearing glasses even if it helps him to see the blackboard better.

Rose Seeley isn't able to be in church very often due uto her back.  I miss seeing her & it will be strange not seeing Gen Brader up front on the left hand side of the sanctuary.

Now it's Sun. aft. & I just returned from a walk overtown to CVS for some bargains they offered.  It was still nice & the weather is suppose to change to colder weather.  Very windy, tho.

Betty Gusfatson Mailhot wants me to make my Danish rolls for a party she's having Dec. 11  I'd rather not but it's hard to say no so I'll do it.   It's not going to be a habit, tho.  I'll have to make 2 batches.  Tues. Betty Casey wants me to go out to lunch - I say yes.  Mon. we hope to go to Jamestown in the aft. if the predicted snow flurries are few.  (We went).

Did you notice Nascar is going to NBC & Fox?  It's a popular sport & growing.  It's popular in this house.

The Bills are playing Miami & are ahead so far.  The Browns scored first against the Steelers.

The Wisc/Iowa game was great for you fans.  I enjoyed it too & seeing Dayne play & honored.  Now Penn State was another story.

I have my Christmas cards & want to get started addressing them....sometime soon.

I asked Kim if Barb Jacobs would like to come for Thanksgiving.  Kim asked her & she might come.  One friend has cancer so she won't be with her.  2 others talked about going to Holiday Inn.  If that doesn't happen she'll come.  No one wants to be alone on a holiday.

Time for a coffee break.

Tues. A.M.  Will bring this to a close & mail it before I start my "chores".  Betty called & can't make it for llunch today.  Now I don't have to rush to get those "chores" completed.  Heavy frost overnite.

Friday, February 21, 1997

This will be a lazy day. Next week will be busy as our 6 friends come for lunch on Thurs. Have the menu planned & will get the house in order. Will have the same meal at nite when Lar & Kim come over. All of a sudden Torey is afraid of Dale - it must be the uniform - someone must have scared the god & now he barks at Dale & it makes Dale feel bad. Before he always went to Dale.

Today at 10 A.M. an electrician is coming about a new outlet box so we won't need fuses anymore.  We also need some new lines for more power when Dale uses the elec. tools.  He wants more power in the garage.  I can't use the microwave & the elec. roaster at the same time without blowing a fuse.

And I ordered new flooring for the kitchen.  Sent 1/2 the cost for the order & will pay the rest when it comes.  Next I need to call about getting the porch painted.  Dale said he'd do the garage windows & big door.  He already did the side door.  So the house will look nice on the outside.  Thanks to Edna.

We've had spring weather but it will change by the weekend.  The snow is just about gone.

Paula Carey was back again for an interview at Northwest Savings.  He has a job but needs to pass Pa Bar Exams.  They even looked at a house.  Lar & Kim ate at Jamie's last Fri nite & Paula & her husband came in & they talked.  Kim wonder why they want to come here - thinks Paula has outgrown Warren.  I think she wants to please her parents.

Do you remember Viola Seaquist - her daughter Betty Ann 59 yrs. died of cancer, due to smoking.  She had moved to Calif. 8 yrs ago to be with her children - 3 of them.  Last Sat they had a Memorial Service at church - 1 1/2 hrs & very different.  Planned by her kids.  They took her death hard.  Viola was in Calif. to help at the end.  They paid to have their pastor here for the service & he stayed at Viola's.  She had a houseful & she is 85 yrs & active.  A good group was there.  I attended the service.

Now I'm dressed, breakfasts are over.  There is a load in the washer & in the dryer.  Paid a few bills & now I'm drinking a 2nd cup of coffee.

Last nite we had halibut I got from Schwans & it was good.  Yesterday I got chicken on a roll - they sound good.  8 in a box.  Wanted to try their chicken meals but he didn't have any.  I'll get them in 2 weeks.  Their froz. peas are delicious.  Even Dale agreed & he isn't that keen on peas.  My orders are getting larger.  They are a little higher in price but since we don't eat out anymore that justifies the extra in my mind.

We called Stella & she is happy to be settled again.  Tried to call Ruth & then forgot to try again.  Maybe I'll connect this weekend.

Did I tell you Barb had more problems with her period.  She got a birth control shot the Dr tho't might help and it has.  She had a pap smear & blood test & all is well.  No cancer & blood O.K.

Should write to Gen so will bring this to an end.  When can  we expect the boys visit during the summer.  One sure thing will be a trip to Waldemeer Park.