Thursday, February 10, 2006

Thurs. has become my letter writing day.  Have Valentines ready to send to Millie & Gen & the boys.  But I got dinner in the crockpot first.  Now it's coffee time & my letter to you folks. Where to begin.

Super Sunday, of course, & the Steelers win.  but I was on "pins & needles" til the end of the game.  Don't remember being like that in the 70s when the Steelers won>  I was younger then & the Steelers had more established stars.  But they won!  It was exciting.

Dale had to go to school yesterday.  Up at 4:00 & off at 5:30 A.M. & home safe & sound by 7 pm.

I've been busy (for an old lady) this week. Mon. was a bright, sunny day & it inspired me. After making Dale's bed with clean sheets & starting the laundry, I set Danish rolls.  Then decided to set dinner rolls & also made choc. chip cookies to use the oven while heated.  So by early aft. the kitchen was cleaned up.  I sat awhile & then it was supper time.

Tues. A.M. I baked my Danish -- whoops, I made the cookies Tues A.M.

Wed. I prepared for Lar & Kim's coming over.  Made a carrot cake using the recipe from Bon Appetit & I really liked how it came out.  Nice & Light & tasty.  It calls for coconut but I left it out.

Dale got a letter from Rick Schommer.  Remember he & his wife are in Honduras with the Mercy Ships.  They are learning Spanish, working with health education, having Bible studies, etc.  Dale said he never pictured Rick in a situation like this.  People change & that is good.  They'll be a year over there.  It is interesting to hear of their experiences.  Dale gave me the letter to read.  Maybe I'll write to them -- don't think Dale will.  He might surprise me!

Scott didn't pass Health because he didn't hand in homework papers.  His other subjects showed improvement.  Ii give the credit to Barb for working with him esp. when he doesn't want to do homework or even cares if it gets done.

We're having Jan. weather now but the nice part is the days are longer with more light in the A.M. & P.M.  That helps a lot.

I finished my jigsaw puzzle with Barb's help.  It is a very pretty scene.  Had to look on the floor & between the cushions to find missing pieces.  All were found.  Most likely I'll start another one.

In the USA Today I've been reading about the Blackberry controversy.  At least I know a little about what they're talking about -- in your letters you mentioned Joanna's Blackberry & it's not a fruit!

Last Mon.l was a snow day.  We got about 5" but the outer edges of the county got more & there was a cold wind & icy streets.

We didn't go grocery shopping per usual.  I really didn't need that much so Barb picked up the necessities at BiLo on Tues.  I fix a lunch for Dale when he goes to school & needed meat.  They like thuringer & BiLo has the best.  It was a favorite growing up at home.

Almost forgot.  Both Dale & Lar were ahead of you in the prostate testing.  Both had it already.  It was interesting to read the results of your testing.  Do you mind going to a woman Dr.  I've never had a woman Dr.  Not that many to choose from when I started regular appts, if any.  That was 25  years ago.

Both of Kim's niece & nephew graduate this next June.  Kim hoped to go to their program graduation but June is too late for permission to get days off in Wrrn.  They are a year apart but the timing was they both could start school.  Both have the main classes in the A.M. & work afternoons.  The daughter works at McDonald's & plans to go to a community college. Don't remember where the son works & he is thinking of joining the Marines, I think.  I guess it isn't necessary to attend graduation, as Kim said they might not even go to graduation. They miss a lot by working but the money must be worth the sacrifice.

It is soon lunch time so I'll close.  I knew I made 2 things on Mon but couldn't remember.  In place of the cookies on Mon, I made an apple pie for soup & pie Mon. menu.  Today is take it easy Thurs & I'm taking it easy.

Thursday, February 2, 2006

It's a nippy morning but the sun is shining & that makes it nice.

Next Sat. I'm fixing the turkey Dale got at Thanksgiving.  We asked Lar & Kim if they wanted to come over if they didn't have other plans.  They will come.

Their group planned a Super Bowl get together but it was called off.  The host is in the Erie hospital with kidney failure.  It happened very fast.  He is Kim's age & they have 2 children, one at Beaty & one at Warren Hi.  It is so sad.

The reason I'm fixing the turkey so it will be an easy Sun. in preparation for the Super Bowl. I hope the Steelers can win.

Don't think I told you about Dale needing new work shoes.  He went to Valone's but he didn't want to pay $165.00 for them.  He got a cheap pair at KMart & wore them 1 day before going back to his old ones.  Randy Swanson told him about a place near Sugar Grove.  Instead of turning to go to the race track, he went in the opposite direction.  He almost missed it as it is a very small building owned by an Amish man.  He got his shoes, a good pair, for less than $100.00 He likes them.  This man also resoles shoes.  He had a nice visit with this man, who moved here from Va.

Marisa left for Fla. yesterday.  They hope this change of environment will make a difference in her life.  She is a screamer, screaming at Scott & telling him he is dumb, & he doesn't need that.

You'll read in the paper that there was another drug bust in Warren. Also the 5th Ave. bridge will close around Mar. 1 in preparation for a new bridge.  Barb likes to use that bridge but Dale refuses to go over it.  He doesn't like it.

In this A.M. paper there was an interesting article concerning the 70's Steelers when they won 4 Super Bowls.  A few have died & it listed all the players & their jobs now.  Many stayed in the Pittsburgh area.  Lynn Swann is running for G,O.P. Governor in the next election & they think he'll get the nomination.

Betty Casey showed me a letter Mike got concerning the committee he's on concerning Special Ed.  Naturally she was is proud of her children.  She took care of Janie & Cindy, her sisters' girls, at lot & when the 2 groups of kids went to the playground, kids would taunt "Here come the retards".  Janie & Cindy were the slow ones.  Being in the service enabled Mike to get an education & make something of himself.

We sure enjoyed the Robert Montgomery films during Feb.  This A.M. I wanted The Thin Man, a cute story.



Fri. Feb 3rd

I'm having my aft. coffee 1/2 hr. late (3:30 pm).  Just got off the phone after talking to Alice Nasman.  She called to ask if I know Tiger was playing golf in Dublin.  I did but didn't remember to turn the Golf Channel on at 9 A.M.  That led to other subjects & kept on for 1/2 hr.

I'm reading with great interest all the writings on the Steeler players.  There is plenty of coverage & hype.

Larry & Kim will come over Sat. nite.  They had no other plans.

I fixed a crock pot meal for tonite. Last time I made one Dale said "Why don't you add potatoes & veggies next time."  So I did & it smells so good.  Beef.

I'm enclosing a dessert that sounds good to me.  And it sounds easy for a cheesecake recipe.  Been wanting to try making one but none every appealed to me as this one does.


This A.M. I watched "The Bishop's Wife" with David Niven, Cary Grant & Loretta Young. Enjoyed it.  The other nite watched a Barbara Stanwyck & Gary Cooper but didn't see it from the beginning & never got the title.  It was so cute.

The puzzle isn't getting attention these days.  The easy parts are finish & the harder parts are harder to find & fit together.  Barb adds some to help em.
     
Not much going on here.  But the light is staying longer -- longer days -- and that is nice.

Thanks for the salmon recipe.  Fish isn't a favorite for Dale.  Barb fixes salmon once in awhile.

Saturday, February 2, 2002

Our get together yesterday was very nice.  Forstrums couldn't come as they both had colds.  Ray didn't sound too good when he called.  We were 6 & enjoyed being together.  The meal was good even if I do say so myself.  Since there were 2 pieces of chicken left plus potatoes & veggies Barb & Dale had leftovers.  It was an easy menu, as much could be done the day before.  The last minute I decided to make bread pudding as both Ted & Warren like it & so do I.  Have some left over & I warm it up & enjoy it.

Warren & Anna like your "Swedish" powder room.  I showed them the pictures you sent.

I really like the rug under the D.R. table.  It is so attractive.  Also like the dishes & place mats.  I love dishes & your new ones are so pretty.

Nice picture of Andy -- a really nice smile.  His teeth look so nice.

Barb helped me with the hard, floral puzzle & we finished it.  Now I'm working on another one.  The puzzle Eddie got, looks like a hard one with all the flowers & greens.  I keep puzzles to do again & put all the outside pieces in a sandwich bag so I don't have to hunt for them again.

I never thought much about Martin Luther King day but after reading your thoughts, & thinking about it, I do have to agree with your way of thinking.  It's just a lot of lip service.  Sharpton was on Fox -- he did a lot of talking (noise) but didn't say much.  Couldn't back up his arguments.  Mostly they say what they think people want to hear.  He was talking about Enron.

Talked to Rose this past week & Karen was home to sign divorce papers & will return to Canada.  If it's a guy, he must be pretty special to take her away from her mom.  Rick had a chance for a good move out of Warren, but at that time Karen't couldn't leave Rose.  Now she's getting over 2 operations in a short time (back & bypass) & she can leave her when Rose really would like her here.

Dale was in Rochester Thurs for schooling.  The ice was really bad there, but they got home safe & sound.  Think I mentioned they left Wed. & would eat dinner there.  It turned out they went to Wendy's.  Maybe the other fellow didn't want to spend a lot of money for a meal.

Buffalo really had it bad again on Fri.  Heavy winds toppling trees, wires down, basements flooded & the stores running out of sump pumps & generators to run them, if the electricity was out.  Waves really pounding against the shores.  I watch the NBC Buff. channel.  I like their people best.

If Beloit is in sad shape, Charles can't expect to get much for selling the house.  It will run down more by the time they get to cleaning it out.  Maybe some black family will buy it.  Think Ruth said a lot of blacks were moving into that area.  I know Swanson's sold to a black family in Chicago.

Don't know if you've received the paper telling of the death of Mrs. Reinhard (husband a Dr. at State Hosp.)  Think JoAnna met one of their sons.  I'm sure I remember talking about that.

I envy you when you talk about going to Pier 1, Target, etc.  In contract, Warren has so little & Jamestown isn't much better.

We had a touch of snow on the ground this A.M.  The sun goes in & out & it continues to be colder than the warm temps of the past week.  But it is Feb & we really haven't had much winter.  We have had close to 2" of rain & it soaks in when the ground isn't frozen  1/8" of rain!  Not close.

Mon. Feb 4 - We awoke to 2 snow covered cars sitting in the driveway.  After getting the Sun. apper, Barb neglected to put it away.  Th is is the 2nd time.  I thought after the last time, when it was colder & she had to brush it off, she wouldn't do it again.  Sun. aft I tho't to remind her but that was in the midst of the Super Bowl game.  And what a game.  I was watching Murder She Wrote on A&E but I changed to Fox in the 3rd period & was happy to see N.E. was ahead.  So I watched to the last second field goal & was very happy N.E. won.  What a rookie QB.

I read the news article quoting Paul Nelson on the effects of the budget cuts on libraries.  My son makes me proud!  A thinker like his father.

At 6:30 A.M. the temp was 27 but it will fall during the day so I'll make soup (veg. beef) & apple pie for supper.

Guess a lot of people got Geo. Foreman grills for Christmas.  Both Bensons & Hollertzs did.  Anna H. said one of their daughters was on their 2nd one.

Knock on wood, but none of us have been sick or had a cold so far & I hope the "bugs" stay away.

Sunday, January 30, 2000

Just put a turkey breast roast in the oven for our evening meal.

I'll watch the super bowl but it's not as exciting this year.  I'll root for the Rams.

K Mart had 1000 pc. puzzles on sale for 1.99.  I got 3 last Tues. & didn't realize but 2 & get 1.00 off.  Should have gotten 4.  On Fri. I got 2 more so I'm well supplied with new puzzles, altho I don't mind doing them a 2nd or 3rd time.  I'm doing a farm scene - farmhouses, pumpkins, and green  grass.  The green & orange is driving me nuts.  Now I'm soon thru getting the pumpkins together -- then the grass.  I watch TV & do puzzles.  Heard from Millie & she does puzzles.  She said she sits down for 15 min. & 2 hours later she's still at the puzzles.   I have the same experience.  Retirement is nice - no time schedules.  I do some work!  Yesterday a coffee cake, Danish rolls & a batch of cookies.  Even washed the floor last Wed. so my back is better.  Can't be idle all the time.

The weather is something else.  I feel sorry for people going to Atlanta when it's so hard to get around due to icy roads, etc.

I knew my electric blanket was getting old & really found out when it turned zero & I was cold.  I have a full bed elec. blanket neither Barb or Dale would use so since I sleep alone it covers me & keeps me nice & toasty warm.  Next fall I'll look for a new one that fits. 

Last Mon. we had a good time at our get together.  We were there 2 1/2 hrs. & I'm sure the waitress was glad to see us go so she could reset the table.  She was the only waitress so the fellow who tended bar helped her.  He could be a manager of some sort as he wore a suit & was very nice & so was the waitress.  I called for a reservation but the D.R. never answered & I didn't call again but they weren't busy. 

Yes, Paul, I remember the disappointment when you didn't live up to your capabilities but in the end you did, so the disappointment turned to joy & pride.  Don't be too hard on Andy.

June gave us some old letters I wrote to the folks & some Carl wrote from college.  Signe sent him a new shirt & in the letter he asked for a tie to wear with it & a pair of dress socks.  He didn't have much to go on, but he made it.  Those were depression years.

I'll be waiting to hear about your dinner for Signe.  I sent her a card but just signed my name as I wasn't sure of her condition.  The sisters live long lives.  89 for Signe.  90 for Stella & I imagine Lila will be 88 her next birthday.

Gen & Millie went to see Aunt Esther but she knows nothing.  They are keeping her alive & I think that's too bad.  Elsie Yeagle's mother was alert at 100 -- I think they had a party for her at church.  If you have your ind that is wonderful.  Allie Peterson lived to 100 I think, but she was in & out of it.

Friday, January 23, 1998

I'm watching Senior Skins from Hawaii.  What a beautiful place - people in shorts, etc.  It's not that bad here but school was delayed 2 hrs. due to slushy & icy roads.  Suppose to warm up in the 40's this aft.

Kim & Lar were here last nite & Lar said both Monty & Mike wondered if Barb would date them.  No way.  What Monty wants is someone to support him.

Lar & Kim will watch the Super Bowl game at Betsy Moran & her husband's home.  Betsy is tempoprary director of the Y.M. - they are interviewing now & then her Mom had a back operation so Betsy has been extra busy & concerned.  The friends will bring the food.  They have a new 36" T.V.  Lar & Kim have T.V. at Camp & enjoy it.  They've spent a few weekends there.  Overnite Sat.

How was your weekend.  It wasn't as cold was it.

 Pinehurst Inn exterior.

Pinehurst Inn.  R. D. Pike Room.

Pinehurst Inn.  Reception area.

Pinehurst Inn.  Dining room.

Pinehurst Inn.  R. D. Pike Room

Wheel of Fortune celebrated Super Bowl week & had players & their favorite football player so it's been interesting to watch.  I did a jigsaw puzzle last week & plan to do one rather than start one this weekend.  Like to do something while watching T.V.  Dad & I don't always agree on programs so I sit in the kitchen, watch T.V. & play Solitaire.

I'm trying to make out daily menus to make getting needed groceries easier but it is a difficult job.

Heard from both Gen & Millie today.

Barb & I started out to the Mall but the van stalled in front of Pelligrino's home.  We walked home - called Dale & he came & got it home.  Said it is the fuel pump.  Lar was here this aft. working on wiring.  Put micro on its own circuit breaker.  He still has a little more to do on other things - our Christmas gift at my suggestion.  So Torey was here & Kim stopped to pick him up & had a cup of coffee.

Friday, January 17, 1997

It's cold here with periods of snow.  At 4 pm.  I defrosted the freezer today - put the contents on the front porch & went to work on it.  Had everything back in by lunch time.

No school today - due to blowing, snowing & cold.  Kim & Taury stopped by this AM for coffee.  At 1:30 she & Nancy were going cross country skiing.  Cold for that.

I''m making veg. soup for supper - to go with a fish sandwich.  I've made the Blender Banana Bread twice & we like it a lot.  Will make another one Sat. as I've got too many bananas.

Paula Carey called today to let us know she & her husband will arrive tomorrow & I'm to put the key under the mat for them..  She would like to move back here & he has an interview with a law office.  Bill Hill Jr. is retiring & also another whose name I don't recall.

Thanks for your 2 letters Paul.  I can just see Eddie raising his hand & making the comments.  Good for him.

We watched Dole get his Medal of Freedom & I tho't it was a very nice thing to do.  Both Clinton & Dole had good talks.

I sent an order to Penney's & it came on Wed & I'm very pleased.  A Leslie Fay dress - shirtwaist style, pleated skirt in a jade print & I love it.  Looks nice on.  Have to return a pair of slacks as the zipper doesn't work right.  I like the color, etc. so I'll reorder.  Easiest way for me to shop.  Easter comes early this year & maybe it will be too cold & wintry for a spring dress.

Scott told his mother Barb was his mother.  So Lynn said, "What am I?"  "You're my girlfriend," he replied.

We aren't going for groceries tonite so it will be after I get my hair done.  Last week I walked to my appt.  It wasn't too bad.  Barb said she'd take me over tomorrow.

Green Bay goes to the super bowl & we'll be rooting for them to win.  They should.  We'll be watching & thinking of all of you when they score a TD - towel waving, etc.

Now it's Sun A.M. & again I'm ready for church with time to spare.  It's minus 3 & I'm wearing my wool slacks & again will wear my "cold weather coat" - one I only wear for real cold weather.  It's ages old but since it doesn't get much wear, it's in good condition.

Got the pictures & letter yesterday.  I can imagine the Super Bowl setting - lots of towel waving & toasting when G. B. wins.

Kim always enjoys reading your letters.  Larry has a 4 pm soccer game & meets with Nancy at noon to discuss plans for the Dr.'s new quarters to be.  Lar has drawn up all the plans.  They can't get started until the 1st floor tenant moves out.  Kim & Taury will stop by this aft.  They got some kind of strips - roller to make it easier to roll out the freezer & fridge so we can clean behind it.  Dale was reading you should do that yearly & vacuum the coils, etc.  So now he'll have a job to do.   He likes to do that & I'm glad he does - he is a big help.  He cleaned & shined the kit. cupboards with Liquid Gold & that really improved them.  He said they were quite dry & really needed the work.  All you "guys" are good workers.

Yesterday after lunch Dad said "Who will take me home, now."  I told him he was home.  He gets muddled like that at times.

Happy Days it is suppose to warm up this week.  I feel the need to get out & walk a bitg.

Friday, February 2, 1996

It's coffee time - have to warm up from walking to get my hair done.  The coldest spot is walking over the bridge - my face got cold but all other areas were covered & I enjoyed the walk.  Hope this will be the last cold spell.

When we were watching the Super Bowl, the telephone rang & it was Donald Carlson, calling to tell us they were watching the game, tho't of us & called to say they were rooting for the Steelers.  I was really surprised to hear Don.  It was a good game & I tho't that Steelers made a good showing & they should have won.



Barb & I both got new winter boots on sale.  Barb has worn hers but my old ones are comfortable for walking so I wear them.

The annual mts. at church was last Sun.  Everything went smoothly.  But a lot of the older people are dying & it is the older people who are the best givers so that means budget problems.

Barb is really enjoying the Christmas gift you gave her.  She ordered 2 more cartridges - one on foods & she checks her fats, etc. of what she eats.

I'm enclosing newspaper articles of interest.

Got more library books.  Enjoyed "Treasures" by Belva Plain & am reading Sidney Sheldon's "Nothing Lasts Forever".  Haven't really gotten into it yet.

Received an invitation to Joyce O'Connor's 70th birthday party.  Bev sent the invitation.  Her birthday is the 7th but the party will be Sat. the 10th.  Bev's oldest son is in college.   2nd son still in high school.  Husband high up in the Navy - should soon be ready to retire.

I've been "dreaming" with the new Penney's catalog.  But haven't made any orders yet.

Our new furnace keeps the house nice & warm.  Of course it is set at 72 but Dad still has to wear a sweater & when I work I roast.  Am hot now becuase the long johns worn for walking.

Things are as usual around here.

[Enclosures]

Wednesday, February 3, 1988

It is snowing & we're suppose to get up to 6".  Last Sat & Sun we had a taste of spring - temp. in the hi 50s.  Just wore a suit to church on Sun.

This Fri. we go out with our pastor friends & we'll go to The Gristmill in Jamestown.  We should have a good meal & good time.

We are still enjoying the flowers you gave us.  It has been such a pretty centerpiece & we thank you so much.

Dale joined a C.D. disc club & got 5 discs yesterday.  Dad is thinking of joining a different one.

Levina K. is still in the hosp.  She had an operation for a growth in the rectum & is having trouble with the kidneys.  Chuck Decker had a heart attack & he was talking twice a day - to Perkins in the A.M. & to Mr. Donut in the aft!  He also smoked a pipe.  He's been retired for about a year.

I read 2 excellent books this past week.  The Velvet Jungle by Julie Ellis.  Too Much Too Soon by Jacqueline Briskin.

Larry is working on the kitchen & it's coming slowly.  Kim is dreaming of a hutch so she can get her dishes etc. out of boxes.  They've been looking.

Larry & I (changed my mind) were happy that Wn. [Washington] won - the rest rooted for Denver & got disgusted after the 2nd quarter.

I moved the desk from the kitchen into the living room - under the mirror on the west wall and it looks real nice.  Suppose you wonder why - well I ordered a trash compactor from Sears - & that is the only place to put it.  Where the desk was.  I've been thinking about one for some time & can afford to buy it so I did.

Still no oven.  If he doesn't come tomorrow we're calling someone else.  I made a mistake when I looked in the yellow pages & found his name.

Raymond Stein died - some time ago but never thought to mention it.

When you're here over the 4th you'll most likely see Renee.  Should be a nice visit for you with the reunion, etc.  Nice for us, too, to have you 3 home.

Sig & Geo. called last Sat. to wish us a belated Happy Anniv.  No special news.

Last Sat. we went to a 25th anniversary for Carol (Anderson) & Bob Winterburn.  They live in Jamestown & Dad married them.  We enjoyed ourselves.  It was at Holy Trinity Luth. Ch.

Do you ever watch Frank's Place on C.B.S.  We enjoy it .  Set in New Orleans.  It's coming on pretty soon so I'll say good by for now.

Thursday, January 22, 1987

We had a nice evening with Bill & Gen Brader.  Lar was here also.  (Kim was working.)  Had a beef roast & it was so good.  Was glad as you never know with beef.  We played Uno & that is always fun.l  Guess Denny will stay in Fla.  Bill misses him in the business but Barb & Cindy will take the insurance test & Bill will teach them the business.  He wants to be able to take it easier.

We went to Jamestown & bot a crib.  It is a Jenny Lind type & will enclose a picture.  We plan to get the mattress & crib bumper later on.  We wonder if you'll be able to get it in your car.

We'll be rooting for the Giants in the Super Bowl.  George is rooting for Denver.  People don't want N.Y. to win anything more but even tho they are called N.Y. Giants they are really in New Jersey.   Mayor Koch won't pay for a parade if they win.  Any celebration will be at Giant Stadium.

We're going to start looking for vinyl for the eating area as after putting in the new window, the present vinyl got patched up.  Have to have things right for the relatives.  Our living room is so improved since we don't have the console T.V.  Seems larger.

Hope you both are overs colds & flu by now.  So far we've escaped - knock on wood!!

Time for Cheers so goodbye.