Saturday, November 20, 2004

Imagine you folks are happy as Ohio State is beating Mich.  And lowly Penn State is beating Mich. State.  Maybe Wisc. will to go the Rose Bowl after all.

Dale's Dr's office called yesterday & wanted Dale to have a culture of his nail (infected) so he is to see a podiatrist just about now.  His insurance required it.  They want to get it cleared up so it won't go into his bloodstream.

I need to wrap Christmas gifts but it's been too warm, weatherwise, to get into it.  My bedroom is crowded with boxes to be wrapped.

Barb went to Jamestown today but she couldn't get what she wanted.  We won't go gain until the last Mon. or Tues of the month.  The day after Thanksgiving is too crowded, altho a lot of people are shopping earlier.

John called last nite & I visited with him & then talked to Gen.  It's pretty hard to have a conversation with her anymore.

We'll have Thanksgiving dinner around 4-5 pm, whichever hour is best for Larry & Kim.  I don't mind eating later as it isn't such a rush.

I don't recall my oldest son making a 3 plus average in high school, altho he was more than capable of doing that!!!  Tell Andy & Ed they are doing a good job & make the honor roll next time.

Tonite I'm trying a new recipe.  Flatten the chicken breasts, season them & stuff them with finely chopped broccoli & shredded cheddar.  Fold over, add chicken broth & bake covered. You could also add a slice of ham first.  I'll let you know how they come out.

It was a good meal -- Dale liked it.  I may try it one Thurs. nite when Lar & Kim are here. Easy to make.

I'm sure people in Wisc are holding their breath because of what Iowa is doing to Wi.  With one player hurt, it makes a big different as they can't seem to do anything.  Like against Mich. State.

I'm watching the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel.  I don't know or understand poker at all, but it is fun to watch.  They can win a lot of money if they are the final winner.

The last 3 Sat. nites, Barb & I have played  game of Scrabble & she always beats me.  But tonite I prevented her from using all 7 letters.  She could have scored over 100 points but I prevented it. She still beat me but that's OK.  It's fun to play a game.

Sun. Nov. 21

It was scary today but Pittsburgh came out the winner over Cincy 19-14.  The QB couldn't do as much today.  Barb is happy as Buffalo is beating St. Louis.

Barb & I went grocery shopping after I got home from church.  The turkey is thawing in the fridge.  Lar stopped over & said Kim would make the pies.  I'll make the pumpkin pie (I like mine best.)  Kim will make the apple cranberry pie.

Tues A.M. the 23rd

Barb has been wrapping gifts & I'll start on Fri.  I'll use the D.R. table & will cover it with a plastic tablecloth so I won't scratch it.  The pkg. will be sent Mon the latest so it should be there for JoAnna's birthday.  We'll be putting the tree up soon.

Dale got a turkey from work so it is in the freezer for another time.

Tues pm.  When we were coming out of the Mall yesterday, Barb stopped to read a saying on the car -- "Friends don't let friends vote Republican".

Today (Wed), I cooked my sweet potatoes & fixed them so they're ready for Thurs.  Cleaned the turkey & cooked the giblets & have broth for the gravy.  Will use my good dishes & got them out on the table.  So I'm pretty well prepared.  Sometimes it's easier to plan a big meal than to plan supper.  Didn't know what to have tonite so I fixed macaroni & cheese & weiners & tossed salad.  I like it but I'm not sure about Dale liking it.  Barb ate it -- guess she didn't feel like doing anything.

I've been watching the Food Channel lately & have gotten a few hints.

In looking over Bon Appetit the Escarole Soup with Pasta & Meatballs sounds good.  But I might like to substitute spinach.  Plan to try it.

Back to the Food Channel -- noticed they made the stuffing in a frying pan -- sauteed the onion & celery & added the bread & broth & then baked it on the oven.   Plan to do that in the A.M.  They added more veggies but I'll stick to just celery, onions & seasoning.  There is also a blueberry pie recipe that I'd like to try.  It uses frozen B.berries.

It's 9:24 pm & guess what Dale is doing -- washing his white car.  He will put it in the garage he rents & use the Blazer.  He couldn't put it away dirty.  Luckily the weather is mild -- it is suppose to change by Fri A.M.  Colder & snow flurries but it will be 38 on Mon the 1st day of hunting when the hunters want it colder, & snow to track the deer.

Thanksgiving is over & I'm having a piece of pumpkin pie.  Larry & Dale chose to have pump. pie so I had a piece of Kim's apple cranberry pie.  And Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a piece of pump. pie.  I took a piece of Kim's pie for Dale & Lar will finish it at home. I like eating later as then I don't have to rush around.  The turkey was good.  Dale won't come home for lunch Fri -- he doesn't want to lose his parking place.  He'll have turkey sandwiches.

Bon Ton opens at 5 A.M. tomorrow.  Kim plans to go at 6 A.M.  Barb wants to go after I get my hair done.  I got a 10.00 coupon off & it has to be used by 11 A.M.  Barb will use it.

Tomorrow I'll know what to have for supper.  Leftovers.

Kim said Father Baker, retired Episcopal pastor, is not expected to live.  They live up the street now, just before Gustafson's.  I was surprised to hear that - his illness.

Sunday, November 17, 2002

We had a pleasant surprise in church this A.M.  A female pastor.  She was pastor of Saron, Youngsville, married a local man, had a baby & took a leave of absence.  The boy is soon 2 years old. She has been helping at the State Hospital.  We needed someone to preach today & she did it.  She is good -- wonder if she wants to get back to a congregation.  The ones I spoke to were impressed & I wouldn't m ind a female pastor.  She knows how to use her voice & all could hear & understand.  She will help out again.

Dale forgot your birthday Paul.  I told him he should know his siblings' birthdays.  You will be getting a late package.  It was my fault -- I didn't remind him!  I do remind him of Andy and Eddie's birthdays as I think children prefer that.  Arrival on the day.

Your letter really surprised me -- the "dirt" aimed at JoAnna during the campaigning.  I don't think people like all the negative campaigning but I'm sure it will continue.  Too bad.  Guess you have to develop a hard shield in politics.

I haven't heard or seen anything about your class reunion.  Maybe after the holidays.  Did you say 35 years?  Where has the time gone?

Am watching the Weather Channel & they predict 1-3" of snow overnite!  Time to get the boots out.

Last Thursday I told Larry about the gift certificate from Quality & that I wanted to use it for something special.  He suggested shrimp & lobster.  Maybe I'll plan that for Christmas Eve.  Turkeys are on sale at Quality so I'll get one for Thanksgiving this week.

I got Thanksgiving cards ready for Gen, Millie, Ruth & the boys this afternoon.

I read another Sandra Brown book.  A trilogy on a Texas family.  First part on the eldest son, 2nd part -- middle son, 3rd part - -the daughter.  It was very enjoyable reading.  Couldn't put it down so you know how I spent my spare time!

You've probably heard the baseball news that Colorado will trade Hampton & others to the Marlins for Chas. Johnson & others.  Then the Marlins will trade Hampton to the Braves & that would mean they wouldn't sign Glavine.  The Mets would like Glavine & if successful & he becomes a Met, I would have to cheer for him!!!  Can I do it?  I suppose if he still has it.  What a situation!!

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  Will you go to Two Rivers or will JoAnna's folks come to you?

Talked to Millie this past week.  She & Linda always spend Thanksgiving with Allan & his wife.  Gen is upset as it will just be Gen & John & they will probably eat out.  Altho when I talked to Gen, she talked about making the dinner.  Millie says they eat out all the time.

Mon.  I have JoAnna's birthday package ready to mail & plan to mail it Friday A.M. when I get my hair done.  The Christmas package isn't ready yet.

Wed the 20th
hIt was beautiful today so I put off washing the kitchen floor til afternoon & got a ride over town.  In the car I put on my earrings & had a library book to return & letters to mail.  Went into the P.O. U& mailed the letters & something was missing.  I had put my purse on the floor & forgot to take it when I got out.  So I started walking to Bert's house & had gotten to 5th Ave. when I saw Barb coming.  So I got my purse.  Then went to Blair's store & looked around.  After it was the library to return books & get 2 more -- one of which I've already read.  Didn't scan it far enough to see if I remembered reading it.

Bert was pleased to hear I'd forgotten my purse.  You know "Misery loves company!"

Also made cookies this afternoon so I was busy.

Last weekend Dale cleaned the exterior of the stove, dishwasher & washer & dryer.  Guess their looks didn't please him. They shine now.

Yesterday we went for groceries.  If you spent $75.00 or more you got a free turkey -- not a brand name.  I did buy a turkey & got the free turkey as well.  Dale gets a turkey from work so Barb drove by the Salvation Army & gave them the free turkey.  They sponsor a free Thanksgiving dinner & were asking for turkeys.

Warren had a 3rd murder yesterday.  What's happening in our small city?  Man & wife fighting & he hit her too hard.  Head injury I think. Not a gun this time.

Finally found more Iris Johansen books.  They are good.

Thurs the 21st.

Got your letter today.  No gift list!  Eddie is the only one we really need.  Andy gave me his desire; Barb & I have started shopping.  Need ideas for Dale.  Barb has ideas of her own.'

Our TV isn't working.  I'm at a loss as to what to do in its place.  Dale said I should call if it keeps "snowy".  But it could be a loose connection outside.  And I'd hate to pay to have them put it together.  If there is no TV tonite I'll be in the dog house.

When I read your letters, I think back & wonder what I could have done to get you to make the Honor Roll!!!!  I know you made it once in awhile but you could have made it every report card!  Of course they didn't have Playstation 2 back then.

We have a cloudy day & rain is suppose to start this afternoon.  When we had TV this A.M., I think I heard it was snowing in Madison.

Lar & Kim come tonite & Torey too.

Sunday, October 15, 2000

I'm in my nighty watching the Mets.  Was watching Yankees at Seattle & Seattle won.

Thanks to Paul & Eddie for a wonderful weekend.  A great start to the decade of the 80's.  Red roses form Eddie & Paul.  The second time in my life I received red roses.  Our dinner Sat. nite was so delicious.  And I'm so lucky to have such great children, daughters-in-law & grandsons.  We enjoyed Eddie so much -- to see how he has grown & he is fun to be with.

I took it easy this afternoon -- even a little nap.  For supper we had left overs.

Gen called this afternoon to wish me Happy Birthday.  I told her all about our weekend.  She was going to call Millie & tell her what I told her.  Plan to write to both of them.

In church today I told Rose I would visit her either this week or next.  It's been a long time since her operation, I should be ashamed I've put it off so long.

I'm excited the Met are hitting the ball & getting some runs.  Timo Perez is such an exciting player.  He won't be going down to the minors after his good showing.

This afternoon I started to make plans for Thanksgiving.  I'm to the stage where it is better or me to have my plans & recipes on hand so I know what I'm doing.  It's fun to make plans.

We might go to the mall on Mon. & get Eddie's Christmas present.  The 3 of us will go in on it so he'll get what he wants.

We'll go to Jamestown on Wed.  And also I have to get a blood test for several things & have to fast.  So I like to get there early in the A.M.  Usually I just need it for thyroid or whatever!  Then I don't have to fast.

I'm eating a Klondike bar -- one of the two in the freezer.  I never remember to check for them when we were at home.  I'll have some at Thanksgiving.

Barb made $82.00 at Lynn's rummage sale.  Lynn made $600.00 at the 2nd sale.  Barb's money will go for her new bed.  Plus we got ride of some things just taking up space.

Don't forget we need suggestions for the boys.

Mon. Oct 16

Paul, noticed you left your "Stepping Stones" here.  You can get it at Thanksgiving, unless you want it earlier.   Historical Soc. issue.

This aft. we went shopping at KMart & got someone's Christmas gift.  He will be a happy guy.  It will be from the 3 of us.

In Brand Names catalog, noticed that the Game Boy that Eddie wants doesn't come our until Oct. 30.

Last nite I watched all of the Mets game so it was after 11 pm when I got to bed.  And then I couldn't get to sleep.  Too much Met excitement.  So again I'm ready for bed & watching TV.  The baseball game isn't on yet & I don't know how long I can stay awake.  Dozed off once already.

Larry was over for a little while late this morning to put more rock, I mean blocks, no bricks, in.  He also had to cut off some of the sidewalk on an angle to get the bricks in.  I hope it will soon be completed so it can be used.

Tues A.M. the 17th

The Mets won & are in the World Series.  Pinch me, am I dreaming.  It was close to midnite when I got to bed -- had to see a little of the celebrating.

But I was up before 7 -- a little before & have the bathroom cleaned 9:30 a.m. & gave my room "a lick & a promise'.  I'm enjoying a cup of coffee (bet you were glad to get home to your coffee, Paul) & resting a bit.  Next I have to take a shower.  Oh yes, I gave the kitchen floor a little swipe with the mop to get rid of Torey's drools.  They really make a spot.  Almost time for "Murder She Wrote" -- 10AM.

This A.M. paper stated they hired the present acting director.  That's good for the library -- they can go forward.

It was nice to talk to JoAnna & Andy on my birthday.  After seeing how Eddie has matured, we are anxious to see Andy in person.  There are so many changes at this time of life.  We look forward to seeing all of you.

Saturday, September 23, 2000

It is nice to hear that you & Eddie, Paul, will come for my 80th birthday.  It is hard to believe I will be 80.  Millie is 85 so maybe there are more years ahead for me.  I had a Dr. appt. for Fri. the 13th but I cancelled it & will go the 27th.  Don't care to spend the aft. at the Dr.'s office when you are here.  Maybe we can get to lunch at the Plaza.

Our get together luncheon date for the 25th is postponed.  Ted & Pat Benson are leaving Sun. to visit their daughter & new granddaughter.  Anna & Warren H. will still have company from their anniversary party.  They don't have a very nice day for it -- we've just had a hard shower & more are forecast.

I'm back to reading.  Stayed up last nite til 11:30 pm to finish The Alibi by Sandra Brown.  It was so good.  I've already read several of Anne Perry's novels but never the first one -- The Cater Street Hangman -- a Victorian novel.  It tells how the daughter of a middle class family falls in love with an Inspector policeman who is considered below her class.  They marry & she is a big help in solving the crimes in her novels concerning Insp. Pitt.  I've enjoyed reading them.

I have to put some of my summer clothes away in the attic but I want to be sure the bats are gone.

Was also glad to hear you'll be coming for Thanksgiving.  I've already started to think about plans & menus.   And of course -- cookies!
Dale is driving the Blazer now.  He works til noon this Sat. & after work he plans to align the wheels.  They have a new computerized machine that figures it all.  Dale was telling me how it works & of course I don't understand any of it, but I listen as it is good for him to talk about things at work.

Just about lunch time so more later.

Kim stopped by with Torey for a quick cup of coffee.  She still has to go to the grocery store.

Barbara started her Christmas shopping yesterday.  It is time for gift ideas!  We can talk about it when you are here so please start to think about it.

Sun:  I had the wrong date at the beginning of this letter.  Reason - I have 2 calendars, one on Sept. & one on Oct.  Looked at the Oct. page.  Time goes fast enough.

Arlene Hornstrom was in church today.  Her illness surely has changed her.  She still can't do all the things she'd like to.  Her busy life is a thing of the past.

I'm watching St. Louis at Atlanta -- football on Fox.  Was watching Pittsburgh but I couldn't take it they are so bad.  They are playing Tenn.  Just checked & they are tied 13-13 so my face is red!  Tenn. just got a field goal so it's 16-13.  I'll go back to Fox TV.  I like St. Louis but Barb doesn't -- because of Buffalo.

Buffalo paper had an article on the two Niagara Falls.  The Canadian city is growing & doing well, while the N.Y. Falls is going down due to poor management.  It said people stay an average of 4 hrs. in N.Y. & then go on to Canada so it is the Canadian hotels & eating places that are flourishing while the N.Y. Falls are less than half full and no really good restaurants.  But they have plans for the future.  We always considered the Canadian side prettier.

Pittsburgh just went ahead of Tenn. with a T.D.  Can they keep ahead - time will tell.  They couldn't.

Mon A.M. - the 25th

Lar & Dale are digging up the driveway.  Lar is taking the first load to camp to put by the stream to prevent erosion.  Lar has a jack hammer to break it up.  I'm sure that will take a couple of days to break it up, etc.

Careys wanted Barb to "baby sit" the dogs while they go to Fla. for 2 weeks.  But that is the time Bob & Lynn will go to Fla. & she will take care of their 2 cats & 1 dog.  At Carey's it means she would have to sleep there & that doesn't interest her.  The money isn't that important.  Bert leaves today for 2 weeks in Fla.  Maybe you could see her house on Market St.  The 2nd house beyond the Crary's Art Museum -- the same side.  More later.

After supper:  There is 1 block left to break up.  The side edge is out - Dad always hated that.  He would approve of this project!  Lar & Dale worked hard breaking up the cement & lifting it into the truck.  This first stuff went to Monty's place.  The smaller pieces that are left will go to Lar's place.

Tell Andy we got his tank you notes.

Last nite I watched the story of murders in N. Calif.  Up to 14 murders.  On Discovery Channel 2 hr. program so another late nite for me.  But I had a hard time getting to sleep so I guess it isn't a good pre-bedtime story.

Forgot to add -- Dale said his arms feel a little sore.

Now it's Thurs. Wed A.M. (Guess I'm not with it) the 26th.

All the cement is gone & Lar is leveling it out with his new piece of expensive machinery - the tractor with a back hoe & bucket.  Nice to have it, as it saves a lot of back breaking work.

Lar was here a little after 8 this A.M. -- usually it's been around 9 A.M.  Torey comes along.  I didn't hear them come & Tor comes upstairs to my room -- I didn't expect him & I jumped a little.  He wanted his cheese.  Now he's under the D.R. table.

I want to go over to the bank today.  Lar will have to haul away the excess dirt & Tor goes with him so I should be able to go then.

Want to mail this so I'll bring it to an end with our love to all.