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, July 23, 2005

How was the bike ride.  Did you have sore butts?

Welcome to the club.  What club?  Why the club that makes parents anxious when their kids aren't home by curfew time!  I went thru that a few times!

When I got my Verizon telephone bill there was a charge of 40.00 for 2 min.  I called to find out & it had something to do with Dale's computer.  Someone got into it, or something.  Dale will pay the 40.00.  But I ended up getting Verizon online.  199.99 for 3 months, then $29.99. Computer comes on faster & one will be able to use the telephone etc. when Dale uses his computer, email, etc.  They will also block 900 numbers.  I don't know if I'm an easy mark but you can opt out of it after 3 months.  Barb is happy to have it.  What's one more bill. Ha!ha!  Dale says he has service thru a local co.  He has an email number but has never used it.  Thurs. nite Lar tried to show him how it works but he didn't succeed.

Bert left today for Atlanta.  She kept wondering why but she really can't be alone.  Barb is only suppose to be there 2-3 hours, 5 days a week.  Barb is kind of glad to have some time off.  She's riding her bike now, & Dale is lying in the sun.  I'm watching Seattle at Cleveland. The Mets aren't on this aft.  Will be on Sun. aft.  Barbs wants to go to Chapman's Dam.

You'll notice from the paper that the new bridge opens Aug 1st.  And work is suppose to start on the Walmart - Lowe's stores in N. Warren.  Some dispute about water run off might stall it.

I think the Chicago White Sox are the best team & could go all the way, even winning the World Series.  Not a good thing from a Nat. leaguer fan!

I've had to change my seat when watching TV, so I can see the print.  When I'm closer I can tell what is going on.  Probably should have my eyes examined again but I see OK otherwise.  It's a little over a year since I had an eye exam.

Millie sent pictures of her 90's birthday.  Allan & Larry have changed so much.  Heavier. Millie wrote Larry is after Debbie to watch her weight, but it's OK for him to have a tummy. Barb said it is nice to see pictures of cousins we never see.  There were pictures of the wives, Linda who looks very good, & Larry & Debbie's 3 children.  I've never met Allan's wife Liane.

USA Today had an interesting article about the rookie QB for Buffalo.  It was very interesting. He was at Jim Kelly's football camp for boys - spent a day there -- & the kids loved him. "Played" football with them & praised the young boy if he caught a pass.   That part was on a Buff. Bills TV program & you could see the adulation on the faces of the boys.  Hope he does as well as the Pittsburgh QB did last year in his rookie year.  It will be fun to see football again.  Shows how fast the time goes.

The Mets were on last nite & in the beginning have signed a 16 year old they expect to be a great player.  He can't start til he's 17.  And they have another future player, a 6'5" pitcher from Venezuela.  Barb said I'll have to take good care of myself so I can see them play. They have an excellent s.s & 3rd base players -- young ones.  So there is hope for the future.

Mon A.M. the 25th

Last Sat. we had another 900 call from Nova Scotia, & it scared me.  Didn't answer.  This A.M. Barb called Verizon about it.  I guess they don't block phone calls, only computer calls. Anyway they call it Modem Hijacking & said they won't pay the bill.  It might be too late to take it out.  If so, it will appear on the Aug. bill.  I have the bill deducted from by bank acct.  I'm glad Barb called as some of this goes over my head.  Now I'll give Dale back his $40.00.

We finally had some rain during the nite, but I slept thru it.  Barb said it filled the plastic water barrel 1/2 full.  We could use more rain.

This will be another A.C. day.  It's not already.  Lot my 3rd load of laundry in the washer. Barb is riding her bike.

Wed. A.M. the 26th

We had a big storm last nite & filled the rain barrel.  I haven't done much this A.M., except clean the bathroom.  We can't go to the Mall this A.M. as we are hemmed in by trucks. The gas co. has started work on replacing the lines, & putting the meter outside.  They had to drill thru the basement wall & it has been noisy.  Now they are out front.

We have "egg on our face" as they started with Cary's house Tues. & had to dig thru where the rhododendrons were planted.  That's why the neighbor has done nothing with it.

We've had 2 small tomatoes from the garden & we should have a good crop if they all ripen. Some big ones.  Barb has given beans to the neighbors (Conaway house) -- can't remember how to spell their names & too lazy to get up.  Also Lar & Kim have received some & we've eaten a lot of them.

I iguess the Mets like "home cooking" because they have a hard time winning on the road.

Dale likes sunflower plants & we planted them from seed.  Now they are 6' high.  There are 5 of them.

Yesterday I watched 3 movies from TCM -- in black & white & enjoyed them.  If you think that's all I did you could be right.  I did change my bed, washed a load & made meals.  And I washed the floor!  Spots came too fast to suit me.

Later.  Barb & Dale aren't too pleased with the new gas meter & will talk to Larry to see how they could cover it.  I think they are thru on our property but the final hook up won't be til next week.

Barb is now on the Internet.  She finally got it all together.

It seems to me, when you lived awhile with Gen & Ed, you stayed out late & Ed went looking after you.  Something your parents never did!

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

I'm getting a late start on my letter this week.  Just lazy, I guess.

Our tree & decorations are up & they look nice.  Gifts are under the tree.  We always get an early start so the birthday gifts go in the pkg.

Our cooky walk & soup & pie luncheon was a success.

On Sat. I always bake something for Dale's A.M. snack.   He has cereal & juice but prefers to have a mid A.M. snack.  He told me when I make the coffee cake I don't spread the center of sugar, cinnamon & nuts as near to the edge as I should.  So last Sat. I sprinkled it over the 1st half of the batter closer to the edge.  Then I spread the rest of hte batter over it.  He's so funny, in a nice way.

Today's paper tells us the lawyers arranged a settlement so Walmart will go ahead & build in N. Warren.  It could be opened before next Dec.

The waters are high again making it hard for the bridge builders.  Now it most likely won't be opened til June or July.  The Bank Bldg. & the hi rise apt. are looking really nice on the outside.

I'd better get dressed & get going.  More later.

My first Christmas cards are usually from Gene Hasselquist (Pastor in Gt. Falls when we were there) & JoAnna's folks.  It was this year.  Mine are ready to go but not mailed.  Maybe Fri.

I'm sitting & watching "Baby Story" on TV.  Why, because one of the characters in "As the World Turns" is having a baby in real life.  As I watched the soap I never realized she was pg.  Usually I can see it.  She just came back after 4 month leave.  This is the 3rd actress on A.T.W.T. to have her baby on "Baby Story".

Thurs. the 10th

I have towels in the washer.  My menu is planned so I'll add to this leetter.  Decided to make brownies & add ice cr., choc. sauce & topping for dessert.  Found a recipe I really like even tho I have a couple of brownie mixes on hand.  Like this recipe better.

The Erie mayor is in trouble.  He knew in advance that a race track wanted to come to Erie & he & 3 friends bought 4 properties close by knowing their value would increase.  The state atty general is looking into it.  The mayor also has had trouble with the city council & the city is having financial trouble.  But I guess that covers a lot of cities & states as well.

Maybe you have noticed that Warren's school population is going down, down, down.  This is the last  year Jefferson will be opened.  Wonder if it will stand empty.

Barb plans to go to Jamestown tomorrow but I'm not sure if I care to go.  Anything I need, I can get in Warren.

We have a new women's store in the old Kresge bldg.  We haven't been in there -- have heard things are pricey.

Our temps have been above average but it sounds like a change is coming this weekend.

More sunshine than usual.

Sometimes I wonder how I got meals for 6 everyday when I have a hard time planning for 3, sometimes only 2.  When I've made rice pudding, it was only for me.  This week Barb decided to try some & she loved it & will be making more.  She used a recipe of mine.  Times change.  Maybe I can get her to try bread pudding which they don't like.  I love it.

When I had frozen meals on hand, it was usually because Dad & I were going out & you kids were able to take care of yourselves.  The only frozen meal I like is lasagna.

Now I'm watching TV awhile before I retire.  I'm watching the Food Channel & enjoy it.  They just had a marinade for pork loin & it sounds good.

Tomorrow I get my hair trimmed.  It is getting long & then it's hard to handle.  Barb has been going without a head covering.  Her hair is short but it looks OK.  It's not coming in that fast.

Time for bed.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

This is Dale's long day & Barb & I wanted to go to Jamestown.  So I foxed sloppy joe & figured that would be a good lunch for Dale.  You see Wegman's gives a 5% discount to seniors on Tues.  First I wanted to go to Walmart's.  I got a bedskirt for my new bed.  I have a quilt but it doesn't cover so a bed skirt is needed.  Will press it & get it on tomorrow.  I change the position of my bed -- the head is on the wall facing the school. It gives.  It gives more room when entering the room.  I like how it looks.  Then we went to the Mall & I paid my Penney's bill.  We didn't find anything we liked at any of the stores.  We had lunch at Red Lobster.  Then to Home Depot where I got 2 window shades for the 2 narrow windows over the kitchen sink.  A light tan & they look so much better & blend with the wood.   Then to Wegman's & home by 2:45 in time for Barb to take Scott home.

We got a catalog from that Woman's store in the Boston area, whose name I never can remember.  I've been wanting a sweater set but can't find any.  I found one -- a cardigan sweater & a mock neck shell.  Chadwick finally came to me.  Barb saw an outfit she wanted -- print skirt, shell & jacket.  It's pretty but the shell & jacket are on back order.  Th e sweaters & skirt should be here by the 27th.  We got free postage 0 good til Oct 4.  We're hoping to go to Erie one of these weeks.  Maybe I can find something there.

Our pastor & her husband have an exchange student from S. America.  She was in church last Sun. Goes to Sheffield High School   She will have an interesting experience.

I made potato salad & apple pie to go with steak & green beans & Kim won't be here tonite. She has to be a Red Cross teacher as she has to renew every 3 years.  Something to do with Phy Ed.  Lar will be here.

Last nite I made a macaroni casserole for supper.  When I tasted it, it burned my mouth.  I checked the diced tomato can & it was with green chiles & they were HOT.  Even Dale said so.  It was not a large plate of food for me, plus *&ice cold water to help.

When we were at the Lakewood Mall, we visited the Bon Ton Christmas, yes, I said Christmas, store.  We each bought an ornament.  The trees were so beautiful.  One all with pink decorations.

It was nice to wish Andy Happy Birthday last nite.  I didn't think to talk to anyone else, as I was ready for bed & remembered I wanted to call Andy.  He said he was just getting in so I chose a good time.

I wonder how much rain we'll get from Ivan and Jeanne is following.  How much can these flooded areas take.  They have to take the good with the bad if you live in Fla, & area.  I'll take the snow & cold weather any time.

Sunday, February 15, 2004

First Sun. racing of the year at Daytona & I'm watching it.  Dale is at Sam B's watching it & some other guys.  Randy Swanson picked Dale up.

Looking out the window one sees blue skies & sunshine but it is deceiving as it is cold out. Suppose to be minus degrees tonite.

When I got up this A.M. the question was do I go to church this A.M. or do I stay home.  I went to church & glad I did.  Lois Himes has cancer & is in a wheel chair & she & Junior are in church every Sun. so I said to myself there is no reason for you to stay home.  It was a good service.

Many crashes in the race today & it affects many cars as they take other cars out with them.

We went to Jamestown last Fri.  I found a top I liked & got it.  More expensive but 25% off. We had lunch at the Red Lobster, Barb's favorite.

We also stopped at WalMart as Barb wanted to look at yarn -- she found some.  I got some birthday & get well cards to have on hand.

Viola Seaquist has been in the hospital & now is in a nursing home.  She is 94 years old so it is critical.

This week I have to get a blood test & the 26th I see the Dr.

We didn't get our USA Today on Fri & it wasn't in the mail box on Sat.  No mail on Mon so I doubt we'll ever see it.  It's the puzzle I like but I always check out each section.

Barb & I each got a puzzle at Walmarts & I started mine yesterday.  It's a pretty one with bright colors & it is going together pretty fast.

Tues. the 17th is a busy day in Wi. with all the hype for the Dem. race to become the nominee for pres.  Barb has switched her loyalty to Kerry.  Sounds as if he is the lucky one.  Dean shot himself in the foot.

I've recently discovered the "Viewpoint" section of the Buffalo Sun.  paper.  It has good articles.  Dale likes to read that section as well.

Mon. Feb 16

Yesterday I watched the Daytona race & golf switching between the 2.  John Daly won in golf & we were rooting for him.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona race & we were rooting for him. The Sat. Busch car race was rained out so they finished it this A.M. & Dale Jr. won that race.  Dale is happy the faces are back.  He said he'd never go to Sam's again to watch the race as it was too smoky to suit him. Both Sam & Nancy smoke & I'm not sure about Randy.

I used a new recipe yesterday for potatoes & they were good.  Peel potatoes, dip them in melted butter, then crumbs & bake them in a pan in the oven til done, almost an hr.  They are good & I had oven fried chicken & broc. for veg. with them.  I might have the same menu Wed nite when Lar & Kim come over.  I'm putting "Pammed" foil in the bottom of pan so I don't have to scrub them.  Works for fudge & bar cookies.  Anything to make cooking easier.

Tues aft. 17th

What a wonderful surprise to read about your award from the WLA.  I know you worked hard on the committee you chaired & how nice to receive the award.  I'm very proud of you, Paul. You have made use of your God given abilities.  And the newspaper's article on the library is nice to read.  A feather in your cap to make this come true, under your capable leadership.

Reading your letter, I remember we didn't stay up til you all got home from dates or just "out".  Maybe we should have!

The article you wrote (quoted) about cookbooks & food is interesting.  When I'm just sitting & don't know what to do, I'll get a cookbook & go thru it.  It seems something often takes my eye that I've missed before.  Depends upon my mood, I guess.

Dale is starting to eat earlier so often he eats when it's ready so I don't  have to fix a plate for him. Many times Barb fixes her own mail, esp., if she doesn't want what I've fixed.

Thurs. Dale has to go to Rochester for school, along with Mark Peterson.  He is the son of Mr. P at Beaty, the shop teacher.  Now they can't go the day before but make it a one day trip.  They'll have to leave at 5 A.M. so that will make a long day.  Next week they go for a 2 day trip so they'll have to stay overnite.

I can remember from the "dark days" of high school how the girls always had their eyes on the athletes & wishing they could catch his eye & snag him.  A difficult job.  It was fun to dream!  Now Andy is the athlete taking the girl's eye.

This is Dale's late day -- I made veg. soup to go with deli beef sandwiches.  Not ready made. Tomorrow I'm making strawberry pie for dessert.  Will use frozen berries for the filling that pours over fresh berries.  Think spring!

Benson's grandson is in his first year of college & they are still going to his meets.  He runs & is good oat it.  The granddaughter is a senior & she also runs on her college team.  She goes to Allegheny College & he goes to Lock Haven.

This A.M. I went to get a blood test & the info wasn't there.  Dr. McNett ordered it but since I have a new Dr. I don't' know what happened   I asked, at the time, are you sure it will be there & they said "yes".  They called from the hosp. to the new Dr. but I decided not to wait around.  I see the Dr. next week & will get a sheet from him for the info, that's for sure.

Gen called last nite -- she tired for 3 nites & finally got me*.  She always calls John - "Ed". Ed does this for her, etc.   Millie sold her house so she'll be moving.  I'll have to call for more info.

*It's her dialing -- she misses & gets the wrong number.

Sounds like Ed is growing up.  Would be fun to see him with his friends.

Wed A.M.

Called Millie last nite -- got her new address & she hopes to be living there by the middle of March.  The house is sold but she's waiting for the money & then she'll be sure. She deeded the house to her children & they'll get the money.  Millie said she has enough to go on from pensions & S.S.  She worked at Steiger's 38 yrs & she gets a pension even tho they went out of business.

Barb was all excited last nite with Kerry's headquarters in Middleton.  She kept watching in as she would see JoAnna in the crowd.  More candidates will be left by the highway.

This A.M. I made the strawberry pie & started sweet rolls.  After my time out, I have to dust downstairs, etc.  It's a sunny day making one feel good & ambitious.

Later.  The potatoes went over big tonite.  Lar really liked them & he was the one I wasn't sure of.

Dale & Mark P. decided to take a lunch for tomorrow & Dale said he'd have some of the fruit salad I made for dinner.  But just a little was left so I added an orange & a couple of strawberries to it so there is salad for him.  I'll make a ham sandwich in the A.M.  He has juice & chips ready to go.

Kim didn't have her glasses so Lar read the award article aloud.  Such a nice article. Reading aloud sounded so good.

Saturday, October 11, 2003

Thanks so much for the pictures about Andy's group & the dance.  It was so much fun to study them & I'm glad you put names down.  Andy & his date make a nice couple.  Has Andy ever changed!  He's a big one -- football hero!

I'm watching the Yankees at Boston.  They had a "big rhubarb" & Zimmer runs out on the field & Pedro M. pushes him down.  He should know better & stay sitting on the bench. He is 72.


The ordination service was very impressive.  About a dozen pastors -- Jim S. & Diane were there & I got to talk to them.  Diane looks good & so does Jim.  He is getting quite gray. The Episcopalian Bishop assisted as well as Pastor Beth's husband.  They are both very nice.  About a dozen pastors, 3 of them women & 2 assisted in the service.  Of course the Bishop of our Synod presided.  During communion you could drink the wine from the cup or have intinction, which I did.  Kept the bread in my hand, held it out to the wind giver & she dipped it in the wine & put it in my mouth.  All very new for our people. I'm sure new methods will be introduced when we have a young pastor & I'm sure she has a lot of ideas.  Just hope she will take them gradually.

Barb wants to know if you or JoAnna have read David McCullough's John Adams?  It is Bert's book & she lent it to Barb & Barb is enjoying it a lot.

Late Fri. aft. Dale started digging by the side of the garage facing the house. He wants to put the TV cable in so when he works in the garage he can watch TV or as in the summer when he is suntanning he can hear it.  He got the cable in, working at it all day, but has to get it connected now.

Fri. we went up to the Mall & I got a new bathrobe, nightie & girdle.  I really need a new dress but I can't find anything suitable.  The styles seem to be very different this season -- nothing for an old lady.  And I don't like to order from the catalog.

Barb took the picture (Andy's) to show Marisa & Scott.  And I plan to show them to Sheila. They have a 3rd girl working with them now.

I finished my pumpkin puzzle & have the new one set to start.  I haven't put this one together before.

Got the Nov. Bon Appetit & the Pumpkin Cheesecake with gingersnap crust sounds interesting.  I'll copy it down.  Also a lemon pie.

Sun A.M. before church.

Bet there was a lot of celebrating last nite when Wisc. beat OSU.  Watched the end of the first half when I realized the Cubs would win.  One more win & they are in the World Series. Can you believe it?  Bet Roland is happy.  They say once a Cub fan, always a Cub fan.

Mon. the 13th

Larry bro't over his rototiller for Barb to use on the garden.  She added lime & leaves to the soil to enrich it thru the winter.  Our leaves haven't started to fall so she got 3 bags full at Johanson's.

We get our favorite cheese at BiLo's & we're down to the last pkg.  So when we shopped at Quality I got some cheddar cheese, not realizing it was extra strong.  Barb suggested I make a cheese sauce for broccoli and it was very tasty.  Didn't have too strong a flavor.

I ordered a blouse from the Penney's catalog but it won't be available until Nov. 1st.  Hope they won't be out of it.  Guess I waited too long.

Barb finished the sweater she made for me & she is anxious to start one for herself.  She doesn't like to shop at Walmart's but she stopped there last Fri & found yarn she liked.

I got our library newsletter today & I'll send it to you.  It tells how the library got started & it is very interesting.

Tues A.M.

What do you hear from Mardi P?  Can't remember her married name.  Wonder if they still like the Seattle area.

Remember I wrote about Mac Young who was killed in an accident.  Sons Craig & Robert. Well Mary Young has met a nice man -- she is so nice & always looks so good.  I'm glad for her -- Mac did everything for her & she was really lost for awhile.  Mary works for lawyer Mark Ristau.

Every Tues. A.M. a group of ladies meet at church to quilt (one is given to a baby at baptism), to knit lap robes and such.  Barb started a sweater & didn't like the yarn, so she ripped it & I bro't the yarn to church this A.M. as they can reuse the yarn.  Irma Thelin was there & she said Robert preached in Ridgway last Sun. & wore Dad's cross for the first time. Irma still mentioned how pleased Roger is to wear Dad's cassock & cross.  It was such an easy thing & appreciated so much.

Have dinner rolls set to go in the oven in a few minutes.  Also set Danish which I'll finish tomorrow A.M.

Heard from Millie today & she is happy as next spring she hopes to move into a retirement home in Falmouth, Ma.  She is 6th on the list.  Larry bot a 2nd home there so at times she will see them & she will be close to Linda.  Gen isn't very happy to hear this news.  The place is on 7 1/2 acres & they plan a lot of things -- going to Boston, concerts  etc.  She can walk to a church, library, bank, grocery store.  The only extra will be telephone & cable. She's already talked to a real estate salesman.  She's really excited about this & glad to give up her house & all that owning involves   I'm happy for her.  Where she is, is on a slant & she has to walk to get her mail or paper.  It's not that far but with ice & snow in the winter, then it is difficult.  She says now I'm going to have a life.  Millie loves people & gets along with people very well.

Oct 15th - I'm 83 years old.  Imagine that.

I found a recipe for apple bread.  It came out good & both Dale & Barb liked it.

Lar called yesterday & asked if I'd like to go out to eat on my birthday so we're going to Chiodo's at 6:30 p.m.  This A.M. I baked my Danish.  When I put the garbage in the garage, the new neighbor was raking leaves so I went over & spoke to her.  When I got back in the house I saw the rolls sitting there, so I went back out & gave her 8 rolls as a welcome to the neighborhood.  Dale took one for an aft. snack & Barb took one for Scott & one for her so I had about 8 left.  Naturally I sampled 2!

Thanks for the cards.  I can't recall what I mentioned wanting for Christmas.  But I'll be on the lookout for a pkg.

I just didn't feel good & my legs just gave away.  Some morning I haven't felt up to par but I'm just about back to normal.  I have lost weight as I didn't have much of an appetite, but it's improving.

I also made a choc. cake this A.M.  Had meat out for meatballs & spag. so I fixed the meatballs & they will be ready for Fri. supper.  Baked them in the oven -- easier that way.

Dale hates to drive over the 5th Ave bridge but Barb uses it all the time.

When I mentioned Andy's scowl in the picture, both Lar & Dale said "that's the football player coming out."

I have the same trouble matching navy & black socks even with the over head light on in the laundry area.  Even hard to match black to black.

Thurs. when Lar & Kim come, I plan to have a turkey breast, mashed pot., sweet pot., fruit salad & maybe green beans.  Cake & ice cream for dessert.  My birthday choice.

A piece of the house siding came loose -- the top ones aren't nailed down.  It was Tues & Dale's nite to work til 8 pm so I called Lar & he came over & fixed it.  With the hard winds we were to have I didn't want to put it off.  I'm lucky I can count on my children.

I'm not sure of Roger T's age but he is retired so maybe late 60's.

Thurs the 16th

The interim pastor started weekly communion & it went over well.  Lar & Kim tho't Roger T. must be in his early 70s.  We had a nice dinner last nite.  Your gift came yesterday but I waited to open gifts tonite.  The turkey breast smells good.

We had a good dinner.  I made a choc. cake from scratch & it is really good.  None of it will be thrown away.  Thank you for the sweater -- it fits nicely & I like the color.  A good choice. Thanks so much.  Kim & Lar paid for my dinner last nite & gave me a gift certificate for my hair.  I'll put it toward my next perm.  Kim thoguht the shop was so nice.  Barb gave me a light blue short sleeve pullover sweater.  I'm a lucky Mom.

I'm watching N.Y. vs. Boston & rooting for Boston.  Was surprised this A.M. to find out Fla. won.  I went to bed with the Cubs ahead.

October 10, 1999

Thanks for the pictures of the boys.  They are growing up so fast.  I see a lot of changes.

In church today, we had a substitute organist.  She was good, bro't out the power of the organ & we aren't used to that so some people didn't like it.  She outpowered the pastor & he has a loud voice.

Fri. Barb & I went to Jamestown & got some good buys, so it was enjoyable.  We ate at the Red Lobster.  I tried cat fish for the first time & it was delicious.

Thurs. Betty Casey & I went to lunch at Penn Laurel.  I had homemade chicken soup & it was really homemade.  So good.  She said Mike called from Wi. last week & they have snow.  They are in the western part of the state.

Gen & Ed celebrate their 45th anniversary Oct 23rd.  Hope they reach 50.  Both have a few problems.

It cleared up today - was suppose to rain.  Dale is afraid the Nascar race will be postponed & on the weather map it shows rain all across (up & down) the coast line.

What about those Mets.  They won even with Mike P. on the bench & his replacement got the winning home run.  On to Atlanta.  They must remember to be careful of Chipper Jones & the one who follows him or they will kill the Mets.  It's been exciting anyway it ends.  A Subway series would be interesting as I'm sure the Yankees will make it, altho I'd root for Cleveland.

I have a pot roast in the crockpot & it smells good.  Finally a change from chicken  but sometimes Barb doesn't want beef, unless it's steak.

Dale's getting the Blazer transmission remade.  His friend in Frewsburg is doing it & he told  Dale it was good as one part was very thin & would have caused trouble in the winter.

Our flowers are still blooming.  No real frost yet.  We took green tomatoes in & put them in paper bags & then they will ripen.

We're watching Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh & Buffalo is doing good.  Smile for Barb but not for Dale.

In Jamestown we went to Walmart & I found a platter in my everyday Corelle pattern.  They aren't that easy to find & I was so pleased to get it.

I'm still waiting for Christmas ideas.  I think Pokemon are an impossibility.  Cards at least.  I've seen books, posters but no cards.  Except for the ad in the paper & they wanted $550.00 for over 400 cards.  It's a scam!!

Need to clean up lunch dishes.

Betty Gusfatson Mailhot asked me if I'd make 2 doz. of my Danish rolls for a brunch she's having in Dec.  I didn't say yes yet & I don't know if I want to get into baking for others.  Not worth it.

Here it is Wed. & I haven't finished this letter so it will be late.

Today I see the dentist & I hope it is just a one trip experience.

Mildred Wilson died - I worked with her at Beaty & Lar did work for her so Lar & I went to the funeral home.  She was 88 & outlived her husband.

The eating area lock would really bother you, Paul, as it has gotten noisy.  Think it needs a new battery.

Get my hair done on Thurs. this week as Sheila is taking a long weekend to visit her girlfriend in N.W. Wi. to see their new baby.  A few months old now.  She is from Minn. but worked in Warren a few years but returned to the Midwest as her mother isn't well.

This is Dale's early week & I've made applesauce & a banana coffee cake - in a bundt pan with streusel instead of the loaf pan.  It's good.

So it's time to make my bed & get a shower.

P.S.  Saw the dentist - Dr. Walters - he said he wishes his Dad could get around as well as I do.  We're the same age.  My lower left in the back have been sore at times so he took an xray & something is wrong so I have to go back on Mon aft. at 1 pm.  More fun - I like Dr. Walters for a dentist.