Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Just think in another month training for baseball & pitchers will be starting.  Happy Day.

The Steelers beating the Colts last Sun. was a thriller, but also hard on the heart, but the Steelers were the winners.  Can they go all the way -- only time can tell.

No school yesterday, a snow day, so Barb & I went to Jamestown.  Roads clear, no snow. Is this really Jan.  I found 2 stops at Sears, Land's End brand.  One a knit top & a blouse -- a nice print for spring wear.  And marked down a good amt.  At Bon Ton I looked at towels on sale.  Chose 2 large bath towels, a lite blue selling for 20.00, marked down to 9.99 plus 20% off.  They ended up coasting 7.50 each.  should have gotten 2 more.  I love nice towels but I don't use the3m for myself.  Bon Ton has some good sales.  If we go to our Mall alter this week, I'll look to see if they have the brand I got in Jamestown.  Towels, I mean.  Wish they had better blotching for older women.

I recognized Andy shooting from the free throw line.  Thanks for the paper.  Oh, in the Tues USA Today letter section, there is a picture of Sen. Russ Feingold with 2 other Dem. senators.  Nice to see a picture of someone I've heard about from you both.  A solid looking game man.  Guess sports is still on my mind.)

Last Sun. Alice Nasman called & said it was too cold for me to walk to church, so she would pick me up.  She wanted to drive me home, but I begged off, saying I needed that little walk as I would be sitting all aft. watching football.  Hope I didn't hurt her feelings.

Also yesterday I did my grocery shopping at Wegman's.  It is a large store & I still don't know where everything is, but it is nice to shop there because of lower prices.  Milk is much cheaper in New York.

This is Dale's long day.  Made lasagna for supper Mon. nite & we'll finish it tonite.  Dale says it tastes better the 2nd day.  I think it tastes good anytime.

This month we've watched a lot of movies starring Robert Montgomery & have enjoyed them a lot.

I just got some ironing accomplished & this AM, I washed the floor, so I wasn't completely lazy today.

Thurs, Jan. 19

My check book was off but I found my mistake so I feel better now.  It never tallies but this time it was off too much so I checked it out.

Tonite I made my favorite meal -- meat loaf, scalloped potatoes & cabbage.  Dale won't be home til later -- he's working on his winter car.  It's bad enough that sometimes I don't know what to make for supper,k but last nite I dreamed you folks were visiting & I couldn't decide what to make for dinner.  It was a dilemma for me. I woke up before I decided so I'll never know.

I'm watching a Humphrey Bogart & Lauren McCall Bacall movie & it is interesting.  Don't know the title as I came in after it started.

I want to mail this when we go to the Mall after I get my hair done tomorrow A.M.  No special news this time.

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Can it be June already.  Soon your July party will be upon you.

We had a quiet Memorial Day.  When we got to church on Sun, we found out our pastor had had her baby on May 24th.  Early.  A boy.  Jason Andrew, weighing 5 lbs 3 oz.  It was suppose to be around the first of July.

Sun. Barb planted her veggie garden.  Put a wire fence around some veg. to keep the rabbits from eating the tender plants.  She also planted 4 pots with flowers by the garage.  She hasn't planted the pots beside the house yet.

On Mem Day she finished weeding around the house so it looks so nice & the lawn is coming along great.  In the aft. she washed the porch & chairs are out, ready for nice weather.  And it is finally here.

When I got my Maytag washer & dryer several years ago, I noticed a smell in the washer.  Some one sued the Co. & I had a letter about it & had to fill in a questionnaire (2 n's?) & yesterday I got a letter saying the Co. was at fault.  I got a paper saying I could get a new washer, top opening, & send the bill to the co.  In 6-8 wks I'd get my money or as much as they have to return.  I have til 07 to do it & I will look at washers & get one.  It saved some of the water & that must have caused the smell.  Lynn got one some time later & hers is OK.  It must have been one set of washers.  And they are Maytags.  But it was a new model.

Last Thurs, no Tues, I returned library books & got 4 more.  I read them over the holiday.  This week Tues Barb returned 3 I read & I can't remember the authors & titles.  The last one -- The Cove, an FBI series by Catherine Coulter was really enjoyable.  I'll look for more in that series.  How can people not like to read.

Your gardening sounds beautiful.  And you have such a nice shady back yard for your new hammock.  Would be fun to read there.  What veggies will Ed plant.  With Andy on the go so much, you're getting "broken in" to what it will be like when he's off to college.  Maybe he won't be so far so he can get home for a weekend once in awhile.  Lots of experience ahead for all of you.

It is Wed. A.M. so I'd better get busy.  It's Dale's early week.  After breakfast I made a banana bread as they were getting ripe.  It will go into the freezer for a future snack.  Mon. I set rolls & finished them on Tues.  This week Dale gets 2 rolls a day for his snack.  Lucky I'm able to do things.

Last nite I watched Boston beat Baltimore.  I root for Boston.

Barb didn't have to pick up Scott today, so on the spur of the moment we went to Jamestown.  I got 3 prs of undies & a tank top at Penneys & used the money card from Lar & Kim to pay for it.   Then Barb went to Wegmans & I went into KMart.  Stopped at Arby's & got 3 regular Arbys for supper.  Dale adds cheese, etc. to his.  Now (4:30 p,m) I'm enjoying a cup of coffee.  Barb was thirsty so she fixed herself a choc. milk with ice.

I have a 1:30 Dr. appt for a check up on Fri.  That would make it late if we went afterwards.  She got her groceries & that was the main thing.  They have organic things there.  Kim likes to shop there when she goes to Jamestown.  She gets her hair cut in Jtown.

We're having stuffed pork chops Thurs nite.  Too bad we aren't closer so you all could be here.

Someone from Barb's class died but she doesn't remember him.  51 y ears old.  Susan Knopick died -- only 58.  He taught at Beaty.  They were divorced & she stayed in Warren.

We also checked out the washing machine & saw the one we would have to get.  And they come in the tan color but it won't match the dryer.  Lynn will also get a replacement so Barb will talk to her about it.  She was going to check on TV to see what the cost might be.  Will we get the full price, etc.

Fri.  I'm soon on the way to the Dr. & will mail my letter.

Friday, April 1, 2005

I'm starting early this week -- I have something to write about.

Millie's birthday is Apr. 17 & she will be 90.  I think it would be nice for you to send her a card.

We went to the Mall today & I was successful.  Seeing Millie will be 90, I want to get her a gift.  I got pearl earrings with gold trim & a necklace.  It has a small pearl bead, a 1 1/2" of gold chain.  Tried them on & I like them a lot & I'm sure she will.  Then I got Dale a darker tan pants & a nice shirt to go with them.  It is a flax & cotton materiel (light green).  All purchases on sale plus 15% coupon.

Last nite Barb was showing Kim the swim suit she wants from the L.L. Bean catalog.  Lar said there's a shirt I like & I was glad to know that.  Barb called the order in so my shopping is just about complete.

Then I stopped at Arby's for our supper.  2 for Dale & 1 for me.  Barb doesn't eat them.  I'm fixing oven fries for Dale & a salad.  He was late coming home so I ate early.  Still have the dishes to do.

I sure enjoy the pictures you add to your letters.  It's surprising how much houses are getting in your area.  And they are small.  How do people do it.  I've heard about the Macaroni Grill but I don't think there are any around here.

Sat. A.M. Apr 2

I've had a busy A.M.  After reading the paper I made choc. chip, peanut butter & oats dough. Put it in the fridge & started banana bread.  While it was baking I washed dishes, then went upstairs to get dressed & make my bed.  When the ban. bread was almost done, I put the cookie dough on baking sheets.  Made only 1/2 recipe, about 2 doz.  I don't like them after 2 days & Barb & Dale don't think to eat them altho they are in plain sight.  Then I tho't a pumpkin pie would taste good.  After I cleaned up, a cup of coffee & 2 cookies tasted good.

Barb is up & making blueberry pancakes for her breakfast.

Barb's treadmill sounded funny to her eats so a repair man from Sears came yesterday aft. He said nothing was wrong.  He calibrated it, etc.  Barb wanted it looked at while under warranty.

In Wegman's Sat. ads they have a recipe that sounds interesting to me.  Chicken Parmasan with broccoli.  Brown chicken.  Put in dish.  Drizzle with marinara sauce & sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.  Bake in 350 oven 10 min til cheese melts & sauce is heated.  Serve with penne pasta & broccoli florets.  Cook them & then combine olive oil, butter & garlic. Heat on low to melt butter.  Cook garlic 1 min stirring.  Add broc & cooked pasta.  Keep warm while preparing chicken.  I'll try it on a Thurs. nite when Lar & Kim come.  It will be a change from potatoes.  I might even use garlic, keeping some broc. & pasta out for me. Others like garlic.

Later in the aft.  Had myself a little nap.

Have to catch up because we lose an hour tonite.  DST.

Baseball starts this week & there will be many games to watch thanks to ESPN & II.  I'm ready to watch.

I have the same feeling that it would be nice to be closer so we could get together more often.  But that's life.

Was going to watch Busch racing but it's raining in Bristol, Tenn.  Then gold will be on & they've missed 2 days because of rain.  Today is suppose to be very windy.  Next week is the big one, The Masters, in Atlanta.  It is a beautiful golf course.

Sun. pm

Dale looked out the window & said "it's insanity", meaning the snow coming down.  Erie has 12" of snow & some areas have no electricity.  Heavy snow on the lines.

I wore boots this AM as I walked to church & was surprised to see more people in church than I thought would be there.  Buffalo area has a foot of snow.

Barb wonders if you'll see the movie "The Upside of Anger" with Kevin Costner.  She read a review of it & knows Kevin C. is one of JoAnna's favorites.  A good review.

Dale had a headache on Sat.  I woke up at 2:30 AM to go to the bathroom & noticed the hall light was still on.  I had to check & found Dale on the davenport holding a bag of ice on his head.  Now I could go back to bed & sleep, altho it took awhile to fall asleep.  A mother is always or should I say parent, is always concerned for their children regardless of age. What I don't know doesn't hurt me, but with Barb & Dale at home I get concerned.  I don't like the word "worry".  It's not part of my vocabulary.

Tues. the 4th

Barb & I went to Jamestown this aft.  Barb got pj's & a birthday shirt for Dale.  I didn't get anything except groceries at Wegman's.  We'll celebrate Dale's birthday on Thurs. & he chose teak & choc. birthday cake.  I asked about potatoes & he said pot. salad would be OK.  We had baked pot. last week & mostly we have mashed pot. so I tho't a change would be good.

The Braves played at the Marlins this aft. & was I happy.  The Marlins were leading 9-0 the last I saw & it's over so I didn't get the final score.  Smoltz started & lasted 1 2/3 innings. They got a grand slam off of him in the 1st inning.  The Marlins are my 2nd team if the Mets fail.  Yesterday Pedro pitched so good after the 1st inning & had 11 strikeouts, I think.  But the closer gave up 2 home runs & they lost.  I was so disappointed.  The Mets are at Atlanta this Fri. nite.  Barb said I shouldn't be so happy when the Braves get beat because the Braves are Andy's team.  That doesn't count.  He has his team & I have mine & may the best team win.  They talked today how many division titles the Braves have won & of course I can't remember the number.  I think they only won the World Series once & that's the important one.

Wed. the 6th

Gen called last Sat.  She had called Millie & found out she had been in the hospital.  I called the first of the week & there was no answer.  I tried tonite & got her.  She has low thyroid & potassium & not enough salt.  She was back in the hosp & had intravenous feeding.  She is better now.  She wasn't taking her thyroid meds, & she said she learned her lesson.  She still has a poor appetite but it's improving.   I've taken potassium pills for a long time.  With some meds you need it as they can drain your system.  If the Dr. prescribes meds I take them.  He knows more than I do.  Millie will be OK for her birthday.  Due to conflicts the family won't celebrate it until the 30th.  There will be 14 of them to help her celebrate.  All 4 of us had or have thyroid problems.  Only mine is overactive.

Thurs. the 7th

We had a nice dinner & Dale enjoyed an early birthday.

John called tonite to tell us about Millie.  I told him I had talked to her last nite.  I heard he had a girlfriend so I asked about it.  Is it serious?  Is there a wedding in the future?  He didn't commit himself.  But they took a trip to Aruba so that sounds serious.  I told him I was happy for him.  He has a lot of responsibility on his plate with Gen.

I'm watching the Braves vs. the Marlins.  The Mets go to Atlanta tomorrow.  Sure hope they start winning.  A bad start for Willie Randolph.  He's a good guy.

They said we reached 80 yesterday.  Different today, but the next 5 days should be sunny.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

I'm watching the Mets vs. Detroit on the NYC channel.  Mets are ahead in the 8th inning. Game tied.  Home run.  Mets win!

Last week the lady across the st., in the little house, died on Mon. but wasn't found until Thurs.  We see a daughter or daughter-in-law visit.  She was 94.  I would think they'd call every day to check.

Fri. we went to the library & I got 3 books.  Vegas Heat by Fern Michaels.  She has another: Vegas Sunrise which I'll look for next.  She has a series on Texas, 4 books, which I should have read first.  They're on my list to get.  I got 2 by Karen Robards, Whispers at Midnight & Beachcomber.  I had already read Vegas Heat & Whispers at Midnight; read them again & enjoyed them just as much the second time.

Fri. nite Dale said he smelled gas outdoors.  He wasn't sure who to call as it was late in the day.  Sat. he was cleaning off the walks & the new neighbor was out so Dale asked him if he smelled gas.  He hadn't, but mentioned his wife did.  Awhile later the Gas Co. came & checked.  It was leaking by the little house & they dug there.  The door bell rang & it was the gas man & he wondered if we know how to get in contact with the owner so they could shut off the gas.  I didn't know.  I know she went to the Episcopal Church so I called a member up the street but no answer.  They found out & were able to shut it off.  When I came home from church I still smelled gas.

I hope by Easter I won't have to wear boots to church.

I was going to take a nap but Barb told me the Mets are on TV.  End of nap.

Mon. Mare. 14

Barb & I went to Jamestown.  I only bought AA, AAA & 9 volt batteries.  9V for smoke alarm. And groceries at Wegman's.  Spent most of my grocery money so I don't have to go to Quality.  Maybe we'll go on Fri. as there are a few sale items I want.

We ate lunch -- can't remember the name -- the fish place.  Davidson's.  I had a fish sandwich -- ate only the fish -- & lemon meringue pie -- one of my favorites.  Enjoyable.  Barb just had a bowl of chili -- she couldn't finish it.  It was filled to almost overflowing.  She said she should have just gotten a cup of chili.

Barb bought a mattress pad & a printer for her lap computer.  We didn't see anything interesting in the way of clothes.  Nothing new for Easter.

Tues. the 15th

The doorbell rang & it was the gas man.  He wanted to let me know there is a gas leak in our gas connection.  They are so busy but he said they'll be here to fix it.  They've been working where the little store used to be -- now the (can I use the word) Republican headquarters. Guess the pipes are wearing out.  Also a leak in the pipes of the little house across the st. Earlier the doorbell rang & it was the lady up the st. -- she & her husband were going for a walk & smelled the gas -- and wondered if we realized it.  The gas man said it's good it's winter because if it were summer we'd smell it in the house.

Thurs. aft the 17th of Mar.  Got your green on?

Today I've been shredding old bills, etc.  I let them pile up too long.  Filled 3 1/2 grocery bags with shredded paper & still have more to go, but I don't want to overheat it.  It sure is handy to have.  Lar mixes it with garbage for his -- can't think of the word -- but it turns to good fertilization.

I can't believe myself -- heated up a cup of coffee & must have pushed the wrong number. Ended up with 1/3 cup of coffee & the rest overflowed so I had a mess to clean up.  So I added more water -- result a hot cup & cooler coffee.

They are still digging & working on the gas line.

You press for the boys to make the honor roll so now know how we felt.  We knew you could do it but _________.  Finish the sentence.

Kim didn't come last nite.  She belongs to a card club that meets on Wed. evening.  I really miss Schwan's chicken.  I served chicken but it wasn't Schwan's & you could tell the difference.

When we were little girls my mother made us dresses for Easter.  By then we were usually able to quit wearing long underwear & that was a big thing.  There was always an Easter program by the children & we had to learn a "piece" & hoping it wasn't a long one to learn. My mother made our clothes thru high school.  She was a good seamstress.  I remember Millie had a friend whose mother knit her a sweater.  A pretty apple green.  If Millie left the house before I did, I'd wear that sweater & put it back before she knew I did that.  Secrets of childhood.

Dale started to get a headache last night.  When he came home for lunch, he didn't want a lot to eat.  I made him a fried egg sandwich & he always has yogurt.  He wouldn't stay home. He didn't sleep that well last nite.  After I got up to go to the bathroom last nite, I had a hard time getting back to sleep.  Took a nap this aft.

Golf is on TV so I'll watch that.  First day.  Tiger is -13 & Phil M. is right behind him at -11. Another interesting match coming up?  Time will tell.

Things are fine with us.

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, June 13, 2004

I went to church this A.M. & had a coughing spell during the sermon.  Nothing helped, but I finally stopped.  We have had some leaking around the steeple so we had a meeting after services.  Before the vote, the leak was explained as well as what needs to be done.  They will take the steeple off, fix around the area, & put the steeple back on a cushion of some sort.  They also said some thought we shouldn't put the steeple back & the floor was opened for comments.  I said we need the steeple or it will look like a motel.  (Someone once wondered if it was a motel.)  It will be fixed & the steeple put back on.  I don't usually speak up, but to look complete, the steeple is needed.

Warren's graduation was bad.  Some years ago, they bro't beach balls to outside graduation. Now they added a blown-up penis (a nurse popped it) & water filled balloons. Some parents encouraged it.  One of Kim's friends, a teacher at Warren, refuses to go to graduation.  It's a farce.  The parents don't even dress up.  After graduation, Sheila cut one kids hair.  She said to him, "You guys didn't act very nice at graduation" -- he said don't include me in "you guys".  So not all kids like that kind of humor.

Sheffield's principal is transferred to Youngsville.  Kim didn't always see eye to eye with him, but she hates to see him go.  He put into practice orders from Central office & they (others) don't always do that.  They refuse to.

As usual, I'm watching the Mets vs. Royals.  Mets 3-0.  I'm holding my breath to see if they can be ahead in the 9th.  They need to win at least 1 game!!!!

Kim plays golf every Tues. A.M.  A woman's league (Blueberry) & Kim made 46 for 9 holes. She was pleased.  Kim had low net of 31, whatever that means.  I know par, birdie, & eagle & that's about all.  She was pleased.  If the Mets weren't on TV, I'd be watching golf.

This year Barb planted lettuce in pots.  Last year the in ground lettuce was bitter.  She likes it better in pots & tastes better.

They said Art Howe shouted at the Mets after their bad plays.  I can't imagine him shouting -- he seems like a gentle man.  I think it's paying off -- now it's 5-0.

Dale got his muffler in his car after work yesterday.  He noticed he needs a new tail pipe -- was disgusted with himself for not noticing it as then he could have put a new one on at the same time.

We went to Jamestown but didn't find anything special  We had a fish dinner at Davidson's. Barb did find a birthday gift for Kim.  And we got groceries at Wegman's.

Tues A.M. the 14th of June

Yesterday the pastor called & wondered if I'd serve on the stewardship committee.  I told her I was 83 & didn't care to.  She couldn't believe I'm 83.  Also I had a coughing spell on Sun. but I hated to miss church.  I'm still coughing but I hope it's better by Sun. next.

Thanks for the pictures of your beautiful yard. That's a really big tree.  Yardwork is a good hobby.  I can see that Ed is really changing.  Hearts will get broken by your sons! Handsome guys!

Did you get the sports jacket you had your eye on?

Wed. the 16th

Barb will start kemo the 28th of June.  They wanted her to start June 21, but she wanted another week.  It's not something  person looks forward to.

One Sun. Lar, Kim & Betsy M & her husband, in their Miatas, went on a little ride to Salamanca, N.Y. &^went to the Indian Casino there.  They tired the slots but no big winners.

Thurs. the 17th

Made a strawberry pie & it looks delicious.  We're having chicken & biscuits.  Homemade biscuits.  And lettuce salad from the garden.

Just wrote a note to Ruth.

The hosp. called.  Barb had to be there at 7 A.M.  Around 10 the hosp. called.  They injected a dye & it takes time so she would soon be going to be operated on.  So maybe she's there now.  Kemo next.  Hope it all works out.

Cold is gone, but I'm still coughing.  SOon it will be over.  Otherwise all is fine here.

At 5:30, the hosp. called & said Barb wasn't able to come home yet.  The anesthesia & pain pills don't agree with Barb.  At 8:15 Barb called & said she wanted to come home.  Kim picked her up & Barb said she told them she felt better, but to Kim she said I don't really. Under her chin, she has a bandage patch.  I think she'll fell better in her own bed.  This reaction was worse this time than last operation.

Fri.  Barb is feeling better.

Sunday, July 27, 2003

It's a cloudy Sunday with showers predicted.  I'm watching the Mets.  Cincy beat them last nite but it's 2-1, Mets but it's early in the game.

Fri. Barb & I went to Jamestown.  Barb got 3 pairs of shoes on sale.  We ate lunch there & got groceries at Wegman's.  It was a beautiful day, the best in a long time.  Barb also got some yarn & is making herself a sweater.

Salvation Army had a store in the old Betty Lee bldg. but they closed it last week. The rents went up & it didn't make money & what they made went to Erie.

I got prescriptions sun glasses & they are such a help.  Worth the price.

The buildings on the corner of Penna Ave & Liberty  by Levinson's, have been torn down in preparation for Northwest Savings building.  Warren is the center for their banking business. Something good is happening for a change.

When will Andy be able to take his driver's test.  Are you getting a new car so Andy can have your present car, Paul?  Now the fun begins.  "Mom, Dad can I have your car tonite?"

Gen called me this past week.  She still is unhappy because she can't drive.  And she hates, even more, the idea of having "that woman" in my home.  I asked what John says when she complains.  "Just a little longer."  Just like his father, humor Gen & all will be OK.

Wed. July 30

I have a meeting at church but I'll add a bit.

Barb heard from the Dr. & it isn't cancer.  But since it is so large, they want to take some more samples to be sure.  They find it hard to believe it isn't cancer.  She goes next Tues. & it will be done at the Dr. office as it would cost $2,000 at the hosp.

Tomorrow Bert's niece & granddaughter go back home.  Barb will go along & drive home. She'll get paid for doing it.  They leave from Buffalo airport.

Dale was suppose to leave tonite to go to school in Pittsburgh.  When he came home from work he said he didn't have to go.  Too much work right now, & that is more important.

It was a short mtg. about the cottage meeting coming in Sept.  We chose our dates (Sept 17 for me), time & saw the names we have.  We send out the invitations, etc.  There will be a devotional period of 20 min. & I'm one of the leaders.  I said I think 20 min. is too long.  I think 12-15 is enough.  Based on Acts 2: 42-27, a description of early church.  I have 12 names.

They are having vacation Bible school this week & it is successful.  We haven't had one for a lot of years.  Sometimes they went in with First Luth. but we didn't get a good attendance of our children.  They've had 37 children so that is good for a start.  There is a lot of work for a new pastor.

The flying ants are bad this y ear.  They are around the back door & basement.  Every A.M., Dale vacuums them up.

Thurs. nite

After supper we sat on the front porch for an hour.  Kim isn't ready to think of school yet in spite of all the adds & sales for school clothes, etc.

Noticed a marriage license that Karen Seeley's ex is getting married.  It was in today's paper.

Mike Brindis' brother is visiting Mike so twice this week Larry took vacation days & played golf with them.  Paul Johnson is a friend of Mike's brother & he played with them.  Mike can't walk the course & sometimes he couldn't walk from the cart to play his ball.  He's too fat & smokes cigars & that doesn't h elp him.  It is sad.

Not much goes on here -- all is well with us.

Monday, April 21, 2003

I can chew on my favorite side again.  After about 1 1/2 hrs. of drilling, probing, xrays & filling.  It wasn't bad at all & I didn't need novocaine (couldn't find the correct spelling but I think you can get what I mean).  That was a nice surprise.  He suggested I have them capped & then they'll last a long time.  I have no idea of the cost or if it is really necessary at my age.  It wasn't a bad experience at all.  But I'm glad it's over.

We enjoyed our turkey dinner yesterday & Dale & I had leftovers tonite.  I didn't lose my appetite.  I had to get a prescription, in fact he gave me 2 to get filled but I only filled the one for penicillin & I didn't think I needed the one for extra strong pain pill. I fell no pain at all.

Barb has to spend another nite at Johansens as they didn't leave til today.  Going down the traffic was very heavy & they hoped to miss some of it going coming home.  You must be able to tell this letter doesn't have my full attention -- I'm watching Trauma on TLC.

Easter service at church was good attendance wise & all ways.  Pastor Nancy Schwanke had the service & she is well liked.  The extra flowers added a lot as well.

Last Fri. nite we went out to dinner at Holiday Inn to celebrate Barb & Dale's birthdays.  Dale had Surf & Turf & enjoyed it.  Lar had Prime rib.  Barb had Steak Diane.  Kim had a vegetable dish & I had the fish fry.  And dessert -- a brownie topped with ice cream, egg whites covered it & it was broiled.  Baked Alaska & it was so good & so filling.

Next is Lar's birthday & he'll have steak, etc. but carrot cake for dessert.

Torey's back paw pads are worn thin so it is hard for him to walk.  Last Sat. they walked 4 miles twice.   Kim has gotten a bootie for his back paws & he keeps them on but they wear out fast.

Last Sat. Dale trimmed the fir trees in the back yard by the fence.  He must have cut off a foot of top branches from the trees.  I can't believe how much light they cut out.  It is so much lighter now & we can see the play ground equipment now.  They are even with the top of the fence now.  I sure like the word, "now".

Dale cut the grass last Fri. & after rain during the nite & some today, it won't be long before it needs cutting again.  It is nice & green.

Karen S. son & daughter were in church yesterday with Rose.  Kirstin is a very attractive girl.  Rick, the dad, plans to get married this spring.   She has 2 children but they are adults & on their own.

Wed. the 23rd

Barb is home again.  After lunch we went to Jamestown.  I got a pair of a darker tan slacks with elastic waist.  I like them for everyday.  And 2 tops.  Guess you'd say "I'm spending my kids' inheritance."  Ha!Ha!  But this should end it -- unless I can find a pretty skirt!  We also grocery shopped at Wegman's.  It is a large store with a variety of many different kinds of food.  Also an organic section Barb likes.  It wasn't as busy as it is on Fri.  Usually I go into KMart & Barb goes to Wegman's, but I didn't have my keys with me so that is why I went into Wegman's.  Usually I just wait in the car.  That's what happens when you get forgetful!! They are back where they belong.

It didn't warm up much today -- a cool wind but the sky is clear & blue & there is sunshine.

I got my blouse at Sears -- they have improved their inventory so much.  I like their styles better than Penney's.  Warren Bon Ton doesn't have much to please me except the Brigg's slacks.

Barb got a perm yesterday -- it looks nice.  The gal who does her hair moved to another shop & Barb said they have a little gift shop with a lot of nice things that aren't too expensive.

Thurs. Apr. 24

For dessert tonite I made an apple upside down cake & I thought it was good.  We also had creamed chicken on biscuits & peas for the veggie.  And fruit salad.

We're planning to go to Erie the 2nd Fri. in May.  I'm sure we'll have lunch at our favorite spot & I can't remember the name -- some kind of Garden that serves Italian foods.  I love their soup & bread sticks.

We had frost this A.M.  29 at 6 A.M.

Careys will be home next Mon.  Larry & Kim are invited to Paula & John's baby baptism the first Sun. in June.  They don't  really care to go.  This Sat. nite Lar & Kim are hosting a couple's party at camp.  They choose a theme & then choose food to go with it.  A "chips" party.  There will be both hot & cold dips for chips & a chip casserole with beef & one with chicken.