Saturday, April 14, 2001

This A.M. I made dinner rolls & choc. chip cookies.  Then I fixed the sleeves on a dress & did some ironing.  Now I'm watching the Mets. vs. Cincy & seeing I'm just sitting will start a letter.

Dale is on his first trip, this spring, to Seaman's auto junk yard to see what he can find.

My eye is slowly getting better but it is still very red.  I see the Dr. on Mon. & will be glad to have him check it.

Tomorrow, Easter, we will eat after 5:30 pm when Lar & Kim come.  Plan to have stuffed pork chops.  I'm not sure of dessert yet.

Imagine the Mets are glad they are at home playing Cincy & not at their field after what has been going on in that city.  Too bad things like that have to happen.

I started walking this past week & hope to keep it up.  Too bad Eddie and I aren't closer -- we could walk together at Beaty track.  I used to walk the oval 8 times around but they didn't keep it up & it got to be grass.  They might have worked on it lately like last fall.

I made a new confections & it's good.  Melt 1 c. butterscotch chips, i c. choc. chips, & 1/4 c. butter + 1/2 c. peanut butter.  Stir til smooth.  Add 2 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows & 1 c. peanuts.  Mix together.  Pour/greased 13x9 pan.  Chill til set.  I like them.  (Cut in squares.)  Bet they'd be good with pecans as well.  Good with a cup of coffee.

This weekend Lar & Kim have 2 dogs.  Torey's sister Ginger is with them as their friends are visiting his parents over Easter.  In a couple of weeks Ginger will be at a kennel for one week & Kim left bad for Ginger & volunteered to take her.  Today they'll be at camp & will stay overnight.  They'll take Ginger to her home before they come here on Easter.  Kim would never leave Torey in a kennel.

Dale would have loved to have been that close to the Texas racing park & all the excitement.  Once coming from a visit to Middleton, we travelled home on Memorial Day & ran into traffic going to the races at Akron & that slowed us down.

We had a nice sunny morning & now it's turning cloudy.  Suppose to get cooler gain & rain into the week.  Showers on Mon. & I don't like that as I usually walk home from the Dr.

Bar says Marisa has a filthy mouth swearing all the time.  "It's the "in thing" for the "elite" crowd.  Do you find that with Andy & his friends.  Barb says it's a common occurrence & I find it hard to believe.  It's crude language -- up yours -- & all that stuff.  Of course Lynn doesn't like it & Scott learns it all & uses it as well.  It's a sad world.

Monday the 16th

Kim took me to the Dr's office as Barb is working for Lynn.  She was going to the vets in Starbrick & she would look in & see if I was ready to leave.  After I saw the Dr. Kim was sitting there to take me home.  She thinks crossing the bridge is dangerous but I've never had any trouble walking over it.  But I appreciated the thought.

My eye is fine -- he asked if I take aspirin & I do, as Dr. McNett said I should.  But I'll cut down & see if that helps.  Take 1 every other day.  I go back in 3 weeks for a new prescription for glasses.  8;30 A.M.  Barb won't like the early hour & he is off for a week so there isn't much space left.  I prefer the A.M. as Barb can drive me.  At the Dr. I showed Barb L. the snapshot of Andy, Eddie & Julianna.  The boys had their straw hats on.  It's a cute picture.  She was surprised Julianna is so grown up.

Dale took his Blazer out again & Shults supplies the car for driving to Rochester & Dale leaves the Blazer at work.  He wouldn't leave the Monte Carlo up there for 3 days.   He leaves Tues. nite & comes home Fri.

We had a nice Easter.  The stuffed pork chops were good.  I cook them in less time as I find when I bake then 1 hour, they are dried out & then I put out steak knives to help cut them.  Made banana cream pie for dessert -- a favorite of all.

Wed A.M.  A cool day but sunny & the rest of the week will warm up.  Oh happy day!

Called Millie yesterday.  The next letter will contain what we talked about.

Friday, April 6, 2001

You "travelog" came on Thurs & I sat & read it all taking about 1/2 hr. Dale had a lunch meeting at work so I wasn't interrupted. I can see you had a wonderful time seeing many interesting places in history. Julianna is so cute & getting big. I can see the boys love their cousin. They looked so in their straw hats. Lots of miles in 10 days.

My eye is till every red but feels good. I have to put drops in it for 4 week. 4 drops a day, then 3, 2, & 1. So I needed more drops as the bottle is very small & sometimes I miss. I was shocked at the price -- had forgotten how expensive they were. $47.25. Was glad I had enough money in my wallet. But eye sight is worth it.

Dale rescued a microwave thrown away at work.  Mainly because he wanted to see what he could do with it.  It was too noisy.  He said they are not worth getting fixed but he had to satisfy his curiosity.

I'm happy baseball is back & the Mets won 2 out of 3 against the Braves in Atlanta.  They were excellent games, well played & exciting.

As the boys get older, I find it hard to find cards I like so I've gotten cards alike for each one.  I'm sure they don't mind as long as they find something special inside.

Sat. aft.

I'm watching baseball -- Cleveland vs. Baltimore.  Tied score 2-2.  We also can get Pittsburgh games & they are at Houston.

The nurse was surprised to see my age.  She asked me "to what do I attribute my looking younger than 80".  I never know what to say, so I say "it must be my Swedish genes".  She also mentioned smoking as an aging agent.

I finally got some ambition & did some ironing after lunch.  Don't iron that often but a few items need a pressing.

This A.M. we went to the Mall.  Penney's closes the 21st.  I found a housecoat with a zipper in front & got it.  40% off original price.  We still look for bargains.  I wore sunglasses inside the Mall as my eye looks pretty ugly but no pain or anything.  Guess I'll have to wear them to church Palm Sun. as much as I hate to.

They've shown Pittsburgh's new ballpark on TV & it looks very nice.  They renamed the 6th St Bridge to the Roberto Clemente Bridge.  They have a great view of the downtown area & the rivers.

Milwaukee's new stadium looks nice.  Any one at the Opening day game.  Will you make a trip to a game?  Maybe when the Braves or Mets play there!  Andy would choose the Braves.

Now I have to change channels & watch The Masters @ see how Tiger Woods does.  Such a beautiful golf course.

Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Yesterday I had the cataract removed on my left eye.  Had to be there at 6 15 & in an hour I was in the operating room & home by 9:10 A.M.  A fast job.  T hey gave me a valium pill & there was more in the I.V. to make me sleepy.   You don't feel anything.  Today I had to have it checked & all is well.  More red than the right eye was.  It will go away in about 2 weeks.  I see Dr. Keverline in 2 weeks.  Then I should get my prescription for glasses.

Guess what!  Barb Lucia is working there-- must have just started as they were "breaking" her in.  She said to say hello.  She was working the computer for appointments, etc.

Yesterday I took it easy -- napped in the A.M. & in the afternoon.

Also watched the Mets beat Atlanta in Atlanta.  A great game.  Tonite they are on ESPN & Thurs they will be on TBS.  The Mets should have a good year, I hope.  They play each other 19 times this year.

I think spring is finally here.  It is nice to see the sun & it should warm up.

This week I did my Tues. work on Mon. & not much else since then.  Planned to take it easy this week as I'm an old lady.  Planned easy menus.  I love lemon pie & saw a recipe in last Sun. paper & will make one tomorrow A.M.  It's my favorite -- so so with the others.  Made the crust tonite, rather rolled it out.  The pie dough was in the freezer.  The filling isn't that hard to make.

How was your trip.  I'm sure you had a great time.

Did I mention Marissa broke up with the Loranger kid.  Guess she wants to play the field.  A senior wants to date her but Lynn won't allow it.  Scott has improved since starting medication but Barb thinks it's too late as he is a royal brat!

Talked to Gen & she is still hurting.  She did make breakfast Sun. Apr. 1st & clean up but it was slow.  Every 5th Sun. she helps count the offering & it was her turn.  When they called to check if he could do it, Ed said no.  Gen wanted to do it but Ed was right, I thought.  Start that & they'll want her to do something more.  She's going to have to change her ways after this.

This next week will be busy for you getting your kitchen ready for the remodel.  Bet you are getting excited about it.

Not much to write about so I'll pay attention to the ball game.

Thurs.  My pie looks gorgeous & the lemon part tasted good & the meringue brown a golden brown.

I'm watching Murder She Wrote & resting.  Dale doesn't come home for lunch -- a meeting at work -- so at 11 A.M. I plan to walk & get my drops prescription filled.  It's a lovely day & tomorrow showers are predicted.  Also must get 3 cards for April birthday.

Saturday, March 3, 2001

Last nite I started reading "Light a Penny Candle" by M. Binchy.  Didn't do much today but read & now at 9 pm I finished it.  I enjoyed it so much.  Even ordered pizza for supper so I was really lazy today & it was fun.

Kim stopped by today.  Barb smiled when she read about your dream & Kim said you must have eaten late that nite before you retired.

Got your letter today & one from Gen but hers was very disappointing.  It contained some newspaper articles & a page on what they youth group at church did last Nov. & Dec.  Not a word form her -- very disappointing.

Your ribs sounded delicious.  I've never fixed them -- maybe I'll get courage & try fixing them.  I should use my crock pot more.

Now it's Sun. the 4th.  After church I had lunch, scanned the Buffalo paper, & made out my grocery list.  And I've been watching the Weather Channel for news of the big storm. I was hoping for a nice Mon. as I see the eye Dr. at 8:40 A.M.  So I've been keeping my eye on the weather channel.

We are suppose to get a new channel the 30th of Mar.  National Geographic Channel.  Should be interesting.

Have another book to read Fern Michaels Yesterday.  Maybe I'll start it later this aft.  When I get a good book I hate to lay it down but I can't put off a meal tonite.  I have a good chicken-spaghetti recipe that is easy & tasty.  With garlic bread & a salad it makes a good meal.

Our snow has started -- 2 pm.

At the Mall, they've taken out the wall that divides the former K Bee stores & CVS, so something must be going in there.   A new rumor -- Blairs Store will go into the former Penney's.  There are so many rumors.

I have a couple of pair of slacks to shorten for me.  Barb said they weren't too long but I felt an inch taken off would be better.  Got them ripped out -- the seam -- but that's all.  I'll put it on my list for this coming week.

Barb & Lynn had a discussion on NASCAR racing.  According to Lynn it's a "redneck" sport & it uses too much gas.  Barb disagreed but didn't argue.  But at home she said they have a boat at the lake & Bob drives a large SUV & they take a lot of gas.  That's a different story.

Last nite Barb had to chauffer Bert, Jo Africa & the one who is staying at the Holiday Inn to dinner over town.  Then she picked them up afterwards.  Barb picked Jo Africa up first & she had to sit in the front seat as she gets dizzy in the back seat.  So Bert had to climb in the back seat & that is harder for her.  J. Africa doesn't drive at nite.

Just called Gen -- Ed answered.  Gen slipped on some ice & went down hard & has a very sore back.  Ed had to make meals today.  He wasn't sure if Gen would come to the phone but she wanted to but we didn't talk too long.  She wouldn't go to the emergency room -- it happened on Sat. & now with this storm she might not get there until the middle of the week.  With her bad back, she could have broken a bone.  She'll need an xray, I bet.

Mon the 5th.
Just got home from Dr. Keverline.  I need to have the cataract removed from the left eye.  I chose Apr. 3rd as I hope by then, the weather will be nicer, and everything will be over by Easter.  We didn't get more snow during the night & I was able to walk home.  Just a little frozen rain.  The bridges weren't cleared & the sidewalk over the Hickory St. Bridge is very narrow.  I met a man coming toward me & he wouldn't walk in the deeper snow, so I had to.  The 3rd Ave bridge wasn't cleared either but most sidewalks were.  Our neighbor cleared our walk around 6 A.M.  I'll have to make cookies for them -- maybe around Easter. Snow should be gone by then.  Got home in time to watch Murder She Wrote.  Now I'm enjoying a cup of coffee.

I've gotten a good start on my book Yesterday & it is another good one.  I just finished it & it was so good. 9 pm.  I did make dinner, tho & clean sheets for Dale's bed.

Friday, April 9, 1999

It's a rainy A.M. but the grass is getting greener.  I've a load in the washer & then towels to do.  Not as much washing now.

Tues. the big day.  Dale got me to the hosp. at 6:30.  At 8:30 I was in the operating room.  As I went in, one went out & as I went out, another went in.  Assembly line.  They took my medical history - only a D & C.  The nurse asked "to what do you attribute your good record."  I said "my genes!"  She put the I.V. into a vein in my hand.  Just a little prick.  I wasn't out & could feel nothing so the I.V. took care of that.  I only wanted water afterwards (no eating after midnite on Mon.)  I rested awhile.  Then was able to get dressed & was home by 10 A.M.

I was resting when there was a knock on the door.  It was Warren & Anna Hollertz wanting me to go out to lunch with them at the Peppermill.  They didn't realize this was surgery day.  We decided to eat here - I had pizza in the freezer & Warren went to McDonald's & picked up salad & blueberry muffins.  They were delicious.  The reason they came to Warren was Warren lost a tooth from his plate & wanted it fixed as Sat. they leave for Aruba for a week.  He called St. Mary's but they couldn't do it.  Warren Dental Arts could  We had a nice visit.

Wed. A.M. I had to see the Dr. so he could check it.  Pressure was good, etc.  I have a pair of prescription sun glasses & wore them around the house to shield my eye from the light.  We've had some sunny days.  Last nite I wore my regular glasses & it felt good.  It looks good to me & things are brighter & I can read better.  So all is well.

We celebrated Dale's birthday when Lar & Kim were here.  He decided a 33" waist would be more comfortable so I ordered the lighter blue jeans this time from Penney's to get the 36" length.  We'll have another birthday dinner on Sat. the actual date.  Steaks & baked potatoes.

I forgot to ask Kim if she'd heard from the lab report on her back.  She can't use regular shampoo to wash her hair for awhile.  She uses Dove.  She can't be too active with her arms either.  It was a 2 1/2 hour operation.

We had a card from Mim & Tom with $20.00 memorial to the library.  Betty Casey gave a memorial to the Cancer Assn.

Got your cards.  Kim wonders how you can write that tiny.  I was able able to read it easily .  Sounded like it was a great weekend.

Barb has had a cold but it is improving.

Lar has started his extra work.  Dale has raked the grass & even mowed the back yard as that grows fast.  He is anxious to get his Monte Carlo on the road again.

I'm not doing much this week but next week I should get back to my regular schedule.  I feel so good & am glad it is over with.

We enjoyed our dinner at the Limberlost last Sat.  Lar & Kim took us.  It is under new ownership and the food & atmosphere is just as good as in the past.  Good crowd there.

Next week we're thinking of going to Jamestown & want to have lunch at The Red Lobster.

Time to do some ironing.