Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Yesterday I watched the Met's home opener & they won.  Full house with cheering fans welcoming the old & new players.  It was exciting.  Last nite I watched San Diego beat San Fran.  It is good have baseball again.

Barb is going for a walk.  It turned cold overnite & it is windy & raw today.

Barb doesn't have a printer so she was going thru the email, erasing, when she saw a picture of Andy's & figured it was a letter from you but she had erased most of is not realizing it was from you.

Last week we were discussing TV & Lar figured they have 12 TVs between the 2 places. Dale can't go to sleep without the TV.  If he forgets to set the "off", it si going when I get up during the night.

Last Fri. we went to Jamestown & I found a top for summer -- just what I wanted.  It will be cool for hot summer Sundays.  Has like a cape sleeve & it just what I wanted.  And to top it off, it is reversible.  Different pattern on each side.  Guess you can tell "it is just what I wanted"!  But it is so hard to find anything, guess I go overboard when I find what I'm dreaming of.  While shopping a younger lady passing by said "Wonder what happened to dresses."  That is a good question.  The last one I bot was 4 years ago.

I can't believe East is almost here.  Hope we will have warmer weather.

Did you get the start of a tan in Fla?  I know you had a great time.

Barb said the sign on Ryberg's house said "SOLD".  Collins' house is still "pending".  2 more on 3rd to sell.

The plant that came to "The Nelsons" at Christmas had an amaryllis bulb in it -- now it has 3 beautiful flowers in bloom.  There were 2 shoots but one died.  I'm glad one lived as it is such a showy bloom.  I wonder if we can save the bulb & have it grown again next year.  I'll have to ask Larry.

The $1000.00 insurance policy my Dad started for me at age 20, now is worth $11,000.00  Less cash value but I'd never cash it in.

Today I heard that details between Katie Couric & CBS are being worked out, so you'll be unhappy Paul.  But I bet you never watch CB S news programs.  Barb keeps me informed on the pros & cons, mostly cons on what the GOP are doing.  Most of it goes in one ear & out the other.

Thurs. A.M., the 6th

Wed AM, the telephone rang at 9 A.M. & it was Warren H. saying they were coming to Warren for a dental appt.  Was I free to go out to lunch & you know my answer.  Of course! We went to Perkins & had a good time talking & laughing.  We enjoy each other's company & always have a good time.  Warren has to come back the 26th of Apr. & if nothing interferes, we'll have lunch again.  He is getting new uppers -- the reason for his visits to Warren.

Both yesterday & today Dale isn't home for lunch.  They have it at work, supplied by the owners & hear about new equipment needed to work on cars, etc.

Fri A.M. the 7th

Last nite I watched the Mets vs. Washington.  What a game:  rhubarbs, hit hitters, 4 by the Mets pitchers, home plate umpire getting hit by a foul ball int he throat.  It started to swell & he found it hard to talk.  So another ump had to suit up & that took awhile.  At 10:30 I went5 to bed with 1 inning to go.  I figured the Mets could win as the score was 10-5.

Also watched the golf in the aft, the Master's Tournament and what a beautiful golf course.

So Katie Couric will go to CBS.  Lynn's mother is very disappointed as she had watched CBS since Walter Cronkite & doesn't appreciate Katie C. being hired.  I'm sure there are a lot who don't like it.

Kim didn't come last nite as she had a meeting to go to.  Larry gave Dale a hair cut.  Brab tr4ims her hair.  She said if I don't like it, I have no one to blame.  She does a nice job.

Last nite announcers at the games were Joe Morgan & Chris Berman & they did a good job. That's because Joe knows more than Chris & he let Joe do the talking.  Otherwise He'll take over & talk, talk, talk.  Joe & John are the best -- Sun nite games.  According to this Nelson!

Soon lunch time & I'm "talked out".

Have a nice Easter.  Our thoughts & prayers will be with you Paul & JoAnna on the 17th.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

My next letter will be written in July.  Times is too fast for me. 

I'll start with Sun.  Our pastor, her husband, tiny baby Jason & Pastor Beth's mother were in church. The baby is just 8 lbs. and doing OK.  He is the size of a baby doll.  And we got bad news -- our organist was in the hospital & had to resign as organist.  It's a big loss ^& organists "are as scarce as hen's teeth" as the old saying goes.

Sun. nite we had an enjoyable time & good dinner at Nickel Inn.  They have hummingbird feeders outside the windows & you can see them feeding.  It still is a very popular place to eat.

I'm watching Nelson Eddy & Marie Jeannette MacDonald (where was my mind? on Nelson Eddy!!) on Turner Classic channel.  They've been showing "The Thin Man" series the past week.

We are enjoying the A.C. during this hot spell.  Suppose to be less humid for the 4th of July weekend.

Ray Forstrum (Youngsville) is preaching during the pastor's absence & I think he depends a lot on "the barrel" for his sermons (old ones).  It sounds like he doesn't prepare that much & repeats himself.  I suppose it's hard to say "no" & there aren't that many retired pastors to supply.  I'm glad Dad quit before he couldn't do a good job.

This A.M. I was out early watering the pots with flowers & the ones on the porch.  For 2 days Barb's been putting off picking strawberries.  It's 8:45 & she is still in bed.  She was going to get up early & go pick.  I don't know what the word "early" means to her.

Last Sun. she asked Dale what time church started.  She didn't think Dale was right wen he said 9:30 A.M.  You see I leave at 9:10 & that is way too early for Barb.  I like to be early as there are always others there ahead of me.  Guess I get that from my dad.  He always wanted to be early rather than late.

Barb had a film developed at BiLo in one hour & she was very pleased with the results.  She's also getting some more prints made.

Every day the weather channel shows showers, and we need rain, but nothing happens.  Finally Monday pm we got about 1/3 rain with a lot of wind.

John Harper's pic & article are in today's paper.  I'm sure you'll notice it.

I'm thru, except for getting the garbage ready for Thurs, so Ill take it easy.  I just cleaned the bathroom & towels are washing. 

Fri. July 1

I'd better finish this & get it mailed.

Last nite Courtney was here for dinner.  Bert & 3 others went out to eat so Barb was responsible for Courtney.  She just finished 7th grade & has the teenage problems with her mother.  They are here for 1 more week.  Later Barb & Courtney went to the mall, Lar left for work & Kim walked Torey home.

Bon Ton is having a 4th of July sale & Kim went shopping for a dress for Lar's 35 anniv. of graduation.  It will be at the Country Club.  She found a 50.00 dress, with the sale coupon etc. it cost $14.95.  She got some decorations (from a 50% off table) for her newly painted kitchen.

Barb & I will go up this Aft.  Barb always says I don't need anything but she can't refuse a sale.  Recently she has bought, on sale, about 5 pr. capri pants.  Last week I saw a blouse I really liked but not in my size so I lost out.

At the Mall Kim saw one of her ex-students.  She tho't he'd never leave Sheffield.  But he joined the Army & soon will go to Iraq for a year.  She said he looked so good & was nice to talk to.  She welcomed the change. 

Barb picked 7 qt. strawberries & said it was easy picking.  Had strawberry shortcake last nite, chicken from BiLo (already cooked), potato salad & beans from the garden.  Strawberry & watermelon salad.  Easy & delicious.

Sheila had the start of a tooth implant so isn't working today.  I got mixed up -- didn't realize the appt. was for Thurs. & I missed it.  So I have to wash my hair myself.  I used to do it so I'll hope for the best.

I love Turner Classic Movies.  I really enjoy watching them.

Don't work too hard!  Enjoy your party.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Paul had a -- where's my head.  I mean Barb had a nice birthday.  Dale gave Barb money, Lar & Kim gave her a gift card to Walden Books & they both also had little gifts.  I gave her a swim suit from L. L. Bean.  The blueberry pie was delicious.  PLan to make another one for this weekend.

Barb heard a noise in the car she didn't like.  It turned out to be the sway bar which Dale fixed.  If it had been done at the shop it could cost around $150.00.  Lucky me to have Dale to fix things.

In Jan. I saw the Dr. & he wanted me to have some blood tests.  The office called & said he wanted me to have another one in 2 months.  So I had one & the office called again & wanted to change my meds.  I take 2 pills instead of one.  It is my thyroid acting up.  Maybe that's why I lost some weight.  Now I'll have to be careful so I won't gain weight.  It was affecting me in small ways & already I feel better.

Last Fri we went to Jamestown - -Bon Ton had a sale & both Barb & I found tops we liked & bot.  This Fri we are going to Erie (no school) & maybe we'll have more success.  (Enclosed cartoon.)

Good for JoAnna making a speech.  That brings back memories.  In Great Falls I took a public speaking course at the Y.W.  It was fun.  We had to give speeches & then be graded by the group.  There were good things bout Gt. Falls.  2 children born there.

What is taught in the student enrichment time?

Both boys did well in their grades.

Barb recommends the movie "Band of Angels", a movie she got at the library.  Clark Gable & Yvonne De Carlo & it is a Civil War movie.  She really enjoyed it. She bo't a D.V.D, V.C.R. as the old V.C.R. wasn't that good.  In putting it in place she hfound the remote for the L.R. TV.

Jessie Franberry who sits with us in church -- I've mentioned her before -- was upset last Sun. as they won't let her drive anymore because of her medication.  She is heartbroken but that day comes for everyone.  Then we were told the organ needs repairs to the tune of $3500.00  W'll have a congregational mtg. in May to decide.  We finally have a talented organist so I hope it can get done.  I'm willing to give toward it.

We didn't get snow last weekend but it was cold.  40's.  Showers thru the wee & the grass is so green & needs mowing.  This is Dale's late Tues. & the weather is nice.  Maybe toward the end of the week he can now.

Sun. nite I watched Oakland at the L.A. Angels.  If I was an A.L. fan I'd be for the Angels. They won 1-0.



Last nite the Braves were at the Mets.  Mets won but it was dicey until the last out.  5-4 Mets.  Tye are much improved & finally have a new 1st baseman whose name I find hard to remember.  This is how I do it, can't spell his name either.   Mc-Tave-itch.  That is what it sounds like when the announcers say it.  Mientkiewicz.  He is a good first basement.

Thurs A.M. the 28th

I'm taking a coffee break.  Most of my Thurs chores are done.  Made a spice cake for dessert & it smells so good.  We're having pork & applesauce. Will make a corn pudding for a veggie.

Tues nite Dale got home a little after 8 pm & it was still a little light left so Dale mowed the lawn.  We have had so many "showery" days it is hard for Dale to find a dry spell.  Good we don't have much to mow.

Barb borrowed a video catalog from Lynn.  She found movies she'd like to order but they aren't available anymore.  Her first choice "Band of Angels". Lynn said maybe it is available on the internet.  She found it & it cost $70.00!  Barb said to get it & take it out of her pay. She ordered a set of "Bonanza" but returned them as they were so bad.  Hard to look at.

Break time is over -- must clean the sink in the laundry room.

Every year the Kiwanis sponsors a blood testing clinic at Beaty.  Kim & Lar go every other year.  Lar hates needles & the one he got had trouble taking the blood.  Kim said Larry got green & just about passed out.  This happens every time he has to have a blood test.

Kim & her girlfriends are going to the Indian Casino tomorrow.  It's a snow day.  Everyone talks about the food there, that it is wonderful.  I said we should go up there when Dale is on vacation.  He said eh would.  It would be fun to see it & maybe spend a few quarters & then have dinner.  I think it would be fun.

Sunday, April 20, 2005

Another Sun. & another Mets game on TV.  They are really hot after 5 losses.  Full house yesterday when Pedro M. pitched.  Hope they keep it up.

Our nice weather continues.  I washed & pressed a dress I've had for ages -- when Dad was living -- but it was too big.  So I wore another dress that is at least 3 yrs. old.  When Barb saw it, she said "where did you get that dress."  She was with me when I bo't it.  It is dressier & I don't wear it that much.  I've looked for a new dress but ones for old ladies are hard to find.

When I get my hair done Sheila & I talk about our families.  I said Millie would be 90 & she wondered if he hair was white.  I took the picture Millie sent to show her.  Sue, the other gal, was doing one customer & her next lady was there.  Sheila couldn't believe she is 90 & neither could the other 3.

Fri. we went to the Mall & I was looking for a top to go with  skirt I got a couple of years ago in Erie.  The skirt has a light tan background with various shades of lilac & deep red.  I like the skirt a lot but haven't found a top to go with it.  I'm looking for a light lilac & Barb found one.  Very pretty but too dressy.  I bo't it regardless as it will go with slacks.  Also on sale. I'll look for a cotton knit.  We might go to Jamestown this coming Fri.

The grade schools that will be closed are having open house for former students.  Jefferson had theirs last Fri from 3:30-8:30 pm.  They had a live D.J. playing music & all we could hear was the boom, boom, boom! Barb was beside herself.  Sat. she went up to Lynn's as she had forgotten something &U told Lynn about it.  She didn't get any sympathy as Lynn had her own story.  The Sat. before the boys were riding their motorcycles (Scott has one) behind their house.  It was noisy U& another house had loud music.  Lynn said she would have called the police, only her son was one of them.

She also heard that Anne Smith has osteoporosis (can't find the spelling in my small dictionary) & when she was in a store in Syracuse she fell &  broke her hip.  After the operation she was in a wheelchair, now she's using a walker.  Tough to have that happen away from home.

I'm "jelling".  Got some shoe inserts & they are wonderful.

I told Barb your favorite movie of all time is "North by Northwest".  She got that at the library & enjoyed it.  She watched it several time.  It's one of her favorites.

Mon the 21 of April

I got a perm this aft & I really needed one.  It was getting long & no curl.  We usually get groceries on Mon. so Barb said we could get them later.  She didn't get home early so I fixed leftovers.  Last Sat. I made a penne casserole (like lasagna) & I've learned how to make so it taste good.  I make the 12 x 9 dish so there are leftovers.  An easy meal & no one objected. Then we got groceries & it wasn't as busy.

Now I'm watching the Braves at Houston.  Last night I watched the Braves at Philly.  After 9 innings it was 0-0 & I went to bed.  This is Dale's early week.  I was pleased to see Philly won 2-1 in the 11th.  The paper also mentioned that "George" is steaming because the Yankees are 4-8 as of this A.M.  He thinks the players are better than that.  But some of them are showing their age.  Having the Mets filling Shea Stadium twice doesn't help & maybe he wishes he had gotten Pedro M.  Some young guys are showing promise.

Sheila was telling me today that her husband's folks have a camp in the Tidioute area.  It was broken into & damaged.  Broken glass -- damage to everything they could break.  They left no beer to be taken but there was a little liquor.  It can be seen from the road & there is a house close by.  The lady never locked her doors but now she does.  It scared her.

Dale mowed the lawn tonite.  The seeds Barb started have started to sprout.  Even you can see a little green coming on the trees.  A nice time of the year.

I finally memorized the Nicene Creed.

Tues. the 19th

This A.M. I had a blood test.  Came home & made my breakfast -- scrambled eggs, slice of apple bread & one of my rolls.  Made potato salad to go with hamburgers for supper tonite. Washed my kitchen rugs & hung them outside & they dried fast in our "summer weather". It will change & get colder by week end.  Washed the floor -- didn't want to put clean rugs on a dirty floor.  Then I quit & took it easy.

 I see the Catholic church has a new Pope.

Barb rode her bike today for the first time.  For her birthday Barb choose chicken from BiLo -- already baked.  Mashed pot, peas & carrots, fruit salad & blueberry pie.  Double crust.  I have frozen blueberries.   I made the pie crust this A.M. so my biggest job will be to make the pie.  Bert gets these chicken often & Barb wanted to try them & I didn't object.

There are 4 candidates for judge.  3 men & a woman.  Sheila talks to her customers (for lack of a better word as she has both men & women) & asks them about those running.  One is a woman that many favor.  They say she is very fair & has experience with women & children. So I guess I'll vote for her in May.

The gas co. will be putting a new line in on 3rd Ave.  The fellow came for the owner's signature. In our case all 4 of you.  You probably have received a call by now.  It will go thru our lawn -=- about a foot from the sidewalk & they will be responsible if anything goes wrong.

Thurs.  Barb had a nice birthday dinner.  The chicken from BiLo was delicious.  Torey enjoyed it too.  As soon as he came in the house he smelled it.  I reheated it in the oven. The blueberry pie was delicious.  The crust around the edge was a little too thick.  I didn't roll it thin enough. It was just the right texture.   I used 1/4 c. tapioca & 1 T. cornstarch with 4 c. of frozen blueberries.  I plan to make another blueberry pie sometime.

Larry has started his "2nd job" & keeps busy.  He has a good following.  Torey doesn't like the new truck.  He can't get into it -- Lar has to lift him up into it.

Last Sun. our pastor said "it looks like spring has arrived."  Wonder what she'll say this Sun when it's in the 40's & a chance of snow flurries.

Think I've covered our happenings.  One more birthday to go.  Lar's & he wants steak & carrot cake.  We still get the L. L. Bean catalog & Lar saw a shirt he liked.

Thursday, February 3, 2005

As I look outside, I see snow flurries & I tho't that report was sunshine & clear for today.  The temp is 32.

Last Mon.  Barb & I went to Jamestown.  No tax on clothes for a week.  I bo't a pair of slacks.  Barb got a treadmill at Seats but it won't be delivered until Mar 4.  It was on sale. After getting groceries, we decided against eating lunch there & came home.

Dale says they use the flash drive working with cars.

Last Sun. Ted & Pat Benson came to church with me.  Afterwards we went to Perkins to eat.  We had a nice visit.  In June Ted celebrates his 50th year of ordination & they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  Their children are planning a party for them.

Last nite Kim was telling about a 9th grade boy who would be in one of her classes this semester.  Passing in the hall, he told he he'd be in one of her classes.  She answered and I expect you to behave in my class or you'll be sent to the office.  She's been waiting for him to misbehave but he hasn't & it has surprised her.  He has even been very helpful to her -- putting things away, etc.  I guess if they teacher expects you to behave, one can.  They have 2 classes going in the gym & he has the other teacher.  He doesn't behave & is constantly being yelled at.  Guess you have to demand respect.

It's 9:15 & I don't hear Barb yet.  Now I do.  I clean the bathroom & do a load of towels.  Her time clock & my time clock don't get together.

Our organist resigned to care for her family.  19 year old grandson in Erie whose mother died.  Last Sun. a young man played & did well considering the liturgy is new to him.  He plays very well so I hope we can keep him.

I plan to try the potatoes you made except I'm not sure if I'll use feta cheese.  Maybe I've seen it in the stores.  I don't know.

I'm not much of a worker anymore.  I did get the bathroom cleaned & the towels are in the washer.  I've been playing Solitaire & I have a puzzle on the card table.  I like to drink coffee & be lazy.

Last nite for supper I fixed chicken, mashed potatoes, corn pudding & apple pie for dessert. As long as I know the menu, it's not a job.  The job is planing meals & trying to make it interesting.  I was going to try a macaroon pie but I stuck to what I know they like.  I'm enclosing the recipe.  I got ads from Better Homes & Garden cookbook.  It was a lower price so I sent for it.  I like to "read" recipe books.

In yesterday's paper an article by a Coop. Extension person remembered wash day as a child.  It bro't back memories.  Mon. was washday & if it was nice weather the clothes line filled the back yard.  In the winter they hung in the basement.  It was the wringer washer. One summer friends were driving to Maine & offered to take my mother & 1 child.  I was the lucky one.  We visited my Uncle Carl & family in Caribou, Maine.  They had a potato farm & 5 children.  Oldest one married & living at home & working with his dad.  At home Gen decided to do some washing & got her hands stuck in the wringers.  Don't remember if she finished the wash.  She didn't break any bones.  I remember her saying she sat at the piano to exercise her hands.  Dad dated my cousin Carlotta (Maine cousin) before he met me, but I guess she wasn't the one for him.

It's Fri A.M.  Just got my hair "done".  It's beautiful out -- will be in the 40's.  Enjoyed your M. Monroe discourse.  She had it all but still wasn't fulfilled.  Anything more happen about that 9 yr. old boy.  It's so sad.  Something is lacking in his life.  Discipline most likely.

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Warren County voters red as ever

What happened to Wisconsin yesterday?  They must have left their game in Madison. Today is different -- Green Bay is playing great.  And so are the Steelers.  They ad a great game today.  Happy Days are here again in Pittsburgh & thruout W. Pa.

Dale saw the Dr. last Fri -- he has an infection in his fingernails.  He had a blood test & when the Dr. sees the results he'll know more.  He has to have a weekly blood test for 4 weeks & then one a month for 3 months.  He's not sure what is causing this infection.  Dale got a prescription of some sort for it  You know Dale -- you have to dig for answers.

I called Millie & we had a nice visit.  She & Linda will go to Allan's for Thanksgiving & hope to see Gen on the following day.  Millie always had Christmas Eve at her place but things changed when she sold the house.  They'll be at Larry's for Christmas Eve & at Allan's for Christmas Day.

There is no school tomorrow so Barb doesn't have to care for Scott.  After she goes to Bert's, we'll go to Jamestown as we have a couple of exchanges to make.  And a few things to check on.  We hope to send the pkg. after Thanksgiving.

Minn.  Can't do much against the Vikings.

When Mimi called last week, she said Ruth always talks about how faithful I was in writing to both parents.  I said it paid off as Paul writes every week.  She also said writing letters is a lost art.  I have Thanksgiving cards ready to mail to Ruth, Millie, & Gen.  Enclosed a little note to let them know about what is happening to us here.

When I had my hair done last Fri, somehow we got on the ages of Sheila's in-laws.  The husband is 7 yrs older than his wife & Sheila said she will probably be a widow someday. Sheila's husband is an only child so I said will she come & live with your & Kevin.  She said NO WAY.  She'd move out first.  I guess she isn't too happy with her mother-in-law.

Minnesota came back with a bang but G.B. still won.

Dale was saying he had to clean out a car before he could work on it in the inside.  Orange peels, half an apple, junk.  He threw out the garbage & put the other stuff in a box.  He was disgusted.

Mon. the 15th

We went to Jamestown again & got more of our Christmas shopping completed.  The pile is growing.  Lar & Kim are the hardest as they don't give suggestions.  I'll corner Lar on Thurs. when he is here.  As we were leaving Bon Ton I saw sweater sets for 50% off.  A pretty pink with embroidery down the 2 front panels of the cardigan.  The clerk charged me full price but it was changed when she saw the 50% off sign.  I've been looking & looking for one & now I have it.  The one I got from Chadwick was terrible.  Sleeves down to my knees or so it seemed.  It is in the Goodwill box.  Spend, spend, spend that is your mother!

I found out again you can't choose a book by its cover.  When we were walking in the Mall, I saw a young gal with a long skirt, slit half way up the thigh, boots with the thick soles & heels & I wasn't too impressed.  Who should wait on us in Sears but this very same gal. And she was so nice & friendly ( down to earth.  It was only her 2nd day working so she was a little uncertain but I'd go to her any day for help.  A lesson learned but will it stick.

Thurs. Nov. 18

I made salmon load tonite for supper & it tasted good.  Dale is in Rochester for school again -- Thurs & Fri.  He doesn't like salmon loaf so that's why we had it.  Both Lar & Barb like it.  Kim wasn't here either.  While I cleaned up, Barb & Lar had a nice conversation.  Lar had the car so he & Torey didn't have to walk home.

Not much going on here.

Sunday, November 7, 2004

Dale & I are excited with the Steelers & how well they are laying with a rookie QB.  It's so nice to see them win again.  Barb is still a Buffalo fan.  I've just been waiting for Pittsburgh to get good again -- like the days of yore!  When was it the 70's with Terry & all the good players.  And I can't recall their names.  Shame on me.  I'll have to learn present team names like Bettes & the QB has a long last name. They call him Big Ben &^ the guys are behind him 100%.

We got a new telephone -- we've called out but we've had no incoming calls. Elections are over.

It's been a beautiful day here.  I picked a rose bud today.  But snow is forecast over nite -- showers, I hope.  But we're lucky -- first week in Nov. & no frost yet.   Even the tree in front of the house has lost its leaves.

I have my Christmas cards & hope to have them addressed in a couple of weeks.  Wonder who I won't hear from because of death.  My list of shrinking.

We'll have to mail our pkg. to you folks Nov. 29th the latest, so JoAnna gets her birthday gifts.  Paul, you didn't give us many ideas other than things about Warren.  But there are 3 of us who need ideas.  Kim doesn't need ideas.  She knows what she's giving.

When I went to the dentist last Fri, I got right in & was home in about 3/4 hour.  Dr. Walters knows my age as once he said "I wish my Dad was in as good a condition as you are."  Dr. Walters's sister was in your class if I remember correctly.  I like Dr. Walters a lot even if I don't look forward to going to the dentist.

Even tho this will be a busy week, Barb & I plan to go to Jamestown Tues. aft.  Tues. is Dale's long day so we won't go til after lunch.  Scott goes to tutoring after school so Barb doesn't have to pick him up.

I was lazy today.  I ordered pizza.  But Fri. nite when Dale got home from Rochester I fixed him a steak dinner.  Last nite we had chicken & spaghetti so I figured we could have an easy meal tonite.

Tues. the 9th of Nov.

Barb & I went to Jamestown after lunch.  We added more to our Christmas shopping & I bot a suit for myself.  A gray jacket & pants to match.  Not a set as I need one size for the jacket & a different size for the slacks.  I got it at Bon Ton.  Dale gave me a Bon Ton gift certificate & that went toward the outfit.  So I should be set for awhile.  But it's been a long time (Erie trip excluded) since I've added to my wardrobe.

Last Sat Barb wanted to order something from a catalog & used my Discover Card.  It didn't go thru so she called Discover Card to see why.   They asked questions she couldn't answer so she gave me the phone.  In the course of the conversation they asked if Barb would like a card on my card.  We agreed & they told me I'd be responsible.  I realized that.  The card came today so now Barb can use her card to order things, & pay for them.  It's strange it wouldn't go thru as I used the card for an order from that place in Boston & paid for it already. Maybe numbers got mixed up.  I never can remember that store's name, no matter how hard I try.  Chadwick -- finally.

Barb has 2 angel ornaments she got a Gayle's Christmas Store & hoped to get another one last Sat. when we were there, but they were all gone.  She must have told Lynn as Lynn said she'd look on Ebay.  She called Barb last nite to tell her she found 2 of them. Barb said get them both.  She is pleased to find them. She hangs them on the wall.

There was a new program tonite on the Discover Channel.  "Dr. G" who finds out why a person dies when there seems to be no real cause.  A coroner's job.  Dale was watching it too.  Very interesting to find out what the body can tell thru autopsy.

Thurs. the 11th

I'm all set for company.  I started  yesterday, got the taters washed, snipped the ends off the beans, etc.  I won't start the chicken until noon as they won't be here til one.  I like that as both Barb & Dale will be gone & I'll have the kitchen to myself.  Made pumpkin pie before breakfast.  Early to bed, early to rise -- that's me.  Maybe the healthy but not the weather & wise!

Tomorrow I'll be lazy.  After I get my hair done, I might shorten my new slacks.  They are just a little too long to suit me -- I want to wear them Sun.

Warren just called to check.  Told him I was ready for them.  He wanted to know what he could bring -- I said just yourselves.

My day is over -- 8:11 p.m. & I'm feeling fine.  We enjoyed being together -- Warren, Anna & I.  It was an easy meal to prepare -- both times.  They left around 4 pm & I got the dishes in the dishwasher & cleaned up.  Then it was time to start over & it was another good meal & fellowship.  Now I'm relaxing & watching TV after a nice day.

Kim won't be here next Thurs so I think I'll have a beef roast for supper.  That day Dale goes to school for 1 day in Rochester but he'll be home by 7 or so.

Sunday, September 19, 2004

I'm in a quandary -- what do I watch when the Mets are on TV as well as the Ryder Cup, where for 2 days the U.S. has taken a beating from the Europeans.  But today the U.S. fellows are doing better in singles play so I'm switching back & forth.  Maybe it's too late, tho for U.S.  It was.

Fri. Barb went to our Mall.  Barb always says I don't need anything but ends up buying a jacket to wear with jeans, etc.  A bright pink.  Nice for the cooler weather of fall.

Dale is on vacation this week.  Mon. at 9:30 he will help Barb put up clothes, a TV, & VCR & store them here.  Bert's friend from Hawaii things.

This A.M. in place of the sermon, the youth who went to Mexico to help build a house, told of their experiences.  Only the wealthy have garbage pick up, so there is garbage all around. The small house they helped build is more like a garage in the U.S.  But the people were thrilled to get it.  It was quite an experience for them.

Pittsburgh had so much rain & flooding, Fri. nite's game was postponed.  So they had a double header today & the Mets lost both games.  Another lost season again.  Will it ever change?

We could have frost tonite so I brought the fem in from the porch.

We received the L. L. Bean Christmas catalog but the one I'm waiting for is the Penneys catalog.  Lynn got hers last week, so maybe mine will come this week.  Barb looked thru Lynn's & said it was interesting.  I got the Holiday Cookbook from the Taste of Home books in Greendale, Wi.   It was so much fun to look thru & I noticed some interesting ideas & recipes for holidays, not just Christmas.

The political signs are going up.  Collins have the Bush-Cheney sign up & their neighbors, a lawyer, whose name slipped my mind, has a bunch of signs for state Democratic offices.  I'll be glad when the hype is all over.

The new bridge has really been hindered with bad summer weather & heavy rains from the hurricanes (it does have an E).  It should be near the finish but they are really behind. Wonder if the company will make any money on it.

In football Buffalo lost so Barb was unhappy; Pittsburgh lost so Dale was unhappy; Green Bay lost so you are unhappy; Mets lost so I'm unhappy.  If that's all we've got to be unhappy about, I guess we're pretty lucky.

Mon the 20th

Got your interesting letter today.  Interesting about our house.  It also had a half bathroom with the laundry area, by the kitchen.  Both Grandpa & Grandma Randolph lived with us until Grandpa died.  I don't remember much about Grandma.  When we moved in she fell down the cellar stairs & cut her head open & it took 48 stitches to close it.  It affected her mind & in the end she spent time in the hospital for the poor.  She wore long skirts & I remember the cake she made didn't taste as good as my mother's.  One morning in grade school, I guess I didn't want to go to school so I hid in the attic during the A.M.  Grandpa was still living them & he whipped me.  I went to school that afternoon!  Gen must have told one me.  When Gen was born they named her Madeline G. & because my dad said there were too many actresses' names, they went by Gen.  My dad was young when he first married to someone older than him & she died in childbirth with Millie.  She was Hulda from Hartford & had 2 sisters that never married.

I've kept a few things from you "kids" school days & that bakery trip was one.  Barb said I should sent to you -- otherwise it would be with "stuff" to go over when I'm no longer here. Are you going to keep it.

Barb & I went to CVS for my meds, to the Mall & then Quality.  At the Mall Barb got a pair of nice black pants to go with her new jacket.  I was looking thru a sale rack & found a $49.00 Liz Clarbourn blouse for $7.95.  I couldn't believe it, but it was true.  It is navy print with a small design of pineapple, glasses of juice, palm trees, etc.  Very small print but maybe people didn't like the design.  But for that price I'll wear it.

Back to the family, Ford was older when he married.  It was so interesting to read the facts.

I don't remember getting a radio but I remember the Vincents 2 blocks up Allen St. got one of the first ones & they also had an Essex car.  They had 3 kids we played with.  They always had marshmallow creme & we'd get a spoonful.  We could go into the kitchen but not the rest of the house.  It was that ways with Christiansons who had 4 daughters.  We'd sit in their kitchen & play rummy with  packs of cards.  And we'd play jacks a lot.

Barb & Dale picked up Laura's things this A.M. & Barb has them stored.  She said she'd take Dale & me out to dinner.  Dale is willing to go & will go Fri. nite.  Probably to Fernwood. Her $2,000.00 is in the bank.

We got the Penney's Christmas catalog today & it's fun looking thru it.

Concerning reading.  Remember 70+ years ago, school didn't push children like they do now. I don't remember anything but I got my library card before we moved to Hartford Ter. so I must have been reading as I was 9 when we moved -- no I was 7 if it was 1927.

Wed the 22, Rose S birthday.  We're the same age for a couple of week & then I go ahead.

Mon. Barb went to BiLo for Bert & she noticed chrysanthemums on sale 5 for 10.00 &^ they are good sized plants.  She put them on the side by the back door, & they look so nice.

I got info from Penney's -- 40% off catalog orders before the 28th.  So I sent an order for a casual jacket & matching sweater.  Jacket was 49.99 & take 40% off, that is nice.  Barb saw a sweater she liked & I ordered it -- a Christmas present.  She's in a "pink" mood as it is a bright pink.  Also ordered a pink shell to go with the sweater.   My shell & jacket are a med. bright blue.  I go for the blues.  In clothes,  not in spirit.  Too much to be thankful for to be blue.

I started another puzzle I got at KMart.  I didn't think it would be that hard.  It is.  A floral design with  lots of shades of pink.  It stayed untouched over the weekend & Mon. I started to put it together but it is a slow job.  Finally have the greens in & am working on the flowers. It also had a gazebo in the center but that was easy to put together.

Barb finally got a film developed -- some from Christmas & some of flooding at Beaty field. Barb wants me to enclose some in a letter.

Thurs the 23 - I don't know if you noticed the front steps when you were here.  They needed paint.  Yesterday Dale sanded U& washed them.  Today (A.M.) he put a coat of primer on . What an improvement.  He washed the El Camino & has it sitting in the driveway.  He said it's finished & ready to go, but there is always something he can do to make it better.  He's had a perfect week for vacation.  He doesn't work all the time - takes it easy, also.

Taury had shots because he was always biting his leg til its' bare.  Allergy shots.  Lar forgot to give him a pill at noon so Kim gave it to him at 4 pm.  That nite he woke Kim up.  She asked "Do you have to go out" & he headed for the door.  So at 3 A.M. Kim took him out so he could relieve himself.

Enough for this time.

Saturday, April 17, 2004

Yesterday at 1 pm Barb had an appointment for a mammogram.  She got home just before 3 pm.  No one can believe the mass isn't cancerous.  The Dr. asked Barb to let him know the outcome of the biopsy that will be taken on Thurs. the 22nd.

Called Millie today to wish her a Happy Birthday.  She is 89.  She said Gen called a couple of days ago to wish her a happy Bday & then Millie talked to John.  Gen wanted to visit Millie this weekend but John has a Christmas tree farm behind the grandparents house where John lives.  He had more trees being delivered today so they couldn't go.  They'll go in the near future.

It's 1 pm & the Mets are on NY TV.  Last nite I watched Mets. vs. Pirates.  It looked good for the Mets until they took Glavine out.  Then the pitchers gave up 7 runs & Glavine's excellent game (1 hit) went for naught.  I can watch games on TBS, Braves, & FSN gives the Pirates games.

Barbara went to Erie today shopping.  She spent $200.00 on 2 blouses, & about a dozen cotton toips, so she had a nice shopping trip.  Bert had told her she didn't need any new clothes but Barb didn't agree.

Dale is thinking it is soon time for him to get his "summer" car out.  He's driving it now.

The Pirates beat the Mets again.  Tonite I'll watch the Marlins at the Braves.  It should be a good game.

One Thurs. Kim mentioned one of the boys in her class had his gym clothes stolen & wondered if Dale had any old clothes.  It just so happened Dale had a large bag of Tshirts, a couple of sweat shirts, socks & a pr of jeans.  Kim took the bag.  She let this boy pick out what he wanted & 3 other boys came & said I hear you have some clothes.  One boys saw the NASCAR socks & said I want them.  Kim said the bag emptied so far she couldn't believe it.  The only thing left was the jeans.  Legs too long.  I guess there are a lot of kids that don't have much.  Lar took 4 pr socks -- they were too tight for Dale.  Barb plans to get rid of some tops now that she has new ones.  I'm sure Dale could clean out his closet & find more to give to Goodwill.

Mon. the 19th

This A.M. at 11 I watched Boston vs. Yankees & it was a great game.  Boston overcame a Yankee lead & won the game.  Gary Thorne was the announcer & tonite he is announcing the Boston-Montreal 7th game & in the 3rd quarter it is 0-0.  It is a game for the win to go further in hockey playoff.  So if it continues to be a tie there will be overtime.  It is Patriots Day in Mass.  A holiday & that's why they had a day game, The Boston Marathon & ending with hockey.

Tues the 20th

The 3 of us are going out to dinner tonite.  I thought we should do something special on Barb's 50th birthday.  We aren't asking Lar & Kim as Lar has started his extra work & it's a rush for Kim.  We will go out on a Fri. nite as that is better for all of us.  I also ordered a special birthday cake from BiLo.  Thurs. Barb goes to Bradford for a biopsy & I will go with her.  The appt. is at 11:30 A.M. so it will be mid aft. before we get back & that means it has to be an easy menu.  Barb said we could have hamburgers so I'll make pot. salad Wed. nite & I have fruit for salad plus toppings for burgers.  I guess it will work out.  That is why I wanted something special tonite.

We had a nice dinner.  Barb had a fish platter with salmon, scallops & lobster.  Dale had surf & turf (lobster) & both enjoyed their dinners.  We enjoyed going out.

Thurs the 22nd.

I went with Barb to Bradford while she had ha Dr. appt.  He just checked her & the mammogram.  She will have a biopsy next Mon. the 26th at 3 pm.  The Dr. said she could lose her breast & should have an operation as if it's not cancerous now it could be in the future.  Next Mon. will tell.  He also said she could drive O.K. so I won't go with her next Mon.

Dale will be home right after 4 pm & take me to BiLo to pick up the birthday cake.  Nestles ice cr. cones are on sale this week & I will look & hope some are still left.  They are so good & 2/4.00 this week.

More next week.