Monday, January 2, 2006

I'm watching the Wi-Auburn game & your team is ahead.  I hope they can keep it that way.

Yesterday Barb grilled steaks for our meal.  The meat was so tender & grilled just right. Tonite we're having pork chops & sauerkraut, Pa. lucky start of the New Year dinner.

When I got a letter from the church pension assn. I found I will have a little increase as well as a S.S. increase.  That is always nice.

This A.M. I got a perm & I really needed it.  They last 3 months for me with a hair cut after 6 weeks.

This A.M. Barb was looking thru her purse & found her keys in a pocket she didn't realize was in the purse.  Think I mentioned she was using my keys.

We didn't go for groceries today because it is raining -- and we wanted to watch football.

Whatever bug Dale had (in the chest) it lasted all last week.  He still worked but didn't feel that good.  But he is beginning to feel like himself again.

Did you get a new coffee pot?

I really like the Betty Crocker cooky cookbook.  It has all my favorites in it plus some new ones that sound interesting.  Soon I'll be ready to make cookies again -- for my coffee break!

I agree concerning the Weather Channel's programming for "It Could Happen Tomorrow".  I don't think it will make people more alert to make preparations for a bad storm.  They don't' appeal to me at all & besides I have other favorite programs in that time period.

Bet you were surprised to find a scarf among your gifts.  I liked the softness so much, I got one for myself.  I don't like cold air around my neck.

The next time we go to Jamestown I hope to find a bath mat set & maybe a matching set of towels.  Towels are a weakness of mine.  I miss D&K as they had great seconds of towels cheap.  You had to check them closely & the seconds weren't' bad at all.

Concerning Tom, the cat, you can get over the counter worm medicine for cats & dogs, according to Kim.  Betsy (your age) gets it for her cat.

Kim told us about something Betsy sues when she feels a cold coming on. Called AIRBORNE, "developed" by a school teacher who was tired of getting sick in the classroom. It is created using "a unique natural combination of seven  herbal extracts, antioxidants, electrolytes & amino acids that offer vitamins & herbal support for hours."  6.99 for 10 tablets.  Can be found in drug store or KMart, etc.  I plan to look for it.  (Got it at KMart for $5.99.  It is good.)

Thurs. A.M.  My chores are completed including a banana cream pie for dessert.  The 1st Thurs. of each month they have a lunch meeting.  It's nice to get a break, even if Dale makes his own sandwich.  His late week Tues is when I fix a good lunch for him & if we have some kind of toasted sandwich.

I heard on Buff. TV the 39 cent stamp doesn't go into effect til Sun. the 8th.  We'll have to get some 2 cent stamps.

I watched the first half of Penn State vs. Fla & was fast asleep when they won the game. Wasn't as interested in USC & Texas.  Watched a little of it.  Both were exciting games to watch.  Of course, we were elated PA. State came out on top.  The Ohio State game was exciting as well as the Wi. bowl game.

For 2 days Barb has been frustrated.  Why, you ask!  She couldn't get on the Internet.  She called each day & they said there was a problem at Penn State.  Finally this A.M., it came thru.  When she called the first day, they told her it was either the bill was over due or a power problem.  The bill is deducted each month from my acct. so it can't be that.  It was the power.  When she couldn't get on the Internet she started knitting a sweater for herself.  It is a type of angora like yarn in a peacock blue & it will be beautiful.  She is using large needles so it will go fast -- if she gets back to knitting.

Valentines are out already & I bo't 4 of them so I'm prepared.  When the months go by so fast, it won't be that long before they are in the mail.

Fri.   It's snowing out but not accumulating.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sun. Nov. 21

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

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

Tues A.M. the 23rd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, September 12, 2003

I didn't mention this in my last letter, but I enjoyed your interview in the library newsletter.  I didn't realize there were 3 openings in the Oshkosh library.  Erie might have to close 5 branch libraries because of the cut in state aid.  I know our lib. has to cut hours.  It's too bad.

I got the Chadwick catalog & I might get a blazer there.  There sure isn't much in the stores I like.

Someone, Marsha Bines Swanson, in your class died of cancer.  Last week there was a death notice of someone in Dale's class, no he was a yr. older but Dale knew him.  Heart.

Dale is cleaning out under the basement stairs.  Think I mentioned a post is rotten & he plans to put a new one in.  Lot of junk to be thrown out.  Even found the wading pool we bo't for the boys one summer you were here.

I'm watching the Braves at Fla.  Braves are ahead but it's only the 1st inning.

Noticed the weather report said rain for Wisc.  So I wonder if Andy is playing football in the rain.

Sheila & Sue (another operator) are leaving Jerry's shop & opening their own on upper Conewango across the from dance studio.  Jerry was to receive a registered letter today with the news.  Sheila & Sue have a good following & will take a lot of business from Jerry.  If he gets tough with them, they'll leave immediately as the shop is ready.  If he accepts it OK, they'll stay on awhile so he can cover the bills.  The other girls there don't have much of a following so they don't bring in much profit.  Sheila & Sue don't feel they are getting full pay for all their long hours.  And they found out Jerry used the shop credit card for personal use. I'll find out more on Mon. when I get a perm.  '

I'm pretty well set for next Wed.  I decided on a pumpkin dessert.  Cake mix makes a crust-mixed with melted butter & nuts -- then a pumpkin filling & saved 1 c. crumbs for on top.  I'll have 2 kinds of cookies & ice cr. if someone doesn't like pumpkin.  A bar cooky for one & note quite decided on the other. (changed my mind & served cake)

Lilith Johnson called today to say they won't be coming.  Just found out she has to see a heart specialist & she has sugar so bad it has affected her eyes.  She can hardly see anymore.

Barb says 6 more sizes & Andy will catch to the L.A. Laker, whose name won't come to the surface.  I'm sure you know who I mean, or is it whom?  Shack O'Neal is the name I want.  I'm not sure of the spelling.

Not it's Sat. the 13th & what a day for college football.  Both Barb & I didn't think Ohio State would win but they did by holding on the goal line.

Made my regular coffee cake this A.M. & Spritz and I made pie crust -- I like to have it in the freezer.

Now I'm watching my poor Mets at Montreal.

Dale is fertilizing the lawn U& Barb is working upstairs & she'll be switching TV between checking on the Mets & watching Penn State football & they are having some troubles.

Wed the 17th.  My meeting is in the past & all went well -- but I could have done better.

Dale left for Rochester again but only for Thurs.  This time the session in on electronics in the new cars.  I think that's what he said as he left, but don't quote me!

Tues & Wed. have been beautiful fall days.  But late Thurs. & Fri we are to get Isabel's rains.

Today Ret. Gen Wesley Clark announced he will run for pres. on the Dem ticket.  Barb likes him -- she has listened to him on T.V.  What do you think his chances are?

In today's USA puzzle -- I started it & when I get stuck Barb takes over.  If she' can't complete it, it comes back to me & I try to finish it.  Today's puzzle had "Virgin of Kocanic paradise".  Finally there were enough letter to make me think it was HOURI.  I looked it up in the big dictionary & I was right.  I've had it before & my memory is still good!!

After having the ladies here this aft, I wasn't in the mood to make supper so we had Pizza Hut pizza.  It was fine with Dale as he wanted to leave by 6 pm.  It takes almost 3 hours.

Dale fertilized the lawn at the right time as we had a nice gentle rain & you can already see the difference.

Next week I have to clean out my closet  part with things I don't wear.  Hope I follow thru.

It was nice talking to Andy on his birthday.  I like the football program you sent me.  If I counted right there are 9 fellow 6' or over.  Dale commented on #71 John Stucki 5'7" weighing 2498.  Is it muscle -- he doesn't look that big.  I recognize many names of Andy's friends from your letters.

 

Thurs.  I'm tired tonite & it will soon be bedtime.  Seems like I was at the sink most of the day.  First I made an apple pie & it came out real good this time.  I'm wrong first I set dinner rolls & while they raised I made the pie.  Made applesauce as I fixed stuffed pork chops, Andy's favorite.  We didn't eat 'til 6:30 & Dale got home at 6:45.

Today I've been watching the Weather Channel a lot -- what a storm.  We're expecting to get rain late tonite & tomorrow.  They are playing high school football Sat. instead of Fri due to the expected rain.

Guess I'll get ready for bed.  All is fine here.