Sunday, December 12, 2004

We watched the Bills beat the Browns & now Pittsburgh is playing the Jets & the Steelers couldn't get a TD but got a field goal.  Steelers won!!!

I asked Dale what kind of cookies he liked outside of tea cakes.  He said those date ones meaning the date-filled cookies.  Haven't made them for years & he really surprised me. They are a favorite of mine.  Before the Steeler game I found the recipe & made the dough & it is chilling in the fridge.  My dates are too old but we'll get groceries tomorrow.  I'm going to try making Biscotti.  The coffee shop in Warren has them & they as good to dunk.

We needed bananas so we stopped at Quality on our way home from the Mall.  Dale likes cacti plants & we saw a pretty arrangement of 3 cacti with stones, pebbles & wood.  We got it as a gift for him. Barb brought it over to Lar to keep it til Christmas Eve.  We didn't know where to hide it uncovered & we didn't want to keep it loosened in a plastic bag.

Barb went up to Lawn & Garden to look around & she found the cutest Santa on sale.  It is a policeman Santa holding a little boy on one arm & a flag in the other hand.  It plays "God Bless America".  I claimed it & paid her for it.  The boys is saluting the flag.  He (Santa) has a fat tummy, blue suit with a whistle around his neck & a club on his belt.

I got my "away" cards mailed.  Had a letter card from Carole & Arland & see they have a new address & I had their old address on the card.  I used a label and covered it.

Noticed UB's baseball won over Niagara "in a thriller" to quote the Buff. paper.  Another article says "UB athletic dept. has something special brewing".   They have a new athletic director & I guess they have hopes of better teams & more winners.

Barb said the announcers on the  Buff. game said the Steelers would have a hard time winning then the Steelers play in Buff.  I said that's crazy & she didn't like it being a Buff. fan. So that should be an interesting game for this Nelson family.  2 against 1.

Mon. the 13th

I'm watching CNN news & they were telling about 2 men robbing a house when they heard a video "Stop, we've got the house surrounded."  They ran out of the house & didn't take anything.  Guess the videos are good for something.

Our toaster oven won't toast anymore.  We got another one & without reading the direction, Barb said it gets too hot.  She had the oven part on.  I'm not sure how it will heat rolls up.  It is a Black & Decker so it should be OK.  To toast you don't heat the oven.

We're getting our first snow but not as much as in Chautauqua County.  Erie had had an accumulation.  We don't' have much but more is expected thru the nite into Tues.  There was a late start to school (10 A.M.) because of slippery conditions in the outer parts of Warren County.  Frozen slush, etc.

I've noticed the adds on TV like the videos you are now getting.  Will you, rather are you watching them.

Tues. the 14th

I looked at the calendar & realized Christmas is next week & tho't I'd better get busy.  And so I did this A.M.  This is Dale's early week so I was up at 5 AM.  After getting things ready for breakfast, I formed my rolls & baked them.  Then I made molasses cookies -- I put them thru the cooky press & they came out very thin & have ridges -- I love them that way.  Then I made the Russian tea cakes; next came the rolled out cookies.  I put a date mixture on one cooky & covered it with another circle & baked them.  I'm not good at making rolled out cookies & their looks aren't hat great but they taste good.   I washed pans, etc. several times, rested a bit with a cup of coffee & then got lunch for Dale & myself.  After lunch I started a veg. beef soup & made a pumpkin pie.  Soup & pie for supper.  Finally at 2 pm I sat down & I'm watching my soaps.  It feels good to take it easy.  Oh yes I changed my sheets & did a load of wash.  Pretty good for an old lady, don't you think.  I'm just thankful I can do it.  I still plan to make one or two more recipes of cookies.  Barb likes to give a plate of cookies to Bob & Lynn.

Your pkg. arrived late aft.  Barb & I opened it i& she put your gifts under the tree.

Wed. the 15th

Dale said the bank at the Mall was robbed this aft.

Erie has had a rash of robberies -- pizza places, fast food & Radio Shack.  Tonite the Erie news at 6 pm told they arrested a young fellow.  I missed the first part that told how they caught him, but it probably will be in the Wrrn. paper tomorrow.  They know he committed 2 of them & think he did them all.  He carried a gun & used it at times.  When someone tried to take it away he shot it to let them know he'd use it.  He didn't look at all sorry but when he's in jail for a few years, he'll change his tune.

Made 2 batches of cookies today & plan to make 2 or 3 more batches.  Made Spritz & a sugar cooky today.  Want to make the peanut butter cooky you put a Hershey kiss on after it's baked awhile.  And a peanut butter bar cooky & my favorite a coconut macaroon.  Who wasn't going to make many cookies.  Maybe I'll bring some over to Viola Seaquist.  I did last year so I will this year.  And Barb will fix a plate for Lynn. Yesterday Scott got one of my rolls & today he got 2 Spritz & 2 sugar cookies.  He likes them.

Fri. the 17th

Did you get a Christmas card from Gerald & Darla.  It is a picture of the white painted out hosue & it has a small flower box with red flowers.  There was a note & Darla said "write".  I did write & never got a reply to my last letter so gave up.  It's nice to get an answer.

We got an inch of snow overnite but we don't have very much but it is nice to have for Christmas.

I know you'll have a great Christmas.

P.S.  Which pkg. did the boys "peek" into!!!

Saturday, December 6, 2003

I hope you had a nice birthday.  Decided to try calling in the A.M. this time but it still didn't work out.  Maybe it will work for Ed's birthday.  I called at 10 A.M. your time.  Andy said I didn't get him out of bed, but maybe he was just being nice.

Yesterday I made 2 pies for church -- a graham cracker but I was disappointed with the meringue but the vanilla pudding came out good.  The 2nd pie had a cheesecake type felling & pie filling cherries on top.  It looked good.  I also made cookies, a new recipe from the latest "family Circle" magazine.   you make a cooky crust & bake it 20 min.  Then a syrup of butter, brown sugar & honey.  Bring it to a boil & boil 5 min.  Then add 1/2 c. cream & 3 cups pecans & cashews.   Pour it over the crust & bake.  Very rich & delicious   Barb says like pecan pie.  Plan to make another batch before Christmas.  Will give some away. After I got them to church & came home & made a pumpkin pie.  Just had a piece -- I love pumpkin pie, and a apple loaf for Dale's snack.  I sample one crust & it is a good recipe.

Dale has to go to school 2 days this week.  Leaves Tues. after work & home on Thurs. Rochester this time.

Also finished wrapping gifts & so did Barb.  They look pretty under the tree.

After lunch I took a little nap in my chair.  Finished a.m. ironing -- just a small amount -- mostly pressing.  The only reason it got done, I wanted to wear my new slacks on Sun. so that pushed me.  And I still had time to address Christmas cards.  I want to start writing small notes to some I only hear from at Christmas.

Now I'm taking it easy as all may chores have been accomplished.

When I read your letter & you said only 3 of the football team went out for basketball, I got the picture out to see the other two playing basketball.  Also looked at Miles again as his name comes up a lot in your letters.

I'm thinking of having something different for Christmas -- cornish hens.  I'd like something different for Christmas Eve as well but I haven't come across anything interesting.

Mon. Dec 8

After lunch I got a perm & it's nice to have more curl again.

Made lasagna for supper & it was pretty good but I'd like to improve on it.  Used the "no boil" lasagna. I can never cook the other because they always split a bit.

After I did my Mon. chores I started on notes for Christmas cards.  My list isn't as large so it's easier.  On the thank you card from Gerald I noticed the address was different:  1474 Railroad Lake Rd.  Florence.  It surprised me.

Barb got a large fire truck for the boy from the name on the Salvation Army.  He'll get 3 toys & pants, shirt & pj's so one 6 yr. old should be a little happier on Christmas.  Next year I'll take an older children's name & have Barb & Dale go in on gifts.  Older ones want more expensive things & clothes, etc. are more expensive.  Some ask for bicycles, etc.

Wed. Dec. 10

Just came back from the dentist -- lost a filling.  Last Fri. as I was eating one of my cookies I'd made, I felt something hard & moved my tongue around & felt a hole.  So I called & was lucky to get in today.  As soon as I got there my name was called & the dentists started right in so I was only there 1/2 hour & it cost me 60.00, but worth it to keep my teeth.

Dale doesn't go to Rochester until today -- they'll be 2 of them, leave right way after work & Dale will be home Fri. maybe around 7-8 pm  He told me what it was for but I can't remember it.

I haven't done much this week -- just taking it easy.  It's hard to dust with the Christmas decorations & Dale vacuums the rugs.

Closer to Christmas I'll make 4 kinds of cookies, maybe a couple more & then I have to make 2 batches of my rolls for Dale at work.  Christmas Eve day they don't do much & have a pot luck at lunch & then they are thru.  And they always want Dale to bring my rolls.  I'll do it as long as I can. 2 weeks & the big day will be here -- or the 2 big days.

Thurs. the 11th

We will be only 3 for dinner.  Kim will be with girl friends for a get together.  Next week we'll eat earlier as Kim will have a get together at her place.

I have 2 more notes to write in cards & then I'll be thru.  The rest are sealed, stamped & ready to mail.  I'm glad that's over.  Now to making cookies but I wait a bit on that.

Yesterday Barb took me to the dentist & I said I'd walk home.  Dr. Walters' office is in the lower level so I had steps to climb.  I was a little scared but had no reason to be.  No problem with the stairs or walking home.  Funny how we make things hard for ourselves by imagining things.  Haven't walked over town but I'm sure I can.  Not being able to walk compares to one having to give up driving & deending on others.  At least for me.

Made apple crisp for dessert & of course I had to sample it & it's good.  One of my favorites.  In a short time Ed will be 13 years old.  Another teenager!  Of course one forgets but things weren't  so bad when you 4 were teenagers.

Fri A.M.

We're having snow flurries but we still plan to go to Jamestown after I get my hair done.  I know I had a perm on Mon. but I like ti washed on Fri as usual.

Soon time to go.

Saturday, May, 10 2003

We had an easy meal tonite -- pizza from Pizza Hut so there isn't much work to that or clean up.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was Ekey's with a beautiful geranium hanging basket.  Thank you so much. It is hanging on the porch.  Thanks for the Mother's Day cards.  I'll go with Eddie's "All the way, Mets" & boo to Andy's "All the way, Braves".  I know I'm dreaming when it comes to the Mets.  When they reach .500, I'll be happy.  They did win today with Mike P. home run in the 10th.  More smiles then.  Good or bad they are my team.

Yesterday I got 2 books at the library.  Read one yesterday & one today.  Both by Karen Robards, easy reading & I liked them a lot.  Hunter's Moon & Heart Break.  She has more I haven't read.  Good entertainment for me.

Barb got petunias & impatiens to plant which she is doing now.  For by the back door & the leftovers will go in the back yard.

Kim will make Larry's birthday carrot cake.  That is fine with me.

Kim went to Erie today as one of her Sheffield students graduated from college.  The girl has worked for Lar during the summer (weeding, etc.) & had dog sat Torey.

Tonite I'll watch the Braves & San Fran.  I could watch Houston at Pitt. but I think San Fran will be more interesting   Of course I root against the Braves!

Dale had his blood test this A.M. & they filled 5 vials & also a urine test.  He has an EEG test coming up in about 10 days.  He is getting a good check up.

Your new patio furniture sounds very nice.  You are lucky to have such a nice backyard.

Mon. May 12

We had a nice birthday & Mother's Day celebration.  Larry & Kim replaced the worn out "whiskey barrel" by the front steps & planted petunias (kind that spread out) in it.  Barb gave me earrings & a matching necklace, which I like a lot.  Dale gave me a fuchsia plant so the porch looks nice with 2 pretty hanging baskets.

The rain held off so we could grill steaks outside.  I gave Larry a gift certificate from Lawn & Garden so he can get what he likes.  Dale gave him a hammer & other little things he buys on his shopping trips.  Barb gave him a nice bear & cub in the form of a little candle holder. Be nice on the outdoor tables at the camp.  She also found a piggy bank in the form of a soccer ball.  It is so cute.  Dale also gave me a "little gift" -- bandaids with the logos of the baseball teams.  Cute.

I got my first copy of Home & Garden magazine.

Paul, it seems like you spend time in the "public" part of the library.  I don't think I've ever seen our Director around.  I don't' know her but I never ever saw the previous Director around & I know her.  Maybe I'm not around when they are or were.  Libraries around the state are crying the blues over the gov. budget.  Libraries & schools are getting the short end of the deal.  But the budget hasn't passed yet, so maybe things can change.  Our library surely will have to cut hours & jobs.

This A.M. I was up & dressed by 6 A.M.  Reason I wanted to get the glass out for recycling. They collect it early.  I told Dale I have ambition on Mondays but it fades as the weeks goes on.  Before Dale left (*8-5 this week) I had cleaned the counter tops, moving everything.  After lunch I'll do some ironing.

I was mistaken about when the pastor visits Warren. It is in June.  I guess I'm anxious & wondering why we don't hear more about the couple....where they are from, etc.  Next Sun. after church we have a meeting concerning the elevator situation.

In the June 10 Family Circle there is a recipe for Double Chip Bars that I plan to make today. It calls for white & milk choc. chips, coconut, peanut butter & peanuts.  Plan to halve the recipe & use a 9x9 dish for a sample.  If Dale doesn't like it, Barb on a diet, it will be too much for me to finish *even if I could!)  Also you put a drizzle of melted van. chips over the bars.  I like them so they came out & taste good.

Gen called today.  Her church is building an educational wing & she isn't in favor of it.  But she still made a gift of money.  John did & said she should.  Ed wasn't in favor of it but that's the way they are.  They wouldn't build unless they needed the room.

Heard some interesting gossip.  Arlene Hornstrom is now at the nursing home in Pleasant Twp. & she has found herself a man who is also there.  In fact, they were found in bed together.  She had another man friend before she got sick.  What happens in these homes!

"How sweet it is" this Wed A.M., the SUN is OUT.  Finally but showers are till haunting us.

Just finished washing the kitchen floor.  Sure glad that job is over.   After lunch I plan to walk to the library & get more books.  I'm in a reading mood.

Thurs. aft.

I tried a new recipe tonite -- chicken squares.  It was OK but I don't think I'll try it again.  Dale had a 2nd piece so it must be OK.  I was just a little disappointed in the results.  But the apple pie for dessert was good.

More rain today but a good weekend is forecast.

Are the boys counting the days til school is out.  Kim is.

Saturday, December 15, 2001

Today Barb picked 2 pansies she saw blooming.  The middle of Dec!

This A.M. I made a coffee cake & started making the regular choc. chips plus Spritz & Russian Tcakes.  But I forgot to add the egg to the Spritz so they are crispier. Will have to make another batch on Mon.  They taste OK & will get eaten. Plan to make 2 more recipes besides the Spritz.  One dessert will be Viennetta & cookies.

Yesterday we went to the Lakewood Mall in the rain.  It was rain needed.  I found a pr. of brown slacks which color I haven't had for ages -- at Sears.  At Bon Ton I found a cotton blouse to go with them.  A stripe with a tan background.  With coupons & mark down, it cost $11.88.  I took a "lg." but it is a little "roomy" but since it is 100% cotton, I expect it to shrink.

I sent a card to Joyce & it came back -- wrong address.  I don't have Joan's latest address either.

It seems that Eddie must like playing in the school band.  Hope he keeps it up.  And his Cub Scouts group sounds very active.  That is nice.  He will be old enough for Boy Scouts.  Hope he keeps it up.  I know Larry really liked scouting.  Bruce being active in Scouting made a difference.  And Mr. Myers was a good leader.  He is in the Rouse home now.

I'm watching golf and what a beautiful section of Calif. they are playing in.  Southern Cal. in the mountains.

The Mets have been busy with trades.  They should have an extra special infield.  Think Eddie will have to wait until baseball season to get the shirt & hats he wants.

Got a card from Sylvia Yosten today.  Pete has prostate cancer -- he is having treatments.  Sometimes they work & sometimes they don't.  Jeff has moved to Kansas City, Mo. to be close to his 2 daughters.  The divorce hit him very hard.  Max is still in N. Carolina.  Karen married Bill Weldon & they are grandparents.  2nd daughter has a baby & no husband.  Lives at home.

This week Dale got his regular wage; vacation pay he didn't take, plus a day for not taking the 3rd week & a bonus check.  Think the bonus check was $800.00  Now they balance out what the 4 agencies make & divide by the workers.  Warren has the best record so other groups complained when their bonus wasn't as big so they came up with dividing it this way.  No smoking, no drinking, living at home, he doesn't spend much -- except at Big Lots & that's cheap spending -- so he should have a nice saving acct.  Not even car payments.  Some parts are costly but he does OK. He's happy & nice to have around.

Sun the 16th

Harry Johnson who owned the Johnson Hotel died age 94.  Wife Ethel and 2 daughters were in church today.   Kris was y our age Paul.  She lives in Fla. & I'm sure Ethel said they had an ice cream or some sort of food franchise & it looks like it.  She has gained weight.  Other daughter, whose name (Karen, maybe) I can't remember lives in Warren & looks good.  She left the church for a Pentecostal church.  Then she divorced her husband & I don't' know if she goes to any church now.

Other news -- Masterson's will close the end of Dec. but will keep the warehouse & storage lockers they have.  So far it won't mean they won't need Barb to work taking care of Scott.  They didn't have to declare bankruptcy -- they saw the writing on the wall.  That is valuable property.

Maybe you read Loranger's declared bankruptcy.  The oldest son bo't the other 3 out so he was the lone owner.  One married Chris Cataldo -- 2nd for both --  one is in Calif. -- he married Chris Lundahl.  And one has the old Walker Dairy bldg. on the West Side for another part of the business that is successful.  Loranger's has a business in Hungary & that is still a going concern.  Sometimes the sons can't carry on the business left by the father.  This is tough on Warren as far as jobs goes.

[A repeat]  Barb picked a couple of pansies yesterday.  Imagine flowers in Dec.  They don't' know what is happening.  Neither do we!  No snow for Christmas.

Imagine Eddie is looking forward to his birthday & Christmas vacation.

I know you'll have a wonderful Christmas.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for a healthy & Happy New Year.

Saturday, December 8, 2001

Looking a lot like Christmas in Middleton, too.

We have our tree trimmed and it looks so nice.  Have a few decorations up so it's "beginning to look a lot like Christmas".

I have a folder Dad fixed for you of the King's visit to Hessel Valley.  Programs & 2 pictures.  The picture of Dad & the King leaving the service shows the man following are FBI.  There were also Swedish reporters with the party.  Barb said to tell, people expecting the king to come from Jamestown painted the parts of their house that would be visible to the King & the road was fixed so it wasn't bumpy.  Then the weather didn't cooperate so he came in from Bradford.

Lar got stones to place on the wall by their wood stove so the heat wouldn't harm the walls.  He also got some cement siding to put by the side facing the creek to present the squirrels from gnawing teh siding.  He will cover it all eventually.  It better work.

The Dr ordered a new pill for me to take & this coming week I get another blood test.  Then I see the Dr.

I just have a few odds & ends to get & then I will be ready for Christmas.

I'm not making many cookies as they don't get eaten.  Barb wants Spritz, Dale the Tcake rolled in pow'd. sugar.  I'm making the choc. cooky you ice with Andes Mints.  This time I'm going to use the cherry Andes Mint.  It sounds good to me & should be pretty as well.

We've seen a few snow flakes & it's cooled down.

I took a time out -- couldn't keep my eyes opened so I closed them & napped.

Last year, after Christmas I got tree decorations 1/2 price at KMart.  Found them but need hooks & we don't have any.  Will use ribbon.  Can't find the stocking "holders" but they have to be around.  More looking.

We're having an easy supper -- pizza, ordered form Pizza Hut.  An easy meal after running up & down stairs for tree decorations.

In rereading this letter, I forgot to mention that Lar moved the window close to the front door, closer to the door so he'd have the room he needed for the wall covering by the wood stove.

This year they had both doe & deer hunting at the same time.  Many don't like that & because of the warm weather, butchers have been so busy cutting up the animals, people couldn't get theirs cut up and lost the meat.  Schools still closed Mon for doe hunting, so they have a long weekend.

Sun the 9th.  We were suppose to have snow this weekend but it skipped us.

Dale put a new stainless steel burner in the grill. It should cook the meat better now.

Dale went shopping yesterday & spent $100.00 at Big Lots.  He has a check coming this week, plus vacation money for a week not taken & I'm not sure if they get a bonus this year.

We have a new way to turn on the  Christmas tree lights.  Kim found it at Big Lots and it is for the foot to turn on -- no more bending except to give water & I haven't done that yet today.  On TV I noticed someone watering the tree thru a pipe or hose but I just got the tail end of what was happening but it looked good.

Was watching ice skating & now I'm back to Gr. Bay vs. Chicago & the Packers are ahead.  Some good games to watch today.

I never liked the Advent season because the sermons were always on the "ills" of the season. Being caught up with gift buying, decorations, baking, etc.  This year we are hearing inspiring messages of the season.  That's the way it should be.  The interim pastor was in church today.  To see how the service progresses, etc.  I'm sure the people will like him.

I made a cranberry apple crisp & it was good.

Do you realize the last week of March is Holy Week.  Will that make a difference.

Better bring this to an end so it can get mailed.

Sunday, October 29, 2000

It's your birthday, Paul -- wish we were closer to help you celebrate.

Arlene H. was in church today.  John brought her home for the weekend.  John said he doesn't remember too many people anymore but he said I look the same so he knows me.  She mentioned the church Julie's family go to has a black pastor & Arlene likes him a lot.

Talked to Rose this week.  Think I wrote Karen had surgery.  Well Kim saw Karen's close friend & it was plastic surgery -- on stomach, arms & what else I don't know.  They took another mortgage on the house to pay for it.  Insurance wouldn't.  Reminds me of the song "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets."  Substitute Karen's name.

The torn up lawn is now seeded &^ the edges filled in & seeded, thanks to Larry.  It was so nice to see the 2 cars parked side by side in front of the garage doors.  2 more projects -- new sidewalk & roof.  Time will tell when they get done.  Altho next spring they want to put a brick walk in front of the garage to the back door.  Now the bricks are a little higher & they want it level.  Plenty of brick left for the project.

Should write to Ruth but seeing there is only a little over 3 weeks til Thanksgiving, I'll look for Thanksgiving cards & write then.

Sent an order to L. L. Bean yesterday.  There was a sweater, at a price I could afford, Barb wanted.  But it was sold out.  Lar saw a couple of flannel shirts he liked so some more shopping of gifts was accomplished.  Got my Christmas Club check on Fri. & will cash it tomorrow.  Have to go to PNC bank to get money for monthly expenses.  Christmas Club check comes from Northwest.  $500.00.  Kim got hers also.

I made out a preparation plan for Thanksgiving.  Look for dust in corners -- make sure I know where my recipes are, cookies made, grocery list, etc.  I need it in front of me or I'm apt to forget something.

My mind's a blank so I'll stop & maybe more thoughts will come on what to write about.

You'll never guess what I just did.  I'd gotten Christmas wrap on sale after Christmas so I wrapped the gifts I have for Paul & JoAnna.  Wanted to get them out of my room so I can straighten it up a bit.

Buff. & N.Y. J's are tied 20-20 & Buff has the ball with 1 min. to go.  Barb is at Johanson's & she must be on needles & pins. The Bills win 23-20.

Now I switched to golf.  Tiger is playing & that always makes it more interesting.

Last nite I made chicken & spaghetti but Barb didn't stay for dinner so Dale had her share for lunch.  So I'll be lazy & order pizza for Dale & me.  Dale went to the mall at Lakewood this aft.

Almost forgot.  Dale got a ceiling fan, 1/2 price, at KMart for the garage to move the warm air around.  He has another better kerosene stove that really heats the garage up.  Pretty complete now, with heat, fan & TV.

Kim had a busy weekend a week ago helping others & not leaving enough time for herself.  So when she came over yesterday I was surprised.  Fri. Lar said "there is nothing to snack on".  So Sat. A.M. Kim got up early to make cookies.  When she was getting an egg out of the fridge it slipped out of her hand.  Trying for another, it also slipped out of her hand, so she had a mess to clean up.  That didn't make her very happy.  Lar stopped by as he was going to rake leaves at Carey's.  So he had a couple of cookies.  I'll be making more of the peanut butter, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies as Dale likes them. They are easy to make.

Sheila & Sue (beauty shop gals) don't work on Halloween but dress up & visit around.  They know a teacher at Jefferson so they are in the neighborhood and stop in to see me.  Plan to make cookies & give them each a bag.  They'll dress up as Cheetas -- wear black jeans & jacket.  The masks got 50.00 & they stick to the face.  Went to Fredonia to get them.  They also wear wigs.  They have fun & look good in their costumes.

I see Green Bay was defeated.  Pittsburgh won so Dale will be happy.

Careys are in Fla. for 2 weeks.  They found someone to stay with the dogs.

Tues. Oct. 30.

I'm glad to sit down -- it's been a busy day for me.  Up at 6 am.  After breakfast & reading the paper, I went upstairs & took care of my room.  On Mon. I change Dale's sheets.  Did my washing, made my cooky dough & put it in the fridge.  About 9:15, I walked to the post office for stamps, to PNC Bank to cash my check for Nov. exp.  Then went across the st. & cashed my Christmas Club check.  We've been talking that I should get a C.D. and I asked about it at the bank (Northwest) & put $10,000.00 into a 14 mo. cert. of deposit at PNC.  It is one dad started with $10,000.00 when he was well.  Overheard Mr. Gustafson tell someone C.D.s were the best way for older people.  That spurred me on to do something.  Should make use of my money.  The int will go into the C.D.  Dad had the int. go into his checking account.  The pension & S.S. take care of current expenses.  What is in the checking account is for taxes & any improvements.  I guess one could say I'm doing OK.

Also dusted downstairs, an easy job.  Baked & frosted the cookies.  Fixed supper, cleaned up & now I'm resting & watching TV.  TLC "Code Blue". So I've had a full day for me.

Enjoyed talking with Paul & the boys on Sun.  Eddie made me smile when I asked him if his homework was finished.  He told me he didn't like personal questions!  I'm still smiling.  Am anxious to see Andy again & how he has grown.  Great to have 2 wonderful grandsons.  See you soon.

Friday, March 12, 1999

Artwork by Eddie Nelson

Lar said he talked to you Wed nite so you know the details of what is going on here.  I'm waiting for the Hospice nurse to come & check on Dad & then the aide comes to wash him.  He has a few bed sores - he doesn't get up - sleeps most of the time.  We are to turn him from side to side periodically but it isn't easy as he is very rigid - part of Parkinson's.  He hasn't wanted to eat since last Mon. & takes very little water.  His body is shutting down.  It is so hard to see him esp. when we are eating a good meal & he can't or won't eat.   They told me to wash out his mouth with a small sponge like on a stick.  When I tried yesterday he shut his mouthy & wouldn't let me do it.  So there is still some awareness.

Last Wed. after the R.N. was here, I decided to call the Dr's office & post pone by cataract removal.  And it was like a big burden was lifted.  I couldn't lift after that & I have to do some lifting.  And if Dad leaves us this weekend it wouldn't work out.

The pastor was over but Dad didn't wake up so he didn't have communion.  Ray Forstrom was over yesterday & he had a brief prayer as the nurse arrived at the same time.  All the people from Hospice are so nice - it is a wonderful service.

I've been making out my grocery list to make sure I have the things the boys like.  I have the choc. cookies for Andy & the choc. chip for Paul in the freezer.  Eddie's I make just before you come.  They are better not frozen.

Got your letter yesterday.  Great news about Andy's basketball winning games & his scoring.  Nice to think those fellows will be together in sports.  Some deep friendships will be formed.  Maybe you'll outstay the previous Lib. Director.

We too have snow on the ground.  Had 6-8" this past week.

Did you see how much snow Rochester had this past week.  Think it added up to 48" from 2 storms in one week.

Once all this is finished, I'll have plenty to keep me busy, to make it easier to adjust. I haven't really cleaned the house that good.  The rugs need shampooing & I'd like to get the sofa & love seat recovered.  And our bedroom needs a good cleaning.  That will be therapy for me.

It is so nice to have the eating area back.  Didn't realize I'd miss it so much.  Dale agrees, too.

We have the D.R. table close to the bed so it's easier to care for Dad.  The table is covered with things to help him.  Clean towels for washing him, plastic gloves, liquid soap & lotion, kleenex etc. so it makes it much handier.

We squeezed around the round table last nite - 5 of us so it was tight.  Kim somehow spilled her hot coffee on her lap.  She had to go home & change her pants.  Altho I offered her a Depend!!!  She didn't want to borrow Barb's pants.  I'm so lucky to have 2 wonderful daughters-in-law.  Hope Dale can someday find someone.

Barb & Kim are now L.A. basketball fans seeing Scotty & Rodman play there.

You'll have a busy time in Chicago with all you've planned.  Two lucky boys,.  The 27th will come fast & I'm looking forward to your visit.

000

Friday, February 7, 1997 (Letter to Andy)

Your Dad tells us about your basketball games.  We are happy you like sports.  Soon there will be baseball spring practice and pre-season games.  We look forward to watching baseball on T.V.

Nascar racing starts this weekend and Uncle Dale will be watching his favorite racer.  Dale Earnhardt - number 3 car.  It's good we have more than one T.V.

Aunt Barbara bring Scott over here and he always wants a cooky.  He likes my cookies just like y ou and Eddie do.  We also have to put teh M&M candy out or reach.  Otherwise he wants some.  His mother says no candy.

Monday, December 1994

I'm making an easy supper - Betty Crocker's Hamburger Helper Swedish Meatballs.  Looks good.  I want an easy supper as I have 4 kinds of cookies chilling in the refrig & plan to bake them tonite.

2 suggestions for Dad & me.

For me.   Video.   Gaslight or 42nd St.


For Dad:  The Great Caruso.


You can call using 800#.  I'll enclose pages, etc.

Sometime later - the cookies are all stored away for munching & the meal was good.  Barb doesn't care for meatballs but these had a sauce with noodles & it was tasty & so simple to make.  She surprised me by eating the meal.

On Mon nites I enjoy the pregame activities on ESPN.

Lar & Kim will come for supper tomorrow (Tues) nite instead of Thurs. as they are going to the soccer banquet at Holiday Inn.  Warren had its first soccer season & did well.  It is supported by parents & friends.  School has no money for it.

It looks like Buffalo will be the loser tonite & Dale will be happy.  We're going to look for a radio controlled car for Andy at Radio Shack.  T hey are advertised in their ads.  I'll mail this after tomorrow as Barb gets off early on Tues. & we'll make a quick trip to the Mall.  (We got a smaller one for Eddie - we figure he'd want one, too.  Got a more expensive one for Andy.)

Back from a quick trip to the Mall.  Got the Game of Life & Snow White.  Saw the video Black Beauty & think I'll get that too.  Next time we'll have more time & then I'll look for for Jr. Blue at the Toy Store.

Tonite after supper we decided to check out the cars to make sure they work OK.  Both work fine.  But Taury didn't like them.  Eddie's just goes forward & backward but Andy's turns & does more things.  Lar made the car go in circles & so was Taury & he was barking & I was laughing so hard.  Barb & Lar said we didn't get gifts like these when we were kids.  With just 2 grandchildren we can do a little more - for the time being anyway.

Will get this on the way & bring it to a close.  I'm waiting for suggestions.  Hint!  Hint!  Hint!

[Christmas photo card poses.]