Saturday, March 10, 2006

I'll start a letter before lunch.  I made a loaf of blueberry bread, took a few things I won't be wearing up to the attic & brought down some cotton shirts.  They need to be washed but that can wait.  It is a nice spring day.

Dale will go to get a blood test at the hosp. lab.  He said his Blazer is acting up, needs a new engine, so he should get rid of it.  Also talks about selling the Monte Carol & just driving the El Camino.  It hasn't been driven for a number of years as he has been working on it. With just 1 car, it can be kept in the garage all the time.  Save on insurance money as well.

When we were at the Lakewood Mall last Thurs, I was wishing I was 50 years younger. Why?  One of the shops had the cutest outfit in their window.  A pretty pink top with the popular tiered skirt in a pretty print to match the top. It is really a pretty outfit.  Guess you know I tho't it was "pretty". by the use of that word!

Also on the way home, we saw a v-shaped flock of geese flying north.  A sign of spring, but I haven't seen a robin yet.  I'm ready for spring.  I have to pull the shades over the kitchen sink windows down a bit as the sun shines in my eyes.

The new family across the st. have someone clearing & raking up.  I heard they want to do some new landscaping.

Once in awhile the Shopping Guide is delivered to our door.  It included a section of houses for sale.  I noticed it said sale pending for Collins house.  The cost is $124,900.  They have 4 bedrooms & a big backyard, double garage so that is not too bad.  Ryberg's house hasn't been sold.  Mail just came so I'll read your letter.

Mar. 17.  Happy St. Patrick's Day

I have really enjoyed the Baseball World Classic.  And I think the announcing team of Gary Thorne, Arestes Destrada & Orel H. are tops.  None are overbearing, or hogs the mike.  I hope they announce a log of the games.

Last nite Lar said he'll soon have a hi-intensity (hope that's the correct word) TV.  He wants it to watch the World Soccer games coming up soon.  Something new in TVs.

When I got up yesterday there wasn't any snow but about 6 AM, it started to snow hard.  Kim said driving to school was really tough.  The neighbor shoveled his walk but by aft. all sidewalks were clear from the sun.  It is clear & cold this A.M.  25.

Yesterday I was busy so today I'm taking it easy.  Our dinner is in the crockpot.  W hen we shopped on Mon. I got some meat whose date was soon to expire.  I got 2 pkg. & froze them & used one today. Nice to get a bargain once in awhile.

Just watched a crazy movie.  TCM, of course.  Of course I didn't see it from the beginning.

Scott is going out for track this spring.  Barb & Lynn wonder how long he'll last.  He wants to go out for sports as the girls go for those guys!  He wants to be "cool".  Marisa arrived home last nite from Fla.  She enjoyed her time there.  Lynn said to Barb things are easier when Marisa is gone.  Scott can't do anything right & Marisa constantly yells & swears at him. She has a filthy mouth & that is not good.

Sheila & Sue are raising their rates because of the increase of gas & elec.  2.00 for shampoo & set & $1.00 for perms.  That's not much.  Starts Apr. 1.

Finally saw 2 robins in our driveway this A.M.

Dale wondered if he got a bad batch of oil for his Blazer.  He changed the oil & that has helped, but there is a noise that bothers him.  So he'll look for the reason for that.  He's not quite ready to give up on the Blazer.

Last nite Lar figured out my state tax & it is ready to mail.  Dale has finished & sent in his taxes.  He'll get a refund.  Barb hasn't figured her out yet.  Last yr. it was finished in Jan.

I've only seen the U.S. team place once & that was against Japan & they should have lost that game. 3rd base "rhubarb" went against Japan & the player didn't leave early.  They aren't very good representatives for the u.S.  I bet some team's gen. manager's mouths are "watering" when they watch some of the Cuban players.  They are good.  I'm anxious for regular baseball to start.  Pittsburgh is doing pretty good in spring training games.  I should root for them, but I don't' know if I can give up being a Met fan.

Apr. 17th is Millie's birthday.  You are constantly in my thoughts & prayers and I know you'll come thru with flying colors!  We all are praying for you.

It's only Thurs. so I'm a day early for St. Pat's.  It has been that way since Lar & Kim come on Wed. Next Wed. is that last time so we'll get back to Thurs. again.

The crockpot dinner was good.  Dale isn't home yet (6pm) so I didn't wait for him.  Most likely he's working on the Blazer.

I pulled another boo boo today.  The crockpot was ready by 9 A.M.  At 11 A.M. I couldn't smell it cooking.  I forgot to turn it on -- another senior moment!!!

USA Today had a story on "the other third baseman in NYC", meaning the Mets David Wright.  They think he'll be an All Star for a long time.  He is really a nice kid, down to earth, & wanting to please. And he's been a Met fan growing up.  He has 3 brothers & his father is a police captain in Va.

There was also an article on the increase of the number of college grads living at home.  Various reasons, debts, cost of apt. or buying one.  They come home so they can save money to get a start.  Some parents like the idea, some don't.

Tomorrow I have to get more meds & will probably go to the Mall.  I need to geet a few things.

Remember we are with you all in thoughts & prayers.

P.S.  John just called to tell us they are going to have a son.  All is well with Fe & the baby. You can tell that John is very excited with this news.

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Yesterday's forecast of icy roads came true -- no school today.  Last nite that is what Kim hoped for.  A long weekend for the kids.  Teacher's meeting on Fri & Mon. is parent-teacher conferences.  Dale almost slipped this A.M. when he started his car.  He put salt on the walks so I had no trouble getting the garbage to the curb.

This A.M. I started dinner rolls as the ones in the freezer were used up.  A good day to do it, as the 1st Thurs. of the month there is a lunch meeting at work for Dale.  Also have dinner in the crockpot -- it has become a favorite for Dale & me.  Barb hardly never wants to eat it. Only steak is in her diet plans.

Last nite Kim told us her Aunt Dede fell down the basement steps.  She has a basement apt. ion her daughter's home.  She does her washing upstairs & was going to take the basket to the basement.  Her daughter told her to leave it & she'd bring it down after her shower.  She also berated her for wearing thongs going up & down the stairs.  In the bathroom she heard a thud & upon checking Dede was at the bottom of the stairs, head all bloody.  She called 911 & she broke some bones in her neck & had a concussion.  Was out for several hours.  She must be in her 70's.  She is alert now.  To make matters worse, her son showed up at the hosp. drunk.  Kim said "that's my family".

I should be able to have a fresh roll for lunch with our current favorite, thuringer.  We get it at BiLo & it is very good, but expensive.  It was a favorite growing up.  Another favorite was spiced ham, but I never see that.

Fri. March 3

This aft. at 1 pm & had a Dr. appt.  All is well -- blood pressure 130/60 & that is good for me. They took blood for some test.  And the Dr. wants me to have a thyroid scan that is set for next Tues aft. at the hospital.  Then at 2 pm Warren & Anna picked me up & we met Ted & Pat at the Holiday Inn.  They stop lunch service at 2 pm  but said we could sit in the bar area & order from the menu.  Just the 5 of us & we enjoyed our visit & lunch.  They made plans to come her in April so I can be along.  Before we left the woman who said we could have lunch in the bar came by & asked how things were.  We visited with her & she said we could come anytime if it was 2 or after & get lunch.  She said tell them "Cathy said so!"  I wonder if she could be the owner's wife.  I'll have to ask Kim -- she knows just about everyone.  I can't remember their name but it was in the paper recently.

I watched golf when I got home.  There is a new young player from Spain & he is good. Right now the top 4 are tied -- Tiger, Phil M, the Spanish fellow & the 4th name won't come to mind.  The Spanish fellow had pink pants, low cut waits, white knit shirt & belt & he wears clothes well  The girls will be after him.  He went to college in Fla.

Yesterday my nose dripped like a faucet.  It was blow, blow, blow.  I finally took an Airborne tablet & rested after lunch & that helped a bit.  Took another one later & went to bed early. Today no blowing so I was happy.

This coming week the temperatures are suppose to be more normal.  Sure hope so -- I'm ready for weather that is warmer.  Low 20's was what we reached today.  The sun made it appear warmer until the wind started blowing.

The nice thing about the crockpot meal that are leftovers & they make a 2nd meal.  I really like that.

I haven't worked on my puzzle much this week but it will wait for me.  I'm been playing Solitaire.

Nice to read about baseball in the papers.  I wonder if we'll get the Mets broadcasts this year.  Maybe I'll have to watch Pittsburgh as we can get their games.  I like the idea of ala carte TV  Wonder if it will come to pass or just idle talk.