Sunday, November 5, 2000

I was tired last nite so it was "early to bed & early to rise" & the house is quiet & I'm set for church except to get into my dress.

Got my Thanksgiving cards for "the sisters" & started writing notes.  4 on Carl's side & 2 on my side.

Kim is afraid the teachers will strike & to make up the days they will lose all their holidays & she doesn't like that.  I hope they ca work it out.  In my memory there has been at least one strike.

On Halloween 2 interesting things happened.  I cleaned the bathroom on Tues. & keep my bucket on the attic stairs.  When I went to fill the bucket there was another bat.  I dropped everything, closed the door & quit working.  No one was home so when Dale came for lunch he took care of it.

Just before lunch the doorbell rang (I was glad I had showered & was presentable) & when I answered there were 3 persons in costume & I only expected 2 so for a minute I was at a loss for words.  It was Sheila & Sue with Sue's boyfriend. (Don't know what happened to her husband.)   Their get up was so good.  Barb took pictures so yesterday when I walked over town I gave them each a picture.  They came out so good & clear.  It was the last picture on the film & that aft. we went to the Mall & she dropped them at KMart & they were ready on Fri.  The pictures at the Dam came out so clear & nice.  She only wished a couple were closer up but she wanted the background.  She plans to send some.  She, meaning Barb.

Yesterday I went into D&K to get some Christmas wrapping.  This one clerk recognizes me & I said I wanted wrap so when my soon comes at Thanksgiving they can take some gifts back.  She wondered if there were grandchildren & when I said yes, she said we have some nice clothes for children, trying to be helpful.  I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I said I'll look next time I'm in.  But I can't imagine Andy wanting anything from D&K to wear.  Or Eddie, either.

Saw Mrs. Africa recently & she raved about the driveway.  Thinks it's wonderful.

Now it's afternoon & I'm watching golf on TV.

Yesterday I had a turkey roast so today we're having left overs.  Easy meal.

Yesterday Dale went to Frewsburg to see his friend & on the way he got a flat tire.  On the El Camino.  He changed the tire himself.  Today he cleaned it up & back to the garage it goes.  So he'll drive the Blazer.  He'll get new tires..

The refrig. in the basement won't work so Dale plans to get rid of it.  In its place he'll put a new set of shelves he bought.  We have an attic & a basement & still the space is filled.  Lots of junk.

This aft. Kim was going to tag several Christmas trees.  She'll tag one of us so we'll have a real tree again.  Plan to put in the area by the L.R. mirror.  Reason:  when it was by the stairs I couldn't sit & watch TV & see the tree at the same tie.  Now when I sit in my chair I can see both.  Just have to move the rocking chair.  I like to see the lights.

Upstairs Barb is clapping so Buff must be doing OK.  Now it's a tie & overtime.  They won.

Warren Hollertz called last week.  The group will get together Mon. Nov 20 at noon.  Someplace outside of Youngsville & they'll pick me up.  They had visited their son in Hartford & just came home from a visit in Ohio to their middle daughter.  They get around.  He said their anniversary was great.  Will be nice to see everyone again.

We still plan to go to Erie next Fri.  On Sat. I'll get a permanent.  I really need one -- my hair is getting long & straggly.

Just had a nice visit with Gen on the telephone.  It was my turn to call.  Ed answered the phone & he wondered about the Mets.  He always has to tease me.  But I got him back telling him the Mets did better than Boston by reading the World Series.

We're suppose to have showers in Tues.  Hope they aren't bad ones.  I like to vote in the A.M. & walk to Calvary Baptist church to vote.  Then at 4 I see the Dr.

Guess I've covered all the news here.  Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving.

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.

Sunday, October 22, 2000

I've been watching golf on TV.  The Internationals against the Americans & the Americans win.

Last nite I watched baseball until the 11th inning & went to bed.  The Mets had a chance to win but it didn't happen.  A good game, tho.  don't know how long I'll stay up tonite as this will be Dale's early week.  Starting Mon. Barb will be staying at Lynn's while they are in Fla.  She won't be there all the time -- will be at Bert's mornings & we'll go to the mall, etc.  And groceries.

The driveway is finished & now they must do the lawn.  Lar said Dale should seal it & he will do that this week as the weather should be nice the first of the week.  It's beautiful.

Barb is upstairs switching the TV between Buffalo & golf.  And Buff. is winning over Minn.  Flutie is Z.B. & doing a great job.  She is happy.

Back to the driveway, several people have commented favorably on it.  In church today Mr. Gustafson (up the st.) said it is so nice.  They did a great job, Lar & Dale, and it wasn't an easy one.

When you called yesterday (Sat A.M.) I was surprised.  Had rolls in the oven & a pan ready to come out.  Later on when I thought about it, I couldn't remember silver or gold.  So I plan to call tonite to find out as tomorrow we'll go to the mall.  Does that surprise you.

Yesterday I sent your birthday gift.  It will probably arrive before this letter does.

Have to do some baking this week -- the cooky jars are empty.

It cost about $2,500.00 to fix the driveway.  Imagine what labor would have been if it had been a hired job.  Dale would have been happy to see it changed as he always talked about fixing it.  I have the money to do it, with Lar & Dale's work, because the years Dad was sick, we didn't do anything so didn't use money for travels, eating out, etc.  Dad never needed new clothes so it all made a big difference.

Dale went to KMart & got 2 front porch lamps on sale.  The ones that are by the front door.  He doesn't like their looks & had said he'd get new ones.  These are brass.

Dale did a transmission job on a van for an older man. He came back & said it made a noise.  So Dale went out with him to drive it.  He told the man he was doing something too fast & the electronics wouldn't work right & it made a noise.  The man said you don't need to tell me how to drive.  Sam drove it & it was OK & the service manager drove it & said it's OK.  It was how he drove it.

Fri. the 27th.  I have a Dr. appt.  Last week I had a blood test & that was the day we went to Jamestown.

Mon.  I had a card from Gen & Lila & a note from Gen.  She gave me Charles & Sandy (I think that's her name) new address.  Mentioned they would have an Open House & the Paul Nelsons would be invited.  Also Lila wonders when she should pay her rent & Gen tells her the house is hers.  No rent to pay.  Never knows what day it is.  Must be hard on Gen.  She does all the cleaning, meals, etc.

Lar sealed the bricks today.  Dale parked on it last nite.  Can't use it for 48 hrs. & they might put a 2nd coat on it.  It's so nice & spacious.

We went to the Mall & I spent my birthday certificate at Bon Ton.  I got a winter jacket -- a slate blue.  It's nice.  Used a 20% off coupon also.  So I used it for myself.  Kim said she'd never speak to me if I used birthday money for other than me.  I wouldn't want that.

We've had supper -- Barb & me -- Dale went back to work when he saw Lar did the sealing of the bricks. Barb left for Johanson's.  I'll finish this & write to Millie.  Also did a little more Christmas shopping.  Each month I saw 50.00 plus a Christmas Club which should be coming soon.  So having cash on hand has allowed me to start Christmas shopping.  Next comes the wrapping.

Hope the Mets do better when they are at Shea Stadium.  They've tried but no good so far.  They have to win a game or 2.  Yankees can't do it in 4 games like they did to Atlanta!!

P.S.  Here it is Wed A.M -- 8:20.

What about those Mets.  They finally won a game.  I stayed up til 11:30 pm & the game was tied.  Dozed a bit & got up at 12:30 A.M. to see the score.  4-2 Mets so I missed the exciting part.  Then I couldn't get to sleep & this is Dale's early week.  But I finally did but I'll have to nap today if I want to stay up past 10 om.  The Mets got hot in the 8th & 9th innings..

Barb said one of the cats scratched on the bedroom door so she finally shut him or her up downstairs.  This was about 2 A.M. so she didn't get much sleep.

I had a card yesterday from Pam Bonace Lyle.  The note said she just heard I had reached 80.  (News travels.)  She also said she had good memories being in our home with Barb.  I was surprised-- a nice surprise.

Plan to mail this before they pick up at 1:30 p.m.  And must get the dusting & vacuuming done.

Dale put up the new lights he bo't.  They look very nice.  I suggested the outside of the front door needs a paint job. He'll do it sometime.

Sunday, October 15, 2000

I'm in my nighty watching the Mets.  Was watching Yankees at Seattle & Seattle won.

Thanks to Paul & Eddie for a wonderful weekend.  A great start to the decade of the 80's.  Red roses form Eddie & Paul.  The second time in my life I received red roses.  Our dinner Sat. nite was so delicious.  And I'm so lucky to have such great children, daughters-in-law & grandsons.  We enjoyed Eddie so much -- to see how he has grown & he is fun to be with.

I took it easy this afternoon -- even a little nap.  For supper we had left overs.

Gen called this afternoon to wish me Happy Birthday.  I told her all about our weekend.  She was going to call Millie & tell her what I told her.  Plan to write to both of them.

In church today I told Rose I would visit her either this week or next.  It's been a long time since her operation, I should be ashamed I've put it off so long.

I'm excited the Met are hitting the ball & getting some runs.  Timo Perez is such an exciting player.  He won't be going down to the minors after his good showing.

This afternoon I started to make plans for Thanksgiving.  I'm to the stage where it is better or me to have my plans & recipes on hand so I know what I'm doing.  It's fun to make plans.

We might go to the mall on Mon. & get Eddie's Christmas present.  The 3 of us will go in on it so he'll get what he wants.

We'll go to Jamestown on Wed.  And also I have to get a blood test for several things & have to fast.  So I like to get there early in the A.M.  Usually I just need it for thyroid or whatever!  Then I don't have to fast.

I'm eating a Klondike bar -- one of the two in the freezer.  I never remember to check for them when we were at home.  I'll have some at Thanksgiving.

Barb made $82.00 at Lynn's rummage sale.  Lynn made $600.00 at the 2nd sale.  Barb's money will go for her new bed.  Plus we got ride of some things just taking up space.

Don't forget we need suggestions for the boys.

Mon. Oct 16

Paul, noticed you left your "Stepping Stones" here.  You can get it at Thanksgiving, unless you want it earlier.   Historical Soc. issue.

This aft. we went shopping at KMart & got someone's Christmas gift.  He will be a happy guy.  It will be from the 3 of us.

In Brand Names catalog, noticed that the Game Boy that Eddie wants doesn't come our until Oct. 30.

Last nite I watched all of the Mets game so it was after 11 pm when I got to bed.  And then I couldn't get to sleep.  Too much Met excitement.  So again I'm ready for bed & watching TV.  The baseball game isn't on yet & I don't know how long I can stay awake.  Dozed off once already.

Larry was over for a little while late this morning to put more rock, I mean blocks, no bricks, in.  He also had to cut off some of the sidewalk on an angle to get the bricks in.  I hope it will soon be completed so it can be used.

Tues A.M. the 17th

The Mets won & are in the World Series.  Pinch me, am I dreaming.  It was close to midnite when I got to bed -- had to see a little of the celebrating.

But I was up before 7 -- a little before & have the bathroom cleaned 9:30 a.m. & gave my room "a lick & a promise'.  I'm enjoying a cup of coffee (bet you were glad to get home to your coffee, Paul) & resting a bit.  Next I have to take a shower.  Oh yes, I gave the kitchen floor a little swipe with the mop to get rid of Torey's drools.  They really make a spot.  Almost time for "Murder She Wrote" -- 10AM.

This A.M. paper stated they hired the present acting director.  That's good for the library -- they can go forward.

It was nice to talk to JoAnna & Andy on my birthday.  After seeing how Eddie has matured, we are anxious to see Andy in person.  There are so many changes at this time of life.  We look forward to seeing all of you.

Saturday, October 7, 2000

Thanks for your gift suggestions, JoAnna.  I like to know early as then I can watch the sales & the money goes further.

See by the TV that upper Michigan is getting snow & flurries are predicted for us.  Also Ill. is at Wisconsin & that should be a good game.  But I'll be watching the Mets & San Fran in NYC.  Need a divided screen but I'll do some switching around to keep up on the scores.  When I wrote this I forgot the St. L. & Atlanta came first.


We've had a rainy week & no work has been done on the driveway.  I'm not counting Mon. when Lar came over & got a start on the bricks.  It is going to look nice.  Hope it's done before Paul & Eddie get here.  It messed up the side lawn -- from Lar's tractor wheels & now the bricks are there.  They made the foundation really firm & the rain didn't harm it & drained right off.  Barb is able to park in the neighbor's driveway & Dale parks the Blazer on the st.

Next week is Dale's early week so he gets Sat. off so we can sleep in a little later.  But I still seem to wake up at the regular hour.  I won't get up tho.

Barb & I don't discuss politics as we are on opposite sides.  If she starts in I just listen -- religion & politics shouldn't be debated as neither side will give in willingly.

 We have an interesting situation here in county politics.  He was manager of Youngsville & to save money he let sludge into the Brokenstraw Creek (now &. got a big fine -- who saved money?) U& polluted water downstream.  There was a trial (he was a state senator) & he was convicted & spent 30 days in jail & is on home arrest.  He had to resign from the State Senate -- a Rep. -- & he let his name stay on the ballot & doesn't think he's done anything wrong.  A Rep. turned Independent is running against him & our Gov. is supporting this man. I'll vote for him.  But the "felon" still has supporters, including the local Rep. bigwigs but not the State Rep.  I don't think he'll get it.  I hope not.  He shows no remorse.  Maybe Paul has noticed the story in the Wrrn. papers.

Got the Bon Ton sale issue for next Thurs. & Fri. & they have some good sales.  Eddie, unless he has changed, isn't that interested in shopping, but maybe if I  bribe him to let him buy something, he will come.

I'm making veg. beef soup for supper & a bread pudding for me as the others don't like it.  I love it.  And I'm making (chilling now) sugar cookies as Torey had the last cooky last week.  He won't like me if I don't have his cookies on hand.  (What a spoiled dog -- we all spoil him.)

Interesting what is happening in Yugoslavia.  Hope other won't be bloodshed in the change of leadership.

It looks like the Braves are getting beat.  3 more outs & it's over.  I'm happy but Andy is sad.  Now I'm beginning to think St. Louis could beat the Giants.  I don't think the Mets can beat the Giants.  I don't think the Mets can beat the Giants.  I hope Seattle represents the A.L. in the World Series.

This is Warren Hi Homecoming weekend & Kim's cousin from Atlanta is here and a bunch of them are staying at the Holiday Inn.  It is also Sheffield's homecoming & Kim had to be there.  So between her weekend duties she is busy.  Kim suggested they meet for a late breakfast so they can see each other.

She walked Torey over here for a little exercise & a cup of coffee.  She was able to read Paul's letter.  She is always interested in what you folks are doing.

We saw Sandy Koufax, former L.A. pitcher, at the Mets game as well as Seinfeld who is a Met fan.

Sun the 8th.

The Mets beat the Giants & I'm really surprised.  The 2 games at Shea Stadium were so good, esp. Bobby Jones' 1 hitter on Sun. & a shut out as well.

Mon the 9th.

We woke up this morning to snow flurries, but they didn't last, but it's still cold.  Should be nice by the end of the week.

Better get this ready for mailing.

Friday, September 29, 2000

Got your letter today.

The driveway is about half completed.  It is a big job, one Lar told Kim he wouldn't do for anyone but his mother.  The one who delivers the fill was late both yesterday & today.  He has a job at United & is on 2nd shift this week.  Now Lar is going for a final load & Dale is tamping it down with a rented machine.  So it won't get finished this week -- they'll get a start but will have to work on it after working hours -- laying the blocks, that is.

Kim has 2 aunts that try to run everyone's lives.  Her sister in Fla. isn't well & they are driving her crazy.  Yesterday Kim was a little late because her sister called to tell of the aunts continued interference.  At least her in-laws don't interfere with her on Larry.  We love both our daughters-in-law, & fell very fortunate you & Lar made such excellent choices.

We were talking about where we should go for my birthday dinner.  We don't want to go too far & there is nothing in Warren, so Kim suggested an Italian restaurant just as you enter Jamestown from Warren.  It is small but Kim said the food is good & they have a wide menu.  So that is where we'll go.  Kim & Lar have been there several times.

The Mets go in as the N.L. wild card.  But I'm hoping the Giants will go all the way as I'm sure the Mets won't.

Sat A.M. Sept. 30

This A.M. I walked overtown & went to D&K & found a few items I could use. It's fun to look around in that store.

This aft. I made a coffee cake & a batch of bar cookies.

Now I'm taking it easy.

Barb is going to ride her bike -- it's a lovely fall day.

The bricks for the driveway won't be delivered until Wed. Oct. 4th.  It should be done by the time Paul & Eddie come.  Times is flying by.

Sunday Oct 1.

Another lovely day so after lunch I walked to CVS for a few items.  It was good to exercise.

Last Fri. when Barb & I got home from a trip to the mall we noticed a Beaty girl was upset.  I asked her if I could help -- she wanted to use the telephone.  Her dad picks her up but she was a little late & she was in tears.  I heard her tell her mother she wasn't at her girlfriend's but an old lady who was nice but let her use the 'phone.  I'm an old lady but funny I don't feel like one!  They picked her up.

In today's Buffalo paper there is a cooky recipe that took top honors at Erie County Fair in Aug.  It contains choc. chips, oats, coconut & nuts in addition to sugar, flour, etc.  Also a small amount of cinnamon.  I plan to try it.  They said to use 1/4 c. dough for each cooky but I'll make them smaller.  T hey sound good.  We'll see.

I got another Sandra Brown book Fat Tuesday and it is so good.  Finished another M. C. Beaton book Death of an Addict featuring Hammish McBeth who solves the crimes in his bumbling ways.  They are fun reading.  The author has written 15 of these novels & I'm sure I've read them all.

When we were kids, I remember I didn't like Sun. afternoons as we couldn't play alike they do today.  We might take a walk or just sat & watched the cars go by.  Now I'm a widow & feel the same way.  Not much to do Sun. aft. so that's why I'll walk to CVS if it's nice weather.  Or read or do a puzzle.  I still don't like to work on Sun.  Guess it got ingrained in me or I'm lazy!  Probably the latter.

Mon Oct 2

They are unloading the bricks now & Lar is here.  I wrote out a check for $2,048.93 for them.  Still the bill for the fill to come so I'm lucky to get the labor free.

I made the cookies from the Buff. Sun. paper & they are very good.  Lar & Kim stopped by yesterday & I gave the recipe to Kim.  She said she'd leave out the coconut.  I felt the dough was very thick so I added 2 T water.  I've already had 3 & still 3 pm  coffee ahead!!!

Sunday, September 17, 2000

It's a lovely Sun, but on the cool side.  Should take a walk but I don't always do what I should.

Did I mention in my last letter Bob Morelli was in church last Sun.  Today I noticed Tom M's son, Ben is as tall as his dad.  He is a sophomore & could get taller.  Tom has a tall wife.  T hey have 2 boys & a girl, a nice family.

Today in church 2 gals in choir, & after the anthem, (they) each had their daughters in their arms.  One is Jennifer Check & I can't remember her married name -- don't think you'd know her.  The other was Chris Darling's wife & new daughter.  Now I can't remember her first name.  Her grandparents were active in the church but both have died.  Not very informative, but it was nice seeing them in church.  Jennifer's daughter is close to 6 months & the Darling baby could be 6 weeks.  Both gals are best friends.

Lynn is having a big garage sale next weekend -- 22-23 -- & Barb is helping.  She saw a vase she liked & described it to Kim.  Kim wanted it as a gift for a friend who collect McCoy "stuff" -- from the '40s.  Barb was able to get it for her.  It's a yellow vase with a rose that stands out -- not flat against the vase.  Very pretty & a collectible item.  From Bob's home.  His mom had some 20 vases to be sold.  One of the vases we got at our wedding is a collectible now. I don't have it, tho.  Tho't I gave it to Lar but he doesn't think he has it.  Never tho't it that attractive.  Tho't it would make a good lamp base.

The last week of Sept. Dale has a week of vacation & Lar will take a week off or time off & they'll work on the driveway.  That will be so nice.  Hope for nice weather.

Kim reads your letters & she said lot of kids don't even finish the milk mile (milk on my mind) & have to stop in between.  Eddie He'll have to conquer his bicycle & do more riding.

Noticed that some favorite authors have best sellers.  When I'm ready to read again, maybe they'll be available at the library.

Mon. the 18th

It was good to talk to both of you last nite.

Another nice day so I walked over to Cady's to get a card for Warren & Anna's anniversary.

Barb said Maris J. has been asked to the Homecoming Dance by several "guys", one a senior & Lynn wasn't too happy about that.  She is a freshman this year.  Scott got in trouble again.  Pulling down someone's pants at recess & then locking all the doors in the boy's bathroom.  Lynn said years past they'd get a spanking -- now they have to get professional help to see why he's doing these pranks.  Poor Lynn.

Still watering our plants.  We got 3 chrysanthemum plants & they are on the side by the back door.  Soon the summer plants will be pulled up.  I didn't realize begonias seeded themselves.  I had some in the pots by the garage & the middle of Aug, I saw them coming up with the pansies.  They look nice -- the small plants with a white flower & waxy looking leaves.  Maybe they are perennials , but I didn't think so.

Barb's bed won't be sent until Oct 7th so she''l have to wait.

One of the kids at Sheffield, who has given Kim a lot of headaches has gotten his "comeuppance".  He was caught with a stolen car & other stuff.  Recently he was given house arrests for 30 days & has to wear something on his ankle so they know he is obeying.  H e is able to go to school but must go straight home.  His parents think he does nothing wrong & makes things hard for teachers, etc. who must deal with him.  But they couldn't go up against the Judge so he had to take the punishment.  Th ere was a big beer bust & most were Sheffield kids.  Maybe you saw it in the paper.  Shelia's (hair) husband wondered about buying a house in Sheffield but Sheila wouldn't hear of it.  She gets the lowdown from her customers.  And Clarendon is just as bad.

Have you noticed how Warren's school population is going down, down, down.

Time to quit..

Sunday, September 10, 2000

Thanks for the pictures.  Andy's picture is so good & he smiled.  His teeth are looking so good -- he must be taking care of them.  Family pictures are great.  I find it hard to believe Eddie is changing so much -- no more little boy.

I sent Andy's birthday gift last Sat. so it should be there on time.  A teenager now & an interest in girls.  Sounds like he has good taste.

When it cooled off, I wanted to do some baking & ran out of flour.  Unusually I have extra on hand but I slipped up.  Now I have flour but it has warmed up & is more humid.  But it won't last & I can start baking.

Didn't get any more book.  In fact, I didn't finish Tami Hoag's book.  Found it hard to get into & I've been reading a lot so decided to give it a rest.  So I'm putting puzzles together.  Finished one last night.  Maybe I'll start another one while I watch my slipping Mets this aft.  Very discouraging.

Your shed looks very nice with the new paint.  It takes a lot of work to keep one's property.  Both Dale & Barb say driving into the driveway now is much better -- no bump to go over.  Last  Thurs. Beaty had a football game & cares were parked on Third when Lar came with his truck.  He agreed, it was much easier turning into the driveway.

Tues. the 12th.

We're having showers today & I hope it will wash away our humidity.

Barb ordered a bed from Penneys.  The present one squeaks & when she moves it wakens her up.  Should be here the end of the week.

Gen called on Sun.  John got a new car, a Japanese make & I can't remember how to spell it.  Starts with N.  He is also taking flying lessons again, much to their dismay.  It worries them.  He's a grown man who knows what he wants to do.  He's still a boy to them.  Too bad!

Barb is working extra hours this week & next preparing for a rummage sale.  Bob's father died some time ago & they finally put the house up for sale & it sold for their price.  Two families wanted it & one was willing to pay Bob's price.  So there is stuff from there to look over, etc.  Barb is pricing items, etc.

Last Sun. Rose was in church for the first time after her operation.  She's doing OK.

Barb was very happy when the Bills beat Green Bay.  Sure it was the opposite in your house.  But the Bill look good this year, at least so far.  We hope they continue.

Soon time to think of supper.