Sunday, May 17, 2006

The Mets came on at 8 pm & they are at St. Louis.  I washed my face, etc. so I can stay up until 10:30 & then go to bed.

I'm enclosing Chiodo's menu.  We really enjoyed our dinners.  Barb especially.  It was a special for Mother's Day he doesn't have on the menu very often.  Usually she has some complaint about the food.  Not this time.  Dale & I had sandwiches with my pork leftover -- huge servings -- & it was good.  Dale really liked it.  He said his ribs had a "woodsy" taste he didn't like that much.  Kim tasted Lar's & really like it & she's not a big meat eater.  We were all satisfied -- except.  There was a Pentecostal group having dinner & they had a 20 min or so musical presentation, guitar, elec. which they didn't need in a small area.  It was hard to talk above the music.  Then they had testimonies abut how hey came to fat.  They should have chosen a private dining area or had it catered.  I'm surprised they chose a place that serves alcohol but things can't be perfect.

Am also enclosing a picture of the '56 flood.  Barb tho't you'd be interested in seeing it.  Someone must have given it to Dad.  Before the dam was built.

Called Millie last nite -- she is not I ha flooded area just a lot of rain.

Linda is in Chicago this week.  (I didn't realize he retired 3 years ago.)  Last Sun A.M. when she got back from breakfast there was a note saying call your neighbor.  She couldn't imagine why.  She found out 6 cars in her neighborhood sitting in the driveways were damaged -- windows broken, scratches, etc.  She has a garage but doesn't use it in the summer.  Bet she wishes she did now.  It will be repaired.

Noticed in the USA Today state news that your ex friend Chuck Chvala now has "home detention as part of his 9 month sentence".  It is a sad situation.

My puzzle is slowly coming together.  I like this one & will finish it.  Might take 2-3 weeks but who is in a rush.

Dale gave me an impatiens hanging plant & yours & his are on the front of the porch facing n. yard & then decided on the porch facing E.  Hope I have my directions straight.  The flowers look so nice. 

You asked if I could find the church & parsonage on the G. F. map you sent.  I'm not sure I can.

Fri.  Just got back from getting my hair done.

Barb said Scott showed her some porn pictures & a bad poem he got on his computer.  She told Lynn & when Lynn confronted him he showed a stick figure instead of the real thing.  So Barb had a talk with Scott & he got rid of the porn.   He is smart enough to find that but not smart when it comes to studying.  He doesn't want to be a nerd.  Crazy kids.  Scott can't keep things to himself (which is good) & tells Barb instead of his parents.  He doesn't want to get yelled at.

Mets vs. Yankees at Shea this weekend.  Hope the Mets hitters show up for these games.  All are on TV.  N.Y., Fox, & ESPN.

All is well.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

We had a nice dinner Sat. nite at Kim & Lar's.  Kim served turkey loin & it was very good.  It was too chilly to eat outside.  Later we sat in front of the fire & that was fun.  Lar & Kim gave me a birdhouse for the porch & a gift certificate from Penney's.  Dale gave ma a hanging planter, like last years, & Barb & I bo't mine when we were in Erie.  A frying pant that is deeper & has a cover.  I wanted one from watching Food Channel.  Thanks you for the silk flower arrangement.  It is very pretty with 2 butterflies, ivy at the bottom & flowers.  Hard to describe.

Summer has returned again & it's nice.  The flowering trees are beautiful.  There is one in Frank's yard across the st. & it's pretty to look at.

We're having steak & baked potatoes for Lar's birthday.  Carrot cake for dessert.  Salad, etc. I got him the shirt he picked out & some golf balls.  He & Kim play during the summer.

I'll warn you -- I'm sending money for your anniversary.  Maybe you want something for the yard or your July party.

And don't count on me being at Andy's graduation.  It's too far to travel for an old lady.

I finished the last library book & enjoyed it.

Barb gave me a puzzle & I started putting it together.  It has a lot of flowers & that makes it harder, but it's coming.  I enjoy doing puzzles.

If Scott passes 6th grade it will be because Barb does homework with him.  He doesn't like to write the answers so Barb says "I'm going home" & then he will because he knows he'll be in trouble with his Mom.  He is a very stubborn kid.

Thurs. evening.

We had a nice birthday dinner for Lar.  The steaks were delicious & Larry liked his gifts. Dale gave him something like an electric gun to make it easier to take of the lug nuts when changing a tire.  Barb gave him a lamp for the camp.  She got it at L. L. Bean.  It lights for 6 hours & then you can plug it in to be used again.  Did I make myself clear?

It really cooled off today.  Good I didn't take the electric blanket from my bed.  I did change to a lighter nightie.

Alice Nasman called me.  She can't be at church this Sun. (15th) when we have a meeting concerning the organ.  You must be present to vote so I can't vote for her.   The pastor thinks it will be accepted to spend money to fix the organ.  She mentioned Wayne finished his training in York (motorcycles).  This week he is in Arizona for further education.  He works in Erie so he must have gotten a job.

Not much news this week.  All is well with us.

Saturday, September 27, 2003

Before I forget, I want to tell you about the dwarf dahlia Bar planted in pots.  They have been so beautiful all summer & are still in full bloom.  You might want to try some when getting plants next spring.

When you write about Andy's doings, I always check the names on the football team & find them in the picture.

I've got the jigsaw puzzles out again & am putting one together.

I'm watching Fox TV & they have the Braves-Phillies game on -- wish they had the Pittsburgh-Cubs game on Phillies are out of it.  Barb is watching Pa. State vs. Minn.  Dale went to Jamestown.

Sun the 28th

Roger T. preached today as no pastor was available.  He always does a good job.  I gave him Dad's cross after the service & he was so appreciative.  It took awhile to find silver polish to clean it.

Guess what Dale is doing -- he is putting new foam filling on the long bench in the eating area.  And what a difference it will make.  The old foam had lost its comfort zone!  Still can use the present covering.

I have a pot roast in the crockpot for an easy meal.

The old bridge is completely down but not all junk from the river.  When you get a paper, you'll see the picture plan of the new bridge to come.  The 5th Ave bridge is closed for repairs & that makes more traffic for 3rd Ave. bridge, esp. when school is in session.

Dale finished his project -- he reversed the covering so the pattern is upside down, but that doesn't matter.  Comfort matters.  It will be more comfortable when I sit there doing the USA Today puzzle.

Pittsburgh & Buffalo aren't doing so well today.  Pitts. has scored but are behind & Philly is 13-0 against Buff.  Neither Buff. or Pitts. won, but Nascar racing had an exciting finish. Chevies won.  Michael Waltrip was first & Dale E. Jr. was a lap down.  We watched the ending as I was putting the finishing touches on our meal.  The meat was so good -- Dale enjoyed it & so did I.  Barb didn't eat with us -- she didn't want beef , so she makes her own meal.

We didn't have communion in church because Roger isn't ordained.  I didn't think I'd miss it, but I did.  It seemed like something was missing.  Some members don't like it every Sun.

Tues. Sept 30

Yesterday I went to the bank to cash a check, then to CVS to pick up a medication, then to the Mall & finally to Quality for groceries.  Of course, Barb drove me around.

Enjoyed watching the Twins beat the Yankees this aft.  At 4 pm the Giants & Marlins came on & I wasn't surprised when S. F. won.  At 8 pm I'll watch the Braves & Cubs.  But it will most likely be a late game so I'll miss the ending.

Barb rode her bike after lunch.  She's getting close to the 1000 mi mark she set in the spring.  If she hadn't taken that fall, she would have reached it by now.

I had to turn the furnace on the past days.  And the elec. blanket as well.  The heat feels good.

Wed. Oct 1st (already)

Finished my jigsaw puzzle today -- 4 pieces are missing.  I'll start another one , maybe on Fri.  Watching baseball again.  Giants & Marlins this aft. & now Cubs at the Braves. Exciting game.

Thurs the 2nd

Kim won't be coming tonite as they have open house at school.  Last year it was on Thurs -- they changed the day this year.

It's been a funny day -- dark &^ cloudy at times, bright & sunny other times.  And in the 40s. Maybe snow flurries tonite.  Notice Wisc. & Mich  got snow.  Too early.  I hope nicer weather comes in Oct -- milder.  (Where was I when I wrote this paragraph.)

Lar mentioned Paula Carey expects a baby next Jan.  She quit her job to take it easier since she's had 2 miscarriages.  Remember they adopted a Russian boy last Dec.

Not much going on here.

Wednesday, May 14, 2002

At 1pm, I had my teeth cleaned & checked.  Have 1 that needs a filling & that will be done June 17th.  Dr. Walters said he's building an ark!  We've had so much rain but the ground has absorbed it, tho there is some flooding.  Today it's beautiful & sunny.  Barb put the plans she planted in pots on the porch as they were getting too much rain.  We put the hanging baskets up & they look so nice.  We waited because of the winds & rain.  The begonia plant is so large & beautiful, esp. the varigated leaves -- yellow & green.  Dale gave me a Fuscia plant.  Thanks for the plant.

Mon's paper always has an article about a local resident & last Mon. it was about Barb Lucia's brother who has returned to Warren.

When I washed on Mon. the spin cycle wouldn't work so I called a repair man.  When he came, he suggested I call Maytag Co. as they are pretty good about the Maytag Neptune.  They talked to him & they said I wouldn't have to pay for parts -- just the service call.  That was Tues. the 14th.  He called Buffalo for parts -- he got them today -- he came over & as of now I have a load of towels washing.  I got it at Seats but didn't call them as you wait forever for them to come, etc.

Barb's pkg. came & I'll let her thank you.  She likes the jewelry box a lot.  Very attractive.

I got 3 puzzles at KMart for 99 cents each.  I did one already & it was so pretty.  Lake Superior Harbor at Bayfield, Wi.  Last nite I started a 2nd one -- Along the Oregon Coast scene & it will be harder with yellow & violet large & small flowers & dark areas.  Barb said she'd help if I have problems finding the right pieces.  Barb is taking advantage of a nice day to ride her bike.

Dale will mow the lawn tonite as more rain is predicted for the rest of the week. Hope they are wrong.

I made a caramel brownie today today & they are delicious.  Melt 18 caramels with butter & milk.  Then add eggs, flour, nuts, etc. & bake & I love them. Easy to make & too easy to eat.  Too tempting.

I've been getting the Icelandic frozen haddock & it is good baked.  Dale likes it -- no bones & we are having fish for dinner.

Our interim pastor love N.W. Pa.  Thinks our valley is so beautiful.  He said if he had realized how beautiful this area is, he would have liked a call in the area.

Last Fri. nite Dale looked so nice when we went out for dinner in his new pants.  I wish he'd meet a nice girl to date.

Thurs.  Dishes are clean or in the dishwasher & I'm watching TV.  We had Kim's favorite creamed chicken on biscuits & I made cheesecake brownies with ice cream for dessert.  Regular brownies & then a creamed cheese mixture spooned over the batter & swirled with a knife.  They liked them, in fact Larry said he wouldn't mind taking some home.  So I fixed a plate.

Careys aren't home yet - maybe next weekend.  Mary Ann had back surgery in Fla. & both will be flying home & someone else will drive the car home.

Lar's birthday party was nice according to Lar & Kim.  Nancy & Jay gave Lar a special birthday gift.  Both couples are soccer fans so Aug 14 they are going to a pro soccer game in Columbus, Ohio.  All arrangements have been made by Nancy -- tickets, hotel, etc.  They just have to decide who will drive.  Lar is thrilled.

Cherrios offers small Star Wars cars with proof of purchase & money to cover cost of mailing.  There are 3 of them & I ordered the set of 3 & it will go out in the mail tomorrow.

I always enjoy reading your letters.  It's nice to know one of my children has his own sons & will experience the ups & downs of teenagers.

Soon bedtime so I'll sign off.

Friday, February 25, 2000

I finally called for a dentist appt. & saw Dr. Walters this aft. & Presto the hole is filled.  There wasn't much tooth left but he got it done.

I walked to the beauty shop this A.M. & it felt good to walk again.  Then I went to the post office for stamps; to the bank for next month's expenses & then to the new CVS.  It's a nice store.  Also walked to Dental Arts for my appt.  Nice to have clear sidewalks & warm weather.  We know it won't last but it's a good respite.  Wonder how March will come in.. Lion or lamb.

On Tues. Quality Mkts. give seniors a 6% discount.  Barb couldn't take me during the day so she suggested we go out to eat at Perkins & then go to Quality.  That's what we did & it was enjoyable.

Wed. nite was a 5 Star Banquet for the employees at Shults.  They are a 5 Star organization.  Dale had prime rib at Jackson Valley.  Happy hour first -- some were really drinking.  Afterwards some went out.  Randy S was designated driver & they didn't get home til 3:30 A.M.  Thankfully Dale was home between 9:30-10 pm.

It's none of our business but Barb & I wonder why if the boys get their homework done & done correctly, why couldn't they be rewarded with an hour or so of TV.

Do you remember Pam Valone -- you know the family & can't remember her married name.  2 daughters.  The  youngest has her pretty upset as she is going with a loser from Sheffield.  Kim has him in Health -- druggie, etc. Glad I'm going on 80.

Lar was over yesterday & trimmed the trees so they're even with the school fence.  He says they should fill in even more.  Imagine doing this in Feb.  We know it can't last but it's been wonderful.  Kim stopped by for a cup of coffee.

Was watching Nascar but now I've switched to golf.

Gen called last Tues. to say Aunt Esther died.  She was 100 last June but on life support.  But she was congested & no strength to fight it.  It must have been earlier.  I'm sure I wrote about it.  It  seems too familiar as I write.

Dale is getting his room ready for painting.  Put a lot of stuff in the attic.  The bedspread won't match the new rug too well -- brown against gray so I'll be on the lookout for a new one.  He's really gotten into it.

Finally wore my new dress today.  With the walks snow covered I prefer to wear pants.  The snow is all gone so I wore a dress & shoes -- not boots.  It's been springlike but we know it's still winter  But it's been a great break for us.  Just what we needed to spur us on.  Barb is thinking about planting seeds.  We'll look for some this week.

I need a change from puzzles & noticed in the paper a new author Teri Holbrook.  She is similar to P. D. James & Eliz. George & I enjoy their books.  On Fri. the library doesn't open til 10 AM & I'm thru with my hair appt. by 9:30 or so.  The new puzzles are so hard to match colors so it takes longer & I lose interest.  It's a week & I'm still not done.  Just sit & stare & find 1 or 2 that will fit.  But I finally finished it.

Now it's Monday, the 28th.

Dale chose the paint today.  An off white.  He'll paint the ceiling - he's patching holes now.  Figures he'll need to put on 2 coats.

Tried a couple of new meals lately.  Shrimp fettucini; & chicken & spaghetti.  Both went over well.  Recipes from my Quick Cooking magazine.  Nice to try something different, esp. when it is well received.

Did you notice in today's paper (Feb 29) "Warren Native sworn in as chief judge of S. Carolina Court".  First woman chief.  A classmate of yours.  Kaye G. Hearn.  Kathleen Wrenn Hearn, 11, held the Bible for her mother.  Could her last name have been Wrenn?  No one that name in the phone book.  She graduated in '68 also so you must know who she is.

Want to mail this when we go for groceries.  All is well here.

Thursday, February 17, 2000

Another nice day before the storm hits us.  No school last Mon. due to ice.  Kim & Torey came over for a cup of coffee to get away from the noise.  What noise, you say.  Lar is removing the floor from their living room & he ash the stereo full blast, even singing along.  He'll add insulation & then put down oak flooring.  Kim figures it will take up to 3 weeks to finish it.  So it will be a mess for awhile.

Dale got a glass door book case but it was damaged on top & bottom -- he got it 1/2 price off.  Nice glass doors.  But he has to have perfection so eh got a piece of oak veneer & will replace the top & bottom.  He used the radial saw Dad bot but it didn't cut good so he was frustrated.  Decided to get rid of it & get something better.  It made a couple of little nicks & Dale can't have that.  Lar will take the desk so Dale got it out of his room & Lar took it.  Once he made up his mind Dale works fast.  This is his early week so after work today he plans to go to Cobbs to see if he can get a matching stain for the replacements.

I haven't watched the Millionaire shows.  They don't appeal to me.  Used to watch "Wheel of Fortune" with Dad but not after he died.  Barb watches those programs & tells me about it.

Finally finished my puzzle with Barb's help.  Have 2 more new ones to do & both look harder.  Put the card table away but might start another puzzle this weekend.  [I did.]

Been checking my recipes.  In March I serve LCW with Marge Woods & looked for a recipe I tho't would be easy as well as delicious.  Can't find it anywhere.  So we decided on serving cake.  I'll make chocolate & Marge will make yellow.  Didn't check my calendar when asked to serve & have an eye appt. in the aft.  But we aren't a large group anymore so it will work out.  Told Dale this will be a froz. dinner meal.  We like the Stouffer's froz. lasagna & the spaghetti is good, too.

Sat. aft.

Nascar racing is back & I'm watching the Busch car race.  Watched the truck racing yesterday & there was an accident - flames, rolled over 11 times.  Not hurt that bad.  Did you happen to see it on the news.  (truck accident)

The reason we went to Janesville -- Dad said that's what we'd do & I followed.  After awhile that changed -- the meekness!   The big storm missed us -- just a little snow & nothing today.  It went south.

Gen called last nite to say Aunt Esther died Fri. A.M. -- congestion in the lungs.  Warren & Barbara Luthgren took care of everything.  There will only be a committal service at the cemetery.  Warren lives in N. Carolina now & won't come for the funeral.  Neither is Barbara -- she lives in Colorado.  So it would be Gen, Ed, Millie & Linda who has a week's vacation & Virginia, another cousin.  Gen said she'd have them back for coffee.

I mentioned that you sent Jeff's project to Cindy & Albert & that they would send it to Hawaii.  Had written Gen & Millie about it.  Millie tho't it was great.

Dale is looking for a new dresser.  Is on his way to Jamestown now.  He plans to start painting soon.  He bo't some shelving for the basement & has it set up.  Looks nice.  Oh yes, he plans to look for some kind of an elec. saw set up at Sears.  Can't remember the correct term for it.

Am enclosing a news article Gen sent.  Forest Park brings back many memories -- skating at Porter Lake, etc.  It must be beautiful to see -- the Christmas lights.

Sun.

Tim & Lisa Passinger were in church with their new baby Philip.  He slept the whole time.  Has lots of hair.  Born Jan. 8th.

Dale got a new piece of equipment from Sears.  Still don't know the correct term.  Lar came over & helped him carry it in.

Sun. aft. I'm always so tired so I took a nap.  Now all 3 TVs have racing on.

The following is from Rabbi Harold Kushner's "Who Needs God?"

What is the difference between a person who relies only on himself & a person who has learned to turn to God for help?  It's not that one will do bad things while the other will do good things.  The self reliant atheist may be a fine upstanding person.  The only difference is the atheist is like a bush growing in the desert.  If he has only himself to rely on when he exhausts his internal resources, he runs the risk of running dry & withering.  But the man & woman who turn to God is like a tree planted by a stream.  What they share with the world is replenished from a source beyond themselves, so they never run dry.

I like that & that's why we go to church to receive that special faith & strength.  My thought for today.

P.S.  It's a Craftsman table saw Dale got.  Big one.

Sunday, January 30, 2000

Just put a turkey breast roast in the oven for our evening meal.

I'll watch the super bowl but it's not as exciting this year.  I'll root for the Rams.

K Mart had 1000 pc. puzzles on sale for 1.99.  I got 3 last Tues. & didn't realize but 2 & get 1.00 off.  Should have gotten 4.  On Fri. I got 2 more so I'm well supplied with new puzzles, altho I don't mind doing them a 2nd or 3rd time.  I'm doing a farm scene - farmhouses, pumpkins, and green  grass.  The green & orange is driving me nuts.  Now I'm soon thru getting the pumpkins together -- then the grass.  I watch TV & do puzzles.  Heard from Millie & she does puzzles.  She said she sits down for 15 min. & 2 hours later she's still at the puzzles.   I have the same experience.  Retirement is nice - no time schedules.  I do some work!  Yesterday a coffee cake, Danish rolls & a batch of cookies.  Even washed the floor last Wed. so my back is better.  Can't be idle all the time.

The weather is something else.  I feel sorry for people going to Atlanta when it's so hard to get around due to icy roads, etc.

I knew my electric blanket was getting old & really found out when it turned zero & I was cold.  I have a full bed elec. blanket neither Barb or Dale would use so since I sleep alone it covers me & keeps me nice & toasty warm.  Next fall I'll look for a new one that fits. 

Last Mon. we had a good time at our get together.  We were there 2 1/2 hrs. & I'm sure the waitress was glad to see us go so she could reset the table.  She was the only waitress so the fellow who tended bar helped her.  He could be a manager of some sort as he wore a suit & was very nice & so was the waitress.  I called for a reservation but the D.R. never answered & I didn't call again but they weren't busy. 

Yes, Paul, I remember the disappointment when you didn't live up to your capabilities but in the end you did, so the disappointment turned to joy & pride.  Don't be too hard on Andy.

June gave us some old letters I wrote to the folks & some Carl wrote from college.  Signe sent him a new shirt & in the letter he asked for a tie to wear with it & a pair of dress socks.  He didn't have much to go on, but he made it.  Those were depression years.

I'll be waiting to hear about your dinner for Signe.  I sent her a card but just signed my name as I wasn't sure of her condition.  The sisters live long lives.  89 for Signe.  90 for Stella & I imagine Lila will be 88 her next birthday.

Gen & Millie went to see Aunt Esther but she knows nothing.  They are keeping her alive & I think that's too bad.  Elsie Yeagle's mother was alert at 100 -- I think they had a party for her at church.  If you have your ind that is wonderful.  Allie Peterson lived to 100 I think, but she was in & out of it.

Monday, June 7, 1999

It will be a hot day.  I just hung clothes outside.  This aft. we'll get groceries.  Tonite I'll go to LCW picnic & made a salad to bring.  An ice cream salad.  Dissolve jello & 1 c. hot water.  Add a pint of ice cream.  Melt.  Add fruit.  Easy & tasty.

If this heat keeps up I plan to have a salad supper on Thurs.  Chicken, broc, fruit, etc a variety.

June, July & Aug. church is at 9:30 A.M.  Nice before it gets too hot.

Our yard is really looking nice thanks to Barb & Dale who keep it up & of course Lar who did the landscaping. Mulch sets it off.  Too hot to sit on the front porch but the chairs are there.  We need to get a new blind to keep the sun out of the windows on the west side.  Hard to find.

I really enjoyed the Mets-Yankees game last nite.  Two streaks broken & to think it was the losing Mets who did it.  I'm sure Clemens & Jeter didn't expect that.

I could tell Andy was pleased with his double & they won as well.  Lots of games coming up.

Tues. A.M.  9:35.

I've got my big chores done for today.  Cleaned my room, hall, bathroom & stairs.  Dale takes care of his room & Barb takes care of her B.R. & the TV room.  I like to work early & then at 10 A.M.I get to watch Equalizer & Murder She Wrote at 11 A.M.  That, & do my 1000 pc. puzzle.  I'm also doing towels & a load of bathrm. rugs that have piled up.

Dale got the stones yesterday & Lar will bring another load of gravel for a foundation.  They dug around 6" deep, gravel & then the squares.  Should look nice.  Dale did it because "it was driving me nuts" when he mowed there.  The garden was enlarging & he didn't have room for the mower.

Haven't turned on the A.C. yet.  I keep the house closed up during the day & that helps.  I'm hot now but I've been working.

I can't believe you vacuumed the fam. room before you went to bed.  Did I raise you kids to be so fussy?  Barb has to have things just right in the garden - colors that blend.  If you don't buy all the mulch at one time, will it match - not be too light or too dark.  Dale likes to vacuum the stairs with the larger vacuum as the nap comes up better.  The hand vac is good enough for me at my age.  Too bad I didn't do better spiritually!

Hatch Patch advertised home grown strawberries in the A.M. paper.  When they open it for picking I hope to go.  Need to replenish my straw jam.

This is Barb's last day of caring for Scott & she works all day.  Plans to take Scott to Lar & Kim's camp this aft. as he has been asking.  He's not improving in his deportment.  Has picked up swear words & of course Lynn is very unhappy about that.

Almost 10 A.M.  Time to go

My bio is hand written & I need to reread it.

Saturday, May 22, 1999

Last Tues. I was all set to eat my lunch & the door bell rang.  It was Ted Benson wondering if I'd like to go out to lunch with them.  I said give me a minute - put my sandwich & milk in the fridge, grabbed my purse & was ready.  We went to Perkins & had a nice visit.  They planned to get flowers at Hatch Patch & walk thru the Bon Ton.  Luckily I was dressed to go out, thanks to having to vote.  A new store will be opening at the mall, the Shoe Depot.

Sun. is Pentecost & members bring red geraniums to church & then they are planted outside.  We get a good response & the church looks nice with the red flowers up front.  Members are encouraged to wear red as well.  A nice touch.

Barb painted the front steps & they look so nice.  The railings are being made.

Kim found out there will be 80 6th graders next year & they come as one group to Phy. Ed plus a parent wants their son who is in a wheelchair in regular phy. ed classes.  Kim said no way could she do that - they are regularly divided up among 3 classes.  She went to the principal to let him know that no way could she have such a large class.  He didn't want to hear it - Kim made a few suggestions & he finally agreed to try to find a solution & he finally did.  Sometimes you have to speak up to get a change, or things go on as usual.  Easier not to rock the boat.  Denny Johnson is leaving & will be teaching in a college in N. Carolina.  He got his PHd to do that.  So Kim will have a new teacher to break in.

Thanks for the pictures of the boys.  "2 little angels"!!  The one with the priest.  You're going to have to help Eddie learn to ride a bike.  Lar wanted to help him but he didn't like the girl's bike we had.

Now it's Tues. the 25th.

Yesterday I was suppose to have a Carotid Doppler at the hospital & I forgot all about it.  It's a test to see if the veins in my neck are clogged.  I called & no big deal - they set up a new appt. for Thurs. June 3d 2 pm.

Lar was saying that Schormans, Dr. Fino & maybe Careys want to sell their homes.  Schormans & Careys for something smaller & Dr. Fino plans to leave Warren.  Has finally retired.

Dale passed tests & can now work on the Daimler cars.  As a result he will receive a gold ring in recognition.  He said it will go in his drawer with the other ring he got.  I've never heard or seen it.  Will have to remember to ask him to show it to me.

We're having our share of rain now.  Late April showers.  I've started another 1000 pc. puzzle.  They are fun to put together, exasperating at times.

Last Sun. we had a pork loin roast & it was so good & tender as well.  On sale this week at Bi Lo so I got another one to freeze for later on.

Dale is on the way to the P.O.

Friday, April 3

Back to letter writing.  Have been writing Easter notes to our sisters.  Never hear much from Carl's sisters.

Our summer weather has disappeared & I'm not too sad.  Too early for temps in the 80;s.  The trees are budding so I hope we don't have a bad freeze.

We both saw the Dr. on Mon. Mar. 30.  All is as well as can be expected.  The Dr. told me to take time away but that isn't very possible.  But I've been doing jigsaw puzzles & that keeps my min d occupied & baseball is back & that is a big help for something different.

Lar is going to bring over a puzzle the ladies at the "Home" found too hard to do.  I'll see if I can "conquer" it.  I'm doing ones I've done before because we have accumulated a lot of puzzles.  Still fun to do.

Scott had an eye exam & he has to wear glasses.  Not to happy about that.  Did you notice in the paper Bob's mother died.  Only 71.  They called Bob & Lynn at work & by the time they got there she had died.  She hadn't been well for a long time.

Dale didn't get home til 10:30 last nite.  Hew was in Frewsburg learning to remake *wrong word?) transmissions.  T his man works only on transmissions so Dale is getting a free education.

Shults acquired the "Warren Car Mall" place as of Apr. 1.  So they have quite a set up there.  Dale was happy as they need more space for the work they have.

Kim said they have 8 weeks of school left & she is looking forward to vacation.  Kim & 7 of her friends are planning a golf weekend this summer.  The men do it - minus Larry -- so the women decided they should have a weekend off.  Lar is too busy to participate in such things when he can work.

How was your time in Chicago.  I think the weather was nice for sightseeing.

Bet JoAnna is happy Apr. 7th will be over by the time you read this letter.  Hope it turned out in her favor.

The dryer stopped so I must get clothes out & folded.  And I think I've covered the news here.

Saturday, October 29, 1994

Finally a chance to sit down.  I'll tell you what we got for the boys so far.

Andy - raincoat & walkie-talkie toy.

Eddie - Luma sketch in color.  And I thought I'd look for Frontier Building Sets - they are logs to make cabins, etc.  The recent toy catalogue from Penney's shows them.  Barb got him View Master Super Show projector.  Projects on a wall - like a flashlight.  Would Andy like another Geo Safari 20 lesson

expansion pack.  I tho't he might like games to play with his friends but there are so many & don't know which to choose.  Please help me out.  Would you two like a family gift, plus something personal.   Did you ever get a picnic basket?

Dad saw a different Dr. & he increased one of his medications so I hope that helps.  Betty Jean Holder works for this Dr.  Her daughter graduated from college a year ago & is engaged to be married.  The son is a soph. in college.

Last Tues. Dale had another spell at work.  Bumped his head when he passed out.  They called 911.  This time they gave him medication & he has another test next Fri. Nov 4.  Can it be Nov. already?

I've read a couple of books by Robin Cook & enjoy them & I'm reading one by Hilary Norman now.  It is so good.  Glad I like to read.  Barb & I both bot puzzles today.  So when I finish my book I'll put a 1000 pc. puzzle together. . I'll add more later.

This past summer when it was so warm, Kim suggested they get us a ceiling fan for the dining room for Christmas & we agreed that would be a great gift.  Lar would also install it.  We want them to follow thru on that idea.

[Monday - 6 AM]

When I got up I tho't it was 6:50 AM & when I went to get the paper I wondered what happened as it wasn't there.  What happened is I don't think I changed my clock to standard time!  So things are all set for breakfast so your letter will get finished.

Shults, the elder, was bot out by his sons who also own the Jamestown business.  And starting Jan 1 Dale signed up for a retirement plan.  He'll save 40.00 every 2 weeks & they match it.  40K program.  We're happy they introduced that.

We're suppose to have a wet Halloween, altho it isn't raining yet.  Maybe we won't have as many kids out.  Hours are from 6-8 p.m.  Barb got 2 Halloween plastic bags (orange with a face in black) & she filled them with leaves & placed them on each side of the front door.  We still have leaves on the one tree.  Barb & I have raked.  They collected on the opposite side of the st. but not on our side.

Watched the Pittsburgh-Phoenix game last night but didn't see the finish as it ended in a tie.  Pitts didn't play well at all & they lost.

Forgot to ask what the boys would be wearing for Halloween.

T.V. just said Penn State is #one again.  That was a great game on Sat.  Dad says sometimes the excitement of football is too much for him - hard on his nervous system so he has to change the channel.  NASCAR racing affects him the same way.

When Barb was with you she got a sweat shirt at Northern Reflections at the Mall.  It is pink with a duck on it.  She likes it a lot & if you want to suggestion she'd like another one in size Medium.  Not necessarily pink.  Just an idea.

We have Ambulance coverage & just found out that anyone living with us is covered so that will help Dale.  Good we found it out.  Will walk to 5th mailbox to get this mailed.  Love to all.

Tuesday, January 7, 1992

It is a snowy day - we can get up to 12 inches.  But the Eastern part of the State is getting more.

Dale left last nite (after work) to go to Rochester, N.Y. for 2 days of schooling.  Hope travel will be better tomorrow.  The hard snow fall didn't start til after Tues 12 A.M.  I shoveled this A.M. & mid-A.M.  Dad went out again.

I got a puzzle out & started one last nite.  Today I'm not doing much.  We knew today would be bad so we went grocery shopping yesterday.

Barb had her hair cut - similar to your length, JoAnna.  Sheila did it and Barb was satisfied.  We all like it.

I'm watching an old movie "A Kiss in the Dark" & it's cute.  Barb has always wanted the video "Bringing Up Baby" & in some materials Dale got, I noticed they had it & ordered it for her.  We had a nice holiday.  Took our tree down on New Year's Day so things are back to normal.  Barb got a $100.00 Bon Ton gift certificate from Lynn so both Fri & Sat, we went shopping.  She got a nice sweater, matching pants & a pr. of jeans.  The sweater is very attractive & looks nice on her.

I looked but didn't find anything I really wanted.

We had planned to order the tub & surround, etc. but the weather interfered.  Lar also had a project for the apt.  The wall that divided the room that was their bedroom & now the D.R. will be removed to make an L-shaped room.  It will open up the area & on the end Lar will build shelves (for Kim's Santa collection) and a desk for the computer.  It will be nice when it's finished.

Your new van sounds wonderful.  We have seen an ad on TV regarding how seats move, etc.  Bet the boys like having their own seat.  Forgot to ask about the color of the interior.

My puzzle is calling so I'll bring this to a close.

We love you all so much.

[enclosure]

Sunday, December 1, 1991

My 3rd letter today.  Had a Thanksgiving card & note from Millie so I wrote to her, & also to Gen.

Larry & Debra's baby son is Jeffrey Chad.  Weighed in  at 9 lbs & 21 1/2 " long.  A big boy.

I have a list to write about so here goes.

1) Janick's is going out of business.  Is having sales & they'll last into the new year.

2) I finished a hard 1000 pc. puzzle, the one with different shades of violet flowers.  It took me awhile but I did it.  Also in the paper different agencies listed needs of some people.  An elderly shut in couple would like puzzles to work so I tho't I called & find out where to bring some 500 pc. puzzles.  Another one would like yard to make mittens.  I don't have much left but found some.

3) The suggestions (Christmas) came too late as I start my shopping as soon as I get my C. Club check.  But I've filed them for the future.   Andy has more gifts than Eddie but Eddie's toy was more expensive but I plan to put more money in his card so I he needs something you can get it, or else bank it.

Our cable charge is going up but to even it off they'll add T.N.T.

I have some of my decorations out & we will put the tree up the end of the week.  Larry put up the lights on the outside shrubs by the D room.  Many outside lights decorations up already.

You should see the house Carters are building - the lot on Verbeck & Conewango by Joyce O'Conner.  Brick & it's going to be beautiful.  Mrs. Carter (nee Blair) died & left her money to her son.  He & his wife are divorced so he moved to the family home & this house is being built for his father - the senior Carter.  This Carter (Louis) quit New Process when he inherited.

We had a nice Thanksgiving & we played Scattergories.

Did I write we washed the kitchen & ceiling walls 2 weeks ago.  Planned to wash the L.R. tomorrow but I'm lazy so we'll do it after the holidays.  Tomorrow I'd like to go to Jamestown if the weather is OK.  This past week the only thing we did was go out to Perkins Sat. nite.  So I'm raring to go somewhere different.

Dale is feeling better but he has really been hurting.  His medication cost $150.00 but insurance covers it.  Lucky for him.  Lots of soreness & itching.

We hope to send the Christmas box by the end of the week.  Wrapped gifts today.

I've covered it all.

Monday, September 23, 1991

Time to write letters.  Thanks for your letter, Barbara.  The pictures are so darling.  Dad sent his film off to be developed so I'll send them when they come.

Did Andy get the package from The Nesting Place.  The one I ordered wasn't available so they sent another one in its place.  Like Superman - she said it wasn't available to the public very often.  Hope he likes it.

Janick's has reopened but I haven't been in.

Kim & the gals in exercise class hit the lottery for 333.00 so each one got 33.00.

For Christmas Kim plans to get Andy the V.C.R. "The Rescuers Down Under".  Just tho't I'd alert you so you won't get it.

The new brick house on East St, the one where the wife refused to move into - it was sold to the ones who bot the house on 2nd Ave, next to Market St. School.  So that house is now rental & they moved into the new house.  Cost $210,000 to build & was sold for $250,000.  The buyers are friends or known to Carlene & her husband.  Remember.

I'm working on a 1000 pc. puzzle - not the hardest, but it is mostly grays - "Arizona Watertower".  Brick, trees & grays.  I'm getting there but I've plenty of time so no rush.

Fri A.M. Kim & I are invited to see Karen S's new home.  Rose will be there, too.  I had mentioned to Kim maybe we could go over some A.M. & Kim must have said something to Karen.  In Church on Sun. she invited me.  I'm anxious to see it.

Kim & Lar will be home for Christmas.

No more news.

Photos from Labor Day visit to Warren.

[enclosure]

Thursday, February 14, 1991

Thanks for your valentine and letter, Barb.  It is always nice to have a letter and hear what is going on.  I'm typing as there is quite a lot to say and if I can hit the right letters it will go faster.

Last Fri. we saw the interior of Lar and Kim's property and it is very nice.  There was a leak in one corner so Larry was patching that up.  He took off the paneling, took it home, rubbed it down and put a finish on it.  He was working on that when we were there.  I brot out coffee and cookies so he took a break.  Kim had been there but she had to leave as she is helping at the YM with the gymnastic program.  He got a corner shower stall on sale but won't get to working on changing the bathroom til next fall.  Future plans are to enclose the larger porch, put in picture windows and have like a Fla. room off the kitchen.  It would give them a lovely view.  He has lots of ideas but they will take time to put into action - time and money.

GOSSIP - Sharon Keefer (they were at the Memorial Day picnic) told Kim that her husband left her.  Said she was getting to nag, etc. and he wanted time away.  Said there is no other woman.  Guess it was quite a shock to Sharon.

Remember the girl Kim mentioned replied to an ad for a nanny.  She had 3 interviews but they didn't appeal to her so she is babysitting and waiting.  She sits for Dorn's and she told Kim that Dorn's really miss you.  This gal was asked by New Process to come in for an interview as they are opening a business in Japan so if that works out she will probably take it.

We got our Sears catalog, in fact we got 2 but we took one back to the store.  Don't see anything special that I'd like, altho there are some nice things in it.

Next Mon. we get eye examinations and will get new glasses, frames, etc.  Think I'll get sun glasses also.

Before long I will have all my squares (63 needed) made for the afghan so I have held off making them as we usually have to wait to see the eye Dr. and want to have something to do so I have been putting 500 pc. puzzles together and enjoying that.  Still watch a lot of CNN and war news.  I'm addicted to it.

Last nite was Ash Wed.  Service at church and afterwards we had coffee hour and the circle I'm in served cake and coffee.  It was nice and now we are relieved that we can just enjoy the coffee hour after the service from now on.  Rose S. brot a choc. cake with a special frosting - a recipe she got from Jim's wife - and she said she would bring the recipe to circle next week.  It's really rich and delicious.

I can't mail this letter until tomorrow as Dale's picture should be in the paper.  Yesterday he received a Seiko mantle clock from work and has his picture taken with sales rep.  Reason 5 years as Master Technician.  His name is on the clock - D. P. Nelson and it also has 5 years Master Tech. on it.  He's getting more things for an apt. and I asked him when he was going to get one.    He said he'll put the clock back in the box and store it.  But until Lar and Kim come next Tues. I put it on the Mantle and we want to get a battery for it so we can hear the tone.  It should strike on the hour and maybe more.  We didn't know anything about it but last nite Jack Hoffman mentioned to Dad that he'd been at Shults and said Dale was getting some kind of an award and the newspaper photo. was there.  We're always the last to know.  Dale said he was told on Mon. about it.

This a.m. I cleaned out the closet in the little room and put a lot of the yarn in a bag for the Salvation Army.  Right now we have quite a lot to bring over there.

Been reading library books.  If Tomorrow Comes & Windmills of the Gods by Sidney Sheldon and enjoyed them.  Have Nightwork by Irwin Shaw to read.

Weather not that good this week but last week we got several walks in.

Better bring this to an end.  We are all fine here and send you all our love.

P.S.  Sat AM.  No picture in paper yet.  Will send it in next letter.  W. Hollertz called & he had to come to the dentist in Wrrn so we're meeting them for lunch at Noiban's.  I'm fixing the turkey Dale got (2nd one) for supper & invited Lar & Kim so we'll play our favorite game - "Categories".

We have more snow - at least 6"-8" & it's cold.  Suppose to warm up next week.

Ed Ryberg is home from the hosp.  Paul is home - taking sabbatical.