Sunday, June 14, 1998

It is really cool & cloudy & we've had rain this weekend which was sorely needed.  But where is our warm June weather.  The next letter I could complain about the heat.

I've been reading again & have come to the conclusion that some authors are like preachers.  They hem & haw, repeat themselves & don't know when to say AMEN.  I always remember what one pastor said - "It's no use preaching when the congregation has said Amen."

Barb is painting the laundry area.  Took off the wallpaper etc. & has part of it completed.  A beige & the cupboards will be a shade lighter.  Will look nice.

Last letter I said my dryer wouldn't work.  When Dale tried it, it made a noise & then no noise & the dryer was O.K.  A coin or something must have gotten in & somehow slipped out.

Fri. nite Barb & I went to Sears & I spent more of the money from Edna.  We're getting a Maytag washer, dryer, & dishwasher.  The W & D will be in the 17th - Lar will take away the old ones & when the painting is completed we'll get them delivered.  The dishwasher won't be in til the 29th.  No more noisy equipment.  Lar wants the old W & D so he can wash his dirty work clothes (mud, dirt, etc.)  He'll put them in their basement.

Barb got a gallon of paint & will have some left over.  So she wants to tear off the Back entry paper & paint it the same color.  She can do as she pleases as long as I don't have to.

The baseball game sounded like fun.  If it was on ESPN, I'm sure we watched it.

Kim had 30 teachers at the baby shower for 2 of the Sheffield teachers at camp.  They loved the house.  By the steps from the deck, Lar built a brick sidewalk using the bricks from the chimney from the old bldg.  Kim said it looks so nice.  We'll  have to take a ride out there.  The den is all done except for the final floor.  A rug is covering it for now.  Lar's too busy with extra work.

I just had a little nap - my eyes wouldn't stay open.  Now the Braves vs. Montreal are on T.V.  It looks a little brighter outside.  (I sure now "now".)

Dad received about 50 cards for his 55th anniv.  Reading the cards bro't tears to his eyes.  The pastor bro't the cards over & he stayed awhile to visit.  I asked about his oldest daughter who finished an additional degree.  She hasn't decided on a job yet.  She visited Beloit College - a job as asst. of student housing.  They asked her are you a Christian.  When she said yes - they replied you wouldn't like it here.  We allow drinking & drugs on campus.  Then when she went into the cafeteria to eat 2 women were "making out".  So she wouldn't be happy there even if the pay was much higher than other offers.  I was surprised to hear that & I'm sure Melinda wouldn't exaggerate.  What do you think .  I was surprised.

Strawberries are ready for public picking now.  We bot some yesterday & they are so delicious.  Had shortcake last nite.  Barb & Kim hope to pick some.  I won't be able to - my leg won't take it.

When I got home from church today, Dad said "Why did you tie me into this chair."  Needless to say, I didn't.  Sometimes he has trouble working the lift chair.  His fingers don't have the strength or he can't find the cord.

Mon A.M.  Have a few minutes before I get lunch.  Got 4 thank you notes off as 4 members put a money gift in their card.  Also wrote a note to Bertha Nelson who had a niece send a card to Dad.

It's another cloudy day.

Barb has parts of 2 walls completed in the laundry room.  A darker beige & will have lighter cupboards.  The color is nice.  Glad she likes to do that as I don't.

Barb & Kim are on Cloud 9.  Bulls Win, Bulls Win!  Now will the team break up.

Better bring this to a close.

Saturday, May 16, 1998

I'll start a letter while your questions are still fresh in my mind.

The floral bouquet consisted of yellow lilies, lge. pink carnations & a deeper pink -- a flower I think are called "Pinks" a smaller type carnation with stock & greenery.  And sitting in it is a bird on a nest that is reusable.  I'll put it in the wreath in the D.R.  Also a "Happy Mothers Day" on a plastic piece.  Very pretty, altho it doesn't sound like the colors to together but they do.

Paul I find it hard to believe you are becoming fond of "Boxer".  But when you get a baby animal it makes a lot of difference.  Will you have it neutered as well as declawed.

We have the twin bed in the eating area & it looks O.K.  I think he'll be O.K. as he doesn't "roam" at nite - too hard to get around.

Lar called at noon to find what we had done.  He will be over after 5 to help carry the seats, table, etc. up to the attic.  I'll miss sitting at the table & watching. - Dale will miss the same at nite when he eats - around 9 pm.

Lar said they found a chair for Dad - can't remember the correct term, but it helps one get out of a chair.  That is one of the problems - no strength to lift himself up.  This lady said we could try it out & then decided on a price.  I'd prefer if she'd name the price she wants.

Dale didn't work today.  Washed his car & is in the process of putting the stereo system in this car - the one he took out of the old car.  Now he's on the way to Seaman's probably to find "stuff" for the Blazer.  He'll stop at the Youngsville Dairy Queen for a burger.  Says they are the best ever.  He found a door for the Blazer.

Barb worked around the yard this A.M. U& washed off the porch furniture so it's all set for us to sit out there.  We haven't gotten any flowers yet but I'm sure we'll get some during the week.  I'll need a red geranium for church the last Sun. of May.  Pentecost.  Members bring red ger- & they are planted outside during the week.  It looks nice to see the red flowers in the altar area.

The exchanges of 4 Marlins for 2 L.A. Dodgers was a surprise.  Sounds like it will go thru.

We were watching Cleveland vs. Texas & since Cleveland was ahead I switched to golf & noticed a Bob Friend was playing & doing well.  Said to Dad there was a pitcher with that name in Pittsburgh & then a note came on T.V. that he had been a pitcher with the Pirates.  So he has a 2nd career.  Encouraging to other athletes who are avid golfers.  Now it sounds like he is the son - he's only 33 so I guess that's true.  Must have missed something.

We got a letter this A.M. from Messiah Luth. stating they will be celebrating their 75th Anniv. in '99.  It will be a yearlong celebration & hoping we could come for the final weekend next spring.  Be nice but an impossible dream.  That's Auburn, Wn.

Sun A.M.   P.S.

I'm set for church but it's too early so I'll let you know how things are.  Last nite Lar & Dale got the lift chair to try out & it will be great.  It is one of the workers at the Crary Home.  Said it cost $1,000.00 & they tried to sell it for $500.00, then $250.00 & no takers.  So maybe it will be less then $250.00.    It is blue so it fits in.  Dad just has to push "up" to get out of the chair & down to sit.  He can just stand against it so that problem of lifting is over.  Has the leg rest, too.  Very nice.

The bed went well.  I got up at 6 A.M. to check, went back to bed til 7 & got him ready & we had breakfast.  But he isn't eating much at all.  I don't make large portions & still a lot get thrown out.

It is another lovely day.

Barb has an aching shoulder.  Too much lifting & working outside Sat.   She said she was weight lifting - why I don't know.  She saw the Dr., had another pap smear & it shows an irritation.  No insurance - an operation, hysterectomy (sp) would be the thing but they are trying other things - a shot to stop her period & heavy bleeding.  Maybe things will be better when she won't have Scott to deal with.  Good I'm not a "worrier".  Barb is good at that.