Tuesday, February 17, 1998

I need a rest period after cleaning downstairs, except the kitchen floor & last minute spots.  Was up at 6:10 A.M. so I could see the women's hockey, USA v. Can.  It didn't start til 7 A.M. but I got breakfast going, etc.  So I "earned" a rest.  The game was so good & "we" won.  They all sang the Nat. anthem after the medal presentations.  It was very moving.

Last Sun. was another highlight as Dale Earnhardt won the Daytona 500.  It was so exciting at the finish & all of us were thrilled he finally won.  Tell Eddie Earnhardt finally won.  Last summer he felt bad for D. E. when he wasn't winning any races.

I'm trying to cut down on coffee - mine is weak anyway.  Sometimes I have trouble getting to sleep but I don't think it's the coffee.  It's hard to see Dad go down - sometimes he thinks it's time to go home; wonders who will give him a ride; doesn't know where he sleeps, etc.  It's not easy to watch when he had such a good mind.

Fri A.M.  This A.M. at breakfast Dale told me news that would interest you folks.  Concerning Rocky Logan.  This came from Randy Swanson, whose father owned Penn Alignment.  When he retired Randy continued to work there - and Rocky had bot an interest in the business.  But he never worked in the business, leaving the work to Randy.  So Randy quit & now works at Shults.  Well Rocky never paid the bill s- owes $10,000 to Barnhart Davis & more to another Co.  So there will be a sheriff's sale.  Wonder what Marty thinks of this.  A sidenote - the senior Swanson married Mrs. Powell, widow of Henry Powell, who was principal of Beaty.

Our luncheon was very nice yesterday.  Ted Benson told us some Swede jokes his son got off the internet.  "Ole" & Swen & I can't remember the other name.  Many were sent in by Luth. pastors. Ted uses the Swedish accent.  Last nite Kim was telling something in the same vein.  Her friend got them off the internet.  If you have a question you can call an 800# & get help.  One was a woman wondered where the "any" button or key was - she couldnt' find the "any key".   That one stands out in my mind & there were several others.

Anna H. couldn't come as she had another hip replacement - they use a cement & that had to be removed so it was a 5 hr. operation.  She has to take it easy.  Last time she didn't take the time to let it heal.  In Mar. they are going to Disney World & April to St. Martins (think it's spelled differently).  They get around. d In May Ted & Pat are going on an Alaskan cruise.  Will fly to Vancouver & leave from there.

We got your computer written letter & are anxiously awaiting the next one.  I share the letter with Lar & Kim & tell Barb & Dale the news as they are too lazy to read your epistles.

Just heard that Tara L. got the gold in skating & I was hoping Michelle K. would get it.  She had a misstep & that did it.  Was also disappointed when Todd E. didn't medal.

Mon. nite the 23rd.  (above news sounds old now.)

Called Gen & John enjoyed his trip & plans to go again.

Also called Ruth as we've heard nothing about the "sisters".  Guess all are the same.   Lila hasn't really recovered from her operation.  Uses a walker & her mind isn't clear.  Stella is in the nursing care now as she needs more help.

Joan's son is getting married in May.  The oldest daughter is in Grand Rapids - has her own apt.

Rachel went to England during the holidays & met a fellow over there & they fell for each other.  He came over here to visit & would like to get a job here.  So maybe there will be another wedding in the future.  Ruth met him & said he is nice.

Got your letter today & it was interesting.  Glad all is back to normal again.  Pictures of Eddie are so cute - the boys are growing.  Jeans will get higher & higher in cost.  Good Dad can find his at a cheaper cost.  Couldn't Andy have used the Valentine 5.00 for a bike lock.

We're suppose to get some snow tonite.  Bulb flowers are sprouting.  Better sign off.

Thursday, October 31, 1996

This is a lazy day for me after a busy Mon-Wed. to get ready for company.  As usual we had a great time.  Pat Benson and Warren Hollertz tried to out do each other with a review of their naughty Halloween tricks & they were BAD!  It was fun.  Served a chicken casserole & it was good - first time I made it.  A frozen cranberry salad & pumpkin pie.  Casserole was so good so not enough was left for supper.  Barb finished it.  A veggie, too!  They will come in Dec. so I'll be making plans & looking for new ideas.

Thanks for the letters & pictures.  I think they are good of the boys.  We enjoyed the floral bouquet so much.  The pictures by the side of the garage look so inviting.  A good place to read or just sit & think & enjoy a cup of coffee or a cold drink.

Barb took the paper off the walls in the little room & painted it an off white.  Now she is working on the woodwork.  Looks nice.

We saw the Dr on Tues. & all is well for me.  Dad's aches, etc. are the result of Parkinson's & not much can be done.  He should walk more but it's hard for him & as a result he is quite stiff.  (Not drinking stiff!!)

This A.M. I walked over town & got a senior citizen pass to ride the bus so maybe I'll ride to the Mall.  Renewed my driver's license - probably for the last time since I don't use it, except for identification.

When company was here Wed, Barb went to Jamestown & started our Christmas shopping.  Barb is wondering if you & JoAnna would like one big gift from the 4 of us or do you prefer individual gifts.  Maybe you can find a minute or two to think about it & give us suggestions!!  We've gotten some games for the boys.  Can't find the mask Eddie wants - that will be up to you if he still wants one.  Hockey or what ever.

We "babysat" Torey Tues nite while Lar & Kim went to Erie to see Wrrn. Hi soccer team in playoffs.  They won 1-0 in 4 overtimes & go to the next step.  Torey slept under the dining room table after Barb had taken him for a walk.

The Teacher's Union rejected the contact offered by the Board.  They want more face to face discussion & the Board Pres. said fox it or call by phone.  Kim doesn't want to strike.  Be interesting to see what happens.

We have sun & blue skies - in the 40's but they say cold weather is on the way.   showed the heavy waves on Lake Erie both in Erie & Buffalo.

Soon time to fix lunch.

Saturday, July 7, 1996

We're watching the Mets.  Have you noticed how well the Mets are playing in Montreal.  Won 3 so far & are tied 1-1 at the moment.  (Didn't get the 4th win.)

My luncheon went over very well -= good food - good fellowship.  Dad enjoyed it as well.  They will come again the latter part of Aug.  Already have planned the menu.

Barb was on vacation this past week.  Wed. Barb, Kim & I went out to lunch at Jamie's place & we really enjoyed the food.  That was this past Wed.  We'll have to go when you're here.

Kim & Lar leave the end of this week to visit in Fla.

Troy called last nite to check on the colors for the house so he could order the materials.  He hopes to be able to start the end of the week.  Hope it's done by the time you're here.

Enjoyed reading your letter & the photographs.  And I tho't Eddie's drawing was so good.  The shape of the bodies are so good - esp. the batter.

Barb & I have been shopping the sales & have found a few things for the boys.  I got a 2nd hand bike for Andy to ride.  Kim said her friend Nancy has a girl's bike we can have so Eddie could ride that.  So bring their helmets.  The girl's bike is a banana bike.

Larry & Kim went to her class reunion last nite.  There were several of them.  Kim's was at the Conewango Club.  Barb went to the lake & babysat Marisa & Scott as it was Lynn's class reunion at the C. V. Country Club.  Barb stayed as Lynn & Bob didn't want to drive to the lake late at nite.

Finally got some library books & am enjoying them.

Mon. A.M.
Was on the porch watering my plants &^ Mary Ann Carey started walking her dogs so we talked a bit.  Paula would love to move back to Warren & her husband would if he could find work.  He is a lawyer & that could be a drawback for him in finding an opening here.  Mary Ann would like that move.  Don't think retirement is good for Mr. C. as he is drinking a lot.  One Thurs. nite he was trying to help Lar & he could hardly stand up & smelled alcohol.  Late aft. he always has a drink in his hand.

Today they are checking the Air Cond.  They come & check that in July & the furnace in Jan.  It's a humid A.M. & we had to turn up the heat so he could better check things out.  Now the A.C. is on so it will cool down.  It's cloudy & we might have showers.

It won't be long before we see you.

Paul shows off his new Saturn

Saturday, June 22, 1996

Congratulations JoAnna for your work in the recent election.   It was hard work but well worth the effort.  You must have felt like you were walking on air for a long time.

This coming week will be a busy one for me as on Wed we will be 12 for lunch.  The pastors & wives we used to go out with.  I tho't we'd only be 8 but the other 2 couples heard & wanted to come.  Just hope it won't be too much for Dad.  He can always go upstairs & rest if he needs to.  Plan to serve potato salad, asst cold cuts & cheese, lettuce, tom, & onions (if they want to make a sandwich, Bean pot, jello salad, & strawberry shortcake.  (They are picking at Hatch Patch but we've had so much rain they won't last long.  T hey are delicious.)   Coffee & iced tea to complete the menu.  And rolls of course.  I have my schedule of duties all made out for Mon & Tues & Wed A.M. before they come.  They suggested hamburgers, etc. but that for me is more work.   With my choice I can have things all set & ready to serve without too much trouble.  Found a recipe for iced tea.  After the tea is ready add frozen raspberries & let thaw.  Then strain & put in refrig.  Sounds good to me & I don't care too much for it.

The garden looks so good, thanks to Barb & she loves working in it.  We've had lettuce from the garden.  Lar has supplied some of the plants & Barb planted them.

The evergreens we have by the school fence have really grown together.  Nice privacy for us.  The laurel in front of the house is so beautiful this year.  Full of blossoms for the first time.

We don't hear anything from  Rockford so I guess all must be O.K.

Gen had a birthday June 13th & she had a nice day.  They got a new liner for their pool so they can swim again.  Gen was 74.  They planned to pick strawberries last week.

We're watching baseball N.Y. at Cleveland & Cleveland is winning so far in front of a full house.  Albert Belle received an ovation when he was first at bat, and he got a double.

12 days from today & it will be the 4th of July.  Doesn't seem possible.

Kim has stopped by a few times this past week while walking Torie.  We have a cup of coffee & chat.

Not much going on but wanted you to hear from us.