Sunday, July 7, 2002

I'm home from church & changed my clothes.  No paper yet so I'll start a letter.  Today the asst. to the Bishop preached.  He seems like a very nice person & preached a good sermon.  The service lasted just 1 hour.  I also remember a pastor saying it's no good preaching when the congregation has said "Amen" in their minds.  Afterwards they were having strawberry shortcake so people could visit with him.  I didn't stay.  Lar & Kim are coming for dinner (6 pm) to make up for last Thurs.  I was up at 6 A.M. (because I didn't make the pie crust, I mean form the crust into the pan), so I did that this A.M. & made a strawberry pie.  I'm having an easy meal.  Steak & baked pot. & salad & pie.  Forgot to get green beans.  I do the inside preparations & Barb or Dale do the steak & fix mushrooms & onions if they want them.

Dale didn't work Sat - his early week so he went to his shopping "meccas".  He couldn't pass up a volt amp tester for car batteries.  New it would cost between $600-800.  He paid $125.00 -- he couldn't pass it up.

Kim stopped by Sat. & I mentioned about getting a frost free freezer.  She asked what will we do with the present one.  Do you want it.  She said yes & she'd pay us for it.  When I told Barb that, she said we don't have to wait.until cold weather.  We can move it & plug it in elsewhere & then fill up the new one & defrost & clean the old one & they can pick it up.  Sears' flyers had a sale on freezers so off Barb & I go to Sears on the west side & get one.  It won't come til the 29th but we can wait that long.  Same size as we have. It can't be wider but I would have liked it taller but they don't come that way.  So soon we'll have a frost free freezer.

Kim ordered a pair of bike riding pants for Barb.  Lar bro't them over when he walked Torey.  I asked Kim the cost & she wasn't sure.  Barb was picking more strawberries so she wasn't here.  Kim said if Barb picked 8 qt. of strawberries for Kim, she'd call it square.  So Barb will pick 8 qts. for Kim & that will pay for the pants.  Kim will have to freeze some as she leaves for Fla. Wed.  She'll leave a couple of Larry to munch on.

It's amazing how ignorant I was when you kids were growing up, from the tales I hear about now.  I never knew about your sun stroke.  I thought I was pretty good knowing what went on with my children.  At least we all lived thru it.

Both Hollertzs and Bensons are dieting & have lost some weight.  With Pat B., it is a must as she was in the hospital because of her heart.  She is taking more medication -- blood thinner, etc, but all of them could lose 50 lbs..  Pat says they're hungry all the time & even a little testy at times.  Pat has a hard time walking & uses a cane.

Bert (Barb's lady) on the other hand is too thin & that can cause problems.  So it's OK for me to be a little overweight as I can get around, walk, etc.  But I would like to lose a few pounds as some of my clothes, esp. skirts, are too tight around the waist.  Do I have the will power to give up my "coffee and" breaks.  I don't' know.

Yesterday we checked the Martha Stewart roses at KMart.  They were under $10.00 so I got 2 more plants & then Barb went back in the afternoon and got 2 more as she wanted 8 altogether.  They are blooming - the first 4 -- and are so pretty.  Finally I have my rose garden.

When we were kids in order to get to church, which we did every Sun. we'd take a bus downtown, have a transfer & usually had to wait 20 min. for the bus we needed -- the schedules didn't click -- & in the winter it was a cold wait.  We did it because it was the thing to do.  That was for Sunday School at 10 A.M., followed by church at 11 A.M.  So that was a long morning & we were starved by the time we got home.  My mother usually got a ride if the member was going to church.  She's bring us a roll to eat before church but I remember liking the idea of a roll but not eating it in front of people.  It would get eaten before we got into church.  Sometimes we were allowed to skip the Sun they had Communion as that would be a longer service -- but not too often.  If you remember anything about Springfield. the church was on King St. & Merrick Ave.  When they relocated they sold the church to a black congregation -- it is a black neighborhood now.  Just a little remembering of my Sunday School days.

I've been sitting on the front porch enjoying the beauty of the day.  And I remembered something Pat told me.  Gary Risher is now interim pastor of the Mt. Jewett church.  He visited Pat when she was in the hospital.  He talked a little about St. Paul & said Dad warned him of certain people -- troublemakers.  Who they could be I can't imagine since it's such a long time since Dad retired and he never had any problem with anyone.  Only when 3 families didn't like the idea of a new church & that was no big deal.  And one family came back.  He also told her he now has a convertible.  He was having trouble with his car.  Went back to the dealer, whom he knew & the dealer said we'll give you another car & he chose a convertible.  His cars were a sore spot with some members & he has several cars.

Tues. the 9th

We had an all day rain -- a nice one as it was a light rain that would sink into the ground.  It will only be in the low 70s for 3-4 days. I set dinner rolls & put them in the fridge overnite & will finish them in the A.M.

Mon. I had 12 rolls for Scott's birthday & today Barb informed me she invited Courtney for dinner Thurs.  Bert & her niece are going out to dinner & Barb will watch Courtney who is 10 years old.  She is really the niece's granddaughter but she calls her mother.  The son is the father but he messed up on drugs so the grandmother has raised her.  She's probably in her 50s according to Barb.  They will also go miniature golfing & to Beaty field.  They go back to Atlanta on Sat.  Courtney likes it here.  Courtney also likes Larry like all the little girls have.  I remember Paula C. coming over to see if "Wrarry" was home.  She lost the baby she was expecting.

I didn't watch any of the All Star doings last nite -- home run derby, etc.  Don't know if I'll watch much of the game tonite.  Maybe it will be good if it's the Braves vs. the Yankees -- no world series.

I guess this is enough to read at one time.

Called Millie last nite.  Ed isn't doing that good.   He is worrying about Gen & has other ills besides the stroke.  When you get to your 60s see your Dr. regularly.  Ed never did.  Gen is depressed because she can't drive & feels isolated.  She isn't taking her medication, won't wear her glasses & wants to sleep all the time.  Millie told her put on some peppy music & exercise.  Start & finish just 1 job & then do more.  She can't handle it.  It's so sad!

Saturday, June 30, 2002

Today has been a lovely day & I took advantage & did some baking.  Coffee cake, Danish rolls, & banana bread that will go in the freezer.  I was down to 3 Danish in the freezer.  Also made brownies.

Paul, I didn't forget!  Don't you remember before Lar & Kim's 15th wedding anniv. you called & wondered if I'd get them a 30.00 gift certificate from The Cafe & I did.  That is the $50.00 I was talking about.  You promised to send a check to me when you wrote!

Warren had a big fire you'll be reading about when you get the Wrrn. paper.  Conewango Club.  Started in the early A.M. hours -- roof fell in & parts of the porches came down.  Main parking lot was closed off as well as 2nd Ave. so parking was at a premium.  The library got some smoke but they don't it think it did any damage.  It was closed yesterday.

Too many distractions trying to write a letter on the porch.  So I'm inside now.

Mon. July 1.

This was the day I went to the dentist & I hope nothing happens before May 2003, my next checkup.   This aft. we went to the Mall & then grocery shopping.  Wanted to go today rather than tomorrow as it was will be more crowed crowded then.  (I'm watching TV again.)  And it is suppose to be hotter so I can stay inside.  Bad enough today.

Barb picked 8 qts of strawberries.  She froze 2 qt. for smoothies.  I used 2 qt. & made jam this aft.  Looks nice.  And we have berries for shortcake & maybe a pie.

Did I already write -- Lar & Kim will be at a friend's house on the 4th so they will come for Sun. dinner.  The following Wed. Kim will fly to visit her sister & family in Fla. for almost a week. Lar didn't care to take vacation then.

Tonite I made tossed salads with strips of chicken & rolls.  Mine was smaller than Dale's & it was tasty.  We also have left over pizza from last nite.  Dale said the heat doesn't make him that hungry so he prefers lighter meals & he likes salads.

Wed. the 3rd

Just wrote a note to Ruth.  Got ambitious.

Barb helped me finish the puzzle. I'll probably start another one.  In this hot weather I need a puzzle to work on.

The rabbits have been eating the beans Barb planted so she'll use a wire fence to protect them.

She says the bifocals work great for knitting & watching TV.  Wish I liked to knit.  She does such nice work.

Kim stopped over yesterday -- she drove.  Too hot for Torey to walk.  She walks AM's when it's cooler & not as long walks -- Torey is getting older, too.

When I saw the Dr. my blood pressure & thyroid were fine.  And I don't need a blood test before my next appt.  And the tooth that broke off is fixed so I'm fine for awhile.

The freezer we have isn't frost free & the frost accumulates & builds up on the food.  So next winter when it is cold I'd like to get a new one & it has to be frost free!  In fact, Sears has them on sale now but there is no way to store the frozen food.  I told Dale of my idea, thinking he would say you don't need another one, but he agreed with me.  You have to be careful or the door doesn't completely close & then things melt & that isn't good.  So when the temp is 0, we'll get one, store the food on the porch & wait for the delivery.

Nothing special happening for us on the 4th.  We'll have a cook out & enjoy the day.

Fri. Ted & Pat Benson will pick me up & we go out to lunch at 5 Forks Restaurant on the way to Tionesta.  It is buffet & salad bar with good desserts.  On rt. 62  It will be nice to see everyone as I missed the last get-together.

We've been watching tennis from Wimbledon -- it's been interesting.

July 4th

We were awakened at 6 A.M> with 6 "BOOMS" going off to signal the start of the Fourth.  They Jaycees are still in charge but like everything else the manpower is slim & how much longer they'[ll be in charge is a question.

I made a potato salad this A.M. & we'll have hamburgers.

It's too hot to sit on the porch so I'm inside.  Dale is tanning outside.  My rose bushes are blooming.  I love them.

Friday, June 22, 2001

I'll start a letter to tell you Larry hasn't been feeling well.  He has shingles.  They broke out on the left side of his scalp & into his eye.  They were here last nite for Kim's birthday dinner.  His eye didn't look good.  He saw the Dr. who gave him medication & suggested he see Dr. Keverline (my eye Dr.) to see if it had affected his eye -- could cause trouble.  It hadn't.  Kim stopped over today & he didn't feel good at all (today0).  He hasn't worked for 3 days & just lays around so you know he doesn't feel good.  Hope it soon passes.  We were suppose to go to Nickel Inn Sat. nite, but that is postponed.

Last Wed. we went out to lunch at Portville, NY. just across the Pa. line from Eldred.  About 1 1/2 hr. drive. Forstrums picked me up.  Sprague's Maple Farm.  A large building & lots of tables for larger parties.  Like a Pancake House only better.  Pure maple syrup.  A gift shop & I got some maple syrup & the maple sugar candies that I love!  I had an omelet & 2 pancakes & couldn't finish it.  The omelet was so large.  Wish it were closer so we could go to it.  It's a long ride but beautiful scenery.

We had over 2" of rain last night with lots of noise -- thunder.  I got caught in the rain (Mets vs. Braves on TV & I have an ear & eye on that) coming home form getting my hair done.  Was by East St when a downpour came & my slacks got wet.  Was prepared & had a rain hat and umbrella.  Sheila told me today the gossip is that Jim Blair sold his house on Valentine Ruin to someone from Pittsburgh.  Be nice if it is true.

Sat A.M.

It is a dark, rainy Sat.  Hope it clears up as I planned to walk to the library.  Read another Delinsky book -- The Vineyard but that didn't appeal as much as the others.  It was like a book within a book, telling the story of 2 women. One written in italics & I skipped most of that.  I keep a dictionary by my chair so I think "italic" is the correct word.

The Mets are making it very hard to remain a faithful fan.  Last nite's game is a prime example.  Rocker (Braves) got traded to Cleveland.  Cleveland goes to the Yankees next.  Wonder what kind of a reception he'll receive  He recently lost a couple of saves for the Braves.

Sunday

It's a beautiful day, cool but no rain or clouds.

Barb got her bike ride & she also picked 4 qts. of strawberries -- 2 for her, 2 for me.  I plan to make a batch of jam this week.  Plan to make a 2nd batch later.  The berries are large & tasty.

Thanks for the pictures of the boys.  It's a good one.  Were they making choc. chip cookies or was it a "pose".

It was interesting to read your article on the library & the building plans.

Yesterday we went to the Mall & I found a pair of white slacks on sale. Had to shorten them & I did that Sat. aft.  They are very nice.  Didn't wear them today as it was cooler.  Will save them for a hot day.

Didn't get to the library yesterday & today I'm watching the Mets.  Maybe tomorrow after lunch.

Barb & I agree on something.  The Mets will allow Bobby (mgr.) to manage the N.L. in the All STar game & if the Mets don't improve, they will give Bobby the axe!  What do you think?  Or don't you care!  They say Milwaukee's attendance is holding up.  That's nice.

Tues. nite the 26th

Yesterday I made 6 glasses of strawberry jam & it turned out good.

Also got books fro the Library.  Mary Higgins Clark's Let Me Call You Sweetheart & Jude Deveraux's High Tide.  Read one yesterday & one today.  Both good & easy reading.  Started Anne Perry's Death in the Devil's Area.  I like her books about Inspector Pitt.

Tomorrow I'll walk to the bank & get money for next month's expenses & go to the library again.

Lar was working at Carey's last nite so he's back to normal.  Eye much better.  He has pop marks on his forehead.

I used the wrong pen when I started this letter so I hope you can read it.

It's warming up again & will be more humid.

Are you having your party this year.  You haven't mentioned it in your letters.

I'm just sitting here with my pen in my hand & nothing more to write about.

Friday, June 23, 2000

It's a beautiful day on the cool side.  Good day to do some baking but I made cookies earlier in the week.

We've had a lot of rain & Beaty Field was wet.  Tonite (all nite) until Sat. mid morning there is a cancer get together going on but not at Beaty this year due to the wet.  It was moved to the High School grounds.  Do we card?  Not a bit when a rock band was scheduled for 11 pm - 1 A.M. plus the sound system announcing various things going on.  It is very hard to get to sleep & stay asleep.  So we're happy to let some other people find it hard to sleep.  Let's hope they like the high school property better.  More parking & I think a little more secluded but sound does carry.

Sounds like Eddie is keeping up with Andy on baseball.  That is great.

I remember when Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving & the grumbling that took place.  There was grumbling when Soc. Security started & I suppose there still is but a lot of people would have very little to go on unless it was forced on them.  My S.S. payment is higher than the pension.  It's best to have something you can't get at to borrow.  Usually it never gets paid back.  I remember Gen & Ed saying they'd never see a S.S. check & now they are getting it.  Grandma Nelson got a small S.S. check and she treasured it -- it was hers to spend.  I'm sure she never had any spending money.

Rhubarb is hard to come by.  I'd love to make a strawberry rhubarb pie.  We've had straw. shortcake but no straw pie yet.  We plan to go to the Mall later (Kim said she's stop by after 3) & we'll stop at Hatch Patch for berries.

Sat aft. the 24th

Dale just finished his rug & it looks so nice.  He didn't have to pay rent for it  (stretcher*) as the owner (2 years older than Dale) wanted his advice on what was wrong with his van -- it was the fuel pump & he could fix it himself once he knew what the problem was.   *The equipment to get it stretched, etc.  Dale just had to listen to the problems & knew what it was.

Sam B. stopped by to show Dale his '84 Monte Carol.  A light navy color, 2 door & very nice looking.  The owner started out wanting $8,000.00 & it didn't go.  Sam offered $5,000.00 & they took it.

Had a letter from Millie.  Gen was on the committee for their 60th anniversary get together of graduation (hi school) so she wanted a new dress & Millie went shopping with her.  Millie is very good to shop with.  Gen found a dress & a pants suit that looked good on her & Millie insisted Gen get both & she did.  I wouldn't have to be told twice to get both outfits but Gen doesn't like to shop.  Ed also insists sometimes when the go shopping.

Went to the library this A.M. & got 3 books - my limit when I walk.  I'll be glad when July is here as the library will be opened longer hours.

Barb picked 5 qts. strawberries this A.M. at Hatch Patch.  $1.05 vs. $2.75 already picked.  Delicious.  The corn is really growing.

I'm watching N.Y.Y. vs. Chicago White Sox & the Yankees are ahead.  But as of now 3 pm the W. Sox are 1/2 game ahead of Boston & N.Y.Y. in third place.  Deals are going on  - wonder who will get who or is it whom!

You can be sure I'll be watching T.V. Thurs-Sun when the Mets host the Braves.  Esp. to see how things go with Rocker, who should learn not to talk to reporters.

One of the Sheffield teachers is getting married & Kim was invited to a shower for her at a summer home at Chautauqua this afternoon.

Patterson (funeral director) left last week for a visit in Italy.  Kim is watering their plants while they are away.

Tues. the 27th.

I'm reading again.  Enjoyed The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy.  Now I'm near the end of I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick.  That's all I want to do once I start a book so I've done just the basics in the house.  Tomorrow I plan to go to the bank to get money for next month's budget.

Kim heard from her sister.  At an exam the Dr. found that she has melanoma -- is that correct spelling -- & it's very serious.  She will be operated on July 11 & until then, not a lot is know as to the outcome -- how deep into the bone, etc. etc.  Kim will be going down to Fla. after the operation & of course her sister & family won't be coming up here, unless Kim brings the niece & nephew back & they would return by plane if Debbie would allow it.

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.