Saturday, December 6, 2003

I hope you had a nice birthday.  Decided to try calling in the A.M. this time but it still didn't work out.  Maybe it will work for Ed's birthday.  I called at 10 A.M. your time.  Andy said I didn't get him out of bed, but maybe he was just being nice.

Yesterday I made 2 pies for church -- a graham cracker but I was disappointed with the meringue but the vanilla pudding came out good.  The 2nd pie had a cheesecake type felling & pie filling cherries on top.  It looked good.  I also made cookies, a new recipe from the latest "family Circle" magazine.   you make a cooky crust & bake it 20 min.  Then a syrup of butter, brown sugar & honey.  Bring it to a boil & boil 5 min.  Then add 1/2 c. cream & 3 cups pecans & cashews.   Pour it over the crust & bake.  Very rich & delicious   Barb says like pecan pie.  Plan to make another batch before Christmas.  Will give some away. After I got them to church & came home & made a pumpkin pie.  Just had a piece -- I love pumpkin pie, and a apple loaf for Dale's snack.  I sample one crust & it is a good recipe.

Dale has to go to school 2 days this week.  Leaves Tues. after work & home on Thurs. Rochester this time.

Also finished wrapping gifts & so did Barb.  They look pretty under the tree.

After lunch I took a little nap in my chair.  Finished a.m. ironing -- just a small amount -- mostly pressing.  The only reason it got done, I wanted to wear my new slacks on Sun. so that pushed me.  And I still had time to address Christmas cards.  I want to start writing small notes to some I only hear from at Christmas.

Now I'm taking it easy as all may chores have been accomplished.

When I read your letter & you said only 3 of the football team went out for basketball, I got the picture out to see the other two playing basketball.  Also looked at Miles again as his name comes up a lot in your letters.

I'm thinking of having something different for Christmas -- cornish hens.  I'd like something different for Christmas Eve as well but I haven't come across anything interesting.

Mon. Dec 8

After lunch I got a perm & it's nice to have more curl again.

Made lasagna for supper & it was pretty good but I'd like to improve on it.  Used the "no boil" lasagna. I can never cook the other because they always split a bit.

After I did my Mon. chores I started on notes for Christmas cards.  My list isn't as large so it's easier.  On the thank you card from Gerald I noticed the address was different:  1474 Railroad Lake Rd.  Florence.  It surprised me.

Barb got a large fire truck for the boy from the name on the Salvation Army.  He'll get 3 toys & pants, shirt & pj's so one 6 yr. old should be a little happier on Christmas.  Next year I'll take an older children's name & have Barb & Dale go in on gifts.  Older ones want more expensive things & clothes, etc. are more expensive.  Some ask for bicycles, etc.

Wed. Dec. 10

Just came back from the dentist -- lost a filling.  Last Fri. as I was eating one of my cookies I'd made, I felt something hard & moved my tongue around & felt a hole.  So I called & was lucky to get in today.  As soon as I got there my name was called & the dentists started right in so I was only there 1/2 hour & it cost me 60.00, but worth it to keep my teeth.

Dale doesn't go to Rochester until today -- they'll be 2 of them, leave right way after work & Dale will be home Fri. maybe around 7-8 pm  He told me what it was for but I can't remember it.

I haven't done much this week -- just taking it easy.  It's hard to dust with the Christmas decorations & Dale vacuums the rugs.

Closer to Christmas I'll make 4 kinds of cookies, maybe a couple more & then I have to make 2 batches of my rolls for Dale at work.  Christmas Eve day they don't do much & have a pot luck at lunch & then they are thru.  And they always want Dale to bring my rolls.  I'll do it as long as I can. 2 weeks & the big day will be here -- or the 2 big days.

Thurs. the 11th

We will be only 3 for dinner.  Kim will be with girl friends for a get together.  Next week we'll eat earlier as Kim will have a get together at her place.

I have 2 more notes to write in cards & then I'll be thru.  The rest are sealed, stamped & ready to mail.  I'm glad that's over.  Now to making cookies but I wait a bit on that.

Yesterday Barb took me to the dentist & I said I'd walk home.  Dr. Walters' office is in the lower level so I had steps to climb.  I was a little scared but had no reason to be.  No problem with the stairs or walking home.  Funny how we make things hard for ourselves by imagining things.  Haven't walked over town but I'm sure I can.  Not being able to walk compares to one having to give up driving & deending on others.  At least for me.

Made apple crisp for dessert & of course I had to sample it & it's good.  One of my favorites.  In a short time Ed will be 13 years old.  Another teenager!  Of course one forgets but things weren't  so bad when you 4 were teenagers.

Fri A.M.

We're having snow flurries but we still plan to go to Jamestown after I get my hair done.  I know I had a perm on Mon. but I like ti washed on Fri as usual.

Soon time to go.

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, 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..