Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Paul had a -- where's my head.  I mean Barb had a nice birthday.  Dale gave Barb money, Lar & Kim gave her a gift card to Walden Books & they both also had little gifts.  I gave her a swim suit from L. L. Bean.  The blueberry pie was delicious.  PLan to make another one for this weekend.

Barb heard a noise in the car she didn't like.  It turned out to be the sway bar which Dale fixed.  If it had been done at the shop it could cost around $150.00.  Lucky me to have Dale to fix things.

In Jan. I saw the Dr. & he wanted me to have some blood tests.  The office called & said he wanted me to have another one in 2 months.  So I had one & the office called again & wanted to change my meds.  I take 2 pills instead of one.  It is my thyroid acting up.  Maybe that's why I lost some weight.  Now I'll have to be careful so I won't gain weight.  It was affecting me in small ways & already I feel better.

Last Fri we went to Jamestown - -Bon Ton had a sale & both Barb & I found tops we liked & bot.  This Fri we are going to Erie (no school) & maybe we'll have more success.  (Enclosed cartoon.)

Good for JoAnna making a speech.  That brings back memories.  In Great Falls I took a public speaking course at the Y.W.  It was fun.  We had to give speeches & then be graded by the group.  There were good things bout Gt. Falls.  2 children born there.

What is taught in the student enrichment time?

Both boys did well in their grades.

Barb recommends the movie "Band of Angels", a movie she got at the library.  Clark Gable & Yvonne De Carlo & it is a Civil War movie.  She really enjoyed it. She bo't a D.V.D, V.C.R. as the old V.C.R. wasn't that good.  In putting it in place she hfound the remote for the L.R. TV.

Jessie Franberry who sits with us in church -- I've mentioned her before -- was upset last Sun. as they won't let her drive anymore because of her medication.  She is heartbroken but that day comes for everyone.  Then we were told the organ needs repairs to the tune of $3500.00  W'll have a congregational mtg. in May to decide.  We finally have a talented organist so I hope it can get done.  I'm willing to give toward it.

We didn't get snow last weekend but it was cold.  40's.  Showers thru the wee & the grass is so green & needs mowing.  This is Dale's late Tues. & the weather is nice.  Maybe toward the end of the week he can now.

Sun. nite I watched Oakland at the L.A. Angels.  If I was an A.L. fan I'd be for the Angels. They won 1-0.



Last nite the Braves were at the Mets.  Mets won but it was dicey until the last out.  5-4 Mets.  Tye are much improved & finally have a new 1st baseman whose name I find hard to remember.  This is how I do it, can't spell his name either.   Mc-Tave-itch.  That is what it sounds like when the announcers say it.  Mientkiewicz.  He is a good first basement.

Thurs A.M. the 28th

I'm taking a coffee break.  Most of my Thurs chores are done.  Made a spice cake for dessert & it smells so good.  We're having pork & applesauce. Will make a corn pudding for a veggie.

Tues nite Dale got home a little after 8 pm & it was still a little light left so Dale mowed the lawn.  We have had so many "showery" days it is hard for Dale to find a dry spell.  Good we don't have much to mow.

Barb borrowed a video catalog from Lynn.  She found movies she'd like to order but they aren't available anymore.  Her first choice "Band of Angels". Lynn said maybe it is available on the internet.  She found it & it cost $70.00!  Barb said to get it & take it out of her pay. She ordered a set of "Bonanza" but returned them as they were so bad.  Hard to look at.

Break time is over -- must clean the sink in the laundry room.

Every year the Kiwanis sponsors a blood testing clinic at Beaty.  Kim & Lar go every other year.  Lar hates needles & the one he got had trouble taking the blood.  Kim said Larry got green & just about passed out.  This happens every time he has to have a blood test.

Kim & her girlfriends are going to the Indian Casino tomorrow.  It's a snow day.  Everyone talks about the food there, that it is wonderful.  I said we should go up there when Dale is on vacation.  He said eh would.  It would be fun to see it & maybe spend a few quarters & then have dinner.  I think it would be fun.

Friday, May 5, 2000

It's been a perfect day & we've had supper so I'm on the porch.  After getting my hair done, Barb & I went to the Mall.  Bo't 2 plastic urns for plants on each side of the new railing for the steps.  After, we stopped at Hatch Patch for flowers.  They just opened for the season & the flowers look great.

In the late aft.  Barb started planting the urns.  We need to get a dish for them to set in so the water won't damage the porch floor, so in the meantime they sit one on each side of the garage doors.  I bo't the large begonias & they are so pretty & Barb put some pansies with them & a form of ivy - don't know the correct name.  Later on I'll have hanging baskets also.

Careys are expected to be home Sun. or Mon. the 7th or 8th.  Will be nice to see life around there again.

Last nite when Kim & Lar were over, Kim told us her sleep had been interrupted by Torey being sick.  Thge Crary home residents love to feed him & so does another neighbor & had loose bowels so at 2:30 A.M. she was cleaning the L.R. & D.R. rugs & then found it hard to get back to sleep.  So no more treats from the Crary Home or the neighbor.  It will be hard as Torey goes to the door to be let in & then begs.  He didn't get ice cream last nite but after begging Kim said he could have 1 cooky & then dog biscuits.  Today Sheila was telling me about ice cream for dogs.  It is called "dog paws" & her dogs loved it in hot weather.

The gal who bought Holders house walked by & we talked a bit.  Her 2nd son & wife had a new baby.  She, Pat Vavala, was married to the oldest Vavala son but is now divorced.  She is very friendly & nice to talk to.  Her mother will be 80 -- I mentioned I'd be 80 in the fall -- & her father is 82.  He has Alzheimer's.

Last nite Barb stayed up til 2:30 A.M. watching Phillies vs. Pittsburgh hockey game.  5 overtimes & when Pitts lost, Barb said it wasn't worth staying up for.  People stayed until the end -- even children who were asleep by then.  A game theh players will never forget.  Barb is afraid now that the Penguins lost their chance to win the series.

I received a wedding invitation from Barb O'Connor's daughter Melissa who graduates from Allegheny College this spring.  Wedding at First Meth. followed by a reception at Sugar Grove Fire Hall.  I don't plan to go -- don't really know Melissa or her future husband -- but will get a gift & bring it over to Joyce.

Dale brought out his Monte Carlo & put the winter car in the rented garage.  The Blazer.

Barb doesn't have to care for Scott anymore.  He's going back to the YM as that's where he'll be this summer.  Barb doesn't mind the switch.

Sat A.M., the 6th.

Dale had to work today so I was up early.   Made a coffee cake for next week snack for Dale.  Then I filled the 6 flower pots I have by the garage.  Pansies, my favorite.  They are nice to look at when I'm at the sink.  The 2 pots we put by the garage doors look so nice so we're going to get 2 more for the front porch.  They are tan & look good with the house.  Both Barb & Dale work around the yard.  Dale mows & trims & Barb has the veggie garden plus flowers.  It's nice all of you enjoy working outside & making the property look nice.  I'm back on the front porch watching the cars go by.  Dandelions are in great supply this year & we are trying to keep ahead of them.  This is the earliest we've gotten our flowers planted.  Usually it's Memorial Day weekend but the warm weather arrived earlier this year.

Sun A.M.  Again I'm ready for church by 9:40 A.M. so I'll continue on.

I had gotten a small lamb roast & we had it yesterday choosing a warm day to use the oven.  It was very tasty.  Your Seder service sounded very interesting.  It makes me want to read Haggadah.

Tonite we'll just have hamburgers.

I'm enclosing two articles you might like to read.

The Mets lost last nite & today in the 1st inning Fla Marlins are ahead, 1-0, 2 on & no outs.  The Braves lost & the Mets couldn't gain on them.  After 1, it's only 1-0.

A couple of years ago we got a new grill but it was a cheap one.  Suppose to be automatic "on" but it went on the blink & we had to light it by hand.  We use the grill a lot so Dale is looking around.  Saw one at Don Gages, on the way to Jamestown, but ti was sold but more are expected.  Maybe we'll have one before Thurs. Lar's birthday as she chose steak for the menu & either carrot cake or spice cake. Think I'll make spice cake for a change.

In church today the choir anthem was given by Carol Andersen in honor of Pastor & Mrs. Carl Nelson.  First sung by the choir Apr. 14, 1996.  People are invited to pay for choir music in honor or in memory of someone.  Several have been given & I think I might do that in Dad's memory.  The anthem was "Hymn of Promise" -- nice words & very pretty.

When I lost weight, I had to get a smaller size.  My thyroid must be OK as I'm soon back to my weight so I can't wear some of last year's clothes.  Need to get a blood test this week for a check on the thyroid.

Mon. the 8th.

I cleaned the eating area today plus my regular washing & changing of 2 beds.

It's 3:45 pm & Barb wants to go to the Mall.  She just got back from Bert's.  I got myself cleaned up & rested a bit.

Thursday, December 16, 1999

Yesterday Benson's & Hollertz's came for lunch & it was a real high point for me.  They arrived around 1 pm.  We ate & sat around the table just letting the dishes sit.  Did clear dinner plates, etc. & put them in the sink.  They didn't leave til 4:30. 

Warren & Anna went to their grandson's school in Pittsburgh as the teacher wanted people to tell of their school days & they didn't have any over age 50.  Karen said my parents will come & they enjoyed it so much.  Even had an old toy to show - no plastics, etc. back then.

We got to talking of the "tabs" pastors used to wear (collar) & I got Dad's class picture to show them.  Then we got to talking about baptism & how years ago babies were baptized at home.  I got Dad's baptismal certificate & showed it to them.  Ted wrote down the date & said he could figure it out.  He called this A.M. & as far as he could figure out it was on a Fri. so most likely at home.

It was just a most delightful time for all of us.  Benson's bro't a poinsettea plant & Hollertzs Dan Smith soft center chocolates.  Not necessary but nice.

This A.M. we had snow flurries but I walked to the post office to mail letters & get more stamps.

Grandma forgot to have Dale sign a birthday card for Eddie but it should be there after his birthday, Mon. so tell - no this will be after he gets it as I won't mail it until tomorrow when I get my hair done.

Time is going fast.  I've got most of my cookies made & will have to get groceries for when you're here - like grapefruit & lamb!!  Plus what the boys like - stuffed pork chops for Andy & beef or chicken for Eddie.

Soon lunch time.  Just felt like writing you.

I was surprised to get a call from Dr. McNett last time to tell me all was well with the blood test except the thyroid & he wants me to increase the pill from 1 to 3 a day & have another blood test in a month.  I have good veins so it doesn't hurt.  Glad I have Blue Cross & Medicare also.

On Thurs. I don't see Law & Order at 7 pm & plan to watch at 1 pm but I always forget & missed it today.  I couldn't keep my eyes opened last nite to watch the 10 pm Law & Order.

Felt like talking to Millie so I called & we talked about 1/2 hr.  She has the family on Christmas Eve.  Larry & family go home & Millie & Linda go to Allan's on Christmas Day.  She has a tree up & other decorations.  Gen doesn't do much decorating & doesn't have her tree up yet & doesn't keep it up very long.  I love to decorate.  Larry & Debbie go to Debbie's folks on Christmas.  T hey aren't well & don't leave their home.  Her mother has a cigarette in her hand constantly & neither drive any more.  Larry had business in Wilbraham & the next day so he stayed at Millie's as well.  He likes to be on the move so he wanted to go to the movies to see the new Tom Hanks film.  Millie wasn't sure she'd like it but went.  She loved it - wasn't what she thought it would be.  She said he is Oscar material.  Have you seen it.  The Green something, I think she said.  I'm not into movies!  My mind goes faster than the pen & often I leave things out.

Linda will be home next Wed. & will stay thru Sun. so Millie & she can do things together.

Kim gave me an early Christmas gift.  Holders for the Christmas stockings & they sit on the mantel.   Got them at Sam's Club.  They look nice.  Set of 4 with an angel, sleight, tree & reindeer.

Soon bedtime so I'll bring this to a close.

Friday, December 10, 1999

Lar bro't the tree today & Barb is putting the lights on it & then I'll help with the rest of the decorations.  I think I'm thru with my shopping.

Wed. Bensons and Hollertzs are coming for lunch.  I'll fix a chicken dinner with vienetta & cookie for dessert.

I got a start on the rolls for Betty G. Mailhot.  She called this A.M. to check & ask me how much they'd be.  I didn't want money so I said a gift to Hospice or the animal shelter.  I don't want to start baking rolls to sell.  They have to be done by 9:30 so I'll get up early.  Have things ready to go - pans, etc.

Got your letter today as well as the Christmas letter.  That was a surprise - it's only the 10th!!!

Had a Dr. appt. this aft.  The thyroid makes my eyes funny so he gave me a new prescription.  Start with 4 pills  3 times a day & by the end of the month I go down to 3 pills, 3 times a day & then I have to see him Dec. 27th at 3:45.  Blood pressure & weight O.K.

 Law & Order is on so I'm not sure if I can write & listen at the same time.

Last Wed. Betty C. & I went to lunch at The Plaza.  They are always crowded & the food is good.

Yesterday I got a permanent & today the Dr.  Next week nothing except Wed.  But that means cleaning the house & some baking.  Cardamon rolls as they love them.

When you're here we'd like to go out to eat but it would be in Warren & the best place is Holiday Inn.  We can decide when you're here.

Kim took a personal day last Wed.  Worked at home & did errands.  Next weekend they go to a party & wear dressy clothes.  Kim has a long black skirt & wanted a new top.  She went o the Salvation Army Store & found  a top - never worn.  Price tag was 60.00 & Kim got it for 3.00.  The clerk asked her if she had seen the red dress made by the same co.  Kim looked at it.  Also new, her size & she got it for 6.00.

Last Mon. we went to Jamestown & I saw a dress I liked.  A Lesley Fay.  Tried it on & liked it.  2 piece.  A print, pleated skirt & a plain light purple top.  Feels good on me so I got it - on sale but had to pay tax in N.Y.  Got a cute jumper & turtleneck at Walmarts for the little girl I wrote about.  Good prices at Walmart.

It was a good Law & Order.  I like the dark haired D.A.  He's good.

P.S.  Almost forgot.  Good report card for Andy.  I hope he makes the Honor Roll next time.  Now you're a parent & want your child to do his best.  I felt the same way!!  Only you "guys" didn't cooperate.  I hope Andy will.

Just remembered I changed the gift for Eddie.  It cost more than the one I tho't I'd send.

Now it's Sat. aft.

Was up at 5:30 this A.M. & had the rolls ready before 9:30.  Then I made us a coffee cake & 2 kinds of cookies.

Took it easy for awhile & this aft. finished trimming the tree.  Looks nice.

I know from letters, Eddie like to help in the kitchen at times.  I made the tea cakes that have to be rolled in powdered sugar & could have used his help.  He might have enjoyed that.  But it all got done.

Found a new idea for baked pot.  Cut it in half lengthwise.  Put a slice of onion & a slice of cheese between the 2 pot.  Wrap in foil. & bake in oven.  Delicious.  Had them last Thurs & will again this Wed.

Did you notice Everett Borg died.  Didn't give his age but I think he was at Upsala College when Frank C. was.

Friday, March 5, 1999

I've been thinking about Cindy & Albert so was glad to hear Julianna Marie arrived safe & sound.  Thanks for the address - I want to send a card to them.

We woke up to snow & wind yesterday & there was no school.  You've probably read that the seniors are upset as they have to change the graduation date.

Tues. was my Dr. appt.  Margie, physician's assistant, checked me out.  I needed a blood test & the hosp. is close by & I didn't have to fast so I got the test & go back on Wed. for instructions if it is the thyroid.  It was a beautiful day so I walked home & enjoyed that.

 Wed a representative from Hosp. Home Care came to check Carl out.  He said I definitely need help.  Yesterday someone from Hospice came but you can only have their help if the patient has 6 mo. or less to live & the Dr. must make that choice.  And Parkinson's is hard because it isn't a life killing disease.  I don't know what will happen.  The easiest thing would be to put Dad in a nursing home & that is never a choice   He stays home as long as we can care for him.  Barb & Dale are good to help.

Mark Patterson came over & we made arrangements.  We both decided on cremation previously & you can rent a casket for that.  Tues the 9th Lar & I will choice a casket.  T his way when the time comes, that process is done.  We prepare for birth so we need to prepare for death & it's easier as you reach late 70s & 80s.  It's a fact of life.

I can't remember you visiting Polk Center (new name) & I can't remember your late night house party.  Can't even remember having anything special for "munchies".  So it couldn't have been that bad, or noisy.

So Ruthie died.  A blessing as she was bad for a long time.  Someone called Mon. nite (1st) & Dale got the message as Barb & I got groceries & missed the call.  I wrote a note & sent a memorial check but it won't get mailed til tomorrow.

JoAnna, a week has gone by in your new job.  How are things going?  I know there is a period of adjustment but I know you will go into it "full speed ahead", do a wonderful job, have new learning experiences and will love it.  We think of all of you everyday.

Will Andy have a brief spell of no practices or does he go ahead into another sport.  You are never at a loss as to where the next practice is, time & all.  It's a great experience for the boys.

We look forward to your visit.  I'm already planning for it.  Tell Andy stuffed pork chops will be on the menu.

Barb takes care of Scott today.  Yesterday he went to the Y so she didn't have to work.

Dad is still sleeping but I'll get him up soon.  One load of wash is soon ready for the dryer.  He's in p.j.'s now most of the time as he likes to nap in bed.  More comfortable than the chair.  Won't chew or swallow so it's a liquid diet.

Hospice just called & they said Dad can be in Hospice so someone & a Hospice nurse will come at 11 A.M. They would like someone in the family present.  I'll call Lar as it is easiest for him to get away.

Hospice was over this A.M. & already things are moving.  They are bringing in a hosp. bed & a belt that helps you hang onto him or help pull him up.  Next Mon, Wed, Fri. someone will come to bathe him, etc.  The nurse examined him & his blood pressure is high.

Dr. McNett's office called & I have hyperactive thyroid - that's why I lost weight.  I will take 3 pills a day.  Will see the Dr. the 19th & must have a blood test first.  Mon. of that week I go to the hosp. for orientation, Tues eye fixed, Wed. to eye Dr. for a check, Thurs. McNett.  So I won't get much done this week.  The following week Sat. you come.  But I'll be set.

The case worker for Hospice Ellen Ruffalo said to me "You're independent aren't you".  I said yes.  I guess I want to do things myself but I've hit a rock that won't move.

The hosp. bed came but it won't fit in the eating area so it's in the dining room alongside the window.  I'll have to rearrange the D.R. a bit.  But I'll have the eating area back & I like that a lot.

Dale needs a new mattress.  Wonder if he'd take the twin bed until he gets a new one.  What do I do with it is the question.  Too good just to set aside.

Time to bring this to a close & get to the dining rm.  Need to move the table, etc.

You know what is happening here.

Friday, February 26, 1999

Went over town this A.M. as it is a sunny day.  Cashed a check for Mar. expenses; got vitamin E at CVS & went into D&K, a favorite place to look around.

Last week I saw Dr. Keverline for my eyes.  And I do have a cataract & arranged to have it taken care of Mar. 16th.  He asked me if I'd lost weight & if I get hot - I said I've lost weight & I do get warm but mostly when I working & the house temp.l is at 72 - for Dad's sake.  Next Tues. the 2nd I was suppose to see Dr. McNett but now he won't be in the office but I can see the nurse - more than an RN - a Dr. asst. but I can't recall the title.  She is very nice.  Oh yes Dr. K. wonders if it's thyroid & gave me ma note to give Dr. McN.

Dad has fallen several times this past week.  Mostly because he is so ornery & won't listen.  Many times he tries to hit me & as a result falls - loses his balance.

Larry & Kim think I should talk to Mark Patterson & make arrangements for a funeral.  Many people do that today & it makes it easier at the time of death.  I don't see how Dad hangs on.  He eats so little & now he's sleeping more.  It's hard to feel bad as he has a way of making things so difficult.  I guess I'll have to remember the first 50 years & forget the rest when the time comes.

Tomorrow I get a permanent & I really need one.  Suppose to be in the mid 40s.

We are enjoying golf on T.V.  Really interesting this week as it is a one on one tournament.

I agree with what you said about the Yankees.  And L.A. spending all that money on a pitcher.  Of course my Mets did that on the catcher.  Time will tell.  It's not an equal situation for all the teams.

Talked to Gen this week & she said she, Edna & Linda (Millie's daughter) all have or had thyroid trouble & take medication.  I didn't know that.

Got a new lampshade & it matches one I got before.  They are lighter & make things brighter.

Morning are lighter at 6:30 A.M. & afternoons are lighter longer, almost to 6 pm.  Nice.  Thoughts of spring.