Saturday, February 19, 2005

This is the weekend NASCAR returns to racing & we have been watching Speed Channel & races.  The big race is tomorrow from Fla.  If you are a real fan & have the money that is the place to be this weekend.  Daytona Beach.

Think I've mentioned this before what I learned from the Food Channel.  Marinate chicken with balsamic vinegar, onions & garlic, only I omit the garlic.  It is absolutely Dale's favorite way to do chicken.  They pan fried the chicken, but I baked it.  We had that tonite with Uncle Ben's rice, another of Dale's favorite.  And broccoli & fruit salad.  An easy & fast meal to prepare.  Make peanut butter bars for dessert.  Another easy recipe.  Similar to choc. chop cookies.

Barb has to go to the liquor store almost every week for Bert.  Barb hopes they don't think she uses all of it.  Barb thinks Bert should cut down on alcohol.  She is 87, in poor health, her friends have died or are in nursing homes so I say let her have her comforting drink.  She doesn't get out that much anymore.

Sun. Feb 21

We're watching the racing -- it is exciting to watch.  I forgot to mention when I had my hair done, I said to Sheila racing starts Sun.  Sue's customer said "Marion do you like racing?" Sheila answered for me.  "She is a big face fan."  I said I have to be as that is the main sport for Dale so I have to understand it.  I do enjoy it but it takes a back seat if baseball happens to be on at the same time.

I don't know if you remember the Nicholson's.  They lived on East St. next to the funeral home.  There were 2 sisters & 3 brothers.  One was a lawyer who was a good one but ides young.  None ever married.  They all have died & the last one died rectally.  They were ever active in the church but open to it.  They left over a 2 million estate.  The church will get the interest of 20% of the estate but it will probably take up to 2 y ears to settle (the estate). Pretty nice.  I know Dad used to call on the sisters who died first.

Barb & I finally finished the puzzle.  I'll put the card table away for awhile.

We won't go to Jamestown tomorrow -- the weather won't be that nice, sleet & rain.  I'd rather wait for nicer weather.

We like our new organist.  He plays very well & is getting acquainted with the liturgy.  He makes the organ sound very good.  He will lead the choir.

Tues pm the 22nd

This A>M. I went to Bible Study at church followed by pot luck lunch.  I made my tools to bring.  One thing that is never left over.  The pastor took 3 rolls home the last time I bro't them.  Her husband ate all three of them. He said "who made those rolls, I want to marry her."  Today I gave her the left over rolls so her husband should be happy.

Barb took the laptop computer to Lynn's so Lynn could help her get started -- how to use it.

You know what I remember about Janesville.  We spent our first nite as man & wife in a hotel there.  Our wedding was at 8 pm; after the reception we drove with Min & Lila & family to Beloit & then we took their car & drove to Janesville.  It was a terrible night.  Jan 26 & it was foggy & you couldn't see anything & it took a long time to get there.  We spent Sat. night with Min & Lila.  Dr. Benander asked Dad to preach at Salem that Sun & he did.  The first of the week we left for Auburn via train.   We got to Auburn in the morning & went from the train to the Strands for breakfast.  They are the ones that let you, Paul, open the cupboard doors & play with the pots & pans.

We've been watching reruns of Seinfeld & they are so crazy.  The other nite I was surfing the TV & came upon "Beverly Hills Cop 2". It was so crazy & I laughed so hard. Dale came downstairs to see what I was watching.  And today Perry Mason was in color.  Barb tho't that was the only one in color -- the first series.

That was really nice to be invited to consider applying for the job in Janesville.  But I can understand you not wanting to move because of the boys & the feeling you still have something to give at Middleton.  I guess that is why we continued to stay in Warren. It sure looks like a nice modern building.

I hope you're over the flu by now.  I had an extra Valentine so I sent it to my friend Shirley in Auburn.  She's the one whose husband died last Nov.  Heard from her today. The card arrived when she was getting over a bad case of the flu that left her very weak.

I don't know if you remem -- I've already covered that subject.  Nicholsons.

Our organist is 32 years old & last fall he had a triple bypass operation.  He was at church this A.M. When we were eating lunch the phone rang & it was his wife.  When he returned home he collapsed & was driving himself to Warren hosp.  He lives in Jamestown but didn't want to go to the Jamestown hosp.  We hope all things will be OK for him as organists are hard to come by.  His wife is only 22 yrs. old.  They have 3 children, the oldest is 6.  She was young when she had the 1st one.  T hey are a nice couple.

Wed. the 23.  I made the apple dessert from Bon Appetit (however you spell it) and it is good.  I had to sample it.  It has a think graham cracker base & that adds to the taste.

Gen called this noontime.  She tho't she was calling Millie.  We visited a bit.  Called Betty Casey -- she had a slight stroke & is doing better.  Hope to get to church soon.

Love to all.  Marion, better make it Mom.

Thursday, February 17, 2000

Another nice day before the storm hits us.  No school last Mon. due to ice.  Kim & Torey came over for a cup of coffee to get away from the noise.  What noise, you say.  Lar is removing the floor from their living room & he ash the stereo full blast, even singing along.  He'll add insulation & then put down oak flooring.  Kim figures it will take up to 3 weeks to finish it.  So it will be a mess for awhile.

Dale got a glass door book case but it was damaged on top & bottom -- he got it 1/2 price off.  Nice glass doors.  But he has to have perfection so eh got a piece of oak veneer & will replace the top & bottom.  He used the radial saw Dad bot but it didn't cut good so he was frustrated.  Decided to get rid of it & get something better.  It made a couple of little nicks & Dale can't have that.  Lar will take the desk so Dale got it out of his room & Lar took it.  Once he made up his mind Dale works fast.  This is his early week so after work today he plans to go to Cobbs to see if he can get a matching stain for the replacements.

I haven't watched the Millionaire shows.  They don't appeal to me.  Used to watch "Wheel of Fortune" with Dad but not after he died.  Barb watches those programs & tells me about it.

Finally finished my puzzle with Barb's help.  Have 2 more new ones to do & both look harder.  Put the card table away but might start another puzzle this weekend.  [I did.]

Been checking my recipes.  In March I serve LCW with Marge Woods & looked for a recipe I tho't would be easy as well as delicious.  Can't find it anywhere.  So we decided on serving cake.  I'll make chocolate & Marge will make yellow.  Didn't check my calendar when asked to serve & have an eye appt. in the aft.  But we aren't a large group anymore so it will work out.  Told Dale this will be a froz. dinner meal.  We like the Stouffer's froz. lasagna & the spaghetti is good, too.

Sat. aft.

Nascar racing is back & I'm watching the Busch car race.  Watched the truck racing yesterday & there was an accident - flames, rolled over 11 times.  Not hurt that bad.  Did you happen to see it on the news.  (truck accident)

The reason we went to Janesville -- Dad said that's what we'd do & I followed.  After awhile that changed -- the meekness!   The big storm missed us -- just a little snow & nothing today.  It went south.

Gen called last nite to say Aunt Esther died Fri. A.M. -- congestion in the lungs.  Warren & Barbara Luthgren took care of everything.  There will only be a committal service at the cemetery.  Warren lives in N. Carolina now & won't come for the funeral.  Neither is Barbara -- she lives in Colorado.  So it would be Gen, Ed, Millie & Linda who has a week's vacation & Virginia, another cousin.  Gen said she'd have them back for coffee.

I mentioned that you sent Jeff's project to Cindy & Albert & that they would send it to Hawaii.  Had written Gen & Millie about it.  Millie tho't it was great.

Dale is looking for a new dresser.  Is on his way to Jamestown now.  He plans to start painting soon.  He bo't some shelving for the basement & has it set up.  Looks nice.  Oh yes, he plans to look for some kind of an elec. saw set up at Sears.  Can't remember the correct term for it.

Am enclosing a news article Gen sent.  Forest Park brings back many memories -- skating at Porter Lake, etc.  It must be beautiful to see -- the Christmas lights.

Sun.

Tim & Lisa Passinger were in church with their new baby Philip.  He slept the whole time.  Has lots of hair.  Born Jan. 8th.

Dale got a new piece of equipment from Sears.  Still don't know the correct term.  Lar came over & helped him carry it in.

Sun. aft. I'm always so tired so I took a nap.  Now all 3 TVs have racing on.

The following is from Rabbi Harold Kushner's "Who Needs God?"

What is the difference between a person who relies only on himself & a person who has learned to turn to God for help?  It's not that one will do bad things while the other will do good things.  The self reliant atheist may be a fine upstanding person.  The only difference is the atheist is like a bush growing in the desert.  If he has only himself to rely on when he exhausts his internal resources, he runs the risk of running dry & withering.  But the man & woman who turn to God is like a tree planted by a stream.  What they share with the world is replenished from a source beyond themselves, so they never run dry.

I like that & that's why we go to church to receive that special faith & strength.  My thought for today.

P.S.  It's a Craftsman table saw Dale got.  Big one.

Saturday, February 5, 2000

Just finished writing to Gen & Millie.  Am waiting for the repair man -- my oven is temperamental.  I turn it on but nothing happens.  Thurs. nite I fixed chicken pot pies & went to put them in the oven & it was cold.  Barb called Lar as Dale worked late & Lar got it to work but we had a later meal.  So I called Lucia's & every other Sat. they have a repair man working & he'll be here this aft.  Fast service.

Thanks for the pictures.  Signe looks good.  Wonder what makes June so unhappy.  Tough not to be wanted by your children.  Mim & Tom's home sounds & looks so nice.  Bet they don't miss the old house at all.  Carolyn's Paul has grown into a nice looking young man.  Over the Buffalo radio I heard the St. Olaf choir would be giving a concert there.  I wonder if Paul sings in it.  Is he a senior or has he graduated.

I was home before my wedding.  Edna had a shower for me.  My Dad & Mom, Edna, Gen & I took the train. Mom & I shared a pullman so I would be rested & she wasn't well.  The others sat up.  It was a Fri. evening wedding on a cold, snowy day.  Never choose Jan. but we had nothing to wait for as Carl was settled & I was ready to be a wife.  The ceremony went smoothly & the reception was at the church.  We had taken our pictures before the ceremony.  Gen was maid of honor & Edna & Signe bridesmaids.  Ford was best man & 2 classmates (Sem.) were ushers.  Afterwards we rode with Min, Lila, & children to Beloit. It was terrible driving & it took a long time to get there -- it was so hard to see.  Then we took their car & drove to Janesville & spent the nite at a hotel there.  I think we were married on a Fri. nite as the next day we returned to Beloit & spent the nite at Min & Lila's.  Then on Sun. Dr. Benander had asked Carl to preach & he did.  Our honeymoon was a train ride back to Auburn.  We had a roomette & I wasn't used to being closed in with a man like that -- dressing, undressing, etc.  My stomach was upset & I couldn't eat -- I know Carl went to the dining car alone but I must have eaten once or twice as it is a long ride.

When we arrived Mr. Strand, a loyal member, met us & took us to their home for breakfast.  I had trouble eating I remember.  Then we finally got to our apt. & I was able to be in the bathroom alone & after that all was well, & we went on to have a happy life.  We had 4 yrs before you were born & Mon. was usually our day off.  Many times we would go to Seattle, shop & have dinner.  We also had great fellowship & get togethers as there were a lot of young pastors & wives just starting out.  But now at times it seems like a dream that we ever lived in Auburn or Gt. Falls.  But we still hear from a couple of friends in each place.  Many have died, naturally.  Dad was well received & loved in each congregation.  None wanted him to leave or retire.  But we wanted to be closer to relative & it was time to retire.  I would do it over again.

I hope your back is OK.  Chiropractors can help.  Both Dad & I went to them & I think Barb has as well.



Your shelving is in if I figure the date right & I know you're pleased.  You have a good start on your "wish list" for 2000.

Repair man is here - part costs some $60.00 + his time but it's something I can't do without.

It doesn't take kids long to learn the tricks, does it.  Taking after their Dad, eh?

Big K had puzzles for 1.99 plus 1.00 off if you took 2.  So I have some new puzzles to put together & a new firm card table.  It had to be ordered (Brand Names) & they called & said they'd hold it for 2 days.  Luckily Dale went into Jtown on Wed.& picked it up for me.  He was going to Dan Gage & there the rug padding was 2.00 cheaper & they have rugs, but they close at 5 pm so he didn't have much time to browse so he's on his way to Gage's this aft.  This is his early week - 7-4.  He saw 2 he likes but it is a light blue, and a burgundy.  He doesn't think the blue is too light.  His shoes are off when he's in his room. Does that mean I have to take my shoes off on Mon. when I change sheets or when I put clean clothes away!

Think my letter is written & it's only Sat.   Got something accomplished while the repair man is here.  Finished my puzzle this A.M.

Back to the wedding.  One friend was to take pictures with his camera but none turned out & we were so disappointed but we do have a movie taken by Signe who had the camera.  We viewed it a few times during the years.  And the phtog. picture.  Still have my wedding dress made by my mom & Edna.  Carl's gift to me were pearls.  I've had them restrung once.  I don't think I gave him a gift - just me!  Dad came to Rkfd on vacation & that's when we met.  All the girls talked about Carl Nelson, unmarried.  We went to a Rkfd Peaches baseball game on a date.  He gave me a diamond after 3 weeks & married after 5 mo.  But I was 24 & he was 29.

Stove working.  Cost 114.90 so that's not bad.  He replaced the part round, round ignitor, & cleaned the burned tubes, which were a little crusted, so better heat.

P. S. #2

One more memory.  The bachelor pastors had spent time at the Grand Hotel in Victoria - think it's an island.  They had a grand time & Dad said he'd take me there but never did.  We spent time in Vancouver, B. C. at a church convention & was able to shop or look.  A classmate Gordon Loren (last to be married) was in Bellingham & we'd visit them & once we had a picnic at a lovely park in Vancouver just above Bellingham. I'm sure you've heard me say sports announcer Verne Lundquist's folks were in Everett & we had good times with them.  Now Mert is on Dialysis (sp) & he was given a year to live & is still alive as of Christmas.

Carolyn just called  - a nice surprise.  She said Signe's family picture has tape on it & spoils the picture & she wondered if I could get our copied & send it to her.  We talked about the party, Signe, etc.  She mentioned Curt is opened to having the reunion at the lake & would look for housing availability for those going.  Maybe I'll think about that - wonder what the dates would be.  Something to dream about.

Hope you can read this epistle.