Saturday, May 16, 1998

I'll start a letter while your questions are still fresh in my mind.

The floral bouquet consisted of yellow lilies, lge. pink carnations & a deeper pink -- a flower I think are called "Pinks" a smaller type carnation with stock & greenery.  And sitting in it is a bird on a nest that is reusable.  I'll put it in the wreath in the D.R.  Also a "Happy Mothers Day" on a plastic piece.  Very pretty, altho it doesn't sound like the colors to together but they do.

Paul I find it hard to believe you are becoming fond of "Boxer".  But when you get a baby animal it makes a lot of difference.  Will you have it neutered as well as declawed.

We have the twin bed in the eating area & it looks O.K.  I think he'll be O.K. as he doesn't "roam" at nite - too hard to get around.

Lar called at noon to find what we had done.  He will be over after 5 to help carry the seats, table, etc. up to the attic.  I'll miss sitting at the table & watching. - Dale will miss the same at nite when he eats - around 9 pm.

Lar said they found a chair for Dad - can't remember the correct term, but it helps one get out of a chair.  That is one of the problems - no strength to lift himself up.  This lady said we could try it out & then decided on a price.  I'd prefer if she'd name the price she wants.

Dale didn't work today.  Washed his car & is in the process of putting the stereo system in this car - the one he took out of the old car.  Now he's on the way to Seaman's probably to find "stuff" for the Blazer.  He'll stop at the Youngsville Dairy Queen for a burger.  Says they are the best ever.  He found a door for the Blazer.

Barb worked around the yard this A.M. U& washed off the porch furniture so it's all set for us to sit out there.  We haven't gotten any flowers yet but I'm sure we'll get some during the week.  I'll need a red geranium for church the last Sun. of May.  Pentecost.  Members bring red ger- & they are planted outside during the week.  It looks nice to see the red flowers in the altar area.

The exchanges of 4 Marlins for 2 L.A. Dodgers was a surprise.  Sounds like it will go thru.

We were watching Cleveland vs. Texas & since Cleveland was ahead I switched to golf & noticed a Bob Friend was playing & doing well.  Said to Dad there was a pitcher with that name in Pittsburgh & then a note came on T.V. that he had been a pitcher with the Pirates.  So he has a 2nd career.  Encouraging to other athletes who are avid golfers.  Now it sounds like he is the son - he's only 33 so I guess that's true.  Must have missed something.

We got a letter this A.M. from Messiah Luth. stating they will be celebrating their 75th Anniv. in '99.  It will be a yearlong celebration & hoping we could come for the final weekend next spring.  Be nice but an impossible dream.  That's Auburn, Wn.

Sun A.M.   P.S.

I'm set for church but it's too early so I'll let you know how things are.  Last nite Lar & Dale got the lift chair to try out & it will be great.  It is one of the workers at the Crary Home.  Said it cost $1,000.00 & they tried to sell it for $500.00, then $250.00 & no takers.  So maybe it will be less then $250.00.    It is blue so it fits in.  Dad just has to push "up" to get out of the chair & down to sit.  He can just stand against it so that problem of lifting is over.  Has the leg rest, too.  Very nice.

The bed went well.  I got up at 6 A.M. to check, went back to bed til 7 & got him ready & we had breakfast.  But he isn't eating much at all.  I don't make large portions & still a lot get thrown out.

It is another lovely day.

Barb has an aching shoulder.  Too much lifting & working outside Sat.   She said she was weight lifting - why I don't know.  She saw the Dr., had another pap smear & it shows an irritation.  No insurance - an operation, hysterectomy (sp) would be the thing but they are trying other things - a shot to stop her period & heavy bleeding.  Maybe things will be better when she won't have Scott to deal with.  Good I'm not a "worrier".  Barb is good at that.

Friday, May 15, 1998

Boxer, a new member of the family

Just finished a note to Bob Karlson seeing I couldn't get to the funeral.  I did give a memorial to the church.

This has been a bad week.  Dad fell in the shower & trying to get him out I strained my leg so it's starting to pain again.  Finally called Lar for help.  Another time I was in the kitchen getting lunch, heard a thump &U he had fallen.  He had to wait til Dale came to get him up.  Lar bro't over Mr. Crary's wheelchair & that is a help.  Today we'll get a twin spring & mattress & set it up in the eating area & we'll have to eat in the D.R.  It is too hard going up & down the stairs.  Sometimes he can get up & walk, other times there is no strength to left himself up.

But the weather is beautiful.   High 70s on Thus. & should get in the 80s+ today.  We sat on the porch for awhile yesterday.  It was just a perfect day.

Imagine Andy is real happy as an Atlanta fan.  I was glad they didn't break the home run record just tied it.

Heard from Millie from Fla.  She spent 10 days with Jerry's brother Tony & his wife.  We got a card from Disney World.  Also a letter from Edna.  Did I mention Aunt Esther fell & broke her hip.  It has healed & she uses a walker.  But she is very mixed up in her mind & sometimes doesn't know Edna, Millie or Gen.

In June Dale goes to Rochester for 3 days for a course in Electrics which he said is a pretty good opportunity for him.  He stays at a Red Roof Motel & gets money for food.  All expanses paid.  Drives on of Shults' cars.

I'm really enjoying hockey & Buffalo is doing so well.  The Buff. TV news says sport stores are having a hard time keeping Saber shirts, etc. in store as everyone is a fan now.  If they play (get to) Detroit I wonder if they could beat them.  They would be the "dream team" then.  I'm even getting to know some of the names.  ESPN's Gary Thorne & Bill Clement are the top announcers but I think Fox has the final games.

We still watch Atlanta but their announcers are so biased it's sickening.  Sometimes we get Cleveland on Erie Fox T.V. & their annoucners aren't so bad but they're monotonous.  What a critic - nothing is as good as WWOR (NYC) & we don't get them.  Youngsville & Sheffield do.  Dad doesn't like it if I mute the T.V. & just watch.

Did you watch the final Seinfeld - Dale did.

Have a nice Memorial Day.

Friday, May 8, 1998

Didn't write this A.M.  Did some baking instead, & fixed a tuna macaroni salad for supper.  Never know what to have Fri. nite.

This A.M. the doorbell rang & it was a delivery from Ekey's.  Thanks so much for the floral arrangement.  It is very pretty  I will enjoy it.  Thanks so much.

We'll be celebrating Larry's birthday on Sun.  He wants steak & that is easy - Dale will grill it.  Kim will get a cake at BiLo's - they are very tasty - icing not too sweet.  It's suppose to be a rainy weekend.  We've already had more than 2" in May.

Dale bot an '86 Blazer for his next winter's car.  He paid 300.00 for it.  It will keep him busy getting it in order during the summer.  He sold the other winter car to someone at work who bot it for his son.  It is a good car - in good working order with new tires, A.C., etc.

I've been watching the hockey playoffs & they are exciting.  Barb & Kim are watching the Bulls playoffs & are sad when they lose.  We'll eat at 5:30 Sun. & the game starts at the same time.  The TV will be on & if it gets exciting they'll be up & down to see what's going on.  I think Larry Bird is doing a great job as a 1st year coach.  I'd like to see them get to the final games.

Have a new recipe for a Pecan Bar - similar to Pecan pie.  It is do good.  Kim copies the recipe & made it & Larry likes them.  Dad got a haircut this week & I made the bars & gave them to Jerry.  Do that each time he comes to the house to show our appreciation.

Barb came home today & went to take a nap as she didn't sleep well last nite.  We'll grocery shop tomorrow after I get my hair done.

I'm feeling much better so I hope I can get more work done around the house.  Finally vacuumed the L.R. & D.R. rugs.  For awhile it hurt to push the vacuum cleaner, so it didn't get done.

I can see a hummingbird at the tree at the school yard - a flowering crab.  The buds are not quite opened - it is pretty to look at.

Soon time to get busy setting the table, etc.

P.S.  Barb got rid of her headache so we went grocery shopping.  I needed to cash a check but the bank closed at 6.  Barb had money to lend me so I was able to go to County.  San Diego is ahead of Atlanta 3-0 in the 3rd inning.  Hope they get a win - S.D. that is.

Friday, May 1, 1998

May 1st.  Hard to believe 2 anniversaries this month.
My leg is improving but still gives pain.  One of these days i"ll get out.  Sun. at church they're having a pulpit exchange & the past at St.l John preaches at St. Paul & I'm still hoping I can make it.

Dad has the 55th anniv. of his ordination coming in June & the Bishop called to remind Gary of this.  So a shower of cards was suggested as Dad can't get out.  The pastor & a council member will bring them over that Sun. nearest the date.  Hard to believe it was 5 yrs. ago his sisters were here & you & the boys to help celebrate.

Next Thurs. we were to have our friends here but I called it off.  Haven't been able to keep up the house & didn't feel up to doing it.  They'll come later in the summer or fall.

Dr. Vance (chiropractor) is an antique car fan so we got to talking about cars.  He said he gets old cars, fixes them up & after awhile he sells them & starts over.  He said one of his cards needed transmission work & I mentioned Dale works on trans at Shults.  He said I hard Shults has a good transmission man - your bro!

The flowering trees are in bloom & are so pretty.  Leaves are in full form - unusual so early.  Last Sat. Dale gave the front porch a good scrub.  Now we need to get the porch furniture out.   Been warm enough to sit out there but so far we haven't as sitting is something that is too uncomfortable yet.  But it's better as I'm sitting at the kitchen table.

Someone has been calling & there is just dead air.  Wed. nite I decided to have a little conversation & hung up.  Thurs. they called & I talked again & I heard a click so someone is there.  Dale answered another call later on & hung up when no one answered.

Our lawn looks good - over 5" of rain in Apr.  Barb is diggin up dandelions & wants to fertilize.

Coffee time coming up & I'm washing 3 loads so much check the dryer.

P.S.  Last Sat. I got books at the library to relieve the boredom.  Stranger at Wilding by Madeline Brent (pub. '76) & I enjoyed it so much & The Come On by Margaret Yorke & it was good.  Easy reading & entertaining.

Another P.S.  Fri. nite.

Went grocery shopping aftger supper & it felt good to get out.  Maybe Mon. nite I can get to the Mall.

Got your letter today.  Interesting to read of your "tussle" with Andy getting him to do his homework.  It made me smile Paul with you experieicing the fun of children.  What goes around comes around & helps you understand what your parents went thru with 4 children.  Altho I can't remember pushing you too much.  Maybe my mind is slipping!  Mostly I remember trying to get you to practice the piano & you didn't want to.

No baseball tonite but playoff hockey.  Both Pittsburgh & Buffalo are doing good.  I lilke announcers Gary Thorne & Clement (can't remember h is 1st name) best.

Friday, April 24, 1998

The library delegation with Gov. Tommy Thompson at a bill signing

My leg is hurting again.  Since I can't take pain pills (break out in a rash) I decided to go to the chiropractor.  He is very careful in the adjusting & he also gives a heat massage.  His wife does that.  Dr. Vance & he is very good.  He wanted to see the X-ray I got last fall & the hosp. forwarded it.  He told me it shows I had 2 small bone fractures in the upper back & wondered if I ever felt any pain there.  Never did.  Probably came from lifting & they healed themselves.  Also shows a little arthrightes (sp. too lazy to check) & the sciatic nerve is what gives me the trouble.  According to last fall's time I have 2 more weeks to go.  Missed Easter Sun. church & last Sun.& I doubt if I could sit thru Confirmation Service next Sun.  Barb gets the groceries so I'm housebound & it's beginning to show on my "short fuse", losing patience with Dad & that doesn't help him.

Last Sun. we celebrated Barb's birthday & in 17 days we celebrate Lar's.  Ethel Johnson always asked about you Paul.  She said Chris will be coming for the reunion - they live in Fla.

I saw a cotton knit dress in Chadwick's of Boston catalog.  I like the min color but a gal at church has one that color so I'm choosing the apricot.  Will send for it this week.

A&E TV has "The Equalizer" at 10 AM a couple of times a week & I like to watch it.  It's on right now.

Barb has planted lettuce & peas & has more lettuce to plant plus spinach.  She is looking for ward to some good salads.  Also plans to plant beans but has to wait til it warms up - the end of May.  It warms up during the day but nites are still very cool.

We got your last letter & it was interesting reading.  Felt sorry for JoAnna & for all the work she did on the election.  But I'm sure the experience was worth the effort.  You didn't mention Eddie's special reading classes.  We are wondering what is happening there.  When does their baseball season start.  Milwaukee is doing great.  Will you get to any games.  Did JoAnna get to the home opener.  Did you hear the Mets want to build a new stadium where the Brooklyn Dodgers used to play.  But I didn't hear how it will be financed.  Go Mets!

Soon lunch time & my leg is telling me I've sat long enough.  But I wanted you to hear form us.

Friday, April 3

Back to letter writing.  Have been writing Easter notes to our sisters.  Never hear much from Carl's sisters.

Our summer weather has disappeared & I'm not too sad.  Too early for temps in the 80;s.  The trees are budding so I hope we don't have a bad freeze.

We both saw the Dr. on Mon. Mar. 30.  All is as well as can be expected.  The Dr. told me to take time away but that isn't very possible.  But I've been doing jigsaw puzzles & that keeps my min d occupied & baseball is back & that is a big help for something different.

Lar is going to bring over a puzzle the ladies at the "Home" found too hard to do.  I'll see if I can "conquer" it.  I'm doing ones I've done before because we have accumulated a lot of puzzles.  Still fun to do.

Scott had an eye exam & he has to wear glasses.  Not to happy about that.  Did you notice in the paper Bob's mother died.  Only 71.  They called Bob & Lynn at work & by the time they got there she had died.  She hadn't been well for a long time.

Dale didn't get home til 10:30 last nite.  Hew was in Frewsburg learning to remake *wrong word?) transmissions.  T his man works only on transmissions so Dale is getting a free education.

Shults acquired the "Warren Car Mall" place as of Apr. 1.  So they have quite a set up there.  Dale was happy as they need more space for the work they have.

Kim said they have 8 weeks of school left & she is looking forward to vacation.  Kim & 7 of her friends are planning a golf weekend this summer.  The men do it - minus Larry -- so the women decided they should have a weekend off.  Lar is too busy to participate in such things when he can work.

How was your time in Chicago.  I think the weather was nice for sightseeing.

Bet JoAnna is happy Apr. 7th will be over by the time you read this letter.  Hope it turned out in her favor.

The dryer stopped so I must get clothes out & folded.  And I think I've covered the news here.

Friday, March 6, 1998

Just got cards ready for Andy & Eddie for St. Patrick's day.  Just a letter for Mom & Dad.

Not much to write about.  A week ago when Lar & Kim were here, Kim was unusually quiet & said practically nothing.  No reason was given & naturally we wondered what happened.   Last nite we got the ans.  The week before, after they'd been here, they had a telephone call from Kim's cousin Chris who lives in Atlanta.  She was in Warren & could she come over.  Naturally she did & the story came out.  She works, supports her mother who drinks too much & they were living with a divorced man and 1 of his 3 children.  He was at least 10 yrs older than Chris - they had a fight & Chris left after finding a place for her Mom to stay.  She is afraid of him.  Fri. Chris left for Phila (she had flown to Pittsburgh, rented a car & drove to Wrrn) to stay with a girlfriend.  The guy had Kim's telephone number & kept calling - it was on the answering machine.  Once when Kim pushed the message button he wanted Chris - the 2nd time Kim a series of swearing , calling Chris a slut, etc.  Naturally she was upset & it bothered her esp. since she has heard nothing from her cousin. This is the 2nd man she's lived with - he was even older.  Will she ever learn.  Maybe it's because her folks were divorced & they also lived with Kim's grandmother & no male influence.  Kim is the one who is levelheaded.  Her bro. Paul also has problems.

We've had a cooler week with snow flurries but they don't amount to anything.

Mon. nite PBS aired a program "Your Hometown" Warren.  Different Warrenites video'd different areas of Wrrn. & Ch. 3 edited it into an hour's program.  It was so good & got the best response - this was about the 4th "Our Town".  They offered the video for a 60.00 donation & 197 families ordered it including yours truly. I'm sure you'll want to view it.  I'm glad we live here.

Soon lunch time so I'll bring this to a close.  Are you still planning to visit.  If so, what are the dates.  I like to start planning - menu planning, etc.

Artwork by Eddie.