Not much to write about but I'm sure I'll manage with a bit of chatter. Two lovely days in a row and it is so nice. We got snow the past week and no one cared to see that now. Hope it keeps up -- sunshine and blue skies. Didn't take long to melt the snow.
Larry has a "female" roommate. A friend of Monty's from Fla. came to Warren and stayed with Monty and his live in girlfriend and the girlfriend didn't want competition around so told Monty to find her another place so Larry has her. She already found a job at Holiday Inn as a cocktail waitress. She came to dinner last Thurs. and seems very nice. Barb, Lar, Dad and I and we had a good meal. Jennifer had to work. It is a nice eating place. Before Barb leaves I hope to go to Bucktail Hotel in Marienville. Maybe on a Sun. After we stopped & saw Lar's apt. Tried the water bed - nice. Kitchen looks nice. Next project is the living room - but not til next year.
Dale ordered parts for the Olds and some have come. Yestereday he drove near Pittsburgh, taking his back bumper to be resilvered but I think they use stainless steel. Can't recall the correct term. With the nice weather coming he wants to get the car in superb working order!!! Last year he had the front bumper fixed in Erie but wasn't that pleased with the work and heard about this place. Won't get it till the first of May. He said the bumper should gleam like a mirror. We'll see. He drove his truck and had no problems with it. He is helping Dave with his 'Vette - he burned out something or other. I'm really clear about things aren't I?
Dad goes to Bradford tomorrow aft. to make some shut in calls and then has a Council mtg. in the p.m. THey have received a name and all that Dad knows is that it is a pastor in Arizona, whose wife is from Pa. and they would like to come East. Hope it works out as it gets tiresome for Dad. I don't mind it that much and after all these years of listening to Dad's sermons I can still say he preaches good sermons with something to them. Our new pastor isn't much of a preacher. He needs to use some illustrations to add to his sermons. I know the people in Bradford appreciate Dad's services. One young couple has been coming and is thinking of joining. She is Baptist background and he is from Tabor, Kane. This a.m. another young couple was in church - they are new in town and she plays the organ and both have nice voices. They are trying to get a choir for Easter. Things are slowly coming back to life there.
Mr. Powell was at school last Fri. and was talking to us during our break. He is losing his hearing and is awfully thin but is cheerful. He asked me if I was retiring and I said I was planning on it but now was siting to see if that insurance (med.) goes thru and then I'd put off retirement til the end of the year. He changed his date to Sept. 1 and some others who are retiring are doing teh same so maybe they have hopes that it will go thru. Would be a big help. Guess I could take a few more months.
I'm getting used to the Microwave and like it. Barb and Dale both use it.
Ted Benson just called to check to see if we are going out next Fri evening. Hollertz can't make it but we will still go. Can't pass up the getting together.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, February 26, 1984
We do enjoy your most interesting letters and what you tell us about your work. You have an interesting job and it sounds like you will really be busy for some time to come. Keep up the good work.
Signe and Geo. called on Wed. to tell us Linda had the baby on Tues. 8 lbs. and it was caesarian section. But we weren't home when they called - Barb took the message - and we have been trying to get them but haven't succeeded. Guess all is well and being so big all must be well with the baby. Eric is doing well, too, with his theropy. (however you spell it)
Were we surprised in church at Bradford today. The flowers on the altar were in observance of our anniversary (belated) by one of the members. Then a coffee party afterwards to honor the retiring board members as well as us. Pretty pink carnations and snapdragons. A nice gesture. They have 2 names from synod and tomorrow nite is council mtg. so Dad will find out more. I hope it won't be too long before they get a pastor.
Fri. nite we didn't get to go to Niles, Ohio as Ted Shaffer called and had a conflict so instead Bensons and us joined Hollertz in Ridgway for dinner-theater at the country club. A good dinner and a melodrama LOVE RIDES THE RAILS or WILL THE MAIL-TRAIN RUN TONIGHT? It was so cute and we had such a good time. You were to hiss and boo the villian and clap for the hero and general audience participation. In one place the villian was going to dump the bar gal for the heroine and they were talking "How shall we handle Charlotte?"and someone in the audience said "very carefully" and we all laughed. Then when the train was going to derail if something wasn't done and the red lamp had been taken away everyone was saying take off your red skirt, take off your red skirt which she naturally did. It was really a riot and enjoyed by all. We love these monthly get togethers.
After some beautiful spring weather in the 60's we had snow showers yesterday to remind us that winter still reigns. But it can't last. We bot a large thermometer and put it on the front porch and it is real easy to read.
Lar is painting his kitchen and ordered wallpaper for it. We still haven't been over to see his TV or water bed but now we will have to get over there to see the kitchen when it is completed.
Barb thanks you for the W2 form. We expect to get 200.00 back and that will go for a window over the sink. We want one like in the eating area that opens out. And Dad also priced replacement windows for the D.R. so he has a project coming up.
Barb is taking a flower arranging course at Girtens and is enjoying it and we are enjoying the arrangements she brings home.
You know we hope to go to the national church convention in Toronto the end of June as visitors and we have an address to get help for motels. That should be coming and we can make arrangements and figure expenses. Bensons plan to go too.
By now you are all moved in and enjoying your new living quarters.
Have a new permanent and my hair is short and have received many compliments. I like it short but usually after a perm it is too short, but evidentally people don't think so.
Lar just dropped by to read the Buffalo paper. Things are fine here.
Signe and Geo. called on Wed. to tell us Linda had the baby on Tues. 8 lbs. and it was caesarian section. But we weren't home when they called - Barb took the message - and we have been trying to get them but haven't succeeded. Guess all is well and being so big all must be well with the baby. Eric is doing well, too, with his theropy. (however you spell it)
Were we surprised in church at Bradford today. The flowers on the altar were in observance of our anniversary (belated) by one of the members. Then a coffee party afterwards to honor the retiring board members as well as us. Pretty pink carnations and snapdragons. A nice gesture. They have 2 names from synod and tomorrow nite is council mtg. so Dad will find out more. I hope it won't be too long before they get a pastor.
Fri. nite we didn't get to go to Niles, Ohio as Ted Shaffer called and had a conflict so instead Bensons and us joined Hollertz in Ridgway for dinner-theater at the country club. A good dinner and a melodrama LOVE RIDES THE RAILS or WILL THE MAIL-TRAIN RUN TONIGHT? It was so cute and we had such a good time. You were to hiss and boo the villian and clap for the hero and general audience participation. In one place the villian was going to dump the bar gal for the heroine and they were talking "How shall we handle Charlotte?"and someone in the audience said "very carefully" and we all laughed. Then when the train was going to derail if something wasn't done and the red lamp had been taken away everyone was saying take off your red skirt, take off your red skirt which she naturally did. It was really a riot and enjoyed by all. We love these monthly get togethers.
After some beautiful spring weather in the 60's we had snow showers yesterday to remind us that winter still reigns. But it can't last. We bot a large thermometer and put it on the front porch and it is real easy to read.
Lar is painting his kitchen and ordered wallpaper for it. We still haven't been over to see his TV or water bed but now we will have to get over there to see the kitchen when it is completed.
Barb thanks you for the W2 form. We expect to get 200.00 back and that will go for a window over the sink. We want one like in the eating area that opens out. And Dad also priced replacement windows for the D.R. so he has a project coming up.
Barb is taking a flower arranging course at Girtens and is enjoying it and we are enjoying the arrangements she brings home.
You know we hope to go to the national church convention in Toronto the end of June as visitors and we have an address to get help for motels. That should be coming and we can make arrangements and figure expenses. Bensons plan to go too.
By now you are all moved in and enjoying your new living quarters.
Have a new permanent and my hair is short and have received many compliments. I like it short but usually after a perm it is too short, but evidentally people don't think so.
Lar just dropped by to read the Buffalo paper. Things are fine here.
Letter from Paul, Tuesday/Wednesday, February 21/22, 1984
Tuesday, February 21
Meltaways? What meltaways? But first....
Library news.
Another benchmark has been reached. The draft for a telephone citizen survey is now ready for the two committees who will be participating in the long-range planning process. The staff committee holds its first meeting on Thursday morning; the citizen committee meets the following Tuesday. The schedule of meetings extends through early September on somewhat of a monthly basis. As data coordinator, I will have much to do between each set of meetings, most of it related to report writing after digesting survey results, census data, committees input, etc. With no end to my list of various library duties, 1984 is already sprinting toward the finish line. I certainly hope that I can maintain my stamina and keep from getting winded before collapsing on New Year's Eve.
At this point, John and I are considering contracting with a professional research survey outfit to conduct the citizen survey from start (review of survey itself, definition of sample size, sample selection) to the crucial middle (training, techniques for surveyors, and survey implementation) to finish (data entry, tabulation, computer analysis). So far we have received one estimate, an $8,000 proposal from the Wisconsin Survey Research Laboratory, affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The availability of alternatives is extremely limited. A professional survey organization with a national scope such as Gallup or Roper or Neilsenh would probably cost the library a small fortune. Using the assistance of UW-Oshkosh's testing research staff may not offer us a needed level of expertise. What will help us decide on whom to pick is how much the library board is willing to commit to the project. We may end up having to use volunteers, such as the Friends of the Library.
The new circulation librarian started on Monday. Pat Losinski is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison library school and worked part-time for awhile at the Janesville Public Library. This marks the first time in nearly four years that the library has added a professional librarian to its staff.
Yesterday being Presidents' Day, we had more than our usual share of schoolage children in the library. Around 3 o'clock, I was sitting in my office when the fire alarm started to sound, an unmistakable aural intrusion. Nobody panicked; in fact, everyone, both staff and patrons alike, quickly exited the building - on what was, fortunately, a dry, relatively mild day - and patiently awaited either smoke or an explanation. A fire engine arrived promptly, and four or five fireman searched the building. One of them discovered that an alarm on the mezzanine had been tampered with. Some prankster tyke, no doubt. The entire episode lasted between 5 and 10 minutes and added some excitement to an otherwise routine day.
Weather report.
Nearly all of our snow cover has disappeared due to February's unseasonably mild temperatures. The past weekend was a rainy one, a torrential downpour late Saturday afternoon causing some minor flooding in sections of town. The clammy weather kept my off my bicycle. My weekend exercise, therefore, was limited to carting boxes of kitchen stuff and other personal belongings to the new apartment. A week from today, I'll be completely moved in. How nice it will be to have that temporary disorientation regarded as history.
As a result of the library's changing over to a new phone system, one corner of the basement is piled high with used telephones. I need my own unit for the apartment since I won't be taking the yellow wall-phone model with me. Each Indian Trail apartment is designed with an attractive little nook for a phone, a perfect interior flourish for such a building, which is meant to house a desk-top model. Eric checked to make sure the phone, originally used as part of the library's intercom system, is compatible with the Wisconsin Bell System. It is. One less added expense of moving to pay.
Wednesday, February 22.
I took the morning off today to move some household furnishings: two end tables, a dresser, a desk, a bookcase, three plants. Later on I need to clear the clutter that covers the kitchen table and my bedroom floor. Viewing such a mess makes it seem like I have so much to do yet.
If I hadn't been scheduled to work this afternoon, I would have done some more moving, but if I hadn't been tied to that obligation, I would have certainly taken a long ride on my bicycle. Spring has made an early arrival, at the expense of all the fools who believe in old wives' tales. A couple week ago, Wisconsin was blanketed with a thick fog for a full day. According to this particular tale, ten days later we were to be hit with a crippling snowstorm. We did receive some precipitation - Saturday's rain - but since then the weather has steadily improved to the point where it seems like April in February. It must not have been foggy enough. Or maybe Minnesota hogged all of the snow we were supposed to get.
Softball practice may start early this year if current weather conditions persist. Season #6. Six summers in Oshkosh. I might as well enjoy it since it's the best time to be here. Summer in Wisconsin always lets me take a fresh approach to life. Even though the schedule of activity - bicycling, swimming, camping, softball, acting like a hyperactive preschooler - may be the same or similar, the spirit of the season is always one of extension rather than repetition.
Good weather certainly soften the hard edges of my behavior.
Meltaways? What meltaways? But first....
Library news.
Another benchmark has been reached. The draft for a telephone citizen survey is now ready for the two committees who will be participating in the long-range planning process. The staff committee holds its first meeting on Thursday morning; the citizen committee meets the following Tuesday. The schedule of meetings extends through early September on somewhat of a monthly basis. As data coordinator, I will have much to do between each set of meetings, most of it related to report writing after digesting survey results, census data, committees input, etc. With no end to my list of various library duties, 1984 is already sprinting toward the finish line. I certainly hope that I can maintain my stamina and keep from getting winded before collapsing on New Year's Eve.
At this point, John and I are considering contracting with a professional research survey outfit to conduct the citizen survey from start (review of survey itself, definition of sample size, sample selection) to the crucial middle (training, techniques for surveyors, and survey implementation) to finish (data entry, tabulation, computer analysis). So far we have received one estimate, an $8,000 proposal from the Wisconsin Survey Research Laboratory, affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The availability of alternatives is extremely limited. A professional survey organization with a national scope such as Gallup or Roper or Neilsenh would probably cost the library a small fortune. Using the assistance of UW-Oshkosh's testing research staff may not offer us a needed level of expertise. What will help us decide on whom to pick is how much the library board is willing to commit to the project. We may end up having to use volunteers, such as the Friends of the Library.
The new circulation librarian started on Monday. Pat Losinski is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison library school and worked part-time for awhile at the Janesville Public Library. This marks the first time in nearly four years that the library has added a professional librarian to its staff.
Yesterday being Presidents' Day, we had more than our usual share of schoolage children in the library. Around 3 o'clock, I was sitting in my office when the fire alarm started to sound, an unmistakable aural intrusion. Nobody panicked; in fact, everyone, both staff and patrons alike, quickly exited the building - on what was, fortunately, a dry, relatively mild day - and patiently awaited either smoke or an explanation. A fire engine arrived promptly, and four or five fireman searched the building. One of them discovered that an alarm on the mezzanine had been tampered with. Some prankster tyke, no doubt. The entire episode lasted between 5 and 10 minutes and added some excitement to an otherwise routine day.
Weather report.
Nearly all of our snow cover has disappeared due to February's unseasonably mild temperatures. The past weekend was a rainy one, a torrential downpour late Saturday afternoon causing some minor flooding in sections of town. The clammy weather kept my off my bicycle. My weekend exercise, therefore, was limited to carting boxes of kitchen stuff and other personal belongings to the new apartment. A week from today, I'll be completely moved in. How nice it will be to have that temporary disorientation regarded as history.
As a result of the library's changing over to a new phone system, one corner of the basement is piled high with used telephones. I need my own unit for the apartment since I won't be taking the yellow wall-phone model with me. Each Indian Trail apartment is designed with an attractive little nook for a phone, a perfect interior flourish for such a building, which is meant to house a desk-top model. Eric checked to make sure the phone, originally used as part of the library's intercom system, is compatible with the Wisconsin Bell System. It is. One less added expense of moving to pay.
Wednesday, February 22.
I took the morning off today to move some household furnishings: two end tables, a dresser, a desk, a bookcase, three plants. Later on I need to clear the clutter that covers the kitchen table and my bedroom floor. Viewing such a mess makes it seem like I have so much to do yet.
If I hadn't been scheduled to work this afternoon, I would have done some more moving, but if I hadn't been tied to that obligation, I would have certainly taken a long ride on my bicycle. Spring has made an early arrival, at the expense of all the fools who believe in old wives' tales. A couple week ago, Wisconsin was blanketed with a thick fog for a full day. According to this particular tale, ten days later we were to be hit with a crippling snowstorm. We did receive some precipitation - Saturday's rain - but since then the weather has steadily improved to the point where it seems like April in February. It must not have been foggy enough. Or maybe Minnesota hogged all of the snow we were supposed to get.
Softball practice may start early this year if current weather conditions persist. Season #6. Six summers in Oshkosh. I might as well enjoy it since it's the best time to be here. Summer in Wisconsin always lets me take a fresh approach to life. Even though the schedule of activity - bicycling, swimming, camping, softball, acting like a hyperactive preschooler - may be the same or similar, the spirit of the season is always one of extension rather than repetition.
Good weather certainly soften the hard edges of my behavior.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, January 29, 1984
It is always a joy to receive your most interesting letters. Wonder if you are c. c. skiing today. We're had a melt but now it is snowing. Last Mon. would have been a good day for skiing but Dad had a mtg. But they still hope to get out.
I'll be glad to get that list of books I like to read, when it's all compiled. I've often wondered why lists like that aren't available. I sometimes stumble onto new authors by just looking & also in the 2 week selections. I'm' sure glad reading is one of my hobbies as it is so enjoyable.
Back to Bradford this AM & my 3rd annual mtg. All went well. It will be some time before they get a pastor as they can't come up to the starting salary schedule. Dad will continue to be busy but we enjoy the ride, people, etc.
Today we saw a lot of 4 wheel drives & snowmobiles for some sort of get together. And many ice fishermen at the Dam. We live in a pretty part of the state.
Talked to Gen this past week & John had the same operation you did in Calif. Guess it is an inherited thing so it must come from the Luthgrens but I've never heard of it before.
The "herring" article is so interesting. Fri nite we were to Mel & Levina's for dinner & they enjoyed reading it, too. Will show it to Warren Hollertz - he loves herring. Interesting to note Volvo owns the Abba Herring Co.
We got an extra day off last Tues. as it was so icy it would have been dangerous for school buses. Tues nite we saw a comedy at Players Club. It was so good & full of laughs.
We need new doors upstairs so this week Dad plans to look into it. That is a good winter job. We want some folding doors - little room closet as well as Barb's and Dale's.
My washing machine sprung a leak but Dale found the trouble & we are awaiting the replacement. Should be in on Wed. Had to go to the laundromat yesterday & did 4 loads. Glad Dale can fix it as I'm not ready to replace it yet. We get 6.50 for each sick day we don't use & I've accumulated 140 days & I plan to see that money for a washer & dryer replacement. My washer is 13 yrs old & had given excellent service.
Nothing unusual happening here.
Linda is in the hosp. Its 7 mo so they could take the baby. Signe will keep us informed. Too bad that someone who really wants a child has such a hard time.
I'll be glad to get that list of books I like to read, when it's all compiled. I've often wondered why lists like that aren't available. I sometimes stumble onto new authors by just looking & also in the 2 week selections. I'm' sure glad reading is one of my hobbies as it is so enjoyable.
Back to Bradford this AM & my 3rd annual mtg. All went well. It will be some time before they get a pastor as they can't come up to the starting salary schedule. Dad will continue to be busy but we enjoy the ride, people, etc.
Today we saw a lot of 4 wheel drives & snowmobiles for some sort of get together. And many ice fishermen at the Dam. We live in a pretty part of the state.
Talked to Gen this past week & John had the same operation you did in Calif. Guess it is an inherited thing so it must come from the Luthgrens but I've never heard of it before.
The "herring" article is so interesting. Fri nite we were to Mel & Levina's for dinner & they enjoyed reading it, too. Will show it to Warren Hollertz - he loves herring. Interesting to note Volvo owns the Abba Herring Co.
We got an extra day off last Tues. as it was so icy it would have been dangerous for school buses. Tues nite we saw a comedy at Players Club. It was so good & full of laughs.
We need new doors upstairs so this week Dad plans to look into it. That is a good winter job. We want some folding doors - little room closet as well as Barb's and Dale's.
My washing machine sprung a leak but Dale found the trouble & we are awaiting the replacement. Should be in on Wed. Had to go to the laundromat yesterday & did 4 loads. Glad Dale can fix it as I'm not ready to replace it yet. We get 6.50 for each sick day we don't use & I've accumulated 140 days & I plan to see that money for a washer & dryer replacement. My washer is 13 yrs old & had given excellent service.
Nothing unusual happening here.
Linda is in the hosp. Its 7 mo so they could take the baby. Signe will keep us informed. Too bad that someone who really wants a child has such a hard time.
Letter from Paul, January 22/23/24, 1984
(January 22.) With meetings on Wednesday in Madison (workshop on grant-writing sponsored by the Division for Library Services) and on Friday in Milwaukee (Personnel & Professional Concerns committee), the schedule for the past week was busier than usual. Because of the two full days away from my office, I'll have a lot of loose ends to tend to, along with the usual forward progress, come Monday morning. I considered a Saturday afternoon visit to the library to give myself a head start but felt too much like a vegetable to tackle anything work-related. Instead I stayed home and read the newspapers while watching an old Mae West movie on television. Every Day's a Holiday. One of her few films that I had not previously seen.
Technically, I didn't stay home on Saturday. I returned home after the Friends of the Library's annual meeting, a buffet brunch at the Grey Fox restaurant. Nearly 50 people attended, 40 being considered the threshold of success. After the business meeting and various remarks, Barbara Vroman, the program speaker, described a series of personal sketches on the ups and downs of being an author. So far, she has had two of her books published: Tomorrow is a River, a story based on Wisconsin folklore, and Sons of Thunder, a generational saga that focuses on an Irish family. I have not read either of them, but each one has been popular locally. I'm unaware if she has gained a regional or national reputation yet. She resides in a small community just 40 miles west of here, so for Oshkosh she can be considered a "local author".
(January 23.) No difference from Sunday to Sunday as far as ski trail conditions are concerned. I would have enjoyed skiing a second loop before returning to Oshkosh but had made plans with Dave and Lynn to watch the Superbowl, which resulted in a 6-hour marathon of 3-handed sheepshead. When plans for the get-together were being made earlier in the day, I promised Dave, a native Pennsylvanian, "something special to drink". Neither Dave nor Lynn were surprised to find a drinkably cold case of Rolling Rock in the refrigerator. We drank heartily until it was Miller time, which was only a few beers before the house become dry.
Clean Gene, my former upstairs neighbor, has been gone for at least two months now. The apartment is still empty, though it has been rented, as I learned Saturday afternoon. The new tenant is a zaftig, young grandmother type. Her excessive use of make-up gives her the appearance of a secretary just out of business school, though I would gather she's actually in her early 40s. She gave out small nuggets of information about herself -- current job, former residence and housemate, moving-in schedule -- but neglected to mention if she was divorced or widowed. She appears to be a very outgoing type of person, which I hope will translate into another phantom as upstairs neighbor. Now that I have a very full and clear stereo sound, I'd hate to be deprived regularly of the opportunity to hear it at its most effective volume level, which cannot be called especially neighborly. Who knows? Maybe she's into aerobics, but that could cause some structural damage.
(January 24.) For two of out three Mondays, I have been able to use the same bowling ball. The familiar feel of a 16-pound round object with three holes drilled into it has not yet translated into consistent success with knocking down the pins. My average over the first three weeks is in the 136, 137 range, but I haven't bowled on a regular basis since college. I can see an improvement in ball control and a corresponding increase in confidence already. Having my own ball would probably add ten points to my average in a hurry. So far, though, bowling equipment has a low priority on my list of purchases.
By the time you're retired, Mom, I should have an annotated bibliography of the type of fiction you like to read. I'll be using the list in conjunction with a special display of these books this fall. The listed recently appeared in a monthly library publication, The U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D Librarian, and I am presently revising and expanding it. At this time, my work draft is somewhat difficult to decipher, so even a photocopy would be of little use.
After a second major dose of subzero weather, everyone is enjoying a brief thaw. While walking to work this morning -- 8 a.m. temperature; 32F -- I could almost feel a light touch of spring. Not that I'm overanxious for its arrival. Last year at this time, I was able to enjoy an occasional extended bike ride, but this year the weather has been much too uncooperative and the streets -- for the most part -- too much like snow-covered washboards to enjoy such an activity. But last year I couldn't ski, and since the first time out for the season two Sundays ago, I've been living from weekend to weekend to experience the exhilaration of gliding on top of groomed snow.
Wall Street Journal on pickled herring.
All for now.
Technically, I didn't stay home on Saturday. I returned home after the Friends of the Library's annual meeting, a buffet brunch at the Grey Fox restaurant. Nearly 50 people attended, 40 being considered the threshold of success. After the business meeting and various remarks, Barbara Vroman, the program speaker, described a series of personal sketches on the ups and downs of being an author. So far, she has had two of her books published: Tomorrow is a River, a story based on Wisconsin folklore, and Sons of Thunder, a generational saga that focuses on an Irish family. I have not read either of them, but each one has been popular locally. I'm unaware if she has gained a regional or national reputation yet. She resides in a small community just 40 miles west of here, so for Oshkosh she can be considered a "local author".
Last Sunday was special, my first day on cross-country skis in over two years. The trails at Kusel Lake, a county park located near Barbara Vroman territory, were in excellent condition considering the infrequent snowfall during the past few weeks. The extreme cold has given the snow, the packed snow especially, a styrofoam-like quality that creates outstanding cruise-control qualities. It becomes possible to ease into a mechanical rhythm and glide through the forest. I felt so blissfully relaxed after last week's outing. Might as well try it again. In another hour, I'll be on the road for a return engagement at Kusel.
(January 23.) No difference from Sunday to Sunday as far as ski trail conditions are concerned. I would have enjoyed skiing a second loop before returning to Oshkosh but had made plans with Dave and Lynn to watch the Superbowl, which resulted in a 6-hour marathon of 3-handed sheepshead. When plans for the get-together were being made earlier in the day, I promised Dave, a native Pennsylvanian, "something special to drink". Neither Dave nor Lynn were surprised to find a drinkably cold case of Rolling Rock in the refrigerator. We drank heartily until it was Miller time, which was only a few beers before the house become dry.
Clean Gene, my former upstairs neighbor, has been gone for at least two months now. The apartment is still empty, though it has been rented, as I learned Saturday afternoon. The new tenant is a zaftig, young grandmother type. Her excessive use of make-up gives her the appearance of a secretary just out of business school, though I would gather she's actually in her early 40s. She gave out small nuggets of information about herself -- current job, former residence and housemate, moving-in schedule -- but neglected to mention if she was divorced or widowed. She appears to be a very outgoing type of person, which I hope will translate into another phantom as upstairs neighbor. Now that I have a very full and clear stereo sound, I'd hate to be deprived regularly of the opportunity to hear it at its most effective volume level, which cannot be called especially neighborly. Who knows? Maybe she's into aerobics, but that could cause some structural damage.
(January 24.) For two of out three Mondays, I have been able to use the same bowling ball. The familiar feel of a 16-pound round object with three holes drilled into it has not yet translated into consistent success with knocking down the pins. My average over the first three weeks is in the 136, 137 range, but I haven't bowled on a regular basis since college. I can see an improvement in ball control and a corresponding increase in confidence already. Having my own ball would probably add ten points to my average in a hurry. So far, though, bowling equipment has a low priority on my list of purchases.
By the time you're retired, Mom, I should have an annotated bibliography of the type of fiction you like to read. I'll be using the list in conjunction with a special display of these books this fall. The listed recently appeared in a monthly library publication, The U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D Librarian, and I am presently revising and expanding it. At this time, my work draft is somewhat difficult to decipher, so even a photocopy would be of little use.
After a second major dose of subzero weather, everyone is enjoying a brief thaw. While walking to work this morning -- 8 a.m. temperature; 32F -- I could almost feel a light touch of spring. Not that I'm overanxious for its arrival. Last year at this time, I was able to enjoy an occasional extended bike ride, but this year the weather has been much too uncooperative and the streets -- for the most part -- too much like snow-covered washboards to enjoy such an activity. But last year I couldn't ski, and since the first time out for the season two Sundays ago, I've been living from weekend to weekend to experience the exhilaration of gliding on top of groomed snow.
Wall Street Journal on pickled herring.
All for now.
Monday, January 16, 1984
This is our long weekend - no school Fri. or Mon.
It's been cold here - below 0. It's sunny & warmer today. After my washing is completed I'll walk over town, return library books & "window shop". I'm in the mood to buy, but then when aren't I!
Fri. nite the 4 couples met at Bucktail Hotel, Marienville & we had a great time. Next time Ted Shaffer wants us to come to Niles, Oh. where he is now - go out to dinner, sleep over & have a grand time. Planned for the last Fri. in Feb.
Beaty Group had a pancake breakfast, chili lunch, & flea mkt last Sat. I shared a table & sold 100 rolls & made about 17.50 after expenses. 2.50 table & about 5.00 for ingredients. Could have sold more. As it was I was up at 5:15 AM to bake 2 double batches & 1 batch was made earlier & frozen so I'd have 100 to sell. It was fun. But the kitchen will be a mess for work tomorrow. They said we probably wouldn't be able to find utensils.
Dad didn't have to go to Brad. Sun. so we worshipped at St. Paul followed by the annual mtg. All went well.
Howard Ford retired from Sylvania last Fri.
Barb received the check & says thank you.
Barb & Dad really enjoyed skiing last Mon & it was a lovely day. They are anxious to go again. Nice trails at Chapman Dam.
Dad is in Kane this AM for a district mtg. Svea sent us oranges & they are so good.
Do you have new tenants upstairs?
Called Svea to wish Signe a Happy Birthday & they stayed only 2 weeks as Linda has to stay in bed so she won't lose the baby & they thot they should return & help out.
Called Roland's but Signe & Geo. had gone to Rkfd. for the weekend so I just wrote a letter.
Svea told us Roger paid off the mortgage - she was really happy as it makes things easier. She said she'd send us oranges & we'll pay the freight cost. That is nice of her. Her trees didn't get hit with frost.
She doesn't plan to sell. Maybe next winter we can visit her. I'd love that.
Roland said they hope the baby will hold off for 3 more weeks as that would be 33 weeks. Hope it will. Linda doesn't care to go thru this again.
It's been cold here - below 0. It's sunny & warmer today. After my washing is completed I'll walk over town, return library books & "window shop". I'm in the mood to buy, but then when aren't I!
Fri. nite the 4 couples met at Bucktail Hotel, Marienville & we had a great time. Next time Ted Shaffer wants us to come to Niles, Oh. where he is now - go out to dinner, sleep over & have a grand time. Planned for the last Fri. in Feb.
Beaty Group had a pancake breakfast, chili lunch, & flea mkt last Sat. I shared a table & sold 100 rolls & made about 17.50 after expenses. 2.50 table & about 5.00 for ingredients. Could have sold more. As it was I was up at 5:15 AM to bake 2 double batches & 1 batch was made earlier & frozen so I'd have 100 to sell. It was fun. But the kitchen will be a mess for work tomorrow. They said we probably wouldn't be able to find utensils.
Dad didn't have to go to Brad. Sun. so we worshipped at St. Paul followed by the annual mtg. All went well.
Howard Ford retired from Sylvania last Fri.
Barb received the check & says thank you.
Barb & Dad really enjoyed skiing last Mon & it was a lovely day. They are anxious to go again. Nice trails at Chapman Dam.
Dad is in Kane this AM for a district mtg. Svea sent us oranges & they are so good.
Do you have new tenants upstairs?
Called Svea to wish Signe a Happy Birthday & they stayed only 2 weeks as Linda has to stay in bed so she won't lose the baby & they thot they should return & help out.
Called Roland's but Signe & Geo. had gone to Rkfd. for the weekend so I just wrote a letter.
Svea told us Roger paid off the mortgage - she was really happy as it makes things easier. She said she'd send us oranges & we'll pay the freight cost. That is nice of her. Her trees didn't get hit with frost.
She doesn't plan to sell. Maybe next winter we can visit her. I'd love that.
Roland said they hope the baby will hold off for 3 more weeks as that would be 33 weeks. Hope it will. Linda doesn't care to go thru this again.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, December 31, 1983
This is a rest period - I've been busy today. We're having homemade veg. beef soup & pecan pie for supper. I'm also making my special rolls & will make 2 more double recipes next week. You see, Sat the 21st Beaty kids are sponsoring a flea mkt, pancake breakfast, etc. & another gal & I plan to have a table. The first question I heard "Is Marion going to have her rolls?" I'm shooting for 100 rolls for 25 cents each. Have a few other things - a few paperbacks, old jewelry, etc. Should prove interesting. No school next Fri - end of 1st semester so I'll have more time for baking.
Mon nite we had a lot of snow - about 10". Barb helped shovel Carey's & Conaway's walks & Lar paid her. A big job. We haven't seen this much snow in a couple of years. Dad & Barb might go C. C. skiing at Chapman Dam Park. They have skating, too. A couple of A.M's it was really cold but it was 30 this A.M. at 7.
Last nite Barb went out with Lar & Mike to Holiday Inn. Enjoyed herself.
Dale is still working on his truck - was late each nite this past week. Today he's working on his car - removed the tires. Hopes to get new ones. And plans to do something to make it ride better. He tells me but I forget the words.
Tomorrow we go to Chandlers Valley for church & annual mtg. Potluck dinner. We don't have to go to Brad. the following Sun. as they have a pulpit exchange. Dad will enjoy a Sun. off.
This Fri. nite we meet with Hollertz, Bensons & Schaffers for dinner at Marionville. That means an enjoyable evening.
No school Mon. the 23rd either. A long weekend. I think Barb has given up on Paul in Madison. Wonder if Tom heard because he called Barb last Tues. nite but they are just friends, so Barb says. She isn't sure of her future - when she'll return, etc.
I went to the dentist & have trouble with a back tooth. Barb also went for a checkup & cleaning & has to have an old filling fixed. It's been 7 years since a check up.
Do you think you'll invest in bowling equipment if you continue to bowl. Your own ball is a help. Sounds like you are a busy guy but you enjoy it, too. You have an interesting job.
Barb made chili crackers for the soup tonite - I'll stick to saltines as she uses a lot of seasoning - to spicy for me.
All is well here.
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