Saturday, June 14, 2003

The new neighbors are moving in.

I'll start my letter with the bad news we will not be going to the Nelson reunion.  We all agree to this.

Yesterday we didn't go to Acock Inn for lunch -- they changed it to Cable Hollow Gold Course & it was a nice get together.  I had the fish fry & it was excellent.  Had a nice visit with them (gang).  Karen's (eldest Hollertz girl) son was with Anna & Warren & he is a nice boy..  9 years old -- only child.  Robbie.  He loves Legos so we stopped at KMart to see if they had some he wanted.  He found one .  He was explaining ti to me but it is something new I don't know about or didn't understand.

Learned a little more about the new pastors.  He has been out for 3 years & she finishes her training this month.  They want calls close together.

Called Gen last nite to wish her Happy Birthday   She had ha nice time with Millie & Linda. They took her shopping at Filene's & Gen got a light lube suit & other things on sale.  

I'm watching golf on TV & I can see blue sky & fluffy clouds in Ill.

When I read your letters about trying to encourage the boys to study, etc. it makes me smile.  Then I say to myself, "Paul is getting back what he gave to me." !!!!  A taste of his own medicine!

Dale finally got to mow the lawn this aft.

I'll be awaiting the pictures of the front yard -- it sounds really nice.

Kim went to a garage sale yesterday & talked with the owner.  Some years ago they paid someone from N.Y. state $15,000 to update their yard.  When Larry saw it, he said the shrubbery is planted to close together.  Sure enough some bushes died & she called on Lar to take them out & to do some trimming.  Then she wanted Larry to mow their yard, but Lar refused.  He told her he mowed 2 lawns & stuck to doing it because they hired him when he just started his 2nd job.  He even told her he preferred not to do trimming anymore.  She was disappointed.  She said she wanted to be able to say "Larry Nelson does my yard upkeep." So I guess has had made a name for himself.

We're going to dinner tomorrow nite at Nickel Inn to celebrate Lar and Kim's birthdays.

Tiger Woods just teed off so the golf gets more interesting.  (Didn't turn out that way.)

Mon. A.M. the 16th

Kim & Lar drove to Nickel Inn in the Miata & Dale drove us in the Monte Carlo. He finished working on it, but he said it needs more fine tuning.  Barb didn't want to drive.  We enjoyed our meal.  Lar, Dale & I had Prime Rib & it was excellent.  Ki had chicken parmesan & Barb had stuffed cod.  Even Barb had dessert -- a choc. cheesecake & Lar, Dale & I had strawberry shortcake.  Kim was telling us about an incident concerning Larry.  On Sat. a group of "guys" get together for soccer scrimmage & it usually only lasts 1 hr.  Larry didn't come & Kim began to worry.  She was sure Lar had been hurt & was at the emergency room. She decided to go to the hosp. & check it out when in comes Lar.  They had decided to play 2 hours this time.

I think summer is arriving -- Yesterday was lovely & it sounds like we have a good week ahead.

This weekend coming up, the Yankees are at the Mets.  I hope the Mets have their playing shoes on for this series.  They took the series from the Angels.  It came on TV at 4 pm so we couldn't see the entire game but the Mets were ahead 6-0 when we left.  A young & promising rookie (Jose Reyes) hit his 1st grand slam.  That was exciting for Met fans!

After lunch we went to the Mall & then grocery shopping. Dale was late coming home for lunch & when I was ready to leave, I couldn't see Barb outside.  She was talking to the neighbor Dan N. (Conaway's) & aught up on the news.  The trees on our street are suppose to come down because they are diseased.  Ones in front of Dan's house are down & also at Johnson's old house.  The roots ruin the sidewalks & leaves fill the gutters.

Frank, across the st, gave up on his ex-wife who has already left the guy she left Frank for & Frank has started to date.

Dan's daughter graduated from M.I.T. this spring; broke their hearts by marrying against their wishes. They have come to accept it, think he is OK but they would have liked a wedding here.  They (Allison) want to move to Fla. so they can sail their sail boat.  She has the prospects of a job.  Dan didn't say much about the husband -- job, etc.

June 19. Wed.

Barb's body is still aching.  I think she thought she would be able to ride her bike sooner than she would be able to.  It cost her $78.00 to get her bike fixed.

Sun. I asked Kim what she'd like for her birthday menu   She said "anything" & I said "That's no help", so then she came up with hamburgers.  So that is what I'll have with pot. salad, fruit (cantaloupe & watermelon) U& hamb. fixings.  She likes meringue so tonite I made one in the pie pan & maybe make a custard & fruit to go into it.  Heated the oven to 450, turned it off when I put the meringue in the oven, leaving it there all night.  Hope it turns out OK.

Thurs the 19th

Rain overnight & more today.  Will we ever see summer?

Fri. A.M.  The furnace slicked on this A.M., temp 51.  I quickly turned it off.  NO sun as of 7:20 A.M. & it's cloudy.

Sunday, June 8, 2003

Just finished watching Seattle cream the Mets.  1st game of a double header.  We don't get the 2nd game, so I turned Fox Sports Pittsburgh & will watch Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 2, in the 5th.

Marie Mathis called me to let me know Pastor Risher died Sat.  We talked about a new pastor & she heard some don't want a woman pastor.

Barb won't be taking care of Scott during the summer so we plan to go to Jamestown Mon. A.M. & she'll go to Bert's in aft.  We'll grocery shop at Wegman's.  Wed aft. I see Dr. McNett & Thurs. A.M. I go to Dr. Walters, dentist.  It will be a cut up week.

Last Fri. I got 2 library books & read them already.  An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky & Kate Hannigan's Daughter by Catherine Cookson.  Both were excellent -- enjoyable.

Barb has had bifocals for some time.  For when she knits & watches TV.  I talk about getting sun glasses but never do anything.  I haven't called to have my eyes checked because I can't walk home & Barb can't always pick me up.  Next Tues. Kim will take me to the Dr. & Barb will pick me up.  They say the bridge will come down around the first of July.  They can't wait too long without a bridge being erected.

Mon. the 9th

We had heavy rain last nite & a little got into the basement so Dale is cleaning it up now.

This A.M. we went to Jamestown.  A fast trip -- I got a girdle & a purse at Bon Ton. Half price plus a 20% off coupon so they were good buys.  Barb found a top she liked.  We walked thru Sears but didn't stop.  On to Wegman's.  We got some Paul Newman ginger snaps & they are so good.  Cream filling.  We'll buy them again.  So good if you like molasses.

Had planned to have hamburgers tonite but Barb asked me to hold off a day.  She planned to have leftover pizza & a salad.  So I had to decide what to have.  I had frozen ravioli so I cooked it, put it in spaghetti sauce & heated it up in the microwave.  So easy & so good, along with a salad.

Gary Risher was only 56 years old.  He had been sick for 2 years & it sounded like he just gave up.

Last nite I watched the Yankees at the Cubs in Chicago & what an exciting game.  The Cubs pitcher was so good for 6 innings when I turned off the TV in the bedroom.  But I couldn't get to sleep so I decided to watch the game -- it was the 89th inning & the Yankees were getting runs, but the Cubs held them off.  It made me happy.  The Braves keep winning -- and the Mets win one & lose many more.  Too many injuries.

It's been a nice day & I got my chores completed.

Tues. the 10th

Barb rode her bike this late aft. & she was in front of the state hosp. when a groundhog crossed her path & she rode over it & it threw her off her bike.  She landed on her back & laid there for a minute or two.  A lady came to check & Barb said she was OK & rode home. The wheels on the bike wobbled so she'll have to have it checked.  She is sore all over & it hurts to walk. She is using the cane I got for Dad.  She'll be sore for awhile.

About 8:30 this A>M. Warren H. called telling me about going out to lunch in Pittsfield.  The old hotel now the Acock Inn.  They will pick me up.  Warren told me he talked with a pastor friend from the O.C. area from 11 p.m. to 12:15 A.M.  Then he decided to watched TV & didn't get to bed until 2:45 A.M.  And Ted Benson woke him up with an early morning call to tell him our friends in Ohio can't come this time so they changed where we'll have lunch. Then Warren called me.

Dale won't be home for lunch either Thurs. or Fri.  Thurs. they'll have a lunch mtg. to talk about health insurance.  It has been raised 50% & they're hoping to change companies.  Fri. will be their regularly monthly work mtg.  He wants me to pack a sandwich for him on Thurs. as he doesn't know if there will be food at that mtg.  They always have pizza at the work mtg.

Wed the 11th

Barb is still sore but is feeling better.  Kim took me to the Dr. & waited for me.  We went Pa. Ave W & came home Dorcon Rd.  There was so much traffic going over.  Much easier going home Dorcon Rd.

My blood pressure was higher so he gave me a new prescription & I go back in 30 days to have the nurse check my blood pressure.  Dr. McNett said this is a pill that is also good for the heart & kidneys. The bad part it can make you cough so I hope it won't bother me.  It made him cough in the aft. so he had to go to another pill that is more expensive.  The new pill I'll take isn't that expensive -- none of my prescriptions are, so I'm lucky that way.

Everyone remarks about the rainy weather.  Even at noon Dale wondered when the sun will shine. It does get a person down. Dale wants to mow the lawn -- the rain makes it grow so fast.

Just noticed another cooky recipe in the new Bon Appetit.  Oatmeal cookies with raisins, dates & walnuts.  also copies the Turtle Bars that sounds so good -- for around the holidays.  When I get a permanent I usually bring a treat for "the gang" -- they are all so nice.  Have a perm. coming up the last Mon. of June so will have to decide what to make.  When Jerry came to the house to cut Dad's hair, I always had a treat for him.

When I got weighed to day I had lost 5 lbs -- I've been cutting down on snacks.  Barb spurred me on.  She has lost weight but hasn't reached her goal yet.  I just didn't want to see the scale go up anymore.

Thurs the 12th.  I got all the work done in one visit to the Dentist & I'm glad of that.  We've had so much rain today.  Larry wasn't able to finish all eh wanted to do at Carey's   He got the lawn moved & hoped to do some trimming.

All for this session.

Houston's no-hitter against the Yankees was super, even it if took 7 pitchers!

Saturday, May 31, 2003

We had a rainy, dark day & it made me lazy.  But by late aft. I decided to get up off my butt & start supper.  I made a chicken-spinach quiche & it was good.

Carey's moved on Fri. going to Paula's for the weekend & then to Fla.  They are building a new home. He had told Lar they wouldn't be moving til after June 6th but evidently the new owners wouldn't give them an extra week.  They had planned to have a sale this coming week.

Thanks for the pictures -- the flowers are so pretty & the back yard is so nice.  You are lucky to have such a nice yard, esp. when you entertain.

The next 3 months church starts at 9:30 A.M.  I like it as when I get home I can have a cup of coffee & read the Buff. paper.  On the front porch if it ever decides to let us have June weather.

Fri. A.M., the 29th, Barb said she got up during the nite & noticed the living room TV was on. She came down & turned it off.  I noticed the front door wasn't locked when I went for the A.M. paper.  That scared Barb -- she was sure someone got in the house.  Last nite I got up & noticed the L.R. TV was on -- went down & turned it off.  We finally decided somehow the TV was set to turn it on during the nite. Barb was checking it out Thurs nite & must have hit the right button to have it go on.  She checked & now it is off. A funny experience, tho.

Gen just called.  The pastor & another member wanted to help & found a woman to come & be with Gen a few times a week & Gen doesn't like it.  I said you should be glad to have someone help clean & so forth.  She doesn't want anyone cleaning her house!  I suppose stubbornness is one of the things that happens but she needs someone there to watch her. She has a kitten & doesn't like having to clean a litter box.  Both Ed & Gen have been very private about their affairs.  She's planing to take her driver's test again but she would never pass.  Each time she calls I noticed it is harder for her to remember how to finish her sentence.

Wed. June 3rd

I always took to see who died & was shocked to see Bill Weldon, age 50, husband of Karen Yosten, died.  I couldn't believe it.  They have 3 grown children.  I'm sure that scared Mike (can't remember his last name) Lar's friend & Bill played cards with Mike & Mike's heart is in bad shape.  It wouldn't have been such a shock if it had been Mike because Lar doesn't think he's too well.  Now I remember M. Brindis.  Dale said Bill had gotten a "beer belly".

The library had a computer session & Barb signed up for it.  It was a one on one session & she learned about the web sight & Barb mentioned her brother was director of the Middleton  Wi library so they looked the library up & made a copy I'm enclosing.  It's a small world!  The bottom 2 names didn't get on due to lack of space.

Because of the weather Barb hasn't been able to ride her bike, but Fri, Sat, and Sun look nice so she should be able to get her miles in.

The weather is annoying as it takes away my incentive to work.  And the furnace keeps coming on & I turn it down.  Lar will have to retime it.  (Is that a word?)  Maybe reset is better.  Why learn if someone else will do it.  I'm sure Dale could do it.

Dale thinks he'll be thru working on the Monte Carlo in a couple of days.

No one has moved into Carey's house yet.  But someone has been in cleaning or something.

I better get a wiggle on & do something.  I have dusted downstairs, got the garbage ready & I'll put in the garage after Barb leaves.  They collect on Thurs.

I've been meaning to call Millie & see how things are & later I'm settled & watch TV I keep forgetting to call. Tonight for sure.

Later -- Just spent 1/2 hr. talking to Millie.  John got this lady to come Tues. & Thurs. to give him a break.  Gen doesn't want her & won't let her do anything.  Millie said -- have her take you to the store or mall.  Gen always has plenty of money but really can't shop.  John would like to have Janet (the lady) make a meal for Gen so he wouldn't have to take her out but Gen likes John to take her out.  And it is even hard for her to make herself a decent lunch.

She doesn't seem to realize she can't do things.  And she doesn't seem to realize she has dementia.  John confers with the Dr. & tells Gen nothing.  She wishes now she had more children, mainly a daughter   But daughters don't always stay in the area.

The Yankees are in Cincy & losing the game 6-2 6th inning.  They lost the first game.  I like it!  The Mets are rained out for the 2nd nite.  At least it is a rain delay tonite so far.

It's Gen's birthday June 13 & Linda comes that weekend & she & Millie will take Gen out for lunch.  On Sat. they go back to Linda's & Millie will stay til Thurs.  They plan to take in a play at a Summer Playhouse.

Thurs nite June 5

I had chicken & biscuits tonite & it was really good.  Pecan pie for dessert.

Today is the day my mother was born in 1892.  Also Millie's Larry's birthday.

No bicycling so far this week.  Rain & cool weather.  But we're suppose to see sun & 70 tomorrow. so that is nice as it is graduation from high school.

Tell Andy I think this is the Braves year to win it all.  If they get to the World Series, I'll still root for the A.L. team as long as it's not the Yankees -- I'm hoping it will be the Seattle Mariner.

Saturday, May 24, 2003

This A.M. I awoke at 7 A.M. -- mice to sleep in!  After breakfast & getting dressed I made a coffee cake & choc. cookies.  Once everything was cleaned up, I returned to reading Stone Kiss by Faye Kellerman.  A different book for me to read but once I got into it I really enjoyed it.  A Jewish setting in N.Y.C.  Murder, etc.  Have another by her to read.  Moon Music. Stopped at the library on Fri. to get books to read over the weekend.  Another new author A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh.  This is a Victorian novel I enjoy reading.  Easier reading.

We're having hamburgers tonite & I have steaks for Sun. or Mon.

Dale has been working on his Monte Carlo.  The cylinder heads on the vales needed to be fixed & someone in Youngsville did that & now he's putting them back -- stuff I don't understand, but it keeps him busy.l  The drain in the bathroom sink upstairs was clogged so he fixed that first this A.M.

We enjoyed watching Aniika Sorestam play golf & were disappointed she didn't make the cut.

Barb has flower pots by the back door & when it rained the pots got dirty.  The pots are on square red tiles.  She wanted to put red limestone pellets down to protect the pots.  Lar said she'd have to take the dirt out which she did.  Put the squares back & then the pellets.  It really looks nice.  She has a pot, then a figure -- angel, rabbit & one she got in Jamestown -- an animal (a raccoon) holding a red apple.  It is so cute.  She put white pellets by the whiskey barrel by the front steps.  The side yard looks so nice.  She just left to go to Big Joe's to get veggie plants.  Last Thurs. Lar bro't over his garden tiller & she tilled the garden & raked it so it is ready for planting.

I got a new Light and Tasty cookbook & it is interesting.  Put out by Taste of Home Greendale, Wi.

I took the pictures of Boxer & Jack to show Sheila as she is a cat lover.  She has 2 cats & a dog.  She & Marilyn, another hairdresser, said they are nice looking cats.

Bert is back in Warren & she likes the work Barb did on the floors.  Fri. Barb said she didn't do much work -- just listened to Bert talk & heard what Bert did in N.Y.C.

Labor Day [sic] & it's a beautiful so far (1:10 pm thankfully the weatherman is wrong -- so far.

I had 2 overripe bananas so I made banana bread this A.M.  Also choc. chip & molasses cookies.  Froze the bread & half of the cookies.  Then 2 loads of wash.  Dale has painted parts of the motor of the Monte Carlo.  Barb watched tennis & is now riding her bike.  She rides 20 mi. now & has reached the 400 mi. mark 1000 mi. is her goal this summer.

I'm not making any promises this early to say I'll be at Andy's graduation.  3 years is a long time to make any promises.

The 2nd Faye Kellerman takes place in Las Vegas & doesn't appeal to me so I'll return it unread.  Mets aren't on today so I'm watching Braves vs. Cincy.  The Yankees play Boston at home. & Roger Clemens hopes to get his 300 win but I'm not interested in him or the Yankees.  I'm a N.L. fan.  I started out rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers & kept with the N.L.

Tues the 27th

This A.M. we went grocery shopping by 9 A.M.  When we got back & after all was put away, I cleaned the bathroom & dusted my room.  Saw Dr. Vance at 1:30 & my back is much better.  I'm going 1 more time on Fri. aft.

Made spag & meatballs for supper.  I enjoyed it.  This is Dale's late nite so he hasn't eaten yet.

Tomorrow I have to wash the kitchen floor & have some ironing to do.  I can watch TV while I iron.  And the fridge needs cleaning so I need to get that done.  Maybe next week.

Wed.  I was ambitious this A.M.  Did my ironing, washed the floor AND cleaned the fridge. Now I'm watching my favorite "soap" & taking it easy.  But I don't  know what I'm having for supper.  Guess I can't be that efficient!

This A.M., when I was getting the garbage out, Mr. Carey asked me if I wanted a fern plant.  I took it but said I don't seem to be able to keep live flowers alive for long.  It is on the front porch now -- we'll see next fall if i can save it in the house.

Thurs. nite

The kitchen is all cleaned up so I'll finish my letter as I watch the Mets at Philly.  And in the top of the 5th inning the Mets lead 2-0, but there are still 4 1/2 innings to go.

June is just about here so I walked to the bank after lunch & also picked up stamps & mailed a note to Gen.  It's been a lovely day & Fri. should be.  Rain for Sat. & Sun.  And the furnace keeps coming on in the A.M.

Did you notice Don Zimmer of the Yankees spoke out against "George".  He feels if George can speak out against the team's efforts, he can answer back.  Good for "Zim".

Tonite we talked bout going out for Lar & Kim's birthdays & anniversary.  Maybe a let aft. Sun & we'll go to Nickel Inn.  We like to go there at least once during the summer.

Everything is fine here.

Monday, May 19, 2003

I'll start out with the news that we won't be going to the reunion.  Reason.  I don't think Lar & Kim will be going & even if they do they'll also drive.  Our car insurance won't allow Dale to drive our car & Barb doesn't care to do all the driving.  So we'll have to call & cancel our reservations.  It is a long trip for just a few days.

This aft. I went to the dentist for a cleaning, check up & had 1 filling.  I go back in June for a filling and I didn't realize the filling for my root canals is a temporary one so he'll be fixing that.  And now I can feel I lost a filling -- can fell the hole with my tongue.  My teeth are costing me money   Bat at least they are mine.

Yesterday after church, there was a mtg to decide on a handicap elevator by the Concord Elevator, Inc. It will be installed at the entrance door nearest Division St.  Will hold a wheelchair & 2 people.  The elevator will cost $21,686 + 3 safety locks.  Site readiness $5400.  Other expenses estimated to be $3000.00, totaling $30,000.  They hope to use $20,000 from the Albert Johnson estate leaving the congregation to raise $10,000.  The project passed.  The recommended each family give 1.00 a week for 3 years.

Dale left Sun. for 2 days of school. They changed the location from Rochester to Youngstown, Ohio.  He'll be home Tues. nite.  He was suppose to go the same day as his Dr. appt. & told them he couldn't go.

Thanks for the pictures.  The patio furniture looks so nice.  I like the arrangement in the living room.  A nice picture of you holding Boxer.  The animal shelter is having a gold event to raise money & Kim is helping.  She got Dale to donate $25.00 & a hole will have Torey's picture on it & Dale's name for donating.  That must be some arena in Mpls.  In the one picture, the front looks so bare but the other one shows greener grass (result of all the rain -- here as well) & your front yard project.  It will look very nice.  You have a good start.  Is the lamp by the door new -- can't remember seeing it.  Or maybe it didn't sink in.

We got groceries today.  Then the dentist so I haven't felt like doing much except watch TV.

Did I mention they changed the voting place from Calvary Baptist youth area to Holy Redeemer hall.  Barb will take me over & I'll walk home.  Then I'll have to do some work, i.e., dust, clean the bathroom, etc.  Wed we plan to go to Jamestown.  Bert comes home this Thurs. so Barb won't be able to work odd hours.  Like she cleaned Bert's upstairs & after she was thru with Scott she planned to go to Bert's to mow the front yard & check the floors she's been working on.

Wed. the 21st.  At 9:30 A.M., we went to Jamestown.  I got a girdle at Bon Ton -- plenty on sale but nothing I wanted.  Ditto Sears & Penney's.  Then we went to Wegman's for groceries & home again.  I had told Dale we wouldn't be home at lunch time but it was a quick trip.  Barb felt like buying something but saw nothing she liked.

My back is giving me trouble.  After I sit, it takes awhile to straighten up.  So I made an appt. with the chiropractor for 3 pm tomorrow aft.  That will straighten me out.  He doesn't keep one coming a long time.  Maybe 2 visits.  They give a heat treatment that feels so good -- a vibrating one.

The former commissioners were not re-elected.  Too many people not satisfied with their job. We'll see what the new ones will do starting Jan 1.  Also 4 school board members were not re-elected.  People won't want a new grade school near the high school, as well as closing schools, etc.

Thurs the 22nd.

My back feels much better following my trip to the chiropractor.  I'll get 1 more treatment on Tues. & he told me to use the heating pad twice a day for 20 min. each time.

We gave Lar & Kim their anniversary card & gift of money.  They want to get another table & chairs for the deck & will use the money toward that purchase   Kim has been looking but can't find the color she wants.  Tomorrow nite they will go out to dinner with another couple.

Hope you had a nice anniversary.

Saturday, May, 10 2003

We had an easy meal tonite -- pizza from Pizza Hut so there isn't much work to that or clean up.

The doorbell rang this A.M. & it was Ekey's with a beautiful geranium hanging basket.  Thank you so much. It is hanging on the porch.  Thanks for the Mother's Day cards.  I'll go with Eddie's "All the way, Mets" & boo to Andy's "All the way, Braves".  I know I'm dreaming when it comes to the Mets.  When they reach .500, I'll be happy.  They did win today with Mike P. home run in the 10th.  More smiles then.  Good or bad they are my team.

Yesterday I got 2 books at the library.  Read one yesterday & one today.  Both by Karen Robards, easy reading & I liked them a lot.  Hunter's Moon & Heart Break.  She has more I haven't read.  Good entertainment for me.

Barb got petunias & impatiens to plant which she is doing now.  For by the back door & the leftovers will go in the back yard.

Kim will make Larry's birthday carrot cake.  That is fine with me.

Kim went to Erie today as one of her Sheffield students graduated from college.  The girl has worked for Lar during the summer (weeding, etc.) & had dog sat Torey.

Tonite I'll watch the Braves & San Fran.  I could watch Houston at Pitt. but I think San Fran will be more interesting   Of course I root against the Braves!

Dale had his blood test this A.M. & they filled 5 vials & also a urine test.  He has an EEG test coming up in about 10 days.  He is getting a good check up.

Your new patio furniture sounds very nice.  You are lucky to have such a nice backyard.

Mon. May 12

We had a nice birthday & Mother's Day celebration.  Larry & Kim replaced the worn out "whiskey barrel" by the front steps & planted petunias (kind that spread out) in it.  Barb gave me earrings & a matching necklace, which I like a lot.  Dale gave me a fuchsia plant so the porch looks nice with 2 pretty hanging baskets.

The rain held off so we could grill steaks outside.  I gave Larry a gift certificate from Lawn & Garden so he can get what he likes.  Dale gave him a hammer & other little things he buys on his shopping trips.  Barb gave him a nice bear & cub in the form of a little candle holder. Be nice on the outdoor tables at the camp.  She also found a piggy bank in the form of a soccer ball.  It is so cute.  Dale also gave me a "little gift" -- bandaids with the logos of the baseball teams.  Cute.

I got my first copy of Home & Garden magazine.

Paul, it seems like you spend time in the "public" part of the library.  I don't think I've ever seen our Director around.  I don't' know her but I never ever saw the previous Director around & I know her.  Maybe I'm not around when they are or were.  Libraries around the state are crying the blues over the gov. budget.  Libraries & schools are getting the short end of the deal.  But the budget hasn't passed yet, so maybe things can change.  Our library surely will have to cut hours & jobs.

This A.M. I was up & dressed by 6 A.M.  Reason I wanted to get the glass out for recycling. They collect it early.  I told Dale I have ambition on Mondays but it fades as the weeks goes on.  Before Dale left (*8-5 this week) I had cleaned the counter tops, moving everything.  After lunch I'll do some ironing.

I was mistaken about when the pastor visits Warren. It is in June.  I guess I'm anxious & wondering why we don't hear more about the couple....where they are from, etc.  Next Sun. after church we have a meeting concerning the elevator situation.

In the June 10 Family Circle there is a recipe for Double Chip Bars that I plan to make today. It calls for white & milk choc. chips, coconut, peanut butter & peanuts.  Plan to halve the recipe & use a 9x9 dish for a sample.  If Dale doesn't like it, Barb on a diet, it will be too much for me to finish *even if I could!)  Also you put a drizzle of melted van. chips over the bars.  I like them so they came out & taste good.

Gen called today.  Her church is building an educational wing & she isn't in favor of it.  But she still made a gift of money.  John did & said she should.  Ed wasn't in favor of it but that's the way they are.  They wouldn't build unless they needed the room.

Heard some interesting gossip.  Arlene Hornstrom is now at the nursing home in Pleasant Twp. & she has found herself a man who is also there.  In fact, they were found in bed together.  She had another man friend before she got sick.  What happens in these homes!

"How sweet it is" this Wed A.M., the SUN is OUT.  Finally but showers are till haunting us.

Just finished washing the kitchen floor.  Sure glad that job is over.   After lunch I plan to walk to the library & get more books.  I'm in a reading mood.

Thurs. aft.

I tried a new recipe tonite -- chicken squares.  It was OK but I don't think I'll try it again.  Dale had a 2nd piece so it must be OK.  I was just a little disappointed in the results.  But the apple pie for dessert was good.

More rain today but a good weekend is forecast.

Are the boys counting the days til school is out.  Kim is.

Sunday, May 4, 2003

I was glad to hear your library expansion is going forward. It will be a busy but rewarding time for you.  It reminds me of Dad's building program at St. Paul.  The reading room sounds so cozy.  I'm happy for you & for your library.

They announced this A.M. that on May 18th a pastor couple will be in our area.  The wife will preach in Sheffield-Ludlow parish & our committee will go to Sheffield to hear her.  The pastor to be for Warren & Sheffield committee will come to Warren. Soon after I'm sure the woman will preach in Warren so we can hear her.  I can only remember her first name Beth.  That's all they said about the.  Pastor Nancy preached today & she is so goo. We will miss her.  We'll be lucky if the pastor we get will be just as good.

My poor Mets!  They lost last nite's game & now Milwaukee is ahead 2-0.  It's only the 4th inning so there is hope.  I'm rooting for a loser.  Surprise me Mets & turn it around!

It is nice to hear how well Andy is doing in pitching for his team. Too bad Middleton is so far away.  You are lucky you can arrange your schedule so you can see Andy pitch.

WOW the Mets just got a grand slam & lead 4-2.  Now I can smile!

Wed. May 7th

We went to Erie today.  We stopped at Target on the way in & we sure like Target a lot.  We spent some time there filling our cart.  Then we went to The Olive Garden.  I enjoyed minestrone soup, bread sticks & a dessert.  Tarisumi (I tho't I memorized the correct spelling but I'm not sure).  It was delicious but very rich.  Barb had salad & a pasta dish.  Next the Mall.  Penney's where I only found a girdle.  Then to Kaufman's & I got a pretty sweater set. A delicate pink & the shell has a crocheted inset in the front neck.  Barb found a pretty deeper pink lined crocheted top.  Floral stitch -- very pretty.  Then Sears & I'm finding more styles to my liking at Sears.  Found a light & medium blue print button down the front skirt.  Just the style I like & nice material.  A deeper plain blue top to wear with it & 2 more tops.   One will be more for Fall as it is a deep brick red.  The other is a print I saw at Sears, Lakewood, NY Mall.  So I spent a little money today (all on sale) to help the economy!  It is not always that I find things I like to I took advantage of the situation.  It was fun.

Quality had small lobsters on sale so I got some & they will be added to the Sun. dinner menu.

We have one warm day & then they disappear.  It has gotten dry so the rain we hare having is appreciated.  We wore a jacket today.  Next time we go to Erie Target will be our first stop.

I'm not sure if I told you this -- a menu idea.  I got sliced roast beef (cooked-deli) & you heat it up in beef bouillon & serve it on buns with juice for dipping.  It's easy & good.  I'm fixing french fries for Dale now.  And I fixed salads.

Thurs. May 8

I made a lemon meringue pie for dessert & it is so good.  Sample it in the aft. plus a piece at dinner.

Last week Dale had a seizure & we told him he had to see a Dr.  Kim's friend said not many Dr. are taking new patients but recommended a new to the area Dr. & Dale saw him this aft. He has to have some blood tests & got a prescription for medication . He has to take 3 capsules before bedtime.  Barb said when the blood test she took -- when she gets them back she plans to call Dr. Strassburg for an appt.  They are at an age when they should have a Dr. to be a patient.  Lar & Kim go to their Dr. friend.

Tonite Lar & Dale helped Mr. Carey take a room air conditioner out of the attic.  They have to be out by the 29th.  They also plan a household sale, but first a van will come & take the furniture they want to save.  So soon we'll have new neighbors.

Between the showers, I walked to CVS to get prescription filled.

Son bedtime so I'll say good night.

Enjoyed that computer incident at the library.  Got a laugh out of it.