Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked August 22, 1996

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the nice letter.  I have been busy getting things straightened up and food shopping for my "company".  It has been a year next month since I have seen your Mom!

No, I didn't go to the festival.  The foods are regional.  Polish, Hungarian, etc!  They are good though.  Donna makes halupkies.  They are like stuffed peppers except you wrap the rice, etc in cabbage leaves & put tomato sauce on top & bake.

Yes, the James Michener book was called "The Eagle and the Raven".

I'm glad you passed your health test.  My cholestrol is high but the doctor said at my age you don't worry about it too much.

Your Mom said something about me making something for you.  What's the story?

Well, there is not much news here, so write when you can.  Take care and love to Jack.  

Love always,

Grandma

P.S.  Mrs. Wallace is going to be 90 on the 25th.

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked August 16, 1997

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for your nice letter!

Our meal was delicious.  We had never had their stuffed peppers before.  I bought 3 nice long peppers at the farmer's market.  I cut them in halves length-wise & stuff them.   I get six meals.  I love them.  I also bought white corn & string beans.  Made them yesterday.

Ruth's birthday is Monday.  I got her a cute card.

Your picture is coming along fine.  I am over the hardest part.  The tea kettle & two bottom cups were hardest.  I have run out of 3 of the colors and had to use my own.  I don't understand a company like that!  I always have left-over thread.

My cleaning lady was here yesterday.  She cleans the bathroom & runs the vacuuum cleaner over the floors & ducts.  Does a good job.  A lot of the ladies here have their cleaning done.  Dr's orders, no vacuuming or washing windows or anything that takes my strength.

Send me your recipe for lasagna some time.  I'd like to try it.

Ruth's son Ray is coming up in a couple weeks.  I've known him since he was a little boy!  He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Well, not much news here, so write when you can & love to Jack.  Take care.

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ August 2, 1996

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

I was so glad to get your letter yesterday.  I imagined something was wrong but I'm glad you & Jack are okay.

How was your birthday?  Did your Mom & Dad come over?

One of our tenants -- two apartments down the hall -- died Wednesday night.  He was sick for some time.

The band festival is here today and tomorrow.  What a mess that makes.  They come from all over the country.  The number of buses is unbelievable.  It is almost impossible to get in and out of our parking lot.  The stadium is next door.

Yes, I like our name stickers too.  The ones I have been using are some that have come to me gratiis from some organization or other.

Yes, I have two violets now.  The plant I bought got a shoot on it and I cut it off & planted it and that one is now over 12" across.  Lavender with one dark purple petal.  Don't let them in the sun!  I wish I could find a good home for my cactus.  They are so big and I have no place for them any more.  One bloomed last Xmas but the other one just keeps growing.

I never got the afghan yarn.  They put it on back-order again. 

I am doing "The Lady", like I did for your Mom, for Ruth.  She wants to give it to Beckie for Xmas.  I am almost done.

Well hon, I hope you can read this, my writing gets worse all the time.  Take care and write when you can  and give my love to Jack.

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked July 18, 1994

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Today your Mom turns 62!

Ruth's daughter went home yesterday.  Ruth is busy sorting everything out, clothes, etc.  They only had graveside services.  The crematorium is just a few blocks from here.

The old gentleman that Ruth checks on is 100 years old today.  He had a big bash at one of the hotels.  Invited 40 guests.  He lives alone.  

Your mom wants me to come down this summer.  I have an appointment with Dr. Jones - the first checkup since my eye surgery..  It's on August 1st.  I go to Dr. Shore next week.  I won't be able to come until after that.  I told her I didn't know when I could come because I had forgotten about the doctors.  I must let her know.

Are you planing any "babies" from your rose of Sharon?  The one I used to have on Ott Blvd, I saw it last week and it is in full bloom.  It is almost tree size.

Mrs. Wallace's niece has gone to the shore for a month.  They have shares in a home down there.  It is near Asbury Park, NJ.

It is sweltering up here too!

I want to get a perm in the next week or so, before I come down there.  I will be so glad to see you & Jack.  Just think, it has been a couple of years.  

Is there anything I can bring you when I come down?

Well hon, I better close now and drop your mom a line or two.  Write when you can and take care!

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked July 6, 1993

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the nice card.  I know how busy you are, working on your new place.  Just don't you & Jack over-do it.  This weather is not for working outside.  I know it must be hot there beause it is in the high 90s here.

Ruth took Harold to the hospital this morning.  He needs a blood transfusion.  He is losing so much blood because of his kidneys.  He told the doctor "It won't be too much longer for me." and Dr. Shore said "You could be right."

I hope you are careful about ticks.  I worry about you a lot.  It must cooler in the woods though, than out in the sun.

Bunny, Mrs. Wallace's niece, asked me over Monday to a cook-out.  She made sliced turkey breasts on the grill.  There were just the four of us.  All her family were somewhere else.  He is a graduate of Harvard.  They have a lovely home.  They are going to the shore for a month next week.

I am feeling okay.  Just taking it easy.

They had a huge crowd down at the stadium Sunday night.  We can see it from here.  I think they had about 50,000 people there.  The stadium holds over 22,000.  People were all around the lake & on the grass in the park.

Well hon, there really isn't much news here, so let me hear from you when you have time.

Love always,

Grandma

Love to Jack!

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked June 2, 1992

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Received your nice letter, and am always glad to hear from you.

Mrs. Wallace's niece came by yesterday & got her mail.  I collect it daily and we talked a bit.  She is her only close relative.  I went with her up to the hospital (just 4 blocks away).  She still hasn't had any food yet.  She is a miserable patient.  She really gives the nurses a rough time.  Her niece is going to Burmuda on Saturday.  It is their 40th wedding anniversary.  Mrs. Wallace doesn't know that yet though.  She is arranging for a nurse to be with her if she goes home while she is away.  She will be a handful because she will not take orders.

Ruth asked me to send you this article.  She thought maybe you "had a lot of spare time" & would like to try it.  Just joking, of course!

I think I told you that one of the ladies on the floor asked me to crochet her an afghan.  I only have 4 more rows to do.  Your mom wants me to make her one too.

We have cantaloupes on sale here but they look awfull.  They are asking 99 cents each.

I just cooked some squash.  It smells good.

Well hon, I better close and get going.  I should write a check for my car insurance but rebel when I look at the amount.

Take care & write soon.  

Love,

Grandma

Love to Jack!

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked June 20, 1994

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Enjoyed your letter.  Thanks!  Did you get your culverts dug?  It is so hot here.  96F yesterday.  

Ruth and I went to Perkins yesterday.  We each got a salad.  They were half a cantaloupe witih chicken salad inside & all kinds of fresh fruit cut up around it.  The strawberries were enormous.  Plus a huge fresh blueberry muffin toasted.  I brought home half of the muffin and the cantaloupe.  I couldn't eat it all.  Ruth brought her cantaloupe home too.  They put it in a nice box.

I go to Dr. Jones on August 1st.  I will need new glasses.  

How about O.J. -- I couldn't go to bed Friday night until I saw what was happening.  I watched the ride on the highway.

I hope you are doing okay and not hurting yourself.  It's only been 3 months since your surgery.  

Your muffins sound good!

Well hon, not much news here so write when you can & take care of Jack.  I sent him a birthday card with a check.  

Love always,

Grandma

Sue Letter ~~ Postmarked June 1980

 

She wrote: 

Dear Shelby,

Why haven't you wrote me yet?  You know what my teacher made me do today?  She made me write 100 sentences saying I must learn proper classroom behavior and write sentences until I do.  Doesn't that make you sick?  And she made me do it for nothing.  Isn't that awful?  I hate her.  She lets everyone write notes except me.  Well, please write me soon.

I miss you.  How's Katherine?  How are you?  

Well, everybody is okay here except Michelle didn't go to school today.  She had a sore throat and you couldn't hardly hear her talk.  

Well, so long,

Sue

P.S.  Write me as soon as you read this.

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked May 22, 1996

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the pictures & letter.  What kind of tree is that in the one picture?

I think it takes about 3 weeks for eggs to hatch.  It does for chickens so I suppose it is about the same for ducks.  There is a pair just outside my window this morning.  Just sitting there.  They mate for life just like geese do.  I hope she's not going to nest there as they cut that grass every week.  She would be better off up on the slope in the vetch.

I didn't read "The Straw Hat".  I'll look for it.  I am reading a very good one now called "Facets" by Barbara Delinsky.  I can hardly put it down, it is so good. I found it in our library.

I had to explain that cartoon I sent you to Ruth.  She finally got it!

I cleaned my oven yesterday.  It will take me a week to recuperate!  I tire very quickly.  I used another Oven Off spray that works great.  Spray it on and in just 2 hours wipe it off.  It is in a blue can.  I sat on a very low stool & then had a hard time getting back up. 

I finally got my summer tops out and now I must press them all!  

We had 96F temperatures for the last 3 days.  Now it is down to the low 70s and feels great!

Ruth is going to Oklahoma the end of July.  Ray sent her a ticket.

I watched "The Firm" the other night.  I have read all of his books except "The Pelican Brief" and I bought that for 25 cents at the library book sale.  I like his first one the best "A Time to Kill".  

Well hon, I better get this down to  the mailbox, so write when you can & take care.  Love to Jack!

Love always, 

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked May 15, 1997

 

She wrote: 

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the nice letter.  

Your Mom mentioned they were going to your house but didn't mention they were painting the porch.  I'm sure they were doing a good job.

I have been buying strawberries at the Giant.  California berries and they really don't have a lot of flavor.  The local ones aren't in yet.  We've had too much cold weather lately.  I wish the wind would stop blowing.  It almost picks you up.

I am getting up around the top of the tea kettle on your cross-stitch.  I started in the middle and am working my way up.  It looks like a painting.

I'm sure your Mom will like the birdbath.  She likes watching the birds at the feeder.

Blackberries are so good.  You should pick some.

I enjoyed our dinner at the "Olive Garden".  Jana treated!  There were six of us.  Getting into their van is a chore for me.  Donna always gets behind and sort of pushes me in.

Ruth will be leaving June 2nd (I think).  She will be gone for 2 weeks.

I saw "First Wives' Club" on Tuesday night.  It was good.  They showed it in the "parlor".  That's what I call our community room.

I'm looking forward to our meal on Tuesday.  I love macaroni & cheese!

Well hon, not much news here so write when you have time & take care.  Give my love to Jack.

Love always

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked April 2, 1992

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Received your pretty card and am always glad to hear from you.  

Mr. Wallace is about the same.  He had a stroke some years ago and he just hobbles along when he walks but now he can't get out of the chair and Mrs. Wallace can't handle him if he comes home.  I imagine she is about 85 or 86 years old.  I don't know what the solution will be.

Harold had sonograms made last week of his internal organs.  He is in bad shape.  He went back Tuesday and the doctors told him if he can't get rid of the backup of water in his body he will have to go to the hospital.  The doctor wants to put him on dialysis but Harold says no.  He goes back to Dr. Shore next week.  Ruth just called and said he was up all night.  She was going to go card shopping with me this morning but he is in a bad way.  She told me last night that she gets up in the night & checks to see if he is still breathing.

I go to Dr. Shore on May 8th.

I want you to ask your Mom to let you see that sampler.  It is beautiful.  

I took my car for inspection on Tuesday.

It is very cold and windy here.  

I am reading Danielle Steele's new book "No Greater Love".  It is very good.

Well hon, not much news here so let me hear from you when you can.  Take care!

Love always,

Grandma

Love to Jack!

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked April 1, 1988

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the nice letter.  

We went to Atlantic City yesterday &  the weather has been mild for a few days so Ruth and I only wore a jacket.  Well, I almost froze!  I was practically numb.  First we went to Caesar's and redeemed our $5 vouchers.  That was a start for gambling.  I looked like a country bumpkin because I could not believe the sights.  It was huge and all you had to do was turn around and you would be lost.  From there we walked down the boardwalk to Bally's.  You should see all the chandeliers in there.  They were about 10 feet in diameter and about 9 of them in the lobby.  Then we walked down to the Claridge & there we really had fun.  Ruth had brought along some nickles and all I had was quarters so she played the nickle slots and every few pulls on the handle she would get about 25 nickles.  We stood there about an hour & had more fun.  Didn't win anything because she kept putting them back in 5 at a time.

I played the quarters and the first 3 quarters I put in I got $20 back.  I won quite a few but you stand there and keep putting them in.  I lost about $6 but I had a good time.  We wanted to go over to the Sands, which is supposed to be really beautiful, but time wouldn't allow it because we had to eat.  We went to McDonald's.  There is an enclosed shopping center where the steel pier used to be & it is in there.  I had a filet of fish sandwich, a Caesar salad & coffee.  On the way out we got an ice cream cone.  On April 20th, they are running another trip & we pay $3 for the bus and we are given a $7.50 voucher.  Not bad.  We are going but boy, am I tired today!

Well hon, enough of this so let me hear from you & have a nice Easter.  Love to you & Jack.

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked February 10, 1993

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Such a pretty card.  Thanks for the nice letter.

I'm still eating Christmas cookies due to the fact I didn't give your Mom one container that had some good ones in it.

As far as I know the laser treatment went well.  He (Dr. Jones) said my glasses didn't need changing.

The May Fair (in May!) is around the lake, which is just down the street from us.  The Rose Garden is up the street farther.  Ott St divides them.

I went to Dr. Shore on Friday.  He says I seem to be fine.  He did a physical.  He wants to change some of my medicines.  Newer things are coming out that are just as good & not quite as expensive.  I hope so.  My medicine costs a fortune.

It is a gloomy day out today.  It hasn't snowed here except an inch or two all winter.

Today is Harold's birthday.  He is 74.  Ruth's cousin had them over for dinner last Sunday & she sent me a big piece of cake and a piece of pumpkin pie.

Well hon, I better close now.  Let me hear from you.  Take care & give my love to Jack.

Love always,

Grandma

Mom Letter ~~ Postmarked January 15, 1980

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

I'm sending you the deposit slip, record it and send it back.  I'm glad you called back last night.  I was very upset and so was Dad.  Our concern is only for you to do the right thing for yourself.  You are only 2 years from a degree.  To stop now would be a wasted 2 years of college, not to mention the private school education, which really is important even though it may not seem so at this time.  I'm sure you will do the right thing if you think it through and not get emotional.  Just remember we love you and only want what is best for you, also we are a bit more aware of the outside world than you are at this stage.  Well, Honey, do the best you can and feel free to talk to us about any fears or doubts you have.  We want to help you.

We went to look at new mattresses tonight.  We decided to go ahead and get a new one.  We really need it.

Well, write when you can & stay calm.  Love you!

Mama

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked January 25, 1993

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Received your welcome letter yesterday & was glad you liked your pictures & all.  I thought they were very pretty.  They didn't put the glass in them & when I got home, I looked at the worksheet & it called for glass so I called & she said to bring them right back & in a few minutes they had them fixed.  

We had a movie upstairs last night.  "Sister Act".  It was great!

I must have laser surgery done on my eye.  I go next Friday.  It is like a side effect of the operation.  It often happens.  I understand it is not painful.

I watched the doings on Wednesday.  It brought back a lot of memories.  Seeing places I had been & knew about.  

I went to the Giant the other day& on a $24 grocery bill, I saved $7.10 with coupons. They were all things I use & needed.

I am making another sack for Ruth's other great-granddaughter.  I just finished the other one last week.

Well hon, I must close as there really isn't much news here, so let me hear from you & take care.

Love always,

Grandma

P.S.  Love to Jack & glad he could wear the sweatshirt!  

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked January 26, 1996

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

My hands are cold.  I just got back from the Farmers' Market.  It is cold out there.  There are piles of snow up to 8 & 10 feet high all over.  It will be here in July!

I received the pictures and they are all good.  Your house looks like it is almost ready for occupants!  It is lovely!

I got some peppers to make some stuffed peppers.

I must go out to the lab for the echocardiogram at 2:15 PM.

I'm still working on the picture.  There are so many colors.

I read Barbara Taylor Bradford's "Love in Another Town" & "Dangerous to Know"".  They are both very good.  They are Jana's.  Now I am reading "Morning, Noon & Night" by Sidney Sheldon.  It is also very good.  It was in the library upstairs.

I go to Dr. Jones next week.  I am always glad to go to him because he always keeps close check on my eyes.

Do you have any idea when you will be able to move?  How did the weather affect your getting in & out of  your driveway?

My car doors were frozen Sunday from all that rain we had.  It was almost impossible to open the doors.  I was going from one side to the other, they just wouldn't open.  Finally one gave up & opened.

Well hon, not much news here so write when you can.  Love to you & Jack.

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked December 28, 1992

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks for the nice letter.  Glad you got your packages!

It is ice-coated here today.  Nothing is moving.  Even the stores have closed.  It is solid ice.

I'm glad you remember all the things we used to do!  Like baking cookies!

I hope the Mummer's Parade is on in your area.  The morning part is just clowns, etc.  The afternoon part is beautiful though.

I certainly hope you enjoyed your Christmas.  Wish I could have been there.  Glad I could have talked to you though.

Mrs. Wallace baked me a birthday cake.

I went to Donna's for the day.  They picked me up & brought me home.  They gave me a beautiful sweater, blouse & slacks.  The slacks are too small but I can exchange them.  Also a box from the cheese store with a little of everything in it.

Santa left a few things for you & Jack here.  I guess your Mom & Dad will  be here before too long.

Well hon, not much news here.  Take care and write soon.

Love always,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked December 20, 1993

 

She wrote:

Dear Shelby,

Thanks so much for the petit fours from you & Jack!  They look so good!

I want to make some shortbread cookies or sugar cookies so I can give some to Mrs. Wallace.  She doesn't eat any nuts & doesn't like chocolate.

I haven't heard anything about Xmas from Donna yet.   With Nicole sick, I guess she won't be doing too much.

Enjoy yourself at your Mom's.  Wish I were there.  We had some fun times!

Ruth wants to take me out to lunch for my birthday, but we decided to wait until after Xmas.

I know your Mom enjoys having you there at Xmas.

I am going to make that pork chop casserole for supper tonight.  Sounds good.

It is going to snow here at any minute.  It is ripe for it.

I had my hair cut last week.  It feels short & it really isn't though.  I had let it get a little long.

Well hon, let me  hear how your Christmas turns out.

Love always to you & Jack,

Grandma

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked November 28, 1988

 

She wrote: 

Thanks so much for the lovely card -- so thoughtful!

I hope you enjoyed your dinner at your mom's.  I went to Donna's & she gave me a big plate of goodies to bring home.  I had enough for 2 suppers!

Harold has to have another liver treatment soon.  

I have about 2 more items to get & I will be finished my shopping.  Now, to wrap it!

Didn't I get Jack some mixed nuts last year?  I can't remember!

Ruth's son from Tulsa was here for the week.  He looks good.  I've known Ray since he was in first grade.  How time flies!

It is raining & raw here. 

I have been knitting all afternoon.  I'm making a sweater for myself.  I made one and it was too big so I gave it to Ruth.  We will look like the Bobbsey Twins.

Did I tell you I plan on coming down on Wednesday the 21st?  The weatherman predicts snow at that time.  How does he know?  Anyway, let's hope not.

Any special kind of cookies do you prefer for Xmas?  I don't intend to make too many kinds.

Please excuse the terrible scribbling, but my hands get so stiff in the joints.  I guess I am getting arthritis in my hands.  I see some of the ladies here with their joints all swollen & twisted.  I hope I don't get like that.  No sign as yet.

Well hon, I am running out of news, so let me hear from you.  

Love always,

Grandma

Love to Jack.

Grandma Letter ~~ Postmarked November 18, 1995

 

She wrote:  

Dear Shelby,

Such pretty writing paper!  Glad to hear from you.

Our weekend was rough.  The wind was wicked.  This one is supposed to be the same.  We had snow & rain.  The Poconos got 18".

I just made some cranberry jello.  I love cranberries.  I got a half gallon of frozen vanilla yogurt with cranberries & raspberry swirl.  It was Kemp's.  Tell your Mom ~~ She asked me what kind it was and I couldn't remember at the time.

I am reading "The Capture" by Victoria Holt.

I loved the pictures of your house.  I couldn't believe how far along they have gotten in so short a time.  Your Mom says your Dad & Buddy are going there today about the wiring.

Your Mom says they want to come up before the holiday, so I better get some cookies started.  Last year she called & said they were coming up & I only had a few days to get any made.

Ruth & I went to Red Lobster for lunch on Thursday.  I would rather have gone to Country Buffet but she likes to be "waited on" so I don't push the issue.

The afghan is so pretty.  I blocked it & it sure is big!

Well hon, I better close now & get some dusting done.  Write when you can & have a nice holiday!  

Love always,

Grandma

Love to Jack.