My grandmother died in 2005. She did not own a computer. I think she could have mastered some computer skills, but she had plenty of interests and activities and friends to keep her engaged in the world. She wrote things down, not fictional stories but events of her life, both past and present. After she died, I was given the honor of keeping some of her writings. I thought starting a blog with them might be fun. I hope readers will find it enjoyable. Thanks for stopping by.
Showing posts with label cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cards. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Baking peppernuts
Mon., December 16, 2002 - Went to Christmas party in the lobby. Nancy, Mary, Mitch & Anna came in evening & baked the peppernuts.
Tue., December 17, 2002 - Pacemaker checked at noon. Dolores took me for my hairdo & Mary brought me home. The Home Nurse came about 3:00. In the evening Wayne, Ethel, Grace, Bob B., Helen Donaldson & I went to The Legacy to play cards with Alice Weaver who had lived here until this summer.
Wed., December 18, 2002 - Called Myrtle this morning. I thought this was Thursday. Went to Book Club in evening.
Still have very fond memories of both making and eating peppernuts. Always torn between letting them sit in my mouth and get soft, and enjoying the nice crunch.
I've been watching baking competition shows lately. Maybe I'll try a gingerbread house next Christmas. Or maybe not. Will try some less involved recipes from the shows, though, for sure.
Here's a recent photo of Willa doing her best Anna impression.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Gearing up for Christmas
Sat., December 7, 2002 - Finished addressing most of my Christmas cards. Talked to Greta in p.m. Mary brought meat of 2 wild ducks & 1 wild goose. Friends of hers hunt but don't care for the meat. They skin the birds & then cut off the meat. I soaked the meat in cold water.
Sun., December 8, 2002 - Nancy came at noon & brought KFC - I had potatoes & fried apples ready. I showered & she did some cleaning. Mitch & Anna here while Mary went to a meeting at Zoya's. We played UNO.
Mon., December 9, 2002 - Mailed 11 Xmas cards. Played cards tonight. Dolores came (I baked 4 loaves of pumpkin bread) here afterward & we played Rummikub.
Now I do remember getting the duck and goose meat from my former co-worker. I do not recall specifically giving it to Grandma, but I obviously did. Half of a memory is better than none at all, right?
For no reason whatsoever, here's a recipe. :-)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Short and sweet
Sun., December 1, 2002 - Nancy came & vacuumed & other tasks. I took a shower. Did laundry.
Mon., December 2, 2002 - New chair was delivered in p.m. Played cards tonight. Jim Eaton called to remind me of playing.
Tues., December 3, 2002 - Grace Ryon took me to hair dresser & came after me. Went down to Delores' & played Rummikub.
I got nuthin'. Here's a photo of Barney, obviously not feeling guilty about nearly wrecking the hay feeder.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Getting back to normal
Mon., November 25, 2002 - Home nurse came today. A meeting of the membership this evening. Pumpkin pie was served.
Tues., November 26, 2002 - Snowed most of morning. I had to cancel my hair appointment. Played cards (Seven Up) in evening.
Wed., November 27, 2002 - Lora came & took me to 2 Dr. appointments. In the morning to the heart specialist & in p.m. to Dr. Semin.
Mmmm, pumpkin pie.
I quickly researched pumpkin and unfortunately, did not find anything particularly interesting or surprising. Wikipedia did tell me this, which I found somewhat worth the mention:
"As one of the most popular crops in the United States, in 2017 over 680,000,000 kilograms (1.5 billion pounds) of pumpkins were produced. The top pumpkin-producing states include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 95% of the U.S. crop intended for processing is grown in Illinois. Nestlé, operating under the brand name Libby's, produces 85% of the processed pumpkin in the United States, at their plant in Morton, Illinois. In the fall of 2009, rain in Illinois devastated the Nestlé crop, which combined with a relatively weak 2008 crop depleting that year's reserves resulted in a shortage affecting the entire country during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Another shortage, somewhat less severe, affected the 2015 crop. The pumpkin crop grown in the western United States, which constitutes approximately 3-4% of the national crop, is primarily for the organic market."
And that's all there is to that. From me, anyway.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Not feeling well
Sat., November 9, 2002 - Talked to Greta.
Sun., November 10, 2002 - Nancy here for usual Sunday activities.
Mon., November 11, 2002 - Cards in evening.
Tues., November 12, 2002 -
I've read ahead a little bit, but even without doing so I may have suspected that Grandma wasn't feeling well during this stretch. Short entries and even one day with nothing, which was unusual for her. Stay tuned.
For no particular reason, here's a photo of my baby guineas shortly after I first bought them. They are much bigger now but not yet ready to go out into the big wide world to eat bugs. They need to stay in the coop a bit longer before they get to do that.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Boo Notre Dame
Sat., November 2, 2002 - Talked to Greta in afternoon. Nancy called after the football game. Was disappointed that Nebraska lost but elated that Notre Dame was defeated by an un-ranked team from the East.
Sun., November 3, 2002 - Nancy came about 10:30. We went to the Village Inn for brunch. Then grocery shopping & then to my apartment. Nancy washed my sweater & double knit dresses. I showered & we played a few games of Rummikub. A most enjoyable day.
Mon., November 4, 2002 - I played cards in evening -- won 1 game. Dolores treated with cake & coffee. She said the cake was for Wayne's birthday which was Sat. but it was also for her birthday which is tomorrow.
I have no logical reason for it, but I like it when Notre Dame loses also.
I did a double-take when I read Grandma talking about Wayne. Obviously, it wasn't Nancy's Wayne but still . . .
For no particular reason, here's a photo of a tree I planted several years ago. It was a fuzzy stick about my height at that time.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
A quick trip north
Thurs., October 24, 2002 - Myrtle called. Tom came a little later than usual. He traded off his truck for a car. The truck had poor mileage. He will go to Winside Saturday for a load of wood for Nancy. I'm going along & be at Greta's. I called Greta tonight to warn her.
Fri., October 25, 2002 - Nancy came right after work for me. We met Don & Linda Retzlaf at Nancy's place and then went to Staufer's Restaurant for supper. We had a real nice visit & a good supper.
Sat., October 26, 2002 - Tom came a little after 8:00. We had dinner with Greta & Lester. I showed Greta a new Solitaire game. Started back to Lincoln after 2:00. Tom & Nancy unloaded the wood. Nancy brought me home so Tom could take the pickup truck to the dealer & get his new car.
I don't believe I have much to say about these entries, really. Sure do miss going up to Winside for this or that, though.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
One year in
Mon., October 21, 2002 - Played cards in evening. I won 1 game but Ethel won 4. Afterwards I went to Dolores' & we played Rummikub.
Tues, October 22, 2002 - Year ago I started living here. Delores took me to have my hair washed, etc. I went to her place in evening & we played Rummikub. Rained in the evening.
Wed., October 23, 2002 - Snowing today. The snow looks so pretty on the yellow trees -- have a much prettier sight from the 7th floor. Had a fake fire alarm in the morning -- something went haywire in the boiler room. Attended Book Club in evening.
I still remember the day Grandma moved in. Well, the day she first saw her unit anyway. It was late and I was doing last-minute painting (thanks Dale for helping, too). It was quiet so I heard the elevator "ding" even at Grandma's end of the hall. I got off the ladder and peeked out the door to see Grandma with Maude (her walker) coming hell bent for election from the elevator to the door. She (Grandma) was very much in a hurry to see her new place. Obviously she didn't spend the night there since a ladder was the only stick of furniture around, but she got to lay eyes on her new home anyway. And she was very pleased.
The quality isn't overly good, but here's a photo during Grandma's early years in Lincoln. The kids and I had her and Nancy over for a meal. I don't remember the main dish, but do recall the major goof-ups in getting the dessert made. Here they are enjoying(?) it anyway.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Sandwiches
Tues., October 15, 2002 - This was my dad's birthday. Had my hair washed, etc. Nancy came after work & took me to "Jim's", a place that specializes in home health. New "skis" were put on my walker -- take the place of the tennis balls (Called Greta to report on dental deal). We then went to Staufers' Restaurant & had chicken fried steak, etc. Was really good.
Wed., October 16, 2002 - Went to Book Club in evening.
Thurs., October 17, 2002 - Called Myrtle this morning. Also called Marjorie C. Tom came in evening & brought some special sandwiches. The usual routine of laundry, shower & Rummikub.
Speaking of special sandwiches . . . Mitch, Mom and I hosted 15 of our family members (plus Tanner and Willa) for a meal Sunday at Mom's of traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches. Well, we researched and were as traditional as we could manage. We were a bit nervous as to whether everyone would like the nutty, malty Danish bread but very little of anything went in the trash at the end of the meal.
Afterwards, some of us played Squeak -- something we had not done after a family meal in a very long time. Needless to say, it was great fun. So glad everyone could come and that they enjoyed our efforts. We should probably do it again sometime, I think.
Friday, May 24, 2019
Rummikub extravaganza
Sat., October 12, 2002 - Dolores brought bananas and milk. They were on sale at Hy-Vee & I paid her for them. We haven't played Rummikub this week - she has had a very sore leg - almost sounds like the sciatica I used to have. Greta called in p.m.
Sun., October 13, 2002 - Nancy & I went to Mary's church -- All Saints Lutheran. We had dinner at KFC's. Went to Penney's & I bought a fall weight coat. Then to apartment -- took a nap -- then showered & then 2 games of Rummikub.
Mon., October 14, 2002 - Bill came at 11:00. We went to a restaurant & met Jenny & Patty. We had lunch & then Patty & Jenny went shopping & Bill took me to the dental school at the university. Impressions were taken for both upper & lower dentures. Bill & I played several games of Rummikub. In evening I played cards & won 3 games.
Grandma and Dolores might not have played Rummikub lately but it looks like Grandma got her fill over the next couple of days. And of course she paid for her bananas and milk. We wouldn't imagine it any other way, would we?
In honor of Dorothy Jo's birthday earlier this week, here's a photo of her place I've always liked. Simple, but as I recall she was showing the other ladies some of her flowers and I happened to catch this picture.
Monday, May 13, 2019
Been busy in 2019
Mon., September 30, 2002 - Played cards in evening. I won the $20 football pool for Saturday's game. Bob B. served cake & coffee.
Tues., October 1, 2002 - Nancy took me to the doctor. I have 2 more kinds of pills -- one for my sore foot & one for my heart. Dolores called in middle of afternoon. Invited me to supper. I went down at 5:30 -- she had roast beef, gravy, potatoes, carrots, cottage cheese & sliced tomatoes. Everything tasted so good. We played several games of Rummikub.
Wed., October 2, 2002 - Dolores took me to the beauty school. When I called for the HandyVan for Wed. they were booked up. Mary took me home. Went to Book Club in evening.
Grandma had some things going on in 2002, but it's been rather busy here in 2019, also. Mom, Nancy, Anna and I were down to Arizona to surprise Mitch for his graduation from Arizona State University last week. Anna flew and the rest of us drove, and Mitch was shocked to see each and every one of us. Speaking for the group, I think I can say we all had a marvelous time. Congratulations, Mitch!!
Monday, April 22, 2019
A little trip out of town
Fri., September 27, 2002 - Merilyn brought Raymond I. here at noon. We spent the afternoon playing Kings Wild. Tom came after work for Raymond.
Sat., September 28, 2002 - This morning Mary, Mitch, Anna, Per (Mar's friend from Denmark), Nancy & I drove out to the Danish Cemetery 7 miles north of Lincoln. A small but well kept cemetery -- was started in 1890. I didn't wander around much --- was cold, windy & sprinkled a little. Nancy & I had dinner (at noon) at Popeye's. She brought me to the apt. & then went home. I slept most of the afternoon.
Sun., September 29, 2002 - Nancy came in p.m. She fixed grilled cheese sandwiches. I showered & then Nancy went home.
I remember the trip to the Danish Cemetery. As I recall we really had no reason to go, other than we all had driven by it numerous times whenever we were on Hwy. 77 and were curious. And I can confirm that it was cloudy and drizzly.
A quick look online shows the cemetery has about 250 burials, the most recent in 2018. The earliest year of birth I found for someone buried there is 1829. And as one might guess, there are several people buried there that were born in Denmark.
Friday, April 19, 2019
A bit less hectic
Tues., September 24, 2002 - Played Seven-Up this evening, I won a game. Delores fed us pie and ice cream. She came here afterwards -- brought some tomatoes -- we played 2 games of Rummikub. I forgot to call the "van line" so at last minute Grace took me to the "beauty college" & Mary came after me.
Wed., September 25, 2002 - To Book Club in evening. Just Bob Johnson, Virginia, Carol Jean & I were there.
Thurs., September 26, 2002 - Myrtle called this morning. Tom & Raymond Iversen here this evening. Tom brought food from Applebee's -- really good. I showered & we played Rummikub. Since Nancy had attended to the laundry Sunday there wasn't enough for Tom to do.
For no real reason, here's a photo of Grandpa and Uncle Raymond. I love their bare feet and Uncle Raymond's curled toes -- must have been very good sweet corn.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
My memory . . . pfft
Mon., Sept. 9, 2002 - Talked to Annabelle. Marie isn't too good -- she's had two slight strokes. Played Seven-Up this evening.
Tues., Sept. 10, 2002 - Martha R. brought me the recipe for Brunch Casserole. Helen D. brought me some Sesame snacks. She got them at a special store & asked if I'd like some. I'll pay her next Monday. Had my hair-do as usual. In evening Dolores brought her son Mike & his wife here to see my apt. -- especially the plates.
Wed., Sept. 11, 2002 - Went to Book Club in evening. Dolores came afterwards & we played Rummikub.
I'm guessing Grandma is referring to her Danish plates. Darned if I can recall where they were in her place and how many she had on display.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
No way
Sat., August 31, 2002 - Greta called in a.m. Nancy came in a.m. She had been to the Farmers' Market -- brought me some potatoes, radishes and green onions. Lois Bowers here in p.m. She came for the State Fair. Marie Parker isn't too well. After supper I played Rummikub at Delores' apt.
Sun, Sept. 1, 2002 - Nancy came at noon -- she brought "corn chowder" for our dinner. Nancy washed sheets, a blanket and mattress pad for me -- also flipped the mattress. Helen Jones called in p.m. According to her Raymond I. still might come to visit.
Mon., Sept. 2, 2002 - Nancy came at noon so I could shower (forgot to do it yesterday). Played Seven-Up tonight. I treated with some Kit-Kat bars.
Nancy touched green onions long enough to buy them for Grandma? Don't believe it. Maybe she coerced the seller to pick out her purchase and bag it without Nancy having to make contact. That makes more sense to me.
My information shows Marie Parker died in October 2002.
And here from wikipedia, is more than you ever knew there was to know about Kit Kat bars:
"The origins of what is now known as the Kit Kat brand go back to 1911, when Rowntree's, a confectionery company based in York in the United Kingdom, trademarked the terms Kit Cat and Kit Kat. The original four-finger bar was developed after a worker at Rowntree's York Factory put a suggestion in a recommendation box for a snack that "a man could take to work in his pack". The bar launched on 29 August 1935, under the title of Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp (priced at 2d), and was sold in London and throughout southern England.
Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp was renamed Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp in 1937, the same year that Kit Kat began to incorporate "Break" into its recognisable advertising strategy. The colour scheme and first flavour variation to the brand came in 1942, owing to World War II, when food shortages prompted an alteration in the recipe. The flavour of Kit Kat was changed to dark chocolate; the packaging abandoned its Chocolate Crisp title, and was coloured blue. After the war the name became Kit Kat, with the original milk chocolate recipe and red packaging.
Following its success in the United Kingdom, in the 1940s Kit Kat was exported to Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1958, Donald Gilles, the executive at JWT Orland, created the iconic advertising line "Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat". The brand further expanded in the 1970s when Rowntree created a new distribution factory in Germany to meet European demand, and established agreements to distribute the brand in the US through the Hershey company, and in Japan through Fujiya.
In June 1988, Swiss company Nestlé acquired Kit Kat through the purchase of Rowntree's, giving Nestlé global control over the brand, except in the US, and production and distribution increased with new facilities in Japan and additional manufacturing operations set up in Malaysia, India and China.
The Hershey Company has a licence to produce Kit Kat bars in the United States which dates from 1970, when Hershey executed a licensing agreement with Rowntree which allowed Hershey to retain the Kit Kat licence so long as Hershey was not sold. Nestlé, which has a substantial presence in the US, had to honour the licensing agreement when it bought Rowntree in 1988. As Kit Kat is one of Hershey's top five brands in the US market, the Kit Kat licence was a key factor in Hershey's failed attempt to attract a serious buyer in 2002.
Variants in the traditional chocolate bar first appeared in 1996 when Kit Kat Orange, the first flavour variant, was introduced in the United Kingdom. Its success was followed by several varieties including mint and caramel, and in 1999 Kit Kat Chunky was launched and received favourably by international consumers. Variations on the traditional Kit Kat have continued to be developed since then. In 2000 Nestlé acquired Fujiya's share of the brand in Japan, and also expanded its marketplace in Japan, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela, in addition to markets in Eastern and Central Europe. Throughout the decade Kit Kat introduced dozens of flavours and line extensions within specific consumer markets. It celebrated its 75th anniversary on 10 October 2009.
The traditional bar has four fingers which each measure approximately 1 centimetre (0.4 in) by 9 centimetres (3.5 in). A two-finger bar was launched in the 1930s, and has remained the company's best-selling biscuit brand ever since. The 1999 Kit Kat Chunky (known as Big Kat and Kit Kat Extra Crispy in the US) has one large finger approximately 2.5 centimetres (1 in) wide. Kit Kat bars contain varying numbers of fingers depending on the market, ranging from the half-finger sized Kit Kat Petit in Japan, to the three-fingered variants in Arabia, and the twelve-finger family-size bars in Australia and France. Kit Kat bars are sold individually and in bags, boxes and multi-packs. In Ireland, France, the UK and America Nestlé also produces a Kit Kat ice cream, and in Australia and Malaysia, Kit Kat Drumsticks.
In 2010, a new £5 million manufacturing line was opened by NestlĂ© in York, to produce more than a billion Kit Kat bars each year."
Monday, January 28, 2019
Hair appointments
Mon., August 19, 2002 - School started today for Jayson. Played Seven-Up in evening. Delores came after card game and we played Rummikub.
Tues., August 20, 2002 - Used my special card today to take car or van to hair appointment. A mini-van came for me. My appointment is at 11:00 a.m. and I call Mary when I'm ready to go home. The ride costs only $2.00. This way Mary doesn't have to take time from her job.
Wed., August 21, 2002 - Skipped Book Club tonite -- didn't feel too spry.
Grandma did fret plenty with our previous arrangement where I took her to her appointment and then waited until she was done to take her home. Sometimes we had to wait longer than other times for her even to get to a chair and then with students learning and such, sometimes it was quite awhile before all was said and done. I didn't mind at all, but Grandma came up with this compromise so all I had to do was scamper off once she was done and then pick her up and take her home. Of course, we did lunch before I took off to work again. We always had a nice visit.
Here's a photo of Grandma having a particularly good hair day up in Winside and Nancy very seriously contemplating where to put the taters and gravy (guessing that's what's in that bowl).
Thursday, January 17, 2019
A bit quieter
Fri., August 16, 2002 - Mary, Mitch & Anna came this evening. We played Seven-Up, Rummikub & then visited.
Sat., August 17, 2002 - Nothing much, just puttered around. Greta called in a.m.
Sun., August 18, 2002 - Nancy came at noon and brought Boston Market chicken dinner for us. Then the usual shower, vacuuming & playing Rummikub.
I've not much to say about this, so I'll just share this graphic. I've tried to find the source and have been unsuccessful, but it is as cute as can be. At least in my humble opinion.
Monday, January 7, 2019
Back at it with my 1,000th post
Sat., August 10, 2002 - Nothing much today, just puttered around.
Sun., August 11, 2002 - Usual day -- Nancy came , did some work, ironed a mess of dresses. I showered and we played Rummikub. Of course, we ate dinner.
Mon., August 12, 2002 - Nancy took Kyleah & me to Kearney to see the Platte River Arch -- sort of a history of Nebraska. Very, very interesting & impressive. Went to card club in the evening.
Welcome (back) to 2002 and to my 1,000th post of this little blog. Crazy, I know.
I seem to remember some particular memory of Nancy's and/or Kyleah's regarding this particular trip. Maybe it was just that a point was made to do something with each great-grandkid by themselves rather than in a mob. Not sure.
I've been to the arch myself once. As Grandma said, it is very interesting. For some reason, one of the things I remember most is watching the cars pass by on the interstate underneath. Not exactly the point of the arch, so that's not so good on my part. I do vaguely remember other things we saw that day, though, too. Photo from journalstar.com
Thursday, December 13, 2018
More woodcutting and more cards
Fri., March 12, 1937 - Howard cutting wood all day. Elmer & Myrtle came about 10:30. Elmer went to town & Myrtle stayed here. Snowed off & on about all day. To lodge tonite.
Sat., March 13, 1937 - Cleaned the house this a.m. We went to town about 1:30. I got a new pair of everyday slippers. Went to Mrs. Wolff's with lodge work & then up home. We received a rose bedspread, a wedding present, from Trena & Mildred in the mail.
Sun., March 14, 1937 - Nobody here all day. Howard and I played Pinochle this afternoon and evening. We were over home a few minutes this p.m. Helen got a gift for me to give Gertie in Norfolk yesterday.
I am not sure who Mildred is, but Trena would be the wife of Andrew Andersen, first cousin to William Andersen. I really like the idea of getting a gift the March after a June wedding. Busy people put in extra time to make something for the new couple. Would loved to have seen the bedspread. (I just plucked a photo off the internet to add here; photo from Pinterest.com)
I don't know who Gertie is.
Sat., March 13, 1937 - Cleaned the house this a.m. We went to town about 1:30. I got a new pair of everyday slippers. Went to Mrs. Wolff's with lodge work & then up home. We received a rose bedspread, a wedding present, from Trena & Mildred in the mail.
Sun., March 14, 1937 - Nobody here all day. Howard and I played Pinochle this afternoon and evening. We were over home a few minutes this p.m. Helen got a gift for me to give Gertie in Norfolk yesterday.
I am not sure who Mildred is, but Trena would be the wife of Andrew Andersen, first cousin to William Andersen. I really like the idea of getting a gift the March after a June wedding. Busy people put in extra time to make something for the new couple. Would loved to have seen the bedspread. (I just plucked a photo off the internet to add here; photo from Pinterest.com)
I don't know who Gertie is.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Visiting and chopping wood
Tues., March 9, 1937 - I baked bread and cinnamon rolls. Howard was gone this afternoon cutting wood at Hendricksons. Howard wanted to go to Holtgrews but I didn't because I didn't have a clean dress.
Wed., March 10, 1937 - Howard gone all day cutting wood. We went to Holtgrews tonite -- they weren't home so we went to Carl Troutmans. Played Pinochle -- home about 12:00.
Thus., March 11, 1937 - Howard cutting wood again today. I ironed most of the day. Crocheted while the irons were heating. The gas iron wouldn't work.
I find it fascinating that in these days, people just up and went visiting in the hopes that whoever they planned to see was home. I guess it meant you always had to have your house ready for company and perhaps always had something on hand for a little treat or snack. And coffee, maybe?
I'm glad Grandpa got to cut lots of wood. I hoped he enjoyed doing it in 1937 as he did much later in life.
Labels:
cards,
chopping wood,
Grandpa
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