Monthly Archives: December 2025

Letters to Diane – 31

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Hi Hon,

Here we are on the last day of 2025. It’s only 2030 and the fireworks are going off randomly all around us. It’s not really noisy yet, but it’s enough to make Max hide behind the couch and he refuses to go outside even when it’s relatively quiet. Poor little guy is so scared of the blasts. I think in just a little while I wrap things up and go to bed. Perhaps he’ll curl up with me.

Today I did very little. Jeff stopped by to say “Hi”. He stayed until he remember that he was supposed to pick up Jerrie half an hour ago. Jennie texted me and I’ve been tracking Lydia to make sure she got to North Carolina OK. She did and I’m sure she’s enjoying herself. No doubt she tired, but I bet she’s still having fun. This is quite an adventure for her.

I watched a couple of football games, but my heart just wasn’t in the mood to watch teams I don’t know. My favorite was this afternoon where Miami beat Ohio State. Miami is ranked #10 and Ohio State is ranked #2. know me., always pulling for the underdog. Oregon plays tomorrow against Texas A&M. That’s going to be a good game. Jennie is coming over to watch it with me so I’ll have someone in the chair next to me Like we normally do. Well, she’s coming over because she’s an Oregon fan, not to just fill up your chair. Perhaps Dan will come with her. Whatever the reason, it will be good to have them here. Maybe having company will motivate me to clean up the kitchen. Every time I go in there I shudder at how upset you might be because of my neglect. Now, that’s a better reason to motivate me, not just people coming over.

I’ll have to do laundry tomorrow. Might even take a shower just for the fun of it.

I searched my photos for one that shows me with a beard almost like I have, but none appealed so I just chose this one, because it’s you.

Now I’ll quit. I love you. Please tell Mom and Dad I said Hello.

Happy New Year!

G’night.

Letters to Diane – 30

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My Dear Diane.

Today was different for both Lydia and me. The big event for me was having lunch with the Winnebago Crew. We were supposed to meet at the Spaghetti Factory at Riverside in Portland, but Carolann was warned that it was a bad choice because it’s very close the ICE headquarters and officials said to keep clear because of demonstrations. If you’ve been watching the news, you probably know what’s going on with them more than we do.

So, Carolann took the reins and switched our reservation to the SF in Clackamas. It’s a 40 mile drive so we had to leave before 1100 to get there on time.

I got up about 0900 and took Max for his walk then I took a shower. I know, it isn’t Saturday, but I have to admit it was time. I actually took one last Saturday, my second one since you left. I tell everyone that. They don’t believe me. With Lydia living here they are all sure she would encourage me to take showers more often. Maybe I do.

While I was showering, Lydia packed a small bag for her trip to North Carolina with Jerad this evening. They are flying American and Lydia, trying to save a couple of bucks, got a flight that goes from PDX to Miami, then up to NC. Seems like the long way around. They will both not think that way, of course, because it’s an adventure. They will only be gone for a few days.

Surprisingly, Lydia and I got to the restaurant first. Everyone else was late. It was good to see all of them. Once we were seated, we swapped gifts, like normal. It was a one-way gift giving episode because I left all of our stuff in the car. I did that because I also had a big shoe bag of shoes for Sopia to check out. She’s the only one who can fit in them. Whatever she’s not going to keep she will donate them for us.

For lunch Lydia at green tortellini and I had some shrimp cooked in garlic and hidden in a plate full of fettuccini some white sauce. I was craving Carbonaro, but they didn’t have that. So, I took second choice. It was OK, but Carbonaro would have been way better. I ate it anyway. Everyone else was done before me, but that’s OK. I didn’t realize it, but Lydia thought we were racing so she cobbled hers up very quickly.

The drive home was very peaceful, and Lydia actually took a nap. Thankfully, I was driving, so it was OK. Once home all that we needed was for Jerad to appear so Michelle E. could drive them to the airport. Of course that wouldn’t happen until Michelle arrived to pick them up. She got here at 1800, the chosen time.

Since I didn’t have anything to do with packing, I watched TV and fell asleep. I knew I was drifting in and out but thought I had a handle on myself. Somehow, however, Jerad managed to get here, walk through the living room, I’m told, and I didn’t even blink. So much for my excellent awareness, right?

I took Max for his evening walk when we got home from lunch so it was a short one because Max was in a hurry to get back so he could visit with Lydia and Jerad. He gets so excited when someone other than me shows up. So, instead of a walk, I let him chose the evening movie. You and I watched “The Family Plan II” and really like it but Max found the first one for us. I’m not sure how he does it because he needs to have the remote on the floor and it looks like he’s jumping up and down on it to change screens and such. But it works for him. Apparently he practices when we leave him alone during the day. The #1 Family Plan was very good, too. If you get an opportunity to see it, we recommend it highly.

Now it’s2320 and time for bed. Max is already in his favorite position, so I better join him.

X’s and O’s to you in bunches. ILYA

Jerrie

Letters to Diane – 29

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Dear Diane,

We made it through the 29th without any major issues. Actually, ewe made it without minor issues, too. It’s been a good day.

I just returned from walking Max for the 2nd time today. He’s really such a good little critter and I thank God every day for leading you to him. He’s a blessing, as are you.

Today I’m going to share something Lydia wrote that I really like. It’s mainly about you so it’s relevant, and she said it would be OK to share. This is about her experience at Diane’s memorial service on November 8th.

I quote Lydia

I didn’t think it would hit the way it did. Out of nowhere. Unexpectedly. On some level I should’ve known, it was  my first Christmas without her. But all day we went to church and sang and ate, spent time together laughing and opening gifts. But… But then it was 9:15 and I was sitting in an ugly yellow pew. An ugly yellow pew that wasn’t ugly at all because it was hers.

It was 9:15, in an ugly yellow pew and we were singing some Christmas hymn that was much too high, and then I was crying. He held me. I looked away from the screen with the words and my eye snagged on the candles. All the sudden I was 7 and she was showing my how t hold the wick, when to walk, how fast to walk, where to stop and bow before stepping up in front of His portrait and lighting the candles. Slowly, from left to right.

Then I was 10, it was unreasonably hot outside, but not here, not standing with her amongst the pews strewn with rows of handmade quilts. She remembered to show up early and turn on the AC. I only wanted the soup downstairs, but she made me stop and look at the quilts first.

Then I was 12, my brothers and I trying to shrink while pastor stood with his guitar calling the children forward. We thought we were too old to be considered children. She nudged us out of our seats, told us to snag a candy cane for her.

Then I was 13, standing over the heater again waiting for everyone to show up for choir practice.

16 sitting in the basement eating little sandwiches off of pretty floral trays with her and her friends.

18 and singing, 19 sneaking spiked spiced cider, 22 and chasing the boys through the basement as they giggled and she rolled her eyes, 24 and singing Hosiana next to her. The last time we sang it together.

26. 26 and sitting in the front pew. That ugly yellow pew. In a black dress. Family next to and behind me. Tears streaming, pastor speaking, her picture staring back at me. Pretty yellow flowers next to the candles, as I let her go. Or so I thought.

Because then I was 26. Sitting in an ugly yellow pew on Christmas Eve again, staring at the candles, listening to the hymns with tears streaming as my first Christmas without her passed. The organ was playing and people were singing, but all I could hear was her laugh, her scolding us for running, or standing over the heater while my dress puffed up. All I could see was her smile, her eyes rolling, her face.

Mom sang with the crowd, he held my hand, and I cried.

End Quote

I found this to be quite profound and a tribute to you and a little about how much she loves you. An addendum to her narrative is about the “he” she refers to. I asked and she said it was Jared, her boyfriend. He’s a stellar guy and will one day be a valuable member of the family. Heck, he’s already a family member. I glad you got to meet him before you left us.

Now I must bid you good night. I love you and I miss you.

Jerrie

PS — Here’s another favorite photo of you.

Letters to Diane – 28

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Hi there. After I started these letters, it dawned on me that they should be numbered to reflect the date, but that never seemed to happen, until today. Yup, today is December 28. I’m glad it finally came together but it won’t last. After we leave December, they’ll get all out of sequence again. So, there are those people, including myself, who wonder what’s the big deal about the numbers. It’s not really a big deal, as I’m sure you are aware. It’s just one of those little things that gnaw on me after the fact.

Now I must move on.

Carolyn called last night to let us know she had returned from Arizona, and her TV doesn’t work. Well, it works for sound, but there’s no picture. We’re meeting this morning to see what I can do about it. Worse case, she gets a new TV. It’s a small one so it won’t be very spendy. I’ll let you know how it goes.

This morning the temperature was just above 30 degrees. Simply looking at the thermometer made my feet cold. I’m really thankful that you had the wisdom to add an Elmer Fudd hat to my collection. It’s really stunning, don’t you think?

Makes me want to go out and get a flintlock rifle, or something.

That’s not true, of course.

I went to Carolyn’s at 1000 to check measurements for a new TV and to see if there was any hope of making the old TV work. She said they’ve had the old TV for 15 years or so which means they got their money out of it. It was well used.

The first place we went was Walmart and quickly found a 32″ TV for $98 that we thought would be a good replacement. Took it home, unpacked it and set it in the opening of the TV cabinet and it looked really small. I tried to raise it to a level she deemed acceptable but it just didn’t work. I would have used pieces of 2×4’s but she vetoes that. There will be no 2×4’s under her TV. So, I took some new measurements and determined that we might be able to cram a 40″ TV into the existing spot.

Went back to Walmart and got a 40″ Visio, went back to the house, removed the first new TV, and installed the second new TV. It fit perfectly. Carolyn was actually excited, as was I.

We packed up the first new TV and plan to return it tomorrow. Then we went to work training her about how she can get to her programs just like she did on the old setup.

Before we started, I warned her that it’s not going to be an exact replacement because after connecting it there will be differences. The first challenge was connecting the TV to the internet. It’s an automated setup, mostly, but we got the password wrong. Once that was fixed I went through the process of connecting her Dish receiver. It all worked together just fine. Here’s how it works …

  • Use the new TV remote to turn the TV on (top right button).
  • Use the new TV remote to select the TV input (top left button).
    • Select the HDMI-1 choice for the dish.
    • Set the TV remote down.
  • Use the Dish remote to select the channel you wish to watch.
    • If the TV screen displays a pop-up window telling you to press the SAT buttons on the remote it means the SAT button on the left side of the remote.
      • That means the left side literally. Not the left side of the surface that has all the other buttons, but the left side when you rotate the remote CCW 90 degrees then tip it so you can see the left side.
        • CCW means counterclockwise.
    • Once the SAT button is successfully pushed you can ignore all the other buttons on the left side.
    • Rotate the remote 90 degrees CW and push any other button that looks familiar.
      • Watch whatever comes up on the TV and be happy it works.
        • If you know the channel you want, press that number key and press enter.
  • When you’re done watching TV turn the TV off using either of the remotes.
  • The next time you want to watch TV, start this process over.

It’s a process that must be practiced many times to get it right. One day I may figure out how to make the Dish remote work for the TV, or the TV remote work for the Dish but that just couldn’t happen today. I plan to do some research about that. Tomorrow.

Now I must quit and take Max for a walk. It’s dark already and I need to be at the Walters’ house for supper. I ate lunch there today, too. It’s getting to be a thing, I think.

I’m sorry I didn’t have any interesting topics to share. I’ll work harder at this tomorrow.

All my Love,

Jerrie

Letters to Diane – 27

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Good Morning. I slept in today, same as yesterday but it’s only 1135, so it really is morning. Yesterday was Christmas Day and I didn’t do anything news worthy other than wake up and get up. Max doesn’t seem to care how late I get up. He knows he’ll get a walk eventually so he calmly waits for me to get moving.

Sometimes he’ll plant himself in front of my chair and look me in the eye with a sad look. If I don’t acknowledge him, he will whimper very quietly. I used to offer him permission to jump in my lap, but most times he’s trying to let me know he needs to go outside. It rook him a while to get me trained to I understood what he wanted. Just when I think I’ve figured it out, he changes the rules so confuse me. I’m sure I see him smiling when I get it wrong. He’s just messing with me, like a game. That’s OK. He’s still the best little dog in the world.

I did very little yesterday, Christmas Day, but that’s alright. I do not feel neglected at all. Jeff and the girls came by in the afternoon for a visit and I watched a couple of movies. Max got a couple of walks and we got to bed at a reasonable hour.

I stopped to look at my photos for something relevant and found this one. It’s being added to the “my favorite pictures of Diane”.

I didn’t check to see when I took this but it doesn’t matter. It’s you and You’re smiling. That’s relevant.

Love you.

Letters to Diane – 26

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Hi Hon,

It’s Christmas Eve, but it just doesn’t have the zing it used to have. Today is more like, well, Wednesday for me. Might be because today is Wednesday. I guess the Holiday Spirit just hasn’t touched me yet. I have a feeling this feeling will take a long time to go back to some semblance of normal. No, it will never be normal. New Normal, but never just normal. Without you nothing is normal.

Tonight, Max and I will be alone because Lydia is staying with her family with all the brothers, like she does every year. I think that’s just great and I know she’ll have fun and be safe. Max and I will be just fine.

I went to the Walters home at 1630 for spaghetti supper. We visited until it was time for the 1800 service at Grace Baptist Church. Lydia and Jeran participated in the service, so it was a family affair. Everyone was there, including Jerad. After the service we all returned to the Walters home to watch the children open some of their presents before going to the 2100 service at Bethany.

Jennifer broke all the rules because she bought me three presents and she wasn’t supposed to buy anything. We drew names. She gave me a huge mahjong set that weighs about 50 lbs. That thing is heavy. So now I have to learn how to play the game properly instead of like I do on the computer. I’m pretty sure the rules are different. Jennie wants to play to so we’ll learn together. That will be fun. It’s probably a game you would like.

The services at Grace and Bethany were both good and well attended. The Littles got up and danced like crazy with the hymns and had a good time. At Bethany I was happy to see a lot of people we’ve missed over the years, especially Brooke and Heather, Al and Vonna’s daughters. They hadn’t heard the news that you are palling around with Al up there somewhere, so we had a nice visit after service. We were the last ones to leave. Jennie mentioned on the way out that we would have been the last ones out if you had been with us because you would have made sure the doors were locked, the lights were off, and the furnace was turned down. We were always the last ones out, weren’t we? It was fitting and we didn’t mind.

I got home a little after 2200 and Max met me at the front door as I struggled to get in the house with that really heavy mahjong set. He usually makes me look for him when he’s been alone for a while. He made it clear that I needed to take him out and I was ready for him. I got his harness, but he met me at the patio door with the primer treat, I gave him before leaving, hanging from his mouth. This was a message that he didn’t really want a walk. He just wanted to go outside to pee and bury his treat. I’m not really sure what burying those treats are all about.

I took the treat from him, and we went out back off leash and he was fine. I apparently read his mind because he peed and went right back to the door. When we got inside, I gave him the treat and he promptly ate it. Now all he has to do is eat the bowl full of turkey he got for dinner.

Right now, it’s 2330 and I’m tired. Time for bed. No need to get up early for us except Jeff visited while I was out and left gifts for me and Lydia. I think I’ll make him a batch of fudge tomorrow just for fun.

I’m going to stop now and go to bed.

I still love you, just like I always will.

G’nite.

Letters to Diane – 25

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Hi!

Even though you aren’t actively responding to all these letters, I trust that you are enjoying all this family news. Responding isn’t a requirement to keep me going, I’ll do that anyway, so you have permission to just read. One of these days you may find a way to touch me again.

Today I woke up early (0720) and heard Lydia sneak out the front door on a mission. She didn’t get home from her folks’ house until almost midnight. She had a good time playing games with her brothers and visiting with Mom and Dad. Because of that late arrival, I was surprised that she was out of the house so early. I knew it wasn’t for work because she took the whole week off. With a bit of sleuthing, I figured out that she was going to the car dealer that sold her the car because the display quit on her. They ordered a new one for her.

So far today, all I’ve done is take Max for his morning walk. I might take him grocery shopping if he wants to go. Usually that’s a no-brainer because shopping involves riding in the car. I prefer to go alone because he likes going up and down every aisle. As you know, I don’t. I’m getting better at it, though. Usually, when I forget the shopping list, I’ll eyeball everything to see if anything registers and wind up getting lots of stuff we don’t need. You know how that goes, right?

So, with that thought in mind, I’ll pause this and head to town. I think I’ll go alone tis this time.

Love you.

I’m back. I took two bags to Safeway, got what I needed, and a few extra things that looked like fun. I got another whole chicken I’ll cook with noodles, two boneless breasts, and a couple of thick pork chops. All the other stuff was on the list. I honestly think I could remember everything I got but that would just be showing off.

After putting everything away, I made a big salad with drenched it with my newly acquired bottle of French dressing. It was exceptionally good. Lydia told me she was going to Panera Bread for a sandwich and soup, then she visited her eyelash lady and did her nails. That was Lydia did her friend’s nails. I think it’s part of a barter system Lydia has to help with her eye lashes. I think that’s great.

Then she worked her way back home and must tell you that I did just fine. I took Max for two walks and didn’t wobble even a little bit. I was very proud of myself and I suspect you are, too.

Later in the afternoon Jeff came by and borrowed the truck to retrieve 4 railroad ties to replace those holding in the soil next to the roses and carport. The current ones are falling all to pieces, so the new ones are welcome. Now all we need is a work crew to get them in place. I think we already have that in Jeff because he got them in the truck and out of the truck which is remarkable. Those things are enormous. You should take a peek at them.

Now it’s late (2150) and time for bed. Max has hinted that to me a couple of times by whimpering to go outside like we always do. He’s really good off leash out back in the dark.

I visit with you some more tomorrow. Perhaps I’ll be allowed to dream of you tonight. I love you. Now I’ll leave you with a Fossil, Oregon sunset.

Letters to Diane – 24

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Good Evening, Sweetheart,

It’s 2200, an hour past my bedtime. That’s not entirely true because I don’t really have a bedtime. I’m sure Lydia would agree. She and Sanchez spent most of the evening dying a dress black for Lydia to wear for her part in a Christmas Eve service at their church. I’ve been told that both she and Jeran have speaking parts so I may have to go to them as well as Bethany’s 2100 service. The Walters family plans to attend Bethany’s, too so it’s going to be a busy day for everyone.

Today there were 30 people in church at Bethany and we had over two full settings for communion. That hasn’t happened in a long time. It was truly good to see all those folks.

After that I came home to rest and walk Max. I took him down to the river because he really likes it down there. Sadly, I forgot to bring his leash, so we had to go back home. He’s almost to the point where he will stay with me off leash, but that’s just in the back yard. He’s really good with me, there. I don’t quite trust him to be that good in a busy environment. I wound up taking him around our block because the 3rd Sunday Lunch scheduled for 1500.

I made fudge for my contribution for lunch. That was Jennie’s suggestion. I probably mentioned that yesterday. It’s really good. Jennie was happy.

Lunch was excellent. Jen made pulled pork and sourdough bread. It was pretty awesome, and I ate more than my share. After everyone was done eating we had our gift exchange. It was loud and a lot of fun as Siah got everyone’s attention so he could pass out the gifts. As you know, we drew names. I got Herther and Jennie got me.

After all the gifts were in place the wrapping started, one at a time beginning with the youngest. So, Siah started the festivities. He did a great job.

I got Heather a very busy puzzle to hopefully challenge her prowess at the puzzle table. I also got her two candles – one smelled like dinner rolls and the other was something with chocolate. As it turned out, Baylee’s name didn’t get drawn because it would have been Tiana to do it and she wasn’t there. So, the candles went to Baylee. She was very happy about that. Jennie got me a mini art supply set which means I’ll have to get busy painting. Jeff got one, too. Her thought was that since I’ve had painting dates with her on a number of evenings, I could have some daytime art dates with Jeff when time permits. I think that’s a stellar idea. Now we just have to make it happen.

People trickled out of the Walters’ home until all that was left was me and Lydia. She brought Sanchez along for the aforementioned dying project they did. Huh. How about that. I didn’t think “aforementioned” was a real word, but the spell checker seems to like it.

Now it’s late and time to dream of you. I’m disappointed that you don’t show up there more often. I really miss you. The bracelet you got for me helps a lot. Thanks again for that.

Good night.

ILY

Just me …

Letters to Diane – 23

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Happy Birthday, My Love.

Jeff was over earlier this morning and we sang Happy Birthday for you. Then we both grabbed each other and cried for a while. I don’t know about Jeff, but for me, I’m still living in a fantasy zone where I’m sure you are just around the corner from me and in one of these moments I’m going to run right into you. I miss you so much that I have a hard time coping once in a while. I know this probably upsets you a little but I can’t help it.

Yesterday, Friday, was lost to me. I remember a moment where Jennie took me shopping for some stuff and Jeff borrowed the truck to transport a fridge for Gilligan. Or, maybe, the fridge was today.

The Oregon game was on today and you had it set to record. Thank you for that. Jennie brought the Littles over to watch the game and to add a few ornaments to the tree. She stayed until half-time when the kids started getting restless then carted them home. So, Max and I finished the game on our own. It was a good game. Oregon beat JMU 51-34. It could have been a lot worse for JMU but Oregon dropped their guard a little the second half and JMU took advantage.

Apparently, the wind blew a bit last night because there were lots of tree pieces all over the yard. Jeff raked them all up and took them up the hill to burn. Maybe that was yesterday. Hmmm. I’m thinking I need to write something every day but sometimes it’s just hard to get motivated to do anything. Walking Max is still a priority so he’s not missing his walks.

It’s almost 2130 now so I’m going to wrap this up. Tomorrow afternoon is the monthly family gathering at Jen and Dan’s. I made two batches of fudge for the masses. I ate a piece during the Oregon game and it’s really good.

You can stop by any time you want. I’m here most days and I’d love to see you. My beard is getting longer every day that you are away. I’ve made a vow that I won’t shave it off until you look me in the eye and tell me how ratty I look. So, you should keep that in mind.

Now, I’m going to bed.

ILY, Always

Letters to Diane – 22

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Good afternoon, My Love.

It’s Thursday. I missed coffee with the guys this morning and it wasn’t an accident. I chose to take Max around the block before submitting myself to a physical effort involving loading up our trailer for a trip to Everette, Washington next Saturday. Chuck is the driver. He said he’d be leaving around 0400 so he could miss most of the traffic in Seattle. Makes sense to me.

When I got there at 1030, work was in progress by Larry, Lonnie, Chuck, and Kathry. Chris showed up with me. He’s a Scappoose policeman and I can only presume he’s the Chief because that’s what Larry and Lonnie called him. Nice guy. A short while later, Sheriff Pixely showed up. It was a quite a crew we had.

The trailer we loaded was about 20′ long and was hooked to Chuck’s pickup, ready for the trip north. It took us about an hour to load it which was pretty good. I don’t have any numbers about what we loaded, but Kathryn does. I’m not sure how the process works other than someone calls Kathryn and she rounds people up. You probably know more about it than I do.

It was a good way to finish the morning.

Then I went home and visited with Max for a while. I suspect he would like another walk so I’ll have to consider that. But first I must do some errands. Max can go so he will be happy. CRPUD is first to get our new water heater on the record so they can give us the rebate we earned. Then I might stop by Dairy Delish for a chocolate malt that Max has been whining about for a while.

Just kidding. Dogs aren’t allowed to eat chocolate. So, maybe I’ll get him a vanilla malt, instead.

I took a pickup load of Jennie’s clothes and donated them to the Iron Tribe Network facility located at the end of Shore Drive. The location name is deceptive because there’s no way to get to it from Shore Drive. That’s where the clothes you no long need went. They were very grateful. Jennie sent a couple bags of kids’ shoes.

I’ll leave this one here. I apparently lost my mind for a couple of days.

Love you