Letters to Diane – 18

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hi there.

Today is Tuesday and, yes, I’ve taken my pills. Well, actually I’ve only taken half of them. I’ll down the remainder later this afternoon. If I remember.

It’s raining cats and dogs here because an atmospheric river is passing over us. Has been for a couple of days. Here’s what it’s doing to the back yard.

Yup. It’s running pretty hard, making the trip to the Columbia River a quick one. I suspect getting to Astoria quickly is possible, too.

Max and I made our morning trip around the block a while ago. He kind of dictates our route by making it known to me which direction he wants to go. For instance, we’ll be walking down the sidewalk and he’ll see something on the other side of the street that insterests him. He stops, steps off the curb, and looks up at me with his little puppy-dog eyes waiting to see if I’m getting the message. While doing this, he does not pull on the leash, he just stands there waiting to see what I’m going to do.

Before committing to his wishes, we have a little discussion about why it’s necessary for us to make sure there no cars coming because I don’t want a flat dog. He seems to understand but I insist that he looks at me the entire time I’m explaining this to him.

Then we go. On the other side of the street is a large bush that he knows is a place where many dogs before him have left their messages. Sometimes it takes 10-15 minutes to decipher she was there before him. After leaving his response he turns with excitement and heads for the next bush. Turns out he knows all the dogs in the neighborhood so it takes a while to catch up on their activities.

Here’s something new:

The deer showed up and Jeff put them together. It had to be done outside because they are all coated with glitter. The little deer in front were put together in the house so there was litter everywhere. It’s been cleaned up, but it was a mess. Now all six of them live in the front yard. As soon as the photos show up in the ‘cloud’ I’ll show you. I suppose you could just fly by and look yourself, but I’ll send you photos anyway.

Hey! It showed up:

The annual Christmas parade has turned into quite an event last Saturday. This is the one where the group travel around the town accepting food gifts to help the food bank. The parade started on our street just this side of Meadow Park and eventually cruised by Daniel and Jennie’s home. I was invited to join them for the festivities on Matzen Street where many friends and family were gathered.

That’s Jennie holding Jasper back so he won’t get run over. Like all St. Helens’ parades, candy is thrown to the masses and the kids clean the street up. The only candy I got was a piece of bubble gum Lydia left on her chair. I chewed it gleefully.

I still haven’t solved the garage door opener problem. I finally gave up a couple days ago and just unplugged it. If it doesn’t magically resurrect its self when I plug it back in, I will have to give up a little of my masculine nature and call the buiilder for help. It’s very frustrating.

Terri is still sending me messages of encouragement and reminding me to take my pills. It’s nice to know people care.

I think this is enough for today. I miss you terribly even though I see you everywhere. I love you.

Letters to Diane – 17

Posted on December 6, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Today you totally got me. The bracelet you got for me was delivered to the Hill House today. Jeff brought it to me and we both had a major meltdown. The mystery is complicated by the fact that it was ordered just today and delivered today. I told Jeff that there’s got to be a rational explanation surrounding this gift, but I totally OK believing it came from you directly. I don’t need a rational explanation.

Thank you.

For those wondering what I’m talking about, the bracelet came with a card that said irt was a gift from heaven. It’s a friendship bracelet beaded in morse code that says “Until we meet again”. It also came with a red cardinal on a 2″ glass circle that will be hanging from my rearview mirror. There is also a bag of raw cashews, something I’ve never had before. Thay are very good. Thank you very much for thinking of me. I’m sure you have lots of other things to consider besides me. This gift is another example of how creative you are. Something like the gift is beyond my ability to comprehend something like that. That makes it more special. It’s something I’ll wear forever.

I’m sure will be happy to know that Max has taken it upon himself to help Lydia by policing the litter boxes. He told me, “there’s nothing like a little kitty-roca to get me going in the morning, the evening, or any time.” I promise that I’ll do my best to convince him it’s not a healthy treat. Actually, it’s not really a treat at all, although that’s not his view. Whatever he deems it to be, it’s pretty disgusting. He can no longer lick my face. He’s OK with that because Jeff doesn’t care so he can get the licks.

You’ll be happy to learn that we got some permanent, year-round lights for all occasions. Jeff has been working the last couple of days to get them bolted to the house. If you haven’t seen them, you might want to make it a priority to look our way. I got him 200 feet of them which will reach almost all the way around 3 sides of the house. So, there will be lights everywhere except the car port. I think you will agree that the car port does not need lights. However, if you disagree, just let me know and I’ll get another string to take care of it. I’ll be on the lookout for your response.

I almost forgot to mention yesterday that Lydia and Jennie went shopping at the various craft displays that were made available throughout the town. While they were gone, I was entrusted with the care of our Littles, Siah and Jasper. The boys came equipped with fully charged tablets, so I wasn’t too concerned about getting myself in trouble. I was actually able to spend time working on the December newsletter for Bethany. They’ve decided to put one out quarterly from now on. So, there’s just one for December, then we’ll do a 3-month version in January.

Leaving the boys alone with their tablets, sitting side by side on the sofa, I got busy on the computer. They were generally quiet until Siah managed to poke enough buttons on his tablet to delete all the games he had on it. Interesting that he managed to do that. However, knowing he did it to himself, he managed to remain composed and was plenty happy to just sit and watch Jasper play on his tablet until Jennie returned. She’s the only one who can fix stuff like that. He’s a funny guy. Too smart for a 4-year-old.

The girls returned with many bags of treasures they found. They had a great time, and I managed to not have to use the duct tape on the Littles. They were good for me. or in spite of me, I’m not sure which. Either way, they were just plain good.

I’m signing off now. Lydia just left to take the cookies she baked to their church for an event they’re having. She left me a few in case I get snaky. I also had a large popcorn I got from the theater when I took Max downtown for his walk. Before a popcorn stop, however, we stopped at Wigglebutz to get his toenails trimmed. Jessica was really happy to see him. I spent my time watching Ohio and Indiana beat each other up for the Big 10 Conference Championship.

G’nite. Love you bunches.

Letters to Diane – 16

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hi.

At 1430 today my BS took a dive. It dropped to 78 and was going down to the point where I was shaking a little and my legs were giving out. I was home alone so I drank a bunch of Ocean Spray juice and checked 10 minutes later. It was up to 88. By 1455 I got it up to 107 so I guess I’m going to survive for a while. I was just about to walk out the door to walk Max when it started dropping. He refused to go outside so I’m guessing he knew there was a crises brewing.

Shortly before that I was driving all over town (to the Credit Union). Short trip actually. I was working at getting your name off the bank account even though I was OK with it being there. But a legal type person suggested that I do that and they wouldn’t do it without a Death Certificate. So, I took them one. Now you can no longer sign into their website, but I suspect you’re not too concerned about it. If there’s anything you want to know about the account, text me and I’ll answer any questions you might have.

I would love getting a text from you. I’d also be happy if you could just sent me a morse code message by blinking one of the house lights. I still remember that stuff I learned in 1962.

While we wait for the crises to go away, Max and I are sitting in our chair drinking Ocean Spray and eating cashews. He doesn’t seem concerned that we aren’t going out after all. I think it’s better to stay in the chair because it will be easier to find me if I take another nosedive.

It’s now 1522 and my BS is up to 162 so my recovery method worked a little too well. I’ll put the OS away and just much cashews for a while. I’m pretty comfortable just sitting here doing nothing. I probably should get the Amazon box off the porch, but I’ll just leave it for Lydia. She loves packages from Amazon even if they aren’t hers. Plus, all the packages we get from them are sent to you. It’s fun to see your name on a new package once in a while.

Keep them coming.

Love You.

Letters to Diane – 15

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hi,

Today was beautiful. Sunny and bright, not a cloud in the sky. It’s a huge change from the rain we’ve been having. The only evidence I could see that the rain happened is how hard the creek is running. It’s up at least 2 feet now.

I went to church because I thought it was time. I’ve missed weeing all those people. Thankfully, no one was sitting in our seats. It’s been a few Sundays since I’ve been, so I was concerned.

After service, I joined everyone in the basement for treats. They are doing it differently by just putting everything on the tables then going around with a coffee pot. I would have rather had water, but it didn’t appear to be an option, so I took coffee, black. It wasn’t bad, but I only had one cup. It was my first cup because I didn’t have time for anything at home before leaving for church. Max was a priority so I walked him around the block and he was appropriately happy about that.

After visiting with Chuck and Larry for a while I returned home and made myself a tuna sandwich using the mixture I’d made a few days ago. It passed the sniff test and it tasted ok so I figured it would be alright. It was.

About halfway through the sandwich, Daniel called Lydia and suggested we all go to El Tapatio for lunch. Sounded pretty good to me, so I gobbled down the sandwich, drank my milk, and we buzzed on over.

I had an authentic Mexican burrito with beans and rice, Jasper had quesadilla, Dan had a sampler plate, Siah got a pizza, Lydia had something I couldn’t identify, and Jennie had an enchilada. You’ll be happy know that I ate all of mine, like normal. It was filling enough that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have to eat again today. Jared planned to visit later and offered to cook for us which I was all in for. But, Lyd and I ate so much lunch there wasn’t going to be any need for supper.

Since neither of us were hungry, he made a trip to Victorio’s for a burrito, Lydia had some stuff he had in his cooler, and I ate the popcorn Lydia brought home from the movie she went to last night.

Speaking of the movie, she didn’t get home until almost midnight. Max and I stayed up until she was safely home then we went to bed. I fell asleep without having to read my book. That doesn’t happen often but then, I don’t normally stay up until midnight. Maybe I should practice.

Oh ya. I took the steri strips off the new scar on my right cheek. It looks gnarly but nothing leaked out so I wasn’t too concerned that I’d stain my pillowcase. It didn’t and I didn’t so all is good. I won’t have to wash sheets and remake the bed.

Now I’m going to go get in it, right after I take Max outside one more time.

Love you

Letters to Diane – 14

Posted on November 29, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

It’s been a busy here at the Creek House the last few days. Since the remaining members of the family don’t think I should wear your clothes, they convinced me to donate them to people who can. So, it was first brought to the living room where someone stacked them on the sofas in a way that would not interfere with my view of the television. Lydia’s view was not impaired, either.

Jennie was the driver for making this move because I was perfectly OK with just leaving all the clothes scattered throughout the house, but there was a need to make room in Lydia’s closet for her things. I don’t know how long she will be living here but that doesn’t matter, either. I’m just Mister Mellow and I’m Ok with whatever my supervisors decide. I say that believing that you will also approve.

Yesterday we had family visitors remove a majority of the items from the kitchen counter and the dining room table. Both horizontal surfaces were covered with stuff removed from your bathroom closet. Most of it was girly stuff, as you know, but there were a few items I was able to call my own. In addition to the Pepto Bismal I think there was some body wash that I could use. Thank you for that.

Now I’m hunkered down in my chair waiting for the Oregon vs. Washington football game. It’s going to be a doozy. You probably already know that and I so miss you sitting next to me for the game. I’ll let you know who won tomorrow.

The creek is really running hard with all the rain we’ve been having. It’s strong enough to take Max all the way to Astoria if I were to turn him loose. He would love to go wading, but I don’t think I can run, or swim well enough to get him back if he decided to take a dip. So, he doesn’t get to go outside unless he’s wearing his walking gear. He’s well aware of this rule and doesn’t try to get past me when I open the slider to let him out back.

I’ve taken him out a few times off leash and he runs next door like normal, but he comes right back. When Lydia was moving her “things” into the house it was mostly at night, so I left the doors open and he stuck with us going in and out. He got so trust-worthy that we kinda forgot him a couple of times when we all went into the house without him. It took a bit of time for me to realize he was missing. When I did, I went to the patio door and whistled a couple of times, and he came running home right away. Every time. You can imagine how happy that made Jerrie.

I’ve fiddled around on this, and resting, all day and here it is dark outside. I just got back from taking Max on his afternoon walk. I’m really happy with all those fuzzy coats you got me because it’s getting cold outside. A few of the football games today were played in the snow. watching a bit of one of those made outside feel colder. Oregon won, by the way, in case you wondered.

Tonight Jerrie, who lives up the hill, is having a Friendsgiving party at the house. I thought that was pretty neat. Just like we do every year with the Winnebago group.

For Max’s morning walk today, I drove him downtown so we could walk around in the new construction area by the river. He thought that was great. A whole bunch of new stuff to sniff.

I must stop now. My fingers are tired and I bet you’re just tired of reading all this drivel.

I love you and miss you.

Letters to Diane – 13

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Good Morning My Love,

It’s not bright, and not clear today as the storm clouds shuffle across the sky. The ones we see were dismantled throughout the night, scattering their innards all over the place. A testament to that is the increased level of the creek as it tries to cope with the amount of water strewn about.

The creek isn’t as busy as it’s been in the past, but it’s on the rise.

Yesterday I called Avon to report that Diane is no longer an active representative and that her account needs to be closed. When asked “why”, I told them that the last time she went shopping at Safeway, she was attacked by a Mary Kay representative, who was accompanied by a Revlon distributer, Together they subdued Diane right there in the parking lot. She was unable to survive the experience.

It was sad even though you know that’s a lie. I was able to terminate her account and was reassured that the emails to her account would cease. Yes, I still monitor her email. It makes me feel closer to her to do that. I still have her phone, too. Every once in a while I call someone she knows while wishing I could see their face when they checked the caller id and saw it was from Diane. I don’t do that often.

The house is really messed up, now. Stuff is scattered all over the place while Lydia and Jennifer empty closets to make room for Lydia’s stuff. Sounds a little odd, I’m sure, but we all know that Diane would be ok with what’s happening. It’s my understanding that it was her idea for Lydia to be my supervisor for the time being. So far it’s working out just fine.

It’s Friday, now, and I suspect this has been idle long enough. I think I started it on Monday. This time it was at Dan and Jen’s house.

But, first, I’ll share what I remember about Thanksgiving.

Last Sunday we had the family gathering that you started. It was good to get together, visit, and eat a traditional turkey day dinner. Jeff cooked the turkey and it was excellent! As you know, I’m not normally a turkey fan, but his was really good.

Yesterday was the ‘real’ Thanksgiving Day and Jennie took me to the Intel Aloha Campus where I participated in a great meal with the Walter’s Clan (they all work there). Well, Jennie doesn’t, but the rest of them do. That was quite a treat for me. First time ever in an Intel facility. If my phone hadn’t died on me I would have had photos to share. Maybe I’ll get to go another day with my phone charged.

Gonna quit, now, and go to Walmart Black Friday Sale here in St. Helens. I’m going to get you a set of reindeer for the front yard. When you see them for the first time just act surprised..

See you later. Love you.

Letters to Diane – 12

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hello, My Love.

It’s Monday already. It got here so fast that I’ll have to burrow into my brain to discover what happened to Sunday.

Sunday was Thanksgiving with Dan and Jen. I really knew that. Didn’t have to look it up, or anything. I just remembered. In attendance were: Dan, Jen, Cedric, Jeran, Lydia, Austin, Jesse, Linda, Jasper, Siah, Me, Brandy, Carolyn, and Sanchez. I think that got everyone. If not, someone will correct me, maybe.

For the meal, Lydia mashed up some white sweet potatoes that I got her then she added an abundance of cayenne pepper to surprise everyone. They were actually very good and the crowd ate all but a couple bites. I made deviled eggs using the recipe I found in the notes on your phone.

Jeff cooked the turkey using Jennie’s roaster and it was great. I was handed a big fork and knife when we arrived and directed to whittle some pieces off the bones. I did, and it was a respectable job. There was a lot of ham, too, by Jennie.

Overall, it was a great meal and no one went away hungry.

In case you’re wondering who Austin and Jesse are, I’ll tell you. They are Jeran’s roomies in Keizer. We met Jesse before when Jeran graduated from Corban. He’s a minister now. Smiles all the time. Both are just nice guys and a nice addition to the family.

Jennie took Carolyn and me home before the festivities ended because I was experiencing my normal afternoon depression. I’m not sure it’s depression, just incredibly tired, usually cured with a nap.

Later, when Lydia and Jennie showed up, they got to work cleaning out the closet in Lydia’s room because she has “things” she needs to remove from Autumn’s house. As you may recall, the closet in that room was full of your colored-coded shirts, blouses, and coats. Lots and lots of them. They also took out the boxes and containers of shoes and other “things” that were on the floor. Now it’s piled up on the living room couches. We all agreed that you would not approve but, you know what? That’s what happens when you leave early. In the end, however, you will be pleased with the plan to remove it from the living room.

I was looking for a photo to share but getting something recent is difficult. So, here’s one from last month in front of Bethany.

Love you.

Letters to Diane – 11

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Good evening. It’s been a busy day

Today we celebrated Friendsgiving Day at Simm in Scappoose Prior to that I stopped at the bread store and got a couple loaves of bread and a snack to tide me over until I got my lunch. I also filled the truck with fuel so I could make it all the way back to St. Helens. I know, it’s only 8 miles away, but like you would say, “keep the top part of the tank full.” You’re in my head a lot, and I like that.

After the fillup, I went to Simm’s and parked to wait for the gang to show up. They also went to the bread store, then they went to Goodwill. They finally showed up at 1230. I was ready for them.

Today I thought I’d try something different and ordered Yakisoba Noodles with shrimp. No, wait, that’s what I always get, isn’t it? Yes I do. We didn’t have the egg flower soup or tea so we didn’t get that. Terry thought it should have been part of the meal but I stuck up for the waitress. I didn’t think to order them. You are the one who did that for us. Maybe next time I’ll remember to get the soup and tea. You could also keep an eye on me and jab me in the ribs or something to remind me. Ya, do that.

Everyone but me had a container to take home what they didn’t eat. I managed to finish mine, like normal.

We had a nice visit and Carolann brought gifts for everyone. They are cute little gnomes that you will love. She also got a couple of different ones for Jennie which I thought was pretty special.

The standup ones on the left are ours. The yellow one is yours.

We also made plans for the Christmas gathering. That will be the 30th, a Tuesday so I can take Lydia. We’re going to the Riverside Spaghetti Factory. That’s the day Lydia is flying to North Carolina with Jared to visit an old friend of his. They are starting their adventure, it seems. Lydia is in charge of getting their travel plans booked so she’s following your lead and I’m sure she wishes she could pick your brain a little so she can play the booking agent like you did for so many years. I suspect she will do just fine.

Cliff and Susie drove their RV to lunch so they could continue on to Fort Stevens for a few days which sound like fun. I’m a little torn between keeping the truck and trailer, or selling them because I think it’s risky for me to drive that far all be my own self, but I suppose I should try it once to see how it goes. I might decide that I’d be pretty good at being a nomad. I could just wander around the country until it’s time for me to join you.

I find it interesting that my stability seems to be better. I don’t feel wobbly at all and I’ve been walking around the block with Max without my cane. I know, you think it’s a risky choice, but so far, so good. I don’t know what’s different, but it’s not bad.

We’re still working up for the girls to go through your clothing so we can donate the rest. They do have a plan for that. I can do that part but I don’t want to be part of making decisions about what goes and what stays. I’m OK with keeping it all. I’m perfectly comfortable with half a closet.

I have to stay up late tonight because Lydia is going to the gym after work and won’t get home until 2200 or so. I know, I usually stay up that late, anyway, but not by my self. I might get scared or something.

Lydia is in Scappoose, on her way home, so I’m going to wrap this and make myself ready for bed. I love you and miss you.

Jerrie

PS: forgot to tell you it was foggy this morning so the weather is changing. I suspect we’ll get snow soon.

Letters to Diane – 10

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hi, my Love,

Yesterday is a little blurry because I apparently didn’t do anything to make it worthy of a place in my memory. Perhaps something will pop up in my mind if I just type aimlessly. Let me get going with today’s activity.

Jennie had a meeting with her team from school this afternoon so I got to keep Siah for a while. We got along great because we watched a couple of really silly movies.

After a while, Autumn dropped Jasper off and things went fine. By the time Jennie got here they were both tired and hungry so it didn’t take long for them to get upset.

Jennie ordered McDonald’s for them to take care of the hungry part, but as time moved on the lack of naps got the best of them. Neither of them could sit still long enough to properly eat their dinner and neither of them wanted to listen to Mom. So, I injected myself into the fray. That didn’t please them, but they kinda listened to me. If you were watching us, I’m guessing you are proud of the way I kept my cool. It wasn’t easy, but I did it.

I finally made it to Thursday coffee with the guys at the Kozy. Larry and Chuck were there and we had a good visit. Since I’ve missed so many, I bought the drinks. I also ate breakfast. You should be happy about that. I had one sausage patty, one egg, and one piece of toast. White, non-nutritional toast, of course. That was my second breakfast because I had a bowl of cheerios before leaving the house.

After I got home from the Kozy I took Max for an extra long walk. He appreciated it, I know.

Now it’s 2030, Lydia is safely home, and Jennie got the littles home to bed. All is well.

Love you.

Letters to Diane – 9

Posted on November 18, 2025 by Jerrie Cate

Hi,

There’s a lot of stuff going on that’s getting my head in a spin. Some of it’s legal and some of it’s common sense. Mainly, I registered your Death Certificate with the tax people so we can remove your name from the house deeds. All I have to do, now, is figure out how to complete the deeds.

An interesting point is that Don’s Rental is where one must get blank deeds and you have to know which kind you need. They can’t provide any legal guidance because they have no legal authority to do so. So, for $11.95 you get a blank form that they cannot help you fill out. I’ll bet Jennie can help with that. Whoever helps, we’ll get it done so that when it’s my turn to follow you no one will have no problem with the courts for the transfer of the property to our children.

I did very little yesterday (Monday) because it was Bunco night. For the past umpteen years I’ve kept Special Mondays, like Bunco Night, clear so I can watch movies. Or watch a ball game. Or sleep.

I guess that’s a weak claim because I do that pretty much what I do every day. So, like you did once a month, Lydia went to Shirley’s house for bunco last night. I have no memory of what I watched last night. I just remember that I went to bed at a reasonable hour because I had an appointment with my dermatologist today at 0820. That early time meant I had to leave home about 0720.

I talked this need over with Lydia, who considers 3-4 hours of sleep a good night, to see if she would like to go with. Always up for a challenge, she agreed, and we decided we would take her car, and she would drive. That worked for me just right. I think she agreed to all of that because she loves me. I’m grateful for that.

Having that extra hour for travel allowed us to get to the office in plenty of time. After checking in, it was only a matter of minutes before I was led to a room where the surgery would take place. I made myself comfortable and took off all my clothes to await the doctor and her knife.

The look on everyone’s face made me regret my decision to disrobe because the surgery was on my cheek so disrobing was entirely unnecessary. So, I got dressed and sat in the chair to wait.

Halley was the doctor’s assistant and I was a little displeased that she didn’t point out that I could keep my clothes on. Thank goodness I wore underwear today. Then she stabbed me in the cheek with a tiny needle and rendered the desired spot on my check dead to the world.

Not long after that, the doctor showed up and wielded her knife in a professional manner to excise a nifty oval where a huge wart used to live. It was gone already because it was taken to run a biopsy prior to scheduling today’s surgery.