Tag Archives: books

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 – 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 – 19

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It’s Wednesday, I’ve had supper and, yes, I’ve taken all my pills for today. The thing about pills is that apparently most people I know think I need reminders about them because I forget. Well, that’s true. I do. But today is a milestone because no one sent me a text to remind me. I’m not saying people should stop sending them because this is just one day. I could easily forget tomorrow morning.

Today Lydia and I made a batch of chicken and noodles. I’m sorry you aren’t here to enjoy the results because it was pretty good. I ate twice and there are four bowls left. I’ll let the kids duke it out for the leftovers.

I had good intentions about those noodles, but didn’t get it done. Now I’ll have to go buy another chicken. That’s OK. It will get done.

Since the day before yesterday was Thursday, I made a trip to the Kozy for coffee and visited with Jeff, Chuck, and Larry. As always, we had a nice visit and drank a bunch of coffee. Now, since yesterday was Friday, I have no idea what happened after Thursday’s coffee. I’m petty sure I woke up around 0530-0600 this morning and instantly made a decision to stay up a little later in the evening to avoid those early mornings.

Oh… oh … yesterday for supper I fed Lydia one of the pot pies I bought a few days ago. When I saw them in the store they made me remember pot pies in the past that were really good. I wasn’t so enamored with the ones I bought, though, because you can cook them in the micro or a conventional oven. Maybe the one I had would have been a little better. There’s just something that doesn’t sit right with me about a crust that browns in a microwave, unlike the crusts that brown properly in a conventional oven. Lydia said hers was fine, but she’s young enough that she probably hasn’t had something like that before microwaves. That, and she’ll eat pretty much anything when she’s hungry. That’s not a bad thing.

I think I’ll work on making my own crust and see what happens. What could go wrong?

Today I went with Jennie, Jasper, and Siah to the Christmas Bazaar at the fairgrounds. Had I gone with you in the past I may not have been so surprised about what a big deal it is. It’s quite amazing how many people were there that I know. I had a lot of fun talking with them, and even with the vendors I just met. All four of us had a good time, then we went to the Country Inn for lunch. We had simple meals and it still cost me over $70. That’s remarkable. Almost like going to McDonald’s, right?

Lydia’s cats, Lucy and Louis, are getting along find with Max, now. It’s like all the sudden they figured out that no one is leaving so they may as well just get used to being around each other. Or, it may be that the cats think kindly about Max because he helps clean their litter box. I’m thinking about changing his name to Litter Lips.

Things in my head are getting out of hand so I better stop before I get in trouble.

I would tell you to be safe like I do everyone else, but it would be pointless considering where you are. How could you not be safe in Heaven.

I miss you and love you a lot.

Letters to Diane – 14

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.