kdh in dc... w/o g

Thanks for the invitation to be the guest blogger, Jenna! I'm happy to report on my day without gram here in DC. I can't say it has been one of my more exciting days, but I will admit that knowing I had to "blog" made me look hard at the world around me. And what a world it is here in DC! I hope I live up to expectations. Please provide feedback on my attempt.

My day without gram dawned cold and early -- I had a conference to go to today, and that always means a few extra minutes to figure out what to wear and where to go. I'm usually on autopilot until I finish my venti (that's LARGE in Wilson Farms-speak) coffee. I was lucky to have the best cab driver in the world for a bloggerific day -- his name was Floyd, and he shared a number of very funny observations with me once he found out that I was from Buffalo, and obligated to report back to my family on my day.

"JeeeeeeeSUS", he says -- "if you're from Buffalo, you must be wanting to run around with a buck nekkid keyster on a day like today -- it must be like summer for you!". He went on to tell a great story about his youth and a family visit to our neck of the woods -- seems that he had family in Buffalo who were "running so hard from the white folk that they just kept going until they had a choice to stop or end up in Canada". He was there over 4th of July -- a "skinny little guy with my short pants and knee socks" and seems that it got dark out, and along with that it got cold "so cold it snowed, in fact, and us little kids were huddled around the burning fireworks to keep warm." Seems that the adults at the party were drunk enough not to care how cold the kids were. Does this sound familar, anyone?? Anyhow, the wisdom he took from this experience was as follows: "When someone tells me I'm overdressed, I tell them that they've obviously NEVER been to Buffalo".

After all that bonding (at 7:30 am, no less!) Floyd's coming to Christmas dinner with me. Hope that's OK, family ....

Onto my conference, and all the excitement that went along with it. Here's a picture of the breakfast buffet at my conference focused on obesity prevention -- can anyone calculate the number of calories in a serving of irony? None of those pastries for me -- I'm on day 3 of Fatkins, which you all may know as the diet where you eat nothing but bourbon, bacon and lettuce. Christmas is coming, and its all about getting my ass under control before I hit the cookies, apple pie, pimento spread, oyster dressing ... need I go on? Suffice it to say, I'm a little cranky today as you can only eat so many cheese sticks and hard boiled eggs before you want to weep.

Anyhow, here's something valuable I learned at the conference about health literacy -- people would be better able to follow directions on their prescription medicine if the font was bigger, there was more white space, shorter words, and more pictures. I think there may be a life philosophy in there somewhere, or at least some good advice that can be applied to everything from blogs to papers on islamic women to the prayer at christmas dinner!


Not that the conference wasn't engaging, but the sunshine was calling me. There's that Holtz work ethic! Here's a picture of me with Einstein -- there's a big giant statue of him in front of the building I was in today, and I have heard from other GW students (certainly not anyone I hung out with or knew or even dreamed of talking to) that a sure fire way to get a good grade on an exam was to walk down the hill to Einstein with you man and ... well, you know ... make and "offering". Maybe something like what was going on with Mom in the van down by the river in her youth? I can't be sure about these things. I was too busy studying. Still am. Yep, that's it.

I got home earlier enough that it was still light outside, so I decided to go for a walk. Just like cheesesticks and hardboiled eggs, a girl can only spend so much time on the treadmil! I decided to walk in the zoo today and get some sunshine -- and try to sneak a peek at DC's latest fascination: the baby panda. Our baseball team may suck, but at least our pandas have figured out how to procreate! The panda's name is Tien Tien, which I think is Mandarian for "Communist Cash Cow". People are whipped into a frenzy about this little thing. I'm not as fascinated because I can't help but remember that when it was born they kept comparing it to a "stick of butter". How gross a comparison is THAT? Anyhow, there was no panda to be seen -- in fact, the only animal I saw was a squirrel. Note the Toledo Mud Hens hat -- can I get a shout out from any Ohio Holtz's? The Mud Hens won the Governer's Cup this year! Go Mud Hens!
[I've found it's safer in this family to root for a relatively unknown minor league team that to come out with a statement regarding any MLB franchises. I want to optimize my chances on Christmas by not alienating anyone! ]

Well family, I'm going to wrap up my day with some Tivo and a bourbon flavored salad. There's always room in DC for you guys -- but no guarantees the day of your visit is going to be as exciting as THIS!

Grandma's Wish List

This is Grandma's First Communion Picture in not sure of the year.

Due to the overwhelming activity of the blog from strangers, I felt it was necessary to upgrade to smaller and daily posts so they can be one with us. My day with Gram started this afternoon when I called her because the weather was so nice. I felt maybe she would want to get out of the house. Our first journey was to the bank where she withdrew $100. Apparently, she has money on the game tonight or she needed to buy an enormous amount of Cashword scratchoffs.

After the bank, she wanted to get some desert. So we went to Lou's for some pie, where she saw her favorite waitress. So I snapped their picture. We stayed awhile, so Gram could talk to her friend. Gram said she wanted to get a little something for Cozy and drop it off before Christmas. Looks like I will be celebrating Christmas Eve at Lou's.

After Lou's we went to the library to do some research. Unfortunately, we didn't have much luck. I didn't have time to go through the microfilms, because she was tugging on my sweatshirt to leave. "I said what are you in the hurry for?" Well it was just known to me that it's 24 hours of Christmas love stories on the Hallmark channel. She didn't want to miss anymore movies.

After the library, I dropped her off at Lutheran Manor and guess who was standing at the door? "John Doe", opened up the door for her with a smile on his face. The ATTENTION ATTENTION letter was defaced, but the cart was brought back. Oh a happy day at the home.


So, if you already haven't gotten Gram anything, here are a few more ideas: This is what she asked for:

1. A really really good magnifying glass. Not a cheap one she said.

2. Stamps and stationary paper. She is running low.

3. Socks, not colorful ones, just white ankle ones she said. She also has 3 pairs of Hanes underwear left (In case you wanted to know that). She would like a size 11, because she can breath in them she said. The 10's are to tight.

4. Warm sweatshirt. She said it will be a cold winter, and when she goes out she would like something warm to wear. Kristen, she has a GW sweatshirt that she wears religiously, like its going out of style. Maybe she could use a new one.

5. Lottery Tickets. She likes the cashword. No, she doesn't like. She is ADDICTED to them. Plus it keeps her busy and quite for quite a long time.

6. Gift Certificates: (Tops, Lou's, Bubble) Places like that. Lou's has a special. If you buy a $5 GC for $3.50, they throw in a Lou's coffee mug, with the Lou's mascot imprinted on the cup.

7. She needs a new address book. She said she meets so many people that she is out of room on the H letter. Apparently all the Holtz's that stumble on our website will also be getting birthday cards, Christmas cards, and any kind of card from the Factory Card outlet store. I know this because it is one of my yearly trips with her.

8. Lots of visits and phonecalls from her loved ones. She said and I quote, "Maybe this will get them to call me."

9. A bottle of gin and a few shot glasses for her and Dorothy. Just for one Friday night.

10. Her favorite movie is Meet the Fockers, only because it's Cathy's favorite movie as well. But, I already got the DVD for her. Of course it wasn't the censored version. She said she doesn't want anything electronic. Maybe we could look into getting her a IPOD, MP3 player, or a PDA. Grandma also wants this blog with the comments in book format. I am not sure how to do that, But I forwarded this to Kristen. Maybe all the grandkids can go in on it together. Maybe we could do a chart too, with the grandkids that posted the most. Hmmm, Just a few ideas.

Gram's appointment is Thursday Dec. 8th at 1:30. She wants to ask him what is wrong with her back. After that appointment, I expect a full report on the blog Unkie C. I will give you my username and password. Perhaps you could bring a camera for a few pictures.

28 days until Christmas

ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!!


My day started when Grandma called and woke me up at 11 am. Yes, I said 11 am. When you are the system administrator and the duties are so demanding; there comes a time when you should sleep in. Okay, so I relax 7 days a week, but that's besides the point.

I pulled into Lutheran Manor apartment complex at 12:30 pm. After waiting a few minutes and Gram didn't come out, I walked inside and she was sitting in the lobby. She said she didn't recognize me or the car. Plus she was talking to one of her friends. I also have to inform my family that something tragic has happened. As far as I know, we are all healthy. I really hate to break news over the blog, but I feel that this has to be reported. I have also informed the appropriate media outlets; from North Tonawanda to Fargo. Apparently, there has been a theft at Lutheran Manor. The "good" shopping cart has been confiscated. You know the one with two wheels that folds up to the size of an envelope. Grandma has accused "John Doe", I have withheld their name until this incident has reached the courts and for their privacy. I always thought you were innocent until proven guilty. At Lutheran Manor your guilty until proven innocent. If the cart isn't returned by 8 pm tonight, Gram and Dorthy are going (AKA management) to knock on their door (Last name begins with K and ends with IBLER) and demand that they return it. Don't worry, the North Tonawanda detectives have received this case and said it will be solved shortly. They may contact the FBI, for further assistance. Notice, the sign: "Signed the Management." I said to Gram, "Who is management?" Well she said, "Dorothy and I." It's important to note, that on the other side of the paper is Lois's shopping list.

I had to forcefully remove Gram from her security guard duties so we could start our day. We were off to the bank. She asked me to take money out of her checking account for the day. So again, I took more out than needed and slipped the homeless guy who needed beer money a $20. Grandma always donates to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. I felt that this was also a worthy charity.

Then she looked at me and said she was hungry and couldn't wait to eat. I always make her pick where we go, just because if we have a bad experience I can always blame it on her. I think we have boycotted Lou's. We haven't been there in over a month, since the burping and feet incidents. So it was off to Athena's where we had to wait a few minutes for a table. Gram was not approached by any males asking for her number. However, she has done a few things that makes me think there is a mister in her life. First, she got her hair cut and her perm. Secondly, new clothes. Thirdly, she painted her nails pink. When I approached her on the subject, she just quickly responded that she was bored and found nail polish under her bed. Scary thought to say the least. We both had chicken sandwiches. It was the best chicken sandwich she ever had she said. We paid the bill and walked out.

After lunch, we headed to Bon Ton, so she could finish her Christmas shopping. Ten minutes into our shopping journey she decided to take a seat. She was going to get the sweater she is holding, but decided against it. I told her that Uncle Chuck would look much better in pink. So we both opted to get the pink one instead. After checking out, she was rather annoyed with the fact that we had to go upstairs to get the gift boxes. I told her they have only been doing it for 5 or 6 years now. She said she knew that but in the spirit of the holiday she felt that they should keep some by the registers. Gosh, if only she would run for President or Common Council in North Tonawanda. I bet she could really make a difference.

After the Bon Ton, she wanted to go to JCPenny's in the Boulevard Mall. She really wanted to use all her credit cards from the stores she had, (JCPenny's, Bon Ton, Kaufman's, and Dollar General). The mall was overly crowded, and she began to give orders to customers waiting in line. So I felt before this gets worse, we had to leave. When I went to get the car, she waited outside. I pulled up to the curb and saw her talking to someone. When she got in the car, I asked her what she said to the person outside. She goes, "I told her smoking was bad for her and I told her I really liked her outfit and I wish I could fit into it."

After JCPenny's she wanted to go home because her back was starting to bother her. She goes to the doctor's next week and she was going to ask him what he could do for her. It seems to really bother her at times. This time, I walked her to the door so she wouldn't slip on the ice. I walked into her apartment and we talked for an hour. She brought out pictures when she was little and when Grandpa was little as well. She has a photo album of just Grandpa and V-Mails and telegrams he sent her when he was stationed for WWII. She really started to get upset when she talked about it, but they were tears for the memories she said. We found a letter that Kristen had written Gramps in 1999 after seeing the movie "Saving Private Ryan." Kristen, Gram said that letter really made his day. I also found a report Jill wrote about Heroes in her life. She talked about how Gramps was her hero. It was a page and a half that she wrote in 8th grade. I attempted to correct the paper, but she was going to have none of that. She began to talk about the war and how he felt about it. There was an article in the Tonawanda News in 1944, when Gramps was reported missing and no one heard from him in over 9 weeks. She told me that she thought Gramps was captured during that time, but, he never confirmed that himself. This was later confirmed to have been true. The article in the paper was torn and cut off. I will be in search of that complete article tomorrow at the Tonawanda Public Library. Gram begged me to read VMails that Gramps had sent her during his time at war. Unfortunately, the print was to small to make out. She said she hasn't read them in over 20 years. I was going to see if we could get those blown up for her to larger print. Gram felt a little better after talking about Gramps. Lately, she has been down, because she truly does miss him. I asked her if she wanted to go to the cemetery and she said "Not today." What we would give to talk to him one more time. He definitely was our hero and always will be. That is the wreath that sits on our heroes grave.

That was my day with Gram. On a lighter note, if anyone sees the cart please return it to the Lutheran Manor apartment complex or the management team. I still can't believe the hits our website has taken from all over the world.

Welcome Home Depot man and Mrs. Fix it. Now you can't be the brunt of the jokes anymore. If anyone wants to do a blog entry just let me know. I will release my username and password. But, I can't give it to Fargo Holtz's.

I can't wait to see everyone on Christmas. I think there should be a prize for most creative gift idea. What does everyone think of that?? Okay, I have to post this. I know everyone is sitting in front of their computer waiting for the next blog entry. It was brought to my attention that a certain someone would like the blogs short with less pictures (Uncle C, Jillthethrill, Antee B). I can't please all the critics. But I do accept suggestions. I just won't do it. :) Keep up the criticism and I will delete any comments! That's my day with Gram in detail.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Happy Thanksgiving to all Holtz's, Rice, Koch's, and anyone else who stumbles onto this popular website. I have to backtrack a day and let everyone know that the Christmas wreath is on Grandpa's grave. It was touch and go for awhile, as Claude the "Gatekeeper" closed the gates to the cemetary 4 minutes earlier. Grandma demanded that we get in there and slipped him a fiver and he unlocked the padlock.

I tried calling Grandma before her arrival to tell her the travel ban for North Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda. But, she would have none of that. Even though it wasn't true. Grandma came over promptly at 12:30, tossed her boots to the side and threw her jacket on the floor. She made a mad dash to the hors de vours. Grandma made her football picks for Thanksgiving; Detroit and Denver. Of course she was rooting for Detroit. "You know who would always pick Detroit." In the first half, Detroit had turned the ball over twice and was was down 17-0 at the half. Grandpa picked because of the tradition she said. Grandma had a bell next to her on the table; when it rang, someone had to bring her a Labbatt Blue Light. Grandma said a touching prayer at 2:30 prior to us diving into our food. She had two helpings of food, licked her plate; then scooted back to her chair. Fifteen minutes later, we were falling asleep to ELF. I had Austin poke her, just to make sure she was okay.

After a quick nap, only because the turkey made us tired; we awoke and were ready for more rounds of drinks. Jeff, Sandra, Zach, and Emma came over. It really made Grandma's day. We sat and talked. We didn't talk about global or national news. We talked about the popularity of "our" website. Although, our website should be national news. We were all given the rules of the game for Christmas. I would like to designate Sandra to bring the rules book; just in case there are any protests. We also talked about Grandma's 90th birthday. We thought of a bus ride to visit family in North Dakota.

Lots of laughs today. Happy Thanksgiving to all. I must cut this short. It's 8 minutes to 6 pm. I am sure you are all aware, but at 6 pm, A Christmas Story is on Channel 56. "Fragile, it must be Italian." I can't wait to see everyone on December 25th, I am sure this will be the topic of discussion. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Just ask Grandma, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Grandma and I will venture out tomorrow on Black Friday in search of the perfect Christmas gifts.

The Top Ten Things Gram is Thankful For

As the Blog Administrator, I have to admit I became quite jealous that all the attention was diverted from me to my mother; who made many grammatical errors on her first attempt at a blog entry. As a fact, when I read the latest blog entry to Gram she replied, "She lies, I don't remember doing that." When I suprised Gram at the hair, I quickly snapped this picture before she could argue with me. In the upper right picture, she complained that her hair was cut to short. I told her we could pick her hair up from the floor and glue it back together. In the spirit of the upcoming Holiday, I felt it necessary to call Gram and have her recall many memories of her favorite Holidays. I put the phone down while she talked, so I could clean my room, vaccuum, do the dishes, and finish some laundry. When I came back, she was telling me about the Thanksgiving on Grove Street from 1965- the late 1980's. She went to explain the Grove Street Thanksgiving's had two tables (one adult table, one child table). She said the children's table was always getting yelled at by their parents. "Adam wasn't at the kids table, we shoved him in a high chair", Gram said. She went on to say that she did all the cooking. "It was chaos when everyone was there."



Grandma's Top Ten "What I'm Thankful for List"

10. "I was Born"

9. "Being able to visit Gramps"

8. " That I get to go out to eat almost everyday"

7. " That were going to be together on Thanksgiving, some of us

6. " That everyone's okay, I think; but I don't really know

5. " My friends who are still alive, Ruth and Dorothy

4. " Trips the kids took me on; Gettysburg, Honoeye, Athena's, and Lou's.

3. " Jenna, and my other grandchildren"

2. " I had grandpa"


And the number one thing Grandma is thankful for is.............

1. " I'm still alive"


Grandma said "Wish we could all be together like on Grove, but have a happy one anyway." How sentimental. She went onto say that 42 years ago today; Gram was working at St. John Baptist Church.

Due to the overwhelming popular demand of my mom as a blog writer. I am going to allow a new person to enter a blog each week. They are allowed to mention anything they would like. That will spice up the blogsite, and will attract new Holtz members. I really hope the Holtz's in North Dakota will participate in Christmas this year.

As I mentioned in the comment, this blog will not stop. 2006 is a year where someone turns 60, 50 (my mom, don't tell her about the suprise party, I mean), 40, 30, and 24 (Hey, the Blog Administrator can write whatever she pleases).

I will also be taking Grandma Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving at 5 am. I will be sure to get the best deals then. We have a Winter Storm Warning for Southern Erie tonight. I think I had enough snow already. This is a picture of a random car. If you look close, Gram is trying to "hotwire" it.

Feast of Christ the King

Apparently the last sunday in November, is the end of the Catholic Calender , and it is a Feast day, and the following sundays of course are advent leading up to christmas. This came as a surprise to gramma, I quess this falls into the category of learn something new everyday. As we entered church, gramma loudly proclaims that we are so early they have not even turned on the lights, well the lights were on and the church was half full. She had her Leonardo DiCaprio aviator glasses on.
Side note:There are no pix so if you struggle with text, you may want to breakdown the reading.
Our sundays usually start with Church, the most startling thing about church and gramma is the same 3$ she has put in the collection plate since 1956. She firmly believes the catholic church has more than enough money. She is probably right! We scoot out early as she is clearly falling asleep in mass, her head is nodding more than a bobble head doll. And it was th e priest she can hear! She attributes this to as not having eaten any breakfast, she needs something to eat. Off to Bob Evans! They have good coffee! Her menu choice was the waffle with fruit, but they had no strawberry only rasperry and they were skimpy on the whipped cream. We then continue down the blvd where her stories are pretty much the same, how nice the creek was when it was blue, not black, how grampa used to fish there and he caught some pretty nice fish, how the blvd was all farms, with absolutely no houses or traffic. Today was a reflection on winter snows, the winter of 42 and 77 she says with absolute certainty were the worst. In 42 when she walked from the grove st house, which was Mama's house at the time to the train station on roosevelt the snow was up to her hips! She was boarding a train to Louisiana to see Grampa. He had some free time while in basic boot camp before being shipped out and she went to see him. She ALWAYS says he was the handsomest private in the Army.
We always stop at his grave, where today his grave was the only one on the block with out a christmas wreath, I tried to convince her that he would not care, but she would hear none of that, she did not want anyone who may stop by to see there loved ones final resting place that he was not cared about, or his family didnt think enough of him to put one there. Rest assured this will be righted tomorrow. Gramma comented on how thanksgiving was grampa's favorite holiday, it was a day when he saw the people that meant the most to him, ate his favorite foods, and watched football. He loved Pumpkin pie, mincemeat pice, any kind of pie. I quess this explains his diabetes !
On to TOPS for thanksgiving shopping. What a nitemare! I think I am taking her up on the idea of eating out! But no, a bird will be cooked, with enough leftovers for her for a week of dinners. Happy Thanksgiving to All, to those I will see, and to those that I won't. Please know you are in my heart! It will be a day where I will hear Grampa's voice as clear as a bell, " is the oyster dressing done?" " Did Detroit score"?
submitted by Betsy

Happy Belated Veterans Day!!

My deepest apology to my family. It has been over one week since my last blog. But, a lot longer since my last confession. My day with Grandma began on Friday November 11th, Veteran's Day. She recounted many stories of Grandpa serving in WWII. Many of the stories, I already heard; and will never forget. I know she misses Gramps; we all do. This Christmas, it will be our 4th one since Grandpa was there; but yet, it seems like an eternity. Happy Veteran's Day Gramps.

Now onto the Grandma Gossip: (I really think we could make millions with a soap opera)

Before Grandma stuck her foot in the door, my; I mean Grandma's handicap parking sticker was violently stripped from my mirror without warning or permission. She grabbed it with such force and shoved it in her purse. She began to give a painstaking recount of her day with Uncle Chuck, while he made her walk extra steps because she didn't have that sticker. I asked her if we could get a few extra copies made; maybe we can all get one for Christmas so this never happens again. The week that I accidently had her handicap sticker, I enjoyed the closer parking spots and the easy access to the front doors of Target, Tops, and the liquor store. Hey, it was raining! You would have done the same thing. I will sure miss Cappi (Okay, it's not like you never named one of your favorite possessions).

We began our journey with lunch; of course. It was friday, and she wanted her fish fry. So we went to Squires; because she isn't a fan of Lou's fish. I really think the next time we go to lunch, I am just going to tell the waitress to bring out two diet coke's. If she has one sip left in her cup, and her refill hasn't arrived; then hell will break loose. I have witnessed this many times. She will stomp her feet, roll her eyes, and won't take a bite of her food until it arrives, like she is Ghandi making a statement. However, our waitress was rather prompt with delivering her drink. Grandma is a good tipper, I can say that. She will look around at other tables, and see what tips are left, she does nothing short of walking around table to table; I once saw her eat a french fry from one plate. Then she will try and top that tip, and walk out gloating. "Can you believe he only left her $.36 cents", and point at him. If we go to Lou's, we can eat for $11.00. That's always our goal. We had a good time at Squires. We ate our lunch and left. I didn't know what was in store for me next. She just tells me to DRIVE.


After Lunch was completed, we had to hand in her library books. She walks in the library, and throws her books down so they are immediately checked in. She runs right to the newly released section, and pushes anyone out of the way. She only checks the murder books, the big red M on the binding. After she locates the murder books, she checks to see if her "trademark" was left. If there is no check, she proceeds to read the inside, and ask me if she would like it. "I don't know Gram, just toss it in your bag and let's go." I get so many dirty looks when we go out. She only grabs three books at a time. If I find a fourth that I think she will like, "No, just put it back", she snared back at me. In the picture below, she is reading about a murder on Christmas. I think she may be plotting something. But, she was very eager to borrow that book. When we went to check out her library books, she couldn't locate her card. She pulled out every lunch card, Bon Ton, and even her Bonus card; none of them would scan her books. She began to panic. Luckily, she found it, and I grabbed her books, and we left. In the car, she began to recount a story when she was little and walked 7 miles to the library from her house; everyday until it closed.


Keep in mind that the 11th was a holiday. She wanted to finish her Christmas shopping. So we ventured out to Target. All of the handicap parking spots were taken up, I guess this was my punishment for abusing it the week prior. I dropped Gram off and found the closest parking spot. I walked in, frantically searching for Gram. I finally located her next to the popcorn. I wasn't suprised. She grined at me, if popcorn was the only reason we came here. We grabbed what we needed, cashed out and left. I asked her if she wanted to go Christmas shopping next Friday at 3 am. She laughed, but I was serious.

After our trip to Target, we went to the cemetary to visit Gramps. After we said a prayer, I dropped her off at her apartment and went home.

Gram called me on Tuesday and needed to know "her website". "Say it slow", she barked. "What are you doing Gram, getting a business card published?". It is very hard to repeat a website, this was rather difficult as she kept saying "huh" "what"?

Today, Wednesday November 16th, it is rainy and windy. We have winds of 45-50 mph. I am picking Gram up at 11:45. Don't yell at me if she blows away. I will post more tonight with pictures.

Good to hear from you Uncle Chuck! Where is Kristen?

Voting day with Gram and Lois!

My heartfelt apology to my family due to my "slacking" on the Blog. You see, it is actually depressing. My mother decided to raise my rent this year (something about getting her daughter, Jillian an excellent gift). Due to this surprise, I have been actively pursing jobs at "the golden arch" and Chuckie Cheese.

Last Sunday, my mother and I picked up Gram and took her to 11 am mass. The mass was dedicated to a 90 year old, who was celebrating her birthday. Gram, became quite jealous that her name wasn't mentioned. The priest included the 90 year old woman in his sermon. He talked about the longevity of life, and the continued worship of our heavenly father. When the whole church stood in ovation and clapped, Gram sat in the pew with her arms crossed and her bottom lip over her top lip. (It was a look that I gave far to often when I didn't see that pony under the Christmas tree) Perhaps we can make her 90th special as well. If I get this job at the "golden arch" we can host a Birthday party. Maybe I can ask my high school boss, if I could get 10% off. Or, we could order cake and have it in the community room.

After Church, Gram's stomach began to rumble. We quickly headed to Bob Evans; her favorite place to eat. There was a mob of people waiting to get their table. I fought through the crowd and gave them Gram's name. I said to the server "Bula is her name and eating is her game , now how long is the wait?" After we sat down, we enjoyed a nice brunch. We paid the bill, left a nice tip and then left.

What happened next was one of those, "I guess you had to be there stories." I was sitting in the back seat, looking out the window watching the rain just pumble the streets and leave puddles everywhere. I pretended I was asleep, so I didn't have to participate in the conversation between my mom and gram. My mom slowed down to abide the 30 mph speed limit sign; right before Wilson Farms. Just after we passed Wilson Farms; Gram mumbled "I was gonna". I perked up and said "What, Finish your thought!" (I knew what she was thinking. She wanted to either buy or turn in scratch off tickets). Gram began to laugh, and said "I was just talking to myself." I looked at mom and said, go to the nearest Wilson Farms. Gram asked, "How did you know what I was thinking?" Well, if you were in the car before we reached Wilson Farms; her hands began starting to sweat and twitch and she clutched on to her purse. Like I said, I guess you had to be there.

My mom pulled into the Wilson Farms, and I said to Gram; "okay here you are, go get your tickets." It was pouring out! I felt a little guilty, so she handed me her winnings; and I went in. She wanted her $2 Crossword games. I handed them to her, and she smiled from ear to ear.

We dropped her off at Luther Manor, and I told her I would see her on Tuesday; election day!

Tuesday came in the blink of an eye. I arrived promptly at Luther Manor at 10 am to pick up Lois and Gram. I drove them .1 mile to the corner so they could fulfill their constitutional right. I would like to thank my cousin JR for "renigging" on his promise to his loving Gram and her neighbor. Gram and Lois registered and stood in line. I went in the election booth with Gram and read her both Propositions. I pulled the lever for each elected official she wanted. If we didn't agree, I picked the name; and she never knew.

After voting, not boating; both Lois and Gram had a grocery list that had to be completed. I lost track of time we were shopping so long. Gram quickly ditched Lois and I, so she could buy more of her lottery tickets, (see above picture). They both checked out, 2 and a half hours later. Lois put me in charge of getting a few items; 1 Peppermint Scope, 1 can of Bee Wax (she uses it for her chocolate), and 3 slices of Olive Meat. Gram put me in charge of getting her lottery tickets. I think she is in denial of her addiction. Of course, they both needed more of their cashword scratch offs. Standing in front of the lottery booth, I fed the machine dollar after dollar. I started to get a cramp in my hand; I begged them to stop! They grabbed their tickets, so fast out of my hand I have a few paper cuts to prove it.

After Tops, they both wanted lunch. They both decided on Athena's. I pulled into the packed parking lot and we scooted our way in. We had lunch, and they both only had half of their sandwiches and saved the other half for later. After lunch, I dropped them off at Lutheran Manor; put their bags in the elevator, and sped off.

More Christmas shopping to come. On a personal note, Sometimes I am rather hesistant to post; because my family quickly points out any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes I make. Please know, that this blog was sent to McGraw Hill for their input and proofreading. I will post more later.

I also should mentioned that Jill has registered to vote. She is the newest member of the Working Families Party. Please do not get her going on this; because she will not stop and bore you with big words that you will not understand and look up in the Websters. (I am speaking from experience).

Just out of curiosity, How come Uncle Chuck hasn't posted ever?

NO EXCUSE

There is no excuse that I haven't posted in almost a week. I would like to take this opportunity to recap my week with Grandma. I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. For the record; my family never received a Halloween card from the newlyweds.

On Sunday; Grandma and I went to 11 am mass. I had this sudden urge to go to church. We arrived at the church at 10:30 am. About 10 minutes later; a single mother with her five young children sat in the same pew as Grandma and I. There was a slight domestic dispute prior to the churchbells ringing. The issue at hand; who was going to sit next to grandma. (The mother settled it and the youngest lost the argument). I turned to the boy who had a sour look on his face and said; "Don't worry lad, I feel your pain." During the sermon, Grandma kept asking me what the priest was saying. Again, the chills of a shush crawled up my skin. (The lady in front of us was clearly annoyed). I whispered I would explain later. We quickly scooted out after communion. When we got into the car, she complained that the priest never had that accent before. I told her, maybe he woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

After Mass, I asked her if she wanted to go to the cemetery. It was a nice day; and I thought I should continue my good deeds. We arrived at the cemetery; Grandpa's pumpkin was clearly seen from the road. Grandma wanted to wait in the car. (Don't worry, I left the windows up). I walked up to his gravestone said a quick prayer and a breeze came upon me. Then, I walked back to the car. I looked over at grandma, and a little tear rolled down her cheek. I told her it would be okay, we will go get something to eat.

We went to Lou's, of course. We sat there and talked for a little while. She likes to recap about her lives memories. That day she had talked about living with Grandpa's mother for five years. After Lou's, she had a few errands to run.

Keep in mind, it is the day before Halloween. On her agenda; she needed Halloween candy and Halloween stickers. I took her to Tops; where the candy aisle was turned over to the North Pole. The only bag of candy I found was Mars bars; and it was opened. She asked me to get two wieners for Lois; No this hasn't been the first time I had to retrieve skinless wieners from the deli. After grabbing my number, I tried paying a kid to get Lois's items. He knew who she was and ran away screaming for his mom. After I grabbed the hotdogs; I went searching for Grams. I finally found her in the bulk candy section; standing next to the only Halloween candy from here to Hershey PA. If you weren't there, I can assure you that; you were the only ones who weren't. I could hear people yelling at her to hurry up. I stormed through the mob of people only to find her picking out each plain M&M candy bar. She only wanted 17 of them, yes and they were all for herself. I grabbed a handful and tossed them in the bag. I told her we had to get out of here!

No I could not find those Halloween stickers. I almost threw Spongebob stickers in her cart; thinking she won't know the difference anyway. She wanted to put stickers on the paper plates she bought; for her party. I thought to myself, she wanted to do that; so someone accidentally mistakes the sticker for one of her donut holes.

I went to four different stores before I found the Halloween stickers she wanted. I was about ready to pull my hair out.

She did not want to Christmas shop; and I didn't have the energy too either. I dropped her off at home and told her I would call her tomorrow.

Tomorrow quickly came. I kept my promise and called just to get the tally of trick or treaters. She had 25 and the Koch's had 27. We prevailed. I do feel bad for those 25 trick or treaters. In their bags they probably had half eaten M&M's with an IOU note.

With less than a week til Election day; she called to remind me that someone has to pick her, Lois, and a few strange men up to take them to the North Tonawanda polls. After I hung up with grandma; I called my cousin to remind him of his commitment to Grandma on Election Day. I said; "Jeff don't forget you have to take grandma Voting on Tuesday." He said; "Why do I have to take grandma Boating." I think that was his quick escape from the real purpose of the call. Well, if so he succeeded. He said "Okay I will meet her at the marina." Then for some strange reason, the phone went dead. I think we lost connection somehow. I just can't wait until next Tuesday! I guess the good thing is, I can research who I would like to win in North Tonawanda and pull their names. Grandma or Lois won't know the difference anyway. Looks like Mickey Mouse will be elected to the legislature again this year; thanks to the Luther Manor votes.

Today, Grandma called me. She told me she had to go to Bon Ton. I asked her for what. She said she needed to get sex. "What", I screamed! She said, I need "socks". I swear I thought she said something else. If anyone wants to know, she only has two pairs left; and she has to wash them every other day. I will take her to Bon Ton before Christmas, so we all don't have to suffer.

Well, that's all for now; until my journey with Grandma on Friday. I promise I will put more pictures up on Friday. I have nothing else to do then report a blog to my family on a Friday night.