Christmas Past

1976
December 23. Made cup-cakes. Knob which turned on hot and cold water in kitchen sink finally gave up its ghost. A little tired, faced with an army of dirty dishes used in making cookies. Ran up stairs to get water (out of breath). Telephone. Rosy. I couldn't explain to her what happened but she kept asking if I was well. Finally washed all dirty dishes, pots etc.

December 24. Made jello, cole slaw, cooked ham.

December 25. Ann came at 12:30. Children opened gifts, ate lunch, played with music master. Michael pleased with money. Mike not well (not a hangover). Susie at first seemed dazed with all presents, began appropriating all under the tree. She looked pretty as all of girls did. Rosy, Joe, Joey came while D. was here. Ann left about 3:30. Rosy later to visit Sherry's.

December 26. Sunny morning when Tom called. I got dinner ready - turkey. About 3:30 started to snow, a heavy snowstorm with clouded skies. Spent hours - restless, anxiety-ridden. Sadie came over with a gift she had made for me - (How thoughtful) - for bathroom. Tom and Lynn with L. Tom got here at 7:00. They were exhausted. Little Tom described conditions, cars in middle of snowstorm.

December 27. Another cold day, slushy roads. Lynn, Tommy, and I went up to Toy City, almost sold out (or have stored away seasonal things, games etc). Bought motorcycle ($0.69). Walked up to post office - too cold for Tommy. Daddy and Tom went to Charleroi to get fixture for sink which he installed in a short time. Joe, Rosy, Joey came up - stayed a couple of hours - brought red boots for Tommy. At night television picture kept faking intermittently; became so dark that it was no fun to watch. Tommy would not take his red boots off.

1977
December 23.  Katy called. Got her package--beautiful pillow, wreath, and tablecloth, all handmade.

December 24. Tommy came about 3.

December 25. Hectic but most enjoyable. Joey sick.  Ann's children were beautiful. Suzy a little destructive with toys, too impulsive.

December 26. Little Tommy, never saw him so relaxed and happy. Dressed as a little policeman. Cold.

1989
December 22. Hair done by Annette. Betty went with me. Met Betty, illegible Santos, Arlene Gabick. Made me feel so alive. Hair so clean. Baked a ham. Kathy did some food shopping. Called Judy, coming on Sunday.

December 23. Joey took me to Rosie's about 9:30. Helped Rose make cookies with chocolate kisses for Michael. Joe, Pat and Joey went to Steelers game as did all the Doughertys. Rose had snacks for them at 4. Michael ate many cookies. Tom (family) came about 5. They had a good time. So happy to see them all. I missed Kathleen and family. Annie coughed several times.

December 24. Tom bought cough medicine for Annie. Judy went to Toy City. Tom went to Rosemary's to get Tommy who did his Christmas shopping. From 7 to 9 we went thru Roscoe, Stockdale, Monessen. All slept well.

December 25. A Christmas to remember. Strange - power out on Christmas. All went to Rosemary's. Kay and Ed were eating lunch. Luke took a long nap. Kay T. brought beautiful gifts for Annie and Luke and a flowering Christmas cactus. Spent an enjoyable day. Rose had a delicious dinner - new recipe for Chicken breasts, best I ever tasted. Home about nine. Tom had to put my table together. I sleep so well when Judy and Tom are here.

1992
December 20. Expecting Heidi and Ilsa today, probably about 7 or 8. Must have something for them to eat. Ilsa called about 12 - will be here at 6:30 or 7. Grandfather Klebingot took them out for their lunch. Were here about 6:30 - we went to Rego's for dinner. Seeing the brightly decorated homes brought me back to the present time. Both loving girls. How blessed I am.

December 22. Weather still good. Heidi's new car is a striking red and necessary for her. Both up before me - ready to go shopping, especially to Gabe's. Rose gave them directions. Home about 4 - bought a short coat for Katy- cut rate prices - shoes for Ilsa - other necessities. We all rested before going to Back Porch for dinner at 5:30. It was so bright in this restored old home - shining - very good food but not cheap. $63.  Girls loved the atmosphere and many antiques. Must bring Katy some time.

December 24.  Up at seven - light snow.  Will I be able to walk up to Annette's to get hair done at 11. Father Harvey here at 10 with cookies from Ladies Guild and communion for me. Later walked with Betty up to Annette's, hair done. Customer made remarks about teachers' salaries but I interrupted - gave my insight - a teacher has a difficult job and only a few get top salary, with a master's, 20 or more credits, or 20 years of service.

December 25. Joe came for me about 11  - picked up Kay and Ed Fiorill took us to Rosemary and Joe's. Mark, Patrick there to welcome us. The home always is so shining, especially so at Christmas, beautifully decorated, so many artifacts, many made by Joe and Rose. Ate a lunch - Ed was good - heard every word we said. Dinner was delicious - stuffed chicken breast and all the necessary other food. We got home about 9:30 - no snow until we came close to home. Such beautiful presents - pale blue woolen sweater, slacks - walking type, a digital radio and others.