(1949 September)
Have I mentioned I am refinishing the dining-room floor? Saturday afternoon man came and sanded it. After supper I finished scraping. Today 4:30-5:00 put on first coat of sealer. I paint it once a day with something and hope to be done by end of week. All we need now is unexpected company with dining room furniture in living room.
July 31, 2009
July 30, 2009
No apologies
(1949 September)
Skip, let us make a pact, us two. Hereafter let us not waste time and words apologizing for our typing and handwriting. That alone will run into wells of ink and typewriter ribbons galore if we keep that up while you are in school. Now I know you can type, and you know I write in bed with the ink flowing up the pen, and you know I know where to put apostrophes and other punctuation, heaven knows. So if we both appreciate it is simply a matter of time and the idea conveyed is the thing -- we'll save ourselves a lot of trouble and use time for something else (writing to those who do not allow for errors).
Skip, let us make a pact, us two. Hereafter let us not waste time and words apologizing for our typing and handwriting. That alone will run into wells of ink and typewriter ribbons galore if we keep that up while you are in school. Now I know you can type, and you know I write in bed with the ink flowing up the pen, and you know I know where to put apostrophes and other punctuation, heaven knows. So if we both appreciate it is simply a matter of time and the idea conveyed is the thing -- we'll save ourselves a lot of trouble and use time for something else (writing to those who do not allow for errors).
July 29, 2009
All in order
(1949 September)
The pamphlet on dogs has long since helped start one of my fires. (They do go out and then I saw and chop until I get wood for another one. But tonight I came across a darling box of wood.) My ambition is to burn all the trash in that mess of boxes. Then have it cemented. Then build shelves of the lumber you pulled out of fruit room. Good place to store stuff. Don't you think? Not until then can we get order.
The pamphlet on dogs has long since helped start one of my fires. (They do go out and then I saw and chop until I get wood for another one. But tonight I came across a darling box of wood.) My ambition is to burn all the trash in that mess of boxes. Then have it cemented. Then build shelves of the lumber you pulled out of fruit room. Good place to store stuff. Don't you think? Not until then can we get order.
July 28, 2009
Cukes
(1949 September)
Concerning your cucumbers, I regret to say the crop was a failure this year. I think the reasons were that they were planted too late and not weeded. A cucumber is long, not round. I was up there the other day to look for you and found two bottles empty. I surmised the blossom had wilted off. Two had very small cukes in but could still slip out of neck of bottle. Frost is here and growing time over now, so there will be no more during this year. You will have to get an early start next year.
Concerning your cucumbers, I regret to say the crop was a failure this year. I think the reasons were that they were planted too late and not weeded. A cucumber is long, not round. I was up there the other day to look for you and found two bottles empty. I surmised the blossom had wilted off. Two had very small cukes in but could still slip out of neck of bottle. Frost is here and growing time over now, so there will be no more during this year. You will have to get an early start next year.
July 27, 2009
July 26, 2009
Uncle Ed again
(1950 February)
Uncle Ed [the handyman] was here for past 2 days. Replaced flooring in living room. Replaced wall boards. Put mirror on other side of door downstairs. Screwed down board in MM's floor near closet door. Sawed off one inch of legs of her stool, better for table. More anon - a long list.
Uncle Ed [the handyman] was here for past 2 days. Replaced flooring in living room. Replaced wall boards. Put mirror on other side of door downstairs. Screwed down board in MM's floor near closet door. Sawed off one inch of legs of her stool, better for table. More anon - a long list.
July 25, 2009
Normal arts & crafts
(1950 February)
February 7 [Polly's birthday] I attended first art & craft class (UW) at Normal [school]. [Your pal] Howard was there reading a Life mag while the teacher outlined the course. Markley [another pal] was not, as he and others were doing a square dance for PTA. Very nice teacher, Mr. Viertaler (four dollars). I am not going to take it as I know most of that stuff and need really time to apply what I do know. Also it is geared to country school teachers. Also it is $22.50.
February 7 [Polly's birthday] I attended first art & craft class (UW) at Normal [school]. [Your pal] Howard was there reading a Life mag while the teacher outlined the course. Markley [another pal] was not, as he and others were doing a square dance for PTA. Very nice teacher, Mr. Viertaler (four dollars). I am not going to take it as I know most of that stuff and need really time to apply what I do know. Also it is geared to country school teachers. Also it is $22.50.
July 24, 2009
Revival
(1950 February)
Have you heard about Wheaton College near Chicago? An Evangelist inspired them and they all cut classes, hang around chapel, give testamonials. Whoop de doo. Daddy thinks it's wonderful they got religion, but I think the devils are cutting up and acting wise. Think you?
Have you heard about Wheaton College near Chicago? An Evangelist inspired them and they all cut classes, hang around chapel, give testamonials. Whoop de doo. Daddy thinks it's wonderful they got religion, but I think the devils are cutting up and acting wise. Think you?
July 23, 2009
Nuf said
(1950 February)
There is "Story of Christ" at the Richland [Theatre], but we are afraid to go. Looks corny.
There is "Story of Christ" at the Richland [Theatre], but we are afraid to go. Looks corny.
July 22, 2009
Not friends with books
(1949 September 12, Sunday night)
I am not friends with books.
An hour after you left [to begin college], Mary Margaret and I descended on your room to give it a thorough cleaning and make it ours. First we took down the other half of the curtain. Second, we got a bushel basket for a dustpan and swept the floor. And third, we took all the books out of the big bookcase so it could be cleaned and moved. MM <4> was very helpful and would help me lay a shelf of books all in a row for later replacement. The pocket books went on the davenport; then started the shelf by row arrangement. At last all were out. My arms ache. I am dirty. Mary's arms ache. She is dirty. But we are still friends with books.
Now we pull the bed out and wash the floor and woodwork. Almost decide to stop then and there to paint and varnish. Abandon idea as Auxiliary comes tomorrow. We take down pictures. Together we move the bookcase. I wash it. Time for lunch. The Mary M has thrown in her anchor. I wash the dishes and return. So far I am friends with books.
Now I try to remember which books go on which shelves. I start out with putting the big ones on the bottom. I cover them with smaller big books. Then I see there are others still bigger that go to the bottom of those already in. I break my back. My arms snap off. But I do it right, even though some big ones skillfully hid at the bottom of the pile.
Another thing: I have put the shelves in alternate layers with the books. I must handle them twice - put a pile on the bed to get at the shelf. Relations between us are becoming strained now. My head aches. I lie down 2::00-2:30. I go at it again.
Finally all the shelves are in. What? The top ones do not match - one is higher. What to do? I go to the basement for tools. I find a little whatsit in your desk drawer. I use it for a brace. I brace the brace with a tack. It holds. Now to take out the four on the other side and move them up a notch. I find the notches are all too small. But they expand as I hammer with great determination. I wake up the baby. But I keep on. The last one is uncooperative. It shoots into the air. I recover it and go at it again. It slides into pages of books - I find it again. I hammer with great persistancy. Suddenly the loaded shelf below gradually turns over, sliding the books all behind the bookcase. It is done on purpose. It is a mean trick. I am no longer friends with books. But I do not cry. Oh no. I take revenge upon the bracket. I abandon him. And in his place I pound a willing nail which awaits nearby. Now I sit panting a moment. But not long.
I recover. I decide if we would scrap the scrap books it would help. First, I shall wait until I see if you become famous when the museums will pay me $1000 a sheet for coloring you did in kindergarten. I have waited this long. I will still save them. But it is an idea to trifle with.
The neat rows have avalanched. Although I pick them up neatly, Pope's poems stand next to the ROTC manual. They are bucking me.
Now all the shelves are filled. I am relieved. But no! The floor is clear but I have an encyclopedia left over. It was on top of the desk, hiding purposely. We are no longer friendly. I no longer care if volume 14 follows 15. I no longer care if some are on their heads. Titles mean nothing - size it all - will it fit the space?
The Mary M cruises up. She hands me vast piles of pocket books, which I shamelessly slam on top. I am done. but I am not friends with books.
I am not friends with books.
An hour after you left [to begin college], Mary Margaret and I descended on your room to give it a thorough cleaning and make it ours. First we took down the other half of the curtain. Second, we got a bushel basket for a dustpan and swept the floor. And third, we took all the books out of the big bookcase so it could be cleaned and moved. MM <4> was very helpful and would help me lay a shelf of books all in a row for later replacement. The pocket books went on the davenport; then started the shelf by row arrangement. At last all were out. My arms ache. I am dirty. Mary's arms ache. She is dirty. But we are still friends with books.
Now we pull the bed out and wash the floor and woodwork. Almost decide to stop then and there to paint and varnish. Abandon idea as Auxiliary comes tomorrow. We take down pictures. Together we move the bookcase. I wash it. Time for lunch. The Mary M has thrown in her anchor. I wash the dishes and return. So far I am friends with books.
Now I try to remember which books go on which shelves. I start out with putting the big ones on the bottom. I cover them with smaller big books. Then I see there are others still bigger that go to the bottom of those already in. I break my back. My arms snap off. But I do it right, even though some big ones skillfully hid at the bottom of the pile.
Another thing: I have put the shelves in alternate layers with the books. I must handle them twice - put a pile on the bed to get at the shelf. Relations between us are becoming strained now. My head aches. I lie down 2::00-2:30. I go at it again.
Finally all the shelves are in. What? The top ones do not match - one is higher. What to do? I go to the basement for tools. I find a little whatsit in your desk drawer. I use it for a brace. I brace the brace with a tack. It holds. Now to take out the four on the other side and move them up a notch. I find the notches are all too small. But they expand as I hammer with great determination. I wake up the baby. But I keep on. The last one is uncooperative. It shoots into the air. I recover it and go at it again. It slides into pages of books - I find it again. I hammer with great persistancy. Suddenly the loaded shelf below gradually turns over, sliding the books all behind the bookcase. It is done on purpose. It is a mean trick. I am no longer friends with books. But I do not cry. Oh no. I take revenge upon the bracket. I abandon him. And in his place I pound a willing nail which awaits nearby. Now I sit panting a moment. But not long.
I recover. I decide if we would scrap the scrap books it would help. First, I shall wait until I see if you become famous when the museums will pay me $1000 a sheet for coloring you did in kindergarten. I have waited this long. I will still save them. But it is an idea to trifle with.
The neat rows have avalanched. Although I pick them up neatly, Pope's poems stand next to the ROTC manual. They are bucking me.
Now all the shelves are filled. I am relieved. But no! The floor is clear but I have an encyclopedia left over. It was on top of the desk, hiding purposely. We are no longer friendly. I no longer care if volume 14 follows 15. I no longer care if some are on their heads. Titles mean nothing - size it all - will it fit the space?
The Mary M cruises up. She hands me vast piles of pocket books, which I shamelessly slam on top. I am done. but I am not friends with books.
July 21, 2009
Hurried harvest
(1949 September 15)
Daddy got home early at 4:30 and we all picked grapes like mad. The dinner baked too hard, forgotten until 6:45, as frost is predicted. Got maybe 3 or 4 bushels. ... I would boost Mary Margaret <4> up high and tell her to pick, and she would take bunches from me when I was deep in a vine. We filled R's handkerchief and sent him home with them. Mr. Lyle [neighbor] was last seen at 7 picking too.
Daddy got home early at 4:30 and we all picked grapes like mad. The dinner baked too hard, forgotten until 6:45, as frost is predicted. Got maybe 3 or 4 bushels. ... I would boost Mary Margaret <4> up high and tell her to pick, and she would take bunches from me when I was deep in a vine. We filled R's handkerchief and sent him home with them. Mr. Lyle [neighbor] was last seen at 7 picking too.
July 20, 2009
False alarm
(1949 September 29)
The kids were wild with fear tonight - thought our hill was burning and everything would go. Mr. Cole [neighbor] was burning his weeds. All under control.
The kids were wild with fear tonight - thought our hill was burning and everything would go. Mr. Cole [neighbor] was burning his weeds. All under control.
July 19, 2009
Dud
(1949 September 29)
The other day downtown I got the last pen flashlight Keegan's [drug store] had. Got it home - wouldn't go. Back today, and they gave me a new one of new batch just in, and I also got one for MM. I thought she might not be as nervous in dark alone if she had one.
The other day downtown I got the last pen flashlight Keegan's [drug store] had. Got it home - wouldn't go. Back today, and they gave me a new one of new batch just in, and I also got one for MM. I thought she might not be as nervous in dark alone if she had one.
July 18, 2009
Ignornance is bliss
(1949 September 29)
Dora has been selected to join the Study Club that A, B, and C [social stalwarts] belong to. I was told there was a vacancy and of all the names brought up, hers was the only one everyone was unanimous in wanting. I asked [my informant] how she or they ever got to know Dora [who was new in town], and she said they hadn't known her but were now liking her so much. -- No wonder no one could have anything against her if no one knew her, eh? But Dora is so nice they would have liked her if they knew her, I'm sure - only it's funny, or am I?
Dora has been selected to join the Study Club that A, B, and C [social stalwarts] belong to. I was told there was a vacancy and of all the names brought up, hers was the only one everyone was unanimous in wanting. I asked [my informant] how she or they ever got to know Dora [who was new in town], and she said they hadn't known her but were now liking her so much. -- No wonder no one could have anything against her if no one knew her, eh? But Dora is so nice they would have liked her if they knew her, I'm sure - only it's funny, or am I?
July 17, 2009
Excuses
(1949 September 29)
Now why I don't write oftener is complicated. (1) I am out of downstairs ink. (2) When I'm upstairs with ink, my pen is downstairs. (3) Mailing them is hard. I don't often get to town, don't trust rural boxes, don't like to bother Frank always. (4) I gave all my envelopes to Daddy [to take on his trip] and have all my good dishes from the dining room piled on the window seat [while redoing the dining-room floor] and therefore can't get to other paper. So while I put it off, another letter comes and I add to mine. But I shall reform for sure now.
Now why I don't write oftener is complicated. (1) I am out of downstairs ink. (2) When I'm upstairs with ink, my pen is downstairs. (3) Mailing them is hard. I don't often get to town, don't trust rural boxes, don't like to bother Frank always. (4) I gave all my envelopes to Daddy [to take on his trip] and have all my good dishes from the dining room piled on the window seat [while redoing the dining-room floor] and therefore can't get to other paper. So while I put it off, another letter comes and I add to mine. But I shall reform for sure now.
July 16, 2009
The last straps
(1949 September 29)
Mary Margaret and I carried the cover of your laundry case down to Starr's harness shop, and he, Mr. Starr, said he had one last pair of straps, that he would fix a handle, but it would be Thursday before finished.
Mary Margaret and I carried the cover of your laundry case down to Starr's harness shop, and he, Mr. Starr, said he had one last pair of straps, that he would fix a handle, but it would be Thursday before finished.
July 15, 2009
Negative is positive
(1992 June 18)
Yesterday took a cab to County Bank and after that business walked [one block] to Valley Bank, and after that to Richard's, a good place to call a cab and sit down till it comes. In the p.m., cab again to Dr. T to find out why I have been having shortness of breath. Had 2 chest X-rays and paid $66.13 to find out there is nothing at all wrong and I can climb stairs and walk any place! Lorin always said not to feel bad when money was spent "for nothing."
Yesterday took a cab to County Bank and after that business walked [one block] to Valley Bank, and after that to Richard's, a good place to call a cab and sit down till it comes. In the p.m., cab again to Dr. T to find out why I have been having shortness of breath. Had 2 chest X-rays and paid $66.13 to find out there is nothing at all wrong and I can climb stairs and walk any place! Lorin always said not to feel bad when money was spent "for nothing."
July 14, 2009
Trap door
(1992 July)
I think I am in pretty good health, yet mishaps. Yesterday a.m. picking up morning paper I fell and got one foot under the door (screen). Luckily MM came down stairs at cry of "Help!" and got me to my feet. I felt very dizzy getting my breakfast, but Marveline came just then and brought my oatmeal. I try to eat as wished. But I feel my good days are over.
I think I am in pretty good health, yet mishaps. Yesterday a.m. picking up morning paper I fell and got one foot under the door (screen). Luckily MM came down stairs at cry of "Help!" and got me to my feet. I felt very dizzy getting my breakfast, but Marveline came just then and brought my oatmeal. I try to eat as wished. But I feel my good days are over.
July 13, 2009
Fenderbender
(1992 July)
Mary Margaret has gone out to visit Lena [a senior at the county old folks' home] and took her two Hersey bars and a Smithsonian. She tries to get me out every day, and we set forth in her van. Yesterday it was to Walmart to buy me a watch. It is plain gold with gold hands, black strap, less than $20. We also got bobby pins and Hershey bars to take to Lena. Then just as we got in the van for home, a thin girl drove into her back fender! The first thing she did was light a cigarette. Two cops appeared and wrote down everything. The thin girl felt very bad as it was the first day she had the car her folks gave her. The cop laughed hard and loud - HA HA HA. Last night she phoned Bruce [MM's husband] and whatever he told her to do she is doing now. He just had one too, and both excellent drivers.
Mary Margaret has gone out to visit Lena [a senior at the county old folks' home] and took her two Hersey bars and a Smithsonian. She tries to get me out every day, and we set forth in her van. Yesterday it was to Walmart to buy me a watch. It is plain gold with gold hands, black strap, less than $20. We also got bobby pins and Hershey bars to take to Lena. Then just as we got in the van for home, a thin girl drove into her back fender! The first thing she did was light a cigarette. Two cops appeared and wrote down everything. The thin girl felt very bad as it was the first day she had the car her folks gave her. The cop laughed hard and loud - HA HA HA. Last night she phoned Bruce [MM's husband] and whatever he told her to do she is doing now. He just had one too, and both excellent drivers.
July 12, 2009
Green Lake
(1993? Fall)
One day Jill was impressing me with how her work is not merely teaching English here, but going all over the state for various reasons. "Have you ever heard of Green Lake?" she asked, trying to be superior. "Yes," I replied, "I used to go to school there." That fixed her. I could have gone on about how I went in a covered launch in summer and sat on straw in the bottom of a sleigh with bells on the horses in the winter, but I thought I had made my point.
One day Jill was impressing me with how her work is not merely teaching English here, but going all over the state for various reasons. "Have you ever heard of Green Lake?" she asked, trying to be superior. "Yes," I replied, "I used to go to school there." That fixed her. I could have gone on about how I went in a covered launch in summer and sat on straw in the bottom of a sleigh with bells on the horses in the winter, but I thought I had made my point.
July 11, 2009
Stand up for Jesus
(1994 June)
I don't see much of Jill, who is taking care of twin boys who may be a year old now. I asked her if she got paid for this and she said, "No. Haven't you ever done anything without pay?" I think she was going to Chicago with the mother, driving, so I can see the need. I said, "How do you get these jobs?" "The minister says there is a need for so and so and anyone who can help please stand up." So up Jill stands. She said a black boy who attended college had his mother come to graduation and stayed with her. Both mother and father couldn't afford it, so one came.
I don't see much of Jill, who is taking care of twin boys who may be a year old now. I asked her if she got paid for this and she said, "No. Haven't you ever done anything without pay?" I think she was going to Chicago with the mother, driving, so I can see the need. I said, "How do you get these jobs?" "The minister says there is a need for so and so and anyone who can help please stand up." So up Jill stands. She said a black boy who attended college had his mother come to graduation and stayed with her. Both mother and father couldn't afford it, so one came.
July 10, 2009
Market crashes
(198? November)
Christmas will be simpler this year, I think. Really too much last year. Did you lose much on the stock market? I haven't asked but am sure I lost some. I am old enough to remember the disastrous results of the last one! Some friends of Alfred Kay's were ruined.
Christmas will be simpler this year, I think. Really too much last year. Did you lose much on the stock market? I haven't asked but am sure I lost some. I am old enough to remember the disastrous results of the last one! Some friends of Alfred Kay's were ruined.
July 9, 2009
Lorna's bad day
(1988? November)
My schoolgirl, Lorna, came home from the weekend with the bad news of how her younger brother (with a Norwegian name) wrecked her car, actually her older brother's but on loan to Lorna. He ran a light and ran into a police car! As we were out of food, Lorna walked to the store and back in rain drizzle. A heavy bag.
My schoolgirl, Lorna, came home from the weekend with the bad news of how her younger brother (with a Norwegian name) wrecked her car, actually her older brother's but on loan to Lorna. He ran a light and ran into a police car! As we were out of food, Lorna walked to the store and back in rain drizzle. A heavy bag.
July 8, 2009
Garage sale
(1988? July 22)
A postcard will do for the little news I have. Saturday a garage sale down the street. I picked out two small books, one a cook book for two, and today walked back with the money only to find it all cleared away and the people gone!
A postcard will do for the little news I have. Saturday a garage sale down the street. I picked out two small books, one a cook book for two, and today walked back with the money only to find it all cleared away and the people gone!
July 7, 2009
Peas
(1988? November 1)
Carla Hill, who is in school here, took me shopping Friday when I bought a small ham, but I had no dry peas or beans except your Black Eyed Peas [for New Year's Day], and I wouldn't think of using them up! So I cut off some raw slices and froze those and will make the soup when I have peas.
Carla Hill, who is in school here, took me shopping Friday when I bought a small ham, but I had no dry peas or beans except your Black Eyed Peas [for New Year's Day], and I wouldn't think of using them up! So I cut off some raw slices and froze those and will make the soup when I have peas.
July 6, 2009
Medical notes
[From Polly's schoolgirl:] Lorna's high-school age brother badly hurt in football when three boys ran into him with helmets. An operation on spine they think is going to save him from being a cripple. Then her grandmother had an eye operation, but this turned out well, and she is happy she can again see.
July 5, 2009
Christmas plans
(1987? November 1)
What would you like [for Christmas], love? All I need is chewing gum, about a package a week, but not too stale and no sugar or fruit flavors. I think MM is giving quilts she made, a lasting gift. How can you be needing towels for the kitchen after all the towels she gave you last year? She said, "Towels for all over the house." ... What style tea kettle do you favor? singing or silent? enamel or aluminum? capacity? Dishtowels, like turkish? or flour sacks? or linen?
What would you like [for Christmas], love? All I need is chewing gum, about a package a week, but not too stale and no sugar or fruit flavors. I think MM is giving quilts she made, a lasting gift. How can you be needing towels for the kitchen after all the towels she gave you last year? She said, "Towels for all over the house." ... What style tea kettle do you favor? singing or silent? enamel or aluminum? capacity? Dishtowels, like turkish? or flour sacks? or linen?
July 4, 2009
Ham for the Fourth
(1954 July 4, Sunday)
Did you spend the Fourth delving? I was sorry you couldn't be here to put away some of the baked ham Louis [Saloutos] gave us. Almost as large as Easter's. Daddy had the late service, after which we came home and had ham sandwiches for lunch. Then the usual and ham for supper. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Doudna came about 8 to see the fireworks. The trees have grown a bit so we went upstairs on the balcony. After this we had coffee and ham sandwiches. So it goes. Daddy slept till 9 this morning.
Did you spend the Fourth delving? I was sorry you couldn't be here to put away some of the baked ham Louis [Saloutos] gave us. Almost as large as Easter's. Daddy had the late service, after which we came home and had ham sandwiches for lunch. Then the usual and ham for supper. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Doudna came about 8 to see the fireworks. The trees have grown a bit so we went upstairs on the balcony. After this we had coffee and ham sandwiches. So it goes. Daddy slept till 9 this morning.
July 3, 2009
Bus tour
(1952 September 16, from Boston)
[On a tour to Plymouth] bus driver showed us rose bush Abigail [Adams] planted in 17?? and gave me some rose hips (seed pods) from it. I wish I knew when and how to plant them etc. ... Always the room with the souvenirs - 3" dolls, Puritan, $2.50 etc. I usually buy postcards. Daddy and I were convulsed. Many people on these tours don't think it worthwhile to get out - they just sit cramped up on the bus. I even got out to pick 2 cranberries out of a bog yesterday. But not to walk around a huge statue of Faith - nor at Plymouth Rock [where] a fellow your age in Pilgrim hat, knee breeches and shoon gave the spiel on the rock. Effect spoiled by overcoat to keep out ocean winds and were they cold. The rock is all enclosed in a monument of sorts. We saw behind a lilac bush where Old Oaken Bucket used to be. I can't remember all this stuff.
[On a tour to Plymouth] bus driver showed us rose bush Abigail [Adams] planted in 17?? and gave me some rose hips (seed pods) from it. I wish I knew when and how to plant them etc. ... Always the room with the souvenirs - 3" dolls, Puritan, $2.50 etc. I usually buy postcards. Daddy and I were convulsed. Many people on these tours don't think it worthwhile to get out - they just sit cramped up on the bus. I even got out to pick 2 cranberries out of a bog yesterday. But not to walk around a huge statue of Faith - nor at Plymouth Rock [where] a fellow your age in Pilgrim hat, knee breeches and shoon gave the spiel on the rock. Effect spoiled by overcoat to keep out ocean winds and were they cold. The rock is all enclosed in a monument of sorts. We saw behind a lilac bush where Old Oaken Bucket used to be. I can't remember all this stuff.
July 2, 2009
Travelshy
(1952 August 14, preparing to go to Boston)
You know I have been home so constantly these past years it is an increasing effort for me to get ready to go anywhere. I have to sew [for MM] ... tend to Daddy's stuff - all those shirts must be ready but those he takes off, underwear etc. And then myself - and the house - all those arrangements. It is bad enough when one of the family leaves, but when I go it is so very difficult to see to all. If this gets too complicated, I may have to give it up after all. Nerves!!!
You know I have been home so constantly these past years it is an increasing effort for me to get ready to go anywhere. I have to sew [for MM] ... tend to Daddy's stuff - all those shirts must be ready but those he takes off, underwear etc. And then myself - and the house - all those arrangements. It is bad enough when one of the family leaves, but when I go it is so very difficult to see to all. If this gets too complicated, I may have to give it up after all. Nerves!!!
July 1, 2009
Boston bookstore
(1952 September 23)
By the way, [while in Boston] one day took a cab to Goodspeed's 2nd Hand Store and must say I was disappointed. All orderly as a library, cataloged by subjects - in 25-cent and 50-cent stack were old school books and books on politics. Prices I thought high - book we have on Saints and Festivals, $3. But I would go there for good books like a set of encyclopedias etc. No one there but me and a woman, uncompromising but wise, except 3 men. One man was introducing a man who looked like Glencannon (Saturday Evening Post) to a 3rd man and was saying he was from Paris and came here searching out crime and wanted help. I pretended to look at some old books to hear more but couldn't. Anyway, don't expect too much from Goodspeeds in bargains!
By the way, [while in Boston] one day took a cab to Goodspeed's 2nd Hand Store and must say I was disappointed. All orderly as a library, cataloged by subjects - in 25-cent and 50-cent stack were old school books and books on politics. Prices I thought high - book we have on Saints and Festivals, $3. But I would go there for good books like a set of encyclopedias etc. No one there but me and a woman, uncompromising but wise, except 3 men. One man was introducing a man who looked like Glencannon (Saturday Evening Post) to a 3rd man and was saying he was from Paris and came here searching out crime and wanted help. I pretended to look at some old books to hear more but couldn't. Anyway, don't expect too much from Goodspeeds in bargains!
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