(1970? Summer)
Can't remember if I told you about the trip the Birketts are on. They took a train Sunday from La Crosse to Yellowstone Park, later to Seattle. Something for the kids to remember.
July 31, 2010
July 30, 2010
July 29, 2010
Nervousness
(1970 June 1)
At this point I must reveal I haven't been feeling quite as well lately as I have here-to-fore. The trouble is nervousness, my old enemy. Now that I am not so rushingly busy, I have come to feel the silence more and have been very uneasy about my future. I feel as if I am in a bind - always was slow at making decisions, you know ... my neck is so stiff I cannot bend it - just tension and I am disgusted with myself and more than anything having to bother you with it. ... Please do not be too distressed over my nervousness. I have had it before and overcome it.
At this point I must reveal I haven't been feeling quite as well lately as I have here-to-fore. The trouble is nervousness, my old enemy. Now that I am not so rushingly busy, I have come to feel the silence more and have been very uneasy about my future. I feel as if I am in a bind - always was slow at making decisions, you know ... my neck is so stiff I cannot bend it - just tension and I am disgusted with myself and more than anything having to bother you with it. ... Please do not be too distressed over my nervousness. I have had it before and overcome it.
July 28, 2010
Honking & yelling
(1970 February 27)
Last night there was a teen party down at the Community Center (Pantie Factory, previously), lots of honking cars and yelling. Once Daddy called the police when he couldn't get to sleep and the music was lowered.
Last night there was a teen party down at the Community Center (Pantie Factory, previously), lots of honking cars and yelling. Once Daddy called the police when he couldn't get to sleep and the music was lowered.
July 27, 2010
Acolytes
(1970 February 27)
Jean [Birkett] came and took some dishes back with her. She said Bill had a wonderful memory of Lorin: Wardley had been pressed into service as an acolyte one Sunday, and afterward L put his arm around him and told him how proud he was of him. Reminded us so much of your first attempts. L & I always cherished a remark of yours - "it seemed so long to keep standing there while Fr. Dawson was washing up his dishes."
Jean [Birkett] came and took some dishes back with her. She said Bill had a wonderful memory of Lorin: Wardley had been pressed into service as an acolyte one Sunday, and afterward L put his arm around him and told him how proud he was of him. Reminded us so much of your first attempts. L & I always cherished a remark of yours - "it seemed so long to keep standing there while Fr. Dawson was washing up his dishes."
July 26, 2010
Torching
(1970 March 4)
Monday when I opened the mail came one douzy of a letter from Father Gutman to L. He is all for this Trial Liturgy. I answered it at once while the iron was hot and said I wasn't going to carry a torch for L, but just this once would answer for L.
Monday when I opened the mail came one douzy of a letter from Father Gutman to L. He is all for this Trial Liturgy. I answered it at once while the iron was hot and said I wasn't going to carry a torch for L, but just this once would answer for L.
July 25, 2010
Peanuts
(1970 November 21)
Thursday night Dr. Freeman, a curator in Archeology ... spoke on her digs in Wisconsin. ... I (privately) asked Dr. Freeman if she knew Sue Riches [UW grad student, friend of MM] and she said Yes - I asked her if she heard about the peanuts, and she said no - so I told her: Sue and archeology friends were in Brat & Brau one night and they saw some object in a bag of salted peanuts. So they bot it - turned out to be a piece of human jaw bone! Was analyzed.
Thursday night Dr. Freeman, a curator in Archeology ... spoke on her digs in Wisconsin. ... I (privately) asked Dr. Freeman if she knew Sue Riches [UW grad student, friend of MM] and she said Yes - I asked her if she heard about the peanuts, and she said no - so I told her: Sue and archeology friends were in Brat & Brau one night and they saw some object in a bag of salted peanuts. So they bot it - turned out to be a piece of human jaw bone! Was analyzed.
July 24, 2010
Plagarized
(1970 November 21)
This writing is often a rum do. Last week I got a letter from Thurman Fox saying the exhibit sparked by my article on Ada James was now on view and to try to come to the [Wisconsin State Historical] Museum to see it and stop off at the office for a little visit if I could. So then a couple of days went by and there was quite a big feature story in the [Madison] State Journal on Woman's Lib and as I read on my eyes popped as I could see someone had been researching my article! Nay, as I read further, here were whole paragraphs and sections! So I did the crossword puzzle and after while phoned ... Margaret Scott [Richland County's local historian] and told her so she could get a copy, and she was indignant I hadn't been credited. But my thot was I was not paid for the article and I gave it to the Museum so it was theirs to lend out. What is your opinion?
This writing is often a rum do. Last week I got a letter from Thurman Fox saying the exhibit sparked by my article on Ada James was now on view and to try to come to the [Wisconsin State Historical] Museum to see it and stop off at the office for a little visit if I could. So then a couple of days went by and there was quite a big feature story in the [Madison] State Journal on Woman's Lib and as I read on my eyes popped as I could see someone had been researching my article! Nay, as I read further, here were whole paragraphs and sections! So I did the crossword puzzle and after while phoned ... Margaret Scott [Richland County's local historian] and told her so she could get a copy, and she was indignant I hadn't been credited. But my thot was I was not paid for the article and I gave it to the Museum so it was theirs to lend out. What is your opinion?
July 23, 2010
Elf call
(1970 November 21)
My phone call to Lawrence last night on his [fifth] birthday surely must be one of the oddest on record. He at once got the point of who I was and what I wanted and talked on and on about his presents, only alas in that soft little voice which doesn't carry very well. Once in a while I got a few words tho and was really not sorry later I called, if only for the feeling of unreality I got, like communing with a fairy elf.
My phone call to Lawrence last night on his [fifth] birthday surely must be one of the oddest on record. He at once got the point of who I was and what I wanted and talked on and on about his presents, only alas in that soft little voice which doesn't carry very well. Once in a while I got a few words tho and was really not sorry later I called, if only for the feeling of unreality I got, like communing with a fairy elf.
July 22, 2010
No appreciation
(1970 September 2)
Also - one big thing housewives have against housework is they work so hard and it is never appreciated. Every time another type of work is done, there is praise - "A nice report you handed in, Susie" or "Did you really make that dress? Beautiful!" But who mentions the everyday tasks that took as much care and must be done over & over & over. No appreciation. ... If the cook has got up a good meal and everyone sits down talking about the 4th Dimension and ignores her effort, believe me she will soon think anything will do.
Also - one big thing housewives have against housework is they work so hard and it is never appreciated. Every time another type of work is done, there is praise - "A nice report you handed in, Susie" or "Did you really make that dress? Beautiful!" But who mentions the everyday tasks that took as much care and must be done over & over & over. No appreciation. ... If the cook has got up a good meal and everyone sits down talking about the 4th Dimension and ignores her effort, believe me she will soon think anything will do.
July 21, 2010
Postage due
(1970 September 2)
Try to cheer up! I knew you were agitated when I saw you had put an 8 cent air mail on my letter and I had to pay 2 cents postage due! ... I should put up my sign as in Snoopy: 'All Questions Solved, 5 cents."
Try to cheer up! I knew you were agitated when I saw you had put an 8 cent air mail on my letter and I had to pay 2 cents postage due! ... I should put up my sign as in Snoopy: 'All Questions Solved, 5 cents."
July 20, 2010
A Kay chalice
(1970 September 2)
Fr. Simms (not just "Father") comes at my invitation (not his) to lunch tomorrow when we'll really pick out the chalice [as a memorial to Lorin]. We have about $300 so if there is some left over it can start a vestment fund. Violet, white, and red all wearing out. [The chalice and a paten were blessed on the last Sunday in November, which was the first Sunday in Advent.]
Fr. Simms (not just "Father") comes at my invitation (not his) to lunch tomorrow when we'll really pick out the chalice [as a memorial to Lorin]. We have about $300 so if there is some left over it can start a vestment fund. Violet, white, and red all wearing out. [The chalice and a paten were blessed on the last Sunday in November, which was the first Sunday in Advent.]
July 19, 2010
Where are the tomatoes?
I used to be furious with Daddy so many times. I could say, "Let's go outside a while and pick some tomatoes." --"All right Polly. Where are the tomatoes?" He neither knew nor cared. Cared was the worst to contend with. He just wanted to have time to do what he wanted to do. I felt alone with my interests and maybe he did too.
July 18, 2010
Trust Lorin
(1970 September 22)
Paul Fowell [lawyer] just phoned 11:15 - would I come over to appear in court at 1:00 to settle that clause in Daddy's will re: the library donation of books. The [term] "maintain" made some of these law bugs pop up in meeting of Library Board and proclaim that meant set up a trust fund. Paul and I are going to say if he wanted a trust fund set up he would have said so.
Paul Fowell [lawyer] just phoned 11:15 - would I come over to appear in court at 1:00 to settle that clause in Daddy's will re: the library donation of books. The [term] "maintain" made some of these law bugs pop up in meeting of Library Board and proclaim that meant set up a trust fund. Paul and I are going to say if he wanted a trust fund set up he would have said so.
July 16, 2010
Another BVD
(1970 March 9)
Also I phoned the hospital [where Lorin died] saying we were missing one BVD but were not really concerned. In half an hour the nurse gave it to Jean Birkett when she was visiting Grace and she gave it to Bill and he gave it to me (wrapped) when he called for MM and me for church Sunday. By now laundered and in his drawer. The worst part of having him gone is not being able to tell him little things like this; we so enjoyed our type of humor.
Also I phoned the hospital [where Lorin died] saying we were missing one BVD but were not really concerned. In half an hour the nurse gave it to Jean Birkett when she was visiting Grace and she gave it to Bill and he gave it to me (wrapped) when he called for MM and me for church Sunday. By now laundered and in his drawer. The worst part of having him gone is not being able to tell him little things like this; we so enjoyed our type of humor.
July 15, 2010
BVDs
(1970 March 9)
MM phoned to say, now the Hub [men's store in Madison] would not take back the one dozen BVDs at $3 each [delivered after Lorin's death] and MM is writing a letter to the factory. If they say no, you will have a hint as to what your birthday present will be. [Eventually, Skip wore them all out.]
MM phoned to say, now the Hub [men's store in Madison] would not take back the one dozen BVDs at $3 each [delivered after Lorin's death] and MM is writing a letter to the factory. If they say no, you will have a hint as to what your birthday present will be. [Eventually, Skip wore them all out.]
July 14, 2010
Tribute
(1970 March 9)
I saw a man getting out of a car at curb carrying two plants from Allain's [greenhouse]. I let him in and he proved to be a Baraboo attorney (white hair). He cried while he spoke of what a fine person Daddy was. He said, "Mr. Kay was such a fine man - a fine gentleman - and always a gentleman." It was very moving.
I saw a man getting out of a car at curb carrying two plants from Allain's [greenhouse]. I let him in and he proved to be a Baraboo attorney (white hair). He cried while he spoke of what a fine person Daddy was. He said, "Mr. Kay was such a fine man - a fine gentleman - and always a gentleman." It was very moving.
July 13, 2010
Kitten care
(1970 March 9)
If I had been there I shouldn't have let you pull apart one thing looking for kittens, until you heard them crying for help, because I know better! Why didn't you notice if the Mother were concerned? One time Penelope had about four in the laundry - I closed the hall door and opened the outside door so she could go out. Then on a sunny afternoon I put them all in the playhouse, door propped open. Went downtown. When I came back, no kittens in playhouse. Called. Looked all over out in back. MM home from school. We both covered the yard. At last gave up and came in and soon found them all in the laundry, back in the folded cleaning cloths on the shelves under the sink. -- sink, sank, SUNK = me.
If I had been there I shouldn't have let you pull apart one thing looking for kittens, until you heard them crying for help, because I know better! Why didn't you notice if the Mother were concerned? One time Penelope had about four in the laundry - I closed the hall door and opened the outside door so she could go out. Then on a sunny afternoon I put them all in the playhouse, door propped open. Went downtown. When I came back, no kittens in playhouse. Called. Looked all over out in back. MM home from school. We both covered the yard. At last gave up and came in and soon found them all in the laundry, back in the folded cleaning cloths on the shelves under the sink. -- sink, sank, SUNK = me.
July 12, 2010
Scholarship
(1970 March 8)
Must comment on "Wendover's Last Annal" [Skip's article in the English Historical Review]. My opinion on this is nil as I am uninformed on this field, and therefore my opinion counts for little. I would be interested in reading his story of the Creation, but not very interested in bickering about the variations in the texts. (I suppose you are hating me for this.) It is just the type of thing we [graduate students] used to do in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries Seminar at UW and very dull it was I always thot. Tho I will admit very scholarly. And of interest to scholars. I must not have been a real scholar. "But let me make one thing crystal clear" [as Ripon historian Ed Webster used to say] - I am proud of you for being one and being published in such fine Reviews.
Must comment on "Wendover's Last Annal" [Skip's article in the English Historical Review]. My opinion on this is nil as I am uninformed on this field, and therefore my opinion counts for little. I would be interested in reading his story of the Creation, but not very interested in bickering about the variations in the texts. (I suppose you are hating me for this.) It is just the type of thing we [graduate students] used to do in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries Seminar at UW and very dull it was I always thot. Tho I will admit very scholarly. And of interest to scholars. I must not have been a real scholar. "But let me make one thing crystal clear" [as Ripon historian Ed Webster used to say] - I am proud of you for being one and being published in such fine Reviews.
July 11, 2010
Home delivery
(1970 March 8)
I ordered a rural mail box to be put up as soon as frost is out of ground. Joe Rusinski will do it.
I ordered a rural mail box to be put up as soon as frost is out of ground. Joe Rusinski will do it.
July 10, 2010
Breakin
(1970 May 11)
I was locked out in the rain with no hat, good pink suit under raincoat (thank Heaven) - best walking shoes - etc. The whole picture flashed before me and I at once faced up to the situation, trod to the garage for the dandelion digger and heavy office chair. These I carried to the flower bed of mud. ... Using the dandelion digger, I pried the screen off, stood on the chair and pushed up the window, snapped the shade to the top, moved the night stand over. When I got myself as far as the sill, I removed first one shoe and then the other. Woops! I was in - then undoing the door catch, I went out once more and put all away, came in, peeled off my clothes and cleaned my shoes. "There's a dance in the old dame yet!"
I was locked out in the rain with no hat, good pink suit under raincoat (thank Heaven) - best walking shoes - etc. The whole picture flashed before me and I at once faced up to the situation, trod to the garage for the dandelion digger and heavy office chair. These I carried to the flower bed of mud. ... Using the dandelion digger, I pried the screen off, stood on the chair and pushed up the window, snapped the shade to the top, moved the night stand over. When I got myself as far as the sill, I removed first one shoe and then the other. Woops! I was in - then undoing the door catch, I went out once more and put all away, came in, peeled off my clothes and cleaned my shoes. "There's a dance in the old dame yet!"
July 9, 2010
Lockout
(1970 May 11)
Well, whatever next? as they say in Richland Center. This morning met Paul F. [lawyer] at 9 and after that did many odd little errands resulting in my carrying many odd little packages. When I got out of the cab, I hurriedly unlocked the door and fell in as they were slipping all directions - then sped out to let Dee out as he was anxious to go. His rope was tangled and I out to right it. Bang went the door and I was locked out. [to be continued]
Well, whatever next? as they say in Richland Center. This morning met Paul F. [lawyer] at 9 and after that did many odd little errands resulting in my carrying many odd little packages. When I got out of the cab, I hurriedly unlocked the door and fell in as they were slipping all directions - then sped out to let Dee out as he was anxious to go. His rope was tangled and I out to right it. Bang went the door and I was locked out. [to be continued]
July 8, 2010
USPS again
(1969 Mothers' Day)
I cannot understand what has happened to our postage system. Mail clerks must work more leisurely than previously. And the taxes and postage increase!
I cannot understand what has happened to our postage system. Mail clerks must work more leisurely than previously. And the taxes and postage increase!
July 7, 2010
Lecture
(1968 August 1)
You made me feel like a peculiar person when you said you told MM I "like to be thanked." My goodness, it is only common decency to thank people who have sent you a gift or done you a favor. Whoever heard of NOT thanking? I admit it often is a tiresome duty. Recall how you struck off small letters saying "Thanks for the gift" on your Xmas Printing Press when you were small and writing a chore? Be sure to teach LR good manners and always to say thank you whether the giver be near at hand or at the end of the earth. (Lecture)
You made me feel like a peculiar person when you said you told MM I "like to be thanked." My goodness, it is only common decency to thank people who have sent you a gift or done you a favor. Whoever heard of NOT thanking? I admit it often is a tiresome duty. Recall how you struck off small letters saying "Thanks for the gift" on your Xmas Printing Press when you were small and writing a chore? Be sure to teach LR good manners and always to say thank you whether the giver be near at hand or at the end of the earth. (Lecture)
July 6, 2010
Old ladies' man
(1968 August 1)
Betty was here yesterday and we were taking our beds apart, washing the slats, vacuuming mattresses and restoring broken buttons - in other words, working our heads off - when the doorbell rang, revealing a short, aggressive man whom I finally took to be an antique dealer. He said he was from Kansas City, Missouri, and was looking for old furniture, and did I know any old ladies who might have a quantity of Bavarian china or Carnival glass stored in their basements which they were not using but will sell cheap. What really got me more tho was the statement that Wisconsin had so much more in the antique line than Kansas and his state did. Bringing to mind the grand auctions you attended, I was amused. But I was anxious to have him leave so I could get back to work, so I just told him where some shops were and let the argument rest. His wife sat in the car and wrote down such odd names as Muscoda, Boscobel, and Boaz which fell from my lips.
Betty was here yesterday and we were taking our beds apart, washing the slats, vacuuming mattresses and restoring broken buttons - in other words, working our heads off - when the doorbell rang, revealing a short, aggressive man whom I finally took to be an antique dealer. He said he was from Kansas City, Missouri, and was looking for old furniture, and did I know any old ladies who might have a quantity of Bavarian china or Carnival glass stored in their basements which they were not using but will sell cheap. What really got me more tho was the statement that Wisconsin had so much more in the antique line than Kansas and his state did. Bringing to mind the grand auctions you attended, I was amused. But I was anxious to have him leave so I could get back to work, so I just told him where some shops were and let the argument rest. His wife sat in the car and wrote down such odd names as Muscoda, Boscobel, and Boaz which fell from my lips.
July 5, 2010
Front page
(1968 August 1)
Our local paper has done you proud by putting you on the Front Page. Bot one at Krogers (15 cents) so I could clip it for you. [Skip went to a canon law conference in Strasbourg, France, and moved to Baltimore for a postdoc at Johns Hopkins.] This looks like Daddy's work to me.
Our local paper has done you proud by putting you on the Front Page. Bot one at Krogers (15 cents) so I could clip it for you. [Skip went to a canon law conference in Strasbourg, France, and moved to Baltimore for a postdoc at Johns Hopkins.] This looks like Daddy's work to me.
July 4, 2010
Water everywhere
(1968 June 24)
The news on the weather front is too much RAIN. I couldn't do my work properly this morning because of violent thunderstorms and almost pitch blackness. How can you clean up dirt when you can't see it? Daddy walked 8 blocks out of his way to avoid water in gutters a foot deep. As if this weren't enough water, I overdid on watering the house plants and nearly ruined two, including a table!
The news on the weather front is too much RAIN. I couldn't do my work properly this morning because of violent thunderstorms and almost pitch blackness. How can you clean up dirt when you can't see it? Daddy walked 8 blocks out of his way to avoid water in gutters a foot deep. As if this weren't enough water, I overdid on watering the house plants and nearly ruined two, including a table!
July 3, 2010
Momma's little helper
(1967? December 16)
Dee was so cute. Big snow storm and I had to lug out garbage. Was washing dishes and thinking of how much trouble it would be getting out coat, mittens, scarf, boots, when I heard a loud THUNK and here was Dee by the stove - he had got out one of my boots (no doubt to chew on) and let it really fall on the floor. Seemingly to help me!
Dee was so cute. Big snow storm and I had to lug out garbage. Was washing dishes and thinking of how much trouble it would be getting out coat, mittens, scarf, boots, when I heard a loud THUNK and here was Dee by the stove - he had got out one of my boots (no doubt to chew on) and let it really fall on the floor. Seemingly to help me!
July 2, 2010
The new liturgy strikes
(1967 December 5)
I must say a few words about the new liturgy which struck us Sunday, first in Advent. We had had instructions in class, so knew what was coming and did much talking beforehand on trying to make the best of things. Yet as the service went on, poor Daddy looked so bad. I bled for him - he was so sad, partly angry, very let down and heart broken. At last he leaned over and whispered, "Polly, I find I cannot after all take Communion today." I just said all right and we both stayed in our pews. I don't know what the sequel will be.
I must say a few words about the new liturgy which struck us Sunday, first in Advent. We had had instructions in class, so knew what was coming and did much talking beforehand on trying to make the best of things. Yet as the service went on, poor Daddy looked so bad. I bled for him - he was so sad, partly angry, very let down and heart broken. At last he leaned over and whispered, "Polly, I find I cannot after all take Communion today." I just said all right and we both stayed in our pews. I don't know what the sequel will be.
July 1, 2010
The pink roll
(1966 January 11)
We had just sat down to turkey dinner and passed the rolls and Wardie tried his and it was pink. Heavens! His front tooth was coming out! So he and Marian repaired to the bathroom and when he returned, he was lithping as the other front tooth had come out previously, and it left quite a space.
We had just sat down to turkey dinner and passed the rolls and Wardie tried his and it was pink. Heavens! His front tooth was coming out! So he and Marian repaired to the bathroom and when he returned, he was lithping as the other front tooth had come out previously, and it left quite a space.
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