(1973 September 9)
Last week after Chris cut my lawn, he got a broom to sweep the front porch, and there in the grass was a 4-foot big black snake! It got away, but it seems I will never again relax on my porch in the sun!
October 31, 2010
October 30, 2010
Polly plumber
(1973 September 9)
The city flushed the drains again last week, and my toilet started overflowing, but I turned it off this time, and it seems to be righting itself without a plumber. I have the tank top off, watching it.
The city flushed the drains again last week, and my toilet started overflowing, but I turned it off this time, and it seems to be righting itself without a plumber. I have the tank top off, watching it.
October 29, 2010
Astronomy
(1973 September 9)
I decided to take a course at Campus in Astronomy. So far have attended once, 7-9 p.m. It's Monday and Wednesday. ... Mrs. Dottie d'Arruda (Portuguese), wife of Prof. of Astronomy, gives me rides. ... But at the end of the day, 2 hours sitting on a hard bench is a little much. The time I went was during a heat wave with 3 big fans going. Maybe now better. I want to go at least until I have looked thru the big telescope.
I decided to take a course at Campus in Astronomy. So far have attended once, 7-9 p.m. It's Monday and Wednesday. ... Mrs. Dottie d'Arruda (Portuguese), wife of Prof. of Astronomy, gives me rides. ... But at the end of the day, 2 hours sitting on a hard bench is a little much. The time I went was during a heat wave with 3 big fans going. Maybe now better. I want to go at least until I have looked thru the big telescope.
October 28, 2010
Quite a guy
(1973 September 9)
Nearly forgot to tell you ... [Mr. X] died this past week. He lived at The Carriage House Apartments, which he liked very much. But after a fall, was taken to [Y-ville] hospital or home where he died. ... Recently, I heard he was quite a guy to take a pass at the ladies. Some women in his apartment house said they would often bring him a piece of pie or so if they didn't risk getting pinched. Once again - you can't judge a book by its cover!
Nearly forgot to tell you ... [Mr. X] died this past week. He lived at The Carriage House Apartments, which he liked very much. But after a fall, was taken to [Y-ville] hospital or home where he died. ... Recently, I heard he was quite a guy to take a pass at the ladies. Some women in his apartment house said they would often bring him a piece of pie or so if they didn't risk getting pinched. Once again - you can't judge a book by its cover!
October 27, 2010
Coffee cake
(1973 September 9)
Well now I am at the kitchen table, having got up [from sickbed] for elevenses. I tried the coffee cake - a small piece and it is delicious. Joy [of Cooking], p. 589, the Quick, Rich, Moist Coffee Cake with Honey Bee Topping. My first attempt. Just the nuts 39 cents! A small bag. I will freeze some so you can have some.
Well now I am at the kitchen table, having got up [from sickbed] for elevenses. I tried the coffee cake - a small piece and it is delicious. Joy [of Cooking], p. 589, the Quick, Rich, Moist Coffee Cake with Honey Bee Topping. My first attempt. Just the nuts 39 cents! A small bag. I will freeze some so you can have some.
October 26, 2010
Used car salesman
(1973 September 9)
Helen [Kay, aunt] wrote the Grants (Vinje & Richard) have a new station wagon. All very well. But I always heard you save money if you get one that is even one month old. I suppose some one has to start with a new one. but don't buy a wreck.
Helen [Kay, aunt] wrote the Grants (Vinje & Richard) have a new station wagon. All very well. But I always heard you save money if you get one that is even one month old. I suppose some one has to start with a new one. but don't buy a wreck.
October 25, 2010
Retiring teacher
(1975? September 9)
In a way, you might say, I got some of my own back the other day, tho I guess it wasn't quite in that spirit it all happened. Remember I told you what an ass took over the vocational school after Mabel died? Never called the teachers or got them together - wouldn't answer my phone calls, let it ride to the ground. Well, a new man, high school teacher, has taken over, and he called very nicely and asked me to teach. I was sorely tempted to, but this pain set me back on my heels. I have been very nervous lately - afraid to cut out your other shirt for fear I'd make a mistake, etc. So I thot I'd better try to find someone and wrote a former pupil of mine who hasn't replied yet. It was really hard for me to prepare for these classes - so many little things to gather up, so many illustrations in various books, but I did enjoy being with girls who saw beauty in what I did. Takes a lot of nervous energy to face a group, at times.
In a way, you might say, I got some of my own back the other day, tho I guess it wasn't quite in that spirit it all happened. Remember I told you what an ass took over the vocational school after Mabel died? Never called the teachers or got them together - wouldn't answer my phone calls, let it ride to the ground. Well, a new man, high school teacher, has taken over, and he called very nicely and asked me to teach. I was sorely tempted to, but this pain set me back on my heels. I have been very nervous lately - afraid to cut out your other shirt for fear I'd make a mistake, etc. So I thot I'd better try to find someone and wrote a former pupil of mine who hasn't replied yet. It was really hard for me to prepare for these classes - so many little things to gather up, so many illustrations in various books, but I did enjoy being with girls who saw beauty in what I did. Takes a lot of nervous energy to face a group, at times.
October 24, 2010
Greeks & shrinks
(1975 January 15)
[Instead of teaching Lawrence the Greek language] I would go into Greek culture. It's too bad their culture died out. They got soft and put away their former ideals. That is what is happening to our culture. We are becoming amoral. To my mind the psychiatrists are greatly to blame as perhaps some oracles were then. Our people go to the shrinks with their problems and are told to do "what makes them happy." There are other considerations. Are they ever pointed to the hard way of duty and honor and integrity? Not that I hear of. It's the easy way and that is not my way and I hold no truce with it.
[Instead of teaching Lawrence the Greek language] I would go into Greek culture. It's too bad their culture died out. They got soft and put away their former ideals. That is what is happening to our culture. We are becoming amoral. To my mind the psychiatrists are greatly to blame as perhaps some oracles were then. Our people go to the shrinks with their problems and are told to do "what makes them happy." There are other considerations. Are they ever pointed to the hard way of duty and honor and integrity? Not that I hear of. It's the easy way and that is not my way and I hold no truce with it.
October 23, 2010
Televisiter
(1975 January 15)
Lately I have had a small touch of flu, but don't you say a thing to MM, who will call me night & day and run up a phone bill. Last month she was $13 over her Televisit, so now I have put my foot down and let her call only once on a weekend and then for a short talk, 5-10 minutes. I am all right....
Lately I have had a small touch of flu, but don't you say a thing to MM, who will call me night & day and run up a phone bill. Last month she was $13 over her Televisit, so now I have put my foot down and let her call only once on a weekend and then for a short talk, 5-10 minutes. I am all right....
October 22, 2010
First fish
(1975 July 17)
I do not recall catching many fish. The only time I did, I think might have been at Green Lake. I dimly remember being in a row boat fishing with my parents. My mother just went along for the ride. I remember her yelling, "Frank! Frank! She'e got a fish!" And I think your grandfather pulled it in and it was a sun fish, sort of flat with a yellow belly. I was small & scared.
I do not recall catching many fish. The only time I did, I think might have been at Green Lake. I dimly remember being in a row boat fishing with my parents. My mother just went along for the ride. I remember her yelling, "Frank! Frank! She'e got a fish!" And I think your grandfather pulled it in and it was a sun fish, sort of flat with a yellow belly. I was small & scared.
October 21, 2010
The boiler burst
(1975 April 7, Monday)
[Polly is ready to begin a week at middle school of mini classes on stamp collecting.] HOWEVER
at 8 a.m. my friend who was going to pick me up at 11:30 this morning to go to this school called me to say THE BOILER BURST AND THERE WOULD BE NO SCHOOL ALL DAY!!! Isn't that the berries?! And I worked so hard on this talk!
P.S. 1 -- Dr. Tischer [scheduled to talk on Tuesday] had a coronary Wed., which I just learned of now. So I will speak in his place Tues. If boiler is fixed.
P.S. 2 -- Monday night - no school tomorrow. Boiler not mended yet, so no tlk.
[Polly is ready to begin a week at middle school of mini classes on stamp collecting.] HOWEVER
at 8 a.m. my friend who was going to pick me up at 11:30 this morning to go to this school called me to say THE BOILER BURST AND THERE WOULD BE NO SCHOOL ALL DAY!!! Isn't that the berries?! And I worked so hard on this talk!
P.S. 1 -- Dr. Tischer [scheduled to talk on Tuesday] had a coronary Wed., which I just learned of now. So I will speak in his place Tues. If boiler is fixed.
P.S. 2 -- Monday night - no school tomorrow. Boiler not mended yet, so no tlk.
October 20, 2010
Mini Classes
(1975 April 2)
Did I tell you about the Mini Classes at Middle School? For one week all electives. I set up the one on Stamp Collecting. April 7 - I talk (1 hour) - history of - locals, old valentines. Maybe slides from NYC. Pony Express etc. April 8 - Dr. Tischer - spent 4 days making his own cards with an example of some feature on each. April 9 - Ruth Nauertz - slides & her collection. April 10 - the D.A. Bill Vogel - maybe slides and/or his collections on Okinawa. April 11 - Soter Hobahs - Airs.
Did I tell you about the Mini Classes at Middle School? For one week all electives. I set up the one on Stamp Collecting. April 7 - I talk (1 hour) - history of - locals, old valentines. Maybe slides from NYC. Pony Express etc. April 8 - Dr. Tischer - spent 4 days making his own cards with an example of some feature on each. April 9 - Ruth Nauertz - slides & her collection. April 10 - the D.A. Bill Vogel - maybe slides and/or his collections on Okinawa. April 11 - Soter Hobahs - Airs.
October 19, 2010
Le petit chose
(1975 April 23)
Feeling rather at sixes and sevens a few days ago I started translating Le Petit Chose. It is really fun and easy. Have you read it? A little boy played Robinson Crusoe with his parrot which he left behind on a boat when his family moved to Lyons. Maybe today I'll find he recovered it. I do better when I read it aloud.
Feeling rather at sixes and sevens a few days ago I started translating Le Petit Chose. It is really fun and easy. Have you read it? A little boy played Robinson Crusoe with his parrot which he left behind on a boat when his family moved to Lyons. Maybe today I'll find he recovered it. I do better when I read it aloud.
October 18, 2010
Afterlife
(1975 April 23)
I too feel bad about breaking up Daddy's Irish [stamp] Collection - he had spent years on it & had so many rare stamps. However, once we talked about disposition of our things after our deaths and he said he didn't care at all what happened to his stuff after he was gone. I feel the other way and would like my things to go to the proper place or person. And I said so. Then he thought a minute and said, "H--m - no - why should I care about that then?" I did not reply. It is so hard to talk about that subject! But I wondered what he was thinking - about many subjects - and often hesitated asking. But here I took it to mean after he left us, he would then be busy with other things, such as getting his soul nearer to God.
I too feel bad about breaking up Daddy's Irish [stamp] Collection - he had spent years on it & had so many rare stamps. However, once we talked about disposition of our things after our deaths and he said he didn't care at all what happened to his stuff after he was gone. I feel the other way and would like my things to go to the proper place or person. And I said so. Then he thought a minute and said, "H--m - no - why should I care about that then?" I did not reply. It is so hard to talk about that subject! But I wondered what he was thinking - about many subjects - and often hesitated asking. But here I took it to mean after he left us, he would then be busy with other things, such as getting his soul nearer to God.
October 17, 2010
A tough old bird
(1975 April 23)
The weather is very unsettled here, with a thunderstorm early this morning. Dee brings in so much mud I have given up putting the broom away and keep it handy. Mrs. Johnston [the cleaning lady], after her bath, stepped on a needle which went into her heel, so could not come yesterday - again to the doctor, etc. She was 76 Friday, "a tough old bird" she calls herself, and I agree. So the house is messy.
The weather is very unsettled here, with a thunderstorm early this morning. Dee brings in so much mud I have given up putting the broom away and keep it handy. Mrs. Johnston [the cleaning lady], after her bath, stepped on a needle which went into her heel, so could not come yesterday - again to the doctor, etc. She was 76 Friday, "a tough old bird" she calls herself, and I agree. So the house is messy.
October 16, 2010
Grammar Gramma
(1975 April 2)
Lawrence's poems are very good. Where does he get this "thee"? King James Version? (I am glad you colored Easter Eggs - but you say we dyed not we died. Heavens!
Lawrence's poems are very good. Where does he get this "thee"? King James Version? (I am glad you colored Easter Eggs - but you say we dyed not we died. Heavens!
October 15, 2010
Solitaire
(1974 July 29)
I understand what you mean by finding peace alone. There is a great tranquillity that goes with it. There is an independence, a self-reliance, quietness, ability to carry out your own projects on your own terms, on your own time, that is very easy on the individual.
I understand what you mean by finding peace alone. There is a great tranquillity that goes with it. There is an independence, a self-reliance, quietness, ability to carry out your own projects on your own terms, on your own time, that is very easy on the individual.
October 14, 2010
Trial & error
(1974 January 13)
You should talk to Portia Martin about the Green Book [the proposed revision of the Episcopalian liturgy]. She has studied it and the [old] Prayer Book and has comparisons at her finger tips as I have not. The Green Book is so far behind in beauty of expression etc. etc. In our Episcopalian paper, I read we were to have 4 months of Prayer Book, 4 months of Green Book first part, and 4 months of Green Book second part. Portia Martin is dreading this (me too). They call it the Trial Liturgy. Trial & Error, and mostly Error! I donated a little to "the Preservation of the Book of Common Prayer" - they fight but will lose because those in authority have the power to force the new way on us.
You should talk to Portia Martin about the Green Book [the proposed revision of the Episcopalian liturgy]. She has studied it and the [old] Prayer Book and has comparisons at her finger tips as I have not. The Green Book is so far behind in beauty of expression etc. etc. In our Episcopalian paper, I read we were to have 4 months of Prayer Book, 4 months of Green Book first part, and 4 months of Green Book second part. Portia Martin is dreading this (me too). They call it the Trial Liturgy. Trial & Error, and mostly Error! I donated a little to "the Preservation of the Book of Common Prayer" - they fight but will lose because those in authority have the power to force the new way on us.
October 13, 2010
Zippies
(1974 January 13)
You will go far to find a zippier family than the Birketts. This morning at 8:00 Bill phoned to ask if I wanted a ride to church! They had arrived from England in the dead of night and had missed 6 hours. Yet, here they were, rallying around, realizing their obligations to others, Jean getting ready to play the organ, Kitty to sing in the choir, Ward to serve, and Bill to pick up Portia and me. I explained that Ruth Nee had promised me Jim would put a note on their door saying "No church today" - perhaps it blew off. He said they had a wonderful trip, had let Ellen off at Madison to start school (UW) Monday, and now would ring off so he could tell Jean to go back to bed.
You will go far to find a zippier family than the Birketts. This morning at 8:00 Bill phoned to ask if I wanted a ride to church! They had arrived from England in the dead of night and had missed 6 hours. Yet, here they were, rallying around, realizing their obligations to others, Jean getting ready to play the organ, Kitty to sing in the choir, Ward to serve, and Bill to pick up Portia and me. I explained that Ruth Nee had promised me Jim would put a note on their door saying "No church today" - perhaps it blew off. He said they had a wonderful trip, had let Ellen off at Madison to start school (UW) Monday, and now would ring off so he could tell Jean to go back to bed.
October 11, 2010
Eagles
(1974 february)
I am interested in saving the Eagles at Cassville. I answered a news story and got publications from the Eagle Valley Environmentalists, Inc. Would you like a patch ($1.50) or a button (50 cents)? I only hope they behave themselves once they get protection and don't get to stealing stock from farmers. They are so noble, though - so powerful.
I am interested in saving the Eagles at Cassville. I answered a news story and got publications from the Eagle Valley Environmentalists, Inc. Would you like a patch ($1.50) or a button (50 cents)? I only hope they behave themselves once they get protection and don't get to stealing stock from farmers. They are so noble, though - so powerful.
October 10, 2010
Bishop's lunch
(1974 February)
Friday noon we meet at the Grill for lunch to meet our new Bishop Gaskell. I think he is for the new Trial Liturgy too.... He is going to ask us women to do Bible Study to the tune of $5.50 for materials. How outrageous this is, is something those in authority never guess as they get big salaries.
P.S. 3 p.m. Back home again after the lunch - fruit salad good, relishes excellent, a hot crisp roll, brown nut bread, coffee, lime torte desert all OK. But the hot plate! Mashed potatoes and gravy, and noodles and tuna - peas & carrots. Hardly any fish at all in the noodles. Very sad. The bishop is tall with dark hair, a build and face somewhat like Fr. Wiledge. Really no solution but finding out our needs today, but pleasant and nice to talk to.
Friday noon we meet at the Grill for lunch to meet our new Bishop Gaskell. I think he is for the new Trial Liturgy too.... He is going to ask us women to do Bible Study to the tune of $5.50 for materials. How outrageous this is, is something those in authority never guess as they get big salaries.
P.S. 3 p.m. Back home again after the lunch - fruit salad good, relishes excellent, a hot crisp roll, brown nut bread, coffee, lime torte desert all OK. But the hot plate! Mashed potatoes and gravy, and noodles and tuna - peas & carrots. Hardly any fish at all in the noodles. Very sad. The bishop is tall with dark hair, a build and face somewhat like Fr. Wiledge. Really no solution but finding out our needs today, but pleasant and nice to talk to.
October 9, 2010
Needle loss
(1989 November 12)
A catastrophe - I had been working on my needlepoint and stretched out my hand on the arm of the chair and dropped my needle (no yarn in it) which I cannot find. Kathy [live-in schoolgirl] looked too and used magnet and flashlight. Has no point, a dull end and large eye. Is this called a bodkin? No - that has a different eye, flat, for running ribbon thru - not popular now. But it is something like that. About this long [diagram 2 inches long = 50 mm]. But found another - will do. It is like a short thick darning needle, really. May turn up. Wish me luck. (P.S. A person should have more than one, I know).
A catastrophe - I had been working on my needlepoint and stretched out my hand on the arm of the chair and dropped my needle (no yarn in it) which I cannot find. Kathy [live-in schoolgirl] looked too and used magnet and flashlight. Has no point, a dull end and large eye. Is this called a bodkin? No - that has a different eye, flat, for running ribbon thru - not popular now. But it is something like that. About this long [diagram 2 inches long = 50 mm]. But found another - will do. It is like a short thick darning needle, really. May turn up. Wish me luck. (P.S. A person should have more than one, I know).
October 8, 2010
Sauna
(1974 January 20)
In Lawrence is there a club of single parents? I have heard those are often interesting with similar problems. But this sauna - Skip, how could you? Oh! I could not go into the cold. Hot, yes. It's a wonder you didn't have heart failure. (P.S. How many were in this with you? Ducking in the horse trough?!)
In Lawrence is there a club of single parents? I have heard those are often interesting with similar problems. But this sauna - Skip, how could you? Oh! I could not go into the cold. Hot, yes. It's a wonder you didn't have heart failure. (P.S. How many were in this with you? Ducking in the horse trough?!)
October 7, 2010
Welcome home
(1974 January 20)
[When I got back from Madison, visiting MM], Dee was spinning around in happiness to see me and days later doesn't want me out of his sight. Before unpacking, I mopped the kitchen. Chris had tended him well, but had kept him in a lot due to rain and - you know Dee.
[When I got back from Madison, visiting MM], Dee was spinning around in happiness to see me and days later doesn't want me out of his sight. Before unpacking, I mopped the kitchen. Chris had tended him well, but had kept him in a lot due to rain and - you know Dee.
October 6, 2010
Bus talker
(1974 January 20)
After making many arrangements so I could leave my house [to visit MM in Madison], I called a cab Friday and set forth on the bus. Taking my +wdPuz I thot to curl up in a corner and have a little peace, but instead met Mrs. Snodgrass who sat with me, divulging family history all the way, so everyone turned around in his seat to take us in.
After making many arrangements so I could leave my house [to visit MM in Madison], I called a cab Friday and set forth on the bus. Taking my +wdPuz I thot to curl up in a corner and have a little peace, but instead met Mrs. Snodgrass who sat with me, divulging family history all the way, so everyone turned around in his seat to take us in.
October 5, 2010
Encore
(1974 January 20)
As you are aware I'm sure, it is now tax time again and I have received all my blanks. And I must do my best to get organized. This seems to be a big obstacle and I keep putting it off - excuses, excuses. But I will knuckle down for sure as soon as I feel well again. Yesterday I started, but only to clear my desk so I could see the wood! (P.S. Thinking of buying a calculator!)
As you are aware I'm sure, it is now tax time again and I have received all my blanks. And I must do my best to get organized. This seems to be a big obstacle and I keep putting it off - excuses, excuses. But I will knuckle down for sure as soon as I feel well again. Yesterday I started, but only to clear my desk so I could see the wood! (P.S. Thinking of buying a calculator!)
October 4, 2010
A kitchen drawer
(1974 February 28)
I had a go at one of my kitchen drawers Tuesday. The one with the Kleenex and napkins. I used paint remover to take off daubs of paint on the upright boards you don't see when the drawer is closed and then shellacked it inside and out and put a new sheet of wall paper in the bottom. It is so nice and clean looking. I intend doing the other two on two different weeks as the rubbing etc. is tiring.
I had a go at one of my kitchen drawers Tuesday. The one with the Kleenex and napkins. I used paint remover to take off daubs of paint on the upright boards you don't see when the drawer is closed and then shellacked it inside and out and put a new sheet of wall paper in the bottom. It is so nice and clean looking. I intend doing the other two on two different weeks as the rubbing etc. is tiring.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)