No parade

(1988 May 27, Memorial Day)

As fifty years ago, the parade at 10 forming at the Court House etc. and on to Cemetery. Gone are my parade days, as long standing tires me so; however, that is something I can bear without tears.

Pillowtalk again

(1988 April 29)

About that 17th-century pillow I am embroidering for you -- if there is the least chance of CATS sitting on it, may I suggest framing it? [We did.] It turned out to be quite beautiful. Last night I put a portion of the trellis in wrong and must rip that out today and do it over. I hadn't realized the directions.

Grapevine

(1988 April 29)

When I saw the enclosed clip about Tina Rott, I called Mrs. Johnson [old cleaning woman] to ask if she was a friend of hers. -- No, not a friend, but knew of her and her husband. But she knew she was going to be 100 in a couple of days because the girl who did Mrs. J's hair in Yuba told her about it.

Moleproof

(1988 May 4)

I have decided moles do not like the taste of daffoldil bulbs as those are the only ones left blooming.

A spring outfit

(1988 May 4)

Today I did wear my new outfit to Church and not one comment. The coat is heavier than I thot, and the dress is like a nightgown. Sue L. sewed up what I drew, but didn't turn out chic at all; however, a spring outfit.

Pillow talk

(1988 April 16)

Your Xmas gift to me is all embroidered but two flowers and is indeed beautiful. I still must make the trellis and also the inner pillow, which I searched for here but couldn't find. ... Sunday: Attempted to embroider your pillow, but have lost my needle. All efforts to find it with magnetic horse shoe the boys gave me so far in vain.

Bing Crosby

(1988 April 16)

I enjoy the Bing Crosby [tape] Lawrence sent. He recorded it himself I'm sure at the radio station - about 15 songs, some I never knew he sung. About an hour long. Today I turned it to low and it put me to sleep. And shut itself off.

First ant

(1988 April 16)

As I write, I had a large ANT in my hair, which I shook out and hope this isn't an indication of an invasion! Last year!!!

Half mast

(1988 April 16)

Before I finish this dirge I want to say we had a Big Funeral here for Vernon Thompson [ex governor] and wheels out from Madison. His long political obit in paper. All very proper but being asked to fly our flags at half mast I thot was over doing it.

Life in the old girl yet

(1988 April 16)

All our friends are slipping away. When I hear from Langdon [Divers, highschool friend], I read of all our classmates dead or nearly so. ... I marvel that I, never A+ in health, am still here. I do have my problems, of course. Yesterday and today I feel an ache all over, like rheumatism. But I was downtown on errands, hair done, etc. God bless us all.

Robin Hood

(1988 April 16)

Kathryn Bailey ws telling me about the time you ran over to show her how you looked in your Robin Hood get up. [She painted a picture of Skip in it.] She was wondering what to take to an art show at University of Wisconsin, [where] some good US artists invited all artists to submit work every fall. Kathryn had three of hers hung: "County Fair," "Frank Lloyd Wright" (onstage with musicians), [and] "Robin Hood." She is very proud of her work and has programs telling about the judges, etc.

Lost sausage

(1988 Easter Monday) While in the kitchen [on a visit], MM suddenly said, "Where is the sausage?" and opened the door to the freezer and started tumbling all the packages about until I said, "Stop! Stop! What are you looking for?!" She said, "The sausage. Ben's sausage. It was wrapped. Skip told me he would freeze it for Ben." I said, "What are you talking about?" She repeated. I said, "I have heard nothing about this, but there is some sausage in the meat drawer Laurie and I have been having from time to time." On seeing this she gasped with joy and relief and said, "That's it. It's all right! Good!" Took it and left. Now answer me this: Did you tell me and did I forget? And ate it? At least she has most of it.

New high school

(1988 Easter Monday) Here the big push is for a new High School to be built near WRCO station on way to Madison. It will be six million dollars, and the farmers have high taxes and poor crops, cattle, etc. but classes are being held in church basements, in empty stores, halls, etc. and what else to do? So Tuesday we vote.

Postal thrift

(1988 Easter Monday) Our Post Office is closed 1:30 - 2:30 to save wages, so I couldn't get stamps but still have several.

Acrobat

(1988 February 7) The pink silk underware I got for Xmas has shrunk, and I look just like an acrobat in it. With one of two touches, I could pass for one.

Substituions

(1988 February 7) I work at my pillow embroidery every day - such a pleasure to see it shaping up. Sometimes I think my way is best and take it over Erica's. I put aside the bland cottons which came with it [a kit] and am doing it in fine wools which have beautiful deep shades.

Transporter

(1988 February 7) There is an older man with a car who lives with mother and grandmother, who takes [a couple Polly met] to church every Sunday, also picks up ladies at Homes, takes Kathryn Bailey shopping, and he brot us home [after Methodist church supper].

Methodist supper

(1988 February 7) Last night at Kathryn's invitation I met her at her Methodist church and had dinner (5) - excellent cooking - swiss steak, potatoes & gravy, green beans with sliced almonds, salad greens with choice of drssings passed, cherry short cake with real whipped cream - a lot and everything so well prepared. The basement must be about 3 X as large as ours and was lit only by votive red candles, so dark you couldn't see across the room.

Burning bridges

(1988 February 7) Yes, it is my [84th] birthday, and I have just phoned Bill because of a headache and a snow storm with howling wind I would be staying home today. He's always kind, said to let him know if I needed anything. Well, I am not that bad off. Next I phoned Mary M and told her not to come as planned and she readily agreed - storm and headache too. ... So - having burned my bridges, I have time to write to you.

Pot boiler

(1988 January 22) Someone gave me a glass disk 2" across which when put in bottom of pot will prevent its boiling over! I have chicken soup boiling away, and this goes rattle rattle but does not boil over.

Eliotic

(1988 mid January) Jean is going to put on Murder in the Cathedral in St. John's Lutheran Church! A good - or best - location here.

Class act

(1988 mid January) The Hersheys will be glad when that South American student leaves for South America the middle of February. She will not eat the food they cook, as she wants everything fresh from the market, as in Honduras they have no refrigeration as we do. She refuses to wash or help with dishes, as she says she is from a higher class. She has two enormous suitcases in my attic to be filled with her stuff and presents for home.

Ooff!

(1988 mid January) Last night I watched Part 1 of Strange Interlude and laughed remembering how daddy despised plays and stories like that. He is right. Ooff!

Less taxing

(1988 mid January) Taxes are next. I would rather embroider on my pillow than try to figure up these items. As much as I like the design of this pillow, I like the Unicorn better and wish I were doing the squirrel on your post card.

Microwave

(1988 January 9) I thought you'd get a microwave [because Polly taught Sally how to make popcorn in one]. Be sure to read directions carefully. I still like my toaster oven better to heat rolls and bake potatoes.