(1989 November 8)
Jan & Bob saw 24 partidges come from my lilacs and cross the road.
May 31, 2011
May 30, 2011
Reports, reports
(1989 November 8)
Jan looked very tired and is so very weary from going to fool meetings all over the state and making reports on computer sitting days at a time at it. She would rather be doing some good working with the kids and helping the teachers than that. And always these mean articles in the paper saying the teaching is poor and the kids know nothing. The state asks for these reports, and if they are not forthcoming, they will take away the part - the big part - of the teachers' pay. So they write the reports and forget the kids, I guess. Think I'd answer these articles in the papers.
Jan looked very tired and is so very weary from going to fool meetings all over the state and making reports on computer sitting days at a time at it. She would rather be doing some good working with the kids and helping the teachers than that. And always these mean articles in the paper saying the teaching is poor and the kids know nothing. The state asks for these reports, and if they are not forthcoming, they will take away the part - the big part - of the teachers' pay. So they write the reports and forget the kids, I guess. Think I'd answer these articles in the papers.
May 29, 2011
Monster gift
(1989 November 8)
When Kathryn Bailey went on her porch to get her mail, she was actually horrified to find two big grotesque green squashes Archie had left at the door for her. I advised her to wait until Bob [her nephew] came and let him whack one open with an axe, and she thot she might. I wonder if he will bring one for me. Must have had a good harvest.
When Kathryn Bailey went on her porch to get her mail, she was actually horrified to find two big grotesque green squashes Archie had left at the door for her. I advised her to wait until Bob [her nephew] came and let him whack one open with an axe, and she thot she might. I wonder if he will bring one for me. Must have had a good harvest.
May 28, 2011
Geraldine
(1989 November 8)
Geraldine came with hair dyed black and sticking straight up. Said the label said "Ashen" and her daughter thot it would be dark gray. Sort of sad to think she has 8 children, many married with children, and she, poor soul, must walk from place to place cleaning. She keeps on looking for more work, as if she gets 12 places, she will get food stamps (free).
Geraldine came with hair dyed black and sticking straight up. Said the label said "Ashen" and her daughter thot it would be dark gray. Sort of sad to think she has 8 children, many married with children, and she, poor soul, must walk from place to place cleaning. She keeps on looking for more work, as if she gets 12 places, she will get food stamps (free).
May 27, 2011
Juggling act
(1989 November 8)
Went down to read Wind in the Willows to Portia [at Schmidt home]. I worried how it would work out, as one hand was needed to hold amplifier, one to hold the talking part, and one the book. But I go her to hold the amplifier and put the book on my knees and read for half an hour. She sat with a rapt expression, and I was glad, but next time 20 minutes will have to do.
Went down to read Wind in the Willows to Portia [at Schmidt home]. I worried how it would work out, as one hand was needed to hold amplifier, one to hold the talking part, and one the book. But I go her to hold the amplifier and put the book on my knees and read for half an hour. She sat with a rapt expression, and I was glad, but next time 20 minutes will have to do.
May 26, 2011
Pastorized
(1989 October 7)
Sunday. Home from church. Talking to friends I find many do not care for the present man. He is not episcopal enough. In the morning "calendar" he has himself referred to as Pastor Culver. Poor ignorant guy. Some are staying home. But he has established a Sunday School and a 4-piece choir.
Sunday. Home from church. Talking to friends I find many do not care for the present man. He is not episcopal enough. In the morning "calendar" he has himself referred to as Pastor Culver. Poor ignorant guy. Some are staying home. But he has established a Sunday School and a 4-piece choir.
May 25, 2011
Autumn colors
(1989 October 7)
It is a glorious autumn day here with the sun just warming the earth and the dazzling trees rattling their leaves in all shades of green and red. I once read when the Englishmen first went back to England having been in US and told of the fall trees they were not believed as the Englishmen up to that time had seen nothing like it. I know you have the same beauty in Kansas as we do in Wisconsin. Perhaps life in the South would be boring?
It is a glorious autumn day here with the sun just warming the earth and the dazzling trees rattling their leaves in all shades of green and red. I once read when the Englishmen first went back to England having been in US and told of the fall trees they were not believed as the Englishmen up to that time had seen nothing like it. I know you have the same beauty in Kansas as we do in Wisconsin. Perhaps life in the South would be boring?
May 24, 2011
Bat in the belfry
(1989 August 22)
Sunday before last was a BAT above the altar and last Sunday inside, clinging to window pane half way down on my side. The Rev. [Culver] said he would see to it, as he worked with bats in school. So all went for coffee and left it to him. Hope for success.
Sunday before last was a BAT above the altar and last Sunday inside, clinging to window pane half way down on my side. The Rev. [Culver] said he would see to it, as he worked with bats in school. So all went for coffee and left it to him. Hope for success.
May 23, 2011
Drug bust
(1989 August 22)
Last night on radio news we learned of a big drug Richland Center roundup! Many names were read off - the girl who runs the music store and a Jim Keegan. Also TV carried it, showing a map only, and we saw how RC reaches even into Chicago for sales - a thing which seems odd.
Last night on radio news we learned of a big drug Richland Center roundup! Many names were read off - the girl who runs the music store and a Jim Keegan. Also TV carried it, showing a map only, and we saw how RC reaches even into Chicago for sales - a thing which seems odd.
May 22, 2011
Early green
(1988 August 26)
A friend gave Jan a dishwasher but Bob wouldn't let her accept it - takes more water than hand washing. She also was prepared to go to Madison to start a scientific reducing course but he said no - "he doesn't want me driving to Madison" - a thing she does as easily as breathing. Is it the Welsh who speak of a man as "careful"?
A friend gave Jan a dishwasher but Bob wouldn't let her accept it - takes more water than hand washing. She also was prepared to go to Madison to start a scientific reducing course but he said no - "he doesn't want me driving to Madison" - a thing she does as easily as breathing. Is it the Welsh who speak of a man as "careful"?
May 21, 2011
The Gables
(1988 August 26)
Jan and I went to eat supper at The Gables in the pouring rain last week. That is a nice little restaurant with their own cooking. I had apple pie a la, and it came hot, home made. Much better than what I got at The Spring Green.
Jan and I went to eat supper at The Gables in the pouring rain last week. That is a nice little restaurant with their own cooking. I had apple pie a la, and it came hot, home made. Much better than what I got at The Spring Green.
May 20, 2011
Lo!
(1988 August 26)
Yesterday walking across the grass to turn on the hose I had to jump when a little frog flew into the air ahead of me with big HOPS. He hid under the cement trough under the faucett. Where did he come from? And why all alone? Charles Forte wrote a book about such miracles called Lo! which I gave you and should like to read again and lend Bill. "Teleportation," he says.
Yesterday walking across the grass to turn on the hose I had to jump when a little frog flew into the air ahead of me with big HOPS. He hid under the cement trough under the faucett. Where did he come from? And why all alone? Charles Forte wrote a book about such miracles called Lo! which I gave you and should like to read again and lend Bill. "Teleportation," he says.
May 19, 2011
Orchard White
(1988 August 26)
While I was sitting under the dryer [at the hairdressers], directly in front of me came a mother wearing a shampoo cape, on her lap holding a dear little girl about a year old who had colorless hair that needed cutting. She howled as she had a right to while being held and cut. - Suddenly a piece of a poem I wrote about 75 years ago flashed thru my brain: "My mother held me tight / And rubbed on Orchard White." She was ashamed of my tan, not fashionable as now, and was getting me ready for school, to my disgust.
While I was sitting under the dryer [at the hairdressers], directly in front of me came a mother wearing a shampoo cape, on her lap holding a dear little girl about a year old who had colorless hair that needed cutting. She howled as she had a right to while being held and cut. - Suddenly a piece of a poem I wrote about 75 years ago flashed thru my brain: "My mother held me tight / And rubbed on Orchard White." She was ashamed of my tan, not fashionable as now, and was getting me ready for school, to my disgust.
May 18, 2011
Dental foray
(1988 August 26)
Sitting in the dentist's office this morning - 9 a.m.! - I was study four pictures on the wall, which I took to be four musrooms: one was bushy, one was like two pancakes each turned over, one like a doll's parasol, and the last like a dandelion. At last I asked an office girl what those were pictures of. She affirmed my guesses except for the first, which was the tail of a squirrel. I thot it might have been a single pussy willow, tho oddly spaced on the branch.
Sitting in the dentist's office this morning - 9 a.m.! - I was study four pictures on the wall, which I took to be four musrooms: one was bushy, one was like two pancakes each turned over, one like a doll's parasol, and the last like a dandelion. At last I asked an office girl what those were pictures of. She affirmed my guesses except for the first, which was the tail of a squirrel. I thot it might have been a single pussy willow, tho oddly spaced on the branch.
May 17, 2011
Persuaded
(1988 October 22)
I saw all the [presidential] Debates. Mind made up to vote Democratic and see what happens. Time for Polly to put the kettle on.
I saw all the [presidential] Debates. Mind made up to vote Democratic and see what happens. Time for Polly to put the kettle on.
May 16, 2011
May 15, 2011
Scout moms
(1988 August 31)
I remember as well as if yesterday sitting down to the phone and calling and calling trying to get [Girl Scout] leaders. Then one time when two leaders took a troop, they disagreed and I was asked which one should have her way. Then one woman said she would be treasurer if all the dues were paid to her. Then one leader paid dues to a different person, and the Treasurer quit. Must have been for cookies. Yet all want their girls in it.
I remember as well as if yesterday sitting down to the phone and calling and calling trying to get [Girl Scout] leaders. Then one time when two leaders took a troop, they disagreed and I was asked which one should have her way. Then one woman said she would be treasurer if all the dues were paid to her. Then one leader paid dues to a different person, and the Treasurer quit. Must have been for cookies. Yet all want their girls in it.
May 14, 2011
Dead wood
(1988 July 8)
This morning 9:30 Bill came with his truck and cut down my redbud tree [transplanted from Kansas], which by itself has cracked off and lay on the ground. He also took dead wood out of lilacs and piled on truck. Then he took a stout rope he had brot along and tied all firmly. I gave him $2.00 to pay the fee at the City Dump, and after a couple of glasses of lemonade and cookies, he was off in 100 degrees.
This morning 9:30 Bill came with his truck and cut down my redbud tree [transplanted from Kansas], which by itself has cracked off and lay on the ground. He also took dead wood out of lilacs and piled on truck. Then he took a stout rope he had brot along and tied all firmly. I gave him $2.00 to pay the fee at the City Dump, and after a couple of glasses of lemonade and cookies, he was off in 100 degrees.
May 13, 2011
Calliope
(1988 July 8)
Well, [on TV David SaLoutos] played the calliope, which is pronounced CallEope in circus parlane and CallIopE off. It is 135 degrees inside that wagon, as steam is built up under the keys. He did several short tunes, as Yankee Doodle, Bird in Gilded Cage, etc. Later he played a Bell Wagon, sitting outside, pulling long levers instead of pressing keys. ... And the end of 1812 Overture.
Well, [on TV David SaLoutos] played the calliope, which is pronounced CallEope in circus parlane and CallIopE off. It is 135 degrees inside that wagon, as steam is built up under the keys. He did several short tunes, as Yankee Doodle, Bird in Gilded Cage, etc. Later he played a Bell Wagon, sitting outside, pulling long levers instead of pressing keys. ... And the end of 1812 Overture.
May 12, 2011
David SaLoutos
(1988 July 8)
This evening has been an exceptional one for me - I was watching the band play on the Capitol site when the leader introduced David SaLoutos, who played two instruments in wagons from the Circus Museum, Baraboo. He is Harry's son, and I knew him at once from entertaining us at Schmidt Home when I had dined with Portia Martin. He is very good-looking, slim, wears a black mustache. He studied at UW to be an entertainer - communication courses, music, dancing, etc. Does seem an odd major, doesn't it?
This evening has been an exceptional one for me - I was watching the band play on the Capitol site when the leader introduced David SaLoutos, who played two instruments in wagons from the Circus Museum, Baraboo. He is Harry's son, and I knew him at once from entertaining us at Schmidt Home when I had dined with Portia Martin. He is very good-looking, slim, wears a black mustache. He studied at UW to be an entertainer - communication courses, music, dancing, etc. Does seem an odd major, doesn't it?
May 11, 2011
Delphinium
(1988 June 30)
I like to say, "I must go out and water The Delphinium." It makes me feel so Latin. I don't know what I'd say if I had more than one, though. After all, I am Aquarius.
I like to say, "I must go out and water The Delphinium." It makes me feel so Latin. I don't know what I'd say if I had more than one, though. After all, I am Aquarius.
May 10, 2011
Beaulard
(1988 June 30) the last day of June (already)
Yesterday Beaulard came and pulled weeds for four hours making two fat garbage bags at the curb. No lawns to mow this [dry] summer but weeds are plentiful.
Yesterday Beaulard came and pulled weeds for four hours making two fat garbage bags at the curb. No lawns to mow this [dry] summer but weeds are plentiful.
May 9, 2011
May 8, 2011
Waitress
(1988 May 21)
Laurie [my schoolgirl] ... has gone to the Dells this weekend to help clean up her shared apartment for the summer. She and friends each made $2000 last summer waiting a table.
Laurie [my schoolgirl] ... has gone to the Dells this weekend to help clean up her shared apartment for the summer. She and friends each made $2000 last summer waiting a table.
May 7, 2011
Pink Floyd
(1988 May 21)
Have you ever heard of a Pink Floyd Concert here? There was one last night at the Madison stadium attended by 40,000. Cotton for ears was passed out to neighbors for their ears and "Parking $5.00" signs given them. The equipment was in several semis and constructed the day before - high towers to send out sound and "grass" covered with tarps. Many cops etc.
Have you ever heard of a Pink Floyd Concert here? There was one last night at the Madison stadium attended by 40,000. Cotton for ears was passed out to neighbors for their ears and "Parking $5.00" signs given them. The equipment was in several semis and constructed the day before - high towers to send out sound and "grass" covered with tarps. Many cops etc.
May 6, 2011
Prioritized
(1988 May 21)
My lawn man is very eccentric and unreliable and will not agree to come on a certain day - I want Thursday so the grass grows larger. But expect him eventually. Kathryn says he is a devout Methodist and all the Methodist ladies get first consideration.
My lawn man is very eccentric and unreliable and will not agree to come on a certain day - I want Thursday so the grass grows larger. But expect him eventually. Kathryn says he is a devout Methodist and all the Methodist ladies get first consideration.
May 5, 2011
Archie
(1988 May 21)
Archie himself a character, wears the dirtiest white painter's overalls you can imagine, and emits an odor. But he is not a fool. When a screw broke off of rust in the kitchen window, he sent me for a fireplace wooden match for wood to plug the hole and a new screw. Some painters would say that is a job for a carpenter.
Archie himself a character, wears the dirtiest white painter's overalls you can imagine, and emits an odor. But he is not a fool. When a screw broke off of rust in the kitchen window, he sent me for a fireplace wooden match for wood to plug the hole and a new screw. Some painters would say that is a job for a carpenter.
May 4, 2011
Window washing
(1988 May 21)
As for me, I have been more or less occupied with workmen. Archie has been here and instead of painting the north side of the house which turn it was, he said it didn't need it and instead went around the entire house scraping off loose paint and patching. He is good at that. He also painted black the storms I still have on, washed the three sides of glass, and came into the house to do the windows in my study and kitchen which open inward. This required moving of furniture and all in turmoil. He believes when drying a window, bunched-up newspaper should be first used as the print gives a shine to the glass.
As for me, I have been more or less occupied with workmen. Archie has been here and instead of painting the north side of the house which turn it was, he said it didn't need it and instead went around the entire house scraping off loose paint and patching. He is good at that. He also painted black the storms I still have on, washed the three sides of glass, and came into the house to do the windows in my study and kitchen which open inward. This required moving of furniture and all in turmoil. He believes when drying a window, bunched-up newspaper should be first used as the print gives a shine to the glass.
May 3, 2011
Sore feet
(1988? May)
One day at a church he [Bill Peckham] was telling me old songs his father sang. One: "Polly O Polly / My feet are so sore / Dancing with you / On this sanded floor." [Another verse:] "Polly O Polly / My feet are so sore / Don't lets dance / Any more." Sounds old, doesn't it?
One day at a church he [Bill Peckham] was telling me old songs his father sang. One: "Polly O Polly / My feet are so sore / Dancing with you / On this sanded floor." [Another verse:] "Polly O Polly / My feet are so sore / Don't lets dance / Any more." Sounds old, doesn't it?
May 2, 2011
Bird business
(1988 May 27)
I must go out and let my hose run to please the robins, and supply food. It is nice to feed the birds, but I think this time of year they should take their part in the scheme of nature and eat bugs etc. on bushes. Water is another thing.
I must go out and let my hose run to please the robins, and supply food. It is nice to feed the birds, but I think this time of year they should take their part in the scheme of nature and eat bugs etc. on bushes. Water is another thing.
May 1, 2011
Little horses
(1988 May 27)
When I was at Ripon [in 1920s] a record came out about horses. It went, "Horeses - horses - horses" and then the part that always made Daddy chuckle, "Little horses." I wish I could get it for you, but I go to so few sales.
When I was at Ripon [in 1920s] a record came out about horses. It went, "Horeses - horses - horses" and then the part that always made Daddy chuckle, "Little horses." I wish I could get it for you, but I go to so few sales.
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