(1993 November)
What a time! Dorothea, this older maid, bathed me and saw the skin broken on left hip, the side I lie on. So tonight, another mattress on top of mine, like porcupine back [or egg carton], which I must have until sore on hip heals. ... I have a decubitus ulcer from lying on my left side (reading) too much. Gradually my pleasures are stripped away in my old age.
April 30, 2012
April 29, 2012
Celebrity
(1993 November)
Christie, who has some job here, said yesterday she was at a book store in Madison and saw your mushroom book, and told the clerk she knew the mother of one of the authors! And couldn't resist, felt so important!
Christie, who has some job here, said yesterday she was at a book store in Madison and saw your mushroom book, and told the clerk she knew the mother of one of the authors! And couldn't resist, felt so important!
April 28, 2012
No apple man
(1993 November)
Today I extracted one of my Macintosh apples from the fridge in dining room; washed and cut it up and passed it, and delighted all but Jim, who said he didn't care for apples. Only one I ever knew so.
Today I extracted one of my Macintosh apples from the fridge in dining room; washed and cut it up and passed it, and delighted all but Jim, who said he didn't care for apples. Only one I ever knew so.
April 27, 2012
T-shirt
(1993 November)
A Guide by the three authors to the Mushrooms [of Kansas] book - all on my new T shirt, for which I do thank you v v much. Yes, it is a bit large, but you must know better than I do by this time what Experience with Laundry will do.
A Guide by the three authors to the Mushrooms [of Kansas] book - all on my new T shirt, for which I do thank you v v much. Yes, it is a bit large, but you must know better than I do by this time what Experience with Laundry will do.
April 26, 2012
Dear little tea pot
(1993 December)
When she [Susan Hirschy] grew older, she became v v fond of tea, and showed this by finishing up all of that elixir left in their tea cups by the company. So after a few years, I put the kettle on when she was coming and brewed our own tea in my dear little copper tea pot, which through the years somehow was felt to belong to both of us. "Shall I get out our dear little tea pot?" she'd say. This affection, and her affection for me, led me to give that dear little pot to her today. I hope you won't feel too bad about it. As one gets older and older, one is more inclined to part with keepsakes, I find. [P.S.] Do say it's all right.
When she [Susan Hirschy] grew older, she became v v fond of tea, and showed this by finishing up all of that elixir left in their tea cups by the company. So after a few years, I put the kettle on when she was coming and brewed our own tea in my dear little copper tea pot, which through the years somehow was felt to belong to both of us. "Shall I get out our dear little tea pot?" she'd say. This affection, and her affection for me, led me to give that dear little pot to her today. I hope you won't feel too bad about it. As one gets older and older, one is more inclined to part with keepsakes, I find. [P.S.] Do say it's all right.
April 25, 2012
Sugar baby
(1993 December)
[Susan Hirschy] used to live with her family next to us. Jan used to put her snow suit on her and give her a well sealed paper bag containing the one cup of sugar I had phoned over for in desperation, and say "Give it to Polly, Susan." And I on my porch would urge her on to come.
[Susan Hirschy] used to live with her family next to us. Jan used to put her snow suit on her and give her a well sealed paper bag containing the one cup of sugar I had phoned over for in desperation, and say "Give it to Polly, Susan." And I on my porch would urge her on to come.
April 24, 2012
Train special
(1993 December)
Susan (Hirschy) Hesod from Seattle has just paid us a visit (came all the way - two days on the train) ... I think the train had a special to advertise against planes and buses.
Susan (Hirschy) Hesod from Seattle has just paid us a visit (came all the way - two days on the train) ... I think the train had a special to advertise against planes and buses.
April 23, 2012
Dr. Pippin's
(1993 October)
My friend Helen Bruns was telling me, cup in hand, she was Dr. Pippin's bookkeeper for years, but we never saw her because she was in an enclosed office. We seldom went there anyway. We went to the other one, which I can't think of - what, I shall write in if I can later [but didn't - it was Dr. Edwards].
My friend Helen Bruns was telling me, cup in hand, she was Dr. Pippin's bookkeeper for years, but we never saw her because she was in an enclosed office. We seldom went there anyway. We went to the other one, which I can't think of - what, I shall write in if I can later [but didn't - it was Dr. Edwards].
April 22, 2012
Bridge again
(1993 October)
Upstairs to play bridge, a poor player but encouraged. The Pribenaus live here, and Mr. P. 'Skip's geometry teacher] was my partner, very good not to point out my errors until asked. No money was bet anyway. She [Mrs., Skip's civics teacher] was sick but better now, and we nodded later.
Upstairs to play bridge, a poor player but encouraged. The Pribenaus live here, and Mr. P. 'Skip's geometry teacher] was my partner, very good not to point out my errors until asked. No money was bet anyway. She [Mrs., Skip's civics teacher] was sick but better now, and we nodded later.
April 21, 2012
Not amused
I was swept away to hear "a reading" and sat in a circle by a window until possible to break away. ... Paper being read while nearly all dozed. As soon as I got back to room ... I was invited to "go for a ride to see the colors," a thing I have done many times, so no trouble refusing.
April 20, 2012
Encore
Do you remember when I think it was you and LL were coming later to get me [at Ruth Andrews' in Madison] and I helped get supper and Hildegarde [Ruth's sister] said, "Well, I thought if I brought the other things and fixed the vegetables that Ruthie could fix the ducks." So then I guess she did, but LL didn't call but just came: so table all set and ducks ready, but O! he had already eaten, but always quick to take in a situation. I think he sat down again, but just ate a little.
April 19, 2012
Living together
(1993 July, end)
There is a girl who has helped Ruth [Andrews] for years. She has a car, and they go shopping in that when several things are needed. Ruth asked me if I had ever heard of two people living together who were not married, and I said, "Yes, many times." She said so was the case with this girl. Actually very nice in spite of that, but she had never heard of it before. I thought to myself of one noon at lunch when Daddy was so exhausted he couldn't speak, but finally said he wished all couples did that. I was amazed and horrified, and he said he had so many divorces, most married a year only. And he would favor trial marriages.
There is a girl who has helped Ruth [Andrews] for years. She has a car, and they go shopping in that when several things are needed. Ruth asked me if I had ever heard of two people living together who were not married, and I said, "Yes, many times." She said so was the case with this girl. Actually very nice in spite of that, but she had never heard of it before. I thought to myself of one noon at lunch when Daddy was so exhausted he couldn't speak, but finally said he wished all couples did that. I was amazed and horrified, and he said he had so many divorces, most married a year only. And he would favor trial marriages.
April 18, 2012
Greenhouse
(1993 last of July)
Did you know she [Ruth Andrews in Madison] had a greenhouse built? I knew this but can't recall having seen it. I think she was dismayed by it, in that she got more and more seedlings to grow and didn't know what to do with them.
Did you know she [Ruth Andrews in Madison] had a greenhouse built? I knew this but can't recall having seen it. I think she was dismayed by it, in that she got more and more seedlings to grow and didn't know what to do with them.
April 17, 2012
Way home
(1993 April 28)
Yesterday I was sitting in the doctor's office with several people ... and a girl next to my right spoke. She was washing dishes at the time of Daddy's death, and when no longer needed - so many of us then - someone took her home - a blond nordic type. No one wanted to do it, not knowing her or the way, and I said, "For Heaven's sake, she knows where she lives." Now married with children.
Yesterday I was sitting in the doctor's office with several people ... and a girl next to my right spoke. She was washing dishes at the time of Daddy's death, and when no longer needed - so many of us then - someone took her home - a blond nordic type. No one wanted to do it, not knowing her or the way, and I said, "For Heaven's sake, she knows where she lives." Now married with children.
April 16, 2012
Lost & found
(1993 April 28)
Sherry, I lost the tam, just found it under my desk in a big bag. Now soon I'll send it and if not perfect, you must ship 'er back and say what's wrong, and I'll remodel it - a pleasure.
Sherry, I lost the tam, just found it under my desk in a big bag. Now soon I'll send it and if not perfect, you must ship 'er back and say what's wrong, and I'll remodel it - a pleasure.
April 15, 2012
The passing scene
(1993 April 28)
Helen Bruns, room-mate, had a large sign with her name outside the door. Then children made name-tulips with our names printed and put on doors, and Helen found the big one 6 x 12" (I never had one) was gone. Heavens! As I sat in the foyer watching the passing scene, she nailed Lynn Clark, who didn't realize it was the honor of the thing, and said, "Well, by now you can find your way to your room - can't cha?" The passing scene.
Helen Bruns, room-mate, had a large sign with her name outside the door. Then children made name-tulips with our names printed and put on doors, and Helen found the big one 6 x 12" (I never had one) was gone. Heavens! As I sat in the foyer watching the passing scene, she nailed Lynn Clark, who didn't realize it was the honor of the thing, and said, "Well, by now you can find your way to your room - can't cha?" The passing scene.
April 14, 2012
Menus
(1993 September 30)
I am OK but lazy - rest a lot. The meals are OK. I am reminded of Sis Pedrick, who used to fill her letters up with her menus, much to her older sister's disgust.
I am OK but lazy - rest a lot. The meals are OK. I am reminded of Sis Pedrick, who used to fill her letters up with her menus, much to her older sister's disgust.
April 13, 2012
False alarm
We were told to brush our teeth, as Dr. Williams was going thru here and give free exams. I didn't believe it, and I was right, but I brushed anyway.
April 12, 2012
Nestegged
(1993 August)
I remember how my heart ached for Daddy when he would come home exhausted and flop his briefcase down, take off his hat and shoes, get a bottle of Coke, and at last relax. I would say, "Lorin, why do you do this? It's too much." And he would say, "I do it for you, so you will be all right when I am gone." So sad.
I remember how my heart ached for Daddy when he would come home exhausted and flop his briefcase down, take off his hat and shoes, get a bottle of Coke, and at last relax. I would say, "Lorin, why do you do this? It's too much." And he would say, "I do it for you, so you will be all right when I am gone." So sad.
April 11, 2012
Leaking roof
(1993 July)
Once LL and I came home and kitchen leaking in 3 places or so. Daddy got on the phone pronto and talked to Krouskop's man who put roof on, and said if he didn't get over pronto, no more business ever - repeated twice at least. I set out the pails.
Once LL and I came home and kitchen leaking in 3 places or so. Daddy got on the phone pronto and talked to Krouskop's man who put roof on, and said if he didn't get over pronto, no more business ever - repeated twice at least. I set out the pails.
April 10, 2012
Maid service
(1993 July)
Eva said tonight, "Will I ever get out of this place?" - She had dropped her butter and jelly! I told her to keep quiet about it and go, and she did. Leave it to the maid.
Eva said tonight, "Will I ever get out of this place?" - She had dropped her butter and jelly! I told her to keep quiet about it and go, and she did. Leave it to the maid.
April 9, 2012
AC problem
(1993 July)
I like it warm and not air conditioned! Of course not too hot. If I lived near the Mississippi River, I'd say my problem was water. But everyone else is OK.
I like it warm and not air conditioned! Of course not too hot. If I lived near the Mississippi River, I'd say my problem was water. But everyone else is OK.
April 8, 2012
Red & rain
(1993 July)
I wore my Victorian print blouse I have come to like but no one else did. Best my age old red sweater brought out comments. Red on a rainy day? Yes, always rain but not all day.
I wore my Victorian print blouse I have come to like but no one else did. Best my age old red sweater brought out comments. Red on a rainy day? Yes, always rain but not all day.
April 7, 2012
Sleeper
(1993 July)
The maid who got me water and took my dirty clothes asked, "Do you have to read before you go to sleep?" - "Is there another way?" - "I just touch my head to the pillow and I'm asleep." - "You're lucky."
The maid who got me water and took my dirty clothes asked, "Do you have to read before you go to sleep?" - "Is there another way?" - "I just touch my head to the pillow and I'm asleep." - "You're lucky."
April 6, 2012
Poetry?
(1993 July)
I hope you remember - when you were here - we were going down the hall to dinner and I hurried you up so you (and Sherry) could meet Earl, our famous poet. I intended to go to the office to buy you a copy of his poetry (ahem) $10.00. "It costs to have the printing, and that you know." Well, I'm sorry I didn't get you a copy of Earl's book right then; but here is a copy now, and you can understand why Margaret Scott turned her head and smiled when I asked her to point out the poet to me. She said her part was to show him how to get his poems copyrighted. No word of quality of writing, etc.
I hope you remember - when you were here - we were going down the hall to dinner and I hurried you up so you (and Sherry) could meet Earl, our famous poet. I intended to go to the office to buy you a copy of his poetry (ahem) $10.00. "It costs to have the printing, and that you know." Well, I'm sorry I didn't get you a copy of Earl's book right then; but here is a copy now, and you can understand why Margaret Scott turned her head and smiled when I asked her to point out the poet to me. She said her part was to show him how to get his poems copyrighted. No word of quality of writing, etc.
April 5, 2012
Kerosine
(1993 July 19)
Ron is working on Daddy's alarm clock and came in my room very pleased to say it has been running for an hour. I asked him to work on it because I know it required kerosine to clean it and Ron owns filling sttions.
Ron is working on Daddy's alarm clock and came in my room very pleased to say it has been running for an hour. I asked him to work on it because I know it required kerosine to clean it and Ron owns filling sttions.
April 4, 2012
Breakfasts past
(1993 July)
Ron has put kerosene in Daddy's alarm clock [to fix it] - the one that roused me at 6:30 so many days. I would dash in the bathroom and then to the kitchen and get his breakfast. His breakfast was glass of orange juice, toast soft, egg just right, and ended with cornflakes. If I were very sick, he would skip the whole thing except the orange juice and go to Louie's Grill and probably liked it better than my cooking and the Milwaukee Sentinal every morning. O ye days of long ago.
Ron has put kerosene in Daddy's alarm clock [to fix it] - the one that roused me at 6:30 so many days. I would dash in the bathroom and then to the kitchen and get his breakfast. His breakfast was glass of orange juice, toast soft, egg just right, and ended with cornflakes. If I were very sick, he would skip the whole thing except the orange juice and go to Louie's Grill and probably liked it better than my cooking and the Milwaukee Sentinal every morning. O ye days of long ago.
April 3, 2012
Button box
(1993 July)
A nice man, Jim, in a wheelchair, told me he needed shirt buttons sewed on; so I brought my button box - that wooden marvel Etta Clark's father made and she gave to me. He raved over it.
A nice man, Jim, in a wheelchair, told me he needed shirt buttons sewed on; so I brought my button box - that wooden marvel Etta Clark's father made and she gave to me. He raved over it.
April 2, 2012
Amanuensis
(1993 July)
I told you I often wrote for Ron becuse his eyes are bad.... So before lunch he asked me rather primly if I could write this letter - "Won't be long," he promised. ... So - at the close of lunch, Ron said, "See you after dinner?" - "Yes." - "In your room? Won't take long." Ede [who was sitting between us] was staring first at one and then another. "I am his amanuensis," I explained. "WHAT?" she asked with popping eyes. "Yes, I am his stenographer" "Oooo," greatly relieved.
I told you I often wrote for Ron becuse his eyes are bad.... So before lunch he asked me rather primly if I could write this letter - "Won't be long," he promised. ... So - at the close of lunch, Ron said, "See you after dinner?" - "Yes." - "In your room? Won't take long." Ede [who was sitting between us] was staring first at one and then another. "I am his amanuensis," I explained. "WHAT?" she asked with popping eyes. "Yes, I am his stenographer" "Oooo," greatly relieved.
April 1, 2012
Heavy duty
(1993 August, Monday, I think, 8:45 a.m.)
What a morning so far. Outside dark and glum and threatening something dire. Inside nearly as bad. The real underlying idea I feel sure is to get everybody up for breakfast to avoid carrying trays. I heard them call (she probably) "Polly, breakfast is ready." - "I'm not coming. I need sleep." - "You have to come and eat, and sleep later." - No response. So along came a kind but immense woman who says, "Polly, you have to get up for breakfast." I said I needed sleep because people were flashing lights in my eyes all night waking me up. She said, "That was Beverly, and Beverly is one of our best workers. It is required by law to check up on each person every ten minutes while sleeping." - PK: ... "About breakfast - I don't care for a large table bearing a tray full of food, but I would eat a dish of oatmeal only." - "That's what you said. But the government requires us to serve each person with the correct number of calories for each meal." - "Really!" - "Yes, it is so." - By this time I had persuaded her to sit over by my desk with window open 6 inches so I could eat without inhaling her perfume, which at last may have been necessary. About 300 pounds, no kidding.
What a morning so far. Outside dark and glum and threatening something dire. Inside nearly as bad. The real underlying idea I feel sure is to get everybody up for breakfast to avoid carrying trays. I heard them call (she probably) "Polly, breakfast is ready." - "I'm not coming. I need sleep." - "You have to come and eat, and sleep later." - No response. So along came a kind but immense woman who says, "Polly, you have to get up for breakfast." I said I needed sleep because people were flashing lights in my eyes all night waking me up. She said, "That was Beverly, and Beverly is one of our best workers. It is required by law to check up on each person every ten minutes while sleeping." - PK: ... "About breakfast - I don't care for a large table bearing a tray full of food, but I would eat a dish of oatmeal only." - "That's what you said. But the government requires us to serve each person with the correct number of calories for each meal." - "Really!" - "Yes, it is so." - By this time I had persuaded her to sit over by my desk with window open 6 inches so I could eat without inhaling her perfume, which at last may have been necessary. About 300 pounds, no kidding.
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