(1967 April 21)
Last Sunday I was cleaning up some embroidery threads which were wrapped around wads of newspaper. Upon ironing these, I found them to be for around 1890 and interesting. Daddy and I reconstructed a scene in Milwaukee where on a Sunday afternoon Auntie Mabel was sorting threads and wound them on the bits of paper. They are of no special value, and after you enjoy them, you may do what you like with them.
May 31, 2012
May 30, 2012
Skippy II
(1967 April 21)
Thoroly enjoyed your section on Lawrence [age 18 months], Skippy II, chip off the old block. No nap while he is awake. Gee, I don't know whether I could cope with him singlehanded or not. He is getting to be a real person - his pictures are darling.
Thoroly enjoyed your section on Lawrence [age 18 months], Skippy II, chip off the old block. No nap while he is awake. Gee, I don't know whether I could cope with him singlehanded or not. He is getting to be a real person - his pictures are darling.
May 29, 2012
First letter
(1913? September 23, Oconto WI)
[Penny postcard (reading "Best Wishes") addressed in ink by Olga to: "Miss Lois Parsons, Fond du lac, Wisc., Waupun Str." Polly (age 9?) is staying with her aunt Olga while her tubercular mother is in a sanitorium. Polly writes in pencil:] Dear grandma and aunt Lois. We are all well, and I like to go to school. We hope you are getting along nice. I wish you would write soon. from your Loving Carolyn X+X+
[Penny postcard (reading "Best Wishes") addressed in ink by Olga to: "Miss Lois Parsons, Fond du lac, Wisc., Waupun Str." Polly (age 9?) is staying with her aunt Olga while her tubercular mother is in a sanitorium. Polly writes in pencil:] Dear grandma and aunt Lois. We are all well, and I like to go to school. We hope you are getting along nice. I wish you would write soon. from your Loving Carolyn X+X+
May 28, 2012
Animal crackers
(1993 December late)
Believe it or not, I have just eaten a whale fish, and before that a graham hippopotomus. How could I resist with the box open on the coffee table before me? -- Sherry, [at Christmas] when we sat around half starved waiting for the call to supper, Skip would say, "Sherry's present!" and each of us would devour an entire wild animal with no trouble at all.
Believe it or not, I have just eaten a whale fish, and before that a graham hippopotomus. How could I resist with the box open on the coffee table before me? -- Sherry, [at Christmas] when we sat around half starved waiting for the call to supper, Skip would say, "Sherry's present!" and each of us would devour an entire wild animal with no trouble at all.
May 27, 2012
Drawing class
Mrs. Brice, wife of clergyman, just left, having invited me to a drawing class Monday. The first lesson will be to draw an apple, and the next an article standing near the apple. I am thinking of a spider and web.
May 26, 2012
Silent star
(1994 January 2, on postcard with picture of Norma Talmadge)
Here comes a movie star I used to love and go to see whenever I could afford it. Not too much.
Here comes a movie star I used to love and go to see whenever I could afford it. Not too much.
May 25, 2012
Dachshund
(1994 January)
The maid often sits down, and we talk a while - tonight about our pet dogs. They have a wiener dog, her husband's pet. Sits up as easily as lies down. Never taught.
The maid often sits down, and we talk a while - tonight about our pet dogs. They have a wiener dog, her husband's pet. Sits up as easily as lies down. Never taught.
May 24, 2012
Be prepared
(1994 January)
I turned the light on beside my bed and POP the bulb burned out. What to do? In the dark I felt for my call bell on top of my blanket and pressed the button. Soon came the maid, who turned on the overhead. The maintenance man had left a bulb here in case I needed it, at my suggestion, and soon all was in order - a tempest in a teapot.
I turned the light on beside my bed and POP the bulb burned out. What to do? In the dark I felt for my call bell on top of my blanket and pressed the button. Soon came the maid, who turned on the overhead. The maintenance man had left a bulb here in case I needed it, at my suggestion, and soon all was in order - a tempest in a teapot.
May 23, 2012
bible trivia
(1994 January 20)
This afternoon I wandered into the dining room, where people were sitting in a circle ... Those in the circle were playing Bible Trivia, and I was surprised to find myself the star performer. All those childhood story books, some so beautiful; I wish I never gave them away. [Actually, Skip still has them.]
This afternoon I wandered into the dining room, where people were sitting in a circle ... Those in the circle were playing Bible Trivia, and I was surprised to find myself the star performer. All those childhood story books, some so beautiful; I wish I never gave them away. [Actually, Skip still has them.]
May 22, 2012
Absent-minder
(1994 January 18)
Ruth [Pilger] Andrews wrote me she could no longer remember me, and this has made me very sad. All she can recall is: I in a tam-o-shanter hiking along with her. I have slept with her in her bed in Ripon We shared classes and good times. I must forget her, I suppose. She is busy answering a tabletop of consoling letters since Dick's death.
Ruth [Pilger] Andrews wrote me she could no longer remember me, and this has made me very sad. All she can recall is: I in a tam-o-shanter hiking along with her. I have slept with her in her bed in Ripon We shared classes and good times. I must forget her, I suppose. She is busy answering a tabletop of consoling letters since Dick's death.
May 21, 2012
Car reader
(1994 January 8)
Christie the mail person says she knows Skip's writing by this time, as today when she brot the mail around and said, "A card from Skip - I know his writing by now." Skip, let's work up a code to fool her!
Christie the mail person says she knows Skip's writing by this time, as today when she brot the mail around and said, "A card from Skip - I know his writing by now." Skip, let's work up a code to fool her!
May 20, 2012
Black cocker
(1994 January 8)
A woman here often brings her black cocker, perfectly trained. She pays no attention to him but he heels when she turns and never sits unless bid. She doen't bring him all the time.
A woman here often brings her black cocker, perfectly trained. She pays no attention to him but he heels when she turns and never sits unless bid. She doen't bring him all the time.
May 19, 2012
Toenail scissors
(1994 early January)
Did we talk about baths here? You take one when your name comes up in a little notebook Dorthea keeps. So one night we had all this bath, and at the end she said, "This is as far as we can go. Your toenails need trimming, but we have no toenail scissors." - "Oh yes we do," says little Polly, triumphant by producing hers. Aren't these things always amazingly satisfactory? Beyond sense.
Did we talk about baths here? You take one when your name comes up in a little notebook Dorthea keeps. So one night we had all this bath, and at the end she said, "This is as far as we can go. Your toenails need trimming, but we have no toenail scissors." - "Oh yes we do," says little Polly, triumphant by producing hers. Aren't these things always amazingly satisfactory? Beyond sense.
May 18, 2012
Hiker
(1994 early January)
Some years ago I had hiking boots like Sally's. I bought them at George's at Fond du Lac and brot them to Ripon, where Tommy and Hiker (Ruth Pilger) and I would sometimes walk to Berlin! [20 miles apart]. Very very tired when I got home. Part of discussion was if we should accept rides. If the road were icy and the way long, I think we would. I think I was the most in need of a ride and so tired.
Some years ago I had hiking boots like Sally's. I bought them at George's at Fond du Lac and brot them to Ripon, where Tommy and Hiker (Ruth Pilger) and I would sometimes walk to Berlin! [20 miles apart]. Very very tired when I got home. Part of discussion was if we should accept rides. If the road were icy and the way long, I think we would. I think I was the most in need of a ride and so tired.
May 17, 2012
Placement
(1994 early January)
I am trying to find a place for Toys for Tots calendar (Bears on cover). At least I have the hammer handy! ... I found a place for the Bears calendar; it is in the bathroom suspended from a hook meant for robes. You can sit and look at it for hours.
I am trying to find a place for Toys for Tots calendar (Bears on cover). At least I have the hammer handy! ... I found a place for the Bears calendar; it is in the bathroom suspended from a hook meant for robes. You can sit and look at it for hours.
May 16, 2012
First choice
(1994 early January)
Do you remember how Louis Dodge [retired music professor] used to go on about a decision at meals? "Tea or coffee?" I might ask with a pot in each hand. "O" he would moan, clapping a hand to his brow, "which would be best?" It was often quite a struggle. -- Today I found myself becoming one of his Followers. I must find an easy way out of this, said I to myself. "There are but two choices - first or second - meat or chicken? I like both." What to do? Suddenly it dawned on me - today, Monday, let all such decisions be for first choice! "Meat or chicken?" "Beef" I said, astounding her, before the words were well out of her mouth. ... Now tomorrow must be a Second Choice day. If I am offered asparagus or spinach, spinach it is! What think you of that, Skiperonius?
Do you remember how Louis Dodge [retired music professor] used to go on about a decision at meals? "Tea or coffee?" I might ask with a pot in each hand. "O" he would moan, clapping a hand to his brow, "which would be best?" It was often quite a struggle. -- Today I found myself becoming one of his Followers. I must find an easy way out of this, said I to myself. "There are but two choices - first or second - meat or chicken? I like both." What to do? Suddenly it dawned on me - today, Monday, let all such decisions be for first choice! "Meat or chicken?" "Beef" I said, astounding her, before the words were well out of her mouth. ... Now tomorrow must be a Second Choice day. If I am offered asparagus or spinach, spinach it is! What think you of that, Skiperonius?
May 15, 2012
My tales
(1993 April)
Are you publishing my tales? Be sure to mention a freak snow storm that closed all the schools, making it possible for Jan and Bob to go to Madison, and many others, I imagine.
Are you publishing my tales? Be sure to mention a freak snow storm that closed all the schools, making it possible for Jan and Bob to go to Madison, and many others, I imagine.
May 14, 2012
No maid service
(1993 April 19)
Are the maids on strike? No beds made today. ... Writing this off and on took two days. I know why the beds aren't made - the snow - schools closed etc. Maids couldn't get in! Well, mine is done.
Are the maids on strike? No beds made today. ... Writing this off and on took two days. I know why the beds aren't made - the snow - schools closed etc. Maids couldn't get in! Well, mine is done.
May 13, 2012
Green choices
(1993 April)
Would you like spinach or broccali the third Sunday after Easter? Choice of food always given. Waitress goes around each of 5 tables and records preference.
Would you like spinach or broccali the third Sunday after Easter? Choice of food always given. Waitress goes around each of 5 tables and records preference.
May 12, 2012
Chorus line
(1993 December)
Yesterday a long row of girls, about a dozen, came in my room after being introduced and permission granted. The leader said, "We are a bunch of girls who likes to get together. I am from Ithaca." The large girl in the center gave the tone, and all sang Xmas songs, very lovely. Also one day kindergartners.
Yesterday a long row of girls, about a dozen, came in my room after being introduced and permission granted. The leader said, "We are a bunch of girls who likes to get together. I am from Ithaca." The large girl in the center gave the tone, and all sang Xmas songs, very lovely. Also one day kindergartners.
May 11, 2012
Bellringer's ghost
(1993 October 1)
My bell was peeping and a maid came to shut it off. I have no idea what set it off and thot it was someone else's - she said neither did she, and some times one got going when there was no one in the room, and they thot it was a ghost in that case.
My bell was peeping and a maid came to shut it off. I have no idea what set it off and thot it was someone else's - she said neither did she, and some times one got going when there was no one in the room, and they thot it was a ghost in that case.
May 10, 2012
Labor Day
(1993 September)
Labor Day. What time is the parade? Was always the question at home. No info from the Republican Observer, who had an article about it - doors were closed. We used to, LL and I, stand out on the hill and hear the band. Then he could quickly go back to stamps. People would go by with boats of all types tied to rear bumpers or a canoe tied on top. Here the day is observed by dinner napkins with a family having a picnic.
Labor Day. What time is the parade? Was always the question at home. No info from the Republican Observer, who had an article about it - doors were closed. We used to, LL and I, stand out on the hill and hear the band. Then he could quickly go back to stamps. People would go by with boats of all types tied to rear bumpers or a canoe tied on top. Here the day is observed by dinner napkins with a family having a picnic.
May 9, 2012
Yes, no bananas
(1993 November)
The woman across from me is a fast eater. On my right, Agnes Everson loves bananas and often is served half a one. By this time she knows I don't like them. One day she would not quit but kept asking, "How do they affect you?" At last I said, "They make me want to throw up." She was very shocked and now wraps the skin in her paper napkin.
The woman across from me is a fast eater. On my right, Agnes Everson loves bananas and often is served half a one. By this time she knows I don't like them. One day she would not quit but kept asking, "How do they affect you?" At last I said, "They make me want to throw up." She was very shocked and now wraps the skin in her paper napkin.
May 8, 2012
Aggiornamento
(1993 November)
I sat in a circle and batted a balloon to teacher in center. That was broken up as room was needed for something else. It was a Catholic Service. The priest passed me by with the Host. Well, well - wonder what Christ thot about that. A pretty girl, slim with dark flowing tresses, is paid by R C church and also is very particular about who gets the Body & Blood. It was getting a little dull anyway.
I sat in a circle and batted a balloon to teacher in center. That was broken up as room was needed for something else. It was a Catholic Service. The priest passed me by with the Host. Well, well - wonder what Christ thot about that. A pretty girl, slim with dark flowing tresses, is paid by R C church and also is very particular about who gets the Body & Blood. It was getting a little dull anyway.
May 7, 2012
Bugged begonia
(1993 November)
My cleaning lady saw some bugs on my begonia, and she shrieked, "O! You can't have this any more." And took it off. Does she have the right to do this? I'm going to tell her she has to doctor it up and return it, and see how she responds.
My cleaning lady saw some bugs on my begonia, and she shrieked, "O! You can't have this any more." And took it off. Does she have the right to do this? I'm going to tell her she has to doctor it up and return it, and see how she responds.
May 6, 2012
richest man
(1993 November)
In the lobby I was playing checkers with a man who told me the richest man in the world lives on the third floor. I have forgotten the name. He must have lots of mail.
In the lobby I was playing checkers with a man who told me the richest man in the world lives on the third floor. I have forgotten the name. He must have lots of mail.
May 5, 2012
Kitchen picture
(1993 November)
Somewhere I tried to draw a picture of my grandmother's kitchen. Jan brot me materials, and if it is still around, I'll put it in, and with your imagination you can finish it off. [Not found.]
Somewhere I tried to draw a picture of my grandmother's kitchen. Jan brot me materials, and if it is still around, I'll put it in, and with your imagination you can finish it off. [Not found.]
May 4, 2012
Grandma Parsons
(1993 November)
I have so many Thanksgivings to remember. The Fond du Lac relatives. Aunt Lois stuffed the fowl and got it on the table etc. - then we sat after a brief blessing, and could hardly eat the good pie. Then Grandma Parsons [d. 1923] and I washed up. When the dishwater was thrown out, and we passed thru the dining room to join the others, here on the dining room table was a stack of scraped, dirty plates and cups and saucers, stacked with silver in a pile. I said, "Well, I thot there were very few dishes," and she said,"Doll, I thot there was a whole lot!" So we brot them all in the kitchen and started over.
I have so many Thanksgivings to remember. The Fond du Lac relatives. Aunt Lois stuffed the fowl and got it on the table etc. - then we sat after a brief blessing, and could hardly eat the good pie. Then Grandma Parsons [d. 1923] and I washed up. When the dishwater was thrown out, and we passed thru the dining room to join the others, here on the dining room table was a stack of scraped, dirty plates and cups and saucers, stacked with silver in a pile. I said, "Well, I thot there were very few dishes," and she said,"Doll, I thot there was a whole lot!" So we brot them all in the kitchen and started over.
May 3, 2012
Sweet talk
(1993 November)
Not much here. Yesterday a group of us - Jim was the only man - went in a room to read [aloud] and one chair was lacking. Jim said, "Never mind. I can take Polly on my lap." It's things like this that keep us young, eh Sher?
Not much here. Yesterday a group of us - Jim was the only man - went in a room to read [aloud] and one chair was lacking. Jim said, "Never mind. I can take Polly on my lap." It's things like this that keep us young, eh Sher?
May 2, 2012
Bedtime
I have been tucked in and my light put out (really!). "You have a good night now," Beverly says as usual. And after a bit, I start thinking of you and put it back on again [and write in bed].
May 1, 2012
A smile
(1993 November)
A smile: ... A group of miners had a rule about their cooking: the man who complained about his food was the next cook. So the next day they sat down to eat, and one threw down his fork and said, "My god! moose turd pie." And then on quick recovery, "It's good, tho."
A smile: ... A group of miners had a rule about their cooking: the man who complained about his food was the next cook. So the next day they sat down to eat, and one threw down his fork and said, "My god! moose turd pie." And then on quick recovery, "It's good, tho."
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