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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.