January 1, 1972
The New Year - 1972 - what will it bring to me and mine. I wonder. I hope
for the most part it will be good. Don and I have such big plans. But
then it is the income tax and the state tax and I hope this year I will
not spend so much money but will try to save as much as possible. I hope
I will do well in my reading class second semester and I hope that all
the children will be happy in what they do. I hope that Cathy can find
hers with someone that she will like. My that is a lot of wishes.
I kept busy today. I put our new yellow striped sheets on our bed and
washed clothes. Worked in the yard and spaded some more in the south
yard. Don watched football all day and Stanford won in a last minute
cliff hanger. Fog in the morning but then it cleared and was so warm I
convinced myself it was Spring I
Shortened my blue slacks and a black skirt that was too long. Jenny came
and we talked about her paper on diabetes and then we chatted for awhile.
Cathy dropped by about 6:30 and she ate a bit and talked and then I took
her home. Mylanda their
and I hated to leave her in that little house above hers. I
would have been brave enough to stay by myself at that age.
have never really been in a house alone like that. Always I
someone else. I suppose someday I will be in that kind of a
am not sure I
In fact, I
was with
situation.
Then we got ready for a party at Wisners. I wore my pink dress and shoes.
We were the first ones there and not very many more came. They were
mostly from Chico High and it was very dull. We left about 10:30 and the
we made love and went to sleep. So, 1972 has been officially accepted as
the new year.
Just tomorrow and then back to school. I have mixed emotions. In a way I
would like to stay home but then work isn’t*t all bad and the money is
essential to our big plans for the future. I just hope that we will both
be O.K. so we can carry out some of these plans. Sometimes I am very
frightened inside that I will lose Don and then life would be difficult
indeed.
January 2, 1972
Got up in the fog and went to 9:30 mass. Sat next to a lady from
Crestwood who dances all the time and she got up during the service and
danced in front of the people. Please don't ever let me make a spectacle
of myself like that. I wanted to cry for her. Game home and made a jello
salad, lemon souffle and read a mystery. Napped a bit. No word from any
of the children today. I must work hard not to be dependent on them and
we must really be careful not to get too attached to Jason. Mike has
always managed to be far enough away so we don't lean on him. I think
that is best.
The 49ers lost and that was disappointing. The Weukes called and invited
us down for a drink and the Hines and the Thompsons came. I had a martini
and they don’t really agree with me so I didn’t enjoy my dinner very
much. I had ham, yams, peas and the salad and souffle, plus hot rolls.
Mom ate with us and then after dinner we just sat and talked and it was
simply lovely.
I talked about going to Grandpa's when I was a child and Mom talked about
her childhood and then Don talked about his. So often Don acts kind of
sassy with Mom and tonight he just relaxed and seemed to enjoy it too and
I know that Mom loved it.
Then I took a bath and pinned up my hair. Don had said that when he went
to camp with Ed he was so lonesome he cried and Ed always told the other
boys that he had some-thing in his eye. So I suggested that he call Ed
but he was not at home. So we watched the FBI and then to bed.
Tomorrow school start and it is cold and clear and will be cold tomorrow
morning no doubt. Can't say that I really want to go back to school.
January 3, 1972
I wore my new red coat and everyone thought it looked very nice. Told
everyone about the baby and that was fun. I was good in my class and I
liked that too. I worked on my study project so the day went fast. I was
going to go to the sales down town but Linda called from home to say that
George Allen had called from Denver and he was flying to San Francisco
and was going to rent a car and come up here for dinner and the night
cause he had jobs in Sacramento tomorrow. So I had to cancel out going to
town.
I came home and made turkey hotdish, green salad, french bread and
brownies. Dave went to San Francisco for the day so Linda was here all
day with Jason. Don made the seminar and was back by 7:30 and George
arrived right afterwards and by the time he had a drink it was 8 when we
sat down to dinner. He looks older and he talks as much as usual.
Don said he was tired and he went to bed early but this time I decided I
was going to be nice to George 'cause usually he annoys me and I just
tolerate him so I listened to him and didn't try to talk myself. I
realize that his whole life is the law and he loves it. He is indifferent
to family. Skip and Jenny came over and he didn't even pay any attention
to them, but, that is just his way. I am not sure he is happy but he has
much to be proud of and I think he is really successful.
Well, I feel better about him now and I feel I am living up to what
Father Fagan talks about understanding people. I did some reactive
listening. So what he's not interested in the fact that we have a new
grandchild etc. - that is just his way.
I think that the 3 brothers have always felt a very strong competition
and he really doesn't know how to be close to someone but at least I
didn't put him down and I am glad.
Went to bed at 12:30 very tired.
January 4, 1972
Got up and exercised and made breakfast for Don. George ate with Grandma.
I then left for school and I could honestly say I enjoyed their visit and
I want him to come again.
Was busy at school with two parent conferences. Talked Bob G. out of a
meeting tonight after school and quickly drove down town to the Discovery
Shop but they didn't have any lamp shades or anything else that I wanted
to buy. Then to the Fair but I didn't see anything there either.
At Asens I found a navy blue sweater for $5*50 - half price - so I got it
and then came home. Linda and Dave were here and Jason was asleep but he
looks adorable. Then Jenny called and said she wanted to talk to me and
she sounded upset. When she got here she was discouraged about her
creativity paper and we all talked to her and she felt better.
Then Cathy came with Blue and he had his cast off and went out to be
comfortable in the back yard. Cathy stayed for dinner and we had
leftovers. Then we went to the Mall and she got sweatpants and a dress at
the Fashion. Don took her and Blue home and then I took a bath and did up
my hair. I am really weary tonight. I can't stay up late on a school
night.
Tomorrow Don and I will have been married 29 years. It doesn't seem
possible. Muskie is declaring his candidacy tonight. To bed to bed.
January 5, 1972
We have been married for 29 years. It doesn't seem possible. I had
written Don a note saying I shape up the study and he wrote me a
beautiful poem.
I went to school and wore my blue slacks and my blue cardigan that I got
on a sale yesterday. Not much happened of interest at school. My reading
class didn't go too well but I can’t win every day. The counseling
meeting was cancelled again so I dashed to the unfinished furniture place
to look at bookcases and then I got my glasses adjusted. Then home to fix
a good dinner. We had steak, baked potato, zucchini squash, grapefruit
salad and vanilla pudding.
Had a fire and a drink before dinner, then Mom and I went grocery
shopping. I am trying to control my groceries down to $30.00 a week. Game
home and Don was watching a movie. I lay down by the fire and snoozed for
a bit and then I got up and washed out a dress of Cathy's and let the hem
out, folded clothes, washed a top and took a bath.
Called Linda and Jason had been circumcised today and was fussy. He
weighs 7 lbs. 1 oz. so he has almost gained back his birth weight.
We went to bed at 10 and made love so it was 10:30 when I got to sleep.
It was a good day. Not exiting but we enjoyed it. I am happy with my
husband and that is the best part of all. I just pray that we will have
many anniversaries together.
January 6, 1972
My period seems to be messed up this time. Nothing much happens. I
stopped taking the estrogen on the 29th or 30th and will begin again on
Saturday.
Mr. King took the class today and I thought he was just terrible. I don't
know how I can write any kind of a decent evaluation of him and the
amazing thing is that he seems to be so totally unaware !
There was a meeting this morning in Mr. A's office about the reading
program and this afternoon at 3 there was a counseling meeting. Suddenly
I felt so tired that I didn't think I was going to make it. But I didn't
say
Came home and opened a can of hash and had that and fruit salad. Gordon
Bledsoe came and measured for the book cases in the study and I decided
they would have to be two shelves like the other ones. I hope they will
be cheaper than the ones I can get at the unfinished furniture place.
Then Packy called and said that maybe Alice would like to teach reading
and she didn’t want Alan Knotts to do it so what did I think about
teaching Alice 's Shakespeare class (a qt. class). Our Packy had been at
the cooking sherry again and gave me her "little girl voice" routine
which always makes me mad anyway, but I said I would think about it.
Sometimes I wish to goodness I wasn't involved in all this but I am, so
best that I make the best of it.
I went to bed feeling lousy. Cleaned it was hard going. No pep tonight.
the bedroom wing of the house and boy,
January 7, 1972
I woke up with a stopped up nose and sore glands on the left side of my
neck so I called in sick. When everyone woke up Don was sick and so was
his Mother so we all had to sympathize with each other. Maybe we got
George's cold and flu when he came on Monday. Maybe we can't take the
Colorado brand of germs.
First I made bread and then cinnamon rolls which turned out just great. I
read a lot and rested. I called Lin (may be Liaa) and said maybe she
shouldn't bring Jason down and they hadn’t felt good either so she came.
Each time he looks cuter and not so red and he moves around more.
She washed clothes and ran errands. Jenny stopped by both in the
afternoon and the evening. Bob Croustou came by and brought me papers to
grade and other materials.
I ground up left-over ham and boiled eggs and we had ham salad and egg
salad sandwiches with cranberry and apple sauce for dinner.
Cathy called and she was feeling better. We watched a movie from 8:30 to
10:30 with Lloyd Bridges about a plane crashing and everyone was so unpleasant and nasty in the movie that I couldn't believe it. I realize I
would be scared under the circumstances but I don't think I would act
like that.
I managed to clean the rest of the house this morning. It was nice
staying home and it would be great to have a 4-day week. I just hope we
all feel better by tomorrow. I hate being sick on the weekend.
January 8, 1972
Well, we slept in and then got up and had breakfast. I had to get out to
run errands so I got gas. Went to Safeway for eggs, went to Weutzes for
sugar for Mom. Got a spool of thread. Went to the Library and picked up
books and studied a lot more and then came home. Didn't feel good but
still O.K. I guess. Don is the one I worry about because he just can’t
seem to shake all this and he has been feeling lousy ever since he got
the flu on the 12th of December. He just can’t seem to get his sinuses
dried out. I am going to suggest some hot dry place and maybe he can bake
it out.
I wrote to Pauline and Mike, cleaned the stove, made a beautiful
chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with nuts. Had a roast beef with
potatoes and carrots and cabbage salad. Took Mom her dinner and we both
ate well.
Jenny came over after dinner to talk about her creativity paper but she
was tired and discouraged so I suggested that she go home and come back
when she felt better and then we would talk about it. I was afraid she
would burst into tears.
Then Dave, Lin (sp.),Gail McM. and the baby Jason arrived. Dave went to a
movie and Lin and Gail went out for awhile, but Jason never woke up so we
just looked at him. He gets cuter every day.
After they left I finished reading a book I had gotten at the Library and
Don watched a movie on T.V. called Vanished and ;then at 11:30 we went to
bed. I hope I feel better tomorrow but I felt better today than yesterday
so that is encouraging. It is clear and cold and we need rain I
January 9, 1972
Well,
isn’t
lamb,
us. I
I will say one thing about being sick, one can sleep in because Don
running in the morning and no church today either. I had a leg of
mashed potatoes, gravy and jello salad for dinner and1 Mom ate with
finished my letters and addressed them.
Jenny came over and brought her wash and while the clothes were being
done she worked on her paper for psychology. She managed to get ten pages
on creativity and I proof read and made suggestions. She came back after
dinner to get the rest of her clothes and the paper so I think she will
get it done by Wednesday when it is due.
Other than that, I hemmed a dress, did a little wash myself and was just
lazy. We all felt better but not great, so it was an uneventful day all
around. I washed my hair and bathed and watched the F.B.I, and went to
bed.
January 10, 1972
I felt pretty good when I got up but decided to stay home one more day. I
had a flurry of activity right after breakfast and so I tackled all the
left-overs in the refrigerator. I made potato soup out of the left-over
mashed potatoes. Made lamb stew, hash, and then I made a Boston cream pie
that was very good. Then at 10 I lay down and slept for two hours. Tried
to read but couldn't get interested. Made lunch, Don wanted sausages and
pancakes. Lin and David came down and we all ad-mired Jason. She takes
him to the Dr. on Wed. They left. We took the car in to have its 12,000
mile check-up and it cost $53.00. Linda says we will have to help them
even though David will be getting unemployment insurance so there goes
our chance to save very much in the next few months. Linda doesn't want
him to go to work for awhile so he won't even be working. WOW! that
attitude is a bit hard to take. Then Cathy called and she and some other
workers
Suddenly things are not going as well as I had thought. Jenny called and
she had gotten an "A" on her Physiology test so she was pleased. Lois
Hein brought 4 more pictures over from the wedding that were good. We had
a good dinner and watched the news and Laugh-In. Now Don is watching the
other half of Vanished and since I have seen it I am going to bed. I ate
too much Boston Cream Pie today.
Obviously I won't be able to put as much money in the bank as I had
planned. A man called Bill who works for the St. Dept of Education called
to say that Lillie Franklin's file has been activated and she may lose
her credentials so Don called her but she wasn't home but will call back.
I have really enjoyed this wk. end at home with Don. I just wish we had
felt
better. Well, back to work tomorrow.
January 11, 1972
Well I went back to school today but I really didn't feel too great. I I
met my class and that went O.K. and I managed to get through the rest of
the day O.K. Came home and put my lamb stew in the oven and made a green
salad. Don and I had a drink before dinner and then ate. Cathy called and
about nine aids were fired but she doesn't seem very upset about it.
Jenny and Skip came over and looked at the pictures that Lois had brought
yesterday. Then she called Cathy and heard all about the firings at
Crestwood.
David called Don to say that their insurance rates had been raised cause
they had had 4 moving violations within the last 3 years. So at the
moment most of the news is bad. I just knew things couldn't go along as
good as they had been doing around Christmas time.
Mrs. Roney brought lots of little clothes for Jason and they will really
help out. I just know that I have the duty this week and that involves
chaperoning the dance Friday night for two hours from 10-12. Packy said
she would take my place but that makes me feel guilty because I really
don't like Packy too well. And then she called on the phone tonight
having had too much to drink and talked about the reading program again
and I really don't want to talk about it as I don't know much about it
and it is unpleasant too. I really don't want to go to the Olsons' for
dinner Friday night and I can be trying to tell Don but I can't get
through to him sometimes.
By night I really felt louse so I didn't even pin up my hair. I went to
bed at 9. I hate being sick and I wish I felt better. I feel fat and oldso right now I am quite down.
January 12, 1972
Another foggy :day - dripping but not actually raining. Now I am
concerned •cause Packy didn't feel well today so who will I get to
chaparone the dance on Friday. If I can’t find someone to do it we will
have to notify the Olson's and cancel the trip this weekend. I got home
from school and cut up a chicken and fried it and then Mom and I went
grocery shopping. I have cut my weekly amount from $40. to $30. and I
spent $31. but I got some things that I won't use this week. Got home and
put the groceries away and finished dinner before Don got home 'cause he
was grading papers while he was giving tests.
Linda called and Jason weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. so he gained back the birth
weight and gained almost a lb. Linda had packed up the clothes Emma had
given me and was very thrilled with them. In the evening we watched T.V.
and then went to bed. I think I am feeling better. I certainly hope so
'cause how I hate to be sick.
George Allen called to thank me for coming and he was very charming. He
had won the case that he had taken to Sacramento. He and Susan had good
skiing and
January 13, 1972
We didn't teach today but just had meetings so I didn't have to go to
work until 9. I washed clothes, cooked squash, and took my times at
things. I had pinned my hair in a different way and although Don didn't
notice it people at school did and liked it. The morning meeting was o.k.
and nobody got mad. I corrected papers and then came home for lunch.
There was a letter from Pauline, a good one.
Went back and finished my work. Then cause the sun came out I walked
around campus and really walked fast in the "stride" I read about. I had
a meeting at 3:30 and it lasted until 5. Rushed home and put last nights'
chicken in the oven, some dressing, the squash, fresh green beans and
fruit salad and we ate at 5:30.
I called Jenny and reminded her that she and Skip were to stay over while
we are gone cause Pat Yarbrough said she would chaperone the dance. Cathy
was here at noon and she seemed fine and the she called tonight to say
that the union man was going to plead his case at the hospital and she
was all excited. I am not sure what he can do but she was happy about the
whole thing.
Then I washed clothes, washed my hair, took a bath, did my nails and now
it's 9:30. I am just about ready for bed. I hope that I will have fun
this weekend but I know better than to think it will always be great but
I would like it to be that way. Just so Don drives carefully and doesn't
drink too much with the Olsons. Well, I will hope for the best. I feel
much better thank goodness.
January 14, 1972
Up early and off to school. I was afraid the day would go slowly and
actually it didn't. I checked with Mr. A. in the morning if I could leave
early and since there was a rally I left at 2:30 and came home to change
clothes and we were on our way at 3:00. It was a beautiful sunny day and
the ride was pleasant but something was wrong with the car and it
shimmied from side to side at times and it was frightening. We went by
way of Yuba City and there was a lot of traffic. We finally got there
shortly after 6 and found our motel Los Robels Lodge that wasn't exactly
grand but was O.K. We went to the Olson's and discovered that our
reservations for dinner was at 9 ! I was hungry and had a headache but I
took some aspirin and belt better. I had a mild screwdriver and Don had
martinis. We talked about all the news that had happened since the last
time we had been there. We went to a place called The Russian Winery or
some such name. It was out in the country in an old house down a winding
road but the food was very good. We had liver pate', salad, borst soup,
sole, very good hard bread, wine and a little tart at the end. The man
who runs it had waited on our table was just a little too proper for us.
Don drank too much and talked too much but it wasn't too bad. Then we
went back to the hotel and it was really a rare marvelous time. He was
drunk I realize but still he was wonderful and we made love beautifully,
and he talked a lot about how much he loves me and I loving him. I just
wish I was as beautiful as he said I was. I decided that when I get home
I am going to work on my exercises, etc. and try to do as much as I can
with what I have. I have been lazy lately and haven't tried too hard.
The Olson's were fine. Maurine doesn't have to wear her neck brace all
the time now. They were going to Palm Springs on Sunday for a week's
vacation. Well, it was a real remarkable evening - at least the part at
the motel. I Think when Don drinks wine he is very amorous.
January 15, 1972
We got up at 8 and went for breakfast and then Don said he didn't feel a
bit good and it wasn't just the wine and he seemed to have a temperature
and felt queasy like when he had the flu. We debated about going to the
city or not but finally decided to go. We didn't get there until about
10:45. I went to a lot of stores and tried things on but I couldn't find
anything I liked and everything was so expensive. Each time I go I think
I am going find great deals and then I never do so I didn't buy one
solitary thing and when I got back to the car at 12:30 Don looked so
lousy that I said let's just go home and skip Cast Plus so we drove right
through to the Nut Free and had some lunch and ;then came home about 5.
It was just beautiful in the city but there was fog on the way home but
when we got here it was fairly clear. We came home by way of the new
freeway a and went to Oakland. I like this way much better than the other
way and there was little traffic. I didn't want to get here so early
because I knew Jenny and Skip had planned dinner. But we got here just
the same. Jenny acted sort of frantic. They were going to have steak and
potato's and then Don and I came so she made hamburgers for them I think
she was upset and there was the old Mary and Martha routine with Jenny
doing the work and L. holding Jason. Jason was upset and cross and Dave
was being rather obnoxious. After they left D. & L. were to come back
later to watch a movie. I think it would have been better for them to go
home and I know that L. wanted to. They were to Yakliches (sp) she didn't
want to. Well sometimes children are just too close and maybe this is the
case in point. It will be better if they weren't here so much. Cathy came
over for awhile to cause she needed a tranquilizer. She was all upset
about the Crestwood affair. I decided I don't like to be away from home
very much. I worry about Mom and the house and get all upset
and my stomach always acts up. I know that Don likes to go but maybe it
would be better to just say no next time or go by myself to shop.
January 16, 1972
I got up about 7 and fed the dogs and then did ALL my exercises. I was so
proud. Don took Mom to church and went up to school to correct papers.
Bert Laurencberg called from L.A. where he's with the brother who is
dying of cancer. I went to pick up Mom and there was a mix-up and I
waited for over 1/2 hour. Apparently she had misunderstood and came home
with the Connors. We stopped at Longs to get some things. I made cinnamon
rolls and took half over to Pat Yarbrough who took the duty for me Friday
night. Cathy stopped by and got some cinnamon rolls. She brought the
vacuum back and it's working but Don and I worked on it and got it fixed.
I made a big batch of spaghetti sauce and we had spaghetti and tossed
salad for dinner. Mom came. Don watched the Super Bowl and the Dallas
Cowboys won. Cathy claims that the Union man said the phones may be
tapped, etc. I think some of this is a bunch of propaganda but he has
them all convinced. Didn't hear from Linda today and that was just as
well. Jenny and Skip came and they are thinking of buying a house. There
is one that costs $11,000.00 with $700.00 down payment. I said I would
give them $350.00. Why shouldn't I ? I gave money for Linda's lawyer,
$500.00 for Cathy's abortion, $1500.00 to Mike to get to Florida, so why
shouldn't I help Jenny too. They are going to look into it.
We watched The Bridge over the River Kwai tonight and it was good each
time we watched it. I pinned up my hair and took a bath before we started
to watch. I went to the backyard today and cleaned up the dog leavings
and spaded little. It was foggy most of the day and cleared in the afternoon. I ate too many cinnamon rolls. Didn't write any letters- started to
read Nicholaus and Alexandria but it will take quite awhile. Back to
school tomorrow and I am not very excited about that.
January 17, 1972
Well, I started the day right with the first half of my exercise routine
and finished them the last thing at night before my bath. Boy, that takes
a lot out of one if you do the right moves on each one. I wasn't too keen
on going to school but I got through the fog. It is really cold and still
no rain . I carried a carbon and wrote to Pauline & Mike and got it down
during the day 'cause I didn't do it this weekend. After school I went
down town and looked at the Frances Shop and Coopers for housecoats,
night gowns and I would have settled for a dress but I just couldn't find
any-thing that I liked well enough. When I got home Mom was all concerned
'cause she wanted so much to get me something for my birthday tomorrow
and I just couldn't come up with anything. I made the first part of a
carrot souffle and tomorrow night will then fix orange salad, green beans
and liver for dinner. Don didn't get home until after six 'cause he went
to see Dr. H. who said he had a bronchial infection and gave him some
pills. Maybe now he will get better.
I finished all the papers and handed in the grades and now he is done
until the 14th of Feb. After dinner Don wanted something sweet so I made
sour cream chocolate cookies with frosting and then at 8 we watch the
George Gershwin Show that was really good. My how those old tunes brought
back memories ! What a tragedy for the ones that he did at the age of
1930. Don went up to bed and I did my nightly shores. While I was doing
my exercises I suddenly got too tired and had enough. Dave came today for
a heating pad and gave me a long song and dance about baby food. He bores
me with all that. He is such a faddist and right now I think he would try
to get a job and let Linda take care of the baby.
January 18, 1972
To school on this cold gray day beginning with fog and heating up but
being cloudy. None at school knew about my birthday except Alice and she
put a card in my box. I had a meeting after school and then Don picked me
up 'cause he had to have the other car checked and fixed today. He drove
home all the way and stopped at Ron's Florist and wanted to buy me
flowers but I said no and that made him mad and I was afraid I had blown
it. I really don't like fresh flowers very well. They make me think of
funerals at least ones from a florist unless they are little bouquets of
daisies. On the way home he calmed down and when we got home Jenny was
here and she brought out presents. 2 beautiful tops to wear with pants
and skirts, a poster, a book, a note from Jenny saying she would make me
a dress and a card from Don saying that he would take me on a trip. Then
Jenny and Skip had a drink with us and left and I fixed dinner of steak,
carrot souffle and green salad. We had wine at dinner and Don drank a lot
but I drank more than usual too. We talked and it was good to talk. I
went over to Mom's and visited her and when I came back Don didn't feel
well. He got really bad then and he went to bed and I got out the cold
washcloths and went through that routine. I suggested that maybe we go
for a walk so we tried that and that didn't work and then when we got
home he was scared and he called Dr. H. and he talked but he just sounded
drunk and made light of it and Dr. H. wouldn't come. He was angry and
humiliated naturally, but in a way it was good 'cause he seemed to be
better and he breathed better so then he finally got to sleep and I
pinned up my hair and went to bed and he will be O.K. I guess. But, this
type of thing scares me and how can I get that said to him without
sounding preachy ? Lin and Cathy called me and it was the same old thing.
Jenny did it all as usual and I must admit that I feel more towards her.
So, it was a strange birthday goodness knows, good and not so good. I
won't forget it for a long time I know that.
January 19, 1972
Since Don had the car washed yesterday it finally rained today. Too bad
that he didn't do it some time ago since we have needed rain so badly. I
Thought it would be busy today at school but it was rather a dull day
really. Had a long talk with Alice after school about Packy, etc. We
didn't really come to any conclusions but it was a nice visit. Got home
and Jenny and Lin were both here. Jason was asleep and they transferred
him to his little traveling basket and he never opened his eyes but he
looked very pretty now and he is filing out and doesn't look as dark as
when he first came.
Mother had gone shopping in the morning at Farmers' so she didn't go with
me and I bought groceries only at ShopNSave so it didn't take me too
long. I made scrambled eggs and corn bread for dinner and then I went to
Marions cause she is having trouble with John and she wanted to talk
about it. That lasted until about 8 and then I came home and decided to
make tomorrows dinner so I fixed the turkey dish and a cranberry jello
salad and found some rolls to thaw so I have my whole dinner made.
We watched Columbo and got to bed about 10:30. Don felt very bad about
yesterday but I don't want him to go around apologizing forever. I just
worry about him and I wasn't angry. It frightens me to hear about Marion
cause who knows when a man will get tired of a woman and turn to someone
else. I feel secure now but I have been that route before and it could
happen again.
Two more days and it will be the weekend. When we go off for the weekend
it always seems as if it didn't happen so I look forward to this one.
Have a lot of little jobs planned.
January 20, 1972
Today was the day Linda was to be down all day cause Don was going to the
city so I hated to go to work knowing that she and Jason were going to be
at the house all day. It all went OK and my students were all very well
behaved. It is a lot easier without Mr. King around. Got home about 3:30
and Jason was asleep. Since I had made dinner yesterday all I had to do
was make a lovely coconut cake.
Finally about 5 Jason woke up. He is getting so plump all of a sudden and
he is just adorable. We had dinner and then she fed Jason. I held him a
lot so I really got to enjoy him. We had Mom come for dinner too. Lin is
having trouble with the Yaksickes because they raised David in a
different culture and they are not about to change. They think that they
are spoiling him. There isn't supposed to be any noise, David isn’t supposed to swear, he is never to be left with a sitter. They never went
any-where without David until he was 13 years old I Well, I let her talk
about all this because she was upset and she said David is going to talk
with them about it.
I went to the Mall and got a skirt pattern and I found a white blouse at
the Fashion. When I got back David was here ;and they left right afterwards. Don went to see Diamonds Are Forever and enjoyed it very much. I
did some things around the house and then went to bed but I had trouble
getting to sleep. Marion didn't come to school today. I hope everything
is OK.
This week has gone by very fast. Mike called and he and Matt sang Happy
Birthday to me. Donna is going into the hospital for 3 days of tests. He
didn't elaborate but I worry about her after the deal at Christmas time.
January 21, 1972
Ah ! good old Friday. Had my class and talked to students. Then the 6th
period there was a "task force" meeting that is for the evaluation of the
two highs schools cause CSH is under the gun on the flexible schedule.
This meeting was made up of Emma Roney, Owen Bae and Jack Barnesaw. Jack
was very mad about the whole thing and he gave quite a speech about it.
We will meet Monday with the CHS people.
I came home and made a tuna salad, had beets and some "fetticine" - it’s
not spelled right but it is pasta with parmesan cheese. Don and I cleaned
the house and he did the vacuuming and I scrubbed down the 2 bath rooms
and dusted. We watched channel 7 news cause the union man was interviewed about the deal at Crestwood. We got hungry during the evening so
Don went over to get pizza and we ate that but we really didn't need it
and I felt stuffed.
The weather continues to be blustery and gray and dark but we just don't
get enough rain. We watched the Odd Couple and they were fun. Jenny has
her last exam tomorrow and I imagine she will be glad to be done. Don had
a lovely fire in the fireplace when I got home and that was nice. JoAnne
Hoffman called. She had Don as a teacher when she went back to school as
an older woman to get her credentials. I had her daughter Anne when I was
still teaching English, then I had JoAnne as my student teacher and now
Don has her son in a class. Don couldn't remember her but maybe when they
come over for coffee tomorrow morning he will remember her. Then Jeff
Foster plans to come over tomorrow to rototill the garden and he is due
to come at the same time but with the weather so bad maybe he won't want
to come. And then Gordon Bledsoe said he would be done with the book-case
tomorrow and he will bring them over. It will be a busy day.
January 22, 1971
Woke up about 7 and when I weighed myself I weighed 111 lbs so eating
pizza at night just is not good. I thawed some sweet rolls and polished
the coffee pot, etc. Jeff F. called and said he wouldn't come. The
Hoffmans for awhile and that was pleasant. I had to go and buy groceries.
I thought I could get by on $30.00 per week but I can't make it. Maybe I
will have to be more frugal.
When I came back Don had gone to get Cathy and she stayed until about
3:00. She seems fine and that makes me feel good because I worry about
her. She is going to look for a job Monday.
Jenny came over with her wash and she was in a rather bad mood. I think
she is tired from all the tests. Don is working on the income tax and we
are going to have to pay a lot this year I am afraid.
Gordon Bledsoe brought the stuff he had made and it came to $47.00. He
nailed it into the front closet and I can put all the liquor there plus
the dog food etc. Picked quince and put it in the house so it is looking
like spring. The wind is blowing really strong and it sounds like a
blustery March day in the Midwest.
In the evening we watched a lot of T.V. Saw All in the Family and then I
took a bath and then we saw the "blank" People and it was a really good
science fiction. I enjoyed it.
My horoscope said "have fun with kin tonight" so I teased Don about that
and when we went to bed we had fun so it worked out OK.
January 23, 1972
Went to church at 8. A priest from Canada talked plus some Aldermen from
the Friends Society. The sun was out. It is a pleasant surprise! and it
was warm. So, I decided to wash windows and did the living room and
dining room and kitchen ones on both sides. What a boost to my morale
when the windows are clean !
Took Mom to 11 o'clock mass. Made a very good dinner. I had some frozen
pineapple and strawberries so made a fruit salad with bananas and oranges
plus the fruit, squash, some of the ham, broccoli and I made a chess pie.
Mom ate with us. I sewed on my black and white skirt and now I just have
to put the hem in it. If it turns out I am going to make some knit ones.
Jenny came in the afternoon and studied for awhile. I cleaned up the dogs
leavings in the back yard. Looked at my daffodils and they are coming up
but they are slow. Lin and Dave came down at 8 with Jason and they left
for the movie Diamonds Are Forever at nine and we had Jason until they
got back.
I washed my hair and we watched the second half of The Bridge over the
River Kwai. Then to bed. Jason is growing and he is getting so strong. He
didn’t cry at all. He fussed once and we just gave him the binkies and
that was it. Pretty soon he will start to smile and that is such fun.
Cathy called today to say that someone had moved into the trailer behind
their house so she wouldn't be all alone while Heylanda is on her case in
Capay. A busy week ahead cause it is the last week of the semester.
January 24, 1972
Got up to another clear day. There was frost but it was nice to see the
sun. I weighed 110 lbs. but I didn't lose any. I wore my patchwork skirt
Mom made me last year and a black top. The day went fast cause it is the
last week of the semester and students are stopping in to talk about
their classes for next semester. Teri Renfro came in for a long talk and
I like her so much. After school Emma and I went over to CSH for a Task
Force meeting and I thought it was just terrible. It is big and
cumbersome and really not in touch with what we are doing and then we
broke into sub-committees and three sub/sub committees and I came away
really mad. I I hadn't planned anything for dinner so the result was I
had to throw some-thing together. I tried on the skirt I had made
yesterday and it is OK but I had hoped to use the pattern for a knit
skirt and I was going to wear one of the tops that Don bought me and then
maybe make one for the other top but the skirt pattern is to full and I
won't really were those tops that much with pants and I could have wept
cause I would never have bought those tops myself and they cost $40.00 !
Why do these things happen every time Don tries to do something nice for
me. Suddenly I just felt so miserable ! I made chocolate chip oatmeal
cookies and we watched some T.V. and then cause I couldn't get out of the
doldrums I went to bed. We called Mike cause it was his birthday and he
seemed OK but real faraway and uninter-ested. Donna goes into the
hospital tomorrow afternoon for tests and he was vague about that.
Well, it was a black day at Black Rock for sure. I hope tomorrow is
better.
January 25, 1972
Today was a better day. When I got to school I found out ;that the other
people on the task force had been as upset as I was so we meet in Don's
office in the morning and talk about the whole thing and planned our
strategy. Had a long talk with Richard Kisling which I enjoyed. Met my
class and it went well. My lunch was good so it was really an OK day. I
had fixed a roast with onion soup mix and carrots and I boiled potatoes,
made cole slaw and baked a pie shell and put a choc, pudding in it so
dinner was good and we both ate too much. Don loved the pie. Took dinner
over to Mom.
Then Skip and Jenny came over and brought cry-baby drop cookies and Skip
had a piece of pie. Then Don lit the fire and we neatened up the living
room and at 7:30 people started coming. There were 25 of us counting us.
Joleen Crawley, John Jaelsel, Sybil Luidin, the Fredericksons, Mrs.
Kinney, the Marshes, Linda Furr, Carl and others, plus a number of
college students. I had made the cookies last night plus Jenny's and I
served coffee. I felt I should be on T.V. cause everyone raved so about
the coffee and that is unusual for me cause I have never been famous for
my coffee. They made plans for petition parties to be held the 22nd of
February from 10 to 12 PM, then at a minute after 12 the petitions are
signed and sent to Arouille (sp) the next morning.
It really went and at 10 they all went home and I put the living room
back together and pinned up my hair and took a bath and went to bed. So
over all today was a better day. Nixon had a special broadcast tonight
and said he had been making secret negotiations for peace.
January 26, 1972
SNOW !
The day started out by being clear and there was frost on the car though
not much. I was busy at school talking to students about their next
semesters schedules and I gave my test 5th period. By mid-afternoon it
was raw and cloudy. I went to the Frances Shop after school and hit the
jackpot! They were having a sale and I went to see what they had. I
didn't like any of the street clothes and then I tried on hostess gowns
and there were a lot in my size and I found a black clingy jersey one
with the only trimming some pink leather with rhinestones, long sleeves,
low neck and long skirt. It fits me just right and it was $34.00 marked
down to $16.00 so I used Mom't birthday money for that and then I found a
gorgeous, glamorous turquise nightgown for $8.00 so I got that too. I was
so thrilled ! Came home and tried them on for Mom and Don and they both
liked them.
Made a late dinner and then Mom and I went grocery shopping. It was
raining and then suddenly it was snowing, big wet flakes and it snowed
until 10:30 when we went to bed. I called Jenny and Cathy cut couldn't
get through to Linda cause the long distance lines were all busy. I
hadn't seen it snow really for 20 years, the last year we were in Albany
and I had forgotten how beautiful it can be. All the bushes, everything,
twigs, braches were white and it looked like a fairyland. Don and I went
to bed and opened the drape and watched it snow and made love. It was
fantastic. I know it will turn to rain again but right now it is really
fun.
The dogs went outside and Mitzi hid under a bush and Dolly turned right
around and came back in. Well, this turned out to be a very nice day.
January 27, 1972
Well, this was quite a day. We woke up and the snow was still here and it
was snowing again. I had never driven in snow and it was slippery and
slushy. The kids at school just went crazy. It has been 34 years since we
have had this much snow and many of the kids had never seen snow at all
or had seen it in High Counry but never actually falling from the sky.
They ate it, rolled in it, threw it, made snow balls and snow men. They
got wet and cold, were late to class but still they couldn't stay out of
it. But Mr. A. said it would probably be another 30 years before we had
it again so everyone relaxed and enjoyed it.
I worked with Mr. A. on the questionnaire and evaluation for quite a
while, in the morning and then I got out the adding machine and averaged
grades so when I went into class 6th period I had everyone's grades and
then I had the evaluation and I came out OK on that except some of them
felt that I had not been strict enough so I am going to lay down the law
next semester There was going to be a meeting after school but the man
who is in charge was snowed in in Paradise so it was cancelled.
I went down town after school and looked at used desks and I saw some I
liked and also stopped to look at reconditioned typewriters with bigger
print and then I came home. Jenny was here and she was cooking our Anniversary dinner. She had chicken with sour cream and wine sauce, mashed
potatoes and a green salad. It was fun to have someone else cook the meal
and clean up afterwards. I was most appreciative. They left right after
dinner.
We watched TV and then off to bed. The snow was gone shortly after lunch.
It melted in most places but at PV I think it just got worn out. Don
called Linda and they were snowed in but said they were OK, and Cathy
reported in OK too. Quite a day.
January 28, 1972
I got a lot done today at school. I went through all my reading materials
and got myself organized, made some dittoes, got my lesson plans in order
for the next few weeks and I really don't think I will mind this but I
know that it takes time to get used to the kids and they hate being in
the class but I feel more confident this time around. Helped kids who had
questions about registration and the day went fast. Monday is
registration and Tuesday rotates out for me so I don't have to start the
class until Wed. Then there are two 3-day weekends in Feb. and that will
help too. Once it gets to be March I hope that it will be more springlike and then the time will go fast. But as of today one semester is over
and really it wasn't bad at all.
Marion came in and talked a bit. Things seem to be going OK there. When I
got home Wayne Menke called and asked us over for a drink but Don wasn't
home and when he did get here I suggested that we have them come here so
they did and it was pleasant. Joyce brought me a lovely box of
stationery. I tried to poach fillet of sole tonight cause Don likes it so
well. I would like to make it for him but mine wasn't really very good. I
will have to try again.
I had wanted to clean the house but I didn't get a chance before dinner
and was too tired after dinner so I just gave up and at 8:15 I was in
bed. I seem to tire easily these days. I know I will feel better once
spring comes.
January 29, 1972
I got up this morning with lots of things in mind. I vacummed the bedroom wing and Don did the rest while I did the bathrooms and kitchen.
Then Don and I went down to look at the used desks. They weren't open
when we got there so we went to Kronbergs and had tea, coffee and a hot
sweet roll. Tasty, but expensive. Then w e went back and Don decided to
buy an old oak desk for $60.00. He really seems to like it and the irony
is that his old chair just matches it. It was evidently made in the same
era.
We came home and made lunch. Jenny was here washing clothes and she said
Skip would help to get the desk out. We ate lunch and started moving
things in the study to get ready for the desk. We discovered that the bed
is too wide so I think Don is willing to go all out on his room so we
ordered a 30" bed from M. Ward and I went out to Kents to see about
drapery material and he will be out on Thursday and bring samples and
measure the windows. At 3:30 the desk came and everyone loved it and Don
started to go through old things and throw stuff away. I cooked some pork
steaks with some dressing I thawed and we had stewed tomatoes and
cranberry sauce. I then made a bread and it wasn't done until 9:30. We
watched TV off and on during the evening.
Don and I had a drink before dinner as an experiment. He had one last
night when the Menkes' were here and immediately got a headache so he
tried again and didn't feel well again so he may have to stop drinking
com-pletely and that will be hard cause he enjoys it. I am having all
kinds of too in my ear. It aches and I have a stiff neck so I am going to
Dr. Schaif about that and I should go to see Dr. Caviness and I should go
to a skin doctor and my hemmorroids are bothering me and I may end up at
Dr. Buernjes in Sacramento. Not that it will prove fatal but just little
things that scare and annoy me. It's tough to start getting old.
January 30, 1972
I didn't feel like going to church this morning so I stayed home. Jeff
Foster called and wanted to rototill the garden so he came over at about
11 and got that done and widened the border by Mom's fence. I fixed a
delicious dinner with roast beef, mashed potatoes, green salad, gravy,
buttered carrots and the graham cracker pie I made last night and I even
fixed hot rolls. Cathy came in the middle of the afternoon on her bike
and she brought Blue with her but Heylinda didn't come as planned. I
don't know what the scoop is on that. She had expected her.
Don called Mike today and he said Donna would be in the hospital until
Tuesday and they are still making tests. The assumption is that maybe the
medicine she is taking is not in the right amount but they are not sure
yet. He leaves Matt every night and visits her at the hospital. Then he
called back in a few minutes to say that Don should come to stay between
semesters but I know he wouldn't get any work done although I am sure he
would enjoy it. I don't think he should go but it's up to him. Maybe
Cathy should go if she is not well. I asked her about it and she said she
would go. She seemed in good spirits while she was here. I just wish she
looked a little better. She always looks disheveled.
Mom ate dinner with us. I took her to the Mall this afternoon. I don't
feel well and tomorrow I am going to start going to Dr.'s. Lin and David
will be down tomorrow to.
I washed my hair after I took Blue and Cathy back and then bathed and
went to bed. Tomorrow is registration. That will be a busy day.
January 31, 1972
It was really cold this morning. Clear with a full moon going down in the
West. Fortunately I had covered the car. Don got an appointment for me at
Dr. Schaeffs for 4:15 and I went to Dr. Caviness for my feet at 3:30. Dr.
S. cleaned my ears and nose and gave me a prescription. We will see if
that helps.
Registration went very well. Not very many problems. My reading class
filled fast and very fast so I will have the full amount in it but I
don't start the class until Wed.
I took breaks and had my lunch, visited with Alice and left to go to my
Dr.’s at 3:15. Got home and Lin and Jason were here. They stayed for
dinner so I quickly had to put something together. I fixed noodles,
sliced the left-over roast and made pear and cottage cheese salad. They
left shortly after and I got ready for bed. I don't really feel sick but
then I don’t feel good either. It is really cold. I think once the
weather warms up I will feel better.
Mr. Kent comes tomorrow about the drapes and then I think I will pick out
the paint and do the room. Sometimes I get a little weary of kids coming
here during the day, washing their clothes, eating and then leaving with
all the dishes to be done and they never lift a finger. I suppose it is
our fault for not expecting more of them but I find that although I like
to see Jason I feel imposed upon at times. Maybe I shouldn't feel this
way.
February 1, 1972
I am taking my pills and I think my throat and ear feel better so I guess
I will be OK. I got to school and it was a mad house. Some of the people
had not come to registration yesterday and had to be put in classes plus
others changed their minds and there were students in all day long. So I
was busy all day long.
I got home and Don wanted to go to J & J Electric and we picked out a
lamp for the study that will pull down from the ceiling. It's mustard
colored Then at 4:30 Mr. Kent came and showed their samples and we picked
a fabric that is mustard colored with a slub worked in of orange, brown
and beige. I think I will paint the wall a straw color. So, now we are on
the way. Carl and Don took the bed out and put it at Cathy's house so it
will be easier to paint the room.
Linda and Jason were here and I started to talk to Jason and he smiled !
and smiled. He is so cute that I couldn't believe it. My jaws ached from
smiling at him but it was worth it. They stayed for dinner so I made a
tuna salad and tomato soup. They left after dinner and Don cut my hair in
back cause it was sticking out and I just couldn't get to Gages this
week. I pinned it up and took a bath and we were in bed by 20 to 10. The
sun was out today but it was cold and windy. I put the fungus medicine on
my feet and the spots on my arm and if it clears up the skin I may not
have to go to the skin doctor. But, that might be too much to expect.
Anyway, in spite of the fact that it is time for my period I think I feel
better tonight.
DON LEFT FOR THE SOUTH *
February 2, 1972
Don decided he would pack his gear and go South and see if he could get
some writing done, so I made a list of things he was to do and kissed him
goodbye. He really wants to go. I am not sure he gets anything down but
every once in awhile he gets this urge and it is fine with me. He seems
to have a need to be alone and I don’t resent his going like I used to.
In fact, I almost welcome it cause then when he comes back he is not
restless for awhile.
School was busy but not as bad as yesterday. I came home and cooked bacon
and eggs for dinner. I didn't watch TV and I read just a little bit. I
got hungry for some sweets so I made some butterscotch sauce and had a
dish of ice cream. Then I pinned up my hair and took a bath and went to
bed. Dolly got up in the night and Mitzie barked so I let her out too but
she wouldn’t come in again. I won't let her out in the night again. My
period started but not much is happening there. Don didn't call but I am
sure he will tomorrow. I met my reading class for the first time and I am
encouraged. They seem to be very nice and I think it went well. I hope I
can do a good job this semester.
February 3, 1972
I didn't sleep very well. This always happens when Don is away. Got up
and read the paper and had my tea. Things at school went well. Busy again
today. I got home early cause there was not meeting after school and the
drapery sample was here in the mail so I went over to Wards and bought a
gallon of white paint for the ceiling and a mustardy beige called curry
for the walls. It was on sale for $7.44 so I was lucky there. The bed is
here so I looked at bedspreads and I think I will buy a brown whipcord
double spread and cut the extra off for pillows and then I want to get an
orange one too.
I had a delicious dinner of a steak and a green salad. Then I went down
to the study and dusted down the walls and started on the ceiling. What a
job! I hate ceilings ! I got done about 8:30 and then I moved all the
books out and I counted them just for fun and there were 367. I put them
in the other bedroom and tomorrow I will clean the rug and the rest of
the house and Saturday morning I will start the walls. I am really
excited about the room and I hope to get it done before Don gets back. He
called at 5. He went to Laguana Beach and found an old motel on the beach
and is very quiet. He is in good spirits and had everything laid out to
start work tomorrow.
He had called the boys and will go there for dinner Saturday night. I
really hope he gets something done. At 9:30 I was done with everything
and cleaned up and went to bed. Mom had invited Cathy and Malynda to
dinner today. Mylinda couldn't come so she had Nolan stay and I guess
they had a really good time. Blue came too. Boy I am glad to have the
ceiling done.
February 4, 1972
Cloudy and rainy today. My class went well again. I am really happy about
that. I got organized for next week and next week I have class only 3
times cause we have Friday off and I rotate out Thursday I What a break.
As I left school today Mr. A. told me that he had seen Frank Robertson
who said when he got home from school the day before Joyce and all the
furniture was gone and she had left him a card table and a chair ! That
was really terminating the marriage. Came home and fixed chicken and had
Mom for dinner.
Lin called and they had taken Jason to the Doctor and he weighs 10 lbs. 4
oz. and is just perfect. They will probably be down on Sunday. Jenny
called and she still has headaches but feels better. Mike called and
Donna is OK. She is not absorbing the proper vitamins and ;they will have
to adjust her medicine. Heanot in good spirits.
After dinner I started to vaccuum the house and then about 7:30 Alice
came and we talked for a long time. I had made a little cake and she had
that and tea. After she left I finished the cleaning.
Don called at 5 again and he had gotten some work done and seemed to be
fine. I ordered the brown bedspread but it won't be here until Wednesday.
Marion 0. came in today to bring me up to date on her relations with
John. She goes into so much detail that she embarrasses me. I don't think
I would be a good therapist cause I really don't want to know all the
details of someone else's sex life and I try hard not to let on that it
bothers me. Tomorrow I start on the walls.
February 5, 1972
I slept until 7:30, had breakfast and then roller in hand I began. I did
the west wall and the south one and then the north and finally the east
one. With interruptions I got done at dinner time. It is really hard
work. It looks more yellow than I thought it would but it is pretty. It
is really hard to cover in one coat but I went over it and over it. Mom
wanted to go to the Mall so I took her a little after 12 and then I
called Lois and she came over to get me and we went to Wards to pick up
the bed. They had saved a 38" bed instead of a 30". I could have wept I
was so disappointed and there was nothing to do but reorder and it won't
be ready until Thursday and I am sure Don will be back by then. Jenny
called and she said she would be over tomorrow to do her laundry. Cathy
called and wanted me to thaw her turkey and she says Malynda is getting
married next Wednesday. She has just known the boy for a short time. Boy,
that was a surprise. Now she will have to find a place to live and with
no job I bet she is really feeling lost inside. I will talk to her when
she comes over tomorrow.
After dinner I started on the bookcases and I got them all painted by
7:30 and then I bathed and Mom and I watched All in the Family which was
very good when the children are gone then the couple stay together and it
was ' funny and sad. So then I went to bed. I got a lot done today but I
feel bad about the bed. Don called and he was going to the boys' for
dinner and it was raining in Laquana Beach too. So much for being in the
sun. It rained here all day but it was warm and spring-like and I didn't
mind since we need the rain. I hope I will finish up tomorrow and rest a
little.
February 6, 1972
I got up fairly early and I decided to do Don's room this morning so I
had tea and took Mom to church at 8 and then I put the new bookcase on
top of the other 3 on the north wall and put the desk straight under the
lamp and I will have the bed on the south side after all. I got Mom and
then dusted off all the bookcases and put them back and the result is
good. I put ivy in the brown jar and Mom gave me a brown bird to put
beside it. It rained off and on most of the day. I was really weary after
all that so I lay down on the lounge and read and napped a bit for the
rest of the day when the kids were here. Cathy came to get the turkey and
then Jenny came over to do her laundry. Linda called and said she would
be down with Jason and they stayed until about 5:15. Jason was adorable.
The Doctor had said that she should put just a diaper on him and put him
on the bed to exercise and we did that and he rolled from his back to his
stomach and he squirmed and wiggled. He is getting so fat and bubbly. It
was David's birthday and he wanted to read so that was why Lin came down
alone. Don called at 5 and he had had a good time at the Boys' the night
before and hadn't gotten much done that day. Mitzie is getting out
through the fence and into the street so I found her collar and put a
rope on her and she hated that but I can't have her getting away.
The last thing of the day was Cathy calling saying that she didn't want
to get a job but wanted to rent space to sell bakery goods and I just
don't think that will work and I just cannot see it and she got mad cause
I wasn't more enthusiastic about it. I want Don to come home and help me
solve these problems. Tomorrow night I will see him I guess. I washed my
hair, bathed and fixed my nails, finished my mystery story and was in bed
at 9:30. I slept well.
February 7, 1972
Back to school. The quince I took to my office last week is beginning to
bloom. It was a usual day with not very exciting happenings. I came home
after school and thank goodness Lin had taken Mother to the bank so I
didn’t have to do that. I went over to Taj Majal and spent $10.00 on a
bookend set and a little wooden jar to put pens in for Don's desk. It
looks very nice. My I hope he likes it.
Cathy called me at school to say she had given up the baking idea cause
Nolan figured out it would take a lot of capital. Whew ! That is a load
off my mind.
Lin and Jason were here when I got home and they were fine. Don called at
4:30 to say that he was on his way home and the car began shimmying again
and he almost lost control so he had stopped but they couldn't figure out
what was wrong and hopefully he will be here tomorrow. I will be glad to
back.
Mitzie hated being tied up and when I let her out this afternoon she got
out again but I finally lured her back in with some dog food. I made a
hot dish and put it aside for tomorrow and will fix salad greens tomorrow
morning cause I have a meeting after school. I also made the bars with
nuts, coconut, choc, chips, condensed milk and graham crackers and froze
them to take to Alice's wed. night. I had a cheese sandwich and an orange
salad for dinner. Watched a little TV and then Jenny came over and she
talked and then got ready for bed. I read until 10 and then to sleep. The
sun came out today and it was warm. The bulbs are coming up but they are
slow. I really look forward to Don's return.
February 8, 1972
I fixed salad greens before I went to school and neatened up the house
and then off for a long day knowing that Don would be home sometime
during the day but knowing that I had to stay at school. I had a task
force meet-ing at 10 and then lunch and when I got back to my office
there was a note saying that Don had called. He was properly installed at
home. The meet-ing after school lasted until 4:15 and then I got into the
car and zipped home and there he was looking brown and rested. He seemed
fine. I put the hot dish in the oven and made the salad. We talked about
everything until about 7:30 and then I finished the letters to Pauline
and Mike that I had written during the day at school. He watched Hawaii 5
0 and I took a bath but I didn't pin up my hair and I will probably
regret that to-morrow. We went to bed and made love. I think it was fine
for him, at least I hope so but wasn't quite so good for me but that is
OK too. I made the grocery list for tomorrow and if there is no meeting
after school I will do the shopping when I get home and then after dinner
I will go to Alice's.
I realize that it is good to have Don home. I went right to sleep and
just barely woke when he let Dolly out in the night but none of this
waking up all the time like when he is gone. Why is that ? There is the
security of having him in the bed with me? I just can't figure it out.
Friday is a holiday and I kind of wish something special were happening.
Linda comes down tomorrow and Don will see Jason after not seeing him for
a week. Don has to pick up Jenny's classes tomorrow. I called Lin and he
talked to Cathy during the day so now we are all accounted for.
February 9, 1972
I really wouldn't call this a good day. School was OK, nothing very exciting. The weather turned lovely. About 68 by afternoon. I got home at
3:10 and wanted to go shopping but Mrs. Nauen was here visiting Mom and
so I couldn’t get started until 20 to 4. Then when I got to the store I
had forgotten my grocery list and that through me off. Got home and
started to make dinner. I had thawed pork chops cause I
thought Don and Lois would be here for dinner but they went out to dinner
with the Yakiskes so I had too much meat and it turned out to be tough.
The rest of the dinner wasn't good either. I get a bit weary of having
all the girls here. Cathey was here being messy as usual and I don't
think she feels too well. After dinner I went to Alice's to work on the
retire-ment dinner and not very many of the ladies came and then Packy
had been drinking and she was so rude and nasty when she is drunk that I
was hard put to be civil. I have been wondering what would happen if
someone just told her that she is very unpleasant when she is like that ?
I had a great urge to tell her to be quiet. She reacts on me the same way
that Wayne Menke does at such times.
So I came home and pinned up my hair and sent to bed. I just figure it
was a bad day, not really bad but the kind that one wants to be over as
soon as possible. I hope tomorrow is better.
February 10, 1972
Last day of school for a week and it turned out to be just a beautiful
day like summer. I just hope it's like this tomorrow. There was that
holiday atmosphere at school where no one works very hard. Alice is
teaching a class in mythology and ordered her students to read the chapt.
of Genisis in the Bible to show that myths had a beginning just like in
the Bible and some student told their parents that she said the Bible was
a myth and today she met with the minister of the church involved but
fortunately he was understanding about the whole thing. What a tempest in
a teapot.
I came home and decided to make an omelet and hot biscuits. I did it the
new way that Cathy told me about and beat the egg whites separately and
it was a total flop. I guess I beat them too much and so it just plopped
in the pan in a big gob and while I was trying to get it cooked the
biscuits burned so it was a real stinker of a dinner.
After dinner I started cleaning the house and I got the bedroom wing done
and then we went to bed. Don is having such trouble with his sinuses that
he is really annoyed. They just drain all the time and he is having to
blow his nose but then it drains again. He is going to back to the Doctor
tomorrow.
In a way I would love it if we were going to the mountains or something
tomorrow. It would be fun to see snow and beautiful pine trees but I
realize there is really no point in even suggesting it.
February 11, 1972
Well although it cleared up by afternoon it was chilly and cloudy this
A.M. I finished cleaning the house, got new quince from the garden and
then Lin came with Jason for a little while cause she was going to the
Dr. for her 6 weeks check up and to get her deal for birth control. I
can't remember what the name of it is. She was so excited.
I took Mom out to Wakefield Glass so she could have a mirror put in that
huge frame she has had. We stopped on the way home to pick up some
groceries Made lunch and then I took off and looked for a plant to put in
the copper and silver vase in the livingroom but couldn't find anything
so I got two valentine cards and bought Mom a box of candy.
Jenny came over and we visited. I guess they are having some difficulties
with Skips' parents about his job, etc. Cathy rode over on her bike and
visited for awhile. Mom planted her sweet pea seeds and she had some left
so I put some in the front yard along the fence.
I made a good
apple, upside
her. I got my
and rolls and
dinner with steak, creamed potatoes, green salad and pinedown cake that Jenny made and I had her take half home with
hair cut at 5:45 and then came home and cooked the steak
our dinner was good and made up for last night.
Joyce came over and talked about Wayne and that situation is getting
worse instead of better. The 7 Sumari was on. It is a Japaneese movie
made in 1954 and it started at 8:30 and lasted for 3 hours. Cathy came
over to watch. Suddenly my head ached and so I washed my hair and took a
bath and went to bed. It was really a rather pleasant day.
I got a marvelous idea for painting the kitchen and I may go ahead with
this one although I seem to go through this every year. Don went to the
Dr. but the pills didn't help him so he called Dr. Lievers and he
prescribed something that really did the trick. Maybe he will feel better
now. Tomorrow is hoped to be warm and maybe he can sit outside and get
some sun.
February 12, 1972
Took Mom to Raleys to buy some things. Her mirror at Wakefields wasn't
done so she couldn't pick that up. I really didn't feel so good. I have a
sore on the roof of my mouth that doesn't seem to go away and it bothers
me.
Jenny came over to wash clothes and she and Skip are going to the snow
with 2 other couples and she was all excited about that. Don went to the
Democratic caucus here in Chico and that took most of the day. I read
quite a bit, I napped a bit, worked in the yard and after watching All in
the Family which really wasn't very good this time we went to bed.
February 13, 1972
We all went to 8 A.M Mass and it was OK. Came home and fixed potatoes,
broccoli, salad greens and I made an apple pie. I had a beautiful pork
roast. It really wasn't absolutely sunny but it was pleasant. I watered
the border out front and cleaned up the leaves and then Don sat in the
sun in the afternoon and I trimmed bushes in back in the after-noon. I
read for a little while too.
Cathey and Nolan were coming for dinner but just Cathy came and Mom had
dinner with us and it was all very good. I took Cathy home after dinner
along with Blue and then Jenny and Skip came back from the snow and since
they were starved they ate what was left over from dinner and left for
home.
I bathed and then we watched Cleopatra, where the acting was bad but the
extravaganza was good. It was so long that we quit at 11:30 and then Don
wanted to make love so we did and that was good. So, the end of the 3-day
weekend. Very warm and bright for February.
February 14, 1972
Somehow, the day started out wrong. Maybe 3-day weekends aren't so good
after all cause other people seemed to be irritable too. My class was
first period and Dave Jeffries and Line Cardinal were late again and
didn't have writing equipment so I sent them to Mr. C. who wasn't there I
found so they spoiled my class. Then people were coming in about report
cards. I had a conference with Mrs. Glidewell about Ken and then afterschool there was one of those Tactics meetings that lasted until 5. Don
had invited Lin and Dave to stay for dinner and I didn't have any-thing
planned so when I got home I was so mad I could hardly talk. He brought
me 6 carnations for Valentine's and I couldn't even be gracious about
that. I used the leftover pork and put together a hot dish and we had
potatoe soup and cabbage slaw.
Then Don went back to his class and then Dave & Lin and I sat down and
talked and it was a good conversation about religion, trees, witches,
etc. and I finally got calmed down.
Don got home about 8:30 and they left. Jason slept the whole time so I
really didn't see him. I got ready for bed right away cause my mouth
still hurts and I have a pain in my groin.
Don stayed up for awhile to watch the rest of Cleopatra but he gave up
and so we both went to sleep. My I hope tomorrow is better.
February 15, 1972
Since yesterday wasn't a good day I decided to make this one better.
School went better for one thing, and there were no meetings after school
so I came home and made a really good dinner. I fixed 1/2 a chicken with
wine and sour cream, jello salad, squash, artichoke, and Aunt Rosies'
eggless raisin cake. It was all just great.
Don had a class afterwards so he went back to school. Mom's mirror came
today and the man also gave me an estimate on putting a mirror on either
side of the bathroom one - $35.00 I would like to have that done cause
the one little mirror on that long wall looks so skimpy but I think I
will wait on that.
Jenny came over after dinner and stayed for about an hour to visit and we
chatted about this and that. Don came home and we watched The Search For
the Nile again and then we went to bed.
Cathy called to say she could have the place at Paradise. I worry about
that cause she would be living alone and with no transportation and I
think she would be miserable. If she would even have a job before she
would be a little better off. She is the biggest worry at the moment.
February 16, 1972
Things OK at school. I can be busy certainly. Came right home and Mom and
I went grocery shopping. Don went to The French Connection at the Senator
right after the class at 5 so I made dinner for 7. We had salmon loaf,
baked potatoes, peas, fruit salad. All very good.
I filled out the counseling questionnaire for some graduate student and
read the newspaper until Don came . Mrs. Connors is putting steer manure
and turf builder on the grass and he has bought $35.00 worth already and
he has to get more. Is a lawn worth that much ?
Don continues to feel just lousy with his sinuses draining all the time.
My mouth continues to hurt so I am not in very good shape either. I
called Dr. Schaif and he couldn't give any explanation and I called to
make an appointment with Dr. Hamilton and I can't get an appointment with
him until March 4th so I don't know what to do. I just keep hoping it
will get well by itself.
Don went to bed at 8:30 and I lay down beside him and fell asleep and
didn't wake up until 12 and I hadn't bathed or pinned up my hair so I
just took off my housecoat and said to hell with it. We both had a real
mis-erable night. Tomorrow I am going to do things differently. No early
to be for me !
February 17, 1972
Started to write letters to Sr. parents whose children may not graduate.
Don called me at school to say that he had gotten the names of some Dr.'s
in San Francisco who deal in internal allergies and he made an
appointment for next Thursday and Friday. He feels worse and worse and
now he thinks he may be coming down with the flu or a cold. What a winter
he had had. My mouth is still sore so I called Dr. Chamberlin and he
cannot see me until tomorrow at 3:45.
After school there was a counseling meeting of those interested in the
interview technique and we watched an interview on TV with Mr.Suinel and
a parent, teacher and student. We played 5 minutes of it and then played
it over and over. It was interesting and I don't know if it meant a great
deal or not.
I got home at 5:15 and we had spaghetti and salad. Then Lin called and
said she wanted to go to the movie and would we watch Jason. They came at
8 and back at 15 to 1. Earlier in the evening I took all the stuff out of
the freezer and scraped the ice out and organized things better. There
were some little left over dried up meat packages so I boiled them down
for dog food and cooked up some apricot sauce. Jason was asleep when he
came and he cried at 10:30 so I made him a bottle of goat's milk and he
went right back to sleep.
I pinned up my hair and bathed and went to bed at 12. Don went to bed
very early. I watched the Day of the Jackal and it was very interesting.
One more day and then I have another 3-day weekend. It was a very nice
day today. But it is supposed to rain tomorrow. Nixon left for China
today.
February 18, 1972
Up and to school as usual. I had a pretty good day. My class was the 5th
period and I gave individual tests most of the time. Alice was mad at
Packy cause they had gone to an AFS meeting last night at Tennysons and
she was drunk or at least had had too much to drink. I don't know what
that answer is for her but some day she is going to fat£~ Alice
was going L.A. right after school and was all excited.
I came home and Rents were here and put the drapes up. They look just
great. Don is very sick. He has a temperature of 102 and feels very
miserable. I am really worried about him. I read my book but I am not
quite finished with it yet.
We talked to Cathy on the phone. The wedding had gone well but it was dry
as she put it so they were having a party tonight to would be "wet"
evidently. I haven't seen her for a week.
I cleaned the bathrooms after dinner and will wait on the vaccuuming
until tomorrow. To bed hoping that Don will feel better tomorrow.
February 19, 1972
I got up quite early and made breakfast for Don but he didn't eat very
much. Then I cleaned the house and changed the flowers. I decided to move
the furniture in the TV room and I put the table out in the room and the
green chair under the hanging lamp and I like it much better. I went to
Safeway at 9 and got some lamb chops on sale and other things I needed.
It is not cold but it's a bit windy and the sun is really all that's warm
- not sunbathing weather surely.
Jenny came over with all her clothes to wash and then Linda came with
Nadine Bascous and Jason.
Jason was all smiles today and he laid on the floor and smiled and
smiled. He is very sweet indeed.
I took Mom to the Salvation Army and then I went to Moe's and asked about
a circular bookstand and an umbrella stand. Naturally they didn't have
either one.
Don didn't eat very much dinner he did feel a little bit better. We
watched TV for awhile in the evening. All In The Family was pretty good
and then Don started to watch the 25th Hour but it was too depressing and
By then I had finished my book so we went to bed. Tomorrow night Nixon
will be in China. I hope it goes well. I pinned up Mom's hair for her.
February 20, 1972
Didn't go to church so I made bread right after breakfast and while it
was rising I went to Lassen Foods and got flour and navy beans and I am
going to make bean sprouts. We called Mike and they were in good spirits.
He has started PET class and he seemed pleased about that. I talked to
Donna and she talked about her school which doesn't sound great. I made a
boston cream pie and fixed rice, salad and artichokes. I wrote a long
letter to Mike in the afternoon. Don read "The Day of the Jackal" and
loved it. We decided it would make a great movie.
Skip and Jenny came for dinner and it was very good. My chicken turned
out well. Then they started playing solitaire and I hadn't played for a
long time and I had forgotten how much fun it is. At 7:30 we watched
Nixon arrive at Peking and it was very moving and I cried when they
raised the flag and played the Star Spangled Banner. Mrs. Nixon had on a
red coat which was a good gesture. We watched TV during the evening and I
played solitaire and we went to bed about 11.
Don still doesn't feel good but is a lot better. I have tomorrow off too
and then back to school and Tuesday nite is the McGovern affair which I
am not looking forward to but it has to be done.
I ate too much dinner. The Mall is having a sale tomorrow so I will take
Mom to that. I worked in the front yard today and some of my daffodils
are in bud. I was hoping to see a robin. The almond trees are in bloom, I
saw a kite flying and there will be plum blossoms soon. Spring will come!
February 21, 1972
Well, this is the 3rd day of the weekend. Cloudy and cool so the weather
wasn't with me. Mom and I went over to the Mall at 9:30. I got two shirts
for Don and some crackers at Hickory Farm and a little cherry pie that
was very bad. Came home and wrote a letter to Pauline and made lunch. Don
continues to feel just terrible. I had thought that by today he would be
better. No word from Jenny or Linda but Cathy called and she will be here
tomorrow night.
I look forward to tomorrow night with less and less enthusiasm with Don
not feeling well.
I did boil eggs and I cooked a ham so tomorrow night when I get home from
school I will have things together. I got some beautiful quince from the
yard and made the arrangement for the living room and the guest room. We
had leftovers for dinner and I made those good cookie bars with choc,
chips and coconut. I played solitaire and read The New Centurians and we
watched TV in the evening.
I stopped taking my estrogen pills on Friday and today I have traces of
what may be my period and since I had a little one on the 2nd I don't
much like that. I didn't want to have it when I went to see Dr. H. for my
physical and I just wanted to see how I would feel if I didn't take it.
It seems to me that I am very hot in the night but I am not sure. Saw Joe
Couline at the Mall and he had Aurien with him and it all seemed so sad
cause Aurine's birthday had been the day before and they were going to
buy him a lunch pail for nursery school. Divorce can be a cruel thing. I
don't look forward to school again. More and more I think it would be
nice to stay home but maybe I would get bored with that. I just don't
know but there would be no check and that part is nice.
February 21, 1972
Well, this is the 3rd day of the weekend. Cloudy and cool so the weather
wasn't with me. Mom and I went over to the Mall at 9:30. I got two shirts
for Don and some crackers at Hickory Farm and a little cherry pie that
was very bad. Came home and wrote a letter to Pauline and made lunch. Don
continues to feel just terrible. I had thought that by today he would be
better. No word from Jenny or Linda but Cathy called and she will be here
tomorrow night.
I look forward to tomorrow night with less and less enthusiasm with Don
not feeling well.
I did boil eggs and I cooked a ham so tomorrow night when I get home from
school I will have things together. I got some beautiful quince from the
yard and made the arrangement for the living room and the guest room. We
had leftovers for dinner and I made those good cookie bars with choc,
chips and coconut. I played solitaire and read The New Centurians and we
watched TV in the evening.
I stopped taking my estrogen pills on Friday and today I have traces of
what may be my period and since I had a little one on the 2nd I don't
much like that. I didn't want to have it when I went to see Dr. H. for my
physical and I just wanted to see how I would feel if I didn't take it.
It seems to me that I am very hot in the night but I am not sure. Saw Joe
Couline at the Mall and he had Aurien with him and it all seemed so sad
cause Aurine's birthday had been the day before and they were going to
buy him a lunch pail for nursery school. Divorce can be a cruel thing. I
don't look forward to school again. More and more I think it would be
nice to stay home but maybe I would get bored with that. I just don't
know but there would be no check and that part is nice.
February 22, 1972
This might well be referred to as the longest day ! School was very
ordinary. There was a rally last period at 2:15 so I really didn't do
anything important in class. Richard Jones is going to be my cross this
semester. He sits right in front and he bothers me. I got home and went
right to work. I made hour and again salad, opened up the table and got
quince for a huge bouquet. Put out candles, dusted the house, etc. Don
got home and felt fairly well. He had eggs and toast and I had nibbled
enough of stuff so I didn't eat.
We watched the news and The Search For The Nile and then we were going to
watch Hawaii 5-0 but The Shaws from Yuba City came. He was going to run
against Ray Johnson. So then we had to talk to them.
People dribbled in during the evening and the whole thing was really
very, very dull. Skip and Jenny registered and then the 12 people signed.
The Neauklands, The Fredricksons who brought raw turnip slices with a
very good dip, the Menkes who brought relishes, Betty Smith whose dog had
been poisoned and she was very upset. The Nordhuses came, Joe Coulin and
Tom Wagstaff, The Stevens, etc., oh yes and the Griffiths and the
Murphys. Finally they left and then until 1:30 I cleaned up the house.
Mike called in the afternoon cause Matt has either measles or chicken
pox. I visited with him and he had just had a wisdom tooth pulled and
felt lousy. Don feels just awful and gets no better.
February 23, 1972
Well, I got up this morning with only 4 hours of sleep and really didn't
feel bad. I didn’t have class today so I saw notes, checked files, made
up an assignment sheet and fought to stay awake. Left school at 3 and Mom
and I went shopping. It was cold and windy. I made granola and this time
I had raisins and it was so good that I ate too much of the darned stuff.
I did cook a small steak and made a salad. Then I watched the news and
both Walter Cronkite and Eric S. weren't quite so enchanted tonight. They
looked at the University and the Military and both were frightening to
them.
I took a bath and did my hair and then started watching Guys & Dolls. Don
worked til about 8 and he had just gotten in. I had wanted to call him
but was waiting a bit. So then Mom and I stayed until the end and it was
11 when I got to bed. How stupid when I was so tired I and that movie
came out in 1953 and I remember how much I liked it. Especially the scene
in Havana, and they sang and sang the eyes of a woman in love/But now a
lot of it wasn't quite so good, so to bed and I just hope that the
Doctor's will help Don. Marge Sister broke a bone in her foot today while
dancing.
February 24, 1972
I really didn't want to go to school today but I thought I had better go
cause I had my class first period. Then all day I can be saying to myself
that I should go home and finally I stuck it out. Staying up two nights
in a row is not my cup of tea.
I got home and Linda called and asked if they could leave Jason while
they went to the movie so I said OK. Then Don called and said he was at
Dunnigan on his way home. The Dr. said he was very healthy and although
he reacted a little to house dust and down pillows it wasn't really
strong enough for shots.
Cathy came over and at the moment I find it very hard to talk to her. She
is upset cause she can't find a place to live and so she is critical of
everything. Right now which I suppose is understandable but very hard to
cope with* got hereabout 7 and was quite discouraged cause he doesn't
feel any better but maybe he is through the worst of it now.
Jason arrived about 8 and was asleep and stayed that way until his
parents got back so I went to bed finally thinking he would wake up but
he just didn't so that was easy. The almond blossoms are beginning to
come out and it is cold and rainy so unless the bee's won't be able to
work and there will be no crop. We need the rain but not quite now.
Gathered up a lot of food for Cathy - granola, kippers, corn meal, canned
goods and a bit piece of ham. A "care pkg" is what she called it.
February 25, 1972
Another cold, dark day. I got home and Dave and Linda were here so I made
a very simple dinner. I had potato salad, baked beans and cottage cheese,
ham salad sandwiches, cooked some of my mung bean sprouts in butter and
added soy sauce and they were good. We had fruit sauces and cookies for
dessert. When Lin went to get Dave Jason was very fussy so I rocked him
and sang to him and finally got him to sleep. It was nice rocking him but
I realize I wouldn't want to have a little one again. I guess I am now
past that time.
After dinner we watched Jaques Custeau but he wasn't as good as usual. It
was about dolphins and I had seen it all before. The kids left at 9 and I
took a bath and then went to bed. Don came too and we made love and it
was very good indeed. Then I went right to sleep. It had been a long time
cause he hasn't been feeling good so I just hope it was as good for him
as it was for me.
February 26, 1972
Got up at 6:30 and fed the dogs and then at 8 I went to TAC for the first
time since summer when I quit cause there just wasn't enough time while
taking care of Neva.
I hadn't gained any weight and my measurements were just about the same
too. It felt good to exercise again.
When I got back I took Mom to Hubbards for plants and to Gates Resale for
something she needed, and Weutzes and then it was lunchtime. Jenny came
to do her laundry and we made granola for her and a batch for Linda. I
didn't feel very well after lunch so laid down for awhile. Mike called
and said that Matt has chicken pox and they want to have Cathy come out.
I went over to the Mall and bought 2 polyester pillows and some tea and
ran into Cathy so I asked her to come over and we asked her if she wanted
to come and she couldn't make up her mind but said she would call later
and let us know.
The sun came out and it was a really lovely day. Many of my daffodils are
up and are just coming into bloom.
Cathy finally said she would go but not until Monday nite and she ;will
be in Tampa Tuesday morning at 6:30.
We had a simple dinner of sausage, kippers, scrambled eggs and pancakes.
I washed and pinned up my hair and took a bath and then we watched TV for
awhile and went to bed. It will cost $250.00 to send Cathy to Tampa and I
just wonder if it is worth it. If she went to enjoy herself it will be
but she is going with a negative attitude. Well, we will see.
February 27, 1972
I didn't go to church but I took Mom at 9:30. I drove out to the Airport
and it was a cloudy morning which made the foothills look like a Chineese
painting in blues, greens and grays.
I cooked strawberry/rhubarb sauce and had a roast. Read a bit, napped,
took Mom to Penney's to buy a pillow. Ours were too hard so I made a 3rd
pillow by dividing ours. Don has decided to give up coffee and then will
quit smoking during spring vacation.
We watched 60 Minutes about China and Near East. Jenny came over to pick
up her wash and talk. Nolan will take Don's car to the city. I hope that
works out OK.
I was stiff today cause of my first day at TAC so I exercised during the
day to limber up. I put plum blossoms in the house and they look very
nice. Tomorrow I go for my Physical. I had stopped taking Premerin on the
18th and tomorrow I will start again. I have been hot and sticky and
perspired at night and I certainly don't like that I
Tomorrow starts
will be better.
bad. Catihy had
Scripps and Mom
better.
a new week and on Tuesday a new month will start like it
I wonder. I re-read this time last year and it was all
her problem and Don's Mother was thinking of going to
found out about her problem. I just hope this year is
February 28, 1972
Back to school and it was raining, in fact pouring. What will that do to
the almond blossoms ? I worry about them. It was a dull day at school and
I found myself fighting to keep awake in mid-afternoon. I don't think I
was so tired but I was certainly bored. I came home and the Yakiches were
here and Don had told them they should stay for dinner. They have no
money and were low on groceries. I quickly cooked potatoes and carrots,
added them to some of the roast cut up and made a stew with the left-over
gravy. Then I made cornbread muffins, orange salad and chocolate pudding.
So it went OK.
Jason was fussing but Mom came over and rubbed his back and he fell
asleep until after dinner and then we took him over to Mom’s and she fed
him and then they went home.
Don had his night class and so I watched a movie with Robert Stack and
Lauren Bacall which was a real tear jerker. I cried and maybe it was
sentimental but it was rather nice to see one ;like that for a change.
Don was in bed when I got there. Cathy and Nolan drove down to San
Francisco in Don1s car and she was to take the plane at 10:30 p.m. I hope
she got off OK.
Emma Raney is in the Bahamas for a week. She lives the good life and at
times I envy her.
I had my physical at 2:15 and nothing very important to report. I go on
Wed. morning for my tests. Dr. H. thinks Don's problem is psycho-symatic
and I am inclined to agree with him at least in part but I don't really
relish telling him that.
February 29, 1972
I had taken a sample of a bug that we have seen around the house to
school and Mr. Kirkswan said it was a boring beetle that like to eat wood
so Don got some spray and we sprayed all around the house outside. I made
a shrimp salad for dinner. I was going to TAC after school but decided to
go after dinner instead. I got there at 7:15 and at 7:30 Don called to
say that Jenny was here and very upset and would I get home. She was in
tears. Skip is working all the time he isn't in school and she feels very
much alone. So we talked and she got calmed down and then we made snicker
doodles and at about 10 Skip came to pick her up and he seemed very
tired. Poor Jenny, Poor Skip.
We called Cathy at 6:30 this morning and she had arrived safely in Tampa.
They ate at a Chinese restaurant at the airport and it was a very good
dinner.
Nolan washed the car before he brought it back. She hates flying so. She
asked the stewardess for a drink and that put her to sleep. Getting back
to Jenny. I told her to level with Skip but I am not so sure that will do
much good. Right now although Don isn't working a lot we are in the same
situation. We seem to have very little communication. Sometimes life is
not easy.
My front border looks just lovely. The grape hycynthe are out and the
jonquils look so perky. I will have to put other things out pretty soon.
Again Don was in bed by the time I got myself bathed and pinned up. My
God, but life is dull!
March 1, 1972
Another day in a dull week. I really don't know why it's so dull. I keep
saying weather and that may be part of it and the job is slow right not
and that doesn't help any and Don is sick and depressed and that does
terrible things to me too. I went for my tests this morning and it took
from 8 to 10:30. By the time I had an X-Ray and drank that terrible stuff
and had an EKG.
Got to school and it was almost time for lunch and then I had my class
5th period.
I got home right after school and Mom and I got the groceries. We went to
S & S only. I will ;have to do some more on Saturday. That will be a
busy' day cause the Rawlins are coming for dinner and I would like to go
to TAC and I have a lot of errands to run.
I bought a slice of ham and I fried it and made milk gravy but the meat
wasn't too fresh and it didn't taste so good.
After dinner Don had a meeting and I was so tired I laid down for awhile
after starting "Wheels" and not finding it too great. Haley has such a
formula for his books so that after you have read a few you know just how
it is going to go. But then the paper boy came and so I got up. Don came
home and I watched McMillon with Rock Hudson and I enjoyed it. Then it
was 10 and I didn't even pin up my hair I just went to bed.
March 2, 1972
To school on another cloudy, nasty day. Had my class last period and then
had a meeting with the Kislings about Robert and that lasted until 4. His
mother used to work at Jeriase Pharmacy and I knew her. Somehow, I hadn't
expected her to be his Mother. I guess he will be going to Couliviation
School. From there I went to the counseling meeting where we watched the
TV interview and that didn't get over until 5:15^
I came home and made soup and sandwiches. Last night I started to fill in
spots on the cupboard with plastic wood cause my knobs have arrived and I
will start painting the kitchen cupboards pretty soon. I also cleaned up
in the bathrooms and then washed my hair and then decided to watch Harper
but I had seen it before and I just watched again to watch Paul Newman.
It was over at 11. Jenny called.
My mouth hurts again but I am gargling with salt water and hope it gets
better. I will have to mention this to Dr. H. when I have my appointment.
One more day of school and then it will be the weekend and I know it will
be a busy one. Mom made me a very pretty pillow in wine to match the red
chair in the living room.
March 3, 1972
Today school was exciting. There was a conference at 8:30 with Tim
Harlandfs parents, Mark, Bob and I. It lasted until about 10:30 and I
really felt we accomplished something. They talked first and then Bob had
the 3 of us together talk with the saying anything and
then we talked again. Really good. The one in the afternoon with the
Suelands about Frances was not so good. I am sure Frances is a problem
but they are cold people and terribly rigid. I hated for the day to end
this way.
I came home, picked up my white knobs for the cupboards and then made
dinner. We had steak and the first asparagus of the year I After dinner I
vacummed the bedroom wing and then we watched the 39 Steps. It was made
in 1934 so it was fascinating to see a really good movie that was made so
long ago, almost 40 years. There is certainly a difference in the photography and the sequences than now. We are so much more sophisticated in
the technological part, yet it stands up very well.
And then to bed. Well, Don has quit coffee and now he has a headache
every morning and every afternoon and ;is having to take aspirin. I think
he is in the depth of despond and it's not the coffee or drinking or
anything else really. He is just depressed and he's not doing any working
and I find it hard to reach him. We are both bored really and I manage to
cope cause I always find something to do but he cannot seem to right and
he doesn't do anything but sleep to escape. I would really like to say
this to him but I am not sure I could do it right. I made an orange
mousse for tomorrow night.
March 4, 1972
Got up and started cleaning but then I stopped at 9 and Mom and I went to
Safeway and I picked up things and I went to Longs and bought Geritol and
I am going to take that for awhile to see if that won't make me feel
better. Don offered to finish the vacumming since I really felt put upon
and I was glad. I got all fresh flowers for the house and since the
quince is still nice I put a huge bouquet in the living room and a small
one in the dining room and camelias in the footed dish on the stereo.
I made carrot souffle, fixed the salad greens and the game hens and
bought some beautiful artichokes. Linda came with Jason and washed
clothes and Jenny came and washed clothes and the day which is today was
just lovely. The sun was out and it was warm. I put on some quick tan and
sat in the sun and when I put on my makeup in the evening I even looked a
little tanned I
My border in front is just the way I hoped it would look. The jonquils
are sitting so pert and the grape hyacynths are blue and perky, the iris
are coming up and everything looks just right. I am so proud.
The Rawlins came and the dinner was just right and everyone said
everything was great. The conversation was all about Africa cause they
enjoyed it so much. Jack has a beard and he looks weather-beaten. Liz
looked fine and the talk was good and they stayed until 11 and we weren't
getting a bit tired.
After they left we made love and that was good too. I just hope and pray
that Don doesn't have a headache tomorrow morning. The book came up with
all the embaressment of that but the evening was really very nice indeed.
I guess we should entertain more often. We have to have the Scotts, and
the Heins and the Menkes. There was a terrible bus accident today with
kids from Chico who were going skiing. 3 killed and many hurt.
March 5, 1972
I got up at 6:30 and fed the dogs and then Dolly and I went for a walk. A
beautiful morning with God in His Heaven and although things are not all
right in the world, still it is good to be alive today. THAT I know. Went
to 8 a.m. Mass. F. Fagan is on vacation and a Indian Priest from St.
John's had Mass and talked about Fiddler on the Roof for his sermon. How
times have changed and all for the best ! Can you imagine an older priest
prais-ing a Jewish movie yet?
Got ambitious and raked the south yard. I just must start to think about
a garden. Don called me to say my lunch was ready. I can't ever remember
when he has made my lunch. I was so surprised. Then he asked me if I
would like to go for a ride. I had just put quick tan on and was sitting
in the sun but he never wants to go for a ride so I said yes and we drove
through the park where everyone was out bicycling and looked at the
blooms and it was really very pleasant.
When we got back I went back outside. I went to the Mall and bought some
white ducking for Mom to fix the chaise lounge and I tried on 3 dresses
at the Fashion but I looked horrible and fat!
Made swiss steak and had Mom for dinner. No children came today. Watched
TV for awhile in the evening and then went to bed. It was a truly
beautiful day.
March 6, 1972
Went to school and it was really an upsetting day for the students cause
of the bus accident on Saturday. The Police came and questioned students
about the driver and kids talked of nothing else. I gave my first study
lecture to my class which went over fairly well but didn't meet with a
great reception. Then the rest of the day I didn’t really do too much.
Came home and decided to go down and get the paint for the cupboards and
and I took Mom to Lassen and when I was down town I realized that I had
not brought the paint sample with me. How stupid. Came home and made a
good dinner with leftovers.
Don had a night class. I worked a little on the cupboards, patching and
sanding. Played a little cards and watched an Odette play on TV that was
not very good but was all-right. It was the kind of play that would be
interesting to read and then talk about meaning but it really didn't go
too well as a play. It was about a Jewish family in New York during the
depression.
Don got home and we talked a bit and then went to bed where I spent a
rather restless night. I started taking Geritol this week and I don't
think I am so tired and Don has started drinking coffee again and he
didn't have headaches and I think he is feeling better. My, I hope so
cause he has been so depressed. A beautiful day, almost hot! I walked
during lunch.
March 7, 1972
Cathy called this morning about 6. She is coming home this week but Nolan
will meet her. She is going to get her hair cut and she ways that she is
going to buy a new dress. She has brought shells for all of us. How I
wish that when she comes back she would find things going her way a
little bit. Please God let it be so.
Got to school and things went OK. I kept busy. Had a good conference with
Arlene Hall and Bob C. Nothing else much of interest there. Came home
and Jason was cross and Lin felt miserable cause of her allergies They
want to help on the work but I am never here to tell them what to do so
it is really very unsatisfactory. They mean well but it just doesn't come
up.
I made a loaf out of the ground turkey from Safeway and it was YUK !
Never buy that again.
Don went to his seminar and I went to TAC for an hour. Then I came home
and did a little work on the cupboards and then I watched TV. Muskie got
less than 50% and McGovern got about 32% so I guess he did pretty well.
The weather was beautiful today but it is supposed to change back to
cooler at the weekend. Got to bed about 10:15. Jenny got an 89 on her
first chemistry test and she was so thrilled.
March 8, 1972
Another lovely day. It really felt like spring. Busy at school and I
didn’t go to the counseling meeting downtown. The one thing I am really a
rebel about.
Came home and Mom and I went shopping. I got most of the groceries.
Suddenly I was very lonesome for Don. I didn't feel like making dinner, I
just felt quite lost so I waited until he came and then I told him how I
felt. We cooked a Mexican TV dinner for him and a turkey pie for me. Both
tasted just terrible. I did make a fruit salad. We watched the news and
then I made a batch of oatmeal cookies. I divided them in half and put
chocolate chips in one half and raisins in the other. Pretty clever, eh!
Jenny called and she had gotten an A in both her chemistry and Anatomy
test. She was so proud. We watched the Copy Cats and it was funny. Robert
Young was the guest star. He did one serious part. Clever as the program
is and as much as one laughs I realized afterwards that one just doesn't
remember any of it and it isn't worth the time to watch it. Bill mowed
the lawn and with the border bright with yellow and blue we look like
something out of Sunset Magazine. I never thought we would make it.
I called Lin and they had checked with the Doctor and he said to give
Jason a few drops of wine to calm him down. What next! But I guess it's
working.
March 9, 1972
It wasn't cold this morning but it was cloudy. Worked at school. Tough on
my ego - I put a thing on the bulletin about study habits and no one
signed up. So much for my great idea. I realize where I rate. Came home
after school and made dinner. We had smoked ham, candied yams, green
salad and orange rolls. Dave and Lin w ere here. She went off to a
cooking class and Dave took Jason home. Dave looked just like a bum. His
hair needed washing and is too long and he looked a mess. Shortly after
dinner I began to feel just terrible. I checked with Don and he said he
didn't feel good either. Dave had eaten with us but I; didn't want to
call to check out how he felt in case Jason was asleep. Finally I sent to
bed but I had such gripping pains in my stomach I couldn't hardly stand
it. I got up at 11 to have a cup of tea but I almost fainted I felt so
terrible. What could we have eaten that would make me react that way ?
We called Tampa and Cathy had left last night but we haven't heard from
her. She said the other day on the phone that she planned to stay in San
Francisco for awhile but she did not elaborate on where she would stay or
anything. Nolan was supposed to meet her there. She really worries me.
Somehow she feels she is not accountable to us at all and that is rather
frightening since she isn't all that capable of taking care of herself.
Well, I was too sick to think much about it.
March 10, 1972
I felt too sick to go to school. At 6 a.m. the phone rang and it was
Alice in Redding. She and Packy had gone to hear Rod Serling and their
car broke down so they both dictated their lesson plans over the phone
and I was to take them in. I typed them up and Don took them over at
7:45,
I still felt terrible but I did clean the bedroom wing. Don came home and
made some lunch. Lin and Dave came to get the bed cause they are going to
San Francisco. Dave looked much better and he had shaved. About 2 I
decided to take a bath cause I felt all itchy and just as sick as ever.
When I took off my clothes I had huge red blotches all over my upper body
so I called Dr. H. and they said to come in at 4. Don took me in. By this
time Jenny had come over and she had a cold and didn't feel a bit well
either. Dr. H. couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. He gave me an
antihistamine for my rash and told me to take some pathabaurite (sp) and
go to bed.
When we got home Jenny had made a green salad and Don bought a pizza. I
had a little bit of yogurt and took a partabrmate (sp) and went to bed. I
feel cheated when I am sick on the weekend cause then it is just like
teaching 10 days straight. How I wish we would hear from Cathy. If she
would just call it would help.
March 11, 1972
I felt a little better today so I took Mom downtown and stopped at the
fruit stand and bought some things. I got the paint for the cupboards and
some brushes, paint remover, etc. Came home and made some tomato soup and
ate that with crackers. Washed my hair and pinned it up and then in the
afternoon after I had rested Don and I went around the keyhole to the
ladies’ who were inviting in the neighbors. One teaches English at the
College and the other is a dance instructor of some kind. They seem
pleasant enough. We didn't stay long.
Came home and I think Mom was upset that she had not gone along. Frankly,
I just didn't think about it since name was not on the invitation. Then I
felt guilty. I ate a little dinner. Cathy called about 8:30 this morning
and she had gotten home last night so that was worry for nothing. She
seemed in good spirits and looked fine. Don went over to get her and Blue
who has quieted down considerably. She got her hair cut in a gypsy style
and it was very becoming. She brought us all shells. She told us all
about Florida and the L's and that was fun. She stayed for dinner and
then Don took her back.
We watched TV for awhile and then went to bed and we made love and that
was great. I hope that tomorrow will be better. I took Mom to the Mall in
the afternoon for a little while but didn't stay myself. I did try on
some clothes at Penneys but didn't see anything I liked and I got tired
suddenly so came home.
Jenny came over to wash clothes and she had a bad cold.
March 12, 1972
I was fine when I got up but then I ate breakfast and didn’t feel so
great. I lay around most of the day. I read from Wheels and Tracy &
Hepburn which doesn't seem to be as great as all the reviews said it
would be. Don took Mom to church but I didn't go. I made little tiny pie
shells and put coconut cream filling in and they were very good. The
Smiths' were having cocktails today for Mr. Shaw who is running against
Ray Johnson but I didn't feel up to it. However, I had said I would bring
relishes so I fixed celery, carrots, radishes and turnips and put them on
a tray with a dip and Don took it over.
I played some solitaire and napped. It was a nice day. Cathy called and
said she wasn't feeling to great and wondered if she had gotten what I
had. I hope not.
Mike called and talked to his Dad for a long time about doing his income
tax. Cathy would like to work until June and then she and Nolan would
travel this summer going in his car. In the fall she would like to go to
Columbia Jr. College in Sonora near where the Nearsiciuos (sp) have a
ranch. She and Nolan went there when he picked her up in San Francisco
and she thinks the country is just beautiful. Well, I guess I could go
along with most of that. She will probably change her mind by fall and a
lot hinges on her getting a job. She is going to start looking tomorrow.
Went to bed and woke up at 11 and I was scratching like mad so I will go
back to the Dr. tomorrow.
March 13, 1972
Got up around 7 and had tea and didn't feel too bad. I got an appointment with Dr. H. at 11:15 so I bathed and got dressed and went. He said I
had hives and he had no answer as to why. Mom looked it up and said
shingles and hives were caused by nervousness and I should just let
things out. I wanted to say that she made me more nervous than anyone but
if I had let it out as she suggested she would have been the first one to
be hurt and I just couldn't do that.
It is very hard to be sick cause she is there every minute giving suggestions and reasons why one is sick. Now I can understand why Yvonne
just about sent crazy when she was taking care of her.
I made ham salad sandwiches and I fixed scalloped potatoes and then I
went to school for my class and then came right home.
All 3 girls called. Jenny feels better. Lin got home from San Francisco
and they had had a good time. Cathy started applying for jobs but with no
luck but she seemed in good spirits.
The hives are really driving me crazy. I find they make me nervous and
irritable. It is now 7 pm and I am going to pin up my hair, take a bath,
iron a blouse and then go to bed. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I hope
so.
March 14, 1972
I am starting to write this on Saturday March 18th. Since the days
between were rather hectic I don't think I will be able to remember
everything exactly in sequence so I will just write down what I remember
plus how I feel about all this. I got up Tuesday morning with the idea
that I would go to school and plan my lessons for the rest of the week
just in case I didn't feel well again. I looked very nice cause I had on
my blue slacks, the white blouse with the big collar and the blue vest. I
got there and started to type up the plans and I got the work done for
Wed., Thursday and Friday and then suddenly I began to feel just terrible
so I told Angie I was going home and left the plans in case I didn't get
back. When I got home I called Dr. H. and when I finally got him I was in
agony with the pains. He told me to go to the hospital so I packed a
small bag and put in a nightgown and robe. It was sort of as if I had
known this was coming cause last night I ironed the gown and robe and I
haven't ironed for weeks. Well anyway, I got to the hospital and Cathy
was there applying for a job and Don insisted I get a private room so
they have me in room 301. They are putting a sprinkling system in and
there is pounding and banging and is quite a mess. Not the most peaceful
place but somehow I was glad to be here cause I felt so wretched. For
some reason Dr. H. felt that I should have an I.V. but that was easier
said than done cause my veins are so small that 2 nurses poked and poked
and finally called in a 3rd nurse who got it in. She taped my left hand
to a little board so it wasn't fastened to the bed and they have the
bottle on a stand that I could move so I can go to the bathroom by
myself. Since I had just had tea in the morning they started the X-Rays
that afternoon. I had to drink barrium and that always makes me sick.
Evening meal consisted of jello, soup, custard, tea and milk.
March 15, 1972
The pain part was really spooky. It came about every 8 hours. Either the
hives came with it or right before. I was never quite sure about that.
When the pain comes it just destroys me. I have never had anything like
this before. I was able to get pain shots or pills to relieve it and then
I would get drowsy and gradually it would ease off and I would sleep for
a-while and then I would be just fine and I would almost ;find it hard to
be-lieve that I had been in such agony. They made a test for gall bladder
and for ulcers and one night I had to have 2 enemas, one before I went to
bed and one early in the morning after I had taken a laxative too, so I
was cleaned out right and one can imagine what all of that did to my
hemorroids. And then that night I had liquid diet: broth and jello and
tea. It got to the stage where I just got sick thinking about those diet
meals. Finally, Friday night after I had had the barriam enema while
being X-rayed in all those horrible positions and they brought me that
same meal I just told them to take the tray away cause I refused to even
eat it. The lady who brought it got rather upset but I just didn't care !
It was the first time that I had been nasty about anything and I felt I
had been pretty cooperative considering everything.
I had so many thoughts running through my head that I don't know if I
will get it all down or not. The family is very upset. Mother is just
barely holding herself together. She is frightened for me on the
conscious level and I am sure she is frightened for herself on the
unconscious level which is surely a very natural reaction. Pauline is far
away in other worlds and she tried that too so maybe again and really
didn't like it so I am really all she has and suddenly it is threatened
so her anxiety is surely a real one. Don is reacting typically - he
always thinks the worst and after his Mother he has reason to be upset.
After all, I am 53 and something could happen to me.
March 16, 1972
The girls are responding each in her own way. Linda is very concerned and
affectionate. Don said she called from Paradise Wednesday night in tears
she was so worried. Jenny just looks scared. She works hard at
conversation and yet one can see she is worried underneath. Cathy is
trying to be casual but it's not quite coming off. She called me on the
phone Friday night and I asked her to cook for Don over the weekend and
she said "Mom, you aren't supposed to get sick. You are supposed to take
care of us." She was joking but underneath she was worried too.
Don called Mike and he called me right in the midst of going to the bathroom with the enema's so I couldn't talk very long but then he called his
Dad and was upset. In fact, even Dolly is worried. When Don brought me
some more clothes Dolly practically knocked him down and wanted to go
with him. She sleeps on the floor by my side of the bed at night and that
is some-thing for her cause she likes the rug much better.
And how do I feel about all this ? Well, I have mixed emotions. For the
most part I feel rather detached except when I have the pain. Then I find
myself actually panting trying to handle it and I have to call and get a
pain shot. That part is devastating but once it is over I feel in
complete command of the situation and I am not frightened. This rather
surprises me. I don't know how to interpret this. When I was sure that
nothing is really wrong or am I expecting the inevitable and will I be
able to handle it?. I just don't know. Strangely enough I am not even in
any rush to go home. It's just as if I needed somehow to lie fallow for
awhile and get away from family and school and the world. But of course I
am not really away from the world cause I have the radio, TV, the
newspapers and visitors and still I somehow feel that I am sitting in the
audience watching a play and seeing how everyone is acting. Strange !
March 17, 1972
I have had visitors. Father Fagan came and even said a little prayer over
me which embarrassed us both. Wendell Pean (sp) came to see me twice. The
second time when I was in pain. I had to make conversation at such a
time. Wayne came and brought me a beautiful yellow mum plant. He called
again the next day but I felt too terrible. The Yakishes sent a lovely
pinky lavender plant. Alice called me on the phone and we talked a long
time. Marion sent me a card from everyone at school and the 8 Beatitudes
sent a card. I insisted that Mom go to the St. P. Day potluck at the
church and I think she had a good time.
Don ate with the Menkes Wed. night and Tuesday I had made chicken and
every-thing before I sent to school that morning. The next night he took
Skip and Jenny to Burtons and last night he cooked a hamburger and made a
salad. I have been doing a lot of reading. TIME had a whole issue devoted
to women and it made me do a lot of thinking. Then I read the New Yorker
and Time, I play a lot of solitare and since I have a little patio
outside my window I have a nice view of trees and sky. The weather is
unseasonably hot. Up in the 80"s all week and it would be so nice to be
out in it. But then again, I am not as miserable as I thought I would be.
Somehow, it is a relief not rushing around getting to places on time and
taking people places and working and cleaning. I keep wondering if this
whole thing is psychosymatic, and I just said "stop the world - I want to
get off" ? I am curious. I think of all the people who have always
depended on me so much of my life. Do I really like this or not? I am not
sure. The fact remains that that is the way it is and one can't change
the role at this stage of the game but I can understand the going home
pulling out and leaving. I really can. Well, all the tests are done and
everything is negative so when they brought me the same dinner I said no
and so Dr. Thompson came in to the Dr. H. request and he said I could
have a real meal. He was a strange man - I could write a collection of
papers about him.
March 18, 1972
Well, if I had any pain in the night I was to call the nurse and they
were going to do temp, blood pressure and ectrosephlegram but I fooled
everyone and I didn't have any pain. This morning I had a really good
breakfast of soft-boiled egg, bacon, toast, juice, cereal and tea. I
really enjoyed it. I weigh 108 lbs. so I didn't lose much considering all
the agony and enemas. Dr. H. came in and we talked for a long time about
his children. He has one who is MR and we had a good conversation but
nothing much about me. I got the feeling I could be able to go home
tomorrow maybe but after he left Don came in and a lady came and asked me
to sign a paper and I am going to have an operation on Monday called
proctoscopy and that means more enemas and the hemmorroids hurting again.
Now I have showered and changed my gown and even put on make-up for the
first time. Don is bringing Mom in later today. Mom came just before
lunch and she looked very nice and we visited for about \ hour. I had a
good lunch and then Karen who works at S & S came over and brought me a
lovely mum plant and she kissed me and was so sweet. W. Pew came in again
and Joyce called on the phone and Don came back many times and Jenny
came. Cathy made dinner for Don and she made brownies and salad and baked
potatoes and he made barbequed steak. Sounded good but my night meal
wasn't bad either. I got to order my menu for today so now I know what I
am going to have. I finished Tracy & Hepburn and really like it. I
watched TV for awhile in the evening and played some cards and then got
ready for bed by 9:30. So another day has come and gone and I still don't
just feel miserable because I am here. It is so very strange. I don't
have the answer yet. If I wanted a rest I chose an ex-pensive way to have
it. But when you are in the hospital at least you don't have to feel
guilty cause you aren't doing something but I don’t honestly think that
is it either. I just really don't have an answer. Maybe this will have to
remain a mystery.
March 19, 1972
Today was really the worst day so far. I didn't have any pain but it was
a long dull day. I got up early and watered my plants and put them
outside1 on the patio for air. Then I pinned up my hair and did my
exercises. I I pinned up my hair and then it was breakfast time. I took a
shower and fixed my hair and face. Then I did my lesson plans and wrote a
letter to Pauline. I read for awhile and played cards. There was a big
dinner at noon that wasn't too bad. It is tastefully done here but it
just doesn't taste like home. During the day Alice called and Bob
Croustou. Father Fagan came and Mark Baine who brought still another mum
plant with white flowers. Dr. Lambert stopped in too. I listened to the
radio most of the day until the TV programs were worth watching. I
started my period so I had Don bring me my premerin and I hope that stops
it cause I don't want that tomorrow along with the other horrible things.
I really dread tomorrow and I wish I could have gone home Saturday but
that was not to be. I am suddenly' bored here and I want to go back to
the world in my world. Don started painting the kitchen cabinets and by
the sound of things the yellow is the wrong color. At this stage I wish I
had never started the darned things but maybe that is the mood I am in.
I got desperate and watched even Lassis and Disneyland. Ah well,
everything has to come to an end eventually and this experience will too.
Don said that he called Donna and she said that Mike had wanted to fly
out to see if I was alright. That made me feel happy cause in later years
he has been very indifferent. Mom & Linda & Dave, Jason & Don went to
Yakiches for dinner so Don didn't have to cook. Now it is bedtime and I
hope this is my last night at this place. I want to go home. I just wish
tomorrow morning was over.
March 20, 1972
I had a simply terrible night. They gave me an enema at 10:30 and it was
soapy and my hemorroids hurt terribly and I didn't sleep at all. Finally
at 3:30 I took a pain pill (shot) but that didn't even help and then I
decided I just wouldn't go through with the exam in the morning. Dr.
Thompson came in and told me I was a coward but I didn't mind and Dr. H.
let it go by but said I had to come into the office and do it next
Monday. So I got home about 10. All the leaves were out on the trees and
everything had grown so much. I got into other clothes and walked around
outside. I had to water all my plants and change the greenery and
flowers. I napped a bit after lunch and again later in the afternoon.
Linda came down to stay while Dave went to Santa Rosa to visit Dennis
Leary. She is weaning Jason and her breasts are very sore. We had Cathy's
hot dish for dinner and I made a salad and there were brownies. I really
didn't eat very much. I am not hungry yet and I panic if I have even a
hint of pain. Don went to his class and I bathed, washed my hair, fixed
my nails and shaved my legs so I feel good in that way. Mary Gray took
her 7-year old son to the park and shot him and then herself. Lin was
very upset by it as we all were. Mike liked her very much at one time and
she liked him. How very tragic. I went to bed early and tried reading for
awhile but Jason woke up and we talked, etc. so it really wasn't so early
when I got to bed. I didn't feel great but then I don't feel sick either.
I think the whole experience was a little more traumatic than I realized
at the time. I just hope the pain doesn't come back. Jenny called to see
how I was. Cathy was working. It seemed good to be home. I washed all the
things in the cupboard and cleaned the counters and stove.
March 21, 1972
Well, I went to school today. Everyone seemed very glad to see me and it
was nice to be back. Like family really. I got everything cleaned up on
the desk and met my class but I came home after 5th period cause I felt I
was getting tired. I stuffed a chicken and put it in the oven, made a
fruit salad, fixed green beans and potatoes and gravy. It was all very
good. I didn’t eat much but I think I should ;have eaten even less. I
thought for awhile after dinner I was going to be sick but it went away.
I bathed and pinned up my hair. Cathy came over this morning cause Linda
feels so terrible that she couldn't even hold Jason. Cathy seemed very
willing and that was kind of her. She had a hearing this afternoon at the
employment office along with the other girls who were fired from
Crestwood. She is going to stay the night and feed Jason in the Night so
Linda can sleep. I wrote thank-you notes to F. Fagan, Rev. Pew, Menkes,
Mark Bain and wrote a note of sympathy to Mrs. Gray.
After school Mom and I went over to Longs and I spent $21.00 and got a
lot of things on sale - dog food, Ayds, Metamucil, etc. etc. The visiting
WASC force is here for their accreditation but I missed the meeting yesterday and I didn't see them around today.
Even though I had lost so much weight but by the scales I lost only 2
lbs. and I look pale and haggard - hospital pallour I guess. Jason is
just cute enough to eat with a spoon. He laughed tonight. Everyone calls
him the feister and it's a perfect description. Mike called to see how I
was and he talked to me. He seemed fine. Hot sweet that he called and I
think I will go to sleep.
March 22, 1972
Back to school again and really I feel pretty good. I don't seem to have
much pep rally but other than that I am fine. Right after school Mom and
I went grocery shopping and then I came home and cooked dinner. Cathy is
being very good about helping Linda with Jason cause Linda doesn’t feel
good yet with having her first period since the baby plus stopping the
milk for Jason. She is also up tight about it with David. Women's Lib has
gotten to her and she feels tied down with the baby and sees a lot of
responsibility ahead and Lin has never been great about the long-term
deal. She went to see Dr. Bedford and is going to see him again. Don had
to go to a meeting after dinner so I went to bed fairly early cause I
still seem to tire easily. I had my class last period today and we talked
about doing things differently cause they are bored with a lot of what we
do. And so am I really, and I wish I were doing a better job. No pain
today although I can be thinking any minute it will come back but that
will wear off with time I am sure.
Jeff Foster came to see me and he is off to Service so I think that he
will be OK. I certainly hope so for his sake.
March 23, 1972
Today was the best day so far. I saw four groups of sophomores - 22
students in all, and that went well. No class today but I did map out the
classes for next week. Alice is all excited about going to New Orleans
over the holiday. I am going to get the kitchen done but that is all I am
going to do in the way of work.
I got my hair cut at a new place right around the corner and I hope it
turns out OK.
Had a long talk with Linda and I think it helped her. Dave came at 5 and
she was just leaving for her cooking class so I loaded up the car and
went on to Paradise. I made spaghetti and after dinner I washed clothes,
changed the beds and cleaned the bedroom wing and scrubbed the bathrooms.
I really felt ambitious. Pauline called and talked a long time and it was
fun to visit with her. She has her problems too and it was easier to talk
about them than to write. If she doesn't come here I just may go there
this summer. Don stayed up and watched basketball on TV and we didn't get
to bed until late but then we made love and that was good too. One more
day of school and then vacation!
March 24, 1972
Nothing much happened at school today. It was really very quiet, and it
was cold like winter again. I just hope the whole vacation isn't this
way. I came home from school and we had dinner and then Don suggested
that we go to the movie and not just one but two ! I haven't been to a
movie for so long that I really didn't know how to act but we went at 7
and first we saw Organization with Sidney Portier. It was in San
Francisco and he was the big city cop again. It was very violent and just
sort of ended without anything being resolved. Then we saw "Hospital"
with George C. Scott and I had mixed emotions about that one too. Again
it was violent although in a way it certainly planted very grim pictures
of hospitals and Doctors. I was also amazed at how much the movies had
changed in they talked openly of masturbation, impotency, a limp penis
plus lots of profanity.
All this was very foreign to me but then in the last years I have seen
Butch Cassidy, Mash, and Ryan's Daughter so I am obviously out of the
swing of things, but still I was glad that I went.
March 25, 1972
Boy, this day really started out! I started planting early and then the
phone rang and it was Linda saying that Dave was sick and what about
Jason. Then she called back and she was getting sick too so Don called
Jenny and they went up to get Jason. In the meantime, Cathy called and
said She had bumps and could she be getting the Chicken Pox ? and she was
coming over to show me. And I had wanted to plant !
I got in touch with Dr. Stouer who was on duty this weekend and he didn't
think Jason would get anything so then Don arrived with Jason and Jenny
came and did her wash and Cathy came and I didn't think her bumps looked
serious.
Jason was really a doll. He didn't fuss at all and ate and drank his
milk. I think Don just loved having him and her and I liked it too but I
was in the midst of painting and it's not going well. I am afraid that
the yellow just doesn't match the formica and it has been so long since I
actually painted with oil paint and that makes a difference too. I am
sure I will have to do many coats and right now I just wish that I had
never started on this project and now that I am in it I can't very well
say I will just quit. If this takes most of the holiday and then I don't
like it I am going to be very unhappy indeed. I went to bed very weary
indeed.
March 26, 1972
I didn't go to church this morning but Don took Mom. Jason slept until
almost 8 and then he was so sunny and happy. I made a very good dinner
with a roast beef and potatoes and carrots, a salad with cucumbers,
tomato and artichoke hearts and I had two little lemon pies. I had baked
the crusts some time ago and I just made the fillings. Mom came for
dinner. I have all the painting done for first time around. I sanded the
drawers outside in the wind and it was cold too and then I painted them
all but they just don't look right and tomorrow I am going to go back to
the paint store and get a qt. of Kem Glo and see if that will make a difference. I had a drink before dinner and I lay down after dinner and fell
asleep so I don't know if it was the drink or just cause I was so tired.
Linda came to get Jason in the afternoon. She felt better and so did
David. She asked me if we would keep him for a whole weekend sometime
soon and they would go down to the city. I was rather vague about it but
I suppose I will if I have too.
Cathy found a place to live. It is 11th & Suj (sp), a duplex with two
bedrooms and Blue is welcome. It is $150.00 a month unfurnished. She was
very thrilled about it. To bed - very weary. I just hope that I can still
have the kitchen turn out the way I want it to.
March 27, 1972
I went back to the paint store and got a qt. of the other paint and it
looks better. In some cases I have put on 4 coats of paint but by the end
of it today the yellow was done and the first coat of white is on. Don
helped me put the knobs on and the doors and drawers look great. I made
potato salad and we had left over roast beef and relishes with scalloped
corn. I organized the drawers and got everything put back and tomorrow I
will put a second coat of white on and then I will be done. I even
painted the dishwasher yellow after I found I could not replace the brown
with white as I had hoped. I stopped in the middle of the day and took
Mom to Hubbards and C & J but I couldn't get Vinko right now but I will
get a flat of it on the 10th of April.
It is really chilly and frost is predicted for tonight. Well, I haven't
had time to sit out in the sun so far so I didn't tan too much. Cathy was
going to move today. I got a bill from Dr. H. and it was for $264.00. I
hope that Blue Cross will pay for most of it but that is still too much
for what he actually did. Tomorrow morning will see the end of the
painting and then I can turn to other things. I took a bath finally and
we went to bed and made love and that was nice. I think the kitchen will
be OK.
March 28, 1972
First thing this morning I did the second coat of white paint and then I
defrosted the refrigerator, cleaned the stove, washed the floor and then
the kitchen looked just simply lovely. I am very happy with the results.
So it was worth it after all. Now I have painted every room and have no
more causes to conquer. When I finished in the kitchen I set out my 24
dusty miller plants and then put out the mums I had gotten in the
hospital. I made lunch for Jenny and Don and then J. & I went to Diamond
National and checked on things for book shelves and then to the
Unfinished Furn-iture place and then to Import and I got Jenny a salad
bowl and server, a platter and 6 small bowls all for $8.00. She liked
them and I will give them to her for her birthday.
Don decided that he wanted the shelves so we went back to D. Nat. and we
got the hardware in black and ordered the boards. Don and I put up the
black strips and tomorrow when the boards come I will finish them. I made
chicken livers and salad and ;rice pudding for dinner. We went to see
Cathy's place and took her a bottle of Bristol Creme Sherry. I guess she
is living with Nolan cause she keeps saying "we" will do this and "we"
will do that. She seemed very happy.
Came
that
when
then
home and washed my hair and now it is just about bedtime. I felt
I have accomplished a lot and I hope there is one day of hot weather
I really wouldn't have to do much of anything. Ten more weeks and
it will be summer.
March 29, 1972
I got up early and made a batch of cookies so that when we went to the S.
& Save I took a huge box of them to Karen cause she had brought flowers
to me at the hospital. I bought ham, turkey and lamb so it should be
enough to decide to have for Easter I will be prepared. I put some more
finishing touches on the kitchen. Then since the boards arrived in the
afternoon I started staining them. Dave and Linda came ;and Dave helped
me. I varnished them too and then after dinner Don and I put the books
in, and we went down town and bought a whole lot of book ends and I
sprayed them black. I got a stain for the boards that matches the doors
in the hall. So we have books, a plant, a pretty wine bottle, a vase, the
two swords and a fan that Don got in the South Seas. I really like the
way it looks.
While we were downtown I went to Fabric West and got a remnant in cotton,
all colors of yellow in a print and I will make a new kitchen curtain
tomorrow and I will take the contact paper off the divider and just paint
it a plain yellow.
Don had a McGovern meeting here tonight so I went in the study and wrote
letters to Mike and Pauline. Then cause I was tired I went to bed early.
Cathy came over today and told me that she was living with Nolan and she
was very happy. They are going 50-50 on expenses. There was really not
much I could say since she had already done it. But of course I was not
surprised. All three girls were here today and they all just love the
kitchen. There was a nice long letter from Donna so it was a good day. I
set out 24 dusty miller plants and the mums I had gotten in the hospital.
March 30, 1972
I exercised this morning and then after breakfast I painted the divider
the first coat and then I spent over 2 hours making the curtain cause the
material was not true and I had all kinds of trouble. Jenny came over.
She had applied at Community Hospital. After lunch I took Mom and we went
to Vecino Drug and I bought a new timer and a towel holder. Then to the
unfinished furniture place to look at stools, to the cannery outlet,
Salvation Army, Gates Resale, and even out to the Handicapped place. It
was sad there cause all the people were on an Easter Egg hunt and to see
grown people so excited was touching.
I got home at 3:30 and then at 4:30 the Menkes came over for a drink.
They seemed in good spirits. I made a big green salad with shrimp and we
heated up some pizza that I had frozen some time ago so it was a simple
dinner. I watered the plants I set out yesterday and they all look very
perky. I plan to clean the house tomorrow and Dave and Linda are coming
to wash windows. Then ;the vacation will be pretty well over, but I got a
lot done and so I am not too unhappy about it. Today was lovely, it got
warm and there wasn't any wind. Now it is evening and I am sleepy cause I
had a gin and tonic and now a drink seems to make me sleepy and nothing
more.
March 31, 1972
Today was the first day that I had time to go outside and sunbathe and it
was cloudy all day ! wouldn’t you know. I washed clothes and cleaned the
house. The kids came at 10:30 and Dave and Linda washed the windows in
all but the bedroom wing. They look lovely and it was nice to have them
do it cause it is a big job to do alone. They left about 2:30 and then I
took Mom and we went to Disco where I found out that the blinds would be
in on Monday. We will get one for the west side of Don's study and I will
cut one in to 2 for on the south side and then on the east side of the
house we will get the old bamboo cause they are cheaper. We stopped at S
& Save and Safeway and then went downtown to C & I so that Mom could get
some seeds. I made meatloaf and cooked carrots and potatoes in foil and
finished a salad for dinner. After the news we both read all evening and
then I took a bath and put on my new long nightgown and we made love and
then to sleep.
Mary wanted us to come there for Easter but I really didn’t want to go so
Lin talked to her about it and I hope she understood. Somehow, I just
want to stay home that day. I am feeling thin these days and I know the
secret is to stay away from sweets. I think I am between 106 - 107 so if
I want to be careful I could get down to 105. At least I am going to try.
Jenny came over for awhile. She had been to Community applying for a job
but the lady in charge was not there. She has to go back on Monday.
Monday! that is the day I start back to school. 50 more days of school
but then when you think that to begin with there was 175 I suppose I
should be thankful that the time has gone so fast. Then it will be summer
and that will be so great. There is little to do on the house this summer
so we should be able to relax. I am looking forward to the Florida
Lillebridges visit too. It seems strange that it is Easter. I am glad
that we have progressed but I rather long for the past too.
April 1, 1972
This seemed to be a day of errands. I went to M. Ward to get an estimate
on tile for the kitchen floor and the man said he would come out this
after-noon. Then I went to the Wood Fair and bought a kitchen stool and
when I got it home it wasn't level. I took Mom the rest of the morning on
one of her typical excursions. To Gates for foam rubber to Outdoorsman to
have ft cut. Dthey don't do it but knew to go to 4-Sq. Mattress. Back to
Gates to take a piece back then to 4-Sq. to have it cut and by that time
it was noon and I was mad. Got home and Jenny was here so I talked to her
a bit and decided to take the stool back and get another one and this
time I got a hardwood one and then I saw a buffet for $51.00 so I bought
it! That was rather sudden but not really cause I had been thinking about
it. They said they would deliver it and I still had a $50. bill left from
Christmas so I was able to pay for it. At 4 the man came about the
linoleum and the chest arrived at the same time. It will cost $281.00 for
the floor and I think that is too much. Everyone liked the chest and I
got teak stain and hardware.
I made waffles for dinner and was ready to go to bed at 8 but then I
pinned up my hair and did my exercises so it was 9 when we went to bed. I
had finally gone to TAC this morning to discover it was closed for
Easter, so went to the library to get more books. We didn't watch TV at
all during the vacation but then I was busy working most of the time.
Called Mike and Donna and Matt wanted to talk most of the time but he
didn't say much. I get excited about seeing them this summer. Well,
starting Monday there are 50 days left of the school year.
April 2, 1972
Got up and exercised and then Don, Mom and I went to 8 a.m. Mass. Lots of
people. Father F. talked a long time and I wasn't too impressed some-how.
I came home and stained my stool. It was a beautiful day in spite or rain
predicted. Cathy came over. She had been to church and she said she and
Nolan would come for dinner. I made bread and then cooked dinner.
We had lamb, potatoes and gravy, broccoli with sauce, jello salad, hot
rolls and chocolate mayo pie. Jenny came over and we frosted the Bunny
cake and it turned out just beautifully and she was proud of it. They
were going to Cheaks for dinner. Linda called from Yakishes since they
went there. Cathy & Nolan seemed to have a good time. I put the little
dishes out with jelly beans and Cathy brought me some lavendar wild
flowers. I stained the chest and even with just the first coat on it
looks very good indeed. I think I am going to like it.
Pauline and Phil called from Oawho and I let Mom do most of the talking
this time. Skip and Jenny stopped over to taste the pie and they stayed
for awhile but finally the day was over and I pinned up my hair and took
a bath and to bed. It was really a nice vacation. I didn't go anywhere
but I got a lot done at home and I felt good and that was important. No
tomorrow it is back to school.
April 3, 1972
Back to school. Got to hear about Everyone's vacation - New Orleans:
Alice Illinois, Marian, Oregon & Skiing, Bob C.: Mexico, Peggy. Well,
they didn't get their kitchens painted. Had my class - not great. Mr. A.
talked me into helping on graduation. I asked if I hadn't helped last
year but he couldn't remember. I will help on speeches and the set-up on
the field. Saw
Tim Harland came in and he looked beaten down.
I don't think the method is working.
Came home and went to Disco to buy blinds. I got 2 white ones and one
bamboo one. Will have to cut one in two for the south side. Don got home
at 5 and we had leftovers for dinner. Then I put the second coat of stain
on the chest. Tomorrow night I will do the 1st coat of varnish so by
Thursday it would be done. Jenny came over and we talked for a bit. Don
came back from class and by then I had taken my bath. We went to bed and
made love so it was 10 by the time we went to sleep.
Rain was predicted yesterday but it was a nice day and warm. Mom went to
her beatitude meeting. I am really looking forward to the weekend and it
is only Monday. I wish I liked school a little bit better.
April 4, 1972
When I got up this morning I couldn't wait to put the varnish on my
buffet so I decided to do my game hens when I came home and put the
varnish on this morning. I just barely got it done and rushed off to
school only to find out that there was a counseling meeting after school.
I question about Bob Cranston. I am sure he is a good counselor but I
don't think he is a good administrator. He meanders on so and lacks efficiency. I decided to take notes and I am going to type up minutes of
the meetings from now on. I had a busy day and then rushed home and fixed
my game hens, made a cabbage slaw, artichoke, and chocolate pudding. We
ate and then Don had his class. At 7:30 the news came on that George
McGovern had won the primary in Wisconsin. Wallace, not Humphrey came in
second. That frightens me. Ed Nigel called and fortunately Don got back
while I was talking to him. Don was thrilled about George, naturally. The
chest is looking very nice and I am excited about it. I put the second
coat on and tonight I am very, very tired. Tomorrow night I will be done
with it. We keep getting up earlier each day cause it gets light earlier.
Pretty soon we will be getting up at 4!
April 5, 1972
It was raining hard this morning so I wore slacks to school. I typed up
the notes for the meeting last night. Had 2 groups in today but not
everyone comes so I will never be done at this rate. After school Mom and
I went shopping. The rain had stopped but the wind was blowing and it was
cloudy. I put the groceries away and made macaroni and cheese, a big
salad and there were strawberries for dessert. A Bob Roberts came over to
talk to Don about running against Pauline Davis and he stayed until 15 to
7. We had dinner and then Carl came over. I finished the chest and put my
white dishes in and my wooden bowls, etc.
Morrey Carpenter is a student of Don's and called and that pleased Don.
Don had lunch with Wayne Menke and I guess he and Joyce are really going
to separate and it is all very sad. We have known them for so long. So
many people are separating these days. The Bernadettes, the Shurtleffs,
the Debriatiens, etc., etc.
Larry Littleton committed suicide last night.
I was so tired at 8:30 that I pinned up my hair, took a bath and to bed.
I look forward to the weekend. Called Jenny but couldn't get ahold of
Linda. I wish Cathy had a phone and a job!
April 6,
Got to school and typed up my minutes and then Had a busy day with
students changing quarter classes. Met my class and it went pretty well.
Had that meeting after school where we watch the TV interview. I stayed
until 5 and then came home cause Linda had called during the day saying
she was down with Jason. And there he was - fatter and cuter than ever.
He is simply adorable. I made grilled cheese sandwiches and soup and she
stayed, and ate with us and then went up the hill.
I went over to Long's and bought 2 silverware dividers and put my
silverware in the drawer of the buffet neatly.
Don and I played cards for awhile and I was so tired that I wanted to go
to bed at 8. Don went to the interview session for the new dean at Janet
Turners' and I decided that I would clean the house rather than go to bed
so I cleaned until 10 and it was nice to get it done. Now I just have the
back room to do tomorrow and maybe Don will do that.
Then to bed, but at 11 I still hadn't gone to bed. Linda was in a sad
mood. She is tired of not having any money. How I wish Dave would get a
job. I worry about them. It would be so good if he was working and they
had some money of their own.
April 7, 1972
I spent the school day correcting papers, averaging grades and putting
students into quarter classes. I had class last period and I was so tired
by then my head ached and finally it was all over. I told Alice to come
over and see my kitchen so after school she came and Don came home too
and suggested that the 3 of us got out for dinner. Slice said yes so
after she left I sat down and read cause I didn't have to make dinner. I
am reading "The Blessed Ones," a Swedish novel about a psychiatrist and
it is very good.
At 6 we went to pick up Alice and we went to Burtons. The food was good
and so was the conversation but as always I felt guilty about not taking
Mother cause I know how much she would like something like this and yet I
hate to ask Don to take her along. I should just take her myself. After
school I picked her up downtown and we stopped at Longs who were having a
plant sale and I got vinca plants that I will put out tomorrow. It is
still cool and windy with some clouds. Ellen, the secretary (history)
took an adorable picture of Don holding Jason and he is going to have
some prints made.
I had two manhattens tonight and a liquour afterwards and I had stomach
pains when I went to bed. I panic that there is something wrong with me.
I know I haven't eaten very much but I do get hungry and eating habits
are hard to break.
April 8, 1972
I got up at 6 and Don stayed in bed so I took Dolly for a walk at the Jr.
High and how she loved it. It was pretty nippy out and clear. I picked
some lovely yellow roses for the dining room table, made breakfast and
then went downtown to 88th St. to see about shades or blinds rather but
they were only 8ft. wide so I didn't buy any.
Picked up some things at the fruit stand and then came home and made
granola and read until lunchtime.
Jenny came over to wash clothes. I set out my plants and weeded a bit. I
asked Don to help put up the blinds and it was hard and he got very cross
and my stomach hurt and I didn't want to say anything cause then H would
get worried so I kept my mouth shut. Mom went to the Mall in the
afternoon and then I went to get her. I made dinner and ate a little and
then Don went to Butch Cassidy. I wanted to go but I had left Mom last
night and I didn't want to do it again tonight so I didn't go. I took a
bath and pinned up my hair and now I am reading.
April 9, 1972
I didn't feel very good when I got up this morning so I didn't go to
church but I took Mom. Then I went over to Cathy's and told her about her
phone calls. Blue wanted to come back with me but I drove back and put
him in the house. I planted some marigold seeds in containers and then I
neatened up the patio and ran a load of clothes. I really didn't feel
much like eating and just snacked a bit until dinner but it was really
good. I had fried chicken, mashed pot. and gravy, hot rolls, carrot
souffle and asparagus, green salad and strawberry shortcake. I made a
beautiful flower arrangement for the coffee table in the white vase.
Calangulas, white paper shell narcissus and some of those breathtakingly
yellow roses from the Jr. High. The result was really good.
Wrote to Pauline and Mike but the letters were brief. Felt not just right
all day. I live in terror that the pains will come back and I don't know
what I would do about them. Since I didn't go back for that one test I
think Dr. H. would take a dim view of me. Well, I just hope that I will
be OK.
I read the blessed ones, a Swedish novel and very good. It teems with
possessive love. A psychiatrist is working on a case and the woman is
terribly demanding in the love for her husband and then he realizes he is
no better off than she. Well written. I napped a little this afternoon.
Don went to a meeting tonight for McGovern. I feel sometimes that he goes
out more and more and I find myself drawing inward. I guess we should do
some entertaining but there is really no one I want to ask. I should go
and buy some clothes but I don't do that either - I just like to work on
the house and the yard.
April 10, 1972
I really didn't want to go to school today. It was dark and cold and
windy but I went. Very hectic! Lots of quarter class changes and since
they should have done all this last week I found I was a little short
with them. Came home after school and heated left-overs. Then I made a
batch of brownies and frosted them but I dis-covered they hadn't cooked
enough so I made another batch of brownies and frosted them .' Finally I
was done.
Don went to class and I neatened up the house and set out things for
coffee, drinks, etc. Don had a Dean's Selection committee meeting here at
8:30. Mom and I watched the Academy Awards from 7s30 - 9. The French
Connection won most of the things. Best Picture and best actor. Jane
Fonda won best actress and the 2 supporting roles went to the Last
Picture Show. When that was over I went into the study and read for
awhile but then I got bored so I tried on the dresses in the closet and
then lay down. But finally at about 12 the meeting was over and we
cleaned things up and went to bed. And as Packy said, there are 8 more
Mondays and then summer will be here. That doesn't make it sound quite so
long.
I got my hair cut, my Louie - pretty short. Bought a very handsome
cigarette case at Gages for $5.00.
April 11, 1972
More cold weather and rain. It is like winter out and the school is cold
too. I had my class first period and then I worked on locator cards most
of the day. Mr. Harland called and I have to set up a unit with him
tomorrow. Faculty meeting after school and then home.
Jenny and Lin were both here and the sweet Jason being sunny and full of
smiles. Don gave Lin a check of $50.00 for her birthday. For Jenny he
gave prescription sunglasses and I am giving her a salad bowl with little
bowls to match and a tray.
Lin is going to San Francisco this weekend and leaving Jason with Dave. I
have mixed emotions about that. But then I guess this is woman's Lib. I
fixed a kind of lousy dinner and then Don went to class and I washed my
hair and exercised for about ^5 minutes. It felt good. Took a bath and
then when we went to bed we made love and that was certainly nice. I
think we both needed that. Gold and windy tonight. This is spring ????
April 12, 1972
Rain again. Mr. Harland and Tim (?) came in. Then I had class and then I
saw students and finished the cards. Don came over to school about 11 and
he was all upset. He had a letter from Ed and things were not well with
him. Their Fathers* Will had caused all kinds of trouble. So Don decided
to fly' out and see him and he left this afternoon. Well, he was in tears
and that upset me. I think he cries too easily but I really can't say
anything about it. I came home and Mom and I did the shopping and then I
fixed a meager meal. I went over to the Mall to buy something but
couldn't find anything I liked. Jenny called and she had called Niki
Garst on the phone cause their birthdays are the same day. I visited with
Mom. I think she is really glad when Don goes away cause then she has me
to herself. But then I can understand that. I am going to take her out
for dinner tomorrow.
So I have spent the evening doing nothing really. I read the paper and
then I started writing in this and now it is about 9 and I had better get
ready for bed. Called Joyce Menke. They have separated and she seemed
sad. It is hard to break up a marriage. Better if they had had a big
fight than this type of attrition.
April 13, 1972
Met with Mr. Harland Tim, Mr. Dalrymple and Mr. Hostettler. Pretty grim
and very hard on Tim. Then I was busy for the rest of the day. But I got
all of my locator cards done and tomorrow I will just have to work on a
few students. Mrs. Ssler had her students put on a play in our class.
Not very good really and I doubt if it will win at the play contest this
weekend.
Game home and took Mom to Lossen and she got the stuff out of the safe
deposit box and she is closing out her account there and will just have
to go to Bank of America from now on.
Lin and Dave were here plus the adorable Jason. They stayed here for
dinner and Mom and I went to the Mesa. We had a cocktail and then dinner
and I think she enjoyed it. I hope so, and it just cost $12.00 which
wasn't bad at all. It was clear and the view was lovely.
No word from Don. He called me at 15 to 12 last night saying that he was
getting a headache and should he come home but I felt at that stage he
should go on and so advised him. I think he realized just how impulsive
he had been. Well, Don is the way he is and I should accept that.
Took a bath and read for awhile and then turned off the light at 10.
Tired and I had a stomachache. It will probably freeze again tonight.
April 14, 1972
Another conference with the Harlands - Logan & Clarke. Well, now we are
done with that and I just hope that Tim goes to all of his classes.
Another very busy day at school. This week has really been hectic. I just
hope that things wind down next week.
Came home and Jenny was here looking very nice indeed in white slacks and
a yellow top. A beautiful girl of 21. She was going to have steak and
champagne for dinner. While we were here talking Don arrived. He was very
tired from lack of sleep but the trip had been worth it. Ed talked
steadily from the time he arrived I guess.
I had planned a tuna salad for myself so we had a very simple meal. Then
he went to a meeting for the Dean's Selection committee and I cleaned the
house. I really felt very lousy again and had to go to the bathroom which
I never do at night ordinarily and the stomach pains were there but I
managed to get the house done anyway. I went to bed about 10 and took a
book and the radio and he got home about 12. I am reading the book "How
to Survive in This Native Land" by James Herndou and I love it. It is
about a Jr. high teacher and it hits on so many problems that we have all
day.
April 15, 1972
I got up and fixed breakfast and then vacuumed to TV room and Mom's
Living Room. Washed the sheets and made up the bed and at 9 Mom and I
went to Safeway where I got asparagus and broccoli and then on to the
rummage sale at the church where I got a bib for Jason and some tea
towels. Then Don called David and at 11 we went to Paradise and picked
them up and drove to Goucaw. I held Jason in the back seat and he slept
most of the time. Linda had got to San Francisco and David seems to be
getting along OK. We got back and I cut some greenery and and then we got
home at 1:30.
I made grilled cheese sandwiches and then we napped until 4:30. I made
steak, salad and asparagus for dinner and then we read during the evening
and Don read the book too and liked it. I took a bath and we went to bed
about 10 and then we made love and it was wonderful. I didn't do all the
things I had planned for the day but still it was OK. It was sunny today
but I didn't get out to sunbathe. I will have to do that pretty soon.
Weigh 105#! Again! Still!
April 16, 1972
Mom and I went to 8 a.m. Mass. Father F. is off on another love kick,
this time about Pat McGee and there his wellWent to G & J but they didn't have any vinca so then home. Worked in the
lawn a bit and then wrote to the family. Jenny and Cathy came over with
all their wash. I feel as if we run a laundry here. It got warm and we
sunbathed. Cathy brought her Columbia College application and we helped
her with that. Made potato salad, ham, squash and then I made the
Lillibridge famous chocolate cake from scratch.
I washed out some things by hand and hung them out to drip dry. The girls
went home and we had dinner. Then I ironed some things and put my winter
clothes in another closet. Jenny came back and some fellows came to the
house encyclopedias and she was all excited about it. I told her I would
check it out tomorrow with Mr. Haynes.
Don went to a McGovern meeting so I pinned up my hair and took a bath.
Played a fast game of cards and went to bed.
Cathy says she is going to break with Nolan in mid-May and go to Columbia
Jr. College. I just hope she does and I would like her to find someone
nice and she could have some fun.
April 17, 1972
Where is spring? Everyone keeps asking as the cold north wind blows and I
had to get out a wool skirt and sweater, I really didn't have a very busy
day at school. My class was 5th hour and right now I just hate that
class. I really do.
Cathy called at school cause she is going to have some difficulty about
her being released from this district to go to Columbia College. She was
all upset and hopefully she can get it straightened out.
Right after school I drove down to the Frances Shop and there was the
same white sweater I had seen at Wards. There the small one was too big
but I tried on a medium and it was just right and it was $1.00 less so I
bought it and came home and fixed hotdish and salad.
Don went to class right away and Mom came over and we went to "The Last
Picture Show". It was a rather difficult evening. She was shocked at the
nudity, etc. and I was really rather disappointed in it as a movie.
Somehow I had expected something different. It was more about adolescent
experimenting with sex and it was so dismal and grim. Came home and Don
was home from class and I told him about it and then we went to bed.
April 18, 1972
Another cold day. Didn’t do too much at school. My class went badly I
thought. What can I do about it ? I must do something.
Came home and Linda and Jason were here. He was fussy and she wasn't in
the best of spirits either. I made twice baked potatoes, sliced ham, made
asparagus and a green salad and there were leftover brownies.
Jenny called and they saw a house they love. I went to TAC at 7 and
stayed for awhile and really worked out.
Don was very depressed so he had a number of drinks at dinner but he
didn't get a headache or if he did he didn't say anything about it. It
felt good to be at TAC. I pinned up my hair and bathed and then read for
awhile before going to bed at 10.
Jenny called and they decided to buy the house. Both his parents and we
will help with the down payment. Don thinks maybe they will have trouble
with the loan. I just don't know.
Cathy called to say the labor man was up and his step-Mother works in a
hospital in Columbia and he thinks she will be able to get a job there.
My, I hope so. Tomorrow it is supposed to get warmer. I certainly hope
so. Now I just wish that David could get started working.
April 19, 1972
The wind is down, thank goodness. I went to school with the idea of
cleaning up my office. So, I spent all day at it. I threw things away
like crazy. I put things in the file and now everything looks very nice.
It was report card day so now tomorrow my work will be cut out for me
cause there will be a lot of angry kids in to see me.
Game home and went grocery shopping. First to Millers for Mom to get
bargains, then to S & S, Longs, Penneys, where I got some bedding plants
and then to Safeway We didn't get home until 5. I heated potatoes, had
liver and salad and strawberries and cheese and crackers for dessert.
Then I got some of the plants in but J.& Skip came to take us to see the
house they want to buy.
It is on Oleander, many little rooms but no hardwood floors, and
basically it is pretty ugly I think. The lawn in back is very nice
though. It is $18,000.00 and when I think what we got for that amount I
am sick but it is hard to dampen their spirits so we didn't try. I recall
our paying $10,500.00 for the house in Madison so maybe they will have to
have that experience.
Washed my hair and then Pauline called asking me to come see it. She
figured if Do" could go to Chicago I could go to Omaha. I was going to
watch a show on TV but gave up.
Don asked if there could be a cocktail party here this weekend for a
woman applying for a job at the history dept. so tomorrow night and
Friday will be hectic. I didn't want that but he had already told Carl we
would have it here so we will do it. Lucille dropped by to bring the
blanket to Lin but we were not at home.
April 20, 1972
Really a nice day today - no wind and
the class went OK. Had a meeting last
and then had a b.M. right after wards
school before. No more granola and no
it got warm. Was busy at school and
period in Mr. A's office, at lunch
and I have never done that at
more big salads I guess.
There was to be a meeting after school and after sitting until 4 we found
out that it was next week.
I came home mad! Went to the fruit stand etc. and bought stuff for the
cocktail party and then made dinner.
Don had vacuumed so I didn't have to do that but there was still a lot to
do. I set out my plants and then came back in the house and dusted and
did the rest of the things and went to bed at 9.
Cathy was sick today - it sounded like the flu but I called her in the
evening and she was pretty down but better.
Don got the word from Bill Davenport and our share will be about
$50,000.00 so I guess that will help. Now, if we don't give it all to the
kids we should have a nice nest egg.
I really felt terrible in the evening. Every night I have a nagging tired
back ache and it is most annoying. Secretely I am scared I have something
very wrong with me. I just hope I am wrong.
April 21, 1972
Busy day. School went just fine. Someone brought a beautiful cake and we
all ate some. Some people said it was made by Frances Ireland cause she
made the Merit Roll. I rushed home right after school and both Jenny and
Linda were here. We made egg salad, put out the cheese, vegetables, etc.
and then the girls left and pretty soon the people started to come. Lois
Ghristensen, the Scotts, the Mclntoshes, the Heins, Petersons, the
Boyles, Joe Goulin and Miss Jean Gordon, the woman the whole party was
for. She is 6 ft. tall and 40. Very quiet and nice young lady.
After the cocktail part was over Carl, Don and I took hereto Burtons^ for
dinner. She was very tired by this time since she had left N. Carolina
this morning and had been on planes all day. I liked her. She is very
much a lady and I don't mean this in a negative way.
Back home about 9:30 and Don picked up the house and put the dishes etc.
away and v then to bed and boy I was ready. A beautiful day. I am glad it
was a nice day cause Jean Gordon will get a good first impression of
Chico.
Jason looked like a doll today in shoes and sox. A regular little outfit.
He looks so much older.
April 22, 1972
I got up early and went to TAC first off. I exercised for an hour and
then Mom and I went downtown to the new Suport store which looks like a
clean and neat Cost Plus only higher. Then onto the Arts and Craft Fair
in the Plaza. Lots of belts, purses, beads, etc. but it was free. Mom
stayed downtown and I came home to discover that Miss Gordon was coming
to lunch so I put together some food. Cathy came over to work on the
garden and she spaded things up. I went back downtown and got Mom.
Linda and David were coming down to the movie and asked if they could
come for dinner. Jenny washed her clothes. She and Skip are going to
babysit Jason tonight. I went over to Penneys and got tomato and pepper
plants. I was so tired by then that I just wanted to go to bed but
Saturdays' just work that way. Poor Don was taking Miss Gordon places and
so it was just a hectic day. I made grilled cheese sandwiches and soup
for dinner and then the kids left so Don and I read for awhile and then I
took a bath and went to bed early and made love and that was the best
part of the day. Saturdays' have gotten so hectic I just hope that the
summer will be a little bit easier and it is a slower pace. Don finally
gave in and we will go to the Scott's retirement dinner. We didn't want
to go but Priss has made such an issue or it that I just felt we had to
go. Don is still mad about it and I don't look forward to next Friday.
April 23, 1972
Got up to find that the wind was blowing from the south today instead of
the north. Took Mom to church and then drove out to the airport and then
came home. Cathy was here so after I went to Safeway to get strawberries
and zuccini and picking up Mom I came home and Cathy and I went to work
on the garden. We planted 14 tomato plants, 8 pepper plants, a row of
polebeans and a row of bush beans. I put in asters, marigolds and some
more vinca. It was getting cloudy and cold by then. In fact it is
supposed to rain tonight.
Don had to go to Oronville to give a speech for McGovern so Cathy stayed
for dinner and it was so good. We had delicious roast beef with browned
potatoes, squash I fixed a special way with sour cream and cheese, green
salad and straw-berry shortcake. Mom, Cathy and I sat out in the TV room
to watch the Titanic on TV and it was very good. I took her home and then
took my bath and pinned up my hair.
Don got home and since he had taped the speech he played it for me and it
was good. I watched Bacharach and he was good and then I watched the Tony
Awards. It is cloudy and cold tonight and rain is predicted and tomorrow
starts the last week of April.
April 24, 1972
It rained a quarter of an inch last night! Just right for my garden. It
would have been beautiful if it had been really warm today but it
remained cool and windy. My class went OK 3rd period. I had a good lunch
and I saw students throughout the day. Tomorrow I am rr0ing to meet with
groups again. In the morning I felt so good I made a list of things I
would do when I got home. Usually when I do this I am too tired at night
but this time I did it! I was so proud.
I washed, the kitchen floor, cleaned the medicine cabinet in Don't room.
Wrote to Pauline and Mike, exercised, made a good dinner and took Mom to
Penneys so she could get some more plants and I bought some undershirts
for Don. I wish I could do that every night.
When the time changes and if it ever gets warm I think I will have more
energy. I certainly hope so.
There was a cocktail party at Scotts' but I didn't go. I will tomorrow
night when it's at the Boyles.
Don had class so I just saw him for -§- an hour at dinner. Cathy saw Dr.
Mangus and she is going to have breast surgery the first week in May. She
was all excited about it. I hope it looks better.
Jenny didn't get the job at Community for the summer and she was very
upset. No word from Linda. Not a bad day really.
April 25, 1972
Another day and rather a hectic one. Meeting of counselors in Mr. A's
office to decide about people who don't make it. They don't go through
the line or go to the party. In the afternoon just worry about all the
people who are dropping out of school literally and figuratively. Meeting
with Sue House who who cried a lot and then with her father.
Went downtown after school to the Fair and looked at clothes. Finally
bought a little blue shell and had a parking ticket when I got out. Came
home and changed for the cocktail party at Boyles.
I didn't go to dinner with the young group but Don did. I had one drink
and felt sleepy and fat. NO MORE! I say that but will I stick to it ? Lin
and Dave came and stayed until we came back and then went out to eat and
Jason slept here. I sat around to see that McGovern won the primary in
Mass. and Humphrey in Penn and then went to bed. Didn't even bathe or pin
up my hair. When I think how ambitious I was yesterday I am ashamed and I
am sure it was the drink that did it.
Poor Don is so tired of all these interviews. I have gained some of the
pounds I lost so now I am going to make an effort to cut down.
April 26, 1972
School right now is so busy that I am feeling a lot of pressure. I find
myself getting short tempered. I am calling parents on the phone and that
doesn't help either, cause that is always a strain. We are working on the
Chico Women's retirement dinner that our school is putting on.
Alice is the chairman and she is doing a good job. The days are warming
up but still the wind blows.
I came home and Mom and I went for groceries. Nothing very exciting about
that. Talked to the girls by phone. Dave was here during the day and it
looks as if he may get the summer job and even a trailer to live in so
they wouldn't have to pay rent. Still nothing is decided.
Don seemed very glad to see me when I got home and right now we are both
very busy but in the short times we have together we seem to enjoy
ourselves very much. That is nice.
I washed my hair in the evening and then we watched Columbo and went to
bed. We checked the garden tonight and I watered the plants. They are
still alive. We will either have a lot of tomatoes or none.
April 27, 1972
Today I managed to lose my temper with David Jeffries and I drew up a
contract that I hope to have Reggie Griffin, Dave Jeffries and Tim
Cardinal sign. Was thought that I had to stay until 4 tomorrow to meet
with Tim and his father. Wow, on Friday afternoon I Stayed after school
and looked at that TV interview for the last time I hope. It lasted until
5*30*.
Hot Day - but the wind came up again. I hate getting home late but I had
fixed salad greens and I cooked steak. Don went to CSH and talked about
McGovern and it was a fiasco! He found out how it is to talk to high
school students. After dinner I went to TAG and there was a McGovern
meeting there.
I went over to the Mall first looking for a white blouse but couldn't
find any-thing I liked. I did try on some things and my legs look so
crepey I am going to look like hell in shorts this summer, yet they are
so comfortable. I got home at 9 and pinned up my hair and after the
people left I took my bath and then watched Life, Death & the American
Woman from 10-11. 1+ was frightening but very good.
Tomorrow night we go to the Scott retirement party dinner. I decided to
have the turkey dinner on Sunday. Jenny has to go to SS at Butte and will
take bacteriology otherwise she might not get into the nursing program
this fall. Linda called and we are to take care of Jason Saturday night
and Sunday. I resent this a bit but I suppose when he gets here it will
be OK.
April 28, 1972
Rather a dull day. I had a meeting with Mr. Cardinal and Tim at 4 but not
much was accomplished. Our checks didn't come so I didn't get to the bank
after school but came home and cleaned the house. Wasn't really in the
mood but it had to be done.
Then Linda called asking if tomorrow night they could bring Jason down to
stay at night while they went to the midnight movie. I am not really in
the mood for that either but I went along.
Then I cleaned up and put on my black and white coat dress and at 7 we
went out to the country club to the retirement dinner for Scotty. There
was a hug crowd -drinks first and I had 7-Up and was proud of that.
We sat with the Hutchinsons and it was very pleasant. I hadn't seen Red
for a long time and we had a good visit. Bob Raukin was master of
ceremonies and the President talked and then Don and he did just
beautifully and was funny and sentimental and I know the Scotts must have
been pleased and yet he didn't say anything he didn't mean.
We came home about 9:30 and made very nice love and that was a perfect
end for the evening. The wind is blowing from the north and it was so
cold it was hard to believe it is almost May.
April 29, 1972
Well, this turned out to be a busy day. I got up early and took the dogs
to the Jr. High and got some yellow roses. Then to TAG for an hour. Did a
lot of extra leg exercises.
Came home after stopping at Safeway where I got asparagus and brocolli on
sale. Took Mom downtown to the Farmers so I decided to do the stores. I
went to the Support Store and bought ash trays, then looked for a white
blouse at the Frances Shop but couldn't find anything. Went to get navy
blue sneaks and white sox and then found white and blue checked skirt at
Osers for $18.00. Picked up Mom and made lunch.
Jenny brought her washing and since she was studying for a test I did it.
Went to Elsa and Gloria's open house around the keyhole and then I came
home and put the dinner on the table.
Bought some pewter polish and did the deal Neva gave me. Lin and Dave
came rather late to leave Jason. We turned the clocks and then about
11:30 Jason woke up and he didn't go back to sleep until about 2:30 and
by then I was plenty mad. There was no sense in the kids leaving him
here. I didn't ever remember imposing on my folks for no better reason
that they had. Then this morning when we called Mike and I said something
about a letter I had
recently sent to him last week and he said he
hadn't read it yet. Boy, that was a blow. Every Sunday I write them a
letter and if he doesn't even bother to read it to hell with him. I am
just going to quit writing and we will call once in awhile and that will
be it. So today I was disillusioned with two of the children. I know I
expect too much. I keep thinking about this summer and I don't think
their visit is going to be all that great. Linda will be jealous and that
won't help.
Gave Mom a permanent after dinner. I hope it turn out OK. Her hair has
looked awful lately.
April 30, 1972
I got up and fed Jason and then made an angel food cake, made the
dressing for the turkey, made the zuccini squash dish and scalloped corn
and washed the salad greens. Took Mom to church at 11. She looked lovely
cause her hair turned out very good and we put it in a french roll. The
Yakishes were at church and they came back to see Jason who had just
messed his pants and so I had to bathe him.
Cathy came about 10:30 and she had on a very pretty lavendar dress. She
had been on a fishing trip and told me all about it. Both Don and I were
very weary today after last night and then with the change of time we had
really had it. I watered the garden and then cooked the dinner. Linda
called and I told her what happened and she felt guilty. That was rather
sad but I had to be honest and so I thought. So then everyone came and we
all ate too much and I don't think I will have many more of these dinners
- I get too tired.
They all left
pewter polish
years ago and
and they look
The first day
more weeks of
and Don went to a McGovern meeting at Carl's. I used my
on the 2 glass decanters we had brought Neva from Paris
they came out just beautifully. I put them on the buffet
very nice. It felt strange to have the sun stay so long.
of daylight savings. School again tomorrow and it means 6
school. Six more Mondays. I hope it is a good summer.
The Scotts' called last night to ask us to dinner tonight but we couldn't
go and I bet now that they are glad cause they had people there from all
over. But they were certainly pleased with Don's speech and to think he
didn't even want to go. Everyone in the Dept. was there and he would have
been very embarrassed and they would have been hurt. Now to bed. I hope
this is a good week.
May l 1972
Oooh - it was hard to get up this morning! Daylight time always takes its
toll the 2nd day. I had class first period. Wore my new skirt and
everyone liked it.
I came home and made a cranberry jello salad and served leftover turkey.
Made oatmeal cookies. Don went to class and I took Mom to see Jenny's
house. She thought it looked very nice. It had a SOLD sign on it so now
that are just waiting for the loan to come through. J. called to say that
FHA had appraised it at $18,500. so we were wrong about that.
When we got back I walked over to the Jr. High and I slipped out without
the dogs.
Don got home early and we were both so weary that we went to bed. Things
are just too hectic right now but then May is always an ugly month cause
there is much to get done.
I told the counselors they could come here for lunch tomorrow since we
will be going to the Jr. High all day to talk to 9th graders. I must get
up early tomorrow to get things ready. Pauline called while I was out
walking and had a long visit with Mo^ They discussed what Pauline would
like of Mom's things after she is gone.
May 2 1972
I made deviled eggs, fixed my platter of turkey and cheese, put the
leftover jello dishes and set the table for noon and then at 8:10 I went
to the Jr. High That was nice, I just walked over. It was a long grind of
a day cause I talked to 5 groups an hour each. A real grind} I am glad I
am not teaching any more. The kids were nice though and that helped.
The lunch was fine but we had so little time that it was all rather a
rush. We went back to our school at about 2 and I got a few things done
and then came home.
Jenny was here and we went to Wards and she picked out linoleum for her
bath-room like our and some attractive stuff for the study.
I came home and Don was here tired cause he had had to drive to
Sacramento to pick up 2 people applying for jobs - history. We rested for
a little while and then went to the Heins’ for a cocktail party. Her
house is so dirty that I hate to eat the food, but I did.
Came home and had a sandwich and then Don had to go again. I watered the
plants out front. I think something is eating on them. The beans weren't
planted deep enough and aren't germinating. I am to stressed to care I
Pinned up my hair and went to bed. I hope tomorrow is better.
May 3 1972
Another nice day. Oh how lovely to wake up to a bright sunny morning. No
wind and really hot .' I love it. Emma Roney had her daughter Peggy and
husband bring Adam to school to take to her Family Living Class and Adam
crept all over the teachers room. It will be such fun when Jason gets to
that age. Came home after school and Mom didn't want to go grocery
shopping with me and it was then that Jenny called and came over so she
went shopping with me and it was fun. We had a good time. I made
hamburgers and cucumbers and tomatoes for dinner and strawberries. It all
tasted good and like spring.
Don didn't have to go to class or anywhere so we had an evening at home.
Watched "The Price" on TV with George G. Scott which was very good. 2
brothers are selling off their father's furniture and they talk of the
past. It was sad and it had a lot to say but it left a lot of loose ends.
Still, the acting was so good that it was worth watching.
I cut my hair, washed and gave myself a manicure and pedicure. Went to
bed and dreamed that Dolly died. I don't always like Dolly but I guess I
will miss her when she finally dies. When I don't take my estrogen I
dream so much and I don't sleep well. I now stop on the first day of the
month and try to go 10 days but I think I will go one week instead. We
will see.
May 4, 1972
Another nice day but it wasn't as hot as yesterday. I am getting ready to
give the reading and the math test next Tuesday in the library so I am
making all the arrangements. Had class 4th period today and it went
rather well. I had to have class 4th and 6th period. The kids were all
worn out from Ghost Town for Pioneer Day so they were quiet and sleepy.
Came home and made a good dinner of chicken livers, green salad, brocolli
and little lemon squares which are so good.
Bill Connor is installing a sprinkler system in the front yard and he
worked until dark along with the kids. I wonder if they ever resent
having to work so hard. I defrosted the refrigerator and scrubbed down
both bathrooms but I didn't vacuum the bedroom wing and I didn't go to
TAC but I am not as tired as I was earlier in the week so I am getting
used to daylight time.
A few beans are coming up but they are very slow. Mike called. He had
forgotten Donna's birthday and he was making a cake and he wanted us to
call her so we called, back and I talked to her for a long time. Lin
called to say that she would be down tomorrow. We haven't seen Jason
since Sunday. Cathy had her eyes examined Next week she has the breast
surgery. Next week will be busy anyway. Monday night is the potluck for
the PV ladies and Thursday is the Chico Women's Retirement dinner.
May 5, 1972
I put off writing in this until the 9th and now Friday during the day
it's really pretty vague. I suppose day to day living is rather dull and
nothing much stands out except the evening.
I came home from school with no ambition to clean the house. Usually I
have it all done by Friday night but not this time. I dusted a bit and
went over the floors with a dust mop and that was it.
We went to the Mirrors for dinner. They live way out on Sacramento in a
beautiful apartment complex. The Blakes came too and it was a very
strange evening indeed. We got there at 7 and didn't eat until 9 and then
it was a very simple meal of steak, peas, rice and tomato aspic salad
with mints for dessert and we didn't eat until 9. Sharaon is very aloof
and reserved. She want to be a painter but she can't get started and she
is afraid she wouldn't be good so she doesn't dare try. Conversation was
very erudite and we even had to resort to watch movies - Dawn Patrol
yet.'
We got home about 11:00 and I for one was exhausted. It seems to me that
I have gone to so many things lately that really weren't any fun. I think
I would rather stay home. Line & Dave were here for a few minutes this
afternoon with Jason who got his polio orally today. He was fussy but
cute.
May 6, 1972
A day very difficult for Pioneer day cause it was cloudy and cold all
day. I went to TAC and then came home and took Mom to the parade. She
stayed down and had lunch at McGovern headquarters. I got some marigolds
at the fruit stand and set them out in the garden. I figure I will have
flowers if not vegetables. Bill Connors finished the sprinkling system in
the front yard and it works beaut-ifully. That will be so nice for Don
who has dragged hoses for so many years. I didn't clean, didn't read,
didn't buy anything. It was really a dull day. Jenny came over and washed
clothes. I made potato salad, beans and hot dogs and we invited Joyce and
Wayne over but he was out of town so Joyce came and she left right away
after dinner.
We watched TV for awhile and then I took a bath. Don was in bed so I went
in and gave him a kiss cause he was all upset about the Dean's committee
and we made love and then I pinned up my hair. I really took the
initiative for once and it was nice.
May 7, 1972
Went to 8 am Mass. Cold and cloudy again. I guess people complained about
all the loud music at the masses and so Father Fagan has decided to tone
things down.
Came home and made bread. Took Mom to 9:30 Mass. Made game hens, jello
and rice. Had some very rich brownies left over from last night so it was
not much cooking today.
Jenny & Skipp stopped by for a little while.
Don went to a meeting and I wrote to Pauline. Watched 60 minutes which
was good. Don went to a meeting. It was really a dull day. In fact the
whole weekend seemed like a lost one really. If only the weather would
get really warm I would feel better about things.
I seem to have lost all ambition to do something constructive. I just
want this year to be over.
May 8, 1972
Went to school. Nothing much exciting about it. Had my class last period.
Cathy called to say that she was going into the hospital at 4:30 and she
would check herself in.
My dress that I ordered at Emporium came. It is OK but just that. I am
not crazy about it.
Lin called and she and Dave are unhappy. They came down to talk to us
about what to do with their lives.
President Nixon made a speech about the war. They are going to mine the
harbors etc. and I was going to the Women's Pot Luck so really there
wasn't much time to talk so it was very unsatisfactory cause I had to go
and Don had to go to his class. We will have to try again.
I went over at 6 to see Cathy and she seemed OK. Then on to dinner. Alice
picked me up. Packy was drunk. It was at Diane Dobson's and she served
beer and Mexican food and I had both. It was a dull evening and people
seemed testy and cross.
I got home and was so tired I just went to bed.
The apartment in Long Beach was finally sold for $4000.00 so Don is going
down tomorrow to close the deal and I will go to the hospital early to
see Cathy before she goes into surgery.
May 9, 1972
This was a long day!- Don woke up between 3:30 and 4 and drove to
Sacramento to catch a plane to Long Beach, settle the business of Neva's
apt., got on the plane back to Sacramento and was back in Chico by 3*
How's that for speed? I dozed until 5:30 and then got up and was at the
hospital by 7. Cathy was to go into the operating room at 7:30 but the
gurney was already there and she was groggy but coherent. I walked down
to the operating room with her and then came home and called Lin who said
she would be down by 8:30. I went to school and typed up my reading
classes' #'s about their childhood which were very good. Gave the reading
test at 9 and then at 11 I went to see Cathy who was out of recovery. She
was groggy but fine and it was all over. Game home for lunch and ate very
little. I weighed 110# this morning so I went easy on food today.
When I got home after school Jenny, Lin & Jason were here and Don. Cathy
was asleep so Mom and I went to see her after dinner and she was fine.
Jason was being a stinker but I turned the radio on loud beside him and
he went to sleep.
I had steak, fresh beets that were very good and cottage cheese salad.
Do^ was hungry for dessert so he got some strawberries and I made him a
sundae. We were both so tired that I took a bath at 8 and pinned my hair
and were in bed by 8:30. Even so it was a long day. Had a good parent
visit with the Edsons' about Myron having cut classes. It is good when I
find I have done well. It is such a relief to have Cathy's operation
over. I know how much it means to her to have that breast repaired. We
stopped at Penney's on the way back from the hospital and I bought
stockings and some new lotion made from avocado and lemon. It smells
wonderful.
May 10, 1972
Well, this was sort of a Black day at Black Rock/ M started OK but then
there was a counseling meeting in the afternoon and Bob C. told us that
Mr. A. had been hearing all kinds of complaints about the counseling dept
- Boe, PE, Prentice, Clarke and one was that I spent too much time in my
office reading! But they all thought we were out of touch with things.
Somehow, it upset me very much. Got home and Cathy was here feeling
fairly good. Mom and I got groceries and then I hurried home and made hot
dish and salad, Cathy had dinner with us and then went back to her
apartment with Nolan.
Jenny came over and then Cathy called in hysterics and wanted to come
back so Jenny went over to get her. We got her calmed down and then Don
heard that they announced Sauders as dean and he wasn't on the list even.
They didn't even offer it to the man who was first choice of the
committee. Then Carl called to say he had been asked to speak on TV about
the war and Don felt bad that he had been asked instead of Don.
Then Ruth Gordon called to say she wouldn't take the job in the history
dept. So, a lot of nasty things hit us all at once. In the evening I
washed my hair and took a bath.
Jenny stayed for the evening. Then Cathy and I talked until about 11 and
then I went to bed. She is scared about going to Sonora. She wants to
make a break with Nolan but she is afraid of the time it take beginning
in Sonora when she doesn't know anyone and has to stay alone. I don't
blame her cause I would be scared to death. But she felt better for
having told me about it so that was the only good thing that happened
today.
May 11, 1972
Went to school and kept busy all day. Had another counseling meeting and
Bob will go to Mr. A. and find out why they're are annoyed at whom and
then we will each go to see Mr. A. I don't look forward to that.
I made 2 angel food cakes in the morning so when I got home in the
afternoon I made fluffy pink frosting for the one.
Jenny and Sat were here but then Cathy went to the Dr. and went home with
Nolan. This time she managed to stay. She felt better today.
I put on my new long dress that I don't like too well but it is OK. Went
to the retirement dinner at 5:30. It really turned out very well.
They served chicken, com on the cob, potato salad and then we all had our
cakes. Wendy Holmes sang and she has a beautiful voice. Then the girls
from the dance class danced and Marion as the M.C. was very good so we
carried it off.
I got home at 9:30 and was very tired but thankful it was over.
Don had been reading all evening and then we went to bed. A beautiful day
and I guess from now on the weather will be nice.
Tomorrow I will have to clean the house cause Saturday I am supposed to
go to a counseling workshop. I am so tired of school that this last month
seems like eternity but it will finally come to an end and then there
will be summer. I suppose I should go to that class at the pre-session to
get a unit, but first of all I will have to get through tomorrow.
May 12, 1972
I think summer is here cause now the mornings are bright each day and by
after-noon the air conditioning fells good. My class went OK and I was
busy the rest of the day.
Bob C. finally got to see Mr. A. and he got the feeling that really Don
was more unhappy with us than were the teachers and it didn't appeal to
him to have us talk to the teachers and it didn't really appeal to him to
talk to us. So, there it lays for the moment.
I came home and Cathy called to say she was OK and then Lin & Dave came
down with Jason to talk about their job prospects. Hopefully, Dave will
have work this summer on the houses but it isn't definite.
I made tuna salad and had artichokes and cornbread and we had the angel
food cake with chocolate sauce. They left right after dinner and Don and
I were so tired that although we tried to watch the old movie "Our Daily
Bread" at 8:30 we decided to go to bed instead. It was very good to just
put our heads on our little pillows and go to sleep. I am very glad this
week is over.
May 13, 1972
I got up at 5:30 and pinned up my hair and then I took the dogs for a
walk which they loved. I had breakfast and went to TAC for an hour and
then went to the high school for an all day workshop in Geshtalt Therapy.
Joe Smith ran it and it turned out to be a good day.
I met a lady from Redding who knew Donna from the time she was a baby and
I liked her. People were very accepting of my and I felt very good about
myself and very stimulated. Haven't felt that way for a long time.
When I got home Dave & Lin were and Jason was very sunny and happy.
Don walked prescints for McGovern all day and was hot and tired.
I got a Mother's Day Card from Matt.
At 6:30 we went to the Scotts for dinner and the Heins and Boyles were
there. It was a lovely dinner but the Scotts were at their worst with
lots of Stanford ^and trips and how much they tip the waiters and how
Scotty won the war and it was really appalling and that was sad cause I
like the Scotts and I feel bad when they are that way. They were so
appreciative of Don's speech at the retire-ment dinner and they had
knocked themselves out it didn't come off. We came home and I took a bath
and then we made love and that was very nice end to the day. Finally to
sleep at 11.
I hope this next week is better than last week. Four more weeks and then
it will be summer and school will be over.
MOTHER'S DAY
May 14, 1972
I went to Mass at 8 with Mom. Went for a walk earlier. It was hazy today
but it did get up to the high 90's but it really didn't seem that warm.
When we got home I went to G & J and got some more vinca cause mine
aren't doing well and 1 doz. zinnias that I put out with the vegetables.
I cleaned the border and worked the ground and finished about 10:30. I
was so weary.
The girls came around 11 and they had bought me 2 dish towels and a fern.
Cathy made a cute card. They all left and we had lunch and then I laid
down for awhile.
Pauline called Mom and that pleased her. I gave her $10.00 and a pretty
card.
Mike didn't call but maybe there will be a card tomorrow.
I made lamb, salad and potatoes and gravy for dinner. I am so tired and I
have a pain in my back all the time that is very annoying.
Edith Neeley called for some flowers went to a funeral. Don Went to the
movie at 4:30 so we didn't eat until 6:30 and then I went to a McGovern
meeting at 8. I took a bath and pinned up my hair and went to bed early.
I think I will have my hair cut as soon as I can get an appointment.
Another busy week coming up but just 4 more to go.
WALLACE SHOT!
May 15, 1972
Up and to school. A very nice day and it didn't get too hot. I was busy
all day with students and my class 4th period. Graduation speeches were
postponed until Monday so maybe we will get a speaker after all.
I came home and wasn't quite as tired as usual. The septic tank people
came to clean out Mom's tank and it was OK. Fantastic after 16 years. I
fixed the leftover lamb for dinner. Don called from school during the day
and Wallace was shot while campaigning in Maryland. He may be paralyzed
but no one knows for sure yet.
Don went back to class and I fed the gardenias and camilias and watered
the garden.
Then he came home and watched TV for while. Naturally we watched the news
cause of Wallace. I got a line on 2 gas stoves for Jenny. They are moving
in their house. They went to Skip's house for dinner last night and will
come here tomorrow night. I feel a little better about myself that I
wasn't quite so tired today. Let's hope this week is better.
May 16, 1972
Jenny and Skip were coming over for dinner so I made a cranberry jello
salad, cooked a chicken, had green beans and had angel food cake with ice
cream and chocolate sauce. But then Skip couldn't come and Don had to get
back to class so it was all rather rushed.
The Godfather is coming on May 24th and that is a movie I want to see.
Don talked to Linda and it seems that Jason is sticking out his tongue
these days and then laughing.
They were passing out a petition in school to back the coaches on the
long hair rule for players. The Counselors didn't sign and neither did
Alice or Packy, We have been made to feel like pikers and that burned me
up. Ah well, so it goes.
My radio is going out and I will have to get new batteries this weekend.
Dolly gets looking slimmer every day. I just hope we aren't starving her.
Saw a diet in the 17 magazine today and got the magazine after school. It
is based on instant breakfast mainly. I wish I could get to 1051b. and
stay there. Gave the reading tests again today and lots of people passed
it so that will make the classes smaller.
May 17, 1972
Well, I started in on my instant breakfast routine and ate very little
today but after school when Mom and I went to get groceries I suddenly
felt very ill indeed and couldn't wait to get home and as soon as I ate a
slice of bread I was OK. I just don't understand it. Somehow starches and
sweets or carbo-hydrates seem to be essential to my diet. As soon as I
cut them out I feel strange. I think I scared Mom but I didn't mean to
but sometimes she takes so long to buy so little. I just shouldn't get
impatient with her. I went to apologize after dinner. Then after I ate
dinner I felt better and even did a lot of exercising.
I did the whole routine and then watched McMillan and it was fun. It was
10 by the time I got done and went in to take my bath.
Jenny has got just about everything in her house and there is so much to
do with the phone, refrigerator, cable, etc. I think she has a line on a
gas stove. She is so excited about everything and she keeps calling me up
to tell me about it.
I go out to water the garden each night and do a little weeding. The
tomato plants look good but the zinnias don't look so great but the
marigolds are doing great.
Bill transplanted the camelia that was under the tree. It was just not
doing anything cause its roots were all mixed up in the tree roots. It's
a good thing I won't have to get up so early tomorrow morning.
May 18, 1972
I got up later today cause I went to Notre Dame at 8:30 to talk to the
8th and 9th graders there. The school is so old and tacky looking and the
whole operation seems to be on the skids. I felt somehow as if I were in
a bad English novel about schools. I finished about 9:30 and came back to
our school. Had a fairly busy day.
Got home and Don told me that Eleanor McGovern was coming to Chico on
Monday and we would have her to dinner in the evening. I got a bit scared
but then I began to think of all the possibilities for menu's. Bill Lee
will be here too and the Heins.
Cathy got her hair cut and she came over looking very cute. I had an
appoint-ment at 4:30 to have my hair cut by Norby cause Louie was out of
town. Norby is very strange but very conscientious.
Then I took Cathy to Dr. Bedford, came home and made some brownies and
then went back to pick her up. She felt good about the talk she had had
with him. She rode over on her bike.
Don took me to the Almond Tree for dinner and I even tried drinking a
vodka martini but I didn't drink it all.
We came home and had some brownies and then we were tired so we lay down
for awhile and then got up.
I washed and set my hair and then read for awhile and went to bed. My
stomach just doesn't feel well at all and I don't know what the scoop is.
Hope it gets better soon. I will be glad when the primary is over.
Cathy got her license.
May 19, 1972
It was really cold this morning and my sweater really wasn't enough.
later it rained and now at 8:30 p.m. it is raining again.
Don told me this morning that he was up half the night re-thinking the
Eleanor McGovern visit on Monday and she was to go to Continental Nut and
then out to the Yakick orchard, her for dinner and then to the deal in
the evening. Sounded good.
Jenny and Cathy came to get my car and Cathy went to take the drivers
test with the idea that she would flunk but did get the idea. They came
back and she had a little piece of paper in her hand and she had passed!
Will wonders ever cease! Got home and there was a good letter from
Pauline. She may come out in June. They had thought Shirley McLain was
coming to Omaha and she went to all this work and then she didn't show.
We had just finished the letter and. San Francisco called and Mrs.
McGovern isn't coming on Monday. So Don had to call and. cancel
everything. Secretly, I was relieved cause I was dreading it but Don was
very disappointed and all their work was down the drain and he had worked
so hard.
I made a lousy dinner and then I got ambitious and washed the living room
windows and vacuumed the bedroom wing, swept the patio and washed 2 loads
of clothes. I am still going to have the dinner Monday night with Bill
Lee and the Heins. I called Pauline to tell her about it and we had a
good visit. I hope she comes. Well, I have plans for tomorrow but I
suppose it will rain. I really thought I could sunbathe but that is
probably out. I wish I could be so peppy every night after dinner. Maybe
the secret is to cook a bad meal.
May 20, 1972
Breakfast roses this morning at the Jr. High - yellow ones. Gold and
rainy. I finished the cleaning, went to Safeway and picked up some sale
items and then Mom and I went downtown. I got some yellow things for the
top of the divider. Two bowls and a vase in the same yellow as the
kitchen. They look stunning. Looked at bundt pans, got 2 little brooms at
the import place too. Jenny washed clothes. I went to Penney’s and got
some material in a blue & white knit and cut out the blouse I wanted to
make like Jenny's but when I started to sew it was too big so I had to
make it smaller. It rained all day. What a strange day for May.
Linda & David came with Jason who was all bundled up in a red cap,
sweater and pants, and even shoes"'.' He wants to creep and tries to get
up on his knees. He lay down for a nap and so did I. I watched him go to
sleep and he is so cute. I made vegetable hamburgers for dinner. Don
wanted those old fashioned chocolate cookies so I made those.
I hate cold rainy weather, I just cook and eat. After dinner we watched
some TV and I sewed. Went to bed very early. Made love and that was good
and then I pinned up my hair. It was rather a strange day.
I didn't get mad at Mom and that was nice. Sometimes Saturdays can be
difficult but we have been getting along well lately.
We have become very sedentary - maybe when the weather gets warmer and
school is out things will get a little peppier. I rather hope so. The
rain really dampened my spirits.
May 21, 1972
Went for a walk in the rain and got
box for tomorrow night. Took Mom to
they had crates of strawberries (12
though they were overripe. I made a
roast with potatoes and carrots and
some roses. These I put in the ice
church. Went to the fruit stand and
boxes) for $1.^9 so I got them even
strawberry pie and then I fixed pot
a green salad.
I checked the garden and everything seemed OK.
Jenny came over and took Mom to the new house and she loved it. Then I
went over and it is really very nice. Their furniture isn't great but the
kitchen and breakfast nook is adorable. They are so thrilled about
everything. They are sweet to watch. They came for dinner and left right
afterwards. I played solitaire, finished my knit top, made anagel food
cake, fixed the pot-atoes for tomorrow's salad and now at 8 p.m. it is
dark and gloomy. I hope the weather clears.
Lin called to say that Jason got up on his knees. Cathy drove the truck
over and washed her clothes. I gave both Jenny and Cathy strawberries and
some to Mother too.
I pinned up Mom's hair. Another dull day. I had planned on sun and warmth
and so I was restless and bored. Maybe next week will be better.
Tomorrow night at dinner party and then a long week of school. I want
summer to come. I want summer to come!
I smoked to of my cigarettes and I feel fat and ugly. UGH.' I want summer
to come.'
May 22, 1972
Not a bad day really. My class went OK if a bit dull and I have
tomorrow's class all worked out.
After school I went to B-l for the speech contest but no one came so I
announced the fact to Mr. A. and went home. A simply beautiful day. The
most beautiful part about this week is that Friday is Fair day and we get
off. Reading is 6th period that day and Monday is a holiday and Tuesday
it rotates out so after Thursday I won't have the class again until
Wednesday} How about that for lucking out.'
Came home and went into high gear. Finished the potato salad, set the
table, dusted the living room and by 5*30 I was ready, even had time to
relax. Bill Lee and the Heins arrived , they had a drink and then we ate.
The food was delicious, the conversation was good, and Don had to leave
at 20 to 7 for his class. The Heins left at 10 after 7 and Bill at 7:30.
I attacked the kitchen and had everything put away in 15 minutes. That's
the way I like to entertain -SHORT :
I decided not to go to the McGovern thing so Don came home and we talked
a bit and went to bed. I always like to talk to Bill Lee.
Visited with Mom for awhile and she didn't seem to mind not going.
I can't quite believe that school is almost over. The weather has been
strange this spring and it doesn't seem like the end of May.
May 23, 1972
A pretty good day at school. Nothing "bad happened anyway. One class that
went OK and one meeting that went OK and the time really went by fast. I
came home and Jason was here being busy all afternoon trying to get up on
his knees. She left almost right away.
I guess Don will be taking Cathy to Sonora tomorrow to look for a job and
a place to live. Don's class will be over tomorrow afternoon and then he
just has to correct the tests and he is finished.
I told Don I had 2 mountains to climb: I said I would go see Janine Carr,
one of my reading students at Euloe, and get the material for my skirt. I
didn't feel good and didn't want to do either one but it turned out to be
a good idea cause Janine was so pleased to see me and there was still
material left so I got it too.
I came home then and fixed leftovers for dinner which was easy and then I
cut out the skirt.
Don went to class and by working all evening I got the skirt made and
finished the blouse and I pressed them both. I will wear it tomorrow if
it looks OK. I was too tired to try it on.
Liz called and invited us to dinner. I gather the McGovern night was a
big success. The Fair starts tomorrow and I will have to take Mom one of
these days. My back ache is simply terrible at the moment. I suppose I
should go to the Efr. but what good would it do. I am afraid to say
anything. I got to bed at 10:30 and it was after 11 before I went to
sleep.
May 24, 1972
Beautiful day again. I think this will probably be a comment every day
from now on.
I wore my dress and everyone liked it but the top is too big and in the
evening I ripped the front and will fold it over with buttons to solve
the problem. Busy day but not too much that was exciting.
Came home to go grocery shopping. Mom didn't feel well so I cancelled.
Don was here and just said goodbye and then was off to class and to pick
up Cathy to go to Sonora. He called at 8:45 and they had just arrived. My
I hope she gets a job. Tomorrow will tell the tale.
I got to feeling lousy about 4. I went to the bathroom and had a b.m. and
went ahead and ate dinner but didn't feel great. I had rice and a
sandwich. Made a list to feed 30 people. The students will be coming for
dinner on the 30th.
That will be Tuesday.
I watered the garden and then I turned on the water in the front yard..
Watched TV in the evening with Mom. Jenny came over for a few minutes but
she couldn't stay cause she had to study for a test. I went to bed about
9:30. I hope to get the groceries tomorrow after school. It is quiet
without Don but every once in awhile I don't mind being alone, ^or so
many years he was gone so much that I am used to it. I realize that I
never go anywhere. In 1968 I went to Hawaii and before that it was i960
when I went away. I guess I am not a traveler.
May 25, 1972
I got 2 loads of clothes in before school. At the weekend too many other
people are washing clothes for me to do my own. But, once school is out I
will have more time. Beautiful morning. I didn't have class until 5th
hour so I worked on credits for seniors who may not make it. That is
nerve-wracking. I came home and Mom and I did S & Save and Longs. Bought
food for the student dinner. I made some dinner for myself and was out
weeding when Don drove up. News was good and bad. Cathy did not get a job
in a hospital. At one place they had " a little girl is out here", and
Don said she looked about 14. But at the motel they needed a maid so she
will get on there if she goes back. Then he went to McGovern headquarters
and there was a young matron there whose husband works on the paper and
he took them to lunch and Cathy can stay with them until she finds a
place. They did line up a possibility for her they will check out
tomorrow morning. Thank goodness Don took her rather than Nolan cause he
got the leads on everything. I called her and although she was
disappointed she was not down about it.
I made Don a sandwich and we went to bed early after I had pinned up
Mom's hair and washed my own.
I am excited about Cathy and for her but we will miss her when she is so
far away.
Felt fine today but not good. Tomorrow is 4 a day and then a 3-day
weekend.
May 26, 1972
Fair Day at school is always hectic cause the kids are wild and I didn't
have my class since it was at Is45 and that helped, Don called to say he
had gotten in touch with the man from San Francisco and Cathy has the
little house. She will go down on Sunday I guess. Then she called and
asked if she could have her birthday dinner tonight. I was going to
sunbathe and be lazy all afternoon but that took care of that but I was
glad to do it.
Jenny had already called and asked if she could come for dinner so we
just had to call Lind& & Skip and Dave were both working so it was just
family and that " was nice.
I left at one and made potato salad, baked beans, cottage cheese, I had 2
ham-burger patties and a few pieces of chicken and wieners so people had
a choice of all 3. Made a chocolate cake with fluffy white frosting so it
was a good dinner.
Don decided since Cathy was leaving right away to check out a car so he
did that and found a used Volkswagen square back with a sun roof for
$1800. and it was in excellent condition so he picked up Cathy and then
picked up Jenny and she drove it over and then we all told Cathy there
was something out front and there was her car .' She was very thrilled.
We ate dinner and then everyone scattered so Don and I went to bed early,
very weary but it was a nice day. Tomorrow Cathy will be 19 and will be
leaving the nest. Things seem to be hap-pening fast.
May 27, 1972
I got up early and went for my walk and then there was a certain amount
to do around the house.
Took Mom to the fair at 10 and it was just as dull as last time but we
looked at the things Mom wanted to look at. We stopped at Christian and
Johnson on ' the way home and I got some begonias then to the fruit stand
and I got some marigolds and impatiens. I put them out in the afternoon
and Cathy was in and out. She got very tired before the day was over and
Nolan went off and didn't help. I suppose he is mad cause she is leaving.
J. & L. did not come over. I even got out and sunbathed a little. I
pinned up my hair and got dressed and we went to the Rawlins at 7• We had
a nice time but it seemed to me that Liz said the very same things she
had said last time but then maybe I did too. We don't see each other
often enough I guess, but it was "K.
I didn't drink anything but I guess I was too tired cause
when we got home. I know that Don wanted to make love but
it. Some-times I get frightened that I am going to be one
who has some-thing wrong with her all the time. I think I
Dr. on Thursday if I can get an appointment.
I felt terrible
I wasn't up to
of those ladies
will go to the
The Rawlins had been to the West Indies and had had a good time. Lin was
going to drive Cathy's car down tomorrow but she called and didn't want
to so Don got Carl to go.
May 28, 1972
Don left at 6:30 so I got into a whirlwind of activity. I made two
batches of bread and decided I would serve that Tuesday night instead of
french bread. Then I washed Don's 4 sweaters and a dozen of mine.
I sorted through the things that Cathy had said to throw away and took
them to the Goodwill.
I watered the garden and sunbathed. Don got here about 4:30. There had
been no traffic. He had met the owner who was nice. Blue had been good
and except that Cathy has no lights or hot water I hope that she will be
OK. It is spooky to think of her down there alone but I guess that was
what she wanted. I pinned up my hair and took a bath and put on my yellow
shorts suit so when Don1 came home I looked nice. I had steak and
asparagus au gratin for dinner and it tasted very good.
We read for awhile in the evening and then we went to bed and made love
to make up for last night and it was lovely.
Just think, little Cathy is now 191 miles away. Mom did a lot of crying
today. That is the way she reacts and I worked like a fool - that's the
way I react. But, I did get a lot done. Cleaned the whole house today so
I won't have to do it tomorrow.
Planted a row of beans.
May 29, 1972
Got tip and walked the dogs and picked roses that I put in the
refrigerator until tomorrow night. Took Mom to the airport and got stakes
for the garden and put up strings for the pole beans.
It got to 91 today so it was hot working outside. I did a load of wash
and then sunbathed. We had lunch.
David stopped by all enthusiastic about the house that they are building.
Sat outside for awhile again and then came in and made the hot dish
recipe doubled 3 times. So I have 4 pans of it. Then leashed the kitchen
floor, made chocolate sauce and salad dressing. Lin called. Jenny came
over for a few minutes. I put a sketchy dinner together.
We listened to the news. Nixon had his last day in Moscow. Some man shot
and killed 3 people and wounded 5 others at a political rally in North
Carolina before killing himself. Lots of holiday accidents.
I still have to wash my hair but I have taken my bath. Want to pick a
bouquet of flowers for the bedroom.
Cathy called and she seemed fine. She had gone to bed at 9 last night but
she got everything put away. She got up this morning and drove out to the
Marsicona ranch and hiked around with Blue and then she went to HartTwain and drove around so she is getting the feel of it (the car). It
will be better tomorrow when the electricity is turned on. I don't know
if she is scared or not but she doesn't let on.
This has been a busy day and tomorrow will be hectic but once the dinner
is over and then the meeting with the 9th grade parents things should
simmer down. Boy, I hope so.
May 30, 1972
Made 2 angel foods before I went to school. School was a drag today. I
was bored and the time seemed so long. Right after school I went to
Safeway and bought salad greens. Came home and Lin & Jenny were here and
Jason had a new sunhat of blue and white checks like a mushroom. He
looked adorable. Both girls helped to get the house ready and I got all
the food cooking. At 6 they started coming but the tragedy was that only
15 out of the 30 came. What a blow 2 huge dishes of my hot dish weren't
even touched. Don really felt bad. If they didn't come why didn't they
call /?
Well anyway the house looked beautiful, the food was good and they were
gone by 8:30 and it is over. We cleaned everything up and I went to bed
and Don stayed up to listen to the Humphrey-McGovern debate which was
much better than the last one.
Cathy called and everything was bad. The woman at the motel was gone and
they were training someone else and she is afraid she won’t have a job
and people were saying she had to pay more for the phone etc. It doesn't
sound good.. Oh dear, now I really worry about her. Well, one more hurdle
is out of the way. Now there is the 9th grade parents night and I have to
help Janet Schrader with her speech. Eventually school just has to be
over .
May 31, 1972
School went faster today cause I had a meeting 3rd period and one 6th
period. Both were dull but at least I didn't have to look busy in my
office. It's the time of year where you just have so much going - but I
didn't have to stay after school so I came home and Mom and I went for
groceries. We got back at 20 to 5 and Don said, "let's go to the
Godfather". We got there just when it started and there was no line at
all. However, when we got out there was a very long line indeed. It was
good but I was disappointed. I think Don said it right when he said it
was a documentery and as that it was brilliantly done but I just couldn't
get involved with the charactors.
Came home at 8 and I heated up some of last nights' dinner and we ate and
then I went to bed.
A thing came up at school today that I am considering. Last 2 weeks in
August, $75 a week, 4 college units, work on a drug program for the
county. Trouble is there are conflicts with counseling time. It would
mean working after school is out for a week to make up the week I would
miss later in the summer. I am thinking about it but I am not sure.
No word from Cathy today. I just hope she is not too lonesome.
Jenny has a test tomorrow and one on Friday and then she is done. No word
from Linda today.
June 1, 1972
Talked to Bob C. and he said it was OK to do the drug deal and I will
make up my days after July 1st cause that is when my year starts. Well,
it is an easy way to get 4 units I hope I
Busy day and a meeting at 3:30 and then when It was over I whipped down
to the Fair and found a pair of turquoise cullotes on sale for $6.00 but
really didn't have time to look for anything else.
Got home at 5 and made grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for dinner and
then went back at 7:°30 for the 9th grade parent night. I was done at 9*
It went well. Mrs. Abbott was there so I hope I will hear in the morning
if I did OK. Came home and talked to Don for a few minutes and then went
to bed. Wrote to Pauline & Mike.
Don is in constant contact with Bill Davenport and still the estate
business drags on.
Nixon got back from Russia and talked to congress. Well, at least that
trip is over.
I am really tired. Tomorrow I go to see Dr. Hamilton.
June 2, 1972
Bob C. came to my office to check on wayward seniors. I will certainly be
glad when the 9th comes and either they graduate or they don't.
T came home after school and Linda was here with Jason. He still isn't
creeping but he certainly likes to be and he keeps trying to get upon his
hands and knees. Cathy called in tears. Blue suddenly became paralyzed in
the back legs. She took him to the vet and he gave him a shot of
cortisone but he is not sure what is wrong. He did take some ticks off
him and maybe that is the trouble. I wish Don Rood could check him out.
She will call back tomorrow. I went to see Dr. H. at 5- He doesn't have
any answeres to my not feeling good but he did suggest low blood sugar as
one possibility. I am to stop eating any-thing with sugar in it for 2
weeks and will see what happens. Then if I am any better he recommends
seeing a Dr. Shapiro in San Francisco.
I came home and we had dinner. He checked on the diary and Matt's
birthday is tomorrow and we had not sent anything so we called and told
them to buy some-thing for him and we talked to Matt too who told us not
to talk so loud cause he was trying to sleep. They are getting him a
puppy.
We went to bed about 10 and I really wasn't in the mood for love making
but Don was and it turned out very well so it was OK. I went to the Mall
after dinner and found a turquoise and white striped top that matches the
coulote pants I got yesterday. Looks very nice with them.
June 3, 1972
Took the dogs for a walk and picked beautiful yellow roses. Went to TAC
at 8 and stopped at the fruit stand on the way home.
Mother went to get her hair cut and set at 11 and she looks so much
better with it cut I think.
Letter from Pauline saying that she will be here on the 15th or l6th. I
am really excited about that. I didn't clean the house this weekend.
Instead I went out and sat in the sun and even read a book.
Jenny came over with her washing. She is all done with her exams and they
had had a party to celebrate last night. Cathy called again. Blue is no
better. We tried to get ahold of Dr. Rood, but his office doesn't answer.
I took a long nap in the afternoon. With no sweets I am trying to eat
less at meals.
At 5 Mom and I went to the church carnival and I stood in the sun for
awhile from 5-6 and served the dinner. Then Don came and we ate and then
came home.' I read, and we listened to TV for awhile and then we went to
bed at 9*30 al-though we had wanted to stay up.
I didn't get the pain in my back until late afternoon and I feel thinner
already. I just wonder how long I can go without eating sweets. Somehow
it is difficult when the Dr. tells you to do it so maybe I will stick to
it. Next week is the last week of school.
105 lbs. this morning
June 1972
I was tired this morning but I got up and walked and brought back lots of
roses. Some little puppy in the neighborhood barked all night long. I
went to 8 am Mass which was very subdued. I think everyone was tired from
the carnival.
Came home and fixed scalloped potatoes for dinner and carrots, green
beans and game hens. I sat outside in the sun but I got hot early. Cathy
called to say that Blue was feeling better and hence she too was better.
I wrote a short letter to Pauline telling her to fly to Sacramento. Wrote
to Cathy and gave her a list of things to include on a leather's Day
poster. I hope she gets it done this time.
I washed my car in the afternoon cause the blue birds who have a nest in
the tree of the driveway have been using the car as a bathroom.
Read and napped and then we had dinner. Mom ate with us. Don got a
terrible headache but he went to the McGovern meeting. They would like to
change the delegates cause the young one chosen have not done any work
but they didn't do anything last night.
Watched TV for awhile and went to bed at 9:30 after washing my hair. I
still haven't eaten any sweets and so far it has been OK. Stomach feels
better but I still have the backache. Well, the last week of school
starts tomorrow. The last MONDAY!
June 5, 1972
Well, this is the last week of the school year. It really doesn't seem
possible. I have decided that the first semester goes swiftly, then the
second semester doesn't but it hasn't been too bad.
I felt terrible today just terrible. My back ached so much this morning
that I took 2 aspirin and then I felt sick too. I was just sure I
wouldn't get through the morning but somehow I stuck it out and the
afternoon was a little better.
I got home and Linda, Jason and Dave were here. Jason was looking fat and
cute. I got some dinner from leftovers and we ate in the back room to
watch the news. All the politicians are getting their last licks in
before tomorrow. After dinner Mom and I went to Imports and Disco and
finally at Longs we got 2 wooden tubs and put the lantanas in them. One
is yellow and the other one pink and yellow. I finally had. to tell Mom
that I didn't feel good and I hated to do that cause then she worries.
I forgot to call Dr. Lorenz today but I will do that tomorrow. Maybe he
will have some answers. I just can't go on like this. I could weep cause
I feel so sick.
June 6, 1972
Today was the primary - what a mess. Too long a ballot in San Francisco
and so they had to hold the polls open until 11 so there were no returns
early. I felt better today I think - thank goodness. No good, but better.
School went OK. There really isn't much to do now but just pray that the
seniors who are on the border will make it.
Came home to make dinner and Don said we should go out so we went to Mike
and Eddies and I even had a dessert.
We came home and Mike called with the news that Donna is going to have a
baby.1 We were so thrilled that we called Cathy, Lin and Jenny. We
stopped on the way home from Dinner and J & S had just got back from San
Francisco. They were tired but had had a good time. They were going to
vote. We went right after breakfast in the morning.
Cathy is writing a childeren's book about birds and she was all excited.
We went out to Crites but since no returns were coming in we left early.
It is a beautiful old house with 14 rooms. Spanish style. I would love to
have it all fixed up and then that is just a dream.
We can assume that McGovern won but we don't know by how much. I suppose
I gained back about 2 pounds by eating out and my stomach will feel lousy
again tomorrow. I really don't want to eat out any more but Don likes to.
I just have to start feeling better.
June 7, 1972
Third day of the last week. Nothing much of interest at school. I came
home and since Mom wasn't in the mood to get groceries I went quickly to
S & Save and Safeway.
Don didn't feel good today hut he did go to a meeting at 5s30. I had
potato salad, liver and stewed, tomatoes with chocolate pudding when he
got home at 6. Then I went over to the Mall and. looked at knit shirts
for Don. Didn't make up my mind. I decided at 7:30 to go to the Awards
Night at PV at 8. Mr. Barneson got a Teacher Appreciation Award and I was
pleased about that. I say Alice and asked her to come over afterwards and
we had a nice visit. I have felt lately that I was being snubbed a bit at
school cause I don't go to things like the Sr. Banquet, etc. but Alice is
still my friend. I didn't feel good today but better.
It was 11 before I got to bed but it really wasn't such a bad day.
June 8, 1972
Bob C. called me in this morning to say that Mark Bain had asked him why
I didn't get any award last night since both Marion & Mark got things. He
said that both of them were logical ones and there was other reasons. But
I didn't give him the satisfaction of asking what it was. I really didn't
mind and told him so. I really didn't have too much to do today. I
cleaned up my office and put everything in boxes.
Made out my grades and brought my plant home.
We had dinner and then I started cleaning up the house. Don took over the
vacu-uming and I washed clothes.
It was cold and windy today. What if it rains tomorrow? That is a hideous
thought.
I boiled potatoes and eggs and got my potatoes chopped for the salad I
will be taking tomorrow. It is good to think that tomorrow is the last
day of school and then with the graduation there in the evening I will be
done. Pinned up my hair and took a bath and went to bed. All my seniors
made it except Jeff Le*~an and Mrs. Satterfield flunked him.
Cathy called and was in good spirits. She had found a girl friend that
she liked and she starts at the motel soon. Blue is much better.
June 9, 1972
The day dawned cloudy and chilly, I had planned to wear my new colottes
and top but it was so cold that I wore slacks and a sweater.
Made my potato salad and went to school and out to the park. I was so
cold that I was miserable but Marge leant me her jacket. The kids were
good cause they were cold too and wanted to get it over.
We went back to school and set up the lunch. I talked to Mrs. Lehman on
the phone and she was crying and was very angry at Mrs. Satterfield. The
lunch was just delicious and I probably ate too much.
I got home about 1. I was so tired that I sent to take a nap but the
phone rang. It was Mr. Abbott and I woke up and there was pouring rain.'
I went over
college. We
been out in
ate a snack
to the school and we made the arrangements to go to the
all went over there and Marge and I wiped 275 chairs that had
the rain. We worked until 10 after 6 and then I came home and
and went back at 7•
It really went ok in spite of the last minute change. Everyone seemed to
take it in stride. I was able to leave at 20 to 10.
Marge Salem took much more responsibility than I b"+ that is OK. I don't
mind. Well, it's over for another year. Bob G. seemed to accept the fact
that none of us wanted to go back Monday so he said he would call us
later.
June 10, 1972
I got up and went to TAG and I would like to go every day for awhile
until I get into shape,
I came home and took Mom to the Mall. I "bought to knit shirts for Don
and some cheese at Hickory Farm and picked up some groceries. Made Don a
pastromi sandwich for brunch.
D. & L. came down with Jason who was as cute as usual. Jenny came and
washed clothes. I drove over and looked at the things she had bought in
the city. The rain is over and now it is chilly and windy but clear. I
made salad and steak for dinner.
In the evening I took a bath and we went to bed fairly early. Carl and
Lois stopped over for a cup of coffee. I laughed to myself cause Lois
thought Janet Schroeder's speech was very bat at the graduation so I
certainly didn't say anything about the fact that I helped write it.
We went to bed and made love and that was nice. Don is worrying about
getting the book review done on Bert Losweuberg's book so he got up in
the night and worked on it. And then he has the speech to finish for
Barstow at the end of the month. He will just never get that stupid book
done cause there is always some-thing else that has to come first.
I started the odd jobs that I said I would do when school was out. I did
the bathroom closet first coat and some re-touching and I painted the
screen door for the living room.
June 11, 1972
I took the dogs for a walk and picked roses.
Came home and made breakfast and then did the second coat on the living
room and did some patching in the TV room. There was a lot of yellow
paint left so I put all of the paint in one can and called Jenny and she
came over to get it to do the room off the kitchen.
I made a chocolate mayonnaise pie, fixed salad greens and did carrots and
pot-atoes around a small roast. I sunbathed for awhile and after lunch D.
&. L. came and washed windows and I helped.
I made rolls in the afternoon and we had. a very good dinner. Jason was
good, played out in the back yard, for a long time and. everyone had a
lot of dinner. They left right after dinner and I went out and watered
the garden. Pauline called and she will be here Thursday. She will be in
the Sacramento airport at 6:30 and Jenny will go down to get her.
I was so tired, after dinner that I napped a bit and now I must go to
write a letter to Cathy.
It is windy but I think it will start warming up again. Tomorrow I get my
hair cut and go to the dentist.
I am going to TAC early in the morning though first. Don finally has the
review just about done.
It is a beautiful evening and everything looks so pretty. I am weary. I
hope the day comes when I really won't have anything to do .'
June 12, 1972
The first real day of vacation (?). I walked the dogs and was at TAG by
8. Game home and Jenny was here waiting for Wards to open so she could
buy more paint for her service room off the kitchen. I went to Imports
and bought a white shell to put yellow soap in and then had trouble
finding yellow soap. Finally at Handcraft I found some plus 2 post cards
that I made into plaques to hang in the bathroom. I pasted them on pieces
of wood I stained. I sunbathed a bit and did some other odds and ends,
played solitaire, made hash for dinner.
Got my hair cut at 11:^0 and Louie cut it really short but I like it.
Went to the dentist at
Alice brought a crib sheet for Jason but I wasn't home when she came. I
Spend all my time thinking about things to do before Pauline comes. I am
going to give my talk before the Irish teachers again on July 21st - so
with the drug deal - August - I should make $200.00 this summer. Not bad.
The bad news was that Cathy called and Blue had fought with another dog,
had bitten Cathy so she called Nolan and he will pick him up and she will
get another dog. A female this time. She was very discouraged cause she
doesn't work enough hours on the job at the motel and she hasn't met
anyone. Don wanted to go at once but I wouldn't go and that made him
unhappy and he was in a depressed mood anyway and then I felt guilty. Did
I do the right thing? I wrote her a letter and asked her to let me know
if she wanted us to come down. Called both Lin and Jenny and told them to
write.
Was in bed by 9:30. Washed. Mom's windows on the east side of the house.
Weighed 105 lbs.
June 13, 1972
Today I went to TAC at
supposed to be 3:30 so
liked one dress and it
short. I talked to the
will go all summer.
2:30 but I had read the thing wrong and it was
I went to the Frances Shop and tried on clothes. I
was a 7. My, that helped my morale but it was too
man at TAC and I have until the end of August so I
I write Cathy every day and/or talk to her on the phone. I have talked to
her more by long distance than when she was in Chico.
I went to the library and got books to read, but so far there hasn't been
much time. I keep doing little jobs that I have put off all the school
year. I think I am feeling better but I am not sure what the explanation
is. Is it lying down every time I feel tired and my back aches? Is it not
eating sweets ? Or is it being out of school. I really don't think I am
ready to quit the school scene just yet. I just don't think I could keep
busy enough at home. I suppose I could embrace a cause or do something
part time.
I went to Longs to get a birthday card for Mom who will be 80 tomorrow.
Got dog food and a bunch of other stuff and discovered I had been
overcharged on 3 items so I went back and got $1.56.
Brought out the rest of the frozen hotdish and heated that for dinner and
gave some to Jenny. We stopped and saw her paint job - she is doing very
well but she is using an awful lot of paint .'
It got hot today but we didn't turn on the air conditioning until
lunchtime or later. I started my book by Agatha Christie and we went to
bed early. Don is working on his speech.
STILL AT 105
June 14, 1972
Went to TAG at 8 and then came home and Mom and I went to the stores.
There are so many fresh fruit and vegetables now and no room in the
refrigerator. Jenny was here for lunch. Cathy called Mom long distance.
Jenny congrat-ulated here and her friend Florence called last night. I
gave her a card, a beautiful rose and gardenia and told her I would get
her RedBook this year. Bill came and did the yard and after lunch we
sunbathed for awhile. I spot cleaned rugs and then vacuumed the bedroom
wing and did the bathrooms. We went to Menkes at 4:30 so Don could swim.
It was OK but they seem so quiet and detached that I find it hard to make
conversation. Came home and had a lousy dinner.
I bought Alice a little flask for her trip and took it over after dinner.
She liked it and then we chatted a bit before I came home.
We started to watch McCloud and then the Heins came over. It was their
20th wedding anniversary. They had Robert with them. He has grown much
taller. I washed my hair today and pinned it up for & little while but
this short I can do without curling it, really. We got to bed a little
after 10 and made love very successfully and I felt completely satisfied.
A good way to get to sleep.
Don says he is depressed and thinks so much of his Mother. It is hard to
do anything about this. By now I would think he would be over it but I
suppose settling the estate reminds him of it constantly.
Pauline came in.
June 15, 1972
Today was a day of big excitement. I had so many things to do. I did
extra grocery shopping. I made a double recipe of graham crax pie. Linda
had to go to Dr. Lorenz so Jenny went to get her.
My car had to be serviced but that was done too. Linda spent the day here
then cause Dave had to pick her up.
I cooked a small boneless piece of ham and made deviled eggs. I washed my
hair and sunbathed.
Don went after Pauline and they got here about 8 p.m.
There was a long letter from Cathy today. Well, Pauline arrived. She
looked very nice indeed. Her hair is a silvery gray and she wears it not
quite shoulder length with some curl just at the bottom and it is very
becomming. She is just as vivacious as always. She and Don sat down and
had the things I had fixed. She thought the house looked very lovely but
somehow she made me feel uncomfortable about it. I get the feeling that
she thinks I spend too much time on the house and she would rather read.
I see some marked resemblance between her and me with Linda and Jenny.
Linda is the good conversationalist and she sits while other people do
the work and Jenny is the quiet one who worries about the house and
recipes and Pauline and I play the same role so I usually end up feeling
inferior and envying her. I guess our roles don't change through the
years. I am reading mystery stories and she is reading philosophers.
Well, I don't suppose either of us will change. Still it was good to see
her and she was charming.
June 16, 1972
I got up early as usual and Don and I had breakfast and Pauline had
coffee with us and then ate with Mom. I went to TAG and then Lin called
from downtown cause she hadn't gotten a ride but was left there so I went
to get her. Jason was the' center of attention naturally. Mom and Pauline
went to the Mall for lunch and the afternoon. I sunbathed and got the
table set and then David came and Skip and Jenny. Her knee was bothering
her from the painting and they were both so quiet.
Arguments over the war, violence, etc., were hot and heavy and I said
very little but Don talked a lot as did Dave and Linda. Finally Don
played Ms. Bertrand. Russell record and then the chicks went home and the
D. & L.. My dinner was lovely. I guess that is my way of being creative.
I went to bed fairly early cause I was very tired. Don says he is
depressed. I suddenly would like to be able to drive out of town so I
could take Pauline up the deer creek highway for a picnic. I even get
nervous about driving to Paradise any more. I hate myself for being a
coward but I don't do anything about it. Pauline raved about D & L and
didn't even mention J & S and I felt bad cause I realize how quiet they
are. And Cathy wasn't here at all and I missed her too. I am trying
desparately to let Pauline spend as much time as possible with Mom but I
haven't talked to her alone yet.
June 17, 1972
Went to Jr. High and discovered that had trimmed back the roses. I have
been robbed I Went to TAG at 8 and did my exercises. Pauline had lunch at
Mom's. In the afternoon Pauline and I went over to see Jenny. Pauline
thought her house was just adorable. HI was painting around the bedroom
windows and then Skip was painting the rest of the wall cause she can't
get up on a ladder anymore. We looked at the yard, trees, garage, etc.
Then we came home and sunbathed. She wants to get a tan so she is willing
to set out in the heat. In the evening we went to Burton's Mesa at 7. We
had a really nice time. Mom wore her turquoise dress and Pauline wore a
very attractive navy blue dress. Don got all dressed up too. I wore that
old navy blue dress I got at J. Magnim before I went to Hawaii.
We came home and talked some more. Pauline loves our solitaire game and
she taught Mom so now we can all play.
The visit seems very relaxed and we are having more time to talk and
visit.
Our first beans for dinner I
June 18, 1972
We 3 went to 8 am Mass and Pauline liked Father Fagan and what he said.
We sunbathed, had lunch and then at 1 we went up to see Linda in her
little house. Pauline felt it was something out of a fairy tale with all
the tall trees, vines, etc. We looked at the other house through the
windows and it would be so nice if the kids could move into that one. I
got to thinking, if we could buy that whole property it might be a good
investment.
All the kids called their father. Jenny came over with a pair of swim
shorts and a shirt. Cathy called and Lin. Mike called to say that he
might have a new job that would be 12 month and if he gets it they will
be out sometime in July 15th. They should know by the middle of the week.
The hurricane has not hit Tampa but it was raining very hard and they
have to stay in the house. We had a picnic with hamburgers, potato salad
and the first beans from the garden. We are all eating too much during
this visit but I suppose that is not surprising. The hydranges I brought
into the house on Thursday still look just beautiful.
June 19, 1972
Went to TAC and then came home and sunbathed. In the afternoon Pauline
and I went downtown to see if I could find a dress to wear to Barstow.
She has this theory that I should try on 6's since I can't find any jr.
sizes that look my age.
We went to Asers, the Flair, P & J, Gladys, Coopers and the Frances Shop.
Nothing So we came home and I had a turkey hot dish and cabbage salad.
Don had gone over to Roos Atkins and bought a pr. of navy slacks, a navy
and white striped jacket, white shirt and navy tie. He has finished his
speech and was satisfied with it.
After dinner I went to Grimages and the Fashion and R. A. but I still
couldn't find anything. Mom suggested LaFemme and I will go there
tomorrow morning. Stopped by Jenny's today and Delores is here now ready
to start summer school with J. on Wednesday. The room is done and it
really looks very nice. Hot in the afternoon and still the morning and
nights are cool. I put dust on my tomato plants cause I found a tomato
bug eating the leaves.
June 20, 1972
Up at the usual time. Sunbathed for awhile and then went to LaFemme and
they had many dresses. Found many that fit me and I had to debate between
them. Decided finally on a red and white polka dot golf dress with white
pants under the skirt with polka dot trim. Very cute. $36.00.
From now on I am going their first. I could, have bought about 4 of them
but they cost too much. Game home elated and Pauline and Mom like it too.
Took Mom & Pauline Fjords for lunch and then we sunbathed again. D. & L.
came down with Jason who was good and adorable.
Don decided we should leave Thursday afternoon cause then he won't have
to drive so much on Friday and we can spend more time with Cathy. He
called her and she thought that was great.
I am making up a package to take to Cathy. I getting excited about going.
The kids stayed for dinner and I finished up all my odds and ends. P. and
I exercised and we watched a TV program on Leonardo da Vinci and to bed.
I made a delicious banana cake.
June 21, 1972.
Went off to TAC at 8. Won't be going again until next Monday so I did
every-thing very thoroughly.
Got home and Pauline was getting ready to leave but she even did a little
more sunbathing before she left.
Don took her to Sacramento to catch her plane and Mom and I did the
grocery shopping. We really had a nice visit and Mom felt good about it
too. In fact, she didn't cry when she left this time and I think her
staying longer really helped.
In the afternoon I went to Penneys and bought a really cute red cloth bag
the exact color of my dress. It has white plastic trim and. cost only $300. Got a new pair of pants and some other things I needed.
Don got back and we napped and then he decided it might be better to go
down on Thursday afternoon so that we could see Cathy in the evening
rather than just a few hours in the morning, so we will leave tomorrow at
2 pm.
I have a doctor's appointment with Dr. Lorenz at 2:30 but when I called
she said I could come in at 8:30 so that solves that.
I watered the garden and got everything lined up for tomorrow and we went
to bed fairly early.
Pauline called saying that she had gotten home safely. I really enjoyed
her visit.
June 22, 1972
Got up early and packed the hags. Went to Dr. Lorenz and that was really
nothing. He didn't ask me anything new. Said I could continue with
premarin and suggested Vitamin E for my arm.
Washed my hair. Lin came with Jason and with 4 cats that they still
haven't gotten rid of.
We left at 2 and were on our way. It wasn't too hot and with air
conditioning it was OK.
The puppy that Linda brought is very cute. He is 1/2 aphgan and 1/2
german shepherd rather dark gray with a black face. He was in the back
seat and he slept until Stockton and then he began to yip so I held him
until we got there. We went right to Cathy's apt. Nolan was there with
Blue.
Cathy loved the dog, called him Brandy. We went back to the motel and
changed our clothes and then went back to pick up Cathy for dinner.
She looked very pretty, had on a new dress she had made. We went to the
Spinning" Wheel. Then we went driving around to the ranch where the
Marsicanos own land. The countryside is lovely.
We went back to the apt. and Brandy had jumped the barricade and was in
the bed-room. We didn't stay too late cause we have to leave early in the
morning. We kissed Cathy good-bye and went back to the Motel but we were
both kind of sad cause we know Cathy is lonesome and hasn't met anyone
yet. I wanted to cry really. So to bed.
June 23, 1972
We got up at 6 and found a place to eat and then went over the Sonora
Pass and took the mountain route. The scenery was lovely and we took some
pictures. On down to Bishop, Lone Pine, etc., and of course, the scenery
changed as we went. We saw Owens Valley, were close to Death Valley. Saw
the Imyo Mts. and the Alabowas where they make westerns.
Got into Barstow about We took a dip in the pool and then I stayed and
sun-bathed for awhile and Don went in to rest. When I got back to the
motel we made love and then got dressed for dinner.
There was an orchid corsage and a boutinaire waiting for us. The Kruegers
(Bill and Harriet) came at 6:30 and we ate at the Steakeaters. It was
their Anniversary. We then went out to their house and a lot of people
came in to meet us. They have a 15 yr. old boy who is going to be a
priest and twin girls in the 7th grade.
Everyone was very friendly and nice. We stayed until about 9:30 and then
went back to the motel. The desert is interesting. The sky very blue,
mts. all around. The wind is always blowing. I don't know if I could live
here or not. We were both tired so we went right to bed.
I will type up the trip and insert it.
June 24, 1972
Up early and ate breakfast at Denny's and then I went for a long walk
through the business section. Cam^ back and got dressed in my new red
dress. Don put on his new suit and he really looked handsome.
Bill came to pick us up at 9:15 and we went out to the college. There
were many Chicanos and Blacks in the audience.
Don's speech was very good, and then they made all the honors and
scholastic awards and then there was a lunch and we went back to the
motel and were on the way at 15 to I.
They we supposed to pay Don $250.00 plus expenses but he got a check for
only $100.00 .' That was a blow. We drove all afternoon and finally
stopped at Montico around 7:30. We stopped along the way and bought a
sandwich. We got a motel and we both bathed, played a little cards, made
love and went to bed. Very tired, and this day wasn't as much fun as
going down.
I think we both tire on these long treks and secretely, I was
disappointed cause we weren't going to the ocean but I didn't say
anything.
We called home and Mike and Donna are flying out tomorrow so we are going
to hurry home.
We called Cathy and she admitted that she has been more lonesome since
she saw us and we felt the same way.
Terrible floods on the east coast. Pennsylvania, etc. under water.
June 25, 1972
Got up early and had breakfast and then we packed and drove to the city.
We got to Cost Plus at 9:30. I bought a mat to put in front of the sink,
rubber cushioned, flowered yellow, green and white. At CostPlus I bought
8 red mats, red candles and 4 white candle holders. Then I got 2 chow
teak tables. We packed the car again and took off around 11. We stopped
at the Nut Tree to have lunch and then on home - getting here at 3:30.
The kids were here and the house looked fine. They left and Don rested
awhile and I unpacked, cleaned things up, picked some beans, washed and
folded clothes, chatted with Mom.
Mike called from Gueway (sp) Villa) Greenwayville / They will be here
around the first of July.
Galled Lin and Jenny to give them the word. Jenny and Skip are just
finishing up the second bedroom. Their stove is not working so they will
have to buy a new one.
There is always sort of an anti-climax after a trip like this. It is good
to be home.
Started taking Vitamin E (l am - 1 after dinner)
June 26, 1972
Got up early feeling really ambitious. I Bent to TAC at 8 and really
worked out.
Then to Colliers to get Watco oil and sandpaper for my tables. Went to
Aser's sale but didn't see anything I liked. To Long's to get Vit. E. I
am going to try that now for my aching arm since no one else seems to be
able to help it. Came home and sunbathed for awhile - made lunch and then
went to Dr. Chamberlin to have a cavity filled.
I came home and made an old fashioned dinner of fried chicken, mashed
potato's gravy, green beans and tossed salad.
Don says he doesn't feel well so he if going for his physical next week.
I wrote a letter to Pauline and Cathy and wrote up an account of the
trip. Galled Cathy and she says that she will be working through the 4th
of July and wants someone to come get her on the 6th.
We went to see Jenny's paint job and her new bedspread. Then I came home
and defrosted the refrigerator and made up a batch of cookies that I will
bake in the morning.
It was 10 by then so I went out and looked at the moon rising and finally
to bed. I want to do a lot of things before the kids come so I will make
bread and rolls tomorrow.
I worry about Don cause he just isn't happy and I think a lot of his not
feeling well stems from his mental attitude. I wish I could help him.
June 27, 1972
I made rolls this morning to freeze, then a double batch of bread. Rubbed
down my tables I got in the city once more with oil and steel wool. They
look very nice.
I called Linda and asked her if any of her friends were coming up from
the city and she said Nadine did try to get to Cost Plus and get me
another table. I hope she can pull it off.
I wrote a long letter to Cathy. Funny how it is easy to write to someone
every day but hard to do it once a month.
I watered the garden and picked green beans. Jenny came over for awhile
to talk about drapery material. Mrs. Kelly was down and she wants
$35,000.00 for the property - Paradise and I am afraid that is a little
much and Don doesn't think that we would make any money on that kind of
deal. I suppose Lin will be disappointed that we don't buy it.
I tried sunbathing for awhile but didn't last long. I made macaroni,
cheese, and sliced tomatoes for dinner and it tasted marvelous. I realize
how much I love simple food. I wouldn't be much good in the gourmet
circles. Read until rather late. I must get busy and do some entertaining
this summer. It is already the end of June and I have done nothing.
June 28, 1972
Went to TAC and then stopped at Wentz and got chicken parts and some ham.
Took Mom to S & Save and Safeway.
Linda and Jason came down for the day and they all stayed for dinner
which was rather simple with leftovers and scrambled eggs.
I made my first bundt cake - lemon poppy seed -it was good but I ate too
much. In the evening I completed the description of our trip south for
Mom cause she wants to send it to her family. Then I wrote to Cathy.
Don and I watched Columbo and then went to bed. I washed my hair and set
it. It got hot but I didn't mind.
I had mentioned to David about buying Mrs. Kelly's property but she wants
$35,000.00 and I can't pay that. Sometimes I think David sees us as the
goose who lays the golden egg. We have already put money in the Coveau
project and they never seem to get with it. Plus, the fact that we gave
them money every month to live on. I can imagine that Lin is getting very
uneasy with the set up. She wants to move into a house that has more room
and of course, if we had bought the Kelly property she would have been
set.
I wish they were no longer dependent on us. Skip and Jenny are something
else again. They are doing very well. I don't mind $20.00 here and there,
it is just every month that botheres me. When will our responsibility
end?????? Of course, we subsidized Mike and Donna for a long time.
June 29, 1972
Linda came down today with Jason and we had a long talk ah out Mike. I
hadn't realized she felt so strongly about him. We were just in the midst
of talking about him and who should knock at the door hut Mike, Donna and
Matt, / They had driven down without letting us know. They all looked
fine. Matt is taller hut still slim.
I had thawed steak for dinner so I just got 2 more and there was cake
left over and I had bought corn and french bread today so I managed to
put together a good dinner.
Don had gotten up at 4 this morning and gotten to school to work and he
got 6-r pages done.
After dinner Donna and I went to Caper Acres and Matt played on all the
stuff. It was really hot and I got all sweaty but he had a good time. He
came home and took a bath and then had ice cream and fell asleep on the
lounge while we watched Charade.
Mike has taken up tennis and he talked his Dad into playing with him and
they played 2 sets. Don was totally exhausted. I just couldn't believe he
would be foolish enough to play in this heat. I think he was a little
scared himself he felt so tired.
Cathy called to say that she had been to the college and planned her
schedule for next year and she seemed excited about it.
Bill Davenport called to ask that Gail had not signed the papers so Don
called her but she said she had sent it off. Will we ever be done with
this whole thing I wonder ??
June 30, 1972
I got up and fed the dogs after walking with them. Matt came out and had
breakfast and then later Donna got up. I went to TAC but Don was still in
bed. He said he got up at 4 to let Dolly out and Matt was asleep in the
hall. I guess he woke up didn't know where he was.
I came back from TAC and Don had gone to school and then Mike got up. I
made egg salad sandwiches for lunch and had some of the ham and creamed
potatoes, green beans and cukes and tomatoes for dinner.
Matt makes a lot of mess and I realize that I keep the house pretty neat
cause I look around and things are really in a state but then I am not
going to say anything about it.
It really got hot as the day went on. Donna and I went to the Mall and
she found a pair of maternity slacks and 2 tops to wear this fall.
Don felt better as the day progressed. Gail sent the papers back with her
signature but now he is trying to transfer the stock and so this estate
business goes on and on.
I watered the garden cause everything was so dry from the heat and then I
took a bath and now I must write to Cathy.
She said her telephone bill was $45.00 this month so she will have to
stop calling so much. She won't be up until Thursday so best that I write
to her.
July 1, 1972
I made a simple but delicious dinner. I cut watermelon in long strips and
can-taloupe, cut bunches of grapes and sliced pineapple and put it all on
a big platter, had a dish of cheeses, ham salad sandwiches and oatmeal
cookies - very good. Lin and David were here and Mom and the rest of us 8 in all. Tomorrow we will have a picnic dinner with Skip & Jenny too.
Didn't go to TAG today. Didn't go for a walk. Wrote a note to Cathy,
watered the garden.
Jason did a lot of wiggling but just can't quite crawl as yet. I find, it
a bit of a strain to have them all here. It is strange but now that Don
and I have been alone it is rather upsetting to have so many people
around. I like to have her but I realize how much I like to have just Don
and I here alone. Matt spent a lot of time playing with the hose in the
back yard and it was really hot today so that solved that.
I haven't talked to Mike at all. He goes with his Dad and they get along
fine and that is good but he seems to almost avoid me. Very strange.
Naturally, I am not going to say or do anything about his. In fact, I
find I am rather indifferent. Jenny brought her clothes to wash. It will
be nice to have Cathy home.
I drove up there and brought Lin down. Her house looked so pretty and
Jason was so sweet. We stopped and got vegetables at a fruit stand in
Paradise.
July 2, 1972
I got up and went to 8 AM Mass. Wore my red dress.
When we got up Mike was asleep on the lounge. We wondered about it but as
Don said , that is his problem.
After Mass I got into my bathing suit and cleaned up the house and then I
made a chocolate bundt cake but it fell when I took it out of the pan and
broke up so I made another one. Made potato salad and did hamburgers and
hot dogs and cukes and tomatoies.
Jenny brought a 3-bean salad. Cathy called and said she was to be picked
up at 2 on Wednesday.
They all came about 4:30 and the dinner was good. I ate too much and I
will be glad when I can go on a diet. I will need to.
They played tennis after dinner and Don played too. We all had a drink
and thank goodness their didn't seem to be any strain. I find when all
the children are home now I worry about their getting along. It is
strange but I do. I love them all but there seems to be more sibling
rivalry now than there used to be or else I wasn't aware of it so much.
Jenny is the only one who seems to be rather indifferent to it all.
Now it is about 9:15 and I am going to go to bed. I think I will go over
to school tomorrow.
June 3, 1972
I went to TAG at 8 and then at 9 I went to school and worked on Jr.
credits. Bob C. came in and we talked. He had taken off a week to go to
Santa Cruz and he was very tanned and had had a good time. Ruth Ludden is
moving and it will be hard to find someone to replace her. I stayed until
12 and then came home and had lunch.
I realized I was a clock watcher at school cause the time seemed to go so
slowly. The rest of the day was rather uneventful. Caper Acres, etc.
Don decided to take us out to dinner and Matt went over to eat dinner at
Jenny's. He was good about going but she said he didn't eat anything. We
went to Burtons and I wore my red and white polka dot dress and Donna
wore her long one.
Don wore his new navy trousers and blue plaid sport jacket and looked
very nice. I had abalone for the first time and really liked it. Also had
2 margarietas and they were so good.
We came back and picked up Matt and then came home and I went to bed. But
first I listened to Mike talk about his job and that was interesting. In
fact, I stayed up until after 11.
July 4, 197?
The 4th of July was quiet and uneventful. I made a delicious beef roast
with mashed potatoes and gravy and had tomatoes and cucs.
I sat in the back yard and read but not much happened really. Dolly got
scared cause some fire crackers went off now and then so she was all
atremble. Mike keeps wanting Donna to play tennis and it worries me cause
I don't think that is a good idea since she is pregnant.
I was going to go to the doctor cause my arm was bothering me so much but
he had to go to surgery so my appointment was moved to tomorrow at 3«
Matt continues to eat very little. Mom and I have both worried about this
but I don't really think I can say much about it. The word PET is not all
the time but it doesn't seem to work very well on the eating.
June 5, 1972
I didn't go
on sale and
Don left at
working and
to TAC but instead I went to Safeway and got some ground beef
then I came home and stuffed the turkey and made relishes.
7:15 to pick up Cathy cause she called to say she wasn't
could leave anytime.
I went to the Dr. at 3 and he finally sees me at 15 to He gave me a shot
of novacain in the elbow and then cortisone and it didn't feel exactly
great but I wasn't in too much pain.
When I got home Cathy was here and it was so good to see her and she
seemed glad to see us. Linda came down with Jason and he was cute. He
sits so well and eats so well at meals it makes Matt's problem seem even
worse. Dave came late but he finally made it.
The dinner was just delicious and it was all very relaxed. Matt was very
funny after dinner talking about how things got is nose, artichokes,
rutabegas, etc. It was fun.
My arm really hurt but I can still use it. Hopefully it will start to
feel better soon.
We watched McMillan and wife until 10 and then Don and I went to bed.
Brandy stayed in the back, back room and she didn't fuss until Don had
trouble sleeping and he got up and I got up too but I really couldn't
comfort him. I must admit I look forward to the house being just Don and
me in it alone. I don't like company all that well but then I never have.
July 6, 1972
Cathy and I had a nice long talk at breakfast. She is excited about going
to school in the fall. Didn't do much in the morning.
Donna and I went to the Import place and I got a tall basket to use in
the hall to put my ecualiptis in. It looks very nice.
I cut the turkey off the bone and froze some and the rest will be for
sandwiches. Cathy took the car and went up to see Nolan in Cohasset. In
the afternoon she went with him to go down the creek on innertubes.
Matt seems irritable and whiny. I think he misses his playmates in
Florida. It is hard to be here when so many adults are around. They are
going to leave to-morrow morning.
I made hot dish with french bread for dinner. Cathy wasn't home by the
time we ate so we went on without her. I made chocolate pudding for
dessert. Matt didn't eat any dinner but finally settled for a few bites
of cold turkey and some carrot sticks so he could have his pudding. Then
in the evening he was tired and cried and cried. Donna seems so tired and
I am sure she doesn't feel well. In many ways the trip must have been a
disappointment for them cause I know they were looking forward to it and
we were too but when you see a person just once a year it is different
somehow.
I realize with Don and I here alone that we get set in our ways and mind
the dis-ruption more. I wonder if we upset our parents the way we were
raising our kids when we went home to visit ? I suppose so.
I think probably everyone's expectations were too high and then we all
feel cheated.
July 7, 1972
Although the kids planned to leave early it was after lunch before they
really got off and there at the end I think Mike hated to leave.
After they left we analyzed the way we felt and on the way to Guerneville
they were probably analyzing the way they felt. They probably felt that
we made too much fuss over Jason and not enough over Matt. The trouble is
one gets so attached to the people that we see all the time.
Cathy was going up to Paradise but Lin came down here instead. In the
evening I started to clean the house. Changed all the beds and washed
clothes and vacummed and straightened. I felt somehow that my house was
mine again and it was nice to get it back to order again. Why can't I be
more casual about things ? Why get fussed when everything is not P's &
Q's.
I gave Cathy
looks better
liked it. It
each morning
my long dress that I had sent for at the Emporium cause it
on her than on me and I don't wear it all that much. She
is certainly nice to have Cathy here. She even made her bed
and that is quite a change.
She went out with Nolan in the evening but there was some kind of hassle
cause he called her at 2:30 and they had a long battle on the phone.
Fortunately I couldn't hear it and didn't want to.
I was very tired when I finally got to bed. In all this family Jenny
seems to be the most detached. She plays it cool somehow.
Bill Lee stopped off after dinner and had a cup of coffee with us and we
talked about the convention. He is so funny. We told him to come by next
week and watch with us.
July 8 1972
Well, I guess you could call today "grandparents day Dave, Linda and
Cathy left about 8:30. I packed a lunch for them and with Brandy in tow
they set out. Jason was really very good. He didn't seem to mind strange
and he ate and drank his milk and napped. But, I had forgotten how time
consuming babies are and I didn't do anything all day but take care of
him.
T did get to the
now and then but
exercises and he
creep and spends
anywhere.
fruit stand while he napped but that was all. He fussed
Don sang songs and that helped and once I did my
was fascinated watching me. He tries desperately to
a lot of time getting up on his knees and then not get
Jenny came over and did her wash and then she and Skip stopped for a
drink when they picked up their clothes.
I warmed up hot dish and had a fruit salad for dinner. The kids got back
about 9:30 and took the sleeping Jason away. He had gone to bed at 6:30.
I liked taking care of him but I wouldn't want to be a Mother at this
stage of my life.
After the kids left Dolly got all upset. I think somehow she figured
Jason shouldn’t have left. She is very protective of him.
I took a bath and we went to bed and made lovely love and. then I laid
and worried about Cathy cause I know how lonesome she is there but I
don't think she wants to be here so I finally told myself I had to get to
sleep and I did. We went out to look at the stars and they were
beautiful. I would like to sleep outside.
July 9, 1972
It was so cool this morning that it felt more like Sept. than July. I
wrote to Cathy this morning and as I said, she always wants to start to
school and I don't so I want the summer to go slow and she wants it to go
fast.
Mom went to church this morning and I took her hut I didn't go myself.
Sat in the sun and read, trimmed a few hushes and raked up some dry
leaves. My bean plants are bush and green but very few beans on them.
Made lunch and then napped for a short while. Went to look for a small
cabinet-like deal to put in the livingroom but couldn't find anything.
Went to the flea market ( a junk yard ), to the green barn, to another
place out on 99E and then to Longs to get some new sunglasses.
The Menkes came for a drink and were in a good mood. Then Don barbecued
chicken and we had a salad.
Read for a bit in the back yard cause it was a beautiful evening. Played
cards, pinned up my hair and we went to bed at 10:30*
I must admit it was nice to be by ourselves today. We are getting set in
our ways and once the kids leave home it is nice to have just each other.
Lin called to say Mrs. Kelly told them they could have the other house
for $130.00 a month and she would pay utilities. We told her we would pay
the first and last months rent so I guess they will take it. She was
excited. Now I worry if they have enough furniture but I guess we could
work that out.
July 10, 1972
Today the Democratic convention started. I am on a high chair search yet
and hopefully I will find something soon.
I write to Cathy every morning now. I don't know why I switched hut it
makes it better cause then I feel that I have written in this and I
neglect it. Well, we started watching TV about 4:30 and it was the day
for challenging delegates and it looked for awhile that maybe McGovern
would loose the fight on the California delegation but fortunately he won
with votes to spare. He got all 252 delegates and although he was willing
to compromise on Illinois and let Daley come he won them all instead so
now I am afraid that the rest of the time will be anticlimatic cause he
is sure to win now without any com-petion.
I went to TAC in the morning and did all my excercises faithfully. In the
after-noon Mom and I went to Neac's to look for something interesting but
there was nothing. Then at the Auction Barn but no highchair nor table.
But, when I got home I turned the table sideways and put the 2 white
chairs straight and liked the result so I am going to forget about some
kind of a piece of solid furniture. Boy it was really hot this afternoon
driving around and going to all those dirty places. Skip got a $500.00
bonus, Jenny called and she was really thrilled, naturally. That will be
a nice nest egg to put in the bank.
July 11, 197?
Linda & Jason came down about 9:30 and Jason really moved today. He's
actually creeping but he gets from one place to another and he was so
sunny and happy. Mom and I went downtown at 9:30 and I checked the
Frances Shop sale. I couldn't find anything I liked but I sent Linda back
and she bought a cute linen dress. I picked up Cathy's picture I had had
enlarged and it is just adorable. I stained a little piece of wood and
glued it on. It is the best picture I have ever had of her.
Linda went with me to the place on 99E and I got a highchair for $8.95
which is in good condition. I was sent to Hanson's Barn and bought 7
glasses with silver rims that I will give Don for Christmas. I would like
to get some presents now and put them away.
For dinner I had cold salmon, cukes and tomatoes, hot rolls and corn on
the cob. Had jello for dessert.
Maybe Mrs. Killy will be up tomorrow and then they can get the house
situation settled.
Didn't hear from Jenny today. Don called Mike in the morning and they had
had a good trip back and Matt slept all the way. Mike got the 12 month
job after all and he was going to start at PET class tomorrow.
Tonight the platform fight was at the convention also all about. Wallace
ap-peared and gave a speech from his wheel chair. He gave the same old
speech.
July 12, 1972
114 degrees F. at Gibraltor Thermometer
Boy it was hot today! I felt really blah when I woke up but I went to TAG
and went through the motions.
Mom and I went grocery shopping and I got -j hour and took that plus a
lemon souffle and a really good brocolli armadine dish. We ate too much.
T took a bath and washed my hair. I watered the garden and just decided
that the beans were not bearing so I pulled them out.
Cathy called cause she was confused about something on the convention so
her Dad explained it to her.
Because it got so hot I closed up the house really early. I called Lin in
the evening but Mrs. Kelly had not showed up. Lin told me yesterday that
she was having her hair cut on Thursday and Dave wants her to wear pretty
clothes and wear make-up. She would look pretty. She looks rather worn at
the moment. Well, McGovern was nominated and now the big push will be on
for the election in the fall.
I have decided that I am bored! I just don’t have any projects this
summer. But then I don't have much steam either. In the winter I can be
thinking how great it would be to be sitting outside in the summer and
now the time has arrived and I want something more. How strange live is.
What do I really want ? I just don't know.
Don went to the Doctor yesterday and he is just fine but depressed so the
Dr. gave him some pills and we will see how this works. I drink iced tea
all day long and smoke too many cigarettes.
July 13, 1972
Terribly hot Jason is really crawling now.
Walked the dogs. Had some instant breakfast. Too much food these days so
we will try to cut down today.
I went out to the garden and raked up the plums
them. Galled Mrs. Neeley and got the address of
look for some land. Then I decided to clean the
really cause it isn't all that dirty but I felt
and dug holes and buried
a place in Sebostopol to
house. No great reason
restless.
Moved the chairs and the table around in our bedroom and liked the
results. The temperature kept climbing and we had a north wind thrown in
so it was really miserable outside.
I didn't go anywhere all day but in the evening I did go over to Longs to
pick up a loaf of bread for Mom.
The convention started at 4 and Eaglet on was chosen by McGovern for
vice-president but there was a long drawn out roll call vote on him.
Dave & Linda came with Jason and since they came before dinner they had
ham sand-wiches with us. Jason looks rather like he is swimming the
breast stroke or doing push-ups but he is really moving across the floor,
especially when he sees something he wants. Lin put him to bed and then
they went to the movies so they were gone from 7 - 11 but still the
voting and speaking went on but finally Eagleton talked and then Ted
Kennedy and finally George and was all fine and we went to bed after
12:30 which is really late for us. It still wasn’t cool enough to turn
off the air conditioning even then.
Jenny came over with Delores and since it was late afternoon and they
were hot they had a coke and watched Jason crawl. Jenny had bought some
shoes.
I wrote my morning letter to Cathy. I bet Sonora is hot too right now. I
am glad the convention is over.
July 14, 1972
119 degree heat!
Got up at 6:15. Don fed
High but ½ hour makes a
and the sun was well up
come hack so I picked a
the dogs and I went for a brief walk at the Jr.
great difference. There was traffic everywhere
and it was already hot. The roses have started to
few to put in our bedroom.
Had some instant brfst. and tea and read the paper. We were both tired
from last night.
Don went up to school and anen sunbathed a bit and so did I but wow is it
hot! Then the kids came from Paradise cause it is so warm there - Jason
is really creeping. He isn't doing it the conventional way but it is a
sort of breast stroke routine but he goes places. They got him a wading
pool and she put him in that and he really splashed around.
Jenny & Delores came over and they saw him too. We went to the Menke's
for a little while and Don took a dip. I invited them and the Heins for
dinner on the 20th and tomorrow I will call Liz and Betty Smith.
Wrote to Cathy and we got a letter from her too. A Nice one. I went to
TAC and I just have to get 3 lbs off cause I am back to 108 but I drink
so much water and eat cause it is too hot to keep busy.
Before everyone came I was lying down in the bedroom and Don came in and
suddenly we were making love. It was really fun and we had just finished
and the dogs were barking and here was a student of Don't. I managed to
get to the door and said Don was napping and by that time he managed to
get dressed. We thought it was very funny.
Made shrimp salad, a noodle & zuccini hot dish and hot sweet rolls for
dinner. David went to a bachelor party and Lin and Jason stayed the
night. I can't rem-emeber it's being this hot. Records have been broken.
July 15, 1972
119 degree heat!
I didn't get up quite so early and I didn't make it to TAG today. It was
just too hot. I called Liz and they can come on the 2Oth hut still
couldn't get in touch with Betty Smith.
I really did very little today. I wrote Cathy and I ordered some
miniature vases cause they were 4 for $2.50 so I got two sets and I
thought I could give them for Christmas presents with dried arrangements
in them. If I fix some plagues too and then give each girl something big
in the way of furniture that will be their Christmas gift.
I went to the stores and got fruit and vegetables but other than that I
didn't go anywhere. The day seemed to be just drinking tea, playing
solitaire and reading. I made bread and a big batch of cookies that I
froze. Found a new recipe that seemed good that I will try tomorrow and I
think I will cook a chicken and make chicken salad.
Mom came over for dinner and we had hamburgers and tomatoes & Cukes, etc.
Cathy called and I talked to her for a long time. We keep watering
evenings. Don took Linda home early in the morning before it got hot. I
gave Jason his bottle when he woke up and he chewed on some bacon.
Jenny went down the river with Skip and had a great time. I told her that
I didn't think Linda should come so often cause I am getting too fond of
Jason and he isn't our baby and we just shouldn't get so attached to him.
Tomorrow I hope to get more done cause I don't like to have the days go
by without anything to show for them.
Watched a movie in the evening and then to bed.
July 16, 1972
It seemed cooler this morning. I took the dogs for their walk and picked
some roses. It stayed below 100 and was really quite pleasant.
I sunbathed and it wasn't too bad. Went to 8 am Mass and then came home
and made a new chocolate dessert that was very rich but not quite as good
as I had expected it to be.
I thought that L & D would take my car to Gridley today but they called
and said they had driven there last night while it was cool.
I wrote to Pauline and Mike today but that was about all I did. I read
and played cards and watched TV. Took a nap in the afternoon and took Mom
to a yard sale. She saw a rocker that she might make a trade on.
I boiled a chicken and made chicken salad, hot rolls and carrots for
dinner. Don played tennis with Skip after dinner.
We went to bed and started to make love and then suddenly Don couldn't do
it so we started again and this time it was OK but I wasn't satisfied but
you can't win them all! and I took care of it afterwards. More and more I
realize that I will have to get something to work on cause my days aren't
very productive right now. I wish I had tools to make things like picture
frames etc., It was rather a dull day by and large.
July 17, 1972
Picked roses when I took the dogs for a walk. Went to TAG and then came
home and worked on the speech for the Irish Teachers.
Don came home from school and we had lunch. He brought a typewriter with
large print hut I thought the letters were too big so he took it back. I
am going to have a dinner party for Doris's birthday on Thursday so I
will have to get the house fixed up and make a nice dinner. Tomorrow
night we are going to the Democratic Club dinner.
I played, cards, wrote to Cathy and then Don and. I took a ride to see
where Graham is going to build his big development.
No word from Jenny. Lin called in the evening.
Don went to bed early and I stayed up and saw "Divorce, American Style".
I had seen it before but it was good. I sent off some reading magazines
to Donna.
The day was just lovely. Not too hot. It is certainly good to have the
heat wave over.
Mom exchanged rockers with Mrs. Frey and I think she likes the she got
better.
July 18, 1972
The lovely cool weather continues. Don left early this morning so I had
my tea and read the paper alone and then I decided to clean up the
kitchen so I did the counters and stove.
I made 3-bean salad for the Dem. club picnic and took chicken out to
thaw. Then I went to the tennis shop and bought Don a pr. of white
shorts, a top, sox and a sweat band for his birthday. Now he will have to
find someone to play with.
When I got back Lin was here with Jason and she stayed until about 5* She
did her wash and visited and Jason didn't do much creeping. Today he
performed in his little bouncing chair. He sits up so well now and stands
too in that chair. It is good support for him.
Cathy called in the afternoon all thrilled cause she got a part-time job
at a repair shop about 2 hours 3 times a week in the afternoon and she
can do the work at home if she likes and he pays $2.00 an hour. She was
so excited she could hardly talk.
It was a short conversation cause Jason started to cry. Lin was running
errands at the time.
I told Mom that Lin would drive over to San Francisco the 1st of August
and Mom and I would stay the night and come back the next day. She got
all excited. I cooked, the chicken and we left at 6:30 for Crites. There
were a lot of people. We ate with the Heins. It was a good idea cause
everyone brought hismeat and then they put all the salads on tables and
you could take as many salads as you wished. I ate too much. We left
before the speeches and came home and went to bed but I couldn't sleep. I
committed, myself to the S. F. trip and. now I am sorry cause I never do
the paying at the hotel etc. and I am nervous about Lin's driving and I
realize how much I depend on Don. Still, I think it is something that I
just have to do so I will, go through with it but it spooks me.
Very cool!
July 19, 1972
Don went over to the Jr. high with me this morning and the dogs were
really thrilled. The roses are really nice now.
I went to TAG at 8 and then came home and went over my speech and added
things. I cleaned the bedroom wing of the house and scrubbed down the
bathrooms. It is so cool that I wore slacks until noon. What a strange
summer this has been. Mom and I went grocery shopping. I got turkey for
tomorrow and put it to thaw. I did 3 loads of wash and I washed my blue
and white mumu and ironed it. Watered the tomato plants and cleaned up
plums.
Don and Skip played tennis after dinner. I read a bit and we watched
McCloud 8:30 -10 and then went to bed.
There was a swimming meet at P.V. recreation so Dolly went crazy
insisting that ' she sit on my lap. She is really getting to be neurotic.
Jenny came over for awhile. She is finishing re-finishing Skip's desk for
his ' birthday. He will be 21 on Sunday.
McGovern was 50 today and the labor leaders will not endorse him. I will
be glad when tomorrow and Friday morning is over. I hate giving that
speech and I worry about the dinner party. I so want it to go well.
The afternoon was so lovely that I wish it were like this all the time.
July 20, 1972
Well, it turned out to be a successful day! Very successful! I walked the
dogs and picked roses, made breakfast, wrote to Cathy, gave Don his
tennis stuff which he liked, then straight work to clean, cook, etc.
At 10 am we took Doily to Dr. Rood, who gave her tranquilizers for the
noise problem and vitamins we were to try them out this weekend so we
gave her one when we got back.
Mom went to the Mall to shop and have lunch. Lin called, Jenny brought
her Dad a shirt, Cathy called and she gave up her job cause the man was
too friendly.
She seemed to be handling it very well . She wants to drive up around,
the 1st of August.
I pinned up my hair, put the turkey in and. sat out in the sun. Bought
candles with the daisies in the dining room and blue place mats and the
blue mums in the TV room. I had turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and
gravy, a big relish dish, bread and my lemon poppy bundt cake, grapes,
cheese and crax. Everything tasted just delicious and everyone raved
about the dinner, the house looked beautiful and it went very well. We
had the Rawlins, the Smiths, Heins, and. Menkes, Liz & Jack had just come
back from fishing in Iceland. She had a beautiful navy blue long corduroy
shkirt and a white blouse. Betty S. had a beautiful long knit dress,
white sleeveless top and the skirt was in bands of those colors. Liz did
most of the talking at our table and. she seemed very conscious of being
Jewish. She mentioned it a number of times, but she wasn't sarcastic like
she is sometimes. She told me early in the evening that Marian Asterloh
was having her face lifted, and was in the hospital.
I drank wine with dinner and even had a liquer but I didn't feel
anything. They went home around 11 and then we cleaned things up and went
to bed.
Don said he really had liked everything so I was glad of that. It was a
good party.
July 21, 1972
I got up and had my tea. Don stayed in bed this morning for awhile and
didn't run. I emptied the dishwasher of all the dishes, put everything
hack in order, took the leaves out of the table, etc.
Lin came with Jason and Mrs. Kelly had said no on the house so she was
very disappoint-ed. I wasn't surprised but I felt bad for her. It was so
cool that I wore my white sweater with my red polka dress when I went to
speak to the Irish teachers. It went fine and I was done at 11:30. They
seemed pleased with the speech and I got my $50-00 check before I even
talked.
I came home and had some lunch and then I went over to the mall and at
the Fashion I tried, on a good looking wine sweater and pair of slacks so
I bought them. It came to $30.00. The buttons on the sweater were cheap
looking so Mom found me some very pretty silver ones and I sewed them on
after dinner. We had leftovers for dinner so that was simple.
Jenny and. Delores came and J. brought me some cucumbers from Tina's
garden. They had cake and stayed and. chatted for awhile. I called Mary
Yakish and invited them to dinner on Sunday.
Lin is taking care of Fred & Bev's little Matt over the weekend so he
will be here too. I read a novellette in RedBook called "Be Beautiful
Day: that was really a lovely story. One of those nice things that happen
to one now and then. Played a little solitaire, felt very fat and took a
bath and went to bed. Don watched TV for awhile and then he came later.
Doily was a little calmer today.
Cathy drove home: first time!
July 22, 1972
Picked roses, went to TAC and then went around to stores and looked for
clothes. Prances Shop, Coopers, Gladys. Got home about 11 and Mom was all
dressed up and wanted to go to Clarks. I checked on stoves and
refrigerators. It would cost $500.00 and the refrigerator wouldn't fit.
Had lunch and then Lin, Dave, Jason and Matt ( 3yr.old son of Fred & Bev)
came down cause she was going to take him to Caper Acres.
Jenny came with the wash. Dave stayed until 5:30 and just as L & J came
back who should drive up but Cathy! She said she was lonesome and she
just decided on the spur of the moment to come home. She had done OK and
really enjoyed it. We were all so thrilled to see her. She looks great
and Brandy has grown and weights 20 lbs. now.
I had planned scrambled eggs for dinner but I really hadn't planned to
have every-one stay but L & D just stayed on so I made more of everything
but by then I found that so many people and so much mess really kind of
got to me.
Cathy went to spend the evening with Skip & Jenny and then the others
left and at 8 I was chopping potatoes for the salad tomorrow and cleaning
up the kitchen. I went out front and watered and then when I came in
suddenly I was so weary I just wanted to cry
I took a bath and went to bed. I know Don wanted to make love and I did
too but although I was willing I was too tired to actually do it so I had
to tell him so. Saturday has become a nightmare. Everyone is washing
clothes and then someone is eating all the time and. people are just
going to have to realize that maybe I can't take all that. I am afraid I
will end up in the hospital again. Well, maybe today was just a
particularly bad day. I hope so.
Don called Mike and his class had gone well and he had made $2400.00 for
8 days work. Matt had broken his toe. Their furniture had arrived and
Donna felt better.
July 23, 1972
Well, today was
made the potato
I went to Longs
and the Cannery
much better all around. I took Mom to church and then
salad and fixed the baked beans and hamburgers. Cathy and
and picked up things and then checked the Gates resale
Outlet but they were both closed.
Came home and started washing Cathy's clothes. After lunch I rested for
awhile and then set the table and finished up the dinner arrangements.
Mom told me that there was blood in her stool this morning and she was
very wor-ried about it. I don't blame her but hopefully it was just a
hemmorrhoid attack. Jenny gave the desk to Skip and he loved it. Cathy
and I went over to see it after lunch and Cathy who took Brandy with her
stayed the afternoon to play poker. She got home about
At 5 the Yakiches arrived, with tomatoes and wine and the L & D with
Jason & Mike came. The dinner went well and everything tasted good. They
left at 7:30 so it didn't last too long and I didn't get too tired.
Cathy took Brandy to the park and then went over to a girlfriends' house.
Don and I talked at length about retirement. We pretty much decided that
we would rather live here than stay and so we are going to start working
for something closer to the city and the coast. It was good to talk about
it at length cause sometimes we just can't seem to talk about such
things.
Then we went to bed and made love and that went very well so it was a
good end to the day. Sometimes when I think about retirement I get
excited and sometimes I just get scared. I love the house here and I
rather dread leaving it but may-be in 5 years it will be time to start
something else in life instead of being in the same rut.
July 24, 1972
Beautiful day. Up early to pick a lot of lovely roses. Game back to feed
3 dogs. Brandy is mostly feet and legs and looks more like a jack rabbit
than a puppy. She is very loving but rough.
Went to TAC and then to the Cannery Outlet to get dog food and other
interesting little tidbits.
Stopped at Gates Resale and saw an old-fashioned high chair for $8.75
that Jenny and Cathy picked up lately. Cathy also bought a parachute to
put on her waterbed. Don took Cathy's car to be serviced and to put new
tires on.
I sunbathed and made a wonderful dinner with roast beef and potatoes &
carrots, salad, hot rolls and the first apple pie of the season that was
really marvelous. Ate too much as usual. This will have to stop .' Drank
too much iced tea too. Smoked too many cigarettes, Gad - all these vices!
Pauline sent me a lot of material on marijuana and I am starting to read
it to get ready for Aug. l4th.
After dinner I stained the little chair and then played cards. Cathy went
up to see L. & D.. They rented the house so now it will be back to Mrs.
Kelly and how soon they can move it. Cathy and I talked for a long time
about the drug scene. According to Cathy she smoked the most grass in the
9th grade which surprised me. She talked willingly about it all.
Finally at 11 I went to bed and right to sleep. Cathy plans to go back to
Sonora tomorrow morning.
July 25, 1972
Another lovely day. Walked the dogs and picked roses. Cathy got up and
started to put her things together and was off by about 10.
I finished up the little high chair and found an old blouse of Cathy's in
a little blue flowered print and Mom made a pad for it and now it sets in
the dining room and it looks so cute. I am so excited about having Jason
sit in it. Well, the big news today was that in the last 12 years Sen.
Eagleton has had 3 breakdowns, has been at the hospital and had shock
treatments. We were all very upset about it and maybe the biggest shock
is that McGovern didn't have him checked out. Now what will this do to
the campaign ?
My stomach began to act up so I had instant breakfast for dinner and
fixed Don a hot roast beef sandwich.
Don played tennis with Skip and Jenny stayed and talked to me.
I worked a bit on the drug materials that Pauline sent. I wrote her a
letter dis-cussing Eagleton.
Don and I talked a lot about selling the house and what we might find in
the way if a new place. It was nice to sit down and talk to him.
Took a bath and went to bed. Really rather a nice relaxed day. I surely
enjoyed Cathy's visit. She called and said it had taken 6 hours to get
back cause she got on the wrong freeway and was on her way to Reno.
July 26, 1972
Boy, the mornings are getting chilly. There is definitely a hint of fall
in the air. I suppose cause our hot weather starts so early one almost
welcomes fall. I went to TAG and. then came home and Mom and I got
groceries. I really tried to cut down on buying this week. I want to use
a lot of things in the freezer before getting any more things to put in.
I think I will really make an effort to stop going out and just buying
anything too. For so many years I went without that it is sheer pleasure
not to worry about money but best that I pull in my horns a bit.
Gravenstains were 150 ¢ lb. so I bought 5# and made a lot of applesauce
in the afternoon and froze most of it.
I sunbathed a bit, read, fixed a simple dinner and then Don and. I
watched an hour program of a McGovern interview with his wife and 2
reporters and he was superb as was she.
Then to bed and we made love but then there was a swim meet at the jr.
high and Dolly got all upset. We sat out in back with her for awhile and.
she sat on the cot with us. Ridiculous!
Linda called about a turkey she was cooking and Cathy called about a
prescription so there was contact with the children as usual.
What's Up Doc was playing so we may go see that tomorrow night. It was a
nice day really. Had the air conditioning on but only briefly.
July 27, 1972
Picked roses, had breakfast and took Mom to Dr, Chiapelli at 8. Cleaned
up the bathrooms, wrote to Cathy and went and picked up Mom. When I got
back Jason was here and sitting in his high chair and he looked just
adorable.' Linda loved it so much that she wanted to trade but I said no
dice. This one stays here. After lunch she and I took Jason in the car to
Penneys where she bought rubber pants for him and I bought a blanket for
our bed. $7.50 for a deep golden yellow king size. Then she went with me
to look at tables at the Auction on 6th & Orange but they didn't have
anything and Jason was getting hot and tired so we came home. She went to
get Snow who had been spayed but then she worried about taking Jason and
S now so Don drove Jason back up to Paradise and she took the cat in her
car. I made macaroni & cheese for dinner with sliced, tomatoes.
The news is all about Eaglet on. Now Anderson claims that he was arrested
for drunk driving in Missouri and it seems to get worse and worse.
We went to the movie "What’s Up Doc" and. I just loved it. I laughed and
laughed and it has been a long time since I have been able to do that. We
came home admiring a full moon on the way and to bed.
July 28, 1972
Slept until 6:15 so Don walked the dogs while I made breakfast.
I finished the cleaning in the livingroom, kitchen and back. Defrosted
the refrig-erator, a job I really despise. I didn't go to TAG today.
Took Mom over to the church for the monthly dinner and then came home
and. fixed lunch and went to the Mall for the sidewalk sale. Very dull. I
think they drag stuff out of basements to put out.
I came home and read a bit and then Jenny came over and we visited. She
wants my stove if I get a new one and I can get a 24" for $210.00. I
haven't made up my mind as yet.
I decided to use meat on hand so I started tonight by finding
steaks that looked a bit frost bitten. I cooked them and then
lemon dressing on top and popped all that in the oven. Made a
today and. so we had that and some broccoli with cheese sauce
salad. Very good.
2 lamb
put some
bundt cake
and a
Watched the news with Eagleton in the spot light again. Don said he hated
me for making the cake since he ate 3 pieces. I love so to make desserts
but I will just have to stop cause this is ridiculous and I have to get
down to 105 lbs. before school starts.
Watched TV for while and then there wasn't really anything very good on.
There was a football game and in July that is really an insult so I
played cards and. read.
July 29, 1972
Picked beautiful roses and looked at a beautiful sunrise. There were many
clouds but during the day it was sunny for the most part.
Went to TAG and then on to Colliers and I got a giant hook for the gate
which I think will work out just fine and it was only $45 cents.
Came home and Lin arrived with Jason who was all smiles and happy as
usual. Took Mom to the Mall and then came back and Jenny arrived to wash
clothes and make a cheese cake cause her oven is not working properly.
So, the rest of the day was spent talking to the girls and picking up
after them, although it isn't as bad as it used to be. And, at least now
our relationship is a lot better and there are no fights.
I changed all the flowers and I realize how much I enjoy arranging
flowers. Don and I went out to dinner at Mike & Eddies and it was very
good and we had a good time but I ate too much as I usually do.
We came home and since Skip & Jenny stopped by to pick up the clothes we
slipped out for a walk without Dolly. We walked quite a way and I felt
better for it. Came home and played some cards and then went to bed and
made love but I have trouble coming at the same time that Don does but I
took care of it afterwards, but it is not the same. I worry about this.
Eagleton is still in the news and now it is obvious that McGovern wants
to drop him and he will choose who this time??
July 30, 1972
Up at 6 and went for flowers and to admire another lovely sunrise. That
is one^ of the advantages of cloud formations.
Game home and took my tea to the patio and. read the paper. Now they are
suggesting that they pick Ted Kennedy again. McGovern is to see Eagleton
tomorrow. Dr. Chiapilli gave Mom some drops for her eyes that have made
them all puffed and swollen so she will call him tomorrow. It was really
a quiet day.
Jenny and Skip came over for a few minutes. I made a simple dinner and
wrote a "Letter to Cathy and one to Mike and Donna. I sent them the
pictures that we had taken.
I read Hartog's book ahout the Quakers. Then at 8:15 Don got Kevin
Reardon at the airport. He is young and very personable.
I let the men talk and I went to bed for while and read and then folded
for the night.
July 31, 1972
Walk - dogs - roses - sunrise - that takes care of the first part of my
morning.
Game home and made breakfast for Don and then for Mr. Reardon. I Called
Dr. Chiapella for Mom and she is to stop the drops and use cold compresses on her eyes.
Then I went to TAC and from there to the Fair but they didn't have
anything ' that I liked.
Don took Mr. Reardon to lunch so I ate some food left over from last
night and then went out and sat in the sun for awhile.
I made a really good, dinner with chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy,
carrots and green beans, cranberry jello salad. It was all very good. I
decided to walk after dinner so I went to the Mall and looked around a
bit then came home. Read and played cards and then I took a bath and went
to bed and Don was in the mood, for love so we did that and it was very
nice. Went to sleep.
A quiet dull day by many standards and yet I am not unhappy.
August 1, 1972
I have a beautiful bouquet of pale yellow peace and very dark red roses
in a red bowl in the dining room table and a red candle. I really love
the early mornings where I change the flowers, dust and straighten and
all is peaceful and quiet. I really don't miss the children although
everyone thinks one does. It is somehow as if the time ages ones wants'
to do things that are different and now I enjoy the peace and quiet.
There‘s a certain serenity that isn't present when one is young. T called
Alice and she came over for coffee and gossip. Packy continues her
affair; Marge Saler is having an affair. The faculty sounds like
something out of Peyton Place. Maybe we should go on TV and forget the
teaching. Had a simple dinner. I walked to the •¦all again after dinner
and got a zipper and some binding for the top of my white skirt. I put a
new zipper in a knit top I like and fixed the skirt and also some sheets
for Jason’s bed. We watched the Boston Pops Concert and then went to bed.
I wrote to Cathy in the evening. I cleaned out my bottom drawer and found
some sweet and amusing mementos from the children when they were little.
Really a very pleasant day. I am very relaxed and really pretty happy
this summer.
August 2, 1972
Lovely walk. Don left at 4 am so I didn't have to cook his breakfast, le
came home for lunch but I was in the midst of buying groceries so he had
to make his own.
He got 8 pages done and if he could stick with this he could get a lot
done and I realize this is very hard, on him.
Didn't go to TAG but went to the Frances sale and bought a raincoat for
$14.99. Beige and very good looking. It just needs to have the sleeves
shortened. Cathy called and she is going to move into a house with a girl
called Debbie. $160.00 a month and with 2 bedrooms. Has a sun deck and a
yard out of town. She was very thrilled. The girl is 23 years old. I just
hope that it works out OK and that she really has it.
Made tuna salad for dinner with hot rolls. I drove to the PV High School
and walked for 20 minutes. I went around the track and then down the
corridors. It was really very nice.
Jenny took her test and is done with summer school. She was glad to be
done. I read, in the evening and Don went to bed very early.
I hope that Cathy's living arrangement works out OK. Maybe I will hear
from her tomorrow.
Washed the car this afternoon. There are a lot of birds in the tree in
the driveway and they have been going all over the car. There was enough
guano on the car to fertilize the lawn.' Well, this is an exaggeration.
August 3, 1972
Wow! did this turn out to be a busy day. Had my morning walk and then I
got busy and cleaned the bedroom wing. Then I made apple sauce and a
small lemon pie for Dinner. Also made a small apple pie and froze it and
will bake it later, "lade bread for when all this was going on Lin called
to say that Jenny had come up to help her by watching Jason while she
helped Mrs. Kelly. (Jenny got sick so could I come up and I said I would
as soon as my bread was done). She called back and. was bringing Jenny
down and would bring Jason here for the rest of the day so I quick
cleaned the rest of the house and pretty soon here was Jason, just as
sunny as usual, patty-caking like crazy.
I gave him lunch and then he crept all over after everything in the
kitchen. I got him a bottle and put him to bed and. made pork chops,
saffron rice and salad. He had dinner and played again until after 7 and
then took his bottle and went to bed. He was so good and. so much fun.
Don and I love him so much it frightens me. Don came home and sunbathed
and then he got a headache so he didn't do much today. He went down to
the Menkes and swam and went to a democratic meeting in the evening.
Jenny & Skip were both sick but they felt better by evening.
Lin and. Bev came down about 9:15 and picked up Jason, I stayed up until
10 and then Trent to bed. It was a very busy day but I even took out time
to go to the high school and walked for 10 minutes.
The strangest thing of all was that Linda isn’t working with Mrs. Kelly,
Found out that she wasn't so strange after all and ended up by liking
her. Every day she grows up a little bit more.
August 4, 1972
Walked dogs and then made breakfast. Today got pretty hot. T didn't go to
TAG today.
We did go up the hill this afternoon and took care of Jason cause Lin was
really busy helping Mrs. Kelly. I met her. S he is a rather large woman,
rather loud who was letting Tin do all the work. I measured the window
and she is going to need a lot of material. In fact, 50 yds!
We called Cathy late in the afternoon and she was back in her own house
shampooing the rugs. She and Debbie moved in last night and she seems
pleased with the set-up. She won't have a phone for about a week to 10
days so she will have to call us if we want to talk.
I took Mom to the high school with me and she walked around while I
areally struck out and zipped around about 3 times. The grounds look so
pretty these days and the grass is well tended.
Don didn't feel very good in the afternoon so at dinner time I cooked
bacon, eggs and. toast and it tasted so good. Of Course, I don't have
them often so it was more of a treat for me I suppose.
I asked Jenny if she would stay here while we are gone and she said she
would. Skip is going to Ohio on a Leer Jet on Monday and will be back
Tuesday night. She is going to have Lynn Hooten stay with her.
August 5, 1972
Walked the dogs, picked roses and then came home for breakfast. I went to
TAG. When I came home I took Mom to the Salvation Army to look for
curtains. First though, I stopped at Priss’ and picked, up some hooks and
visited with her for a little while. I picked up Mom around 12 and she
had. found, some drapes for herself and I picked up a set that Lin may be
able to use.
When I got home Don said that Lin had called and wanted to know if we
could come and get Jason so we drope up. They are having to shampoo the
new rugs cause Mrs. Kelly had let the dogs go all over them. We picked,
up Jason and had him for the rest of the day and he is so good it is
rather hard to give him up when they come to get him. But I suggested
that he stay the night and they were happy for us to take him.
I made the formula after dinner OK and we bathed him and. he had his
bottle and was down at 7:30 and that was the last we heard him.
We watched a bad movie for awhile and then went to bed and made love. It
was OK but not the greatest.
At 12:15 Don woke me up to tell me that he had. had a bad dream so we
talked, for while and then went back to sleep.
I cooked, liver for dinner and some zuccini - some leftover rice and had
some tomato sauce. That with a green salad and some cake I had frozen. A
good, dinner and I used Lin’s little food grinder and gave Jason the same
food we ate. I took him over to Grandma's and he crept around for a gay
time. The only timer he makes the least bit strange is when he wakes up
and that is just for a little while. What a doll! Jenny came to wash
clothes and she was fine.
August 6, 1972
Jason woke about 5:00 and we could hear him talking. At 6 I went in to
get him and changed his pants and put him in bed with Don and then I took
the dogs for a quick run and came back and gave him a bottle and then
made Don's breakfast. I would like to quit smoking but I just can't seem
to feel strongly enough about it to actually do it.
I felt tired in the morning and I hope that tomorrow morning I will feel
a lot peppier.
Gave him his cereal at 7:30 and put him down at 8 for a short nap. The
day went very well. He is so good and. so much fun.
Don took Mom to church and I put him outside for a sunbath. Jenny came
for a while and she played, with him. He just eats anything that you give
him and he opens his mouth like a little bird. He sits up now if he is
set up and when he begins to topple over he puts out his hand, and then
he is creeping. We drove him up the hill after the afternoon nap and he
was glad to see the parents and they were pretty well unpacked and
settled.
It was very hot so it was good to have the air conditioning on in the
car. I pinned up Mom's hair and then I took a bath and pinned up my own
hair. Don started to watch a TV pilot and I watched for awhile and then I
went to bed. but I didn't get to sleep until about 11. I just hope
everything goes right in the city. I am worried about it a little.
August 7, 1972
We got up and had breakfast and left at 7. It was a cool clear morning
and it (the trip) to the city was pleasant. We arrived at the hotel a
little before 10 and. registered and took the stuff to our room which was
an a red motif. Then we started to shop. Mom wanted to buy shoes and she
found some she liked for $35.00 at J. Maguin. We checked out Market
Street and the Emporium, City of Paris and Macy's and then went back to
the hotel and had a crab & shrimp salad at the Terrace room.
Then we took the bus to the Carina and walked, around, that area. Mom was
dis-appointed cause it looks shabby and dirty. We came back to the hotel
and Mom took a rest and I went to J. Magnim and bought a gray wool coat
cress with white stitching for $45.00 and found a gray skirt at J. Magnim
for $18.00. Then back to the hotel cause I couldn't find a pair of black
flats that I liked. We went to dinner at the Dutch Kitchen in the hotel.
Had a cocktail first and then a huge dinner with roast beef, and topped
it off with cheese cake for Mom and french pastry for me. We really felt
stuffed.
Don called to say that near Sebastopol he had seen this 21 acre place
with a house that was not so good and some out buildings but the land
itself was like the forest primeval. He was very thrilled and said we
would have to come to see it. It comes to $69,500.00 so I think the price
is out of our range but it certainly sounds good. He will pick us up at 2
instead of 3 and we will all go look at it.
Took a bath and pinned up my hair just like at home and then to bed. It
was a good day and I never once got cross or impatient so I was very
proud of that. I think Mom is having fun.
August 8, 1972
I woke very early and exercised in the bathroom and then we went to
Maurrey's for breakfast and then took a cab to the new St. Mary's
Cathedral. It was just marvelous. I was most impressed. We walked most of
the way back and then caught a bus to the hotel. We packed for check-out
and then took a cab to Ghirodeli Square and did all the shops there and
stopped at all of them on the way to Akron. We had a dish of Swenson's
ice cream and then to Cost Plus.
I bought a bunch of candles and 3 vases and 2 more place mats and ^ pear
place mats and then we went over to the furniture part and looked around
there and then at 2 Don arrived and we took off for Santa Rosa.
We got there at 3:30 and went to look at the property. Well, it is just
as beautiful as he said it would be. There is a stream that runs through
it that supplies the water but the house was very disappointing simply
cause it is so ordinary. 2 bed-rooms, plus the usual and all of it dull.
There is a slatted area with camelias, a garden space, a stable, a large
garage with a shop area, another little building that could be converted
into a bedroom, etc., etc.,. We looked it all over and Don and I walked
way up into the property and then we left without the real estate man and
took off for home.
We stopped at the Nut Tree for a sandwich and got home at 9. The dogs
were crazy with joy. We called Jenny and Skip was back from Ohio and he
had had a good time. Lin had been down most of yesterday. After we got
home I thought about the place and I would really like it.
I would add on to the stable by making it the kitchen, dining room area
and then Add a bedroom and living room.
Mom would stay in the house that is
garage into a study and bedroom. It
all excited about it. I went to bed
think Mom really had a good time so
there and then we would convert the
has great possibilities and we were
and. had trouble getting to sleep. I
the trip was a success.
August 9, 1972
Boy was I stiff and weary this morning! I went for a walk and got roses
and then to TAG hut I wasn't very enthusiastic as I didn't stay long.
Came home and puttered around cleaning things up a hit. Jenny came over
and washed some clothes. I fixed lunch and napped until 2:30.
In my mind I built a house on that land near Sebastopal and it was
gorgeous. I picked up some things at Wentz and farmer's before dinner and
then fixed steak and sliced tomatoes for dinner.
Don went to a movie and Mom and I went shopping. Mike called but I said I
would write to him about the place we saw.
Jenny came over cause Skip was working and we watched McCloud. Then I
talked to Mom about the place. She said she hadn't realized that we were
serious about it or maybe she didn't want to think we were serious. She
said she would die of lone-liness stuck out there.
The road was too narrow to get there. She would have no way to make
friends. It would cost too much to build onto anyway - she hated it.
Well, I can see if I were 80 years old it would all be pretty spooky for
me to pull up stakes so I under-stand her concern but inside I felt that
it wasn't really fair to us to stay here cause Mom didn't want to go but
on the other hand we have taken responsibility of her all these years and
we just can't stop now cause we want to do something different. Don was
asleep when I went to bed so I couldn't talk to him about it but I wanted
to cry. I suppose it is too expensive anyway but I resent the fact that
our plans have to be made around her. I worry about Don's feeling in all
this cause I know how much he likes it and it isn't his mother after all
so now I wish we had never seen it at all cause mentally I was ready and
I am really upset. I wrote to Cathy -Mike and I said I would write him
about it or have I already said that. What is all this going to bring I
wonder.
August 10, 1972
I am still tired from the trip I guess but I did get up enough energy to
clean the house and I got the whole thing done. Then after lunch I picked
up Jenny and came back and got Mom and we drove up to Linda’s. She is all
settled now and the house is attractive and she has very good taste in
pictures, books, etc. I brought home some ivy to root (hopefully). Jason
was rather quiet but very cute.
When I got home I made chicken and fixed potatoes. We had stopped at a
fruit stand and I got a melon, strawberries, etc.
Just before I went to get my hair cut at 4:30. Scotty called and asked us
for a drink so I came home after the haircut and took the chicken out and
we went over about 5:15 and we stayed until 10 to 7. We really had a very
nice visit and I really enjoyed it.
On the way home Don remembered that he had a democratic meeting at 7:30
so I didn't start cooking things until 8:15 and we ate at 8:30. By then I
wasn't really hungry but we both ate and then to bed.
I spent the day building the house in Sebastopol in my mind and it turned
out very well. Certainly a cheap way to build a house! A new kind of
castle in the air.
I had off-white paneling and a gold rug and I re-upholstered the pink
chair in a gold and white stripe and the velvet chair in plain gold, etc.
etc. Don called Mr. Lafferiss in Sebastopol and asked him to check how
much more/Mr. ? Garr had paid, for the place and we should get a letter
on that tomorrow. It was a hot day and we left the air-conditioning on
until late in the night. When I talked to Tin on the phone this morning
she said that we pay too much at-tention to Jason and none to her so I
told Don and we are going to make more of an effort.
Got beautiful roses at the Jr. High.
August 11, 1972
Didn't walk this morning but I did have a good workout at TAG, came home
and sunbathed for awhile and read.
The mail came and Mr. Garr had paid $44m000.00 for the property 3 years
ago so the $69,500.00 is ridiculous. There also was a letter from the
Internal Revenu people wanting to know how much we had paid Rohan in
1967. We got out the can-celled. checks and looked through but could not
find any check. We do have the bank book for the savings account and I
had withdrawn $700.00. Don called the man and it was him. I checked
through my diary trying to find out when he had been paid and I read over
all those difficult days and it made me very sad. But at least there is a
good side to all this cause Linda has definitely changed since those
horrid days.
Wrote a long letter to Mike which was overdue. Linda came with Mary Jean
Sareille and Jason. The girls went off and I gave J. his bottle and put
him to bed and he slept until 15 to 5.
By then the Menkes were here for a drink. They seemed so relaxed and
gentle with each other. I have hopes for that relationship.
Mary Jean bought a lot of toys for Jason. Everyone left and we ate
leftovers from last night. Then cause I had had 2 MaiTais' I fell asleep
on the lounge. Got up and played cards for awhile and. then took a bath
and went to bed. It was a nice day really and to think it is my last free
Friday. Monday the school thing starts again but at least I will have to
go only 5 more Septembers and then I WILL BE DONE.
August 12, 1972
I made Don a gorgeous breakfast - bacon, eggs, melon, prunes, juice,
milk, coffee and sweet rolls hot from the oven. That man eats like a
king. Took the dogs for a walk but the roses had been cut back. Wrote to
Cathy and then went downtown.
Decided not to go to TAC but stopped, at Osers to see if I could find
something to go with gray. They were marking down their summer tops,
etc., and I got a long sleeved navy knit top ($18.), a body suit in a
muted stripe to wear with my wine knit outfit (12.00) and a short sleeved
knit top in navy (10.00) all for $"10.001- I was so thrilled and then I
got a really cute pair of white shoes for $4.50. What a haul!
I washed my hair and pinned it up and then made a very simple dinner. We
started watching War & Peace before we went to the Smiths. We had to
leave before it was over but from what I saw I wasn't too impressed
really and I suppose that is heresy. I wore my red polkadot dress and my
new shoes. The Heins, Menkes, Crites and a new couple in town were there.
The new people are in a Title III job and there was a lot of talk about
education (critical) and talk about politics (dull).
Ah yes, Show's campaign manager is his wife .
Betty has had the house re-decorated, with white rugs, etc. - very
lovely. We came home and made love but it wasn't really great. I worry
about this. Maybe I should fortify myself with some kind of a drink
first. I just don't know. Anyway, it was really a pretty good day.
August 13, 1972
I went to 8 am Mass and it was good. I hadn't gone for awhile Game home
and made some apple sauce. We have not heard from Cathy since she cabled
from her new place and we are worried . Don is talking about going down
and checking it out but today he wrote a letter and said she was to call
home. If he doesn't hear he will go down on Wednesday.
Lin called and said they wanted to see Leonardo de Vinci so I asked them
to dinner. I made potato salad, green beans, ham, zucinni, hot rolls,
squash and apple pie. They came about 5:15 and Jason sits up now and
creeps and eats and was very cute but Linda weighs 85 lbs. and looks and
acts so tired that it scares me. I gave her some vitamins and she ate a
good dinner and hopefully she will be able to take it a little easier now
that they have moved. We told them about the forest primeval and they
were impressed. Jenny came over for a few minutes to borrow the ice chest
cause they went on it to Sacramento.
I pinned up my hair and realized that I had to go to school tomorrow to
start the drug program. No*t that it is upon me I don't want to go back,
naturally, but go I will since I have no choice.
Really it has been a good summer and I don't have any little complaints.
I stopped by Alice's to see her wallpaper and her projects. Everyone else
stayed up to watch the TV program but I sent to bed.
August 14, 1972
60 degrees this morning and it got up to 80!
The start of the drug seminar in 10 days, of this. I got there at 8 and
had a doughnut which tasted good, hut I certainly didn't need it. The day
wasn't too had and I am sure I can stand it hut it is hard to get hack in
the swing. Well, 5 more September's and then I should be done and can sit
back and collect my retirement. Cathy called cause her phone was put in.
She is working at the pizza place 5 ½ hours a day and likes it. Brandy is
fine and getting fat. She is going to have dinner with a new man 26 years
old and Debbie is going out with his room mate. She sounded as if
everything were ok so I am going to stop worrying for the time being.
Lin came down with Jason and stayed the day. Jenny worked at Northfield
cause Skip's secretary was sick.
I made spaghetti for dinner cause I just had to thaw the sauce but after
dinner Don and I both decided we were too fat so tomorrow I am going to
be very careful. If I would stop eating bread and desserts it would, help
a lot. I found when I got home that I didn't feel like doing anything and
I am afraid that is the way it is after school starts.
I remembered a dress Priss had given me a long time ago and I decided
that if I took the sleeves and collar off and cut down the neck I could
have a jumper. Jenny said she would come over tomorrow night and help me
design it . We watched a part of War & Peace and then went to bed. It was
so cool tonight that I insisted on closing the windows in the bedroom and
I slept better. It is getting to chilly at night and. I have that pain in
my ear and head and down my left side. I hope it is better tomorrow. Lin
bought Jason a car seat.
August 15, 1972
Second day of the Seminar. It really isn't bad although some of the
people assume we know nothing but I suppose a lot of the stuff is new to
the kids and to the teachers who haven't had pscychology courses. Still,
I can't complain. I washed 2 of the living room windows before I left in
the morning and I hope to do the others tomorrow morning. It is realty
cool! Sweaters are a must. When I got home for lunch there was another
letter from a real estate firm des-cribing a place in Cloverdale - 10
acres plus 10 acres. Don decided to go see it so he left right away and I
was glad cause I wanted to diet and it is easier when he is gone. So,
when I came home I ate 2 eggs and a tomato and a slice of bread. I was
still hungry but I stuck with it.
Got Cathy's letter today with her picture of the place she lives. In the
evening I read through some of my material and then Jenny came over to
get the clothes she is going to fix for me. I am going to pay her $10.no
for it. There is my new coat, the sleeves on my gray dress, sleeves on
the blue top and make the old blue dress into a jumper.
We visited for awhile and then when she went home I took a bath and
pinned up my hair and was in bed by 9:30. I slept well.
August 16, 1972
107 lbs.
Well thank goodness I don't feel so fat today. It was cold and cloudy and
looks like rain.
I had my tea and toast breakfast and then washed the other 2 living room
windows and then got dressed for school. I wore my navy slacks and a
sweater and still was chilly.
It was a long day. We went all morning without a break and the meetings
were good. In the afternoon it wasn't all that great but finally it was
over. Came home with a terrible headache and Mom and I went grocery
shopping and I got that done.
I waited, for Don until about 15 to 6 and when he didn't come I had a
drink and then cooked the steak and had it with a sliced tomato.
He came about 15 to 7. He had seen a number of places and didn't like
them as much the first place.
Jenny came over and. tried on some of the stuff she is altering for me.
We visited for awhile and then at 8:30 Don went to bed and so I went
shortly after-wards .
No mail today. I wish Mike would write.
August 17, 1972
Jenny went to Sacramento today and bought gold colored corduroy for her
bedroom windows. I wonder how that will look? She brought back my coat
and the jumper finished and they look very nice.
Linda came down for awhile with Jason and she seemed rather sad so when
she went back up the hill Don felt that maybe something was wrong so he
drove up and asked her and she said she was lonesome all day with Jason
with Dave gone all the time and she doesn't really have anything wrong so
he was glad he had gone up. Not that he could do anything about it but at
least he showed the concern. Don called Mike. He wasn't home but he
talked to Donna who had started her meetings for school today. I talked
to her for a little while and I must try to get some materials for her.
It was cool today again.
The meetings on the drug abuse thing went OK but the days are really
long. Still, I am learning things.
We went to bed early. Nothing much is happening these days to report
really. Saw Mr. Abbott today and he and his wife had spent 17 days in an
encounter group in South Dakota with Carl Rogers. He said she loved it
and. he felt shattered. Interesting.
August 18, 1972
Well, the first 5 days are over and technically I have earned $75.00 and
2 units. We watched 5 films today and discussed them and it was better
than listening to speeches all day. Next week we will start our
"strategy" as they say. No mail today but the bills are starting to
trickle in.
I went downtown after it was over today and looked for a blouse to wear
with my jumper. Couldn't find anything in red so gave up and came home.
We had talked about going out for dinner but instead I called Jenny and.
had her pick up some macaroni salad and cold meat and I fixed cucumbers
and tomatoes, cheese and the four of us ate here. They left right after
dinner and I went over To PV and walked around.
It was a beautiful evening and the foothills stood out against the
horizon. It was pleasant.
Came home and we played cards and I started^ reading "A Room With a View"
and then we went to bed .
Mom went to her Beatitude dinner today. I wrote Cathy.
The world seems OK today. The Republican Convention starts next week but
since everything is a foregone conclusion one can't get excited about
that and now I can’t get excited about McGovern either so I think I will
just sort of sit this one out.
August 19, 1972
I thought about going to TAC and then decided that I wasn't up to it so I
cleaned the house instead. Then I went down town and picked up some more
of those little white china spoons and then checked everywhere for a red
& white blouse to wear with the I ended up with a body suit from Asers red & white that I will be able to wear with a number of things and can
wear it with the jumper too.
I decided that buying the gray flannel skirt was a mistake and I would
give anything to be able to return it. It was bought in haste and it is
too big, too long and it doesn't have any zip. Maybe I will feel
differently about it later.
Both the girls came over to do their wash and Linda started out by being
cross and tired but I kept Jason and stayed here while he slept and she
went over with Jenny and ate a good dinner here and was feeling better by
the time she went home. Jason learned to pull himself up in the afternoon
and that was very exciting. He figured out how to do it but wasn't too
careful about hanging on so I presume he is going to be hitting the floor
a lot in the next few days.
Took Mom to the Mall in the afternoon and then I cooked hamburgers for
dinner and had a salad. No bread or sweets all day.
Don and I decided to try high protein diet to see if we could take off
some pounds. Bathed and watched a bad TV movie in the evening. Went for a
walk at PV and Don went along and batted a tennis ball.
To bed and we made love and it was OK but lately there has been a
soreness that worries me. Ah well, it isn't all that enjoyable really.
Beautiful day. Warm but not hot. Called Cathy and she was fine and she
had a bad cold........................................................
..............................................
August 20,1972
Went to Mass at 8 am with Mom. Did my wash and then went to the fruit
stand hoping to get some gravensteins but they are all gone so my plan to
make apple sauce is kerplunk.
I lost 3 lbs. From yesterday but I am certainly hungry. Fixed game hens
and rice for dinner plus tomatoes, carrots and celery. Mom ate with us.
Read a bit, napped a bit.
Don played tennis with Skip.
We talked about moving over to the Sebastopol place and in fact I think
it is much in our minds these days. As Don said, the thing that bothers
him about it is that we can't go over now. I agree.
Went to see Paula Deen in the hospital. She had been there for 4 weeks,
looks thin and weak. She has cancer plus 2 other operations so she has
had a very difficult time. It is scary cause one secretly thinks it could
happen to me. I hope it doesn't for a long time but at least we should
savour each day and not be casual about good health when we have it.
Another beautiful day but with just a hint of fall in the air.
After dinner Mom and I went over to PV and I had my evening walk.
We watched "A Dandy In Aspic", a bad movie to begin with that was cut so
much that you couldn't figure out what was going on.
Took my bath, did my hair and we went to bed. I also wrote to Cathy
today.
August 21, 1972
Back to the drug conference. It was pharmacology in the morning and then
I left at 11:30 and came home for lunch and back at 12 to 1 in the
office, then to systems analysis until 2:30 and then in the office until
4.
Starting tomorrow I will have almost 3 hours a day. Marion was there and
I didn't just stare at her but her face lifting looks like it turned out
ok.
Talked to Bob Crauston and Mark and was home at 4.
Fixed eggs for me and leftovers for Don. Jenny brought my altered clothes
over and they looked fine. She and her Dad will be leaving at 5:30
tomorrow morning.
We played solitaire and then a game of cribbage and we talked about the
Sebastopol place. The man probably won't come down to our price so there
was a lot of discussion about how high we could go. There is a lot of
money involved and I worry about it but then I am always so cautious.
Betty Reilley died so that family is no more. That made me think of F.
Scott Fitzgerald and his wife somehow.
My arm hurts and I should go have it checked I guess. Should also go to
Ann Rood's to get eucalyptus for my deal in the living room.
Linda called at 4:30 and she had put Jason down to nap at 3:00 and he
still hadn't slept cause he spends all his time getting up and then can't
get down so he cries. She was going crazy.
To bed.
August 22, 1972
Starting today I had appointments with students from 8-9, 12-1, 4-5, so
it really makes for a long day.
Don left at 5:15 this morning and picked up Jenny and went over to see
another house in the Santa Rosa area. I worked hard at school and was
weary when I got home.
I called Ann Rood to get some greenery but she had unexpected company so
I postponed going until Thursday. I made a shrimp salad for myself about
6 but I wasn't really hungry.
It really got hot today. I read the E-R and made my grocery list and then
Don came home. He had seen another house on 7 acres and although it had a
lot of things wrong with it it was very good and so Don thinks we should
go over to see it. The couple living in it are getting a divorce and
hence the reason it is going to be sold. ...
It's stone and wood, some of it going back to the last century and both
Jenny and Don seemed to think I would like it. He called the real estate
woman and she said we should make a bid and put some money down. She was
going to draw something up and will send it off tomorrow.
Don and I went to bed and he got to thinking about it and didn't like
this so we got up and talked about it and then went to bed again and made
love in a quite violent sort of way and got up again and I suggested that
he call Bill tomorrow and ask him about it, so he will do that. My
goodness, what a day.
August 23. 1972
Don called Bill and he said don't sign anything so when the woman called,
Don told her and she was mad but we will go over the weekend if it hasn't
been sold and look at it.
I worked hard at school and then came home at 5 and put the cocktail
stuff out and Priss and Scotty and Dave and Ann came over at 5:;30 and it
was all very pleasant. I had 2 manhattens and got a good glow on. I
didn't have anything cooked so we drove up t Burtons and had dinner and
then we came home and went to bed and made love again. My goodness, this
is quite a week!
Jenny went up to Lin's and watched Jason while Lin painted the bathroom
so I guess they had quite a day. Jason is pulling himself up to things
like mad.
I worry about my job cause already my stomach is beginning to act up and
I am having to take my pills and drink Mylanta. I guess I just can't take
pressure and I hate to think of 5 more years of this.
August 24, 1972
Back to school in the morning for a full day of writing up our strategy
for P.V. I am not to optimistic about it but will hope for the best. Vent
to Roods after school and got some eucalyptis and arranged new deals in
the living room and the hall. Made meat loaf, fresh beans and salad for
dinner. Then Mom and I went grocery shopping.
I made a batch of cookies and will take them tomorrow for the last day.
We got a pay raise and Don and I decided since he got one too, to put the
extra money in the bank each month and we could really save a lot. Good
deal! I washed my hair and bathed then sat and looked at the moon until
after 10. Got a good letter from Cathy and she is dating a new man who is
playing broom hockey and he has sent her flowers and she seems very
happy. Jenny is going to San Francisco tomorrow for the weekend.
August 25, 1979
The last day of the conference! Thank goodness! My cookies were a success
and we finished our strategy, took the post test and I got my $150.00
check and my 4 units around 3 p.m. then I worked in the office until
I appointment to see Dr. Simpson on Monday about my arm cause it really
hurts these days.
When I got home Don had cleaned the house and that helped hut he and
Linda had eaten the leftovers that I had planned for dinner so I made
tuna salad instead. Lin went to the Dr. and had her I.U.D. removed. She
has been flowing just about all the time since Jason came and that isn't
good. I worry about that. Now she has a diaphram and although it is a
nuisance I am sure she will feel better. It got really hot today so Lin
stayed down until it cooled off. Priss called to say that they had a
table that either of the girls could use. Lin and I went over to look at
it and she thought it was too big but I think she could probably use it
somehow. She will think about it she says. I was weary and glad to go to
bed although we did watch a movie on TV for awhile. Used some of my
apples and made sauce with them.
August 26, 1972
Got up and did 2 loads of clothes. Put on some quick tan and sat outside
for awhile and a little of my tan returned.
Went on some errands and picked up some food I needed. The Menkes asked
us over for a drink in the late afternoon and by then I had pinned up my
hair and taken a bath so I looked ok.
Cathy called and she was in good spirits. She wants to go to San
Francisco to 1 buy a coat so she wanted me to send some money to her. She
really sounds happy. The Menkes seem ok but there is a strain between
them. The feeling is there although they don't put it in words. I don't
see a lot of hope for that relation-ship.
I made a delicious lamb dish when we got home with someoold lamb steaks,
had corn on the cob and a green salad. I made up 3 apple pies and baked
one and froze 2. I made salad dressing, cooked a squash and froze it.
Boiled potatoes for a salad when we come home tomorrow and made some
things for our picnic lunch that I plan to take tomorrow.
I pinned up my hair again so I will look good tomorrow.
Lin called and they left Jason here while they went out to dinner but he
was asleep and that is no fun. She has decided to use the table so I
called the Scotts and told them to save it for her.
To bed but neither of us slept well. It was still hot way into the night.
August 27, 1972
We got up at 5:30 and had breakfast and left at 6:30. I wore my red and
white polka dirt dress and a sweater thank goodness cause it was very
cool on the way. We got here at 10 and the woman real estate broker came
and we went up to the house. I was disappointed. It was old and tacky,
the setting wasn't all that great. A lot of old machinery around, the
little cottage was ugly, the heating system would have to be redone - I
felt let down.
After we looked we drove to St. Helena and went into the National Park
and had out lunch. It was still cool then cause Bon froze out without a
sweater. There were wineries everywhere and I did like to have stopped,
in one just to see what it was like but Don never wants to do anything
like that so I didn't even suggest it.
From about 1 pm on it was really hot and the rest of the trip wasn't
really very pleasant. We got home at 3.
Mom said Mike and Donna had called. I went to Longs and got 12 pkgs of
choc. chips on sale for 19¢ each and then took the radio for new
batteries and bought Living-ston Seagull cause I have wanted that book
for some time and bought some posters for school and came home to make
potato salad, hot dogs and fried tomatoes, heated up apple pie.
We watched the Olympics and then I wrote long letters to the Mike L.'s,
and to Pauline.
That is a long drive and I am weary tonight. Tomorrow is school, again. I
am going to fix up my office. I feel better about the house.
August 28, 1972
Last day for students to come in to ask about their schedules. I didn't
have too many students in. I fixed up my office with the new posters,
took a plant and a weed, pot with a dry arrangement and with some
construction paper I made a list of the 8 basic needs and put them up. It
looks very nice.
Had lunch at school and since I took my pills and my anti-acid I felt OK
today. Right after school I went to Dr. Sutherland and he gave me a shot
in the elbow again.
I came home and made that noodle dish Don likes and a beautiful fruit
salad. He ate and. then my arm began to really hurt. In fact, it was so
bad that Don had to call Dr. S. and so I got some codeine pills and
finally about 10:30 and the second pill the really bad pain had stopped.
We watched the Olympics and they were really great, especially the
swimming and the gymnastics, Mark Spitz, the swimmer was just super as
the announcers kept saying.
Mother really annoyed, me today. This morning she started in that we
shouldn't but property over near the coast and it was said just before I
went to work which is always upsetting and then when I got home she
started in on Lois Hein. Well, I am griped, too about the Carl birthday
party on Wed., but somehow it doesn't help to have her discussing it.
Since one doesn't reason with Mom I just didn't say anything. I spent
most of the evening with my arm in a sling.
August 29, 1972
I got up to find ray arm still hurting like crazy. Went to school and it
was registration all day. What an exhausting experience that is. I left
at 3 and came home and started to organize myself a bit about tomorrow.
We had soup and scramble eggs for dinner and then I went to Longs and got
some things I needed.
Don said Cathy called to say that she had been laid off at the Pizze
place but she called about an ad in the paper and got a job at the
convalescent hospital and she was very thrilled about it. She is
replacing a woman who has to go on leave and then they are to work her
schedule around her classes this fall. I am so glad for her cause she
wanted to work in a hospital.
Talked to Jenny a long time on the phone and I must give her money for
tuition and because she also needs books, that takes care of my $150.00
check that I got in the drug conference.
In the evening I polished the mirrors, cleaned the bathrooms and did some
neatening up. I washed my hair and used a new rinse called "Come Alive
Gray". Buelah Cyr came over and we checked her daughter's schedule. We
watched the Olympic Games and I went to bed at 10:30. I just hope that my
arm feels better tomorrow. This is so incapacitating cause I find I can
do so little with it without its hurting.
I will be very glad when tomorrow is over. Sophomore registration in the
after-noon and the party in the evening.
I called Lucille Griffith and she had her son bring over some eucalyptis
and I arranged it and it looks much better than what I got from Ann Rood
so I threw hers away.
August 30, 1972
Today was the day of Carl's party. It ^as a long day. In the morning
there was sophomore orientation and then in the afternoon was 10 th grade
registration which got more and more difficult as the afternoon wore on.
I got home at 3:30 and the girls had cleaned, the house and done all the
things I had put on the list. Jenny got a job at Community Hosp. today
and willl start tomorrow. She was very thrilled. They both left and then
I did the finishing up. They had gotten my yellow & white daisies and I
had them on the table with green candles. The Menkes came and then the
Heins and then at 7 the whole crowd came saying Happy Birthday: Heins,
Menkes, Griffiths, Harveys, McDonalds, Dawsons, Blokes, Frank Ficarro,
Tom Griffith, Rooses, Sally Hein & friend Sherri Sanders, the boy
friends, Bobby & friend, the Smiths, Crites, Mom, Don & me and some
others that I cant remember.
The turkey was tough, ham was good, macaroni and cheese not very great,
green salad and hot potato salad, relishes, mediocre cake. It was all
right I guess but I was very tired and somehow Lois annoyed me. I really
think it would have been better if she had had the party.
Don read his poem based on Gungi Dhin and. people liked that. Finally
about 12 they went home and we cleaned up and went to bed.
My arm hurt and I was very weary. I don't mind giving parties if I am in
charge but I don't like food on my table that I don't think is very good
and Lois was thrilled with it all. But at least it is over. Me all
watched the Olympics for awhile.
August 31, 1972
Last day of August. I went to school at 9 and really didn't do much in
the morning. Game home for lunch. Beautiful today and we watched a
hummingbird in the back yard.
Went back in the afternoon and we had a counseling meeting to plan our
orient-ation course in the fall.
Got home at and went to get cheese and snacks for cocktails.
The Davenports arrived about and we had a wonderful, visit. Bill brought
our Willis and we signed them so that is all taken care of.
Jenny came over to do some washing. She was tired after her first day at
work. I wish she didn't have to work at night and hopefully her schedule
will be changed later.
I made hamburgers and salad for dinner and then Mom and I went to get the
groceries. Game home and took a bath and did my hair and watched the
Olympics. The little Russian gymnastic star won 2 gold and 1 silver
medal. She is a little doll.
My check is going to be about $41.00 more each month this year and that
will help. We really want to build up the savings account this year but I
had to give Jenny $150.00 this month and $100.00 to Cathy and $150.00 to
Lin. Still, I put quite a bit into the savings account.
I worked, on my reading class today. I know there will be a lot of work
con-nected with getting ready for the orientation class for sophomores.
September 1, 1972
The last workday before school starts. faculty meeting in the morning and
then I went home for lunch and came back for a 1 p.m. appointment.
Then Mike Fury and his Mother came in and it was a very unsatisfactory
conference. There were no classes left and last year when he wanted to go
to continuation school his Mother wouldn't let him and this year she said
he could go but he doesn’t want to go. It was a a bad way to end the week
so I came home in a bad mood. Then we called Tin and she was all upset
cause she had been to the Dr. and he took all kinds of blood for tests
and asked her a lot of disturbing questions that really through her for a
loss and I think if a Dr. asked me these questions I would really be
angry: Has she thought about suicide, would she want to kill Jason and a
whole lot of other stuff. The tests won't be done for a week or 10 days
so that just put the topping on the whole thing.
I made spareribs for dinner and they were very good. We ate about 5:15
and then I cleaned up the kitchen.
Went out into the yard but although my arm is better I still can't do
anything with it so I came in the house and got my purse and went over to
the Mall. I got some stockings and tried on some clothes but I looked fat
and ugly and my stomach stuck out and I really felt bad so that trip did
nothing for my morale. Came home and chatted with Mom for awhile. Don is
watching a football game. I was going to relax and do nothing this
weekend, but now I am afraid I will spend my time worrying about Linda.
Jenny called and she was weary from her second day on the job and
tomorrow night she starts the night shift.
We tried to call Mike and Donna but they weren't home. It just hasn't
been a good day. I hope tomorrow is better. There was a beautiful sunset
though so that was one bright spot.
September 2, 1972
Both Don and I got our hair cut this morning and although I got it cut
short I had him leave it a little longer at the ear so it doesn't pook
out where my glasses are.
I got home and took Mom to the Salvation Army. I made a cheese cake,
picked up some groceries and then Lin & Jason came down.
Lin had talked to Bev and found out that she had had anemia about 8
months after Matt was born and with iron & vitamin shots she got OK so
Lin was a lot calmer about everything. I realize horn important her
physical health is in relation to her mental health so I hope it can be
settled soon. Jason was adorable and lots of fun. She stayed for dinner
so I thawed some hamburger patties, made noodles, green salad and cheese
cake for those who wanted it.
After they left I took a bath and then felt I had been very sloppy lately
so I exercised conscientiously for about 4-5 minutes.
Me watched the Olympics again and then went to bed and made love and it
was fine. Jenny came over and washed clothes today and tonight she goes
for the first time to do the night shift. I hope it goes well for her.
It got hot this afternoon for a little while but the rest of the time it
was very pleasant with a definite touch of fall in the air.
We called Mike & Donna and they both seemed very fine. Donna had started
school but it wasn't as bad this year cause the kids are smaller than she
is and they seemed quiet and well behaved., Mike is doing the
effectiveness classes (parent) and they both seemed willing to talk and I
felt comfortable talking with them. I took the dogs for a walk and
naturally that pleased them. They slept most of the day as a result.
Dolly seems much more relaxed lately too. It was realty rather a nice
day.
September 3, 1972
I walked the dogs and both Don and Mom went with me to 8am Mass. I came
home and stuffed the turkey and then put on suntan lotion and sat
outside. Lin came with Jason and he sunbathed, for awhile in the back
yard. She said she did like carrot souffle for dinner so I made that and
then in the afternoon we watched the Olympics.
Jenny called about 3:30 and wanted me to come see her new stove so I said
I would go over after dinner. Dave and Dennis came about 5 and we sat
down to eat. The turkey was OK but not great in my opinion but people
seemed to like it. I ate too much and even had a bit of chees cake so I
know tomorrow I will have to be careful to cut down. I want to get to 108
again.
Jason didn't sleep long enough so he was fussy for the rest of the day.
Lin read and rested, so hopefully she didn't get too tired.
After dinner Don played tennis with Skip and. I went to visit Jenny. We
chatted for about one-half hour and then I came home and Don was back
taking a shower. The kids left and we settled down to the Olympics again
which are rather like a disease cause I studyed up until the bitter end
again so I could, see Mark Spitz win his 6th gold medal. I must admit
that I am fascinated with the whole thing but I am tired and once school
on Tuesday I will have to quit this.
Cathy called and she seems very happy. She works from 7 - 3,has only 9
patients, can eat breakfast and lunch at the hospital, says the people
are nice and friendly. Once school starts she will arrange her schedule
accordingly. She mentioned Jim and hockey so I guess she is still going
with the young man. I feel good that things are going well with her.
I think Jenny is upset about working at night cause she doesn't have a
chance to see Skip as much but hopefully they will work something out.
Jason is now holding on and moving from table to chair, etc.. He seems to
be progressing very fast these days.
September 4, 1972
Labor Day. I slept until after 6 and didn't take the dogs for a walk. It
was cloudy and coo1.
After breakfast I finished a book I was reading and then wrote in this
journal. It was nice not to start right in working, I guess that was my
holiday. Then I neatened. up the house.
I made bread and it had been a long time but it turned out very well. I
also tried making a new cookie recipe with choc, chips and marshmallows.
I liked it but Don wasn't too thrilled. Carl, came over for a little
while and shatted.
Dave and. Dennis stopped by so I sent home a loaf of bread, some cookies
and. some turkey.
I wrote a long letter to Cathy.
We had all the leftovers from yesterday and then Don and I went to Klute
at Cinema I,II,III. I liked, it but Don didn't. He felt that it sent too
slowly but he was looking at it from the standpoint of a mystery and. I
was looking at it from the standpoint of a study of a prostitute and I
thought Jane Fonda did a great job.
Came home and washed and set my hair, fixed my nails, took a bath and
then back to the Olympics. They are a disease and I can't resist them. I
stayed up until 1l and saw Mark Spitz win his 7th gold, medal! and so to
bed at 11:05.
September 5, 1972
Today was the first day of school and a day of International tragedy. At
the Olympic Games, Arab guerrilla's got into the Israeli part of the
Olympic Village and took 9 athletes as hostages after killing one hostage
and the coach. They had. them all day and then went by helicopter to an
airport where one of the Arabs' threw a hand grenade and killed all the
hostages plus himself. The police opened fire and more Arabs were killed.
What a tragedy for the world. They suspended the games until after a
Memorial ceremony. We listened to news until 10:30 and then went to bed.
Another horror in our times and at a place where the young were doing so
beaut-ifully together.
School was hectic and. I was very tired, at the end of it. I started my
class and it was ok, but just that.
Came home and. Lin and Jason were here. They stayed through dinner. He is
moving from one object to another. From lounge to the coffee table for
example. He now wants to drink from the cup and. not from the bottle. I
got gas after dinner and then went for a walk at the jr. high. T dusted,
emptied the dishwasher and then did my hair and bathed and so to bed. 2
more days and then another weekend.
September 6, 1972
Work was better today. Not quite so frantic and not so many problems. I
had my class last period and Mr. A. visited it and seemed very satisfied
so that was good. I wasn't at all nervous about it being there and the
kids were cooperative. The flags were at half mast for the Israeli
Olympic stars who were murdered. I came home and Don and I went to
Wentzes to by leg of lamb cause it was cheap but they weren't good so we
didn't get them. Then I went to the Fair cause they were having a sale
and although I tried on things for about an hour I couldn't find anything
I liked, so I came home and fixed leftovers.
Then to the store with Mom to get the groceries. Everything seems to be
higher this week. Eggs are now 52¢ they didn't even have extra large.
Steak if $2.43 a lb. so I didn't get that either. Bought some stew meat.
Came home and Don went to a Democratic meeting and I played solitaire and
read a bit and then we went to bed about 9:30. Really a dull day.
The people in Vermillion had to move and so the house is being
we get $13,000.00 from it so that will be a nice little amount
the bank. I have a yen to buy something in the way of clothes.
to school Friday' so I think I will go to LaFemme and see what
sold. and.
to have in
I don't go
they have.
September 7, 1972
last day of school this week. How nice it would be if we had a week like
this every week.' Fe had a counseling meeting this morning for 2 hours
and we talked about what we wanted to do in the orientation. It all
sounds good but it is rather nebulous and idealistic. Coming up with some
concrete things will be something else I am afraid. Mr. A. came in during
this meeting and he started in on all the things he did this summer in
his encounter experience and I really wonder if we can do all these
things. He is in a strange mood this year. After school I came home to
cook dinner and Don was in a sad mood. The estate is finally settled and
somehow he felt let down. So he suggested that we go out for dinner and
that was fine with me.
Jenny was here and she has a headache as usual so we talked about this at
length and didn't come up with anything concrete.
Linda called to say that she had gone to the Dr. and she has a thyroid
deficiency and she is taking pills for it. Hopefully, she will feel
better now. Don and I went to Mike & Eddies and had dinner. I had a steak
that really wasn't very good but it was nice to eat out. But by the time
I had eaten all the stuff there I really didn't feel very good but I
somehow felt that Don wanted, to make love so I went along. It was ok but
about 3:30 in the night I felt terrible so it wasn't such a good idea to
eat so much. When will I learn I wonder.
September 8, 1972
I got up and walked the dogs and. my how they like that. It is just
barely daylight now at 6 am.
After breakfast I cleaned the house and then went to Longfellow Floor
Covering to get an estimate on linoleum for the kitchen and dining room
area.
I went downtown and to al1 the stores looking for some clothes. I want to
buy something desperately but just can't seem to find what I want.
Clothes have gotten very expensive and I really didn't see anything that
I just loved.
I came home and made pork chops, jello and green beans for dinner. Mom
and I went to Lassen Foods and I took her to the Mall.
Jenny came over to wash clothes and then she and Skip were going to Butte
Meadows until Sunday night.
We decided that we internalize all al our anxieties and hence my problem
stomach and her headaches. The question is how does one externalize
problems? I called Pauline cause I hadn't heard from her for a long time.
She was fine but rather lonesome cause Paul had been home for such a
short time coming from Philadelphia and going on to Boulder cause school
starts early there. Me watched the Olympics and the heart is gone from it
now that all the trouble at the beginning of the second week with the
Israelian tragedy and then our people seem to have nothing but bad luck.
I have gotten so involved this year and really care that we are doing
badly. Took a bath and then to bed.
September 9, 1972
Up early and ran again this morning. I am trying to do a little more each
day. Tin called and asked if we would take Jason for the night.
Mom and I went to a rummage sale and then to Tile Town but their linoleum
was no cheaper.
Back home and Don was down with a headache. I made his lunch and then
Linda, Jason and Gail McM. came.
I went over to the Mall and "Looked for a top to go with my navy knit
suit (skirt) but didn't find anything but being stubborn I didn't give up
and went downtown to look too. Came home empty handed and made macaroni
and green salad.
Lin and Gail left in the late afternoon. I fed Jason and then we ate. He
liked after dinner and Mom and I watched and, enjoyed him. He was pulling
himself up and moving from one thing to another over and over.
I bathed him and gave him his bottle and he went to bed at 7.
Finally, Nadine Bascome came to Chico and brought me little chou tables
so tomorrow I will have to finish that.
It really didn't get very hot today. In the mid 80’s I think but nice and
clear. I haven't done any homework and haven't written any lately. Got a
letter from Pauline today so I should have waited, on the phone call,
last night. Mom wanted me to make a list of things that she wanted
Pauline or me to have so I wil1 type it up and send, a copy to Pauline
and I will keep a copy. Then when someone witnesses her will she will
have it all taken care of.
September 10, 1972
Jason woke up early but he jabbered in his bed until 6:30 when I gave him
his bottle and then he had breakfast at 7. He played in his chair and
then went down for a nap. He had orange juice when he woke up and then
sat in the yard, while I finished my second chow table that I finally got
from Nadine yes-terday.
David got him at noon but he had lunch before he left as did David.
I took Mora to church and then came home and made my littlelapple pie
with gravensteins.
Don hurt his eye playing tennis with Wayne. He got hit with a ball so he
had a headache for the rest of the day,
I watched Shorter win the marathon to put the first joy taken away by a
West German who ran around the track making it look as if he won. The
last fiasco of the games.
Had chicken for dinner that was delicious. Didn't have any homework when
I said. I did. Did my nails, exercised, pinned up my hair etc.
In the evening I am going to try to stay away from desserts this week.
Hope I can. Wrote to Cathy. Jenny came over - she is home from. Butte
Meadows and brought me a beautiful manzaita branch and some pine cones.
Don went to bed early and I watched Liza Minelli who I thought was just
marvelous. There is a definite chill in the air and it seems like fall.
September 11, 1972
The start of a new week and so cool. I wore a skirt & blouse with a
sweater -navy & white - then in the afternoon the wind came up. There
were clouds and it sme1led like rain but didn't quite make it.
My class went well and I wasn't too busy. Sat in the Viking Volunteer
meeting ' which was dull. After school I sent to the linoleum place and
got the estimate. I brought home a white brick sample that I decided on.
It should run about $200.00. Tomorrow Don will take the sample back. We
had leftovers for dinner.
Don went to see Dr. Chioppela and there was some damage to his eye. He
can't run or exercise for a week and he has to go back on Thursday.
Lin, Jason and Gail stopped by and the girls didn't like my floor sample
and Mom and Don did so I guess there is a generation gap on floors.
I sent the $29.00 to Nadine Bascom for the table and worked, for a few
minutes on the orientation project.
I went for a walk in the evening for a few minutes and. then went to bed
rather early. Don stayed up to watch a movie but he didn't stay up for
the whole thing. We decided to invite the Olson's for a weekend. We will
have a small cocktail party for them on Saturday night and then take them
out to dinner. We aren't going to have a big cocktail party this fall,
thank goodness. Ed Neigel called and. I think we will be going to Hawaii
with them at Christmas but it isn't settled yet. I am not really
enthusiastic about it but Don is and I will go along.
September 12, 1972
Another cool day. Glass went ok. Not too much to do in the office. Had a
meeting late afternoon and after school until 4. I wish I felt more
secure about orientation class cause it starts in mid-October and I am
certainly not ready.
When I was finished there I went home and Don was full of ideas. We
called the Olsons' and invited them for the first weekend in October. We
will have a cock-tail party on Saturday night and then take them to
dinner and they will be here Sunday until, thay are ready to go home. We
certainly owe them a visit I realize. Then Don called the Niegels and I
guess it will be Hawaii. We are debating about Maui or the big island.
I just read through yesterday and I guess I have my days mixed up. This
is what comes of not writing this until Wed. night.
I had meat loaf for dinner and then I did my hair and took a bath, forked
on decision in anything for ½ hour and then it was 10 so I went to bed.
Don wasn't asleep and so we made love and that was certainly nice. I do
remember that.' Cathy called, and she seemed in good, spirits. Her school
starts about the 19th. I feel guilty in a way cause I find that I am
readily looking forward to the weekends and am just tolerating school. I
really wish I didn't have to go and. yet I am sure I would be bored if I
had to stay home all the time. I just don't know what the answer is. I
know I should try to get so involved that I would enjoy it but somehow I
think I have been at it just too long. And to think I still have about 5
years to go. That really makes it tough! Oh well, I will survive. Jenny
stopped by.
September 13, 1972
Not quite so cool but still fallish out. Stayed after school until 4 and
then went to the linoleum place and got samples of indoor-outdoor
carpeting and found a color I liked quite well. I think I will probably
go ahead with it. I had pork chops with saurekraut, fruit salad, potato
soup and french bread for dinner.
Don has a headache today. He goes back to the Dr. tomorrow and then we
will know if the tennis accident on Sunday did any damage to his eye. Don
is still working on Hawaii. He called Annabel Hungerford in Honolulu
about the weather on Maui and she was not optimistic about December so we
will probably go to the big island.
Linda arrived at about dinner time and luckily we had an extra pork chop
so she ate with us and fed Jason. I had washed up the playpen from Pat
Yarbrough and Jason played in that.
Mom and I went grocery shopping and then we watched some of the new shows
on TV, I think the thing I find upsetting is that I have no ambition to
do anything in the evening once school starts. I don't read, or write
letters or anything else. I am just sort of tired and think only of going
to bed and my class for the next day.
Maybe it will get better as time goes on. I hope so.
September 14, 1972
Cool morning and hot afternoons but the really hot part is just for a few
hours. Not too much happening at school really.
I went to a meeting downtown at the district office on testing. Mostly
elementary school teachers who were pretty hostile to the whole testing
program. I got home around 5 and we had one of those hasty dinners with
sausage and eggs with hot sweet rolls. I ate too much but it all tasted
so good. Linda called to say that Jason was fussy and had a bit of a
temperature and that his teeth seem to be bothering him. He still just
has the 2 lower ones and maybe now the uppers are about to come in.
Jenny called to say that she had a very sore mouth and I recommended she
see the Dr.
We watched "Around The World in 80 Days". The first part was from 9 - 11.
I got my hair washed too during the commercials. It loses a lot with a
small screen and being broken up all the time with ads. Still, the music
is lovely as is the scenery. One more day of school this week.
Don's eye is going to be alright I guess, or so the Dr. says.
September 15, 1972
Beautiful morning. The birds who woke with the sun are really noisy now
about 6:30 instead of at 5 as they were during the summer.
School was OK. I even managed to get a new student in classes in spite of
the tight squeeze in most classes.
After school I went to Diamond National and found a carpet sample for the
back room that I liked.
Game home and Lin and Jason were here. Jason was cross so I put an
icecube in a washrag and he sucked on that. Lin had to run some errands
and so I gave him some yogurt and fruit and then we had cream sauce with
cheese and eggs on toast.
Made a bundt cake and we all ate too much.
Watched TV and the end of "Around the World" and then to bed.
I wish we were going to the mountains tomorrow or some place where nature
could be enjoyed.
Instead I will run errands all day tomorrow.
September 16, 1972
Well, I started out the day well by washing the livingroom windows. Then
I took the rug sample back to Diamond. Natl., picked up a bag of lawn
(leg of lamb) and came back home.
We went to the Creative Arts Center to look at pictures but I didn't find
one that I liked to rent. To 21st street to look at a yard sale and also
one on East Ave. By that time I was rather annoyed and I told Mom that we
couldn't go to all of them and then I felt guilty for the rest of the day
cause I had spoken sharply to her.
Everyone says you should get your pee1ings out but when I do that I get
more upset than when I let them smoulder inside. I can't win.
Called Mr. Moorshed about the picture I had put on consignment a long
time ago and we went down together to look but couldn't find it. That
made me mad too. Went to the Clothes Horse which is now downtown and got
a gray flannel jumper for $3.00 and. a blue coat dress for $4.00.
Jenny came over and we visited. I suggested she take Vit. B2 (Adele
Davis' sugg) for her cancar sores and she bought some.
Lin and Dave went to Clockwork Orange in Sacramento and left Jason here.
We had the Menkes over for drinks and they witnessed Mom's will.
I had potato salad and hot dogs for dinner. Jason ate well, had his bath
and went to bed at 7. He was very good.
We watched TV in the evening. Based on a 2-hour first program about the
S.F. po1ice dept. Really not bad. Went to bed at 11 and made love and it
was ok but I didn't come but still it was ok.
The kids got back at 12 and took Jason home. So it was a good day for the
most part. Cathy called for a recipe and so I wrote her in the evening
and enclosed a number of ones she wanted. The day was beautiful weatherwise. We walked to the jr. high in the a.m. and I even picked a few
roses. Tin brought me a beautiful ivy plant.
September 17, 1972
I slept in until almost 7 and then got dressed to take the dogs for a
walk but when we stepped out the door it seemed that every dog in town
was waiting and Mitzi went crazy so we just turned right around and came
back.
I had orange juice, egg and toast which is a lot for me. Then Don
suggested that we make a picnic lunch and go to see the house in Camelot.
Took Mom to church and then I washed the sheets, putting new mattress
pads on our bed and clean sheets. I made sandwiches, etc. and shortly
after 11 we left.
It was a beautiful day and hence the ride was very pleasant. Jason was in
good form and Lin and Dave seemed pleased to go.
The house is really very attractive, interesting and different and they
are doing a good job. We set up the playpen and ate our lunch in the
living room. While we were there some people came to see the house and
Dave showed them around. Then we came back and I went over to the Mall
and bought some material to make a scarf for the blue coat dress and
stopped at the Delicatessen and bought pastrami and cheese. Made Don a
gorgeous sandwich and I skipped dinner cause I ate so much at the other 2
meals.
I worked outside for awhile. I fed the camelias and gardenias and cut
back some bushes and then came in and took a bath. Did my hair and nails.
Columbo came on at 8:30 and it was 2 hours long this first time. It was
good but the same old formula was used.
After that to bed. Tomorrow starts a new week.
September 18, 1972
Back to school, I wore my "new" coat dress and everyone liked it. I guess
that was a good buy for J4.00. The day went ok. I had my class last
period, so I won't have it tomorrow thank goodness. I find I tremble
about that class so I guess it really bothers me. But it just doesn't
bother me enough to do anything about it.
We meet for 2 hours a day to work on orientation. Not a really
satisfactory meeting. We just sort of fumble around.
Came home after school and got a carpet sample from the Longfellow Floor
Covering place but decided to order from the Diamond Nat'l. instead. They
said it would be in in 2 weeks.
Then I went to S & Save and got a leg of lamb for both Mom and me. I had
a very good dinner with leg of iamb, mashed, potatoes and gravy, fresh
green beans and a fruit salad.
Don started, his classes today and he was so despondent about them. He
has 2 units of History and one seminar. He teaches on Monday and Tuesday
nights and I had hoped to get a lot done tonight but it didn't turn out
that way. I really just wasted the evening and had nothing to show for
it. I didn't watch TV and he was home by 8:30 so we played some cards and
then I got ready for bed and was there by 9:30.
The weather feels like fall all of a sudden. I am just about ready to
move into fall clothes. Really it was rather a dull day.
I had hoped to get my linoleum in tomorrow but it didn't come in so I
don't know when it will be now. Damn!
September 19, 1972
Boy, these mornings are getting chilly! The afternoons are still hot but
only for a short time.
I didn't have class today and I really did very little. I looked for
films for the Orientation class and saw a few students but nothing
terribly worthwhile. I called home at noon and Lin said the man had come
to lay the linoleum and I couldn't wait to get home and finally 3:15
came. He was over ½ done and it looks just beautiful. I feel very bad
cause the man in charge didn't tell him to put a baseboard instead of
coming in the dining area but other than that it is OK, and it is going
to look so light!
Don didn't feel well today so he called the Dr. and he suggested stopping
the sinus pills and that seemed to help the dizziness and nauseau.
Jenny came over and Cathy called and she got the classes she wanted and
will go to school on Thursday and Tuesday and have Wednesday off and then
work the other 4 days each week. She seemed very pleased. She starts next
week.
I went over to Mom's and heated some potatoes and gravy for dinner and
then Don went to class.
I then defrosted the refrigerator and cleaned it on the outside. It is
setting in the front hall. I washed the walls around, the stove and in
the dining area. Now, when things are moved back tomorrow evening
everything will be clean. It is going to be hard to be at school tomorrow
and not see the finished product until after school.
Jason was fine and crawled, around, in the mess. After I finished work in
the kitchen Mom and I watched TV and I saw the movie "No Place to Run To"
which was good and sad and I cried. Took a bath and didn't pin up my
hair.
Now I can hardly wait to get the carpeting into the back room. I hope it
comes soon.
September 20, 1972
Today was not great or at least it certainly didn't start out that way.
Chris Lassen, a student from the college came to observe my class and so
unnerved me that I did a lousy job and upset myself for the whole day and
I couldn't get to sleep when I went to bed. I guess my ego was really
threatened. I am going to ask him not to come back. The rest of the day
was rather uneventful.
I checked on files for our class and we had a meeting about the class
period. I came home and the kitchen floor was done and it looks great. I
had the man move the furniture back and. everything seems to look better
against the white floor plus it all looks so light and airy. Once the
back room is done we are going to have a beautiful house.
I made hot dish and gingerbread, (not too great) and then Don came home
from class and we sympathized with each other about our day and then ate
dinner in our new kitchen - dining area.
Mom and I went for groceries. I bought 2 turkeys on sale to freeze. I
bathed and pinned up my hair and we went to bed at 9:30 but I didn't get
to sleep until about 11.
What it boils down to is that neither of us really likes to teach any
more. It is going to be a long 5 years I am afraid.
Lin and family were down but I didn't see them. A beautiful sunset
tonight.
September 21, 1972
Bright and chilly morning, I went to school and when second period came
around I told Chris Lossen that I didn't want him in the class any more.
It was a hard thing to do. I had on my ego but I went into class then and
all went well. The rest of the day I spent on Sr. Workdays until 6th
period when there was a meeting on the Stull Bill.
Came home and fixed leftover lamb and broccoli with cottage cheese salad.
Don and I talked over the day and then ate. After dinner I got really
ambitious and washed the screens and windows in the kitchen - dining area
and even washed and ironed the curtains.
Then I went to the Mall and found a rug to put in front of the sick yellow - that matches just beautifully. It was on sale for $5.00. So, now
the kitchen is all done and it looks just great.
We watched the Walton Family on TV, an hour show about a family in the
1930's and it was really good.
Exercised, bathed, pinned my hair and was in bed by 11. Don stayed, up
and watched "The Professionals". I went to sleep.
Don says that Lin called and said she bought a TV with the money that I
had given her for groceries and he was annoyed, and so she called back
all upset in tears. Impulse buying. I would like to fix the black dress I
bought last year by putting a lace on it. I will work on that tomorrow
night.
September 22, 1972
Well, at least it is Friday. I am getting so I really look forward, to
the weekend. I am worried about the attitude of both Don and me. I guess
I will just have to work harder in the reading class cause that is where
I feel so guilty that I am not doing a good job.
I came home after stopping at the fruit stand. I made a beautiful fruit
salad and barbecued spare ribs for dinner. After dinner I cleaned the
house. Don helped on the livingroom area. Then I got out that black long
dress I bought last year and ripped the pink suede off. I am going to put
just plain black there and put lace around, the neckline. I just didn't
like it the way it was cause it looked so drab. Well, I will have to work
on that.
I have big plans for tomorrow cause I have to clean the TV room and then
run a lot of errands.
Tomorrow night we go to the Heins' and Sunday night to the Kruskes. I
wish I had a good-looking long skirt to wear but I won't have time to
look for something or make it. Maybe it will turn cool and I can wear my
gray flannel. I will have to wash my hair and do my nails too.
I didn't feel very good after dinner. I stopped taking the pill on the
20th and I suppose that is it.
Don wanted to go to a movie but I didn't feel up to it so we went to bed
at 9. It is quite ridiculous to be having this trouble when I am 53 but
there it is. No word from Linda today. I think I will spend Sunday
working on readings.
September 23, 1972
Got up and cleaned the TV room. Then I took Mom downtown and Lin called
to say that she had had a very bad asthma attack and I was to stay (wait)
for a call from Dr. Heideger. She arrived with Jason and I sent her right
over to the Dr. I had planned to run errands all morning but I stayed
with Jason instead. She came back shortly and he had given her some
medicine and she felt better. 3 cats at her house won't help the
situation much.
It was so cool I made soup and sandwiches for lunch and then I went to
Hubbards and found the most beautiful plant and a white container with
black at the bottom to put in the living room.
I took out the eucalptus in the black wrought iron pot and put it away
for the time being.
Jenny came over to do her wash and everyone approved of my purchase. I
just hope it grows and thrives.
I washed my hair, did my nails, etc. and put on my gray flannel dress and
we went to Hein's cocktail party. There weren't too many people there but
the party was nice. Peggy was the bar tender and she made me a Manhattan
so strong that although I had one and just part of another one to really
heat me. The result was WOW! We came home and I really was floating but
making love was certainly good. I was sort of embarrassed in a way cause
I realize I am a lot different when I have had quite a bit to drink but
it was surely fun. I felt a bit dizzy afterwards but Don put a cold
washrag on my head and I fell asleep that was it. I know I couldn't do
this very often and it was great this once. Tomorrow I have a lot of
things to do plus we go to another party tomorrow night. The nights are
really getting chilly although it is still warm in the afternoon. Jason
was adorable today naturally. I think my gray dress may be a bit long.
September 24, 1972
Mom and I went to 8 am Mass and then she went to a breakfast for Marge
Peterson at the Studio Inn and had a good time.
I decided that one reason I don't like teaching my class is cause I don’t
work hard enough on it so I went to school for an hour and really worked
on it. I decided that the article in the Family Circle for October on
reading was good so I bought 25 copies and I am going to use it as a unit
in my class. Came home and made turkey hot dish, made a chocolate cake
and frosting, washed salad greens, stewed some fresh tomatoes and cooked
zuccini with them and then pinned up my hair and took a bath.
I wore my black & white polyester dress this time and we went over to the
Kruskes at about 5:15. They have a lovely house and a beautiful back yard
and there were a good many people there. Most of them I didn't know. I
talked to Mrs. Shaw (her husband is running against Ray Johnson in the
Assembly) and to Mrs. Ebine whose daughter is a counselor and to Mrs.
Gerth, Hoen, etc. I felt as though I were at work.
Then Don and I talked a long time to Gordon Gibb and then we came home. I
cooked dinner and then it was 8:30 and we watched McMillan and Wife which
wasn't all that good.
It was 10 and I pinned up my hair and then to bed.
Made bread today that turned out very good. It really didn't get very hot
today and it was bright and sunny.
Cathy called about cooking a roast and she seemed fine. I didn't get any
letter written so will have to do that tomorrow night while Don is at
class.
Rain by late afternoon.
September 25, 1972
Another week beginning and the last week in September. I wore my navy
blue jumper with the red & white body shirt and it looked great. I am so
glad I kept that dress Priss gave me. Really cool day so I wore a coat.
Previewed films first period. Gave a diagnostic test to the reading class
4th period.
Don't car was leaking oil so he came to borrow mine while his was being
fixed. Got home from school and made meat loaf, baked potatoes and
carrots for dinner. Don doesn't get here until 5:30 on Mondays so I
started a carbon letter to Pauline, Cathy & Mike. There just isn't enough
time during the school year to write to everyone separately.
When Don came we ate dinner. Then he went back for the seminar and I
spent the whole evening correcting tests. But, I got them all done and
from now on I am really going to work on that class.
When Don got home we chatted a bit and then were in bed by 9:45. We put a
big blanket on the bed cause the man hasn't come yet to fix the furnace.
I woke in the night and heard it raining so fall is really here.
Jenny came over in the late afternoon and she had a headache. I had her
lie down for awhile and put hot compresses on her head but it didn't help
much. How awful it must be to have headaches so much.
Mitzie went to the Dr. to have a growth removed by her ear. She was
certainly glad to get home and Don said she trembled all the way in the
car. I feel proud about my Monday. I didn't waste any of it. I am going
to try to do as much as possible each day from now on and not spend all
my time thinking about the weekend.
September 26, 1972
Dark day. It didn’t actually rain during the day but it was certainly
gloomy. At 8:15 the counselors had a meeting with Bob Jeffries and he was
tremendous in talking about what to do at that first meeting. In fact, he
was eloquent. I got a note that there1s a meeting after school a week
from Thursday on reading. I got all kinds of stuff in my mail to read, I
had class 5th period and previewed films 6th hour so it was a busy day. I
feel constantly pushed and I suppose it means that I didn't do enough
last year. Anyway, I am getting too old for this type of pace.
I came home and called Diamond Nat’l. and they oversold the type of
carpet I wanted and it will be 6 weeks before they get it in if then.
Another body blow. Don felt general malaise as he does all too often now.
How depressing all this can be.
I made a simple dinner and then Don went up to school to his class. I
went to Penney’s and Wards and couldn’t find anything so I bought a paint
brush and came home and touched up some spots in the kitchen I wanted to
fix and then I got some rug shampoo out and cleaned the bottom of the
drape in the dining room and I think I got it clean.
Took a bath and pinned up my hair and by that time Don was home. We
talked for awhile and then went to bed and we made love which was nice
and then to sleep at about 10:30.
We called Lin cause Jason was 9 months old today and there had been some
response to the ad they had put in the paper about the house. I certainly
hope they sell it soon.
September 27, 1972
It was one of those days where I looked good and I felt good. I am
pinning my hair up on the sides as well as the top and I wore ray pink
and blue striped body shirt with that blue coat dress I bought at the
Clothes Horse. Looking good does help.
My day was busy thinking up goals and objectives and ray class was easy
cause they read what they wanted.
After school I went to Chico Carpet and Drapery and looked at samples but
didn't see anything I really liked.
Came home and Lin, Jenny and Hason were all here but they left almost at
once. Jason was adorable in blue corduroys.
I made chicken and zuccini and then I went with Mom to buy groceries.
When I got home the TV wasn't working and Don was unhappy. We read all
evening and then went to bed.
Cathy called and didn't like her classes and had dropped one. She hoped
to get up during the month of October and will either bring Jim or
Debbie. It was cool and cloudy in the morning but had cleared up by
afternoon. Not a bad day really.
September 28, 1972
Another lovely day with a little ground mist in the morning but then it
got clear and hot and I found I was dressed to warm for the day. I didn't
have class today so I worked on records, had a meeting of the counselors
and discussed the course. Then I previewed films in the afternoon. Saw
the Cross Country Runner Phoebe & River Boy.
After school I went to Diamond Nat’l. The carpeting would be here the
23rd of October. I went to Abbey and looked at those and then came home
to think about whether to wait until then or not.
I made tuna salad and cornbread for dinner and then we went to Cinema I
and saw "The Great Dictator". It was made in 1940 so we had seen it over
30 years ago and films have changed so much that we were rather
disappointed and I must confess - bored. It cost $4.50 and I don't think
it was worth it. We got home at 8 and Don had a headache so he went to
bed but I did my nightly chores and then read "Coming of Age" until 10. I
find that book very depressing but good.
Our TV needed to be fixed and had to be taken in so we have a little
colored portable that we are using and Don bought it and when ours comes
back he is giving the little one to Mom. He told her and she was so
thrilled. She is going to give hers to Catholic Rummage Sale which will
be next week. I hated the fact that hers was not very good cause whether
or not she admits it she watches a lot of TV. One more day and then the
weekend.
September 29, 1972
Today was one of those days at school that made me think of when I was in
High School and I cared about football and whether our team would win or
not. There was an old school spirit type of feeling in the air.
Mr. White had his french students outside and Mrs. Isler had her drama
class outside practicing and the jr.’s got there candy to sell and
everyone seemed so gay. I went to the bank and put $250.00 in savings and
that was a good feeling after putting $50.00 in for so long.
Stopped at L & H floor covering and took a sample home again. When I got
home there was a note from Don saying that he had cleaned the whole
house. That dear! He shouldn't do that sort of thing but my it is nice to
have it done. I had a good dinner of steak, broccoli and a green salad.
After dinner I went over to the Mall and bought a white body suit for
$7.00 at Parklane.
Don had a history meeting so I cleaned the shower doors and the tub and
dusted and did odd jobs around the house. I stayed up and waited for Don.
He would like to be chairman of the dept. now that Carl is resigning but
he was discouraged when he got home cause a committee has to be and he
feels sure they will require 2 names to be presented and Gerth would
never allow him to be chosen so he was pretty sure he didn't have a
chance. It would be so nice if he would get in cause then he wouldn't
have to teach classes and he is not happy in the classroom right now. So
to bed.
September 30, 1972
I got up and fixed breakfast. Read the paper and then finished the
housework for the week.
Mom and I went to tow to do errands. I stopped at Chico Carpet &
Draperies and found a shag I liked and the man will be out on Monday to
measure it. I also found a white remnant that they will cut for me for
the bedroom that was on sale for $22.50 and that will be taken care of by
the $20.00 Mom gave me for a rug. Went to Hubbard's and Mon got a
wisteria.
Came home and Lin was here with Jason who was cute as always. He eats so
well and stands and walks around furniture.
I whipped back downtown and at Smalls checked on a garnet ring but it
would come to almost $100.00 and it just isn't worth it so I will forget
about that. Then to the Clothes Horse but couldn't find anything I liked
so I stopped at Gayles and got 2 bicycle prints and mounted them and put
them in the bedroom instead of the picture I had there that one Dave
Hoppe did so long ago. They aren’t quite what I want either but they will
do for awhile. Made carrot cookies which were interesting.
Jenny came over and we all visited. Don had to make a speech in Paradise
for McGovern so I fixed him a little snack for dinner and he left and
then Lin left. I took a bath and watched "All in The Family" and then Don
came home mad cause the thing had lasted so long.
He went to bed but I stayed up to see "Cactus Flower" and I really
enjoyed it. It is fun to see a movie where there is no violence and no
message and one doesn't have to feel guilty about anything.
I hope that Don didn't mind that we didn't make love but I just this once
wanted to see the movie and he didn't seem upset. Since he was tired
maybe he was relieved that I didn't come to bed. I think sometimes we
feel we have to do this on Saturday nights.
October 1, 1972
I took the dogs this morning and walked and it was warm and very
pleasant. Took Mom to church and made a new choc, bundt cake. Then I got
ambitious and cleaned out the closet in the back-back, ran a load of
wash, folded Jenny’s clothes.
Then went outside and transplanted daisies and sweet williams to the side
yard. Ate a little lunch and washed my hair. Since we went to Lin's for
dinner I didn't have to make anything but the cake. Took a loaf of french
bread and the salad dressing. Did some hand washing and then read a bit
and rested a bit. Jenny came over to pick up her laundry and she said
last night was much easier working.
Went to Long's to buy toothpaste and light bulbs and then we got in the
car and drove to Paradise.
The Yakeckes were fine. Jason had already eaten and he sat in his jump
seat while we had our stew and salad and cake. My new recipe was very
good. It certainly had enough chocolate with ch. chips, ch. pudding mix
and a choc, sour cream cake mix. I shudder at the amount of calories!
Got home at 7:30 and we watched the F.B.I, and then went to bed. Made
love and I think it was ok for Don but not great for me but I really
didn't mind. I can act the part will when I want to assure him.
Bad dreams all night and I suppose that was the rich ch. cake.
It was cloudy most of the afternoon but there was a beautiful sunset. I
like the place in Paradise but I think I would feel hemmed in with all
the trees.
Tomorrow starts a busy week.
October 2, 1972
Beautiful morning but it got hot before the day was over. I wore a coat
to school and carried it home. I had my class 2nd period and we finished
up the introductory material on the reading program and tomorrow we start
in earnest. The rest of the day was uneventful. Previewed a film and
talked to a few people.
Came home and made pork chops with some leftover dressing, a fruit salad
and green beans.
The man came from Chico C & D and measured the
$312.00 and they will do it on Friday. Also at
the white rug cut and it will be 4’6" x 6’ and
little left over for a small one. We will have
and the furniture out on Tuesday night so that
TV room. It will cost
that time they will put
then there will be a
to move all the big books
will be a big job.
Don had his night class and I really didn't accomplish very much. I
really didn't feel very good. I felt quite shakey today for some reason.
I also feel very fat but then I ate those dammed candy bars the jrs. are
selling and I never seem to learn that I just can't do that. I must get
some white paper tomorrow and try a picture idea. I have already painted
the frame black.
Wednesday is back to school night and that will foul me up on grocery
shopping. Saturday the Olson's come and I will be glad when that is over.
I said that I hate to entertain anymore and I don't know why cause my
house is so much nicer than it used to be. I was glad to go to bed at
9:30.
October 3, 1972
Another nice day. I weighed 110 lbs. this morning so I was careful about
eating today. Had class 3rd period and the rest of the day I worked on
getting the testing program ready for next week.
After school I went to the store and got black spray paint. I found a
piece of white paper at the book store at school and cut it on the big
paper cutter in the art room. So, I spray painted the frame I had in the
bedroom black and the strips black and made the picture with a white
ground, yellow & gray squares with black lines.
I had planned on salmon loaf but it was so warm that I served the salmon
cold and made creamed potatoes and a salad.
Don went to class and I finished and hung the picture. It looks pretty
good. Then Lin called and said they were bringing Jason down while they
went out to dinner. He came and she put him to bed but he cried so long
that I gave him (got) him up and it was really hard to get him calmed
down but finally he went to bed about 10.
When Don came home he wanted us both in the room at the same time. Very
cute but sad that he was so upset.
I had trouble getting to sleep so I know I will be tired tomorrow.
The plumber came to fix the faucet in the bathroom and had to stay for 2
hours and charged $31.50. Wow! Oh to be a plumber!
The people got Mom’s new TV adjusted and so she is set. I watched a real
cute movie during all the Jason fuss about divorced people. Funny, but
sad too.
October 4, 1972
This morning I could really identify with the drug culture. If I believed
in it I certainly would have popped a few "uppers"! I was so weary! Every
dog in the neighborhood is in heat and they barked and whined all night
and even though ours can't have the urge they got all excited and barked
too and I felt as if I had been beaten with sticks. But the day went by.
I had my class 4th period and previewed material for the class in the
afternoon. Lin called to say that when I got home she and Jason needed
the car in order to go over and pick up Skip’s car so I left school at 3
and dashed and changed clothes and when they got back I went shopping.
Mom was already at the store cause she had walked so we got our shopping
done by 4:30 and then I made salmon sandwiches and soup and the Don drove
Jason and Lin up the hill.
I put on my gray dress and went back to school for "back to school
night". I had 2 students in my class (by that I mean parents of students)
and afterwards I talked to some parents and then came home by 10:30.
There was a lovely note from Don in the bathroom that was very sweet that
I enclose here. He had a headache and had gone to bed right after I left.
His headaches really worry me cause he has them so often.
Tomorrow there is a meeting after school downtown and then tomorrow night
we have to get ready for the carpet laying on Friday. That will be a big
operation. Well, the one advantage of being tired is that I lost the
weight I gained.
October 5, 1972
I was tired this morning but it wasn't quite as bad as yesterday morning.
Didn't work too hard at school. Had some long interviews with students
and my class is 5th period.
Then I went downtown to a reading meeting and since it was small and
everyone pretty much agreed it was ok.
I dashed home and made a pkg. hot dish that really was pretty good
considering it cost 571 and that with a salad made the meal.
Then Don and I dismantled the TV room putting all the books in the living
room. Don vacummed the rug and Skip and Jenny came to get it and they
also took the door that I had behind the lounge plus the legs that go
with it and they will make a table out of it. I don't know how I will get
through the day tomorrow knowing that they are laying the carpeting here
at home.
I changed the bed linen in the guest room and got that all neatened up
and then tomorrow I will clean the whole house to get ready for Saturday.
I cleaned up and went to bed but I was all keyed up and had trouble going
to sleep. I just panic that I won't like it once it is down.
Mom went over to church to help with the rummage sale and took some stuff
over that we had collected.
Got a nice long letter from Pauline. Janet Taylor substituted today at
our school and I get all the gossip from people in Paradise.
Bill didn't get into medical school and he was disappointed. I must write
Mike about that.
October 6, 1972
I really didn't have to go to school today but instead I wanted to stay
home to see about carpeting. I had visions of there not coming. School
was ok but dull and the time passed slowly but finally it was 3 p.m. and
I whipped home and there was the room all done and it looked just
marvelous! I was so relieved and thrilled.
Since Don had class I started to put things back and then when he arrived
we dusted all the books and put them back and then moved everything back
in. PERFECT. The room looks much better and it is so cozey.
I had beef lifters and Don had a baked potato and there were cucumbers
and tomatoes for dinner.
The white rug for the bedroom turned out equally well and the other piece
I put in Cathy's room.
Alice stopped by to see it all and she liked it too. After she left we
vacummed the rest of the house so all that has to be done tomorrow is the
dusting. We watched a repeat of the first chapter of Vanity Fair with
Susan Haugshine as Becky and it was very good.
Poor Packy is really having trouble these days, Mike worked all summer
moving irrigation pipes and bought one of Marge Isler's cars. He had
never taken it out alone at night before and last night he had a couple
of beers and then drove too fast and totalled it so now they don't have
any and the car he bought for himself is no more. I don't know what they
will do now cause she had to take out 2 loans to buy the house.
I brought her home from school today and she is pretty discouraged. Well,
we went to bed very happy with our carpeting. Skip came over and sawed
off the door and everything is now done. What will my next project be?
Peck Lindberg has been transferred to Bidwell and we will all miss him at
PV. He came to say goodbye to me today and he had tears in his eyes.
Cathy called and said she and Debby would be up 2 weeks from tonight.
October 7, 1972
I took the dogs for a walk hoping to pick some roses but they had trimmed
them back again but fortunately Mother has some lovely ones so I arranged
2 bouquets in the living room, then I dusted and did a load of wash cause
I changed the sheets.
At 9:15 I got my hair cut and found a good looking silver belt that I
plan to wear with my gray dress.
I did all the little odd jobs like sweeping the patio and wiping the
kitchen floor. Mom and I went over to the church rummage sale but I
couldn't find anything I wanted. They sold her TV for $25.00 and that
pleased her.
When I got home I swept the patio and Lin and Jason arrived. He likes the
new carpeting. It is good for creeping.
Bev stopped by and they went to Mouks - Cohasset and then came back here.
Jenny came over for awhile too.
I washed my hair and finally everything was done and we just had to wait
for the Olsons to come. I made deviled eggs, had pear & cherry tomatoes,
chips and dip, cheese and nuts.
The Olson's came at 4 and brought me a beautiful Automn bouquet of rust &
yellow mums that I put on the dining room table.
The Dowries, Ficarios, Menkes, Heins, Petersons came. For some reason the
Thompson's didn't show. They stayed until 7 and then we went with the
Heins & Olson's to Burtons. It was a pleasant dinner and no one person
talked too much. We came back here and chatted until 11:30 and then to
bed.
Don had a headache so we didn't make love and that was fine cause we were
both tired. Skip and Jenny came for a drink and Lin stayed for awhile
with Jason so the family was well represented.
October 8, 1972
Wrote letter to J. Magnim about shirt.
We got up at the usual time and I took the dogs for a walk but it was
very dark and since Don was just back from his run he went with me. The
dogs had been fed so when we got back Dolly wouldn't come in.
I made a very elaborate breakfast of 2 kinds of melon, prunes, juice,
bacon, sausage, eggs, sweet rolls, Eng. muffins, milk and coffee. We ate
about 9:30 and they left at about 11:00. It was very nice having them for
the weekend. They are easy to entertain.
I did Jenny's wash after they left and then I changed the bed linens and
did the towels etc. I made chicken with gravy for dinner and choc,
pudding dessert and had mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and cukes &
tomatoes.
Mom ate with us and after dinner we went over to the high school and had
a brisk walk. I wish I could do that every night. It poses a problem
after dark cause from now on it is going to be dark soon after dinner.
Jenny called us to come see what they had done. She has a hanging basket
up in front and a new mailbox and Skip stained the new door walnut. They
are going to panel the living and dining room and I told them we would
carpet those 2 rooms. They never rest. They are always fixing that house.
I took a bath and pinned up my hair and then we watched the FBI and Becky
Sharp and by that time it was 10.
It rained in the night just a bit plus the fact that we had some thunder
and Dolly went right out of her head. Finally Don gave her a
tranquilizer. I gave Jenny my gray dress to shorten.
October 9, 1972
Rainy cloudy day. I didn't have class today so I worked hard on the
Orientation class and graduation requirements. Had a Viking Volunteer
meeting at 1 noon (dull) and a counseling meeting at 1:45 (pretty dull
too).
Game home and fixed yesterday's dinner over again and then I made
mayonnaise and salad dressing and neatened things up a bit.
Mother brought me another lovely bouquet of roses, just about the last of
the season.
Linda called to say that she had the flu and felt just terrible. Don came
home and we sat in the TV room to watch the news during dinner which I
hate doing, but didn't say so.
Chuck Thompson came in the office today to tell me that he and Kay are
getting a divorce and she will marry Gordon Peckshaw. He has found an
apartment in Paradise and is moving out tomorrow.
Don went back up to school and I went over to the Mall to pick up a
sweater for Don at Roos Atkin and then I bought some padding at M.Ward
for the white rug in the guest room.
When I got home Jenny came over to check on the hem of my gray dress and
she stayed to talk while I fixed the roast to cook tomorrow. Then we
watched the V-D Blues m.c.'d by Dick Cavett and it was interesting. At 9
K got ready for the night. Don stayed up and watched a movie but I went
to bed by 10:20. I didn't sleep well cause Dolly is so restless lately
that she wakes me out of a sleep all the time. I rained a great deal in
the night.
Kissinger is in Paris again and maybe the war will finally be over.
McGovern is waiting for a hold on the American people but he spends all
his time cursing out the Republicans and I can't say that he is offering
anything better.
October 10, 1972
Dolly put to sleep.
Windy, warm and wet - sounds like a commercial but I don't know what for.
Got to school early and set up the tests in the library and then rushed
to my first class which went ok. Back to the library and a long morning
of tests. How I hate them. Had lunch and then worked all afternoon on the
Orientation, H.S. Graduation requirements and on the material I am going
to use tomorrow night for Sr. Parent night.
Took the picture of Matt and everyone raved about him, naturally. I got
home and Don wasn't here but Mom told me that Dolly had been put to
sleep. I wasn't surprised. When Don got home he said Dr. Rood felt it was
best. He did have to do a lot of tests, X-rays, etc. and was not hopeful
that anything could be done. I was relieved and saddened by this. She was
so strange and restless and when it rains and storms she was so upset
that none of us could sleep. Plus the fact that she snapped at Jason the
other day. Strangely, she had re- minded of my Father lately in the way
she looked and acted and that had upset me to.
We had roast beef for dinner and I made a pudding. Don went back for his
class and I exercised, watched TV, took a bath and when Don came home I
said I wanted to make love and we did and it was good and then I got back
up and did my hair and then to sleep and I really slept late so I am sure
it was cause it was really quiet.
Mitzie doesn't make any noise in the night. Well, it is sad just the
same. We had her for 8 years. I called Lin and she still feels lousy but
is better. I wrote to Cathy and told her. Jenny went to Sacramento with
Lynn Hooten for the afternoon.
October 11, 1972
It was raining so hard this morning I took an umbrella to school. 2nd day
of testing so I have one more day of this. Had my class 2nd period and it
went ok. Boy, what will it be like when I have to (2) classes of
sophomores for orientation - 3 classes a day and I am afraid I am going
to be pretty tired. I didn't do anything constructive the rest of the
day.
Then after school I drove in the rain downtown to the Main office to a
meeting to find that Wayne Rhoderick had gone to the dentist and 2 other
people had not shown up so we left at k and I got home and fixed some
leftovers for dinner. Mom was in a prickly mood cause we couldn't go
grocery shopping. Don came home and we had our meager little dinner.
Jenny came over and visited for awhile. I called Lin and she felt lousy
so I visited ( insisted ) she go to the Dr. tomorrow.
I put on my gray dress and went back to the school for Sr. parent night.
I talked for an hour about future plans for the students and really did
very well I thought and then I came home very weary. Got ready for bed
and went at 10:20.
The house is quiet without Dolly and I am sure it will be much cleaner.
Mitzie still seems confused.
Mainly I am just glad this day is over. And that is rather sad. There
should have been something good about it but I really can't think of
anything.
October 12, 1972
A cloudy day but no rain. The last day of testing and I am certainly glad
to be done with that chore. I had class 3rd period so Jim Byrne, one of
the interns, took over while I was gone. Cleaned up my desk and then
drove out to Parkview School for a meeting on testing which lasted until
20 to 5. It was frustrating. I was the only one there from the secondary
school and I didn't want to make a decision all by myself.
When I got home Linda & Jason were here. He was just as cute as ever and
she felt just terrible with a wracking cough.
We had bacon, sausage and eggs with pancakes and then she went home.
Mom had gone shopping this afternoon so I left after dinner and went to S
& Save, to Ben Franklin for a pound cake pan and then to Safeway.
I got home, put the groceries away and then made a pound cake. While it
was in the oven I washed my hair and made chocolate sauce and so then we
had a good dessert about 9.
We watched Marlowe with James Garner until 11 and then to bed. I find
that I really don't miss Dolly all that much now and that is a relief. I
am getting nervous about that class for sophomores. I will be starting
that pretty soon.
No word from Jenny today. I must write to Mike & Donna this weekend.
October 13, 1972
To school. I am so glad it is Friday. It was an easy day really. Class
went ok and I got little odds and ends done. I had a meeting last period
and maybe we will just have to teach one class of orientation and that
will be easier.
Got home and Don wanted to go to the cocktail party for Shaw at the
Newman Center so I put on my gray dress and we went over about 4:30.
There weren't many people. We talked to the McDonalds and that was about
it.
Came home and had a good dinner of steak, green salad, stewed tomatoes,
hot bread and pound cake. Then I put the gray back on and we went down to
Democratic headquarters for the Auction.
I saw only one picture that I liked and it was sold. Talked to the
Marklands ad a bit to the Heins but Don didn't really want to stay. Lois
saw a picture of Ken Murrow's that she liked but she said that they
couldn't afford it. I would rather have stayed but Don didn't want to so
there is nothing to do but come home in a case like that.
When we got home I think he wanted me to go to bed with him but it was
too early and I said no, so he went but I stayed up and cracked the
walnuts Jenny had given me. I got 5 cups but it took until 10:30. Then I
went to bed and Don was long asleep by then.
At the moment I feel kind of empty and sad but I don't know why. I
suppose cause it is fall. I wish we were doing something this weekend
that someone had asked us out. We rarely get invitations any more.
October 14, 1972
I had so many things to do today. A really long list. First of all we had
breakfast. Jenny was coming to sleep here after work cause Skip was
working on the paneling so we vacummed the house first thing. She came
and brought her wash so I ran that through all day.
Mom and I went to look at picture frames way out on 12th St. but couldn't
find anything. Went to the Salvation Army store and then to the fruit
stand.
Came home and made lunch. Made a big batch of spaghetti sauce and pumpkin
bread.
Carl came over for pampas grass and said they had bought the Murrow
pictures for $110.00! They made over $800.00 all together. I was amazed.
I bought a rake for the shag rug and a picture of the ocean for $4.00,
then sprayed a frame black and put the picture on to the white matting I
had bought at school. It looks just great. I put it in the TV room over
the table.
Made potato salad and baked beans. Between rains I took all the daisies
out of the front and moved them where the junipers are cause they will
get more sun.
Jenny didn't sleep very well cause of dogs barking. Skip came to get her.
Jason came with his parents and they stayed for dinner. I had hot dogs
plus cottage cheese and the salad and beans. Had the pound cake again
with ice cream and sauce.
I cleaned up before dinner and afterwards we all went over to see how
Skips' paneling was coming and then back home to watch TV. Then to bed
and to love and it was nice and to sleep to the sound of rain.
October 15, 1972
Slept in. With no Dolly we find we are sleeping later. Don went out to
breakfast and I went to church and then came home for a second cup of tea
and Mom and I went to Hubbards where I got some shrubs to put out and
some bedding plants.
Came home and since it had stopped raining I set them out. They should
get a good start with the soil so moist. Next year I should have daisies
and colongulos in bloom as a result of today.
Made some lunch and then went to Lassen to get wheat germ for Don's pep
drink and got sme yogurt too. Went to Disco for Olay cold cream and then
came home, put the roast in the oven and picked up Mom and we went to see
Currou & Fout, a new little store run by 2 women who go to our church.
They had some interesting things and there were some people that we knew.
Saw Agnes Reilley who was effusive and condescending at the same time. I
just don't like her very much.
Came home and made a good dinner. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy,
fixed the lima beans a new way, had a salad. We ate in the TV room while
we watched a rather bad movie. I cleaned up the kitchen and went for a
long walk at the Jr. Hi. Came home for a glass of iced tea and more TV. I
think we are watching too much.
Pinned up my hair, took a bath, did my nails and then watched Columbo
which was the best one so far. Since I like Peter Falk I was glad it was
good.
October 16, 1972
Got up and discovered I still weigh 110 lbs. I will have to lose those 2
weekend lbs.
Went to school. Had a meeting 2nd period about the orientation class but
as usual we talked a lot but got little done. I find it somewhat of a
waste of time.
Randy Epperson came back to see about registering so I will try to work
out a schedule for him. Had class 5th period. OK. Was so hungry at lunch
that I bought a candy bar and ate half of it. I just have NO will power.
After school I went to Dr. Hamilton and got my flu shot then picked up
gas and had my antifreeze checked and then on home.
There was a letter from Mike with a $50.00 check and no letter. My that
really hurts. If he had just put a note in it I would have felt so much
better.
Then Cathy called. She has to do some kind of a political survey for one
of her classes and wanted suggestions.
Had leftovers for dinner and made a new recipe of ch. Chip peanut butter
bars. They were not to great.
Don went back to class and I made bread which turned out very good.
Watched TV. Don came home and I got ready for bed and then we watched
Cool Million but didn't stay up for the end so I hope that someone has
seen it at school tomorrow so I can find out what happened.
It rained very hard in the evening. It looks like a wet year. No reaction
from my flu shot so far. Started taking 2 grains of thyroid.
October 17, 1972
Hard to get up this morning but at least the sun was out. Still weigh 110
lbs, and with the cool weather it is hard not to eat.
Had class last period and by then my f shot was reacting a little and I
didn't feel great so I just let them read all period.
Lin called me at school to say the JASON HAD TAKEN SOME STEPS. She was
here in Chico and promised to stay until I got home.
I wet to the test meeting and that was a shattering experience. Peg Meier
came and she hadn't been there for the last 2 meetings and she just took
over. It would be differeshe didn't know what she was talking about but
she does. Here I am way over my head and this woman comes in and makes us
all feel that we are nothing and I felt so inadequate and wanting for she
kept saying that if you didn't know anything or were ineffective then you
should retire. I wanted to cry or get mad but I couldn't do either one.
Talk about having your ego shattered!
I left at 20 to 5 and came home and here was Jason just walking
everywhere and so adorable and he seems to realize just how simple the
walking thing is. He knows! and he may be unsure and teetery but he
walked and walked! It was just simply gorgeous.
I had spaghetti and green salad and Bev picked up Lin at 6. Don went to
class and I watched TV and fussed around.
Jenny came over to pick up her glasses and stayed for a minute. I got
ready for bed and then wasn't sleepy so stayed up for Marcus Welby, M. D.
and went to bed at 11.
October 18, 1972
Today was really a good day. I guess it pays to stick around cause
yesterday was lousy. I didn't have class but I kept pretty busy getting
class records for tomorrow and typing out study habits for the
orientation class.
Called Marge Cowell about my salary and they are going to check on it and
I may get a check for both last year and adjust this year. Both Mr. C.
and Mr. A. are working on it.
After school I went to the Frances Shop sale and got a wine knit skirt
that I have to shorten and a print knit blouse in green, plum and white
print. I am going to wear the blouse tomorrow with a navy skirt.
Mom and I went to buy groceries after dinner and when we got home there
was a VW in the driveway and I told Mom Carl was here and he could help
Don bring the groceries in but when I got inside it was Cathy! She came
early. She looks great and seems very happy. She quit school school so
she took off an extra day. She brought Brandy with her who is tall, thin
and awkward with no long hair. Very strange looking.
At 9 she went over to Jenny's and I finished shortening my skirt. Did my
nightly chores and then to bed. Don wanted to make love so we did locking
the door again after a long time of being alone in the house.
She got back just after we came out to have a cigarette so we talked
until 11 and then to bed and sleep. She seems to like Jim and likes her
job and Sonora in general. She is going up to Lin's tomorrow. It is great
to have her home.
Don's book review on Bert's book came in the American Scholar today and
it is very well written.
October 19, 1972
Back to 105: Good, Stop pill
Cathy got up and had breakfast with us. Brandy slept in her room during
the night. She is a quiet dog who is very awkward and clumsy but seems
nice enough. School went well. Cathy went up to Linda’s and then brought
her back here. They went shopping and were home when I got here. I put
the ham in the oven, made a macaroni salad and a chocolate pudding.
Don had a history meeting at 5 and when he came home he had been elected
chairman of the history department which is what he wants. Now he will
just have to teach one class.
It was a year ago today that his Mother died so he drank too much tonight
but he didn't get sick or anything. I could understand it all.
After dinner Cathy took Lin back up the hill. I went over to the Mall to
look for a wine top to go with the skirt I bought but couldn't find
anything. Came home and we watched TV and then went to bed.
Tomorrow Cathy is going to Orland to see Melinda. She doesn't really have
any friends in Chico and that is sad when she has lived here for 18
years. I wonder is she has thought of that? She wanted to go home
Saturday afternoon but then the whole family couldn't have gotten
together so she is going back on Sunday morning. My paint in the living
room that I got at Hubbards looks sick and I will have to take it back
and see what I am doing wrong.
October 20, 1972
Went to school before Cathy was up. Got a really good deal from JCPenney
about values and looked at that during the day. It was a carefree day for
students I suppose cause of the 3-day holiday.
I came home and Cathy had gone to Orland to see Melinda and said not to
wait dinner for her, so I cooked a simple meal and then did some of the
things for tomorrow like fixing carrot & celery sticks, chopped up onions
and celery for the dressing, etc. Cathy didn't get home until about 9 and
Don was worried and upset. Well, knowing Cathy I didn't get to worried
cause I figured she had just stayed on and that was what had happened.
She had had a very good time and after all she doesn't have any friends
in Chico to visit.
I spent the evening reading the deal from Penneys and there was a lot of
mod stuff in it.
When Cathy did get home Don got up for awhile and we visited and then to
bed. Cathy talks freely of Jim Connor and I think she likes him. At least
she is doing a lot of fun things like ice skating, dancing, going to
movies, etc. After all she is really having fun and just went hiking with
Nolan and that was it. I hope she is really having fun and not just
saying this to please us. She is an interesting young lady and one never
really knows I guess.
October 21, 1972
Got up early and made the dressing and the pie crusts. Then I whipped
downtown to the Frances Shop. Got a wine and cream colored top and when I
got it home I really didn't like it at all. I think I had better stop
going to sales cause I get carried away and buy things not to wisely.
Stopped at the fruit stand and the delicatessen to buy some dressing for
Cathy to take back with her and at the grocery for pumpkin and Penney’s
for 4 pairs of stockings.
Came home and made the pies, fixed potatoes, etc. Lin came down early
with Jason and she and Cathy went downtown and Cathy bought a top and a
dress. She got some patterns and make-up and other things that she could
not get in Sonora. I put the turkey in at 1 and made rolls. Skip and
Jenny came at 5 and we ate at 5:30.
Jason didn't nap and he got too tired and he cried and cried. Lin was
upset cause they planned to go out for awhile but even though we took him
for a ride in the car we could not get him calmed down so they went home
and they were disappointed. Jenny is working 4 nights this week so they
went home early too. I got weary cause I had started cooking at 7:30 am
and it was 8 before I got the dishes cleaned up. These family "affairs"
wear me out and I don't think I will miss it at Christmas too much.
Don called Mike and Donna so Cathy could talk to them and Mike blank
something 2 months ago and Donna will probably quit teaching fairly soon
cause she gets so tired.
I took a bath and was in bed by 9:30 and tomorrow Cathy leaves. I think
she will be glad to be back so I guess things are going ok with her. I
surely hope so.
October 22, 1972
Got up at 6:30. Weighed 109 lbs. which isn't bad considering the big
dinner. Cathy got all loaded up with roses from Mom, pampass Grass,
turkey, cranberry sauce, pie, etc. Brandy was put in the car and they
were off. Took Mom to 9:30 Mass and then afterwards took my paint back to
Hubbards. They decided to keep it to see if they could get it well again.
I am not too optimistic. Went to the Box nursery and got 3 more dozen
calaugulas so I set them out and then attacked the forsythia bush in the
back yard and finally got it cut back with Don's help.
Much as I enjoyed having Cathy here it was nice to have things back to
peace and quiet and I washed clothes and put everything back to what it
was before and we had leftovers for dinner.
We watched McMillan and Wife until 10 and then after a bath we went to
bed and made love and that was fine too so it was really a pleasant day.
I really got hot working outside so although the leaves are falling and
it looks like fall the temperatures are still warm.
Sometimes it just doesn't seem like the last week in October.
I have beautiful dark red mums on the dining room table and this year I
debudded them and the flowers are so much bigger. With a dark red candle
and the red place mats my table looks very nice indeed.
October 23, 1972
I got up and did a lot of piddling things today but I enjoyed doing them.
I put watco oil on the dining room table, shortened the sleeves on my new
top, did some mending, hemmed a pair of pants of Jason1s.
Called Lois Hein and chatted with her and then invited them to dinner.
Picked up Jenny to go to Chico Carpet but they were closes so we went to
Lassen Foods and to the Clothes Horse.
I made scalloped potatoes and ham, a green salad, carrots and a poppyseed
cake. Carl and Lois were good company and they stayed until 9 and then we
watched "They Might be Giants" with George C. Scott. It was good but a
bit obscure in parts. Still I enjoyed it.
No word from the Yakiches today but I assume they are ok.
I even found time to sit in the sun for awhile and it was a beautiful day
with such a clear blue sky.
Don and I watched a flock of gray birds with some yellow on their breasts
take a shower under the sprinkler while we had lunch.
In a way I hate to go back to school tomorrow cause today was so pleasant
and there was something leisurely about it. Oh well, once I get there it
will be OK I am sure.
October 24, 1972
Got up and had breakfast. Don didn't feel well after he ate and had to go
to the bathroom a number of times so when I left for school he went back
to bed. Had my reading class 3rd period and my new class 5th period and
it seemed to go ok. I just hope I can get the kids fired up. I will have
to work at this. After school I went over and picked up Jenny and we went
to Chico Carpet and she found a number of samples she liked. Took her
home and came home. Don was feeling better so I made a simple dinner with
cream chees sauce on toast and jello. He went off to class.
There was an article in Harper's about plants so I went out and watered
all my plants and talked to them.
Pauline called and I talked to her and then cause I was lonesome I wrote
to her and to Mike & Donna. Somehow the evenings go so fast and I have
nothing to show for them. It used to be that I corrected papers in the
eveing or did lesson plans but now I rerely do that, yet before I no it
it is 9:30 and Don wa home cause his last class was finished.
We watched "Of Thee I Sing" and it was fun. I am not sure it was worth
staying up until 11 but we stayed anyway. Carroll 0"Connor was really
pretty good and the dancing and color were fun.
Don still felt lousy. I hope he isn't coming down with the flu after I
made him take a flu shot!
October 25, 1972
Today was really a good day. School went ok. The reading class seems to
be in a good mood these days and we are having fun. 6th period the
sophomores came and there really wasn't a problem there either.
I came home and made pork chops with dressing. Jenny stopped by and we
talked and then I decided to wash windows cause the ones in the living
room looked rather grimy so I got out my new Miracle Windex and with no
trouble at all I did the l.r. windows in about 20 minutes. In fact they
looked so good I wrote a letter to the company telling them I really
liked their product. It is nice to write a letter where something is good
for a change.
Then I did the dining room
well. Mom and I went after
Cleaner and did some spots
how they look tomorrow. By
the meat loaf for tomorrow
little while and then took
window and after dinner I did the mirrors as
the groceries and I bought a Woolite Rug
in the hall and the guest room and we will see
the time I put the groceries away and started
it was getting on toward 8 so I read for a
my bath and did my hair.
Don was watching TV, a movie that was over at 10 and so I watched for
about k hour and then went to bed. Really I considered it a good day. Not
that anything exiting happened but there was a feeling of accomplishment,
no big hassels and I was pleased.
Weather was good. Cold in the morning but warm by afternoon. Don seems to
be feeling better. Some days it is nice to just be alive.
October 26, 1972
Maybe the War is about over!
Well the news today is that maybe the war is over and my I hope that is
right. Mr. Croustau presented out new cause (work ?) to the board last
night and I guess it went well.
I didn't have a class today so I worked on both courses and getting the
reading class and they were fine.
I came home and put the meatloaf in the oven and fixed green beans and
cottage cheese salad. Don came home and we ate dinner and then nothing
much happened. In the evening I talked to Jenny and she got an A on her
first nursing test. They have picked their carpeting and it will be put
in on Monday. I talked to Linda and she had wanted to come down today but
Dave needed the car. She hopes to get down tomorrow. We haven't seen
Jason since Saturday night when Cathy was here.
Mary Yakich called and invited us to dinner on Sunday. I will make either
a cheese cake or graham crax pie.
I ate too much dinner tonight and felt lousy so I went to bed after the
Waltons. Inthe night I really felt bad about 1:30 but I finally got up
and took some anti-acid.
It was a bright sunny day. Liz called and invited us to dinner on Nov.
4th.
October 27, 1972
Got up and decided that I would wear my new wine slacks and sweater and I
wore a white blouse with a wine figured tie. Everyone at school liked it,
even the men mentioned it. Wouldn't it be nice if one could wear
something stunning every day! Well, I suppose that would get to be old
hat too.
I met both of my classes and the sophomores seem to be doing fine. The
first period class met for just f hour, there was the rally.
I was eager to get home cause Jason was here. He has never been so cute I
swear. He walks much better and although he had a few falls and some
tears for the rest of the time he was laughing and playing. When he wants
Linda it is "Nanana" in he certainly adores his Mom. We played hide &
seek with him and he just shrieked with joy.
I had a good dinner. Tuna salad, hot rolls, some leftover vegetables
a'grautin and very good brownies.
The man from Chico Carpet came out to estimate the carpeting for Jenny &
Skip and it will be $361.00. They are going to put it in on Monday.
Tomorrow morning I go to PV to give the PSAT.
After Linda left I washed my hair and then although Don stayed up to
watch a movie I went to bed. No more new developments on the peace
situation. Mom went to her Beatitude luncheon today and although she
enjoyed it she was pretty tired tonight. Still she likes to go to these
things.
October 28, 1972
This was a difficult kind of day. I got up at the usual time and after
break-fast I got dressed and went to school to give the PSAT. I got there
at 8 and the kids from Oroville were already there. There were 15 of them
and 56 or ours so at 250 each I should make a little money on this. It
lasted until 12 and I can say that it was boring but the kids were fine
about everything. Got home and made a little lunch and then I ran some
errands and then Don and I went to the EIRey to see Nicholous &
Alexandria which wasn't out until almost 7• It was good in a strange sad
sort of way. Those people were so unrealistic and knew so little about
what was going on around them that it was hard to believe. When we got
home we discovered that Mike & Donna had called. Mom had the flu and felt
bad that I had gone to the movie but really we go out so seldom. I had 2
delicious New York steaks and I cooked them and had a green salad and
dinner tasted so good!
Jenny came over about her wash so we visited with her and then I took a
bath and we went to bed. I know that Don wanted to make love but I really
didn't feel like it. I worry about it a little cause I don't feel like it
much of the time.
I made 2 chocolate chip pies to take to Yakiches tomorrow.
October 29, 1972
Frost!
Got up and went to 8 am Mass but first I fixed breakfast for Mom, Game
home and folded clothes and at 10 I went to Safeway and got a lot of
ground beef on sale.
When I got back Joe Coulin was here to talk to Don.
It is chilly and the north wind blew like mad but the air is crystal
clear. Made Mom's dinner.
We left for the Yakiches about 1:15. The vibes really weren't very good
today Mary and Linda were snappish to each other which bothers me. Jason
was adorable and that helped but we had to eat too much as usual. When we
got home the time was 3s30.
Mom said Mike & Donna had called again so we called and they were fine
and I think just lonesome.
Cathy called shortly afterwards and I think she was a little bit lonesome
too so maybe it was the day cause it seemed definitely like fall and
nostalgie evidently had set in.
D & L and J. stopped by before going home and Jenny came over so I guess
every-one really wanted to be here today.
I think Mike & Donna had thought we would be there for Christmas and I
think I would rather have gone to the W. Indies but that is all settled
so we will have to forget that.
After dinner everyone had gone home and I took a bath and then at 7 we
made love and then talked until 9. Don went back to bed and I read for an
hour. It is still cold and windy when I went to bed.
This weekend has surely been difficult. Mom seemed to feel better by
evening.
October 30, 1972
The wind kept the frost off things but still it was very chilly and the
school wasn't very warm today so Marion's heater in my office felt very
good indeed. I met the sophomores 2nd period and didn't have the reading
class today so I worked on my classes and didn't do much else. Mom still
feels lousy and I worry about her.
I had a
about P
Since I
dinner.
meeting after school about a questionnaire and I got in my digs
E being resigned for 3 years and then we left and I came home.
had made a hotdish last night I didn't have to do much about
I called Jenny and there rug was already in.
Don got home at 5:30 and it was already dark. That is what the change of
time does. We ate and then went over to Jenny's. Their carpeting looks
very nice and Skip's paneling is all done and it looks great too.
They have a dog! It is a lab and is almost white, 10 months old and his
name is Lobo. He has never been away from his mother but he is huge and
very friendly. He was outside in back but he was frisking around and
jumping up at the windows. I bet he spent the night in the house in spite
of what they said. Don went up to school and I stopped at Longs and
bought Halloween candy. I came home and was going to do a lot of things
but then I didn't really do anything. In fact I didn't even take a bath
or pin up my hair. I watched a little TV and went to bed at 9O0. It is
cold outside! I hope Linda got along ok goint to Sari Francisco with Mary
and Jason. She is due back tomorrow.
October 31, 1972
A chilly morning but bright and sunny. School went ok. My check came in
the afternoon mail. I had been waiting for it with such anticipation so
when I picked it up and it was about $50.00 less than last month I
thought I was going to cry. I just don't know what to think about the
whole thing. Bob C. called and they are going to check on it.
After school I stopped over at Priss' and picked up some books to read.
She was fine and I stayed until after No mention of our trouble in
December, (trip)? I find I am dreading it more and more but don't dare
say anything to anybody about it so I will see how things go.
I got home and quickly made macaroni & cheese. I fixed broccoli and I had
made a jello salad last night so the meal was easy. I took Mom's to her.
Don went back to class and I wrote a letter to Mike and read a little.
The kids came for "Trick or Treat - about 15 in all.
I turned off the porch light at 8 and went for my bath. Linda called
about 8:15 to say that she was safely home. I had thought that she would
be home much sooner. I guess Jason got very tired and was hysterical on
the way home. I thought it was rather a stupid trip but that is her
problem. Now I wonder what will happen about my check.
November 1, 1972
I am very worried about Mom. The glands in her neck are swollen this
morning and she feels terrible. I wish I could get her to go to a Dr. I
realize how she feels though cause most Doctors don't really like older
people. This is something the medical profession should do something
about. Geriatrics should be faced.
School went ok today but I didn't hear anything from the downtown office
about my check so I suppose I will have to call down tomorrow morning
when I have a lot of courage.
It was mostly a gray day but it didn't rain. When I got home there was
the famous Jason all smiles and squeals walking around with his drunken
gait. I made hamburgers and fixed leftovers and cabbage salad and choc.
Pudding. Lin stayed.
Jenny bought gold corduroy curtain material and she was here shrinking
it. Skip came by and picked her up.
After dinner I went grocery shopping. I bought another pair of long johns
for Don and he says he doesn't wake up stiff in the mornings so that was
a good idea.
Bill Conner pruned the plum tree in the south yard. I watched "A Certain
Summer" about homosexuality with Hal Holbrook and Hope Lange which was
very good. I got Mom some vitamin C and have her taking aspirin and
hopefully she will feel better tomorrow.
It was one of those days when I feel ugly and dumpy and fat and hate the
way I look. I never feel that way in the summertime.
November 2, 1972
Wore my wine pant suit today. I really like it. I think I will wear it
Saturday night to the Rawlins.
Had my class 3rd & 5th periods. The office called and explained my money
situation and so I will get about $812.00 per month from now on according
to the fellow who gave me all the figures.
Corrected papers and saw some students.
Went to the fruit stand after school and then came home and fixed some
rib lifters, artichokes, etc. Mom was feeling better but I am going to
continue to take her dinner for awhile yet.
After dinner Jenny came over and cut out her drapery material. She got
gold unribbed corduroy. It sounds as if Lobo is a very good dog. He
hasn't tried to jump the fence and spends most of his time in the garage.
We watched the Waltons and it was good as usual. I really enjoy that
show.
I decided to make oatmeal cookies and I ate too many I am afraid. I read
a little and Don started watching the "Dirty Dozen" with Lee Marvin. Took
a bath and went to bed.
Tomorrow is Friday!
Nov. 3, 1972
Woke up to rain. A rainy morning but not cold. I had my 2 classes but the
A period was last and there was a rally so we got out at 2:20. Had a
meeting with Barry Curran from Butte and were done by 3:30.
I got home and Lin was here with Jason and Jenny was here too. I had to
laugh cause when I asked her if Lobo was sleeping in the back room she
said they had laid a sheet down in the living room so he could lay by the
fireplace! That was a fast switch when they hadn't had him very long, but
I am so pleased that Jenny really likes this dog.
Don did the vacumming so that really helped. I got ambitious after dinner
and really cleaned the kitchen. I put Clorox on the counters and they got
so clean! I put a lot of stuff away and when I was all done things looked
so great.
Don and I then watched the second part of "The Dirty Dozen" and then
cause we were tired we went to bed.
Well, the campaign is almost over. Next Tuesday will tell the tale. I
feel rather uncomfortable at school these days. Alice, Marge and Packy
are really the Merry Widows - in grass and natural. They are all dating
and they are as giddy as school girls. I feel very much out of it.
Made bread with potato water. It has a different texture. Hope it tastes
good.
Mom feels better.
November 4, 1972
We slept until 7. We don't do that kind of thing very often. After
breakfast I changed and washed the sheets, dusted, straightened, changed
the flowers and now have beautiful big white & smaller yellow mums on the
diningroom table.
Then I got my hair cut. Louie looked at the picture I took and I am going
to let my hair grow a little longer. I wonder if I can stick it out?
Went downtown and looked for a housecoat. I found one I rather liked at
Aser's but I didn't buy it. I may later.
Came home and made lunch. Lin came with Jason and he was cute. She did
some shopping. I ran some errands for Mom but I didn't spend any money
although I went to the Fashion and tried on some things.
Washed my hair and tried pinning it up the new way but I didn't like the
results too well. Took my bath and we left for Rawlins at 7.
The Rosemons and the Waters were there. It was an interesting evening but
I guess I was a little disappointed to find other people were there. Liz
drank quite a bit but then she always does. She served a very good
dinner. We talked about the propositions and during this whole thing
there was a terrific thunder storm going on outside.
W got home fairly early and went to bed and made love. Then we got up and
talked about the party. Finally to sleep.
November 5, 1972
Slept in again this morning until 7. This could get to be a habit! I went
for a walk this morning and I went down towards the Mall.
Made breakfast and then did the rest of Jenny's clothes and then it was
time to go to Paradise. First we called Mike & Donna cause it was their
wedding anniversary. They were fine. He had given her a dryer and she
gave him a 10-speed. I even talked to Matt.
We got to Paradise at 11:30 and had sweet rolls and coffee. Jason goes to
the cupboard by himself and gets out his own rye crisps. We went up to
Coucaw and saw the house which looks very nice. We came back to
Paaradise, stopped at the fruit stand and picked up things and then came
home.
I made a roast, browned potatoes, carrots, green salad and a coconut
cake.
Mom came for dinner and then she choked and had a very bad attack so she
didn't eat. We sat and talked and then I took her food over to her house.
Did my hair and bathed and then we watched Colombo. I got some very nice
red leaves and put a bunch of them in the livingroom.
It was a bright sunny day. Just tomorrow and then election day. The
latest polls out show that Nixon will win in a landslide.
November 6, 1972
Wrote to Pauline, Cathy, Mike & Donna.
I woke up really feeling good this morning. I decided to really work at
losing weight, exercising and doing constructive tings rather than just
wasting time in the late afternoons and evenings. What a program!
School went fine and I kept busy with correcting papers and getting ready
for tomorrow's classes. I had a long talk with Marion about Alice, etc.
and we realized that it wasn't our problem and we should stay out of it.
I have a meeting Tuesday and Thursday after school but they are both
counseling meetings and they aren't as bad as reading meetings.
Came home from school and fixed leftovers but didn't eat anything sweet
and then I wrote a letter to Cathy. We had dinner and then I washed the
kitchen floor and wrote to Pauline and Mike. Did a lot of exercising so
if I could just keep this pace up I would be doing great. However, one
swallow doesn't make a summer.
I got a huge box at school and cleaned up the back room and put the wood
in the box so it all looks neat and straight out there now.
Well, tomorrow is the election and I suppose all the things I am voting
for will lose. I suppose now that it is 9 pm I had better do my hair and
take a bath and think about bed.
Mom is feeling better today thank goodness.
November 7, 1972
Nixon won.
Well, today was the day and Don and I went to vote at 7 and there were
already 7 people ahead of us. It was raining hard and it rained most of
the day.
School went ok except last period and Terry Topp and Melissa Brown both
got under my skin and then after school there was a meeting of the
counselors and it lasted until 4:30 and by then I was really mad cause it
takes so long to get anything done.
I finally got home. By then I was cross and irritable and Don wanted to
get to class early so I had to rush to make some dinner. Linda was here
with Jason and you would think that he had been at meetings all day too
cause he was cross. He fell down a lot and he was cross but I think he is
coming down with a cold.
The election returns were already coming in and it was all bad. McGovern
won only Mass. And the District of Columbia with Nixon getting about 61%
of the votes and McGovern with 38% of the votes. It is so strange to have
the polls still open on the west coast and being told on TV that Nixon
had already won.
The propositions still aren't settled. Don went to class and I washed
clothes, did my nightly duties and then watched TV.
Mom just couldn't believe that Nixon had won and kept asking me why and
of course I couldn't answer. Ed Niegel called.
Don came home and we watched until 11 and then went to bed and I didn't
sleep very well. I woke up at 4 and just didn't go back to sleep.
Wedneday will probably be a hideous day.
The only good thing about the day was that Don got a letter from the
administration confirming the chairmanship for next semester.
November 8, 1972
The day after the election is rather grim but so few people talked about
it before that there was not even a ripple afterwards.
Shaw lost to Ray Johnson by 700 votes. Propositions: Death Penalty, YES,
Prop 14 (bad tax measure) NO, Marijuanna NO, Coastal,YES, Obsenity, NO,
22 on labor, NO.
I was for the last one, so we didn't lose them all.
I kept busy at school and then rushed home and put the pork chops in the
oven and then over to Shop & Save to shop and pick up Mom but she wasn't
there so I told Karen to keep looking for her and I came home. She called
about 4 so I went back to get her. I took Karen a loaf of bread cause the
bakers are on strike and she is always so sweet.
Got home a second time and put a potato in the oven for Don and made a
vanilla pudding. We ate dinner while we watched the news and then I went
back to Longs and Safeway. Then the evening went by with nothing much to
show for it.
I washed my hair and pinned it up, took a bath and then read for awhile
and to bed.
Called Lin and Jason feels better today so I guess he isn't getting a
cold after all.
Well, we will have 4 more years of Nixon with a Democratic congress so I
don't see anything very good happening.
November 9, 1972
Rainy day again. My classes went well today. Rick Biasca was absent from
my orientation class and it was really nice not to have him cause he is
so disruptive.
After school there was a counseling meeting, the district one and it
lasted until 5 pm. How I hate those long meetings.
I got home and there was a note from Don saying that he was at a meeting
and wouldn't be home until 6. I made tuna salad and hot muffins and I
timed it just right cause when I was taking them out of the oven he
walked in the door.
While we were eating Jenny and Skip stopped by and she had heard from
Cathy who said she could not come home for Thanksgiving but the last we
heard even though indirectly is that she is fine.
I had worn my wine colored pant suit so I kept it on and went in the rain
to Nancy Ostrims for the Working Wive's dessert and coffee. The surprise
came when the president Assistant's wife gave a program about creativity
and really it was just a review of the Morman Church. Although
interesting in part still it was rather a strange situation and I think
many women were uncomfortable and I left as soon as it was possible.
I got home and went right to bed after telling Don about this strange
phenonenom.
November 10, 1972
4.95" of rain so far. 0.62" last year.
Got up to another dark day and went to school. My Orientation class was a
fiasco today but then Rick Biasca was back. I talked about study habits
today but the kids were just not receptive. It was ghastly. There was a
short meeting after school to plan strategy for next week and then I came
home.
Lin and Jason were here and he had just wakened from his nap but was
rather cross. She got him a busy box toy today. It is the kind where you
have a board and then a lot of things that turn and make noises. I
remember how much Matt liked his when he had one.
I went over to the Book Fair but didn't see anything I liked. Tried on a
skirt at the Fashion but it made me look big and it cost $22.00. Stopped
and tried on boots but I couldn't zip them up cause my leg was too fat so
I came home in a very unhappy mood. I feel like a pud.
When I got back Don had made bacon and eggs and pancakes for the kids
cause Lin who had had her eyes tested today was cross. They left and we
had a
drink and then picked up the Heins and went to Mike & Eddies to their
Fish O'Rama. It was fun but their food was nothing to rave about.
Came home with them and we talked for about an hour and then to bed. We
made love and it was very nice and then to sleep listening to the rain
coming down so softly. It looks as if we are going to have a wet year.
November 11, 1972
This was a nice day. I took Mom to the Salvation Army in the morning and
I got a good looking oak picture frame for $1.50 that I put away for
future use and a black watch plaid dress. Mom got a frame-like thing that
I spray painted whte that she hung her grape ivy in and it was looking
great.
Home for lunch and then I went to Asers and found a very chic housecoat,
full length in a splashy colors that fits well and is most attractive. I
had to shorten it but that was all.
Jenny came over to visit while she washed clothes and she was here fairly
early causse she didn't have to work tonight. I pinned up my hair and
late in the afternoon I took a bath and put on my new housecoat and felt
rather glamorous.
I had steak and a green salad for dinner and we lit candles and the whole
meal seemed Festive. We did a lot of talking, watched TV for awhile and
then went to bed. Don had a fire in the fireplace and that is always
nice.
It got quite sunny in the afternoon but it was still cool. I didn't feel
bad that we didn't go anywhere and time was that I would have been very
resentful at having to stay home on a Saturday night but now I don't feel
that way. Simpler things please me.
Don made fudge in the evening and Skip and Jenny came over bringing Lobo
who raced around the house like crazy. He was very friendly with Mitzie
but she was cautious about him cause he is so big.
November 12, 1972
Got up and took Mom to church and then made bread. She didn’t feel too
well at church and called to get a ride so Don went to get her. She was
chilled she said.
I spent a long time steam pressing my 50 cent dress and then had to
shorten it.
Jenny came over a couple of times. Linda and Dave came down. She had had
an allergy attack and had to get a prescription. Cause she didn't feel
very well they stayed to dinner. I really did a good job: leg of lamb,
mashed potatoes and gravy, rice, peas & carrots, fruit salad and lemon
suffle - all very good.
We watchd "The Birds" again on TV in part at least. It was fine that they
stayed cause I had plenty of food but she should be cooking her own
"Sunday Dinner" in Paradise is my feeling.
We watched the FBI after they left and then another program and a bit of
True Grit and then to bed. I did my hair and took a bath and we were in
bed rather early. I didn't sleep very well last night so I took a nap in
the afternoon and got to bed at a reasonable hour.
Pauline called cause she had my letter about Mom's not feeling well. I
didn't talk to her very much cause she wanted to talk to Mom.
Another nice day, really. Jason was so cute but he got very tired cause
he didn't take a nap.
Raining! Wrote to the family.
November 13, 1972
Wet, wet, wet and still it rains. It is chilly too and it would have been
so nice to stay home and sit by the fire. I wore my 50 cent dress and
everyone liked it so much. That was a good buy.
It was a hectic day cause all the laggards who hadn't made arrangements
for a qt. Class stormed in today to do so. Naturally, there isn't much
choice left. Did Job-0 in my Orientation class and it went well. In
reading I started on the 3 basics: Quest, Venture and Explore and they
worked all period too so I didn't have to teach much as such.
Came home and Mom gave me a wall bracket and I want to put my grape ivy
in it. I haven't decided where to put it yet. Made leftovers for dinner
and it was one of those evenings when I was so eager to have Don walk in
the door. I think every once I awhile I realize what it would be like
without him. It would be ghastly!
He went right back up to school and I sat down and wrote the 3 members of
the family. Cathy called in the afternoon. She has had the flu and lost 5
lbs. So she is down to 103 lbs. She will eat Thanksgiving at Jim's house
and will work that day.
I planned my holiday menu. Called Mary Yakich and invited them for the
23rd. Don got home and we talked and then he went to bed and I read for
awhile and then I too went to bed and was there by 10 with the rain sill
coming down.
Rain again —
November 14,1972
Today was really a pretty good day. I went to school in the rain and kept
busy. I gave the first DAT test which went well. There was a meeting
after school so I didn't get home until rather late.
When I did get home Jenny, Lin & Jason were here. I had made the hotdish
last night so I made brownies and a big fruit salad. Skip & Jenny stayed
for dinner too. Lobo got hit by a car on the Esplanade. They let him out
in the rain to go to the bathroom and he took off I guess. Nothing was
broken but he was in shock so h is still at the vet. I hope he will be
ok.
The dinner tasted good and Don took pictures of Jason so I hope they turn
out well. Everyone left and I sat down and worked on papers for the
reading class for an hour and then would you believe from 8:15 to 9:15 I
exercised! I went through the whole thing right number of times. I did
that rather than go to TAC.
Don got home about 9:30 and then at 10 we watched the first of the new
series on America. It was very good. Alistor Cooke is the narrator.
I had bathed and pinned up my hair before the program so I just fell in
bed and boy I don't think I moved all night and wk up at the alarm
feeling great. I just must stick to the execises!
Rain - all day!
November 15,1972
And still the rain comes down. Got up and exercised from part of it but
will do the rest in the evening. If I can just keep this up it will be
very good. But, this is just the 2nd day.
I had one class only but I certainly kept busy. I got home right after
3:15 and Mom and I went to Shop & Save in the midst of the pouring rain.
Safeway is in the midst of a trucking strike so everyone was at S & S and
I guess they figure with the bread and trucking strike that food will be
in short supply cause there was a lot of buying of things going on.
I went to Longs too and bought a new frypan and then home to put the
groceries away and we had liver and spinach and it was a good dinner.
We watched Bert Bacharack's special that wasn't all that great and I did
the rest of my exercises.
I called Pauline and it is cold and snowy in Omaha. George, Susan, Paul &
Philip are coming for the holiday. By the time I had bathed and done my
hair and read for awhile it was 11:30 and I don't know where the time
went. I bet I will be tired in the morning.
The man who was going to buy David's house can't meet the loan so now
they are in trouble. Called Jenny and Lobo is home from the vet after his
being hit by a car. He is much subdued.
And the rain goes on.
November 16, 1972
Rain, rain - Mom is going to the beatitude luncheon today so I pinned up
her hair tonight and our lights went out right in the midst of it so I
did it by candlelight. It was just our house and the Dolans so Don called
PG&E and they came right out and fixed it so it was just off for about
one half hour.
I thawed spaghetti sauce and so we had that with green salad and bread. I
went back to S & Save but my turkey hadn't come in yet.
I washed my hair and pinned it up. It is getting longer and I don't know
if I like it or not. I will let it grow for awhile yet and then decide.
Don had a fire tonight and it is so nice to have a fire when it is cold
and rainy. I made the cranberry sauce and a squash tonight and browned
the bread for dressing so I am gradually getting ready for thanksgiving.
I was going to use that tablecloth that Sel gave me years ago but then I
found a gold colored polyester sheet of Neva's that had never been used
so I ripped the hems and cut a curve at each end and I will use that with
yellow mums and candles so the table will be all yellow and white. I hope
it looks nice.
November 17, 1972
Rain again. It was an easy day at school although busy cause I just had
one class and I had to correct tests and a lot of kids came in.
I came home and made macaroni salad and hamburgers.
Don has been correcting tests too all his classes. I have a long list of
things to do at the weekend.
I went back to school at 7 and sat with the girl who was taking a ticket
for the play The Miracle Worker. The play started at 8 and it was really
pretty good. The 2 girl leads were excellent, but it was still rather
long. I sat with Alice and a man came in and she was going out with him
afterwards. He looked rather like the old fashioned drummers with a real
loud striped sport coat and I sensed that Alice was uncomfortable about
the whole thing. I think it must have been someone she had met in a bar.
I got home right after 10 and sat up and read for awhile so it was after
11 when I go to bed.. Don had been long asleep.
November 18, 1972
Got up and made a big breakfast for Don. I changed the flowers, did a
load of wash, dusted and then at 9 I started out on errands.
I went to Hubbards to check on my plant and left it for awhile longer.
Stopped at Farmers and got flour and yeast. To Ron's and looked at their
turquoise rings but didn't buy one. Stopped at S & Save and got my
turkey.
Came home and had a sandwich and took Mom to Disco. Went to the Mall and
bought some red and black knit material and with zipper, thread and
pattern it was $6.32. Bought candles for |Thanksgiving.
When I got home Lin waas here with Jason. He looked like a little elf.
Jenny called and we went over to see their drapes, the bar is up in the
dining room and they painted the fireplace white. It all looks very nice.
Lobo seemed very quiet and subdued.
We came home and I made potato salad and rib lifters. Don watched the
football game and I worked on my skirt. Cathy called to say that she
needs snow tires or chains and she owed 2 months rent. She doesn't get
along with Debbie.
I got the skirt almost finished. Can't believe yet whether I will like it
or not. At bedtime I didn't feel very good. Sort of if I were going to
get a cold so I told Don I didn't feel like making love. I think he was
disappointed. Boy I don't want a cold at this stage.
November 19, 1972
Slept until 7:30 and started right in taking vitamin G and I felt better
by evening. I finished my skirt and pressed it and it looks so good that
at 12 Mom and I went over to the Mall and I bought more material of the
same kind and I am going to make a housecoat-long dress combination. I
cut it out in the afternoon and started to baste it.
Had fun with dinner - served at A La'Fjoids and put a lot of leftovers in
little dishes and made chicken and brocolli. It was good. Mom ate with us
and there were not any arguments or disagreements I guess would be a
better word. After dessert I sewed most of my housecoat. We watched the
FBI.
I took a bath, we made love and then I finished up my hair and we watched
Oatton until after 11 and then to bed.
I have my housecoat put together except for the zipper and the last
seams. Really, it was a fun day and cause of the vitamin C I went to bed
feeling good.
November 20, 1972
A very fresh morning "mighty nippy" as Don would say, I really don't like
winter weather and I am saying that in California. What would it be like
in the Midwest??
Went to school and had both of my classes. The test today in Orientation
was boring to correct and I got it done and recorded.
After school I went to Asers to get some slippers but the kind I wanted
didn't come in black so I came on home having stopped to get buttermilk
at Safeway. Cause of the truckers strike the shelves are getting mighty
empty. I served leftovers for dinner and then started working on my
housecoat. Don left for class and I worked right through until I finished
the garment as Alice would say. I matched every plaid and it looks good
but it is a little too big and the zipper is too far down in front so I
may change that later on. Well, anyway I put it on and it is pretty.
I wrote to Pauline and Cathy and
Bark" but Don came home so I got
rain is predicted for tomorrow then vacation? I look forward to
then started to watch "Barefoot In The
ready for bed. There was a full moon but
naturally - 2 more days of school and
that believe me.
There is a food strike in Hawaii cause of the shippers so I wonder what
that will do to our holiday plans???
I keep eating vitamin C for my cold. I sneeze a lot but otherwise feel
ok.
November 21, 1972
A dark morning. The birds in our big tree out front start to shout at 15
to 7 each morning and 15 to 5 each night. Pretty soon they are going to
be setting out in the cold with no leaves!
School was fine. I gave my last test in Orientation and tomorrow will
start the vocations part. In reading they did some reading and writing.
The counselors met at 1 until 2:30 planning the rest of the program. I
left school at 3 and came home to change and then went to Dr. Caviness to
have my feet fixed. I always feel so good after that.
Game home and fixed halibut steak and salad and there was some leftover
frozen cake that I thawed so that was dinner. Not great I might ad. I
thought about my dinner on Thursday.
Dusted and straightened the bedrooms and then washed my hair and set it.
We watched "To Catch A Thier" which was good and Hawaii Five 0 which was
good too. There was no violence really in either one but both men using
their brains and they were rather fun.
Sat around and talked and went to bed. A nice day really. I called Lin
and Jason still has a stopped up nose.
Jenny called to find out how pork chops and saurekrout were to be cooked.
She starts working tonight right through Saturday night.
Well tomorrow all the PV ladies will wear their long skirts. That should
be fun.
FM Radio!
November 22, 1972
Don set the alarm at 4 cause he wanted to get up early to work but when
it went off he came back to bed so then I stayed awake until 5:30 cause I
wasn't sure if he went back to sleep that I would wake a second time. Not
the greatest way to start the day.
School went fine although it seemed long cause I was eager to get home
but then I am always eager to get home.
Mom and I went shopping and I picked up last-minute things. We had
hamburgers, salad and apple crisp for dinner but I was too keyed up to
eat much. After dinner I fixed the relishes for tomorrow and made the
dressing plus the 3 pie crusts.
I had borrowed a punch from Alice so I dashed over to the House of Fabric
and bought some eyelets. I ripped the zipper out of my housecoat and put
in red eyelets and laced it up with black grosgrain ribbon and it looks
much better. When I called Don on the phone at noon to say how he was he
said he had a surprise for me and when I got home it was an FM radio and
it is just marvelous. Right now we have it in the bedroom across from
ours. It is black walnut and has 2 little speakers and the sound is so
good that I want to spend all my time sitting in that room just
listening.
Gail called today cause Everett Bogue had sent her the deal about selling
the house in Vermillion and she implied that Don had made more than he
should. He was really upset. She goes through life feeling that everyone
is cheating her and trusting noone. What a terrible life that must be but
I get angry when she upsets Don.
We went to bed fairly early. It was cold and clear. How I love holidays
and having family around.
I pinned up Mom's hair so she would be glamorous tomorrow.
November 23, 1972
We slept in until 7 and then I made breakfast. Frost on the roofs today.
I first made the pecan pie and then the 2 pumpkin and then I put the
turkey in at 10. I fixed the potatoes. Didn't do the rolls until the
afternoon. It was bright and chilly out. Don built a fire and then
watched football. I decided to make a belt for my housecoat and now I
really like it and I wore it for dinner.
Pinned up my hair and took a bath about 2. Every spare minute I sat and
listened to music. My table looked lovely all yellow & white. I had the
gold colored sheet cut rounded to fit the table, deep yellow candles and
mums the same color and with all white dishes it is very effective.
I combed out Mom's hair and it timed out very nice. We called M & D and
they were fine. We tried to call Cathy last night but she didn't answer.
I guess we will have to get Jim's phone number.
J. & S came about both dressed up and then the Yakiches and last D, L. &
J. Mary brought her special sour cream bread, walnuts & almond cake. We
all had a drink and the food was really excellent.
I was proud of my cooking. I was very careful and didn't eat very much so
I felt fine. Don ate too much and was most uncomfortable. No one stayed
too late and we got everything cleaned up easily. It was all very
pleasant and Jason outdid him-self. It was as if he felt he really had to
be the life of the party. I was drinking a glass of iced tea and he
wanted some so badly that just stood there and shouted. He looked so
cute.
J & S want to buy a truck or a jeep and want to borrow the money from
Don. He said ok.
Cathy called the girls and she had a big fight with Debbie and I guess
they re-solved their differences.
We went to bed about 9:30. It was a good Thanksgiving.
November 24, 1972
Rather a strange day. Don still didn't feel well. I took Mom downtown to
the 88¢ store and to Grants. Went to the post office and got some UN
cards and then we came home and I cooked Don a soft boiled egg and toast.
Donna called to find out about an Osterizer and a food mill for the new
baby so I called Linda and got the information and called back and this
time I got Mike. Spent a long time listening to the new FM radio and it
is so nice to have beautiful music.
Don build a fire in the fireplace. We went to the library and got books
and we both read.
Called Linda and she had hurt her back lifting Jason. He is getting too
big for her.
Gail, Tom & Thea had been up so they had had company all day. I made a
very simple dinner with leftovers and neither of us ate very much.
I took a bath and did my hair and then I lay on the bed and listened to
music. Mom plans to get her hair cut and set tomorrow. She may change her
mind. It rather spoils things that Don is sick but then what if I were
the one? I keep thinking about Mom and I think what upsets me is that I
am forever seeing myself as I will be at 80 and at 53 no one wants to do
that. It takes the element of surprise away of the future.
Well, tomorrow will be just a plain old Saturday and then it will be
Sunday and school again. It is nice staying home.
We stopped over at the Hein's. She fell and hurt her back and is very
uncomfortable. In a way it would have been nice to go somewhere just one
night of the holiday but we are never invited anywhere any more. Such is
life.
November 25, 1972
Up fairly early. The vacation is almost over.
Cathy got a letter addressed here from Columbia College saying that she
was to report December 4th for the LVNC tests, etc. I called her house
and left the number to call at 6.
Don still doesn't feel very good. I went to Penney's and bought the
plants for my terrarium and I think I got some nice ones. I bought 2
little extra ones for Mom AND ME. They are called purple velvet and will
eventually go in hanging baskets. I neatened up the house and read and
had a relaxed day.
Lin was coming down to get the heating pad but called and said she wasn't
coming so Don took it up.
Jenny was over to do her wash. At 4 we went over to Menkes for a drink
and I wore my new long red dress. Everyone liked it.
There was fog in the evening but it was clear by late afternoon so I just
wore my shawl.
The Smith's came too and we had a good time and I had a hot buttered rum
that tasted very good.
When we got home I had steak, artichokes, green salad and squash. All
very good but I decided to have wine with dinner and the result was that
I lay down to listen to music and fell asleep for 2 hours (that is what
drinking does to me these days) and so we just went to bed. Very
discouraging.
Cathy called at 6. She had had a good time at Thanksgiving and she gave
me the hospital number and Jim's so that we can reach her if we wish.
November 26, 1972
This morning the 3 of us went to Mass. It was foggy and misty.
It was a leisurely day. We read and listened to music. I washed delicates
and folded clothes.
I decided to make a french stew for dinner and a boston creme pie.
I called Lin and told them to come down for dinner. Jenny came for a
little while.
I went out and cut back the chrysanthinums. Wrote to Cathy. Pauline
called. I talked to her for a little while and then Mom took over. The
kids came down and the dinner was good and we ate every bit of the stew.
Jason was very hungry and ate everything in sight. They left early and I
took my bath and did my hair and listened to music and read until 8:30
and then we watched Columbo which was 2 hours this week. It was set in
London and was very good.
At 10:30 we went to bed and made love and that was very good too and then
to sleep and tomorrow school starts again.
November 27, 1972
Up to a Monday morning. I took some heavenly bamboo with red berries to
put in a green bottle on my desk. Arrived to find that Peggy Fassett's
husband had died in Nevada so she was gone and Mr. Carter was in the
hospital. Had class 4th and 6th period. Suggested to Bob C that my
reading class be made into a quarter class and he liked the idea. I think
I would like it better too. I had my kids in reading read out loud to me
and most of them are ok (Jeff Millard really can't read at all) I am at a
loss to know what to do in that class until the end of January but I
suppose I will come up with something. I will have 2 more periods of
Orientation on graduation requirements and then I will be done with the
first class.
Game home and L & D & Jason were here plus Jenny. I picked up Mom at the
mall and then made a simple dinner.
Sprayed my black 3-candle holder ring white (it was black and it looks
just great white).
Don didn't have to go to class so he watched TV. Jenny and Skip came over
and he had found a Toyota jeep they just love and so since they will get
$400.00 for their car they are going to buy it and we will give them the
rest and then they will pay us back after we retire. I guess that is
right. That is the way Don wanted to do it. They will get it tomorrow.
Cathy called to say that she will be home the 28th, 29th, 30th of Dec. We
didn't get back until the night of the 28th. I really kind of wish we
weren't going. I started a book called "The Final Beast" by Frederick
Buechman which I found enthralling and devastating. I got to bed at 10.
My terrerium is done
November 28, 1972
Don woke up with a terrible sinus attack - his nose literally dripped all
day long and by evening he had wiped and blown it so much that he was
worn out. School was not very eventful today. Tomorrow I start on
graduation requirements in my sophomore class and then in 2 days I will
be done with this class. I came home and Jenny was here with the new red
jeep. She took Mom for a ride and over to see her house. That pleased Mom
so much.
I made a meatloaf and baked potato for Don for dinner and then he went to
class. I made those good deals with green crackers, coconut, choc, chips,
etc. and a batch of fudge and with some cookies I had frozen I made up a
box to give Mr. Logan
Don didn't keep his class ±he whole time so he got home early. I finished
my book that I just loved and then washed my hair.
We started to watch the America Series with Alister Cooke but at 10:30 we
were too tired and went to bed.
Don found some pills to take and fortunately they stopped the dripping.
Tomorrow I go grocery shopping.
November 29, 1972
A damp, dark day until late afternoon and then the sun came out but it
was still chilly.
A busy day at school and then I came home and Jenny was here having
brought Jason and Lin down in the new jeep.
Mom, Lin, Jason and I went shopping and Jason rode in the cart and had a
great time. He was very good.
Came home and made a hasty dinner with leftover meat loaf, deviled eggs,
and an apple pie I cooked in a paper bag and it cooked without any mess
in the ove. Don took Jason and his mom home. It seems that today Jason
refused to eat his baby food breakfast and wolfed down egg, toast, etc.
with gusto. He is a sharp one.
I was tired and cold after dinner so I pinned up my hair and put on a
robe and we watched The Man Who Came In From The Cold with Orson Wells on
Hallmark, ok but I guess I know the play too well and I really didn't
think it was all that good and then to bed. The fog moved in again.
November 30, 1972
What a fog! I could hardly find the school this morning! and it stayed
all day. It didn't lift like yesterday.
Had my last day of Orientation and they were very kind and said they had
learned a lot and like the class. I feel a lot better about it. And now I
am willing to go on to new classes I guess.
Talked to Jack Largent this morning cause his students have been
complaining. He should never have gone into teaching.
Game home after school and went to Penney’s to exchange some hosiery and
then came back and fixed a ham for dinner and had squash and a lovely
salad with avacodos, oranges, and persimmons. Very nice dinner.
Don was late cause of a meeting and we ate about 6:30. Then I read and
figured out my check for the month.
We sat and listened to music and talked. He went to bed early cause he
didn't feel well. I went about 10. A quiet kind of day.
December 1, 1972
Good day at school but the weather was cold and gray again - cause it is
so dark it is cold and damp. ugh!
We had a counseling meeting after school and I was so mad that finally
Bob G got the message and so we left at 3:15.
I dashed to the bank and cashed my check and then came home, Lin was here
and she brought the pictures taken Thanksgiving Day and they turned out
just great. Especially the one of the 4 generations. We all look so
happy. All the ones of Jason are good. He is so photogenic.
Don suggested that we eat out so in spite of thefog we went to Burbens.
It was very nice. The food is just average but the atmosphere is
certainly fine. Mr. C. had said today that I could teach reading on a
quarter basis and then if if I could come up with some other class for
the other quarter maybe I could teach something different. Tonight we
talked about that and we decided it would be fun to do one on the family
so we had a lot of fun. I will write it up and see what they think at
school.
We came home and went to bed early and made love and it was very fine. So
it was a good day. It is so nice to go out and have something to say to
each other. Our lives seems to get better all the time and I just hold my
breath that some-thing will happen to change it.
When I put money in savings today I went over the $5000.00 mark and that
is good. Never made that before.
December 2, 1972
Don's wounds hurt in the night so I got up and put the radio on and then
he finally went to sleep but I just sort of dozed but it was pleasant
cause I knew the alarm wasn't going to go off.
I got up and exercised and then made breakfast. Afterwards I neatened up
the house and suddenly I got the idea to change the bedrooms around so we
moved the double bed down to the end of the hall across from the study
and moved the twin bed in the room where Jason's bed is. Bothe rooms look
much better somehow. I was so pleased with the result and so was Don.
I took Mom to the Salvation Army and she found a very nice wine colored
coat that fit her. I went to the Cannery outlet and got a case of
marichino cherries for$3.00 and Mom can take part of them to the
Beatitude luncheon cause she was to furnish them.
I got her a timer for Christmas and then I got a brilliant idea for
pictures in the bedroom, painting some plastic deals and using the
pictures B. Kirkman had. given me. They turned out just great.
We called the Scotts and they stopped over for a drink. Made pancakes for
dinner. Made a cheese cake for tomorrow.
Jenny brought her clothes over to be washed. She was very tired so I did
them and folded them. The sun didn't come out at all today. I am getting
weary of the dreary weather but it is nice to be at home and have a fire.
Now all the work is done for the day and I am sitting here in my little
sitting room listening to the music and writing in this and it is so
nice. I must write letters tomorrow and cook a nice dinner. Also want to
work on the course we talked about.
December 3, 1972
Woke to a cold damp day. Mom and I went to church at 8. When we got home
Jim Souther called and was in Chico for the day so Don went downtown and
got him. He lives in Alturis, used to go to school here. I whipped over
to Safeway and got some sweet rolls and we had those with coffee and
talked. He is a pathetic man, the type of man you read about in novels,
limp and ineffectual, stuck in a small town who hates it but can't get
out.
After he left we read and ate, in fact it seemed that I ate all day. We
worked on my proposed class about the family and I will give it to Bob
Croustau tomorrow. I went to Lassen Food in the rain and got a food mill
for the new baby for Donna cause she wants one. They called and Matt
talked first about the talking Christmas Tree. He still believes in Santa
Claus.
We had a good dinner of game hens, squash, fruit salad, brocolli and
butterscotch cheese cake. Ate too much.
We talked about when we lived in Madison and used to have a snack every
night and we didn't have to worry about our weight then.
Talked to Linda in Paradise. Today was the first day of direct dialing on
our telephone.
We watched a 2 hour McCloud show tonight and it was good. It was a good
day to listen to music and read cause it was so nasty outside.
To bed at 10:30. We talked a little about Hawaii. I know Mom doesn't want
me to go.
December 4 1972
Pouring rain with thunder and lightening. Snow in Cohasset, Nogales and
Sterling' City. In fact when I went outside to go to school there was a
little snow on my car but the rain washed it away. It was clear by noon
but very cold. Mr. C. said my class plans looked good but hadn't shown it
to Mr. A. yet. I had a counseling meeting in the afternoon during school
hours and then I came home and Lin & Jason were here.
Jenny and Lin went shopping and then the Yakiches stayed for dinner. I
asked the girls about being here while we are gone and they really don't
want to stay and I told them that someome had to be here and I cried and
I didn't want them to know how I felt about it but I couldn't play it
quite as cool as I thought I could. I guess I am terribly hurt about the
fact that they are willing for us to buy them cars and give them money
any time they need it but they don't want to do this for us.
They are young and self-centered and I suppose that is natural.
I made dinner and then everyone watched the football game and I made
candied orange peel.
Jason went to bed and the kids went over to Phaleene & Phils and they got
back about 11 to pick up Jason.
Skip fixed my marble lamp base and I fixed a shade for it. Read awhile
and then cause I was very tired and rather sad I went to bed. I think it
is going to be really cold tonight.
December 5, 1972
22 degrees this morning!
It was very cold this morning and you could see forever it was so clear.
Mr. G. said that Mr. A. had like the plan for my class on the family so
now if kids sign up I will be ok. I do like kids who were really
interested in it to take it but one can't have everything and I will
probably get a bunch of jerks. After dinner Don went to class and I went
over to the mall and returned, a lamp shade and then I made the rounds of
Roos Aikin, Penney’s and the Fashion but really didn't see anything that
I liked. It was very cold and windy. I stopped for gas and it started to
snow.
Don came home from class and by then it was really snowing and the ground
was white in no time. Don felt moody and sad all day. It is hard when one
feels that way cause there is so little one can do to help.
I wrote to Pauline and told her all about all our strange weather. Galled
Cathy and got her at home. She had taken the math test yesterday. She
knew all the answers but didn't finish. Did ok on the reading but not so
well on the vocabulary. She was very angry about the psychological part
of the test and felt it was an invasion of her privacy so I doubt if she
will make it (the program) She and Jim had gone to San Francisco and
Sacramento at the weekend and she said they had gone and had a good time.
When we went to bed it was a beautiful night. I opened the drapes and the
snow made so much light that it was almost like day. It brought many
memories of other winters in other years and I suppose in a way in other
worlds. I remember when I was in college and in Madison and in Albany.
Most of those memories are happy ones. Nature can be so beautiful.
December 6, 1972
Well, the snow was still here when we got up. I don't ever remember of
driving to school in snow but I went very slowly. The buildings were cold
but I dressed warm thank goodness. The kids went crazy with enthusiasm
about the snow and there were a lot of snowball fights but it was all
fun.
My class went fine although there were a lot absent. I corrected papers
and started to get myself organized for next week when I start a new
class. I got home and Mom and I went shopping. I had made hotdish last
night so I just had to pop it in the oven. I bought some sweet wine at
the fruit stand and I really liked it.
Dave called and asked if Jason could stay awhile thay went to the movie.
When they got here Lin was upset and then Jason wouldn't go to sleep so
Dave went off without her and then he came back and buy that time Jason
was asleep and then they went home and they had to get Jason up and he
cried again. It was very upsetting and sad. Sometimes things work out
that way when you have small children.
They had not eaten any dinner. There was
but things didn't seem good for them and
involved with their quarrels cause it is
it is our affair but when they are right
ignore it.
hotdish left so they ate that
really I don't want to get
wrong to take sides and none of
here it is a little hard to
The last appollo flight is tonight. It has been delayed cause of some
mal-function but it should go soon.
Don called Mike and he said they were all out in their yards to see it go
up but I suppose cause of the delay they went to bed cause it is after 12
there now.
It is supposed to be very cold tonight but there may be more rain or
snow. Jenny was over today to get something for her ever present
headaches. At the moment it seems as if our girls aren't doing so well
and to think that they are going to be here with Mom. I am always the
bugger state. How well they get along when I am not here to smooth things
over I dread.
20 degrees!
December 7, 1972
I think the ice age has begun. It is so cold! the car was covered with
ice because I forgot to cover the windshield. I got out my old winter
coat (1960) that is really heavy.
I talked to Mr. A. today about my class on the family and he likes it
very much and will present it to the Board in Jan.
I went downtown after school and went to the Fair and bought a blue &
white caftan for $5.50. It has red braid and ties. I am not just crazy
about it but maybe I will get some wear out of it.
Don had a meeting at 5 and then he went over to Jenny's for dinner. I got
home and made my turkey hotdish. Then I put on my red long dress with the
red slip I made, my black coat and the black shawl. Marge Saler and Alice
picked me up and we went to Barbara Conklin's for the PV Women's potluck.
Her house looked just beautiful.
She served Glugg, a Swedish hot spiced wine that was very good. The food
was good and it was rather fun but some of the women drank too much and
got too loud and there is something rather frenzied about Alice and Marge
that makes me feel un-comfortable and sad. I had a talk with Emma and
they are going to Hawaii on the 26th. She is the only one I have told
about our trip. I just have a feeling somehow that it won't come off so I
have been hesitant to say anything. I heard some gossip today at school.
Margaret and Ray Morgan have broken up as have Gibby & her Call and these
two men along with Sanky Hall are sharing an apt. and having a gay time.
Life is so strange right now with all the old established marriages
breaking up. Well, getting back to the party. I came home with Marian
Asterboh. Don was in bed so I just got in too without any bath or hair
routine. It will be hard to get up tomorrow.
Cathy called and said her interview for the LVNC program went terribly so
it doesn't look very good.
18 degrees
December 8, 1972
Evan colder today. The day it snowed the kids were giddy and today the
faculty were giddy. I think the cold weather has gotten to us. I am
afraid the cold has done a lot of damage. There is talk about the orange
crop and I think I have lost a lot of the plants I set out.
Mom's roof is leaking from the rain and then the snow. What a mess. I
went to the bank after taking her after school and I got $280.00 worth of
Traveler's checks. Then I came home and made a green salad and we had
very good steaks.
We had read and talked about dreams in my reading class today so Don and
I talked about them in the evening. Then he went to the bathroom and said
that there was blood in his stool and he was obviously upset and tomorrow
is Saturday so he will try to see the Dr. but chances are that Dr.
Hamilton won't be in this Saturday. I didn't tell him that I sort of had
a period one day this week cause there was no need to worry him more. If
this is something serious that will be the end of our trip and that sort
of dampened our enthusiasm for the evening so we went to bed. We left the
heat up and still it was cold. Our houses are just not built for this
kind of weather.
The astronauts are on their way for the last trip to the moon for the
70's.
Everything seems to be going ok.
Former President is critically ill in Kansas City.
Don got a good idea for qt. classes that he will present to the history
faculty. I think he is looking forward to being chairman next semester.
Mother tells me that she is not sleeping at night cause she is worrying
about our trip. Boy that takes the joy out of it, and having had a bad
plane crash outside Chicago doesn't help either. Suddenly life is getting
complicated again after things had been going so well.
16-18 degrees!
December 9, 1972
I got up at 7 with a very bad cold - runny nose etc. I read the paper and
neatened up the house and at 9:15 I went to have my hair frosted but
Louie and I decided not to do it cause it wouldn't show enough so he just
cut it a little and washed and set it.
I came home and Linda arrived with Jason. I fixed a little lunch and then
made Don's while Lin fed Jason. They are all fine.
I made a pecan cookie pie deal but it wasn't very good. At 3 Lin and I
took Jason over to PV where there was a children's class party. I wanted
to show off Jason but we didn't stay long. Then Lin and Jenny went
shopping and we tried to put Jason down for his nap but he would have
none of it. They left to eat at Yakiches. Don wanted hamburgers so I
fixed them and made a potato salad. We watched the news and then I worked
to shorten the blue and white striped deal but when I got all done I
really didn't like it too much and Don said I looked as if I had escaped
from a woman's prison and tried to disguise my prison garb so I guess I
won't be wearing it out much.
Don has an appointment at 10:30 on Monday with the Dr. My nose ran all
day and I sneezed.
Lin and David looked so shabby today. Mom was upset and angry about the
roof and Don is worried about the bleeding and I have a cold so suddenly
life doesn't look very happy at all. Well, I guess things were just going
to well and I should have realized that we can't have things going well
fro very long.
As I write this I feel very sad indeed and I think I would like to cry
but it isn't very easy to cry at my stage in life so I guess I will go
fold Jenny's clothes and then go to bed. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Still cold and clear
December 10, 1972
I woke up this morning feelinglousy! My chest hurts, I have a cough and
my nose is stopped up. I sound like a Nyquil ad!
Mom's roof is still leaking and she is so discouraged and I don't blame
her. I took her to 11 o'clock Mass and in the afternoon we went to the
Mall and I bought Jason a pull toy and a pounding board.
I made a good dinner with roast pork, jello salad, brussels sprouts,
mashed potatoes and gravy and a pound cake with lemon sauce.
I read a little, napped a little and took my bath and went to bed right
after the
FBI.
Cathy called to say she was moving into a trailer cause she can't stand
Debbie any longer. No word from Lin today. Jenny stopped by late in the
afternoon to pick up the rest of her clothes.
They had been in the snow with friends who are staying the weekend. They
had all had a good time.
I think I will go to school tomorrow just for the one class and then come
home and rest for the day cause if I talk a lot I am going to be coughing
a lot. We will see. I certainly hope something can be done about the roof
in the apartment, but it my be hard this time of year.
Don and I talked about depression cause he admits he feels very
discouraged these days. He has an appointment tomorrow morning at 10:30
about the other problem and he will ask about this too.
Don and I talked about depression cause he admits he feels very
discouraged these days. He has an appointment tomorrow morning at 10:30
about the other problem and he will ask about this too.
Very Cold - 15 degrees
December 11, 1972
If Dec. 7, 1941 was supposed to go down in infamy I think December 11,
1972 will run it a close 2nd.
Don went to Dr. H. and he has to go on a liquid diet until Thursday when
he has a procto plus all the other tests for the rectal bleeding. Then
they talked about depression and he is going to take an anti-depressant
and then if he gets no better he will have to see a psychologist and I
think that really frightenshhim, but that's not all.
Mom's ceiling continues to leak and the roofing people who came out said
they will have to do it all over plus we had some leaks too, so the whole
house has to be done and Mom is absolutely distraught and then we are
supposed to leave on Friday to have a good time and leave all this to the
kids who don't want to stay anyway. Dave went job hunting and didn't find
anything of course.
Mom has a lump in her neck that is hard and her goiter is swollen and
that frightens her and right now I would like to dig a hole and climb in
and not have to think about anything. But, it will probably get worse
before it gets better. My cold is better but I still don't feel very
good. I ate a snack while Don was gone in the late afternoon so I
wouldn't eat in front of him.
I started my Orientation class today but not everyone was there. I am
going through the motions of getting my clothes ready but my heart isn't
in it. Jenny came over tonight to work on her term paper that is due on
Thursday. Carl came over to talk to Don.
Things had been going so well here that I thought maybe it would stay
that way but I should have known better and now Don tells me that he has
been feeling miserable for months and I didn't realize it so I am just a
non-feeling clod. What next?? Am I going to be strong enough to hurdle
all this.
Up to 29 degrees this morning and then it snowed!!
December 12, 1972
Well, today it snowed in Chico - it really snowed. It started in midmorning and pretty soon it was sticking to the ground. The kids went
crazy throwing snowballs and running around in it. I called home and Lin
and David were down and they would be staying until I got home.
I coughed a lot today. I suppose it was the cold weather. Now people at
school know I am going to Hawaii and with the roof and the deal with Don
I still am not really excited about it.
I got home and Jason was here and so cute. Jenny was here with Lobo who
was very quiet and well behaved. The roofing man called and it wil cost
$1700.00 to do the whole thing. Boy, this is one expensive deal we really
hadn't counted on. Don paced around feeling terrible. I ate when Don
wasn't looking and fixed some-thing for the kids. Jason went to sleep at
7 and the kids decided to stay down cause of the snow. Jenny had me check
her term paper on nutrition for the elderly Then the kids walked over to
the Almond Tree for a drink.
I got ready and went to bed but I didn't really get to sleep until almost
12 cause I coughed so.
Jason slept right through just beautifully.
Mom is all upset yet about the roof and hopefully they will come tomorrow
and do something temporary to it that will stop the leak.
I am glad I am not going to be here when the kids are here cuase they
make such a mess and it still bothers me.
December 13, 1972
It was
helped
school
didn't
really
so cold this morning that the car doors were frozen shut. Don
me clear the snow off and get it started and boy I really crept to
cause it was ice everywhere. School was open here but the buses
run. My class went ok but the day really dragged by. The kids are
ok in classes but they are just marking time as we are.
I came home and Mom and I went shopping and I bought very little cause I
figure the kids can buy what they want and there are a lot of staples and
frozen things on hand.
Came home and the kids were just leaving. I put Mom's drapes up cause the
man put something on the roof to keep it ok until the weather moderates
enoughffor the man to put the whole thing on.
We are going to have white rock on this time so that should look nice. I
hope that Mom will relax a little bit now. I know she is upset about our
going but I think we should go anyway. But strangely enough I am not the
least bit excited. Maybe it will be better once we get going.
If I had a lot of new clothes or if I were sure I were taking the right
ones that would help.
Pinned up my hair and took a bath and we watched McMillan on TV, Very
cold again tonight. My I hope it moderates pretty soon.
I have lost a pound or two while Don is on this hideous no eating things.
Two more days and then we will go.
December 14, 1972
Up and to work. Don called before 12 and the tests were over and he was
cooking his breakfast. In fact he brought the pan over to the phone so I
could hear the sausage cooking. He will find out tomorrow how they turned
out. Cold and cloudy again today but not quite as cold as yesterday. I
got a letter written to Pauline and the Florida L’s. I want to write to
Cathy but she has no mailing address yet.
Everyone at school acted as if it were Friday. It has been a long week. I
showed a film in my Decision class and Mr. A. & Mr. C came. It was about
a basketball player trying to decide whether to go professional.
I got home form school and made a good dinner with steak, potatoes on the
half shell, green salad and hot rolls. Don called his sister Gail today
and I guess she was fine. He went to a meeting after dinner and I washed
my hair, took a bath, finished the packing, made a list for the girls.
Skeip & Jenney came over to say good-bye to us. Jenny is done with
classes until the 3rd ofJanuary. She made the deadline for her paper.
Alice brought holly to school and I put some in vases around the house.
Well, I guess I am about ready to go tomorrow. I hope I am taking the
right things but you never know until you get there. I wish I were
excited about going and maybe tomorrow I will be. I really don't expect
it to be to great so I will be pleasantly surprised if it turns out well.
It seems to me that I pack a lot of stuff.
I made a batch of fudge and then decided not to take candy to school
tomorrow. I am braking all the rules this year it would appear. Tomorrow
night we will be in San Francisco and Saturday night in Hawaii.
December 15, 1972
Got up and went to school. Peggy F. brought all kinds of cookies &
goodies and this year I didn't bring anything but so it goes. The class
assembly was good. Music was fine and Marg's drama people did a take-off
on Lawrence Welk. The kids were good considering it was the last day.
Alice gave me a very sweet angel candle holder. I came home right after
school. D & L had moved in and the blackcat was very much at home and
Snow or Miss Pig as they call her was afraid and had hidden behine the
bookcase in the TV room. I had left my Travelers Checks out on top of my
suitcase and Linda found Jason had taken them and was just stuffing them
under the stove when she caught him. I would have looked for a long time!
We left at 3:30 and drove through fog and rain. We got to the Nut Tree at
5:30 and had dinner and then drove on to the city and got to the
International Inn. Our room was rather garish but ok. I took a bath and
then we made love and that was fine. We turned on TV and watched
Casablanca and I laid in bed and cried. It is so ramantic and probably
not like the war was at all but it still has a lot of charm. I am going
to continue on here cause I have a lot to write about for Saturday. We
got up to clouds and rain but At least it wasn't cold. We ate breakfast
and then took a little shuttle bus to the airport. Then it was standing
in lines. They checked my purse and coat for concealed weapons with a
little gadget that looked the deal for the barbeque to light it. A group
of Japaneese had visited U.S. and they had their picture taken.
We flew Northwest-Orient, a 747 and although were supposed to leave at
9:45 we didn't actually leave until 10:15. Then we ate: iced tea &
peanuts, shrimps, olives, little strips of beef teriyaki. Then dinner
with peas, steak, baked potato, pineapple and papaya salad and dessert.
Then almonds, later apples and hot wet towels.
December 16, 1972
I still don't like to fly. The trip was fairly smooth but there were a
lot of clouds. Finally an hour late we touched down at Honolulu and that
moist warm air scented with flowers hit us and I immediately took off my
sweater and wished I were still cooler. We checked and the Nigel plane
was also late. We sat and waited and our plane to Maui kept being put
later and later. Finally Ed. & Sel arrived and our plane left but they
couldn't get on it cause there spaces had been sold. SO, we went ahead in
a amaller plane and I sat by the window and was rather scared.
It was overcast in Maui. We waited for our luggage but it didn't come so
I went over and checked and it had been put on Aloha instead of Hawawaii.
Don got the rental car and we put our luggage and the Nigel luggage in it
and waited for the Nigels who didn't get there until 7:30, by then it was
dark. We drove and drove and finally found the Royal Lahaina.
We each have a cottage and ours is right on the ocean. There is a patio
with table and chairs, two huge palm trees, lawn and then a drop and the
beach. The surf roars in. We ordered sandwiches and then the Nigels went
to there place and we got ready for bed.
I bathed and pinned up my hair but I think that is a lost cause cause
with the moisture in the air the curl comes right out.
I didn't sleep to well cause I was excited and it was a strange bed. We
left the glass open and there was a light on the patio and they didn't
shut it off, but I didn't mind.
I got up at 3» 5t to look out. Once there was a moon shining in but there
were a lot of clouds too. It is so warm .' That is what I forget each
time and now especially in the winter when we just left such a cold time
in Chico.
I am not sure that the Nigels are going to be as thrilled with the sun
and ocean as we are but we will see. I hope it all goes well.
December 17, 1972
We were awake early and finally the sun came up so Don went for his run
and when he got back I walked on the beach. We found the dining room open
and Don had a huge breakfast and I had papaya & tea.
No curl in my hair by 8 am! When we got back to the cottage I got this
and got caught up on the missing days sitting outside. Heavenly! As Don
said, do we really deserve this??
I sunbathed and the sky was cloudy and sunny by turns. Don and Ed got
down to business right away and started tape recording his childhood and
it seemed to go well. At least they had fun with it.
We walked to the Hilton for lunch which was good. I tried napping
afterwards but I am not good at that so I took a walk. The setting is
lovely with grass and tropical flowers, shrubs and trees eithrr in bloom
or with gaudy colored leaves. Everything is very well tended and there is
little or no litter and always right in front of us is the ocean with the
pounding coming in as steadily as ones's breathing. Late in the afternoon
Sel and I drove to a shopping center but cause it was Sunday very few
stores were open. I got some potato chips and then I found a little store
in the hotel coumplex and bought a bottle of Manhattan mix, some cherries
& coke. Since we have a refrigerator in our room we can make our own
drinks.
We dressed for dinner and I wore my long dress from Asers. We went to the
main dining room and the food was bad, service slow and prices high. They
had some Hawaiin entertainment put on by an old missionary school teacher
or at least that is what she looked like.
I called home this morning
rained all night and Mom's
here and can't do anything
rain after dinner and made
my hair (a futile gesture)
to say that everything was ok and it had
roof was leaking worse than ever. Well, I am
about it. We walked to our cottage in pouring
love which was very nice and then I pinned up
and went to sleep. I slept very well.
December 18, 1972
I woke at 5:30 to a slashing rain storm. We went back to sleep and got up
about 6:30. Went to breakfast and then I came back and neatened up the
room and walked on the beach for an hour. Very overcast but invigorating
too.
The Nigels came over and we drove around in the car to a village nearby
and had lunch. The Pioneer Sun was decorated with whaling artifacts. The
food was ok but I couldn't eat all my fruit salad. We came back after
looking at a valley where there is a lot of rain and interesting
vegetation. Stopped at a missionary house but it was $1.00 each so we
sent Don and I guess it wasn't so great. Game back in driving rain and
then I did the shops looking for mumu's that are very expensive and I
really didn't see anything I liked very much.
I went over to the Hilton too and tried on things. Some of them go up to
$75.00. I got back at 4:30 and Ed & Don were taping so I went into the
bedroom area and read Time and the newspaper.
We got dressed for dinner and went to Moby Ed's and I had shrimp curry
and a salad which was pretty good. We came home and went to bed but they
were going to drive around.
We are upset upset by the weather cause this isn't our idea of a vacation
to sit in a damp room. If one is home and the weather is bad one can do
other things but in this kind of a set-up that is impossible. Don feels
especially guilty cause he made the arrangements. This may be another
Blue Lake. I worry about spending 12 days with another couple no matter
how much we like them if the conditions aren't good.
Don called Kona and it wasn't raining there and they could take us early
so in the ' morning we will have a council of war.
It is all rather strange and when I hear Christmas music it doesn't seem
possible that it is almost Christmas. Not that I necessarily want to be
at home cause I don't and I am not lonesome or anything. I am not as
upset as the other 3 I don't think.
The men bought us pink & white carnation leis!
December 19,1972
When I woke up it was raining and seemed very cloudy so after breakfast
we had a council of war and decided to go to Kona early. We got a flight
reservation for 1:50 so we packed our bags and left the hotel at 10:30
and drove to a little town where we had lunch and then went to the
airport and waited for our flight. We got to Kona and it was raining! I
think Don really felt bad cause since he arranged the trip he feels
responsible.
Ed rented a Toyota and we drove 17 miles to the Kona Surf. I have never
seen a place like it. It is all rough white stucco with an Aztec look
about it. There is a huge open court in the middle done in lava rock with
waterfalls, pools and a lush green planting everywhere. There are hanging
gardens with lovely blooming plants cascading down the white walls.
Everywhere there are vivid bright colors in the upholstery of white
furniture, in rugs, all the ceilings in the main areas are dark wood.
There are wall hangings in weaving in oranges, brown & beige.
There are 2 pools, tennis courts and a golf course. Our room is on the
ocean with a balcony with chairs and a table. The room is all white
except one wall in wood. The bedspreads are orange & magenta, orange
sheets. The rug is a deep gold, even the towels are magenta. There are 3
lovely pictures, charcoal background with off-white and orange.
We unpacked, I bathed and put on my long mumu and wore my lei which just
matched and then we sat at our little round table and had manhattans and
watched a breathtaking sunset. The spray dashed up on the black rocks
(there is no beach here) and at 7 we all went to the dining room (The
James McKee) and had a delicious dinner and then came back to our room
and made love marvelously and then to sleep.
Now if the sun shines tomorrow things will be better. The Nigel worry so
much about how much everything costs and since they don't have to worry
about it like we do it is rather sad. Why can't they just enjoy it since
they are here. I bought a ring for $1.75 and a mystery.
I hope tomorrow we can sunbathe.
December 20, 1972
I woke up in the night and it was clear and at 15 to 6 I watched a full
moon go down over the water. Breathtaking! We had breakfast about 7:15
and I splurged and had papaya, eggs and toast with tea. It all tasted so
good. I walked for 15 minutes before breakfast. I wwent around all the
floors - its like walking on a ship.
I wrote a letter home but it was not very good cause I hate so to write
in longhand. The men taped at the swimming pool and I sunbathed most of
the morning. It was hot & clear and glorious.
We went to Kona about 5:15 and walked around and then ate dinner at the
Kona Sun which is one of the oldest buildings in the area. The food is
just so-so but I had a chi chi and it was very good indeed. I love
coconut and pineapple with vodka. I must get the proportions. We got back
about 9 and were going down for a drink but it was expensive and noone
was around so we went to the Nigel's room to talk for awhile and then to
bed and we made love again and it was fine.
Something has come up. The Nigels want to go over to Oahu for a few days
and we assumed that we were going too but I think they want to go by
themselves which is understandable. I think they find us trying cause we
have been to all these places before and we don't worry so much about the
price of everything and Sel especially thinks of nothing else. In part
the trip has been a success but we have never traveled with them before
and it is a case of different values. It all sounds like my class.
Neither one of us is right or wrong, we are just different. I think they
see us rather like we sometimes see the Scotts. We want good food and
wine and a luxurious setting and they don't see things that way. Here I
was worrying that we would be poor beside them and they are the ones
crying poor. I won't say anything to Don but I didn't think it would work
all along but didn't want to argue with him. But I hate being proved
right in this case.
Ah well, it will all work out somehow.
December 21, 1972
My this was a busy day. We did the usual early morning routine and then
at 9 we started out across the island. Another beautiful day. We drove
first to the volcano in miles and miles over the black lava beds. We saw
some of the real estate "developments" by that I mean the roads are in
for the lots plotted but we found only one house that sat on a lava
clearing, and it was out in nowhere. We got to the volcano house and it
looked much as it had in 1960. We ate a very bad lunch there and then
went to the museum and watched the movies on the volcanos, took some
pictures and then on to Hilo.
Drove through it and then looked for a waterfall through cane fields but
they involved an hour walk and we weren't up to it. We went on around the
island and saw where Don's camp had been during the war and stopped at a
shopping center and I bought cheese, crax an avocado and 4 cans of
coconut syrup so I can make "chichi's".
We got back to Kona about 6:30 and ate at a Japanese restaurant -I had a
combination tempura plate which I didn't like very much and then we got
back to the hotel at 8 and went right to bed. It was a day of variety,
coffee plantations, macadamia groves, lava, grazing lands, cactus,tree
ferus, a profusion of flowers and always the ever-present sea.
Don and I both find it hard to understand Sel. She pokes along, she stops
everyone and talks to them, she measures everything in dollars & cents
and if it is cheap she convinces herself it is good. She has no
discrimination but really what it is is their life style is entirely
different from ours and hence it is not that she is wrong but that we
really don't fit together. I think it is hard to take a trip with someone
else. I guess I am a very private person and I don't approach life the
same way. In the night I worried about how much this was going to cost. I
hate to wake up in the night and stew. The "bogies" always seem to
frightening in the dark and so I guess I am not so different from Sel
except I don't talk about it.
December 22, 1972
Today was a beautiful day somehow. We did the usual morning routine,
funny how quickly one gets into a pattern even on vacation.
I spent time at the pool and sunbathed. For lunch we rode up to the golf
course and it was open and breezy with a lovely view. Had a good turkey
sandwich.
In the afternoon we went to the salt water pool and all napped in the sun
cause it was hot and bright. I ordered a chichi and it was $3.00 so I
won't do that again. I will wait until I get home and make me one. I
bought a book with the recipe. We came back to our room and bathed and
then Sel and I went into Kona and shopped. I got a copy of Hawaii and a
little pair of pants for Jason and tried on a lot of mumu's. I found two
that I liked in the same pattern in polished cotton blue & white. But I
couldn't make up my mind so I will wait and have Don go with me.
Sel found a street length dress in a brown and white print. We got back
around 6 and I put on a long dress and we went to the Kona Hilton for
dinner. The food was ok but not great. They had an interesting salad bar
and I ate a lot of that and I had teriyaki steak. We drove back and went
to bed and made love yet again. As Don said, it was really something to
be married 30 years and make love just about every day and enjoy it.
The men taped in the afternoon but the batteries went out so then they
just talked and I guess Ed is now having his troubles. He is having an
affair and the business is great but the relationship with his family is
very bad (his brothers) so he is in a bad way.
I guess Sel knows about this so it must be hard for both of them.
I ate too much today and I felt stuffed by the end of the day. I keep
saying I am not going to eat and then I go ahead and do it anyway.
We saw dolphins playing in the water this afternoon. I keep looking for a
whale.
I dreamed about Emma Rovey and tombstones and Mother buying a long green
dress and me in my blue nightgown being rescued by Larry Strepnaagel of
all people.
I liked today - it was very pleasant.
December 23, 1972
I walked this morning but didn't go down for breakfast. Just had tea in
my room. Don bought the papers and Nixon is having the North bombed in
Vietnam. There have been bad storms in California. Fog at San Francisco
airport.
At 9 am I was at the salt water pool and there was an earthquake! I
pinned up my hari and went to sunbathe. There was a lot of talk about the
quake. It was very bad in Nicaraugua but no more trembles here. It made
me think though of that and tidal waves. I put my house in order so to
speak. I suppose this would be as good a time as any to go if I had to.
I weighed myself today and it was at 109 so I can't complain about that.
No headaches, no stomach problems or bathroom problems. I guess I must
really be tense in my normal life. Maybe I should have just one big
vacation!
I sunbathed both morning and afternoon. Don is really looking tanned but
it is slower for me.
We called the kids and told them we would be leaving on the 27th instead
of the 28th and then we will be there more when Cathy is there. Mom
sounded lonesome. Jenny & Skip were there and they were taking care of
Jason cause Lin was not happy. We went into town to get gas and ate at
the Kona Galley. I had shrimp Bombay and it was veery good. It had fried
bananas and with chutney and rice it was great.
Tomorrow we are going to the Rockefeller place for lunch. Sel gets on my
nerves but then they have a different lifestyle and I should realize
that. I probably get on her nerves too.
We will leave here early in the morning on Wed. the 27th, rent a car and
drive to Hilo and leave from there for S. F. and home. I really don't
want to go and yet I realize all good things must come to an end. We took
a lot of pictures today so I hope they tern out well.
I am reading Hawaii and enjoying it. We watched the 49ers get beat in the
last minutes of the game. I spent a lot of time by myself today and
enjoyed it.
I went to bed and slept well with the stars, a little moon and the ocean
outside my window.
December 24, 1972
Went for a walk, papaya and tea for breakfast. Did a wash and then went
to sunbathe. Came back at 10:30 and changed into my red polkadot dress
and then we started out for Kammela and about 10 after 1 we got down to
the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (famous Rockefeller one) and had their
reknowned buffet lunch.
There was everything imaginable and I ate my way through it and it was
very good. We walked around the hotel and then drove back to Kona leaving
Sel there to do some shopping. We came back to our room and I napped for
a short time and then I got up and put on my kaftan and walked around the
hotel on all the many paths and then we watched TV, the Carol Burnett,
Sonny and Cher etc. until 10.
I took a bath and we went to bed and to sleep. I wrote a note inviting
the Nigels to Christmas Dinner and I hope they accept. Driving in the car
the men sit in the front and the women in the back and Sel asks all kinds
of questions. I realize that in her case at least being Jewish is not a
religion but a way of life and I did find it very hard to be with them
all the time. I don't suppose Ed was that way as a child but I think he
too must be much that way now. It is all rather strange cause I have
never been with anyone quite like this before. In a way I feel more
prejudiced now than I ever have. I must discuss this with Don sometime.
Don seemed depressed tonight. I don't know if he is lonesome our worried
about Ed and his health or what but anyway he wasn't as cheerful and gay
as he has been
For the first time I had a little twinge of homesickness but really not
very much. I also realize that although Don is very brown I am not really
and my wrinkles are really beginning to show. I am sure that now people
are going to begin to say "Flo is suddenly getting very old looking." And
they will be right! So it goes. Finished the first book of Hawaii about
the coming to the islands.
December 25, 1972
Went for a walk and then decided to eat the buffet breakfast. Papaya,
juice, pineapple, sausages, scrambled eggs, roll, banana bread and tea
for $2.00! Walked a little and then at 8:30 I was dressed and we went
into Kona to church but the girl had told me the wrong time and it had
started at 8. So we got the last blessing and that was it since there is
only one Mass. I went up to the front - a Christmas tree with white doves
and red bows, a creche, a regular altar and statues and suddenly I was so
lonesome for the church of my childhood and I realized how much I missed
it and I cried. Don was very nice about it.
We got some doughnuts and the paper and came back to our room and ate and
read. The Nigels came over and Sel had bought us a shell in plastic which
was nice of her.
I sunbathed for awhile at the salt pool and then to have a sandwich. (Don
had a seafoodasalad.) and we walked for awhile Beautiful day., came back
to the room and then we went
took a nap and I sunbathed and then washed my hair. Played cards while
Don started to read Hawaii. I think I will go in on the bus to Kona
tomorrow morning and look for mumus again. I offered to pay for the
dinner tonight so I cashed some traveler's checks. It doesn't seem like
Christmas in spite of the carols and the decorations.
Our reservation was for 7:30 so I took a bath after the news, had gotten
my hair dry and put on my pink short dress with shoes and really felt
that I looked very nice. We went to the James McKee dining room and they
gave Sel and me lovely huge pinkish orchids and it just matched my dress.
Dinner was great, turkey, etc. and we were very festive and then
afterwards we played 20 questions and then Sel & Ed went to the nightclub
and we went up to bed and made love in a very nice way. It seems to get
better each time.
So Christmas in Hawaii is over. It is hard to believe that it is winter
let alone Christmas. Don and I have had good talks and we have never been
so close before and that is worth the trip alone. I guess the most
fascinating thing is that we have felt so well.
December 26, 1972
Walked early today and then had my papaya and tea. I caught the shuttel
bus to Kona and by 10:30 I had bought 7 mumus! I hope everyone likes
them. I got the navy & white with a fitted top for myself. I spent about
$150.00 on them. Then I caught the bus home and Don and I went out and
sunbathed and then Don had a sandwich and I ate cheese & crax and tea in
my room. I washed clothes in the afternoon and packed.
Sal and Ed did the historical spots today so we didn't see them until
about 4. Don called Maxine Carls with but she is gong to be at the
volcano tomorrow so we won't be seeing her but Leslie Smith is here
visiting her daughter who is married and lives here.
We cleaned up and decided to go to the Kona Galley again cause it had
been so good the other time. I wore my pretty mumu again and looked very
tanned. I had my last chichi on the island and Lobster Newberg which
turned out to be just superb. Don had the abalone agin which he had
enjoyed the other time. We had a nice last evening. I think Ed was really
sad to see it end. He is a very kind and sentimental man.
We got home and went to bed. I got up in the night to look at the ocean.
A little moon and many stars and really I was very sorry to see it all
come to an end. When we got back to the hotel Leslie Smith had called so
Don called her back but she was going somewhere tomorrow and so we won't
see her either, but Don did talk to her for a long time.
December 27, 1972
We got up early and I had a good breakfast cause I wasn't sure when we
would have lunch. The man with the car was to arrive at 8 to pick us up
but although we were all there waiting he didn't show so Don called and
the fellow said there was no car available so we drove out to the airport
to get a car there but there weren't any and we couldn't get a plane out
so finally in desperation Don hired a taxi for $60.00 and we drove around
the island. We said goodbye to the Nigels and drove off.
The man was very nice and it was a pleasant ride if an expensive one. We
got there before lunch so we checked our bags and then went into Hilo and
had lunch. It rained haard right after that so we walked around the shops
until the rain stopped and then on the spur of the moment we walked back
to the airport which was a study in contrasts.
We spent the afternoon waiting for the plane which left at 4:50. I
thought we could have looked at some things in Hilo but I wasn't going to
say anything cause Sel was always promoting something like that and that
really annoyed Don. So I read Hawaii and finally the time came to get on
the plane.
We each had a cocktail and then we had dinner. It was really pretty bad,
not anywhere near as good as coming out. We watched a bad movie and then
I dozed a little and finally on schedule we dropped down over the bay and
with all the lights the city looked just beautiful. We got our bags and
stepped out into a 45 degree night but it was clear. We got our bags and
waited for a car to take us to the International Inn.
We bathed together and then made love and it was very, very good. Then I
pinned up my hair so I will look very good tomorrow and so to sleep and
tomorrow we will be home and I go with mixed emotions. The trip was a
great success.
December 28, 1972
We got up about 6 and got dressed and Don went to get the car but it
wouldn't start so it was almost 7 by the time we got going on a lovely
clear day. We drove to the Nut Tree and had breakfast and I bought a pull
toy for Jason.
We got to Chico at 10:30 but no one was here.
had taken Mom to get her hair set. Mitzie was
tinkled on the velour footstool! Cathy looked
had a bad cold. Then I got Mom and she looked
Cathy arrived first. She
so glad to see us that she
fine. Then Jenny came. She
very glamorous.
We called Lin and they came down. The girls liked their mumus and Mother
lover hers and it fits her very nicely. It is cold in Chico but bright.
The house looked ok but a bit messy.
The man came and finished the roof so now we have a white rock expensive
roof. Finally we were all here so I made a batch of chichis with my
coconut syrup and they were a great success. The kids couldn't get over
how good we both looked and we had a fun time talking. We all drank too
much but no one got sick.
I finally made bacon and eggs for dinner and then Don went to bed very
early and Cathy and I talked until 8 and I too folded cause we had had
only 4 hours of sleep last night.
Jason was adorable and he had remembered us and he loved his pull toy. I
guess Christmas at the Yakiches was nice and Father Fagan & Donnelly had
come to dinner too.
Cathy told me all about Jim Conner and I found out he was divorced and
has 2 children. I don't think she will be marrying him.
Lin and David are talking about moving to the city and I think maybe that
is the thing to do. So now I am back home and I washed the windows in the
dining and living room and picked things up here and there and tomorrow I
will cook a turkey dinner for Cathy cause she goes back on Saturday.
I still have unpacking to do too. I hate to see our whole trip over but I
realize it had to come to an end.
Mike and Donna had sent presents and I had a stocking full of cute little
presents.
113 ! Ugh!
December 29, 1972
This was a very busy day indeed. After breakfast I stuffed the turkey and
neatened up the house and then Mom and I went grocery shopping. It had
been 2 weeks since I had bought anything and groceries have really gone
up in price. Eggs were 72 cents a dozen! I dashed home and made cranberry
jello, fixed the potatoes and scalloped corn and a graham crax pie so I
really was busy.
Cathy bought a cute 2=piece dress and a pair of shoes and then discovered
thatone shoe was 5.5 and the other was a 5. So she took them back but
already someone else had the other 2 shoes so she didn't get any.
Jenny called in the morning and was really quite sick but she didn't want
to stay alone while Skip was working so she came here after lunch but she
was really miserable with a cold, sore throat and bronchitis.
Dinner was to be at 5 but Cathy who left in early afternoon didn't get
back until after 5 and I was worrying but finally she showed u just as we
were about to sit down. Lin and Dave came and brought Gail McM. And I had
forgotten that she was coming so we set another place and naturally with
a turkey I had enough food.
Then Don started to feel sick during the day and he must have some kind
of flu too but he insisted on eating the dinner although he felt ghastly
and went to bed about 7:30.
Mike called and they were fine and they had had a good Christmas. He gave
Donna a rocker which I thought was sweet. Lin seemed in a bad mood and
they left early as did Skip & Jenny so then Cathy and I talked until
after 11. She seems fairly happy and at least she is realistic about her
situation. Jim Conner is married although he has been separated from his
wife and 2 children for 4 years. He is 26. She isn't considering marriage
with him but he does take good care of her and she likes someone to
protect her after going with Nolan who was so immature. She feels
veryindividual and I think she likes her job quite well. She talked a lot
about the old people who are the patients where she works.
Her trailer didn't work out and she is moving into an apartment on Jan
1st. She likes living in a small town. We talked about her childhood and
she felt that she had a good one. She got out her old raggedy Ann doll
and she plans to take it with her.
I went to bed with mixed emotions. I love her so. I don't want her hurt.
December 30, 1972
I went for a walk at the Jr. High but it was pretty cold - around degrees
and there had been frost. Don still isn't feeling great. I made him a
poached egg. Cathy had 3 dices of bacon and 2 eggs. After breakfast we
sat and talked for awhile. Mother had given her some of her blocks and
that pleased her plus some sweaters, etc. and since she doesn't have a
winter coat Jenny gave her her blue& white one that is very warm.
I went down to the Frances Shop sale but couldn't find anything and
anyway I looked too fat to buy anything. I stopped at the fruit stand and
then came home. L & D & J came down about 12 cause they had left the food
grinder for Jason so they had turkey sandwiches and fed him. He is so
smart. I was using a cover like a top and pretty soon he would hand it
the same way even though he couldn't make it spin. He is bright .'
I cleaned up the driveway and then checked my plants out front and I lost
a lot from the frost. The kids didn't stay long so I then cleaned the
shelves in the livingroom. I took everything down, washed all the little
things and then washed the shelves as well so now everything looks just
great. I switched some things.
Jenny called and said she felt so bad she wanted me to do her wash so
Skip brought it over. I made salad dressing cause we were out of it. I
cleaned up the bathrooms and gradually the house seems like my own agan.
The kids did a good job but I must do a lot of neatening and cleaning all
the time without realizing it. So, now we are alone again with children
dropping in but not staying. I must admit the I don't need my children
and 4t our age I think that is good. We are in the habit or living by
ourselves.
The paper talked about the flu today and this is the London flu and it is
worst in
Atlanta, Ga., N. Y., S. F. and Hawaii so Don had to chances to get it. We
went to bed fairly early but I think he is feeling better. Lew Oliver had
a bad heart attach and is in the hospital in Palo Alto. Don called him on
the phone. The Heins stopped by bringing a cake and we talked until
nearly quite late and it was most enjoyable.
December 31, 1972
The last day of the year and it has been a good year really. Mom and I
went to Mass and then I got busy and made bread and a batch of fudge and
divinity, why the candy I really don’t know cause certainly I don't need
any but we all ate a lot.
I went over to the Fashion and Penney's to find a top but couldn't find
anything I liked. I still have to lose 2 lbs. from the trip and I haven't
exercised very much so I will work at that before I buy anything. It was
very cold and bright today. Now I rather wish it would rain again since
our roof is fixed and then the weather would moderate. I washed clothes
and fixed buttons, etc. to make my clothes last for the long haul of San
Francisco and March. I think I will try to make some skirts at least for
spring cause things are so high and they are often too short anyway.
Jenny came over. She feels better but her cough is so bad she is worn
out. She had made a very pretty long dress and I evened the hem for her.
Skip was watching football but then so was Don.
I really didn't mind cause I had a lot of little jobs to do. I read some
in Hawaii and I am constantly amazed at how much I enjoy it each time.
I made a delicious green salad, steak and baked potatoes for dinner and
it all tasted so good.
We started to watch TV but it was all re-runs on our favorite programs,
why I don't know. Anyway, I fell asleep and I had eaten too much candy so
I didn't feel top notch. I feel content.
Another year is over and really it was a very good one. I think Cathy is
happier in Sonora. J. & S. seem to know where they are going and they are
happy I think. D. & L have had their ups and downs financially but they
seem to be happy with each other and it was the year of the Jason and
that was certainly great.
Mike and Donna have done well and soon they will have another child and
Mom has really been very well and best of all Don and I have gotten along
so well and I think happier than I can ever remember so that makes it a
very good year.