1984 GHU Letter -Dec.30

Dec. 30 [1984]

Dear Folks – The last note of 1984.  It has been a good yr. with its ups & downs which is to be expected.  Christmas is now over with the task of removing the pretty decorations which will come next.  Thanks for the beautiful Bible.  I notice it is very complete as to information & I must begin to read it more as time passes.  

Our family is now on the decrease.  Cindy & Rob left the day after Christmas for Ind. to spend some time with her folks.  School here is dismissed until Jan 7th I believe.  Marianne & family left Thurs. for the west coast to be with Larry's mother & Corrie [sic] for a few days & then  home.  Joseph left Fri for N.Y. & then Angela & Cris plan to leave Tues. morning for Statesville.  The time has been short & I am sure we all enjoyed every minute.  The 2 boys certainly made good use of the ping pong table & of course enjoyed the beach as they all did.  The weather was quite nice all the time.  It only sprinkled a few minutes a time or two & a little cloudy at times.

Rob has decided to take up attending school Sats [sic] all day studying for a Masters' degree so he will receive a better salary.  He will go all day only on Sats beginning the 10th in W.P.B. I believe any way it is near.  

Fri I received a very nice picture of Roberta & Sid.  I suppose you folks did also.  It is good of both of them.  

I am reading the Christmas edition of the News J. by section each day.  I still have 2 more sections.  Not reading very much of each, but trying to look at each page.  I got an Upper Room Booklet to-day.  There is a notice Please 35¢ a copy.  We still have empty church pews.  A little unusual this time of year.

We will be looking forward to your coming as well as Roberta's arriving.

You can let us know as to time etc. as time moves a long.  Bed time for me.

Love, Mother.

[Written on left margin] Mary & Bill have been accepted for their trip.

* * * * *

Note: Some paragraph breaks have been added.

1984 Family Letter -Dec.30

December 30. 1984

Dearest Family –

Got out the file and realized that we haven't written to you all this month so better hurry.  We have talked to you several times on the phone (tried oftener) and did see John and X on Nov. 30 when we took G'ma to the airport.  It was so nice having Serena home for Christmas and glad to have Mary Virginia with us since Thanksgiving.   Hope that Serena got back OK.  Mary V called from Urbana last night & glad to hear from her.  She is attending URBANA '84 which we hope to learn more about - 20,000 there for a mission conference.  She said that they have three speakers each morning and evening with seminars in the afternoons.  Billy Graham is to speak this evening.  She is rooming with a girl from Pa. & one from North Carolina.  She and five others from Port William drove over in the van leaving at 5AM Thursday morning and due back Tuesday PM.

It seemed really strange celebrating Christmas early as Serena did want to get Chicago early Tuesday evening.  She kept talking about taking the 6:30 AM bus from Dayton but after attending Candlelight Communion service at the church Christmas eve it would have come super early.  We did get there in plenty of time for the 11:45 AM bus which would get her to Chicago at 6 PM.  Mie Young and MV went with us so we made good use of the van.

The tragic deaths of Sarah Burton Palmer and her daughter Barbara Mongold in an accident Dec. 21 in Adams County put a pall on the Christmas celebration in New Vienna.  Calling hours were Wednesday & Creed Culbreath had the double funeral Thursday.  Tina asked about you John - she is living in Dayton (was married in the church here a few years ago).  Saw most of the family except Rosemary who hadn't arrived yet from Florida.  Diane asked about you Catherine.  She lives in Lynchburg, still very slender and seemed to be the most stable one of the family.  Lydia has recently  moved to Tennessee to live with Cynthia and her family.  Aaron came home from Germany (he's in the service) and really a good looking young man and he asked particularly about Serena.  David and Diane are the executors of their mother's estate.  David is the oldest and lives in Blanchester.  We had never really talked to Sarah's husband and he seemed very nice – so different than her first husband.

That certainly wasn't anything that Jim Mongold needed to cope with as he has such a drinking problem anyway.  They had lost two children - one seriously handicapped infant and then their son who took his life (about 19) a few years ago.  Lora Drake was sitting with Tina Mongold as they had been good friends and room together in nursing school and she asked about you John.

Mrs. Howard Penn (Hazel) passed away Dec. 22 and so they had calling hours after the double funeral. It was really a blessing for her as she has been low for a long time.  Dad did get to see his old school chum Barbara who was her usual self boring her children with details of their friendship.  Larry Penn and his wife were there but Tim wouldn't arrive until the next morning in time for the funeral.  He lives in Tennessee.

Dad has one more day (Monday, the 31st) as commissioner.  David Stewart and the others were sworn in last Thursday and Dad was honored with a resolution then thanking him for his service.  David Bailey can be quite verbose especially when he has an audience - not that he wasn't sincere.  He enjoys the life of a politician.

Last night we stopped at the hospital to see Marge Wallen who asked about X and John.  We hardly recognized her as she has some infection or allergy (they are trying to find out what).  Her face was so red and swollen starting from a lesion on her nose.  She said that the Rax potatoes come from Nick's potato business.  I've heard they are the best so now we can see why.

[Love, etc.]

* * * *
Notes:
Sarah Alice Shinkle Burton Palmer 1914-1984
Barbara Ann Burton Mongold 1935-1984
Hugh Burton 1905-1967
Charles Palmer 1909-1989
Hazel Johnston Penn 1896-1984
Howard Newton Penn 1892-1963
Barbara Ellen Penn Nash 1925-2007
William Hoyt Penn 1932-2007

1974 Roberta's Letter -Dec.29

Dec. 29, 1974

Dear Family,

Hi – Since G'ma was visiting thought I would write a note – I'm really having some Christmas vacation – since our breakfast cook left town, Jowen [?] – the manager has taken over as breakfast cook & I'm doing most of his work!  We've really had some busy days lately – "the Season" has finally begun!  Today we came close to running out of bread so I had to call the Holsum comp. & they brought us down a new supply – that's what kind of service you get when you spend close to $700.00 in  2  weeks on bread!

Thanks again for the tape – John – tell me more about your job – what all do you do?  I like the part about you having your own little office!  And what's this about being on vacation till January 16th – gee – I should have gone to Exeter – HA!

I need some prescriptions filled at New Vienna's friendly drug store #12167 and #12044.  I would greatly appreciate it if you sent them both as soon as possible.

Did I tell you all what else I got for Christmas – a beautiful long brown sweater – jacket type from the Hortons.  A nice Buxton clutch wallet from my manager & his wife.  Also some perfume & junk like that from some down at work.

I go back to school a week from tomorrow.  I'll be glad when I'm all done w/school.  I'm ready to get out in the business world!  HO, HUM!

The Buick is running like a caddy again – I splurged last week & got it washed!  It sure needed it – hadn't been done since I left Ohio!  It was getting hard to see out the back window!  But now its really clean ––

I'd like to buy a bike – Sears had an ad in the paper – I might go there & look tomorrow after work.

J.B. – will you do my income tax this year.  I got the folder the gov't sent me – I'd never be able to figure it out myself.

Serena – how were your grads?  What about next quarter?  You can think of me – sweating out statistics!!

Thanks again for all the nice Christmas presents ––

Love, 

Berta

1962,1964 GHU & Joe Postcards -Dec.

Presbyterian Church West Palm Beach FL postcard, mailed 1962. Captioned: Lakeside Presbyterian Church 4601 South Flagler Drive (at Edmor), West Palm Beach, Florida.  Organized 1952.  Present building is education unit, dedicated December 1956. 

1962 Grandma's postcard to Serena -Dec.16

Dec. 16, '62
This is for your collection.  This card was given to us the Sun. we went to hear Joseph play & to attend services.  We call it "Joey's" church.

New York City Chinatown postcard -mailed 1964. Captioned: A few blocks stroll to the corner of Canal and Mott Streets will provide an atmospheric delight.

1964 Joe's postcard to Grandma & Granddad -Dec.29

Dec. 29 [1964]
Hi!  This is our last day in N.Y. and still no snow.  They've really had some warm weather lately.  You can't win!  Last night our group saw "Funny Girl."  It was great.  Radio City is always good too.   One night we ate at The Grill Room at the Taft.  I ate Frog legs!  Eek!  Bye for now.  Love, Joe

1954 Jean's Letter -Dec.26

Friends, history, humor, Christmas customs of 1954, and the recognition of early character traits continuing through one's life – much to appreciate in this December 1954 letter of seven pages, front and back, from Jean to her mother.  Serena must have had someone near her age in all the families mentioned.  What happened to the train?

26 December 1954 Jean's letter to her mother,
Lucie Brown Ballantyne – first and last pages scanned.

December 26, 1954

Dearest Mother,

We even hoped up to the very last minute that you might come & spend Christmas with us.  We were really disappointed to hear you had cancelled your reservation at the Pennsylvania [in Florida], think you should change your mind again.

We spent a very quiet but nice Christmas.  For once no one was down with a cold.  The girls were tickled to pieces with everything they received – the hobby-horse, scooter, dolls, muffs, books, cooking set, billfold, socks, etc.  Harold set up his electric train he had gotten   ?   years ago but in excellent condition & about the biggest surprise to them.  The dresses Virginia & Jim sent them were lovely & they wanted to wear them this morning.

We decided to put the money you gave us toward the hobby-horse & scooter if that's all right with you.  We also got a beautiful world globe 12" that we've wanted for a long time.  The water part is dark blue & the lettering is light blue.  We have it on the television & it really stands out both night and day.  Catherine even seems to enjoy it & plays games with it with us.

Did I tell you my ABComatic washer burned out (motor) so I had choice of buying new motor ($35) not recommended; overhauling ($85) which we also heard was not always successful or buying another washer ($300+).  We decided on a new Maytag which we could buy & have serviced here in town and they gave us a pretty good deal – so much for our old washer and also a discount.  They installed it just the day before my birthday so was quite a nice combination birthday and Christmas present.  I didn't like it as well at first as my ABC but now getting used to it.

You asked what we did Dec. 11 for my birthday celebration.  That was the day scheduled for the tonsil operation so spent the day with Catherine.  She's back to normal now and has almost forgotten all about her sore throat – can eat everything – does seem to have a better appetite.

As for giving up any social activities – didn't give up any.  Brought Catherine home from the hospital Sunday (the 12th) along with Harold who had stayed all night with her and had planned to stay home with her that night instead of going to the Redeemer's Class meeting at the McElwees.  But she said she wanted to see Mrs. Morton & didn't care if we went.  (We'd asked Mrs. Morton the week before, before we knew when the operation would be.)  Mrs. Morton said she'd call us if need be & the meeting was over early so all went fine & we didn't regret going.

The next Wednesday was the Bank dinner in honor of Miss Ethel Johnson & we also went to it – they held it in the new addition which has been turned over as a dining room at Snow Hill and everything was delicious – the food was not served on our plates but passed & dishes refilled & refilled – ate much more than I should have that way.  The employees gave Miss Johnson a beautiful lamp & the directors a round table for her 30 year's service.  There was no planned program but several impromptu speeches praising her & her thanks & then the older ones reminisced about the early days of the bank which was extremely interesting.  There were about 21 of us there so could be very informal.  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, glazed sweet potatoes, peas with mushrooms, cranberry salad, tomato juice, relish plate of celery, carrot sticks, olives & pickles, some kind of fancy ice cream cookies, mints, nuts, coffee & milk & also hot rolls, butter & jelly – and the next day –– heartburn! but well worth it.  Snow Hill was a nice place to have it for we all got together in the big living room with the huge fireplace lighted.  It was a terrible night – snow & ice but all went off fine.

Guess I told you about going to Aunt Mary's and Uncle Harry's for their annual family Christmas dinner.  That was nice too.

We had prime ribs of beef, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetable, applesauce & cinnamon rolls for Christmas dinner.  Next week we've ordered a ham for New Years – had planned to have it for Christmas but didn't get it ordered in time.  The girls had had plenty of turkey along with us (with even more) so plan to have one later in the year – Easter or so.

Roberta keeps picking up your letter & asking if I wrote you about the "2 babies?"  referring to the dolls we bought in Steubenville.  They weren't very expensive but made a big hit.  Catherine too has been busy with the activity books – & box you gave her.  She worked & cut out all day yesterday & was at it again early this morning.

Went to Sunday School and church this AM.  There weren't very many there – 114 at S.S. and about 40 at church – I was to have charge of Junior Church this AM but there was only one other little girl beside Catherine & Roberta so went up-stairs with them.  Catherine, as usual, was fine but Roberta couldn't hold out quite as long and refused to be quiet – During the final prayer – found the bag of Sunday School money & proceeded to spill it all over the church – $27.00+

Tomorrow night we're invited up to Melvin Long's (near Circleville) for supper – Calvin Smith is invited too.  Haven't decided whether to take the girls or not as don't think they'd enjoy too much of it & Helen is rather fussy – their baby Nancy isn't a year & they're expecting again in March.

Received so many cards & feel I have plenty of company with several babies born previous to now & some on the way –– Helen Thrasher & Jane Bossick both had boys in September, Nell Eikenhout Bartwich a boy in Nov. (She has three and the oldest is a year younger than Roberta!  Nell must be 37 or more, Jane Gilbert McKinley, a girl in Dec.

June Jones (Harold was in law school with her husband) is expecting in January.  She has a boy & a girl to her first husband, killed during World War II, a boy & girl to Ed (little baby girl died of polio at 15 mo.).

Catherine Smith Foster is expecting in February – had originally wanted 4 girls and so may be on her way to 3rd girl – both Betsy & Sally are in School.  Dook [sic – this is what it looks like, but currently he goes by Milt???] has gotten his PHD and they own a home in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Lee Ackerman Noble (knew her in library school) has two girls & hopes her next one will be a girl too – due in February, too.

Marge Zook (Linn's wife – Harold's best man & H was best man for them just a few days after Roberta was born) is expecting in March or early April.  She has varicose veins & the doctor won't let her gain over 3 or 4 pounds before delivery so she's on a very strict diet.  (Guess I should be really thankful.)  They have another little girl born on Catherine's birthday – Jan. 29, 1953.

And then, of course, Helen Long – where we're going tomorrow night.

I was at the doctors last Friday & everythings fine –– now weight 157  & he said it will no doubt all be over in the next 2 or 3 weeks – I'm due back Jan. 7 in case I haven't gone to delivery before then.  By the way Jan. 7 is Daddy Uible's birthday – so –– but Dr. F said between Jan. 10th & 20th & they say he can sure guess them.

Do hope your blouse fits & if not please let me know & we can get it exchanged – got it at a Rike's in Dayton –– or if you'd rather have something else would gladly return it.

Please think it over carefully & change your mind & plan to go to Florida –– & stop & see us on the way down –

All our very best love,

––Harold, Jean, Catherine and Roberta [plus about to be Serena]

1974 Roberta's Letter -Dec.26

December 26, 1974

Dear Family,

Got your tape today . . . . thought I would surprise you all with some written words from me.  Would you believe I had to get the dust off my typewriter tonight before using it????

Thanks so much for the gifts . . . . . . I really like the Forbes book of sayings.  I had it out on the table today and noticed that both Grandma and Aunt Mary had picked it up several times to read.   Also thanks for the note paper and pens (was that a hint) . . . . . thats one way I have saved money this fall & winter . . . . . on postage stamps.  I bought a box of Christmas cards, but never got them sent out as yet.  I figure I'll send them out now and that way people will have more time to read them, enjoy them, etc.  And thanks alot too for the ear-rings.  I especially like the snowmen ones.  I wore them to work yesterday and had alot of comments on them.  As to work yesterday (Christmas day) . . . . . . that will take another whole paragraph.

Mary Virginia thanks for the book-marks with our initials on them.  How did you make them?????  I think I'll put mine over my desk though instead of using it as a book-mark.  As for your Christmas present, Grandma wrapped it up for me today and if it gets in the mail tomorrow you should be getting it within the week.  Please don't lose any sleep over it . . . . as its not all that dynamic.  I'm sorry its late but you know at first I thought you all would be down, then I thought I might be home, well . . . . . that's not too great an excuse . . . . . but better late than never, huh?

I am also sending John and Serena something out in a few days.  Just give me time, ok?

Yesterday at work it was a mad house.  We thought it would be very slow but we were all dead wrong.  We opened up as usual with our usual morning customers, then about eight o'clock the place was packed and it stayed packed with a waiting line till two o'clock when we locked the doors.  It was really more business than we could handle.  The waitresses were all mad because they were running themselves ragged but they weren't making much in tips, because they couldn't give that good of service to their customers.  But, most of them walked out with around 40.00 in tips -- which isn't bad for 7 hours work.  I bussed tables like mad, and when they left they went together and gave me 10.00 for bussing tables for them.  It was funny one time because I had the container so packed I couldn't even carry it.  I had to ask one of the regular customers to carry it back to the dishroom.  After that I didn't pack it so efficiently.

I've had quite an experience with a woman owing me money down at work.  She supposedly needed money because she was sick, needed medicine, etc.  Well, she never paid me, always had some excuse. So last week she wrote me out a check for the whole amount, I run it down to the bank right after work, they cashed it for me . . . . no problem there.  Then yesterday 24th of Dec. I got a notice from the bank along with her check, and they had taken the amount the check was for out of my savings account.  I was firing mad.  Well she owes alot of people money besides me, but that didn't make me feel any better.  Tonight Diane went past her house and saw a U-haul it truck on the back of her car.  So right after Diane told me that I was down there knocking on her door.  I did get 30.00 out of her; I'll never again loan anyone any money.  Not even a dollar for gasoline, unless I see the gas going in their car myself!!!  Lois (the woman I'm talking about) even called me up this afternoon and wanted to borrow some more money.  The poor woman is an alcoholic.

I didn't have to work today so this morning I took Grandma over to the Medical clinic . . . she had to have a lab test done.  Then after that we went to see Mrs. Hobby.  From there we went over to Palm Beach and came back to Lake Worth on A1A.  I think that was the first time I had seen the ocean since Rut Shoemaker was down in September.  Isn't that terrible.  I had seen the lake a few times though.

I went back to weight watchers last week, I guess I told you all that before.  Jill, my girlfriend from Burdines who went back with me last week called me up tonight wanting to know what had happened to me this morning.  I guess my days are all messed up . . . . . but I told her I'd meet her there next week.  I have quit drinking so much milk down at work.  I didn't realize how much milk I was drinking, because you know how you do . . . . . but then one day I figured up I had drank [sic] six large glasses of it . . . . . at least.  I was totally shocked . . . . . thats more milk than an expectant mother drinks!!!!

As to the check in the Forbes book . . . . . thanks!!!  As you know I am taking statistics next quarter.  We either have to buy or rent a calculator from the school.  I figure I'd be better off in the end just to buy my own.  I have to get one that has a memory and does square roots.  I know I'm in for alot of trouble with this course.  But, once I get through it, I'll be on east street.  You will never know how happy I was to get that 'C' out of my political science course.  If I hadn't I would have had to go to summer school.

We all really enjoyed the tape you all sent this time.  The women down at the shop are hilarious.  After Rob heard it he thought he would like to work down there this summer.

Tonight Rob, C.W., Aunt Mary and Grandma went out looking at Christmas lights.  The National Observer Magazine place down in Lantana have a big tree and lots of flowers, etc. to see.  I saw them last year.

Did you all hear that Nancy Walker and her roommate will be in Fla this next week.  They are taking a three day cruise to the Bahama leaving Miami tomorrow.  I had a letter from Nancy about a week ago.  I hope she will call me tomorrow so that I can make plans to meet them . . . . hopefully in Miami.  I'm afraid I'll never get there unless I have a good excuse, like to meet them.

It's late . . . . . and I've got to be at work early in the morning.  I did want to write you one good letter before the year was over.  Thanks again for the book, stationary, earrings, and money.  The tape was really good.  I find it hard to believe that John has grown some more, and has long hair.  Serena ---- how is life at Wells???  You know I went to school with Faye McVey.  Who else do you work with?  How many people are on that shift?  Is Catherine still working at the plastic factory????  As I already said--got to go.

Love, Berta

1994? Jean -Christmas

This picture is undated, but we can determine it was taken at the house in New Vienna and Serena appears to be sitting nearby.

Jean at Christmas time, probably taking her time opening a present.

1984 Jean -Dec.25

1984 Jean on December 25

Look at the smile!  She must not have realized there was a camera nearby, and/or she was in the 

Christmas spirit and didn't mind her picture being taken.

1984 Roberta & Sid -Dec.

Sid & Roberta - official Christmas photo 1984

1974 Goodings & Uibles -Christmas Time

Can anyone identify the game?  

Clockwise from lower left corner: Jean, Catherine, Lisa, Beverly, John, Mary, Jim

1984 Senior Village News & Views -December Newsletter

A story from Roberta's childhood with a happy ending contrasted with an early Arizona story with a sad ending are transcribed below.  Eunice Williams was the editor of the Senior Village Newsletter.

Roberta Uible-King recalls losing herself when she was nine or ten.  She had spent the holidays with her grandparents in Florida.  She was allowed to walk to her cousin's house but became lost en-route.  After she failed to arrive, an all hands search was started.  No Roberta!  The Police Department was finally called.  The officers first checked the grandparent's home and there our little Roberta was.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas can be sad.  Eunice Williams relates events surrounding the Christmas of 1923 in Globe, Arizona.  Eunice had prepared a Christmas feast with all the fancy table linens and silverware. She felt it was a shame that there was no one to share their dinner so Ike, her husband, went to the Dominion Hotel in Globe to see if there was some lonely soul who would welcome dinner and companionship on Christmas Day.  In the lobby, Ike found a Mr. Lineberry a wholesale jam and jelly salesman, who the Williams had previously known in Louisiana.  Mr. Lineberry gratefully accepted the invitation and his subsequent actions at the dinner table confirmed that he really appreciated the Christmas feast.  He repeatedly commented concerning Eunice's outstanding meal.  Later, Eunice's four-year-old daughter , Eunice Maud, performed a dance for Mr. Lineberry in the "Gloria Swanson" style accompanied by music from the Victor Victrola.  Mr. Lineberry praised the young lady as a "natural born dancer" and insisted that she must have professional training.  But alas, this was to be the last Christmas.  Eunice Maud became ill with pneumonia and spinal meningitis and passed away in March, 1924.  A sad ending for a joyous Christmas season.

1954 Catherine's Tonsillectomy -Dec.11

I remember the squirrels climbing on the bare branch trees, going under the ether, and having ice cream (and a sore throat) afterward.  Reasonable cost for surgery and a night in the hospital.

1984 Catherine's Letter -Dec.10

December 10, 1984

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  We appreciated your calling Saturday evening.  It's always nice to talk to you.  Hope you had a nice birthday, Mother.  We ended up going to Moscow yesterday instead of to Spokane as it was raining and we were afraid it might be snowing in Spokane.  After raining all night here it then turned to snow this morning making sidewalks and streets very slushy.  I'm glad I didn't have to go to Moscow today!

I've been trying to get Christmas cards ready to mail out.  Having moved this year has added to our list.  We bought some new decorations for our tree yesterday since we gave our old ones to thrift shop in Madras.  They were given to us in San Diego by friends of Roberta, Fred & Pauline (the Mormons) so were old when we got them.  We hope to get our tree in the next few days and probably put it up next weekend.

Gerry's birthday is also coming up in the near future.  I think I have bought enough for him to split it up between his birthday and Christmas, I got him 2 shirts, 2 sweaters, a Trivial Pursuit game with an extra set of Baby Boomer cards, and some other odds and ends.  I guess I still need to buy some stocking stuffers.  I also need to order a cake from the bakery.

Wendy is looking forward to her Christmas vacation.  She goes until the 21st and then school resumes the 2nd so it isn't very long.  I figure we will only need a babysitter on the 26th, 27th, and 28th.

Roberta called us last night and said she had talked to the Hortons and G'ma yesterday.  It's nice you will be able to get together in Florida in January.  We'll be wishing we were there!

Love, 

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

P.S. I'll send that booklist in the next letter.

1944 Jean Wallace Ballantyne

Happy Birthday to our beautiful Mother!  Words can't express how much we miss you and wish you were here to celebrate with us. . . .

1944 Jean Wallace Ballantyne 

1954 Jean's Letter -Dec.6

Dec. 6, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Haven't heard from you since we left but hope you will soon be in Florida for think it would do you a world of good.  We'd love to have you here for Christmas but realize it would be foolish for you to stay up here that long when you could be enjoying Florida all the sooner.

We went to Cincinnati last Tuesday & the girls really enjoyed seeing Santa Claus.  Took them in 3 of the stores – toy departments & looked at a lot of other display windows with toys, etc.

We bought them a rocking horse – they've wanted one for 3 years and some other things – muffs, books and so with their dolls, records, bathrobe, baking set, etc. feel they're well supplied for Christmas.

Wednesday night the McCoys showed their slides for the Lions Club & guests at Ladies Night & they spoke briefly besides.  They have mostly rural scenes – very good pictures & made an enjoyable evening with the turkey dinner.

Friday I went to the doctor before the WSCS meeting – in fact almost didn't make the latter for had quite a wait for Dr. Fullerton.  I've gained about 3 pounds and coming along fine – go back in another 3 weeks (day before Christmas).

Arrangements are made to have Catherine's tonsils out this Saturday.  She's to be at the hospital [Hale Hospital]  at 7:30 AM & will be allowed to come home the next day.  She's quite excited about it & is busy making all the arrangements.  Roberta is going to stay with the Johnsons that day & is looking forward to that.

Saturday evening the Walkers had a pot-luck dinner serving the venison that Jack had killed in Colorado this fall – had steaks & chops & also roast venison & each couple brought a couple of dishes which made it easy on everyone.  We took rolls and an orange chiffon cake – others took cranberry salad, fancy sweet potatoes, corn, Lima beans, scalloped potatoes, relishes, nut bread, pumpkin pie, cherry pudding, mint sauce & alot of other things I can't recall right now.

Sunday we were all invited out to the Johnsons & Elizabeth had fixed up birthday decorations, a cake, etc. since she heard it was close to my birthday.  We had fried chicken, sweet potatoes, gravy, green beans, scalloped corn, pickled beets, stuffed celery, pickles, cheese, pineapple & cotage cheese salad, cake, ice cream, etc.  We looked at their pictures of their trip to Canada & showed ours.  By that time it was supper time so we had more of the same  got home about 7:30 (a very full day).

Yesterday my washer wouldn't work right – first trouble we've ever had with it to any extent so thank goodness I was about thru & now am waiting for man to come fix it today.

Tonight is Mothers Club – tomorrow Womans Club.

Will give this to Catherine to mail so it will be sure to go this morning –

Enclosing a note rec'd from Jan Cochran Bossick.

All our very best love,

Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta

1944 HH at Stanford -Dec.

1944 Harold Uible at Stanford University 

1944 Jean's Letter -Dec.5

First and last page of Jean's letter to her parents - Dec. 5, 1944

Tuesday –

December 5, 1944

Dear Mother and Daddy,

I do hope you had a very happy anniversary and will have many, many more of them.  My only regret was that I was unable to be their to express my feelings in person.  [Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne,  married Lucie Sarah Brown on December 4, 1906, they celebrated their 38th anniversary in 1944.]

I received the pretty pink slip Saturday afternoon and it was quite a pleasant surprise.  I like the way it is made and am anxious to wear it real soon and yet save it for some special occasion.

The fudge arrived Monday – yesterday – and it goes without saying – we certainly are enjoying it.  I've been sort of holding it back for it is so good but you know candy is quite popular these days so my rationing is not very effective.

I got my application ff to Western Reserve finally including an identification photo from a proof made last year.  It isn't so good.  But it would have taken a long time to have my picture taken and select the proof etc and this way I got them in only a few days.  The least no. I could have made was six so I'm enclosing two to show. you how horrible they are.  I hope W.R. won't notice it too closely.

The more I thought about the reference the more I thought they should be Miss Reese and Mrs. Carhart (2 librarians as they designated) and then I thought they might think I should give a professor in my major subject so I chose Dr. Stathers.  He knows me best probably and knows my family as well and is head of the Romance Language and Literature Department.  They are probably more interested in my college record than in my high school one so that is another reason they are all from the University.

I'm anxious to hear from them soon and no doubt I will be Thursday or Friday.  I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

Jeanne is coming down this weekend.  There isn't a whole lot gong on – except the first basketball game of the year.  We are playing Fairmount.  She may want to go to that.  But the shows aren't anything to rave about as far as I know – "Kismet" with Marlene Dietrich and Ronald Coleman and the other is "Laura" with Gene Tierney.

I've got so much to do between now and the end of school [graduation in February 1945] and I'd like to get most of it done before I go home at Christmas.  I've got the Eleusis [for sorority?] news to get in, a term paper to write, a bibliography to compile, research questions to look up (this takes the place of a final exam so they'll be plenty tough).  So you can see I've really got to get busy and quick!

I told you that Janice and her mother were leaving last Thursday for California.  Well Mr. (Lt.) Gilbert called just a short time before and said he was being shipped out.  Of course they were quite disappointed but that is what Mr. Gilbert has been longing for – to get sea duty.

The clock just struck 12:00 so in order for me to get some beauty sleep I'd better get the light out.  I'll write more later.  I hope you both are feeling better and really taking care of yourselves.

Love,

Jean

P.S. I'm thinking about coming home on the train at Christmas time for the buses will be so crowded.  Let me know what you think.

P.P.S I've suggested Christmas gifts for me – why don't you both mention something I might be able to give you.

1974 Catherine's Letter to MV -Dec.1

December 1, 1974

Dear Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for your latest letter.  I was impressed to receive a three page letter.  That must be some sort of record, too.

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.  We haven't done much over vacation except read and watch TV.  It has been nice to just sit around for a change.  We had a good turkey on Thanksgiving Day.  We ate the turkey which Mom brought us when you were here in October.  Please tell Mom that it cost $9.88.

I'm afraid Mrs. Compton will have to live without getting a note from me.  During the week I hardly have time to brush my teeth and writing letters to people who have written me.

Although it keeps me fairly busy, I really don't mind working two jobs.  I like the people I work with at the plastic factory and the time passes quickly.  At the library things are about the same.  We aren't usually too busy during December as alot of people are busy shopping, partying, etc.  Tomorrow we're going to put up our Christmas decorations.

Was the M*A*S*H that East Clinton put on much like the TV show?  It is one of X's favorite TV shows.

When are you leaving for Florida?  Is Grandma going with you or before you?  I am planning to mail your Christmas gifts to New Vienna – I assume that will be all right.

It has been cold here.  It snowed about 10 days ago and the snow is still on the ground.  Winter must be here.  It has been getting down to about 10-15º at night and about 25-30º during the day.

Write again soon.

Love,

Cathy

1954 Catherine & Roberta with Santa - Nov. 30 at Shillito's

1954 Cover of Picture with Santa - Shillito's

1954 Catherine & Roberta with Santa - Nov. 30 at Shillito's

1984 Family Letter -Nov.26

Monday

November 26, 1984

Dearest Family,

Hope that you all had a nice Thanksgiving.  We would have enjoyed having you all with us and certainly thought of each of you often.  We did have many things for which to be thankful: continued good health and much happiness and many, many other good things.  Just wish that we could get together more often and all together - those times don't come often enough -- as far as we are concerned anyway.

Mary Virginia brought home an Austrian girl who goes to the college and Mie Young was here for a couple of days.  The Culbreaths (new minister and his family) were here and Eloise Simkins so we had 13.  Mary V had also invited a mother and her son who weren't able to come at the last minute.

It has been nice having MV home -- she left this AM at 6:00 to go on bus to Philadelphia and Washington singing various places as well as getting to do some sightseeing.  Both MV and Mie Young have jobs when they get back from tour.  MV is working at the Y at the college and Mie Young got a job in a dress shop in the Factory Outlet  Mall near Kings Island.  Some girl from Adams County stayed all night with us last night so she wouldn't have so far to drive this morning.  [The estimated date on the postcard, posted here a few days ago, must have been incorrect.]

The Christmas Bazaar is this Saturday and everything is geared up for that and most of us will be glad when it is over.  That is all some think of all year long.  I wish sometimes that I were more artistic and into crafts.  Thanks to Roberta who made a number of notebook covers.

Dad is counting the days left on the Commissioners schedule.  There are seven at most including a trip to Columbus for a couple of days the second week in December.  One of the commissioner's of the  county (D.M. Fife) is president of the state group and the other commissioner is president of the district so Dad feels he really should support them at those levels.  There are so many special Christmas parties coming up in the next few weeks.  Each group thinks they have to have something special then and invite the county commissioners. (and their spouses).  Most of them are really nice but too many at one time.  David Stewart and his wife are welcome to that part of it.

Did get some mundane things done over the weekend . . like changing the oil in the cars and planting trees and shrubs in the yard.  M.V. had started them in her "nursery" and are now plenty large to move.  Last night we went to the "movies?" at the church and saw Martin Luther ('83 was the 500th anniversary of his birth).  Grandma joined us, plus had pop corn and lemonade.  After seeing the movie was motivated to re-read the article in the Natl Geographic on him.  He too had started out to e a lawyer, but had a greater calling.

Catherine sent us one of Wendy's spelling papers.  She is doing quite well in school.  Dad has more appreciation for teachers as he participated recently in "Back to School for a day in Wilmington".  About 50 adults were involved and it was an experience being on the "line" and conducting (?) a class.

[love, etc.]

1984 Catherine's Letter -Nov.26

November 26, 1984

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Just a quick note to let you know we survived Thanksgiving!  Had quite a good dinner considering we cooked it ourselves and we ate on our best china -- the royal violet of course which made it extra special.  Wendy enjoyed drinking water out of our fancy glasses too.  She made a toast everytime she took a drink.

Friday she and Gerry went to see the arrival of Santa Claus in Colfax.  It turned out to be a very young looking Mrs. Santa.  Wendy is beginning to have her doubts anyway!  She told me later that she thought the real Santa was probably busy at the North Pole until Christmas and that all these other Santas were just dressed up to look like him.

Gerry ended up having Friday and Saturday off so it made an extra long weekend for him and Wendy.  They closed Jones T&I up for the weekend.  I am looking forward to two long weekends - a four day weekend over Christmas and three days at New Years so that will be nice.

We are hoping to go to Spokane soon to do some Christmas shopping.  Wendy has money she got for her birthday she wants to spend at Toys-r-us.

We talked to Roberta on Thanksgiving.  She always keeps us informed on all the family news.

We got out our Christmas decorations yesterday and put a few things around the house to put us in the spirit.  This house is so dreary that it helps cheer it up!

Time to go downtown.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1984 Roberta's Letter to GHU -Nov.25

11-25-84

Dear Grandma,

Happy Thanksgiving!  I called home this afternoon but you had already gone home!  I've been so COLD – here it is in high 60's - but with very chilly breeze!

We ate out today at a place called Black Angus.  It's the same place we ate last year for Thanksgiving.  Had the usual Thanksgiving Day meal – the only problem was I thought they were rushing us!  Later found out from one of the waitresses that they had taken reservations for every table every 45 minutes!  Weren't [Wouldn't] you hate to eat a big meal in less than 45 minutes!

Today the paper must have weighed about 10 pounds!  All the big stores had their own advertising section!  Then the rest of paper was about 75% Christmas ads!  The stores will sure be crowded between now and Christmas!

We will be cutting down on our food the next few days!  Tuesday Mervyn's Department store brought in a huge Thanksgiving meal for Senior Village.  It was like a pot-luck – so much good food!  Then last night we ate out & had a huge meal – then of course today!

The refrigerator is full of left-overs from what residents have given me.

I'll be making my plane reservations soon for the trip to Florida in January.  Is there any place or something special you would like to do?  I'd like to get out to the ocean & get some sun-tan. (if the weather is agreeable!)

Have a happy & safe trip to Florida!

Love,

Roberta

1984 MV's Postcard -Nov.23

Penn Center Inn Postcard - mailed 1984.  

Captioned: (Philadelphia's Best Value) Market at 20th Street.

1984 MV's Postcard -Nov.23

We made it fine.  Arrived about 7:00 pm, and ate at the Burger King down the street.  We stopped in Washington, (Pa) & Breezewood on the way over.  Today we sing at Westtown & Friends Select School.  Hopefully we'll get back in time to see a few things.  Have a good trip, Grandma.

Love,

M.V.

1974 Family Letter to Serena -Nov.21

11-21-74

Dear Serena:

After your call last night we called up Amtrack[sic] - they have a toll free number which starts with a recorded message about how busy they have been since the bus strike started, but to hang on and one of their agents would soon be with you . . which was a minute.  Anyway, there is no train service between Dayton and Toledo.  So that leaves either private auto - which is out on this end for your Mother is in charge of the Thanksgiving party on Wed. P.M. for M.V.'s class or another bus line - how about Trailways?  Or maybe the Greyhound strike will end SOON.  We do hope that you can be with us next week, Serena.

Got your letter this afternoon - two days . . wonder when you will get this???  We got a tape from Roberta this week and Grandma could hear it quite well compared to the first - which you heard.  Ta[ed a conversation with Grandma and sent it back to her.  She has plane reservations to leave here on the 30th and got her hair fixed today.

They had a party for Phyllis at Wells today as she is being married tomorrow evening at 6:30 P.M. at the Church of Christ, and will be taking some of her vacation until next Friday the 29th.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SOCIOLOGY - wow what spelling - that is one advantage of these tapes, Serena, about spelling.  Got your bike tire fixed and really does pump easy - but it does skip a few teeth on the gear - hopefully that is nothing major.

Ann Norman is now the WNJ NV correspondent - in the morning broadcast she told about the Dave McCunes wedding anniversary what they were going to do today, where they were eating supper and the movie they planned to see tonight.  That is as good coverage as Pres. Ford is getting in Japan.

Since you are free Tuesday – I'll go up after you if you aren't able to get home otherwise but do try to come by Trailways or posting your interest in a ride on a bulletin board/s.  Good Luck– We'll be waiting to hear what the next step is.

Love, 

                        Mother & Dad

1974 Catherine's Letter -Nov.17

P.S. We thought we'd cash your check for $200 – that would pay for half a Jotul wood-burning stove.  Is that all right?  Please advise.

November 17, 1974

Dear Mom, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  It was good talking to you on the phone yesterday.  Sorry that I wasn't more awake and that John and X weren't here.

I think John has had a good vacation, X hasn't worked him too hard, he read all the books he brought with him, watched all the shows on TV that he had been missing, etc.

He left on the bus about two hours ago.  The last time he left here the bus was 20 minutes late, tonight it was 10 minutes early.  It didn't wait around either.  John & one other person got on and then it took off.

We were thinking of going somewhere over Thanksgiving since the library will be closed Thurs-Sun. and Miann is also closing down.  Mike Gallo may be help X put in his electricity then which would mean we would stay around.  If we do go somewhere we would probably go to visit Alan in New Haven.

John said he would write a letter on Thanksgiving so don't expect one too soon.

I wrote the preceding while watching a movie on TV but now the movie is over. [Reverse side is typed rather than handwritten.]

We did enjoy hearing that tape that you sent and it has now been mailed on to Roberta.  We were using the library's tape recorder to listen to it and it is specially designed not to record so that we won't have any problems with the libraries tapes being erased.  We did talk to somebody who has a recorder that they might loan us in the future.

It appears that I am able to get enough sleep.  I usually sleep about four hours in the morning and take about an hour nap in the evening.  And on Saturday night I go to bed about 11 and sleep until about 3 on Sunday afternoon which gets me back on the right track to start work again on Sunday night.  We get paid time and a half for working Friday nights.  There are 10 of us on the third shift.  Turnover rate is fairly fast as three new people have started since m.  There are two assembly lines and each line puts out about 2500 heels in an eight hour shift.  They also make plastic cases for eight track tapes.  I've never seen that done, though as they don't do it on our shift.  The weirdest part of the whole thing is changing from today to tomorrow without sleeping.  When we leave in the morning we say "See you tonight" instead of "See you tomorrow."

All the windows and doors are now on the house, except for the one door on the road side.  And the siding is 90% done.  Kuman is quite upset that she can n longer get in the house on the south side because of the sliding glass doors.

I have been playing the chord organ when I have a chance.  I bought some music for it but it seems rather expensive so didn't buy too much.  I do enjoy playing it so glad you were kind enough to bring it out.

I started reading one of John's books while he was here "The Power and the Glory" by Graham Greene and a now I have discovered that the library does not have a copy so I will have to buy one either for the library or myself to finish it.

X is still having meetings concerning the [library] addition.  The latest recommendation seems to be that the town would now give about $175,000 to put up the shell and then we could try to get the rest of the money somewhere else or from the town next year.  Town meeting is in Dec. so we'll see what happens then.

Love, Catherine & X

1964 Catherine honored - Nov.16

1984 Catherine's Letter -Nov.15

November 15, 1984

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Sorry I missed your phone call last weekend -- Wendy told us she talked to you.  I did talk to Roberta Saturday evening.

Wendy enjoyed her Veteran's Day Holiday especially since it was on my day off (the library was closed so I got a comp day which I took the preceding weekend).  She had a "Tea Party" and invited several of her friends although a lot of them were out of town or couldn't come for other reasons.  There were two guests.

We were really pleased with our parent-teacher conference as Wendy's teacher thinks she is doing very well

wendymorgan
mmmm wed
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abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

The above was a message from Wendy which she typed while I was fixing her lunch.  What I started to tell you about the conference was that Wendy was chosen as the one from her class to participate in what they call an "able learner" program because of her advanced reading skills.  It is for K-3 and lasts 45 minutes one day per week.  It was supposed to start this week but was postponed until next week.  Her teacher . . . .
11-19-84
. . . . also said she would try to give her some more challenging things to rad in class.  I think we will have exhausted all the "Easy Readers" in Whitman County Library and Moscow Library in a few months.

We got your latest letter on Thursday.  Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.  We are gong shopping tonight to buy our turkey and trimmings.  We have such a small refrigerator/freezer that we've been trying for the pat two weeks to empty if of as much as possible to make room for turkey.

Gerry and I both have to work Friday and Saturday so our babysitter will have extra work this week. Santa Claus is to arrive in Colfax on Friday so Wendy and Elizabeth (the 13-yr-old babysitter) are planning to see him.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1984 Roberta's Letter -Nov.15

11-15-84

P.S. Thought the book - REAL GOOD!

Hi –––

Should you want any extras of these (or any of his books) I can get them at a discount.  Plus – I'm sure he likes to see the books sell!

Enclosing also re-classification papers – for my new classification!  Still not sure yet exactly what it means $ wise.  Tho rumor has it quite generous!

I'll probably be going night flight to Florida 22nd January, not real low fares into West Palm – just Miami & few into Fort Lauderdale.  When are you all flying into Ft. Lauderdale?  Maybe I could meet you all there!  Wish we had People's Express ––

Good thing for free lodging once there w/air fare being so HIGH!  This time I will take travellers checks – instead of cash – and you all be sure to pick up all luggage at the airport ––

Love, Roberta

1974 Roberta's Letter -Nov.15

November 15, 1974

Dear Family –

Hi - just a short note to tell you some good news – I got a 96 on my last business exam - missed one out of 25 questions! (just like the 1st exam)

Also I finally – on the 3rd time around - passed the proficiency exam in my PCL science course.  Now - all I have left to do this quarter is to take the final exam in both courses – one is Dec. 5th and the other one is Dec. 10th.

I'm enclosing the – I think _ last of the bills.  If you would kindly pay it I would greatly appreciate it.  I just removed $200.00 from my savings this week - had to pay my tuition early at F.A.U.  so I could sign up for the  course at the junior college for free.

I tried calling the Hinermans last night at work - we have a Watts line - but just for the state of Florida.  Anyway - no luck - their # is still disconnected so maybe they aren't in Stuart yet!

Love, Berta

P.S. – We hear Itsy ––uh –– Robert cry over the telephone!

1984 Roberta's Letter -Nov.14

Nov 14, 1984

Dear Folks,

Hi!  Thought you all would like a picture of me in my Halloween Flapper dress!  On the close-up you can see the beauty mark.!

It's beginning to be the holiday season – getting lots of calls from groups wanting to come out & do their good works & service visits.  Mostly means lots of home-made (& store bought) cookies & Christmas Carol singing!  Too bad they just come [or care?] during the Christmas season – I always put out my squeal [spiel?]  on how we welcome them but we are here 12 months a year!

Wish we could be on College Ave for Thanksgiving – but looking forward to representing the Uible-Kings in Florida mid-January!  Hope all A-1.

Sending small pkg – slow mail – tho new clothes – not 2nd hand!

Love, Roberta

1954 Jean's Letter -Nov.14

1954 Jean's Letter to her mother, Lucie Brown Ballantyne - Nov.14

Nov. 14, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Received your letter yesterday and sorry to hear Bob is still in the hospital.

We have called off our trip to Florida.  When I went in to see Dr. Fullerton last Tuesday, he thought we were taking the trip pretty close & could easily start labor before we get home.  I'm really not disappointed for think I'd be more comfortable at home.  He set the date as between the 10th and 20th of January –– which was earlier than I had counted on.  He said so much traveling wouldn't be good.  I've passed the 150# mark by now no doubt as I weighed 149¾ that day.  Harold has more trips to make but not so far into Florida.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?  We don't want to cancel any plans you do have but if you should be at home we might plan to go home for a few days.  Harold has from Wednesday til Monday off.  If you should be busy we could come the weekend before or after.

Mother & Daddy Uible have decided to leave for Florida next Saturday (the 20th).  Mother Uible didn't want to leave so soon but Daddy Uible is anxious to get down there.

Catherine lost another tooth last nite – the front one on the right.  It was so loose during supper she couldn't chew & so she wanted Daddy Uible to take it out.  We went up & slipped a knotted piece of string around it and pop it came.  The other one is pretty loose & may be out before long.  She put the one that was pulled out under her pillow and the Good Fairy left her some money for it.

Friday night we went to see the Wilmington College players in "Stalag 17" the story of our boys in a German prisoner-of-war camp – it was done very well.  We took Herman and Kay Williamson (he's the cashier of the bank).

The bank directors & employees are planning on a party for Miss Ethel Johnson (sister of Mrs. Harley Phillips) who has worked at the bank for 30 years.  They are having a dinner at the Snow Hill Country Club – They have just finished an addition there & have the former manager of the General Denver Hotel as caterer now & have given him permission to serve parties to other than members.

I got Mrs. Davis to come take care of us after I get home from the hospital.  It was her husband who died while you were here – She is also Virginia Rulon's mother & has started to take baby cases.

The young people of the church collected 334 pounds of used clothing to send to Korea – the 2nd batch that's been sent this fall.

Alice Rudisill stopped in this afternoon with Barbara & Tommy & altho we were glad to see her – they don't leave a thing untouched & what a cyclone each room was in.  Harold straightened them up while I got a bite of supper though – which helped immensely.

Mrs. Morton has rented part of her house to an old friend of hers which will be good company for her.

All of our very best love, 

Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta 

P.S. Let us know of your Thanksgiving plans.

1984 Family Letter -Nov.11

11/11/84

Dearest Family –

It is another cold and damp Sunday – the eight in a row for us though it hasn't rained yet.  They are holding Open House at the Wilmington Library this afternoon so we plan to go over and the Sankers are to meet us there.  They had originally planned to come for dinner but because we felt we really ought to be there we plan to have dinner later.  Grandma was here for lunch - She will be leaving for Florida the 30th of November so there won't be too many more weeks.  She is to go Florida Express - a new airline as far as we know which now leaves from Columbus to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale and plans to start flying from Cincinnati the middle of December  They are very competitive to Peoples Express but has the advantage that you can check two pieces of luggage free.  Anxious to hear how it rally compares.  They predict that Delta will soon have a similar fare.

It is now Sunday evening and the Sankers have left.  After the Open House we went to the Lions Club Fish Fry at Lynchburg.  It was really a fried dinner plus they had a super loud band so a little hard to carry on a conversations for the only seats were right in front of the band.  We saw their pictures  of their trip this fall to France, Germany, Austria and Italy but mostly of their granddaughter - Lynn and David's 5½ month old daughter.  She is adorable and coming for 5 days at Christmas.  Bill was sick for about 10 days while they were overseas which put a damper on their traveling but he finally gained strength enough to finish their trip.  They were gone 2 weeks on business and 3 weeks on their own.

Dad is going to West Virginia tomorrow so I plan to go with him.  His appointment in or near Charleston is at 9 AM Tuesday so we plan to stay overnite there.  I'll work at the library tomorrow morning instead of Tuesday.

Last night we took the Harners and the Donald Bernards to the dinner theater at the college sponsored by the AAUW.  They put on "Crimes of the Heart" with Cherie Cooper and Terri Anderson with leading roles.  It was well done but the language a little tiring with so much swearing.  We also invited the John Hughes to go with us but they had already made plans to go with the NV Senior Citizens.  They had two carloads from here for the play only.  Saw MV and her roommate very briefly afterwards - they had just been to Middletown overnight visiting her roommate's parents.

Friday we had the Bubble out and took Grandma to Wilmington for her annual fall physical checkup.  It was another rainy day sot he Bubble was handy.

Yesterday afternoon we did get into gear in putting some of our snapshots into an album. . . that has been one of our resolutions for some time.  It also refreshed our memories of the time that the snapshot had been taken.  On the other hand there are the pictures that we wonder, "Where is that."

The Saturday Wilmington News-Journal now comes on Saturday morning.  We do remember how faithful you children were in carrying the newspapers, and especially that Sunday Enquirer, which came so early on a morning that we might have slept - or rather John might have slept.

Had a long chat with the Hortons yesterday morning about the Elderhostel programs - they did enjoy their Mexican trip & are looking forward to going on another some place.

Thanksgiving really comes as early as it possibly can this year and will soon be here.  Mary Virginia is bringing an Austrian girl and possibly some other foreign students as well as Mie Young.  I am tempted to invite the Culbreaths - the new minister and his wife and four children but haven't seen them to really ask them - that should be a lively group.  We had Eloise last year (Simkins) but she came so early - but feel I really should.  We will miss John and X but hope to see them perhaps the following week after we take G'ma to the airport.

[Love, etc.]