1979 GHU Letter -Jan.23

The assumed year of this letter is based on the clue about the [Flying E] ranch pictures

Jan. 23 [1979]

Dear Roberta --

The last 2 weeks during off time Aunt Mary & I have had a job.  Several weeks ago Aunt Sarah was moved into the nursing department against her will for she didn't think she needed their help & of course the extra cost bothered her no end.  (She can afford, so says Uncle Bill) She is having toilet trouble & the odor was bad besides the cleaning up & the spoiling of furniture & floors.  She has really changed the last couple years.  Uncle B. & Aunt M. had to go down & sort out things etc. for her & the sacks of things brought here we have been going over.  Clothes mostly went to a Rummage sale at the church last week a box or two to Goodwill & more to go.  There is a big box of writing paper but so much of it is old looking & spotted.  This is some of it I am using.  Too bad her son is ill but that is the way things go at times.  

Just as I finished dinner at noon my lower teeth plate broke into [in two].  Now to get them fixed  Aunt M. phoned her dentist & he said I must come to the office for an impression which I don't think is necessary.  Dr. Hause would just cement them back together.  How about your teeth?  Keep after them so they last a long time.  

Rob has a bad cold but keeps going.  Several teachers have had the flu & many children out of school.

We finally got some of the ranch pictures developed & I selected a group that I thought you all would be most interested in & will try to get them to you next week.  They will be for you to keep as I will also mail Catherine & N.V. a set.

Marianne plans to come on a visit next month.  She phoned last Fri & said that Wesley has the chicken pox & now the question will Robert break out about Feb. 1st so there is a question as to the time they may get to leave.  

Had a letter from Carol this week & they had talked a little about coming to Fla. to drive me home.  But have given up the idea as John will not have many days for vacation so decided they would take a couple of short trips which will be better for them.  It will not bother me to return by plane if all is well.  

We are having nice winter not too warm & a little on the cool side with a lot of rain this after-noon.  Hope it is fair in the morning as I am to report at the dentist at 8:45.  Aunt M. & I both will have to get up a little earlier.  

Last Sat. afternoon The Hortons who are in town Frances, John, Len, Mildred, Laurna & a grand-daughter who is visiting for a couple of weeks took the Tourist Boat ride on the Lake for 2½ hrs.  It was a nice trip.  Some one stayed with Uncle Cris.  

Then Sun. we went to service as usual but after dinner Aunt Mary got the extra bed room ready for 2 young people & I made up a loaf of bread into ribbon chicken sandwiches, 32 I believe.  The choir sponsored a concert given by 30 students from Drew Univ. N.J. who are making a 2 week tour.  We had a boy form Korea & one from Ill.  Cookies, sandwiches & punch was served after the concert which was very enjoyable & well attended.  Even though a good foot ball game I was told, caused competition.

I am enjoying the clothes pins & use several every week in the bath room.  I want to change the ties to the apron for when I am sitting they seem to be too low  Will get to it as time goes along.  Thanks for thinking about the hair pins but they are hard to find it seems.  My hair is coming out again badly.  

Please don't ever try to separate dogs in a fight or you will get badly hurt.  Take a heavy stick along.  Throwing water on their head is good but water is not always at hand.  I learned several things when your Dad had Tippie.  Hope Buffy is alright now.  

Aunt Mary now has the Christmas candle centerpiece on the coffee table in the front room with the idea of putting it away soon before it gets too dusty.  Wonder if it can be brushed or use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Two weeks ago Aunt Mary & I went to a program at the Auditorium -- to hear a violinist.  Uncle B. didn't want to go so I used his ticket.  We enjoyed it.  Mr. Garnet goes with them as he has quit driving in a crowd at night.  He has cataracts & will have an operation this spring.  

It is my bed time.  Aunt M. & Uncle B. went to Bert Reynolds for dinner & theater affair tonight.  They have season tickets.

Love, Grandma

1975 Roberta's letter to John -Jan.11

 

January 11, 1975

[Roberta now in college in Florida and John at Exeter]

Dear John --

Back to school after a nice long vacation -- I'm so sorry I didn't get to spend it with you!  (Or vice versa -- you didn't get to spent it w/ me!

I've already had a week of classes & already seem to be about a week behind in everything!  Statistics is so time-consuming for me.  I even have a calculator to use & it still takes me hours to figure stuff out!  It's really a new experience for me.

I've hired a tutor for statistics -- @ $10 an hour.  I'm to meet w/ her tomorrow night.  At that price she should really be good -- I hope it doesn't take long to teach me.  Right now we are on all these charts & graphs -- also standard deviation & variance!  If I don't pass this course there will be no diploma for Roberta come June!

I had a letter form MOOSE (VANESSA) -- she is among the unemployed -- and would you believe going to the vocational school taking typing and some kind of computer programming class.  Can you imagine Vanessa programming a computer??

How are your classes in 1975?  Are you taking new courses or what?  I can't wait till my spring break -- its only 10 weeks away. (1 week down -- 10 more to go!)  Then I'll still have my science course to mess w/ for 3 more weeks -- but I'll have YOU KNOW WHAT (statistics) out of the way.  I'll die if I flunk out & have to go to summer school.

Hi!  It's now Monday morning -- January 13th -- Do you recall what happened 6 years ago today -- Granddaddy died -- then 5 years ago today Vanessa & I got hired at NCR.  (6 months later to be laid off.)

I have sent you a package -- a late Christmas present.  I've almost got all my Christmas shopping done now -- that's for 1974!

Are you working at the Church -- what kind of Church is it?  What exactly do you do?  I work Sundays -- haven't had a Sunday off since around Thanksgiving time.

I'm only working 2 days now -- I miss not working so much but I decided I had to realize that school is important.  Last quarter I worked alot & didn't study much.  So far this quarter I've not worked that much but still don't study any too much.  I've got to get into the swing of studying THIS WEEK.

All the Hortons say Hello -- you know Rob is out at the junior college.  I haven't seen him open a book yet!

Grandma is her good old self!

Write & let me know what's happening w/ you at Exeter!  Also let me know any N.V. gossip you found out about while you were home -- How was Rabbi Rider?

Love, Bert

1976 GHU Letter - Jan

 

Tues. evening [probably Jan 8, 1976]

Dear Family - I wonder if my letters are worth 13¢ [first class postage rates went from 10¢ to 13¢, and postcard from 7¢ to 9¢ on Jan. 1, 1976] when perhaps I only write 2 cents worth.  Anyway we finally got Rob in the mood to go to the P.O. to-day to get 2¢ - 3¢ -13¢ stamps & wanted 1¢ which they didn't have & Air-gram [sic] which were lacking as we find that it will cost 31¢ now to send an air mail letter to Joe.  

We wondered how long Catherine would be in Africa.  I will return Roberta's card for she may want to keep them & perhaps John will want the stamp.  I wonder how long Roberta will be staying in India.  Her money must be holding out alright for the present at least.  

I do feel sorry about Marie & wonder what her trouble might be.  I wrote a note & enclosed a postal card (stamped) & told her I would appreciate hearing from her or one of the family as to how she was feeling.  I don't think she writes from what she has said.  

Bill said he talked to John yesterday.  I wondered if he got enough exercise to last for awhile.  If you have a little energy left after working on the corner lot & office repair you might think about the grape vines sometime this month.  I don't suppose you ever heard from the tree man.  

Now comes tax time again.  I paid the property tax today for the year & didn't send any stamped envelope for receipt return for I thought the check was enough.  I will try to get figures together some time this month for income taxes.  They are beyond me, I fear.

George -- the man across the street who is some what retarded or ?  -- came over Sat. & said he was hungry for he had nothing to eat & was on a salt free diet.  I divided a few things I had & Bill gave Rob some money to take him to the grocery & he bought mostly baby food.  He has cats & more cats to feed.  Perhaps his welfare check for Jan. hadn't come.  

Marianne, R.R, & Mary went to visit Roberta Dicks & family this evening.  Marianne & baby will be leaving tomorrow afternoon.  She wanted me to help pack when she saw what I had hanging in my closet she couldn't believe that I had gotten the things in my suit case.  So she got her things out on the bed & I packed.  (More than anyone needed for 2 weeks).  Everything in & hope the cases hold to-gether.  They are large & toys mostly in one.  Christmas presents, make-up, hair drier, etc.

Little Robbie [Kintner] fell out of bed Sat. evening & of course it hurt & scared him along with M. -- she thought perhaps she should take him to a Dr. but I didn't think so.  It only made a little red spot.  He is quite a climber & will have more bumps as time goes along.  Mary & Bill were at their bi-monthly card club.

I don't believe I mentioned that I sent your Christmas letter on to the Williams.  Mary looked up their address in the telephone book.  We knew about where we went last year to call but was not sure about the number.  You will see that I am enclosing a check for the church so please hand it in when convenient.  Mail being as it is I wonder if we get Sat. mail in N.V. the P.O. is closed here.  I believe the mail was delivered Sat. most forget.  The new rate may make a difference in Jack mail for Booklets.  Did you get the Bulk letters out before the increase for they surely advanced also.

Had a nice letter from Serena.  It is good to know that she is enjoying her school work.

I didn't know that Mary V. was a little timid about swimming.  Being a girl scout I guess I just took for granted that she was a good swimmer by this time.

Jean if your club or some organization is selling nuts this year you might get me 2# for I can use them as time goes along.

It's time to call it a day --

Love to all --

Mother

1924 Jean & 1975 HH - pictures

Jean & her sister, Virginia - May 25, 1924
Jean, age 17 months, Virginia would turn 10 on Aug. 22

 

Fifty one years later, at the age of 50, HH & Jean went to New Zealand, visited the Hiestand relatives and enjoyed some hiking in the mountains in Oct. 1975

1950, 1960, 1975 A few photos - CJU, HHU, JWBU, Joe, Catherine & Marianne

Catherine, Joe & Marianne at Grandma & Granddad's house - January 15, 1950

Written on the back by Jean:  When we lived at Mother & Daddy U's.  Joseph was all ready to go home when we got out the camera.  P.S. Those are the blocks (in Catherine & Marianne's hands) Bob & Harriette gave C. for Christmas.

Summer 1950  Catherine at Grandparents back yard in New Vienna

Written on back by HH:  Dad [CJU] by old die cast bldg summer 1960.  Old gate factory in the background.  Putting ditch "underground"  [Both these buildings would soon be torn down to expand the brick Wells building on the west side of S.R. 73.]

1975 - Jean & Harold in New Zealand during a "Ski Plane flight into NZ's glaciers."

1979 Horton Christmas Letter

"It wouldn't seem like Christmas

If we couldn't get in touch

And extend the Season's Greetings

To those we like so much!"

We are on the threshold of the '80's!!  Has '79 been good to you?  My the years are flying by . . . may we make every minute count!!

Bill and I seem to have a set pattern for living -- year in and year out.  So the same Xmas letter could be sent every year!  Ha!  (Hope you burnt last years).   We visit our "kids" two or three times a year -- keep up with our church activities -- Bill is on the golf course every week-end and other days when he can slip out of the office.  For fun we go to Bert Reynolds Dinner Theatre and Lake Worth Playhouse, Civic Music Series and play some Bridge (a lot of improvement needed).  How do you feel about the "Soaps"?  Ha!  When I'm home I "flip" the channels . . . but my favorite is "Young and Restless" and tune in "Days of Our Lives" occasionally, primarily because I got "hooked" years ago  -- the drawing card being they were ALL HORTONS!  HA!

Highlight of the year was our trip in May to England, Wales and Scotland.  We went with another couple and travelled on our own.  We went by train and auto.  The country-side was beautiful -- so green and many lambs on the hillside.  I loved Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon (only warm days we had -- 5 out of 23), also Bath, Chester and Coventry, all in England, were most interesting.  As Bill's parents came from Staffordshire area we looked up one of his cousins and spent a pleasant PM with her.  Amazingly, she looked like his Mother.  Edinburg is a unique town with the old castle on top of the hill.  From there Bill and I went to St. Andrews on a one-day trip . . . the home of Golf.  A historical, old, college town.  We stayed in "B & B's" and enjoyed meeting the hosts and other guests.  Those bkfs really fortifies you for the day!!!  Some of the Spring flowers were in blossom and the parks lovely in London and South England.  Quite cool to us Floridians and the thermal underwear sure felt good!  Ha!

We wish you a HAPPY and HEALTHY 1980!!

'Gettin' close to Christmas

With its message ever new.

Here's my hope -- that Christmas joy

thrills you through and through."

Love, 

Bill & Mary

[Personal Note:]
Just sent Jean a Birthday Note - No News to add!  Nothing new here in this paper but I've plenty of copies!  Ha!  (It's a xerox world)  In way it would be good to get away for Xmas!  How do you plan so well?

1979 Roberta's Postcard -Dec.13

[12-13-79]

Thursday AM

Dear Family,

Everything is all set as to Rob being at the place in Wickenburg.  Said that a roll-a-way could be used that he would be able to eat meals with us, etc.  I didn't tell them what kind of an eater he is!!!

Dorothy Stubbs has offered her two free beds to us . . . to use at their house.  Perhaps Rob and Mary Virginia could stay there especially during our peak time here 26-28th.  They are not having any guests for the holidays so would work out well.

The roofing went on yesterday at the house.  Everyday we can see little progress being done.

Christmas program at ASU was very good.  Usually tickets are $8.00 but got in at student discount for $1 -- not bad.  Was the Roger Wagner Chorale group -- alot of that opera stuff at the beginning where it looks like they are in great pain singing.  Took Dorothy -- and she really enjoyed it.  Was the first time she had been inside Grady Gammage and it is something to experience in itself.  Glad to know that the Morgans will be getting here on the 26th. 

I am going to leave door key in washing machine -- so if we are out or whatever.  Rob will be able to help me at work -- delivering . . . if he wants to.  Got tickets to Phoenix Suns game (basketball) for this Saturday.  Will wear him out right away.  Mesa High's music program is Sunday night will attend.

Have a safe trip and looking forward to all the excitement!!!

Love, Berta

1979 Catherine's Letter -Dec.10

Monday, December 10, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Wendy is taking a nap, Gerry has gone to the co-op and I have the laundry in the drier so there are a few spare moments here.

We got our reservations changed so that we will now be arriving in Phoenix at 7:30 on the 26th.  I'm sorry we won't be there for Christmas Day but the 26th is pretty close.  We know how tough it is for Roberta to wait even until Christmas Day to open her presents so we won't expect you to wait for us.

We have ordered a microwave through the co-op as a Christmas present to ourselves.  They will take it out of Gerry's pay month by month after he starts back to work.  It is a Sharp with a revolving tray or whatever inside.  We checked it out in Consumer Reports and it seemed to be OK.  Our other option was GE but it costs more and didn't rate as well by Consumer Reports.  It is to arrive next Monday -- the same day we leave so we will look forward to using it when we return.

This week should go quickly for us.  We are leaving for Milwaukie [Oregon] right after I get done with bowling on Wednesday to spend the night at the Motel 6 in Lake Oswego.  We will be seeing some new territory around Portland at any rate.  Gerry's appointment is at 8:00.  Then Thursday night Gerry has Elks and I have installation of new officers at the UMW.  Friday we are planning to do our last minute errands and get the house cleaned up so we can take it easy over the weekend and get ready to leave on Monday.  Tomorrow night Ron & Georgette (who lived across from us in the green apartments) have invited us over for dinner.  I guess we will be celebrating Gerry's birthday on Sunday.  Also on Sunday is Breakfast with Santa at the church and also the Elks Christmas Party for the children during the afternoon.

I have about ⅔ of our Christmas Cards done.  I bought some more stamps at the post office today and filled out the form so they will hold our mail while we are gone.  Hopefully I can get the cards done in the next few days.

Well, it is almost time for the clothes to come out of the drier so I better close.  I'll be talking to you soon.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter -Dec.11

Tuesday Morning

[12-11-79]

Dear Family,

Was sure great to talk to you all on Sunday and tell you the good news . . . tho I'm sure it was hard to understand with little background.  I'll enclose some pictures today of the model and also where our unit is -- as far as progress.  Both of these pictures look like the place is all garage.  Also will enclose a floor plan -- but anxious for you all to see the place in person.  Please either bring the pictures back with you or mail back so Marion can take them to Illinois.

Haven't heard from Robbie since his surprise call on Friday night.  He got some sort of special deal on the ticket -- $300 round-trip vs the usual $500 fare.  I'll let you know his plans when I find out.

Yesterday -- but actually the idea started on Saturday.  Just near our booth at the craft sale was a florist shop that was advertising for a delivery person between the 17th and 24th.  I went in to ask and was told that the pay was $3.25 and that you would have to furnish your own car and gas.  That made me lose my interest quickly.

So yesterday I was over to Skaggs buying some stuff for people at the nursing home -- which is often a headache because they want a beautiful card for 25 cents -- often tell me to keep the change. (from the quarter)  This Skaggs is at Dobson and Southern -- across from the Community College.  Next door to Skaggs was a florist shop so I went in there and asked the manager if he was in need of delivery help (tho there was no sign up.)  And he was -- will provide the van and gas -- wanted to know when I could start.  Since I needed this week to study for next Monday's exam told him on Friday of this week.  So I'm to work Friday and Saturday and then next week.  Will pay $3.25 an hour -- tax free.  Not a bad deal.  Really a nice guy -- oriental.  Should Rob come -- he can go with me delivering.

Thought yesterday's test was a brain teaser  Only four questions -- one being "What is old and what is aging?"  Next Monday's test will be the worse of the lot.  It will consist of 100 multiple choice questions.  The type graded by computer.

The craft sale was really petty disappointing.  The lady that organized it had the best deal going.  She got $10 per space from 137 people.  Very little advertising -- except the free kind in the newspapers.  Most people just walked around and wanted to know how you make such a thing.  I gave out no trade secrets.  Wanting to know where you got this or that.  Really turned me off.  But yesterday Dorothy took a centerpiece to work -- and sold that one plus got orders for two more.  Also took a macrame Christmas tree -- and sold three of them.  Marion also took centerpiece to school and sold one -- with maybes on a few more.

Today we are taking four big boxes of clothes to a second-hand store in Scottsdale that will buy clothes.  Should be interesting to see how much we get out of them.  I kept back most of the size 34 pants.  Needless to say most of these clothes are Marion's.  Don't worry -- I'm not getting rid of any of my good suits Mother.

Mary Virginia -- remember the plastic type beads that you melt on those metal type frames -- I forget the name of it.  They look like stain-glass if you use your imagination.  Should you not want to use them -- please bring them out with you.  I've got ideas for them.

The Matthews sent me a nice little card.  Told me to come over more.  Anytime I need a ride to let them know and that they would come over after me.  Had a nice card and note from Elizabeth Johnson.

We sure have had some nice weather out here.  Up to 80 during the heat of the day.  Sunday I was out riding my bike with just short sleeves on.  We ride over everyday to check on the house.  Yesterday the insulation went in.  They work on them in units of six -- so its interesting to see what has been done in the other units.

Better get going.  Sure was (is) nice having been excused from two of my exams.  As they were comprehensive.  Only six people in one class got excused and about 8 in the other.  The one prof. said a little something about everyone that was being excused -- he said I was the silent -- then he said absorber in the class . . . .

Love,

Roberta

Daddy -- One of the projects at the nursing home need lots of jingle bells -- do you have such at the factory?  For a craft project - not needed before Christmas.

1979 Roberta's Letter -Dec.6

Thursday Morning

[Dec. 6, 1979]

Dear Family,

I'm sure glad yesterday is over!!!  Had two tests and should I have gotten an A in both I'll be excused from the final which will be coming up next week.  So really put out the effort to do good on both!!!  One was something like 100 questions -- mixed between true false, multiple choice, and matching.  It was hard!  The other had three questions and we only had to answer two of them.  Tomorrow I should know the results of both of them -- hopefully.

Did you all watch the movie last night -- "Aunt Mary"?  It was pretty good.  I spent the evening watching the movie and stuffing and hand sewing the JOY letters.  Anxious to see how well we do this weekend . . . at the craft sale.  Mom, remember all the stuffing we bought at the fabric store last year -- can you believe that it is all gone.  Seemed like alot at the time, huh?

We have also been busy in many ways.  It's a long story but I'll try to keep it short -- plus you all will be able to hear and see it out here.  Marion for a long time has been wanting to get away from the two-story set-up as we have here.  Her back doesn't make the steps enjoyable.  Also seems to think -- and it is true -- that this neighborhood is getting too run down -- too many rental units and the people so-so.

Thanksgiving Sunday Marion went out with the Mandezes to look at house models.  They all like that sort of thing and I stayed home and studied.  But when they got back Marion wanted me to go over and see this model.  We went -- and then we were back everyday the next week.  No, I think we missed one day.  Then this last Saturday Marion put down "ernest money" for one that came back just the day before in the first phase of this development.  (Thus $3,000 less) than the next development.

This development is just south of here -- north of Baseline and between Alma School and Extension.  Not far from where the Mandezes live.  It is what is called patio homes.  They are all one floor -- two-door garage -- no two car covered garage -- with door.  Really nice.  Rooms much bigger -- at least they look that way without furniture!!!  Plus small back yard.  It too has swimming pool, tennis courts, and common area.  Association fees -- like here -- take care of all that stuff.  Only trouble is that unit will be ready (so they say) by January 15th -- and that means that this place will have to be sold.

On Monday we had a real estate man come out and now have a sign up "For Sale."  Actually we had talked to two other real estate outfits.  This one that has the house would bargain on the commission.  Only 2% if it was an "in-house" sale and 5% if they put it on Multiple Listings.  Marion went with the 5% multiple listing -- since she is in a rush to get it sold.  So that means that the house had to be really cleaned -- and now to keep it that way.  Which is really hard -- Marion is really into the wreath making etc.  After this weekend she says she will quit.  So far have had one couple through the place.  But real estate man says after it gets in the Multiple Listing -- then should be action.  That will be next Monday.

This development is going to be 96 units altogether.  48 in one section and 48 in the other.  The one that came back is just the model -- and even the outside elevation is just what Marion wanted.  The location is good -- right on the street -- (back yard) and two in from where you pull into the development.  Hard to explain -- but you all will be able to see it in person in not too long.

We plan to take a bunch of Marion's clothes to a second-hand store that buys outright this next week or two.  Marion is really hot to get rid of stuff.  I was wondering if Mary Virginia might be interested in some of Marion's levi jeans -- almost all of them have never been worn.  They are mostly size 34 -- mens.  Some 36s.  Nice . . . the kind Mary Virginia should like.  I'd be glad to save them back if you think you are interested.  Just let me know.

Thanks for calling on Saturday.  That Wickenburg is a neat place.  It dawned on me later when I had been through there.  It was with Grandma and Aunt Mary coming here from California.  Just keep me posted as to dates if you can.  I've already made arrangements for dear Buffy with the Stuffs.  It would probably be better on Buffy if they could come over here and sleep -- but I think it would be ok with him to go over there.  Remember the last time poor Buffy had to go to the dog motel -- and what a mess he was.  Mary Virginia you should remember that well.

On Christmas day the Garretts are in charge of a Christmas (of course) service at the church.  Also thre are services the night before.  It is again fine for you all to stay here.  Only thing is that if it hasn't been sold yet -- we have to keep the place uncluttered -- so it looks bigger.  Real Estate man says this time of year sort of slow.

Catherine and Gerry called me Saturday Night.  They were sure excited that their reservations had come through to take the train.  Gerry really talked alot about how much reassurance you all gave him when he was in the hospital -- and afterwards -- now.  How much it meant to him.  They called about 11:00 -- I was sound asleep.  spent the first few minutes trying to wake up.  Even Miss Wendy got on the phone and said something -- not sure what I just know she is going to be a doctor.  Maybe a dentist -- I think they must make good money.

I sure don't hear from John and Carol much.  John must really be busy I'm sure.  Is he still working those crazy hours???  Glad that Mary Virginia got to go up and visit with them for the weekend.

Mary Virginia we sure appreciate your letters.  Your singing schedule looks pretty full.  Do you think you might be interested in some concerts out here?  I know several nursing homes that would love to have you sing for them.  And with your volume you would have no trouble with them not hearing you.  I enjoy putting my loud voice to use . . . tho not in singing.

Have you applied to Westtown??  And when should you hear back from them???  I think that would be a good school -- I understand there you don't have to do "office-work" -- the tern at FBS for cleaning.

This last week we have not been collecting cans -- oh, I still pick them up if I see them but no out campaign.  Between the craft sale and end-of-the-semester stuff to do we are both busy.  Then it takes some time to make this house look uncluttered.

Love,

Berta

1979 Catherine's Letter -Dec.3

Monday, December 3, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Well sorry that this letter has been so long getting written.  Even though things are calmer around here there still always seems to be something that needs attention.  And the Christmas cards are ready to be worked on in the next week now also.

We are thrilled about our forthcoming vacation and glad that you are able to come to San Diego.  We certainly appreciate your paying for our transportation - we think Amtrak should be an exciting experience for all of us - especially with our bedroom!  We'll let you know how the reality compares with our expectations.  In a few minutes we are going downtown and will check at the bus station regarding taking the bus to Klamath Falls to meet the train.  If we decide that won't be satisfactory we have a friend (the former parts manager at the co-op) who lives near  K.F. and we could probably leave the truck at their house.  We are really looking forward to having a good time and to seeing all of you at Christmas.

We did make it to church yesterday - we walked, or course, and stayed for a potluck loyalty dinner afterwards where the budget committee made their 1980 presentation and passed out the pledge cards.  I had hoped to take a tongue but the store didn't have any when I went on Saturday so we took macaroni salad instead.  Speaking of salad we went to a new German restaurant in Bend last week when Gerry went to the Doctor and was it good.  it was buffet and offered around 50 varieties of salad and maybe 30 choices for main dishes and accompanying dishes.  It was really good.  $3.95 for lunch and $6.95 in the evening when they serve prime rib and several other entrees to round out the dinner.

Wendy is getting very anxious to leave - she is putting on her jacket right now - so I better bring this to a quick close.  The last few days have been in the 50's after a week where the temperature stayed below freezing so it is a little nicer to be outside.  Wendy likes to go but the minute she thinks we are headed home again she gets upset.  Yesterday she threw a tantrum at church because she didn't want to come home.

Well, I'll try to write again soon.  Hope you are all well and thanks again for helping us with our vacation!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Family Letter -Dec.2

Sunday --

Dec. 2, 1979

Dearest Family --

Really had trouble getting the date or rather year right and it will soon be 1980 so had better start practicing.  My typing in general needs worked on after seeing Roberta's typed papers and letters as well as Catherine's.  A very worthwhile subject to take in school.

Was glad to get a letter from Catherine on Monday, John on Wednesday and Roberta yesteray.  The latter was a good 30¢ worth with all the descriptions of senior citizen facilities -- makes one want to move into that area to take advantage of what will be for us before too long.  Very interesting and well written.  It's amazing how that field has opened up in just the last few eyars.

Thanks, John, too for the map and new direction to the school in Gahanna where Mary Virginia is to take the test this coming Saturday.  She hadn't received anything at all from the testing service and thought that perhaps that they hadn't received her letter.  When nothing came in the mail on Friday morning I called and they said that it was in the mail and to come anyway if she shouldn't get her ticket but it came that afternoon - having been mailed the day before - a little close considering that they had said she would hear two weeks before hand.  Anyway we are all set to go and looking forward to being with John and Carol later that day - the test lasts til 12:30 so don't look for us til mid-afternoon at the very earliest but will definitely be there by                (Will let Dad fill in that blank to be on the safe side.)

Enjoyed talking to Serena and glad to hear that she is enjoying her work in the Loyola library.  We called her after her second day of work (found that she will be working on Tuesday evenings so she had just gotten in).  Wonder what the procedure is there when a library book isn't turned in or found turned in -- that seemed rather drastic at ASU -- especially not to get to use the reserve section of the library either - glad that it all straightened out in your favor, Roberta.  Do hope that you make definite plans over Christmas, Serena - just sorry that you won't be going to Arizona this year like last.  Are you thinking about visiting Noni in Madison Wisconsin or friends in Kansas City?  Also let us know what you have in mind for adding to your dinner ware - if you would like something in that line or something else or perhaps with fear of breakage it would be best to get it there or bring it over later.  We would very much like to get to Chicago during the packaging show and see you at the same time if it can be worked out that way and perhaps we could get the John Hancock apt. which would be near your work as well.  The Salisburys are thinking of going to southwest Texas to visit Tom and his family as they are to be located there for awhile.  And if they leave right after Christmas Dad doesn't feel like he should be away at the busiest time of the year - first weeks of January - we had originally planned to come back that way.

So glad that the Morgans were able to get train reservations from Klamath Falls to San Diego and looking forward to seeing them one place or another for as long as possible.  At least you and especially Gerry will be ablae to move around and the roomette should be real nice for all of you.  that is something we have wanted to do for a long time.  But either the time or the routing wan't the most convenient.  Out west thet rains are supposed to be much better too.

The bazaar was held yesterday from 9 to 6:30 which was much too long a day when most of the business was in the morning but they did make close to $1400.  We had both lunch and supper there and brought (bought too) home enough food for another couple of meals as the weather turned bad and they had very few people for supper in the evening.  Some woman bought three of the macrames, Roberta (I don't know who) and they reduced the afghans from $35 to $25 but have two others beside that to take to the bank along with quite a few other things.  Mrs. Thornburg didn't want her's reduced so it was touchy marking down yours they said.  They are pretty but New Vienna isn't willing to pay as much as they do in the larger cities.

I asked Mrs. Thornburg to make some big bags to fit on Grandma's wheel-chair and told her just how I wanted them - had planned to give them to her for Christmas.  But she made in a hurry and gave them to her (real dinky ones) before she left for Florida.  I asked her what I owed her and she said she wanted to do that for her -- Was kind of disgusted in some ways for I had wanted that . . . . [bottom line of page cut off]

We had a card from the honeymooners from Ft. Myers, Fla.  I don't think we mentioned what a nice wedding Melba and Orville had the night before Thanksgiving.  Peggy was her only attendant (Marvin walked down the aisle with her) John Harner stood up with his Dad and Stan, Jr. married them with the help of Rev. Wise.  It was a small wedding - mostly relatives and friends and a reception was held afterwards in the new fellowship room behind the sanctuary.  Had to go down and then up the back stairs to get there but a real happy occasion.  The next day the bridal couple had Thanksgiving Dinner for the immediate family (forgot to mention that Elaine and Isabel were at the guest book and the former and Opal took care of the reception.  Mrs. Young, Melba's mother and brother were also on hand both days.  Then the next day they (Melba and Orville) took off for Florida and she mentioned that they had rented a house for at least a few days ON THE WEST coast of Florida.  She entertains the UMW next Dec. 11 so don't think they'll stay too long - Does that remind you of anyone else that has meetings interfere with personal plans?

Yesterday was the auction of the personal property of the New Vienna Mill, on which Wells has bought the real estate as it joins right up with us on the west side.  We also got the old Farm Bureau Bldg. (N.V.'s first depot [?? don't remember hearing that before]) so we hope we can make this space into some usable storage space.  The mill bldg. is like the catacombs in the two subbasements.  There are cats everywhere -- you can guess why.  Anyway, that will be a project for 1980 to make the buildings more usable.

Grandma left Tuesday morning for WPB and called us that night that all went well on the trip.  Winter arrived the next day with our first skiff of snow and has been down in the teens, tho I guess compared to Chicago southern Ohio must seem like the tropics -- right, Serena?

Rev. Reece passed away - had been in the ministry 57 years . . . .  He had a rich life having been associated in the Friends activities all over the world.  We always will remember how fast he walked and his enthusiasm.  He is to be buried in Richmond, Ind. and they are having memorial services for him here next Sunday (Dec. 9).  Fairview will be looking for a new minister -- they were lucky to have a man of Rev. Reece's caliber for so long.  His wife died 9 years ago -- about a year and a half after they moved here.

We attended another square dancing practice session tonight which helps immensely as they go much slower and review all you have learned recently.  The Pratts haven't attended these sessions as that is the only day (Sunday) when they have time to go Christmas shopping together.  Hope you all will excuse us for not thinking of this reasoning.

Looking forward to seeing you this Saturday afternoon, Carol and John.

Catherine and Gerry - we think it might be easier on Gerry to fly from San Diego to Phoenix.  We would be most willing to go after you all but it is a 400 mile trip and would be much quicker and less rough on Gerry to fly.  If yo can get reservations both coming to Phoenix and back, please go ahead and do so.  Dad did call the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona and talked them into holding rooms again Dec. 28 and 29 for one room and Dec. 28-31 for another two rooms but they are adamant about two to a room.  Wendy would be OK with you because of her age.  This place is *** (excellent) in the Mobil Tour Book and is on the American Plan with family style meals.  Hopefully it will be a pleasant experience for all of us.  Do let us know about your preference for getting from S.D. to Phoenix and back, and if flying, is your choice, let us know your schedule.  Our schedule is to leave here Dec. 20, arrive Mesa that Saturday evening and head back to NV around Jan 3rd or 2nd.

With much love from . . . .

1979 Catherine's Letter to John -Nov.20,Dec.3

Thursday, November 20, 1979

Dear John and Carol,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter.  As I'm sure you heard through the weekly "newsletter" from New Vienna, Gerry (Wendy turned the space bar just as I was typing that) has been in the hospital.  He has been home now since Thursday and he is doing pretty well.  The Dr. wants him to be up and around and to walk about a mile four times a day.  He can stand up all he wants but is only to sit for meals as sitting could be detrimental to his back healing.  He will be able to go back to work between the middle of January and the middle of February.

Monday, December 3, 1979

Well, I shall try again with this letter.  We are all excited as we were finally able to get reservations on Amtrak to go to San Diego at Christmas time and I guess the family is planning to come there for a few days also.  It will take about 24 hours to get from Klamath Falls to S.D. with a change in L.A.  We have reserved a bedroom for the Klamath Falls to L.A. and back part of the trip.  It is a good deal cheaper even with the sleeper than it would have been to fly.  On the airlines they wanted full fare for both of us plus ⅔ for Wendy but we are getting family plan on the train.  We leave here the 17th and come back on the 2nd.  It will be nice vacation for us.  We figure we can do our Christmas shopping when we get there so we won't have to take as much stuff with us -- plus there a a few more stores in the San Diego (especially Pick & Save variety) than in the Madras area.

Gerry got his first workman's comp. check on Saturday.  He has to go see two Dr.'s in the Portland area for the Workman's Comp. people.  The first appointment is at 8:00 a.m. next Thursday about four hours drive away.  We may go the day before and stay all night rather than drive in the middle of the night.  Or maybe we'll take the bus.

Due to financial reasons we probably won't be sending you a present for Christmas -- I hope this fits into your plans not to send us one.  I am just in the process of starting to get the Christmas cards done.  I love to get cards but they are rather a pain to send out.

Sorry this letter took so long.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter -Nov.27

Tuesday Evening

6:00 P.M.

[11/27/79]

Dear Family,

See now that these wide margins will have to go . . . I just use them when I type something for school.  I am enclosing some of the articles that I just got finished over the Thanksgiving Weekend.  Perhaps you will recognize the name of Patterson Terrace -- the apartment building we went through just before it was finished.  I was really impressed with the place.  Something that didn't get into the report is that as of January 1st they are opening up an 80 bed intermediate facility. . . this means that they can be more selective as to who and what condition they take people in.

Remember Cora . . . the lady that I fed down at the Royal Nursing Home?  She liked Buffy soo much.  She died last Sunday in her sleep.  Just the last few weeks she had been very bad.  Didn't recognize me . . . had to be fed by a turkey baster type of affair.

I've sure had my trouble with teeth this fall.  First these doctors out here can't just look, they have to have all these x-rays -- which rub me the wrong way.  Last Wednesday I had the worst of the lot pulled.  It didn't hurt all that much and I was able to eat like normal.  I followed all the instructions . . . no hot drinks, don't rinse your mouth for 24 hours, etc.  Got along fine till Sunday.  Then I had a hurt like I had never had before.  Monday was a busy day but did get into the dentist today.  In the meantime since Sunday I had been popping heavy duty aspirin, keeping hot washcloths on that side of my face.  So today I found out that I had a (or rather have a) dry socket.  Dentist says that can hurt more than any tooth ache.  Guess I lost the blood clot on Sunday so air got in something like that.  He packed my tooth today -- or rather where the tooth had been -- said to try to get in every day this week for packing.  At least the guy had the decency not to charge me today.  I've already helped him pay his monthly payment on that x-ray machine.

So how are you all?  I'm anxious to get the news of Thanksgiving holidays.  What a shame that John and Carol couldn't stay longer.  Thought today about Grandma going to Florida.  Today would have been a good day to arrive in the valley of the sun -- here -- 75º out today.  Really nice.  First day in a long time that I've not worn the thermal underwear . . . though unlike Aunt Mary when she went to Europe, I did buy two pairs.

Have you all finalized any Christmas plan yet???  Please do keep me posted as to your plans.  Marion will be gone here from the 24th of December to the 7th of January.

I didn't mention it in my last letter, was in too big of an hurry to get it in the mail.  But along with the Honda place I was fighting the ASU library.  I had turned in about five books and then about a week later I got a notice that one of the books were overdo [sic] . . . or rather yet to be handed in.  I did a search around here, but I was sure I had already turned it in.  After the book was three days overdo, I could not use my library card -- either to check out books or to get books out of the reserve library -- which is where most of my time is spent for one of my classes.  I got nowhere until I went and spoke to the heard of the library.  I told him I wanted it on his mind, that I had turned the book in (they were supposedly looking for it) and due to the fact that I could not use the reserve library I could easily fail one of my classes.  So the man wrote me out a little note saying that I could use the books on reserve.  Three days later I got a computer print-out postcard in the mail saying that my book had been found.  If they had not found it, I would have been responsible for paying the price of the book, plus $10.00.  The school would have been able to hold back grades, etc until this would have been paid.  I'm just glad they found it.  I took the card into the head guy, showed him, and thanked him for his courtesy . . . .

Mary Virginia, I can now sing along with you on several of the songs on the tape you sent us.  Knew you would be happy to know that.  Marion really likes the tape . . . so you know what that means . . . we hear it alot.  She says sure beats country music.  Also anytime you want to send us another tape that would be fine.

Dad, those are good articles that you sent . . . both in the last letter and in the envelope that came with just the articles in it.  speaking of articles . . . there is an article in the CSM that I got today I want to send to John.  Headlines something like:  "Going to New York City -- take a tour of Brooklyn."

Marion is really busy making wreaths.  The only trouble is that she does so much standing and bending over when she makes them that sometimes when done for the evening she can hardly stand up.  Have I told you all that we have rented out a space (8 by 10) at an arts and crafts fair the 8th of December.  Hoping to make alot of bucks.  My extra bucks seems to be going into my mouth.  Dentists seems to think that alot more work is yet to be done, but with bad gums and loose teeth I'm not anxious to put alot of money into it all.

Wish I had more time to be making things up for the sale, but between school and dentists don't get too much done.

Now Wednesday Morning.  Three out of my four classes today were cancelled due to a conference in Yuma -- State Park and Recreation Conference.  So instead of classes have more work to do as each of the teachers gave us something to keep us busy.  I'm just glad that I got the four visits made and already written up.

Don't think that I have kept you all up on the big to-do at ASU as to the football coach that got fired.  There have been so many lawsuits.  The biggest one being the one where the fired coach is suing (sp?) the Athletic Director for loss of income, dignity, all that stuff for 40 million dollars.  Between all this and the Iranian troubles I think the newscasters out here have trouble getting everything said.

We were over to the Fiesta Mall last night.  Marion's sister couldn't find a coat in Idaho Falls she liked so she wanted Marion to look.  Marion found it -- or hope that she found one that Rachel wil like.  Of course when we did find it, was the wrong size, so had it brought over to Mesa from another store.  Lots of winter visitor type of people sitting on the benches in the middle of the mall.  Mall was all decorated in the Christmas mood.  Really looked quite nice.

Can business is definitely down.  We haven't spent the time on it as we did before . . . spending more time on sellable arts and crafts.  Also with the weather so much cooler people are not drinking as much.  Last few weeks we have been taking cans once a week.  Usually have about 80-85 pounds.  So that still more than pays for gas -- plus some in reserve.

Oh, meant to tell you all earlier that Jackie Phelon called me last Wednesday night.  She had already bought two tickets (for herself and son Michael) to come here for the holiday weekend.  First I had heard from her for a long time.  Guess she would have gotten here about 9:00 Thursday A.M.  I simply said, "Gee, Jackie -- you should have told me ahead of time, I've got a busy weekend planned with these visits I have to make for school.  She said that was fine, hat money was shaky, and maybe she better not come.  Marion heard the conversation and she couldn't believe it.  Such a character Jackie is!!!

What is new from the Morgans and Serena???  Do keep me posted as to your Christmas plans.

Mother, how did the bazaar go at the church?  Remind me to tell you about how the bazaar was run that we took so much stuff out to.  (and thank goodness brought so little back.)

Better get going . . . .

Love,

Berta

1979 Roberta's Letter to MV -Nov.24

Saturday AM

[11/24/79]

Hi Mary Va --

Thanks for the letters & tape!!  Really good -- & no wonder seems you are getting in lots of practice sessions for this group & that!!!

NO - we don't have a recent picture of you -- please send!!  OH -- ask Marion for one of her school pictures -- she had 1 taken this year -- really a serious one!!

How was Thanksgiving?  Did you do the dishes?  The Matthews invited me over -- I went -- it was nice but both of them (Mr. & Mrs.) are in poor shape!  Lisa -- their daughter fixed most of the meal -- w/her Mother's supervision!

We had a Thanksgiving breakfast at Stubbs -- Dorothy & family had been invited out to eat & she said she wouldn't have known what it felt like not to cook.  Marion fixed Bacon, Sausage -- thank goodness not pancakes -- Remember?  I fixed the O.J.

What are the latest plans for Christmas?  When do you think you will make the Ariz scene?  OH!  it's been freezing here -- at night -- thermal underwear sure feels good --. 

Hi to all

Thanks for tape!

Love,

Roberta

1979 Catherine's Letter -Nov.20

Tuesday, November 20, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for all the letters, cards and telephone calls during the past few weeks.  I should have some time now to get caught up on my correspondence.

Gerry is doing real well.  He is walking about four miles a day - in four separate walks per the Dr's orders.  Sunday we walked to church and I sat in the back row so Gerry could stand up behind me.  The monthly coffee hour was also last Sunday so we got to talk to quite a few people.  This coming Sunday we are going to be greeters.  The Christmas bazaar was on Saturday.  I worked from 10-12.  I think they made a fair amount of money although I haven't heard the exact amount.  A big crowd came right at the beginning but it had thinned out by 11.

Both the Eakins (the older couple who live across the street) and my friend, Cheryl, brought us over dinner on Thursday.  Between the two of them we had enough to last us through Saturday.  Then on Friday someone else brought us a dozen homemade rolls which we had with our eggplant parmesan on Sunday.  I froze part of them to save for Thanksgiving.  We are going to buy cornish game hens for Thanksgiving since a turkey would be much too big for us and we would still be eating it for Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, we have been discussing coming south and we think the best thing for us would be to fly to San Diego a few days before Christmas, then bring DeeDee to Arizona right after Christmas for a few days.  Then we would return to Oregon and she would return to San Diego.  We aren't expecting you to finance the whole trip for us.  Does this sound like it would fit into your plans?  I'll have to call the travel agent in the next few days and see what we can work out.

I took Wendy to the Dr. last Friday as she was coughing and had a runny nose.  They took an x-ray of her chest and said one lung was congested so she has been taking medicine again.  She finishes taking the antibiotics today and she really isn't any better than she was on Friday.  I don't know if I'll have to take her back in or renew the prescription or what.

What are you doing for Christmas cards this year?  I have some of those post card type but still need to get some regular ones.  It is about time to be getting them done.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter -Nov.18

Sunday Morning

6:00 A.M.

Nov. 18th [1979]

Dear Family,

Thanks for calling last night, tho sorry for the lack of correspondence on this end.  The last few weeks have really been very hectic, but on Thursday bought ten gov't postals if that situation should come up in the future.

The program yesterday at school really came off great!!!  But oh so much work was involved.  In the morning was three hours of square-dancing.  At the end of that time a square dance prof. group did a little deal.  That was really good and no wonder when they say that for every minute of show they have to practice 10 hours at least.  They were in their costumes and all.  Mother do you have your costume yet???  Also in the morning were all kinds of mixer games -- some very good ideas I now have in my head should anyone ever need them.  When you got your name tag on the back was the group that you would be in . .. as far as the games go.  Also on the front in each corner you had to put the answers to these questions:  Favorite book or story, what you would say to President Carter if you met him, your hobbies, and what animal would you be if you were to be an animal.  In the afternoon there were more game type things, but the last few hours were spent making straw -- or is it hay??  The stuff was green . . . wreathes.  Also Christmas posters to make . . . cut out cardboard in the shape of the size wreath you want, then get the straw all around it, then wire all the way around to secure the straw with the cardboard.  Really looked nice with ribbon and all.  Posters were made out of tissue paper and poster paper . . . all colors so very pretty.

I'm not sure this morning how much I said about this Catholic Church Bazaar.  We found out about it two weeks ago when I called someone about it.  Tho before I called I had been told that it would be sometime in December.  It just so happened that the day I called was the day to come and get your consignment number, if you wanted to bring things over to sell.  So we went over that day (it was two weeks ago Saturday -- yesterday)  Got our number and all the rules of the game.  We were given price tags to put on each item.  Each price tag was to have on it: our consignment number, item number, and price.  Line for each deal.  Also had forms with carbon paper to write down these three things on a list.  Then last Saturday when we went to take the stuff (except the wreaths) they checked out our list, kept one, and gave us back one.  I took the wreaths out on Thursday.  As everything last week to be handed in were suppose to be in boxes with lids.  They were asking that the stuff that could not be boxed up as such be brought in on Thursday.

The actual bazaar was on Friday from 5 to 9 and also yesterday from 9 to 11 . . . in the morning.  We went out Friday night about ten after five, and there was a huge line . . . like at least 200 people waiting to get in.  I've never seen anything like it.  They also had a barbecue -- hot dog, potato chips, and drink for 60 cents.  Or Hamburger and same for 90 cents, or ribs and same for $2.50.  But the lines were not . . . when we first got there at the food place . . . but people waiting to get in the bazaar.  The bazaar was held right in the sanctuary, it was a huge place, with so much stuff.  All very nicely displayed.  I forgot to mention that as you walk in the door you are handed a large paper bag and also a box lid type of thing to put your purchases in.  It seemed so well organized.

Marion took out nine wreaths, and six of those were sold.  Also one other we thought was sold, as we saw it behind the cashier's table but come to find out some woman had them put it back, and said she would be back with more money, and never came back.  But Marion was quite happy that six sold.  Also we had out there six macrame Christmas trees . . . and all but the one yellow one sold.  We had out six joys (remember the stuffed letters) and all but one of them sold.  Had eight of the wash-cloth/soap candles and four of them sold.  Sold $311 -- all together.  But they get 20% of that.  Which I sure don't begrudge them of since they did all that work.  You just would not have believed that crowd when we did get in on Friday night there was hardly any place to walk.  Made you linger more as you went along, to see everything.  Would you believe that Marion and I did not buy anything there!!!  Both watching our pennies!!!

The last two weeks I've really had my run-ins with businesses.  First off I had my bike out to the Honda dealers for a tune-up and check over.  Brakes needed adjusted the whole bit.  Cost $19 which I took out of can money.  I was very happy for all the work they did on the bike.  But . . . when I took the bike out the one turning signal on the back had been bent all the way off thus breaking the bracket . . . or rather was bent off the bracket.  Little sweet juvenile delinquents that live around here.  They did it once before and took it back down to where I bought the turning signals and the guy just had to replace the bracket.  So the turning signal was hanging on by the wires, still working, and I asked the Honda people to -- if they could -- fix the bracket.  When I got there to pick up the bike on my bill said "turning signal must be replaced" so I questioned the guy who I paid and he said that the turning signal would have been thrown out -- if it didn't work.  I suppose the boy thought that I wouldn't question Honda's great decisions.  Which of course I did since I knew that the turning signal actually worked.  The next morning I went out (thank goodness it's only about 1 and ½ mile from here) and on the way to school) and spoke to the Service manage and he says to me that it probably fell off during the test ride and therefore was not their fault.  I showed him the wire, and it was a definite cut.  Having gotten any answers yet I stopped on my way home from school to talk with the owner of the dealership.  Of course he says he would have to check it out.

I was to call him in half hour.  So I started my calls to him.  And the story was always that he was out to lunch or supper or who knows where and would be back in 20 minutes.  Finally I got a hold of him.  He said that the service dept manager told him that it was not thrown out, but put in the back basket, and of course it was not their fault that it wasn't there when I came to pick up the bike.  I made him listen to the three stories that I had been told.  That I suggested he find himself in the customer's shoes for a change.  I was to find out from him the next morning what he would do -- even tho -- in his words -- that it was not their fault.

I was really hot about it.  I called up the Better Business Bureau, the radio station that they advertise on.  The next day was the same story -- I couldn't talk to the manager -- he sure does take long lunches and suppers.  Finally I decided I would go back out -- and there he was.  I told him everything that I had already done, all the stories I had heard from them, and I had just began my war with them.  He got on the phone and fast and got a turning signal for me -- but I had to go way East to have it put on.  I said fine but I want $10 for all my running around and the aggravation of it all.  I got it.  When I say East -- I mean East Mesa.  Now its back to normal -- all four signals -- and the bike really does run good.  But Mesa Honda will never work on my bike again.

With the thermal underware ( isn't it underwear?) -- I should hope to ride my bike back and fourth this winter.  On really bad days I can always go to school with Micki and Marion can pick me up.  Also I've met several others from near here that I could ride back and fourth with.

I am signed up for classes next semester.  It is 16 hours -- Don't have the exact names in front of me now -- but one of the classes is out of the nursing college -- Aging and Mental Health.  I went over to talk to them and they said it was fine that I didn't have any background as far as courses in nursing.  Two of the courses are Recreation courses -- one in camp organization and Admn. and one in Recreation for special populations -- handicapped, aged, etc.  Will cover alot of the laws, etc. for them.  Another class is Social gerontology, and Psych -- life development and aged or something like that.  As far as my schedule goes, it sure makes me appreciate this semesters more.  I'll be going mornings Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays along with Tuesday from 3:00 to 8:00 (two classes) and a class on Monday Night from 5:00 to 8:30.

Must go . . . will be writing again soon . . .

Love,

Roberta

1979 Family Letter -Nov.18

Sunday evening -

November 19, 1979

Dearest Family --

Today has been really pretty - not too cold but sunny and bright.  We had a few granules of snow in the air Thursday but since it has been real nice.  Some of the leaves are still on the trees but most of them are down except our red maples at the side of the house but they are beginning to fall.

Glad to talk to Gerry and Catherine Thursday night and know Gerry had gotten home that day and I am sure that was a happy occasion.  He is coming along fine but not to do much riding in the car but is to do some walking which lets him get out and around Madras and check things at the Jefferson Cooperative.  I am sure it will be a long couple of months until he is able to be back at work but at least it isn't the busiest time then.  Imagine Wendy is most happy to have both her parents at home again and will be glad to have her Daddy around more.

We got worried that Roberta might have had another bee sting as it had been at least ten days since we had heard from her and that is most unusual but glad to report that all is well and she had a card on the way and a letter in the typewriter she hadn't finished from almost a week before.  She had been busy getting ready for a busy day with the senior citizens -- square dancing and games, etc. so that much is out of the way and now she says she has volunteered to drive a van with wheel chair accommodations to take a group to church each Sunday so won't be going to her usual church.

Glad to talk to Serena a week ago Saturday and she has been busy but found time to attend the Methodist Church nearby though aren't too many young people in the group.  We never did get to talk to Debbie but hope that her hand is healing or arm or whatever got cut.  Dad did find a flat tire on the Dodge and has gotten it fixed and winterized (car, that is).  We really feel like plutocrats with three cars available but of course Mary Virginia is hoping that one might be available for her when she has her own license.

We are looking forward to having John and Carol here for Thanksgiving and sorry that they won't be with us longer or will get to go to the Co-Getters dinner in Cincinnati.  Also Mimi Baines called and said that her parents are coming so they won't be here for dinner here but glad that she is having her family.

Mary Virginia has been busy singing - last Tuesday evening at the Mother & Daughter Tea at the church and this morning in church -- Virginia Hildebrant asked her to sing "Bless This House" and Denise Stewart came over from Sabina to play for her.

Dad had Every Member Canvas this afternoon so we took Grandma over to the Wooden Spoon for lunch.  Made the mistake of saying that we couldn't open the freezer door without something falling out so she thought we should have eaten at home.  She is getting ready to leave a week from Tuesday for Lake Worth so is finishing up and could probably leave tomorrow if necessary.

She had a card from Aunt Mary and they have been busy, getting Joe off and moving things around for Grandma to arrive for the winter.

Our church commitment Sunday went well - John Bambers and I had 3 members in the Wilmington area to call upon, so were gone about 3 hours.  The EC Band Boosters had a mountain music program at the NV gym also this afternoon to make money for the possible Washington D.C. trip next Spring.

M.V. was on the honor roll this past six weeks period so miracles do happen.  Read in the current district church news where Rev. Schamaun is now going to the First Methodist Church in Lima, from Plain City where they have been for the past 7 years.  Wonder if his 2nd marriage was an inspiration for Melba Fawley??  That wedding will be this Wednesday at the Church then the honeymooners are going to Florida for a week.  While I am rambling around  Elroyd Collier started at the bank 25 years ago, he plans to retire next Spring.  We are gong to take them to Wilm. Wed. A.M. to get a bus for Cleveland to visit their son and wife for the weekend.  

[Love, etc.]

1979 MV's Letter to John -Nov.11

November11, 1979

Dearest John & Carol,

Mom & Dad wanted me to write & try to tell you something about Thanksgiving.  They suggested that you all come down for Thanksgiving then John could go back up to Newark for Friday, come back Saturday.  That way we could have Lil' Daffodil to ourselves for a few hours.  I guess you two signed up for the Go-Getters Thanksgiving dinner down in Covington, which is that Saturday.  I may talk Mom & Dad into letting me go & take a date.  I don't know . . . I'm not too sure I'd have to get a date first.

This week-end was the fall play -- "Barefoot in the Park" . . . they really did a good job.  Cherie Cooper & her boy friend had the lead parts.  I tried out, but there was only two girl parts . . . so maybe spring play.

Today was Gideon Sunday . . . some guy from Ross County spoke at our church.  I can't really [say] he impressed me as a speaker . . . too formal & too soft-spoken.  By the way I finally talked to Leanne Thursday nite.  She said they're going to relatives for Thanksgiving & won't be here.  Her boyfriend (Mickey) is home for awhile, and the way it sounds, I think she's cooling down on him.  She's been dating David Armentrout from Wilmington, who happens to be the district superintendent's (Methodist) son.

Georgialia seems to be doing very well . . . .  We've both been so busy lately that I really haven't had a chance to really talk to her much.  Maybe you all will have a chance to go out while you're down.

Well, I better go.  I miss you both . . . but it's just over a week until you come down.  Take care & God bless beyond & above anything you could ever need.  Love - MaryVa

1979 Roberta Letter -Nov.11

[Nov. 11,1979]

Sunday afternoon

1:00 P.M.

Dear Family,

Hi!!! (seem to be having trouble with the ! coming out clear)  Also seems like a long time since I've written.  Winter is definitely here in the valley of the sun.  Last night it got down to 42 and this morning when I got up it was 64º in the house.  Now up to 72 -- just right with two sweatshirts on . . .

I've had a big day so far.  Should start this story out by saying what all happened yesterday.  We scheduled the wheelchair van to take Agnes shopping at the mall.  It could not have been a better day weather-wise.  Had the van pick her up (I went down and then rode with her in the van to the mall) at 12:00 noon.  We did a a little shopping then ate lunch and then little more shopping then walked her here where the van was suppose to pick her up at 4:00 in the afternoon.  Marion met us at the mall.  Agnes has been to her house cleaning out closets -- about three times in the last few weeks.  While doing that she found three girdles that she had bought from Sears -- still in their bags -- receipt and the whole bit.  She wanted to take them back.  She had bought them in 1972.  Sears took them back without any question or hesitation.  They wanted to know only if she had some sort of ID and when she didn't they asked me if they could see mine.  The three girdles came to almost $24.00  Now with that money she wanted to buy a dress but could't find any yesterday that she liked; so when I talked to her this A.M. said she would order from Lane Bryant.

Back to the wheelchair van . . . at ten after four I called them up asking if something was wrong; since they are usually five or ten minutes early.  Yes.  The wheel chair van could not be used since the gas tank was leaking very badly.  But that a regular taxi driver -- in a regular car would be coming.  Soon he came, but he said that he would have no part in moving Agnes or in the actual carrying her . . . as far as putting her in the taxi.  Then we thought of this PROJECT MOBILITY van . .. which is a wheelchair van and the organizer lives in the town house area just a few buildings down . . . also the van is parked just down from us.  We went over and he came over and said how happy he would be to take Agnes home.  He knew her from before as he used to take her and alot of other nursing home patients to church . . . along with employees from Diamonds Store, etc.  They have thee vans, but both of the drivers he had have both gotten sick.  In fact one is in a nursing home now with a stroke.  He is the one that used to pick up Agnes to take her to Church on a pretty regular basis, guess he always said how awful nursing homes were and that he would never want to be in one.

So to make a long story short I volunteered my time on Sunday mornings as far as picking up patients and getting them to Church.  I will be picking up about 10 people from 6 different nursing homes.  To get them all picked up and to be at the 9:00 service have to start out at seven . . . or a little before on Sunday morning.  This morning I went with him and worked the deal going up and down as far as getting the wheelchairs in the van.  The van holds six wheelchairs and this morning we had a full house.  I'm really glad to be able to do it . . . plus should be a plus in the wonderful world of work.  (as one Prof. often says ) Perhaps I should say the wonderful world of getting work!!!!

Marion plans to get her chauffeur's license so she can also help . . . tho we would go in the same van . . . probably.  I have a C license now.  also the guy (Mark) who is in charge of this Project Mobility said that I would be welcome to use the van in taking Agnes somewhere. 

[Love, etc. -- Roberta]