1998 MV's email -Nov.9

Well . . . a celebration . . . finally have made it through the 93 emails we had waiting for us when we got back on line almost a week ago, not to mention the ones we've received since then.  Sorry to those of you who received more jokes than you ever care to think about – just hit the delete button . . . . you wouldn't believe how many I DIDN'T send on!

To bring you up to date on things . . .
My friend, Susan who was admitted to the hospital Wednesday night with severe back pain was released Thurs. with the diagnosis of a ruptured disc and bulging disc (in two different spot).  She starts PT on Monday and will be off work a minimum of 4 weeks – probably longer.

Had a good meeting in Cincinnati this weekend and they kept us very busy, but some good ideas to bring home and some excellent speakers.  Keynote speakers were Cynthia Hale (Decatur, GA Ray of Hope DOC church – excellent black female preacher).  Michael Slaughter (?) pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC near Dayton, and Juan Carols Ortiz, hispanic pastor at Crystal Cathedral.  It was called Evangelism Connections and would certainly recommend it – sponsored by 7 different mainline denominations.  Certainly helped having my friend Susie (Lackey) along for the good company and that she did ALL the driving.  It was so fun to have her along not having to worry about logistics.

Christian is at my side TRYING to reach the keyboard . . . he has mastered pretty well the art of crawling – we weren't sure that he would – and can certainly pull up on nearly anything.  I wouldn't be surprised if he's walking by his first birthday next month!

Ginny is fine . . . really excelling at school, including spelling, which gave her FITS to start with.  One of the things her teacher emphasizes is memorization, esp. scripture.  For Christmas they are doing Luke 2 (the whole chapter) and she's got it down with the exception of one or two glitches.  Just amazing!

Looking forward to Mom, Dad, Serena and Catherine's visit next week, although relatively brief!  Catherine (my oldest sister) is flying in from AZ to Ohio, meeting up with Mom and Dad and will be coming here to meet up with Serena who lives in Asheville, NC.  All to spend the night with their favorite youngest sibling.

Christian is (finally) getting tired and I better move on.  Promise to write more personal stuff and send less jokes in the upcoming weeks!  Hope this finds all of you healthy and happy.  Always glad to hear from any of you.  Love, MVUC

2003 Ginny & Christian Father's Day card to Grandpa

 2003 Father's Day card to HH signed by Christian, Ginny & MV

I Love You –Christian

Love ya lots! –Ginny

Sorry we're not there to celebrate in person, but hope you have a wonderful day!  We're looking forward to seeing you in July. –Love MV

2014 Christian's Voice Recital -Jun8

Always impressed by the talents, aptitudes and accomplishments of the younger generations.  Today we feature Christian's vocal talents and congratulate him on his recital!  Transcription of clipping follows.

Ad for Christian's Voice Recital – June 2014

Christian featured in newspaper article – June 2014

Sing a new song

Teens present their first recital

by Dahlia Allen

Christian Crowson and Sarrah Long have been singing as long s they can remember.  They have sung at school, at literary meets, in talent competitions and in the Pine Forest United Methodist Church youth choir.

Crowson and Long don't sing together, but they will be on the same recital program June 8 – the first recital for both of them.  Students of Dick Burrell, 16-year=old Crowson is a 10th grader at Trinity Christian School.  Long is a 15-year-old home-schooled ninth grader.

Long discovered her soprano voice when she won first place in a sixth-grade talent contest at West Laurens Middle School.  "Then at talent camp in Florida in the sixth grade, I placed in all my categories," she said.

For her, that was a beginning.  More talent contests have brought her modeling and acting agents in Atlanta and New York.  Her goal is an acting career in musical theater.

Crowson said he started singing when he was little.  "People always told me I had a nice voice," he said.  When he was about 13, his mother, Mary Crowson who is choir director at Pine Forest UMC, realized he had something special.

A tenor who also can hit low notes he he competed in the state literary meet while in the eight grade.  This competition generally is reserved for high school students.  Crowson said he plans on a career in music education but has not chosen a college.

Last year, both Crowson and Long won first place in the state at the National Association for Teachers of Singing competition at Mercer University.  In March, Crowson won first place in in [sic] musical theater in the five-state regional competition.

In the June 8 recital, each will sing classical, spiritual and musical theater solos.  Crowson's classical pieces will be Schumann's "Auf dem Rein," Scarlotti's "Gia il sole dal Gange" and Quilter's "Blow, Blow Thy Winter Wind."  In addition, he will sing "Lord I Want to be a Christian" and "De Gospel Train."  His musical theater selections will be "If I Can't Love Her" from Beauty and the Beast, "My Name" from Oliver and "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady.

Long will sing Morley's "Animal Crackers" and Giordano's "Caro mio ben" for her classical selections.  She also will sing "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "Go Down Moses," "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," I've Got the Sun in the Morning" from Annie Get Your Gun, "Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast and "As Long as he Needs Me" from Oliver.

Long is the daughter of Tim and Melinda Long.  Crowson is the son of Don and Mary Crowson.

the recital will be at 4:30 p.m. in the church . It is free and open to the public.

2002 Georgia Reunion pictures

Harold, Kate & Jean Opryland en route to Georgia Reunion

Wendy, Ginny, Kate & Andrew 2002 Georgia Reunion

HH at Georgia Reunion 2002 

Christian & Sid enjoying dessert 2002 Georgia Reunion

Jean, Kate, Julie - 2002 Opryland en route to Georgia Reunion

Jean – still cheerful – in the hospital for hip replacement 2002 Georgia Reunion

December 21, 1989-99

Christian released from hospital

 HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Thursday 1989 - [Phoenix] Supper with Morgans. We got 14 cards today.

Friday 1990 - Picked broccoli in the garden.  Can struggle through Pomp and Circumstance on the piano.  The WSJ recently went to 75¢ for a single copy.

Monday 1992 - Met John and Julie at this restaurant [Christopher's American Fine Dining, receipt included below] in Columbus, 32nd floor of the Riffe Office Tower [Vern Riffe State Office Tower -- Click here for list of tallest buildings in Columbus, Ohio.  Apparently there is currently no restaurant at this location, appears to be mostly government occupied.]  We were at CPL for two hours before dinner, then 2½ at the restaurant, very nice and they had an entertainment card.  John and Julie are now going to this new Baptist Church near Granville.

Tuesday 1993 - [Knoxville TN to Asheville via Lake Junaluska] Nice continental breakfast at the Hotel [Knoxville Hilton], though very little business.  Good bowl of fresh fruit.  Had buffet lunch at Hotel at Lake Junaluska, NC, very nice facility.  Visited the historical museum [possibly the World Methodist Museum or the Canton Area Historical Museum] there.   Slow going into Asheville where we had reservations at the Hilton Hotel.  What a narrow road up to the hotel.  Glare of ice on highway coming into Asheville.

Wednesday 1994 - [to Phoenix] We left for Phoenix and had rental car and reservations at Royal Suites for $41/night, from 1/1 to 5/1 it is $69/night.  We are in room 133.  Delta has sure cut back on meal service, really a snack now.

Saturday 1996 - [to Newark and back] Left at 9AM for Newark, ate at little restaurant in Hanover, visited new Industrial Museum in Newark, interesting to see glass balls made with designs inside.  The family got us a toaster (wide mouth) and a portable phone.  Gave Jean a sweatshirt and pants for her birthday.  Got home about 10:30 after a snack at Wendy's before we left.  Ed Jones wrote that his wife, June, passed away.

Sunday 1997 - [Kentucky] We drove to Lexington and all were surprised that Christian would be discharged today.  We were dreading the experience of Ginny leaving her parents, she can become quite tearful.

Monday 1998 - In the 50s and lots of rain.  Jean had Hospital Twig Meeting here.

Tuesday 1999 - [Huntsville to Gulf Shores AL with Ginny] Toured the Space Center [U.S. Space and Rocket Center], way over our heads, had lunch there.  A drizzle of rain until we got south of Birmingham.  Had supper at  Lamberts in Foley AL, about 10 miles north of Gulf Shores.  The home of "Throw Bread" [referred to on their website as the only home of "Throwed Rolls"].  Gulf Shores State Park had plenty of room, right on the beach.  Now wonder the rates are low, about $40.

Receipt from Christopher's American Fine Dining 12/21/92:
1 Spring Rolls  3.95
1 Daily Soup    2.50
2 House [Salad]  5.00
2 Free Range    29.90
2 Lo-Mein        21.90
1 De-Caf Coffee 1.00
1 Crepe               3.25
1 Mousse            3.25
Subtotal             70.75
Tax                     4.07
Amount Due      74.82

December 14, 1989-99

Christian still in hospital

 HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Thursday 1989 - [ Phoenix]

Saturday 1991 - [to Kentucky] First time out for me in 2 days, chills, etc.  Had lunch at exit 126 at Cracker Barrel, then to Crowsons.  MV doesn't seem to want to eat out, but she does very well in feeding us.  Took them one of our home grown Christmas trees in the Honda.  Surprised to learn they had traded off their Honda for a new Ford Pickup.  We went to the Christmas program at the Baptist church.  They had a 30' Christmas tree, pre-fab though beautiful with 9 layers for people to stand, they were only visible from their make-up, said to cost $1800.

Tuesday 1993 - [Ginny visiting] UMW meeting at the Hannahs, they had a "house shower" for Clara Sears, who is moving into Apple Tree Apts.

Wednesday 1994 - Getting a lot of static from the children of Mary Ruth Young, such bickering.  Unloaded the new above ground tank at Wells.  Article in WNJ about the need of a 3-county jail.

Thursday 1995 - Jean went to Dr. Kerr.  Ate at Denver House, Chicken Sandwich was $4.99 with pasta.  The DS was there with 2 ministers.

Saturday 1996 - Sankers came about 1pm and we went to the Open Houses in Wilmington.  Two on Fawn Lake Dr, one was Bob and Kathy Lundquist's daughter.  Lundquist's now live near Mt. Gilead and go to Naples in the winter.  Helen Cast's condo at Cape May was on the tour as well as Dr. G's house.  The place on S. South was really a painter's gallery.

Sunday 1997 - [Kentucky] We took Ginny to Lexington to see her parents and Christian, quite a scrub down to see Christian.  Ginny had quite a tantrum in leaving her parents.  We had supper at Rap....  The Ronald McDonald House is quite impressive.  Cecil Puckett passed away at 71, they had just moved to Wilmington this past spring.

Monday 1998 - Got Barnes and Noble on the internet plus Amazon.

Tuesday 1999 - UMW pot luck at Joanne Gruber's.  G. Hannah is new president.

December 12, 1989-99

Christian's lung problems

HH's Diary 1988-1999 [lightly edited]

Wednesday 1990 - Got the Christmas letter together and wrote a few.  32oz bubbles going better.  Another nice day.

Thursday 1991 - Have runny nose today and some temperature, there is some flu around.  Jean and Sadie took GHU to Hillsboro Hospital as an outpatient.  GG and others went to Tax School in Chillicothe.

Saturday 1992 - Mother in great spirits today.  We went to Micro Mall and bought computer table and stand, they were out of the hutch.  Had supper at Grand Finale, I had the Cyst.... Salad for $8.95.  More than I wanted to eat.

Sunday 1993 - [Ginny visiting]

Monday 1994 - [Kentucky to home] Had lunch at Boston Chicken, got gas for 101.9¢ in Blanchester at UDF.  Jean had Twig meeting at Virginia Hildebrant's.

Tuesday 1995 - UMW meeting at Joanne Gruber's.  Morgans sent us a nice floral piece for the table.

Thursday 1996 - Found Aleda Purtee's will -- can't get over how she saved everything.  Had Probate Court meeting on fee structure for trusts.  We went to ⃞ dance, GG and Annie to Tax School.

Friday 1997 - [Kentucky] Since baby [Christian] is having lung problems they have taken him to Lexington University Hospital.  They [Crowsons] are staying at the Ronald McDonald house, quite nice and only $7/night.

Saturday 1998 - Helped decorate the stair railing at UMC, got the computer back, now 233mh.  Met Sankers at 5pm at Samuel Walkers.  Tony Samchi [?] is Maitre D'.  Had pecan chicken, $10.95.  Pork Chops were $11.95.  Pat Boone show was at 8, with his 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren.  Full house.  Talked with CJ, Ann, and Dorothy Moore (their mother was with them).  Gas was 87.9¢ in Wilmington.

Sunday 1999 - Surprise 50th Anniversary party for Ralph and Opal.  Tried CD-ROM in computer.  Wet rain today.  Read in Ohio Magazine about Highland Nature Sanctuary with Hermitage BOB. 3 miles past Rainsboro, right on Cave Road.  [According to the website this is the region once known as Seven Caves.]

December 11, 1922,89-99

Happy Birthday Christian

 HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

[Monday 1922 - Jean Wallace Ballantyne born.  We miss you, Mother.]

Monday 1989 - Spoke with Bill Davidson re Pontiac, he would go $450.

Tuesday 1990 - [Roberta leaves] Took Roberta to Dayton airport.  Had supper at Red Lobster, cheapest entree $6.99, soup $1.99, got gas in Vandalia for 118.9¢.  Got slip over boots at Haines, they are going out of business.  Got new heels on comfortable brown shoes.

Wednesday 1991 - Serena, John and Julie surprised Jean at Heartland.  Had dinner at Wooden Spoon, $4.95 buffet.  Jean got silk poinsettia from the Morgans.

Friday 1992 - More tax school.  Gave Jean a pair of Laser scissors for #70.  She and Ann Bailey went to Springfield to shop.

Saturday 1993 - [Ginny visiting] The Sears man from Dayton called us at 8:15 about their sale from 8-10am today.  Called the Hortons.  Bill doesn't have any appetite.  A TV Guide for Jean.  Fist day we haven't had a sympathy card.

Sunday 1994 - [Kentucky] Got Jean that library bag from New Cumberland, their 40th year.  MV got her a neck rest.  Had pot luck at Don's church at noon and then another pot luck at Somerset UMC.  MV had a great musical program in the AM services.

Monday 1995 - [Kentucky to home] Left Somerset about 9am, walked around Florence Mall, ate at Morrison's Cafeteria there.  Did get some Christmas Cards there.  Revco had them 50% off, got gas for 96.9¢.  Got Jean book, Charles Kuralt's America.

Wednesday 1996 - Wells Christmas party at Senior Citizens, also honored Jim Brooks retirement, he and Roy Adams are both 77-years-old.  Jim started 1/70.  Jean had Women's Club at Denver House.  MV sent sweatshirt, grandchildren are like seeds.

Thursday 1997 - [Christian Michael Crowson born, Kentucky] Helped MV move furniture around before they went to Somerset Hospital at 10am for C-Section at noon and was over by 12:30.  Christian Michael Crowson, 9lbs 2oz, quite red.

Friday 1998 - Christian is now 32" tall and weighs 25#.  Got Jean a fire extinguisher, hardly romantic.  Had leftovers from Wilmington for lunch and extras (broccoli from garden).  Had thought we would got to D's Pizza in PM but Jean had pizza at home.  Went to Wells for about 90 minutes for free phone calls.  Called Doris Eaton Jones discovered they live in Scottsdale.  Jean worked on computer at Wells (as Harold S had ours) for Conference Report for this Sunday.  Harold S. says they are planning an Israel trip in 2001.  Catherine sent her Mother a HUGE poinsettia.

Saturday 1999 - [Cincinnati to home] Walked to Convention Center, Big 60s fun party, $10 for adults, not for us.  Up to P.L. again and had 2pm lunch there.  Looked at South at Garfield Place out of curiosity.  Then to Covenant Presbyterian Church built in 1875.  They had a Scottish band, then a magic show - how she could turn a plain notebook into color and back.  Had supper at cheap place in Mariemont (Inn built in 1926) interesting picture of how then there was a lot of open space around.  Called Howard Uible, Jane confined to room with Emphysema.  They have been at Seasons for 2 years.

November 13, 1989-99

Christian really crawling

 HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1989 - [Chicago] Went to Dairy Show at McCormick Place.  Lot of new buildings going up.  We forget how bad congestion is in these big cities.  Met Tom and Leslie Dailey and their daughter, Laura (3) at the Drake in Oak Brook ($140 for the five of us, wow), Laura had shrimp cocktail and a so-called strawberry shortcake [was a Wyndham, now appears to be closed].  He is in business on his own.  Realized Pontiac not running well.  Found a place to park car on State and Delaware on two different nights.  Parking at John Hancock is $13.

Friday 1992 - Go to Columbus to meet Roberta, ate in Leesburg.  Marie Frump introduced herself, she was one of the waitresses.  New K-Mart open in WCH.  Big Bear is getting read to open there also.

Saturday 1993 - [Kentucky to home] Visited Book Store at Lexington Green, then to Sam's Club, a very wet AM.  Lunch at Cracker Barrel.  Stopped at Mariemont P.L., then worked a little at the Lions Club supper benefit for the NV Emergency Squad.

Monday 1995 - A light skiff of snow this AM.  Jean went to UMW meeting in Greenfield.  Finally reached Serena, she had been house sitting.  Leon is out of hospital.  Item in paper about Eleanor Robinson and Ora [?] Sanderson [?] deaths.

Wednesday 1996 - [Trip to Australia and New Zealand through 11/22]

Thursday 1997 - General 50¢/hour raise at Wells.  Cleaned out roof eaves and put 6 loads of leaves on garden.  ⃞ dance officers election night, Chad and Wilma Holland retiring.  Larry Ferguson is the new President.

Friday 1998 - [To Kentucky, Catherine visiting] Gene Williams taking extruder part to Akron.  We left for Somerset, arrived at 1PM and had lunch there at Crowsons.  Serena had arrived.  Took Honda to dealer for factory recall (4).  Christian is really crawling around.  Catherine and I went to P.L., had interesting book on Famous Train rides around the world, such as New Delhi, Bergen, Whitehorse to Skagway, Vancouver, Durango, etc. Ate at Mexican Restaurant.  We have room 107 and 207 at Comfort Inn.  Ginny really likes the pool.

Saturday 1999 - [Maumee Bay State Park with John, Julie, Kate and Andrew to home] Enjoyed walking the Board Walk adjacent to the lodge, it is 2 miles long, saw several deer.  November is a bad month for deer accidents.  Had stop in Tiffin at Heidelberg University, then lunch at Peppercorn's in Bucyrus, about a block north of Court House.  Went to P.L. and got a set of 1969 World Books for $20.  Got back to Newark about 5pm, 400 miles on trip, gas was 134.9¢.  Car turned 76,000.  We got first TV guide.

October 9, 1986-1999

Giggles over Grandma

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Wednesday 1986 - [Philippines and Korea trip through 10/10/86]

Thursday 1987 - [Indiana] Hilly Hundred Bike trip from Bloomington IN [first part].

Monday 1989 - [Columbus Day, home from Kentucky, with John, Serena, Roberta, the Hortons and Grandma] Drove down to High Bridge, quite foggy, bridge built in 1877. We all met in Lexington at 9:15 for breakfast at Shoney's. Senior Citizen buffet for $3.19 and plenty of fruit. We got off about 10:15, had a "dry run" near Dry Ridge with GHU. Lunch at Perkins on S.R. 28, GHU had the biggest meal. Got home about 3:30 and John left at once as he had a date at 6pm. We all got the giggles about GHU's remark that she didn't have time to swallow her water at the noon meal.

Tuesday 1990 - We went to Wilmington with Jo Harner to work on kitchen duty for Emmaus gathering. Jean had to leave early for her program at NV UMC. Had rain.

Wednesday 1991 - [Roberta visiting]

Friday 1992 - [Far East Trip with Liggetts] Hong Kong

Jean, HH Uible - American Restaurant - Hong Kong 1992

Saturday 1993 - [New England and Nova Scotia trip through 10/10/93]

Sunday 1994 - [to Hocking Hills] After church we drove to Inn at Cedar Falls, really a quite rustic place. We have Room 6 and John, Julie and Kate have #7. They sound like they are thinking of a second child. We ate supper at Old Man Cave Lodge, quite reasonable. Toys-R-Us had big Christmas section out today.

Monday 1995 - [Columbus Day] Ordered tickets for Phoenix trip for late March 1996.

Thursday 1997 - Went ⃞ dancing, two squares.  Jean is having "fun" feeding the Barthels cats. Still great weather, tree out front has turned yellow. Jo Ann Gruber going to her 45th HS class reunion if FL for the weekend. Jack Hatch [husband of Teresa] back in the hospital.

Friday 1998 - [Kentucky] MV left a list of things we could work on such as trim shrubbery, the tree and check the roof, replace light bulbs. Don is a slow starter in the AM. Christian loves to scoot around on his walker. He seems very good-natured. Ginny enjoys going to the library. Took the Honda up for servicing, the 3rd lane is not open yet, so ideal for bike travel. Evelyn Bernard is in CMH.

Saturday 1999 - [NYC with church group] Another breakfast in our room (the window sill serves as a refrigerator). Went to Morgan Library, a nice exhibit on George Washington, then lunch at the French Culinary Institute, 3 courses for $17.99. We were at the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street but only take 15 at a time and was sold out for the day. Talked of going to Ruby Foo's at 77th & Broadway but ended up getting some soup and ice cream at Zabar's.

July 25, 1987-99

Christian pushes himself

HH's Diary 1988-1999 [lightly edited]

Saturday 1987 - [end of RAGBRAI Iowa bike ride: West Union to Guttenberg ~47 miles] Slept in basement in sleeping bag.  This couple married in June [or January].  For breakfast they had eggs, ham and beverage.  Roberta went to Sid's School Reunion, was back at 9am.  The Des Moines Register was sold out.  We ate at place sponsored by the Democrats, then when they saw us in Guttenberg said "We have seen you before, you look better now."  Had supper at a restaurant overlooking the river.  The Moritz's took us to friends for a swim.

Tuesday 1989 - We went to Wilmington, witnessed Mrs. Fenwick's will.  Met at the library, supper at Wendy's, Tuesdays special, Super salad bar for $3.89 less a $.

Thursday 1991 - [Valdez Alaska with Don and Martha Ann Bernard]  Beautiful B&B, phone and TV in room, jacuzzi in the bathroom, also "night shades".  Great breakfast of juice, cereal, heavy sweet roll, fresh fruit and a big choice of beverages.  GG had message to call.  Don made reservations for oil line terminal tour.  Went to look for boat that Ted West works on, a large number of boats, and all the nets.  Visited fish processing plant.  Asked fellow at gas station twice about where a self service station was.  Had lunch at Pizza Parlor.

Saturday 1992 - [Auburn Indiana to home] Left Auburn with lunch at Palmer House in Berne IN.  They were having Swiss Days there.  Bought a baby coat, hangers, and measuring stick things for Ginny.  Had supper in Waynesville, what a huge place, one year old.

Monday 1994 - Item in Lions magazine: 1,417,352 members in 42,071 clubs.  [Lions Club International website, now lists 1.35+ million members in 45,000 clubs.]   Bill is difficult to handle.  More rain.

Tuesday 1995 - Mary [MUH] having trouble getting back on schedule.  She has plans for Joe's new house.  Using some of the fig bars and raisins that Roberta sent.  Bob Carey raving about Charm Country View Inn in Charm, Ohio.

Thursday 1996 - [to Kalispell MT] Flew to Kalispell, what a crowd.  Had lunch at old hotel, visited mansion.

Friday 1997 - [to Rhode Island? with JJK]  Lions Club: 1,430,305 members; 43,509 clubs.  Walter Schull born on Cleveland's east side near Hough Ave. and Crawford Road on 7/25/17.

Saturday 1998 - [at Aldersgate UMC camp near Ravenna Ky to Somerset KY with Ginny] Left camp at 10am, spent some time at Irvine Public Library.  Lunch at Food Court in Mall at Richmond.  Ginny's eyes are bigger than her appetite.  Staying at Somerset Motel.  Ginny was in the water for two hours.  Supper at Rockin Robin.  Christian seems very angelic and heavy.  He loves to push himself around the house in his walker.  Gas 86.9¢.

Sunday 1999 - Nancy Walker and her three children at Church.   SS picnic at Denver Park in Wilmington.  Judy Henderson Croghan had some gals dressed up with tin cars, etc.  Martinsville had a skit on Noah's Ark.  First Day of RAGBRAI.  Roberta got along fine.  [July 24-30, 2011 – RAGBRAI XXXIX]

Feb. 28 1987-99

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Saturday 1987 - [Arizona] 2 nights spent at Stage Coach Inn in Patagonia, $64.95/night.  [I think this was actually in January as previous notes mention being in AZ in January and leaving on Feb. 3.]

Tuesday 1989 -We received 2 dozen lovely red roses from MV -- her 25th birthday.  Also Anna McCann birthday, she is 59 today.  I felt lousy, chills, etc. so stayed home.  I can play Happy Birthday [on piano] from memory.

Wednesday 1990 - [Florida]

Thursday 1991 - Open house program and reception for Gene Williams celebrating his 30 years as Scoutmaster -- 17 Eagle Scouts in those years.  Called MV for her birthday, they are having trouble getting license for their Honda.

Friday 1992 - Back in the office after 10 day trip to the Holy Land through Educational Opportunities.  Still having chills, lots of phlegm in my throat.  G.G. leaves for Florida tomorrow.  GHU is the same, didn't register that we had been gone.  Dusty Irish spoke at church.

Monday 1994 - [Kauai, Hawaii]

Tuesday 1995 - Called Annie [Arnie?] in Florida.  Rose [Cooper?] also went.  New Denver airport opened today, 18 months late and several billion over cost estimate.  Congress voting on balanced budget bill today.  Jean went to the dentist in AM and came to office in PM to work on McKibben, certified letters now cost $2.52.

Wednesday 1996 - Dr. office called [after physical yesterday] and said I was in good shape medically.  Catherine also went to the Dr., we called and she said everything was OK.  Wendy said she and Tom had broken up.

Saturday 1998 - Went to Wilmington College, saw the play "The Rose Tattoo" by Tennessee Williams.  Story of a gal whose husband was unfaithful -- he gets killed and she goes batty.  Later falls for a guy that has a rose tattoo and has a happy ending.  Made hotel reservations for Shepherdstown, WV and also at the DC Hilton for 4/3/98 [HH & JWBU's 50th Anniversary].  Jean got new battery for her watch and is typing up recipes for UMW.  In the WNJ about our Police Chief being arrested in connection with the bank robbery in New Vienna.

Sunday 1999 - [Kentucky]  Christian under the weather so Jean stayed with him.  Ginny told me I shouldn't use the church elevator since I wouldn't know what button to push, but to use the stairs.  We had reservations at the Comfort Inn, room 317 at $51.95.  Ginny loves the pool.  For supper we went to Kroger's salad bar at $3.29/pound.  MV and Don got in about 8:30 and they decided to take Christian to the hospital.

Feb. 6, 1989-99

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999

Monday 1989 - Jean went to Columbus to the Book Circle Store.  Six month car insurance was $492, unleaded gas 85.9 cents/gallon. 

Tuesday 1990 - Jean has program at Mothers Club, book review on Barbara Bush.

Wednesday 1991 - Gary Kersey had program at Lions Club on the paper in the print on the Emancipation Proclamation.  Jean and Mary [MUH] went to Hillsboro to see Mother, she had been up in the wheel chair, they met Vivian.  Bill's brother Cris passed away.

Thursday 1992 - Keith Rankin here "re-gluing" the ceramic tile in the guest bathroom.

Saturday 1993 - [Lexington to home]  We went to the Target store (used to be Gold Circle), then to Darryl's for lunch.  Went to Bookstore, got Mobil Tour '93 Big City Book $15, plus Spanish book and book on Guatemala.  Then to Sam's Club, lots of people handing out food samples.  Back to Cincy, stop at Micro Mall to get chair, then to see Ed Fite at Bethesda North.  He came home sick from AZ.

Sunday 1994 - Boy Scout Sunday at church.  We met Serena at Books and Co. in Dayton (big bookstore), Arthur Frommer spoke, he started in 1957 on those $5/day books, now I think it is $60/day.  Had supper at Mark Pi's.  Jean bought shoes at Roderer's.

Monday 1995 - Mothers Club canceled because of the snow.

Thursday 1997 - [to England]  Left for London on Delta non-stop from CVG, at the Penn Club.  Delta uses North Terminal at Gatwick.

Friday 1998 - Continuing Legal Ed at Wilmington 9-3, then appointment with Dr. Lawley, had a cystoscopy exam where they put tube up penis to look at bladder -- very quick, said I was fine, just an enlarged prostate.  Jean had mammogram at CMH.  Ate at Bob Evans.  Saw Donna Cornelius there with Don ______.  Winter Olympics starting in Nagano, Japan. 

Saturday 1999 - [Somerset] Breakfast at Days Inn is kind of a joke, just 2 chairs there.  Drove over to Liberty KY and ate at this restaurant run by a children's group.  Christian got his first hair cut.

Jan. 17, 1989-99

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999

Tuesday 1989 - Getting several orders on our FAX machine.  Another beautiful day, had waffles for supper, got 500 business cards for $20.90+tax

Thursday 1991 - [Roberta arrives] Jean went to CMH Guild meeting and I went to Court House then to Columbus to meet Roberta.  Mother seemed a little better, we ate at the hospital, gas 118.9¢  Big jump in stock market today.  Everett Bailey (69) retired from Krogers today.

Sunday 1993 -After seeing GHU we met Serena and John (Julie was going to a shower) at Mayas, 9749 Kenwood Rd in Blue Ash for lunch [Now a Qdoba at this location], then to Barnes and Noble and mall - John got a new pair of shoes (Rockport).  Had supper at Trio's across the street (7565 Kenwood Road), very popular.  Got gas for 98.9¢.

Monday 1994 - About 8" snow this AM.  There is a bird in our typing room, must have come down the chimney.

Wednesday 1996 - [Phoenix] We went to Scottsdale Culinary Institute, most meals were $8.95, it is a one year cooking school, great experience.

Saturday 1998 -  [MV, Ginny and Christian visiting]   Shane Rider spoke this AM at UMC Breakfast.  He had been on a mission trip to Jamaica over the Christmas holidays.  Christian is very wide-eyed.  Ginny and I went over to the school playground.  Had fire in fireplace, first one this year.

Sunday 1999 - Pulpit exchange Sunday.  Gave to the Walkers the Internet weather forecast for Salamanca.  Had lunch at Dee's here in NV, Jean had roast beef at $5.49 and I had too much pasta.  Fun night in Martinsville but not a fun time coming home -- we offered to bring these 2 gals to NV, then one of them said she had left her glasses in the other car, so we went to the house where she would be stopping and got stuck their yard.  Had to call a wrecker and then the guy called the Sheriff about all the yard damage.  What a wet place.

Jan. 15, 1989-99

HH Diary 1989-1999

Sunday 1989 - Sharon King (works at bank) sang at church.  Since we were expecting Mary Virginia and Diane for lunch, we had plenty of food, so invited Bill Frankenberg for lunch, he now lives on Welcome Rd.  MC called again about us meeting them in Middleton, but not possible since we had company.  Went on 23 mile bike ride, out NV Road, Hixon Rd, Larrick Rd, Terrell Rd, Bernard Rd.  Average speed 12.5 mph.  Roberta called, possibility she is going to Washington DC 3/18 for 6 day meeting.  SS=46, Church=66, $331.37.

Monday 1990 - GG must have thought I looked bad, gave me 3 frozen White Castle hamburgers.  Serena gets out of the hospital. 

Tuesday 1991 - Took Mother to CMH.  She has pneumonia, seems to be resting comfortably.  Roberta called about coming in two days.  The Hortons have standby reservations for 1/24.  Fatal accident at 28 and 134.  Jay Ewing came at 9:30.

Wednesday 1992 - Our first winter storm, not much snow but lots of wind.  Mother in good mood, would hardly recognize her writing.

Saturday 1994 - Another zero day.  Jean went to meeting in Hillsboro on stress by former missionary.  John called and said Kate was crawling all over their house.

Sunday 1995 - [to Newark]  The couple who had the music were sure overweight and the way they ate it was understandable.  The new UMC Conference office is going up on the grounds of the Worthington Childrens Home.  Went to Newark, Red Lobster for supper.  In the evening we all went to the Cherry Valley Lodge and helped put out program for the breakfast (that Julie is chairing) they are having for 300 people for this special school.

Monday 1996 - [Phoenix]

Thursday 1998 - Carolyn's 23rd year at Wells.

Friday 1999 - MV sent us email that Christian is walking, Ginny has a rash that develops at school.  Jr. Daye had operation for colon cancer.  Hilda Williams in for tests.  Mike Daye having problems with feeling in his hands.

Dec. 21, 1989-99 Christian released from hospital

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Thursday 1989 - [Phoenix] Supper with Morgans. We got 14 cards today.

Friday 1990 - Picked broccoli in the garden.  Can struggle through Pomp and Circumstance on the piano.  The WSJ recently went to 75¢ for a single copy.

Monday 1992 - Met John and Julie at this restaurant [Christopher's American Fine Dining, receipt included below] in Columbus, 32nd floor of the Riffe Office Tower [Vern Riffe State Office Tower -- Click here for list of tallest buildings in Columbus, Ohio.  Apparently there is currently no restaurant at this location, appears to be mostly government occupied.]  We were at CPL for two hours before dinner, then 2½ at the restaurant, very nice and they had an entertainment card.  John and Julie are now going to this new Baptist Church near Granville.

Tuesday 1993 - [Knoxville TN to Asheville via Lake Junaluska] Nice continental breakfast at the Hotel [Knoxville Hilton], though very little business.  Good bowl of fresh fruit.  Had buffet lunch at Hotel at Lake Junaluska, NC, very nice facility.  Visited the historical museum [possibly the World Methodist Museum or the Canton Area Historical Museum] there.   Slow going into Asheville where we had reservations at the Hilton Hotel.  What a narrow road up to the hotel.  Glare of ice on highway coming into Asheville.

Wednesday 1994 - [to Phoenix] We left for Phoenix and had rental car and reservations at Royal Suites for $41/night, from 1/1 to 5/1 it is $69/night.  We are in room 133.  Delta has sure cut back on meal service, really a snack now.

Saturday 1996 - [to Newark and back] Left at 9AM for Newark, ate at little restaurant in Hanover, visited new Industrial Museum in Newark, interesting to see glass balls made with designs inside.  The family got us a toaster (wide mouth) and a portable phone.  Gave Jean a sweatshirt and pants for her birthday.  Got home about 10:30 after a snack at Wendy's before we left.  Ed Jones wrote that his wife, June, passed away.

Sunday 1997 - [Kentucky] We drove to Lexington and all were surprised that Christian would be discharged today.  We were dreading the experience of Ginny leaving her parents, she can become quite tearful.

Monday 1998 - In the 50s and lots of rain.  Jean had Hospital Twig Meeting here.

Tuesday 1999 - [Huntsville to Gulf Shores AL with Ginny] Toured the Space Center [U.S. Space and Rocket Center], way over our heads, had lunch there.  A drizzle of rain until we got south of Birmingham.  Had supper at  Lamberts in Foley AL, about 10 miles north of Gulf Shores.  The home of "Throw Bread" [referred to on their website as the only home of "Throwed Rolls"].  Gulf Shores State Park had plenty of room, right on the beach.  Now wonder the rates are low, about $40.

Receipt from Christopher's American Fine Dining 12/21/92:
1 Spring Rolls  3.95
1 Daily Soup    2.50
2 House [Salad]  5.00
2 Free Range    29.90
2 Lo-Mein        21.90
1 De-Caf Coffee 1.00
1 Crepe               3.25
1 Mousse            3.25
Subtotal             70.75
Tax                     4.07
Amount Due      74.82

Dec. 12, 1989-99 Christian's lung problems

Dad's Diary 1988-1999 [lightly edited]

Wednesday 1990 - Got the Christmas letter together and wrote a few.  32oz bubbles going better.  Another nice day.

Thursday 1991 - Have runny nose today and some temperature, there is some flu around.  Jean and Sadie took GHU to Hillsboro Hospital as an outpatient.  GG and others went to Tax School in Chillicothe.

Saturday 1992 - Mother in great spirits today.  We went to Micro Mall and bought computer table and stand, they were out of the hutch.  Had supper at Grand Finale, I had the Cyst.... Salad for $8.95.  More than I wanted to eat.

Sunday 1993 - [Ginny visiting]

Monday 1994 - [Kentucky to home] Had lunch at Boston Chicken, got gas for 101.9¢ in Blanchester at UDF.  Jean had Twig meeting at Virginia Hildebrant's.

Tuesday 1995 - UMW meeting at Joanne Gruber's.  Morgans sent us a nice floral piece for the table.

Thursday 1996 - Found Aleda Purtee's will -- can't get over how she saved everything.  Had Probate Court meeting on fee structure for trusts.  We went to ⃞ dance, GG and Annie to Tax School.

Friday 1997 - [Kentucky] Since baby [Christian] is having lung problems they have taken him to Lexington University Hospital.  They [Crowsons] are staying at the Ronald McDonald house, quite nice and only $7/night.

Saturday 1998 - Helped decorate the stair railing at UMC, got the computer back, now 233mh.  Met Sankers at 5pm at Samuel Walkers.  Tony Samchi [?] is Maitre D'.  Had pecan chicken, $10.95.  Pork Chops were $11.95.  Pat Boone show was at 8, with his 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren.  Full house.  Talked with CJ, Ann, and Dorothy Moore (their mother was with them).  Gas was 87.9¢ in Wilmington.

Sunday 1999 - Surprise 50th Anniversary party for Ralph and Opal.  Tried CD-ROM in computer.  Wet rain today.  Read in Ohio Magazine about Highland Nature Sanctuary with Hermitage BOB. 3 miles past Rainsboro, right on Cave Road.  [According to the website this is the region once known as Seven Caves.]

Dec. 11, 1989-99 Happy Birthday, Mother and Christian!

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

[Monday 1922 - Jean Wallace Ballantyne born]

Monday 1989 - Spoke with Bill Davidson re Pontiac, he would go $450.

Tuesday 1990 - [Roberta leaves] Took Roberta to Dayton airport.  Had supper at Red Lobster, cheapest entree $6.99, soup $1.99, got gas in Vandalia for 118.9¢.  Got slip over boots at Haines, they are going out of business.  Got new heels on comfortable brown shoes.

Wednesday 1991 - Serena, John and Julie surprised Jean at Heartland.  Had dinner at Wooden Spoon, $4.95 buffet.  Jean got silk poinsettia from the Morgans.

Friday 1992 - More tax school.  Gave Jean a pair of Laser scissors for #70.  She and Ann Bailey went to Springfield to shop.

Saturday 1993 - [Ginny visiting] The Sears man from Dayton called us at 8:15 about their sale from 8-10am today.  Called the Hortons.  Bill doesn't have any appetite.  A TV Guide for Jean.  Fist day we haven't had a sympathy card.

Sunday 1994 - [Kentucky] Got Jean that library bag from New Cumberland, their 40th year.  MV got her a neck rest.  Had pot luck at Don's church at noon and then another pot luck at Somerset UMC.  MV had a great musical program in the AM services.

Monday 1995 - [Kentucky to home] Left Somerset about 9am, walked around Florence Mall, ate at Morrison's Cafeteria there.  Did get some Christmas Cards there.  Revco had them 50% off, got gas for 96.9¢.  Got Jean book, Charles Kuralt's America.

Wednesday 1996 - Wells Christmas party at Senior Citizens, also honored Jim Brooks retirement, he and Roy Adams are both 77-years-old.  Jim started 1/70.  Jean had Women's Club at Denver House.  MV sent sweatshirt, grandchildren are like seeds.

Thursday 1997 - [Christian Michael Crowson born, Kentucky] Helped MV move furniture around before they went to Somerset Hospital at 10am for C-Section at noon and was over by 12:30.  Christian Michael Crowson, 9lbs 2oz, quite red.

Friday 1998 - Christian is now 32" tall and weighs 25#.  Got Jean a fire extinguisher, hardly romantic.  Had leftovers from Wilmington for lunch and extras (broccoli from garden).  Had thought we would got to D's Pizza in PM but Jean had pizza at home.  Went to Wells for about 90 minutes for free phone calls.  Called Doris Eaton Jones discovered they live in Scottsdale.  Jean worked on computer at Wells (as Harold S had ours) for Conference Report for this Sunday.  Harold S. says they are planning an Israel trip in 2001.  Catherine sent her Mother a HUGE poinsettia.

Saturday 1999 - [Cincinnati to home] Walked to Convention Center, Big 60s fun party, $10 for adults, not for us.  Up to P.L. again and had 2pm lunch there.  Looked at South at Garfield Place out of curiosity.  Then to Covenant Presbyterian Church built in 1875.  They had a Scottish band, then a magic show - how she could turn a plain notebook into color and back.  Had supper at cheap place in Mariemont (Inn built in 1926) interesting picture of how then there was a lot of open space around.  Called Howard Uible, Jane confined to room with Emphysema.  They have been at Seasons for 2 years.

Oct. 29, 1989-99 Ginny rolls over, Christian hollers

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Sunday 1989 - 89 at church, Helen Drake baptized.  Nellie Thornburg put in birthday $$, she is 89.

Monday 1990 - [Roberta visiting]

Thursday 1992 - [Kentucky]  Met MV and Don at Outback Restaurant in Lexington.  Ginny is growing, she can roll over by herself.  We both got sleepy driving on to Williamsburg.

Friday 1993 - Went to Lebanon (Otterbein) to see the Finchs on legal business.  741 is torn up south of the Home.  We ate at the Golden Lamb, early bird special was $7.95, plenty of beans.  Went to Big Bear for groceries.

Saturday 1994 - [Phoenix AZ] Went to Scottsdale to see the play "Oleanna" about a male professor and a girl student.  He is charged with sexual abuse.  We went early and got the tickets and then Roberta came with some folks from Senior Village.  We enjoy going to the S.W. Grocery, a strong Mexican influence.  We visited the Heard Museum.  They were also having "Dia de los Muertos."  [Officially celebrated on November 2 in connection with All Souls' Day.

Sunday 1995 - Jean is up and walking around.  John, Julie and Kate came about 5:30 and we had a snack at the hospital.  Julie's brother-in-law is a therapist there.  Georgalia joined us for supper, Stan is 57.  She said the daughter-in-law from Kenya is more like her than her two daughters, one has been taking movies of local scenes.

Wednesday 1997 - Took the afternoon off, put up storm windows and planted evergreen and the red maples around the yard, mostly on far end across the street.  Roger Bahr came over and got our email icon back on the screen.  Ed Johnson is pastor at Belfast, Folsom, and ________ UMCs.

Thursday 1998 - Flu shots today.  Jean worked at the Senior Center.  Hinshaws came about 5, we had expected them at 4 as we had made reservations at Murphin Ridge for 5:30 so called them again.  We did get there about 6 and had a very good dinner.  $68 for the four of us and we each had cider (refillable) for $1.50 each, plus we had a total of two desserts.  They had been hiking in the Edge of the Appalachia Preserve near Lynx - Buzzardroost Rock.

Friday 1999 - [to Kentucky] Drove to Somerset.  Halloween party at UMC.  MV went to activity at Richmond.  Christian can really holler when his Mother leaves.  We spent the night there, a real challenge to get to the bathroom with all the clothes hanging on the door.

Oct. 9, 1986-99 Giggles over Grandma

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Wednesday 1986 - [Philippines and Korea trip through 10/10/86]

Thursday 1987 - [Indiana] Hilly Hundred Bike trip from Bloomington IN [first part].

Monday 1989 - [Columbus Day, home from Kentucky, with John, Serena, Roberta, the Hortons and Grandma] Drove down to High Bridge, quite foggy, bridge built in 1877. We all met in Lexington at 9:15 for breakfast at Shoney's. Senior Citizen buffet for $3.19 and plenty of fruit. We got off about 10:15, had a "dry run" near Dry Ridge with GHU. Lunch at Perkins on S.R. 28, GHU had the biggest meal. Got home about 3:30 and John left at once as he had a date at 6pm. We all got the giggles about GHU's remark that she didn't have time to swallow her water at the noon meal.

Tuesday 1990 - We went to Wilmington with Jo Harner to work on kitchen duty for Emmaus gathering. Jean had to leave early for her program at NV UMC. Had rain.

Wednesday 1991 - [Roberta visiting]

Friday 1992 - [Seattle to Far East Trip with Liggitts]

Saturday 1993 - [New England and Nova Scotia trip through 10/10/93]

Sunday 1994 - [to Hocking Hills] After church we drove to Inn at Cedar Falls, really a quite rustic place. We have Room 6 and John, Julie and Kate have #7. They sound like they are thinking of a second child. We ate supper at Old Man Cave Lodge, quite reasonable. Toys-R-Us had big Christmas section out today.

Monday 1995 - [Columbus Day] Ordered tickets for Phoenix trip for late March 1996.

Thursday 1997 - Went ⃞ dancing, two squares.  Jean is having "fun" feeding the Bartels cats. Still great weather, tree out front has turned yellow. Jo Ann Gruber going to her 45th HS class reunion if FL for the weekend. Jack Hatch back in the hospital.

Friday 1998 - [Kentucky] MV left a list of things we could work on such as trim shrubbery, the tree and check the roof, replace light bulbs. Don is a slow starter in the AM. Christian loves to scoot around on his walker. He seems very good-natured. Ginny enjoys going to the library. Took the Honda up for servicing, the 3rd lane is not open yet, so ideal for bike travel. Evelyn Bernard is in CMH.

Saturday 1999 - [NYC with church group] Another breakfast in our room (the window sill serves as a refrigerator). Went to Morgan Library, a nice exhibit on George Washington, then lunch at the French Culinary Institute, 3 courses for $17.99. We were at the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street but only take 15 at a time and was sold out for the day. Talked of going to Ruby Foo's at 77th & Broadway but ended up getting some soup and ice cream at Zabar's.