1951 Catherine & Roberta - Christmas 1951

Roberta & Catherine with new table & chairs -- Christmas 1951

 

1991 Christmas Photo -Dec.25

Don & Mary, John & Julie, Serena, and Grandma - Christmas 1991

 

1951 & 1959 (or'60?) Christmas pictures of siblings

 

Catherine & Roberta, Christmas 1951

Serena & John, Christmas 1959 or 1960

1951 & 1970 Christmas photos of HH

 

 

Dec. 19, 1971

Dear Grandma,

Hi!  We're here on the plains Illinois prairie having a good time.  Eureka has about 2500 people so it's slightly larger than N.V.  There is also Eureka College and I guess Ronald Reagen went to college here.

We really appreciated the Christmas money.  We put it right to work by buying two records and going out to dinner at a place called Mr. Steak.  There's still some money left -- maybe we'll buy some dogfood.  Ha!

Tell Marianne and Larry, Cris and Rob "Hi" for us.  We'll be thinking about you all on Christmas.

Love,
Catherine & Dick

1953 Catherine & Roberta -Christmas time

 

While Catherine is busy coloring, Roberta appears to be stashing crayons in her socks.  Perhaps this was the beginning of the attraction of unique and colorful socks.

1961 Family Letter -Dec.11

December 11, 1961

Dearest Catherine, Mother & Daddy Uible & all the Hortons,

Thanks so much for the nice cards, money and the earring holder -- all of which I appreciated very much and will put all to good use.

We just got back from the program at the school -- the Christmas operetta with all the grades and the High School Glee Club participating.  They had a huge crowd -- we sat on the bleachers so we could see as well as hear better.  They brought Bobby Curtis up in an ambulance and elevated a stretcher so he could see the program.

We visited the rooms afterwards and they are all decorated for Christmas and look real nice.  Roberta's room have new desks with laminated tops and they are so proud of them -- want a new one for Mrs. King, their teacher now.

Shirley & her mother were in Mrs. Laughlin's room with Barbara and Shirley says she plans to write to you tomorrow.

Last night was the Redeemer's meeting -- potluck supper with the families.  There were 23 adults there and about 30 children.  The Garrisons and the Williamses were there for the first time.  The Intermediate MYF Christmas party was at 7:00 at the parsonage so just as soon as we had eaten Helen & I left to be on hand for their meeting.  Laura Hughes was also there.

They read the story of many of the Christmas carols, showed a film concerning same, had some games and the gift exchange and refreshments (punch and Christmas cookies).  Peggy Fawley said she had received some stationery so now she could write to Catherine (I overheard this) so you might send her at least a card when you have a little free time.  (Maybe when it's not your turn to shuffle or deal).  Do keep up your studies and not be the cause of Joe or Marianne not getting on the honor roll.

This morning the Home Ec classes invited some to see a demonstration given on Christmas cooking and decorations by the Dayton Power and Light demonstrator from Washington Court House.  They had neglected to mention that refreshments would be served so at 9AM we were served punch, cookies, candy and caramel cake with very few of us with appetites for such at that hour.  John stayed with Serena's class til they had to go practice for the operetta.  

Wasn't that a good picture of someone you know in last Friday night's paper?  I was real surprised although Daddy had said that a photographer had been there -- he had said it in such a joking manner we thought he was just kidding.

We are to meet tomorrow morning to pick out gifts for the Kuntzmans and Wilsons from the church -- have an idea it will be a waffle iron - sandwich grill for the parsonage but no idea what will be chosen for the Wilsons.

We had quite a large snow Saturday morning but turned to sleet and rain toward afternoon and was all gone by Sunday except for a few patches that the sun finally melted today.  But a very cold spell is in the offing and is to arrive by tomorrow night.

I am now the proud owner of a real pretty watch -- a Gruen which I received today and had been wanting for ever so long.  Daddy had a time shortening the strap -- really needed jeweler's tools but its just right now.

Don't forget to send us the detailed route of the shortcut around Knoxville if you have not already sent it.  I'd like to go down by way of the West Virginia Turnpike to break the monotony of Maysville, etc., but will probably go the same way.  They are not having the luncheon like they had last year inviting the school board the last day so will probably take off as soon as the girls get home from their school Christmas parties.  Lets hope it isn't quite as cold as last year.

We've been reading with interest the temperature readings for Florida.  Our heavy snow that was expected has been diverted so we'll think of you enjoying your new suit.  Anxious to see it.  Have you bought any gym shoes yet?

Hope to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow and haven't written a Christmas card yet so have plenty to do in the next week.

Glad to hear you are being a help to the Hortons -- it is certainly wonderful of them to take you into their fold and look after you so well.

Thanks again for the cards with such pretty messages.  I'm anxious to put my earrings on the new holder -- the other one was such a nuisance.

Love to all --

[The following is on the back]

Received your Friday's letter this morning.  Wonder if you are getting in any piano practice yourself.  Brought John's bed down to the shop this morning for he has stretched out beyond it.  Sounds like you are having a busy time.  Are you ready to move to Lake Worth?

Daddy

P.S.  John is getting ready to go to see you, for let him out this morning and he got a haircut.

1961 Jean's Letter -Dec.7-8

 

Thursday 12/7

& Friday 12/8

[1961]

Dearest Catherine, Mother & Daddy Uible and all the Hortons,

Glad to hear you have been writing to your friends -- Shirley and Weegie both reported hearing from you and Marianne.

The Mothers Club was here Tuesday night and Roberta played two songs -- "The Dancing Bear" and "The Lord Is My Shepherd".  The Girls Ensemble sang several numbers & played on their instruments (from Recreation room) -- Debby & Patty Bernard recited a poem.

Last night was the Ladies Night at the Lions Club out at the Snow Hill Country Club.  Gretchen Huffman & I decorated out there in the morning after her radio show.  The tables looked real nice -- made to look like a Christmas package with a strip of red crepe paper running length-wise and cross-wise and a big red bow in center on top.  Also red candles and evergreen around the bottom.  

Gretchen had the idea of making pixies out of pipe cleaners & crepe paper so she, Norma Allen & I each made about 22 of those for place favors.

There were 30 couples altogether & had a very good buffet style dinner -- chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans cooked with pecans, many assorted relishes and pumpkin pie with honey on top. 

Afterwards there was a five piece orchestra for dancing from 8:30-11:30.  One of the players was the new papa Dick Swindler.

Mrs. Wilson was to be our baby sitter but she called yesterday morning to say she had intestinal flu.  So was able to get Linda Rudisill and she did very well.  The house straight & neat, the few dishes were  done & all had gone to bed without a lot of fuss.

I went to school today and we have so many new books -- don't have room for them all on the shelves.  Guess one of our better readers is away & we're not getting as many circulated.  Have you been to the library down there?  No doubt the school has a nice library of its own.  Please take note of everything so you can give me pointers for up here.  

Mr. Longsworth asked if you've been swimming yet.  All the teachers asked how you are getting along.

Serena says: Merry Christmas

Love to all . . . .

1981 Catherine's Letter -Nov.25

 

 

Wednesday, November 25, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  Thanks for the pictures of Mary & Mie Young -- very flattering of both of them.  I am a little late in getting this letter off to you this week but better late than not at all.  Right?

How was your Thanksgiving?  We were going to eat out but when we called the place we wanted to go on Monday evening they were all booked up.  So we decided we didn't really want to drive to Bend anyway.  We made a trip to the grocery store instead.

It's now Monday, November 30.

Continued . . . . Nice talking to you on Saturday.  Sorry about the confusion, Mary.  I really did think you were Serena.  I just got to the library -- it's 8:00 a.m. and the temperature inside here is 52º.  The heaters are going full blast now though so the place should be up to 70º by 10:00 when we open.

Tomorrow I have library board meeting at 1:00.  I have been trying to get a book selection policy typed up -- the state library puts out a model one which I am adapting -- so they can approve it.  Also I can report on a few changes that have been made since the meeting in September.

Tomorrow night I have AAUW book group meeting here at the library and Gerry has House Committee meeting at the Elks so the babysitter is coming to stay with Wendy.  Today being the last day of the month I will be able to start on a new phase of bookkeeping tomorrow also.  Next will be the end of the year payroll reports and all of that.  At least the fiscal year doesn't end until March 31 so I won't have to be doing that at the same time.

Wendy wants to go to school now so I better close.  As far as Christmas goes for her you might look through the Sears Christmas catalog and then we could order it for you.  One thing which she has been wanting is a typewriter and I know Sears has several varieties of children's typewriters.  Another thing is a Barbie doll house or some other type dollhouse.  If I have any other ideas I will let you know.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Roberta's Letter -Jan.3

 

[January 3, 1981]

Saturday Afternoon

Dear Family,

This has sure been a busy day for me . . . have been out shopping and went to the Post Office to get some packages in the mail . . . only seem to be a few weeks late!!!

Think I've spent all my Christmas money now . . . in fact maybe went a few dollars over . . . Spent a large part of it at Radio Shack.  Bought a real neat stereo -- small -- but with two speakers.  Has both AF/FM radio and Cassette Tape player.  Also bought two external microphones -- should really be able to tape some great sounding stuff now.  I will be able to use it alot out at work.  You will never believe what else I got . . . a cordless telephone.  They have one that they use as their business phone.  You all will have to wait till you get out here to see it . . . Figure it should be able to stretch throughout the house.

Also got an expense calendar -- and hope to keep track of the money coming in and out better.  Think I told you this last week I also bought some tapes out of Christmas money.

Your letter came in this afternoon's mail.  Just a shame you all aren't here to enjoy our record-breaking hot weather.  Think it got up to 83º yesterday -- just hard to believe that its winter back in Ohio!!!  And hope that we don't have the annual floods this year!!!

Buffy is just feeling fine again -- up to his usual stuff -- tearing up kleenex -- etc.  Of course Buffy was sure happy to see Marion come in on Thursday.  Marion took a bus from nearby her town to Des Moines -- got there around midnight New Year's Eve.  Wasn't suppose to fly out till about noon that day (New Year's) but was able to get an early morning flight out.  Was here six hours before she was suppose to be -- for her thats quite a switch.  I had a few women from work in for a small New Year's Eve party -- they stayed up much later than I did.  After ten o'clock I said that it has already changed to 1981 in Ohio so I could go to bed.  Marion called up about 11:45 to Wish Happy New Year's -- woke me up from a sound sleep . . . then again at 6:00 A.M. to say that she could get this earlier flight.

I did try to call you all up New Year's Eve -- said you must have ben out square dancing.

Now Thursday Morning -- where did the week go??  I got the package/book from Serena. Looks really good.  I've really been enjoying the stereo that I bought with your Christmas Money.  But I have made some changes.  Took the external speakers back and exchanged them for a set of ear-phones.  Think that I will get alot of good out of them.  The recorder did a good job of picking up what I wanted to record without the use of the external mikes . . . just using the ones built-in to the machine.

Work has gotten very hectic again.  Seemed to be almost quiet during the holidays . . . as far as not having the big crowds.  Now people are back in town, or their company has left, and we are again turning away many, many people.  

I need to run . . . Or at least start walking fast to get everything done that needs to be done in the half hour thats left before I go to work.

Thanks again . . . for the Christmas Money . . .

Much Love,

Roberta

Read Article Re: Library wrapped around book

1955 Roberta, Serena & Catherine -Christmas Picture & HH's note to CJU & GHU -Dec.18

 

12/18/55

Discovered we had a short in our camera, which was the cause for not working.  On our last roll -- of which this is 1 -- we got 11 of the 12 pictures.

Had our church Christmas program this morning -- the younger classes had short parts.  Then Santa Claus (Doc Hause) passed out the treats.

Going to put our tree up this afternoon.  The girls are anxious to start.

Had dinner at Shef's today -- adults are now $1.  -- He is going to close up for 2 wks on Wed. & go to Florida.

--Harold

1980 Catherine's Letter -Dec.29

Monday, December 29, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  This will probably be the last letter you get from us this year.  Did you see the comic strip where the guy writes 1981 on a sign and then hangs it upside down so that it read 1861?

Sorry about the delay in getting the airline tickets back to you.  I didn't want them to get lost in the Christmas shuffle but I suppose the post office could lose them just as easily any other time.  We got a new schedule from Amtrak but all the trains we will be on won't be changing - at least not yet.

We had a nice Christmas even if we did wait two days longer than the rest of the world.  I got contacts and a warm-up suit.  Gerry got a set of weights, an exercise bench, some new clothes and we got ourselves a set of bucket type pillows for the bed.  The co-op gave us a food processor.  I used it yesterday to chop up vegetables to make pea soup.  And then to slice ham for sandwiches and for quiche.  It also grates cheese -- did about ¾ pound in 15 seconds.

DeeDee gave us a matching towel and pot holder set.  DeeDee got a "Game of Life".  It had been several years since I last played that in New Vienna!  She had also requested some electronic games -- Simon & Merlin if you have heard of them but they are both on the expensive side so we decided she could spend her Christmas money on them if she wanted to after she gets back to San Diego.  We also got her some desk accessories as she just got a new desk.  

Wendy seems happy with her new toys.  She helped me sweep and mop with her new housecleaning set which also contains a vacuum sweeper, apron, dust clothes, brush, etc.  She's better equipped than I am!  She really likes her Fisher-Price school which comes with about 100 pieces.  Fortunately they all fit inside the school which closes up and can be carried around.  One of her other favorites is the Baby with her Treasure Chest (see p. 516 of the Sears Christmas catalog.)  She loves to push the baby around in the stroller.  The housekeeping set is on p. 547 and the school p.607.  We are looking forward to enjoying our present from you in March.

The weather here turned slightly more winter-like yesterday with the high in the 40's,  The low last night was 35º and the sun is shining now so it may warm up more today.  Western Oregon had alot of floods because of the warm weather but it didn't affect us any -- we did have two days of rain though.

Wendy will be staying home with DeeDee this week instead of going to school.  I will have another long weekend this week with Thursday and Friday both off.  Gerry will have to work Friday and Saturday though.  DeeDee will be flying back to San Diego next Tuesday afternoon from Redmond.  Gerry will take the afternoon off or however much time he needs to get her there but I will probably stay at work as it is difficult to get time off.

Almost time to go to work so I better close.  Happy New Year!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1952-53-54 (?) Roberta & Catherine - Christmas

 

1980 Family Letter -Dec.28

 

Sunday evening -

December 28, 1980

Dearest Family --

Christmas seems like a long time ago now but it was so nice getting to talk to each of you -- if not in person -- on the phone.  John and Carol picked up Serena at the Columbus bus station and got here around six Christmas Eve.  We had plenty of snow that day so were a little worried about the roads.  But they did get here safely.  We all went to church at 11 PM that evening for the Christmas Eve services.  Mary Virginia among others sang but the quartets were limited to one number (MV and Cherie Cooper were each asked to sing two -- don't know how the others felt about this but Va. Hildebrant said because they are younger they were given that opportunity).

We didn't get up early Christmas morning in spite of Mary Virginia's threat to waken all of us.  I'm sure if Roberta had been here things would have been different.  We had a late breakfast then opened our gifts and had a leisurely day.  We had dinner about 4 PM and then John and Carol took off for Newark around 6:00 PM.  He had to work Friday and then they had Saturday off and were going to Erie and he had Monday off to visit some bank operation up there.

I should have mentioned in the beginning of the letter that soon after we wrote our last letter we got a call from Los Angeles from Kyung Ho Kim's brother-in-law saying that Mie Young had arrived that evening and when did we want her to come to Ohio -- it was all such a shock -- though pleasant even if we had given up on the idea of her being able to come.  Anyway he called the next day to say that arrangements had been made for her to fly direct to Columbus -- non-stop (3 hours) and we were to pick her up last Monday evening at the airport there.  Her plane was late but did get in eventually and the airport is so torn up -- I hardly recognized it at all.  She is a real sweet girl -- very quiet and bashful.  A combination of everything got her off to a bad start -- upset stomach plus I am sure a lot of homesickness.  Anyway, after several phone conversations between here and Wilmington and Korea -- she ended up going to visit some friends of her father's in Wilmington.  He (Dr. Kim) is a OB-GYN specialist who practices with Dr. Goodwin.  They have two children near her brother and sister's ages so it worked out well -- she stayed there and then we picked her up after taking Serena to the bus station in Dayton.  We got home just in time to have a bite to eat and then both girls were off in a rush to the school to see Wilmington beat East Clinton in both basketball games.  They were parked clear down to our house before 5:30 so you can see it was well attended.

Today we were invited down to Wib and Helen Carrs and such an elaborate feast she had prepared.  We also went over to see Richard and his family.  His wife Rita is expecting momentarily to go to the hospital.  Their daughter is 11 and son is about 7.  they are living in a home Richard's great grandfather built about the time of the Civil War -- maybe Wib's but it has two identical beautiful stair way, circular in the front and back of the house -- 12 foot ceilings.  What a place to have to heat!

They must have given us almost 50 pounds of potatoes to take home with us for they said they wouldn't keep if the frost got them which undoubtably would -- wish you all were here to help us eat them or divide them up.  Another fringe benefit of legal practice was a gift certificate to the Golden Lamb Hotel for dinner for the family.

They announced in Church today that the Bazaar cleared some $1844.00.  Attendance was down today in SS and Church, tho believe we will end up the year in good shape with all the bills paid.  Have had some nice orders come to Wells in the last few days, tho it seems that the customer list shrinks as the competition list grows.  Luckily we are getting interest (now at 18%) rather than paying it out.

[Love, etc.]

Christmas Card from GHU to Roberta -Dec.7

 

Dec. 7 - [Unknown year, probably between 1979-1982]

Dear Roberta -

Here it is with Christmas just around the corner.  We hope to put up the tree soon but you know this family always talk a long time before getting started.  We enjoy the Christmas trees.  The 2nd one is to be put on the fireplace wall.  

We will be eating cheese or the family will for the Kintners sent a gift box of cheese which looks delicious.  It arrived today.  

This is the longest cloudy spell I have ever seen in Fla.  Very few hours of sunshine since my arrival.  It is trying to rain at the present.

Had a note from your Dad this week & he said you were having teeth ? trouble but was better so hope nothing seriously wrong.

Now use the enclosed check as you wish as time goes along.  With the family or part of them arriving I know you will all have a Merry Christmas, A very Happy New Year & Good Wishes for you.

Love, Grandma U.

(Give Marion Good Wishes for the Holiday Season from me please.)

1983 GHU letter -Dec.18

 From the "found after the designated year" file, this letter was written shortly before Grandma and the Hortons and the rest of us went to Phoenix for Roberta & Sid's wedding.

Sun. 18th [Dec. 1983]

Dear family - 

My letter writing has some what been neglected lately.  Too many Christmas activities.  Cindy & Rob were here this afternoon with presents & a light supper.  They leave Tues. for Ind. to spend Christmas with her folks.  So we had a little Christmas while they were here.  Also Frances & John dropped in for a while.  Right now Mary joined the choir at 6 o'clock & they were to go out to sing Christmas Carols.  Bill just left to join them at a home where they will have a covered dish supper.  He took a pumpkin pie.

Last Fri. the Lions Club had their Christmas turkey dinner at the Congregational Church.  I was a guest & they had a very nice dinner program.  It rained all day & was fair when we came home.  But what a day & evening.  At least it was nice to get in the car in the garage & we were fortunate enough to park right at the entrance so didn't get wet.  

Last Fri. a lady from the L.W. Play House gave a Christmas Reading for the Literary program which was very good & then there was a tea afterward.  It seems as if there must always be refreshments.  Then you hear all the talk about dieting.

Sat. Larna had a party at the Park house for a couple who had been married for 50 years.  M. & Bill went.  I was invited but since I didn't even know them I didn't go.  Mary said more came than expected.  They served a lunch at 12.  I would say a dinner from what Mary said.  I guess it was a carry in by the guests for it seems as if the Hortons got cake.  This week the V.I.A. [?] tomorrow go to a nursing home to sing & then come back to the church to eat.  Mary goes to play for singing but I don't think I am going.  Wed. there is to be the Church Christmas program with a turkey dinner first.  We plan to attend that affair.  

We must begin to wonder what we will need in Phoenix.  This letter is for the family.  I should have written to you H. & Jean before you left but I don't get to things like I might.  If I have a room with more than the 1 bed one or more of the girls can room with me & that will be fine with me.  

Roberta, I hope things are shaping up for you & every one has a safe trip in traveling.  See you soon.

Love to all

Merry Christmas

Grandma

 

Dec. 18, 1990

Dear Family:

We do  want to get a letter off to you before Christmas for we are thinking about each of you, and wish it could be last Christmas when we were all together, yet we look forward to having some of the family home the last of next week . . . .

Found a message on our recorder that Don's grandmother passed away this morning and they were leaving for Texas this afternoon.  MV said how long they were staying, but that was  past the end of the tape so missed that.  We had a nice weekend with them and got to hear the two choirs, both of which sounded VERY GOOD and showed a lot of practice.

On Saturday morning we met John, went in the van to Serena's where we left some of his furniture and then the four of us went back (to the Brookville Library) where we met Julie (she was en route home from Illinois) for lunch.  Then we went in three directions with Dad and I driving the van and car back to NV and then on to Somerset.  It was a full day.

Grandma is doing well, with some days better than others.  Her appetite is still good and plans to go to John's wedding in May.  We plan to be at her home part of Christmas so the regular people can have some time off.  We plan to meet Serena that evening in Dayton at a Suite Hotel, with indoor pool.

Don had planned to go to a meeting in Nashville after Christmas and MV was coming here, so now we will wait and see on developments.  Hopefully John and Serena can also join MV here.  anyway each and/or all of you are always welcome.

[handwritten part written to John]  Wonder if you got special invitations to the Inauguration Festivities in Columbus, Jan. 13-14.  We'd like to go & would be glad to have you join us -- How about that for part of your Christmas?

Much, much love,

Dad & Mother

1980 Roberta's Letter -Dec.14

 

Sunday pm

[12/14/80]

Dear Family,

Hi!  thanks for your recent letter & check -- more than generous check for what all we sent you!

I'm hoping to go back to work this week -- still have some cold & ears hurt me -- what time of the year to come down sick!

The phone here has been busy all week -- and I've set up a Temp. office here at home.  Our center made 52 yellow bows to go on the City of Mesa Christmas Tree -- 1 for each hostage.  Haven't seen the tree yet (it's downtown by all the city buildings) -- did see it tho on T.V. -- really looked pretty!

Please!  Expect my package a little late -- have got a few small things now -- & have got some ideas -- This will be the 1st Christmas you all haven't been out -- will seem pretty quiet around here. --

Love,

Roberta

1980 Roberta's Letter -Nov.15

 

Saturday Night

8:30 P.M.

11-15-80

Dear Family,

Don't think I told you all that I now just have one full time job -- as of this Saturday am no longer working at the flower shop.  sure was nice today -- don't know how I ever found the time to work Saturdays in the first place.  I was out East doing some stuff today -- getting some new song sheets run off at a funeral home out that way.  Harry -- the owner of the flower shop called about noon -- thank goodness I wasn't here -- Marion kept saying that he sounded like he wanted me to come in this afternoon.  

Marion is really knee deep in the usual Christmas crafts -- I'm doing a little -- but she always does it in full scale.  This year there are several new projects -- some small and we are doing them out at the center.  One idea is to take whole walnuts and spray them with red paint -- then take a felt green stem, piece of ribbon, and some baby rick rack to hang them by -- really cute -- all white beads on them -- and they look just like strawberries!!!  Another idea is the Christmas ice cream cones -- take 1 and 1 ¼ inch styrofoam balls, wrap 2 and ½ inch ribbon around them -- them put a silicone rubber bathtub caulk on top of the styrofoam  ball -- sure neat!!!

Out at work they have really been busy getting ready for the Christmas bazaar -- so many nice things -- but then lots of junk -- such ugly stuff out of the egg cartons -- I could live the rest of my days without seeing another egg carton.  Some women really going crazy with these awful egg carton flowers.  They spend all morning cutting out the darn things.

Mother it was nice talking to you on Tuesday -- here it was just like a national holiday -- banks closed, and most everything else.  All the schools in the valley also closed.

Marion had bought a round trip ticket Phoenix to St. Louis in June -- for $271 dollars.  Then she was having trouble getting out of St. Louis -- could either fly it -- but the trouble there was she would be getting into St. Louis around 6:00 A.M. -- and the only flight to Quincy was in the late afternoon.  Or she had thought of renting a car -- but too expensive these one way deals -- and really didn't need it for the ten days she would be there.  So yesterday we went to the travel agent at the mall and she was able to get a flight out of here on the 23rd and back here on the 1st of January -- special deal to Des Moines -- for $221 -- really a good price.  This way her sister and family will be able to pick her up at the airport as they come down, so its ideal.  Plus both day flights -- none of this leaving here at midnight stuff!!!

Grayce's husband is just not good.  They say its just a matter of time -- in the meantime trying to keep him comfortable.  Grayce said they asked about life support system -- she said no.  He is now all confused mentally -- and has lost use of his kidneys -- all the children are home now -- but he could live this way for some time.  He doesn't even recognize Grayce now.  It's really a sad thing.

We saw the movie Joni -- thought that it was really good.  The night we went there was a big line outside but we stayed in the line.  The 7:15 show filled up -- the one we wanted to get in on -- but then we thought we would stand in line to exchange our passes for tickets for the 9:15 show -- and just when we got up to the window the usher came into the ticket place and said there was room for three more -- we had Sally with us -- just sure worked out great.  They held the movie over.  I understand that there were long lines every night last week.  Did you all see the movie???

We went down to the Church bazaar yesterday at the Methodist Church -- it was quite nice.  Of course I'm trying to find ideas to borrow -- to steal for our bazaar.

Mother, would you like anything from the seniors for your bazaar -- I'd be more than happy to make some early sales.  We really have some very nice things -- from a quarter to $50.00.  The strawberries are very unique -- lots of neat things that I really like -- everything but those awful egg carton creations -- I'd be glad to pay postage on any large orders . . . .

It's now Sunday morning -- want to get this in the mail when we go so will come to a close.  Thanks so much for your recent letter and the articles -- really a good article about Donnie Achor -- I wasn't aware that he was able to work at that place . . . .

One moe big piece of news -- we sold the blue car.  It really had alot of problems.  Remember how much oil it was using -- was they took it all apart -- new rings and all -- and instead of getting better it got worse -- much worse.  Used up almost two quarts of oil for every 200 miles.  Marion sure got upset -- so to make a long story short -- the Datsun dealer now has it -- and we got a much cheaper Datsun 210 -- the standard small car -- sort of metallic brown.  They were sure upset about us getting a cheaper car -- They only like to trade one way -- up -- but we had already settled on the first part of it so they had a hard time fighting it.  This one is an automatic -- few extras.  Radio and Air-conditioning -- just the necessities.

We are having some of the seniors in from work that would have been by themselves for the day -- should be exciting --

OK -- gotta go.  Thanks for sending the beads and string -- will let you all know when they arrive.

Love,

Roberta

1980 Catherine's Letter -Oct.14

Tuesday, October 14, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, & Mary,

Hi!  I can't believe how quickly this fall seems to be going by.  We sure enjoyed having Roberta and Grandma here.  A letter came today from John which was meant for Roberta & Grandma too so I will send it on in the next day or two.

We ate at the Tumalo Emporium on Sunday with Roberta and Grandma.  Do you remember eating there after our trip to Eugene in 1979?  Grandma should be able to give you other details of the highlights of her trip to Madras!  Wendy enjoyed having them here too.  She is turning into a regular chatter-box.  Perhaps it was the influence of having Roberta here.  They kept playing a game where Roberta was "Wendy Jean" and Wendy was "Aunt Roberta".

Tonight before Wendy went to bed she gave me a long discourse on Santa Claus and Christmas.  She told me she wants butter, sugar, toys and clothes for Christmas.  At least three of the four are very practical. 

My job is going really well.  I like it about 200% better than the Court House and I didn't dislike the Court House.  I think I mentioned that I get a bonus if they take in over $9000/month. -- 2½% of everything over $9000.  As of today we had taken in $7500 so I am in hopes of getting a big bonus!  It gives me incentive to keep on those slow accounts and to keep caught up on the insurance work so the money will keep pouring in!   That was a good article in The Wall St. Journal.  I went up to Citizen's Bank on Saturday morning and asked if I could copy the article so I could take it to work.  They said I might as well take the paper as they wouldn't need it!  I thought someone like Dad wouldn't appreciate it being gone if they came into read it but I took it anyway!

We have been watching all the baseball games on TV with the playoffs and now the World Series.  Are you following them at all?  And of course there is always the election news.  Oh yes, I wanted to tell you we got the Natl Geog. on the 2nd of the month!

Enjoyed Mary's "Amazing Grace" concert!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy