1981 Roberta's letter -Apr.21

 

[4-21-81]

Easter Sunday - 3:30 pm

Dear Family,

Happy Easter!  We made it up for Sunrise Service - 6:00 AM -- very cool -- was outside in the court yard of the church.  By 11:00 AM -- both the temperature & the crowd had picked up.  Both services were very good -- the youth had the sunrise service -- thought of Mary Virginia -- lots of great music!!

Right now Sally & Marion are both glued to the T.V. -- basketball game -- gives me a chance to catch up w/ the painting done thought things would calm down some but hasn't happened yet!

Our Easter party at work was a great success!  Only big problem was we had ordered food for 100 (our maximum allowed) & we ended up having 111 people.  We ran out of ham -- 2 people shorted on the meat!  We had 90 people that wore some some sort of hat -- so we didn't even try to judge them -- -- said that everyone was a winner!

Thanks for your recent letter & birthday check -- went toward a cabinet outfit for the garage -- good investment.  Hopefully we will be basically unpacked by the time you folks get here!

Mie Young -- how is your driving coming along?  Did you drive any in North Carolina?  I'm anxious to hear about the trip!  Must have been like a mini family reunion!!

Happy Easter to all of you -- Thanks for the early B'day check -- believe me -- none goes wasted!!  

Love, Roberta

1981 Roberta Letter -Apr.15?

Thursday Morning

4-15(?)-81

Dear Family,

Thought I would try to get another letter out this morning here at work . . . or at least get it started.  I really do have things pretty much under control out here.  Now have a lady that answers the phone for me.  She is in a wheelchair so very limited in what she can do, so really seems to enjoy answering the phone.

The garage will be put in (or rather closed in) this coming Monday.  We went with the lowest estimate and will have to paint the door and siding ourselves.  Did I tell you all that we are also going to paint the inside of the house?  I'm just not too sure about all this.  Between my lack of experience doing this line of work and Marion's bad back -- should be something to remember . . . .

YES -- it's now Tuesday afternoon -- and thank goodness the painting is all done.  Never thought we would make it -- By the third night of it I had really had it -- just took us over a week.

I must have started this letter some two weeks ago.  Found it in my scrap box --

We have been busy here trying to get everything in order for the Easter Party.  We have about four parts of the party.  The decorations, the music program, the Easter Bonnet Parade part, and then someone is going to dress up as an Easter Bunny and pass around the Candy and Easter eggs.  Wish you all could be here for the party.  The decorations were all made out of melted (just slightly) styrofoam cups.  Then little ribbons, feathers, etc. to decorate them.  Each looks like a little Easter Hat.  Then they are put on a twig -- several on each one.  Really cute.  Each person will get a small hat full of candy too.

Sure nice to be done with the painting.  Carpet to go in Wednesday.  You will really like the area -- lots of wildlife all around.  Surrounded by the desert just a few blocks away on all sides.  Lots of rabbits, quail, birds around.  

Want to be sure this gets in the mail so will come to an early start -- or rather stop.

Interesting stats (?) on other side -- [about Mesa Senior Center - Nutrition & Supportive Services]

Much Love,

Roberta

1958 Kyung Ho Kim Letter -April 10

April 10, '58

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Uible:

I am very glad having an opportunity to write to you again.

I am wondering how are you getting along?  And are your family all well?  I really must write to tell you how much I enjoyed my stay at your house.  You were so very friendly and hospitable that I felt as if I were in my own home.  It was such fun visiting with your family & sharing your hospitality.

I always appreciate your kindness very much for such an enjoyable time.  I shall not forget all you and your lovely children have done for me.

Throughout the country, as spring came up this way.  There was sunshine and rain . . . . clear skies and cloudy . . . . warm breezes and winds that were snow and sleet-laden.  We are beginning to enjoy lovely wether, aren't we?

In my next letter I am going to write more about my classes in school and social life.

Please give my best regards to all your club members and tell lovely your daughters that I said "Well Hi."

I am looking forward the day to see you before long.

May god richly bless you and hoping that in the best of health and wishes.

Cordially yours,

Kyung Ho Kim

P.S.  I enclosed my photograph which although is not turn out good, but I wish you will like it.  Just Memory

Roberta, Good bye! Uible [with Korean translation]

1978 Family Letter -March 26

Easter '78

[March 26, 1978]

Dearest Family –

It was a lonesome place without you people here for Easter Sunday but hopefully another time will bring us together.  The weather was quite cool especially getting up in time for the sunrise service at 6:00 AM at the church.  I had said I'd help with the breakfast afterwards so had to be at the church earlier to get things ready for that.  The young people put on the program – a sort of you were there type with Clark Roberts as the only one in sight and others relaying the news in the background.  Very well done but a little uneven in spots where the mob's voices took over louder than the speaker but on the whole very good.

Patty Walker was there with her mother at church and also her little girl, Shannon.  Patty is really getting so large but doesn't expect her baby til July.  This was at the regular Easter service – not the sunrise.  Giz Walker Salisbury and her family were also there.  As usual Dad and I sat so far front that we didn't see everyone.

Oscar and Elizabeth Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McCoy and Mrs. Matthews were here for dinner afterwards.  Mrs. McCoy is having difficulty hearing and getting around but all seemed to enjoy being invited.  We had leg of lamb and Mary Virginia made her famous "strawberry jello cake." 

We had hoped that John and Carol might stay Saturday but they spent just a little over an hour and were on their way to Florida.  They talked to Nick about going with them but he couldn't find anyone to milk his cows Easter morning so they were soon on their way.  They were afraid if they waited then Nick might back out noon Sunday as he had done before.  We called Florida last night and guess the travelers had gotten to the Hortons about 7PM Sunday so hadn't wasted much time on the road – or off either.  Said they slept a couple of hours at the Georgia welcome station and were on their way again.  Carol can drive but don't know whether she had driven at all going down.  They had gotten some sunburn yesterday.  Grandma was making plans to go home with them probably Wednesday afternoon and planned to stop and see Cris on the way as well as the Sterretts in Charlotte, N.C.

I can't believe that Wendy has already celebrated her 6 month birthday – I had meant to mention it on the phone when we talked last Friday but in the excitement forgot.  Wish we could see her doing the backward crawl – she'll really be getting around from now on.  Glad to hear you enjoyed San Juan Bautista – there is alot to see there and not at all commercialized like many places.  Someone there told Dad that the mission is located just above the San Andreas Fault.  Heard that San Francisco area had quite a tremor last weekend – did you feel any of the effects?

We wondered what you were doing at Easter Serena – hope that you might get enough time off to come home but guess others want their vacations then.  Any word from COlorado or Denver??  A post card would be greatly appreciated.  My mouth still waters thinking of that good chocolate pudding you made for us.

How did you get along with all the company Roberta and Marion?  John said that he had talked to Liz and di the others get there too?  Sorry you had tooth trouble but hope you soon get it fixed – is that not allowable under your medical plan or what is the set-up?

Serena I forgot to tell you that I saw Cathy Dean Goff at the . . .

I invited Betty Gano to come to the Mother-Daughter Banquet and asked if Jennifer and Sybie might be able to come too and surprisingly they are all coming as well as Syble's daughter (they live in Blanchester and Jennifer in Sabina) so should have more news of them next week – Syble teaches, I do know.

In calling Hilda Williams, learned that Mike has one more year of medical school before beginning his internship.  He goes to U.C. but is thinking about practicing in the state of Washington.  His wife teaches handicapped children.  Donna lives in Springfield and has two little girls.  Barry is building barns in Indiana and Pam is a junior in high school (East Clinton).  She played drums and xylophone in the band concert.  (Marcia Haines was one of the ten seniors introduced as this is the last performance before graduation.)

I have been playing bridge about once a week since I've been back – all of the invitations have been substituting for someone in various clubs. If I'd play often enough I might get a little more proficient.  Mildred Terrell did have a luncheon for just a group of friends before she leaves for Japan on the 21st to attend her 2nd granddaughter's graduation.  She (granddaughter) is one of the finalists in the Merit Scholarship exams and has been offered any number of colleges from which to choose.

Carol Salisbury Webster and her husband have named their baby John Leon after both grandfathers.  Esther has had a terrible cold and hadn't been able to get down to see him but had talked to Carol on the phone.  He was born March 31st.

Our neighbors across the street are still gong strong and now that the weather is warmer you can really hear her yell at her little girl inside the house (outside all is sweetness and light) and yesterday a friend of hers blasted my ears off calling her little boy – what language!!!  All the neighbors would like rid of them but Bob Sonner couldn't care less. 

Our microwave passed the testing for radiation with flying colors.  Clinton County Health Dept. has bought the machine for doing this so they will be going out about three times a year to individual homes.  They have to do it regularly for restaurants so making the same thing available for other microwave owners. 

Dad attended the Clinton County Bar luncheon and meeting yesterday and the grop had their pictures taken – guess they do this every 10 or 12 years.  John McElwee and his wife are both members as is Elaine Harner Biehl.  Running out of paper again so will sign off for this week.

[Love, etc.]

1988 MV's Letter -March 21

21 March 88

Dear Mom, Dad and Grandma [At Hortons] –

Thanks for your postcard which came Saturday.  Diane thought it rather funny to have a piece of pie on a postcard.

I'm really enjoying my job at Zondervan's and feel like I've finally figured out the card section.  I'm placing my first big order tomorrow; trying to bring everything up to date; there are some holes in the display and in the packaged card rack.

John Uible called me Friday night and said everything was final but he seemed to be doing well.  He said the guy that is coming for Easter is also going through a divorce.  I'm definitely bringing home 2 girls and maybe 3 – one from S. Carolina, 1 from Georgia and 1 from Texas.

John and I decided we would cook Sunday lunch (Easter) – presuming you all make it home.  His friend is a gourmet cook so just plan on lunch being taken care of.

I did run home the 10th just to renew my driver's license and then came right back.  I had the afternoon off work so I just went ahead and did it.

I really do want to go to the seminar at Princeton but at this time I can't justify putting that much money out for 1 credit hour.  Maybe I can find something cheaper and closer to Lexington.

Hope you all are having nice weather and enjoying the library.

Love,

Mary Va.

1958 Kyung Ho Kim letter -March 20

March 20, 1958

Dear Madam:

It was indeed a pleasure to receive your letter of March 11, and I am very glad to have an opportunity to write to you.

First I must apologize for not having answered earlier, but what with mid-terms and work, I have been very busy.

I am very happy to inform you that I am accepting your invitation to the informal meal.

The arrangement which you suggested to pick me up at the Student Union at 3:30, Saturday, April 5, is quite satisfactory.

I am looking forward the day to see you soon.

May God richly bless you and give you the best of health for Easter.

Sincerely yours,

Kyung Ho Kim

1996 Happy Anniversary HH & Jean -Apr.3

Sixty-eight years ago, April 3, 1948, our personal family life began with the marriage of Harold Hiestand and Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible.

Full of sweetness and joy and peace, 

marriage is a gift from above.

While the years seem to fly

– none can deny –

that time only strengthens true love.

Not a fancy card – but hope it conveys my Appreciation & Admiration!  Happy 48 !!

Thanks to both of you we have many Happy Memories (tho not always in a neat photo album!) – to enjoy & cherish!  

I just don't know how you all survived w/ the five of us!  I remember Easter – with the egg decorating / hiding / finding – the outfits that matched – getting up early for Sun Rise Service – your anniversary I remember the most was when I was in FLA  (73 or 74) & the      ?      hit ZXenia! (I still can't spell!)  [Tornado hit Xenia April 3-4, 1974]

I'm very thankful for all – but I'm especially thankful that you both had your priorities straight & how each day would start w/ the Upper Room – God & an every day FAITH was an important part of our upbringing!  (+ states & their capitals!)

I'm sorry I missed little Joseph's memorial service.

Lots of love,

Roberta & Sid

1985 Family Letter -Apr. 7

Easter Sunday

April 7, 1985

Dearest Family,

We would have really liked having you all with us today but that is not always possible.  Grandma was here as was Mie Young and Mary Virginia and a friend of hers, the choir director at Port William church.  Mie Young had asked to bring a girlfriend who was going to be staying at the college as she had to work but she got cold feet about coming as she didn't know us so we sent her dinner back with Mie Young.

It was really nasty weather raining before sunrise services but Grandma still went.  This turned to snow and sleet and eventually the sun came out.  The church was well filled for the worship service at 10:30 – some people there we hadn't seen for years – the whole Rupp family and all the Jim Curtis family – Jonda McGraw's baby boy was baptized.  There has been alot of sickness in both families (Mrs. Rupp and the whole Curtis tribe)

All the services were well attended from Maundy Thursday communion on.  I did go to Wilmington's Good Friday services instead of New Vienna as Mary Va. and Mie Young were singing with the Wilmington College Chamber Singers there.  Our church's new Sunday School class put on a program Friday night and it was very well done – Young Adults which was sorely needed.

Glad to hear that Wendy is enjoying her visit with the Kings.  We were amazed to hear of homesickness last Monday until she said "April Fool" – she sounded like she really meant it so put on a good act.  Sounds like the pool is making quite a hit with her as well as her new little friends "Catherine and Roberta" – quite a coincidence.  Guess that the Easter bunny found her in Phoenix.

Dad has quite a few things planted in the garden already and the wet weather is helping the peas, etc.  Wish that we could share some of the moisture with the Floridians as they need it so badly.

Sorry to hear about the break-in at the Hortons just the evening after Grandma's departure.  It was within a few days to the year of the break-in while we a.  Got Aunt Mary [her typewriter? don't think this was the break-in in which she was tied up and Uncle Bill was injured as that was a different year and according to the following sentence they weren't home], typewriter, their camera, bedroom TV, money and more things.  But they (Hortons) took off last week for Cris and Angela's for the Easter weekend and family gathering plus the Augusta golf tournament.

Yes, we did have a great trip to Mexico -- another happy experience with Elderhostel . . . . and the weather was great.  We would not go out of our way to go to Cancun again, for too touristy.  Our two week stay in Oaxaca was in a hotel right on the square . . . with the state capitol across the street from us.

[Love, etc.]

1985 Roberta's Letter -Apr. 3

 Easter Card from Wendy, note from Roberta.  Sent while Wendy was visiting Arizona during her first grade spring break in 1985.

4-3-85

We are doing fine – up to 90º today – so Miss Wendy is swimming w/ a shirt over her suit – She does love the water!  I'm just glad the weather is so nice & warm!

Sid is now spoiling Wendy – Bacon, pancakes & orange juice for breakfast this AM – Brings her – actually us – out soda by the pool!

Happy Easter!

Love,

Roberta

1975 GHU Letter -Mar.24

[3/24/75]

Mon. evening -24th

Dear Family,

I am sure you are all having a good time with more of the family being home. Roberta had thought of joining you all but her vacation is not long & since she had spent so much time on Sta- [Statistics] she is now getting on Science (?) with full force with a test tomorrow I believe or soon.  She still like to work at the R. House part time.  She often gets a call.

At least she is not going to work Easter.  I told her that was one day we expected her to join in with us for I had her to make reservations for our Easter dinner at a very nice Rest. – in Atlantis.  Perhaps you have eaten there at one time.  Anyway I can take it once a year.  It is about the same class as the Lamb [presumably Golden Lamb in Lebanon Ohio].  We don't have to pay for the room.  Cris will arrive Thurs.  I think Roberta will go to Miami to meet him.  The baby and parents Thurs. night arriving in W.P.B. 10 PM by plane.  The 2 Mrs. Kintners Fri. evening.  They are driving their car & will stay at Helen Brown's for they had some family leaving last week & to date to no one has rented it.  They will be leaving Sun. after noon some time.

The weather is too warm.  Bill wants the air conditioner on but Mary doesn't like it & neither do I.  It chokes us up & then Rob comes along & makes it cooler, you feel like you were in a frig – so2 days is all we have used it so far.  I certainly wouldn't like 6 more months like it has been the last week.  We did have a nice little shower with the sun coming out a little later.

Roberta took me to see Mrs. Hobby one morning & she was expecting her daughter and Granddaughter from Bluefield, W. Va.  Mary, Roberta & I went to a luncheon & style show at the Breakers Sat. we had a very nice meal of roast beef, 3 small creamed potatoes, green beans, salad mixture containing beets so I gave them to Roberta, lime pie for dessert.  I forgot the Hard rolls, fruit cocktail, coffee or tea.

Sat. evening Mary & Bill were to play cards someplace so Roberta wanted to see the orchid display at eh W.P.B. Mall so she took me.  The flowers were beautiful & so many in different displays.  Then I decided to buy a couple of dresses.  We had quite an evening. Getting home at 10.  In time for Bed time.

I must soon decide when I may be leaving for Ohio.  Will it be an inconvenience Harold for you to meet me on a Thurs if it is cheaper that way?  For 15% off is a nice sum on a $88 ticket.  Must call up & find out from where I may leave etc.  I wondered if I should ask Mrs. Wilson if she & Becky could clean again.  She said they would last fall but conditions for Mrs. W. may be different now.  If you don't mind you might ask her & of course I am depending on Marie again.  She could clean after I get home if I am there to tell her so if the furnace will cooperate will get along al right.  I notice where the school issue fell down again.

We had a half hour of special music last Sun. before service Mrs. Rabb & Mary had practiced for 2 weeks, a lady also joined them in solo for one number & it was very pretty.

Jean it is a little late to be sending you money for a plant or flowers but enclose a $5 for same.  If not needed keep part or all of it for your plants you used for you had a bill to pay.

We had a Chorale group (32) from Drew Univ. who gave a good musical program Sun. evening at the church. Mary didn't offer to keep anyone this time.  Our Tourist class had their last class social for the season last Fri.  It was a covered dish affair with a short program.  I fixed tongue.  Would liked to have given Serena a slice.

Now have a nice Easter & wish you all a Happy Easter Day.

Love, Mother

1974 Roberta Letter -Apr.12

April 12, 1974

Dear Family,

Hi!  The 1st part of the movie "The Greatest Story Ever Told" just came on so decided it would be a good time to quit studying & write a few letters (& also watch the movie).

First off – Wednesday I really lightened my heavy load (HO, HUM!) I dropped the course "population & Urbanization!"  I'm just not that good of a student to take 20 hours – plus I just didn't feel like being bothered!!  The course was really way beyond me – I was just taking it as an elective – where the other 3 courses I'm still taking now are all requirements.  Hopefully now maybe I'll come up w/some good grades this quarter now!!  Also I've decided I'm going to buy a new swimsuit & start going to the beach.  I refuse to go back to Ohio looking pale!!

Mother – "the purses" came today – of all days when we didn't think there would be mail service (because of it being Good Friday).  Aunt Mary really liked her purse – it's very pretty w/ the red initials.  And my purse is just the right size – and of course the right color.  (BROWN) [HA]  Thanks alot Mother.  They came before they were supposed to – didn't she say they would come about the 1st of May?  I think I'll write her & pay for the postage of them to get here.

Today the stock market was closed & no school but Weight Watchers have no holidays!  Our class met as usual – though we had very few people there.  Only 11 people – you know the Jews have been having their holidays & I'm afraid that alot of them might have gained.  Once they gain – they may never be back!   had 5 people this morning that were eligible for a pin because they had come for 16 weeks – if they had lost 10 or more pounds.  Well, of that 5 – only 1 of them had lost more than 10 pounds.  Really a good group huh – you can see how hard they work on it.  For some reason all the groups that meet at the mall seem to be like this – I think most of them come just to go somewhere or they just plan (& enjoy) on getting out & shopping & eating out!!!

Remember when we went to Cincinnati – or was it Columbus – to see this movie?  I remember how LONG it was!

I work tomorrow & then I don't work again till next Thursday – what a good feeling!!  The Monday after Easter the Hallmark Man will be there to pull off all the Easter cards & put out the Mother's Day cards!!

My girl-friend Nancy is coming over tomorrow night & then we are planning on getting up for the Sunrise service. Easter Sunday the L.W. Lions club has both breakfast & lunch pancake meal out at the park.  Since Uncle Bill has to be out there & Aunt Mary doesn't like pancakes & Grandma & I can't eat them we are going to go to Bonanza to eat lunch.  Aunt Sarah is also going to go w/ us.

Mother – if you can do try to find Grandma some salt-free food before she gets home.  Esp. bread, butter & anything else you can find.  (ie – cottage cheese, hard cheese, cereal, crackers, etc.)  OH – she especially likes to have some salt free cookies – she uses them to help get down her pills.  This is good – because she is so limited on her water.  I've found alot of things at the different health food stores around – but alot of groceries have diet sections you might check out. 

John – thought you might be interested in where judge Gayliardi went to school!

We had a nice letter from Catherine – she said she had lost about 7 pounds & wants to lose 10 more.  Grandma nearly had a fit!

As for myself – I'm still pretty upset w/ my dear Doctor Schnebly & his friend Dr. Thompson!  I manage to stay about 8 or 9 pounds more than where I'd like to be!  I talked to the health service down at school & they said that that's to be expected but that alot of it might be fluid.

Well – I've got 1 more orange to eat.  Did you watch the movie – NO – I guess you're "lodging" it tonight!

Love, Berta

1974,1984 Roberta's Letters -Apr.9

[4/9/74 - mailed with GHU letter]

Know you all will have a fantastic Easter w/ C.W. [Cris] there! I'm hoping to get up for the sunrise service – it's at 6:45 A.M – well – time will tell –

Have a great Easter!  We read about Wilmington in the Wall Street Journal – WOW!

Love, Berta

* * * * *

4-9-84

Dear Folks,

Hi!  Our May 'Vacation' plans are now made.  Plan to leave here Saturday May 5th to Yuma.  Will have a day or two to see the sights & then Sid's conference starts on Monday – lasts thru Wednesday.  On Wednesday aftn we will head toward San Diego – and be there till Sunday May 13th.

Have reservations in both places to PARK the 5th Wheel – both parks are rated '9' on the Good Sam Club Scale – with a 10 being tops.  Both have swimming pools – I'll probably get some good swimming/sunning esp. in Yuma while Sid is conferencing.

I got a Richard Simmons exercise tape – we have been using it.  I've also been to the water exercise group at the spa.  [Would that be Cortez Pool?]  In fact I have blisters now on the bottom of my feet from it.  Serena went swimming this AM before work – rode bike up there & back.

Lots of changes happening at work.  Ann Pierson is planning on leaving Long Term Care.  She has applied for Director's job at Mesa Sr. Center – will find out next week.  She used to be Asst. Director there.

Starting July 1st all residents will be getting back $47.10 per month from county.  No matter how much there income is or what size room they have here.  County will take over all buildings – which is fine with me!

Tomorrow Sr. Village goes to the zoo  we got 30 free passes – worth $4 per person!  Plan to have a picnic lunch afterwards.

Hope you all are dong fine ––

Love, Roberta

Easter Cards from Rome 1954

Easter card to Roberta from Italy - April 8, 1954

Weds. April 7 [1954]

Hi, Roberta, we had spinach and cauliflower for vegetables last night.  There are lots of little stores selling pastries, fruit and milk.  We bought this card in a 5&10.  Buona Pasqua means Happy Easter and you will have to wear your new dress then.  Do you still have the bird pictures over your bed?  Read in the paper where you had snow on the 5th. XXXX D&M

Easter card to Catherine from Italy - April 7, 1954

Weds. April 7 [1954]

Hi, Catherine, how do you like these different picture cards? Have you gotten any alike yet? Thought you would like this card for Easter and Roberta can tell you what Buona Pasqua means. Have you tried out your new shoes yet? Does our grass need mowing yet? You ask Granddad to get someone to mow it for us, maybe Newt. Mommie and Daddy have ridden a lot of buses here in Rome, but not streetcars yet. XXXXX Mommie & Daddy

Easter card to Mrs NW Ballantyne from Italy - April 8, 1954

Happy Easter! - 8/4/54
Dearest Mother, This is our last full day in Rome – this trip, as we leave tomorrow for Florence.  Preparations are really getting underway for Holy Week here.
We have seen a lot still much yet to come back to see.
Sent letter on to Mother Uible to send on to you (our 2nd from Eliz.)  Hope to hear from you and her here. 
All our very best love, Harold & Jean

Easter card to Catherine & Roberta from Italy - April 8, 1954

8/4/54
We got a letter yesterday from Grandma, who said they would see you soon!  No other letters here.  We saw 2 big churches today – St. Peter's and St. Paul's.  We get around town pretty well on the bus and streetcar.  How do you like the new calf?  You will have to show him to Granddad.  We see people everyday that we remember from the Saturnia.  We have been to the grocery twice and bought milk and there's lots of fruit stands where we buy fruit.  Say hello to Granddad and Grandma for us. XXX  M&D

1963 Serena - Duty Makes (artwork)

This was mistakenly filed with the Thanksgiving items, but looking at the picture more closely, it would seem likely to have been done at Easter time.  

Serena's artwork from Easter 1963
Duty makes us do things well,
but Love makes us do things 
BEAUTIFULLY

1982 Roberta's letter - April 14

Catching up on some letters from 1982.  Thanks to Roberta for recently sharing two boxes overflowing with letters from the 1960s to the 90s.   Transcription follows.

[Apr 14 '82]

Dear Family,

I have both the dogs outside right now (barking away at the door) so thought I would try to get a few uninterrupted lines in.  Charlie is really growing --- I'm convinced he needs to be out on a farm.

We had Easter Dinner here for the ten people that didn't have anywhere else to go.  Used the good tablecloth, linen napkins, fine china .... the whole bit.  People seemed to really enjoy it.  Luckily enough -- served mostly leftovers ---thus making up Easter Dinner.  Enjoyed having it here so we could use the microwave for warming most of it up.

How was Easter in New Vienna?  Was it warm enough to walk to  Church?  Here it  got up to 90.

Sounds like a great idea if Mary Virginia and Mie Young would come out the first part of June.  There will be plenty of room in the Bubble for all to ride back.  Plus would more than welcome the company and extra drivers.

I am sending in my income tax money tomorrow.  I don't want them to have a dime of it an hour too early !!!!  Marion's big bundle of a check arrived last week.  I m think I mentioned it to you all about trading back and fourth of the real estate deals to benefit both of us.

Hope to get to the cabin this weekend.  I have off the weekend.  Bet if will be quite cold up there ....  I remember last Memorial Day weekend .... and how cold it was there then.  Thanks to Dad the fireplace was a big help.  Perhaps we would have time to go to the cabin when and if Mary Virginia and Mie Young can come out.

Marion has been quite busy around here planting flowers in all of the fronts of the houses.  Really looks nice already -- but with time should be very pretty.  She talked of putting SENIOR VILLAGE in big letters of flowers but gave up on that idea.  (thank goodness)  Now -- each house is different -- some overwater their flowers, others are not good about watering.  The new project is redoing the sprinkler system.  It is full of leaks and broken down pieces.  Marion does enjoy taking on a new project and learning how to fix .

Will send you all some pictures.  You will see we have a new vehicle.  Really need it for the family, (of dogs) plus quite nice to use here at the "Village".  Must get doing ........  please send pictures back –  We traded in the truck.

Love, Roberta

April 16, 1989-99

Cracked Ankle

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Sunday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville continues through May 5]

Monday 1990 - [Roberta visiting]

Tuesday 1991 - Went to see GHU at breakfast time -- she is wide awake then and eats well.  Furnace people put in replacement boiler in our basement.  Found first asparagus in our garden.  Worked out in the yard, first time this year after supper.

Thursday 1992 - Had our Easter cantata with 25 people at UMC.  Put out new employee handbook.  Mother is fine.

Friday 1993 - [to Newark and back]  Went to Extended Care to have George Whitmer execute a Power of Attorney, then to Lithopolis for lunch at Stratford Inn, on to John and Julie's.  They have the crib room fixed up nice.  Saw the picture of the Grand Canyon.  Picked our first rhubarb and asparagus.  Made a stop at Yummers Ice Cream place in WCH, big cones for 97¢.  Heard from Elderhostel about our acceptance on 8/1 for the program at Ashland, OR.

Saturday 1994 - [England]  Drove to Canterbury, about 5:00 we were at Battle Abbey and coming down the steps from the museum when Jean's ankle cracked.  They were having a convention of M.D.'s in Hastings who were visiting the Abbey and were helpful.  They took her by ambulance to Conquest Hospital in Hastings, actually St. Leonards-on-Sea.  After x-rays she was put in a 6-unit ward in Cooker Orange Hospital just two years old.  We had tickets for the evening program, but....

Sunday 1995 - [Easter]  Sunrise service at 7am, which was sunrise time.  Ed used illustration of Tom Sawyer and friend coming back to life.  Nice breakfast by the young people.  115 at church plus an overflow for the childrens' service.  We went to Ponderosa with the Johnsons, Ed, Eric, Don and Rita and some of the children.  Eric is now a Senior and plans to go to Miami.  He is at Myrtle Beach now.  Afterwards we went to Extended Care and to Sabina.  Then changed church bulletin board and walked out to Strebers and made the loop.  Rita's mother, Maria, was born in Naples, Italy.  Rita starts new job tomorrow with Greene County Health Dept.

Tuesday 1996 - Jean worked at Senior Citizens, lunch $2.

Wednesday 1997 - Went to Dayton dermatologist, all OK.  Had lunch at the French Restaurant -- L'Auberge, $8.95 per entree, onion soup $3.95.  Got book on Quicken software.

Thursday 1998 - Lots of rain, men putting soffit on house.  Replacing toilet in guest bathroom.  Can see asparagus.  Got new tube on back bike rim. 

Friday 1999 - Saw Leon Salisbury in CMH.  Cold damp day.  Called Cris Horton, still only one customer.  Called MUH, could hardly hear her on the phone.

April 15, 1989-99

Bexhill

HHU's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Saturday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville continues through May 5]

Sunday 1990 - [Easter, Roberta and Crowsons visiting] Sunrise Service at 6:30, great breakfast followed.  Mother never really woke up all day.  Effort to get her to drink water.  She did eat MV's cherry and strawberry pie "extra good".  The Strickers brought a big bakery cake that people had after Sunday School and Church (120 present).

Tuesday 1992 - [Kentucky to Ohio] Visited White Hall, home of Cassius Clay [the emancipationist, not the boxer who changed his name to Muhammad Ali].  Very interesting, lunch at Oriental Wok on Buttermilk Pike [in Ft. Mitchell].  Thinking of making hollow balls and 64oz. bubble bottles.

Wednesday 1993 -  Two lock box openings, got about 50 seedlings that we put out in the garden.  Bruce wants a special price on 3 and 5/8 plastic balls, 12¢ each.  Mother sleepy but eating.  Her skin looks great.

Friday 1994 - [England] Rental car from Alamo, 2 weeks for $330, drove down to Bexhill where we saw Cynthia and she had [arranged] a B&B for us -- Mrs. Hill's at 33 Woodville Rd., 30# a night, about $45.  We had lunch at Cooden Bay Hotel. 

Saturday 1995 - Picked up more sticks in the yard and mowed most of the yard where the higher grass was, saw first asparagus up.  After lunch we drove to Mini-Mall, took the old computer to see what was wrong and bought a new computer with a scanner.  Went to Tri-County Mall and got a new telephone answering machine.  Had supper at Boston Market, had a $2 off coupon.  Men's UMC breakfast this AM, Mike Cowman spoke, one of his stories was about the glass of milk, never know who we are helping. 

Wednesday 1998 - Met Goodings at Waynesville Restaurant for supper.  Also saw the Keiters [?] with the Dr. Hamiltons' , they have been retired from medical practice for 11 years.  Bob still as talkative as ever.  He told us a couple times of how ?? [Tim? Linn?] interviewed Gary Kersey for his program in Bellbrook.  Iced tea 80¢, liver and onions $5.95.

April 11, 1989-99

Spiffing up the Living Room

HHU's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Tuesday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville continues through May 5]

Wednesday 1990 - Serena called and is going to have lump removed from her breast as an outpatient next Monday.  Roberta called, she's coming this Friday to see GHU.

Thursday 1991 - Painters finished living room.  Had a $90 dry cleaning bill for the living room drapes, Jean had previously had them cleaned when John graduated from Exeter.  Hard to get Mother to eat or drink.  Mowed front yard for first time this year. 

Saturday 1992 - Mowed front yard, rhubarb about 6" high, noticed first asparagus.  Washed car.

Sunday 1993 - [Easter] 142 at church for Easter services, the young people had an Easter parade.  Ed told the story about how the bank that wouldn't loan the church $$ to build went out of business themselves.  GHU didn't eat much, but had her super shake plus 3 glasses of milk.

Monday 1994 - [Roberta visiting]

Thursday 1996 - Went to Hillsboro, saw Elsie, she is really hard of hearing.  Got GG a portable phone, went square dancing, graduation night.  Next Saturday is Jim's last day as caller, club started 20 years ago.  They have us "dancing" with paper sacks on our feet and then another time with balloons between our legs.  Herschel and Betty Arnold were the state inspectors.  Took one set of curtains down at Wells, the edges really got frayed.

Saturday 1998 - Went to Wilmington to the movie "My Giant" [with Billy Crystal] about this movie scout who thought he'd hit it big in getting this giant but then he couldn't stand to see him suffer.

HH added in 2010: Sounds like it is about time to have those drapes cleaned and/or replaced. This reminded me of how long my parents went before the wall paper was replaced in the house, I can only recall one time when the paper hanger came.

Now reading a book "The Ford Century" and how Henry's Dad thought Henry would have a problem making a living, in fact he was fired from his first job at the end of five days.

April 7, 1989-99

April 7, 1989-99 Time and money

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Friday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville continues through May 5]

Saturday 1990 - Tony McIntosh got started on Mother's bathroom,  [putting up] Marlite sheeting.  Jean and I are staying with Mother this weekend.  So many "Oh No" and "Oh My."

Sunday 1991 - Saw Mother at lunchtime, she drank well, but she fights food.  Did finally eat one strawberry.  Went to Wilmington and saw "Dancing with Wolves" $3.25 each, story of a fellow and the Sioux Indians, magnificent scenery, both bloody and passionate scenes.  Kroger's had nice strawberries  $1.39/quart.

Tuesday 1992 - [Roberta visiting]

Thursday 1994 - [Roberta visiting]

Friday 1995 - [Virginia]  Drove to Norfolk, visited the Chrysler Art Museum.  Had lunch there, saw the Ghent Historic District, the McArthur Memorial with the Public Library across the street, then the Botanical Gardens -- very nice, tour by both boat and car "train".  Had a good supper at the Ships Cabin Restaurant, Mixed Grill was $15.95 and Rockfish $18.95 = $34.90 + $3.49 tax.  Had tickets for "Forever Plaid" a play at F. Inn.

Sunday 1996 - [Easter]  Sunrise Service at 7AM, then a served breakfast.  We stayed there.  After church we went to Harper's Crossing to meet Serena.  Joseph Beth was closed, ate at First Watch.  Serena told us she plans to go to England 4/8 for four weeks and will then look for a job.

Monday 1997 - [returned from Phoenix]  Back from Phoenix on SW Airlines.  Red lot at airport is $30/week.

Wednesday 1999 - [Portugal] Spending night at at Pousada Palmela [part of a medieval castle, built by the Moors] for 31,000 Escudos [Portugal ceased using Escudos in 2002, 1 Euro = 200.5 Escudos.]  We had a snack at McDonald's as only big restaurants at the hotel where we were in Room 107.  Great View.  Had lunch in Algarve, at last a place to park on the street.

March 31, 1989-99

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Friday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville]

Saturday 1990 - Brought Mother up home.

Sunday 1991 - [Easter, Cris and family visiting] 146 at church, a record crowd that I recall. Mother seemed wide awake, Cris, Laura and I went over. Laura and Wil enjoyed picking up the eggs in our front yard. John (still thinking of possibility of running for Mayor in Newark), Serena, Mary Virginia and Don all came.

Wednesday 1993 - [Phoenix] Roberta got free tickets for the play "The Grand Hotel" in Sun City, had trouble staying awake - sure glad we didn't pay the $22 per ticket.

Thursday 1994 - Program at our church, 19 in the choir. Johnsons (Rev.) have new red pick-up.

Friday 1995 - [Ginny visiting, Crowsons arrive] Took Warren Moore's will to Probate Court. Serena came as a surprise, she brought Ginny the biggest book, must be 20" x 30". The Crowsons got here about midnight. Got card from Mary Horton from Hawaii.

Saturday 1996 - Tom Salisbury spoke at church. They have been in Peru for 2 years. Jean and I spent 2+ hours working (?) on putting the computer desk together. Bob Ballantyne called about a planned get together on Columbus Day weekend in 1997. We went to Hillsboro and got a few bargains at K-Mart and Bob and Carl's.

Monday 1997 - [to Phoenix] Flew to Phoenix on SW, $199 per ticket.

Tuesday 1998 - [Clipping attached: As of March 31, 1998, Lions Club International had 1,440,215 members in 43,897 clubs in 735 districts and 185 countries and geographic areas. Note: In 2010 Lions Club boast 45,000 clubs and more than 1.3 million members in 205 countries/geographic areas.]

Wednesday 1999 - [Portugal and Spain trip through April] At Rector Hotel in Salamanca. Even towel mats for our feet when we get out of bed.