1979 Horton Christmas Letter

"It wouldn't seem like Christmas

If we couldn't get in touch

And extend the Season's Greetings

To those we like so much!"

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

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

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

We wish you a HAPPY and HEALTHY 1980!!

'Gettin' close to Christmas

With its message ever new.

Here's my hope -- that Christmas joy

thrills you through and through."

Love, 

Bill & Mary

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

1979 John's Postcard -June 19

St. Paul's Cathedral, London:
During the Second World War when fire and destruction laid waste all around, St. Paul's Cathedral survived as if by a miracle.  When the smoke and dust had cleared away, Londoners saw their cathedral as they has never seen it before, free from the encroachment of tightly-packed office blocks.  St. Paul's was Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece it took him 35 years to build from 1675-1710.

June 19, 1979

Dear family,

Arrived in London this morning.  Quick walk through the city and now I'm on a train for York and Edinburgh.  My flight reservation is for Tuesday June 26th -- arrive at JFK at 1:30 p.m.  Plan to go to the farm same evening or by next morning (Wed.)  Look forward to seeing you soon.

Love, John

Will Bert be at the farm before Friday?  If she's not I'll fly.

1985 Family Letter -July 7

July 7, 1985

Dearest Family –
 We know that these letters are not near as personal as an individual letter to each person and even these copies are few and far between.  We do think of you all often even if we don't write or call.  Wish that we might all get together more often but glad that four of you will be getting together at Catherine's soon.  Grandma is doing fine and looking forward to her trip.  Mary Virginia is taking her to the airport at the same time she is taking us, Serena will be meeting her in Chicago and continuing on to Seattle where Roberta is joining them and head for Colfax.  Mary Virginia is planning to visit John and X after seeing us all off so there will be two mini-reunions.

Dad brought home another typewriter but I don't like it near as much as the old one – mainly because I am not used to it and the tops of some of the letters don't seem to printing [sic].  Have to see if the later can be remedied.

New Vienna had a big celebration June 28-30 with fireworks on the 30th.  Other nearby places had their celebrations on the actual 4th and days following.  Hillsboro called theirs the Festival of the bells and had a number of bell choirs including New Vienna's as part of their entertainment.  Our Young Adult Fellowship also sang there.  Wilmington had a Chicken Barbecue advertised as the First Annual but hear it (chicken) wasn't cooked long enough so hope they learned from that experience.  The Donald Bernards and us (or we?) went to Wilmington College's Dinner Theater and they put on an excellent performance of Man of La Mancha.

We are rounding up things to take on our trip – flying from Columbus to New York and on to London next Saturday.  The ABA opens in London on Monday with a speech by Margaret Thatcher, etc.  Our only plans so far are to meet the George Shillings Monday evening but hope that Cynthia and her husband will have some time available when we are free before we leave for Scoland or the following Friday.  We will rent a car and after the meetings are over there will proceed north and westward.  May turn the car back in Edinburgh or go on back to London with it.  Our address in London will be Pollock Halls of Residence, 18 Hollrood Par. Rd., Edinburgh, Scotland (Telephone 667-1971).  We plan to come back on the Queen Elizabeth II leaving England on August 1 and getting into New York on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  Mary Virginia is meeting all the returning travelers - Grandma on July 26 and us on August 6th in Columbus.

The Hortons are coming about that time and the Kintners and maybe Joe a little later so things will be busy.  Also Cris and Angela and hope that X and John can also make it to NV for the get together.    Roberta is spending the weekend with Mrs. Bruce in San Diego and then on to L.A to meet Sid.

We have been trimming shrubs and finally used our head rather than our backs in using the lawnmower to drag the things to the "fire pit."  Of course, the electric start on the new mower also makes it easier.  Do all of you recall John's campaign to buy that all electric lawnmower?

Going to have a new helper in the office starting tomorrow, a young lady who graduated from law school last year who lives near Waynesville.  She had an office in Wilmington for a while, but too many expense compared with income.  Hopefully it will be a plus.

[Love, etc.]

Most likely last two paragraphs are written by HH, previous parts of letter by Jean.

1985 Roberta's Father's Day Card

[6/17/85 written in Jean's handwriting on back]

Much love – on Fathers Day & every day of the year!  –Roberta

[On the back] Hi!  Bought this card in England – someplace between Bath & Salisbury.  We sure did have a great time – I'm anxious to see our pictures!  And when will you all be able to come out & see the pictures & us!?!

I've been home a week now & finally back on Arizona time!  Next will be Sid having to get used to the time change!

Happy Father's Day – you deserve it – every day!

1984 HH & Jean on first Elderhostel trip

1984 Jean & HH in London - July, on first Elderhostel trip to United Kingdom

Written on the back in HH's handwriting: 7/84 Rosebery Hall, London.  In someone else's (MV's?) handwriting is written: Ireland.

In looking at these online photos of Rosebery Hall the pictures and the window look much the same as in this photo.  

Final Stop: London, May 1954

A few travel quotes to finish off our trip and some thoughts from HH:

From HH: La Tour d'Argent - Paris Restaurant postcard which I sent to Mom and Dad after they sent to me with postcards from their Europe trip. Dad's comments re that card:  Yes, we were there for lunch. It was too formal for us, but still an experience. We have eaten and stayed at some of the worst and and also the other extreme places around the world. It's always cheaper (and more enjoyable) than being in the hospital.

One year we met the Sankers in Paris and drove around Europe. They liked to stick to the cheap places, like McDonalds. Bill as an engineer with GE travelled around the world at GE's expense. One meal
in Paris was at a place called Flunch and one serving of brussel sprouts had some 20 sprouts. What an overkill. Cheap, but hardly variety.

When touring Paris, Calvin would irritate Jean by getting off the subway a "zone" before their stop as the charge was paid depending on how many zones were traveled.

Do recall Naples in 1954 as still having war destruction areas to be cleaned. We had a general idea of the areas we wanted to visit, but no advance reservations and we hadn't heard of credit cards then, just had travel checks and cash and two suitcases w/o wheels.

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. ~Francis Bacon

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor. ~Unknown

Who lives sees much. Who travels sees more. ~Unknown

Not all those who wander are lost ~J. R. R. Tolkien

1954 Europe Itinerary:
Monday March 15 - flew to NYC via Pittsburgh on TWA, saw Bob Ballantyne
Wednesday March 17 - dinner with Luna and Bob Herron and 3 children at their house
Friday March 19 - board Saturnia or Vulcania
 - First stop at Lisbon, Portugal
 - Second stop at Gibraltar
Monday March 29 - Barcelona Spain
Tuesday March 30 - Genoa Italy
Wednesday March 31 - Sorrento Italy
Thursday April 1 - Monreale Sicily
Friday April 2 - Palermo Italy
Saturday April 3 - Capri Naples Italy
Sunday April 4-9 - Rome Italy
Friday April 9-12 - Florence Italy
Tuesday April 13-14 - Salzburg Austria
Wednesday April 15-19 - Vienna Austria
Monday April 19-21 - Zurich Switzerland, side trip to Lucerne on 4/20
Wednesday April 21 - Frankfurt Germany, stopped in Karlsruhe for lunch
Thursday April 22 - St. Goar Germany
Friday April 23 - On the Rhine River Germany
Saturday April 24-27 - Amsterdam, Volendam, Hague Netherlands
Wednesday April 28 - Brussels Belgium
Thursday April 29 - May 5 - Paris with Calvin Smith
Thursday May 6-12 - London
Tuesday May 18 - Return to New York City

Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey & County Hall, London 

sent to Mrs. NW Ballantyne - May 9, 1954

 Sunday, May 9, 1954
On our way to Windsor today after seeing the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
There is so very much to see here and so little time to do it in.  Clothes aren't very expensive here but cut  so oddly.  Decided to shop Sat. afternoon but all stores were closed but one.  Men's suits are cut even more differently.  We leave Wed. (May 12) and arrive in New York May 18 but don't know when or how we leave there.  Staying at the Regent Palace here and the breakfasts are immense.  All our very best love – Harold & Jean

Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret's Church & Big Ben, London 

sent to Catherine & Roberta - May 12, 1954

See the double deck buses.  We like to ride on top in the front seats and wish you could enjoy the views with us.

We leave today (May 12) for the ship – take a special train at 4:00 (10:00 AM your time) and then we'll really be on our way home.

Had a very pleasant visit and supper with Mrs. Mary H. Terrell's sister and brother-in-law Monday.

Mommy and Daddy really eat big breakfasts here.  We'll tell you all about it soon. Love and XXXXX, D&M

Thus concludes the 1954 European Tour, the last "big trip" before settling down in New Vienna and sending Catherine, Roberta, Serena, John and Mary off to school.   Thanks for all the trips of a lifetime, Mom and Dad!

1994 Jean's England postcard from hospital -Apr.21

Jean writes a postcard before being released from the hospital where she has been treated for a cracked ankle.  Transcription follows.

 Sussex postcard mailed 1994

Written while in the hospital after cracking ankle in Brighton, England

Thurs. 4-21-94
Thanks so much for your FAX with all the news.  Will be thinking of Wendy at the prom.

Cynthia & Murray have been wonderful to us – visiting & bringing flowers & their friends, esp. 2 have some w/us.

While out on walker/ Zimmer nurse told me "Our grand-daughter is on the phone" – completely forgot it would by Cynthia.

Have four elderly women in room – all with broken hips and one older man.

Much love, Dad & Mother

1994 England Trip

Thursday April 21, 1994 - [England] Jean discharged from hospital about 4PM and we went to Brighton at West Beach Hotel, very near the old pier and had room in front.

1994 Brighton England - view from hotel window where HH & Jean were staying after Jean's broken ankle

Friday, April 22, 1994 - [England] Got to Exeter -- 183 miles -- and used their luggage cart to get Jean to the room and dining room. A lady joined us who had been helpful in opening doors, etc. Exeter is certainly a hard town to drive around.

Saturday, April 23, 1994 - [England] Got to Housel Bay Hotel on Lizard Peninsula [Cornwall], Room #4, a great view of the ocean, but oh the wind.  John and Julie had stayed there two years earlier, also Murray had suggested this place.  We had so much breakfast, we saved the ham for lunch at Gidleigh Park, what a lane/road to get to it, but very nice and Jean bought some cook books there.  Two nights at Housel Bay Hotel, total $166 [or#?] The big room right over the Dining Room quite drafty.

1994 - HH & Jean travel on the "freeway" to Gidleigh Park, Devon, England

Sunday, April 24, 1994 - [Cornwall England] Drove to Lands End, etc., some of the roads are really one lane, but then on the motorways people would zoom by us when we were going 70. On Sunday the hotel has a buffet, only thing hot was the soup.

Monday, April 25, 1994 - [Cornwall to Salisbury England] Drizzle all day.  Drove to Salisbury, 213 miles, room #1 at the Milford Hall Hotel.  Got food and groceries including dry soup which we warmed up on the "tea service" in the room.

Tuesday, April 26, 1994 - [Salisbury to Gatwick England] Went to Longleat House, had wheel chair available and a lift so were able to see the whole house.  Also an electric cart for touring the grounds -- tight corners on some of the buildings, even took a boat ride.  Then drove through the extensive safari animal area.  Had reservations at the Gatwick Hilton and they had a wheel chair.  Room had 3 phones.

Wednesday,  April 27, 1994 - [Gatwick England to Ohio] Lots of red tape clearing customs, while in line got talking with Jim Ritchey of Newark who knew John. Got gas at the airport 52.9p for a liter or about $3/gallon. We were in row 37 F and G and had an extra seat so flight went well. We landed in Cincy in the new terminal and had a LONG walk, train starts next month.

1994 Bexhill Postcard -Apr.15

HH and Jean start their trip to England with a visit to Sid's daughter, Cynthia.  A few entries from HH are included below followed by a postcard Jean wrote to Wendy and her parents upon their arrival.  Transcription follows.

From HH 1994 Diary:
Friday, April 15, 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, April 16, 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, April 17, 1994 - [England] Cynthia rotates around to 19 churches on the circuit.  She had the service at the church near the library in Bexhill, then in the evening at the Springfield Road [Christchurch Methodist] Church in Bexhill.  They were having their annual meeting at 6:30, plenty of snacks.  Enjoyed talking with Virginia _______, who had been to Romania on a mission trip and had stayed on because of illness of daughter's boyfriend.  They put a plate on Jean's ankle and also a pin.

Monday, April 18, 1994 - [England] Moved to the Chimes in Silver Hill area of Hastings. Had nice front room over the dining area for 15# per night and also more choice for breakfast. Peggy Pealle died at 69, retired 9/93 after 24 years as County Treasurer.

Tuesday, April 19, 1994 - [England] Walked out to the hospital and then in the afternoon took bus T105 to the old town and then walked back to the hotel. [Also on this date in 1999, HH shared the news about the closing of Wells with office staff.]

Wednesday, April 20 1994 - [England] Went to Bexhill, lost the bank card in the machine -- wrong # -- met Virginia in the Public Library and then tea when I ran into her on the street. She was nice to come to the hospital to see Jean and brought flowers. Cynthia and Murray also came several times to the hospital. Trying to get Jean to use the elbow crutches or a walker, she likes the latter. The hospital was free but for the walker and the x-ray.

Thursday April 21, 1994 - [England] Jean discharged from hospital about 4PM and we went to Brighton at West Beach Hotel, very near the old pier and had room in front.
[Diary continued in a future post.]

Bexhill-on-Sea postcard -mailed 1994

   1994 Jean's postcard to Morgans from Bexhill -Apr.15

4-15-94
Arrived here about 9:30AM after getting rental car at Alamo – Vauxhall at Gatwick airport – trip didn't seem too long.

Plan to see a Gilbert & Sullivan live Show here tomorrow night & will go to Cynthia's church on Sunday – it's a super busy weekend for her so won't really get together til Monday!

Much love, Dad & Mother

1972 Roberta's postcards from Europe

Roberta sends some postcards from Europe, two of which she sent to Mexico, where HH, Jean, John & MV were visiting for a Lions Club convention in 1972. Transcription follow each card.

London postcard mailed 1972.  Captioned: PICCADILLY CIRCUS - Rooftop view. 1971 British Tourist Authority

1972 Roberta's postcard from London

Hello - got here about 8:00 p.m. - but almost 11:00 p.m. before we got to the hotel.  Flight over was good – tomorrow we go on the tour over London.  Hotel room is sure not Holiday Inn style.  5 girls in our room.  Tell Grandma Hi – do write!!

Windsor Castle postcard mailed 1972.  Captioned: WINDSOR CASTLE. Aerial view from south-west

1972 Roberta's postcard from England

Hi!   Was here today, also at Hampton Court – sure beats reading a History book!!  Tomorrow I'm planning on taking the "tube" downtown and just look around.  How are all of the Lions?  John - the vans over here - are ugly!!  Just can't wait!!  Love, Bert

Paris postcard mailed 1972.  Captioned: Souvenir de Paris. Souvenir of Paris. Ein Souvenir von Paris. Un ricardo di Parigi.

1972 Roberta's postcard from Paris - June 26

June 26, 1972 [only card that is dated and only one that has a legible postmark]
Hi!  Am having a great time in Paris.  Am staying with 2 girls (sisters) from Toledo, Ohio and are really having a good time.
It's really funny to go meet the French people and try to talk to them.  The money over here is really pretty - all colors on the bills.
Hope you are having fun in Mexico – did you write Mrs. Landrum?
Love, BErt

1992 John & Julie go to England

Shortly after the Horton Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration and GHU's 100th birthday, John and Julie departed for a much anticipated trip to England which included a visit with Sid's daughter, Cynthia, and her husband, Murray.

The Lizard - England's most southerly point, postcard sent by John to Morgans in June 1992

June 30, 1992
Dear Gerry, Catherine & Wendy,
Do the pictures remind you of the coast of Maine?  We made it to Cornwall – SW corner of England.  The scenery is spectacular.  We spent 4 days in London, 2 with Cynthia & Murray on the SE coast & the remaining 3-4 days on the Lizard – a peninsula almost to Land's End.

Hope you three enjoyed your week in Ohio.  We were glad to have Wendy visit.  Enjoy your summer.  Love, Julie & John

PS Thanks for dinner in Columbus @ Bob Evans Rest.

Housel Bay, The Lizard, England postcard sent by John to Uibles, June 30, 1992

Tues. June 30 [1992]
Mom & Dad,
After 4 days in London and 2 days in Bexhill w/ Cynthia & Murray, we finally made it to Corwall via Brighton, Salisbury and Exeter.  Your books & maps have come in handy.  Tonight we're staying in a B&B at Lizard – tomorrow we stay at the Hosel Bay Hotel with a spectacular view!

Julie and I truly enjoyed our weekend with you, the Hortons & Grandma, June 20-22.  Hope all of you are doing well.  We'll have to compare notes on England.  Murray & Cynthia send their regards.
Love, John and Julia

Cottage at Church Cove, The Lizard, England postcard sent by John to Side & Roberta, June 1992

June 30, 1992
Dear Sid & Bert,
This peninsula was Murray's recommendation and it was a great one.  We're even going to stay in the hotel at Housel Bay he suggested.  WE thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the Parks.  They spoiled us.  We've tried two B&B's (Bed & Breakfasts) - both good.

Everything is expensive; driving on the left has taken time to get used to.  But all in all, we'er having a marvelous time.

Hope you both enjoyed your time in Ohio.  It was good seeing you.  I liked our chat enroute to Cols. airport, Sid.  Love, Julie & John

April 22, 1989-99

Leaning to the right

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

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

Sunday 1990 - Mother leans to the right in her wheel chair, virtually on the railing.  So much pain when we move her.

Monday 1991 - [Pittsburgh to Silver Springs MD]  Very nice Continental Breakfast [at the Priory Hotel], choice of 2 juices, melon, strawberries muffins, apple strudel, coffee cake, cereal, etc.  Also USA Today.  Left at 9AM with picnic lunch at Bethesda where I went to this law office to check on Tak-A-Toy* deal.  Then to Econo Lodge in Silver Springs where we had reservations  ($52 less 10%).  Jean called Louise Robinson and met her at O'Donells in Bethesda.  Then we went to her apartment and she really drove us around the town.

Friday 1994 - [England] Got to Exeter -- 183 miles -- and used their luggage cart to get Jean to the room and dining room.  A lady joined us who had been helpful in opening doors, etc.  Exeter is certainly a hard town to drive around.

Saturday 1995 - Spaghetti supper at UMC, sponsored by the Boy Scouts for their trip to Philmont.  Mowed the yard, it needed it.  Evie Johnson, Joann Gruber and G. Hannah left for Fort Myers today.  Joann had had eye surgery earlier this week.

Monday 1996 - Got mailing on our trip on 6/1/96 [ElderHostel in Eastern Europe].  Betty Adams and Linda Pinkerton here to do cleaning, put up screens.  Got mailing from Robert Hinshaw, he and Linda were married 2/96.

Tuesday 1997 - They put down the new black top at church.  $4700, went to both Wilmington and Hillsboro on legal business.  Cleaning out bookcases at Mother's.

Wednesday 1998 - All Zurface checks back in.  Jean went to Samuel Walkers for CMH Volunteer Night.  Andy _____ here from Dragon BBS to get our email back on computer.  Picked first asparagus.  More rain.  Got the CMH Foundation publication of gifts for 1997.

Thursday 1999 - Our first square dancing (workshop) in 1999.  Pastor going to Ichthus gathering in Wilmore KY.

John added in 2010: Glad you sold Wells when you did, Dad. To have waited would not have worked to your benefit.  Ohio Art had a beautiful brick building in Bryan, OH which reminded me of Wells'. They have been in business since 1908.

HH added in 2010: Remember the [England] trip well. Driving in England takes extra luck with manual shift, left hand lanes and one way streets that are not straight.  Louise Robinson is one of your Mother's old time college friends, who worked for National Geographic.

Added in 2011: Tak-a-Toy (1991) was a private label customer of Wells who sold a lot of stuff and eventually ended up bankrupt.

April 18, 1989-99

New Vienna Forestry Department

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1988 - DPL 1988 = 19.2 KWH;  1989 = 22.9 KWH $55.30;  1996 = 22.5 KWH  $68.82

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

Wednesday 1990 - [Roberta visiting] Mother seems to be asleep most of the time.  She leans to the right so much in her wheel chair.  A slow process in getting her to eat, she loves grapes and strawberries.

Thursday 1991 - Jean spoke at Blanchester UMC on our trip to China.  Put out 12 broccoli plants.

Saturday 1992 - Got 30 trees in Wilmington but too wet to put them out.  Everett Bailey spoke at our UMC Men's Group.  They are planning a trip to Israel in 1994. 

Monday 1994 - [England] Moved to the Chimes in Silver Hill area of Hastings.  Had nice front room over the dining area for 15# per night and also more choice for breakfast.  Peggy Pealle died at 69, retired 9/93 after 24 years as County Treasurer.

Tuesday 1995 - Moving day at Wilmington District UMC into old Sears building.  We helped a little, there were plenty of people.  MV and John both called.  Ate lunch at Chinese Restaurant, special was $2.75 and beef salad $3 (strips of beef over lettuce and that over noodles).  Got strawberries at Kroger's for 99¢/quart.  Picked nice bunch of asparagus in the garden.  Planted onions.

Thursday 1996 - We were in Wilmington at 7:30 for Jean's colonoscopy, she didn't remember a thing.  Ground breaking at WPL for new addition.  Got 25 red maple trees and 25 red oak trees.  [New Vienna must be getting heavily forested by now.]  We had lunch at Ponderosa.  Gas now 123.9¢

Friday 1997 - Jean had appointment at Christ Hospital, had lunch at Olive Garden at King Auto Mall exit.  Had soup, salad and rolls for $4.95 each -- supposed to be free refills but waitress did not offer.  Made stop at Warren County Probate Court for [Donald?] Lynch Estate.  Jean got stuff at Ace Hardware to clean up surplus pill containers.  Cleaned up sticks in back yard.

Saturday 1998 - Breakfast at Church.  Paul Kari [Vietnam POW] spoke, as prisoner his weight went from 173 to 103#.  Morton auction sale in Lees Creek.  Senior Citizens pancakes for lunch.  Joke of taking couple up in plane for free if they didn't talk.  They made it.  Pilot surprised.  Man: "I almost said something when Ethel fell out of plane."  Had supper at Ponderosa.

Sunday 1999 - Pastor had children's services on foreign objects in water and how we can strain the particles out.  Same way with prayers, etc. in our lives.  Got us out 4 new toothbrushes for each of us.   Delta -- Escape Weekends:  Newark $99, Denver $149, Chicago $79, Portland $179, Philadelphia $89, Toronto $119, Milwaukee $79, Little Rock $79, Grand Rapids $69.

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 14, 1989-99

Waynoka, White and Paint

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

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

Saturday 1990 - [Roberta visiting]  Quite an effort to get Mother to swallow  a pill.  Roberta stayed overnight with Mother.  Mary Virginia, Don and Ken (who will be teaching Greek at Asbury) came for overnight.

Sunday 1991 - Went to Hillsboro.  Virginia Walker called us about going to Lake Waynoka for a square dance.  After dance we went to Lake Manor Restaurant with the group.  Dorothy Hodson's [Bob's wife] father is also at Heartland.  She is still anti-flying and worried about her Dad.

Monday 1992 - [Kentucky]  Met MV for lunch at Wendy's then we visited the computer place.   Somerset Mall is 10 years old and has a lot of vacant stores.  The choir had a musical special.  Betty Bowles (MV's teacher) was one of the soloists.

Wednesday 1993 - 15-year-old Blanchester girl charged with trying to use a gun in school.  Also inmate problems at Lucasville Prison.

Thursday 1994 - [to England]  Flew to London via Detroit on our Frequent Flyer miles (70,000).  Took Cynthia a 12" paper trimmer, Hunt Mfg. Co., Statesville NC.

Friday 1995 - Met the Goodings at Bob Evans in Wilmington then we went to see the Lincoln Presentation -- April 14 is the day Lincoln attended the Ford Theater and was assassinated.  Each ticket was $7.50.  Honda turned 8000 miles.  Jean went to bake sale at CMH that the TWIG was sponsoring.  Also Dr. W. put a tighter cast on her arm.

Sunday 1996 - Mike Cowman spoke at church -- joke about lost pig that the policeman told him to take to the zoo and he was so good he took him to King's Island and saw the same policeman again.  Met Helen Carr and Vivian Hiestand in -- open house at Mugs -- need a lot of imagination to live there.  We drove to Lake White Club near Waverly for lunch.  Saw Paint Lake Dam en route.  Vivian is 83 [she passed away on 3/28/2010], has a son in Grand Rapids, MI and a daughter and grand-daughter (an M.D.) in Chapel Hill NC, also a daughter in Seminole, FL.

Monday 1997 - Rob Rankin here to work on chimney, charges $18/hour.  Milk still 99¢ a gallon.

Tuesday 1998 - Men putting on a soffit [redoing the eaves] around our house.  Jean went to Cincinnati to meet Jeanne Sanker and then for a luncheon at Kenwood Country Club.  Crowsons leave.

Wednesday 1999 - [Serena visiting] Three of us went to Wilmington.  Jean had appointment at Faye's to get her hair cut.  Tried to see Leon Salisbury at CMH with broken hip.  Had lunch at Jay's Landing where 94 South used to be.  Jean had Women's Club at Virginia Walker's.  Elsie S. having her health problems.

April 15, 1989-99 Bexhill

Dad'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 Darian Strikers [?] 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.

Tuesday 1992 - [second entry with same date]   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 $5.15.  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.