1981 Roberta's Birthday card to Jean -Dec.11

Dear Family,

It's hard to believe that it's the season of your Birthday, Mom & Christmas soon to follow!!

Been wondering how the Christmas Bazaar went Saturday.  Wish I were closer -- would have had lots of home-made goodies to bring over.  This year the new item is napkin holders -- I'll give you some in January & you can use them next year!!

We (4 Senior Village ladies & myself) went to the County Supervisors (Commissioners) meeting this AM -- what an experience -- we had a thank you card for them -- it got some news coverage & then the press came out here -- the ladies just love talking to the PRESS -- all are naturals!  The politicians really enjoyed their "off the cuff" remarks!  I told all the ladies that my Father was a County Supervisor -- needless to say -- they were MOST IMPRESSED!!  These men (Commissioners/ interchanged w/ Supervisors) -- sure had FANCY quarters -- and drank coffee throughout!!

I'm watching the movie "Child Bride of Short Creek!"  Takes place in 1950s here in AZ --

Charlie has been sick -- had him to the Vet both Friday & today.  He's losing weight & seems to have lost his appetite -- so today he got a B-12 shot & now he's on a total of 5 medications -- perhaps a parasite disease -- the Vet said today better I keep him & try to feed him & give water syringe -- but easier said than done!!  Amazing enough he still has lots of energy -- curiousity -- I'm constantly saying "No Bite" -- he does know what it means -- tho he doesn't care for it at all!!

Mother -- are you getting to use my Ex-Bike at all?  Wish you get to use it some -- so you could perhaps think of it as an early B'day present.  Perhaps by the time you are here in January I'll have my act together -- something hopefully homemade!

How will all of you be celebrating Mom's birthday -- I'm sure w/ all the good cooks in the house -- should be at least a day off for you!

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Wish to you Mother -- look forward to having you all out here to visit in January!

Lots of Love,

Roberta

1961 Family Letter -Dec.9

 

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

This has been another busy week.  Tuesday night was School Board Meeting for Daddy and I had Enright Circle meeting at Mrs. Struppers [or Struffers?] Roberta stayed the short time (about ½ hour) that no one was here to look after them.  All went well.

Wednesday I did some shopping in Wilmington as well as did some errands -- John and Wilma Croghan went along.  Daddy went over to the auction Banyas [?] Buick was having.  That evening the Womans Club held their Guest Night program at Snow Hill and the Wilmington College [Indecipherable] Choir gave a most interesting recital.  Frances Terrell sings with the group and so does one of Mr. Robinson's son (of Buckeye Molding).  The Rudisills invited the Lockrau's [?] -- he is a nephew of Mr. Robinson.

When I was at school Thursday I heard Cheryl Cluxton calling her mother about some of the 7th graders wanting to buy a gift for Mr. Perry.  Some were willing & others didn't want to.  Sounded as if they had $8.50 to buy him a briefcase.

Friday night New Vienna played Woodrow Wilson (Soldier & Sailor's Home of Xenia) here and Roberta invited six to stay overnight -- Nancy, Jennifer, Linda Shaffer, Mary Pat Clear, Sue McKenzie, and Kathy Cornelius.  They had a treasure hunt gift exchange and talked most of the night.  The last of them went home after lunch yesterday -- then we all went to bed.

Serena was invited out to Betty Ann Walkers so had plenty of empty beds as we had seven sleeping bags across the living room floor.

I've got most of the Christmas cards out but thought I'd never get started.  We got one from Kim's father, one from the New Zealand Hiestands but will save them for you to see.

John had the 24 hour virus last night complaining of a terrible tummy ache and the heaves.  He's better today but didn't go to Sunday School for he seems to have some fever.  Serena thought she had a terrible sore throat so she stayed home too but is much better this afternoon.

There was a big fire out at the barn across from the Country Club where Williamses live -- Daddy said you could see it from downtown.  It burned down completely but they were able to save the other buildings.

There was a fire yesterday afternoon out at Marilyn & Carolyn Van Zants but hear they got it out before the fire truck arrived.

Tuesday night there is another band show between the basketball games.  Wednesday night is the Cantata at the church so doubt if we write again before we leave.  Looking forward to seeing all of you & hope Catherine will be ready to go home with us --

[From HH]
Got your letter this morning.  Have we asked you about how much piano practice that you are getting in?  B & O just called and 21 of the 25 baskets of fruit arrived.  Glad to hear that your MYF is going out next Saturday night.  We will see you before that

Watch the sun burn.  --Daddy

1991 ORTA photo -Dec.12

 

Elderhostel Program  -- John Hughes, Chairman 
ORTA (Ohio Retired Teachers Assoc.)
Dec.12, 1991
Jean Uible, Virginia Smith, Trudy Ranz, John Hughes, Bea & Robert Warren, H.H. Uible
Seated in front: Jim Ranz, Laura Hughes

1981 Family Letter -Dec.13

 

Sunday, December 13, 1981

Dear Family:

The Winter Co. Commissioners meeting has gone and we are back in routine again.  We can see after a few years that going to these meetings is like going to a reunion with folks that you can recall faces but not names.

Wednesday evening was pretty with the first snow on the ground, the girls thought there would be no school, but they did survive another "normal" day.  Thursday evening we were guests at the Clinton County Fair Board Dinner which was quite nice.  One of the different things was that they passed out cards, such as "Candles" which had a message on that subject and was Christmas related.  Anyway, when they called out your title, you read what was on that page.  Gifts were handed out with matching numbers to your card.  It was a big joke as our gift was a "Hot Shot" and being from the "city" we found out that it is an item used to control cattle and stock as it is an electrical charged stick to use on cattle.  The chairman told us afterwards that they could use that gift next year and gave us a nice fruit package.  We have had lots of fruit lately as our basket of fruit came in that we had ordered thru the Future Farmers School Group.

Friday your Mother had an appointment in Wilmington with the Dentist then we went out for lunch (to the tune of something like $2.80 for both of us).  In the afternoon the Law Library had open house on which they go overboard on the goodies.

M.V. baked a cake for the birthday celebration on Friday and also put up our "reusable" Christmas tree.  We finally bought an artificial one which looks surprisingly real -- short pine needles which have everything but the good smell of real pine.  It should pay for itself in a few years.  Thanks to everyone for all the cards and telephone calls.  It is good to hear from you anytime but especially on this occasion.  The square dance newsletter listed my birthday as Dec. 13 and I got a surprise call this morning -- a special message -- Harriett TErrell sent greetings in song.

Yesterday we took the Explorers (7th & 8th graders) Sunday School Class plus a few parents to La Comedia to see a musical version of Dickens Christmas Carol.  It was a show only (no food) so afterwards we went to a Wendy's to get something to eat.  There were 20 of us altogether.  At the last minute (Yesterday morning) we had four cancellations so took Ruth Shoemaker, Eloise Simkins and Joanne Rankin.

We got home about 7:30 and changed clothes and went to the special Square Dance but didn't stay til the end.  It was especially for the beginners class so didn't make too many mistakes.  We will miss the special next Thursday for the more advanced group but are supposed to help with the New Years Eve Special.

We did enjoy our visit with John and Carol Tuesday evening.  John gave us a tour of the trust department and then had supper with them before heading back to Columbus.  Carol had real good chicken and vegetable soup, tossed salad, home-made rolls and delicious apple pie.  We hope to see them for a short time Thursday (Christmas eve) when we go to Columbus to meet Serena as she plans to ride the bus to there leaving late Wednesday so it will probably be at lunch.  If that is a bad time being the day of many Christmas parties, etc. we could just have a quick lunch at Wendy's so hope they will let us know if early or late might be more convenient.  It would be easy to arrange our schedule to fit in with their plans.

Today has been a beautiful day (better than last Sunday, Mother).  Did go down to the house and all the water has been turned off.  Someone from John Hughes Insurance had left a calendar at your door which is now on the kitchen table.

Yesterday morning was the auction of the Noble Drug Store building which brought $13,600.  In fact, the sale "stalled" at $13,000 and I overheard one of the salesman ask these people to put in a bid  for "another $100 might buy it."  They replied that they did not come to buy a building and had no money with them.  The salesman replied "we will follow you home to get the money."  Interesting these are the people that ended up buying the building.  Didn't know them myself, so will wait for developments.  It seemed like there were "zillions" of old bottles, etc. etc. which appealed to me even less than the building.  The upstairs architecture was interesting for the only light in the middle room came from 3rd floor dormer.  Hopefully a viable business will occupy the premises.

Glad to hear that Grandma arrived first class in Florida.  How did the pears arrive, Mother?  We hope that Mrs. Moore's return trip will go smoothly for her.  Everett Penn told me they are going to be staying in the Clewiston area this winter and would get over to see the Hortons.  Mother, Donna Sears went upstairs this morning for church services.  Teaching our Sunday School class the past two Sundays has "forced" me to do some homework, especially when the subject is "Genesis", but then who doesn't need a better foundation in Bible study.

[Love to all, etc.]

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 . . . .

1961 Family Letter -Dec.3

 

 

December 3, 1961

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

We have read with great interest all your cards and letters and hope you keep them coming for the time goes a little quicker that way and Christmas will soon be here.

I guess you have heard by this time that Mr. Donohoo came back Thursday morning for a few minutes but unable to do much yet for he's still weak from the grippe so told him to come back after the first of the year or I never would get things straightened up in time for Mother's Club meeting (this Tuesday nite) nor enjoy any other pre-Christmas festivities.

We put up our tree this afternoon and even have a wreath on the door but it was so warm out seemed more like a spring day.  We went out to Streber's farm to pick out a tree for they aren't at the store yet -- got a real pretty one -- not too tall but mounted it on a box so it hits the ceiling -- May put icicles on it but otherwise through decorating it.

The test you took in science was real good considering all the longer you had been down there -- I'm sure I couldn't answer near that many myself.  Was going to tell Mr. Hughes but none of them were in Sunday School except Karen.

John has moved on to Mrs. Rudisill's Sunday School class so he is much happier -- all the 3½ and 4 year olds seemed to move on this morning or I would have thought John's complaining made Mrs. Wilkinson suggest something.

Mrs. Strupper had so many last Sunday because those 5th grade girls finally were promoted.  They didn't have near enough books (quarterlies) and wondered if she might have yours.  We finally found it and she was pleased to have an extra one today.  She said she certainly missed you in her class these past two Sundays.

Thanks for sending on the names for the Christmas exchange.  Serena is having such a time trying to keep her secret.  If you hear of anything mentioned that would make a possible gift we'd appreciate any suggestions up this way.  Wilma Croghan's list in her kitchen always intrigued me and wish everyone would put out such helpful ideas.

Roberta went to Redeemer's meeting with us out at Gano's and had a wonderful time with Jennifer.  Peggy Fawley also was there but Jennifer especially invited Roberta and had a different game set up in every room upstairs -- Monopoly, etc.

How was the skating party?  Tell Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill to practice up and maybe we'll all go skating while we are down -- providing the weather good for other things especially.

We are also trying to get ready for the Lions Club Dinner Dance and the elves we are making for place favors are about to drive me crazy.  Harold says that they look more like members of the Klu Klux Klan.  Most everyone has accepted so hope it will be a real nice affair.

Wondered if you saw "Victoria Regina" on television Thursday night.  It was excellent but thought you might be studying for exams.  Some parts could have been a little closer to the truth and other elaborated on but considering the time it covered in one hour was very well done.

Today was Tommy Kuntzman's birthday and he celebrated in his Sunday school class (good day for John to be promoted).  He gave out little miniature manger scenes with characters that glow in the dark.

Forgot to tell you that we got out the set you made in Bible School last summer and everytime I look at it John has all the figures up in the box and Baby Jesus outside in front.  Also put the Swedish angel set out and Serena insisted we light the candles and listen to the bells with all the lights out.

Speaking of lights out -- it is time for bed so may add a little more in the morning.

Until then -- goodnight.

Here it is lunch time and will say "high"

Have you been to the Public Library yet, Catherine and how about the school library.  Roberta hopes to have a party in two weeks and she gets to invite one person for each 100 she gets in school this week.  Serena was real pleased to get an "E" in preparation of work and S in everything else on her first report card.

Enjoy your letters. 

1981 Family Letter -Nov.29

 

Sunday evening --

November 29, 1981

Dearest Family -- 

It has been a while since we have written our carbonated letter.  We do hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving -- we did enjoy having John and Carol with us -- sorry that they couldn't be here longer but glad to get to see them -- it had been a long time since they had been here except briefly on their way back from Florida.

It was good talking to you, Roberta and Catherine and briefly to Wendy.  We did try to get in touch with you, Serena, but weren't able to reach you.  Wonder if you went to Kansas City or stayed in Chicago.  We had hopes that you might surprise us and come home possibly but definitely looking forward to seeing you at Christmas time.

New Vienna has had several deaths in the last two weeks.  JoEllen Streber passed away two weeks ago tomorrow and Charles Thompson died very unexpectedly Friday evening of a heart attack.  We just got back from the funeral home.  Betty told Dad that Charles had planned to retire this spring and do repair work on his own.  Too bad that he wasn't able to do that.  He was certainly the best one to fix anything at Daye Hardware and will really be missed.

They had calling hours for Jo Streber at the Church of Christ from 2-7 and then her funeral was the same evening.  She wasn't embalmed but was to be cremated afterwards.

Charlotte Hauses's mother, Mrs. Pugsley died last Monday and we went to Sabina where they had calling hours there.  We went from there to Extended Care where Dad had some papers to be signed.  We put on our full slips (Melba not Dad) and then with the Harners went to a square dance in Xenia.

I wasn't at all unhappy that the United Methodist Women voted not to have their annual Thanksgiving bake sale but the Senior Citizens had one in the Mayor's Office so was able to get some things for our dinner on Thursday.  I bought pumpkin pies and yeast rolls plus some other things.

Thursday we had just eight for dinner -- Grandma, Mrs. Matthews, John and Carol plus the regular four of us.  With a 22 pound turkey we had plenty left over which we froze after making soup.  We should have several meals much later on not to mention the soup we had Friday and leftovers yesterday.

Today the district superintendent spoke during the regular church services and Dr. Armintrout did a very good job.  Not too many stayed for salad and sandwiches and the quarterly conference which followed but it was all over by a little after 1:00 PM.  Mary Virginia takes piano lessons from Mrs. Armintrout but she didn't come -- she had to get her son ready to go back to West Virginia Wesleyan where he attends college.

There was an Open House for Helen Storer who is retiring as home economics extension agent.  Before that she taught at East Clinton and has devoted more than 30 years to the two professions.  They were also having open houses at a number of business places in Wilmington.  We did go to the two florists -- Swindlers and Brewers.  We did buy the makings for a deer wreath -- everything except the greenery which we plan to get in our front yard.

Grandma is all set (except the last minute packing) to go to Florida next Sunday afternoon.  Mrs. Fanny Moore is going to go down with her and plans to come back in about two weeks.  Her sister lives at West Palm Beach.

We did tell some of you but for the others -- Roberta called to tell us that Buffie passed away.  They buried his body on the grounds near the cabin at Payson and the next day got another dog -- an airedale (spelling?) Prince Charles ("Charlie") who is still just a puppy and into everything.   Poor Buffie had complications after eating a bird and getting into someone's medicine and swallowing about 18 pills.  Roberta also told us about some couple she had known at the Mesa Senior Center who had just gotten married and asked to spend their honeymoon in one of her apartments.  Both the husband and wife are confined to wheelchairs and so were accompanied by an aide.  They had to be back at the place where they lived by 7AM the next morning!

Mary Virginia has been planting trees in the . . . .  M.V. must have planted 25 trees -- all little ones that had come up in our garden this past year.  Thanksgiving was a beautiful day here -- mowed the front yard for the last time for 1961 and put the mower away till next April.

Last night we attended the annual singing program that the Messengers have at the Church.  They really go all out on putting on a professional program plus refreshments afterwards.  Guess peoples different interests make the world go around.  It is amazing to us how they seem to enjoy putting on programs in a 100 mile radius of here and yet really have full schedules during their daylight hours.

Friday was a slow day in the Commissioner's Office, so I had an extra opportunity of catching up on some of my legal work.  We are expecting a lot of traffic as the new rates are now available on the real estate reappraisal . . . which means higher taxes for everyone.  The local farmers are having a tough row this season as their grain yield is down and the price is also down.

Political activity seems to be in high gear already in Ohio for 1982.  Believe there have been five announced candidates for Governor on the Republican side, including Bud Brown, who used to live in Blanchester.  The most likely Democrat opponent is another Brown.  The other day a fellow was in the office inquiring as to how one becomes a county commissioner -- we told him how plus saying that we would vote for him.  Another party was in and said that "since he voted to put us fellow in office, we should take care of his problems" even tho we had no jurisdiction in the matter.  Being an office holder is a practical course in political science.  It is too bad that more us do not take an active interest in the office holder.

I have been been watching "Of Mice and Men" tonight but Dad has gone to bed so I'll be the one that is tired tomorrow.  With December coming Tuesday the round of Christmas celebrations begins and it seems that every group wants to have a dinner or some special celebration.  The commissioners (and usually wives) are invited to many things.  I should say too many things.

This has turned into a LONG letter.  We think of you all often and always look forward to hearing from you.  Don't get too harried during the next weeks.  I am guilty of putting too much emphasis on the wrong meaning of celebrating Christ's birth.  The church Christmas bazaar isn't helping my attitude either.  The sale day is this coming Saturday -- Dad is in charge of ticket sales for the lunch and me -- books.  Hope you people don't miss any that have been around the house for ?? years.

We do love you all and love to hear from you.

With much love,

1961 Family Letter -Nov.

 

[Nov. 1961 -- Catherine spent the rest of November and December in Florida]

Dearest Catherine, Grandma & Granddaddy,

Seems like you've been gone a long time already and its just a little over 24 hours.  Hope you had a pleasant trip down and know you are glad to see the Hortons.  Wish we could have all gone too.

Serena was so disappointed that she didn't get to see you all off.  Her cold is much better and she had Barbara [Bernard]  in for the afternoon instead of all night which suited everyone better.

Roberta went to Wilmington with Daddy and walked out to the library and did a bit of shopping.  They did purchase one of those black tropical fish with the goggle eyes and it really made our long goldfish look tiny not to mention frightening it to death so finally separated them.  Guess we need a bigger bowl now and some protection for little Goldie.

We took Barbara home after supper last night.  Shirley was anxious to know if you got off alright.  She had gotten a permanent at the Snow Hill Beauty Shop -- her first professional one and it looked real nice. 

Don was sorting out the slides from their Western trip they took with the little trailer so we stayed to see those.  They were real good.  And also saw some they had taken the night of the dinner with the Eatons and Uibles when they showed the pictures they took in New York.

Serena wants to tell you:

I cried because I wanted to say goodbye to you when you left but I just woke up when Mother and Daddy got back home.  Barbara didn't want to stay overnight  (her mother says she is too much of a mother's girl).  I took a good nap before she came so was ready to play when she came.

We saw Barbara's kitchen set in Doug's room and Barbara's bed there too.  She has moved out of Shirley's room since Doug is now at Ohio State.  They painted Shirley's room and she has a room of her own now.

The day (yesterday morning) Barbara was to come I stayed on the couch to get over my cold quicker.  Barbara held the light while I rode my bicycle last night in the dark.  Father is going to put my light on today.

We haven't found Pongo [?] yet.

Barbara and I took turns when she was here -- reading "We work and Play".  Daddy and Roberta brought a first grade reading circle book from the library "I Know a Farm".  Roberta helped us with the words we didn't know. 

 Johnny wants to tell you:

Roberta slept with me last night and we just woke up.  We went out to the Bernards.  We got a black fish and we have to keep them in two separate dishes and still the big one tries to get at the little one.

Good luck in getting started in school and do the best you can, help Grandma and Granddaddy and we'll see you about a month from today.

 Love from all of us

 

 

1981 Family Letter -Nov.16

Sunday evening --

November 15, 1981

Dearest Family --

More beautiful weather which will make the cold seem even more so once it finally comes to stay.  We have had some damp and cool days but they haven't lasted too long and then the weather gets super-nice again.

It was good talking to Catherine, Roberta and Serena in the last three days -- finally got Serena at work.  Catherine called us and talked to Roberta today.  Have tried to reach John and Carol but evidently at the wrong times for no one answers.

As much as we would like to go to Arizona at Christmas -- have decided it is just too short a vacation to plan to go then so hope to get there when Dad has a Monday off in January when he can possibly take a Friday too so it will give us about eight days.  As it stands now -- Serena will come home and then we'll drive her back and spend a few days there and be back here possibly for New Years Eve depending on family plans.

Mary Virginia is more relaxed (?) now that their play -- "Here Comes the Bride" is over.  Grandma went with us and we all did enjoy it -- a lot of laughs and NO trouble in staying awake.  The EC Band played at the Wilmington College football game yesterday, which is the final performance of the season.  The afternoon sun is more our speed as far as comfort, in viewing football games.  Grandma mentions that she wants to leave NV before the weather changes too much and that time is only three weeks away.  Today was Gideon Sunday at Church and glad to report that the speaker was above average.  Our singing group had a number entitled "Excuses" which sure hit the head on the nail for it is "either to hot or too cold" the minister is "too old or too young" the sermons are "too short or too long" or his personality is "too friendly or unfriendly", etc. etc.

Our Ohio sales tax is going up to 5% from 4% and will also be applicable to some services and repairs.  There are tax increases on a number of other items as the state had a deficit of some 1 billion dollars -- I can write the words better than the numbers.  Serena tells us that she likes her new bank, where the tellers do not have an individual money box, but go to a central point for cash.  The bank here told me that I was the only customer they had in the extra half hour they are open in the afternoon.

Clinton County has been having a lot of publicity about not wanting hazardous waste dumps in the county.  Last Thursday the group had a speaker from the Buffalo area who spoke on the "Love Canal Problem" at the Murphy Theater.  They are trying to get the law changed so that the local zoning has a voice in the matter rather than now it is entirely up to the State officials.  It is a real problem as no one wants that type of an operation next to their property.

Bought an eighteen pound turkey yesterday at Krogers at 59¢ a pound for next week.  Yes, that will make a lot of meals and with the freezer that is no problem.  We are still having broccoli and cabbage from the garden.

Looking over our typing we need your indulgence not only for the typing but for the sentence and paragraph construction.

We did talk with John last evening (now Monday morning) and they had spent the weekend in Erie with family and friends.  They plan to be in NV for Thanksgiving Day, but unfortunately there are regular bank working days before and after the Holiday.

Love,

1981 Family Letter -Nov.8

 

Sunday --

Nov. 8, 1981

Dearest Family --

I started to write October instead of November -- the weather has been so nice that it doesn't seem like it will soon be time for Thanksgiving in a little over two weeks.  We are counting on having John and Carol here and wish the rest of you might be here -- just know that you are always welcome.

Roberta got moved in with most of their things and the rest of the furniture to arrive a day or so after Thanksgiving.  The first group have moved in and are cooking for themselves until they have the number required to have their meals delivered.  They seem to be happy to be living more on their own and hope that all works out well.  Now if someone just buys their home on 61st Place before too long.

Catherine and Gerry have had solar panels installed on their roof and an alternate water heater so anxious to hear how that energy saving deal works out.  They are also busy with Elks bookkeeping and newsletters.  Sounds like they have had quite a job getting things caught up from the previous record keepers but it is in good hands now.  Wendy enjoyed trick or treating.

We have tried and tried to reach Serena by phone but keep getting a recorded message that the phone is temporarily disconnected.  We called information and they gave various reasons what this could mean but hope that she is fine and we are soon able to communicate.  As Dad says "No news is good news" -- the eternal optimist.

Kelly Grooms gave us some material last Sunday from John that had to do with the bank for which Dan and CCNB&T were most grateful.  By the way, Kelly left the next day for some base near Saginaw where he will be stationed for about the next year.

I was so surprised and pleased to see Martha Haines at a meeting last week.  She was wearing a very attractive wig which looked most natural.  She speaks very slowly and distinctly and seems to be getting along fine.  She told me that Debbie is coming at Thanksgiving and that they are all planning to go up to Boston to be with David and three nieces -- Cooper girls who are living in that area.  Marcia is also thinking about transferring to Earlham so that she will graduate from there as the rest of the Haines have.

We saw Tom Guard [?] at the football game Friday night and guess that Ella was there too but didn't see her.  Tom has slimmed down -- lost 21 pounds with 7 or 8 more to go.  He and Ella live in Sabina -- have moved from where they have been living there though.  He works in Columbus and will be in Panama for the next 15 days.

Dad was on the Lions Club dinner and program committee last Wed. -- had our Sheriff speak, also John Hughes showed a few slides that he had rec'd from a fellow Lion member in Zimbabwe and interesting enough there is an article in the current Nov. issue of the National Geographic on "After Rhodesia, Zimbabwe".  

Yesterday we got into gear on getting the house winterized and doing a little garden work for next Spring.  Buried some carrots and cabbage for later eating.

Last Tuesday from 8 to 10 P.M. we had a phone answering service at the Co. Commissioner's office.  It was interesting to get the first sheet from the computer and to "project" the trends.  M.V. and M.Y. gave a musical program for N.V. Mother's Club at Mrs. Carl West's home.

1981 Family Letter -Nov.2

 

November 2, 1981

Dear Family:

Halloween has come and gone -- with something like 190 visitors at our front door.  Had a few soaped windows so it was really a peaceful evening.  Unfortunately, Wells had a bigger "boom" as one of the boilers exploded, knocking the wall in the basement down, but most fortunately no one was in that area.  Ironically the boiler had been checked about a month before.

Saturday we drove down to the Cincinnati area to hear our local band participate in a band contest and they came in fourth out of nine schools.  It was a beautiful day for being out of doors and on the practical side did get the eaves cleaned out for winter.   We had supper at Ponderosa and took advantage of their sirloin special.

Yesterday the Goodings were here for the day.  Bob is "thinking" of changing jobs for as he says he is working 80 hours now and getting paid for 40.  In fact he had to work yesterday morning in an effort to get some machine ready for production this morning.  We wonder if he is sorry that he left Univ. of Dayton position.

Grandma has reservations to fly to WPB on Dec. 6th from Columbus, which date coincides with a meeting that we have in Columbus that week.  Fannie Moore is also going with her, tho far as travelling that is a mixed blessing.

Dad is on the nominating committee for the new church officers.  It was sort of a soap opera drama on one incident for the person had told him the night before that he would take the job and then called up the next morning (in fact, woke us up) and said that after thinking all night on it, he had better not.

Had a surprise visitor last week -- Nickie Wallen stopped by -- he hoped to get up to see John and Carol too.  Heard afterwards that his wife is expecting.  Marriage seems to agree with Nick tho the doctor says he needs to lose some weight.  They were here for about two weeks, visiting his family.  His father-in-law has quite a large farm operation including a potato plant.

Jeanne Sanker came up one day last week and we went out to lunch and tried to look up an old friend from our high school days.  Lowell is to graduate from Arizona State next December (next month).  He has been interviewed for various jobs but hasn't made any decisions as yet.

Mie Young was chosen as Student of the Month at East Clinton and her senior picture was in The Wilmington News Journal.  She did a lot of volunteer work for the Student Council.  Both she and MV plan to take a college English course that is given at East Clinton twice a week for five weeks through Wilmington College, starting next week.  MV is busy getting ready for the play which East Clinton is putting on the second weekend of November.  That same Saturday the band is playing for Wilmington College's last football game.  

Hope that Roberta and Marion get moved okay this week and are soon able to sell their house on 61st Place.  Think that I sent the rest of you her new address.  They have been busy getting all the inspections, etc. before they could move in.  She wrote a beautiful memorial for one of her senior friends who recently passed away.  This woman had been confined to a wheelchair for quite a long time.  She is the one who lived with her ex-husband and his second wife.  As she told me it is a "crazy arrangement but worked out fine for them".  

With much love,

1981 Family Letter -Oct.26

 

Sunday, October 26, 1981

Dear Family:

It's nice to be back in New Vienna after the fast pace of New York City.  We do enjoy the foreign restaurants for Tuesday night we went to a Philippine place which also had a half hour "native program" and no jet lag in getting back to the hotel.  Wednesday evening was Cuban night and we had a serving of Paella, which we still recall with enjoyment from the time we had the dish in Dakar ten years ago.  With all of ten minutes to spare we went to see "Annie", which brought back childhood recollections of the comic strip of "Orphan Annie".  As Grandma commented that was "years ago".  (Dad really did like this play!  It was C* [?] approved.

Yes, this was a business trip, the present conditions do not make things look too bright.  One wonders about people's sanity, for so many customers seem to like getting discounts off a high price rather than a non-discounted lower price in the first place.  That there are always these buyers who expect the free use of the ocean condo at the height of the season and/or all other versions of this theme.  We did buy Mongold's gate building this week, which will give us some good floor space for shipping and receiving.

Thursday we visited Theodore Roosevelt's birth place in NYC -- a 25' wide brownstone with 4 floors.  Really had a personal tour there and made us both want to read more about his life.  At least we have a common thread on October 27th.  Ha.  Especially interesting after reading the condensed Mornings on Horseback in Book Digest.  Friday evening we were included in a group of 16 to help celebrate Mildred Terrell's 75th birthday at a surprise birthday party at the Golden Lamb, which had been arranged by her daughter in Germany.  It was a full evening and she does fit the characterization of 75 years young.  Remember getting my dog -- about fifty years ago -- from Mildred.  It was a combination of Toast and Roast but only a couple really roasted her, but smoothed it over well.

After this was over the girls (MV, MY and another friend of theirs) and I went to Columbus to a Women Anew meeting or rather weekend which was very inspiring at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.  Previous meetings had been held another place but they had outgrown it.  We got home rather tired but MV right away had to practice to sing tonight at the church which we will no doubt attend.

We forgot to tell you all that we had a note when we got back from Oregon about Chancey Hinerman passing away -- he had had a stroke in August and passed away Sep. 15 -- he had been so lost without Sarah -- his letters and phone calls were rambling but we had enjoyed his friendship and humor.  They only had the one adopted daughter who is living in Atlanta.

Anxious to hear more about Roberta's move.  Sorry we missed your phone call last Friday but MY gave us the message that you will be moving Nov. 4 -- I may have given you her address butif not it is 3521 West Vogel, Phoenix AZ.  She says that they have moved most of the things in their pick-up and plan to have the professional movers do the rest -- sure hope a buyer soon shows up for their nice house on N. 61st Place.  Serena was going to try riding her bike again as her legs were feeling better.  Didn't get to see John and Carol.

The Morgans have had a busy time with the Elk's Anniversary celebrations.  Those Rocky Mountain oysters we had were memorable.  Wish we could see Wendy at Halloween time in her mask and with trick-or-treaters.  

Carol's grandparents were celebrating their 50th anniversary today -- wanted to send them a card but didn't want to spoil the surprise you all had planned.  How did it go?

With much love to all of you. . . .

1981 Family Letter -Oct.18

Sunday afternoon --

October 18, 1981

Dearest Family --

Last Sunday seems like a long time ago and it has been two weeks since we last wrote a letter to you but we did have a real nice visit with Catherine and Gerry and Wendy in the meantime.  Hope you will forgive our not writing but we were kept plenty busy.  Wendy is getting so grown up and talks so much more than she did.  I had forgotten about her hair being short but she looks so cute with it that way and I am sure it is easier to take care of.  We did enjoy Catherine's good cooking and ate at several restaurants nearby as well.  Saturday Gerry had a trip up to the Rajneesh Ranch -- a new development of around 60,000 acres just recently obtained by this Indian meditation group which has been very much in the news -- we went along too and had a guided tour over the vast acreage.  They already have much of the level ground under cultivation and are working and building more and more.  They have clusters of four or five double mobile units tho some are still making use of tents there.  One of their beliefs is to wear red clothing -- a symbol of life which really stands out.  Be interesting to see how it all turns out.  [It didn't turn out well -- in 1985 some of the leaders were charged with attempted murder (an assassination plot to kill county officials by poisoning at a salad bar), arson, immigration issues, drug smuggling & more -- the property was taken over by a Christian Youth organization in the mid 1990s which now offers summer camps at the location.]  

Also enjoyed the outdoor swimming at Kah-Nee-Ta -- glad it wasn't as cold as last visit -- no ice around at least.  For a rental car in Oregon we had a yellow Datsun automatic -- did get around 30 MPG and overall think we would prefer the Chevette, but then habit is a big rut that we all get into.

The plane trip back was uneventful -- did have a great view of Great Salt Lake and the city.  Our plane into Dallas was late and after a half mile (it seemed farther) hike to the new gate found that they had pulled the leading walkway in, but they extended it our for us and that did give us a good feeling.

We were glad that Joe was able to use our car from the Cincinnati airport tho we were sorry to have missed him.  Hopefully the 1982 plans will be better coordinated.

Friday night was football night, or in our case, should say the "band show".  Our team lost 56 to 0, plus having three injuries.

This evening was International Night at Wilmington College -- pot luck dinner deal.  We sat at a table with two students from Malaysia and another girl who had grown up in Egypt, Philippines and Italy.  After the dinner they had a pumpkin for each of the students to "decorate" and they came up with some new twists.  Mie Young is also thinking of W.C.

Mary Virginia gave the mission talk in Sunday School this morning.  We are going to have a special collection for Ken Enright, a former pastor, and now a missionary in Zaire, who recently lost his plane in an accident.

Dad and I leave tomorrow for a couple of days in New York City -- he on business and me for the ride.  We will probably be back Thursday but slight possibility it will be Wednesday and if so will get to see John and Carol -- will call collect that morning (Wed.) and ask for one of us to let you know we will be coming but doesn't look too hopeful.

Glad to hear that Serena is feeling much better and obeying doctor's orders -- keep up the good work and the swimming too.

Thanks for all your hospitality.

Love,

Mother & Dad

1991 Jean & HH Letter -Oct.12

 

Saturday -- 11:20 AM

Oct. 12, 1991

Dearest Catherine, Gerry & Wendy,

I am writing this in the car as we go to Columbus -- rather Newark to have lunch with Julie & John & then take Roberta to the airport.

We had supper last night with Serena -- meeting her in Yellow Springs.  We were disappointed in that the stores there -- all closed at 6:00 PM (when we were to meet her) but we got there a little after 5:00 so we had a chance to see them.   They are having a street fair today which would have been nice to visit but guess the parking is bad for Main Street is all blocked off.  Upstairs is a real nice Children's book store.  They have quite a selection of autographed books -- talked to them about Virginia Hamilton & Arnold Adoff who live in Yellow Springs -- she (bookstore owner) raved about them & their new books.  She was showing us a new wordless Christmas book by ?? can't remember the illustrator but she couldn't wait to share it w/her 3-yr-old grandson.

Don't forget to keep June in mind for next year for the three celebrations.  1) G'ma's 100th -- June 22; 2) Horton's 50th (June 24) & Joe's Birthday (June 25); 3) Your 25th from ECHS -- will let you know the definite date as soon as we hear.

What do you think about Don & Mary Virginia's news?  She called us from her church yesterday morning.  They were to have elaborate tests done in a couple of weeks to help them.

[HH writes two paragraphs]  
Grandma continues to improve, now up to 101#, a 10# gain for her and is much more talkative and definite opinions.

The Hortons were planning to leave next Tuesday for LW, but have now postponed to Wed. because of the "Senate Hearing" [Clarence Thomas confirmation]  It's really amazing the government runs as well as it does.

[Back to Jean]
Dad just got the magazine "Your Company" today -- I think the 1st since the one you saw when you were home.  "Summer 91" is almost over, I'd say.

We're anxious to hear Wendy play the keyboard (and her mother too) and haven't forgotten our promise to pay toward the lessons -- as I recall we had some stipulations and haven't heard if they are being met.  We do want to do our part as promised.  How about it Wendy?  You & G'dad will have to have a recital and maybe play a duet.  And you and your Mother.

We're almost on the turnoff for Newark -- so will close for now.  Thanks for your letter, Catherine & your note Wendy.

Much, much love,

Dad & Mother

1981 Family Letter -Oct.4

 

Sunday, October 4, 1981

Dear Family:

This has been a BIG telephone week in talking with all the family plus a really long distance call from Kim and that he hopes to get to NV sometime in October.  On the home front we are leaving for Oregon on Wednesday for one week.  Joe Horton called this afternoon and will be here over the weekend and know they will all have a big time with the junior set here along with Carol and John.

Last Wednesday we made the annual 300 mile trip to Charleston, WV and back to see the accounts for 1982.  Coming back we stopped near Portsmouth to view the new utility installation for making electricity from the river current, which is a gigantic installation . . . something like 700 million project.  My math is outdated when the government starts talking about the trillion dollar indebtedness.  In Chillicothe we bought our first half bushel of apples -- grimes golden.

Tuesday and Thursday nights were square dance times -- with the third go around on lessons (on Tuesdays) we are starting to learn some of the basics.  Anyway we are glad that we got involved.

All week the girls have been working in the evening on their Senior Class Float for the Homecoming game, which was Friday.  The Band Boosters had a Chili Supper before hand . . . so that was a full evening.

There have been a lot of rumors around the County that some people have been contacted about buying their farm for a hazardous waste site.  Saturday the anti-waste site group had a rally at the Court House and protocol (?) or you name it calls for the County Commissioners to be present.  The rest of the family went on up to Fairborn to hear our School band participate in a contest.

Last Monday was open house at the local school.  One of the parents of a child for whom your Mother tells library stories said, "She makes the listener feel like they are part of the action."  A quip from our Church bulletin today read . . . "Maybe a dog has more friends than people because he wags his tail rather than his tongue."

Congratulations to Serena for swimming 1½ miles the other day -- that's a good many laps -- doubt if I could even do 1½ laps.  Keep up the good work -- swimming seems the least painful exercise I know next to the famous square dancing.

It was nice talking to John on the morning of his 24th birthday.  Doesn't seem like it could be that long.  He seems to be enjoying his work in the trust department -- has his own desk and the head trust officer is seeing that he has plenty of work to keep him busy.  Have you had any more luck finding cars that are to be repossessed?  Hope you had no repercussions from the one you happened to recognize the last time we saw you.

Roberta is really busy and will continue to be so til after she and Marion have moved to 3521 West Vogel, Phoenix.  Through a friend she has bought a '73 Dodge Swinger in excellent condition and a brand new 5-speed diesel truck (pickup) which will be helpful in moving and other big jobs needed in her work.  Too bad Dad wasn't close enough to take advantage of buying the Vespa she quickly sold.

As we have mentioned before we will miss seeing Joe -- and John and Carol -- but have been looking forward to seeing the Morgans.  Should arrive there Thursday afternoon after Dad and the Portland salesman have a get-together that morning.

Roberta's car is a '74 and only has 40,000 miles on it -- owned by an 83-year-old man who used to go to the Senior Center.

With much love to each one of you . . . .

1961 Letter to HH from Catherine, Roberta & Jean -Oct.

 

[Unknown date but refers to John getting a Halloween costume.  Creative spelling is included and is open to interpretation.]

Part from Catherine:

Dear Daddy,

I am selling raffle tickets on a capon for the band.  How many do you want to buy?

I took my piano lesson tonite while everybody else went to Hillsboro.  Then we ate at Shef's.

Yesterday I tryed to open the post office box.  I couldn't get it open so Mother went down.  She couldn't get it open so she asked Grandma & Granddaddy.  They couldn't open it either so they asked Bill Flint.  He couldn't either so they had to fix the box.

In Science we had to trace are ancestors back 4 generations.  I traced it back to David Uibel.  My Great-great-grandfather.

Mother bought two bedroom lamps and John got a haloween  costume.

Love,

Catherine

Roberta's part:

Derr Daddy,

Today we got prizes for sailing mayazines.  I got a corah, jsinde, phiny, swimming mask and a nail rifer and a CANDY BAR.

Love,

Bert

Jean's part:  

John and I visited Serena's class this morning.  She is the "Hostess of the week" so came to the door and let us in.  John sat real quietly and enjoyed it all immensely.  Serena and Roberta came home for lunch.

Mother Uible went to Hillsboro this AM -- Johnny Scarborough [husband of "Mugs"  and daughter of Uncle Dorsey Hiestand] is in the hospital in an oxygen tent.  Aunt Marjory [Mother of Mugs 1881-1969, Mugs 1905-1996, Dorsey 1876-1959, Johnny 1901-1962] came home sick and isn't over a cold yet.

John & I delivered pecans to Mrs. Southerland and Mrs. Gene Williams (across from Snow Hill) -- Also called on Mrs. Ronnie Flint, Mrs. Laughran (sp?) and Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Pierce.  Stopped to see Mrs. Robinson but she wasn't home.

Daye's called & said bicycle tire was in so took it over to Hillsboro & man said he would try to have it ready by Saturday.  He is a character.

Read your letter addressed to Wells & then gave it to your father.

[Love from all, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -Sep.28

 

Monday --

Sept. 28, 1981

Dearest Family --

We had a wonderful weekend at Fontana -- enjoying the square dancing and all the food.  We stayed at the Inn -- had a lovely room.  It was all a part of the pacake [package?] plan -- everything included -- food, dancing, room.  Needless to say we ate too much.  We did do some hiking -- saw the new shelter provided for hikers on the Appalachian Trail (walked a bit of it) but the biggest surprise to me was to be dancing Friday evening and lo and behold who should be in the audience but Lois and Tom Bruce.  They were on their way to Florida and had just stopped for a couple of days.  They asked about all of you.  Dr. Bruce's hearing isn't too good especially with the loud music but otherwise they seem very much the same.  We had hoped to see them again but just weren't able to get together except very briefly at breakfast the next morning.

We did take a 30 [?] mile boat trip and then hiked up Hazel Glen and had a picnic lunch there with a group of about 25 others.  On the way home yesterday we stopped at Cherokee to see Oconaluftee Indian Village which we had been to before with some of you but they have enlarged it greatly.  Especially enjoyed the herb and vegetable garden with the TALL plants -- tomatoes, gourds, beans, etc. over six feet tall -- even zinnias.

Grandma got back safely from her trip last Sunday but believe I mentioned that in the last letter.  We are all enjoying the new bicycle which Roberta sent home with her.  (Mie Young went down after the mail & to see Grandma just now on it.)

Tonight is OPEN HOUSE at the school and the first PTO meeting so will have to get back there tonight for it.  Always glad when that is over but do meet some of the parents you otherwise wouldn't meet.

Hope your open house went well, Catherine as a farewell for the former librarian and a welcome for you.  You had a busy week if you had to entertain Elk officer's (district) wives.  Not to mention Wendy's birthday.  Anxious to hear more about all that plus her party at the Grizzly Bear.

Enjoyed reading Aunt Mary's letter which included a front page article about Joe in the RAYMES paper and Marianne's letter about her problems with an entanglement with two big dogs and also the adventures with a new hamster they were given.  Funny now but not so at the time.  

Ohio had the largest delegation at Fontana at what they call the annual Rebel Roundup.  There were 800+ people there and 282 from Ohio far and away the largest number and there were sixteen from Clinton County and four from Hillsboro -- got to know the Dr. Lukens (veterinarian) and Selva and Larry Dixon much better.

Sorry that we won't get to see Joe while here but glad he is able to make use of our car while we are in Oregon.  Hope he finds it OK at the airport (Cincinnati).  We have already mailed the keys so will take along an extra set to use on our return and he can lock ours in the glove compartment.

This may be too late to get in the mail but I'm going to try to get it in Monday's mail.

Much love to all of you -- always glad to hear & thanks Serena, for your letter..

[Love to all, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -Sep.20

 

Sunday, Sept. 20, 1981

We have just returned from Columbus and getting Mother [GHU] at the airport where everything went according to schedule.  She "weathered" the trip in great style.  Roberta starts her new job tomorrow . . . as we understand this is the first program of its type in the U.S. as the County has bought seven homes, with Roberta and Marion living in the middle home (they are all in a row) and the other six homes will each have six adults who are now in nursing homes, but who can take care of their basic needs.  Roberta is to be on duty to keep things running smoothly.  It will be an interesting experiment.

This afternoon was our Sunday School picnic at Lake Cowan.  The weather was great and we all had a great time eating, playing volleyball and watching umpteen sail boats.  Part of the entertainment was each family putting on a TV commercial and tying it into Sunday School.  We used the E.F. Hutton one and changed the words to . . . "When God talks everyone listens, etc."

Last night the East Clinton band participated in the Xenia parade and band contest, which we all enjoyed, particularly since we took our blankets for that insulation.  The football team has yet to click this season but naturally the band show is our main interest.  They hope to be in their new school building in January.

Thursday evening we attended the annual township trustees meeting, which featured an excellent roast beef dinner with the usual political oratory with Cooper Snyder talking (should say State Senator) and Joe Haines our state representative.  We took the Vergnes with us . . . Joh is the twp. clerk.  We had forgotten that they had driven school buses to Alaska on three occasions.

Backing up further in the week to Wednesday Carol and John with another couple were here on their way back to Newark from Florida, where they had a great time.  We wonder if John is more (or less?) enthused about banking after talking with Mr. Garnett in Lake Worth.  John is starting to work in the trust dept. of the Newark bank this week.  

Still earlier in the week, we were glad to hear that Serena has gotten a promotion in her work.  Her employer is labeled as the "largest association management firm" in the U.S.  As Serena said they have a lot more chance of promotion and variety than working for Loyola.  She is taking Polish at Loyola now, which gives her pool privileges as a plus.

Back to our Columbus trip today, for in addition to our usual array of luggage with Mother we also had a bike that Roberta had as an extra which came wrapped in a LARGE plastic bag on the same flight.  It arrived OK.  And we really thank you -- the baskets look extremely helpful.  Dad is the one who needs a new bike for he rides the most but . . . .

Serena called last week to say that the doctor thinks it is arthritis that she has but won't know for sure until he reads the x-rays.  It is degenerative which doesn't sound too good but better than rheumatoid.  Perhaps you will want to look to look it up at the library, Serena.  Congratulations again on your job promotion.  In case you all weren't aware she is in charge of membership for three organizations plus the other work she has been doing for Smith Bucklin who manage trade organizations.

Hope all goes well for you in your new work too Roberta and we will be anxious to hear more about it.  We know you are all capable.  Seems strange that you are all embarking on new fields including John in the trust department although he has been doing some of that.  We are hoping and praying that all goes well for all of you.  Sorry too that we didn't have longer with you, John and Carol.  Appreciate Roberta using her vacation to take Grandma on her trip.  She really seemed to enjoy the trip and has already talked of the possibility of going to the Caribbean some time.  The weather should be warmer than Sept. in Alaska.  Sorry you had so much rain and cool weather but evidently the ship made up for some of the inconveniences.  

Hope you had a real nice birthday, Wendy and looking forward to celebrating with your friends this Saturday!  We'll be thinking about you then too!

With much love --

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible 1922-2011