1981 Catherine's Letter -Dec.15

 

Tuesday, December 15, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  What's new in Ohio?  We had lots of snow here on Saturday and Sunday and then yesterday it started to rain and is still raining today so the snow is almost gone.  Very messy weather.

I meant to tell you on the phone, Mother, Wendy loves the advent calendar.  It has really helped her count the days until Christmas or at last be more aware of what the date is.  I just opened one of them.  I gave her the Sunday School books and thought I would save the other coloring book for Christmas.  We didn't really decide on the phone which present you would like to give her.  Do you have any preference?  I should find out today how much of the order arrived (hopefully all of it).  It will be almost too late to order anything else.  The stores here don't have a very broad selection.

I signed Wendy up for dancing lessons.  Several of her friends have been taking them.  The teacher picks them up at the Day Care center and takes them to the Grange (across the street practically going toward the Elks) where the classes are held.  After the class I will pick her up and take her back to Day Care.  We told Wendy it was a Christmas present.  She has her first class tomorrow at 10:30 and then not again until the first Wednesday in January.  We are going to get her the required ballet shoes for Christmas.  And she will also need "ballet pink" tights.  It costs $18.00 per month which seems steep but . . . .

We are thinking of getting a water bed for Christmas.  Our bed is becoming increasingly unsatisfactory.  It was guaranteed for 10 years (prorated) and we have had it half of that.  It doesn't bother me much but Gerry's back is alot more sensitive and he wakes up all stiff.  One of his friends who had similar back surgery has a water bed and is very strong in favor of them.  We figured our bed would fit into DeeDee's room but with not much room to spare.  Then we would put the bunk beds in Wendy's room.

We are looking forward to a few days without meetings.  Gerry has Lodge on Thursday night the 17th and then no more meetings for either one of us until Tuesday, Jan. 5.  On Thursday of that week we will be leaving for convention.  We are both looking forward to that also.  I think Wendy will be staying with the Woll's.  Got to go . . . ...

Love, Catherine, Gerry, & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Nov.25

 

 

Wednesday, November 25, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

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

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

It's now Monday, November 30.

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

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

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

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

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Nov.15

 

Monday, November 15, 1981

Dear Mother Dad, and Mary and Mie Young,

Hello.  Sorry I didn't get a letter off to you last week.  I have to keep my schedule very regimentalized or I don't get anything done.  When I didn't write on Monday morning there didn't seem any other time to do it.  So I'll keep trying to get it off on Mondays!

I went to the library meeting last Monday evening in Bend.  There were about 25 people -- combination school or should I say media librarians and public and three from COCC.  After dinner at the Inn of the 7th Mountain we went to the Deschutes Public library for a meeting and tour.  It was very interesting.  We talked about censorship as the Redmond school libraries are being challenged right now because of Judy Blume books -- someone wants all Judy Blume books removed from the shelves.  It made me rather paranoid as this library doesn't have any book selection policy whatsoever.  Although the board has said they will back me up (we did have a minor flap over the Rajneesh books) I think we would have a better case if we had a written book selection policy.  So I have been working on that.  This morning I am going over to the School District library office as they have a book that has the policies form many libraries and that should be helpful.  The next board meeting is Dec. 1st so if I have something by then maybe I can get the board to approve it.

Gerry had lots of meeting as last week with Investigating Committee on Tuesday, Trustees meeting Wednesday and regular lodge on Thursday.  Friday we went to Bingo and made out pretty good.  Gerry won $10 and a free dinner ticket (worth $7.50) and I won $9 and a free drink ticket.  We took Wendy out to dinner between work and Bingo so she could have her favorite -- clam chowder.  We went to the Meet Market.  Saturday we worked at the Elks and then had dinner there (steak) with Wendy to use Gerry's dinner ticket.  Then the babysitter stayed with Wendy while we stayed later at the dance.  Yesterday we did a little work around the house and then spent a few hours at the Elks working.  I am working on the Club books for October right now having finally finished the Lodge's second quarter.  Gerry is getting everything together for this month's issue (or rather December issue) of the Bulletin.

I have an AAUW meeting tonight but not sure yet if I am going to go.  The program is on technology and the speaker is coming from COCC so should be interesting.   Wendy has a birthday party at 2:00 this afternoon.  I am going to pick her up from Day Care at 12:00 which is after their lunch but before nap.  She has a ride to the party and then she will be dropped off at the library afterwards and I can take her back to Day Care.  She won't be going to school until later this morning as I am going to deliver a new batch of books to the Nursing Home this morning and she likes to go with me to the Nursing Home.  They always make a big thing out of the children.  She wanted to wear a dress this morning as the last time we went there several people thought she was a boy.  We compromised on a blouse so as to save her dress for the party.

Wednesday night this week is the Elks birthday dinner.  It is a week early this month becauses of Thanksgiving.  We were invited to a party on Friday night but don't know if we will go.  Both Gerry and I have to work on Saturday.  i had told Betty she could have this Saturday off and Debbie was going to work for her but then Debbie found out she couldn't work so I will be doing it.  No big deal since Gerry will be working and I will probably just bring Wendy with me.

Better close and finish getting the books ready to go to the Nursing Home.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Nov.1

 

Sunday, November 1, 1981

Dear Mom, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  I am with Wendy and two of her friends at the playground -- not the park but the one at the Elementary School.  It is a beautiful day -- sunshine, blue sky, temperature about 65º.  Wendy stayed all night with them last night and then we all went out for brunch this morning.  Later we will be going to the Elks.  I have to do the payroll today and I still haven't finished the quarterly profit/loss report for the Lodge.   I have had a hard time with it as there were deposits made which I didn't have receipts for and money was transferred from one account to another several times causing further confusion.  Hopefully I can get it all straightened out soon.

We didn't have too many trick or treaters although we were gone for about an hour.  Wendy wore her mask that you gave her -- she went with her two friends (daughters of Dave the club mgr) who she stayed with.  We carved her pumpkin on Thursday night and took some pictures so we can send you some.

This coming week Gerry and I both have meetings on Tuesday night.  Gerry has House Committee and I have AAUW book group at the library.  We are going to see a film on sexism in children's books which should be interesting.  I'll have to let you know which books are discussed -- some of them I know of are: Petronella, Pippi Longstocking, Molly Patch & her animal friends, and Maggie B.  We just got a new picture book called Beast by Meddaugh which is a cute story in which the girl is a hero.  I have ordered some other new children's books which haven't arrived yet.  The hottest adult item right now is Indecent Obsession by Colleen McCullough author of Thorn Birds.  Everyone wants to read it.

There is a meeting in Redmond on Thursday of LOCO.  I think I will send Debbie since I went to the  workshop last week.  Give her some district exposure.

Got to go.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Oct.26

 

Monday, October 26, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  Sorry I haven't had time to call lately.  With Wendy and I leaving with Gerry in the mornings we don't have much extra time to make the call then.

Things have been busy with us as usual.  This week shouldn't be too bad as neither of us has any extra meetings.  Gerry has to run the addresses for the Elks Bulletin and I have to finish the quarterly bookkeeping for the Lodge.

Wendy had a good weekend with two of her friends staying all night on Friday night so we could share babysitting services and then yesterday she went to their house for the afternoon.

This is the week I am supposed to go to Prineville for the workshop on public relations.  I have to call tonight to see if I can share transportation to Prineville with someone who works over there.  Then next week is the meeting in Redmond on Thursday and I just got an invitation to a dinner at the Inn of the 7th Mountain on November 9th to form a Central Oregon Librarians Assoc. which would include public and school librarians.

I have to take Wendy to Day Care now so will try to add to this later.

We have had Indian Summer the last week or so.  Today it is cloudy but still warm (in the 60's) but doubt if it will last much longer.  We just hope the sun doesn't quit shining after we get our solar panels up!

Your Halloween card for Wendy arrived today.  We haven't carved the pumpkin up yet but will try to get it done some night this week.  Probably on Thursday if not before.  Wendy wants to go Trick or Treating so I guess one of us will at least take her around the block.

The Day Care Center is having their annual bike-a-thon this Saturday also.  I have to help with that from 2-4.  Last year it was scheduled for the last Saturday of October but had to be postponed as it rained and then the day they had it in November was cold and drizzly so hope it can go as scheduled this year.  Last year they made over $3000.  They use the money to buy new equipment, etc.

Hope you had a Happy Birthday, Dad.  Did you do anything special to celebrate?

Better close.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Oct.19

 

Monday, October 19, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  It sure was nice having you to visit -- seemed so brief though.  Sorry the weather couldn't have been a little better but I guess it didn't really stop us from doing anything.

As expected we have been busy since you left.  On Thursday I took Wendy with me to work and let her stay for story hour.  After I took her to Day Care I got to feeling worse and worse and finally had to go home when I started vomiting.  I must have had a different version of what Wendy had on Monday.  I felt better on Friday  and was able to go back to work which was good as I didn't want to miss the festivities at the Elks over the weekend.  They had a real good crowd both Friday and Saturday nights -- estimated at 350 attendance for the special session that honored the charter members.  Gerry read off the names of all the charter members as they were presented pins and then he also read the names of the 66 deceased charter members.  He got lots of compliments as his voice came through strong on the microphone -- it was a good presentation.  We were able to take Wendy with us for the continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and also to a party on Saturday afternoon for the "VIP's".  The club took in $7400 (including dinners) for the weekend as compared to the income for the month of September which totaled $6800.

I am now at the library.  Wendy and I have been riding to work with Gerry in the morning and then spending some time here before she goes to school.  This morning she about had a fit as I brought cereal for her to eat but I forgot her toast.  You'd think it was the end of the world.

I had to type an article this morning about the Elks Anniv. for the Madras Paper.  I'll have to take that over later on.

Some people I had met previously from Rajneeshpuram came into the library on Friday and said that Prahtima (our guide) told them that we had been there.  The girl that I talked to on Friday's name is Probbode.  She said they can either keep their original names or the Rajneesh will give them a new one which ever they prefer.  I have an article I hope to include about how they are trying to incorporate in Wasco County.  Probably because Jefferson County has given them alot more hassle.

I also had an article to send you about the town of Brothers but I left it at home so will try to send it to you next week.  Or wait until this afternoon to send this off.

Wendy has finally calmed down about her lack of toast and is off looking at books.

Bunco was changed from last Thursday to this Thursday which was OK by me since I was sick on Thursday.  Tonight I have AAUW and on Wednesday is Lady Elks which I will probably skip -- can't do everything.  Gerry has meetings this week on Tuesday and Thursday so it will be another busy week.

Serena called last Wednesday evening thinking that you would still be there.  Sorry you missed her call.  We got your post card today.  You must have gotten home very late.  Thanks for everything.  Hope you will be able to visit again soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

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 Catherine's Letter -Sep.28

 

Monday morning, September 28, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Mie Young,

Hi!  Hopefully things will be a little quieter for us this week.  Last week was too much on the busy side.  But everything seemed to go well.  Wendy had a good birthday.  The Paddington Bear is really cute and nice to have the book to go along with it.  The sweater with the WJM also arrived.  It is about a size too big but she will soon grow into it.  We got her a Western Barbie with a jeep and a horse to go with it.  She really likes the jeep.  We ordered them all from the Christmas catalog.  Her party at the Grizzly Bear was OK.  Altogether there were 8 kids and they did fine eating and playing.  But when they opened the presents everyone began arguing and fighting over them and Wendy wasn't happy with what she got.  She traded with another girl who was also unhappy so it worked out OK.

The Open House at the library went over real well.  There were about 90 people.  Standing around smiling and trying to make polite conversation is harder than working though.  I was glad when it was over.  The luncheon on Thursday was more personal and I enjoyed that.  It was at Kathie Olson's house.  She is the one who has completely renovated the inside of the library.  And her house reflected her artistic talents even more -- it looked like a picture right out of a magazine.  She served a casserole with chicken, zucchini, carrots & croutons, with aspic and fruit salad.  And peach ice cream for dessert.  

The meeting I went to Friday at Hood River was very interesting.  There was a guy from the State Library there as well as three librarians from Hood River, one from The Dalles, one from Maupin, one from Prineville, one from Bend and me.  One of the biggest problems with this region is that it is over 200 miles from one end to the other.  I guess eastern Oregon has an even bigger area.  One thing we are trying to work on is cooperation between public libraries and school libraries.  Right after I got back I ran into the lady who is in charge of all the school libraries in Madras and she invited me to the next school librarians meeting so we are off to a good start on that front  That will be on October 15th I think.

We got an estimate yesterday for a solar hot water system including solar panels and an 82 gallon holding tank.  In order to get the tax credits (40% federal and 25% state) we have to submit an application to the State Dept. of Energy and have it approved before the work is begun.  I think we are going to go ahead with it.  Would you be interested in helping us to finance this venture?

I better close.  I have some typing I need to do for the Elks before I leave for work.  Looking forward to seeing you real soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Sep.20

Sunday, September 20, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Wendy was using this as her practice sheet so thought I would use it since it is already in the typewriter.  I thought about getting her a typewriter (toy one) for her birthday but since she is used to using the real thing I don't know if she would be satisfied with a "toy" one.

I think fall has arrived here.  We had our first rain in almost three months on Friday night and since then it has been on the cool side and overcast today.  We played golf today for the first time since late in July.  All this Elks business has eaten up our extra time.  After we played golf we worked at the Elks for a couple hours.  We took Wendy with us both to the golf and the Elks.

As I mentioned on the phone, we have a busy week ahead of us.  Tomorrow night I have an AAUW meeting.  They are having a speaker on women writers so that should be interesting.  I am taking a guest -- a woman lawyer who recently went into practice here.  I would like to see more non-school teachers in the AAUW as that is what most of the women are.  Tuesday is the Open House at the Library.  I need to make cookies for that -- hopefully after I finish this letter I will do that.  Wednesday of course is Wendy's birthday and also the monthly birthday dinner at the Elks.  We ordered Wendy a western Barbie along with a horse and a jeep for her birthday.  Thursday the District Deputy and another dignitary are coming to inspect Gerry's records at the Elks and I get to help entertain their wives during the evening.  Also the Library Board is having a luncheon at one of the members houses that day.  And Friday I am going to the library meeting in Hood River.  Then Saturday is Wendy's birthday party at the Grizzly Bear.  Also we should be getting the Bulletin back from the printers on Monday or Tuesday so we can start putting the addresses on them.

I just got the first batch of cookies in the oven -- snickerdoodles.  Hope they turn out OK as that is all I am planning to make.  Wendy loves to help -- but mostly her help consists of licking the bowl.  She is good at pouring the measured ingredients into the bowl also.  We asked her today what kind of birthday cake she wanted as she has been discussing this for months.  Her answer was a "yummy" kind.  Hopefully whatever we get will be OK.

We got a nice letter from Elizabeth Johnson a few days ago.  She said that after Grandma has seen everything maybe she will hire Roberta to take her a few places!  The cookies are all done now (they came out OK) and Wendy is in the bathtub washing the grime of the day off of her body.  Sure hope you have a good time in Fontana -- or had a good time in case you don't get this until you return.  I don't know if I would recognize the place or not -- has it changed much in 20 years?

Debbie's [Gerry's sister] fiance is not reenlisting in the service after all so she won't be moving out this direction.  Sounds like they will be staying around Sanford.  Although I guess he is originally from Alabama but his mother is presently living in Sanford.

Better close now.  Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Love,
Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine & GHU letter -Sep.14

 

Monday, September 14, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  It was nice talking to you all yesterday.  Roberta and Grandma seem to be doing fine.  Wendy has been pestering Grandma ever since they got here.  Her favorite thing seems to be dancing with Grandma by holding her hand and twirling around etc.

Roberta and I went to the store and bought some things to eat for the next couple nights.  We bought fish for one night and rabbit for the other.  Care to join us Mother for the rabbit?  We had thought we might go out to dinner at Wong's with them but it turns out they are closed for a week's vacation until Thursday and there is no place else decent to eat except by driving a long ways.  Perhaps we will go out for lunch.

I don't have anything going on this week until Wednesday night which works out well.  Gerry has a meeting tomorrow night -- a planning meeting for the 25th Anniversary.  I have Bunco on Wednesday.  I worked all day Saturday on the Bookkeeping and got the profit and loss statement for August done for the Club.  The Lodge I only have to do a statement every three months so I will have that to work on next month.  This is the week that we turn the bulletin in to the printers so we will have that to work on probably the first of next week getting them all addressed etc.  We did get a new ribbon for the addressograph machine since last month and does that ever make a difference.

We did get your last letter on Friday as well as the two letters for Grandma.  However, the reference to the pictures was puzzling since you did not enclose any pictures.  Did you send them to someone else?  We bought some more film so hope to get some pictures while Roberta and Grandma are here.  I meant to mention to you about the lack of pictures when I talked to you but forgot.

Time to go . . . .

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

* * * * *

[From GHU, presumably the same day -- Sep. 14, 1981]

Dear Folks -- Mon.-morning

The day is on the way.  C. is on her way to work -- Gerry has left.  Roberta is doing laundry & Wendy is watching TV.  She didn't go to school [day care] to-day.  Roberta & W. plan to walk down town after while.  It is a beautiful day.  Roberta & I had a nice trip so far.  She says her head is still going a-round.  You will find enclosed the letter from Joe and a picture.  

Roberta wonders if Wendy ever stops talking but to me she is normal -- just thinking out loud & entertaining herself.  She has a row of cute freckles across her face & nose.  Sorry our cards did not arrive so you may get several at once.  Our plans are to leave here Wed. morning early.  So will not go into telling about our trip as it would take a lot of writing.  

Rec. a receipt for Refrigerator from Sr. Citz. Sec'y so wondered if it was placed ready for use.  Sorry to hear that Serena is having knee trouble.  Could it be her feet (arch) causing the pain?

Love to all --Mother

[note from Roberta] Wendy still hasn't quit talking.

1981 Catherine's Letter -Sep.7

 

Monday, September 7, 1981 - LABOR DAY

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  How was your Labor Day weekend?  We didn't do too much.  Both Saturday and today we worked at the Elks although only about half of today.  Yesterday we went rafting -- our usual trip from Warm Springs to Trout Creek.  We went with a guy who works at the Co-op and some of his friends. He had just got a new raft and was anxious to try it out.  It was a good trip.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will be good the weekend you are here so we can go rafting then.

I also worked at the library on Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00.  Betty wanted to go to the State Fair in Salem and said she would appreciate getting off an hour early.  I took Wendy with me and it was while Gerry was working at the Elks so it didn't interrupt any of our plans.  Now in return she will work an hour for me on September 25th when I am going to a LOCO (Libraries of Central Oregon) meeting in Hood River.  That way Debbie will be able to go to lunch.  How do you like the article on me?  I hope Dad is not offended by my referring to him as a "library fanatic".  I thought the article came out pretty well.  I was afraid it would make me sound really dumb and look ugly besides!  I have gotten quite a few nice comments on it, especially from people who didn't know about my ambitions until recently.

We are looking forward to seeing Roberta & Grandma on Sunday.  Sorry that they won't be here longer and that Gerry and I are unable to get time off from work.  But at least we will be able to see them.  And they'll be able to see more of Wendy.

The library board meeting went fine last week.  Mostly they discussed the Open House they want to have on September 22nd and also a luncheon on September 24th for all the old board members and new as well as for the retiring librarian & asst.  They are having it at one of the board member's house at 1:00 so I will be able to come after Debbie gets back from lunch.  The Open House will be at the library of course from 11:00 to 3:00 which seems like strange hours but that is what they decided.  Everybody is going to bring cookies.  The two things I had to bring up were that they should charge people who get things through Interlibrary Loan the postage one-way which they approved.  And I asked if the AAUW reading group (of which I am a member) could have meetings at the library once a month.  They had never discussed this before but finally decided to try it.  They were afraid lots of other groups would want to use it also but since the space is so limited I don't think they will have to worry about that.

Wendy did fine in readjusting to the Day Care Center.  Her present teacher decided to keep her for a few more weeks before advancing her to the four-year-old class.  Some of Wendy's friends have already moved up last week and the rest will be going before the end of the month.

Gerry talked to his sister, Debbie, last night.  She is planning to get married in November to a guy who is re-enlisting in the service and may possibly be stationed in Washington.  It would be nice as we would be able to see more of her if that is the case.  At any rate, we think it would be good for her to see some of the rest of the world besides Sanford.  She did come out to see us the first year we were in San Diego.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Aug.31

Monday, August 31, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I didn't call you on Friday, Mother.  I had every intention of calling you.  Somehow it slipped my mind until I was at work on Friday that it actually was Friday.  I don't know what day I thought it was but I certainly would have called you if it had occurred to me before 8:00!  Then I was going to call you over the weekend but figured you were probably gone to New Cumberland.  I will try to do better this week and be aware of what day it is!

One of the things I wanted to tell you was that we got Wendy's hair cut short.  She looks really different and it is certainly lots easier to keep neat looking.  I think it makes her look more like a Uible with the short hair!  She seems to like it and was all in favor of getting it cut.  We took a picture of her but of course we haven't finished the roll yet -- we'll take some more while Grandma and Roberta are here.

The new assistant librarian starts today so I'll be busy for the next few days getting her trained.  Barbara (former librarian) only worked two days last week so I was on my own for most of the week.  Tomorrow is the board meeting so that ought to be a big event.  Three new members ought to make it quite a change.  I have my first book order ready to go out today.  We can get a 40% discount from a company named Ingram but they have a number code for every book that has to be looked up on microfiche list that they send out every two weeks or so.  Or books can be ordered from Baker & Taylor at 34% discount without any special code.

DeeDee is flying out of Redmond today.  Republic Airlines which she is taking from Redmond to San Francisco had an unexpected change of schedule last week so we had to change her connecting flight from SF to SD as she wouldn't have had time to make the original flight.  She will now have a two hour layover in SF instead of the 50 minutes originally and she leaves from Redmond 40 minutes later.  Gerry is taking the afternoon off from work and will take Wendy with him to the airport.  So tomorrow Wendy will go back to Day Care after five weeks vacation.

We are looking forward to seeing Grandma and Roberta next week.  We have been trying to think of places they might like to go while they are around here.  We went quite a few places while they were here last year but I don't think we went to Sisters so that is a possibility.

We are going to have Wendy's birthday party at the Grizzly Bear on September 26th.  It is going to be a joint birthday party for Wendy and her friend Laura who will also be four in September.  The Grizzly Bear furnishes hats, horns, and balloons as well as an appearance by the Grizzly Bear himself.  We furnish cake and buy the drinks from them.

Well, better close and get ready for work.  Hope to talk to you on Friday!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Aug.24

 

Monday, August 24, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Nice talking to you on Friday, Mother, and Congratulations to Mary on her singing at the fair.

We went down the river Saturday with another couple who live just down the street from us.  That made it convenient and they are alot more reliable than Jeff & Shirley who either don't know what they are doing until the last minute or are several hours late.  We bought sandwiches at the Deli and took some soda and chips and had a picnic on the river.

Yesterday Gerry and I worked at the Elks for a few hours.  I worked on the bookkeeping and Gerry ran the addressograph machine addressing the monthly bulletins and also a set of envelopes for the letters they are sending out about the 25th anniversary.  There are about 840 names on the mailing list.  The cooking for Thursday night will be easier this week as they served stew on Saturday night before the hobo dance and had alot left over so we'll be serving stew.  I'll probably fix a salad to go with it and have garlic bread or rolls.  So that won't be much work at all.

Saturday night we had sort of a party for DeeDee.  We had fondue which Wendy thought was really neat.  She wanted to have fondue again last night.  We also had a cake decorated for DeeDee -- alot of decoration and it said "Deanna".  It was angel food (which she had expressed as her favorite kind) with strawberry icing.  We did it this weekend as next weekend we have filled up with alot of other stuff like Gerry has to work on Saturday and then has a district Elks meeting on Sunday.  DeeDee will leave from Redmond at 3:50 on Monday the 31st.  Gerry will take the afternoon off from work but I doubt that I will as that is the day that my new assistant is starting.  She has about an hour layover in San Francisco where she changes from Republic to Western and then arrives in San Diego about 8:45.

Yesterday afternoon we went to Oma & Millard Eakin's 50th Wedding Anniversary.  They are the couple that lived across from us at the apartments and sort of adopted Wendy.  It was held at the church and they had quite a turn out.  It was held from 2-5 and their daughter sang at 3:00 and 4:00.  She had a nice voice but I couldn't understand a word.

Everything is going fine at the library.  I had my first two days without Barbara [my predecessor who retired] on Thursday and Friday and the place held together.  It is quit a shock to the patrons to see a new face as Barbara had been there since 1964 I think and Helen (the asst. who also retired) has been there 10 years.  The hardest part for me at the beginning is ordering books as I have to get familiar with what is being put out and also familiar with what people here like to read.  There is also quite a backlog of gift books and other miscellaneous things that have just been stuck on a shelf in the backroom.  I'd like to get them under control.

I will be glad to get Wendy back in Day Care next week.  The disciplined and more structured environment will be good for her.  Also it should help her disposition.  She hasn't been taking a nap this summer at least not with regularity and then she gets cranky and unreasonable.  She will be changing into the four-year-old class during September which will be a change for her also.

Well, I better close and see if there is anything else I need to do around here before going to work.

Love, Catherine, Gerry

DeeDee & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Aug.17

Monday, August 17, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I didn't get a letter off to you last week.  Hopefully the one I sent to new Orleans will catch up with you sooner or later.

We have another busy week ahead of us.  No meetings until Thursday night when Gerry has Elks and I have Bunco.  But we have to fix the Thursday night dinner again this week.  There is a blood drive on Wednesday night so we will probably do the cooking on Tuesday night and then heat it up on Thursday.

We are hoping to go on a raft trip next Saturday as that will be our last chance to go before DeeDee returns to California.  The following weekend Gerry has to work on Saturday, we have to go to an Elks meeting (a district meeting) in Prineville on Sunday and then she is leaving on Monday.

Saturday I went to the AAUW brunch.  It is an annual event (two years in a row now!) to get things in gear for the fall.  There were about 30 women there and the hostess served this really delicious casserole made out of eggs, bread, milk, cheese and mushroom soup.  [Doesn't sound that delicious to me now.]  She served fruit with it.  They had some musical entertainment.  I am trying to get the AAUW to go together with the library to have a book sale.  They also have a lot of sub-groups which meet separately from the main meeting.  I am in the reading group and I'm in hopes we can get permission of the library board to have the meetings at the library.  My first library board meeting will be September 1st. 

Yesterday we went to the Elks picnic.  That was the third year we have been to that so we are beginning to feel like real old-timers.  They had a turn out of about 150 people so there was quite a crowd.  The Elks furnish BBQ chicken and drinks and everybody brings something for the rest of the pot-luck.  After that was over about 4:00 we went to a swimming party.  Wendy had a wonderful time swimming and playing with her friend Darcy but I think DeeDee was pretty bored.  It made for a big day.

Several months ago I took some of Wendy's and my clothes to the consignment shop here and Saturday I went to see how my account was doing.  I could hardly believe I made $34.25!  I thought that was good for things that I would have given away otherwise.  I make 50% of whatever they sell it for.  So I gave them another bag of things and see how well I will do on them.  After they keep the things for four months (?) you have the option of picking them up or they give them to the thrift shop.

Things at the library are going extremely well.  I have been through one week of the "routine" so this week should be even better.  I am amazed that there still seem to be lots of people here that I hadn't met!

Looking forward to seeing you in October and Grandma and Roberta in a few weeks.  This is our week for getting the monthly bulletin for the Elks printed and addressed.  I need to take it over to the newspaper office this morning before work so better close so I will have time to do that.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry, DeeDee & Wendy

1991 Catherine's Letter -Aug.7

 

[sent "special delivery" with Roberta from Phoenix to Ohio]

5:22 am

Aug. 7, 1991

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  In a few minutes we leave to pick up Roberta.  Not much is new since I talked to you yesterday though.

Wendy and I have done some back to school shopping ahd she is going to the mall with her friend Shannon later today.

The library's summer reading program is winding down -- last day to sign up is Aug. 12 and to collect coupons in Aug. 26.  We've had more kids sign up this year but fewer books have circulated.  This is probably due to giving coupons by time read instead of number of books read.

Time's about up so I have to go!  We'll be thinking of you this weekend.  [John & Julie's wedding!]

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -Aug.4

 

Tuesday, August 4, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  I am a little slow in getting this letter off this week but I figured you folks would be in New Orleans anyway so you should get it at the same time!  This is a busy week for us.  Last night we had Carl (who works at the Co-op) and his family over for dinner.  His family (wife and 15 year-old daughter plus 10-year-old twin daughters - also a son but he is in North Dakota) is just here for a few days to look for a house.  They haven't sold their house in North Dakota yet and are hoping to sell it before they move out here.

Tonight we all went over to the Elks to cook the Thursday night dinner -- enchiladas, refried beans and Spanish rice.  Now all I have to do on Thursday is to bake the enchiladas, and heat up the beans and rice.  We were supposed to cook enough for 30 so we have 72 enchiladas, 6# of beans and 4# of rice.  I am getting off work at 4:00 on Thursday so I will have time to do everything.

Tomorrow night I have a Ladies of Elks meeting.  I am on the hostess committee for August & September.  Some of the other ladies are fixing the refreshments but I said I would help to serve and clean up afterwards.

Also the County Fair is this week.  Family Day is on Thursday and all the rides are half price so I plan to take DeeDee and Wendy out after we finish with the dinner at the Elks.  Then we will probably go over the weekend with Gerry.  The parade is on Saturday morning and then a big BBQ after that.  And then on Sunday the Elks have a Buckaroo Breakfast.

We took a raft trip down the river on Sunday.  We went to the next stop down the river from where we usually go -- to South Junction which is probably about another hour trip from Trout Creek.  It was nice because there were more rapids than in the part we had been on before.  We survived without any of us falling in the water.  DeeDee & Gerry did all the paddling so it was very relaxing for me.  I kept Wendy entertained.  We went with three other couples who each had their own rafts.  It was a long day though as Gerry left about 9:30 in the morning to take the truck to South Junction, and we didn't get back home until about 9:00 at night.  One of the guys kept stopping to fish (itis illegal to fish from a boat so you have to stop and fish from the side) and he was catching so many fish that he didn't want to quit.  That probably delayed us about two hours

We got a letter from Serena yesterday which she had mailed to New Vienna and then was forwarded to us at our old address -- better tell Esther (or whoever) about our P.O. box.  Better close now -- I have a few other things which should be done!

Love, Catherine, Gerry

DeeDee & Wendy

P.S. Gerry did take the girls to the fair last night.  They had a good time.  Wendy even went on a "whirly-gig" type ride with DeeDee.  Wendy's favorite was a place where you jump up & down on these big plastic bubble like things.  They didn't have a merry-go-round.  She also liked to ride the little cars & a train.  Today is half price on the rides so I'll take them tonight after I finish fixing dinner at the Elks.

Hope you enjoyed New Orleans!

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 27

Monday, July 27, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I didn't get to talk to you over the weekend.  I tried to call Friday morning but no one was home.  We were busy both Saturday and Sunday so I didn't have a chance to try again.

Saturday we played golf, worked at the Elks, and then went to a dance at the Elks Saturday night.  The Madras class of 71 was having a reunion and had about 150 people there plus Elks who came for the dance -- there was quite a crowd.  We were amazed at how many people we knew.  Several people told me they hadn't realized I was in the class.  We decided it is alot easier to go to reunions here than to travel across the country to our own reunions.  Plus we probably know more people here!  These reunions are a real plus for the Elks as they furnish the music.  The Elks provide dinner and drinks for them and make a good profit on both.

Sunday we went to Black Butte (the other side of Sisters) with Bob & Emily (our friends who moved to Wyoming but came back for her reunion) and played golf.  We rented a golf cart as we had Wendy and did not want her delaying everyone behind us.  The four of us played nine holes and then Gerry and Bob played another nine.  The golf and the cart cost us $38 which is $15 more than we pay for a whole month of golf in Madras.  However, Black Butte is a really beautiful course while Madras isn't that terrific.  Also Madras is not the middle of a resort!  Afterwards we had pizza at our favorite pizza place in central Oregon -- Papandreas in Sisters.  When we got home DeeDee was here.  She had called Saturday night while the babysitter was here to say that she would be here between 5 & 8 p.m. Sunday.  Since we didn't have a chance to talk to her and we didn't want to change our plans of going to Black Butte we arranged for the babysitter to come at 4:30 and stay until DeeDee got here so that she would be able to get in.  It worked out good because DeeDee got here around 5:00 and we didn't get home until 6:30.

So Wendy gets to stay home with DeeDee now instead of going to Day Care everyday.  That will give her a break from her normal routine.  The library is having a puppet show on Thursday to celebrate the end of the six week reading program so I am in hopes that DeeDee will be able to take Wendy to that.

The lady who was going to take my job at Dr. W's and who I had already trained decided she didn't want the job.  But then Dr. W was able to talk to Teresa who had the job before me into coming back.  She won't need trained although she is going to come in and work for a few days before I leave.  So things worked out better than they looked like they were going to.  Also his new assistant will be starting next Monday.  She is from LaGrande.  And I'm down to three more weeks.  Only 13 more working days!

Well, I better close and finish getting ready for work.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 20

 

Monday, July 20, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Now I'm down to four weeks before beginning at the library!  Today will be different than an ordinary Monday as I have the day off from work.  At 3:15 this afternoon I have my annual gynecologist appointment in Bend.  Gerry is taking the afternoon off from work so we will all be in Bend.  It will be the first time we have been to Bend together (I went with the library board for lunch in April & to the Inn of the 7th Mountain for that dental program fiasco) since February.  We plan to stop at the Canned Food store in Redmond and pick up some bargains and then also do some shopping in Bend as I need a few new clothes to wear at the library.  And Wendy is always in need of new clothes.  Then we plan to have dinner at the Riverhouse -- our long delayed anniversary dinner.  that is where I went to lunch with the Library board and I was quite impressed with the menu and the service.  Hopefully we won't be disappointed tonight.  At least when we do go to Bend we make the most of it!

This morning I have to go to the Courthouse and do some work for the Elks.  They (the Elks) have an old, old addressograph machine which they inherited from the Courthouse when the County got a new one.  The addressograph runs off the mailing list from little metal plates but the Elks don't have a machine to make new plates or to change addresses on so that is what I am going to the Courthouse to do this morning.  Hopefully we will be able to print the addresses on the August Elks Bulletin by the end of this week so I am trying to get all the addresses up to date before then.  I have about 75 to either make or change this morning.  I will take Wendy with me and that way she won't have to go to Day Care at all today.

Yesterday we were really industrious and rented a steam cleaner from the grocery and shampooed the entire carpet.  We moved the furniture out into the driveway so we wouldn't have to clean around it.  It was a really hot day so the carpet dried quickly and it looks super good.  Before we did it the hallway and around the table looked pretty hopeless but it perked right up.  When I went to the store to get it they also sold me a large bottle of shampoo ($6.19) and after we had done about half the house we noticed the bottle said "de-foamer" which is what you are supposed to put in the receiving tank if the carpet has been shampooed recently.  We didn't need the defoamer so I took it back to the store and talked to the manager who had sold it to me as "shampoo".  He apologized for his error and our inconvenience and gave me an even larger bottle of shampoo ($8.99) in exchange.  So we started over.  The defoamer had done a good job but the shampoo was much better at getting up the spots.  And now we have enough shampoo left to do it again.

Saturday night we got a babysitter and went to a western dance at the Elks.  We had a really good time but there weren't very many people there.  They had advertised it quite a bit but either there was something else going on or people just weren't interested.  This Saturday night the class of '71 is having their reunion at the Elks.  The reunion furnishes their own music and pays to rent the facility but members can still come to the dance.  Our friend Emily who moved to Wyoming last year when her husband re-enlisted in the Air Force is coming back for the reunion so we are planning to go so we'll have a chance to see them.

I have two loads of clothes to hang out so better close and get started.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 13

Monday, July 13, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  sorry I didn't get to talk to you this past week.  I had intended to call on Friday morning but got busy and didn't notice the time until 8:01.  On Saturday we were busy and then I didn't know what time you were leaving on Sunday.  'll try again for this Friday morning.  I should have an easy time work-wise as Dr. W's wife had her baby yesterday -- a girl, so they now have two girls.  The office is going to be closed until Thursday.  I have to work today and get the appointments we scheduled for today, tomorrow, and Wednesday rescheduled.  Then the other two girls will be working tomorrow and the next day so someone will be there to write up receipts and answer the telephone.  Thursday and Friday we will be seeing patients both days and then I will have next Monday off.

These days off will help right now to give me a chance to get things caught up (hopefully) at the Elks.  The previous secretary had let things slide for at least the last six months and it makes it doubly hard for us to try to figure out what has been done and where to start with the catching up.  At least the bookkeeping part (his wife did that) is fairly up to date.  Not all of June is done but we are in the process of getting that done and then I can start on the posting for July.  Besides working every night last week for a few hours we spent all day Saturday there.  Wendy was able to stay with us for part of the day and then she went to her friend Darcy's house to play.  I am going to take Wendy to work with me today since there won't be any patients there.  She has spent the afternoon with me before but not the whole day so hope she does OK.  We will take a bag of her books and a doll probably.  The people who run the ice cream parlor down the street have two little girls (5 & 3) who are there alot of the time and Wendy likes to play with them so that will also offer some diversion.

My starting date at the library is now five weeks from today.  It seemed even closer last week when I was training my replacement at Dr. W's office.  She had a week and a half trial run far enough in advance so that if she didn't want the job or if they didn't like her there would still be time enough to hire someone else.  She has worked as a secretary before and handled all the paperwork with ease but had more difficulty with the telephone and the patients in the office.  Dealing with the people should improve with practice though hopefully.  She decided she would like the job.   Debbie, the assistant, who started in March, is quitting the end of July so I am giving mini-interviews for a new assistant.  I have a list of questions I have to ask that include "do you like people?"  "describe your ideal boss."  It makes me feel better about leaving since she hasn't been there as long as I have.  Her husband was working for Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. but got a job with Deschutes County Sheriff's Dept. and is now stationed in LaPine which is about 18 miles south of Bend (below Sun River) so they will have to move.

It's now 8:00 and Wendy isn't even up yet so I better get her moving so she can have something to eat before we go to work.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy