1971 Roberta's Letters -June 1&2

 

June 1, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  I got the Church News Letter today -- did you all see my name in print.  Wow -- was I ever surprised to see the whole letter I wrote.  [re: the Canadian Indian summer program]  I hope you all sent a letter in -- I was going to send one to you all too but didn't.

We got our Civilization book Reviews back yesterday.  I got an 'A' on on mine.  If I get an A on the notebook I might get out of the exam which would sure be ok with me.

Bunny & I are planning on going to Canada.  She went home (Seattle) over the week-end.  It's fine with her mom.  She also called the bus station & got information about bus schedules, & also ferry schedules.  The one ferry ride will take over five hours!!  Cost about $6.00!!  Wow --

My exams will be starting a week from today.  All of mine are on Tuesday & Wednesday.

I haven't even started packing yet.  I figure maybe I'll feel more like throwing some stuff out at the last minute.  Also it's hard to think what all I'll want in Canada.

Be sure & tell Grandma "Hi" for me.

I'm doing my persuasive speech on why we should have a will -- you know when you die.  I was going to do one on why we should NOT have exams.

Well.  Listen.  I better be going.  Pam & Mary & I are going to Portland to the S&H stamp place.  I'll let you all know what I buy with my 'stamps'.

Please tell Rev. Lynd I appreciate his putting my letter in the church news letter.

Hope you all are fine.

Love in Christ,

Bert

* * * * *

June 2, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks so much for your letter, checks, & also newspaper clippings.

I've already gone down-town, & got $50.00 out to put in travellers checks.

Two boys from George Fox are missing.  They went hunting and never came back.  Kinda scary, huh?

We did go to the S&H place yesterday in Portland.  Pam & I both got really nice flash-lights.  Now, get this -- they would have cost us $8.95 in a store.  We checked today while downtown.  Anyway -- they just took 2¾ books apiece.  They can (supposed to) shed light for ¼ of a mile.  Also has a red flashing light.  A real classic of a flashlight.

I also got a small hair dryer.  You know one of those you hold in your hand.  Also a billfold which I'll probably give as a gift to someone here.

I sure hope postage is still 6¢ in Canada.  Remember if the shop has any unused Canadian stamps I'll be glad to take them.

How did John's big hike go?  Did Serena ever get her license?

What will Catherine be doing this summer?  Will she be coming out this way?  Who is going to be in Catherine's wedding?  Mary Virginia -- are you ready to be the flower girl for Mares?

Bunny & I think we have a ride to Seattle the 10th.  Her Mom doesn't have a car & her father isn't living.  The worst thing of it is that Bunny has to get all of her stuff home.  She is not coming back next year.  Pam's parents will be taking my stuff.  They are bringing a trailer down here.

Hi!  Again -- I just found out that I got an 'A' on my Civilizations notebook & better yet I don't have to take the exam!!  Wow -- how about that!  I sure am overjoyed!  That's one big thing off the brain!!

Well.  I better be going.  Thanks again for the letter and the checks.  Hope you are fine.  Be sure & tell Grandma "Hi"!

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S.  Glad you like the material of my dress & blouse.  Hope you sent a letter -- or at least the form letter to the Space Program.

1969 Catherine's Letter -Nov.8

8 November [1969]

Münster

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary & Grandma,

Hi!  I was glad to get your letter this morning.  Pretty fast service as I noticed it was mailed on Nov. 5.  I'm glad you made it home OK.  I appreciated getting all the post cards.

Right now I'm sitting at the kitchen table as there is some kind of repairman upstairs messing with the heat.  Right now we have an oil stove in our room and also one in the living room.  I think maybe they are changing the heating system, I don't exactly understand.

The egg man was just here.  He comes with a wire-dealie in which are the cardboard containers for eggs like Roberta used to get.  Mütti got 20 "kaput" (cracked, actually they look like someone punched holes in them) and 15 good ones.

The weather has gotten very cold -- there was ice on the bridge yesterday and it still very damp.  I'm suffering from a slight "non-cold."

The other day I went to "The Brücke" which is the international student center at the university.  It mainly consists of a large room (about the size of our basement) and the walls are just covered with books, mostly in English.  There are also lots of chairs and tables scattered around, coke and beer vending machines, a large coffee urn and lots of people from everywhere imaginable.  Ther was a guy on the floor painting a big banner which had something to do with Franco.  The librarian is British and I could understand her German as well as her English.  (That's not saying much for my abilities in German either.)

Yesterday after school I met Mütti downtown for lunch as everyone else had gone away.  We just got a bratwurst and potatoes and ate in a standup place in the basement of Hortens which is one of the largest department stores here in Münster.  And now, Mother, you better sit down while I tell you what I bought:  a blue pull-over mostly to wear with my suit but it also goes with the entire rest of my wardrobe, a pair of blue, heavy panty socks, a knitted blue hat which has long tie things which look like braids.  Mütti got me a blue dealie to hold my hair back, too.  I haven't been doing too badly for clothes -- everything I have with the exception of my dress has now been shortened, Mütti has given me some sweaters that don't fit her, plus the black dress and I inherited a pair of hip-hugging pants from Klause who didn't have enough hips to hold them up.

Mütti did some shopping too, then we got some Küchen in a Bächerei and and came home and ate it for coffee, rather with the coffee.

Tomorrow I'm going to Essen with Vati and Mütti.  I'll have to write you about it as all I understand now is that it has something to do with Germania Beer (Vati's company), it's important for me to look nice, and we're going to do alot of "laufen" which literally means to run or flow like water.  Ann has gone to Amsterdam for the weekend so she's missing all the excitement!

Write soon!

Love, 

Catherine

1989 Roberta's Letter -Nov.5

11/5/89!

Dear Folks,

Another month of paper work behind us.  Sr. Village just celebrated it's 8th anniv!

I went on a walk today w/ Walkabout around the Phoenician Hotel -- looked like a ghost town!  I sure didn't see my friend Charles Keating  I don't know where he is staying in Wash D.C. these days -- but don't believe w/the senators -- that are trying to look very innocent!

We had PIZZA tonight -- I just put these papers down on the table that must not have gotten wiped off!  This paper tho should not affect your cholesterol level!

We hiked around Squaw Peak yesterday -- about 80º -- great weather!  In the AM both Sid & I drove a car load from here to Goodwill AUX Christmas sale & then stopped at SMITH's -- new grocery in town -- at Camelback & 7th Ave -- some 90,000 square feet -- it's huge -- just groceries/drugs -- no clothes for sale but does have a dry cleaners, a big VIDEO area (now till 11/30 -- videos rental -- 2 for $1.  Also has a to-go Chinese Restaurant.  Smith's hope to open up 12 new stores -- they are non-union -- so some union is out picketing Albertson's -- another new grocery also opened up -- but so far they are just on the far east side -- the residents had been after me to go -- but the store was so crowded -- they just got to the front door & plopped down on the chairs.  They also have a full-service !st Interstate Bank & post office substation inside of them!

We did get to 1st Methodist today -- its' quite a large --- but friendly church -- they do make LARGE PRINT bulletins for those who need -- While you all are here you should visit 1st Methodist -- tho you can simply walk to TRINITY BIBLE CHURCH.

Sid is feeling much, much better -- for which I'm very thankful.!  Our 6 month -- tho this is the BIG one inspection has not happened yet!   Needless to say we are ready --

Tomorrow is flu shot day at Sr. Village -- are you all having one this year?  With Medicare (& a little paper work) -- they are free!

Sorry for the grease stains -- hope this finds you all healthy & happy.  Anxious to see you in December.

Love,

RUK

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.9

Sunday 11:00 A.M.

[9/9/79]

Dear Family,

Just got home from Church -- we just can't seem to make it to the 8:30 service -- bud do fine in getting to the 9:45 service -- and I want to get this out in the 12:00 noon pick-up so may seem a bit hurried.

Your letter (along with a letter from Serena) came yesterday.  Thanks . . . . . also for the generous Wells check.  I found a cute cartoon just yesterday about a company that had a computer . . . . and how it was there to keep the employees on the ball . . . . well, guess you would have to see it in order to the whole effect . . . or is it affect.

We sure had the heat lately.  It's hard to dress for at school there are buildings that are so cold I get goose bumps all over me, then outside its 109º.  Here we keep the AC at 80 -- which feels good when you first come in, but after being in for awhile, doesn't seem all that comfortable.  I just don't know how the pioneers made it.

Yesterday we took five boxes out to a new place I read about in the paper for selling alum. cans.  This place paid 23 cents per pound, as compared to 16 cents where we took them before.  We had to put them on this huge cart -- boxes and all.  Then cart and all were weighed and the guy gave me a slip that said weight 156, minus 106 -- 50 pounds.  Then I took that to a cashier and she gave me $11.50!!!!!!  Now that was just unbelievable !!!!  I still don't see how we had 50 pounds of cans, because the last time we only had 30 pounds (tho we have no proof either time) and we didn't have that many more.  This time we did see the scale and all, where the last time you put them (cans) in a machine and then the machine spit out money to you.  This new place is just a block or two further than the other place.  It's on center near University.  Its called BIRP.  They will also buy newspapers and steel containers -- both for 1 cent a pound.  I figure that's not worth messing with.  Also glass -- but price is very low.  Now this $11.50 worth we got between Tuesday and Saturday.  And very little time -- and virtually no extra gas used.  I've gotten into the habit of going over to the small park -- near Rhodes school every day.  Also most days -- without any effort I get two plastic bags full at school.  Then there are some construction sights (guess that should be sites) very near us . . . . . I find the lunch spots for the crews -- and always alot of cans there.

Have you all heard from Serena since she went to Chicago????  I'm glad that it worked out for her to go up with Debbie.  Did she take very much stuff with her???

I plan to go to school today . . . . get more cans.  I have so much reading to do, most of which is not allowed to be taken out of the library.  On Reserve, two hour limit.  Most of the readings are not what you call quick, enjoyable type.  In my one class I have a small paper due Wednesday.  On leadership.  To quote from the teacher "a small paper, two or three pages,"  Then something about she wanted us to get into practice.  I'm afraid for what is to follow.  We do have a big "deal" of some sort in that class to do -- but as of yet -- she doesn't have the details out.  Guess the first week all the machines - ditto, etc. in the dept. were down.  Kind of slowed things down some. 

One of my classes, something about Administration and Recreation, the book won't be in till later this month.  But the Professor is so full of hot air, seems to be we could get by without a book.  I have this man (Haley) for two classes.  He really is a character.  Grew up in Boston, went to Ohio State, loves to pick on Yankees and people from Scottsdale.  He pointed out Friday how Scottsdale is really a ghetto -- according to the definition of ghetto.

Friday was the second meeting of the special topics class -- in order to get an A out of that class you have to work on some sort of project and then present it to the class.  (now 7 people) or at least that was how many were there Friday.  I am thinking of doing something on CHURCH PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS -- or something on that line.  There is a new minister down at 1st United who is primarily working with senior citizens.  I talked with him some on Wednesday -- at the $1 supper.  It was Mexican night -- two taco's, rice, beans, and very little salad, two cookies -- not bad.  We did stay for the Bible Study -- Agnes enjoyed very much, but Fred kept asking how much longer.  Finally -- almost to the end -- Marion got up and took Fred home.  I don't think we will try that again.  Probably one of us take him home directly after the meal. 

I seem to be having all sorts of problems with my shoes.  First of all the sandals that I wore in New Vienna this summer -- the custom made ones -- well the strap broke -- the one that hold the buckle near the ankle.  So I took them out to get fixed -- or should say to get an estimate on how much.  The answer was between $15 to $20 -- because he pointed out several other things -- like the soles -- etc that need fixed.  So I simply said, I wanted to think about it.  Then I started wearing the other custom-made ones that I had stretched in Wilmington -- and they wore two bad places -- one per foot.  So I put them aside and got out the pair I had bought in India -- and had them on one day -- and got two new sore places -- right at the top of the foot.  So now I'm wearing a pair of sandals that I have started to throw out several times.  They don't hurt my feet at all, but are just not comfortable.  They are similar to thongs.  Then yesterday I was looking at the paper and saw BIRKENSTOCK sandals advertised.  Mother, perhaps you remember, they are the ones that I found in New Jersey, and liked so well, then we went over to look at them, and Serena got a pair.  They are really suppose to be good sandals, good for the feet, etc.  Last year I talked to someone at work who had a pair -- but she had gone to Tucson to get them.  Their new shop is right near ASU -- I plan to take some of the Wells check to get them.  I figure thats money well spent.  I looked and looked for sandals -- Famolare -- but no luck here either.  Alot of stores are going to quit carrying them -- say that they are too hard to keep in supply -- orders are to hard to get in.  I'm anxious to see selection of these Birkenstock -- plan to make a trip over there on Monday.  Will let you know.

Gotta go -- Hope all is fine -- would you like recent picture of Buffy?

Love,

Berta

1939 Nat's Letter to Lucie's brother Bert -Aug.14

Monday 8/14/39

Dear Bert & all

What a trip.  Here are we now in Denver and this is one of the finest modernist Hotel we have stopped on our trip.  James has been attentive as are everyone we come in contact with.

We drove 150 miles on Friday to Cody after about 500 miles in the Yellowstone with such changing and interesting scenery during the whole 4 days & we were there [?].  Will have to be seen to be appreciated. 

Arrived at Cody after the days ride through the Canyon and passing the Shoshone Dam [renamed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946] and many dude ranches and here is [where] we take our train for Denver.  Jennie's letter was there and it was the first news we had during the week.  Also the Independent and all the other letters mailed here.  James had package of them he had held for us.

We were shocked to hear of Mrs. Runfords accident and death.  Also Mr. L.O. ??? had stopped to see him only a week before we left and thought he would not last long as his condition was such looked as though he might go any time.  Too bad about Moss for he seemed to be in good shape or better than when he called last winter carrying a cane.  We saw him only a week before we left.  Jennie did not give any particulars, something physically must have happened.

Jim has just called.  Says we are to go to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  Complimentary of the Country of the ???.  This is a two day trip not in our itinerary so this will be a wonderful trip and he says we must accept.

Have arranged our reservations to leave Denver on the 4 o'clock train Burlington and Chicago line popular train.  Arrive in Chicago 8:30 AM Friday morning.  If the Penn. RR agent can arrange we will leave on the 11:10 train Pan Handle through Columbus and arrive Sherwin's about 12:30  3:12 PM Friday.  If we have to change by reaching Chicago we'll wire you.

Bert we have had most wonderful weather.  Only a few drops of rain for a few minutes after leaving Seattle.  A little cool while we have been in the Rockies as we have been from 1 mile to over 3 miles above sea level now for over two weeks.  You see the weather at no time interferes with sight seeing etc --

And how Mr. Palen is known all along the line & can arrange a tour.  Not once has there been a hitch and not once have we had to wait 10 minutes for communications.  The trains are so well managed.  Some or most all have 2 diners, Club car and Observation and Each Road Santa Fe, Burlington, southern and Northern Pacific & ??? all running 1, 2 & 3 sections almost continuously and so well managed practically on time always.

You probably have read about the ["City of San Francisco"] Streamliner wreck near Reno was caused by vandals who had pulled the spikes on several rails.  It was the SP Track streamline.

Your letters and paper state Centennial was a grand success.  We all regret we couldn't get back in time.  Lucie & Jean are anxious to hear all about it.

They have been out all morning looking the shops over.  Jean has become quite a shopper.  She surely has taken in everything and will have a lot to talk about for sometime to come.

1979 Roberta's Letter -March 9

[3/9/79]

Friday AM

Good Morning!

Just filled up the envelope & went to seal it – w/out even a note –

I'm sure glad it's Friday – has been a busy week at work – then I've been keeping w/ the GRE – plus this week we've had beautiful weather – Marion has sure been using the bike after school for her running-around.

Oh!  Wednesday afternoon she took Mr. Williams shopping – he wanted to get a new pair of pants – Penny's had them on sale – $11.99 – but guess he thought that was a terrible price – tho he did buy 2 pairs – plus 2 pair of P..J.'s – one hat – 6 pairs of socks – He had never been to Tri-City Mall – he said for 3 years plus ! !

Monday night we are to go to this refinishing furniture clinic – I can just see me do that now –

Sally helped me last night w/ Math – Mary – she also teaches geometry – so would be able to tutor you –

Country Club Road opened up this past week – but the official word is out that it will soon be flooded out – as they are going to have to release more water.

Got a nice letter from JB – w/ pictures – I'm to send them on to Morgans – I do want to get some reprints of them –

How is Ruth?  I tried to call her yesterday – guess she has no phone in her room – would get more rest that way!!

The WIZ was real good – we took Doreen – she had only seen a high school play – she thought it was quite something!

Love,

Berta

1949 Jean's Letter -Jan.24

Sunday 1/24/49

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

We just got home from Church (Franklin Circle Christian) and Harold is studying so I thought I'd drop a line before filling that knowing feeling he gets so soon after church.  We ate a whole recipe of waffles plus a half a large grapefruit and its still with me.

By the way, Thursday when I went to see Dr. Weir, he said that I hadn't gained any more so wouldn't have to stick to any diet Dr. Bill had suggested.

Tomorrow I'm to go the dentist and meet June Gilbert at 10:00 just an hour before her appointment with him (the same Dr. Davis).

We decided not to paint the bassinet as it looks ok with the lining on it – very nice the lining is – and so it has all been wrapped in a sheet and put away until needed.

The four kimonos and wrapping blankets came yesterday afternoon so I don't need anything at all now.  They are all so pretty – nicer than any at the stores here in Cleveland.

I had thank-you notes from Mrs. Cochran and Harriette for the Christmas gifts.  I thanked Bob over the phone but guess I should have written.  Perhaps I'll write later this afternoon.

We'd love to have you over anytime you can come except just before the 7th (Monday) – which is Harold's hardest exam – that's two weeks from tomorrow.  Any other time would suit us OK.

We have been thinking more about names again – especially as two doctors have thought it would be a boy.  Do you like the name Timothy Wallace?  Better than Wallace Ballantyne?  We think we do – would appreciate your opinion in the matter.  Haven't chosen Timothy for any special reason – just like the name – also nickname Tim or Timmy.

I finally finished the booties and nightgown (which I trimmed with blue ric-rac).  I want to make a couple of bath aprons and still have material cut for another kimono.

Got 4 huge grapefruit at the market yesterday for 25¢.  Also 5 pink ones for same price.  Nice bananas 10¢ lb., lettuce, celery, pears 3# for 29¢, apples (Jonathan) 3# 29¢, carrots, onions, tangerines, milk – 2 qts of homogenized in carton – 35¢, diced beets (frozen) – 7¢.  Bought 55 birth announcements – all they had in one kind – waiting to hear from you about any musts to send to. 

Love,

Jean & Harold

1957 Shillito's Bedding Receipt -Jan.10

1954 Bourne & Hollingsworth, London -receipt

When sorting paperwork the 11/5/54 seemed the date to be considered rather than the May 1954 which is more obvious in the green ink at the bottom of this receipt.  According to wikipedia Bourne & Hollingsworth was a large department store on the corner of Oxford St. and Berners St. in London, which closed in 1983.  The suit purchased there in 1954 may have lasted longer than the store!

1954 Bourne & Hollingsworth, London - receipt for Suit ￡9.90

1984 Roberta's Letter -Oct.5

Friday - Oct. 5th [1984]

Dear Dad and Mom,

Hi!  I'm getting my weekly fill of 'Dallas' - it is such a waste of time - but I do enjoy it - especially the fashions - and all the plots.

Talked on the phone yesterday to John – sure sounded good.  He had just talked to Catherine.  I haven't talked to Catherine lately - or Wendy Jean!

Did talk with Ruth Shoemaker this week - I sure enjoy those bargain calls that are made before 8:00 AM!  Ruth sure sounds positive about her upcoming MOVE.  Sara's son - Jonathan - is selling magazine subscriptions through school so asked Ruth what magazine we could give her as a gift.  Helping out the grand-children – HA!

Hope to hear about your recent trip soon - when and where in the next trip.  Are you sure you all don't want to come to Arizona at Christmas?  Not too late – and you would be breaking a habit!

We don't have travel plans till 1985 – perhaps Florida for both of us in February – and then the India [Jender? Lander? Fender?, could also end in -en, may have to wait until 1985 to see where they go.]  in May.

I'm enclosing some menus from 2 of the restaurants tried in California.  Both were really VERY GOOD.  The Skinny Haven was just 2 blocks from the motel.  The Lettuce Patch is to be coming to Phoenix this winter.

Talked with Sid this evening – he will be leaving Iowa tomorrow AM – should be home by Monday night – Of course I'm looking forward to his arrival . . . .  tho I'm not looking forward to the arrival of our PHONE BILL!!

Monday is a legal holiday for county employees – but I'll be working – both aides will be off so I'll really be on the JOB!  I took my 'holiday' off this last week in San Diego – since I was gone Thursday AM - Tuesday PM without taking any vacation days.

Did I tell you I got a wool out fit while in San Diego?  I'll have to take a trip to cold country to wear it – tho often it's COLD enough here to wear wool.  Of course – it's a beautiful suit – vest & skirt.  Looking for just the right blouse for it.  Got it at a small shop in Old Town – resisted the 100% silk blouse for $72.00 they had with the suit!

Noticed today over at Metro Mall that all the big department stores had their big Christmas Departments going strong!

Oh! Speaking of stores – there is an all new - better than the others - SHOE CITY at 43rd & Peoria.  That is almost w/in walking distance!!  And would you believe I've only been there one time since it opened – the day after I went to California – and didn't buy anything!!

Ordered a new pair of glasses today at Sears.  All their frames were on sale for $19.95 - for frame only.  After you pay for lenses, plastic, tinting, etc. -- really adds up.  New glasses are very similar to what I have now.  They should be ready within the week.

Better close – so I can get this in the mail tomorrow.  Hope all A-1.

Much love, Roberta

1984 Roberta's Letter -Feb4

Saturday

2/4/84

Hi!

Big Day yesterday – finished (FINALLY!) ALL – the thank-you notes!  Got the last in the mail today – THANK GOODNESS!

And got these pictures – happy w/ most of them – esp. since we thought they had all not turned out!

Went to the Broadway Dept. Store – Metro – Huge 1 Day Sale – bought 6 skirts for $45.  Two regularly priced at $36.00.  All really pretty & go with tops I already have.  Tho – of course I could always buy new tops now!

Thanks to the use of credit – got the last (hope) of the wedding bills paid.  The flowers – which were the shortest lived!

Thanks again for all your assistance –– financial & otherwise!!!

Much love, R–––

Looking forward to Serena's Arrival!

1982 Roberta's letter - Sept. 18

September 1982 with Roberta in Arizona being a college student while running Senior Village. Transcription follows.

9-18-82

Dear Family,
Your schedules must be "fuller" than usual – since it's been awhile hearing from 45159!

My schedule has become lighter – dropped Biology – that should allow me to see my way through Algebra alot easier!!  The Algebra class meets from 6:30-7:45 AM – then Biology was from 8 to 9AM – so now I've developed the routine of going to the library to study after Algebra.  These Algebra assignments are getting harder & harder!!

A new Health plan in AZ is just now getting started AZ's answer to medicaid –– it affects all of our people - and me too – because w/ it comes another new group of forms!!

I'm sitting outside – the hospital – just got out of another meeting about new Health plan & it's down right COLD out!!  Nice change from our record breaking temperatures!!

I've had a streak of luck lately – buying shoes!!  Was in Shoe City & they had 4 pairs of shoes the other day marked down to $9.00 each all 11-S size – that I liked – so bought all 4 pairs!  Two pair were sandals (Hush Puppy) & 2 pair tie shoes.  All of them had a small nick or stain on them – that you can hardly see.  There was 1 pair of Famalore [?] that I liked - but they were $48.00!!!!  And I didn't get them!!

We plan to go up to the cabin tomorrow –– will have to have a fire in fireplace to keep warm.  The dogs really like it up there.  Charlie has so much energy!  I'm anxious for Grandma to meet both of the dogs!!  I'm sure she will find them very amusing!

I still need to know the flight # of Grandma's flight – Also we hope she will be here at least 2 weeks – we'd like to take Grandma to the cabin one weekend and to the Sedona area the next weekend.  We have tickets to see the play – Sound of Music – in the Civic Plaza on Oct. 3rd.  Got really good tickets – my insistence of an aisle seat for Grandma – instead of the usual handicap section.

"Hello Dolly" was at ASU this last week – I had wanted to go – but the tickets were $25 each – so instead I got shoes!!

We've been eating some of the gourmet style T.V. dinners & they come on plates that can be put in the microwave.  They have all sorts of main dishes – and really do taste good -  They are our substitute for eating out (which we can't do very often) & bringing sandwiches in!!

Gotta go – have been talking to a student nurse & now time to catch the city bus –

Love, Roberta

Shopping anyone?

Wendy reports that the stores are crowded today. We're watching KC as she attempts to finish up her Christmas shopping and prepares to leave for Ogden tomorrow for Grandpa Tom's funeral.

This is a Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project poster from 1941 extolling the benefits of retail commerce.

Makes me think of the shopping in downtown New Vienna in the 1950's at the Drug Store or even Streber's Market where one could get some kinds of candy, 2 for a penny -- I'm sure I didn't eat too much of it, as I'd rather keep my pennies, probably gave it all to my favorite younger siblings!

The latest

Happy Day after Thanksgiving! Trust everyone had an excellent Thanksgiving Day! If you haven't heard I had the opportunity to work. Quite the day, I was there at 10 am to let the cooks, oh I mean chefs in and the first guests began to arrive at 10:30! Quickly the one chef said, "it is 12 noon that we are to serve?" Speaking of serving Serena just brought me in my hot cap of tea! Back to yesterday, the meal went fine, I brought home many leftovers from carrot puree to green bean casserole made with fresh green beans! All the food was wonderful, all made from scratch. This couple who did the catering (at $14 per person~~~~ a deal) Ah, that is another long story, the hope was to have Discover credit card folks pay for the meal, but then the promise came of more dollars in the future and $200 for now. Last year we had an assisted living facility cook the meals......but their kitchens did not want to participate this year! We served a full house (had been turning away names for the last two weeks plus!) of 75 folks and some did use those donation envelopes we had handy, as whenever we had the opportunity to say, this year it was necessary for us to purchase.....

This time tomorrow or sooner we will be on our roadtrip to California, and then get on the VISION on Sunday for the Mexican Riviera cruise. If the trip is extended we will be fine with the amount of stuff we take!

I am about to go and have some of Serena's muffins.....pumpkin ones! The small loaves of pumpkin bread that Serena made for me to hand out made a big hit.

Was anyone in the stores this morning at 5 am? I saw where some opened at 3 am!!! I almost wanted to go just for the experience of it all!

I do want everyone to know that I continue to read and enjoy the posts even when you don't see my name up on the screen! Ah, that picture of me......Andrew gets the credit for taking it this last July. I have even more grey hair now! And Serena is the poster. Best of weekends to one and all! Roberta

TGIS (Thank God it's Saturday!)

We had just come back from our favorite meal out, Breakfast! I have been busy learning my abbreviations.......so watch out! Or should I have said WO???

We have been quite busy here, between working and shopping.....mostly at the grocery store, since Sid would rather shop for groceries than eat them! I did get in a trip to the new Macy's last night, will leave my purchases in the car a few days, so when Sid asks me if something is new, I can say I have had it for awhile! ha We also have a game we play often of looking for things in this house.........from whisk brooms to wallets, to hearing aides.

Mary Virginia, I feel very good about the doctor being in touch with you, though Dad provided quite a few details in his last email. Oh, I meant to respond to that! I am coming to the end of what I can read at the beginning of this post so will stop for now! Looking forward to breakfast with 7 (8 counting KC!) at the table tomorrow at First Watch! Enjoy your weekend, and does anyone beat our record of getting 3 newspapers on Saturday morning? BBL (Be Back Later for those who don't know as much as I do in the abbreviation line!) Roberta the blogger

Dad Gardening

100_0497, originally uploaded by togethr.

Dad walking down his favorite grocery aisle.

Back from Costco

Serena just showed me how to get back here. Just to keep everyone up to date, we bought 2 cases of strawberries and one peach pie. I want to go back and read what I have missed out on. We are watching the COURT TV show. Serena and I are going thrifting tomorrow, but might get in a time at the pool earlier. Stay tuned! Roberta