1979 Family Letter -Apr.30

Monday Evening, April 30th [1979]

Deaf Dear Fmily Family:

After the boo-boo on the salutation spelling, perhaps I should start this letter over, but anyway it will be our last try this month.

Last Tuesday afternoon we went to the Wilmington Library Friends Meeting, which is jsut getting organized, the old pitch . .. "more needs than there are funds".  The H.K. Williams were there from N.V. also.

On Friday evening John, Carol and Steve (John's friend at D.U. -- whose home is in N.J. and who is NUTS about railroading zoomed in for a supper stop, before they continued on to Asbury College with Kelly Grooms for a weekend religious meeting there.  It is an annual affair that attracts something like 15,000 people.  They got back "early" Sunday morning, as M.V. who accompanied them was to sing a duet at the Lees Creek Church Sunday morning.

On Saturday the older generation went toWilmington in the afternoon as it was International Day at the College - different nationalities sold snacks that they had made that would be typical of their own country, then we celebrated Saturday evening with another snack at McDonalds.

Yesterday evening at our Church was the annual Senior Citizens Banquet, for which about 50 people turned out.  Mrs. Liggett from the College spoke on folk tales, which was entertaining and subtle substance as well.  We are not there ourselves yet, but did help on the committee.

Serena, the Cunningham's did call us up on their return from Denver.  Mrs. C. want to go to Europe this summer, but Mr. C. prefers to go to Denver.  Did you read, Serena, where Denver's elevation gives as much radiation as those people in Penna. got from the "deposed" power plant.  Your letter came today and that project sounds deep.

Ruth told us, Roberta, about about getting the pictures from you on Saturday.  We too enjoyed seeing them.  Wondered how your test went Saturday?  John is going to take a Civil Service test this Saturday.  He is still on the fence about his summer plans as to work.  Guess if all else fails there is always Wells.  Glad to hear about your plans for returning to N.V. . . . how are you and Serena working about the plans for getting the Dodge back to Denver?

Catherine, glad you are all on the mend, did you make it up to Kah-nee-ta for dinner?  The family still plans to go to Madras for the last in June, while Dad is in Madison, Wisconsin, but we are wondering about the United Air Lines, which the strike has put out of business.  Then there is the occasional news item about the scarcity of gas - tho none exists around N.V.  We have been looking at some new cars as ours is now nearing 95,000, but the prices dampen our enthusiasm.

Dad has written most of the news but will add a line or two.  We tried to call you a number of times Sunday, Roberta, to learn about your test – Serena thought that you planned to leave Mesa to be back here for John's graduation.  Since I told her you weren't leaving so early she thought she'd go out when she finishes around the 24th.  No doubt you will be hearing from her if you haven't already.

Wish you had been here all of you Sunday to help eat the leg of lamb that we had -- the first in many months as we have not had any lamb (leg, that is) for months and months.  Thought of you especially, Serena.  We had a good bit left so may yet freeze some of it.  Steve has such a good appetite that there isn't ever too many left-overs but this was a big cut of meat.

We've also been having asparagus and rhubarb out of the garden and have given Grandma some onions.  Dad didn't have the garden plowed this year as they tore up so much of the asparagus and rhubarb patch last year.  We really haven't had too many really nice days -- some warm ones but they are usually followed by some particularly cold ones.  Saturday night we had another hard frost too which dampens enthusiasm to do too much planting.

Catherine, what do you think of the Book digest?  I have been rather disappointed in it though have seen a couple of real good issues before I subscribed to it for us.  Form the couple of issues I've gotten, I don't think I'd subscribe to it for another year.  The Wilmington Library did get the Sunset magazine but think they have cut that out in their austerity program.  By the way, do you know much about the Friends of the Library program.  Dad is on the by-laws committee -- they have some other group's to go by but just wondered what most groups do -- volunteer work -- raise money -- or/and what?

We really appreciated that LONG letter Serena and glad to get two written the same day from you, Roberta with the pictures.  And copies which turned out real well considering they are done on a copy machine.

Catherine, Dad says that our tickets are here and if usable we would arrive on the 21st approximately 1 PM.  But much is to be said for driving out there and then Dad would fly back early.  Hate to be so indefinite but the strike leaves us hanging and if Roberta would go too it would be more practical to drive.  Hope that this doesn't foul your plans with DeeDee.  There is also the possibility that Dad could fly out the day she arrives making only one trip necessary to Portland.  But then again he might want to go back before the 21st.

Forgot to tell you that Rev. Reece has been in the hospital for surgery and perhaps some of you might want to send a card to his home by now for would think that he would be home before long.  It was serious but he never let on to anyone as far as I know but his daughter told a neighbor that it was cancer -- whether they were able to get it I don't know.

Ruth was to go back to the Careys today and then to the doctor tomorrow so she would know whether it might be too much for her as Christie is getting to be quite a handful.

Saw Linda Eltzroth Compton with her new baby at the Lees Creek church Sunday but didn't get to talk to her really as they were having a meeting after church was over -- their minister is leaving to become a social worker in Florida.  She complimented MV on her singing, as many others did.

Wells has made the splurge into the computer world in purchasing a System 32 IBM computer.  Hopefully we can keep track of things better with less effort -- that's one of the best ways of competing with inflation.  On the computer four of us are going to Cincinnati for two days to learn the "basic operation", so keep your fingers crossed.

Glenn Southerland [born 1897] passed away last Saturday -- that has been a good family for legal business -- I like estates better than some of the other legal areas. 

Our love to all of you and a Happy May month to each of you.

[Love, etc.]

1989 Jean's Letter to HH -Apr.28

[Stationery is from Westin Hotel, Cincinnati; envelope is from Hotel Shilla, Seoul, Korea/]

Friday Morning

Apr. 28, 1989

Dearest Harold,

It is raining & we've had no electricity for almost 3 hours.  The farmer's are frustrated not being able to get to the fields and I wonder if you've had much rain.

Evy and I are to go to Wilmington to work in the Kitchen at 12:30 today til -- &:?? for this Emmaus Walk.

So many people ask about you (& the Harners) and if you aren't home yet.  It does seem like a lot longer than five weeks.  Glad to hear you called yesterday.  All is going along fine as far as I can see.  Your mother is doing well -- has asked re strawberries.  I got her some one day -- and GG also got her a quart the same day -- since they haven't been so nice & or cheap but hope to get her some today.  I've kept her supplied with bananas, grapes etc. and she's had rhubarb out of the garden.

It's now 9:45 P.M. and we had a good day helping.  I had told Evy that I would drive but she had to for our garage door wouldn't go up due to no power.  We worked with Larry Cline & his wife and another couple from Frankfurt.

Saw the name of Melanie Terrell from Hillsboro & asked her if she is related to the N.V. Terrells – "yes, all of them" she said – turned out she is Bill Terrell's wife & asked about Mary Virginia.  I had never thought about her being Bill's wife.

Myron Holly (sp?) wife is also a pilgrim.  They are on the average an older group and quite a few are on low cholesterol diets according to Nancy Colvin.

Ken Colvin goes back to the hospital as an out-patient for hernia surgery.  The doctor had noticed his hernia when he was operated on for prostate surgery but didn't think it necessary but due to pain he suffered after 1st operation decided this was necessary so Fri. May 5 is the day set.

I read to your mother the two cards we received from you this morning written the last two days in Texas.  And also a letter from Mary -- virtually everything that she had said on the phone last Sunday -- about Chad's first birthday & Cindy's aunt & uncle visiting here from Indiana.

Roberta has called several times this week as well as Mary Virginia & John and I've had a letter from Catherine and two from Wendy & called Serena last weekend.

Continental Airlines had a special deal for children accompanying an adult & Roberta says it is being honored by TWA & a couple of other airlines.  Betty Curtis says she only knows of Continental doing it but often others follow – $1 for children accompanying an adult. Haven't heard from her yet but one has til May 26 to take advantage of offer.

Roberta has made reservations to fly into Cincy June 21st & back home July 1st.  Perhaps she has already told you this.  I told her Uncle Bill would have to meet her since we'd be gone unless I leave a car at the airport for her which I could do if Wendy & I fly to Knoxville.  Roberta would like to have a car while she is here -- like the van?

Mary Virginia asked if I wanted to meet her in Cincinnati for a concert and John called about some concert in his area but his call came while I was in Wilmington.  I'd like to have gone to both but not drive home afterwards.  Guess I could stay at John's all night but good thing I didn't as I found your mother was completely out of batteries & one she had in worthless.  They had told her she had a card but it was empty -- at least one she showed me so will got to Wilmington today to get her more.

Sorry I didn't get this schedule to you in Erwinville but have the times & numbers if you call before Monticello.  Your mother says Joanne & family are moving but haven't heard it from her -- in country but not too far out -- ?

I'm to stay there tonight (now Saturday) -- Joanne & Keith want to do something and none of her cohorts are available.

Better get this in the mail and off for Wilmington --

Guess this is the last letter of the trip and you'll be home a week from today!

Forgot to say John may be down tomorrow & then we may go to Wilmington to see Mary Va.  Told John I wouldn't keep G'ma waiting for lunch so will save some for him.

Much, much love

Your #1 wife

1989 HH Postcard -Apr.28

4/28/89 Fontainbleau State Park, Louisiana

Our home for the night in this [park] – this was our lunch stop also.  "Only" 80 miles – We did have strawberry pie for dessert.

Josephine tells me she has written you – re the Mothers Club.  Yes, I have written the PHX folk 3 times but my writing is so bad that perhaps it ended up at the Dead Letter Office.

We are going to N.O. on the bus & supper is on our own.

Now Sunday – stayed last night at Gulf Island National Seashore area east of Biloxi, Mississippi – pretty homes along the Gulf & lots of biting [insects?].  Sam H. & the Cooks to drive down overnight from IN to join us for the weekend.  Now P.M. & we are @ the Gulf Shores Campground near the Fla Line.  Slim road the bus today so he had the tent all set for us.  Several have said they would like to use scales to see how many # they have lost these past 4 weeks.  We have all improved our pedal power.  See you all soon.  --Harold

1969 Catherine's Letter -Apr.27

4-27-69

Dear Mother, Dad, Roberta, Serena, John and Mary,

Hi!  Here it is less than eight months until Christmas.  Won't be long, eh?  How's the garden coming?  Have you got lots of beans, tomatoes, and broccoli planted?

We've had two beautiful days both of which I had to work unfortunately.  Today it is overcast, we're supposed to have thundershowers later, so I'm sitting here in my pajamas getting caught up on correspondence.

Gerti has gone to see her parents.  They are staying in the Essex Inn which is across the street (coming this way) from the Conrad Hilton.  We thought they were coming late Friday so we took our time coming home from work -- crossed the tracks and walked over through the park on the other side of Columbus Drive.  Now that the trees are getting greener and the flowers are beginning to bloom it is really pretty.  They haven't started Buckingham Fountain yet but I understand when they do it is just for a few hours in the evening.  At least with Daylight time we'll have an extra hour of daylight after we get off work.

We got back here and had just put the leftovers in the oven and the soup on when her parents called.  They were here and why didn't we have dinner with them.  We ate in the Delmonico (Essex Inn's attempt at a dining room).  Only the prices compared with the few other high class places I've been.  Mother, I had lamb chops and mint jelly.  They were pretty good.

Yesterday they all walked me to work.  It was Gerti's day off so she showed them all around Marshall Fields.  They even came in the book dept!  Last night we went to dinner at the Conrad Hilton and it was a great improvement.  Did you say you had eaten there once?  We ate in the Haymarket.  They have these big high back chairs which rise about a foot above your head.  Gives you the real privacy feeling as it is impossible to see anything behind.  Afterwards we went to the Symphony.  Mr. Wanser is a real symphony nut but I'm not quite that hep. 

I like working with the books but I think if I had to do it for the rest of my life I would rather be in a library.  As it is now I work in the paperbacks on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.  I like that the best.  On Thursday I work in the art and music books.  I have a definite handicap there as I don't know too much about either subject and it is difficult to help.  There are lots and lots of books but they are in absolutely no order and even when a customer asks for a specific book there is no way of knowing whether we have it in stock or where I could find it if we did.  On Friday's I work in the reference books which also includes the financial, science, literature and poetry books.  That isn't much better than art and music.  Another bad thing about those sections is that everybody else who works around in the neighboring sections is on commission and since I'm not I get these looks of hate if I am able to help a customer and don't give them a chance to snatch the sale.  They make 7% of their total sales.  And they're on straight commission -- no salary at all.

Thanks for forwarding the mail.  Mrs. Walker said something about giving you all a Yearbook to send me.  I thanked her for it but I haven't gotten it.  I guess there is no great rush as I can live without it, I was just curious as to what had happened.

I was glad to hear Joe's concert went off well.  My love to you all and to Grandma

Love,

Catherine

1989 Mary Horton letter to HH -Apr.25

TUES. - April 25th (CHAD'S 1st BIRTHDAY PARTY) [1989]

Dear Harold:

It's been a Party week-end!!  Cindy's Uncle and Aunt came Fri. PM late and left Monday PM.  They did not drive this time as they had a dead-line to meet back home.  They flew in and stayed near the airport; which isn't too far from Rob's.  So I didn't have them 'under foot' all week-end.  Ha!  However, the house got a 'new look' (clean anyway) and 2 beds made up unnecessarily.  Sat. Cindy had a party for Chad & relatives with a lot of nice gifts.  Uncle and Aunt were overly generous!!!  Bill and I took Ray and Helen out to dinner that evening and a short tour around Palm Beach and then played Rummy-O.  It was a beautiful evening . . . blue sky and not too warm riding . . . might be a different story on your bike!!!

Then to-day, it was the REAL BIRTHDAY (as if Chad knew the difference???) and she had Mothers and their babies who belong to the "Baby and Me" Club sponsored by the PB School Board.  The two G'Mas were invited!  Like a pre-school nursery with an activity room.  You've never seen so many toys, etc. . . especially after they opened up the gifts!!  Babies all ages and sizes!  All boys but one chubby girl.  They got along real well!  The adults had Pasta, party sandwiches, a salad 'munchie' plate, which you would have gone for.  Drinks, cake and ice cream.  Chad is real cute . . . always a smile . . . he has a great sense of rhythm . . . play that music and he 'sings and sways'!!!  He's an eye-stopper wherever you take him!!!

Tonight we go to Fellowship Class meeting.  Wed. the Youth are putting on a ham dinner.  Executive Bd. meeting Th AM and Choir that night . . . IF I go!!!

Roberta called today!!  She has her plane reservation for OHIO on June 21st . . . or she may have written you . . . flying into Cols.  Fare reasonable!!  Will be fun to see her again.  I understand you and Jean will be on different E.H. Trips???  She said that she hasn't had any cards from you!!  I rated!!  We got 2 cards . . . THANKS!!!

The sewarage line is coming up 11th Ave. (our driveway) tomorrow!!  So a lot of commotion and dust will be flying!!  At least we have our air conditioner on!!  Will have to have the car out of the garage early in the morning.  Not being used to getting into a HOT car . . . . this will be a change!!!  Ted took a weeks trip over to Orlando and is due back Wed. or Thursday.  Probably park in his driveway.  Had thought about taking off before the project got on its way but I have too many loose ends . . . can't possibly be ready too much ahead schedule to head toward  N.C. and Ohio.  We're playing it 'by ear' as to day of departure???  All these huge things are laying on the north side of our street (11th).

How goes the trip?  People must think you're crazy to bike across the USA!!!  What is the incentive to put out that much energy???  I can see biking for FUN . . . but an endurance contest with yourself????  You should have some interesting tales to tell and I want to be around to hear them????  I'm glad Jean is home!  We've talked several times and it is nice for Mother to have her close by!!!  See ya 1st of June???

Love, Mary & Bill

1979 Family Letter -Apr.22

Monday morning

April 22, 1979

Dearest Family,

This time next week it will be a little more difficult to get up this early as it will be an hour later but since we didn't get a letter started yesterday thought I'd use the time this morning to at least begin a letter.  If we write later in the week they don't arrive at their destination until Monday or so of the next week and its really old news by then.

After having so many in church on Easter the crowd looked slim yesterday.  The weather was damp and cold.  Many were getting ready to serve the Eastern Star dinner at the school which was for the benefit of Jimmy Butler and Pam Williams who are to go to Europe this summer.  Jim sings with the all Ohio State Fair Chorus which had a concert yesterday afternoon.  Pam is to play in an orchestra or band group that is also to perform in Europe.  The chorus was very good but not as well attended as I thought it might be.  They choose about 325 out of 1000's of applicants and then smaller groups -- around 30-35 sing in various places in the state on weekends as rehearsal sessions.

Dad planted quite a bit of garden Saturday -- 3 1/2 rows of peas, onions, spinach and beets.  Asparagus looks promising and it got a rain on it afterwards which will help.

Saturday evening we went to Dayton to hear the Gaither trio which was good but the crowds were unbelievable not only in the UD arena but getting in and out of the parking lot and environs.  We ended up taking two friends of Mary Virginia and Elizabeth Johnson when some others cancelled out late Saturday afternoon.  I think everyone enjoyed it but the acoustics for such a program in that arena leave something to be desired.  We had no trouble  hearing for it was plenty loud -- it took a little getting used to.  Quite a few went from New Vienna but we didn't see any of them there in the big crowd.  The worst part for me was trying to stay awake on the way home and in church yesterday morning.

We went to the Eastern Star dinner, which was strictly quantity (not really too much in that area either) with ham, green beans, potatoes, cole slaw or apple sauce with dessert.

Our first tulip is ready to open up, tho down at the shop where they are protected they have been open for three weeks.  Mowed our field for the first time on Saturday and have the new fruit trees out.

Aunt Mary sent up a nice clipping about Joe Horton and how he is thinking of going more into painting than teaching.  He had another art show in Jeddah this month.  The art show in Salt Lake City never went off for he couldn't get time to go.

It is now Monday afternoon and we got your letter, Catherine, with the good pictures and looking forward to the ones you said Roberta would be sending to us.  Wendy is changing -- looks more grown up.  Glad you got to go to the circus and hope that you are feeling better than last week.  Good to hear that you have been golfing too.  I found some apricots and we have been enjoying them but those golden prunes from Casa de Fruta were beginning to turn white -- speckled.  Glad to hear all your apartments are rented and a waiting list even.

[Love, etc.]

1989 HH postcards from bicycle trip -April 22-26

THE NIMITZ STEAMBOAT HOTEL postcard - mailed 1989
Caption: Fredericksburg, Texas, once boasted the only bathhouse between San Antonio and San Diego!  Restored to its 1890 dignity it now houses The Museum of the Pacific War dedicated to all who served with Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz during World War II.

4/22/89 - Hi Everyone [addressed to GHU]
Visited this museum in this very German area.  Our nights under the stars are over -- too much dew.  It was like sleeping in a sauna.  Now we put up tents every night.  Been in State Parks the last 2 nights.  See you all in about 2 weeks.

Love, Harold

4/24/89 - Dayton TX
Today was our 4th century [one hundred mile plus] day -- bkfst @ 5:30.  We are staying at the 1st Baptist Church --- we all appreciate the showers here.  It is also 1 block from a nice P.L.* (open till 8 P.M.) & the U.M.C.  *caught up on W.S.J.

Yesterday was our day off – 5 of us went to the U.M.C. & then a 40 mile bike ride in the P.M. to Washington on the Brazos where TX declared their independence from Mexico.  Nice museum also.

In Austin visited LBJ museum (GG would approve).  Had lunch there in a gourmet grocery store -- gumbo soup (just like N.O.), a qt of milk & some muffins.  Bought a cantaloupe @ Safeway for 69¢ & white grapes today for 69¢.  This is like civilization after the 1st thousand miles "of nothing."

J. Harner said to tell you "Good luck on the M. Club tea."  She did ride all day today & is now asleep.  People are beginning to peel from too much sun.  The temp is great here until about 10 A.M.  & then HOT.  The most common sign along the road is "FOR SALE."

Lunch in Spring, TX today – 63 miles. ----H

Orange, TX 4/25/89
Our home -- the 1st Baptist is like a deluxe Y -- even has a hot tub, hand ball ct + all the basics.  Slim (he is 6'5") & I have taken over the 9/10 grade room.  Plenty of room to "dry" the laundry.

It is now 10 PM -- just back from Port Arthur where we all went on the bus to a fish restaurant right on the water.  I had crayfish 5 different ways -- too much fried stuff. (Not listed in M. or 3A)*

We have a new gal as a bike mechanic -- she replaced a broken spoke for me.  She also doubles for taking "formal" pictures, which she did today.

Coming around Houston yesterday was like riding at the Dayton Mall.  We have also been on some really back roads.  On the Bulletin Board here "Welcome Wondering Wheels - Coast to Coast"

*The parents of the minister here "think" it [the restaurant] is a great place.  --H

4/26/89 Iowa, LA
After a bkfst this A.M. of hot cereal, blueberry pancakes & fresh fruit we were on the road.  The LA Welcome Station was not yet open.

Had a police escort w/ mile long (high wire) bridge into Lake Charles.

Just finished lunch of 3 BLT & fresh fruit here in Iowa, La.  (Yesterday we went thru China, TX).  We are making progress in getting out of TX.  This is pretty bayou Country – rice growing & perfectly flat.  --Harold

4/26/89 Jennings, La
Since the church here is having a revival, we rode the bus to Lake Arthur & staying at a Church Camp.  Had supper here of pork chops, potatoes, corn, beans, jello & choc. pudding.

We are to leave here @ 5:30 for the Church where we will have bkfst @ 6 A.M.

4/27 -- now in Baton Rouge -- they "bused" us across the Mississippi River – just in time to go across the city w/the 5 P.M. traffic.  It has been our 1st day of showers.

Appreciate all the mail here – that way we know it is Thursday.  Staying at the Baptist Family Center tonight – again like a "Y" w/2 swim pools – But we can't get in until 7:30 because of a conflict – we are eating tonight at 7:30 and then it will be bed time.  Ah, the vacation life -- Ha!  --Harold

1989 GG's Letter to HH -Apr.18

April 18, 1989 (Tuesday Noon)

Hi Harold . . . . .

Went to Wilmington yesterday . . . several folks in the Court House were asking about you -- Rachel (the gal who does alot of title checks) said she hoped you were taking some pictures.  she loves to ride the bicycle.  Since 5/3rd & BancOhio were the same rates on CDs for 30 days, went with 5/3rd.  BancOhio has one for Wells, so perhaps best not to have all the eggs in one basket??  The interest rate was 9.45% and happens to come due on May 17th . . . I have an appt. with Ear Specialist in Wilmington that day, so will work out good!

In your file at Probate was an announcement of Estate Planning Conf. put on by the OSU College of Law -- at Dublin OHIO May 19th!!!  Sounds like a good program, but that is your same time to be in Toledo . . . plus, you attended an Estate Planning Conference recently, didn't you?

Filed the Final Account on Lamcke estate yesterday!!! What a good feeling, plus the Prickett check finally cleared so have it ready to file as soon as Lowell brings in the remaining cancelled checks!!  The statement was cut yesterday, so shouldn't be too long!

Really had a wind storm yesterday evening . . . almost had to be a small tornado as the BIG tree in front of Kay's office was uprooted . . . along with the road sign and part of the road came up!  She was home and she, Andy and a little girl that was playing with Andy went to the basement.  Looks like alot of damage to the old Daye Hardware Bldg . . . roof, plus part of Wells roof was damaged.  Channel 7 news was here, so perhaps you saw it in Texas!!! HA

Chad Carey called about Law Day -- May 2nd!!!  Needed some 1 hr. spaces filled in for legal consultation . . . .  Told him I knew you would have been glad to, if you were in town that day . . . but you will be out of town . . . he said if you have a change of plans, please call him.

Best sign off and get back to work!  Just had a big strawberry shortcake . . . yum!!!  Stopped in to see your Mother yesterday . . . she is doing well.  She had her Pike Gas bill all ready to go -- put her acct. #, etc. on the envelope.

Oh yes.  Jean said you mentioned about Master Card and the Delta flight booklets . . . Betty Curtis called last week -- she was concerned, as she got a rejection on the Delta booklets -- said incorrect Card # -- she read me the card # she had used . . . had a couple of the digits reversed . . . so I gave her the correct # and she was going to re-do it!

Take care . . .  look forward to your safe return second week ofo May.

Sincerely,

GG

1949 Jean's Letter -Apr.18

All this odd stationery isn't a hint – we're just trying to use it up – ask Virginia if she remembers Hotel Raymond?  [Reminds me of Jean using different stationery for the same reason in 1989 as referenced in her letter to HH on his bike trip!]

Monday --

April 18, 1949

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

We arrived back in Cleveland about 9:00 last night after a very pleasant spring vacation with both you and the Uibles.  Catherine stood all the traveling fine – loved the lull of the motor for the only time we heard from her was our stops either for red lights or rest stops.  The Tuesday we drove to New Vienna was so warm – and yesterday so cold – it kept raining or sleeting the whole way back.  Harold finally had to stop once to scrape the ice from the windshield in order that the wipers would work. 

The girl who was to come to help the Uibles never showed up – she had also promised to help another woman but wasn't able to do either – she's pregnant and not feeling too well.  It so happened that the girl's mother works in the Wells Mfg. Co. (the business that Harold's father has) -- so she agreed to come instead.

Mary had gotten home Sunday so was fairly settled by Tuesday but not feeling too chipper yet.  [Assume Aunt Mary was in the hospital after Marianne was born on April 4.]  Marianne is so tiny -- but just in the short time we were there we could notice how she'd filled out.  Of course they are quite happy that it's a girl yet they had rather expected a boy.  They had planned to name him Christopher after Bill's father and brother.  Joseph takes quite alot of attention as he's at the age of getting into everything & has to be watched constantly.  Mary's going to be very busy when she's back on her own.  He's real cute though & Marianne & Catherine will soon keep him in tow.

Harold's father thinks that the Wells Mfg. Co. is really progressing now and will be quite a stable business so Harold will go in with him after the Bar is over.  He did seriously consider coming to New Cumberland but finally decided on New Vienna. 

Please inform Jeannie that we received our Independent today in tip-top shape with correct address and all so just hope she's not pestered any more by the Cleveland Post Office or us.

Harold's mother brought us some nice things from Florida -- a white seersucker sport shirt for Harold – a combination swirl bush & comb for me and two different kinds of rubber panties for Catherine (one pair like the one's you gave her) and a pair of Playtex rubber ones.  Also a dozen of those knitted diapers – called Pant-Ease – shaped to fit.  They're awfully nice at night cause they are extra warm.

They all seemed to think that Catherine looked like the Ballantynes with her full face and pug nose.  I don't think they expected her to be quite as chubby altho Mary found Joseph's Baby Book and he weighed the same as Catherine at birth and one ounce more than she at ten weeks – 12 lbs 9 oz in comparison  to her 12 lbs. 8 oz.).  He isn't very large now – has a small frame – similar to Bill and also seems to resemble his maternal grandfather.

Mary and Bill gave Catherine a toilet seat which will come in mighty handy in the near future – it's one of those natural wood ones with back and foot rest and guaranteed not to scar the toilet.  (Joseph made some marks on their new seat.)  Harold's Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry [Hiestand] came & brought both Marianne & Catherine two pretty little flannelette kimonos trimmed in pink.  I'm afraid C's are too small altho I haven't tried them on her.   I washed them tonight so Mary may have four instead of two.

Rev. O'Connor called on all of us with his wife an hour after our arrival Tuesday.  Then Wednesday he telephoned & asked if we might be interest in baptizing Catherine & Marianne.  We decided against it until she's a bit older.  Harold did go to Sunday School & I met him & stayed for Church.

Harold was busy cutting lawns & making a garden.  Saturday he cut the grass while it was half snowing.

We brought back four dozen eggs with us which consist all of our complete larder in the refrigerator with the exception of Catherine's formula & medicine.  Eggs there 38¢ a dozen.  Here Grade 3 are 55¢.  Milk has gone down again – 2 qts for 31¢.  Buttermilk is 13¢.  [Dad would have liked seeing the prices!]

Catherine stuck to her schedule quite well while in New Vienna but had to have a cry before she went to sleep each evening – after Mother & Daddy Uible had gone to bed – awakening them each time.  The last two nights she slept downstairs.

Today she has been quite awake and hungry but I think it's making up for yesterday (she slept all day & night and never had a bottle or evening cereal due to our traveling).  I gave her a bath at 6:30 & she was sound asleep by 7:15 – now we're to awaken her at 11:00.

Norma was over and Jane has been fussy today too.  She wanted me to see the new curtains her mother-in-law had made for their living room & bed room – short striped tailored drapes -- pretty but I like long ones better.  In their rush to get things packed into the car they forgot Norma's shoes which had set right by the car door.  The woman above us told her neighbors that Norma & Jim had a big fight & Norma threw her shoes at Jim & then they raced off together.

I was certainly shocked to read about Jesse [or Jane?]  Cunningham's death in the paper – that's too bad when they have such a young baby.

We did the wash tonight & didn't have too much so also did that pink & white machine-made quilt – was so quite dirty as we have been keeping it on top of bed – to pull up for naps, etc.

Will write again soon – hope to hear from you – need a postal card?

Love to all,

Jean, Harold and 

Catherine

P.S. Harold's mother also prefers the name of Catherine to Katie.

1979 Roberta's Letter -Apr.17

Tuesday Morning

4/17/99

Dear Family,

I'm sure enjoying my two days off – both yesterday and today -- also will be off all day on Friday.  Now I fought to have these days off . . . kept after them and never gave up.

Here the weather all of sudden has gotten so very hot.  Yesterday Julia and I went down to the nursing home got Angus -- walked down in the city park (across from the Mormon Temple) and had a picnic lunch from Arby's.  It was just too hot out to be walking in the middle of the day.

I suppose I should have waited till tonight to write -- as I am to go to A.S.U. this morning at 11:00 and meet with the head of the recreation dept -- the same guy that called to give me the good news that my test scores were not high enough -- I called up to check out registering and of all people I get him on the phone.  I want to have the option open me should I want to go in the fall.  It's true -- I'm really much more into opening or starting some sort of business -- but I want to have this also open to me should I decide to go this route.

I've been swimming for a short time for the last few days -- everyday, beginning to get a little tan -- but it takes time.  The pool is beginning to get crowded.

It was fun talking to all of you on Sunday.  Sunday here was a very crazy day -- Rachel and Marland did go to church with us -- but Karry wasn't ready -- as she had only been able to spend some 1 and a half hour in the bathroom.   That wasn't a real convenient thing with six people in the house.  We went down and took Angus -- as the bus that usually takes her is broken down -- She enjoyed the choirs very much -- also the sermon . . . rest of the service.  We continue to go each Wednesday to the $1 supper.  As Fred says it's cheaper than the expensive kind of T.V. dinners -- and taste better.

Mary Virginia I sat beside Charlene (sp?) at Sunrise service -- it was held outside -- I had just worn sandals -- so my feet got pretty cool . . . There must have been about 100 people there -- was held in the patio -- near all those state signs that they put up.

Now for the coming up GRE test -- I am learning roots -- also prefixes, suffixes -- so much to learn -- just overwhelming . . . .  The vocab is by far the hardest.  Just seems so endless.  I'm beginning to feel too that I am ready for the 28th of April to come around just to have this test behind me -- I look forward to the month of May -- without having the test in the back of my mind.  Well . . . also should have more time for some of the more enjoyable things in life too . . . sleep, needlepoint, wiring letters . . . .

Sorry for the hurried letter . . . mailman will soon be here, must be signing off . . . will write again soon!!!!

Love,

Berta

1969 Catherine Career-Service clipping -April

Mainly About People

Tina Richards . . . .
Milton Farquhar . . . .
Dr. James M. Read . . . .

Catherine Uible, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Uible of New Vienna, is a student at Kalamazoo College and is enrolled in the College's Career-Services program.  She holds a sales position with Marshall Field & Co., Chicago, Ill.  The program is designed to give the students a chance to gain experience in their prospective careers through on-the-job training.

1989 Jean's Family Letter -Apr.15

Saturday

Apr. 15, 1989

Dearest Family –

Dad has been riding almost two weeks with the group and still going strong – "great opportunity of a lifetime."  Someone asked me if I thought he'd get riding on a trip out of his system but that's most doubtful – just put in the mood to try more.

Things are quiet in New Vienna – Grandma is still holding forth – we went to Sunday School and church last Sunday and here at home for lunch.  I wasn't brave enough to try getting her in the van or Honda to go out to eat though she suggesting going.

We did have the mother-daughter-guest banquet at the church last Tuesday evening and since the program was upstairs – Joanne Rankin & I got her in the chair to ride up and down but that isn't easy for her.  There were well over a hundred there with two young boys whose mother insisted it shouldn't be just for females.  We had a chalk artist for the program and just as she got to the climax of her drawing someone on a CB radio came blasting in & was quite disturbing off and on for the rest of her talk.  There was also a skit with a mother being taught how to do some of the modern dances which would have been better not in the sanctuary but the rest was fine.

I really enjoyed my trip to California and visit in Phoenix.  Morgans were so hospitable (for I stayed with them and they took me to Gila Bend to see the bicycle group) and of course the Kings too.  Catherine and I helped (?) Roberta at the Westside Food Bank which is always an interesting experience plus the many other things that we did – eating out, shopping, just generally running around.  Wendy is getting to be so grown up – I hope that she isn't too bored in New Vienna.  I'm sure she will miss Kristen Culbreath but there are other young people not too far.

I'll include addresses for Wandering Wheels, General Delivery (Not H.H. Uible on the front but in the right hand corner on the BACK OF THE ENVELOPE.  Write to Erwinville, LA 70729 by April 22 and then the last one to WANDERING WHEELS, GENERAL DELIVERY, MONICELLA  FL 32344 by April 29; that is allowing 5 days to get there but necessary for some of the mail stops are not places that they will be staying overnight, or necessarily even traveling through.

Last night I went to Hillsboro to hear a young man who had spent four years walking around the world – he's from Bethel, OH and has a book coming out in June which is a Literary Guild selection "WORLDWALK"  He had some interesting experiences many of which he didn't finish but said the whole story is in the book so hope to read it eventually.

Talked to Aunt Mary this morning and they are planning on coming to New Vienna after the 14th – planning to be in Statesville for Wil Andrew's baptism on Mother's Day.  Roberta and Serena also called so have talked to several of you in the last few hours.

[Love, etc.]

1969 Joe Horton Recital Clipping -Apr.22

Horton to Give Organ Recital

Joseph Uible Horton, a student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, will give his Senior Organ Recital at Christ Church Tuesday, April 22, 7 P.M.  

Horton is a student of Gerre Hancock, F.A.G.O., organist and choirmaster at Christ Church, Cincinnati, and will graduate in June with Bachelor of Music degree.

He is the grandson of Mrs. C.J. Uible, New Vienna, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Horton Lake Worth, Fla., formerly of Hillsboro.

The public is invited.

1979 Family Letter -Apr.15

[The typing on the back side make parts of the first few paragraphs on the front page difficult to read.  Will do the best possible transcription but feel free to interpret it yourself!]

Sunday evening –

April 15, 1979

Easter

Dearest Family,

Wish that you all could have been here with us today for we did miss you but perhaps another year we will all celebrate together, who knows?  Elizabeth Johnson, Mrs. Matthews, Grandma as well as John and Carol were here.  We hadn't know that Carol was coming but glad to have her here.  We had rather expected Masa . . . as he mentioned about coming and said that . . . but we never heard from him.  It is so hard to reach him at Wilmington College.  Sometimes he gets the messages and sometimes not.

Almost had another raw turkey but caught it in time just before we left for Sunday School and found that the oven timer was not working and oven had gotten cold so it finished just in time.  John and Carol picked up Mrs. M. and Elizabeth came . . . church . . . her own power.  She visited her father at Extended Care . . . we took Mrs. M. back and then had a bite . . . and then went home.  We had a real good turkey.  . . . pounds which seemed to have alot of meat left on it to make turkey soup, freeze 2 big containers and then some.  Also had some asparagus that I had frozen last year and almost forgotten, plus made mashed potatoes that I hadn't fixed for ? long but Mrs. M. said one time she quit eating the ones at Extended Care for they were always instant kind.

Appreciated talking to you, Catherine and Roberta – Wed. and today respectively.  Tho we always think of something afterwards but that is the human touch.

It is now Monday evening and we just came home from the annual Republican county meeting and among others were talking with the Frank Cunningham's who have a daughter in Denver and they said they would give Serena a call when there this week.  Naturally the states's newest State Senator, Cooper Snyder, was there, who Serena remembers particularly well.  Cooper told us that the fellow who resigned as S.S. told him that he wouldn't wish the job on his worst enemy.  Seriously, the Snyders seem to be enjoying it.

Last week bought five fruit trees, but the weather has been uncooperative as far as putting them out.  Picked Grandma some rhubarb Saturday and MV mowed the grass so spring is coming.

Yesterday was a busy day at Church with Sunrise Services followed by breakfast, then Sunday School and Church and so many there that there were some in the balcony.  MV sang a solo and got a lot of compliments.  We think she does enjoy her music now.  Saturday night there was a musical program at the Church, so no lack of things to go.

It has been a joke ever since Christmas about the TV service man as he has been telling us that he would be over from Sabina "tomorrow", which has yet to arrive.  Then this morning Grandma saw the TV truck of another fellow at a neighbors house and gave them a call and he was over there in a few minutes – we couldn't believe it.  

For the record, Serena, we got to know Mrs. Cunningham quite well when she was on the trip to Ireland with us.  She and the same friend she was with then (Mary Schnapp, former Clerk of Court) plan to go to Switzerland this summer.  Mr. Cunningham prefers to go to Denver to visit at those times.

Ruth was rather depressed after seeing the doctor last Saturday as he still won't let her go back to work and didn't think she ought to go to church as it had been hard on her the Sunday before.  The Colliers had the family down – don't think that Carolyn made it though.  Ruth was so sorry to miss seeing John and Carol when they tried to see her Sunday.

Mary Virginia surprised everyone with her voice – she sang better than I have ever heard her and didn't seem to be the least bit frightened.  Carol harmonized with her on parts and their voice blended well but she really belted it out with felling – "Rise Again".  The Messengers had done it the night before and so had Ed Perry's group earlier but liked her rendition the best – course I'm not prejudiced.  Wish the rest of you could have heard her too.  

Masa never called as he said that he would be he more or less invited himself over the last time when he met John and the latter said that he hoped to see more of him.  Anyway, he didn't make it for Easter.

Dad said we had a letter from the Morgans this morning and looking forward to hearing more.  Don't know why the mail is slow in getting to Madras.  Roberta's new typewriter and brown ribbon are classy and never hear too often from any of you.  Serena?  I got a permanent but MV decided to get hers cut and wait as she still has some left even yet.  She went with me to Dayton to attend a book review meeting of children's librarians which we both found interesting.  On the way back we stopped in Centerville at a shop that had been recommended to her.  MV also got a curling iron and has been using it.

I know that Dad will want this ready to put into the mail but thought I might think of some other things I wanted to say as I usually do after the letters are on their way.  Glad to have mail from all of you and it was nice having John and Carol here for Easter.  We love you very much and don't tell you often enough but looking forward to seeing you this summer – wish we could have one big get together!!

With all our love,

Dad & Mother

P.S.  Know you know much of this but want you to know we're thinking of you.  The concert is in Dayton Sat. night – not Columbus as M.V. thought.  Hope you can make it!

1989 Jean's Letter to HH -Apr.13&14, 1989

[Stationery: p. 1 from Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia,  p.2 Chattanooga  Choo-Choo Vacation Complex]

Thursday and Friday –

Apr. 13 & 14, 1989

Dearest Harold,

Fearing the last letter may not have gotten there on time I decided to send this one a little earlier.  I may not finish it today or tomorrow but at least I will have a start.

Things are fairly quiet in New Vienna.  Jim Chaney [New Vienna barber, born 1902] passed away either Tuesday or Wednesday.  I have given the paper to Phyllis so can't check on it.  In the same paper is a write-up of the Mothers Club meeting in which it mentioned that Mrs. Orville Harner is on a bicycle trip cross country so wasn't able to preside.

After mailing the letter to you finally in Dayton (when we went up for the book meeting) I realized that it wouldn't go out til Monday afternoon but it was in the box and not much I could do about it then.

Roberta sent us a copy of your more detailed itinerary along with the people to contact, where you will be in that town and also the telephone numbers which I appreciated and will share with Wells.

Backtracking a little I don't know whether I mentioned that Ed had mowed our front yard and it looks real nice and green.  Farises hadn't fixed our lawn mower  – or rather gone over it but hopefully they have by now for GG had called to remind them.  Your mother had her first rhubarb yesterday and I took her more onions last Saturday but no doubt she is ready for more now.  No great visible signs of spinach yet but the warmer weather today should help.

I've RSVPed negatively to two invitations – one to hear more about the hospital and another to the Republican Century Club.  Dotty Clifton said "He'll still be gone then" so don't know whether she thinks its the same trip that kept you away from the Lincoln Day Dinner or what.  I didn't go into details.

The more detailed calendar really helps to pinpoint your itinerary as there were many blank spaces on the first one.  I couldn't find the Texas map in the file but did find a much better map in the Road Atlas that the Hyatt kindly sent me COD with my paperback I'd left there.  Hope we don't have to use the telephone numbers but it could be most useful.

We had a real good crowd at the Mother-Daughter banquet – 97 signed the guest register but know we missed alot as we had 108 places set and added another table in the hallway to accommodate the younger Rankin entourage.  Joyce Pinkerton brought Dorothy Pope who seemed to enjoy it.  Josephine Harris Drake came along with her daughter, Lynn Cooper and Granddaughter.  There was something for everyone in the program – some not too appropriate for the sanctuary (more on that later in person) and Mrs. Frye the chalk artist had laryngitis and the doctor didn't want her to come.  The payoff was someone on a CB radio interfering.  Gene Williams and the Boy Scouts helped put up the tables and Gene, Arnold Hill & Cub Scouts took them down.  I forgot that Ed Fite also helped Mrs. Grye [Frye?] set up her equipment and take it down with Gene which was quite a project.

Wednesday was Woman's Club meeting at Marie Cooper's with Bible Study that evening – Ray  Rayl [?] has left for California (with dog he insisted he could take in plane as carry-on luggage).  Georgialia Hannah flitted in & out whispering to several people while Ed tried to talk.  She also was scheduled to have the program that after noon for WC but had told them at the beginning of the year she wouldn't be able to attend because she is taking an art class.  Margaret Drake gave a program on flowers (She had been scheduled for March but it had been cancelled due to the ice storm.  (This paragraph really rambles !!!)

Doc and Charlotte are leaving for Santa Barbara Thursday (didn't ask if it was on Delta sr. citizen tickets) but only plan to be with her sister a few days as her sister isn't too well – no details.

Thursday I went out to Fites for the bazaar workshop – decided I wouldn't be able to go to many Thursday meetings and I would improve my attendance over last year's workshops (0)!

Serena called Monday evening after I had called her on Saturday and she had made reservations on American Airlines to fly to Phoenix something like Dec. 23 to Jan. 1st for $309 so I'm sending her a check for that.  Have tried to get in touch with John – but no luck.

They are having a soup supper instead of a dinner Apr. 21 with salads and desserts but not many of us had been contacted for contributions.  An announcement should have been made at the banquet Tuesday evening but we all slipped up there.  And we didn't take up a collection so they can't say we just had them for the money we could get from them.

Virginia Hildebrant and I are going to the cholesterol class at the hospital this coming Tuesday evening – at least I called to sign her up as she said she was interested – I thought later that it is the same night as Eastern Star so she may back out.  Janie is doing well which is a real good ting.

I guess I have rambled on long enough and want to get this in today's mail.  Always glad to accept your calls and anxious to hear more from you.  I shared your card from Casa Grande with your mother yesterday (when it came).  Things seem to be going well at Wells.  I'll be glad to have you back for didn't realize our house could be so quiet.  I am eating well and watching cholesterol.  Hope that you're getting your fruits and vegetables and the Harners are feeling better.

Much, much love,

Jean

1989 HH postcards from bicycle trip -Apr.13,14

4/13/89

Sierra Blana, TX

Yesterday was a dream day – only 50 miles & this private family took the Wheels group in again – gave us the run of the house & pool.  Fixed lunch (fresh shrimp, etc) took us all out for dinner & had bkfst @ 5:30.

Today was 95 miles of wind & UMC here served us supper – their 4th time.  We are also sleeping in their social room.  They told me that entertaining the Wheels group was one of their year's highlights.  The coach is back from China – said they almost revolted last year in not wanting to cycle more. 

– H. 

4/14/79

Hi, Everybody –

Another 100+ mile day (108 to be exact) at least we have a slow weekend to recuperate.

We are staying in a Texas Park tonight – we have 4 spaces – for some seem to prefer to sleep on the bus.

My "computer" turned a 1,000 today & next week will be our midpoint.  At least the BIG hills are in the past.

At the U.M.C. last night I asked if their UMW was serving the meal & she said the whole church was – as they have 31 members.  They really put on a feast for us – had name tags for everyone.  1 of the members is a judge, but who is not an attorney.  The whole county – 3rd largest in TX has 2300 people.  The 5&6 grade is combined & has a total of 17 students.  The town advertises "The World's Best Climate" & always a breeze – which usually seems to be blowing against us.

Had letter from C.M. & a brief note from W.J.M.

––Harold

1979 Catherine's Letter -Apr.12

Thursday
April 12, 1979

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Got a letter from Roberta today and also another epic from Patty Walker Ryan – she must go through lots of pens.  She sent me Shirley Bernard's address in Dayton but not her married name.  Do you know what it is?

Glad to talk to Mother and M.V. on the phone yesterday morning.  We are going to try to have DeeDee fly into portland on June 21st also and then we could pick you all up at once and DeeDee would be here while you are.  Mary and DeeDee could keep each other company in the back of the truck.

Wendy got her DPT and Polio boosters today she is all set now shot wise until just before she goes to school.

Tomorrow night we are going to a 50's and 60's dance at the Elks along with a PotLuck supper, I am taking deviled eggs since we have so many eggs and we aren't coloring Easter eggs this year.

On Sunday they are having two services at church one at 8:30 and the regular one at 11:00.  Between services they are having a brunch.  I am going to take some apricot bread.  That seems to be a pretty good way to do it.  We are going to go to the early service.  Wendy doesn't seem to mind the nursery anymore although she still cries when I take her in.  One of the babysitters and Wendy have developed a rapport though so she has someone to comfort her.

Do you remember my mentioning Lisa, the nine-year-old daughter of Sally who works at the Co-op?  She was coming over after school once in awhile to learn to babysit.  She and her mother have now moved into one of our apartments and Wendy has really grown attached to Lisa.  She cries when Lisa leaves now.

Saturday – I waited to mail this thinking I would get your letter.  It will probably come today.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1989 Roberta's Letter -Apr.11

4-11-89

Hi!

Enjoyed talking w/you this pm – I had tried to call Serena (BAD fire that killed 9 people in Peoria, IL) but couldn't get her.

Our Birthday reminder went off today on our phone – do you know whose birthday?  We went through both 'sides' of the family & couldn't figure it out!  [Possibly Cris Horton whose birthday was mentioned in a letter from GHU.]  

Talked w/ Joe yesterday – he continues to do VERY WELL in selling pictures – & now has a customer thru the gallery that will be selling his work in PARIS, FRANCE!!  Big time – huh?

Wendy & Joanna enjoyed Tucson – of course Sid really does spoil them – but then I can't complain –– !

I'll be in touch –

Love,

Roberta

1989 HH Postcard to GHU - Apr.11

WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Caption: Alamogordo, New Mexico.  One of the world's strangest and most spectacular deserts.  Over 224 square miles of what appears to be white sand but in reality is pure gypsum . . . Fifteen miles south of Alamogordo, on U.S. Highway 70.  "The Treasure Trail."  The sand dunes, sometimes as high as 50 feet, shift slowly and are ever increasing as to the area covered.  A fine paved road leads into the heart of the sands to a recreational area.

4/11/89
Got here @ 2:30 PM staying at Presbyterian Church & just across the street from NM State Univ. We all ate @ Rae's for supper – lots of curious ? from other people there – 1 couple said they do well to drive as far as we have come on our bikes.  Mother, how would you like to visit this area when you out next fall?

Love, Harold

1969 GHU postcard to Roberta -Apr.10

Cavalry United Methodist Church, Lake Worth, Florida

Thurs.  evening [April 10, 1969]

Dear Roberta – This is the interior to the new church.  I did hear the sermon last Sun. because I tried using the ear aids.  The church is simply too large but it does have a beautiful window.  Cris celebrated his birthday yesterday by having two dinners.  We had a little extra & Rainie was a guest.  Then it was announced at school that Cris was appointed the "Boy of the Year."  A trophy was given to him by the Exchange Club who sponsor the affair & a dinner was also given at a meeting & he was invited.  Enjoyed your letter & I hardly realize that the time is drawing near to return to Ohio.  The car license plates came yesterday.

Love to all, Grandma

1989 Jean to HH Letter -Apr.9

[HH on cross country bicycle trip, letter mailed to Llano, Texas]

Sunday –

Apr. 9, 1989

Dearest Harold –

It was so good of you to call yesterday and to hear that the wind was in the right direction for a change.  Roberta also called when she got home & they were playing the tape they'd made – said they'd gotten some real good pictures of you and the group which I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing too.  They enjoyed their visit with you and at the Embassy Suites though it was a half hour from your "suite."

I forgot to tell Roberta that I had shared the grapefruit, oranges & lemons she gave me with the office staff of Wells as well as your Mother and the Johnsons.  Mary Virginia was only interested in the grapefruit so gave her six to take back with her so you can see they (Sid & Roberta) gave us plenty.  Guess they were generous in their gifts of food to Wandering Wheels too.

The weather report just on the radio reports it will be in the 20's.  I know I can hear you asking if I don't want the storm windows back up.  I did call Evelyn Brown and she is to help wash windows for us a week from Monday (the 17th) unless the weather is uncooperative.

There was a small item in the paper about the break-in at the bank in New Vienna – nothing missing but only damage was the break-in itself so that was good.  I had asked Carolyn R. about it but said she only knew that GG had said the bank was locked when she tried to get in that particular morning.

Remember the Grande Bretagne in Athens a well as this one in Palm Springs?  [Hotel Grande stationery p.1-2. Westward Ho in Palm Spring, etc. p.3-4, Dromoland Castle, Ireland p.5-6 and Hyatt Regency Jerusalem p.7-8]  We have had a lot of wonderful trips, haven't we.  We have enough stationery to last a lifetime so thought now would be a good time to put it to use.

I forgot to tell you on the phone that GG said we had what looked to her like a wedding invitation from Bruce Gross with fancy writing (calligraphy?) on the front.  I knew you'd be most anxious about this and might want to go direct to New York from Jacksonville if it is that same weekend – or perhaps leave the group early?  Right?  Right!

Mary Virginia and I had no cavities – her bill was $28.  Both of us thought our mouths were exceedingly sore afterwards – more so than I can every remember after her cleaning them.  Both Dr. McM. & Melinda were interested in your trip & want to hear more about it.

Mary Virginia also got out the ramp and was half way round the house before I could catch up with her to help.  I'm sure it would be tempting to use it with the skateboards I've seen in the neighborhood.

Your Mother had gotten the card you sent her from just out of San Diego.  She didn't mention any before that but imagine she had those too.  I read her a thank-you she had received from Cris & Angela that came in Friday's mail as well as your card from near San Diego.

I'll add more to this after I've been to church.  Your Mother called to say she'd take me to lunch today but leave food here, ramp in place & not sure I could get her in & out of the car too easily.

Church & dinner are over.  So many asked about you especially Stan H., John Hughes & many others.  Dorothy Ellis was out for the first time in  ?  weeks.  Rita Johnson's sister Rosemary ª÷º won the pie which Georgialia brought.  They ran out of bulletins – even the xeroxed kind.   Didn't seem like that many there but I gave some to the ones that sat in the minister's study but even they had to share.

Charlene's thermometer looks real nice – It's up to about $4300 & is located between the 2nd & 3rd windows on the side toward the school.  I taped Schuller's program this AM as it wasn't on last night & your Mother wanted to call the Hortons this AM.  We tried several times yesterday but no answer.  Bill insisted I'd used the wrong zip code [probably should be "area" code] but called the same number each time.

They are fine – planning to go to Cris & Angela's to see the baby baptized on Mother's Day & will probably come on from there but nothing definite.

Joanne keeps asking your Mother as I guess she wants to find other work while the Hortons are here.  I don't know how she can fit someone else in but your Mother sees no problem.

She is bringing at least 8 guests to the Mother-Daughter Banquet.  That's nervy too when she herself comes so seldom but among them are Elaine Burton.  Evidently Bill Fawley has been in the hospital – Opal mentioned his getting out & his name is on the prayer list – also Heber Ellis but I didn't get to ask details.

Stan, Lynn & Andrew were in church this morning.  He gave a booming prayer at the close – didn't see him afterwards either.

I called Serena yesterday to put her on the back [?] for her ticket at Christmas.  I found out she can fly from Peoria to Phoenix via Chicago but I'm sure there are other ways to go besides American Airlines. I told her to check & call me tomorrow evening.

Never had any luck getting through to John & had planned to call this AM but time got away.  Just realized I'll be lucky to get this to you on time & if not I won't be able to tell you I'm sorry but will take a chance.

I did get to the yogurt shop with Ruth Shoemaker and it was very good.  They didn't have the lite or low calorie & the chocolate was delicious.

Saw Betty Arnold briefly & she asked about you.  We were both rushing & so didn't really have a chance to talk.

Wish that I could drop by and see you like the Gila Bend or on your way cycling but be assured there are many thinking about you & praying for you.  Looking forward to having you back home.

Much love,

Jean

1979 Roberta's Letter -Apr.9

April 9, 1979

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for calling, it's a shame then that I didn't feel better, but now I feel just fine . . . Saturday was really a good day -- we changed our plans as to what we went to . . . I went to the one on how to make up a business plan -- it was really good.  We taped the ones we went to, so if you all are interested let us know.  Marion went to one on tax-saving  angles -- it was quite good.

I am enclosing the GRE Scores -- also the deal that explains it all -- I am hoping to double my score on vocab, also raise the others -- I have bought a third book that I use now -- there are four practice tests in the book, I just got done with the second one -- and my scores on it are much better than the first practice test.

My job is getting to me, I'm attempted to quit, and just try to do temporary type work thru June -- or should I say till June.  I'd like to give it a try.  My boss has a bad ego problem -- which I can't figure out since there business is in such trouble.  All day long the phone rings for someone in Accounts Payable Dept. -- some business wanting $$$$ -- with alot of businesses (esp. Wallpaper -- etc) they are on a strictly COD policy. 

I've been trying to hit upon a good business out here -- want to get into something that would be pretty stable -- year round type deal -- I've got the idea of maybe one of these electronic type game rooms for kids -- of all ages.  You know the arcade type business -- I want something that is cash and carry.  I'm not interested in something where you have to be a collection agency too.  I think working -- or rather having a business that attracts kids would be the thing to get into . . . they always have money.

I did write Serena tonight -- mentioned the fact that maybe she would be interested in coming here -- spending a few days and then driving East.

Marion's sister Rachel is here -- got here on Sunday -- Marland and Karry will either be flying down (their plane)  or driving down on Thursday or Friday.

I sure have been using the juicer Serena gave me for Christmas -- oh I forgot to tell her.  We have been getting oranges form Mr. Williams tree and making juice.  Sure good . . . .

I am anxious to hear more details about John's possible jobs -- the job at the bank in particular. 

I need to study so better cut this short -- always good to hear from you all . . . Oh, Mary -- we got our girl scout cookies from Charlene the other day . . . but as usual we forgot to give her the letter.

Have a nice Easter --- will try to give you all a cal -- if I can get through . . . .

Love,

Berta