1990 Catherine's Fax -Apr.3

Note:  As demonstrated below the kind of paper that faxes were printed on in 1990 does not hold up well over a 30-year period.  

To:  Harold & Jean Uible
From: Catherine, Gerry & Wendy
Date:  Tuesday, April 3, 1990.  1:35pm (mountain standard time!)

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I especially wanted to say:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Speaking as the eldest of your children, I think I can say that we're all very pleased that the two of you decided to get married and that there is still reason to celebrate 42 years later.  Why does that number make me feel older? 

We're looking forward to coming to Ohio next month.  Thanks to Mary Virginia for giving me an occasion.  As Roberta may have mentioned to you, Gerry has a new job.  He started yesterday at a place called Jerry's RV.  Robert Crist decided to close their Phoenix store effective June 1 so Gerry is fortunate to have been offered this other job now, Jerry's is at 47th & Grand -- about 4½ miles from our house.  So the driving distance is about the same.  Gerry thinks that there is more potential for him in this job so that is another positive factor. At any rate that is another reason for our abbreviated trip to Ohio.  (By the way the grand total for the airline tickets is $310.)

I want to get this off to you before 5:00 (your time) just in case Dad is leaving early today.  maybe he took the day off though???Are you doing anything special to celebrate?

Wendy is having Iowa Tests this week.  Do they take them in New Vienna?  She is looking forward to her spring break next week.  We are also in hopes that Dee and baby Jessica will be coming to visit us later this month.

Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote.  I still have a clipping to send but it will have to wait for a "regular" letter.  Hope it's a special year for you and much happiness together.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

April 1, 1970

Hi!  Happy Anniversary!

The quarter here is in full swing.  With classes, studying, getting to know old friends and the whole freshman class, getting organized, filling out questionnaires . . . sometime I take time out to comb my hair!  Sarah Darter Barnes is having a get together party tonight, there's a foreign study banquet, I've got a badminton class, German is difficult.  Flo and Francis had me out to dinner Monday.  Mike called me long distance from San Fran so he is still speaking to me.  Dick and I are doing fine.  Bob Foncannon got married last Saturday.  Don't forget my address is 147 MT.

Love, Catherine

1990 Mv's Anniversary card to Mom & Dad -Apr.1

It's hard to believe it's been 2 years since we "celebrated" in Israel.  That was such a good trip -- I'm looking forward to when Don & I can go.

We'll be leaving Sunday for Sulpher Springs, Texas and be there until Thursday morning.  In case of emergency, his grandmother's name is Mary Jane Self -- phone # ??

For Easter I'm scheduled to work 1-9:30 Saturday and Monday 8-4:30, so we'll come up late Saturday and stay until Sunday p.m. (Don't count on us getting up for Sunrise service!)

Hello to Grandma!  And Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary

With Love,

Mary Va. and Don

1980 Roberta's anniversary card to Mom & Dad -Apr.1

Hi!  Talked to Serena on Saturday -- glad she does call & bring me up to date -- on her & rest of family.  She had already talked to you & Catherine & Carol.  Serena told me the disappointing news -- that Miss Wendy still can't say my name -- I'm beginning to have my doubts -- how she will do in medical school!

Just got done w/supper -- had pork chops done out on the grill -- really having nice warm days now!  Thanks goodness those cold days are over -- when it got down in the 60's -- & the freezing 50's.  By June we'll be able to cook outside -- maybe even w/out the grill -- just solar heat!

A new woman has been hired to work out in East Mesa -- she is 61 years old & lives about a mile from the center.  Her name is Grace -- and I think she will be good.  Her father who is 94 years old is very active at a senior center in Utah.  I bet she is Mormon.  She will start on Monday.  Also on Monday the driver is to be interviewed & chosen.  I'll be a little bored when the driver finally gets hired & started!!

I'll be thinking about you all a little more than usual on April 3rd -- & will try to call once Mary Virginia gets home from her hospital stay.  Did she use the word "GROSS" w/ Dr. Hale this time?

Will John & Carol be spending Easter in New Vienna?  I hope John let Grandma eat on the trip home?!!

Saturday we took Agnes "downtown" Mesa for Maxwell Street days -- it was a busy day in town -- not the usual no-crowd day.

OH!  A big 6 theater place is being built across from Fiesta Mall -- just West of it.  The Montgomery Wards store is to open up April 12th -- Lots of building going on all around!

Love,

Roberta

2011? HH as Wells Fargo's newest rider

1950 April Calendar

Hurray!  The blog is moving into April of the "0" years.  Being caught up is getting closer to reality.

1980 Anniversary Card to Mom & Dad -Mar.29

3--29-80

Hope you have a real special day on number "32".  We'll be thinking of you.

Serena called this morning which was a shocker.  She seems to be doing well.

Wendy and I are going to see Lady & The Tramp with Emily & her niece Jamie today in Bend.  Jamie is the little girl whose grandmother babysits her & Wendy on Tuesday & Wednesday.

Have a Happy Anniversary!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1980 Uncle Bill's Retirement Letter -Mar.27

March 27, 1980

To: All My Clientele

This is to announce that my retirement plans have now been finalized.  For the record I actually reached the age of retirement more than a year ago and have found this decision a very difficult one to make.  Arrangements for my retirement have been made with the utmost thought in mind of you, my clientele, which I shall attempt to explain.

Upon retirement (effective March 31, 1980) Charles W. (Chuck) Johnson will be transferring from the Dean Witter Reynolds branch office in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to assume responsibility for servicing my accounts.  This is, of course, in each individual case subject to your approval.

It should be made known, however, that this arrangement was consummated as a result of my efforts and with the support and cooperation of the firm.  Chuck, age 40, grew up in the Lake Worth Community, so actually he is coming back home.  He is a graduate of Lake Worth High School, attended Palm Beach Junior College, and has his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees from Florida State University.  He served as Assistant to the Chancellor and Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Campus, before joining a competitor brokerage firm in the year 1976, later transferring to Dean Witter Reynolds.

I have known Chuck for more than 25 years and look upon him as a person with high values and ability, dependability in his chosen profession and character above reproach.  I do not hesitate to recommend him to you.

My association with the brokerage of Dean Witter Reynolds has been a rewarding one and it has been a pleasure serving your investment needs.  I trust that many lasting friendships have been formed.

Should you have any questions about your account, and wish to meet with Chuck and myself, please do not hesitate to contact us, as I shall make myself available for this purpose.  My telephone number at home is (305) 582-6402.

With best personal regards, I remain

Sincerely,

William A. Horton
Account Executive

WAH:jcc

1980 Family Letter -Mar.26

Wednesday ---

26 March 1980

Dearest Family --

Spring may be here according to the calendar but doesn't look or feel too warm outside (or inside) yet.  There's to be a high of 40º.  Today is the day Mary Virginia and the band take off for Washington having to meet at the school by 5:30 PM to get to Chillicothe to take the Amtrak.  They will be staying at a Howard Johnsons in Wheaton, MD.  The jazz band is to play tomorrow morning so hope that the train isn't too far off schedule for they hope to drop off their luggage on the way from the train.  They will be busy the whole time and have a good bit planned -- don't envy the chaperones keeping up with them.  We offered to go if they really needed chaperones but evidently they had enough.  There are quite a few parents and boosters just going at the same time but not actually on the train with them like the Wendell Mahanes, Harold Thornburgs, David Haines and others.  The Bill Wolfes are driving a truck with the uniforms & instruments.  They are leaving after school today which I sure don't envy their ride.  The Tolles and Cindy and Mike Daye had planned to go originally but Arlene's father is very critically ill with cancer in Florida so they won't be going.

Appreciated all the letters this past week and hope all went through with the closing for you Morgans yesterday.  Hope all got straightened out on the check -- would like to see a picture of your new place.  Roberta, your pink envelope arrived Monday postmarked top and bottom on both front and back (4 times) and enjoyed the clippings too.  And yesterday the second letter arrived -- both very interesting about your work and activities -- hope you enjoy your aerobic class and do hope that you take golf lessons eventually too.  Frank Waters was promoting this for a long time.

Glad that John and Carol were able to go down after Grandma and hope that the weather is nice for them the few days they are there.  Wish we could have gone too but just didn't work out for this year.  Anxious to see all you come in Saturday (day before Easter).  Wish that more of the family could come too -- especially Serena since she is the closest but guess she has a couple of friends coming in but if they change their minds don't hesitate to come on home for we'd love to have you.

Our square dancing has slowed down considerably but it isn't because we haven't had the chance to go for there is at least one party a week where the Clinton County raids (tries to get banner).  There were two last week plus the club's own dance.  We did go to a special catch-up practice Sunday evening and plan to go to the workshop tomorrow night.

Appreciated those Spanish cartoon-lessons from the Miami Herald, Mother Uible -- plan to take them tonight to show the teacher.  He's a young fellow from Lynchburg who used to teach Spanish and is dong a good job if we can just absorb it as quick as he tries to teach it.  There are so many different personalities in the class and the first night we gave our personal reasons for taking it.  One of the women in there turns everyone off for she thinks she is as good as the teacher who puts her down every once in awhile almost with clapping from the others.  This woman hopes to go to Brownsville, TX and open a business of some sort, she says.  She told Dad on one occasion that she is a gourmet cook.  They have decided to offer the class for another seven weeks and most of us are interested and think it should soak in better.

We wondered why we had a call to Tempe on our phone bill last month and decided that you must have a Tempe number -- too bad that you can't transfer your calls without added charge, Roberta.  Last month we also had a call someone made to Greenfield -- it's never too expensive but adds up and I'm sure is a nuisance to the phone company.

Just can't believe that Uncle Bill Horton is no longer actively associated with the stock brokerage but nice of him to help the other fellow get started so is easing off gradually.  I am sure you all enjoyed Marianne and the boys but it would be different when they all had left.  She got to have a nice visit.

Really enjoyed talking to Wendy on the phone the other Friday and wish we could be closer to see the changes.  The phone company has a good ad about Grandma getting to talk baby talk as long as she want on the early morning calls.

How do you like the new envelopes?  Thought you might appreciate them more than those old ones from Wells that we still have many of but sure aren't my favorites.

Cheryl Cook Ray had a brain tumor and passed away last week leaving three children -- a real attractive 8th grade girl and one in 4th and a boy in 2nd. Her husband had died several years ago so guess Rita and Wayne Davidson plan to raise her sister's children.  Cheryl was only 33.

Roberta the menu you sent from the Senior Center at East Mesa sounds real good and hope that it continues as well -- do you get to eat the same thing as part of the fringe benefits?  Sorry that you have had so many problems with the contractors and finishing up projects like grass, doors, etc.  Which course do you plan to finish later -- you didn't say?  Mabel Collier fell and has been in the hospital -- they can't or hadn't decided whether she had a hair line fracture in the same leg she injured before but hopefully she was to get home yesterday and would have to use a walker for 6 weeks if not just slightly injured.  We invited Elroyd and Ruth in Saturday evening but he wouldn't come.  Afterwards we took Ruth to Wilmington and we stopped to see Mrs. Matthews and Mr. McCoy at Extended Care and then picked up Ruth after visiting with Ernest Wilson and Mabel briefly.

Just got in for lunch and see that the "better half" has covered all the news, for we certainly hear enough political and economic news without going into that.

Mary Virginia and a friend spent one Saturday morning over at the laundry mat bldg in Wilmington cleaning things up, as they did not renew the lease because of poor business, which is another story.  I'm planning on selling it, but now is a poor time for the banks, etc. for the banks have no money to loan.  In fact after paying all these taxes I sometimes wonder about the effort when the government takes such a big bite, but seriously there are so many things to be thankful for.

Norman and Donna Brown have bought a mobile home in Leesburg, FL -- guess they have been down twice this winter.

[Love, etc.]

1980 Roberta's Letter -Mar.24

[3/24/80]

Thursday AM --

Dear Family,

Hi!  I'm "sitting" in the county cafeteria -- waiting for the center van -- it's just over here for a scheduled maintenance check-up!  Had to have it over here by 7:00 AM & it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half -- so I'll be back to the center in good time.  (hopefully)

Next Monday they will be doing the interviewing for the drivers job.  25 people applied -- but they have already done initial screening.  Several older people applied -- over 65 years old -- including some of the people that came to the center.  I'll sure be glad when I won't be driving!!

Had a letter from Grandma -- sounds like she has had quite a time changing/cancelling her plane ticket.  Glad that John & Carol will be going down & bringing her back.  Just hope John stops once or twice on the way back to eat --

Harry, the owner of the flower shop where I delivered flowers this last Christmas called me up this week.  I'm going to deliver flowers the Saturday before Easter.  Also plan to help him few days before Mother's Day.  He said how he tried & tried to get a hold of me before Valentine's Day -- but no luck.  I'm just as glad -- since we moved the 12th of February!  This time if I'm sent out to East Mesa -- I'll know my way around lots better.

Marion won't be delivering -- since her sister & family will be here.  I'm glad to be able to work -- will "excuse" me from an all-day shopping trip -- plus with the house a few extra dollars isn't going to hurt!!

Speaking of money -- I lost my check-book last Friday.  Had just been to the bank -- to deposit check -- etc.  Then we went straight over to the theater to get into the 5:30 show -- $1.50 each -- instead of the usual $3.50.  I jumped out of the car & my bag was open -- so some things dropped -- thought I got everything -- but guess the check book got away.  Looked everywhere for it -- but no luck.

Monday went into the bank to get them to put a "hold" on the remaining checks (only 5) in my check-book.  The bank says they will no longer do that -- but instead have to close my Acct -- then open up a new one.

I didn't really want to do it that way -- esp. because they would not guarantee that checks I had written on the 1st Acct -- would automatically go & be paid out of my new checking Acct.  That the computer would reject checks written on the 1st Acct -- but that those checks would have to be "hand-found" off the computer list to be paid out of the 2nd Acct.  I had about 5 or 6 checks still out -- so I'm sure hoping they will be "hand-found" & paid.

I've got big news to tell you all about my bike.  I sold it to Dorothy Stubbs -- she had been thinking about buying one like it -- mostly to use back & forth to school -- where she works.

I had been playing around w/ the idea of having a bigger bike -- one that I could get around in a little quicker.  Marion seemed to think she should get a car -- so I could use the truck.  But I really didn't want to use -- or rather have the truck out to work -- because the few times I've had it out there -- it's a constant thing for the people to ask me to take them to the store, Dr.'s, post office, etc.  And I'm not wanting to start a personal taxi service!!

So -- to make a long story short -- bought a 125 cc VESPA SCOOTER.  It's Royal Blue -- really pretty.  Its top speed is about 58-60.  It's supposed to get about 90 miles to the gallon -- but the 1st tank got 70 mpg.  The tank holds 2½ gallons.

It has a small glove compartment -- plus back rest & combination book rack.  I miss having the use of the big baskets that the red bike had.

Talked to Dorothy last night -- she really likes her new bike -- guess it has made a "big hit" at school -- and she says she is saving lots of $ on gas -- instead of having to drive their pick-up w/camper on it.

Now Marion really likes the Vespa -- she would buy one right away for herself -- but they don't come in yellow -- so she is still thinking about it!!

For the price & the savings in gas -- sure beats a second car!  Plus the 2 bikes together take up alot less room in the garage than a 2nd car!!

Dad -- you will like the Vespa -- & Mom -- you can ride on the back!  The weather in June will be just right for a ride -- won't even have to wear a sweater!!

Meant to say earlier -- we saw the movie -- "Chapter Two" -- we had seen the play in NYC the last summer at the farm -- remember, Mary Virginia?

I'm anxious to hear more about Mary's trip to Washington D.C. -- the car got a vacation too!  Mary -- you really have a busy schedule -- w/ your hospital visit coming right up.  By the time I wee you -- you will be all healed -- just when are you coming to Mesa next?  What have you heard about All-state Choir?  I didn't know about it when I was in school -- or I would have tried out.  (Ho, Hum . . . .)

OK -- Van is getting washed now -- so won't be long now -- it's just past 9:00 AM -- can tell now it's going to be a long day!  Next Thursday I'm getting off earlier -- about 1:00 PM -- that will be nice --

OK -- gotta go --

Love,

Roberta

1980 Catherine's Letter -Mar.24

Monday, March 24, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  It was nice talking to you Friday morning, Mother.  What time do you have to leave for your Bible study or whatever activity it is on Friday?

We had a real nice day Saturday.  It was sunny with the temperature around 60º.  Gerry played golf in the morning while I made about 16 dozen cookies and then went for a bike ride.  Then in the afternoon we both played golf.  I bettered my previous best score of 79 with a 78 so that made me feel good.  That is still about twice as many strokes as par but it shows improvement over my last spring's scores of 120's.  At least I have a good time and probably as I get better (hopefully I still have room for improvement) I will have an even better time.

As far as we know the closing on the house is still to be tomorrow.  We have to call the Title Co. today to confirm that it is all set up.  Then she is to vacate the house by April 10 and we will have to move between the 10th and 15th.  Gerry has to work that Saturday but perhaps we can either do most of the moving on Sunday or he can trade off with someone else in order to get that Saturday off.

Chambers hasn't found anyone else yet to become manager.  They have had two applications so far (the ad has been in the paper for two weeks) and they aren't happy with either one.  They offered us an additional $75/month if we would stay.  We said thanks but no thanks.  I am considering being their local representative though and keeping tabs on the new manager.

Nothing is new on the library board situation.  I talked to Barbara (the present librarian) on Friday and she said they haven't had a meeting since she first talked to me and I guess it is at the next meeting that she is going to propose my name.  That sure would be an in for me.

Meanwhile the position of "statistician" is open in the assessor's office.  I asked if they would consider me for the job and was informed that they had never had a woman in that job before.  They are looking for someone with real estate experience and someone who will get their appraiser's license or whatever so they can help the other appraisers when it gets busy.  Anyway, they are considering me while they continue to look for someone with the experience.  The thing in my favor is that they don't pay very much so most men are not interested in the job.  I figure about the only thing I can do in the mean time is to do the best I can with what I am doing now.  Not that I mind the job I have now but it would nicer to move up and to make more money.

Well, I have a few things I need to do yet to get Wendy ready to go to school as she calls it and to get off to work myself.  We have been walking on the days that she goes to "school".  It is about eight blocks and takes her about 15 minutes.  Then I have another three blocks to the Court House.  On the days she goes to the babysitters we have to drive or ride the bike as it is about 1½ miles.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1990 Roberta's Letter to GHU -Mar.22

3/22/90

Dear Grandma,

Welcome back to OHIO!  I know you are glad to be back but we (Baby Beethoven, Sid & I & Senior Village & the Morgans) look forward to your arrival here in Arizona in November!  I didn't put that list in any order!

There is a group of Senior Citizens playing Chinese Checkers.  I think one lady is trying to cheat!

It's 90º here today.  I hope this candy doesn't melt before it gets to you!

Love,

Roberta

2000 Family/Friends Letter -Mar.21

March 21, 2000

Greetings to all our friends who have written to us and to whom we have been so slow to answer.

Life has been a 3-ring circus in this New Year, but we are beginning to see the light.  Special thanks to our middle child, Serena, who has stayed here and has been more or less the chief cook and taxi driver to the hospital and the familiar physician's office.  Our other children have also been very helpful with their letters and visits.

I really don't want to elaborate on all this and really bore you.  January brought a trip to the hospital for a breast biopsy and February with additional surgery.  In between surgery we took a three-week trip to the area of Phoenix, Tucson, and San Diego.  I Phoenix we saw daughters Roberta (and husband Sid) and Catherine (and husband Gerry and daughter Wendy).  Our son, John, his wife Julie and children Kate (6) and Andrew (1.5) in Newark, Ohio, have been down and helped to refill our "larder".

The first of March a fall backward off a step ladder/stool caused a compression fracture in my spine.  I am slowly doing much better.  This week-end Harold, daughters Serena and Roberta (who is coming from Phoenix) and I plan to go to Somerset, Kentucky to see Mary Virginia (the youngest daughter) and two children Ginny (7) and Christian (2).  Her husband, Don, is on a 10-day trip to Belize with a college class he is teaching.  This weekend Mary Virginia's church (First United Methodist in Somerset where she is music director) is dedicating their new grand (both in size and sound) piano.

Life is getting more back on track.  This Thursday I am having my left eye operated on for cataracts and at the end of April, the right eye will get the treatment.  Harold says that from his personal experience, it is simple, quick and painless.  So life should be "looking" even better when that is over.

[Personal note space at the bottom]

1980 Roberta's Letter -Mar.20

Sunday Morning

[3/20/80]

Dear Family,

Just now finally got the typewriter and lamp all set up on my desk in the bedroom.  Once everything gets in order I'm sure to be glad.  The trouble was that I had both electric outlets covered up by big pieces of furniture -- with books, etc. so couldn't get to the outlets to plug anything in.

Thank you for your letter yesterday.  I'm beginning to think I need to mark my calendar as to all of the activities that Mary Virginia is up to.  I'm wondering if she will see anyone she knows in Washington D.C. from the Mesa band.  I'm glad that she is going ahead with the little (?) scar removal surgery.  I wonder if Dr. Hale has a staple gun he will use.  Maybe you could loan him one from the factory and save a few dollars on the surgery.  At least this visit to the hospital is better planned than the first one.  I'm very sorry Mary that I won't be there to sing to you . . . and help you on your road to recovery.

The week of June 14th would be fine for you all to come out.  I'm wondering if Grandma would also like to come.  She would get along fine now that everything is one level.  It would be the heat that would be the worst.  But you might think about it.  Marion is out of school the last week in May.  Marjorie, her friend from Augusta is going to fly out June 6th . . . she will only stay here a few days and then they will go back together.  I believe their plan is to leave here on the 11th of June.

Mother, you will have to bring your new square dance squirt . . . I mean to say skirt with you.  Everyday in the paper there is a list of places you can go square dancing here.  I did sign up yesterday for the aerobic dance/exercise class.  It will start on April 3rd -- and be over the last week in Mary.  This summer I might sign up for golf through the city -- either Mesa or Tempe.

I'm ready to have this "call forwarding" thing taken off the phone.  I wanted it to be able to transfer calls out to work.  But because we have a Tempe phone number -- it's long distance from here out to work.  That means that if I use the call direct deal and if someone calls -- from anyplace other than Mesa it gets put on the phone bill here.  That goes from wrong numbers to people calling about selling you whatever.  Out at work its long distance for everything -- except for Mesa and Apache Junction.  so whenever I need to get a message here -- I call up Dorothy and then she relays the message for me.

I'm enclosing a menu from last week at work.  The new food service really has been good -- just hope it stays that way!!!  We are now doing it on a reservation basis -- where the people have to register before 11:00 one day for the meal the next day.  That seems to be working out pretty good.  We also get a few meals extra for the "walk-ins" -- but that is hard to guess on.  Some days we have so many walk-ins and other days not a one!!!

The closing date for the drivers job was yesterday.  Don't know how long it will take for them now to actually get someone out there.  The county is funding the van and the driver for us through June 30th.  At the center downtown they use Red Cross vans and volunteer Red Cross drivers.  I think they hope to go that way with East Mesa after June 30th.  I'm not sure if we wouldn't be better off to go that way now -- as they have such good volunteers driving at the other center -- more dedicated than any employee !!!

Did I tell you that we bought a lawn mower???  It is the style that has to be pushed . . . just right for the size of yard we have.  Our yard is not near as big as I thought it would be.  Even for this push lawn mower it cost some $60 dollars.  Marion talked about getting an electric one . . . but I really pushed that idea down.  Remember we talked about getting a grapefruit tree.  Have decided again it -- as the space that it would take up.  I plan to stay friends with people with grapefruit trees.

I went through all the paper work this last week to get an "incomplete" on the one course I was taking.  If I had dropped it, would not have gotten any money back -- this way I can take it again and won't have to pay for it.  I had gotten so far behind -- then did horrible on the mid-term -- D plus -- so figured that this way I'd be better off.  It's coming up to time to register for summer school.  I'm not real sure which way I want to go.  I've realized this semester that it isn't the easiest thing to do -- work during the day and be super-student at night.  I had wanted to do the intern this summer -- but that involves lots of writing -- planning, objectives, goals, etc....  I'd rather do that when Marion is here to help me with the writing.

Sounds like you are coming right along with your Spanish?!!  Of course Mary Virginia would be a good one to help you all out!!  Are you planning any trips to use this new knowledge???  For Hawaii you should have some Japanese . . . or "chink" language as Grandma or John would say . . . .

Mother, could you send me your yogurt recipe again???  I had it last year and tried it once or twice . . . now I can't seem to locate i.  Have been eating yogurt lately so want to try and make it.  Also one of the women out at work would like it.  Often wish you were here to help eat all the stuff that the "old ladies" give me out at work.  Cakes, pies, cookies, etc.  Also grapefruit and oranges . . . .

Do let me know your plans as to coming out.  I will ask for a few days off while you all are here.

Hope Mary Virginia has a good time in Washington D.C. and say hello to . . . . is it President Carter . . . I don't keep up with politics vey much . . . .

Love.

Roberta

PS My swimming pool design is coming right along.

1980 Family Letter -Mar.19

Wednesday, March 19, 1980

Dear Family:

Yesterday the men finished our new roof and the mess was kept to a minimum as they had a truck to throw the old roof into.  Wendell said it should last a good forty years and for the price we hope so.  They also put louvers into the roof which will help the ventilation problem in the attic.

Yesterday and today have really been pretty with looks of spring when it officially comes in tomorrow.  It isn't coming a bit too soon for me though all the sunshine really makes the windows show all the winter dirt and the many things needed to be done in the house as well as outside.

We met the new Fairview minister last Sunday night at the final of three sessions on the Bible lectures by T. Canby Jones.  The Chandys are young and very outgoing -- even their little 7-year-old daughter.  They plan to move here the end of this month or beginning of next.

Glad to hear that Grandma is making plans to come home on Wednesday April 2nd -- just two weeks from today.  That will work out fine with our plans.  The Womans Club is not until the following week so no problem at all there.  Mary Virginia will be in the hospital but I am sure her friends will come visit that afternoon and we can check on her before and afterwards.  Our Spanish classes are coming along fast -- tonight is our 4th lesson.  We have come a long way but just so much is possible in seven short weeks -- really eight as we have the week off during Easter break.  Next Wednesday evening Mary Virginia leaves for Washington D.C. so don't know whether we will make it to class or not as we want to see her off too.

Mother Uible, your card came before your letter as it took a detour to Dallas TX for some unknown reason so didn't arrive until Monday -- almost a week after you had written it.  Glad to hear from Catherine the same day and hear that all is going well with her work in the tax assessor's office and with Wendy at the Day Care Center and baby sitters on the other two days.  Glad Gerry did't have to make the long trip to Portland and that he has been released by all doctors now.  Keep up the exercises and away with pain!

We went to a square dance in Hillsboro Saturday evening with the Harners.  Mrs. Thornburg made me a skirt for it Saturday afternoon so I made use of the material I had bought - dark green the Clinton County Square's color & also for St. Patrick's Day.  We met more new dancers, among them Dr. and Mrs. Lukens, the veterinarian & his wife who are at the same stage of learning as us.  The Harners are really busy -- don't know how they find time to do so much.  Melba had just gotten back from Chicago, was to speak before the national OSHA convention in Cincinnati this week and then flying to Houston (with Orville) for another meeting ad then they will go on to San Francisco to visit Marvin Fawley and his family for a few days.  Her work with the high blood pressure testing and industry has been the reason for much of her fame.   Clinton County was the test area of the whole US.  She is the first Ohioan and first woman to speak before the OSHA group.

It was mental telepathy Saturday morning for I was just waiting til I thought it wouldn't be too early to call Serena when she called so was so nice getting to talk to her and we had quite a long chat.  Sorry that we couldn't accept the Haines invitation to ride over when Marcia went last weekend.  Our colds are MUCH MUCH better now and sorry that Mary Virginia gave anyone the idea that we were very sick.  We have been so lucky that we haven't had the flu that so may people have had to contend with for it has kept them down for a couple of weeks often.

We wrote Luna at Christmas time and told her not to count on going to Hawaii as we had other plans so she wrote back and said that she had other plans too (going to India) so don't think there are any hard feelings on her side.  That would be something if she buys property down there at Boca Raton or nearby.

We have really been wondering what happened that they cancelled all flight to Saudi Arabia including the Hortons.  We haven't heard anything in the news.

So good to talk to you -- sorry it's on your bill & not ours. 

With much love,

Dad & Mother

1980 Roberta's Letter -Mar.16?

[3/16/80?]

Wednesday PM --

Dear Family,

I'm just not sure where the time goes . . . have been thinking that I wrote last Wednesday night -- but just remembered -- last week was Spring Break!!

Work has seemed to settle into a routine -- VERY HECTIC !!  Frances -- the driver who was always sick -- died last Monday -- blood clot.  She was 48 years told -- her husband had left her some 15 years ago -- she had 2 children both just younger than myself -- she hadn't seen them for years -- they flew in after she had died.

We had a short memorial service for Frances at work -- it took hours to plan & lasted some 15 minutes -- I'm sure getting lots of varied experiences !!

The back yard really does look good -- but -- oh -- the front yard.  They did put in some bushes, etc. -- but grass hasn't even been planted -- just mud -- really a shame that grass wasn't planted -- sure would have grown -- w/all the rain we've had lately.

IF I ever move into a new house again -- I'd be sure to have all the things fixed -- before I sign papers & move in!!!  Almost daily I go to the sales office to voice my complaints -- now I've also started calling the contractors phone.  The one big problem is the concrete poured in the back -- how it slants the wrong way & how the water collects at the patio doors.  Other things inside the house that need to be fixed are -- 1) bathroom door never got put in;  2) touch-up painting; 3) magnets needed in bathroom medicine closets, etc.

Don -- the salesman for the development was telling me that 5 units were sold for CASH -- each one of them is being used for a rental.  It's the rental units that seem to have the children.  The other unites are either a couple or single people.

With interest rates so high -- I can see how these couples don't have children.  I'm still in shock over the idea of only $3.00 goes toward the house the first month!  I figure that's the door knob!  But by paying extra -- maybe the door will also be paid for!!  One good think about buying -- get payment due by April 6th.  Another good thing is this season law electric -- as not using the heat or Air now.

Fun to hear about your Square Dancing Graduation -- I'm all excited about taking aerobic dancing/exercise through Tempe Parks & Rec -- only $9.00 for non-residents for 8 weeks -- as compared to some $40 to $50 for same period at a dance studio -- classes start in about 2 weeks -- plan to use the aerobic at work --

More soon ----

Love, Roberta

1980 Roberta's letter to GHU -Mar.15

[March 15?, 1980]

Tuesday Evening

Dear Grandma,

Thanks for your most recent letter.  It's really hard for me to believe that you are getting ready to go back home.  I'm glad that it worked out for John and Carol to drive you home.  I know that they will enjoy the trip.

I have just finished typing a five page science lab for Marion.  It's always hard for me to type science stuff out for her because the words are not familiar ones for me.  Plus her writing -- like mine -- is very hard to read.  Needless to say, I'm glad that its all done now.  (at least for now)

Found the enclosed article in a magazine I was reading -- about the different postal marks.  Thought you might enjoy looking at it -- since you see so many of those different marks on the jack letters.  I didn't know what all they meant until now.

Remember the job I had delivering flowers at Christmas time???  I'm going to be working next Saturday and Sunday delivering flowers at the same place -- or rather for the same place.  The owner also want me right before Mother's Day.  Guess he tried and tried to call me for helping with the deliveries for Valentine's Day -- but that was when we were moving -- so I'm just as glad he had no luck in getting hold of me.  Wish Rob were here to help me.

Does Rob have a "Spring Break"?  Marion is off all next week.  She is planning on coming out to the center and helping get some new arts and crafts programs off the ground.  I'm still driving the van -- which makes it very hard as to having everything under control at the center -- since I'm not there as much as I'd like to be.  Hopefully this week they will be hiring the new van driver.  In the meantime I'm continuing to get my exercise opening and closing the doors.

OH!!!  I've signed up for an aerobic exercise/dance class.  It exercise set to music.  It will start next week.  I want to learn it so I can use it out at work.  It's hard to get these people interested in any type of exercise.  Some of them have definite health problems which does not allow them to exercise -- but most are just very lazy.  One of the latest things we have come out with out there is a walking chart.  With everyones name on it and then a place for them to mark everyday how far they have walked.  The chart is good for a month and the ones that walk the most -- or even at all will be "honored" some way.  I haven't thought out the "prizes" yet.  The chart idea is getting alot moe people out walking.  We have two paths just outside our center.  One is a fourth of a mile long and the other one is an eighth of a mile.  Both are complete circles so it works out nicely for them.

That is really news about the airlines not taking people into Saudi Arabia.  I had not heard that on the news.  But -- as Marion says -- I talk during half of the news.  I'm sorry that the Hortons won't be able to go as planned.

Sounds like you all were really on the go while Marianne and the boys were down there.  And with John and Carol coming -- then Cris at Easter time -- 1025 is really busy!!!

Marion's sister and her family will be here for Easter.  They will be driving down from Idaho in one day -- next Wednesday.  Think that they plan to leave the Monday after Easter.  Rachel loves to shop -- and she will be in the stores shopping from the time they open till 9:00 at night.  I'm glad that I have to work -- delivering the flowers -- so that "excuses" me from an all day shopping trip on Saturday.

It's now Wednesday A.M. -- and I better close and get ready for work.  All the usual needs to be done -- Buffie walked, shower, etc.  Have a safe trip back to Ohio -- and I'll send my next letter North.  Please convey to the Hortons I'd be proud to write them -- in fact I will be writing them soon . . . .

Love,

Berta

1960 Jean's NYC postcard -Mar.15

Caption: UPTOWN SKYLINE
SHOWING EMPIRE STATE BLDG.
AND R. C. A. BLDG.
New York City 

[Postmarked Mar. 15, 1960, addressed to Catherine]

How is your science project coming?  Think of all of you and wish you were with us.  Rode two subways and four busses today.

The Eatons went to the top of the Empire State Bldg.  Plan to go to the airport tomorrow night to meet the Bernards.  So glad they are able to make it.

Help Mrs. Turner take care of everything & everybody.

Love and XXXX, Daddy & Mother

1980 Catherine's Letter -Mar.13

Thursday, March 13, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Today we were supposed to go to Portland for Gerry's Dr. appointment with the M.D. but Gerry called the workmen's comp people yesterday as the weather is very bad with lots of snow in the mountains and we wouldn't have been able to drive over.  Anyway they cancelled the appointment and said he didn't need to go anyway.  That was a relief.  So we are both going to work today as usual and Wendy is going to the Day Care Center.  She seems to be doing real well at both the babysitters and the Day Care Center.  She is all excited to go in the morning and then she is even more excited when I get her in the evening.  Also it has made a regular bedtime much easier for her to handle.

My job is going fine.  I am really enjoying working again.  Managing these apartments was work but not in the same way as this.  We did give our notice to Chambers for April 15th.  They wanted to know if they could use me as a consultant for their new managers so they won't have to rush over from Eugene to handle every little problem.  I said sure but I haven't told them how much it is going to cost them yet.  Now that we are quitting they are all full of praise about how good a job we have done for them.  We get more enthused about moving into our house every day.  It will be nice not to live on a parking lot where we have to watch all the goings on and patrol the grounds all the time.  It should also give us alot more time this summer to ourselves.

Your books arrived yesterday. Thanks alot.  Wendy really likes the two you sent for her.  The cookbook looks like it has lots of interesting recipes and thanks to Mary for the consumer book.  It's the first Christmas present we have received this year!  I haven't yet had a chance to look at the microwave papers but I'm sure they will come in handy.  And I'll try to get those pictures taken care of in the next week or so.  Today the UMW is having their meeting at noon - a potluck luncheon.  They have the program first and then the business meeting.  My lunch hour is from 1-2 so I will get there for the business part of the meeting.  I talked to one of the older ladies yesterday and she said they would save some lunch for me.  There is most generally more food than can be eaten anyway.

Well, I better close.  I need to finish getting Wendy dressed so we can leave in about 15 minutes.

Hope all is well in New Vienna.  I will probably try to call early Friday morning, of course you won't get this until way after that but you'll know that if I don't get through I tried.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1980 Roberta's letter -Mar.3,10,17,24 or 31

Monday Morning

Dear Family,

It's 6:15 A.M. so have time for at least a one pager.  Marion has just left for school.  She has started car pooling.  A man in the math department who lives right up extension near University.  When he drives she rides the bike back and forth to his house.  The freeway bridge has finally opened up so that makes the bridge situation much better.  Tho the train (called the Sardine Express) and other mass transportation deals have now come to a halt so guess the lines are still really bad.  Needless to say I'm glad to be working on this side of the waters.

Last night I left here to go to the evening service at the church.  But (and this is hard to believe) I was about 15 minutes early so I decided to go and visit Agnes and Fred instead.  It has been a few weeks since I had seen Agnes.  She is about the same.  Tho very mad at the home because they moved her to another room and then three days later wanted to move her again.  She told them no -- that she would be moved to another home before she moves to another room.  Fred has really failed -- he now is walking with a walker -- and not doing such a hot job.  He is in the day care program at the senior center -- where they have to pay $2.65 an hour.  It's a sliding rate type of deal.  We do not have that type of program in East Mesa.  Tho we have a people who need that type of program.

The program coordinator -- Ann -- who has been out to East Mesa more now that I'm the only staff person out there now -- says that I am the best fund raiser she has ever seen.  I really am proud of my new contact at this trailer park.  They raffled off a quilt and gave us $150 to spend on anything but rent and electric.  I told them that I'd like to buy some records and games -- also get our piano tuned.  Everyone that comes out to play it complains about how bad it is.  We were given a stereo -- excellent condition with AM/FM 8-track awhile back but no records with it.  Also this Travel Trailer Village has a group of both men and women willing to do lots of different types of work for our more needy.  I think I mentioned TV repair, but also fixing sewing machines, doing yard work, taking people in for the doctors, etc.  Most of our people really have it rough as far as getting places.  Mesa's Dial-a-Ride serves only as far East to 76th Street.  We serve people up to 115th Street.  I really am glad not to have a car out at the center on a regular basis -- the few times I've had the truck out there I'm constantly being asked to haul them here and there -- from the grocery to the flea market.

I really haven't minded driving the van the last few weeks.  Just that once back to the center it's been very hectic.  The van driver's job is a county job -- the county as part of the contract was willing to fund both the driver and the van through June.  The county says it will take 6 to 8 weeks to send someone else out.  Guess they have to go through the whole routine of advertising the job, etc. . . . Job has to be opened for so long . . . .  They couldn't advertise for it until Francis finally said she was quitting.

Delivering the lunch meals out there was really hard on me at first.  Twenty some stops -- running in with the meal, jumping up and down from the van -- reaching back to the back seat to get the bag of cold stuff -- milk, salad and dessert.  And then into another container to get the hot stuff -- my arms really got sore.  Now, I've gotten smart.  I've recruited three men who take turns going with me.  They do most of the running for me.  I do the reaching for the cold and hot stuff.  Sure has made a big difference.

Wish you all were here to see the back yard.  It's almost finished.  Even with the grounds being wet from all the rains it was still alot of work to do all that digging.  What gets me the most is that with all that grass -- Buffy seems to like the mud the best.  Then he rolls in that and then comes in here and tracks mud everywhere.  We did get a few railroad tie pieces -- they were outrageously priced.  Most of the trimming is done with red brick.  But they aren't real brick -- more like concrete blocks -- red in color -- and in the size of bricks.  I couldn't get over the price of bricks.  These artificial ones we got were only 19¢ each.  But we had to get 75 of them.  So many times the last few weeks I've wished we had a gate to the back yard -- all those bricks, plants, etc. had to be carried through the house.

Last night made some chocolate chip cookies -- but out of yellow cake mix.  They were really simple to make -- but they don't taste as good as the "real" kind.

Mary Virginia, you sure got your license fast -- made up for the long time I was in getting mine.  I forget how many permits I had before I got my license.  Which car do you like the best???  I hope you aren't mad at me for not saving the Buick for you to drive.  What all did you get for your birthday???  Is your band going to Wash C.C.???  The Mesa High band is -- guess they have chartered a plane -- and still need people to fill it up other than band people.  They are selling tickets for $300 each.  (round-trip)  The Stubbs showed us your cute card.

My page is almost over -- forgot to tell you all that I've been appointed to be on the Commission of Missions and Social Concerns at the Church.  Thanks for calling - - - -

Love, Bert

1970 Catherine's Letter -Mar.11

March 11, 1970

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

Greetings!  This is the last letter you will be receiving from me in Europe for awhile -- maybe even for this year!  I really haven't contemplated the possibilities of returning at least as to when.  I have been getting lots of ideas as to where I would like to go, the kind of people I would like to go with and what I would want to do.  All three seem like rather deep subjects and since I discovered that with the stamp I have left which I am going to put on the envelope of this letter, I can write seven pages.  And if you see that there are seven pages to read you might not want to get into the deep subjects on the first page. 

So I will let my mind wander for awhile and write about other trivial matters.  There is a cat sitting at my feet right now.  It isn't our cat, it just wandered in the door a few minutes ago when I went out on the porch to hang my green shirt (which I just washed) on the clothes line to dry.  Because I couldn't get the cat back out the door, I guess he will say awhile.  If the cat came in because he is hungry he won't find much food.  All we have left is some instant coffee and two apples.  Sad?  Not really, we planned it that way. 

We had a real feast last night eating up all the food as Alan left this morning and tomorrow morning Ann and I will be moving on too.  That is sad.  This morning was rather tense as Ann and I were trying to act not too relieved that Alan was leaving.  He claims we ganged up against him and it is a valid claim.  After living together for six months we are pretty much used to each other and this past week it was usually the two of us against him.  Of course, I tend to be biased and add that it took at least as much effort on our side to endure him as his efforts to put up with two females.

The cat has now climbed on Ann's bed so he may be removed soon.  I think Ann is writing a letter too, yes, I asked her and she said she was.  Now that Alan is gone we can't play cards as it was his deck of cards.  I brought a deck but when we got them out to play with, there were only 28 cards.  At some point between then and Christmas I removed all cards numbering two through seven and left them somewhere else.  That was a real smart thing to do.  We were going to go to the beach today and finish off our sunburns.  But the sky is rather purplish gray, the wind is very strong, and the sun is nowhere to be found.  None of those make for a good sunburn.  We can't really complain as every other day we've been here, has been beautiful.

I was going to try to make it through the time here without buying a book but I broke down the other day and bought one.  It is in German though to add to the challenge of reading it.  I wonder how the selection of books in German is in the states?  I know K's library has lots and so does the bookstore but most of those are the difficult or at least not so much fun and entertaining kind that people read to get all the good German literature.  I will have to check out the Wilmington libraries when I'm home. 

Ten more days . . . .  It is unbelievable and I'm not sure I am ready for the culture shock of coming back.  It is about the same feeling as between high school graduation and starting college.  I'm not quite sure what to expect.  I'm filled with lots of anticipation, a little bit of dread and other mixed emotions.  Gee, wonder what kind of feelings come with graduation?  Probably lots of relief that you finally made it.  Time for a break, I am going to read for awhile.

Con't.  I never did get to my book -- found too many other things to do.  Siesta was finally over so we gathered up all our old milk, pepsi, and one mineral water bottles and returned them to the store.  We also made a few last purchases like apples to take with us tomorrow and a new TIME magazine.  We had also been doing well controlling our calories today until we both got hungry.  So we splurged and bought some 3 peseta pastries.  It isn't a splurge, it is more of a habit -- we've been doing it every day.  But they taste so good!  Remind me a lot of Grandma's cinnamon pies.

Instead of reading the book I got out Ann's colored pens and played with them.  It is alot of fun getting all the different colors down on a piece of paper.  And the psychoanalyst could have a good time telling me what they all mean.  That reminded me of Dick which reminded me of psychology and then I thought of Marianne.  (I hope you aren't having too much difficulty tracing my thought patterns.)  Is she still in psych?  At FSU?  Does she graduate this summer?  Maybe I can get to Florida some time between quarters to see her.

I haven't heard from Pete Cheyne lately so I don't know if he is still in Florida or not.  I guess that is all in the future though.  It seems like lately I have become much more involved in living in the present and only time for an occasional thought about the future.  And anything which happened more than five minutes ago is filed away as memories to be remembered when I get old and/or bored.

If you will excuse me once again I am going to try reading TIME.

Friday, March 13, 1970
Greetings once more.  Ann and I are sitting in Wimpy's across from the Paris Nord train station killing time before we have to catch our train to Münster.  Excitement is . . . .  We just reread to each other the letters we got yesterday in Malaga -- she one from her family and me one from you.  It seemed rather ironic as you had something in yours about this exciting experience coming to an end and here we sit bored to death.  I take it from your letter that you will be in New York so I will look for you there.  I have about reached the point now where I feel like I hope you will grab me off the plane, take me home, put me to bed and take care of me for a week.  Please disregard this whole paragraph -- no, don't do that, I do want you to meet me. 

I'm just a little tired right now.  I will probably be very tired then too.  Well, we just had some excitement as they brought us the bill and it comes to more than we have money to pay for.  Ho hum.  Why is life so cruel?  Excuse me while I run across the street and change more money.  I'm back again.  At least now with more money we can afford a second cup of coffee.  Or maybe we will get a candy bar instead.  The time at least is going by.  We leave here in about 30 minutes, arriving in Münster at 5:20 AM so we will have some time to kill there before we can catch the first bus home -- or what used to be home for tomorrow we will only be visitors.

Saturday, March 14 7:30 AM
Here I am not yet in Münster.  We didn't feel like getting off at 5:20 in Münster so we stayed on the train and came to Bremen.  In an hour we catch another train back to Münster arriving at a much more decent time.  I'm feeling better today as I slept well on the train last night.  The passport checkers and the conductors don't even bother me much any more.  It isn't necessary to fully wake up -- only shove the Eurail Pass and the passport at them -- and that has become instinctive.  Try waking me up in the middle of the night sometime.  I would probably try to show you my passport and continue sleeping.

There certainly are lots of interesting people in the Bahnhofs (train stations) early in the morning.  The most obnoxious are last nights drunks that haven't made it home yet. 

LATER, about 3:30 PM
We made it home finally and I found a letter from you.  I also realized you probably won't get this until too late.  I'll offer my apologies if they are worth anything.  It seems as if things have been happening so fast lately.  I guess communications from my end have been lacking.  I'm still going from one extreme to another about leaving here.  The idea of coming back to the States is frightening because I know I'm not going to fit in the same hole I left.  At the same time I'm anxious to make my new "hole".  I guess I only dread the adapting period which I'm going to have to go through, unless I were to stay here interminably, which I know I can't do.  All the other kids have left except Ann and I so it wouldn't be the same anyway.  It is rather nice to be back here for the day -- we're being treated as if we never left and it was an ordinary Saturday. Everything has been jammed into our suitcases -- now the big problem is getting them to London.  Ugh!  And I don't even have that much junk.  I may end up leaving 90% of my worn out belongings, including the suitcases, in London.  HA!  That would be pointless though as by then the worst pain will be over.

I'll relieve you of reading and save all the rest to tell.

Love,
Catherine

P.S. If you do get this in time . . . I did tell you I'm coming in on big PanAm at 12:45 next Saturday?

P.S. to Serena -- I'm sure whatever you fix will be fine and since I will be home a week you will have a chance to fix me almost anything.  I eat anything in whatever state it is put before me and I usually enjoy it but I'm looking forward to coming home to some "just plain meals, at a decent mealtime."  Lately seems I've just been eating whatever can be obtained when hunger strikes.  What usually happens is that there isn't any food available then so when there is food you eat as much as possible and hope it keeps you going until the next time there is food.

1990 MV's Wedding Invitation & Letter -Mar.7

[3/?/90]

[Postmarked 3/7/90]

Hi!

Welcome back from Florida!  Here is a wedding invitation -- I hope to start addressing them this weekend and then mail them by April 1.  I thought they turned out real nice.

Thanks for your sweet birthday card & pictures & the T-shirt.  Sorry I misunderstood.  I'll get it next time I'm home.

Don, Bill and I are planning on coming to the gathering in Wilmington next Tuesday.  And then spend the night with you before driving back to Wilmore, if that's okay.  We'll leave here about 4PM and go straight to the gathering.

I've been trying to put my 4th day talk together since I preview it Saturday at our first team meeting.  It has been more difficult than I anticipated.

Jan Widman & Karen Couch are hosting a shower for me on April 30 at Wilmington College.  The guest list is primarily College/Emmaus people.  I didn't include any Port Wm (Church) people because they had mentioned having one before but haven't set anything up.

If you think about it, the next time you're at Kroger / Odd Lots, the wedding date in the registry at Coast to Coast needs to be changed to May and cross off the Revere Ware set of Cookware.  If there are individual pieces listed, go ahead & leave those, especially if there is a large (14") skillet.

Hope all is well in Florida, especially with Grandma.  Looking forward to seeing you 3/13.  Have 2 job interviews this week.  Still looking.  D.S. Hickman called; has a church in mind for me but would not say when/where etc ??

Love,

M.V. and Don

1980 Catherine's Letter -Mar.5

Wednesday

March 5, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  The big news here is that I got a job in the County Assessor's Office.  I start tomorrow.  I had talked to the County Treasurer at church asking her if she knew of any jobs that might be open soon and evidently she mentioned me to the assessor who knows Gerry from the Elks so he talked to Gerry last Thursday night.  I filled out an application Monday and yesterday they called and told me I had the job.  Originally they had said it was just a part time job but yesterday when he called he said it would be full time which is what I wanted anyway.  The assessor's name is Cecil Zemke.  He is around 55.  And there are 3 other women and another man in the office.  The hours are 8:30 - 5.  I told him I already had plans to go to Portland next Thursday with Gerry when he goes to the Dr. so I would need the day off and he said no problem.  I think it will be an OK place to work.  I should be able to give you more details on that next week.

It does mean that we will be extra busy until we move with my working full time plus the apartments.  Gerry was going to call the realtor this morning and see if there was any chance we might be able to have the closing sooner as we are quite anxious to move and to have everything finalized so we don't have to worry about her changing her mind.  We are going to wait as long as possible to give notice here as we can't afford to be without any place to live.  I checked at the Court House to see if she had a mortgage on the property and if she does it was never registered as they didn't have any record of it.  Also the taxes are from July 1, 1979 to June 30, 1980 and were due on Nov. 15th.  We will be obligated then for the remainder of the year until June 30.

Wendy has pink eye.  I took her to the Dr. yesterday and he prescribed some drops.  She will be going to the babysitter Thurs. and Fri. of this week so she won't contaminate anyone else.  Then next week I think she will be going to the Day Care Center on Monday, Thurs. & Fri. and the babysitter on Tuesday & Wednesday.  At the Day Care Center the toddlers are divided into groups of about 5 and Wendy will be gong into the group that is working on potty training.  She has gotten more successful at home -- now around 50% -- but she still has a ways to go.  Day Care has a very high success rate partly because it is a group activity and they get the idea it is the thing to do.  To start out we will be paying $1.25/hour at the Day Care (babysitter is $1/hour) but they are supposed to get some sort of funding soon which would enable them to offer all day care for $9 which is the same as the babysitter.  I really like the program at the Day Care Center so I think is is worth it.  They have all kinds of activities, morning and afternoon snacks, a hot lunch (they have their own kitchen and cook) and they take a nap after lunch.  We went down there the other day and they showed us all around.  Wendy seemed interested in all the toys and all the other children. I don't think she will have trouble adjusting to it at all.  She has come a long way since last January when you were her first babysitter, Mother.

Gerry is doing fine.  We played golf again this past weekend.  It was a beautiful day Sunday with the temperature around 60º.  We hardly needed our sweaters.  We also went for a short hike with Wendy so she didn't have to feel left out of all of our activities.  She seems to enjoy going to the babysitters and playing with all the "nice toys" as she says so we don't feel too bad about leaving her.  This weekend Gerry has Saturday off so if the weather is nice we hope to do even more.  We are hoping to go to the coast some weekend in April with Bob & Emily and stay at the Jackman's place in Florence.  We are still working of the details for that.  We need to find out when we will be moving, when Gerry has to work, when the place is available, etc.

Gerry will be home for lunch soon and then this afternoon we are gong to Bend for his Dr. appointment at 3:30.  We will probably do some shopping and then eat dinner out somewhere to make a day of it.  I couldn't believe I got a job so fast so we'll have to celebrate that too.  I had heard of some people looking for months and months and not finding anything.  I think a big part of it was knowing the right people though.

We will be letting you know if we find out anything different on the closing date.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1980 Roerta's Letter -Mar.5

Wed. P.M.

3/5/80

Dear Family,

Better a note than no letter . . . .  Just now got home from class.  This is the one where I have to design a 20 acre park . . . tonight we looked at some plans some of the other students had handed in during past semesters.  Some were so prof. done.  Others looked like it took one hour.

Tuesday A.M. my bike would not start.  I called up the main center and told them I would be glad to work if someone would want to haul me out.  Ann -- who is one notch over me hauled me out.  She was telling me how her husband use to be an artutect (sp??, probably architect!) but now teaching blueprinting etc. at the junior college.  He -- I got word yesterday would be glad to help me on my 20 acre park.  Tues P.M. and since the bike has started without any problem at all.  Maybe it just knew I needed help with the planning of the park!!!!

Work has sure been hectic.  Wayne -- who I worked with out there took a job with Workmen's compensation two weeks ago.  Three days later the driver we have pick-up and deliver the people who can't drive -- and also the delivering of the home delivered meals got sick and last Friday was her last day due to illness.  She was always sick to hear her talk.  So I've been doing the driving -- and they have sent someone from the main center out to do most of the paper-work, etc.  The county is furnishing the driver for us -- and they say it will take 6 to 8 weeks to replace with a new driver.

Wish you all could see our back yard.  We have green grass and similar to the model a three foot planter around the sides and back.  With shrubs and of course yellow plants.  We keep looking at some sort of trim . . . like bricks, etc.  Marion would really like to get railroad ties . . . but they want $12-14 dollars each for them.  I keep telling her in Ohio you can get them for next to nothing.  Is that still true???

Our draperies still have not come.  We are beginning to have pictures up so it looks more like home.  I'm so mad at Buffy!!!  He has ruined one of the screens on the arcadia door at the back of the house.  And he has chewed at the threads of the carpet inside the house by the garage.  We have to leave him now in the garage when we leave.

OH!!!  Marion did buy a garage door opener and it got put up about a week ago.  REALLY NICE!!!  Especially with the rains, etc.  She has you on her list to write . . . but somehow not much writing gets done around here . . . I'm speaking for both of us!!!

Got new tires put on the truck.  The others were the originals and had just 34,000 miles on them.

Thanks for your letter - etc. ----

Love, Berta

1970 Catherine's Letter -Mar.4

March 4, 1970

Dear Mother Dad, Serena, John, and Mary,

Hi!  Greetings from the heart of a true tourist city -- Torremolinos, Spain.  We've been here two days now and are having a real vacation!  To clear up a few details which may or may not be foggy depending on what I have already written and whether you received it, I'm here with Alan and Ann.  We have a nice little apartment with bedroom, bath, living room, and fully equipped kitchen.  So we are able to eat food other than Butterbrot -- French toast for breakfast, ravioli for lunch and soup for supper, that is today's menu but it is nice to know we can cook almost anything our hearts desire. 

Alan and I are having a good time counting calories and carbohydrates and we've got a really neat plan for next quarter.  He has access to the computer so he's going to write a program up so that at the end of a day a person can give the computer the foods eaten during the day and it will compile a total of the calories proteins fats and carbohydrates.  That is the basic idea and then later we can add all sorts of additional goodies like vitamins minerals, metabolism, and even do some experimenting around with different diets. 

It is frustrating here though as we both need a library -- he needs the computer books and I need the nutrition books.  There is a lending library of English books here but they are all considerably lighter reading.  After scouring through the town's bookstores we did come up with one little diet book -- 50¢ variety -- which along with my rough estimates has to suffice for the moment.  I guess people on vacation aren't overly interested in nutrition or computer programming. 

And while I am thinking about libraries -- could you check on a few books for me please?  I have to know a lot more than I presently do about (1) fish( 2) stars (3) snakes.  Do we have any of the little books by Zim (?) around?  I do need something that has pictures I can refer to.  I haven't been doing too much hard reading here -- like I said the library has an abundance of sex-criminal-western types.  I have been reading the German newspapers so I won't forget all my German before I get back to Kalamazoo. 

We may go to Tangiers or we may just stay here the whole time as it so nice to be home where we can walk to the beach in 10-15 minutes.  The water is too chilly for me to swim in but it is nice laying in the sun.  We will probably go into Malaga some day soon to check for mail. 

I haven't thought much about London yet but I'm sure it will be fun when we get there.  I am looking forward to going to Stonehenge on the 20th.  Six of us are renting a car from London and going out for the night and to see the sun rise on the 21st before zipping back to London so Ann and I can get our flight to New York.  Hopefully, Dick will be meeting us there and coming back with us.  He is spending his vacation hitchhiking around England.  I envy him about as much as I miss him.  Traveling alone like that has its decided advantages and disadvantages. 

I did tell you that my previous relationship with Mike was terminated?  At least it is on this end.  Getting communications straightened up has been a definite problem and three days after I told him we had to definitely terminate it, instead of dragging it out even longer and hurting all involved parties even more, I got a letter from him saying we should let it all ride until April 13 when we will be seeing each other.  That was real news because I don't know how he is getting the time to come to K then.  Oh well, in my usual  enjoy life "this minute, this day" I will wait until that minute comes -- worrying now certainly won't solve the problem.  Alan has been giving me helpful unbiased advice from the male viewpoint.  At least it is as unattached as he can be, knowing Dick and not knowing Mike. 

Ann has gone to town and Alan is reading "TIME"-- every few minutes he reads me an excerpt and gets me distracted from this letter.  You all are probably having a good time following my line of thought.  I think I'll go back to the newspaper now.  Thanks for listening.

Love, 

Catherine

P.S. I sent two boxes of old clothes to you all.  Merry Christmas!