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4. 1970s
5. 1976

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January 1 - December 31, 1976

(Box 5/Folder 9)

 

January 1, 1976

Bicentennial year! I put out my flag with 13 stars today. It gave me an excited feeling. Another pleasant thing. A man from my birthplace Beattie, Kans. came to see me – Glenn Woester, from a family I have heard my mother mention. I was so happy to see him. This was a warm blue and gold day. In the evening I visited the O’Neills.

 

January 2, 1976

It turned cloudy and cold. I started correcting an error in The Road to Disappearance. It is a problem. I worked hard but didn’t accomplish much.

 

January 3, 1976

Sunny but cold. I finished the corrections in Road. Not as bad a job as expected though I had to read all my 40-year-old notes. I need to copy it before I send it off.

 

January 4, 1976

Attended S.S. (taught class) and church. Kelley preached a fine sermon. But he is carrying a fulltime college course for his Ph.D. and is receiving a fulltime pastor’s salary. The church is suffering from his absence except Sunday. We had a dinner at noon and the annual congregational meeting following. Fine meeting. Decided to cut his salary about ½ and he has resigned, effective May 15 or earlier. No bad feelings.

 

January 5, 1976

Copied and mailed the corrections in Road. Flew my flag in honor of first state constitution – New Hampshire, Jan. 5, 1776. Sunny day but cold.

 

January 6, 1976

Wrote letters. Learned that ACLU programs on Bill of Rights will begin Sunday. Called a number of people to spread the word. My The one I am on comes the following week.

 

January 7, 1976

It started getting cold in the evening – got very cold. It Was 1ᵒ this morning. Not quite zero. I attended to correspondence.

 

January 8, 1976

Not so cold but cold. Still clearing up odds and ends of business and correspondence.

 

January 9, 1976

It really got bearably warm today. I got my car and driver’s licenses. Still clearing my “desk” – actually the bed in my study. Called on a very attractive woman, the Baptist minister’s wife.

 

January 10, 1976

Worked at odds and ends. Kept library in afternoon. Heard bad news about Bob Schaefer. Heart tested by tube run up artery from groin shows very bad arteries and heart muscle and prospect of surgery so doubtful they said for him and Gerry to think it over. He said no need to think it over; he chose surgery.

 

January 11, 1976

I taught S.S. class. Bill so busy with his work & Bob’s he can’t make it in time. Heard very fine sermon by Kelley. Bob & Gerry were in church. It breaks my heart to think of the ordeal ahead of them. Nice clear warm day.

 

January 12, 1976

Nice warm day. I am really getting caught up on things I have neglected.

 

January 13, 1976

Nice warm day. A good club meeting at the library. Winnie was in charge of the program. It was very good.

 

January 14, 1976

Lovely warm day. Just before the end of 1975 Gov. Boren appointed me a member of the Okla. Bicentennial Committee. Today was its first meeting since my appointment. Raymond Bryson took me. It was a very profitable meeting. Then we saw Mr. Wettengal of the Okla Hist Soc. regarding a marker for the first site of our town.

 

January 15, 1976

I worked on club reports and other club duties. Beautiful warm day.

 

January 16, 1976

Drove to Enid to have my eyes checked. Right, 20; left, 22. Not bad. Nice day.

 

January 17, 1976

Worked on a number of responsibilities I have – Bicentennial, club reports, a letter to the Methodist woman’s paper about the Pimas. Also getting ready for Shirley and Ray. Lovely day – so warm I did without my furnace all afternoon.

 

January 18, 1976

Taught S.S. class & attended church. Bob and Gerry were there, so handsome and vital it broke my heart. Bob goes to the hospital today – surgery Tues. and outcome doubtful. And Gerry’s only sister is in the same hospital with large brain rumor and must have an immediate operation – also doubtful.

 

January 19, 1976

I worked getting ready for Shirley and Ray. Shirley called from Elk City this evening. So wonderful to hear her voice. I attended a meeting of the P.C Committee and told them what they would have to do to qualify as a Bicentennial Committee.

 

January 20, 1976

Bob died following the operation. It breaks my heart to think of Gerry. Mabel called me. His heart took up after the machine, but soon quit. I loved Bob as much as I love Gerry. I am sure the whole community is stricken. Shirley and Ray came in the middle of the afternoon. It is good to have them here.

 

January 21, 1976

Shirley and Ray and I watched the TV debate on prayer in the schools which live recorded in Dec. I wasn’t so bad as I thought at the time but I missed good openings. Poor heart-broken Gerry called me ad said she wanted me to eat with the family at the funeral. I have alternated all day between joy at the presence of Ray and Shirley and grief over Bob’s death.

 

January 22, 1976

Bob Ray and Shirley left shortly after six. Preferred to eat breakfast on the way. At the church dinner for relatives and close friends. Gerry was pale but in control.  I went home with Clara and Olga who are grieved but calm. Then at the funeral the sanctuary and basement were packed and people outside. Kelley preached a fine sermon. I never saw so long a funeral procession. The whole community is stricken.

 

January 23, 1976

I worked on a club history I must send to the district historian. But Bob’s death hangs over everything. Shirley and Ray called me this evening to say they had arrived safely. Said it was terribly cold in Chicago. When I told them I had the furnace off & the window open they said they were coming straight back.

 

January 24, 1976

I worked on a club report of our Environmental project. Also my S.S. lesson. Bill has so much work first because of Bob’s illness and now his death (feeding cattle for both) that I am teaching the class.

 

January 25, 1976

Taught S.S. class & attended church. Gerry and Ronnie and Julie at church where Gerry & Bob sat last Sun. Kelly’s last Sunday. Dinner afterwards as farewell to Brigman family. Gerry & Ronnie & Julie were at the dinner. Gerry still very pale but in control. Plans to start teaching Thurs. In P.M. worked on club history that must be sent to district historian this week.

 

January 26, 1976

Our club wants to make report on our community work, for which we got $700 award in 1974. Winnie’s job but I am helping. Only she is tied up with a 3-day church meeting (Sun, Mon, Tues.) so I have to work alone. She dropped by & got me started. I worked hard all day.

 

January 27, 1976

Regular club day but postponed because of Winnie’s church duties. I worked terribly hard on the report, but took a little time off to drive out to see Gerry. She has normal color – not that terrible pallor. Making sensible plans for the rest of her life.

 

January 28, 1976

Club today at Margaret’s. I drove out for the business meeting but didn’t stay for the program. Rushed home & worked on report. Worked terribly hard. Winnie couldn’t work because she presented the club program.

 

January 29, 1976

Had the joy of seeing the ground where the vacant Legion once stood  finally cleared and leveled. Worked terribly hard on club report. Am exhausted. Finished late this P.M. I did all the typing Winne worked at home pasting and arranging photos and other exhibits. We are completing in two – Shell & Community Improvement.

 

January 30, 1976

My birthday. Too tired to sleep last night but had a happy day. I had promised the FHA. girls of Chisholm H.S. to show them the pictures I didn’t show Nov. 26 because of the ice storm. Some lovely girls came after me at 9:00. Lovely weather, lovely drive. Showed slides, ate luncheon prepared by FHA. They learned it was my birthday and sang “Happy Birthday.”

 

January 31, 1976

Didn’t accomplish much today. Too tired. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Louise Grassman’s husband. Killed in a plane crash in South America. He worked for an oil company and traveled much. Kelley preached sermon – his last day here.

 

February 1, 1976

Taught S.S. class, and attended church. Sermon by a Phillips prof. named Rose. Good sermon. Then the congregation took me to the restaurant for a birthday dinner. Very lovely of them. Evadean baked a wonderful cake. Spent evening with Pat and Ramona. Very happy evening.

 

February 2, 1976

I worked on pics to show Bonnie Roberts class tomorrow. Esther Shelby’s darling 1^st and 2^nd graders came to see me to celebrate my birthday. They are so sweet. Twenty of them.

 

February 3, 1976

I showed my Alaska slides to those bright little third and fourth graders. In the P.M. Winnie and I had a conference with Gerry at school over essay contest for Prairie City Days. Gerry looks pitiably thin and pale. Warm day as usual

 

February 4, 1976

Turned cold during the night. I didn’t sleep much last night thinking of Gerry. I worked on neglected correspondence.

 

February 5, 1976

I worked on correspondence The sun shone and most of the snow melted. This morning the ground was covered with hard white snow. Pretty slick. By late P.M. I drove down to mail letters & get my mail. It was cut up somewhat so the wheels don’t slip.

 

February 6, 1976

Finished my pile of correspondence. The sun shone and most of the snow melted. But it is still cold. I got a permanent.

 

February 7, 1976

Sunny but still cold. I worked on my income tax.

 

February 8, 1976

Taught my S.S. class & heard very poor sermon by a Phillips prof. In P.M. drove out to Gerry’s with some apples I had baked in my crock pot. She and Ronnie and Julie were all at church. Those two young people are certainly standing by her. Warm day.

 

February 9, 1976

I finished my income tax. Ready for Mr. Edsall. Warm day.

 

February 10, 1976

Day so warm I did without furnace all day. I went to club at Maxine’s. Mary Rouse gave program, a good one. We voted today to join our school to Covington 204 yes, 59 no. It is a hear-breaking decision but our school has become too small to continue.

 

February 11, 1976

I worked all day but didn’t accomplish much. I decided to write an article for the paper about the store that was the beginning of Marshall. It rained last night, not enough but some, and today was lovely.

 

February 12, 1976

Worked on my Marshall article. Warm day.

 

February 13, 1976

Worked on correspondence Warm day

 

February 14, 1976

Worked on correspondence. Warm day.

 

February 15, 1976

Taught the S.S. class. Heard a sermon by a Philips divinity student. In the P.M. rode with Domer Dougherty to an ACLU board meeting in O.C. Had an unhappy experience. The chairman, Jim Jones jumped on Ex. Director Shirley Berry for insubordination.

 

February 16, 1976

We are having unusual weather. I used the furnace a little yesterday morning. Have had it off ever since. This is beautiful but I think the lack of moisture is the cause. We’d be glad even for snow.

 

February 17, 1976

I’m writing late, and not much happened that I remember

 

February 18, 1976

This evening our church had the family night meeting we were to have the day after Bob died. We had a basket lun supper, then a beautiful program of scenic slides and words and music by the Clint Clays of Garber. Gerry, bless her, was there, but she cried when a favorite hymn of Bob’s closed it. So brave she is!

 

February 19, 1976

I am worried about Gerry. I was going out to see her after school but a basket ball game prevented. When I finally got in touch with her she broke down and cried. Said it had been a bad week. Attended meeting of Library Board this evening. Good meeting.

 

February 20, 1976

Mr. & Mrs. Cozby came after me and took me to the anniversary dinner of the Domestic Science Club formed in 1905. Then she took me to visit the museum. I visited in their home on the way back.

 

February 21, 1976

A high wind came from the north. Much dust. I’m afraid it damaged the wheat. And it tore a storm window off the library and shattered the glass. A real wind. And not a drop of rain.

 

February 22, 1976

Taught the S.S. class. A man named Huff from the Phillips faculty preached. The wind has gone down and the weather was pleasant all day. Cold in the morning but it warmed up.

 

February 23, 1976

The school children – grades 1 thru 6 had a party for me. A bicentennial party. All patriotic. They are so sweet. I was moved to tears when they gave the flag salute. They gave me a collection of early flags from Rattlesnake and Pine Tree to 15 stars and 15 stripes. I drove out after school to see Gerry. Poor Gerry.

 

February 24, 1976

I didn’t feel very well today, so didn’t accomplish much. Ramona is very ill with flu, and Pat’s mother is near death from flu. She is in an Enid hospital and Pat spends much time there.

 

February 25, 1976

Ramona is slightly better and so is Pat’s mother Ida. I don’t go near Ramona because I don’t want to get the flu, and she says there is nothing I could do anyhow. But she even did my washing when I hurt my back.

 

February 26, 1976

Ramona said Ida much better. Ramona, of course, will soon be over her illness; Ida is not out of the woods yet. I called on Maxine Harak whose mother died last week. Then I drove to Crescent and got a blooming plant for Pat and Ramona. Still warm weather and still no rain.

 

February 27, 1976

I delivered the plant this morning and Pat came out on the porch and told me about his mother. (I am staying away from Ramona.) She talked in a perfectly rational manner to him all yesterday P.M. She has been mentally ill for 11 yrs. He was deeply moved by the experience – a real visit with his mother after 22 years.

 

February 28, 1976

I worked in the library this P.M. Weather too warm for comfort. Peach trees in bloom. Also redbuds blooming in the timber. And jonquils daffodils and other bulbs. Spirea and other shrubs. And dangerously dry.

 

February 29, 1976

Taught the S.S. class. Heard a fine sermon by Dr. Bryan of Phillips. In the P.M. some of us went to the Rest Home at Crescent and gave a service. Raymond in charge, Susie Huffer, Beverly Vogel and Janet Shelby helped. Bill Schaefer sang. Clara Schaefer played the piano. Quite a bunch from our church.

 

March 1, 1976

Sue Davis came and we worked on filling out the application to the for recognition of as a Bicentennial Community. Then she took I loaned her my typewriter for her to use in finishing it. It is a complicated job.

 

March 2, 1976

Because I had no typewriter I had a holiday. I cleaned up some dead stalks in my flower garden which I should have cleaned long ago. Also I had a migraine attack, which wasted some time. It was so warm all day that I didn’t use the furnace even in the early morning.

 

March 3, 1976

It started raining last night and rained very hard this forenoon. We are very happy about it but some desperately dry areas northwest of here got little or none. It turned cold so that by noon drops of water were frozen on tree branches and bushes. The pools on the ground didn’t freeze because the ground is so warm.

 

March 4, 1976

It cleared off this afternoon. I didn’t accomplish much today.

 

March 5, 1976

The thermometer showed just 17° here. 15° in Enid this morning and the water in the bird bath remained frozen all day. I drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 21, left 23. Also to see Mr. Edsell about my income tax. The wheat is glorious around Marshall (results of rain) sick around Enid. The conditns condition in most of Okla. is serious.

 

March 6, 1976

Learned Emma Diedrich died yesterday morning. She went down so rapidly. Took ill the very week when I found her so well when I showed her my pics on Nov. 3. The Enmeiers were hard hit that week – Albert’s mother died and Madonna’s mother stricken.

 

March 7, 1976

Taught my S.S. class. Heard a fine sermon by Prof. Boring of Phillips. In P.M. attended Emma’s funeral. It rained all day, a slow drizzle. I spent the evening at the O’Neill home. Pat loved his “Aunt Emma” as much as his own mother. He has been hard hit by her death. He lived with her in his childhood when his mother was ill.

 

March 8, 1976

Continued raining but not much water fell. I started writing an article for the Western Historical Quarterly.

 

March 9, 1976

It cleared off – beautiful day after the rain. Our club met at the O’Neill home. Fine meeting. Altogether I think we got about 1 ½ inches of rain in all.

 

March 10, 1976

I worked on the article. Learned Carl Weber died yesterday. He has been very feeble in an Enid rest home for some months – years, I think.

 

March 11, 1976

I attended Carl Weber’s funeral at the church. Kelley conducted it. It rained some during the day. Hard shower this evening. I finished and mailed the article. It was easy to write because I copied some pages from my Uni. of Miss. lecture.

 

March 12, 1976

[No entry.

 

March 13, 1976

[No entry.

 

March 14, 1976

Taught S.S. class. Heard a sermon by a Phillips prof. Spent the evening with the O’Nealls [sic]. Tomorrow I will go to Blackwell to speak at the Disciples Church and some other places about Indians they say.

 

March 15, 1976

Rev. Lewis Davis came after me at 5:30. He is an extremely  interesting person. I showed pics of Indians at the fellowship meeting. I didn’t care much for the audience; also I think I showed too many slides. When we came out of the church it was snowing hard. (soon quit.) I am staying with a friendly couple named Turvey.

 

March 16, 1976

I spoke briefly to the Lions – their noon meeting. Told how efforts of concerned people saved the Alaska natives and Havasupais – now the Pimas. In the P.M. Mrs. Turvey took me for a pleasant drive, and to the fine Blackwell library  where I met the librarian, Mrs. Beckford whom I like very much. In the evening I told the same story to the B. & P. Women’s Club.

 

March 17, 1976

Attended luncheon of Xn Women’s Fellowship. Fine group of women. After luncheon told the same story to a most responsive group and got some signed up to help Pimas. Forgot to say visited briefly in the Davis home in forenoon. Fine people, the Davises. They have served as missionaries in India. Mrs. Turvey brought me home. Mrs. Skirving, a former teacher, took us to the Nez Perce cemetery and the Tonkawa cemetery & village. Very interesting. Then she returned to Blackwell & we came on to Marshall.

 

March 18, 1976

Emilie Ficken died last night. She was a few months older than I. I loved her, a sweet and gentle person, but she has become increasingly feeble & took ill about a month ago. Had surgery but did not recover. Died in the hospital in Enid.

 

March 19, 1976

Pat and Ramona (bless them) came and planted two roses for me. One was a gift from Pat – Medallion. Last summer he told me to select on [sic] from their rose garden and he would order if for me. The other – Miranda – I ordered myself. The two came with peat moss, etc. and planted them just right. Then Pat pruned back my other roses.

 

March 20, 1976

Attended Emilie Emilie (We always called her “Mēlie”) Ficken’s funeral. She was a lovely person. We have had five funerals in our church since Jan. 22, which was Bob’s. It is enough to break our hearts.

 

March 21, 1976

Beautiful bright day. Came off to a good start for me – Violet Poindexter and her 98-year-old mother from New Orleans stopped to see me briefly early in the morning. Then I taught my S.S. class and heard sermon by a Phillips prof. Then our library open house in the P.M. Old friends from Enid, Guthrie, and Del City – sort of a home coming. Very pleasant.

 

March 22, 1976

I didn’t get much work done today although I tried. Tired, I guess.

 

March 23, 1976

Attended club – saw a film at the schoolhouse (not much good) business meeting at the library. It was a very pleasant meeting. Aruni Chatarsanet was there and that added to the good fellowship.

 

March 24, 1976

Another day in which I didn’t accomplish much. In the evening was our church family night Paul Schlers in charge had planned to use the film our club had. When I told him how disappointing it was we hatched a quick plan to supplement by my showing slides of church history using some I used at the Homecoming. I worked hard all day prepared & did my best.

 

March 25, 1976

I didn’t have yesterday’s good reason for not accomplishing much. Just a bad day. Today Gerry is having a sale of Bob’s cattle. I know it tears her up to do it. I worry about her all the time.

 

March 26, 1976

Homer & Ruth Herrington came after me and took me to the Okla. Library Assn. meeting at O.C. At the banquet I was on a panel of Okla. Authors on how our Okla. environment influenced our writing. Staying at the Lincoln Plaza – meeting rooms, banquet hall, hotel all under same roof. Ruth is really taking care of me and I like it.

 

March 27, 1976

Homer & Ruth brought me home this forenoon. Very pleasant. Beautiful weather. Green wheat. We got here about noon. In the P.M. I caught up on some writing.

 

March 28, 1976

Taught S.S. class. Prof. Bryan of Phillips preached. Went to dinner at Schaefer girls’ home. Gerry was there too, but she almost fainted when she got there. She has been through so much. In the P.M. she felt better and insisted on going home. I spent the evening with Pat and Ramona.

 

March 29, 1976

All the galley proofs of Geronimo descended on me today without warning. And on Mondays Ramona works at Crescent. But there was plenty to do arranging illustrations. I worked hard till I had to quit – too tired – at about 4:00. Gerry taught today but she looks very frail. She was once so vibrant and glowing.

 

March 30, 1976

Ramona and I worked all day on the proofs. The editor has undertaken to rewrite it. Such conceit. He is not a writer and I am. He ruins good sentences and I shall insist they be printed the way I wrote them. Once before I had trouble with an editor.

 

March 31, 1976

Ramona and Pat went to Ponca today to see about care for Pat’s Aunt Marie who is in the hospital following a stroke. They found her improving so no change was necessary. I worked on correspondence. Got letter from OSU president Kamm saying I am to receive special recognition at commencement. Answered that & other letters.

 

April 1, 1976

April 3 Ramona had to clean her house and I had to get my hair fixed fixed but we worked in the P.M. Passed slightly over the half way mark. In the evening my beloved Velma Payne & Mrs. Jones came to visit me. How I enjoyed it.

 

April 2, 1976

Ramona and I did a good day’s work on the proofs.

 

April 3, 1976

April 1 Turned 2 pages. Ramona and I worked hard on the proofs. The work goes slow because of the changes made by the conceited/ignorant editor. The McCool men checked my house for termites.

 

April 4, 1976

The beginning of our Prairie City days. I had to miss S.S. Attended church, Dr. Rose of Phillips minister. Then basket dinner at school auditorium, program by bell ringers. Very good. I announced winners in essay contest. Dorothy Cozart, who judged the essays with me. She stopped at my house for a visit after the program. Supper with Pat & Ramona.

 

April 5, 1976

Ramona always works in Crescent on Mondays, so no proof reading. But I found things to do some work on the illustrations, and I double checked all we have done.

 

April 6, 1976

Pat’s mother, Ida, died early this morning. I am deeply grieved for Pat and Ramona but not for Ida. She has been mentally confused for 22 years. Ramona stayed all night with her last night (she was in the Crescent nursing home). Pat came home to snatch some sleep but she died before he got back to keep watch while Ramona slept. I worked on illustrations.

 

April 7, 1976

I worked on my galleys, changing the badly edidet edited places back to the way I wrote them. I am very unhappy about this bad editing.

 

April 8, 1976

Attended Ida’s funeral at the Catholic Church this morning. Then spent the rest of the day marking the worst editing out of the proofs and changing back to the way I wrote it.

 

April 9, 1976

I didn’t have much time to work today. I washed this forenoon (didn’t wash last week) and got my hair washed & set this P.M. But I did finish the reverse editing of my MS. Mary Roberts died suddenly. Her daughter-in-law found her lying on the floor.

 

April 10, 1976

Climax of our “Prairie City Days.” Beautiful parade – Bicentennial theme. (I rode in the 1917 T model Ford.) Many other activities. Town filled with people. Met many old friends. I conduted [sic] a historical tour (only one this year). I am pretty tired.

 

April 11, 1976

Taught S.S. class. Heard sermon by a Phillips prof. Palm Sunday. Rested in the P.M. In the evening had a lovely visit with my beloved Pat and Ramona.

 

April 12, 1976

Worked on my illustrations. Attended funeral of Mary Roberts at the Xn church. Learned that Carl White died. He was Claudia’s twin and I loved Claudia. Didn’t know Carl intimately.

 

April 13, 1976

Funeral of Carl White (aged 97). I should have attended for he was the twin of my close friend Claudia, but I never knew him intimately & thought I should attend club. It met at Winnie’s Maxine gave fine program. The rest of the day Ramona and I worked on galleys. We didn’t even stay for refreshments at club.

 

April 14, 1976

Ramona and I put in a big day’s work on galleys. It was hot. In the evening I cleaned out the air conditioner, so we can can have it tomorrow.

 

April 15, 1976

A glorious rain last night. We needed it desperately. I hope it is not too late to save the wheat. (Later – Pat says it is not too late.) Ramona & I finished the galleys this P.M.

 

April 16, 1976

I finished odds and ends on the proofs, especially planning the illustrations, then boxed and mailed the whole set. Bright day after the rain but this evening to my surprise it started raining again. Yippee! The more the better.

 

April 17, 1976

It rained all night and off and on all day today. It is beautiful. We got about 2 in. with this one & 2 days ago. I had been invited to the dinner of Sons and Daughters of the 89ers at Hennessey but called & told them I couldn’t go on account of the rain.

 

April 18, 1976

I taught the S.S. class, and attended church service, communion service. Prof. Boring, minister. In the P.M. Ramona took me to the Passion Play at the Masonic Temple at Guthrie. Pat was at work behind the stage. The play was well done but I’d rather read a story than see a play. I am tired.

 

April 19, 1976

Dead tired when I went to bed last night but slept well and had a good day catching up on things I had neglected. It rained last night and off and on during the day. Glorious. I had planned to go to Enid but rain prevented me.

 

April 20, 1976

It rained last night and some today. I did more catching up. In the evening Domer Daugherty came by for me and we went to an ACLU committee meeting at Gloria Weber’s in Stillwater. The Stillwater group prepared supper & meeting after. Good meeting but too much uninteresting (excited) conversation afterwards. Got home about 12, very tired.

 

April 21, 1976

Glorious news! Marshall accepted as a Bicentennial community. I drove to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 20, left 23. Beautiful crisp sunny day. Ruth Cromer had a fall. I am worried about her. They found her lying on the floor.

 

April 22, 1976

I worked on a talk I am to give at the Unitarian Church in Stillwater Sunday. I used my air conditioner a short time in the P.M. First time this year. (My talk Sunday will be to enlist help for the Pimas.)

 

April 23, 1976

Worked on my talk. Got letter from Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff that will make it necessary to send out a letter about the Pimas. Just in time for my talk. I am deeply troubled about Ruth Cromer. She broke her hip in the fall. I think she cannot recover from that.

 

April 24, 1976

Worked on my talk. Also on letters I had to write. The clock goes up an hour during the night.

 

April 25, 1976

Drove to Stillwater and spoke at Unitarian Church. Very receptive audience. I told them victory of Havasupais and enlisted them to help Pimas & their neighbors Dinner with Gloria and Bob Weber. Spent the evening with the O’Neills. I heard the mocking bird today.

 

April 26, 1976

Wokded Worked on a letter I am going to send out about the Pimas. Also directed all my envelopes. My peonies have started blooming. I took an armful out to give to Gerry Schaefer. I am so grieved about Gerry.

 

April 27, 1976

I sent my Pima letter to Lorray Dyson to mimeograph. Attended club at home of Mary Rouse. Ramona had the program. Very interesting. About economic security from colonial days to the present. The world is lovely, especially my old fashioned yellow rose my peonies. and my red clematis. Also trees, sky, wheat

 

April 28, 1976

Hard rain last nights – a full inch – and we are very happy about it. I worked on next Sunday’s speech but not to good advantage. In the evening attended church family night. Pleasant visiting with friends, basket dinner, and upstairs Jimmy Beeby showed slides of Russia. Gerry seemed more like herself than I have seen her since Bob died.

 

April 29, 1976

Went to Stillwater for meeting with Jessie Douglas at home of Alice Moffitt and her sister Mabelle. Helen Stewart and Eva Wright were there also. We four (Not Mabelle) taught together in Enid High early in ‘20’s Alice had a lovely dinner as always. It was wonderful to be together again. Jessie lives in Iowa.

 

April 30, 1976

It rained all P.M. My mimeographed letters came & I sent out some. Couldn’t send all because some material I ordered from the Assn on Am. Ind. Aff. didn’t come. I worked on my talk to the Press Women Sunday.

 

May 1, 1976

The rest of the material came and I sent out the rest of the letters. Finished my talk and actually loafed a little.

 

May 2, 1976

Drove to Stillwater early this morning. Gave my talk. I didn’t think it was very good. The program was good and I liked the women – Okla. Press Women. I ate supper & spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona.

 

May 3, 1976

Worked on my commencement address. Going to give about the same to my beloved Marshall high school graduates & the Uni. of Tulsa. I didn’t write much but have it planned. My peonies are glorious.

 

May 4, 1976

Ivy Coffey came to see me. She wanted me to write an article for the Orbit about Okla. on July 4, 1776. It would have been an interesting article to write but would have involved too much research. So I had to decline. I spent the rest of the day on my commencement address. Lovely peonies!

 

May 5, 1976

Micki Van Deventer of Stillwater News-Press came to see me. She wants to write an article about me. She is a lovely young woman. The rest of the day I worked on my commencement address. I do not write easily. It takes me a long time.

 

May 6, 197[6]

Worked on my commencement address. I am overwhelmed by the beauty of my peonies.

 

May 7, 1976

Finished first draft of my Commencement address. It is too long. Will have to cut it down. Tomorrow I shall receive the Bennett Distinguished Award of O.S.U. Two other – Raymond Gary & a man named Finny from Fort Cobb.

 

May 8, 1976

Raymond & Mabel took me to Stillwater. They brought me an orchid. We attended Commencement Dinner. Dr. & Mrs. Kamm, hosts. Dr. Poole at our table. Nice. They took me in cars to the stadium. Lovely weather. Beautiful sight – the filled stadium, the academic procession, the bright sunlight (daylight saving time). Gov. Boren gave address. We got our awards. Then Raymond, Mabel, & I went to Weber home for a very pleasant informal reception with my ACLU friends.

 

May 9, 1976

No S.S. too many out of town. (And I had my lss lesson all ready to teach. Sermon by a prof from Phillips. Went to A.C.L.U. board meeting in P.M. Rode as usual with Domer Dougherty The board voted to enter a bingo game with a promoter who runs a bingo gambling establishment. All legal for non profit organizations. I am going to resign.

 

May 10, 1976

I wrote my letter of resignation from the A.C.L.U. board. I think people who believe in a cause should support it financially, not resort to petty gambling. The rest of the day I worked at cutting down my speech. We got a lovely rain last night. We needed it.

 

May 11, 1976

The Marshall Woman’s Club met with me today. All members present (We have only 8 but they are fine.) Frances Peach had the program. Fine program. Fine meeting.

 

May 12, 1976

We had a very heavy rain early this morning and the electricity was off till about 1:30. I couldn’t use my typewriter and could scarcely write with a pen because it was so dark. So I didn’t get much work work done on my address. The lovely heads of my peonies are almost touching the ground.

 

May 13, 1976

Started making final copy of my commencement address. In the evening attended meeting of Bicentennial Committee. I was glad I went because I got a plan started for flying the flag May 30 at 12:15 (after church). There was no plan for it – they were puzzled as to what to do. Light shower this P.M.

 

May 14, 1976

Beautiful day. Ralph and Ralph, Jr. came to see me. I had not seen Jr. since he was a boy and had not seen Ralph for two years. Happy visit. I had noon dinner with lovely little Kim Cardin. Vietnamese food. Delicious. She talked about interesting things and I can’t understand her.

 

May 15, 1976

I didn’t get much done on my Tulsa address. (Same, yesterday) Nelle Thomas and Russell Caston came to see me. Took me to lunch at the cafe. I had to keep library and they stayed with me & continued the visit. Nice!

 

May 16, 1976

Our church picnic. It was a beautiful service in a beautiful place with people I love. Conducted by our favorite Phillips prof. I can’t think of his name. I got home about 2:00 – left early. Worked some on my commencement address for tomorrow the high school class Tuesday. Local Bicentennial

 

May 18, 1976

I took it easy today. Didn’t work much. Had a permanent. In the evening was high school commencement – our last. The graduates were lovely – 9 of them. My address sounded too commonplace to me but too late to write another. I was afraid people wouldn’t like it. But I guess they did for they told me so afterwards. Gerry came after me & brought me home. Dear Gerry.

 

May 19, 1976

I worked on correspondence. Also spent some time talking on the telephone with a man from the Tulsa Tribune about the history of our school. I knew he was going to call and I spent some time planning what to say.

 

May 20, 1976

Busy day. Wrote important letter. Ironed. A reporter from Tulsa Tribune & a photographer came to get a story about closing of our school. They came also to see me because I gave commencement address. I made date bread for company coming Sunday. Selected Alaska slides to show them.

 

May 21, 1976

Drove to Enid this morning. Enid H. School awards, scholarships to students, Gene Griffin and I received the “Pride of the Plainsman” award. La Verne Griffith took me to luncheon. Ruth Scott, the speakers, Mrs. Sanford, Maxine, and Mina Simmons there. In the P.M. a couple named Simmons called. Meeting at church in the evening. They are interested in serving our church. They are fine. I hope we get them.

 

May 22, 1976

Getting ready for company tomorrow. Lonie Beth & Joe Rawlins. I love them and haven’t seen them for 20 yrs. I got final copy made of my Uni. of Tulsa Commencement speech. My beloved Nellie Moorman called for a long distance visit.

 

May 23, 1976

Taught the S.S. class but missed church. Changed beds, etc. ready for Joe & Lonie Beth. They came in early P.M. We had a wonderful visit. They are staying overnight.

 

May 24, 1976

Lonie Beth & Joe left in the middle of the forenoon. I put beds, etc. back in place. I enjoyed them every minute but after they left I was tired & slept in the P.M.

 

May 25, 1976

Our club took a tour to Guthrie. Very interesting. Saw a number of buildings designated by Foucart – business buildings & one residence. Also visited Leader Office. Had lunch in park. Then final business meeting of year. Lovely weather. It rained a little but not while were in the park

 

May 26, 1976

We had a hard rain this morning. Some said three inches. We needed it. My roses are lovely.

 

May 27, 1976

I drove to Enid to have my eyes tested. Right 22; left 21. The left was low because the test was in the P.M. and I put a drop in the left at 1:00. It threatened rain but cleared off.

 

May 28, 1976

I decorated my 14 graves in the cemetery. I use artificial flowers. I used to take the ones from my garden, but it became too difficult. Also the changed calendar of Memorial Day ca did away with the gathering we used to observe all at the same time. So artificial flowers last better.

 

May 29, 1976

I took it easy – got my hair fixed, packed, etc. Spent a little time filling the gap in tomorrow’s Bicentennial flag raising by drafting lovely Janet Shelby to take the place. How I should like to be there.

 

May 30, 1976

Missed S.S. & church. Ruth & Homer Harrington came at 10. Took me to Tulsa, the Mayo. Connie Cronley called. Went to President’s & administrators reception at 5:15, then dinner, then commencement. Lovely ceremonies & I guess my address was O.K. Terrible rain & tornado at Broken Arrow while we were safely in auditorium.

 

May 31, 1976

The Harringtons took me to visit Floy Cobb. Then Max and Mary Shank came after me & took me home in their camper. Wonderful visit with them. I saw the Stars & Stripes & Bicentennial flag on Main St. as we drove in. It rained a little. Max & Mary sleeping in their camper.

 

June 1, 1976

Rodney & Mary Huffer and the boys came this morning. They & the Shanks had a fine visit about Africa. It I took Max & Mary to dinner at the cafe to save work. They told me there that there was a big crowd Sunday at the flag raising. Max & Mary left soon after dinner about 2:00 I think.

 

June 2, 1976

I was tired today. (I’m glad I wasn’t tired when it mattered – at Tulsa or while Mary & Max were here. Also I caught a cold last night, lying uncovered in the breeze from the window. So I washed this morning and slept this afternoon. Did no work.

 

June 3, 1976

I was really ill all day with my cold. Spent most of the time in bed. Still ill this evening.

 

June 4, 1976

I still have my cold but was up and around all day. Worked on correspondence. The harvest hasn’t started yet. The cool May slowed the ripening of the wheat.

 

June 5, 1976

I still am not over my cold. But I am better. I attended to correspondence this morning and kept the library in the afternoon.

 

June 6, 1976

I felt pretty well but weak. I didn’t go to church for fear I might spread germs. Heard my two favorite TV programs – “Face the Nation” with Eise Pres. Ford, sincere but not very statesmanlike; and “Meet the Press,” with John Erlichmann, slippery insincere & plain stupid. I wish those programs didn’t come at church time.

 

June 7, 1976

Two women – Lena Ross and Irene Rose came to see me about a series of Educational TV programs they are planning about women in Oklahoma history.

 

June 8, 1976

Janet Shelby came and did a good job of cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the stove, waxing the floor, washing the windows, etc. – the works. I helped.

 

June 9, 1976

Janet cleaned the dining room. I helped. Chas. Owen of Crescent and a woman from the job corps at Guthrie came to see me about a historical society they are starting. Also Ruth Rusco & the young Rosamond’s & Dwight came by. Dwight is a fine boy.

 

June 10, 1976

Janet with Elaine Cheatham to help her move furniture cleaned my bedroom. We have had a lovely cool spring but it is getting warm, not 90ᵒ yet. Harvest is about to start.

 

June 11, 1976

The girls cleaned the living room. Harvest is in full blast – long lines of trucks waiting for their turns at the elevator. I think the yield around here is not bad.

 

June 12, 1976

Gene Fuxa was terribly burned in a propane accident. Janet would have finished my house today but she helped the family by baby sitting and other kindly things. The wheat harvest is going strong. Yields good.

 

June 13, 1976

I would have taught the S.S. class today but no class. Too much wheat harvest. Heard a good sermon by a Phillips prof.

 

June 14, 1976

I took it easy today, wrote letters, etc. packed for trip tomorrow Harvest going full blast.

 

June 15, 1976

Four Tulsa librarians came after me. Luncheon with still more librarians. They took me to old Creek burial ground at Sand Springs. I rested a little at the hotel (Mayo), then read my paper to Friends of the Library at South Sand Springs. Dinner with a librarian; Mrs. McPherson & her husband & daughter.

 

June 16, 1976

A librarian, Mr. Rusk took me to breakfast then to visit Gilcrease. Luncheon at Tulsa central library. Then Guy Logsdon interviewed me on video tape. Then the McPhersons took me to see the Port of Catoosa. Very interesting. Guy & Phillis Logsdon took me to dinner. Nice.

 

June 17, 1976

A librarian, Mr. Rusk took me to breakfast & to visit Gilcrease. Then others to luncheon & brought me home. Very happy experience.

 

June 18, 1976

Last night we had a rain – about ½ in. Very nice. It stopped harvest but we needed it otherwise. Lovely cool day. Yellow sunlight, blue sky, no wind. I was not even tired from my Tulsa trip.

 

June 19, 1976

Another lovely cool day. Janet cleared my last room – my study. Delayed from last week.

 

June 20, 1976

Another lovely cool day. No S.S. class materialized. Bill will take it here after. Dr. Anderson of Phillips preached. He has Cheyenne -Arapaho twin daughters. One came with him.

 

June 21, 1976

I caught up on correspondence. Part of it was writing letters to Tulsa people who did such nice things for me.

 

June 22, 1976

I started serious work on a preliminary index for “Geronimo” I am not sure it will help. I can’t do a real index till I have the page proofs. In the P.M. I called on Gerry. She is getting to be like herself.

 

June 23, 1976

Worked on “Geronimo” index. Visited briefly with Ramona. She and Pat are so busy with harvest I have been missing them.

 

June 24, 1976

The page proofs of “Geronimo” came today. Tha [sic] means I am working on the index. I got the check for my farm rental. My wheat was surprisingly good. There was a light shower last night but not much water. It is getting dry but things are still green. It has not been hot yet.

 

June 25, 1976

Worked on my index. Learned Lonnie Goodnight died. We have known each other since we were children and our families were close friends for many years. Learned Lonnie

 

June 26, 1976

Attended Lonnie’s funeral at Xn church. Very fine service by Jon Graham the young student pastor. Lula Cooper, my cousin Allie’s widow, and her sister Mabel came to see me. Lula lives in Oregon, Mabel in Hennessey. I didn’t get much indexing done but I did a little.

 

June 27, 1976

Stayed away from S.S. Heard a very fine sermon by Dr. Boring. Worked on my index. This is a 105° in Enid hot day, our first. And it is very dry. Things are still green, but they won’t be so very much longer.

 

June 28, 1976

Hot day. 105ᵒ in Enid. I worked on my index.

 

June 29, 1976

Another hot day. I worked on my index. Worried about the situation in Lebanon.

 

June 30, 1976

Much thunder and a little rain last night. We need a real rain, but it did bring a beautiful cool day. I worked on my index.

 

July 1, 1976

We had a fine rain this morning. About ½ inch. (We need more.) And we had a lovely cool day. I worked on my index.

 

July 2, 1976

It was cloudy all day but didn’t rain. At least it was cool. I worked on my index.

 

July 3, 1976

It was cloudy nearly all day but it didn’t rain. It got warm but not too hot. I didn’t work on my index. Got ready for tomorrow. Great day tomorrow.

 

July 4, 1976

A great day! I heard a fine sermon by Dean Joses of Phillips. Gerry read the Dec of Ind. Then a picnic at the schoolhouse. Small crowd but happy one. I showed my slides of Lexington, Concord, etc. But I hadn’t slept much last night and am terribly tired. The weather cooperated with us. Nice cool day.

 

July 5, 1976

Now our country starts its third century. Lovely cool day. I got my catchwords done and started organizing them for my index. Lovely cool day.

 

July 6, 1976

Another cool day, even cold in the morning but needing a little air conditioning in the afternoon. But how we do need rain! And July is our dryest [sic] month and it stretches ahead. I worked on organizing my catchwords.

 

July 7, 1976

Still cool though no so cool as formerly. Dry as it is, the cool weather keeps plants from suffering too much. I worked at organizing my catchwords.

 

July 8, 1976

It’s beginning to get hot again. I worked at analysing organizing my catchwords. Learned that Della Clark died yesterday. She has been in feeble health for years. She was 65. I loved Della. My contemporaries are falling away fast.

 

July 9, 1976

I attended Della’s funeral at the Methodist church. The building was packed. She and Dick had many friends. At noon my beloved young friend Blue Clark called briefly. He had driven all the way up from O.C. to see me. He has completed his Ph.D. and is on the way to a job at the Uni. of Utah. I got some work done on my index.

 

July 10, 1976

Worked on my index. I am copying typing the “Geronimo” pages. Naturally there are many entries and they are very complicated. I hope the rest won’t be so hard.

 

July 11, 1976

Went to church. Fine sermon by Dr. Boring of Phillips. He is the best of the lot so far. I continued typing the Geronimo entry. It is hard to organize. Our weather is surprisingly cool. Oh, I use the air conditioner part of the day but turned low.

 

July 12, 1976

Learned from the OHS that the historical marker we ordered and paid for Feb. 3 finally arrived. I spent much time calling people on the Bicentennial committee to get a start on the dedication. Worked on my index

 

July 13, 1976

Finally got everything straightened out. The dedication will be July 27, the eighty-seventh anniversary of the first sale in the crossroads store when our town started. I worked on my index. I am now organizing and typing it. Have 6 pp. done.

 

July 14, 1976

Worked on my index. This evening I listened in on the votes by states at the Democratic convention. I knew how it would end but I was thrilled listening. I can’t work every minute.

 

July 15, 1976

Pleased over Carter’s selection of V.P. All on his list were good men but Jackson. I worried a little about him, afraid he might be the one. Worked on my index. We had a shower this evening We need much much more. Heard Carter’s acceptance speech. Convention adjourned

 

July 16, 1976

Worked on index.

 

July 17, 1976

Worked on index

 

July 18, 1976

Went to church. Good sermon by Dr. Schurz of Phillips. Worked on index.

 

July 19, 1976

Worked on index. Thrilled over pictures of Mars by Viking1.

 

July 20, 1976

Worked on index.

 

July 21, 1976

They set the historical marker today. I watched them. Worked on index.

 

July 22, 1976

Worked on my index.

 

July 23, 1976

Worked on my index.

 

July 24, 1976

Finished my index. I need to go over it checking, harmonizing, etc. But anyhow I finished typing “G.” If the Press is not in a hurry I will let Ramona do all the final copy.

 

July 25, 1976

Went to church. Heard a good sermon by Dr. Howard Hull. In the P.M. a charming family named Underwood called. At 7:00 P.M. we dedicated the historical marker. Very pleasant. Really perfect on July 25, 1889. Sylvan Rice sold the first bill of goods at the crossroads store that was the beginning of Marshall

 

July 26, 1976

I called Doris Morris of the Uni. Press and asked if she is in a hurry about the index. She said she does need the page proofs. The index can wait a week. I’ll let Ramona do it alone instead of helping make the final typing

 

July 27, 1976

I mailed the page proofs. Yesterday and today I have worked on checking the index. Ramona started typing today.

 

July 28, 1976

I drove to Enid to have eyes tested. Very bad, 23, left 26. Then Dr. Shields said perhaps I had forgotten the morning drops. I think that is it. The only time I have forgotten in 7 years. I finished checking my index. And Aruni Chantorasnet  came to see me. She gets her Ph.D. Friday.

 

July 29, 1976

I worked at correspondence, etc. that I have neglected these past weeks. We are having very hot weather. And so dry.

 

July 30, 1976

I have much catching up to do. Magazines unread, letters unanswered. I am working at that. Also I got a permanent today.

 

July 31, 1976

John Jones, son of Stephen Jones had his 14^th birthday yesterday. He loves to read about Indians so today his father brought him to visit me as a birthday treat. He is a fine bright boy. Then Sherril [sic] and his younger brother dropped in. Sherrill had been campaigning for Stephen who is running for Congress. I enjoyed the visit very much. Terribly hot day.

 

August 1, 1976

Went to church in the morning. In the afternoon wrote letters, also loafed a little. In the evening went to see Pat and Ramona. I have been missing them while I was working so hard on my index. Hot day but getting cooler.

 

August 2, 1976

It rained a little last night and it was cool, even cold. all day day. It was a great relief but we need some real rain. Ramona finished typing my index and we spent the P.M. proofreading it. Now it is all finished.

 

August 3, 1976

Another lovely cool day. It makes a lot of difference in my feelings. I mailed the index this morning. Spent the day catching up neglected correspondence and reading. It rained a little

 

August 4, 1976

It is getting hot again. I did some correspondence. Also loafed a little.

 

August 5, 1976

Another hot day. And even with the air conditioner I’m not standing the heat very well this summer. I worked on correspondence. It sprinkled a little this evening.

 

August 6, 1976

Our beloved Aruni Chantorasnet came to visit us this evening bringing two other girls from Thailand. I called our club members and Winnie, Ramona, and Mary were able to come. We had a pleasant visit at my home. Arunie [sic] will return to Thailand next week.

 

August 7, 1976

Aug. 8 I attended church. Heard a good sermon by a Phillips prof. Our own minister will be here next Sunday. I spent the evening with my beloved Pat and Ramona.

 

August 8, 1976

Aug. 7 I didn’t get much work done today. In the P.M. I kept the library.

 

August 9, 1976

Dick Clark called to ask help in identifying some pictures. I have worried about Dick since Della’s death. Learned that a hearing scheduled on the Senate bill to provide water for the Pimas and their neighbors was abruptly canceled. Political motive but I don’t know just what I wrote a letter to the Okla. United Methodist Women advising everyone to write to presidential candidates to make statement on the issue.

 

August 10, 1976

Jack Finley whom I knew as a fine young college student back in the 1950’s came to see. Took me to dinner at Enid and spent the P.M. Very pleasant. He is running for Cong. In Carl Albert’s old dist.

 

August 11, 1976

Eula Mae Goodnight Beckett called. She and Jimmie are in Marshall at the sad task of sorting Lonnie’s belongings. Of course they want to sell the snug little house where Lonnie and Sadie lived.

 

August 12, 1976

Right in the middle of a word my typewriter went bad. So I drove to Enid and left it to be repaired. It was terribly hot and the air conditioner on my car doesn’t put put out much . It helped a little bit nor much.

 

August 13, 1976

I sewed all day because I had no typewriter. Made over 3 petticoat slips I haven’t worn for years because they were too long. In the evening we had wind, clouds, and some thunder but no rain. I’m afraid it will clear off tonight

 

August 14, 1976

My typewriter came on the Mistletoe Express this morning. It did clear off. I wrote some letters now that my typewriter is here. I kept the library in the afternoon.

 

August 15, 1976

Another terribly hot day. Our new minister and his wife and baby are here. She is a divinity student too. She preached the sermon. Very good. I am so thankful we now have a pastor.

 

August 16, 1976

Somehow I lost the description of some of my Alaska slides, so I supplied it again from memory. Then I rewrote and updated instructions to Raymond Bryson, my executor as to giving some keepsakes, etc. to my friends and relatives.

 

August 17, 1976

I finished my instructions to Raymond. Some of the people I had formerly designated had died and it needed a fresh copy. Then I started some suggestions to my beloved young Kansas City cousins.

 

August 18, 1976

Finished the suggestions to my cousins. I am glad to get this in shape. We are still having terrible weather. No relief in sight. Listened to Rep. Convention till midnight to hear the vote on the nomination but they were still making seconding speeches so I went to bed. Ford has it I am sure

 

August 19, 1976

I am glad Ford was nominated. He is a decent person and deserves it and Reagan is completely unprincipled. Ford is not a good president. He is in with all the wrong people, but I think he will not be elected. Today he chose Dole as his running mate. A fitting choice. As bad as Ford himself

 

August 20, 1976

I worked on some slides I want to leave at the church. They were pictures I used at the homecoming and it was a tedius [sic] job to identify them. It has been cooler the past two days. But no rain.

 

August 21, 1976

I didn’t get much work done today. I got up late, shortening the forenoon, and in the evening I kept the library.

 

August 22, 1976

Went to church, heard a very trivial sermon by our minister, Jack Timmons. I hope that is not his style. But if he works hard and is sincere I can stand poor sermons. In the evening I visited Pat & Ramona. Very nice.

 

August 23, 1976

Much thunder and a very light shower last night. Not enough to count. I wrote a letter about the Pimas and sent it away to be mimeographed.

 

August 24, 1976

I went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. My eyes are O.K. – right 20, left 22. The concern we felt last time was unnecessary. I simply forgot, for once, to use the drops that morning. I looked for shoes. Found only one par [sic] I liked. Price $39. Before I’ll pay that I’ll go barefoot.

 

August 25, 1976

Edith (bless her) trimmed a lot of dead wood from my tamarisk while I helped pile it for the garbage man to take tomorrow. Just as we finished two young men came on motorcycles – my cousin Jimmie Donovan and another Chicago boy – so their way to college in Calif. They are staying with me tonight.

 

August 26, 1976

The boys left this morning. They expect to stop in Amarillo. I enjoyed them very much. Since their visit was unexpected I had not prepared beds for them. But they assured me they had sleeping bags and sone slept in my living room, the other on the front porch. Fortunately it was a cool night.

 

August 27, 1976

Dr. Jesse O. McKee of the Uni. of South Miss. and a young grad. student named Hudson came to see me this evening. He is writing a book about the Choctaws. I spent the day directing letters to people concerned about the water rights of the Pimas and other Ind. tribes of Ariz.

 

August 28, 1976

Just as I got home Gerry Schaefer stopped by with Carol Huda and her fine husband and children. Happy experience. Waukomis had a parade at 5:00 P.M. closing a week’s fair and they wanted us to participate. They are always so good coming to our Prairie City parade so we felt obligated. I went & so did our P.C. queen Diane Markes and our mini-queen, Michelle. I rode up with the Mirkes family. Very pleasant. In the parade we thru “queens” rode with Stanley Hitt in his 1917 Ford.

 

August 29, 1976

Went to Church. Paula preached. In the evening we had an ice cream social in the basement and then a very fine installation service for Jack and Paula. Our conference minister was there and several other ministers.

 

August 30, 1976

I sent out more letters about the Pimas. That finishes that batch. Then I called on Jack and Paula Timmons. They are a very energetic couple. We are having cooler weather but it still doesn’t rain.

 

August 31, 1976

We had a beautiful rain last night and this morning, soft, steady, no run off, all soaked in. It was 2 ½ in. But it quit this forenoon and we needed 2 or 3 days of it. Cloudy and cool all day.

 

September 1, 1976

Cool cloudy day but no more rain. My surprise lilies are beautiful this year. With this dry weather I don’t know how they made it. Of course they got some water when I watered my my roses.

 

September 2, 1976

It cleared off and the sun shone. It was a cool lovely day but we needed more rain.

 

September 3, 1976

I worked on a speech I am to give to the Okla. Federation of Indian Women Next week at Lawton.

 

September 4, 1976

I slept badly last night and was tired all day. Didn’t get much done, only routine things like watering my flowers to keep them alive.

 

September 5, 1976

Our S.S. class died last summer but today we revived it. Bill was absent so I taught. Paula preached this morning. In the P.M. I ate watermelon with Pat and Ramona.

 

September 6, 1976

I attended to correspondence. Had a happy surprise in the P.M. Leda Barr and her three sisters stopped in briefly to visit me. Pearl was in my class at Enid High School in 1920. I ate a Mexican supper with Jack & Paula and spent the evening with them.

 

September 7, 1976

I worked on my Saturday speech. Also wrote letters.

 

September 8, 1976

Worked on my Sat. speech. In the evening it clouded over but I am afraid it is not going to rain.

 

September 9, 1976

It did rain last night – ¾ inch. Of course we need more than that. Today was not cool, but cold. The air conditioner in my study had been flooding the room with water Woodrow and Raymond Winburn cleaned out the clogged drain. I am grateful. Also they straightened up a bad lock on my kitchen door.

 

September 10, 1976

The president of the Okla. Federation of Indian Women who lives at Moore came after me this evening and took me to Lawton Eighty miles out of her way (2X80 = 160) up here. She is an Osage, Mrs. Kathleen Crawford, a very interesting person. I hated to cause her such a long drive. We are staying at the Holiday Inn.

 

September 11, 1976

I have seldom seen a meeting that was so inspiring. These Indian women are so dedicated, so capable, and with such a spirit of fellowship. The program was one to be long remembered. My part went off O.K. I appealed for helped to the Pimas and they responded. They gave me a gorgeous shawl. Gorgeani Roberson of Bartlesville took me home. Not out of her way.

 

September 12, 1976

Bill taught the S.S. class, a big one. I had done some telephoning during the week. Good sermon by Jack. Then I went to Hennessey with him and Paula (and Pris of course) for dinner. Spent the evening with my beloved Ramona and Pat.

 

September 13, 1976

It rained last night! and some during the day. About ¾ inch. Two roses that tried to die last summer are now blooming. The blooms are somewhat malformed but they are far from dying. Cool day. No air conditioner needed.

 

September 14, 1976

Pleasant day. At 9:30 I saw Geo. Beeby and Mary Rouse receive some deserved Bicentennial awards from the P.O. Dept. An official came up from O.C. to bestow them. Mary for the Bicentennial actions of our Woman’s Club when she was pres. Then at noon our club luncheon at Winnie Branen’s to start year. Very pleasant. Lovely weather. Lawns are now green.

 

September 15, 1976

Had dinner with Alma Friend. The Schaefer sisters and Eleanora Weber were there also. Alma is settling permanently in Stillwater. Leaving tomorrow. The last of the Friends to be at home in the big beautiful house. It makes me very sad.

 

September 16, 1976

September 18 – Sept 16 two pages over. Perry wanted me to ride in the parade of the Cherokee Strip celebration so I did. Ginger Hitt took me over & Stanley brought the 1917 Ford owned by Ginger & Luella Reim. So rode in the car, Stanley driving. It was the most beautiful parade I ever saw & a crowd estimated at 10,000 were banked along the square. I wore my grandmother’s shall [sic], hat, et. I got pretty tired.

 

September 17, 1976

We had a good rain last night. All these rains have gone into the ground – no run-off. But we will need some run-of for ponds and creeks. Now we are just happy to see the ground get it.

 

September 18, 1976

Sept. 16. Turned two pages. We had a good rain last night and this morning and a lovely shower in late afternoon. The cracks in the ground are about closed. I think it is really getting wet deep down. Well not wet, moist.

 

September 19, 1976

I taught the S.S. class (Bill out of town) and attended church. Jack preached a good sermon. In the evening was a basket dinner and family night. Program was a song fest by Jack and Paula. I didn’t enjoy it, too noisy and I don’t care for that kind of songs, but hope (and believe) everyone else did.

 

September 20, 1976

My spider lilies are blooming. And I have a lovely perfect bloom on my Favorita rose, and thru velvety blooms on my Miranda A few weeks ago I was afraid those roses would die in spite of all I could do. Pat stopped in briefly to leave me some things to read. His presence always makes my day shine.

 

September 21, 1976

[No entry.

 

September 22, 1976

[No entry.

 

September 23, 1976

I heard the historic debate between Pres. Ford & Jimmie Carter. I doubt that changed anything. They came off about even.

 

September 24, 1976

I worked on a speech I am to make Oct. 8 at a meeting of the S.W. area of the United Methodist Church. A workshop on historical researching and writing

 

September 25, 1976

Two fine people visited me. Dr. & Mrs. Devore James DeVore of Edmond. He is the son of my beloved friend, Elizabeth DeVore, no deceased. I have seldom enjoyed a visit so much. It rained last night and off & on during the day. Not much water fell. Just before I started getting ready for bed a hard rain started and the electricity went off. Just before I went started getting ready for bed a hard rain started and the big electricity went off.

 

September 26, 1976

It rained 3.3 inches last night. Now there is run-off to fill ponds, etc. The electricity came back on during the night. I attended S.S. and church – good lesson by Bill, very fine sermon by Paula. I ate dinner at Hennessey with Paula and Jack and their friends from Texas – named Davis.

 

September 27, 1976

I worked on a program I am to give at Club tomorrow. On the U.S. constitution. Cool, cloudy day. Yesterday evening I started my furnace and it felt good today.

 

September 28, 1976

Club at met at home of Mary Rouse. I gave the program. A lively visitor was there, Mrs. Terry Johnson. She is a native of some Spanish American country, met Terry when he was working there.

 

September 29, 1976

I have done some intensive work on the water right of the Pimas and their neighbors. The White House is sending out material opposing them and I want to sure of every angle. Then I will send out a letter to my correspondents refuting it.

 

September 30, 1976

Finished my study and sent a letter to the Assn. on Am. Ind. Aff. asking some questions about things that puzzled me. We are having beautiful weather.

 

October 1, 1976

Saw Dr. Freed for my annual check-up. He found a lump in my abdomen. It may not be serious but he wants me in the hospital Sunday morning. I am glad my work is done on Geronimo and I told Raymond, Ramona & Pat & Edith. I had planned to buy shoes so I bought them. I may not need them.

 

October 2, 1976

I wrote letters and attended to many details, also packed my suitcase ready to leave tomorrow. It is even possible that I shall never came back to the life I have led up to now. But my main feeling is gratitude to God for the 86 years of life, and gratitude to good people. Spent the evening with my beloved O’Neills.

 

October 3, 1976

Writing in forenoon. Ramona brought me over and did all the things about checking me in. She is beautiful but her goodness surpasses her beauty. Evening: had a good day. Feel fine of course. Beautiful room, angelic nurses, good food. Trouble starts tomorrow.

 

October 4, 1976

Kidney Xrays. All O.K. Raymond and Mabel came to see me this morning; Pat & Ramona this evening. Bless them. The Brysons had a lovely chrysanthemum delivered. The O’Neills brought a vase with beautiful roses.

 

October 5, 1976

Had bowell [sic] Xrays, Shows tumor. Dr. Roberts says probably cancer. He was very frank. Considered my age, etc. but thinks my life will be more comfortable if they operate, rather than letting it go. He is concerned about the quality of life rather than mere prolongation. The Brysons and O’Neills came to see me. Also Howlands and Agnews

 

October 6, 1976

I am surrounded by love, room filled with flowers, friends calling. And there is the love of God of which I am confident, and I am grateful for 86 years of life. So no matter what tomorrow’s outcome is I am the gainer. I can’t lose.

 

October 7, 1976

My surgery was on Oct. 7. Pat and Ramona, Raymond and Mabel, and Jack and Paula were at the hospital at 7:00 A.M. They were in my room to speed me on my way. I wasn’t

 

October 8, 1976

Rxn even slightly disturbed or excited as they wheeled me out. It went off well. Cancer on inside my colon but no evidence of spreading. I was awake and back in my room

 

October 9, 1976

by about 11:00, Paula and Jack talked to me and left soon. The Brysons & O’Neills (bless them) stayed with me that whole miserable first day. Every day after that  was an improvement.

 

October 10, 1976

All the hospital care I got was wonderful – by velvet-footed, soft-voiced, deft-handed, angel-winged people. My recovery was rapid beyond all expectations. I left the

 

October 11, 1976

hospital on Sat., Oct. 17 Alwina Alwina Friend & Arnold packed me up and brought me to the lovely apartment of Alma Friend. I am

 

October 12, 1976

entirely recovered, but very weak, not able to cook and prepare my meals, so Alma (bless her) invited me to stay

 

October 13, 1976

with her. All the time I am gaining strength (am writing on Oct. 24). Many lovely things happened. Ruth and Homer Herrington

 

October 14, 1976

came clear from Tulsa, with a lovely plant from the library staff of Uni. of Tulsa. They brought along Winnie Blair.

 

October 15, 1976

I don’t know how they found out about my surgery. They said they had an effective network of spies. My whole experience

 

October 16, 1976

has been a happy one, not a painful one. That even includes the first uncomfortable day. I cannot enumerate the cards,

 

October 17, 1976

flowers, and visits of friends during my whole stay at the hospital. I have a mountain of gratitude a mile high. And here at Alma’s

 

October 18, 1976

August and Catherine Burchardt Burchardt came and spent the afternoon. They had a made a quick trip to Okla. and learned of my

 

October 19, 1976

surgery. And in the hospital I had long telephone visits with Vera Hasselhorn, Pat Donovan, Shirley and Ray Worsley, Willa Farris, and Dorine Halstead.

 

October 20, 1976

Ramona had kept these cousins informed. I wrote to them about the lump and the Xrays and Ramona told them I was due for surgery and called

 

October 21, 1976

them when it was over. And I had the concern and prayers of all these beloved people. Truly it was a happy experience. I’m

 

October 22, 1976

At Alma’s. Stronger every day. And so pleasant to have this long visit with Alma.

 

October 23, 1976

Alma and I have had more chance to visit than through all the years since we roomed together at the Un. of Okla. in 1929-30. Alma of course is much younger than I.

 

October 24, 1976

Sunday. Alma went to church I heard Kissinger Kissinger on TV, a favorite program. Had a lovely visit from Gloria Weber this P.M. Also a fine telephone visit from Shirley Barry. I have certainly had visits from many friends this month.

 

October 25, 1976

Alma took me to see Dr. Roberts today. He wanted to see me before I should leave Stillwater. He was greatly pleased at my recovery. Bob Arnold, Alwina Friend’s husband, was here for dinner tonight. Alwina is in Illinois visiting a daughter.

 

October 26, 1976

Last night after I had gone to bed (it was still early) Martha Dehn called and I had a fine telephone visit with her. And today Flora Ward came to see me. Shirley Worsley has some undiagnosed illness. Tests tomorrow. I called her this evening.

 

October 27, 1976

Ramona came and brought me home. I had so much accumulated baggage she needed a moving van. I feel fine only weak. Today Shirley has a complicated series of tests. I am praying for her. I know how much love and prayers meant to me.

 

October 28, 1976

Shirley Worsley called me. The tests are not all evaluated an but she has been told that she has no brain tumors – and that was our unspoken fear. I got along fine today, feel good but weak. Raymond Bryson called. Beautiful sunny day.

 

October 29, 1976

Beautiful rain last night and all day. We are very happy about. Just what the newly sown wheat needs. It is still raining. Olga and Clara Schaefer came thru the rain to see me. Nice visit. Pat hoped to finish sowing this week – has only 100 A. left – but he is still happy about the rain.

 

October 30, 1976

Nice day after the rain. I drove to town twice – once to the bank in the A.M., once in later P.M. to mail letters. Tonight was UNICEF and “tricks or treats” night. I was besieged by children and I loved it. I felt better today than any previous day. But I’m still weak.

 

October 31, 1976

Not up to attending church but two of my lovely plants did. Raymond came and I got them. Paula & Jack called this P.M. My beloved Pat and Ramona spent the evening with me. I enjoyed it very much. Lovely weather.

 

November 1, 1976

Felt best of any day yet. Drove to town twice. I am very uneasy about the election tomorrow. Ford is getting dangerously close to Carter. Lovely weather.

 

November 2, 1976

Didn’t sleep much last night, so really ill this A.M. But I voted & had a permanent. (Hair untouched since Sept. 30.) Then Mabel sent me a delicious dinner. I ate it & slept 2 hrs. Woke feeling fine. The Schaefer girls & Ethel Newel called. I enjoyed them so much. Watching election returns. Worried but hopeful.

 

November 3, 1976

Woke several times during the night and came out to living room & watched election returns. Last time, Carter lacked only 3 votes. In the morning his victory was assured. I am very happy about it, too happy to be very tired. Lovely weather.

 

November 4, 1976

Felt fine. Mary Huffer and the boys called. Also my beloved small boy, Mike Diedrich. In the evening attended meeting of library board. Got too tired but I was afraid there wouldn’t be a quorum quorum. Bonnie Diedrich picked me up. Alma Friend came to see me this P.M.

 

November 5, 1976

Slept badly last night – too tired – and in consequence felt bad all day. Alice Pipla cleaned my house, first time since Sept. I didn’t feel well enough the other days,. Also she attended to many things – putting them away, etc.

 

November 6, 1976

I felt wonderful all day. It was so warm I left the doors open (glass in screen, so not really open). Also I strolled around the yard. Chas. Burchardt called. I hadn’t see him since he was a half grown boy.

 

November 7, 1976

I missed S.S. but attended church. First time since Sept. I got tired. Had dinner with those good Schaefer sisters. I lay on the divan most of the time I was there but was still tired. I had a very good visit in spite of that.

 

November 8, 1976

Felt fine all day. Nothing in particular happened.

 

November 9, 1976

Attended Club. Fine meeting. We had business meeting at the schoolh library, then adjourned to the schoolhouse, where we saw an extremely interesting film about the scissor-tailed flycatcher.

 

November 10, 1976

Frank Ficken died yesterday evening. Such a good and gentle man. I sat by him at church Sunday. As we left he said to the Schaefer girls, “Someone should help Angie. She needs help.” (I didn’t need help.) Yesterday he was mowing his lawn and talking to his neighbors. Then his light was on late & they investigated. He was dead and cold.

 

November 11, 1976

It started thundering in the night and the wind shifted to the north. The ground was wet this morning from rain or snow. It snowed hard all the forenoon. Lovely soft snow, no drifting, just right for the wheat. The ground was covered about 1 inch deep. In the P.M. the sun shone and most of it melted.

 

November 12, 1976

Very cold. Frank Ficken’s funeral was today but it was so cold I thought I shouldn’t attend. Lovely little Kim Cardin brought me a great armful of chrysanthemums she had raised. Every vase and bowl I have is full. She is so sweet. I wish. I could understand her rapid Vietnamese English.

 

November 13, 1976

A cold, dark, miserable day. We are having a very cold fall. I am afraid that means a cold winter. I made bread today. A sure proof of returning strength. A week ago I couldn’t have kneaded it.

 

November 14, 1976

Dark cold threatening day but it cleared from the west just before sunset. I attended church. Paula preached a fine sermon. I hope it clears up. Tomorrow Olga & Clara will take me to Enid for my appointment with Dr. Shields missed when I was in the hospital. Test of peripheral vision, etc.

 

November 15, 1976

It was clear this morning. My tests went fine. No change in sight (shows cataracts are not developing any more. Peripheral vision O.K. Tension check 18 & 20 with one instrument, 20 & 22 with another.

 

November 16, 1976

It was a dark cloudy day but warmer than usual. The last of the snow melted. I do not remember so cold a fall as this.

 

November 17, 1976

A beautiful sunny fall day. Learned Martha Gordon died. Shirley & Ray Worsley called me from Chicago. Shirley’s reports have come in. No brain damage of any kind. She had a kidney infection, which has been cured. They are driving to Conn. tomorrow to visit John’s family.

 

November 28, 1976

Another of those beautiful golden fall days, rare this year. I tried to write my Xmas letter but didn’t succeed very well. Not much to write about and uncertainty about publication date of Geronimo.

 

November 19, 1976

My “little sister,” Nellie Moorman called for a telephone visit. A glorious day for me. A box of copies (four of (four) of Geronimo came. It is a beautiful book and I am very happy about it. Gave copies to the O’Neills and George Beeby. Will keep one & send one to Eva Ball. I wrote my Xmas letter. Somethings to write about. Beautiful spring like day.

 

November 20, 1976

Martha Gordon was buried today. We had been friends for many years. But I could not attend her funeral for it was at Orlando, too far for me to drive. She was buried here in the North Cemetery but I could not stand so long. I loved her. Warm day.

 

November 21, 1976

I attended S.S. Jack taught the class and it was extremely interesting. He took it over while I was away. Paula preached a good sermon. In the P.M. Dorine called and I had a long, beautiful telephone visit with her. In the evening the men at the church served a pancake supper & the council presented a tentative budget. And I am not even tired. I am gaining strength rapidly.

 

November 22, 1976

Didn’t sleep well last night, so didn’t feel very well today. Called on Mrs. Jones who is my age & usually well. But she broke her hip & was in the hospital in Enid while I was in Stillwater. She also had a rapid recovery but needs a walker. Ila & Carol are with her.

 

November 23, 1976

Went to Club at Maxine’s. Tibbie & Virginia Shades were there. Brought two copies of a glorified scrapbook of family history to give the library. It transcends the family experience – is an American saga. Floy Cobb for a long telephone visit.

 

November 24, 1976

Warm day. Furnace turned off. Blue sky, golden sunshine, green wheat. Two lovely little girls came to see me. Marie Howard, Jackie Pollard – & brought 2 apples & an orange “for Thanksgiving.”

 

November 25, 1976

Windy day but warm. I had Thanksgiving dinner with the Schaefer sisters. Nice. And it is getting to be a habit with me.

 

November 26, 1976

It started out a beautiful, warm sunny day. In the late afternoon it clouded over – thick clouds, dark. We are told severe cold weather is on the way. Perhaps snow.

 

November 27, 1976

Very cold day but no snow – yet. I kept library this P.M. but nobody came. Gladys Davis called for a long telephone visit. Nice!

 

November 28, 1976

We missed the bad storm we were expecting. It turned aside and hit Texas. We had a clear, bright day but very cold. I stayed away from church because I have a cold and didn’t want to give it to anybody. I am not sick.

 

November 29, 1976

Our club entertained our three OSU students from Thailand. Took them to luncheon at Student Union (garden room), then to Pawnee Bill Museum  & “Mansion” at Pawnee. Lovely girls and we all enjoyed it. Cold but bright day. Geo. Thornton was buried today.

 

November 30, 1976

I am working hard at correspondence, etc. but never catch up. Of course I can’t work too steadily though I gain strength every day. Cold this morning but got fairly pleasant this P.M.

 

December 1, 1976

Not much happened. I seem to be swamped with long overdue correspondence and I can’t catch up. Perhaps I don’t try very hard.

 

December 2, 1976

A shipment of 20 copies of Geronimo I had ordered came today. I shall give copies to people who have helped me in the research. I mailed six today, got did preliminary work on mailing others The shipment cost $182.69. I shall have a few left to sell. Lovely fall day.

 

December 3, 1976

I finished mailing books except for two I shall send later. I have given away 18 and those two will make 20. It costs me quite a bit – the shipment cost $182 but people have been so generous in helping me write that they deserve a copy. Writers always help each other but I have received more help on this book than on any other I have written. Lovely fall day.

 

December 4, 1976

I didn’t accomplished much today. It was a pleasant warm day. My furnace quit – thermocouple burned out – but Joe Misar put in a new one before the house got cold.

 

December 5, 1976

Attended S.S. (Jack taught class). Gerry was in tears, no doubt thinking of last Xmas when Bob was there. Paula preached. In the P.M. I put up Xmas decorations & started playing the Messiah on my record player. Sunny morning but clouded up & misted. In the evening attended the “Hanging of the Green” services at the church.

 

December 6, 1976

It was cold today but not stormy. The sun came out in the P.M. My Xmas letters came today. I got 17 ready to mail. My car is in the garage for repair of the gear shift, and I had to go to town, so I walked. I am truly getting stronger. But it did make me puff.

 

December 7, 1976

Got my car back. But I am now strong enough to walk down town. I sent out Xmas letters but I am slow about it. Add too much on each one.

 

December 8, 1976

I worked on Xmas letters but it goes slow.

 

December 9, 1976

Worked on Xmas letters. Hoped to finish the first hundred but got only to 82. I have typed too many special messages. But I like to do it.

 

December 10, 1976

Cold threatening day. I had an appointment with the dentist in Hennessey but was afraid of an ice storm. I did finish the first 100 letters, 102 to be exact.

 

December 11, 1976

Cold, dark day. I kept library in the P.M. but had no customers. I didn’t get any letters written today. Had too many other things to do. The business of living takes much time – cooking, hair (beauty shop), house work, etc.

 

December 12, 1976

Attended S.S. & church. I learn much from Jack’s class. Beautiful church service Jack preached. Went to Hennessey with the Brysons for Sunday dinner. In P.M. Alden Grassman & J.C. Diedrich came by on “every member canvass.” Enjoyed visit. Then I went to the O’Neills. Best of all. In the evening a beautiful cantata at our church by the combined singers of our church & the Disciples.

 

December 13, 1976

I didn’t get much done today but this P.M. a beautiful thing happened. Leo and Edna Draper came to see me. They had visited the Paul Wu family at Charleston W.Va. and told me all about them. It was almost like seeing the Wus.

 

December 14, 1976

Club today at Frances Peach’s. All the members were there and a fine visitor, Ginger Hitt’s sister – also Glendora Harting. I reviewed Geronimo and did it very badly. Lovely Janet Shelby and a college friend came to see me.

 

December 15, 1976

I worked hard today at Xmas letters. We are having lovely weather.

 

December 16, 1976

Worked on letters but didn’t get many done.

 

December 17, 1976

We have had beautiful weather all week. Today and on other days I had the furnace turned off except morning and evening. I sent out Xmas letters. Now I have sent 174. Slow progress.

 

December 18, 1976

Beautiful warm day. People contributed to buy a Bicentennial watch for Phil Bostick in recognition of his service in keeping up the electric builletion [sic] board on Main St. They asked me to make the presentation. I climbed on the firetruck bringing candy to the children – all confusion. I did it badly but he got the watch and that was the main thing. He was greatly surprised.

 

December 19, 1976

Attended S.S. & church. Fine church service Jack & Paula speaking in alternate sentences. Not a sermon. Very effective. In the evening was an informal Christmas party. Paula was to come after me but was so busy she forgot. People said it was a fine social meeting.

 

December 20, 1976

It turned very cold last night. I sent out Xmas letters. My mail box is stuffed full with those that come in. It is just like a party, these visits with scattered friends. Most of them write real letters or perhaps “canned” ones full of news.

 

December 21, 1976

I finished sending out letters, except for some strays. Answering letters from new friends whose address I do not have till they write to me. Still cold. And we need moisture.

 

December 22, 1976

I sent letters to Marshall people today. Left them to the last. Now I am finished unless a few strays come in. These Xmas cards & letters are like a reunion. Warmer today. Got my royalty checks from O.U. Press. Pretty good.

 

December 23, 1976

I wrote some special letters, thus finishing, so far as I know, my Christmas messages. Another nice day.

 

December 24, 1976

Worked on neglected business. In the evening attended the Xmas eve celebration at the church. The children with Jack leading part on a lovely program, very informal & original. Communion service at close

 

December 25, 1976

Had Xmas dinner with my beloved Pat & Ramona. One of the Messel young men and his wife and baby came by in the P.M. while I was still there. Pleasant day.

 

December 26, 1976

Attended S.S. and church. Attendance small but interesting S.S. class and fine sermon by Jack. In the P.M. Nellie Thomas, Cora Horsefield and Russell Caston called. Very pleasant. Nellie, Cora, and I attended country school together when we were children. I was older, than they but we were all small.

 

December 27, 1976

I worked on correspondence. We are having beautiful weather but we need rain badly.

 

December 28, 1976

Wrote more letters. More lovely weather.

 

December 29, 1976

Lois Clark and Rella Looney came to see me. They brought food for a picnic meal so no trouble. I enjoyed their visit very much. I love them very much.

 

December 30, 1976

It started turning cold early this morning (before I got up). Very cold all day. I visited Gerry Schaefer this P.M. She is so busy during school sessions I don’t get more than glimpses of her.

 

December 31, 1976

Last day of a good year – including my surgery with a new appreciation of the goodness of people revealing the goodness of God. I put away my Xmas decorations and the lovely cards and letters that make this season a reunion with distant loved ones. The sun shone but it was very cold. I took down my Bicentennial flag for the last time.