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4. 1970s
5. 1979

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January 1 - December 31, 1979

(Box 5/Folder 10)

 

January 1, 1979

It was a very cold all day but the sun shone. Some of the ice evaporated. The TV weather man says it is O.K. to drive to work tomorrow. I got my Russia slides all ready to show Ray and Shirley when they come next Monday.

 

January 2, 1979

The sun shone again today but the thermometer never got above 30°. Still the streets are safe to use if one is careful because much ice has evaporated. I stayed in the house. Raymond brought my mail and cleared my porch. Ramona brought some groceries I needed.

 

January 3, 1979

It got warmer but not enough to thaw much. I didn’t step out. Edith brought my mail., also groceries. Idress Cash called me for a long telephone visit. Very nice.

 

January 4, 1979

I have seldom seen such slick roads – enough ice on top of the thin coat of snow to be hard and slick. I was afraid to take a step on it. Stayed inside. Good telephone visits from Jim Horton and my cousin Vera.

 

January 5, 1979

The icy snow was even more dangerous than yesterday. Everybody stayed at home or ventured out very carefully. My beloved Shirley and Ray are going to south Texas and will stop to see me Monday if the roads clear. I called them on the phone and told them to choose another route if necessary.

 

January 6, 1979

Shirley & Ray were to leave Chicago today. They must have succeeded or they would have called me. I shall be disappointed if I miss seeing them but don’t want them to take any risk. Today was dreadful – cloudy and cold and ice under foot. Hazardous driving throughout Okla.

 

January 7, 1979

The Worsleys called from a place they had reached in Missouri – impossible to come thru Okla. I am disappointed, but know they are right. Gerry & Clara Schaefer took me to church – helped me cross icy yard to car. Enid prof preached. Basket dinner, annual business meeting. A couple from Yale who wants to take our pastorate here was present. He has courses at Phillips – 54 mi from Yale

 

January 8, 1979

I’ve been thinking all day of Ray and Shirley – hoping they had found passable roads. They would have been with me today except for the glaze of ice on the roads. It was a sunny day but below freezing all day. Most people stay in doors.

 

January 9, 1979

This was an Oklahoma day – the first one since a week ago Fri. It warmed up when the sun shone. Was above freezing – 48° in mid afternoon. I went out and cut a path thru the ice and slick snow from my house to the road. Club met but I didn’t attend. Afraid I would slip on the ice and fall. I did take the risk Sunday, but Gerry and Clara were holding me up

 

January 10, 1979

Well its cold and cloudy again, but there was no snow or freezing rain here though some fell in other parts of the state. It was below freezing here all day.

 

January 11, 1979

It snowed about an inch last night. Soft snow, no glaze of ice. It filled in my path to the street but Marie Fuxa got Bonnie Diedrich to help her and they took me to Mary’s shop to have a permanent. My hair was getting very bad. It was a miserable cloudy day – thermometer in low 20’s – soft snow on top, ice beneath. Shirley called me this evening – they got thru – very tired but sunny warmer day

 

January 12, 1979

Dark dismal day but temperatures were above freezing – 38°. It thawed some of the ice. Still there but thinner. I was greatly relieved to get a long letter from Dorothy Leake. Harold died in Feb. and I had not heard from her since. Was worried

 

January 13, 1979

Turned terribly cold last night. Close to 0° with a high north wind. My house was not warm enough in the evening. I found the hot water pipe to my kitchen sink had frozen. First time it ever happened during the 50 years first my parents and then I have lived here. The kitchen was really cold. I lighted the oven and put an electric stove close by. Opened all the faucets slightly.

 

January 14, 1979

Got up at 1:30 & found the pipe thawed. I left all of them dripping (something never done before in this house) the rest of the night. Today was sunny but terribly cold. I did not attend church tho Gerry and Clara would have helped me as they did last Sunday. Al Juhlin called for a very pleasant telephone visit.

 

January 15, 1979

I got up at 12:30 and the pipe had thawed out. And today it got warmer – got above freezing in mid-afternoon but the wind blew so hard (from the south today) that it seemed cold. My mother used to call it the north end of a south wind. Jim Horton called for a very pleasant phone visit.

 

January 16, 1979

It really warmed up today. Got up to 40°! Unbelievable! This coating of ice that covered the earth really started to melt. I think I could get to my garage and drive my car. I am afraid to slip on ice.

 

January 17, 1979

Jan. 18 Beautiful day – blue sky, golden sunlight. Much ice melted but some is still glued to the ground. Edith took me and my hamper of dirty clo clothes to the laundry. Things were piling up. August and Catherene Burchardt called when Edith was here. August and Catherene Edith are first cousins.

 

January 18, 1979

I think this was Jan. 17 It rained most of the day and stayed above freezing so much of the hard snow melted into slush. Dismal, dark day but we needed the rain very badly. If only we can have some pleasant weather now. I can hardly see at all on a day like this.

 

January 19, 1979

Jan 20 Another pleasant day. Most of the snow and ice is gone now. Floy Cobb called me for a delightful long telephone visit. [Next page is Jan. 19]

 

January 20, 1970

Jan. 19 I’m writing this late. Don’t remember what happened. It was a pleasant day and I drove my car to the post office, the first time I had touched it since the ice started Dec. 29. It didn’t want to start but it did.

 

January 21, 1979

Cold day but warmed up. Drove my own car to church. Preacher gave trial sermon but I couldn’t hear it. Ate dinner with Clara. Ramona came in P.M. and brought 3 lovely hyacinth bulbs for my coming birthday.

 

January 22, 1979

Disagreeable day but not very cold. Edit Clara took me to Covington to get my car license. Man called me to serve on Civil Rights Advisory Board for Okla. I did serve on it once in the 1960’s but can’t do it now. I have to decline all these offers to serve creatively.

 

January 23, 1979

Snowed hard all afternoon – soft warmish snow blown into drifts by a furious north wind. It wasn’t very cold. In the P.M. the sun shone and some snow melted. But the drifts are deep. Our club was supposed to meet but it didn’t. Heard the president’s State of the Union address to Congress.

 

January 24, 1979

Beautiful day above freezing with blue sky and sunshine. Much snow melted on the level but the big drifts are still there. All so clear and white; the ground was frozen and hard no dust was dislodged. Don called me & said my birthday celebration would be Sunday. Asked if that was O.K. I said “yes.”

 

January 25, 1979

Snowed off and on all day. I hate it but it was beautiful – great soft flakes falling so thick and pure. And it wasn’t very cold – just about freezing. But it covered yesterday’s bare spots – about 2 in. fell.

 

January 26, 1979

Dismal day but no snow. Hard for me to see. Received a notice from Phillips Uni. that they want to give me honorary dr. of the humanities I told them I would accept gratefully.

 

January 27, 1979

Snowed about 4 inches last night. Terribly cold day although sun shone in P.M. M I had an appointment to get my hair done but was going to call it off. Then Edith cleared a walk to the road and Mabel and Raymond helped me get to the car. Now my hair is O.K. for tomorrow. Such good people.

 

January 28, 1979

Don & Evadean came and helped me to the car. Attended church. Phillips prof preached. Then the congregation took me to dinner at the café. In spite of the snow the room was packed. It was so good of them. Don & Evadean and Raymond and Mabel are the moving spirits. Because of the snow they phoned everybody. Pat & Ramona visited me this P.M.

 

January 29, 1979

Snowed 3 or 4 inches and is very cold. Covered the path Edith cleared Saturday. Dismal dark day. I can’t see to do much these dark days in spite of 200 watt light bulbs.

 

January 30, 1979

The sun came out about noon but it stayed cold. Perhaps because of the snow. I thought today of my real birthday – the day I was born. I thought of my mother’s dreadful night and the deliverance in the morning. Two years ago I walked thru the wheat field where the stone house had stood and I picked up two small dressed stones which now lie on my front porch. No doubt there was snow on the ground that Jan. in Northern Kansas.

 

January 31, 1979

The thermometer said -3° this morning. Lowest I remember. Bright sunny day but below freezing. Snow white and beautiful, almost untracked. People are so good, sending me birthday cards and Pat is so good to bring my mail.

 

February 1, 1979

Another sunny beautiful day. Cold this morning but temperature climbed above freezing. I suppose it melted the top of the snow and changed it into ice. Me – I don’t step on it.

 

February 2, 1979

Gloomy day. Not very cold but freezing or below so no snow melted. The groundhog certainly didn’t see his shadow. Vera called me for a nice telephone visit.

 

February 3, 1979

The sun shone but it didn’t do any good. Jim Beeby brought his pics of Russia (early 1970’s I think) and we showed our slides to each other. Very pleasant.

 

February 4, 1979

The sun shone but it never got above freezing. I attended church. Raymond & Mabel helped me across the snow to the car. Good sermon by Phillips prof. Slept all P.M. Didn’t get any work done.

 

February 5, 1979

I rode to town with Edith to see the assessor. It was dreadfully cold but Edith found clear spaces to park so I could safely walk from the car. I am glad we got it done. Saved a trip to Guthrie.

 

February 6, 1979

It snowed all day – about 3 in. I think. But it was warm. At freezing or slightly above all day. This is a warm day for us. Some snow melted as it fell. It was really pretty.

 

February 7, 1979

Sunny day but below freezing. Raymond & Mabel took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. (Edith was afraid to drive on account of snow on the streets but it wasn’t bad. They had some shopping to do we all got done at same time. My eyes were both 18. He gave me some different drops that may not restrict my vision.

 

February 8, 1979

Very bad day. The wind blew a gale and swept the six inches or so of soft snow that has been piling up on the top of the ice into the roads and low places. Most of the roads were blocked. Traffic stood still. It wasn’t terribly cold. I didn’t feel like working.

 

February 9, 1979

The sun shone but the thermometer was in the 20’s all day. People are finding their way out of the drifts. I wrote letters.

 

February 10, 1979

 Beautiful day. Sun shone, sky blue, the temperature was 40° all P.M. I suppose much snow melted but so much is left one doesn’t notice. Two fine young people from OSU called – a geography prof and a student majoring in history. Shirley & Ray sent me a fine box of grape fruit

 

February 11, 1979

A really warm day – hovered around 38° all P.M. Much snow melted I attended church – fine sermon by a Phillips prof. My car is drifted ins inside the garage so the Brysons came after me. By picking my way I could walk on uncovered from my house to their car.

 

February 12, 1979

Cloudy and colder – thermometer stood at freezing all afternoon. Learned Marcelette Thomas had a stroke and is very low in an Enid hospital. She wrote me such a sweet letter Xmas and I hadn’t answered it yet. Had it laid by ready to answer.

 

February 13, 1979

Thermometer hovered close to freezing but much snow melted. I think perhaps I could get my car over the drifts by the door but was afraid to try it. Mary Rouse took me to the club. Most of the yard is clear. Marcelette Thomas is very low with a stroke. I have her last letter laid out to answer. Wish I had done it.

 

February 14, 1979

The thermometer stood at around 50° most of the P.M. Except for remnants of drifts the snow is gone. It seemed wonderful to walk around the yard bare-headed without a coat. I am receiving Valentine’s Day Cards and long distance calls. I am grateful for the goodness of people.

 

February 15, 1979

Patty Donovan called me this evening that her mother, Vera, was found in her apt dead of a stroke. Apparently she died instantly before she even touched the floor. Less than two weeks ago she called me for a long birthday visit. I loved her very much. Our warm weather turned cold.

 

February 16, 1979

 Terribly cold day – snow & sleet falling in southern half of state. Edith took me to Stillwater to see Ginger King regarding some changes in my hearing aids. We made the trip O.K. Snow not here yet. Stella Cassiday died yesterday – or the day before.

 

February 17, 1979

There was about an inch of snow covering the ground this morning and it was terribly cold all day. Dark and cloudy. We are all getting tired of this weather. Vera is being buried today.

 

February 18, 1979

Cold this morning but it warmed up in the P.M. and the sun shone. Raymond Bryson took me to church. A Phillips prof preached – In the P.M. I started my car after so many weeks and drove around. Went to try out some ear phones on the O’Neil’s radio. Nice day.

 

February 19, 1979

Another beautiful warm day – up to 48°– melting snow drifts. I washed. I hope my friends have not thought of how infrequent my washings are. I can’t walk thru the snow to the garage or drive my car thru big drifts in front. Now I have clear ground.

 

February 20, 1979

Dark, dismal day, but warm – around 40°. I worked on correspondence.

 

February 21, 1979

The sun shone part of the day and it was the warmest day we have had – around 50° I think. I worked on a letter to Dorothy Leake. We are thinking of finding a place together when we need more care.

 

February 22, 1979

Rained last night. Cleared off today. Warm, 65°!!! Wonderful. Beautiful. I drove to town & got my hair fixed. Called on Clara Schaefer. A long time since I have been there. Saw Margaret Perdue in the beauty shop. She is fine. Wonder if they may cure that cancer. I am very happy about seeing her appear so well.

 

February 23, 1979

Warm but not like yesterday. Edith took me to Stillwater for more work on my hearing aids. Will see Gary Beeby next Tues. for final check.

 

February 24, 1979

Colder today – freezing or slightly above. I am trying to get a number of things settled for a full week ahead. On Monday Harry & Olga Chambers will visit me. I haven’t seen them since the 1930’s. So glad they are coming.

 

February 25, 1979

Attended church, young, earnest Billy Schaefer spoke. I didn’t hear him. Public address system is still out of order. Pleasant day. Somehow I was worn out and went to bed and had a long sleep. It didn’t help any.

 

February 26, 1979

Beautiful day. Got a little dark when most of the sun was eclipsed. Total in Western U.S. Harry & Olga Chambers passing thru stopped to visit me. Hadn’t seen them since 1930’s. It was wonderful to see them. Later Etta Casteel called. Nice visit.

 

February 27, 1979

Went to Stillwater to the hearing clinic at OSU for Gary Beeby to make the final adjustment of my hearing aides. He works conscientiously. The hearing aids will help but can supply only volume. Helps in intimate conversations, not in noisy receptions. Lovely sunny warm day.

 

February 28, 1979

Went to Stillwater to see Ginger King for final end of hearing aid business. Found I need two so cost 826.80. They help in visiting with my friends. That’s about all. I dread the reception Friday. Ramona called. How I love her and Pat. Dark rainy day but warm.

 

March 1, 1979

A beautiful warm sunny day. I am getting ready to get to Norman tomorrow. I even did a little yard work. Not much. I am very weak. The meeting tomorrow is the Okla. Assn. of College History Professors.

 

March 2, 1979

Rain & coldish. Two grad students Bob Winfrey came after me. I am staying with Rosalie Dale and her sister. We attended the dinner and the reception following. Guy Logsdon spoke at the dinner. They gave special honor to me and Savoie Lottinville. Of course my hearing troubles me.

 

March 3, 1979

Spent the forenoon with Rosalie and Mary. Rosalie invited Don Fixico and his lovely wife to dinner. Then they brought me home. They are a fine couple, he a Creek India, she a Choctaw. Cold cloudy day.

 

March 4, 1979

Attended church. Our conference minister preached. There was a meeting in the P.M but I did not stay. I wrote all the letters I needed to write thanking people etc. for all they did at Norman. I hope I shall not lose the young Fixicos. They are fine.

 

March 5, 1979

I worked on my income tax. Had a nice visit with Etta Casteel and a good telephone visit with Maxine Sanford Spicklemeier. Lovely warm sunny day. We are so happy to be rid of the snow and ice.

 

March 6, 1979

Attended club meeting we postponed last week because of rain. Roads too muddy. But still muddy so we met in the library instead of driving out to the home of Frances Peach, who is the hostess. Beautiful day.

 

March 7, 1979

Worked hard and finished my income tax – that is all the figures. Got pretty tired. Beautiful bright day. Learned Emil Hearn died.

 

March 8, 1979

Got things organized to go to Enid tomorrow to see about eyes and income tax. I hope I got everything done O.K. This is very different from previous years on income tax. I’ve slipped in mind and vitality and sight.

 

March 9, 1979

Went to Enid to have my eyes tested. Right 17, left 18. Also saw a new young associate Edsall has about my income tax. With getting groceries, prescriptions filled etc. it took most of the day. Tired.

 

March 10, 1979

Still tired. I hope Edith’s weariness didn’t last as long as mine. I went with Mabel to get my hair washed and set at Lovell. Mary closed the shop here because of her health. I hope someone buys it soon.

 

March 11, 1979

Attended church. Dr. Bryan of Phillips preached. And I heard him! The first sermon I have really heard since all my troubles started May 10 last year. In the summer we had an informal service away from the hearing system. Then the system got out of order. Now the ear phones work. I am so thankful. I had dinner with Clara Schafer. Then June and Russell visited me. Warm day 72°. I turned off my furnace, first time since last fall.

 

March 12, 1979

Started to write letters but had some very pleasant company instead. Adelia Hanson of Stillwater and her young half sister Vicki Castor who grew up in New York City, now a student at O.U.

 

March 13, 1979

Mr. Willard, whom I met in Sister Mary Mark’s office at St. Mary College two years ago was passing and stopped by to see me. In the P.M. attended club at Mary Rouse’s. Margaret Perdue was there. In good spirits. It was wonderful to see her.

 

March 14, 1979

I am very happy at the apparent success of the peace making between Israel and Egypt. I hope it turns out well. With any premier the Israelis have ever had but Begin I would feel more confident. Warm, sunny day. I wrote letters

 

March 15, 1979

It was cloudy today. Well we need the rain I suppose and apparently some is on the way. But our people are so happy over the warm weather and sunshine they hate to have a break in it. I wrote letters today.

 

March 16, 1979

Not much happened. I wrote some more letters.

 

March 17, 1979

It rained last and was dark and threatening rain all day. Our beauty shop in Marshall has closed and Mabel takes me to me to Lovell each Sat. where we both get our hair fixed. So good of Mabel to ask me to go along. We started a week ago. Learned I shall receive an award from Women in Communications.

 

March 18, 1979

Didn’t go to church. Didn’t sleep well last night so slept too late. In the P.M. visited my beloved Pat and Ramona. Rained last night. Must have been a hard one judging from all the water in roadside ditches. We needed it.

 

March 19, 1979

Gloomy cloudy day but no rain. The termite man inspected my house. It has never had termites but I watch it.

 

March 20, 1979

Wrote letters. I didn’t get so much done. I am so weak I have to take frequent rests.

 

March 21, 1979

Got my letter from Tulsa charter of Women in Communications. They will drive over after me at so I can attend the awards banquet. And Pat and Ramona (bless them) had already said they would take me over. But I have decided not to go. Too far.

 

March 22, 1979

[Shower last night – with thunder. A strange March.] The rain came a night earlier. I am writing late. Attended library Board meeting in the evening. A good meeting – all six of us there – and Winnie, the librarian. It rained during the meeting.

 

March 23, 1979

Cold windy day. I didn’t get much work done.

 

March 24, 1979

Cold windy day but not freezing. I didn’t get much done. Had to prepare a club program for Tues, Sun. & Mon. too busy. And on Saturdays I go with Mabel to Lovell to have my hair washed and set. Heard Pres. Carter at Elk City.

 

March 25, 1979

March 26. See next page for March 25 The most wonderful thing happened. Edith took me and my TV to Hennessey to have earphones installed. And I can hear every word in the news broadcast. Now I am more in touch with world events. Since I can’t read and couldn’t under-stand them I was cut off. I am very happy about it.

 

March 26, 1979

March 25 Attended church. Heard the sermon because of ear phones. In P.M. went to Lahoma to golden anniversary open house of Arthur and Glenda Clem with Raymond & Mabel and the Longs. A regular old home week. Arthur & his three sisters were at our home as much as theirs – their parents were our best friends. All 4 were at the party. So wonderful to see them.

 

March 27, 1979

Went to club at Fern Seefeldt’s. I gave the lesson – on state dept. of libraries. Margaret Perdue was there. Also Erma [sic] Pilatus, back from spending the winter in Calif.

 

March 28, 1979

I did some yard work. Too weak to do much. Roses starting to leaf out, a few weeds starting, buds on the trees. I have seen one bug but I think he was dieing [sic]. Very late spring – latest I ever saw – but it is finally starting. Oh yes, some daffodils are blooming. But not mine.

 

March 29, 1979

Warmest day we have had. Really hot. I’ve had the furnace off all day. Still off. Edith’s apricot is blooming. Tomorrow I go to see Dr. Freed. I hope I tell him everything correctly. Ramona will help. She is taking me.

 

March 30, 1979

Went to see Dr. Freed. He found me pretty well. No cure for old age but he has done what he can. My back trouble is miraculously cured. Ramona took me. I like to have her go into the conference room with me. She remembers things I forget. He says come back in 3 months.

 

March 31, 1979

Nothing in particular happened. We are seriously concerned about Leota Windler. She has had surgery for a cancer entangled with her spinal cord. Is recovering rapidly from the surgery but the cancer is something else.

 

April 1, 1979

Attended church. Heard – and I mean heard – a sermon by a Phillips prof. Slept most of the P.M. (But I am slowly regaining my strength.) Then used my good ear phones to hear Judge Sirica interviewed about Nixon and watch a National Geographic picture of Thor Heyerdahl’s journey in the Tigris.

 

April 2, 1979

It was rather cold today. I suppose it could even freeze tonight. I didn’t get anything done.

 

April 3, 1979

It didn’t get cold enough to freeze but it snowed hard about 15 min. this morning. I didn’t see it because I was still in bed. It was a dark, miserable day with some drops of rain. I am getting ready for an ACLU meeting Thursday when I am to give awards to Mary Bane and Louis Bullock.

 

April 4, 1979

I worked out a ceremony and wrote a brief introduction to giving the awards. Once I could have done it extemporaneously but not anymore. Brief as my “remarks” will be I need to fix them in my memory. They gave me this award last year but I had a conflict. They named it for me who don’t deserve it.

 

April 5, 1979

Busy day. Got my hair fixed this forenoon. Domer Doughterly [sic] of Enid came by at 6:00 and picked me up. I think the ceremony went off O.K. I gave both of the recipients a chance to speak and they did themselves proud. Judy Thomas gave the evening’s address. Social hour afterward. it was past 12:00 then I got to bed.

 

April 6, 1979

I was pretty tired. Slept most of the day.

 

April 7, 1979

Still tired. I wrote letters but didn’t get much done. Warm day. I turned off the furnace. It is still off this evening.

 

April 8, 1979

Attended church. Phillips prof preached. Ate dinner with Clara Schaefer & spent P.M. there. Jennie Murphy there too. In evening went to opening of Prairie City days with program at the schoolhouse by a singing family. Religious theme by songs and puppets. I don’t trust the father who is the leader. An opportunist I think. There’s money in religious programs that catch on.

 

April 9, 1979

I am so weak today I feel discouraged. Why did so many of my bodily functions give out at out at once. The day my back quit, May 10 last year. Sometimes I wonder if that cancer has started up again somewhere.

 

April 10, 1979

Attended club. Met at library. It rained during the meeting and when I drove home it was raining pitchforks.. But I made it. There were terrible tornadoes at Lawton and in Texas at Vernon & Wichita Falls.

 

April 11, 1979

I had been uneasy about my income tax and called Mr. Edsall twice. But this morning it finally got here, and I put in a check (estimate for 1979) and mailed it in. The those fine little boys of Mike Diedrich and Jason Cline for help on a pioneer story. Ramona called soon after.

 

April 12, 1979

I am writing late. I think this was the day Ramona took me down to see their tulips. They are glorious

 

April 13, 1979

I think this was the day I learned of the death of Ruth Jones. We were in Marshall High School together, a very bright little girl much younger than I. She graduated two years after I did. She has been senile for years.

 

April 14, 1979

This was the big day but I took it easy this year so didn’t get tired. Rode in the parade as usual – Stanley Hitt drove the T model Ford. We brought a lovely Thai girl over from OSU. Alfred and Erma [sic] Pilatus took care of her. She understood everything.

 

April 15, 1979

Attended church. Went home with my beloved Gerry for dinner, But she brought me home shortly after we ate because she attended a funeral at Crescent – the funeral of the mother of one of the teachers.

 

April 16, 1979

We are having beautiful weather all the time. If only I could get some strength. Sometimes I wonder if that cancer has started up somewhere and is eating me up.

 

April 17, 1979

I am writing late but I believe this is the day. Ray and Shirley called me for a lovely telephone visit A few insects have finally started to stir. I saw a yellow jacket and a butterfly.

 

April 18, 1979

It rained last night – probably ½ inch My purple lilac is glorious. My white lilac is nice, too but I like the purple better. They have always bloomed before for Prairie City week. Not this year. I saw an ant’s nest.

 

April 19, 1979

Cloudy day. I started writing a foreword for [unsure of next word] Wildcat Alford’s Civilization. Somehow I do not feel as weak as usual this evening. I was beginning to be concerned about it.  Jim Horton called today pleasant phone visit.

 

April 20, 1979

It rained this morning. Probably 1½ inches. Cloudy all day.

 

April 21, 1979

Got a permanent. Went to the beauty shop at Lovell where I have been going ever since ours closed at Marshall. She told me Melvin Swaim had a heart attack Sunday, had been in the hospital ever since. Very low. I am worried. Think a great deal of Melvin.

 

April 22, 1979

Attended church. A man from O.C. preached a trial sermon. Has a pretty young wife and very young baby. Learned Wanda Smith’s children took her to Crescent rest home yesterday. I am glad.  She is entirely senile, not safe around fires, etc.

 

April 23, 1979

My capable, dependable boy, Mike Adams, mowed my lawn – rather most of it. The weeds were getting so high I was afraid of getting lost in the forest. He had trouble with his mower, hence the delay. But there is nothing wrong with Mike. Learned Mabel Collins broke her hip.

 

April 24, 1979

Mike finished the lawn and did some other work. I am fortunate to have him. Etta Miller came to see me. I am still so weak. I worry about Mabel Collins She was my first friend – began at age 5.

 

April 25, 1979

Nothing much happened. I worked on my Foreword. Can work only in short spells.

 

April 26, 1979

Nothing much happened. I am increasingly weak. Just about finished my Foreword.

 

April 27, 1979

It rained last night – not a big rain, I think. I finished my Foreword but must copy it. It was a small job but it took me a long time because of my weakness.

 

April 28, 1979

It rained most of the day. In the evening the Branens took me to a lovely banquet given to us honorary degree people – then to baccalaureate service, (at Philips) Gave us a chance to meet the president, trustees, etc. Dorothy Cozart was my guide

 

April 29, 1979

Nice day but rather cool. I didn’t attend church. In early P.M. the Branens took me to commencement. There was a reception following and we stayed all P.M. Their grandson graduated and they had some family visiting. Of course I got my degree – doctor of humanities.

 

April 30, 1979

I got pretty tired but I worked some on my Foreword to Alford’s book, I can’t do much. I wonder why I am so weak. I haven’t made up my bed for 2 weeks. Leave it open so I can go back and sleep.

 

May 1, 1979

Mailed my foreword. Found Did some revising at the last minute, so just barely got mailed

 

May 2, 1979

Went to Enid to have my eyes tested for new glasses. Dr. Shields said after thorough testing that new glasses wouldn’t help any. I got terribly tired. In the evening tornadoes were all around us. Lahoma was hit worst. Everybody in Marshall was down in cellars.

 

May 3, 1979

Miserable dark rainy day. I tried to straighten business (also groceries) up from the Enid trip. Failed to say that my right eye measure was 17, left 18.

 

May 4, 1979

To May 13. I left all these pages blank. I am terribly weak – not sick, don’t hurt anywhere, just weak. Perhaps if I stop writing it will help. I am exhausted when I use the typewriter and a pen is almost as bad.

 

May 5, 1979

[No Entry]

 

May 6, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 7, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 8, 1979

I am writing this late but know I did attend club today. I told the members I am not able to serve next year as secretary. They elected Winnie. I am terribly weak. Tremble all over if I exert myself over so slightly.

 

May 9, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 10, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 11, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 12, 1979

[No Entry]

 

May 13, 1979

Attended church. The pleasant woman from Drummond preached. In the P.M. I neatly copied my club secretary’s minutes of our last meeting. Got pretty tired. We now have a minister – will be here in a few weeks.

 

May 14, 1979

I am surrounded with beauty – peonies, roses, iris. May is so beautiful. And the level wheat fields most of all. Most of my pink peonies blighted this year but the white ones are glorious. And the Miranda rose blooms are huge. Bonnie Roberts called.

 

May 15, 1979

We are having lovely weather. Lula Cooper, widow of my cousin, Allie, spent the evening visiting me. Margaret, her grand-daughter was with her. They had been to the cemetery.

 

May 16, 1979

Another lovely day with all my lovely flowers blooming. My beloved Pat came by with a huge American Beauty rose to put in the vase he and Ramona gave me Christmas.

 

May 17, 1979

 Not much happened. It was a lovely day and my flowers are blooming. I feel much better – not so weak. If I knew the reason I would keep it up.

 

May 18, 1979

It rained a little last night but cleared off beautifully. I took it easy preparing for tomorrow. The Stillwater Writers – bless them – are having their meeting here. And I feel stronger than ever.

 

May 19, 1979

The weather was lovely and so was the meeting. The Stillwater Writers brought food and we ate and had our meeting at the Catholic parish hall. It was wonderful to be with them again. Then they came to my house for a brief visit. My roses and peonies were lovely. My house is small but I packed them in. Of course I am tired.

 

May 20, 1979

This was the day for our annual out-door church service & picnic meal. I always enjoyed this service the most of any of the year but I knew it would be too hard this year, so I stayed at home. The weather was perfect – got cloudy in the evening. I read in the paper of the death of Mrs. Poindexter.

 

May 21, 1979

It rained last night and all day off and on. I called the undertaker at Enid and found her funeral is Tues. She will be brought from N. Orleans to be buried by her young husband who died 75 years ago. The Branens are planning to attend the funeral and will take me. She was 102 years old.

 

May 22, 1979

Attended the funeral at Enid and the graveside service at Covington. The girls – Violet and Sylvia were glad I went – as they were of other old friends. And considering how many years ago it was that they left a surprising number of old friends were there. Her son and family came from Arizona. He was a very small child when I knew him but he remembered me. She looked serene and lovely in her coffin.

 

May 23, 1979

Not much happened. I am feeling better these days, perhaps because the weather is cool. But the sun shone. Nice day.

 

May 24, 1979

Still I am feeling better. I hope the improvement is not due to the cool lovely weather for that will soon pass. I hope it is caused by my staying away from the typewriter.

 

May 25, 1979

[No entry]

 

May 26, 1979

I believe this is the day I turned on the air conditioner. (Am writing late. Perhaps it was May 27. I am convinced now that it is heat that causes my weakness. The private thermostat with which all human beings are endowed seems to have ceased to function for me. I will depend more on air conditioning.

 

May 27, 1979

Rained a little last night but was sunny all day. I attended church. In the P.M. I went with Brysons to the cemetery to decorate the graves. I have 14 and so have started using artificial flowers.

 

May 28, 1979

This was the legal Memorial Day but people have become so confused they came any of the three days. But I had good company. Clara Schaefer and Leone Schneebeck[, Billy Conaghan, and Pearl Boyce. It rained a little but was pleasant most of the day.

 

May 29, 1979

Alice came and cleaned house today It brings back poignant memories of last year. It turned very warm and I became very weak. I think this is the cause of my extreme weakness. Perhaps the air conditioner will bring me thru the summer.

 

May 30, 1979

Alice worked again cleaning house. Yesterday she cleaned the kitchen, today the dining room and bath room. It was a cool day and I feel stronger, I must find some way to avoid the heat. My TV quit. I was going to Hennessey anyhow and will take it.

 

May 31, 1979

Was out of food. They keep no meat, fish, or fowl at our store here so we have to get it outside Edith took me to Hennessey and we stocked on meat. Also got the TV repaired. I think moving it yesterday jarred a tube just ready to quit anyhow. It works fine now. Charlie Ward and another Ward came to see me. Cool day. Feeling good.

 

June 1, 1979

[No entry]

 

June 2, 1979

Got a letter from Betty Mubivue in Uganda. We became friends when I was in Kampala in 1966 but we have been afraid to communicate since Idi Amin took over 8 years ago. She and her family have lived in hell but now they have hopes for peace.

 

June 3, 1979

Attended church and heard our own preacher instead of some stranger from Phillips. He will live in Okla. City and spend several days of every week here – 3 days. Learned Gertie Weber had a stroke yesterday.

 

June 4, 1979

 Alice finished the housecleaning. We did not move everything as we formerly did. But we did wax the floors. Hot day. And I am very weak. I don’t know how I shall manage the summer. Finished the house. Took only three days.

 

June 5, 1979

[No entry]

 

June 6, 1979

[No Entry]

 

June 7, 1979

I am writing late but I think this was the day Russell & June Caton and Nelle Thomas came to see me. We had several rainy days this week.

 

June 8, 1979

I had the gas man come and look at my furnace because it is so hard to change the setting high or low. He told me what a simple operation it would be for a plumber – just some lubrication. I was afraid I’d have to get a new furnace.

 

June 9, 1979

June 10 Attended church. Our own pastor!!! And I like him. Ted Wilson, lives in O.C. & spends 3 days a week here. Loren & Olive May Burch were there. So good to see them. In the P.M. visited Pat and Ramona. Ramona came after me in the car. Cold, really cold, day, so I felt pretty well. Learned Gertie Weber had a stroke.

 

June 10, 1979

Made a mistake and wrote on the June 9 page. But here is another pleasant event for June 10. Blanche Cummings Bacus called me from Orlando. She is 2 years older than I.

 

June 11, 1979

Washed today and got too tired. Perhaps I got too hot waiting at the laundry for the clothes to finish.

 

June 12, 1979

It was cold this morning and the house stayed cool till about noon, Then I used the air conditioner. And I felt surprisingly well most of the day.

 

June 13, 1979

Ramona came on a beautiful errand. Pat got me a flag. What a wonderful friend he is. And he wanted Ramona to fix it on my pole so I could use it tomorrow. She came and fixed it, then stayed and visited.

 

June 14, 1979

My flag flew on flag day. I got up early (for me) to raise it, I wanted Pat (bless him) to see that it was flying. In the P.M. Esther Mae Henke came with some books for me to autograph and we had a fine visit.

 

June 15, 1979

Harvest is coming along slowly and unevenly. It was so dry last fall some of the wheat stayed without sprouting till very late. So now we have perfectly green fields, others turning, and a few being cut.

 

June 16, 1979

Harvest still trickles on. The wheat is beautiful. It will make a record crop.

 

June 17, 1979

I felt so weak this morning I did not attend church. A few people are harvesting. The weather is getting hot.

 

June 18, 1979

[No Entry]

 

June 19, 1979

Had an appointment with Dr. Hedrick to have my teeth cleaned but the weather threatened violent storms and scared us out. Lost dentist appointment but will try tomorrow for other things. One has to go tor Enid for food. Store here has little.

 

June 20, 1979

Went to Enid today. Shocked and grieved to learn Gene Griffin died. Saw Dr. Shields – left eye 20, right 15. Pressure less this past year since I can’t read much. Did shopping also. Got very tired. I am not able to stand these warm days. It did not rain here and harvest is progressing. Bumper crop.

 

June 21, 1979

Pat and Winnie Blair drove clear over from Tulsa to visit me. Got here about 9:30, left about 2:00. Fine visit. Then shortly after they left my air conditioner froze solid. Had run about 24 hrs. and weather moist. I thawed it out with warm water – it went O.K I must give it breathing spells in this sultry weather.

 

June 22, 1979

It rained enough to stop the harvest. And it didn’t give much help to things that needed water. Terrible storms in some parts of the state.

 

June 23, 1979

Gertie Weber died of a heart attack this morning. She was in an Enid hospital because of a stroke on June 2. She was 81. And Warren Dale Seefeldt and his wife who live in Tulsa were terribly injured in a car accident yesterday P.M.

 

June 24, 1979

It was still raining today today. Harvest still waiting. Not much water but too much. I did not go to church though Raymond would have taken me. I have very little strength these days.

 

June 25, 1979

Gertie Weber was buried today. It rained some but cleared off in time for the funeral. I had planned to attend but felt too weak. I was sorry to stay away. I feel very close to that family. The Seefeldt couple still in critical condition.

 

June 26, 1979

No harvesting today. Earl Rusco of Fairview called this evening. He is a handsome young fellow. My parents and his great grandparents were friends from 1899 on. Hot weather. Sultry.

 

June 27, 1979

Clara Schaefer and Luella[?] Reim called. So sweet of them. Not so hot today and I felt better. I think a little harvesting started this P.M.

 

June 28, 1979

It rained a little this afternoon but not much. Then it cleared off and there were was a long line of trucks along Main Street by evening. The harvest is really going again. Read of death of Zella Rogers in obituary page.

 

June 29, 1979

Went to see Dr. Freed. Ramona took me, and went in with me. He said this weakness is the result of my 89 years. No cure for that. But the prescription shop is no longer permitted to sell sodium fluoride, which restored my bones. I don’t know reason for prohibition.

 

June 30, 1979

Nothing much happened. It threatened to rain but didn’t so harvesting went on. Has to start late on account of dew.

 

July 1, 1979

I attended church. Felt so weak. Raymond took me. This evening the air conditioner wouldn’t turn off. I tried to call Bill Rouse but he was away so I called Raymond. He will come tomorrow.

 

July 2, 1979

Bill still gone, so Raymond came! Found the switch to the motor not working. So I will pull the wall plug till Woodrow finishes harvest. Dr. De Witt died of heart failure this A.M. Everybody grieved and shocked.

 

July 3, 1979

Harvest going well. Hot and dry. I am pretty weak but can manage by using the wall switch on the air conditioner. Raymond talked with Woody and Woody said it was O.K. to do it.

 

July 4, 1979

Hot, dry day. I put up my flag. So nice of Pat to get it for me and for Ramona to fasten it on the staff. It is easy for me to get the staff in the slot Pat made for it last year the bicentennial year.

 

July 5, 1979

Dr. De Witt’s funeral was today. I was not strong enough to attend. It was a big funeral. He was greatly loved. Taylor Potter & Cecil Cooper also died this week. It is raining a little this evening.

 

July 6, 1979

It rained 1½ in last night. We needed needed it. Coolish day. Best day I’ve had for many weeks. The weather, I think. Velma Payne called. It was such a joy to see her, Dr. & Mrs. DeVore are visiting me tomorrow.

 

July 7, 1979

Dr. Jim and Nancy DeVore came to visit me – also Rosalie – came at 10:00, took me to dinner at the cafe, left about 1:00 or perhaps 2:00. Coolish day for the summer. It was wonder to have Devore visit.

 

July 8, 1979

Stayed away from church. Jim Horton is coming tomorrow and I didn’t want to get too tired. Hot day. Nothing happened.

 

July 9, 1979

Jim came about 3:00 P.M. Had been spending several days with his Sac & Fox friends. The cafe serves only short orders in the P.M., so I set out a lunch and we dined heartily but informally. Then he washed the dishes while I put things away. He is staying in a Hennessey motel.

 

July 10, 1979

Jim came at 10:00 A.M. At noon he took me to our cafe for one of our their well cooked dinners. In the P.M. he we called on Luella Reim. He was a great admirer of the little news sheet – met Ginger last year but Luella was away. He left to visit Okla. City friends about 4:00.

 

July 11, 1979

I thoroughly enjoyed the visits but had to take today to rest up. All the time we are having this sultry un-Okla. weather instead of our dry scorching wind.

 

July 12, 1979

July 10. Turned 2 pages Jim was tired so came about 10:00. Took me to dinner at the cafe. In the P.M. I took him to call on Luella Reim. He greatly admired their newssheet, the Prairie City Piper. Met Ginger last year but Luella was away. I got pretty tired at about 3:00 P.M.

 

July 13, 1979

[Inserted note] July 11 I had to do some recovering today but I am truly grateful for the visits of friends. The sky lab fell harmlessly in the ocean, some pieces in Australia. Very stupid of NASA to put up something so heavy that could do great damage when it fell. Only luck saved us.

 

July 14, 1979

July 12, 13, 14 July 12 went to Hennessy to stock up on groceries our store doesn’t keep, also took record player. July 13 tried to catch up things I had neglected all week and my car wouldn’t start. Must consult Raymond about selling it. Nothing happened July 14.

 

July 15, 1979

I felt so weak this morning I stayed away from church. (Raymond would have taken me.) In the P.M. Clara Schafer and Ethel Newell made me a very pleasant visit. Still hot and sultry.

 

July 16, 1979

Florence Jones brought her husband’s grandniece and her little boy Brian to visit me Brian is a reader – loves history. Read my Prairie City a year ago and wrote me a fine letter. I have been wanting to meet the bright boy. They live in southern Illinois.

 

July 17, 1979

It rained last night – ½ inch. We are glad to get it. Wanted more. Ramona brought me some beautiful big tomatoes she raised and stayed for a nice visit. What a lovely person she is.

 

July 18, 1979

It rained today – a real shower in the P.M. – 1¼ in. It got so cool I opened the windows and doors and turned off the air conditioner. I felt so well it seemed wonderful. And 1¼ in. of rain certainly did a lot of good.

 

July 19, 1979

Another day not so hot. A very young woman from Calif. State came to see me about her doctoral dissertation about Okies. She discovered things most writers – even “scholars” don’t know. Dr. Hale of Okla. State brought her. Her name is Sheila Manes. I am glad to know her. Had to buy a new battery. Cost $44.00. Now I can drive.

 

July 20, 1979

My beloved friends, Lois Clark and her fine son, Blue visited me and what an enjoyable time I had. Blue got his P.H.D. in a bad time, especially in the history field. So he was at little Morningside College and without much opportunity for creative work. Now he has a job at Calif. State at Long Beach, just what he wanted. Will go there soon.

 

July 21, 1979

Not much happened. Still not so hot. Since our beauty shop closed this spring I have been riding with Mabel Bryson to Lovell on Sat. So sweet of her to take me. It takes most of our forenoon. Then I slept in the P.M. So don’t get much done.

 

July 22, 1979

Drove the car with the new battery to church. The hearing equipment worked so I heard the sermon. A good one. Went to sleep soon as I got home. Church is hard for me. Clara – bless her – came by briefly to see if I was O.K.

 

July 23, 1979

Still we are having not so hot weather but very sultry. I am feeling very much better. Still weak but not ready to collapse. The hot weather has much to do with my feelings. It took me some time to learn that. I use the air conditioner and stay indoors even during days like this.

 

July 24, 1979

Drafted final letter to the good people who have helped with Indian and native Alaskan issues telling them I have to quit. My car developed brake trouble and Raymond (bless him) took it out arranged for Dean Fuxa to get it and repair it. Then Raymond will bring it back. Getting hot again. I feel perfectly good today.

 

July 25, 1979

July 26 I got my letter mailed to Lorray Dyson who will mimeograph copies to send the people who have worked under my guidance on Indian (and other native issues – Alaska land, Havasupais, etc. I am telling them I am unable to continue.

 

July 26, 1979

July 25 The brake trouble on my car was serious. Dean said it was a wonder it didn’t quit entirely. It’s costing me money this month – $88 insurance, $44 battery, brake not yet determined.

 

July 27, 1979

Mabel and I made our last trip to get our hair done at Lovell today. (So nice of Mabel to take me.) Next week Kathie Cardin will open the shop in Marshall. It has never been so hot as on early July. And all the time it is sultry. Not Okla. weather.

 

July 28, 1979

Sent off two changes I want made in the next (third) printing of Geronimo. Hot day. It has been cooler for some time but I think we are back with the heat again.

 

July 29, 1979

I attended church. Heard a good sermon. Ramona came to see me in the P.M. Hot day, but not an Okla. Day. A sultry one. We have changed climate this year.

 

July 30, 1979

Just as I am was ready for bed Martha Dehn and Do called. Said she and Donnie will be coming to see me tomorrow. I spent the day today marshalling my small strength getting ready. It is so sweet of them to take the long trip from Independence to see me.

 

July 31, 1979

Donnie & Martha reached here about one o’clock. They started last evening, traveled a while & slept a while in their camper. Said they were not tired. It rained on them all the way. Rained here and was cool. I felt wonderful. Cool weather I think. Martha did all the work. So sweet.

 

August 1, 1979

I did not feel as well as yesterday but got through the day. I asked Raymond Bryson to come by to meet them. They may be closely associated when I die or perhaps become senile. They left about 8:00 P.M. Donnie needs to start work tomorrow at 2:00 P.M. I have one sodium fluoride tablet for tomorrow morning. Then all gone.

 

August 2, 1979

I felt so wonderful I couldn’t believe it was I until about 7:00 P.M. I became suddenly dizzy and remained so till I could get to bed. My dear friend Edith has been in Stillwater undergoing a thorough exam – Xrays, etc. It turned out to be an infected gall bladder. They will operate in 30 days.

 

August 3, 1979

I slept all night and the dizziness was gone. Still, I was very weak all day. I managed my first-of-the-month business, however. Paying my bills, changing an investment from Bldg. & Loan to our bank, things like that. Warm day.

 

August 4, 1979

Kathie Cardin opened a beauty shop here and got my hair fixed without the trip to Lovell. So did Mabel. Very convenient. A fine intelligent woman from O.C. came to visit me. Name – Mary Julish. Graduated from St Mary College at Leavenworth, knows Sister Mary Mark Orr.

 

August 5, 1979

I didn’t feel like going to church this morning. The weather is getting too hot I guess. My beloved O’Neills invited me over but I hardly felt like going, so missed some good visiting.

 

August 6, 1979

I am still feeling pretty weak. Slept in forenoon & afternoon but cooked and ate a good dinner between. Then our fine new pastor came to see me and I enjoyed the visit very much. His name is Ted Wilson, wife is Karen

 

August 7, 1979

Another hot day. I guess that is what we can expect in August. But much of July was better Lovely Alma Friend came to visit me this P.M. She is staying at Marshall for the summer.

 

August 8, 1979

Edith took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 16, left 18. I didn’t want Edith to take me but she insists she feels O.K. There was some inevitable errands – groceries (our Marshall store carries no meat), prescriptions filled, etc. I got new frames for my glasses also. I got terribly tired. Edith really took care of me. It will be h be hard to replace her when she has her surgery.

 

August 9, 1979

I felt surprisingly rested today. It got a little cooler this evening so that I even managed to water the neediest part of my flower garden – saved the lives of some of my favorite plants.

 

August 10, 1979

I am sending out letters terminating the work we have done from the Alaska land settlement on. I can’t direct it anymore. After a hot day it cooled off this evening and is raining a little. I opened the house and turned off the air conditioners It seems wonderful.

 

August 11, 1979

A lovely cool day. Bess Kirven (bless her) sent me a cassette recorder. She filled one tape and thought I would fill the others and send to her in place of letters. Ramona came and helped me with it. Bess doesn’t know how feeble I am. I gave the reorder to Ramona and Pat.

 

August 12, 1979

I attended church. Got pretty tired although it was a coolish day. Then after I slept and rested my beloved Ramona and Pat came to visit me. How I enjoyed it. I have been looking for a driver since Edith will soon have surgery. Today I found just the right one – Salina DeWitt.

 

August 13, 1979

Hot weather again – not Okla. weather, sultry weather. I wasn’t able to accomplish much. I didn’t find time to send out any letters to people who have helped the Indians. I did write briefly thanking Bess for the recorder. I will tape a message later.

 

August 14, 1979

Greatly shocked to learn Delmar Schafer died of heart attack yesterday evening. He was 51. I did not know him as I knew Bob and the others for he has lived in the Enid area a number of years – but I have known him all his life. It is a tragedy for an active and useful man to die so young. Their father, Albert, also died of heart failures at a fairly early age.

 

August 15, 1979

Delmar Schafer was buried today. I was unable to attend the funeral; it was held in Enid and he was buried there. Most of the day was cold tho I did use the air conditioner in the P.M. Lovely Diane Pollard directed envelopes for me. I am sending valedictory letters to people who helped me in Indian projects. I had mimeographed copies made.

 

August 16, 1979

Diane finished my envelopes today. About 150 of them. Also some cards. It will take me some time to write brief personal messages on about 30 of the letters. But I am happy to have the envelopes directed. It was a hot day and I felt very weak.

 

August 17, 1979

Not much happened. Hot day and my feelings were as usual on hot days. I stay by the air conditioner but still the heat drains my strength. Did nothing with my letters. Tomorrow Susie Huffer will be married.

 

August 18,1979

Hot day. My regular date at the beauty shop is Sat morning. It is hard on me to sit under the drier so I was feeling pretty weak. Then at the time of my usual sleep came the 2:00 P.M. wedding. It was a pretty wedding but I got very tired. I had gone with Clara Schaefer. She took me home and I did and I did not attend the reception. Went to bed for 2 hours. Then in the evening my beloved Pat and Ramona brought a big fan they are not using and set it up. It cooled the house fine.

 

August 19, 1979

Attended church. Good sermon. Found the borrowed fan very effective. The air conditioner in my kitchen keeps the room actually cold when turned on but the cool air doesn’t reach the living and dining rooms. The fan is what it needed to circulate it. So good of Pat and Ramona. Then it rained somewhere and is cooler this evening.

 

August 20, 1979

Pleasant happenings. Don Huffer brought the bride and groom and the groom’s parents, delightful people who came all the way from N. Jersey. Mr. B wanted some of my books. Had a short visit. Don had to take them to the plane. In the P.M. Raymond Bryson brought lovely Janie. I haven’t seen her for several years. Hot day but the fan helped.

 

August 21, 1979

It rained an inch here in town last night. We needed it badly. And the big cracks are still in the ground. It was a hot day. Then in the evening we had a hard quick rain, the edge of a severe storm. It is now cool and pleasant and there are bad storms in various parts of the state. Hail, wind, no funnels. Mary & Max Shank called me from Tulsa.

 

August 22, 1979

Cleaned the house and turned off the air conditioner all night. But hot today. I washed my accumulated dirty clothes. Got very tired. Serious storms in the state again tonight. I am told the rain yesterday evening was about an inch. Some tree limbs blew off – not serious.

 

August 23, 1979

Mary Huffer (bless her) helped me buy some clothes for two little boys in Uganda. Their mother (a young girl then) and I became friends when I was at Kampala. The family lived in Tororo where the worst of the fighting occurred, and they lost everything but the clothes they wore. We failed to find shirts their size and Mary will get them. I feel better than usual today. It gets cool at night.

 

August 24, 1979

Not much happened today. Severe thunderstorms moved across the state this evening. It rained some and thundered much here but no wind or hail. Now it is cool, even cold.

 

August 25, 1979

We got some real rain last night – I don’t know how many inches – along with much thunder. It turned cool this evening – cool all night – Later learned we got 4½ in. And we needed it all.

 

August 26, 1979

Attended church this morning. Heard a very fine sermon. Hot this afternoon bit cool this evening. And feel much better.

 

August 27, 1979

I am writing late, so I do not remember which day, Mon or Tues. Aug. 27 or 28 – I know now it was 27 – Mary had to go to Enid on farm business for today and brought the little socks and shirts. So now the outfits are complete.

 

August 28, 1979

I sent the clothing for the two little boys to Uganda today. But air conditioner is prohibitive and it takes two months for surface mail to make the trip. They have only the clothes they wore on their flight from Ide Amin. Everything was gone when they returned home.

 

August 29, 1979

I went to Enid to stock up on groceries. The store here doesn’t carry enough – no meat at all only canned meat with cancer-causing preservatives. I went with Selma DeWitt who also had to go. I got pretty tired but my refrigerator is full. Hot sultry day.

 

August 30, 1979

Another hot, sultry day but not so bad as yesterday. I got my list of activists (who have helped me help Indians and Alaska natives) and much other material ready to send to Jim Horton, who will carry on the work.

 

August 31, 1979

It rained this P.M. and is cool this evening. I feel fine. Woodrow Winburn came to see me today – made arrangements to straighten out troubles in my air conditioner. Too busy to attend to the air conditioner before and not furnace season. But I preferred that he work in the furnace.

 

September 1, 1979

I am planning to organize all the things that would need to be done in case of my death. I have been writing notes to Raymond Bryson but it was time to organize them. Death is the only future event of which we are certain and yet we plan lesser things and leave that one neglected.

 

September 2, 1979

Attended church in the morning. In the P.M. I went over all the arrangements – business, disposal of keepsakes, etc. It is the time to think of them now, and I want to talk to my executor about it. I have added instructions, etc., from time to time for many years. It will be Raymond and if he can’t serve then Don Huffer.

 

September 3, 1979

After I had my usual P.M. sleep Raymond and Don came and I showed them my files, etc. – all except what I forgot to mention. But it was a productive conference I think I has never gone into my business with them before and it may help them.

 

September 4, 1979

Edith went to Stillwater to take a series of tests recording her response to the last month’s treatment. Will probably have surgery next week but we are hoping a gall stone has moved and her trouble is over.

 

September 5, 1979

I finished up everything in my file for my executor. It was all in pretty good organization already but I rewrote one page and changed a few things. Also it had never occurred to me that a tornado or fire might destroy the file. I will put everything in my box at the bank.

 

September 6, 1979

I put all the material I have just completed in my safe deposit at the bank, where I had previously kept only bonds, insurance policies, deeds, etc. My will is in a lawyer’s office in Guthrie but the lawyer has died and I have asked for it back.

 

September 7, 1979

The best news for many a day. Edith returned from Stillwater this P.M. after comprehensive examination and found the gall bladder has cleared itself and no surgery is required. The doctor is most happy about it – calls it “unbelievable.” And she feels fine. To say we are all happy is putting it mildly.

 

September 8, 1979

It was really cold last night and although it got warm so I used the air conditioner in the P.M. it was not so sultry as usual. It gave me a surprising revival of strength. This sultry summer is the first sultry weather I even saw in Okla. – in 80 years.

 

September 9, 1979

Attended church. Pastor absent, place filled by a retired man from O.C. He used the pulpit where the microphone doesn’t work so I didn’t hear a word. Went home for dinner with Clara Schaefer. Fine visit. At 2:00 I came home & took my usual sleep. Then visited my beloved O’Neills. Ramona came after me in the car. I can’t walk a block any more. But it was a cool (even cold) night and cool most of the day and I am gaining strength.

 

September 10, 1979

 Nothing much happened. We are having beautiful weather even though it is not Okla. weather. It is warm (in the 50’s) only in the P.M. I would do without the air conditioner entirely except that I have to keep abnormally cool.

 

September 11, 1979

First meeting of our club year, the usual luncheon and P.M. meeting following. At the Branen home I attended the luncheon but then came home. And slept!!

 

September 12, 1979

My beloved Gerry Schaefer came to pick up some slides of England I used to show her class. Now I am unable to show them – am loaning them to her. She brought along some fine pics of cousins in Germany she and her aunt recently visited. Such a happy evening for me. Woodrow Winburn came and did some needed work on my furnace. Also lighted the pilot light. I can’t do that anymore.

 

September 13, 1979

We having cool nights and forenoons, but still hot P.M.’s. I am gaining some strength. I am not sure whether it was the heat or the sultry weather (never known in Okla. before) that brought me so near collapse some summer days.

 

September 14, 1979

It turned cold – I mean cold – last night. I even turned on the furnace for a short time. I am so glad Woody lighted it. My beloved Ramona paid me a lovely visit this P.M. She has had a very painful attack of sciatica. She did not want me to know it – knowing I should worry – but Mary Rouse mentioned it.

 

September 15, 1979

Not much happened. It was a cool lovely day. I did use the air conditioner in my study through late P.M. and early evening.

 

September 16, 1979

Attended church. Good sermon. Pleasant day and I felt much better. In late P.M. I even did a little yard work the sun shone so softly and the air was so sweet and cool. I did use the air conditioner a short time in the middle of the P.M.

 

September 17, 1979

Another cool day. I felt so well I even managed to drag the hose and water the low growing evergreens in front of my porch. Gus Seefeldt who lived across the street died today, He was 92.

 

September 18, 1979

Wrote late. I believe this was the day I had a visit with Ramona. I know it was a lovely visit. It was Gerry Schaefer showing me pics of her visit to the relative in Germany.

 

September 19, 1979

Went to Enid to see Mr. De Clerck about making a will. I already have a pretty good one but thought I should bring it up to date. Did some grocery shopping. Got pretty tired.

 

September 20, 1979

Mr. Seefeldt’s funeral was this P.M. I did not attend but I did go to the undertaking parlor. Alma Friend came to the funeral and then came for a delightful visit with me. So sweet of her to come to see me.

 

September 21, 1979

I am feeling very much better these days. The hot weather seems to be over. Sally Heydeman’s house was sold at auction today – to good people we like to have in the block. The price – only $10,000. The buyers, one of the Mackeys, married to Hazel Lovell’s daughter.

 

September 22, 1979

Notified that Assn. For State & Local Hist. has given me their award this year. I am not grateful. Usually I am very appreciative but this one – why did they wait so many years? I’ve been writing on state & local history more than 40 years. Today I called on Mrs. Seefeldt and her invalid daughter Hattie Did not call before because their fine dutiful children were with them. Now they are alone.

 

September 23, 1979

Didn’t feel very well for some reason. Attended church. In P.M. had a lovely visit from Ramona. Warmer than usual for this time of year.

 

September 24, 1979

Felt better today. Am working on instructions to suggestions to Raymond Bryson, who will be my executor about disposal of keepsakes, family heirlooms, etc. Lear Learned my English friend Edith Greenfield has definitely decided to visit us in October.

 

September 25, 1979

Helen Stewart paid me a good visit. Had been visiting an aunt in O.C. and stopped on the return to Enid. Told me Jessie Douglas has had a stroke. Had been completely unconscious when found but now knows people and understands what they say.

 

September 26, 1979

Got a permanent. It had been six months since the previous one. The un-Oklahoma sultry weather has brought out the natural curl at the same time it sapped my vitality. It’s not so sultry now.

 

September 27, 1979

[No entry]

 

September 28, 1979

Went to Enid today for my annual eye check by Dr. Shields. He has managed to keep the glaucoma from damaging my sight. It seems O.K. but the cataracts are developing so that I can hardly see the tests he gives for the peripheral vision but apparently the glaucoma has not damaged it. Each eye had pressure of 16.

 

September 29, 1979

The Uni. Of Okla. Press is celebrating its 50^th anniversary Oct. 5. Ed Shaw said some-one would come after me if I could attend. But I’m not equal to it. So he said he wished I would write a letter that could be read. And I am working on it. I owe my writing career to the Press. Nobody would touch an Indian book when the Press started the Series.

 

September 30, 1979

Went to church. In the P.M. finished my letter to the Press, but it must be copied. I repeat what I said yesterday. Nobody would have published my Choctaw manuscript (my doctoral dissertation) but the Okla. Press. It started publishing the series the year after before my ms. was ready. It was that close.

 

October 1, 1979

I worked some more on the letter so I didn’t get it copied and mailed. It is important. I owe my writing career to the Uni of Okla. Press and I want to set it down for what it is worth.

 

October 2, 1979

I worked hard and got the letter put in the mail. Of all the limitations that have restricted me the past year and a half the difficulty in writing is the hardest for me to accept. Luella Reim briefly (bless her) called briefly.

 

October 3, 1979

We are having delightful weather through not Okla. weather – cool at night, warming up in the forenoon and really warm in the P.M. And I feel so well I hardly know myself, so different from spring and summer. But still weak.

 

October 4, 1979

It was really cold all day! I used the furnace a while this forenoon. No air conditioner at any time during the day. (My electric bill during that last month of cooling weather was $41.00. But most of the time I left it on all night.)

 

October 5, 1979

I went to see Dr. Freed today. Ramona (bless her) took me. He found nothing the matter with me except I’m 89 years old. I asked what would be the effect of being forbidden the sodium fluoride. He said it would put me back just where I was before. Good news for me. My healing was a miracle.

 

October 6, 1979

It was warmer in the P.M. so I used the air conditioner a short time. But the sultriness is gone and I still feel well. The air is normally dry now. Winnie called. She wanted to talk about the index to the family history she has written.

 

October 7, 1979

Attended church. Communion service for World Communion Sunday. Spent some time with Pat & Ramona. But had to make it brief for I was baking some date-nut bread. The baking made me too tired. Also it was a warmer day than we have had of late.

 

October 8, 1979

Oct. 9 A day to be remembered. It was cold. I mean cold though not freezing. And I felt so well I was myself once more. Oct. 9 I even did some yard work (not much of course) in the bright crisp sunshine. It seemed so wonderful to be the person I have known through more than 80 years. The one who climbed the trees growing up on the farm.

 

October 9, 1979

Oct. 8 Oct. 8 was hot – actually broke the record for this part of Okla. And I suffered from weakness and all the rest.

 

October 10, 1979

Cold this morning but got hot – in the 90s throughout the state – broke a record I think. I was doing a wash at the laundry. Got pretty weak and tired. Went to Enid to have my teeth cleaned. They found a beginning decay on two of them – so Dr. Hedrich prescribed sodium fluoride the very drug that did my bones so much good but I can’t have it any more. But this is a mouth wash and I must spit it out, not swallow it. Very cold day. I felt fine.

 

October 11, 1979

Cool morning but hot P.M. – in the 90’s throughout the state – broke a record I think. I was doing a wash at the laundry and got very tired and weak. Feel better now that I have the air conditioner.

 

October 12, 1979

Nothing much happened.

 

October 13, 1979

A very wonderful surprise happened to me today. Marcellette Thomas came to see me – brought by Ella Lunndy, the Marshall woman who cares for her in her Enid home. She is feeble – about like me – but gets around. She had a stroke during the worst blizzard of the season last winter. I had not known of her partial recovery.

 

October 14, 1979

Dark cold, cloudy day till sun came out in P.M. No church. Minister ill. Flu, I think. I did a small amount of work in my flower garden, cutting two peonies off. Got too tired after two.

 

October 15, 1979

Not much happened.

 

October 16, 1979

Not much happened. My days are too short to accomplish anything. I wake at 8:00, get breakfast, dress, etc. with numerous rest stops. Go back to bed in early P.M. & sleep an hour or two two. Wake up groggy but finally get going.  Quit at 5:00 to listen to news on TV.

 

October 17, 1979

Rained last night. Turn page Same routine as yesterday. If I didn’t have to spend so much time in bed I might get something done. I’m not sick, just weak. for rest of October 17

 

October 18, 1979

Oct 17, 1979 Worked on organizing some notes I have made thru the ears about disposing of family keepsakes after my death. In the P.M. Gerald and Hope Sober came to see me. Very fine. My cousin called this evening from Kissee Mills, Mo. saying she and Don would visit me Sunday.

 

October 19, 1979

It was a lovely day but I can’t stand the heat so I had to use my air conditioner most of the day and expect to use it all night. Dolly Walmaley called me from Leavenworth. Is making a short trip to her Okla. farm. Would have come to see me except that the cousins are coming.

 

October 20, 1979

Warm day – left my air conditioner on all night last night & all day today. Spent most of the small part of time I have preparing for Willa and Don Feris [sic], who are coming tomorrow. Learned of the death of Dr. Powell whom I greatly liked and admired and of Verna Ramseyer, whom I knew when we were girls. Both in their 80s.

 

October 21, 1979

Stayed away from Church. Alice dashed over before church and arranged beds – moved me into my study, got the bedroom ready for Willa and Don. They came about 3:00. Wonderful people and I love them but had not seen them after all the young second cousins came to visit me the summer after Burton and Nellie died. Warm day but threat of tornadoes and thunder storms this evening.

 

October 22, 1979

Continued the beautiful visit with the Ferrises. Only they left too early – about 2:00 P.M. But it is a long drive from the Mo. Ozarks. I am so grateful to them for coming. No serious storms last night but it turned cold.

 

October 23 ,1979

I spent the day putting things back in place. One can live comfortably in a small house but any change is upsetting. It was a cold day but it didn’t frost last night. Only in the Panhandle and a small adjoining corner.

 

October 24, 1979

Cold day but lovely – bright sun. No frost yet. This was Edwin’s birthday. I wrote letters and worked on the draft copy of my will, sent me by Mr. De Clerck.

 

October 25, 1979

I worked on my will. Of course I can’t work more than an hour or two a day. The draft Mr. De Clerck sent me is full of errors. Either he was a bad note taker or I failed to make my wishes clear. Beautiful October day – Okla. weather at last.

 

October 26, 1979

Finished the changes in the will and mailed it. Another lovely day.

 

October 27, 1979

Worked on notes to my executor, Raymond Bryson as to who gets keepsakes, family heirlooms, etc. when I am done with them. Not in my will – just for him to distribute. Lovey day.

 

October 28, 1979

Went to church. Heard a good sermon. In P.M. worked more on notes to Raymond. Lovely day but they say it is going to turn cold.

 

October 29, 1979

Worked on notes regarding the disposal of keepsakes, heirlooms, etc.  Lovely day. Still warm. Two of my roses have been blooming all fall – Goldilocks and Miranda.

 

October 30, 1979

Rained last night and very hard this morning – 2 in. in all. And we needed it. Hugh O’Neil (with Ramona helping) finished the wheat planting yesterday. Now this rain is just right for them. August & Catherene Burchardt visited me this morning and Ramona this P.M. I didn’t get any work done but what glorious visits. It is rather cold tonight.

 

October 31, 1979

Cold, cloudy day but no frost yet. Bad blizzard farther north. I worked on disposal of heirlooms, etc. “Trick or treat” tonight but too cold for me to enjoy it and I think the children didn’t enjoy it either.

 

November 1, 1979

Beautiful Okla. fall day. Cold but I think no frost last night. I worked on the same job, and felt very well. Did a little yard wo work also and my youth practically came back.

 

November 2, 1979

Nov. 3 Another beautiful crisp day with golden sunshine. Worked at same job. Also a little yard work, cutting off the thick beautiful seeds from my clematis. I hate to do it but if left to ripen they start a jungle of new plants next year.

 

November 3, 1979

Cloudy and some sprinkles of rain in the forenoon. Beautiful P.M. I worked at same job – got one portion about finished.

 

November 4, 1979

Our church celebrated its 75^th anniversary. The date is a year and 3 months off and other historical errors were perpetrated but it was a pleasant homecoming. The church was packed with beloved former members who have moved away. Charles Burchardt preached the sermon, dinner at the school auditorium, program in the P.M. It was a joy to see all these old friends.

 

November 5, 1979

I worked at the same job. But did not feel very well today. I did not stay for the P.M. service yesterday but even so, I suppose I got too tired. We are still having lovely weather.

 

November 6, 1979

Worked at same job. Pleasant weather. Cool but no freeze yet. Sun shining.

 

November 7, 1979

Worked at same job. Only I slept slept so late in the morning, so late in the P.M. I had only about an hour to work. Rained in the night, dark, miserable day. We are threatened with more of the same.

 

November 8, 1979

Another miserable dark rainy day. We need the rain but could do with a brighter day. A shower in early P.M. with thunder. I worked at the same job.

 

November 9, 1979

Rained again last night but cleared up about noon. Crisp pleasant day not very cold. I worked on same job.

 

November 10, 1979

Froze last night. First freeze. Cloudy morning. Started to snow about 10:00 A.M. Quite a snow but of course it melted on the ground. Sun came out in P.M. but still cold. Almost finished my job.

 

November 11, 1979

Cold cloudy day. I think it snowed some last night but it didn’t stay on the ground. The sun came out and I drove to church, but most of the day was dark. I finished my job.

 

November 12, 1979

The TV weather man said there would be ab one or two inches of snow on the ground. Instead it cleared off and the sun shone. I worked at correspondence I had neglected while I was making the list of who gets what at my death. I wouldn’t get to the bank to put the list in my safe deposit box because it was a holiday.

 

November 13, 1979

Got my list of possessions safely in my safe deposit box at the bank. It was so warm and lovely today I turned the furnace off entirely during the P.M. and opened windows. Now it is cooler, but I have the furnace at its lowest.

 

November 14, 1979

My draft will came in the mail today. I will go to Enid tomorrow and sign it. Also see the dentist. Another beautiful day. Turned furnace off all P.M. worried about Edith Holloway. She is in Stillwater at Loretta’s for medical check up and nobody answers the phone.

 

November 15, 1979

Selma De Witt took me to Enid. The dentist filled up my teeth and Mr. De Clerk had my will all ready for signing and witnesses. I am terribly distressed about Edith. She has had exploratory surgery and they found what is probably a cancer. Pat O’Neil came and told me. She didn’t want me to know it because I would worry, but Pat thought I should know. Warm day.

 

November 16, 1979

I felt effects of the experiences of yesterday so strongly I didn’t do much but sleep. Another warm day – furnace off, windows open all P.M. till about 8:00. I think constantly of Edith.

 

November 17, 1979

Got several things done that were waiting on my plans for “homes” for my possessions. Now I am catching up. Another beautiful day. Edith on my mind. The big question: Is it a cancer?

 

November 18, 1979

Warmest day yet. Even with windows open I got too warm. Didn’t feel well enough to go to church. Alternate sunshine and clouds. Still no news of Edith. My purple clematis put out some blooms this fall. The freezing weather a week ago did not hurt them. They are still lovely.

 

November 19, 1979

Another hot day. I still have no furnace heat (9:00 P.M.) and a window open. Edith will start cobalt treatment tomorrow. That certainly means inoperable cancer. The surgery she underwent was purely exploratory – just looked and nothing else.

 

November 20, 1979

Dark, dismal day. Several hard rains and some thunder. The Brysons took me to the Stillwater hospital to see Edith. She looks well & is in good spirits. Will go to Loretta’s home in Stillwater tomorrow. The treatment is not cobalt but some kind of medicine. Sometimes it helps. Anyhow they will try. She has a tumor, not operable, and it is a cancer.

 

November 21, 1979

Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Pressure right eye 16, left 21. Clear day with some big white clouds. I couldn’t see Dr. Shields when I saw Dr. Dedrick because Shields does not have office open Thursdays. It is colder today. One needs the furnace. But not freezing.

 

November 22, 1979

Thanksgiving Day. I had dinner at Clara Schaefer’s. Jennie Murphy was there also. Olga was with Clara last Thanksgiving and I knew she felt sad today. And I had to leave early because I can’t stay up all P.M. I am sorry I had to leave her. I am afraid Jennie had to go home too for she is recovering from surgery.

 

November 23, 1979

This was a busy day according to my speed. I was able to attend to several small things  And then Ramona brought the cassette recorder Bess Kirvin sent me last spring and the recorded message she made at the time and helped me read it A beautiful letter. She will help me make a recording to send back.

 

November 24, 1979

Nothing much happened. We are having delightful weather. But that doesn’t promise much. We had exactly the same kind of weather last fall. And a terrible winter.

 

November 25, 1979

Attended church. Worked on correspondence in the P.M. – when I wasn’t asleep.

 

November 26, 1979

Nothing much happened. The TV weather man says it is going to turn very cold. I dread the cold weather. Most of the time I am happy in spite of my changed life-style but I do dread the cold. I am not made of as good material as Maude Frey. See above [November 26, 1978].

 

November 27, 1979

It turned out to be a lovely day – not very cold after all. This is Clara Schaefer’s birthday and a big group of her women friends came with cake and ice cream. It was a complete surprise and pleased her greatly. I did not feel well enough to go. I talked on the phone to Edith this evening. She did not sound so well as she did when we saw her.

 

November 28, 1979

Warm night but turned cold this morning. It has been really cold all day. Nothing much happened. This evening President Carter held a news conference (which was on TV) about the American hostages held by the so-called government of Iran. I was deeply impressed.

 

November 29, 1979

Cold day. Not much happened.

 

November 30, 1979

Cold day but warmed up in P.M. I found the boy Stanley, the boy who had supposed to close the openings in the wall of my house under my porch had left one opening. I have them open in summer, closed in winter. I asked him to come back and finish the job.

 

December 1, 1979

Warmed up in the P.M. Stanley could not make a proper closing of the openings under my house today. Will have to do it tomorrow. He is a good boy but botched this job. I’m glad I checked. Would have had some frozen plumbing.

 

December 2, 1979

Not so cold. Attended church. Fine sermon. In P.M. got Stanley to close the openings under the house. Gets home from school too late to do it on a week day. Then I spent a happy visit with Pat and Ramona. Tired tonight Learned that Garland Blaine died of cancer. I knew his case was terminal.

 

December 3, 1979

Cold this morning but warmed up considerably. My new printing of The Road to Disappearance is selling surprisingly well.

 

December 4, 1979

Beautiful sunny day – so warm in the P.M. I turned the furnace off. Water main broke in the street south of my house. Ralph Noonan worked all day but didn’t find the break.

 

December 5, 1979

Mr. Noonan still didn’t find the break in the water main. Another warm day. (He is fortunate in that.) I talked to Edith. Did it last week, too. I think I will talk to her every week.

 

December 6, 1979

The men finally found the leak. They certainly dug a big trench. Of course the water was shut off. Then came in dirty but I had every vessel filled before that happened.  So I managed. Heated water on the stove, etc.

 

December 7, 1979

I believe Mr. Noonan has the water main repaired though the ditch he dug to find it is not filled yet. I suppose he is waiting for it to dry out. Anyhow I have the use of water in the house once more. Another warm beautiful day. I even turned off the furnace.

 

December 8, 1979

A full day but a pleasant one. Martha Blaine and Idress Cash came to visit me this P.M. In the P.M. Alice came to clean my house and I had appointment with hair dresser. Grabbed some food and took my usual P.M. sleep. Got up at 2:00. They came after 3:00. Cooler day than usual but not bad.

 

December 9, 1979

Another lovely day. Cool and crisp but sunny and not cold. I went to church. Worked in P.M. selecting slides of the USSR to show the Worsleys when they come Thursday. My sight has declined very much since I did the same for the visit (canceled because of snow) planned for last winter.

 

December 10, 1979

Did a few things getting ready for the expected visit. Warm day. Did without furnace P.M. & evening. But the weather man predicts a change. I wish it could have lasted until their visit.

 

December 11, 1979

The change came. And how! It was about 70° when I woke up this morning. Didn’t use my furnace Then the north wind hit and in 3 hours it dropped to 34°. Cold all day. I wish it could have waited til the Worsleys got their visit over.

 

December 12, 1979

Did some things getting ready for company. Alice Pipla is going to come and fix the beds. Cold dark day. - - - Later in the evening I called the Worsleys at the home of friends they stopped to visit in Stillwater. They are fine. No icy roads. Will be here about 10:30 A.M. tomorrow.

 

December 13, 1979

Shirley and Ray came at about 10:30 A.M.  I wondered about my P.M. sleep but they were tired and we all slept about 2 hours. We had a wonderful visit, but I wish it had not been so short. I love Ray & Shirley.

 

December 14, 1979

We all went to the cafe for an early breakfast. They started a little after 8:00. [I got my royalty check from OU Press – not bad $4,600+]. It was wonderful to have the visit with Ray and Shirley.

 

December 15, 1979

Miserable cloudy forenoon. Raymond took me to the beauty shop for my weekly appointment, Mabel took me home. Such good friends cleared off & very pleasant P.M. Gladys buried, I had to sleep couldn’t attend funeral. Dorothy Olmstead Curtis called this evening. Fine visit. I am pretty tired today. Ray & Shirley should be at their Texas destination this evening.

 

December 16, 1979

Very cold day. Raymond offered to take me to church but I decided not to go. Nothing much happened during the day.

 

December 17, 1979

Thermometer got down to 2° during Dec. 17. The sun shine but it was cold all day. Raymond brought my mail so I stayed in. Got a great stack of beautiful cards with even more beautiful letters written on them. And I am not sending out any.

 

December 18, 1979

It warmed up today so I went to the bank and the store and got my own mail. This is the day we were to put out flags to show solidarity as opposed to the savage actions of Iran and our sympathy with the hostages. And I forgot it. I am so sorry.

 

December 19, 1979

Beautiful warm day – golden sunshine, blue skies. But somehow I didn’t get anything done. Xmas cards come with beautiful long letters and I can’t answer them. I am not sending out my usual Xmas letter this year. The carolers sang tonight. Lovely.

 

December 20, 1979

Another beautiful day. If I didn’t have to sleep so much I would go out in the yard and enjoy it. But I am enjoying the Xmas letters. I am receiving. I am writing a few but not many. I get too tired when I write.

 

December 21, 1979

Warm day but much of it was cloudy. Jeanette Post, wife of Lynn came for two books (Prairie City and Geronimo) for Lynn’s Xmas. She is fine. And of course Lynn grew up here. They have built a house in Crescent and settled there permanently tho he still flies out from Dallas.

 

December 22, 1979

So warm I turned the furnace off nearly all day. Russell & June Caston came to see me this P.M. It was wonderful to see them.

 

December 23, 1979

I didn’t feel very well, so didn’t attend Church. Clara Schafer came in the P.M. She said there was a good crowd out. Xmas always has that effect. Ruth Lowes from Canyon, Texas and Jim Horton called me for lovely telephone visits. People are wonderful to me.

 

December 24, 1979

Lovely warm day. I think it rained a little last night and it was cloudy during the forenoon but it cleared off. Edith came briefly with her granddaughter to attend to some things around her house. He [sic] looks fine but thin and she climbed the steps to my porch with no trouble at all. It is hard to realize she has been struck with death, but she has attended the Xmas eve program at church.

 

December 25, 1979

Ate Xmas dinner with my beloved Pat and Ramona. But Pat’s close friend died yesterday of a throat cancer. I knew of his illness – Pat and Ramona went to O.C. to see him last week – but I did not know of his death. Pat is very grieved about it I said something about Edith and he had to leave the table. I am so sorry for warm hearted Pat. Beautiful warm bright day.

 

December 26, 1979

It was an unpleasant cloudy day but warm. A severe cold spell is on the way just as it was at this time last year. I didn’t get anything. I have to sleep so much.

 

December 27, 1979

It was a cloudy day but warm. The weather man says a bad storm is on the way. Will reach us tomorrow evening or Saturday.

 

December 28, 1979

It rained last night and off and on during the day. Very dark but warm. Perhaps the worst of the storm will pass to the north. Blanche Cummings called me from Colo. She is two years older than I but I believe is more active. It was grand to hear her voice. We have known each other since we were little girls.

 

December 29, 1979

Exactly the same kind of morning we had a year ago. But it failed to turn cold. Rained last night and during the day. Very dark. We needed the rain and the cold weather went north of us. I had two beautiful telephone visits – Marilyn & Jimmie Sowell from S Car. and Violet Poindexter from New Orleans.

 

December 30, 1979

It was cloudy nearly all day but not very cold. We needed the good rain of the past two days. It all went down. The ground is not frozen. I attended church. Raymond came after me. He and Mabel ae so good. It was so dark I would not have driven my car.

 

December 31, 1979

A beautiful bright day – typical Okla. winter weather. Cold this morning, warm in P.M. Golden sunshine, blue sky. I remember the old saying about March – “If it comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb.” And the reverse. It was true of the year 1979 – came in like a lion and is going out like a lamb.