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5. 1980

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January 1 - December 31, 1980

(Box 5/Folder 10)

 

January 1, 1980

And this year comes in like a lamb. A pet lamb at that. I turned off the furnace this a.m. and evening. Dorrine called for a long beautiful telephone visit this evening. I think night and day of the hostages the fanatic in Iran is holding.

 

January 2, 1980

I planned to go to Enid today to see Dr. Shields but it was so cloudy I was afraid it would storm. Also I hadn’t slept well and hardly felt like going. It didn’t storm but was very dark and dismal. The storm coming from the west dipped south more than the weather man expected and we got the clouds. It was not cold.

 

January 3, 1980

The sun shone part of the time but it was a cold unpleasant day. Couldn’t go to Enid. Dr. Shields is not in his office Thursdays. I didn’t get many letters written. Raymond is helping me invest my book royalties for 1979 in Bldg. & Loan. I can’t see well enough to fill out the papers.

 

January 4, 1980

Miserable dark day, but not cold. Selma and I risk decided to take a chance on the weatherman’s promise of no freezing mist and went to Enid. Saw Dr. Shields – right eye 20, left 21. Also got driver’s license at Covington on the way. We did all the things we had to do. So glad we went. But got very tired. Selma practically takes care of me. Turn page for rest of Jan 4.

 

January 5, 1980

The sun really came out a little this P.M. No storm has reached us yet. It is not very cold but it is was so cloudy I asked Ramona to take me to the beauty shop for my morning appointment.

 

January 6, 1980

Jan. 4 Miserable dark day but we went to Enid. Stopped at Covington for my driver’s license. Dr. Shields found right eye pressure 20, left 21. I did not take my usual P.M. sleep, so am pretty tired.

Jan. 6 Warm day attended church & dinner following – missed annual meeting. Jim Horton called for pleasant telephone visit this evening.

 

January 7, 1980

Very cold day but no ice or snow. The sun shone some. I stayed in the house. Raymond brought my mail. He has brought it often this winter – always if the day is cold or cloudy. My friends are so good to me.

 

January 8, 1980

Jan. 6 I attended church. Drove my car. It was a warm day. Clara Schaefer and Elsie Seefeldt persuaded me to stay for dinner. I had not planned to stay and so brought nothing. I’ll do better next time. The annual meeting followed but I did not stay for that.  It is supposed to turn very cold tonight.

 

January 9, 1980

Jan. 8 Bright sunny day but cold. Ramona helped me make a recorded message to send Bess Kirven. She sent me an expensive recorder so we could communicate without writing but I find it is harder than writing.

Jan. 9 Sunny day. Cold but not so cold as yesterday. I drove down town, went to the bank, paid my bills, brought groceries etc.

 

January 10, 1980

A miserable dark day, but not cold. It rained a little during the night and was sultry all day.  I received some luscious grape fruit from Ray and Shirley, and some beautiful book ends carved from wood (walnut, I think) by Gerald Forbes. People are so wonderful to me. I didn’t do anything for anybody at Xmas time and they have done so much for me.

 

January 11, 1980

A beautiful sunny day. I didn’t accomplish anything.

 

January 12, 1980

Another sunny day. I got a permanent. I can drive my car to town (2½ blocks) on clear days. But I can’t walk so far so on dark days I stay home. Raymond (bless him) brings my mail and my beloved Mabel sees that I get to the beauty shop.

 

January 13, 1980

Beautiful warm, sunny day. I turned furnace off during P.M. I felt dragged out so didn’t attend church, but went to Clara Schaefer’s for dinner. Rosina Cassidy came and we had a good visit. But soon I had to come home and go to bed. Felt better when I woke up. Margaret Camp called me from Albuquerque and we had a beautiful visit. I enjoyed it greatly.

 

January 14, 1980

Another warm, bright day. I can’t help contrasting these two days to the two a year ago. Jay and Amy Congdon came to see me. They are in the 80’s, but look so young and robust. They say they never take any medicine at all. I do. I do not think they will collapse at 88 as I did. Still, I was pretty active till then. I certainly enjoyed their visit today.

 

January 15, 1980

Another lovely warm day. I have not been well these past few days from Sunday on. Perhaps I let the house get too warm before I turn off the furnace.

 

January 16, 1980

Another lovely warm day – cloudy this morning but bright and sunny in the P.M. And still I don’t feel very well. Etta Casteel visited me in the afternoon.

 

January 17, 1980

Another warm day. Nothing in particular happened. I am writing late and forgot to mention Mary Huffer’s visit. She is taking a trip to her native Uganda next Tues. It has been eight years since she came here recently married to Rodney H. of the Peace Corps. She came to talk to me about it very happily.

 

January 18, 1980

Another warm day. But cold weather is expected tomorrow. I walked about the yard and found big buds on the lilacs. I suppose nature takes care of them when they make such mistakes.

 

January 19, 1980

Learned that Margaret Perdue died yesterday evening. It was in November, a year and two months ago that the cancer was discovered. She was surprisingly well and felt no pain for more than a year. Then about Christmas she started to fail and declined fast the last week.  Pain began Wednesday and the boys took her to the hospital where the doctor could control it and she died Fri. It rained last night off and on all day

 

January 20, 1980

It continued raining – last night and thru the dark, dismal day. I did not attend church, though Raymond would have taken me. Roberta Bostick brought me some batteries I needed for my flash light and stayed for a lovely visit. What fine friends the Bosticks are.

 

January 21, 1980

More rain last night and during the day. It never got down to freezing but was miserably dark and dismal. I get a few letters written each day but not many – sleep too much and am too weak. I received such wonderful letters at Xmas and am trying to answer them.

 

January 22, 1980

The sun shone some. This was the day of Margaret’s funeral. I did not feel up to attending but I loved Margaret. Don and Evadean Huffer came this evening about a birthday dinner for me Sunday. How nice of them. They stayed for a very pleasant visit. Mary started on her visit to her native Uganda today. She has been away 8 years.

 

January 23, 1980

Beautiful sunny day, but colder than it has been. Ice stayed on the puddles till noon. I talked with Edith, now in a separate house with the two granddaughters. I heard the President’s message to Cong. Things are very bad with Iran holding Americans for blackmail and USSR invading Afghanistan.

 

January 24, 1980

Busy day – My kind of busyness. The last  time I trimmed my toenails it was so difficult because of my defective sight that I engaged Selma DeWitt for next time. She did it today. What a relief. Then we ate quick hamburgers at the cafe and she took me to Hennessey to stock up on meat. Our grocery store here is good but they are shy on meat. Lovely warm sunny day. I turned off the furnace. Clara Schaefer called. 

 

January 25, 1980

Warm day but the weather man says some real winter weather is coming for the week end. I am sorry for these good people are having my birthday dinner Sunday. But we do need cold weather. Don Huffer tells me the green bugs are in the wheat.

 

January 26, 1980

It started getting cold about midnight. Is really cold this evening. A few flakes of hard snow fell. Domer and Treva Dougherty and two of their daughters came to see me. They had been in the City and came by. I had a fine visit with them.

 

January 27, 1980

Stayed away from church – wanted to be rested. The cafe closes on Sunday, but it served my birthday party. My dear friends Brian and Louise Harpster and their fine son and daughter and daughter’s husband came from Bartlesville and Stillwater. The whole church group came. Also the Leathers couple from Crescent. It was a cold, dark day but a happy one for me the Harpster family visited me briefly after the dinner.

 

January 28, 1980

Very cold day – dark and cloudy. I tried to write letters thanking people but didn’t get finished. Sleep too much. I am receiving beautiful letters and telephone calls – also a box of huge, luscious dates from Jim Horton. Selma took me to see the assessor.

 

January 29, 1980

Received a lovely azalea from Jim Horton – also telephone birthday calls from Jim, and one from Lida Barr at Dover. People are so good. Another cold, dark day. Later – I see I have Jim and Lida twice. Probably Jan. 30 is correct, I probably wrote late.

 

January 30, 1980

Very cold, dark day with ice forming and a few flakes of snow. Dangerous driving throughout Okla. But people were wonderful to me. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis, Ivy Coffey from O.C., the Worsley’s from the south tip of Texas, Lida Barr from Dover, Okla., Margaret Camp from Albuquerque, and so on – all with long telephone visits. Wonderful experience.

 

January 31, 1980

The sun shone all day and melted the ice on the ground though it was very cold all day, I am still happy over all the kindly people did for my birthday yesterday. Not room to write it all – lovely cards and more lovely messages, visit call from Pat and Ramona, Selma brought a piping hot meal at noon etc., etc.

 

February 1, 1980

The sun shone but it was pretty cold. Got down to 11° last night – the coldest yet. I am still enjoying birthday messages – cards and letters now. I had not been enthusiastic over a 90th birthday – would have traded for a smaller one – but it was one of the happiest experiences of my life.

 

February 2, 1980

Sunny day and warmer though chilly. I drove to town for the first time since the cold spell. I am still writing notes thanking people for the beautiful things they did for me on my birthday. Olga Chambers called me for a lovely telephone visit and she didn’t even know about the birthday. Groundhog certainly saw his shadow.

 

February 3, 1980

I attended church. It is very difficult for me to understand even with the ear phones so that the service is a strain but people are so good I don’t want them to know it. It was a warm, beautiful day.

 

February 4, 1980

It was a dark cloudy day with a cold wind but O.K. for Feb. Not too bad for me to drive to town to get mail and pay bills.

 

February 5, 1980

Warm, sunny, lovely day, I did a tiny bit of yard work. I sleep so much I haven’t much time, and the little I have I try to keep up my correspondence. Etta Miller came to see me. Very pleasant visit.

 

February 6, 1980

Not so warm as yesterday and a storm is on the way. Perhaps icy roads. And I have an appointment with Dr. Freed Friday. It was lovely and warm this morning but got colder this evening.

 

February 7, 1980

Temperature dropped suddenly about 9:00 A.M. Soon started freezing rain on trees and ground. I called off my appointment with Dr. Freed. Got Feb. 18. This evening all the roads in Okla. are hazardous – snow in west, ice and a thin coating of snow here, rain freezing in southeast.

 

February 8, 1980

Ground white this morning with a thin hard coating of snow. Ice on trees. First snow of winter. Pretty cold, I haven’t stepped outside. Pat brought my mail and then made a special trip to the P.O. to mail my letters. Somebody picked up the garbage can I put out before the storm started yesterday morning and brought it to my door. I don’t know who it was. People are so good.

 

February 9, 1980

Still very cold but the sun peeked out a little. Raymond (such a good man) said he would take me to the beauty shop for my regular appointment but I didn’t step out doors. No melting of snow or ice. People are so good to me. Raymond brought my mail.  Pat brought a piping hot dish Ramona prepared for my supper.

 

February 10, 1980

Sunny day but cold. Even so about half the snow melted. It was thin anyhow – probably ½ inch. I didn’t attend church. I didn’t want to step on the slick snow. I am worried about Mabel Bryson. She has a very sore throat.

 

February 11, 1980

Another day of blue sky and golden sunshine. But cold.  Even so, the snow melted so half the ground is bare. It never was very deep. I am still uneasy about Mabel, though Raymond says she is better.

 

February 12, 1980

Another sunny day but cold. Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Surprised at how much snow they got there.  Right eye 19, left 21. I got very tired. Selma practically had to take care of me. Learned a man was shot here in Marshall yester day by a man from Dougas [sic]. He is in a serious condition, but apparently may live.

 

February 13, 1980

It was warmer today and the sun shone most of the time. But colder weather is threatened. I drove down town – first time for nearly a week. Got my own mail and stocked up on groceries. Snow still lingers in shady places. First good news about the hostages in Iran.

 

February 14, 1980

Dark, dismal day with some rain. But warm. I hope it doesn’t snow. I write so much about the weather, but when one stays in the house and looks out, weather is important. Mabel is feeling much better.

 

February 15, 1980

Dismal dark rainy day but warm. Then in late P.M. it turned cold and soon started snowing. Perhaps I mind these dark days more because of my dim sight.

 

February 16, 1980

It apparently rained last night. All the snow was gone this morning. The sun shone all P.M. but most of the day was very cold. My appointment with Dr. Freed is Monday. I hope the weather will be good.

 

February 17, 1980

Lovely sunny day but cold. I could have driven to church but Raymond said it was too cold so he took me, Mabel is about over her bad sore throat. Our minister’s away and a man from O.C. took his place. Good sermon. Tomorrow I shall see Dr. Freed unless it storms again

 

February 18, 1980

Weather not bad. Ramona took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He found me O.K. then we had lunch at the Le Roy Fischers. Dr. & Mrs. Baird were there. The men are making plans for an Angie Debo day at OSU. I was dumbfounded but they talked me into it. I wanted to ask Martha Finsher [sic] about the nursing home where Dr. Fisher’s [sic] mother stays. Good report. I may need it. Then we visited Edith Holloway.  Got home tired.

 

February 19, 1980

I did some special resting and got fairly well straightened up from yesterday. I have felt for some time that I should investigate nursing homes in Stillwater and I wanted Ramona’s judgement. What I learned was good – much better than in 1976 when I had surgery and no good one.

 

February 20, 1980

It was a very warm day – even too warm from the P.M. on. I still have windows open and furnace off. It  makes me weak and dizzy to have it so warm.

 

February 21, 1980

Learned that Fred Enmeier died in a Stillwater nursing home. He was 96. I think now I am the oldest member of our church. Mrs. Enmeier died sever several years ago. Another warm day – got up to the 70s.

 

February 22, 1980

Mr. Enmeier’s funeral was today. I didn’t attend. Alma cam Friend came over for the funeral and then came to see me. We had a lovely visit, Alma is a wonderful person.

 

February 23, 1980

Cold cloudy day. The Brysons are so good. Raymond took me to get my hair fixed and Mabel, who got her own hair set washed and set, waited for me and brought me home.

 

February 24, 1980

It was a miserable dark rainy day. I did not got to church. Clara Schaefer said the congregation was small. The flu – a new breed immune to shots – has hit the country including Marshall. I had the pleasure of watching rerun of winter olympics [sic] on TV.

 

February 25, 1980

The sun shone but it was a raw cold day with a strong wind. I managed to drive to town for mail and groceries but the wind was hard to stand against.

 

February 26, 1980

I tried to write letters but didn’t get much done. I have to sleep so much and when I am awake I am light headed and weak. Warm sunny day.

 

February 27, 1980

Sunny day – temperature in 70's . I opened windows, turned off the furnace. Still warm in evening.  Rosina Cassiday and Clara Schaefer called. Very pleasant visit. I am trying to get some letters written, but I get too tired.

 

February 28, 1980

Selma took me to Hennessey to buy meat. We have a good grocery store here except no adequate facilities for keeping fresh meat. It was a warm – even a hot day – up to the 70s, but cold weather is on the way. They are tearing down the house across the street. I am glad to get rid of it but the new owner will put up a trailer house and rent it out.

 

February 29, 1980

It was still warm at midnight, but shortly after that it started to turn cold. Now this evening the entire state is under a travelers’ warning and it is still getting colder. It snowed enough to make the ground white.

 

March 1, 1980

March certainly came in like a lion – extremely cold and a high wind. I couldn’t keep my house warm.  This seldom happens. I suppose it was the wind. The sun shone off and on but it didn’t help. I managed to keep warm by staying close to the furnace. The old saying is that if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb. And the reverse.

 

March 2, 1980

Sunny day but cold. The snow that fell yesterday scarcely melted. And it It was very thin but the ground was white. I didn’t attend church. Thought it was too cold. Raymond would have taken me but I still thought I’d better stay in. Ramona come and we settled some plans. I will describe tomorrow.

 

March 3, 1980

The history dept at OSU have been planning an elaborate celebration in my honor – banquet and everything. They told me at the Fischers’ home Feb. 18. I appreciated it so much I consented. Later I realized I was not physically strong enough, and I called LeRoy and told him. He was very nice about it and we decided to publish a check list of my writings instead. But Ramona thought we could have a simple reception. I called LeRoy and we decided on a short reception to celebrate the completion of the check list. We will make it simple.

 

March 4, 1980

Turned warm in the night. Gave me a chance to cash my social security check and pay my utilities bills. Then in the P.M. it started to turn cold.

 

March  5, 1980

Cold day but the sun shone so I could drive after my mail. Some of my good friends get it for me on stormy days. Winnie Branen came to see me about finding support for our library. Our Marshall Woman’s Club organized in 1905 is fading out and another sponsor must be found.

 

March 6, 1980

It was warm but so very windy. It is hard for me to stand up against it when I get out of  the car. I managed to get things in order so I started organizing my income tax today.

 

March 7, 1980

Worked on my income tax. I see I am later than last year. Warm sunny day.

 

March 8, 1980

Beautiful sunny warm day. I felt better than I have for months. I wish I know why and I would do it again.  Russell Caston and the two Staton girls, Cora Caston and Nellie [sic] Thomis [sic] came to see me. I didn’t get much done on my income tax but it was a joy to see them.

 

March 9, 1980

I went to church. Drove my own car. Warm lovely day. In the P.M. I organized some photographs and check list of my writings OSU is planning to publish. My files were always carefully kept until these last months (since May 10, 1978) so it is relatively easy.

 

March 10, 1980

Dick Clark died Friday night – or was it Saturday? It was Sat. They found him the next day. He probably died in his sleep. And this evening a long distance call told me my beloved cousins, Alta Cooper (March 6) and Elva (March 9) (March 7) had died. Both were older than I – Dick somewhat younger. I do not grieve about them. Death is the natural end of a long life.

 

March 11, 1980

Miserable dark day. I had intended to go to Dick’s funeral but a fine cold rain was falling. I worked hard on some family data they needed in the probate court for Elva and Alta. A lamp I had ordered from the Sears catalog came today and Raymond (bless him) set it up for me. It will help in the letters I have to figure out with my defective sight

 

March 12, 1980

Young Steven Gragert, graduate history student at OSU came for us to check my files for the check list he will make of my publications. I got very tired but we accomplished a great deal. A dark rainy day. The new lamp certainly helped.

 

March 13, 1980

Beautiful warm, bright day. I have had much trouble fin hunting for a royalty statement for my income tax.  Today Ramona called Amoco (who has the last lease) and they told her the amount. Why didn’t I do it sooner? I could not have done it myself because of my bad hearing but why didn’t I ask Ramona earlier. Needed for income tax.

 

March 14, 1980

Another lovely day. The McCool termite man made his annual inspection. I got pretty tired and got nothing done on that income tax. Anyhow, he said “No termites.”

 

March 15, 1980

Warm, sunny day, very windy. I did not feel well. Too tired yesterday. But I managed to do some work on that neglected income tax. The very first time I have touched it this week. This is the day I get my hair fixed but I worked a little

 

March 16, 1980

Hot day, in the 80s in some parts of the state, high 70s here. I felt weak all day but worked on my income tax. Got it finished all but collecting the pages. Will take it to Mr. Uzzo at Enid Tues. Could do it tomorrow but my appointment is Tuesday. I did not attend church. Felt too weak.

 

March 17, 1980

I thought I finished the income tax yesterday, but I worked on it all day today, checking and organizing.  When I say “all day” it is only about 2 hrs. Sleep and rest so much besides cooking and business. Jim Horton called me this evening for a telephone visit. Nice of him. Cooler day.

 

March 18, 1980

Selma took me to Enid to see Mr. Uzzo about my income tax. I think I had everything in shape for him to compute it. I could have seen Dr. Shields also but doing too many things in one day has become too hard. So I will take another trip in spite of the expense.

 

March 19, 1980

It was very pleasant to have that income tax off my hands. And I caught up with a few neglected things Clara Schaefer came to visit me. Very pleasant.

 

March 20, 1980

dark, dismal forenoon but it cleared off in the P.M I attended to some correspondence but I don’t get much done in a day. Have to stop and rest too much and sleep in the P.M.

 

March 21, 1980

Warm sunny day. I wrote a few letters but didn’t accomplish much. Alice took down the storm door at the front of my house and put thinner bedclothes on my bed. And I even did a very small amount of yard work.

 

March 22, 1980

I really didn’t accomplish much. Nothing to write about.

 

March 23, 1980

It rained all in the night and off and on all day with a hard shower in the P.M. We needed it. But there were bad thunder storms in some parts of the state. I didn’t attend church. Ramona came to talk about the cataract surgery Dr. Shields says I am ready for. She will go with me to see him.

 

March 24, 1980

Cold, gloomy day. No rain fell. The Jessie Roberts have returned from their winter in the Valley in Texas. Bonnie as usual brought me some garden produce they raised and preserved. Generous Bonnie! Stayed for a fine visit

 

March 25, 1980

We were promised a pleasant day but it was cloudy and cold. I had planned to take my car to have it inspected but the weather didn’t suit my driving. (It must be inspected this month.) Then Raymond came to bring big beautiful piece of cake Mabel sent and he said he would do it tomorrow. What wonderful friends the Brysons are

 

March 26, 1980

It rained last night and during the day. Very dark and dismal. Raymond took my car to the filling station and got it inspected. The inspection had to be renewed this month. He also got my mail. and mail My income tax came

 

March 27, 1980

I worked on my income tax. That is I tried to understand it as computed by Mr. Uzzo. I think I have it in my mind now. This P.M. my lovely Janet Shelby and a young college friend came to see me. A very happy experience. Rained  last night and all day.

 

March 28, 1980

My census blank came today. This year the government is asking people to fill out their own. It is very effectively planned, so it is easy to do. I filled mine and got it ready to send. It is pleasant to see a govt. document so well planned. No gobblede gook, just plain, good English. It cleared off

 

March 29, 1980

Cloudy again. And for some reason I feel better than I have done since that One Hoss Shay collapse I had May 10 nearly two years ago. I wish it would stop raining. I think we have had enough. The wheat looks wonderful. Learned Jennie Murphy died today

 

March 30, 1980

It rained last night and was a miserable day. Raymond took me to church though he and Mabel are having a visit from Ollie and her famild [sic]. I did enjoy seeing them. The Brysons gave me a lovely easter [sic] lily and a few days ago Anne Sellmer sent me an Easter amaryllis bulb and Jim Horton sent me ½ bu. of grapefruit (½ bu.!!) People are so nice. Jennie Murphy will be buried Tuesday.

 

March 31, 1980

The sun shone! But it was windy and disagreeable. March went out a little like a lion. I noticed my daffodils are blooming. It was too dark and miserable for me to get out to see them till today. Edith’s apricot tree has been blooming beautifully for a week.

 

April 1, 1980

Ramona took me to see Dr. Shields today. It was a help to have her because I wa wanted to talk, or rather ask, about the surgery he is ready to have performed on an eye. We clarified things. And of course he tested pressure – right 18, left 22. Lovely sunny day but windy. Mrs.  Murphy’s funeral was this P.M. in the Methodist Church.

 

April 2, 1980

Dark & cloudy all day – rained several times, one hard shower. Selma took me to Hennessey to get meat. (I didn’t want to bother Ramona yesterday by shopping.) As it happened we made it between showers.  Our Marshall store is every [sic] good but the have no fresh meat. I buy everything else here.

 

April 3, 1980

I had my lawn mowed today. A new boy, a cousin to Stanley who did it last year. His name is James Frisbe a fine boy, about 14. The sun shone and it was a coolish windy day.

 

April 4, 1908

A lovely sunny day. I had a good visit with my beloved Pat. He came to the car on Main Street and we talked a long while. He and Ramona have been so upset remodeling their house that I haven’t had much chance to see them. In the evening a Dr. Duffy from the Eng. Dept. at Central State Uni. came to see me. Very pleasant.

 

April 5, 1980

Another warm, sunny day. Nothing in particular happened. I am missing all the Holy Week church services because I am unable to attend. Prairie City Days start tomorrow. Because it is Easter the PC is postponed till evening – a community program of religious music at the school auditorium.

 

April 6, 1980

Easter Sunday. Cloudy this morning but cleared up before church time. That made it possible for me to drive. (The Brysons are away this Sunday.) Gladys Davis called from Colorado and I had a beautiful telephone visit with her this evening. Hot day – about 90° in the P.M. I am worn out in consequence.

 

April 7, 1980

Steve Gragert came and we went over a list of people for me to invite to the reception. Worked an hour and a half and I had to quit we were about half done. (Of course the OSU people have their list too. What the TV said was a very severe thunder storm developed south of Enid this evening. The edge touched us – it rained hard and hailed briskly a short time.

 

April 8, 1980

Sunny day not so hot as yesterday. I got very little done. Resting from yesterday, slept even more than usual. Steve will come tomorrow and we hope to finish invitation list.

 

April 9, 1980

Lovely sunny day. Steve came and we finished the list of names. Somehow I got pretty tired though he didn’t come till I finished my P.M. sleep. We worked from 3:30 to about 5:30, not a big day’s work.

 

April 10, 1980

Our Woman’s Club, organized in 1905 is dying this year. Too many of us have dropped out. Margaret died, Madonna moved to Stillwater, I ceased to function, etc. But Winnie and Maxine (bless them) set up a museum for tomorrow and next day. I furnished some of the antiques I have. No trouble to collect them but I got terribly tired. I have no strength at all.

 

April 11, 1980

I worked a little at correspondence and got terribly tired. I have not participated in Prairie City week. The few things I sent to the museum were easily collected and the descriptions ready from previous years. Maxine came and got them and she and Winnie arranged the display.

 

April 12, 1980

The only part I took in the celebration was to ride in a T model Ford at the head of the parade with Stanley Hitt driving. It was a cold day with a high wind but Stanley was so good to me – found sheltered places to park while the rest went by – that somehow I did not get tired. Beloved Mavin Foor came to see me.

 

April 13, 1980

I attended church this morning. Raymond took me. It was too dark for me to drive. I should have put away my pioneer costume but I was too tired.

 

April 14, 1980

Another cold windy day but I did drive to town. Connie Cronley is coming tomorrow and I tried to plan how to help her but I am still too tired.

 

April 15, 1980

Connie came. It was a warm sunny day – little wind. I have got her started writing a life of Kate Barnard and there are a few places where I can help her. She was my ideal when I was a young girl – that is Kate Barnard was. I heard her speak twice and fairly worshipped her.

 

April 16, 1980

Warm day. Nothing much happened. I managed to put away the costume I wore and the antiques I loaned the museum for Prairie City Days. I have so little strength.

 

April 17, 1980

Deeply grieved at a letter from Max Shank in Chicago. Mary had had cancer surgery the day before.  Revealed very bad condition. Development had been fearfully rapid. I had a recent letter from her describing the pleasures of the wild life she and Max were seeing in Africa

 

April 18, 1980

Mary (thinking of Mary) – I mean Bess Kirven and her father Gerald Kirven came by to see me – on way from Calif to visit Gerald’s son in Ind. Gerald is my age but look is much hardier. I got very tired though they were very considerate. Came at 10:00, left about 2:00 so I could rest.

 

April 19, 1980

Warm sunny day. I used air conditioner. I have never got rested from the few things I did during Prairie City Days – also working with Steve and others, including my precious Connie.

 

April 20, 1980

Went to church. Ted preached an especially fine sermon. And I didn’t hear all of it, much to my regret. My hearing is getting worse and there is nothing I can do about it. Ramona came for a while this P.M. Jim Horton called me on the phone. Warm, bright day.

 

April 21, 1980

Hot day. I used the air conditioner in my study most of the day. My purple lilac is blooming beautifully. Until last year and this it was always in full bloom during Prairie City days, but these two years the celebration was held earlier later in April.

 

April 22, 1980

I still have a number of Prairie Cities purched [sic] during the celebration which I agreed to inscribe. And I didn’t even touch one today. I have so little strength as the days grow warmer. After writing I learned Edith is in the hospital at Stillwater. I am afraid this is the end.

 

April 23, 1980

Ramona drove to Stillwater to see Edith, then came to tell me. She was here with the two granddaughters on Easter. (I didn’t see her but she seemed well. The girls mowed the lawn, etc. Then a day or two later she had go to the hospital. Is very low but cheerful as always. The doctors use tubes to feed her etc. Ramona stayed very briefly.

 

April 24, 1980

It rained hard last night – we needed it – and was cloudy and cooler today. Bertie De Board came to get a book autographed and stayed a while. How pretty and sweet she is. I think constantly of Edith and Mary dying of cancer when there should be good useful years of life ahead of them. If only the cause of this terrible disease could be found.

 

April 25, 1980

We have had more heavy rains last night and during the day. It is exactly what the wheat needed, although there was some severe winds around the state. I got a copy of  Danny Ogles’ book Progressive Oklahoma. I read it in ms at the request of Dr. Scales’ and gave Danny some advice. He has a brilliant future.

 

April 26, 1980

It quit raining but there were heavy clouds all day. We got about 3½ in in all. The wheat can use it.  Brad Shelby was married in our church today. I have not met his wife. Her name is Barbara. We were all invited to the wedding but I do not get around much any more. Brad’s mother and his sister Janet and her friend came by to see me briefly. So sweet of them.

 

April 27, 1980

It was cool but the sun shone most of the day. I drove to church by myself. Raymond takes me on bad days. I heard nothing new about Edith or about Mary. Both dying of cancer when they both should have had several more good years to live, And the captives in Iran are a constant worry.

 

April 28, 1980

April 29 Ramona took me to Enid and went with me into Dr. Shields’ office. It is a great help to have her along. He tested my eyes and decided against cataract surgery. Thinks new glasses may help. I am relieved that I am not required to make this decision. As always he tested the pressure. It was right 20, left 24 I got very tired.

 

April 29, 1980

Placed by mistake on Apr. 28 space. I don’t seem to remember much about April 28. Am writing late.

 

April 30, 1980

Selma took me to Hennessey to buy meat. We have a good store here except for meat. I worked 2 hours getting it in shape for freezing. And then electricity went off and I was afraid the meat would be lost. But it soon came on, so all is well. We  had quite a hard rain this evening.

 

May 1, 1980

Lula, my cousin Allie’s widow who lives in Oregon, and her sister, Mabel, who lives in Hennessey, came to see me this P.M. But losing my P.M. sleep and several other things made me so tired I was near collapse. But of course I was glad to see Lula and Mabel and I hope tonight’s rest will perk me up.

 

May 2, 1980

It rained last night (not much water fell) and was cloudy all day. I was still very weak and light headed but took it easy and I seem at least partially recovered from the hard week. I must get up some strength before the reception Tuesday.

 

May 3, 1980

This my regular day to have my hair washed and set. And this time of all times, Marilyn absent mindedly parted it on the wrong side and my hair won’t stand that. She generously said she would do it again Monday, but it worried me because of the reception.

 

May 4, 1980

I should not have worried about my hair but I did. It kept me awake. It looked terrible when I tried to comb it this morning. I was so ill and tired I didn’t attend church. Ill all day. Clark and Ethel Newell visited me this evening

 

May 5, 1980.

The beauty shop is not opened Mondays but Marilyn (bless her) came in from the country and opened the shop and did my hair with special pains then pinned it up to stay until combed out tomorrow. I took things easy all day. It is so kind of the OSU people to do this for me that I want to appear as alert and well as possible.

 

May 6, 1980

It was a brief morning and I tried to spare my energy as much as possible. Raymond and Mabel took Ramona and me over. We went early. The reception was lovely. So many of my dearest friends were there and they all seemed to enjoy themselves. I managed my part O.K. They had a chair for me. I could not have done it without Ramona. She sat beside me and unobtrusively told who everyone was – was eyes and ears both. I am afraid the reception would have fallen flat without her.

 

May 7, 1980

I went to bed as soon as I got home yesterday P.M. and slept till 8:00 this morning (except that I got up and ate supper.) I am still thinking of how Ramona made a success of the party. And when the OSU people did such a kindly and generous thing I could not bear to break down in such weakness and dizziness as to mar it That is what I should have done except for Ramona. Today I felt pretty well but I rested. 

 

May 8, 1980

I rested today also. Have many “Thank you” letters to write but wrote only one – a long one, I did pay my bills, etc. Cold day and I did without the furnace because of some lovely flowers given me. Didn’t want to wilt them.

 

May 9, 1980

Slema took me to Enid today to get my new glasses ground and fitted. They do help my sight some. I got a letter from Max Shank saying Mary had died that morning. I am deeply grieved. Somehow I had never once thought of living without Mary. My last letter from her was so happily descriptive of the wild life she was seeing in Africa where Max had taken some of his biology students. But my greatest grief is for Max. I don’t know how he is going to live without her.

 

May 10, 1980

It is exactly two years since my old age hit me with a bang and completely changed my life style. I spent May 10 two years ago active and in complete control of my mind and body. Then in early evening I sort of collapsed – not a stroke -- just my years catching up.

 

May 11, 1980

I went to church but didn’t hear any of the service. The ear phones in a few of the pews didn’t work. Then I slept all P.M. as usual. In the evening there were some severe thunderstorms in the state but not here. It did rain though.

 

May 12, 1980

Cloudy day but cleared off . My old fashioned yellow rose is beautiful and my peonies have started to bloom.

 

May 13, 1980

It was a cool day and I felt well all day. I can’t stand any heat at all. I am still working on notes of appreciation, etc. For the people who gave me that lovely reception. Also had books to autograph. Winnie came on an errand and stayed for a nice visit.

 

May 14, 1980

Another lovely bright day, not very warm. I didn’t accomplish anything. I never do. My peonies are beautiful. So are the roses on my porch – a climbing American Beauty and a Blaze.

 

May 15, 1980

It rained last night and through the day. The wheat needed it, but what a dark dismal day it was. It rained all over the state, floods in places. I am still organizing my correspondence, etc. from my reception more than a week ago.

 

May 16, 1980

It rained last night but cleared off off today. Altogether we got 2½ in. In several places there were disastrous  floods. I’m still not getting much done.

 

May 17, 1980

It cleared off this morning peonies are lovely. The weather has been exactly right for them. That fine young man Brad Shelby and his bride, Barbara, were given a shower at the church. I did not attend.

 

May 18, 1980

It rained last night. Enough to spoil the church’s annual picnic, so they held it in the basement. I felt bad all morning, so did not attend, but Clara Schaefer tells me there was a good sized congregation and a pleasant time.

 

May 19, 1980

Felt unusually well this forenoon. Even wrote some letters. Cool, bright day.

 

May 20, 1980

It rained all during the night and most of the day. Selma took me to see Dr. Freed. Nothing seems wrong with me except my age and he has no pill to cure that.

 

May 21, 1980

Mary’s sister, Jane Taylor, who has been almost like a mother to her called me from Fort Smith and talked for at least an hour, perhaps two hours. I knew she was in Chicago all the time with Mary, but I did not write because I knew all her mind was on Mary. Now she is back home. I was ill all day.

 

May 22, 1980

Too ill to write to Jane yesterday but I intended to do it today. I was not ill today but I still didn’t get it done. I am so sorry for Jane. She was the only real mother Mary had.

 

May 23, 1980

Coolish day. I didnt didn’t get much done. I have been interested in the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Once I took a fine picture of it from the plane – just the top sticking up thru a floor of cloud. I couldn’t do that now. It is not tall enough to pierce, the cloud. This eruption is the real thing.

 

May 24, 1980

The weather is becoming warm and I am finding it hard to take even with air conditioners. In the evening Selma took me to the cemetery to decorate my graves. (I have 14) I was too weak to do it and Selma ( bless her) did it for me. I have lost a lot this past year, I could do it last year

 

May 25, 1980

I felt too weak to go to church. In the evening Evadean Huffer, Thelma Ficken and a lovely woman a daughter of Lydia Diedrick came by to pick up some books I had autographed for Evadean.

 

May 26, 1980

This was the official Memorial Day. They moved it to give people a long week end. They do use it for family gatherings and it really does serve a good purpose. It has truly become a time of family remembrances.

 

May 27, 1980

Last night it rained two inches with thunder. But it cleared in the P.M. and I went to the cemetery with the Brysons to pick up the artificial flowers to save for next year. The sun was almost setting and the air was sweet. The country is lovely.

 

May 28, 1980

It was cooler today and I felt better but I am still very weak. I am wondering how I shall be able to get through the summer. We have had not hot weather but I can’t stand even mild warmth.

 

May 29, 1980

It was cooler today, so I felt better but I am still very weak. Carl and Leone Schneebeck visited me briefly this morning. They have been here visiting Clara the past week. I was very happy to see them. It rained this P.M. – also last night. Tornadoes over the state

 

May 30, 1980

It was a warm sultry day but somehow I felt better than I have been feeling the past few weeks. I got some letters written. I am trying to help my friend, Betty Mubiru, who is a victim of all the horrors of unhappy Uganda, For 8 years there was Idi Amin. Now there is disorder, violence, and looting.

 

May 31, 1980

A pump at our water plant has broken down. For 2 or 3 days it has been turned on briefly at meal time but it is very muddy and most of the time there is none. The beauty shop was closed and Marshall’s feminine heads are shocking to behold. This includes me, whose appointment was today.

 

June 1, 1980

I went to church. I had not had my face washed for 3 days, but covered with powder. I felt better than usual today. May was lovely and June still is. All the flowers are blooming. I went to church but I don’t remember much else. I am writing so late.

 

June 2, 1980

Betty and I have correspondence regularly and affectionately for a year now but she is so concerned with the present disorder with unchecked looting and killing that she failed to mention that her husband was killed during the Idi Amin regime. I learned it only this last week.

 

June 3, 1980

I have been trying to find ways to help Betty Mubiru. Their home was looted when they ran across the border into Kenya  during the final battles a year ago. They had only the clothes they wore. I sent others but they never reached them. Now the house was stripped again.

 

June 4, 1980

Selma took me to Hennessey to buy some meat. I got very tired. Ramona (bless her) brought the big fan she and Pat loaned me last summer. They said there was no use of my buying one when theirs is not in use.

 

June 5, 1980

I was weak and groggy all day. It was a warm day, but I used the air don conditioners and the borrowed fan. I think I got too tired yesterday.

 

June 6, 1980

Another warm, sultry day. But I kept the air conditioners going and felt better than I did yesterday. I guess I got rested from my trip. Nothing in particular happened today

 

June 7, 1980

Warm, sultry day. These days are not scorching hot – they are in the upper 80s or lower 90s – but so sultry they make me weak and light headed. If it is not the weather I have lost a lot since last year.

 

June 8, 1980

I felt felt so bad I did not attend church. I seem to have lost a lot of strength since this time last year.

 

June 9, 1980

It was a cool day and not so sultry. I did without the furna air conditioner most of the time. And I managed to attend to some correspondence.

 

June 10, 1980

[No entry]

 

June 11, 1980

[No entry]

 

June 12, 1980

Edith Holloway died this morning Cancer is so evil. This strong capable woman had an attack that started Xray examinations in early August, but she was still up and active. Drove for me, did her work, etc. Then on Nov. 15 came an exploratory operation and they found a mass of cancers. Impossible to remove. This was her death sentence. I got a permanent today.

 

June 13, 1980

Edith has been on my mind for more than half a year. And her good spirits were beautiful to see. I knew she had strength of character but I had never seen so much strength. I hope her brave spirit kept her from suffering during the last hard days.

 

June 14, 1980

Went to Edith’s funeral. At the undertakers at Stillwater, buried at Marshall. The Brysons took me. I stood it better than I expected but am about collapsed now. I did not go to the cemetery. We went early and met the family at the undertakers. She looked lovely. Perhaps the undertaker’s work is needed after all.

 

June 15, 1980

I felt too weak from yesterday to attend church today. But after this afternoon I felt rested. I even wrote the letters to member of Edith’s family. Difficult letters to write. The day was hot. Helps the harvest, which is now well started.

 

June 16, 1980

Hard rain (1½ in), very strong wind this morning Effectively stopped harvest, which was in full blast. Got good news in a letter from Betty Muribu [sic] in Uganda. The clothing I sent her little boys last August, which I had given up as lost finally reached her. The boys are delighted and so is she. And it fits. Probably too large when I sent it.

 

June 17, 1980

It rained again this forenoon. No wheat harvest. Cool this P.M. I didn’t use the air conditioner. And I felt fine. I simply can’t stand the heat. Some The high wind yesterday blew branches off my Chinese elm. This morning they were gone. Some good friend cleaned them up. People are so good.

 

June 18, 1980

It didn’t rain last night or today. Harvest would be in full swing this week if only it would dry up. Today the sun shone. Perhaps it will stop raining.

 

June 19, 1980

More rain last night. And the weather man doesn’t give us much hope. I had a numbness in one foot the last half of the night. I was going to call Dr. Freed but it stopped during the early morning. I was ill all forenoon because I had lost so much sleep.

 

June 20, 1980

I think it rained again last night but I am writing late so I am not sure. I think that was the night of a quiet rain that didn’t even wake me. And not much water fell. Still it stopped the harvest. There has been no harvest this entire week. The whole day was beautifully cool.

 

June 21, 1980

No rain last night but cloudy most of the day. Still no harvest. Late in the P.M. it was dry enough for Mary Huffer to mow my lawn. I am so happy to get her. I have had trouble with my boy. He likes to run the mower but won’t pick up cuttings or trim. Mary can be trusted to finish the job.

 

June 22, 1980

It rained again last night. I’m glad I got Mary to mow my lawn yesterday. But no wheat harvest for a solid week. I didn’t attend church. Weather too bad and I didn’t feel well this A.M. Feel fine this evening. Dorine Halsted called me for a lovely telephone visit. The numbness in my foot came back in the P.M.

 

June 23, 1980

I called Dr. Freed as soon as his office opened this morning. He said to come in tomorrow and he would look at the foot. It feels like a worm crawling on a certain path. It didn’t rain last night and the sun shone all day.

 

June 24, 1980

The doctor said a nerve had become inflamed. He couldn’t do anything to help it and it would do no particular harm anyhow. It didn’t rain last night and the sun shown all day. But I think it is still too damp to harvest. It was a hot day – got up to 100 in several Okla places. But not here I think

 

June 25, 1980

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields for my usual tension measure. Right eye 18, left 21 We are having terribly hot weather. Today broke records – was over 100 everywhere in the state – much above 100 some places. I stayed by the air conditioners, and Selma’s car is very cool.

 

June 26, 1980

Another 100+ day. And my air conditioner in my study froze solid. I still have the kitchen one. A man is coming to fix it tomorrow. I had to have my permanent done over today. The one I had didn’t take. (I did that before the air con. stopped) Ambie Congdon died of cancer.

 

June 27, 1980

Two men – brothers – put my air conditioner in condition. It needed freon. O.K. now. The lovely Congdon daughters, Betty and Letha came to visit me. Said they thought I should not be able to attend the funeral tomorrow and they wanted to see me. I had not seen them since they married and moved away Now they are grandmothers – and so pretty and young looking.

 

June 28, 1980

Ambie Congdon’s funeral was today. I did not feel well enough to attend. On Jan14 this year Jay & Ambie Congdon visited me and I marveled at how young and sturdy they were. Both in their 80s. It was cancer. Swift and terrible. I know Jay is desolate. They were such a close knit family. A wonderful family. They left Marshall years ago but are greatly loved here.

 

June 29, 1980

Had no room on June 28 page.  When I was returning from the P.O. yesterday I failed to see a car coming towards me. No collision not even a close call but it convinced me that my sight is not good enough for driving. I put the car in the garage and told Raymond and the O Neills Today I did not attend church. In the P.M. I had a lovely visit with Fred & Marguerite Baumgartner.

 

June 30, 1980

We are having terrible heat. From 100° up 109 or even higher. No relief. I stay by the air conditioner, or I could not live. This is literal truth. About 20 have died in Okla., many more in Texas. I called Don Hartig in K.C., who once said he wanted my car if I ever sold it, I talked with Raymond Bryson also and he is exploring sales prospects.

 

July 1, 1980

July 1, 1980. This weather continues with no relief. I can remember nothing like it except in 1936. It was bad in the early 50s but not so bad as this this.

 

July 2, 1980

[No entry]

 

July 3, 1980

We had a very light shower last night with some thunder. It didn’t make any noticeable improvements in the day’s weather.

 

July 4, 1980

I put up my flag but there was scarcely any celebration here in the wheat belt. People working so hard in harvest. Our scorching weather continues. Twenty-five people have died of the heat in Okla. Many more in the Dallas, Texas area. And it is Okla. Weather – no humidity.

 

July 5, 1980

Another terrible day. The Okla. death toll from heat is now 29. And July is usually our worst month, so we are not expecting much relief. I could not live in my house except for the air conditioner. And it is just about time for a drought cycle. Last one was in early 50s.

 

July 6, 1980

 Ruth Rusco and her son, Jerry, visited me briefly. They had been visiting Alice and her family in Texas, and on their return stopped here at the cemetery and they called on me. Another scorching day. I sent my typewriter to Enid by Selma De Witt for some needed repairs.

 

July 7, 1980

Selma took my typewriter to Enid. Heat deaths in Okla. now 29. Still no relief in sight. A very fine family called in passing. Name is Morris, granddaughter of Clinton M. Allen & her husband and two little boys. Uncommonly fine people. So happy to meet them.

 

July 8, 1980

Another scorching day. Raymond brought back my typewriter. Steve Gragert and Dr. Smith of the OSU history department brought back some files Steve borrowed and the completed bibliography of my writings OSU has compiled.

 

July 9, 1980

Our fine young pastor called. He usually has the baby with him and that restricts his calling but today Brenda had the baby with her. She is finishing her medical studies. Another scorching day.

 

July 10, 1980

No improvement in the weather. In 1936 the relief came on Sept. 21. But we may follow that pattern.  Luella Reim called. She is such a lovely person.

 

July 11, 1980

Another scorching day. That week of rain we got before this began has certainly kept some things alive, but they can’t take much more. The lawn is still green and my trees are thriving. But lilacs and other shrubs are starting to die. I am saving some low growing evergreens framing my front porch. Alice waters them.

 

July 12, 1980

Another terrible day. Sometimes I wonder if I can make it. I should have gone to a nursing home or some such place if I had known what the weather would be like.

 

July 13, 1980

July 13, 198[0]. It was my last church service. Next time will be my funeral. Another terrible day. I got up feeling pretty well and let Raymond take me to church. It was a mistake. I won’t do it again till this heat breaks.

 

July 14, 1980

I had a hard time getting through the day. In the evening I called Don Hartig in K.C. and he said he wants the car. Said I wasn’t asking enough – $400 – said he would pay $600. I knew he was an honest man. Can’t come after it till week end of June 26.

 

July 15, 1980

Another terrible day. And I had a hard time getting through it. I had to bake bread and the heat the oven made was too much for my air conditioner to control. I have all the beginning symptoms of heat exhaustion.

 

July 16, 1980

There were clouds in the sky off and on all day. Clouds!! But they didn’t help any. I braved the heat and stepped on the front porch to look at the thermometer and it said 105°. I f I can squeak through this summer I will do well. There have been 33 deaths from heat in Okla. Worse in Dallas.

 

July 17, 1980

Same scorching weather – brazen sky, relentless sun, hot winds, moisture content in low 20s or teens. I became alarmed at a late (9:30) telephone call. I called nightwatchman V.U. Bostick & Robert came and stayed with me till he got here. The caller sounded maudlin.

 

July 18, 1980

July 20. Turned two pages. Had to come back  for this one. Somehow it seemed a little cooler and I felt better. It was 102° on my thermometer and it is usually higher. I did not attend church. Will not try it again until the heat breaks. This P.M. we even saw clouds. But they didn’t come over.

 

July 19, 1980

Another terrible day. I went to the hair dresser today (skipped last week) and went into the familiar heat exhaustion routine. Mabel took me home. The beauty shop has air conditioner but it can’t cope with this weather. I feel better this evening.

 

July 20, 1980

July 18 Another terrible day. But people are so good. Ramona came for about an hour in the morning. (They are still harvesting.) Raymond came this evening and tightened the rod on my door. I turned two pages.

 

July 21, 1980

Clouds overhead!! Part of the day. The first we have had for all these blazing weeks. And thermometer stood in the 90s. Wonderful! And I felt so much better. It actually rained a few places scattered over the state, not much but some. But the prediction for the future is not encouraging.

 

July 22, 1980

A cooler day – thermometer in high 900 s over the state. And I am standing it better. When day after day gave no relief – even hot nights – I wasn’t able to stand it. Now with air conditioners I feel almost normal.

 

July 23, 1980

Another day below 100° and I feel very much better. Eddie and Lucy Pyle and Eddie’s son Rex with wife and two fine children came to see me briefly. I enjoyed the visit very much. But I was somewhat forgetful, the result of the terrible days of heat.

 

July 24, 1980

The air conditioner in my study was frozen solid this morning. I could not the man from Crescent. Raymond thought I should get a new one and I agreed. Got this one in July, 1969. He called the man from Covington, who came down and looked. Will install the new one tomorrow.

 

July 25, 1980

The man came and installed the new air conditioner. It was a hard day for me but I stood it. There were the usual problems, trips back to Covington, etc. but he is a fine workman and solved them all. It cost 453.20 with tax. The day was not so terribly hot. I am tired but O.K.

 

July 26, 1980

Don and Shirley Hartig came from K.C. after my car. They paid me $500. It ran beautifully. Raymond had washed it and it looked so lovely it made me sad to see it leave. We have taken so many trips together I loved it like a living comrade. I had a lovely brief visit with the Hartigs. It was hot today but bearable. It even rained a few drops and made puddles. Clouds in the sky.

 

July 27, 1980

Another bearable summer day. And I feel so much better . I had become discouraged during that long spell of heat. Possibly I should not have sold my car after all. I feel so much better now. But it’s too late to change. I didn’t attend church. Will not attend till summer is over.

 

July 28, 1980

Another hot day. But there were clouds in the sky and in a few places it rained. Our terrible heat wave really broke about a week ago. It has been hot since but not constant and relentless. I was really ill today. The thermostat on my new air conditioner was set too low so only the fan worked much of the night. I got the man to show me how to change it.

 

July 29, 1980

Yesterday and today – thermometer above 100°  yesterday, 106°  today. After our brief relief I am afraid we are going into another heat wave. But the past week helped us bear it. Shirley called me this morning. They had a good trip home. And I talked to Dorine this evening. Good visit.

 

July 30, 1980

After a week of 90s we are back in the fierce heat again. It was 108°  today, sky of solid brass. But I picked up some strength last week and it may last a while.

 

July 31, 1980

Another terrible day. I am writing late but I don’t remember that anything happened. I remember that I became uneasy over the languid functioning of my new air conditioner. Adel Cruz called me. She has come back to OSU with her husband, who will be student.

 

August 1, 1980

Clouds in the sky and cooler this morning. And my new air conditioner quit last night. I called the man (Jerry) and he came greatly distressed. Did some quick telephoning and arranged for a new one early tomorrow morning. Selma took me to Hennessey to stock up on meat. I shall sleep tonight on the divan to get the cool from the kitchen.

 

August 2, 1980

Jerry drove very early to Okla. City for a new air conditioner. Got back about 10:00 A.m. Got it installed by 11:00. Raymond helped him. The other had a broken part. I did not sleep too badly last night. The kitchen air cond. kept the living room fairly cool. Today it is cloudy and below 100°.

 

August 3, 1980

Sunday but I didn’t attend church. The sky was clouded over nearly all day. It was hot, but bearable – In the 90s. After it reaches 100° I can stand it only because of air conditioning.

 

August 4, 1980

One of our hot but bearable days. Down into the 90°s. But I was near collapse all day. Last week was just too hard. And this evening Selma De Witt told me that what I thought was a string of hives around one side at my waist was shingles. I never thought of it but I am afraid she is right.

 

August 5, 1980        

Went to see Dr. Freed at Stillwater. He said it was shingles. The itch bunches make an irregular line at approximately my waist half way around my body. He seems to think they will peak up and he gave me a prescription that prevents the pain that follows the healing process.

 August 6, 1980

Close to collapse all day. That last week was just too hard. I think it brought on the shingles. I had them them (or it) for all last week but didn’t suspect what (they were or it was). Not till Selma saw it Mon. Night

 

August 7, 1980

I did not feel so bad as I felt the past few days  Perhaps it was cooler. There were some clouds. My shingles still spreading. Ramona called. They finished harvesting only Sat. Both must be very tired. But she looks lovely as ever.

 

August 8, 1980

We had a blue sky and fleecy white clouds part of the day but the temp. was still above 100°. My shingles are troublesome Ramona came for a few minutes. Raymond brought my mail and stayed and visited a while. Such good friends.

 

August 9, 1980

I’m having a bad time. Another day of scorching heat. And now shingles. But I am able to do the things I need to do for myself.

 

August 10, 1980

Another scorcher. And I am so light headed I am really ill. I am getting selfishly and narrowly concerned about my feelings. It is Sunday but I could not attend church. In the evening they had a social night and brought me ice cream and cake.

 

August 11, 1980

We had hoped a hurricane that struck the Texas coast would bring us rain but it didn’t reach us. Ramona brought me a big slice of her perfect cake. She is so lovely – good as she is beautiful. And I got a wonderful letter from Dr. Scales. Also Clara and Leone in Colo.

 

August 12, 1980

Another scorching day. I called Dr. Freed. He said my illness the past days was because my brain arteries were clogged. And he does not need to see me. My worst trouble just happened to increase now.  But I still hope I shall feel better in fall weather. Raymond & Mabel thought I should go to the hospital a few days but it wouldn’t help.

 

August 13, 1980

August 15, 1980 I think it was much cooler today. I didn’t go outside to know. And for the first time I felt better. I asked Raymond to come, and we talked of the future. I am going to give fall weather a chance – and fall is not far off now. Then I can see whether I must make other living arrangements.

 

August 14, 1980

Clouds much of the day but not much help. Shingles healing up but am still ill. Had a beautiful visit from Alma Friend. And Mabel sent me a huge dinner (the last half was my supper, too. I couldn’t eat more than half of at dinner -- a T-bone steak, corn, salad huge slice of pie, etc. Lovely Mabel. Bus Ingle died. Heart attack. Lived in Tulsa. I loved Bus.

 

August 15, 1980

August 13, turned 2 pages. Dark and cloudy all day. Hot but in 90's. Ramona came this morning and we planned. Pat came this P.M. to take care of my house insurance which would expire Aug. 15. Stayed and visited. I love Pat. He finished harvest August. 1. Then Raymond came and visited. Brought a loaf of bread Mable [sic] had baked & some watermelon. Good day in many ways. And it even rained a little this evening. I’m still ill.

 

August 16, 1980

Clouds overhead but temp. over 100. I suppose it comes from the scorching earth. I am not so ill as I was. Good telephone talk with Clara who has returned from Coloro. Also lovely Ramona brought my mail. Such fine letters.

 

August 17, 1980

Of course I didn’t attend church. This evening actual rains & thunderstorms  in several places in Okla. It rained a little here and when I stepped on the porch a cool breeze struck me. For the first time since early late June. I feel better. And the shingles are healing rapidly. Of course my house is hot so I am using the air cond. to cool the timber

 

August 18, 1980

Real rains in the state. Clouds and a little rain here. Temp. Once got to 80s. I still feel better. Had lovely visit from Roberta Bostick and phone visit from Mabel Bryson. The Brysons have returned from a delightful trip to Claremore, Park Hill, Muskogee, etc.

 

August 19, 1980

Clara Schaefer said her rain gauge showed ¾ in yesterday in a hard shower with thunder while I was asleep yesterday, I think the ¾ in is a mistake but it did rain hard she said. Today was mingled clouds and sun and much heat. I am not so ill as I was. It did rain ¾ in.

 

August 20, 1980

The rain didn’t help any. The earth is too hot for it to have any permanent effect. It is raining and thundering around us this evening. I pulled all the plugs but the new air cond. It has to take it.

 

August 21, 1980

Cooler today. In the 90s I think. Good rains in several Okla. places. Not here. Alice Pipla comes every Thurs. morning to clean my house. I have gradually added to it washing, my shopping, watering some trees that must not die. I don’t know how I could manage without her, She is so capable and so fine.

 

August 22, 1980

It rained last night. I think a real shower. And turned cool briefly. I mean cool. I opened doors & windows. And I think it never reached 90 tho the sun came out. Of course I feel much better. I have started making a copy of my “remarks” at New Orleans to the SWLA when they made my award in Oct, 1978. Violet Poindexter wants it.

 

August 23, 1980

Another scorcher. Lovely Ramon came to see me. Also Clara Schaefer called me for a pleasant telephone conversation. Of course I am not well, but I am recovering from my low of the last weeks. The shingles persist in one place. Otherwise healing rapidly.

 

August 24, 1980

Another 107° days [sic] like yesterday. Sunday but no church for me. Long, lovely visit from Lodema Beeby. And an even longer and lovelier one from my beloved Pat and  Ramona. First visit I have had with Pat since before harvest except for a brief one on Main Street. I think in April. It was so wonderful to see them.

 

August 25, 1980

I felt much better today. And I think it was not so hot. Perhaps barely 100°. Finally got some work done on the Awards “remarks” for Violet. Had a very pleasant visit with Harold Castor and his daughter, Adela [sic] Hansen. He and his brother used to spend vacations with their grandparents here in their early childhood. Now lives in N.Y.

 

August 26, 1980

Ramona took me to vote. I voted for Corp. Commr. Couldn’t vote for Senator because I have not been able to read about the candidates. Several I knew were bad, but others I did not know about. Got some work done on what I am doing for Violet.

 

August 27, 1980

It was not quite so scorching hot today. And the shorter day helps. I got a little work done copying the “speech” for Violet. I promised it to her almost two year ago. Hamp Baker, whom I voted against for Corporation Comr., won nomination. Ramona and I lost.

 

August 28, 1980

I worked on the copy for Violet. I can do one page a day. Mabel (bless her) brought a lovely fish Charles had caught in his trip to Houston and the Gulf. She fried it so beautifully it seemed a shame to eat it. She also brought all the trimmings. Elegant supper, lovely Mabel.

 

August 29, 1980

Not so hot. Temp. In high 90°s. And the shorter day helps. There are several places in the state where it rained. But not here. I worked on copy for Violet. One page.

 

August 30, 1980

I finished my copy for Violet but I can’t mail it on account of the Labor Day week end holiday. I am very happy over the victory of workers in Poland. I have had that unhappy country on my heart a long time and especially since my visit there in 1966.

 

August 31, 1980

Sunday but no church for me. For the first time in many months I listened to TV interviews with pres of AFL-CIO Kirkland in Meet the Press & pres of UAW in Face the Nation. Both organizations are for Carter. This evening Schaefer & Rosina Cassiday came for a very pleasant visit. Not so hot today.

 

September 1, 1980

It was cooler today. Rained off and on a few drops and temp was in 80°s. Winnie Branen came to visit me this evening. Such a lovely visit. And I had another lovely visit over the telephone with my beloved Gerry Schaefer.

 

September 2, 1980

The temp. stayed in the 80°s today and it rained a little. I feel better but one place on my shingles does not heal up. I wish we could get a real rain.

 

September 3, 1980

A few drops of rain fell and it was cool this morning. I slept in my bed all night. Have been sleeping sometimes all night on top of a bed before the air conditioner in my study. Felt better than I have felt since last spring. Clara Schaefer (bless her) came and spent her whole forenoon washing and setting my hair. It had not been touched since I sort of collapsed in the beauty shop 6 ½ weeks ago. So sweet of Clara.

 

September 4, 1980

Bonnie Roberts paid me a long lovely visit. I have worried about her and Jessie all summer. He was not well when they came back from Texas in the spring. Has a cancer the doctors are trying to hold in check. I didn’t want to phone to enquire, for fear it would trouble him. He has been ill all summer.

 

September 5, 1980

I am entirely out of meat. Selma was going to take me to Hennessey today to shop but her car air conditioner gave out. I think it would kill me to ride over there in this terrible heat. (I mean it literally) So she did the shopping for me. I took care of it after she got it here Kept me busy but I feel pretty well.

 

September 6, 1980

Mary Kredje’s house across the street was sold today. One of her devetoded [sic] sons lives in Enid and they thought he could look after better in her present failing health if she lived there. They bought a house for her and she moved there some weeks ago. She is a good woman. I shall miss her.

 

September 7, 1980

Sunday but no church for me. But I did listen to “Face the Nation” (Secy. Of State Muskie) and “Meet the Press “(V. Pres. candidate Bush) on TV. Muskie good; Bush awful. Edith’ family moved truckloads of her furniture. It made me very sad. Ramona called briefly – brought a big piece of watermelon.

 

September 8, 1980

Scorching weather continues. But the weather man on TV says we shall be having rain through out the state beginning tomorrow Raymond Bryson called. I have not seen him since he did so much for me about my car sale and new air conditioner.

 

September 9, 1980

Clouds! Clouds! The kind with rain in them. In fact the TV weather man says the whole state will have rain. In fact it did rain th here while I was watching TV. I don’t know how much. I got some letters written. Felt so much better.

 

September 10, 1980

Ramona (bless her) went to Stillwater and visited three nursing homes there, then to Enid and got a walker for me to try out. She reported at length on what she learned to me today. I suppose I do not need the walker now but I did need it recently. Now I will know all about it. And no telling when I shall need the nursing homes.

 

September 11, 1980

The weather these past days has been cooler. And I hope we shall get some real rain. I used the walker, so I would understand it. I can walk O.K. without it but I am not sure it is safe. I could lose my balance and fall. Perhaps I should start using it now

 

September 12, 1980

Raymond called. Today is his birthday. Generous Mabel sent some cake and he also brought my coat with a new lining. Mabel (bless her). Knew that the lining was coming to pieces so she bought the material and got it lined for me. I accepted her beautiful generosity but figured out a way to do something for her.

 

September 13, 1980

We have gone back to scorching drought. We failed to get rain. But the days are short and that helps. I have to sleep all the time on one side because of the shingles and I am so thin the bones get sore. So today my beloved Gerry Schaefer bought me a thin rubber pad to place on top of my mattress.

 

September 14, 1980

Sunday but no church for me, Hot day – up to 100°. But Raymond says the church attendance is improving. Anyhow the calendar says it is fall. I think the pad Gerry gave me is going to solve my sleeping problem.

 

September 15, 1980

I have about decided to keep the walker Ramona brought me. I think it is safer when I am so weak. Raymond came to see me. I think Mabel gave him a real celebration on his birthday Saturday.

 

September 16, 1980

The scorching days continue. The rains we got in early June helped for a time but for many weeks now the ground is hot and the cracks go deeper than I remember seeing even in 1936. The only relief is that the days are shortend [sic].

 

September 17, 1980

Sept. 16 Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields to have my eye pressure checked. It was good – right 17, left 18. Clara took me to vote. I voted against Kerr for Sen. but I suppose he will be nominated. It turned cool this evening. I turned off my new air cond. for a time.

 

September 18, 1980

Sept. 17 It was really cool. I turned off the air conditioner in my study last night and did without it all day today. Shirley called me from near Chicago. They can get a van to take my organ this month. Only Shirley has to got to the doctor and Ray has to take her, I will call Raymond Tom & Susie Buckingham came to see me.

 

September 19, 1980

I talked to Raymond and he said if the van comes after the organ at a time Shirley has to go to the doctor he will help me meet them them. Otherwise Ray and Shirley will drive down. Raymond is such a good man. Ramona came to visit me and so did lovely Alma Friend. Cool day but warming up in the P.M.

 

September 20, 1980

Another scorching day but they are shorter now. August & Catherene Burchardt came to visit me this morning, Luella Ream this P.M.

 

September 21, 1980

Sunday – no church for me. Rodney Huffer’s Kenya friend passing through stopped off a day. The two young men came to see and we figured out a way we hope will enable George to get some money to Betty Muribu [sic] in Uganda. I gave George a check and he will get it to her if he can. Presidential debate starts soon.

 

September 22, 1980

Heard presidential debate last night. Reminded me of Ford-Carter which I did not watch because was to have cancer surgery next day and thought it might disturb my slee sleep to watch it. Last night I listened. It turned cool this evening. I shut off air cond. Wrote letter to Philip Ngawa Ndegwa telling him about Betty Mubiru & asked  his help.

 

September 23, 1980

Cool day. Turned off the air conditioner all night and most of the day. Still no rain Talked with Shirley Worsley. No chance for her and Ray to come to escort the organ back. Shirley has appointments with the doctor. Clara Schaefer came for a nice visit. I love Clara.

 

September 24, 1980

Cool day. Still no word from the moving van. Lodema Beeby came and paid me a nice visit. She brought a heaped plate of fresh fruit. I love Lodema.

 

September 25, 1980

Cool day but I did use my air conditioner till evening. I am becoming impatient over not hearing from the firm that has been engaged to deliver it organ this month to the Worsleys. It rained ½ inch last nite.

 

September 26, 1980

It was really cold today. Alice came and lighted my furnace and I have it on “low” this evening. I had hoped to leave it off till the moving van came for the organ, but it got too cold.

 

September 27, 1980

More rain (about 1 inch yesterday and today) and cold weather – used the furnace both evenings Bonnie Roberts paid me a nice visit. Shirley called. No word about the moving van that is to pick up my organ. I am feeling much better these days.

 

September 28, 1980

Sunday but no church for me.  But I had two good visits – Roberta Bostick and Don Huffer Still cold so I use the furnace. I still do not know the plans of the moving van.

 

September 29, 1980

Shirley called early. The Chicago office said the moving van would come after the organ in 10 days or a week. Then at 2:30 the driver called, said he would come early tomorrow. I told him his company was mixed up, he called Chicago and now it is definitely set at tomorrow morning.

 

September 30, 1980

One moving van came and got the organ, Raymond came to take charge. And Ramona happened to be here and she stayed and helped. I needed someone to take charge. I loved that organ for my mother raised turkeys to get it for me in 1905. But I can’t play it and Shirley deserves to have the use of it. Bright lovely day.

 

October 1, 1980

Winnie Branen came to see me about some biographical material about me she is preparing for the Cherokee strip Museum in Enid. I don’t belong there but Winnie is very generous and I did teach in  Garfield Co. Ramona came to be briefed on seeing Dr. Freed tomorrow.

 

October 2, 1980

Ramona took me to see Dr. Freed for my annual check up. He found me in pretty good condition. Of course I do feel much better since the weather turned cool. I am pretty tired tonight of course.

 

October 3, 1980

Another lovely sunny cool day. Oh, I do use the air conditioner a short time in late P.M. and in the evening.  Clara Schaefer paid me a lovely visit. That is the reason I want to live here if I can instead of going to a rest home.

 

October 4, 1980

Another of Okla’s lovely fall days. And I feel so much better. Shirley called me from their Chicago suburb and said the organ got through without a scratch And she was playing it. Bonnie Diedrich came on an errand and stayed for a visit. So did Selma De Witt. No wonder I don’t want to leave Marshall.

 

October 5, 1980

World Communion Sunday. Our fine young pastor, Ted, spent the hour before regular service serving communion to shut ins. That included me. Raymond went along. I am very grateful. We are having lovely sunny cool weather and I am feeling much better than in the summer.

 

October 6, 1980

Another perfect fall day. Lois Clark called me this evening. Wants to record biographical sketch for Blue. I love Lois, also Blue, and shall be happy to see her but my life has been completely uneventful and I feel that I shall be wasting her time. We decided on Oct. 17.

 

October 7, 1980

Another lovely day, Of course we need rain. That inch we got wasn’t enough. The paper boy threw this morning’s paper in the yard where I couldn’t get it. Annie saw it and crossed the street to bring it to me. So good of her. She lacks only a few years being as old as I am.

 

October 8, 1980

Two sweet little seventh grade girls came to sell me tickets to draw on a turkey or a ham in behalf of the band I didn’t buy a ticket but I gave them a dollar. And before they left they kissed me. The darlings.

 

October 9, 1980

Not much happened. I got a letter from my African friend (in Uganda) in which she tells me of more than usual troubles. Her husband and his brother were murdered by Idi Amin and now her only sister died. She is now alone with the three small children.

 

October 10, 1980

Today Alice Pipla and I rearranged the furniture to fill the vacant space where the organ had stood. It was the first time we had had a chance to it.

 

October 11, 1980

[No entry]

 

October 12, 1980

No church for me. Clara Schaefer and Rosina Cassiday called for a nice visit this evening. Joe Vculek, who has charge of Edith’s house rented sold it today to a family named Clark from Coyle. He works in the Hennessey oil field. They have 5 young children. Seem to be good people.

 

October 13, 1980

[No entry]

 

October 14, 1980

Went to Enid for Dr. Shields to make annual check of eyes. Peripheral vision O.K. Glaucoma has been held off. Tension – right 18, left 25. Cataract getting rapidly worse. He thinks I should have this new surgery. Now I have the agony of deciding. I am so weak. Can I stand it? Very tired tonight. Martha Dehn called. They are coming Saturday to get the sewing machine

 

October 15, 1980

It rained 1 inch last night and this morning. More in the p.m. We needed it badly. Need still more. Raymond Bryson called. I love the Brysons.

 

October 16, 1980

It rained (and thundered) last night and all forenoon – 2 inches the last two days, the most since June. And we needed it. A letter from Virgil Martin told me of Novella’s death last month. He will be very lonely. Ramona  visit me and we discussed surgery for my cataracts.

 

October 17, 1980

It has cleared off and turned very cool. I am getting ready for a visit from the Donny Dehns tomorrow. They will come in their camper, else I could not give them the hospitality they deserve. I love them very much. They are coming after the sewing machine I am giving Doni Sue.

 

October 18, 1980

Donnie and Martha arrived in early P.M. They brought their fine son Ricky with his young wife Carol, Doni Sue with her fiance, Ed Kramer, and Deanna and her boy friend, Kyle Cowen. Eight in all, and all so fine. I enjoyed them very much but I’m sorry to say I did get tired.

 

October 19, 1980

The beloved guests slept in their camper – also ate breakfast there. Then came in all shining for more visiting. I think they left about 10:00 A.M. I am afraid they will be very tired at work tomorrow. Sunday but no church for us today – for us.

 

October 20, 1980

Weather still cool. I felt pretty weak today. Etta Casteel came to visit me. I enjoyed the visit very much but she has been ill and in the hospital and I am afraid she is following my same kind of failing health

 

October 21, 1980

A new family has come to Marshall, The man, John Alexander is a carpenter who has established a reputation as a skilled workman and thoroughly honest. He came to see me today. (at my request) and he will shingle my back porch. It leaked slightly at the last hard rain.

 

October 22, 1980

Another perfect fall day. But my back started to hurt. I hope it is only some lameness from letting myself get too cold but I am uneasy. Eula The sodium fluoride that cured it is now forbidden and I fear my old trouble has returned

 

October 23, 1980

My back was very painful. When the prohibition went out against the treatment that built up my bones Dr. Freed said the osteoporosis would return. I am afraid it is doing it. That means I must change my way of life I will wait and see.

 

October 24, 1980

I have no doubt my bones have returned to their former fragile texture. It has been two years. I guess it was one year since I used up the last of my sodium fluoride. I called Dr. Freed and he said there is nothing he can do. I called Raymond and asked if he would serve as my guardian. He will. My beloved Lois Clark came from the city today and made a recording for blue on some of my experiences as historian

 

October 25, 1980

My back hurt all day. All my bones lack calcium but the vertebrae seem to be the weakest – I suppose because (it) the back has more strain on it. I have seen them in xray photos. Some have collapsed. That squeezes nerves, hence the pain the whole length of the nerve.

 

October 26, 1980

Another day of back pain. Ramona called me and we had a long phone conversation. She is very busy helping Pat in his wheat planting. She told me all she found out about Stillwater nursing homes. She made a thorough survey. And I know what to do. But I will wait.

 

October 27, 1980

Three kinds of weather; rained last night, bright beautiful day, in early P.M. turned dark and cold, may freeze tonight. Mr. Alexander shingled the back porch. Cost 338.90 Atty. De Clerck said I’m not ready for guardianship, but a certain kind of power of atty. sort of half way step. Pleases Raymond very much, me too. We will do it that way.

 

October 28, 1980

Cold day I think we will have our first frost tonight. It’s not freezing yet. Ramona came and we talked about nursing home. She thinks they can get someone to take care of me and I can stay here. I got a fine noon meal delivered from the cafe. I will do it every day. Later this evening I shall hear the Carter-Reagan debate.

 

October 29, 1980

It did freeze last night but the sun shone bright today and it warmed up. Ramona O’Neill and Raymond Bryson both dropped into see me. I wasn’t much impressed with the debate last night. Too technical about armament, federal finance, etc.

 

October 30, 1980

The Okla. Natural gas man came to see my furnace. I wanted him to tell me if I could have a thermostat put on. Not practicable. Then I asked him about a circulating gas heater. Not very hopeful either.  It is now hard for me to manage by hand.

 

October 31, 1980

I guess this happened on Oct. 31. I am writing late. Also on Oct. 31 Ramona came to see me and we made plans. And in evening was “Tricks or Treats. I had no treats for the children, but I gave them pennies and they were pleased.

 

November 1, 1980

Ramona came and told me all about talking to Dr. Shields about eye surgery. She did it so well. I have decided to have it done if I can lie on my back an hour during the process. Shirley and Ray Worsley called me from Chicago. I wrote them about my back.

 

November 2, 1980

Of course I couldn’t attend church today but my dear friend Clara Schaefer, cooked a dinner and brought it up here and we ate it together. It was a reminder of all those past active days when she and Olga and I used to eat in each other’s homes together after church. Sometimes Alma Friend was there too.

 

November 3, 1980

Got a letter from Connie Cronley. She modestly asks me for a recommendation for a grant to continue biography of Kate Barnard. I am anxious to help but can I do it? My back gets worse every day. We have had warm, sunny days. I even used one of my air conditioners yesterday and today in the P.M.

 

November 4, 1980

Ramona took me to vote. I am sick about the election. A third rate actor as president and narrow minded ignorant people winning election to Congress. I am disappointed in Carter but he is decent and intelligent. It grieves me to leave my country in this condition.

 

November 5, 1980

Another beautiful day. I used the air cond. in the P.M. Red sunsets, I wonder if they come from Mt. St. Helens, I am still sick about the election. What happened to Cong. is worse than Reagan as pres. I shall end my life during during an evil period in the history of my country.

 

November 6, 1980

Hot day, No furnace. Air conditioner all P.M. I think thermometer in mid 80s, Am going to Guthrie tomorrow with Raymond and our atty McClerck to see the judge about power of attorney. A hard trip for me.

 

November 7, 1980

Went to Guthrie. The power of attorney gives Raymond complete control of all my property – also of me. But it does not take away any of my own control. An ideal arrangement. But it I got terribly tired.

 

November 8, 1980

Another hot afternoon. Thermometers all over the state (including the area) went up to 88 or 89 degrees. Broke all records, I got beautifully rested last night. Had a good day today. Anniversary of coming to Marshall in 1899.

 

November 9, 1980

Sunday. One of the S.S. classes came and sang for me – 1st & 2nd grade children Winnie Branen and Darla Beeby came with them. Also at our church was Mission Festival with a basket dinner and they sent me a dinner. Such good people. Warm day – in the 80's. Used no furnace. Used air cond.

 

November 10, 1980

Another warm, beautiful day. Raymond is now back from his trip, the O’Neills finished wheat planting today so they have talked with people about taking care of me here instead of going to a nursing home. It apparently will be worked out. I am happy about it.

 

November 11, 1980

Another warm day. Ramona brought me a beautiful rose that bloomed in their garden. I never saw a more beautiful one at any time of year. And so fragrant.

 

November 12, 1980

It was little cooler today tho I did use the air cond. briefly. Raymond is still too busy to settle getting help for me but my back is much better so I am O.K.

 

November 13, 1980

Dark, cloudy day and not so warm, The TV man says it will rain over the state and turn cold. Alice Pipla picked a lovely perfect rose from my garden. A Marinda [sic] – dark red. A big bud is out there.

 

November 14, 1980

Rained last night, dismal cloudy day, cold, may freeze tonight. We had one very slight freeze – I think in October one night. Shirley Berry called from the ACLU to ask me to make the award on Bill of Rights Day to Hannah Atkins (good choice). It pleases me very much but of course I can’t do it. Had a nice visit with Shirley. Perhaps our pres

 

November 15, 1980

Cold day. It may freeze tonight. We have had one very light frost – in Sept. I think. My back is almost well. Mabel Bryson sent me a delicious dinner this evening. ( the cafe closes Sats and Suns.) Pat brought me a book to show me – of ancient Egypt. Ramona came to see me. No wonder I love Marshall. Ramona brought a lovely rose from their garden

 

November 16, 1980

No church for me. It did not freeze last night but no doubt will tonight. It is snowing over much of the state but not here. Selma was coming to help me tomorrow morning but I feel so much better I told her I can get along if the weather is too bad.

 

November 17, 1980

It snowed all the morning. I am sure it will freeze tonight. Of course the snow soon melted but the ground was white for a while. Selma De Witt started helping me this morning – came at 7:30 AM, helped me bathe, dress my feet ( a hard job) comb my hair, etc. Left at 10:00 A.M.

 

November 18, 1980

It cleared off today and even got warm enough so I turned off the furnace in the P.M. But it will freeze tonight. I got my hair washed and set for the first time in weeks. New beauty shop owner Diane Navatril. I like her but miss Kathie.

 

November 19, 1980

Lovely day though not so war warm as before. It is very pleasant to have Selma De Witt help me mornings – get my breakfast, help me dress and bathe – all major tasks for me. I hope I shall be able to continue.

 

November 20, 1980

Another lovely fall day. Woodrow Winburn put a new thermacouple [sic] in my furnace, and wouldn’t let me pay for the labor. Such kind people live in Marshall.

 

November 21, 1980

Another day of golden sunshine and blue sky. I failed to mention yesterday that “Andy” Anderson called me from the penitentiary yesterday for a visit He has such a pleasant voice. I do not know what put him there when he was a teenager but I am sure he should be free now.

 

November 22, 1980

Ray and Shirley Worsley called from their Chicago suburb. I am looking forward to seeing them on Dec. 4 as they stop on their drive to Texas. The sale of Edith’s house did not go through. The sign has been put back ”For Sale.” Probably the buyers were unable to get a loan. This was a dark gloomy day.

 

November 23, 1980

It rained a little last night and was a dark, miserable day. Sunday but no church for me. Dorine Halsted called me for a long beautiful telephone visit. Selma De Witt has been doing things for me mornings the past week. I told her not to come today because of church. I find I miss her.

 

November 24, 1980

It was almost as dark and gloomy a day as yesterday, but not very cold. Nothing happened. I hope the weather will be pleasant when the Worsleys come next week. My back doesn’t trouble me much.

 

November 25, 1980

Another dark day, though the sun did shine a little. Nothing happened to write about. I am greatly distressed at the earthquake sufferers in southern Italy. They are such pitiable people, and now this. It came Sunday evening.

 

November 26, 1980

Dark, gloomy day. My beloved Pat and Ramona invited me to take Thanksgiving dinner with them. At first I thought it was impossible but I think so much of them I decided I could manage, so I called back and said “yes.” They have been so busy I have scarcely seen Pat for months.

 

November 27, 1980

A very happy day. I felt better than have felt for many days. Ramona came after me. We ate at 12:00 so I could got to bed in the P.M. It was just like old times. The sun even came out. Lovely day. This is the first time I have seen the house since they remodeled it a hear ago. I thought the change would make me sad, but it didn’t.

 

November 28, 1980

Sunny day but cool. I hope we have good weather when Shirley and Ray com Dec. 4. Nothing in particular happened.

 

November 29, 1980

Lovely fall day. I miss much of it because of my defective sight and general feebleness, but I can see the lovely blue of the sky. I wonder if the surgery will give me more sight. I am hoping.

 

November 30, 1980

Another lovely day. I turned off the furnace for several hours in the P.M. Raymond came to tell me that a close neighbor whom I have barely met, will be free to take care of me here at home. I know she is capable. So no nursing home. I am grateful to Raymond and Ramona for taking the lead in this matter.

 

December 1, 1980

Beautiful warm day. But it is supposed to turn suddenly very cold during the night. I finished a recommendation I have been working on urging a grant in aid to enable Connie Cronley to write a biography of  Kate Barnard.

 

December 2, 1980

Cold day but golden sunshine and blue sky. Winnie Branen came this evening to check with me about some a sketch she has written about me for the Garfield Co. History. Then she washed the dishes.

 

December 3, 1980

Beautiful warm day. But it is cold – only I am never outside anymore. I suppose my beloved Shirley and Ray are staying at a Stillwater motel tonight. Selma, dear girl, came this evening and pinned up my hair so it would look good tomorrow.

 

December 4, 1980

Ray and Shirley spent the day with me. I sent them to the cafe with the Brysons and Selma while I ate my hot delivered dinner at home. Also Alice and Ramona who could not join my dinner party called on them briefly here at home They are really glad to meet these good people who are helping me.

 

December 5, 1980

I felt weak and tired today but I truly enjoyed the visit with Shirley and Ray. And since I have reached this time of near helplessness I was glad to have them meet the ones who are helping me and they were delighted to do it. We still had most of the day with only the three of us.

 

December 6, 1980

It was cloudy day but warm warm so I went to the beauty shop and got a permanent which I needed badly. I got tired, but now it is over. Mabel took me. We get our hair done at the same time and she takes me.

 

December 7, 1980

Sunday but no church for me, I had a good talk with Ella Loney who will be taking care of me – starting in two weeks. I like her very much. It was a miserable dark day, very warm but cold weather is headed this way. It is thundering now. Will probably rain and then snow.

 

December 8, 1980

It rained 2 in last night. We needed it. Gloomy day. Rather cold. Ella Loney changed her mind about coming to take care of me. Perhaps Selma can manage. At least so long as I stay as well as I do now. But it strikes us at an inconvenient time. My eye surgery and Xmas coming up. She was to take over at that time.

 

December 9, 1980

Dreary dark morning , ice freezing on winshields [sic]. Then in the P.M. the sun shone and it got so warm I turned off the furnace. Somehow I have felt surprisingly well all day better than I have felt for months.

 

December 10, 1980

Beautiful crisp sunny day – to look out on. I stay in the house). I felt well again, today. I can’t help worrying a little about the care I shall need after my surgery. Ella Loney had agreed to take over and now she has changed her mind.

 

December 11, 1980

Dec. 13 Nothing much happened. I cannot help dreading the eye surgery that is coming close. But if it should be successful it will be a great boon. It is very hard for me to plan my packing, etc.

 

December 12, 1980

Dec. 12 I have not had a chance to see Ramona or Raymond all week until I had a very brief call from Raymond today. I have decided that I must have some care in a nursing home after my surgery. I can’t call on my friends now at Xmas, I told Raymond. I think they will now start on arrangements. They are busy people

 

December 13, 1980

On page intended for Dec. 11

 

December 14, 1980

Another beautiful day. I turn the furnace off in the P.M. Gladys Davis called me from Colo. for a lovely visit. In the evening an elongated trailer packed with people came by singing Xmas greetings to me (and others). Nice!

 

December 15, 1980

It got so warm I actually turned on the air conditioner for a couple of hours in the P.M. I am trying to get everything organized and packed for my stay in the nursing home.

 

December 16, 1980

Another warm day. I work worked again at planning and packing. I am not mentally able enough or physically strong enough to do it easily.

 

December 17, 1980

Another warm day. But it is supposed to turn very cold tomorrow. I spent most of today planning and packing for my trip tomorrow. I dread the surgery beyond all reason. I try to think of the people I know who have shown more courage. Ramona came to see me this evening.

 

December 18, 1980

Warm A.M. – turned into a very cold storm throughout U.S. Ray No ice or snow here. Raymond & Mable [sic] took me to hospital in O.C. where we waited and signed stacks of papers & finally Dr. Little examined my right eye, said O.K. to operate. (Started writing Dec. [2]0.)

 

December 19, 1980

Dr. Little performed the surgery but I was unconscious. Tablet supposed to make me drowsy knocked me out. Unconscious first, then asleep all day. Mabel & Raymond came back to see that all was well.

 

December 20, 1980

Got up very dizzy, barely escaped a bad fall. Mabel & Raymond came after me. Mabel had to help me dress and she packed. They took me to nursing home in Stillwater. By this time I was clear headed but very weak.

 

December 21, 1980

After being taken there Dec. 20 I stayed at the West Haven Nursing Home a week and 2 days. The Brysons certainly had 3-day ordeal. And I learned after I was on the road.

 

December 22, 1980

that Dec. 20, the day they brought me there was their wedding anniversary. When I expressed my distress to Mabel she said that would always be their celebration for 1980.

 

December 23, 1980

I found the nursing home, supposed to be a good one, badly disorganized. Ordinary comforts missing or unobtainable. I could stand that but they were careless

 

December 24, 1980

about medicine. I was too low when I first went there to watch them and I do not know how many medications they forgot entirely.

 

December 25, 1980

Later I watched them and demanded proper obedience to doctor’s prescriptions but it kept me on constant duty.

 

December 26, 1980

If my surgery proves unsuccessful I shall always attribute it to their carelessness. Only the nurse on duty (“nurse”

 

December 27, 1980

being a courtesy title) is allowed to give medicine. A few are conscientious but most are neglectful.  Except

 

December 28, 1980

for the fear that the very future of my sight was being damaged I was O.K. and my Stillwater friends

 

December 29, 1980

came to see me so that I had a beautiful party every day. Also people came from Marshall – my beloved Gerry

 

December 30, 1980

Schaefer brought Elsie Seefeldt the first Sunday and lovely Kay Enmier [sic] dropped in at the same time, also Wilda Schaefer, (last 2 from Stillwater) Other

 

December 31, 1980

Marshall people were Pat and Ramona, Elsie and Clara Schaefer, and Don and Eva dean.  And there were too many Stillwater people to list.  I am writing this on

MEMORANDUM

Dec. 30.  It was Pat and Ramona who drove over on Dec. 29 and bought me home.  And every day my sight in the injure eye that was operated on improves.  Today for the first time I can read, (Not this scrawl.)

Dec. 31 I settled down into my regular routine. The weather is warm and sunny. I turned off the furnace, even, thought of using the air conditioner. I had never entirely lost my sense of colors but now a new richness appears in all of them. I knew colors were lovely but I had forgotten how lovely.

So ends 1980 for me.