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4. 1980s
5. 1981

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January 1 - December 31, 1981

(Box 5/Folder 10)

 

January 1, 1981

Had fine phone visit with Blanche Cummings of Colo. Known her since 1899. She is 2 years older than I. Dean Roy Miller came to visit visit me today. He is in Okla. City for a few days to visit his son who is in the hospital because of an oil field accident. Warm day. I think I can see the stars.

 

January 2, 1981

I am convinced that I can see the starts – tiny pinpoints of sparkle. I do not see them plainly yet. It has been years since I saw them and I loved them better than anything else in the universe. Perhaps I shall actually see them once more. Lovely day.

 

January 3, 1981

Another beautiful day but cool – (not really cold). Had lovely telephone visits from Nellie Moorman in Los Angeles and Martha Dehn in Independence in Neb. Mo. People are so good.

 

January 4, 1981

I am convinced that tonight I can see the stars – tiny pinpoints of Sunday but no church for me. A woman named McLaughlin called on me tonight. I can see the what begins to look like actual stars.

 

January 5, 1981

Bad cloudy windy day. Selma took me to Enid to let Dr. Shields make the regular two-week check on my eye surgery. It is O.K. in spite of the neglected medication at the nursing home. I am very tired.

 

January 6, 1981

Forgot to say pressure in my left eye yesterday was only 18 and right 10. Today sunny but cold. And I saw real stars, the size of a pinhead but stars. No beauty yet. Dorine called me for a long phone visit.

 

January 7,1981

My regular test showed the stars larger and brighter than last night but still not the beautiful display I hope to see eventually. My beloved Pat visited me this morning. He worked so hard during wheat season I seldom saw him.

 

January 8,1981

Had an appointment with Dr. Freed made in October. Selma took me. All O.K. I had been somewhat concerned about one thing but it is O.K. And tonight the stars begin to show their actual presence. No display yet.

 

January 9, 1981

Cloudy day  -- and cold. Winnie brought me some cinnamon rolls warm from the oven. Bless her. I cannot test my view of the stars tonight because the sky is clouded. No moisture falling. No ice

 

January 10, 1981

Cold cloudy day, but no moisture. Makes the clouds possible, but rather ominous It is just about time for a dry cycle, starting last June. Shirley Hartig called and Angie talked to me also.

 

January 11, 1981

Sunday but no church for me. The Worsleys and Jim Horton called me for telephone visits. It was a clear bright day and cold. This evening the stars were plainly stars. But only the biggest ones show.

 

January 12, 1981

Cold day but sunny. Tomorrow I will go to Enid for Dr. Shields to see if my surgery turned out O.K. in all respects. Last week should have determined that but somehow it didn’t. Stars getting bigger.

 

January 13, 1981

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. My eye is fine – doing exactly right. He won’t see me again except to fit glasses Feb 10. I am so thankful. Of course it has not entirely healed yet but it is doing fine. Warm bright day. I did without the furnace in the P.M.

 

January 14, 1981

Bright sunny day. I can see real stars, only not many – just the big ones. I will hear President Carter’s farewell address tonight on T.V. (Reagan has picked a terribl terrible cabinet.

 

January 15, 1981

Lovely warm day but supposed to turn cold tonight. Ruth Lowes called me for a lovely telephone visit. So good to hear her voice.

 

January 16, 1981

Yes it was cold, but the sun came out part of the day. I got my hair washed and set – the first time since the surgery. Feel more civilized. Elsie Seefeldt took me to the beauty shop. Ramona came to see me and I had a lovely visit with her.

 

January 17, 1981

Cold today but the sun came out in the P.M. I am taking care of myself these days. Selma is needed at the drug store for the owner Dephana, is ill. I can do it O.K.

 

January 18, 1981

I believe Iran finally agreed to release the hostages. Has been on the brink several days but I didn’t hear the final announcement this evening I think the president gave it. I am so grateful. Cloudy day, rained a little

 

January 19, 1981

The agreement was not signed yesterday evening after all. Not till this morning. And some details in putting into effect still remain. Dark cloudy day – a little rain, even some snow. Not enough to break the drought.

 

January 20, 1981

I had not intended to watch Reagan’s inauguration but I expected the release of the hostages any minute so I watched. His address was good. Plainly a more literate person write wrote it but it expressed his feelings. He is not so bad – it is those backers who are bad. And the Iranians out of plain meanness kept the hostages an hour into the new administration But they are free now, and Reagan has appointed Carter to take charge of them.

 

January 21, 1981

I left the shield off my eye when I slept today and will leave it off tonight. And quite the four times a day drops two days ago. Sounds like I’m getting well. Dr. Shields’ orders.

 

January 22, 1981

I had a barely got an important letter written after my sleep this P.M. when Ramona called asking if I didn’t want to take a drive. It was a beautiful warm day. I did and we drove on country roads I had never expected to see again. Then Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell called. A grand day. And I feel wonderful.

 

January 23, 198[1]

The weather is almost unbelievably beautiful – warm and sunny, blue sky. We need rain badly but we can enjoy what we have. My dear friends at the church are planning a reception Sunday to celebrate my coming birthday.

 

January 24, 1981

Bright beautiful day. Above 70ᵒ in the P.M. It is now 8:30 P.M. and I still have the furnace turne turned off. Of course it is no longer 70ᵒ or higher but still mild. I am trying to get things ready for the birthday party tomorrow.

 

January 25, 1981

Those dear friends from my church celebrated my coming birthday. I could not attend a dinner at the cafe so they planned a reception at my house. Raymond and Mabel and Don and Evadean were as usual the leaders Alice and Selma helped me with the house work part, serving, etc (They belong to other churches but they know the house and its contents. It was a lovely party. So sweet of my friends.

 

January 26, 1981

I was somewhat tired today and spent the time resting. The party yesterday was a most happy event for me and I think everybody enjoyed it. Warm, Beautiful weather all the time.

 

January 27, 1981

Another warm day. I feel rested now and managed a little letter writing. I wish it were not so hard for me to write. People are so good to me I should like to write and thank them but writing even a brief letter exhausts me.

 

January 28, 1981

People are so good to me. Sending me birthday cards with the sweetest messages. Jim Horton sent me a huge box of grapefruit from the Valley and now two or three days later comes a bott bottle of cologne. He is such a generous person. Warm, beautiful day.

 

January 29, 1981

Another warm lovely day. But it is expected to turn cold – in fact this evening it has already started to do so. Not much happened except I have been getting lovely cards and birthday wishes.

 

January 30, 1981

My 91^st birthday. Happy telephone visits with Nellie Moorman in Los Angeles and Jim Horton in Indianapolis, also Rosina Cassiday from Marshall. In 1977 I stood in the wheat field where the stone house of my birthplace once stood. Found 2 small dressed stones. Now they are by my front door. I am glad I had that trip.

 

January 31, 1981

It did turn cold but not as cold as I expected. Dark and cloudy all day – rained some this forenoon. .3 in all. Not nearly enough. Ramona called. Brought a delicious dessert.

 

February 1, 1981

Sunday but no church for me. It was cold but the sun shone and it warmed up a little. I felt well today, better than I have for a week. Got a few letters written.

 

February 2, 1981

Another cold night and day with a sunny and warmish afternoon. I am trying to straighten out the bills for my surgery. Medicare pays part of them.

 

February 3, 1981

Another lovely winter day – cold at night and forenoon, warm in P.M. Beautiful sky and sunshine, clear night. Edna Casteel came to visit me and to inquire about my eye surgery.

 

February 4, 1981

The sun shone but it was cold. I have the most gorgeous amaryllis blooming I have ever seen – four immense blooms on one stalk. I have seen blooms so large but only one on a stalk, not a cluster of four.

 

February 5, 1981

Cold day. A little rain and snow fell, but not enough to do any good. I heard the president speak to the nation this evening. It was really good. He spoke about reducing the federal deficit to stop inflation. I think he is right about this. He has made many dangerous and reckless statements about foreign policy, but this was O.K.

Feb. 6, 1981 Cold day, Foggy morning for me, ice on trees and grass but it melted and fell of by noon. I have been gettin getting my hair washed and set on Fridays. Mabel takes me down.

 

February 6, 1981

Feb. 7 These days are becoming typical. Cold, wet forenoon (not very cold) sunny and warming up in P.M. I am not getting much correspondence done. But a cold front is on the way – may reach us tonight.

 

February 7, 1981

[No entry]

 

February 8, 1981

The expected cold spell did not materialize. The day was like most of the others. I was alone today. Selma usually comes to help me in the morning but two Sundays a month she attends church. I can manage

 

February 9, 1981

It rained this P.M. Perhaps enough to do some good. It is not very cold yet but cold weather is on the way. I am sorry for I had an appointment with Dr. Shields to test my eye for glass tomorrow. Now snow and ice are on the way.

 

February 10, 1981

Rained all night, turned to ice in the morning, then snowed off and on all day. Temp. down (close to zero), below zero strong wind – very cold. But we got about ½ inch of moisture – and we truly needed it. Selma could not not come because of the icy streets but I managed O.K.

 

February 11, 1981

It was sunny and warmed up a little but not much. The ice disappeared from the streets, so it was safe to drive – safe for Selma to come to help me in the morning.

 

February 12, 1981

Got still warmer but not very warm. I stay in the house and look out the windows.

 

February 13, 1981

Cold this morning but sunny, and it turned out to be a beautiful warm day. And there isn’t much more time for winter now.

 

February 14, 1981

A lovely sunny day. I did not accomplish much. I am not feeling well these days.

 

February 15, 1981

Another warm, sunny day. Raymond called me (he always calls me Sunday) and said we had a short winter – one day, last Tuesday (Feb. 10). And unfortunately that was the day I had my appointment with Dr. Shields to be tested for glasses

 

February 16, 1981

Lovely warm, sunny day. Margaret Camp called me from Albuquerque this morning for a telephone visit. It was such a joy to hear her voice.

 

February 17, 1981

Another warm, beautiful day. Raymond Bryson says we had a sort winter. We did. A week ago today. The only real winter day we had. Of course we have time yet for sudden storms but the time of protracted winter is past.

 

February 18, 1981

Warm, lovely day – like fall. Selma took me to Enid to have my eyes tested for glasses by Dr. Shields. The left eye was fitted recently but the right eye had to have the new lense [sic] fitted. I got very tired. Pressure was right 13, left 20.

 

February 19, 1981

Warmest day yet – 78ᵒ, 79ᵒ, even 80ᵒ in some places. Even yet I have my furnace turned off and a window open I am still tired and weak from yesterday’s trip.

 

February 20, 1981

Hot day. My thermometer registered 84ᵒ at 2:00 P.M. Some places in Okla. were in the high 80ᵒ, one in the n.w. corner reported 90ᵒ. I turned on my air conditioner. A new family bought Edith’s house and started moving in today. A young couple with a baby. Name Jordan. Jordan

 

February 21, 1981

It’s a little cooler today. And I felt better. I guess I let myself get too warm. Selma came over tis evening with a stewed chicken to take to a church dinner, and I showed her how to make dumplings. It was great fun. Dumplings did not belong to her generation.

 

February 22, 1981

Warm day. Nothing happened I should have started organizing my income tax but I wasted the time. My neighbors have made several trips recently bringing furniture, etc, to the house they bought from Edith’s heirs.

 

February 23, 1981

[No entry]

 

February 24, 1981

Sunny day, blue sky – cool in morning, use furnace turned low, hot in P.M., use air conditioner. I started my income tax. Got very tired. Don’t know whether I can finish it.

 

February 25, 1981

Worked on my income tax but didn’t accomplish much. It is too hard for me. I am sure this is the last time. Must get more help. Hot day.

 

February 26, 1981

Same thing. Hot day. (Beautiful but hot.) Worked on income tax. Got too tired.

 

February 27, 198[1]

I felt bad today. Went to the beauty shop and perhaps sitting under the drier was too much. And It was a hot day. But I did use the air conditioner. I didn’t feel like working on my income tax

 

February 28, 1981

Misplaced on Feb. 29 page.

 

February 29, 1981

Feb. 28 My beautiful  amaryllis finished blooming. It started on my birthday. Nellie Moorman gave it to me for Xmas but my capable Alice Pipla held it back. I had a beautiful phone visit today with Frances and Ed Davis from near Tahlequah

 

March 1, 1981

Cooler and cloudy today – not like a lion but hardly a lamb. It is Sunday but I am sort of forgetting that it is different from other days. I worked on my income tax. Felt better than usual. Probably the cooler weather.

 

March 2, 1981

March 1, just at bedtime, I became violently ill. Passed painful night, vomiting, blockage of bowles [sic], severe abdominal pain. March 2. Soon as morning came, I called O’Neills. Ramona called Dr. Freed. He said “Bring to hospital at once. They took me. Spent two days of Xrays, I wasn’t allowed to get out of bed. Showed no cancer.

 

March 3, 1981

They got blockage of colon removed. Sent me home March,4, The O’Neill’s brought me home (Hospital is at Stillwater.) Very weak but O.K. Selma came and cooked mild supper. Helped me to bed. This was March 4

 

March 4, 1981

Just as I got ready for March 4 Passed a bad night but abdominal pain is gone. Very weak. This was the day they brought me home. It rained March 2-3, more than an inch. Good for the wheat. Selma cooked supper and put me to bed March 4.

 

March 5, 1981

Had a bad night, weak all day but the abdominal pain is gone. I am O.K. only weak. Selma came and helped me again with supper, etc, but I am going to manage by myself in getting to bed.

 

March 6, 1981

Warm and sunny today but it is supposed to begin raining at midnight and turn to snow tomorrow afternoon. I am still very weak and afternoon, I am still very weak and helpless. Selma comes in the evening to get my supper and help in other ways, She also comes in the morning as usual.

 

March 7, 1981

Cloudy and rainy all day but not really cold. I am feeling much stronger and better today. I guess I am getting over the sick spell. I told Selma I could get along without her this evening. Raymond Bryson came and stayed for a pleasant visit. It is snowing in some places in Okla. Raining here.

 

March 8, 1981

Raymond thought it rained about a half inch last night. Cool today – also dark and dreary. I still feel better but weak. Did not have Selma come this evening.

 

March 9, 1981

It cleared off and got warmer (not hot today. I am better but still weak. I am going to try to get my glasses ground and fitted at Enid Wednesday (This is Monday.)

 

March 10, 1981

Beautiful day – not too warm, just right. I’m well but still pretty weak. Ramona came and talked with me and we straightened up some plans for my income tax.

 

March 11, 1981

Selma took me to Enid to get my glasses. I am disappointed. I cannot see any better than I could without. Have to use 200 watt bulb to read with difficulty, couldn’t see real stars this evening, etc. I’m glad I had the surgery for I can see now, but not well.

 

March 12, 1981

I didn’t sleep much last night – too disappointed. I had looked forward to really effective sight. I would call Dr. Shields only he is out of his office today. We are still having lovely weather.

 

March 13, 1981

I called Dr. Shields. He said my sight with the new glasses (really the glass) may improve. Wait a while, and if not, come and see him. Warm sunny day.

 

March 14, 1981

It clouded up this P.M. and started raining. I don’t know how much. Still warm. Bonnie Roberts came to see me. Very pleasant visit. She and Jessie have just returned from a winter in Texas.

 

March 15, 1981

It rained nearly and inch. (.7) Clear and bright today. Sunday but no church for me.

 

March 16, 1981

Perhaps my eyes are getting better with the glasses. I can really see the brightest stars as unmistakable stars. Real stars. But can’t read better.

 

March 17, 1981

Dr. Freed said he wanted to see me in two weeks so Selma took me today. I didn’t get very tired. He said I was fine but no way to keep from getting another spell. Unpleasant windy day but warm. Clouded up this evening. Alice did some yard work

 

March 18, 1981

Cooler today. Cold this evening. Winnie Branen called. Fine visit. And Jim Horton called from Indianapolis. So nice of him. Wanted to know how my eye was acting. Finished income tax.

 

March 19, 1981

Bright day but rather cool. Nothing much happened. I am still disappointed that the glasses did not help me any. I can see to read, but barely.

 

March 20, 1981

It clouded up this evening. I don’t know what that means. Showed my tax outlines to Ramona. That wonderful friend is taking my outline to the man who will make the report I am no strong enough.

 

March 21, 1981

Not much happened. My jonquils are blooming but I don’t get out to see them. I stay in the house. I can’t get my walker down the steps and I can’t walk safely without it.

 

March 22, 1981

March 22 is on March 24 page. March 24 March 24 andra Selma came this morning but will come no more this week. Dephana is taking a trip and will need her to take charge of the drug store. Elsie Seefeldt will take her place helping me. Nice day.

 

March 23, 1981

Warm bright day. I sat on the porch steps in the sun while Alice was training the rose vine. The first time I have been out of the house for many months except to get to the car. It seemed wonderful. She brought in come jonquils hyacinths daffodils daffodils and arranged them in a vase before she left.

 

March 24, 1981

March 22. Turned two pages. This was a real Sunday. There was a communion service at the church and our minister (Ted) and a lay member (Raymond Bryson) came to each home of shut-ins and held a communion service. I think Anna Seefeldt and her invalid daughter are the only ones but me.

 

March 25, 1981

That nice young McCool inspected my house – no termites. Mary Huffer mowed my lawn – first this year. It rained a little this morning. Elsie came to help me this morning The church is having family night, a basket dinner and program and they sent a heaped plate to me for my supper.

 

March 26, 1981

Obituary in Enid paper told me Frank Phelan died yesterday. He was only 5 or 6 years younger than I but it was cancer that killed him. Hot P.M. I used air conditioner. Elsie still helping me each morning.

 

March 27, 1981

Mrs. Aisma Brown came to give me advice about nursing care, etc. Ramona came also. She told me about nursing homes in several counties she supervises, also a preference she has for home care if possible. She wants me to discard my throw rugs for fear they may trip me.

 

March 28, 1981

Saw notice of Marcellette Thomas’s death in Enid paper I loved her very much. She was 86. Had a stroke on a violently stormy night, winter two years ago. August Stoll also is in the obit page. He grew up in Marshall.

 

March 29, 1981

I plan on taking that long delayed trip to see Dr. Shields about my glasses tomorrow. Dephana got back from her trip this morning so Selma is back with me again, was here this morning It was good to have her back but I enjoyed Elsie also. Etta Castiel and Clara Schaefer came to visit me. Very nice.

 

March 30, 1981

Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. My sight has not improved with the new glasses. He said the sight of the eye has changed greatly since he tested it and to come back in three more weeks. I got pretty tired. Marceletta was buried here today – funeral in Enid.

 

March 31, 1981

We are having lovely weather all the while – cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon. My lilac has been blooming several days. It is not pretty – too dry last summer.

 

April 1, 1981

Hot day – got into the 80’s. I used my air conditioner in the P.M. It is too warm this evening and I have a window open. I have never regained the energy I lost this last sick spell, and I don’t stand the heat well.

 

April 2, 1981

Not so hot as yesterday. Gloria Weber drove clear over from Stillwater to visit me this P.M. So sweet of her and I certainly enjoyed her visit.

 

April 3, 1981

Nothing much happened today. I was by by myself this morning. I really can take care of myself but I get pretty tired. Dephana was so worn out from her trip she had to see the doctor and Selma was needed at the store.

 

April 4, 1981

It was a lovely day. I sat on the front steps a little while this morning. Next week is “Prairie City Days”. I dread it, fearing I can’t do what is expected of me.

 

April 5, 1981

Beautiful day. And especially beautiful for me because Gerry Schaefer came to see me. I love Gerry, and she is so busy and I am so shut-in that I do not see her often.

 

April 6, 1981

This week is Prairie City Days but much of the original enthusiasm has gone out of the celebration. It doesn’t have a whole week’s events any more. I had a lovely visit from Clara Schaefer and Elsie Seefeldt this morning.

 

April 7, 1981

Hot day and very windy. I had Selma help me and went out to look at my flower garden. Alice has weeded it and the daffodils and grape hyacinths are lovely but I think the peonies will not bloom.

 

April 8, 1981

I talked with Raymond today (he worked on Prairie City Days committee) and I decided to ride in the parade Saturday. I hope I can stand it. People are so good, and I found they would be disappointed if I didn’t do it. I can manage I think. Very different from 1978. April 15.

 

April 9, 1981

Hot day. In the 80ᵒs throughout Okla. Nothing much happened. I am trying to plan for my difficult Saturday.

 

April 10, 1981

Raymond and Mabel brought me a beautiful Easter lily. It has one lovely fully opened bloom. The rest are buds. They said they thought I would enjoy watching them develop.

 

April 11. 1981

Well I made it. Gerry’s poor invalid brother-in-law died so Luella Reim helped me get ready. Stanley Hitt drove and Luella and Ginger Hitt rode with us. The little Model T ran perfectly as we led the procession We came home before it was over. I am terribly tired but I am glad I did it.

 

April 12, 1981

Sunday but no church. I rested up some but not much. Very hot day.

 

April 13, 1981

Very hot day. Threatened violent weather this evening but it didn’t happen. Wheat is actually heading. On April 13! And it needs rain badly. Later – it rained an inch. Wonderful!

 

April 14, 1981

I am afraid I am having another spell of the bowel trouble that put me in the hospital Finished tax returns and Ramona mail mailed them. So many things caused delays. Ramona (bless her) took my report to the income tax man in Enid – also helped me organize them. I could never have done it without her. And Pat took a trip to Enid to pick them up. Cold day.

 

April 15, 1981

Cool day. Had a wonderful visit with Clara Schaefer this forenoon. She is going to Colo. tomorrow to visit her sister Leone and her good husband Carl. My new neighbors are painting their house. A mean dog has set himself up as the owner of my house. Threatens to bite Selma when she comes each morning. Pat O’Neill will take care of him.

 

April 16, 1981

Coolish day. I haven’t felt well lately and today was no exception. I had a lovely telephone visit this morning with my dear cousin, Nellie Moorman, in Calif. And generous Jim Horton sent me a huge box of grapefruit from the Valley.

 

April 17, 1981

Warm sunny day. I am recovering from my illness of the past few days. I was was threatened with the kind of bowel trouble that sent me to the hospital recently

 

April 18, 1981

Cloudy day – coolish – rained a little. Winnie Branen called. She has compiled a magnificent genealogical account and I have had the privilege of examining it. A gift to all future descendants of the family, the best I ever saw. She has worked on it for years. Starts with a Massachusetts ancestor about 1640.

 

April 19, 1981

Easter. My lily, gift of the Brysons, went to church even though I didn’t. Jim Horton called me for an Easter greeting. Hot day. In the evening I had a sudden dizzy spell. The heat, I think – unwisely turned off the air conditioner. Went right to bed. (Am writing a day late)

 

April 20, 1981

Learned a tornado last evening just about wiped out Bixby. Did damage to Tulsa. Killed people in Bixby. No warning. Many were in church. Destroyed the church. Cold and dark today. I am quite weak from yesterday.

 

April 21, 1981

Last night had the best sleep I have had for months. Felt well today. Cool dark day. Rain promised. Tornado threat are surrounding us in Texas and Kansas this evening but missing us.

 

April 22, 1981

Had bad night, ill all day, had bad dizzy spell in evening. Managed to get to the telephone and call Selma. She put me to bed, settled me down. Writing Apr. 23.

 

April 23, 1981

Slept O.K. Felt better but weak all day. Feel still better this evening. Selma (bless her) came to see how I was though I could have managed. Expect my spell is over.

 

April 24, 1981

Felt better today, but still weak. Temperature got into the 80ᵒs. Iris blooming. My roses beautiful. The locust tree across the street is a mass of bloom. I can look out on beauty.

 

April 25, 1981

I had a bad night and was ill all day. I have never regained what I lost in that brief illness a month ago. I go down a notch and stay there. Warm day – in the 80ᵒs.

 

April 26, 1981

Felt much better. Warm day. Lovely weather only too hot for me. My roses, peonies, and iris are blooming. Raymond came by for a brief visit. This is Sunday.

 

April 27, 1981

Selma took me to Enid to have Dr. Shields test my eyes (eye) for glasses since the first test didn’t work. I got terribly tired. Hot day. He also tested pressure for glocoma [sic]. Right, 12; left, 23

 

April 28, 1981

Hot day – in 80ᵒs. Rested mainly – stayed in bed.

 

April 29, 1981

Felt better. Ramona came to see me. Worked on neglected plans.

 

April 30, 1981

Still hot. In upper 80’s. I am not standing it well. Thankful for air conditioner.

 

May 1, 1981

It was cooler last night and forenoon. And I feel much better. I am unable to stand heat. It was a hot P.M. but the air conditioner took care of it.

 

May 2, 1981

[No entry]

 

May 3, 1981

Cool, cloudy day. Sunday, but but no church for me. Mabel (bless her) said she would send me a fish caught in their pond, but she sent a whole beautiful dinner. I couldn’t eat half of it. Will give be a big dinner tomorrow Fish was whale size.

 

May 4, 1981

My beloved Connie Cronley who was to speak at a meeting at OSU this P.M. came to see me this morning. Drove clear from Tulsa. Wonderful visit with her thought I was really ill after a bad night. Rained this P.M. and evening. .3 inch in all. Learned Myrtle Beeby died. Feeble for a long time. She was 84.

 

May 5, 1981

Had good night and felt much better today. But I never regained the strength (or mental capacity) I lost in my brief illness a few weeks ago. It was a bright sunny day, but not so hot as recent days. Call from Reesers – glasses are ready.

 

May 6, 1981

I was really ill but went to Enid to get my glasses. Got home 11:30 and spent most of the P.M. in bed. The glasses are better than other fitting but I cannot read easily and rapidly as I have done all my life. Ramona came to see me in late P.M. Bless her.

 

May 7, 1981

Myrtle Beeby Chapman was buried today. The handle came off my hot water faucet at the sink. I called Mr. Alexander who does plumbing. He came & looked and will put in new faucet unit tomorrow. Have to heat water in the tea kettle for kitchen use. Felt better than I have for weeks.

 

May 8, 1981

Mr. Alexander had to go to Okla City for parts, will repair plumbing tomorrow. (I hope.) It rained a little this forenoon. I am not so well as I was yesterday. False hopes. I felt so well it seemed a miracle. It didn’t last.

 

May 9, 1981

It was another emergency that took Mr. Axanders Alexander to O.C. Today he did some things to my plumbing but still lacks the parts for repair. Hot water facet [sic] at sink is broken. It rained last night and today – real rain. Cool. Frances Davis called me for a lovely telephone visit. From Cookson.

 

May 10, 1981

Alden Grassman died of a heart attack this morning. It grieves me very much. He and Luella were among my closest friends. I grieve about Luella as much as Alden. Cold day – 48ᵒ this morning. It rained during the night but the sun shone all day. Alden was working cattle when he fell. Total rain 2 in

 

May 11, 1981

Another cool day. Selma had to go to Enid today. While there found a faucet handle that fit. Screwed it on and now I have hot water. Not necessary to install whole fixture. Alden was not working cattle. Whole family planning reunion at one of the girls’ homes for Mother’s Day. Before starting turned out the cows & he fell. Lul Luella was with him alone but Paul Schler was driving into the yard

 

May 12, 1981

Aden’s funeral today. I wish I could have gone. Church packd packed. Also basement. He was a good man – 69 years old. Marilyn Mewherter gave me a home permanent. I have had to cancel several appointments at the beauty shop. So happy to get it done. Hard on me but I happened to feel unusually well and weather was cool. Had lovely visits with Janet Shelby and Clara Schaefer.

 

May 13, 1981

I was ill all day. Coolish day. Bonnie Robe Diedrich brought me some delicious cornbread 14-year-old Dickey baked and wanted me to share. She stayed for a very pleasant visit. Dickie doesn’t drive of course, so his mother brought it. Enough to last 2 days.

 

May 14, 1981

Another day I did not feel well – but not so ill as yesterday. My beloved friends Brian and Louise Harpster from Bartlesville visited me this morning. Wonderful to see them. They had dinner (noon) and spent P.M. with the Don Huffers. Evadean invited me to dinner but I couldn’t go of course, so she sent me the most delicious dinner.

 

May 15, 1981

Cool cloudy day. And I felt especially well. Mr. Alexander finished the plumbing Joe Vculik came and got a copy of Geronimo I had inscribed for Joe him and Opal and stayed for a pleasant brief visit. My new neighbor, Carol Jordan was in a car accident yesterday. Injuries not serious.

 

May 16, 1981

Looking out the window I see Mrs. Jordan is back from the hospital. Accident was on the corner where our pony spilled us children long ago, a mile from our house. I was mistaken about the location of the accident. It was a mile north of the one we children had. accident. It was the corner a mile north of ours. I did not feel well today but not too bad. It rained during the night last night and today. Very dark and dismal. Bad storms predicted tonight.

 

May 17, 1981

Raymond called briefly this morning just before church – told me he had been out to my farm. Pleasant visit with him. In the evening Don and Evadean Huffer came and Dora Rickey came. Lovely visit. Now late in the evening tornadoes are appearing south and east of Okla. City.

 

May 18, 1981

Tornadoes did some damage but did not strike a thickly settled area. Dickie Diedrich and his mother came to take my a picture of him and me together. He will graduate from the 8^th grade this evening and I had an autographed Prairie City ready for him. He is a fine lad and very handsome.

 

May 19, 1981

Cool day though sun shone all P.M. I felt uncommonly well. My beloved Ramona came for a nice visit. Brought some strawberries. My flowers are blooming but I see only a few of them that are in front of the window. I do not leave the house

 

May 20, 1981

Cold day. I felt bad. Had a good visit from my dear friend, Winnie Branen. Learned that Pauline Abercrombie died. Got a lovely letter from Agnes Semrad Reinkemeier inviting me to Semrad reunion at Enid. I can’t attend of course, but it pleases me.

 

May 21, 1981

Cool, sunny day. I felt surprisingly well. Called Agnes Semrad R. She and her husband live in Edmond area. She is now 78 years old. Nice to visit with her on the phone.

 

May 22, 1981

I felt bad today. Spent much time lying down. Intended to go to bed early but we were under a tornado watch so I watched TV till 10:30. An ugly cloud in the west central part of the state dropped many funnels & did much damage moving east spared Okla. City and passed over Edmond. Missed cities but very deadly in rural areas and some small towns.

 

May 23, 1981

Heavy rain with much thunder fell on Marshall about 11:00 to 3:03 (1 inch.) I did not sleep. till after 3:30. This evening tornadoes are still forming in the east ½ of state. Clear here. I am very tired. Grieve over destruction. Violet & Sylvia Poindexter visited me. So glad to see them. Alum High school alumni reunion tonight. Of course I can’t attend. Doni Sue Dehn married today.

 

May 24, 1981

Kenny Dahn married today. Bryson family here at Raymond’s but he took time to stop at my house as all were on way to cemetery to pick up my decorations to put on my graves. I had intended just to omit that remembrance this year. Ruth Rusco and her son Jerry stopped to see me. They had been to the cemetery. They live at Fairview I l felt especially well today.

 

May 25, 1981

Official Memorial Day. Had a lovely visit with Mavin Clem Foor this morning. I have loved her since she was a darling child living across the street in the 19 teens and early 20s. She now lives at Norman. She said the alumni reunion was perfect. In the P.M. Luella Reim brought me a glorious gladiola-carnation basket left from the reunion and stayed for a visit.

 

May 26, 1981

Raymond Bryson came with my artificial flowers from the cemetery and stowed them in the cellar for next year. He found all my 14 graves except that of little Mattie Halsted who died in 1902. He tells me Mabel will go to the hospital for some repair on an abdominal rupture. Will go next Tues., surgery Wednesday. Not supposed to be serious.

 

May 27, 1981

It is getting pretty hot and I am afraid the shingles that troubled me last summer are coming back. I felt that same kind of itching. In fact I felt bad all day.

 

May 28, 1981

Felt well today. Had capable Alice change the furniture in my study so I can sleep by the air conditioner. Even had her take me to the bank so I could look over some papers I keep there. First time in many weeks. It rained this P.M. and there are tord tornado warnings out tonight. But I guess I will go to bed and hope they will not come here.

 

May 29, 1981

I felt pretty well today. Gloria Weber and Dr. Matthews came to see me – a sort of interview for some project they have. I enjoyed seeing them but got pretty tired during the interview. It rained over the state last night but no serious storms or tornadoes

 

May 30, 1981

May 31 Felt especially well today. Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell came for a very pleasant visit this P.M. I am so thankful I can still live at home with these good friends.

[Entry made on page for May 31, 1981]

 

May 31, 1981

May 30 Felt bad today. Don’t remember that anything in particular happened. Am writing late.

 

June 1, 1981

Felt well today. This is a stormy evening. Severe thunderstorms moving toward us – formed throughout the state. One tornado has touched ground. I am watching . We in Marshall are O.K. so far.

 

June 2, 1981

Felt well again today. This cool weather is better than an air conditioner. Another evening I watched TV for storms. They were in this part of the state but missed us. I would run to the cellar if a tornado should approach but it would be hard on me.

 

June 3, 1981

Rained hard last night and again this P.M. but nothing violent. Harvest would have been in full blast this week except for these rains. Now it will be a nerve-wracking experience like past year. This harvest would have been very early.

 

June 4, 1981

A small tornado struck southeast O.C. last night. It rained hard throughout the state, including our area. More expected tonight. Nellie Moorman called this morning from Calif for a pleasant phone visit. My beloved Gerry Schaefer brought me string beans and squashes from her garden and stayed to visit. I am so thankful I can see her face because of my eye surgery.

 

June 5, 1981

It didn’t rain last night nor today. I didn’t feel very well. Nothing much happened. I am very glad Ernest Lefever’s name was withdrawn from nomination as Human Rights director in State Dept. One of the most evil things Reagan has done was to choose him. Even the Senate Republicans couldn’t stand him.

 

June 6, 1981

Another night and day without rain. A new family named Ehnen lives here in town. Mrs. E. has taken over the cafe, so delivers my noon meal. She knows and loves books, especially history and Indians. She has become greatly interested in my writing. Has bought my last two books and wants to buy all I have written.

 

June 7, 1981

Hot day. Thermometer is the 90s. But I felt fine. Slept by air conditioner last night. I am getting to the place where Sunday seems like any other day.

 

June 8, 1981

Hot day. Thermomer [sic] got up to 100 and more in this part of Okla. But now the wheat can be harvested. I was ill all day. I am greatly troubled about the att destruction of Iraq’s atomic plant by the Israelis. But somehow I am glad it is destroyed. I wish the same could happen to all those plants in the world.

 

June 9, 1981

Hot day – another day above 100ᵒ. Harvest must be in full blast though I am removed from the fields and the line of trucks on Main Street. It has been a good day for me. I felt surprisingly well. I am worried about Selma’s boy Steve. He drove a combine yesterday for Clyde Beeby and was very ill all night.

 

June 10, 1981

Slept badly last night, ill today. But Gloria Weber and Glenna Matthews called phoned this morning and I told them to come on. I gave them letters, etc, in m files about my work with Alaska natives, etc, and they made notes. But I got very tired. It is cloudy today and not so hot I think it will not rain but will hinder harvest.

 

June 11, 1981

Another bad day for me. I didn’t accomplish much but I did manage to write a letter and sort some old files.

 

June 12, 1981

I felt fairly well today. This year I am strangely removed from the exhilaration and stress of harvest. I stay in the house and do not even see the loaded trucks lining the street.

 

June 13, 1981

Rev. Bob Weber, pastor of the Disciples (“Christian”) Church called with a book for me to autograph. I like him very much. Pleasant visit. This P.M. I had a long telephone visit with my beloved Martha Dehn. In the evening Selma DeWitt came and we made chicken dumplings for her church dinner. I felt fine today.

 

June 14, 1981

Raymond came in for a few minutes this morning – said Mabel is recovering slowly and is being very careful. I called Shirey Shirley Worsley this P.M. Ray will have hernia surgery Wed. It is not supposed to be serious. Joe and Winnie Branen called this evening. It is threatening rain.

 

June 15, 1981

I had a bad night last night, sweating and shivering by turns, But I managed to get through the day O.K. It rained last night and all forenoon. Cool, even cold. I turned off the air conditioner, but used the fan to bring in outside air. The new family that bought the house across the street is energetically improving the place. Name is Dixon.

 

June 16, 1981

Selma took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. A perfect day for me. Had best sleep I’ve had for many weeks, felt fine, cool day. He found me perfect. (Did I imagine being old and ill?) I got scarcely tired at all. When I got home, my house was cool. I snatched some food and lay down till mid afternoon. Cool tonight Sunny day but cool.

 

June 17, 1981

Another bright day, cool all forenoon, got warmer in P.M. I felt well. Grand report from Ray Worsley. Got thru surgery fine. I talked with Shirley. Gloria Weber came this morning and brought back and replaced the documents I loaned them from my files. Glenna Matthews is in Italy.

 

June 18, 1981

It has got hot again but I still felt pretty well. I am working on a box of photographs that belonged to Elva and Alta, who died in March last year.

 

June 19, 1981

Got really hot – up in high 90s. I am feeling pretty weak. Worked on photographs. Most of them are of people unrelated to our family and will be discarded. I cannot go through them but will label those I know in one kodak album.

 

June 20, 1981

Hot day – in the upper 90s. And the electricity went off briefly and my air conditioner went off. I wondered how I could live until it could be repaired, but Raymond came and found the extra load had turned off the breaker. He turned it back and all is well. I am so happy and gradeful grateful.

 

June 21, 1981

Slept badly last night. Had bad day. Hot, up to 100ᵒ at Enid, probably same here. I managed to finish kodak album pics. Will get Alice to mail them the whole box to the Donnie Dehns. They will sort and discard most of them.

 

June 22, 1981

Hot, humid, cloudy day but no rain. I felt bad all day. Alice wrapped and mailed the box of sn photos. The ones in the album brought back memories for there were pictures the girls took when they came to Okla. on family visits in 1913 and 1920, when we cousins were all young together.

 

June 23, 19[81]

Another hot day and I felt very bad. I had planned to go to Enid to see Dr. Shields but was not well enough. My young neighbors who bought Edith’s house are putting up a high strong fence for their dogs. They are good dogs, very friendly

 

June 24, 1981

Hot sunny day, but I slept well last night and felt fine. Marilyn Wewherter [sic] was to come and wash and set my hair this A.M. but got confused about the day. Too much of the stress of harvest. In the P.M. Dr. John and Della Thompson came with some rare books (first printings) for me to autograph. They have a bookstore in Stillwater. Fine visit with them

 

June 25, 1981

Hot sunny day. Summer has finally set in but I hope it will not be like last year. Nothing in particular happened. I am feeling bad today.

 

June 26, 1981

Felt surprisingly well. Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Pressure, left eye was up to 30! Never so high since he started treating the glaucoma. He wrote new prescription. Will test in 6 weeks. Right eye, 18. And truly the plastic lens is serving me wonderfully in that eye. I rejoice every day over restored sight.

 

June 27, 1981

Slept badly and was ill all day. My young cousin (twice removed but feel very close to him) Dale Farris, was married today at Forsyth, Mo. Hot sunny day. We can expect it from now on. But everything is still green and beautiful.

 

June 28, 1981

Another wedding – Greg Harpster and a girl named Deborah at McAlester. I love Greg and feel close to his bride. She is a beautiful girl. His parents showed me her photo when they were here recently. Raymond stopped by for a visit this morning and Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell stop called this evening Nice!

 

June 29, 1981

It looks as though might rain tonight. We need it. I have been ill all day. But several pleasant things happened Roland & Virgine Ficken and their young son came to see me. I knew them when they were courting and in the first years of their marriage. He teaches at one Uni of Alabama. So happy to see them. And Jim Horton just called from Indianapolis. Fine visit.

 

June 30, 1981

Forgot to say it rained more than 2 inches last night. We are very happy about it. Then this evening – It rained again this evening. I felt better today but very weak. Marilyn Mewherter came and washed and set my hair – first time since she gave me the permanent. It is hard for me to sit under the drier [sic], but I stood it O.K. today. Sometimes it makes me very ill – so I can’t have it done unless the weather is right and I feel well.

 

July 1, 1981

Didn’t feel very well but finished my a message to Carl and Leona Schneebeck who will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in August. Their children are planning a scrap book of reminiscences of friends. I have worked several days on this. It is very hard for me to write. Now I must copy it.

 

July 2, 1981

I was ill all day. But I managed to copy a little of my message to Carl and Leone. We are having weather in the 90s, not like last year. But it is sultry and we have more showers than Okla. expects in the summer.

 

July 3, 1981

Rained last night and this morning. I felt well. Had wonderful visit with Pat this evening. He couldn’t work in the field. We talked of inscription by female Pharaoh Hatshepsut, whose great temple I visited. I think it is a contemporary account of the Hebrew Exodus. Theory of an Egyptologist at Johns Hopkins. Winnie Branen called this evening. We talked of Okla. history. Cafe closed so Mabel sent me lovely dinner.

 

July 4, 1981

I was not able to put up my flag. The first time I failed. I could have asked Selma to do it when she came this morning but if should rain later I couldn’t take it down. It didn’t rain, so I wish I had done it. She would have come this evening to take it down. I finished my letter for the Schneebeck’s scrapbook and got it ready to mail.

 

July 5, 1981

I was very ill all day, but I managed. Selma came as usual this morning and she wanted to cook my dinner and take care of me. (She is so sweet.) But there was very little to do and no reason why I shouldn’t do it. I spent much time in bed. I think I shall be O.K. tomorrow.

 

July 6, 1981

I felt fine today. But I am very feeble on good days – especially mentally. Winnie Brane [sic] came to ask my help on some Douglas history – putting what both of know into one account. And I became so exhausted she had to put me to bed. I soon picked up, however. Got a letter from my friend in Uganda, Betty Mubiru.

 

July 7, 1981

Felt bad today, We are having un-Oklahoma weather. Two years ago we had our only sultry year. Now instead of usually dry, scorching, hot winds (cool at night) we have frequent rains, sultry days and nights, and tem. In 80ᵒs or low 90ᵒs. It is fine for the preparation of ground for the wheat but freakish to us who are used to a different climate.

 

July 8, 1981

Felt fine today. Winnie and I finished our Douglas story. Same weather low 90ᵒs, sunny but sultry, showers around.

 

July 9, 1981

Very disturbing news about my book Okla. Footloose, etc. I had suggested printing a revised edition, but no decision had been made. Today I learned that a new printing is already available. It had not even been mentioned to me – no chance to correct gross typographical errors. It was already being done when I made my suggestion. Apparently without the knowledge of the director of the Uni. Press. director

 

July 10, 1981

I was ill today. Summer was is here. Temp. in 90ᵒs, beautiful sky – blue, fleecy big chunks of cloud. My beloved Ramona called this morning. This evening I had a fine telephone visit with Dr. Green. He teaches history in a New England college. I’ve forgotten which. He is a fine scholar.

 

July 11, 1981

We are getting summer weather – up upper 90ᵒs through most of the state. I was really ill and spent most of the day in bed. Feel pretty well this evening. Selma is at a church meeting and Elsie Seefeldt is getting me started mornings.

 

July 12, 1981

A good day for me, even though I cannot attend church. Felt well. Had a wonderful visit this morning with my young friend Michael Green of Dartmouth College, who is doing research in Okla. Collections for a book he is writing. He drove 180 miles round trip from Norman. So good of him. In the evening my beloved Clara Schaefer paid me a visit. Hot day.

 

July 13, 1981

I started to turn off the air conditioner in my kitchen at 3:30 A.M. The switch didn’t work and I pulled the wall plug. I called Jerry Rhines in Covington and he repaired it in the forenoon. Then just as I finished my noon meal the machine went off completely. I called Jerry again and he found the battery completely dead. Too [sic] separate failures the same day. I decided to buy a new one. I stayed by the air cond. In my study by it was very hard on me. Selma stayed all day. I couldn’t have managed without her.

 

July 14, 1981

Jerry had to go to O.C. for a new air conditioner. Got it installed at 3:30 P.M. Last night my bedroom was 90ᵒ so I slept on a makeshift bed in my study and stayed in the room all day. It was about 100ᵒ at both days. But I was not so ill as yesterday. There was nothing for me to do. I just stayed close to the cooler. Now the house is getting cool throughout.

 

July 15, 1981

Slept fine last night and felt fine today. But the new air conditioner’s front grate doesn’t fit and lets in hot air. Of course it is cooled in the room but it costs more to run. Jer I called Jerry and he came and saw the trouble. Probably warped in shipping He will install a new one. Temp up to 100ᵒ.

 

July 16, 1981

I talked to the Uni. Press people about the possibility of correcting typo. errors and other changes in my Foot-loose. Got pretty tired figuring them out. I see above (1980) mention of heat deaths. I wasn’t fearing the same for me. I am I was sure they were caused by poverty (no air conditioning) or hard work in the heat and I was sorry for them.

 

July 17, 1981

Failed to say yesterday that lovely Alma Friend came to see me but when she saw how ill I was she didn’t stay. I had worked too hard to organize corrections needed in Foot-loose. Felt well today. The Senior Citizens group which has a dinner social gathering each month brought me a plate for my supper, so sweet of them.

 

July 18, 1981

I felt well today. We are having a normal summer – really cooler than usual. Hot weather, but only rarely over the high 90ᵒs. I even worked some on corrections for Foot-loose if there should be a chance to use them.

 

July 19, 1981

I had a bad night and was ill all day. Feel better this evening. I believe we are having a sultry summer like 1979, Not scorching dry Okla. weather I do not get out of the house, so I do not know but I think it is repeating the strange summer of 1979. We had a light shower this morning.

 

July 20, 1981

Hot day. Well over 100ᵒ all over the state. I got really down this P.M. I was O.K. this morning. Orr Our minister, Ted, came to see me. I enjoyed his visit very much. It was 106ᵒ at Enid. No doubt the same here.

 

July 21, 1981

Another scorcher – 108ᵒ at Enid. And the part for the air conditioner has not come. The heat it lets in weakens the cooling on a hot day. I found today hard to take but I stayed in the coolest place I could find and it didn’t get me down as it did yesterday. It is threatening this evening but it the shower is east of us and the heat is bad as ever. 

 

July 22, 1981

The new part of my air cond. still has not come. But it was a windy day and the heat did not build up as bad. And it was better for me. Ramona came to visit me. She looks tired, her beauty somewhat drawn. Bless her.

 

July 23, 1981

A bad night and a bad day. When it gets to 108ᵒ and 109ᵒ a damaged air cond. can’t overcome it. And today my phone quit. Repaired now. I have been pretty nearly overcome by the heat.

 

July 24, 1981

Felt well today. It was 107ᵒ but my house was fairly cool, perhaps because the wind was blowing. My guess about sultriness was wrong. Moisture content of air today was 20. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis this evening for a fine long telephone visit. The part for my air cond. still not here.

 

July 25, 1981

Terrible night. At 1:00 A.M. it was 88ᵒ in my house. I got along fairly well today till afternoon. Then my crippled air cond. couldn’t overcome the heat. I got pretty far down by night Temp 107. Learned Jennie Kirkendahl died.

 

July 26, 1981

Terribly hot night. At 1:00 A.M. it was 88ᵒ in my house. The air cond. couldn’t handle it. I was ill all day today. Raymond stopped in on his way to church. I told him the air cond. defect. He said he had stronger tape, when home and got It it and closed the gaps. It was much better.

 

July 27, 1981

Failed to record yesterday that Jennie Kirkendahl died. It was cooler today. In the P.M. we had a very hard shower. Then it rained again this evening. Much thunder. Later – total for P.M. and evening 3.3 in.

 

July 28, 1981

Cool and cloudy. I felt better. Learned Elsie Clem died yesterday. She was 96. Clem family and ours were close friends thru many years. Donny and Martha Dehn with Robin and her husband Jim Turner (whom I had never met, and I find him very fine) came to visit me. I was delighted, but got very tired. They took such a long drive to see me I wish I had felt stronger.

 

July 29, 1981

Another cool cloudy day with some rain in the morning and afternoon. I feel much better but still not wholly recovered from last week. The TV is making a great splurge over England’s royal wedding. I am not interested. My affection for England is based on other things. I contrast this with the wedding of Prince Charles’ mother.

 

July 30, 1981

Getting warm but not hot. Rained last night. I feel much better. Talked to Mr. Drayton at Uni Press about “Footloose.” It is too late for any revision, even a new preface. But the printing firm will add an “Errata” page. I will record some brief changes there. Then when the contract runs out in 1889 [sic] if they make another printing I will have everything ready.

 

July 31, 1981

Awake last night thinking about “Footloose” problem. Ill all day. Gloria Weber and Glenna Matthews came to see me this morning. I called on them for some help in the revision of “Footloose.” Lovely friends. Warm but not scorching day. Sun and clouds.

 

August 1, 1981

It rained this morning and was not very hot today. I felt better. Even wrote some letters. Writing with either pen or typewriter is the hardest thing I do. A little tires me badly.

 

August 2, 1981

Slept badly last night, thinking of changes in “Footloose.” Got up and worked some thinking I could get it off my mind that way. It didn’t work. And I was really ill all day. It didn’t rain today but did in some parts of the state. Not so hot.

 

August 3, 1981

Felt well today. Did some work. Learned of the death of my friend Margurete (Tommy) McGuire. She was only five years younger than I but she died of cancer. She was a very brave person. Sent me letters and even fruit because she knew of my feebleness. Never even told me she was ill.

 

August 4, 1981

Felt well again. Even did some work on “Footloose.” Even a small amount of mental work (writing, reading, even visiting) tires me. Sometimes to the point of collapse. The arteries in my brain are clogged. On the way to senility. No rain today. Lovely Ramona came to see me.

 

August 5, 1981

Another day of feeling well. Even did some work. Raymond brought my farm rental check and stayed for a visit. Ila Clem Jones came this P.M. Came from New Mexico to attend her mother’s funeral. Winnie Branen came for a lovely visit this evening. Hot day but only about 100ᵒ.

 

August 6, 1981

I felt bad today. It was warm but a cold wave came this evening and it rained. Not much happened to write about I am afraid this air traffic controllers strike will lead to violence. The president may have got himself out on a limb.

 

August 7, 1981

Cool night and not so hot today. I felt well. Marilyn came and washed and set my hair which needed it very badly. It didn’t tire me at all. Several of my friends have been in the hospital – Bill Schaefer, Rosina Cassiday, Jay Congdon. Light strokes Bill and Jay, back Rosina.

 

August 8, 1981

Cool night, lovely sunny day, cool in morning, got up to 90ᵒ in P.M., cool now. Della Thomas called to give me some help I had asked about “Footloose” and we had a lovely telephone visit. I finished all the changes I am permitted to make on this printing. Will make copy tomorrow. I felt well today but I am uneasy about my back. It is getting lame.

 

August 9, 198[1]

I was ill today but I finished my copy of the “Errata” for Footloose. It was a nice cool day, got hot in P.M. Raymond called briefly before church. I have got so I hardly think of Sunday as different from other days.

 

August 10, 1981

Cool, cloudy day. My back has been slightly lame the past few days. Today the trouble started. I am in for it. And there is nothing the doctor can do. The past spell was in Oct. last year – lasted three weeks.

 

August 11, 1981

My back was very painful today. And it raises the question, what changes in living may I be forced to take? It was a cool cloudy day. We have had a very pleasant summer. One terrible week but much good weather.

 

August 12, 1981

Suffered much from my crippled back. Nice cool day, gentle rain off and on. Luella Reim called. Lovely visit. She is on the church board to make these visits and is a good friend also. I enjoyed her very much.

 

August 13, 1981

Back worse than ever. Lovely Ramona called this morning. And Clara called this evening. She did several little things that are hard for me to do – putting out my supper, straightening my bed, etc. It was a lovely day – sunny this P.M. but not hot.

 

August 14, 1981

Another day of back pain. It was a bright, sunny day, warm again (in upper 90’s), not hot in house. On bad days the walls and roof and garret become so hot it is too much for the air conditioner. But not true today.

 

August 15, 1981

My back gets worse every day. I have read my Oct 22 and ff diary entries, for last year. I see I was able to get around much better then than now. I couldn’t manage this spell except for Selma. It was a warm day with showers around us but not here – Raymond Bryson called. Later – It is raining.

 

August 16, 1981

Back worse than ever this morning, but a little better now. Storms all around us. None here. My beloved Ramona came to see me.

 

August 17, 1981

I am writing on Friday, Aug. 21. I have suffered terribly all week. Once in a while a little relief

 

August 18, 1981

like today (Aug 21) I see no change

 

August 19, 1981

for the better yet. I am hoping

 

August 20, 1981

this is not permanent. Selma (bless her) takes care of me. It has been cool this week – below 70 at night – warms up some during the day. (So they tell me. I sit propped in a chair or lie in bed all the time.). It may

 

August 21, 1981

may have rained once but most of the time the days were clear. Raymond got telephone outlets installed so I can talk from my bed or chair. They are a great help. I think they were put in Wednesday. Aug. 19.

 

August 22, 1981

No change in my back.

 

August 23, 1981

I am writing at 5:00 P.M. My back is better than usual. I am hoping it is recovering. But is may be worse again before night. Selma will come at 7:00 to get my supper and put me to bed.

 

August 24, 1981

Pain! Pain! Pain!

 

August 25, 1981

I feel better today. Am afraid to hope I am starting to recover but - - - Alma Friend visited me this P.M. Lovely visit. Talked on phone to Clara who had been to Colo. helping the Schneebecks celebrate their golden anniversary Sunday. Carl is feeble but got along fine. Lovely celebration.

 

August 26, 1981

Truly I am feeling better. I think I am coming out of this spell. I had a lovely telephone visit with Winnie Branen this morning. It is so good to have the phone by my chair. I sit in my chair or lie in bed all the time but today I can do some necessary walking with less pain.

 

August 27, 1981

I am really improving. Mr. Lee took my TV away to repair. It was doing badly when I last used it before my back trouble. Ramona called, and Winnie brought some bread she baked. Also good phone visit with Clara.

 

August 28, 1981

This was the best day I have had yet. in fact it was almost without pain. I think I can soon relieve Selma of the trip she makes at night to get my supper and put me to bed. She has already stopped coming at noon. I worked on a revision of “Foot-loose.”

 

August 29, 1981

Back still better. Lovely visit from Ramona, fine telephone visit from with Gerry. Two lovely people. A terrible crime in our town yesterday evening. A 15-yr.-old girl (I did not know her) was baby sitting. A man came to the door and she stepped outside, told the children she would be right back. Never returned. Her body was found south near Lovell this morning.

 

August 30, 1981

I guess it was a hot day outside. I have been caring for myself the last day or two except in the morning but today is Sunday and the cafe is closed so Selma brought my dinner. My back continues to improve. Still no suspect in the murder of the poor little girl. Marshall is shocked beyond measure. She was raped and beaten to death.

 

August 31, 1981

We are having hot weather again but not too bad. I can keep my house cool but still have a crippled air conditioner. It is six weeks since I bought and paid for it but it has still not been repaired when it proved to be defective. The man got into financial trouble and skipped. I still am rejoicing over my improved back.

 

September 1, 1981

Raining in places. Not here but cloudy and not very hot. Marshall is still in shock. The funeral of the poor little girl was today. The state equivalent of the FBI is here in numbers. Have set up their center in the pastor’s study of our church. Hunting clues, no firm suspects.

 

September 2, 1981

My best day yet. No pain at all most of the day. I am getting some work done on a preface I want to ad have added if there is a ever a third printing of “Foot-loose.” It should have been gone in the current printing except that the Press filed to tell me the printing would be made.

 

September 3, 1981

Nothing in particular happened. Oh, yes, Gloria Weber called me from Stillwater. It was nice to hear her voice.

 

September 4, 1981

I felt especially well today and worked on “Foot-loose.” Perhaps I worked too hard for I had a sudden dizzy spell. I called Ramona and with her to stand by I went to bed for an hour. Got up O.K. I should not have troubled her. I have become babyish since this recent back trouble.

 

September 5, 1981

Another day of feeling good. I worked on “Foot-loose” but was careful not to work too much. I treated myself to a telephone visit with Nellie Thomas.

 

September 6, 1981

Read in the Enid paper of the death of Jessie Douglas. She and I were close friends from the days we taught together in Enid High School from 1919 on. She was a few years younger than I and had been in feeble health about two years. She left Enid long ago, but I used to see her often when she came to Okla. to visit. The past few years she had been in Iowa at a retirement home.

 

September 7, 1981

Today I felt the best yet, so well I think I can go to Enid tomorrow for a long-delayed checking of eyes. I had a fine telephone visit from Jim Horton today. He is such a generous person. Wanted me to send autographed copy of Hist of the Indians to a bright 13-year-old boy he had just met. Also said he is sending me some canned grapefruit.

 

September 8, 1981

Really enjoyed drive to Enid. So wonderful to see country after being shut-up in the house so many months. And whole trip didn’t make me very tired. Good news – right eye 18, left 24. They arristed [sic] suspect in poor little girl’s murder. Repair man from O.C. Big box of canned grapefruit from the Valley – gift of Jim Horton – came today.

 

September 9, 1981

Gloria Weber and Glenna Matthews of OSU came to visit me this morning. Nice. I am feeling well all the time these days. My back has some lameness – enough to make me uneasy but not enough to hurt much. I think it is the fall weather that makes me feel so well.

 

September 10, 1981

My back started hurting this P.M. I am trying to hope it is not starting more trouble.

 

September 11, 1981

My back is worse. I am still trying to hope. Selma has to come back in the evening to get my supper and put me to bed.

 

September 12, 1981

Back pretty bad. Jerry Rhines, who sold me the air cond., then suddenly moved to Buffalo, came and put on the new front but that doesn’t work either. He will take it up with the company. Selma was here to meet him when he came.

 

September 13, 1981

Back bad. Had a wonderful visit with my beloved Shirley and Ray. (By telephone.) Selma is so wonderful to me in this time of pain and helplessness. And my beloved Gerry Schaefer came to show me her photographs of her recent trip to Rome. I have much to be thankful for.

 

September 14, 1981

Back very bad. Lee TV Repair of Hennessey came with my TV, which he had in his shop. It had been giving me bad service for months. He repaired it and put up an antenna. Cost$114.04. Clara Schaefer came to visit me.

 

September 15, 1981

Back perhaps not quite so painful. The telephone man came today to finish what they started – and Ramona came to take over work I have done for any future printing of “Foot-loose.” No chance to do anything but and “Errata” page for the printing now in progress.

 

September 16, 1981

My back still hurts. Ramona came to ask me about some material she will typed [sic] for me for any future printing of “Foot-loose.” It is always so wonderful to see her. Cold day. Woodrow came to light the furnace but the gas wouldn’t come in. I have the electric stove.

 

September 17, 1981

Back bad. Woodie put my furnace in shape. It took him about 2 hours of hard work but he wouldn’t take any pay. It was a cold day but the electric stove by my chair kept me warm till he got the furnace going. I am so grateful to Woodie. He is such a good man.

 

September 18, 1981

My back is pretty bad. Hard to stand the pain. Cold day. Used  furnace in forenoon.

 

September 19, 1981

Back bad. Lovely visit from Ramona. Sun shone, but cold day.

 

September 20, 1981

Sunday. Back hurts. Fine visit from Raymond. I called Jerry Rhines at Buffalo. He had not done anything about my air conditioner. I am losing faith in him. I bought it in July.

 

September 21, 1981

Bad back. I am sure we are having lovely weather outside.

 

September 22, 1981

Back hurt. I finally got in touch with the Enid repair shop Jerry promised he would have take care of my air cond. when he was here Sept. 12. He hasn’t done a thing. I trusted him but I must admit he is completely unreliable. It grieves me to see it.

 

September 23, 1981

Back hurts. I think

 

September 24, 1981

Pain! Pain! Pain!

 

September 25, 1981

Back hurts. It was about this date that Raymond came to report on seeing air conditioner man Jerry promised to contact. Jerry had never contacted him. Raymond examined air cond. carefully. Will take it up with him.

 

September 26, 1981

I seem to be getting better. I am almost afraid to hope. This is Sunday. Later – Sept. 27 was Sunday. I lost track of time during back pain. à

 

September 27, 1981

I am truly better today. I can hope I am coming out of my back trouble. Two dear friends called me – Gladys Davis from Colo. and Ruth Lowes who is visiting her. And I couldn’t hear what they said. Later tried to call the Worsleys, at Chicago and couldn’t hear them either. Is my hearing getting worse or was the phone connection bad?

 

September 28, 1981

My back is very much better. I would have put on my clothes today, but I slept badly last night and felt ill, so kept on with pajamas and bathrobe. Mabel came to see me. She is such a dear friend and a lovely person.

 

September 29, 1981

Ramona came and made an appointment with Dr. Freed I really put on my clothes today. Am up and around. Selma still comes in the evening to get my supper and put me to bed. I am trying to be careful. I don’t want to get down again

 

September 30, 1981

Another day without back pain. (Some lameness yet.) Perhaps I can take care of myself soon in the evenings and relieve Selma.

 

October 1, 1981

My back hurts a little today but not much. I set out my own supper (left the dishes for morning) and plan to get ready for bed by myself without Selma. We have been having unseasonably warm days (upper 80s and low 90s) but today is cooler.

 

October 2, 1981

Cool day. I used the furnace in the forenoon, air conditioner in afternoon. My back is sore but no severe pain. I even washed my supper dishes.

 

October 3, 1981

It rained .2 inches this morning. Not much but it is welcome. Cloudy all day most of the day. We are now under a tornado watch. Back about the same. Winnie called. Brought some of her good homemade bread.

 

October 4, 1981

I was really ill today – had a bad night – but my back is really better. We had no rain though there were severe thunderstorms in the state.

 

October 5, 1981

It was cloudy today and is getting cool this evening. My back is lame but the severe pain is gone.

 

October 6, 1981

Grieved and shocked at the assassination of Anwar Sadat. He was one of my favorite people. I think he was one of the greatest and best of world statesmen. I will make it stronger – the greatest and best.

 

October 7, 1981

Cool day. Cloudy and some rain. I am glad my furnace is lighted. Clara Schaefer came to visit me. She tells me that Gerry is suffering terribly from arthritis in her knee. Clara and Luella Reim took her to see her doctor at Enid.

 

October 8, 1981

Another cool tod day. Not much happened. I felt pretty well. Raymond brought a new front for my air conditioner sent got by Ernie’s trading post of Enid that took over from Jerry. It didn’t fit either. So nothing else is the matter. Raymond & Ernie’s will continue.

 

October 9, 1981

Two very interesting women, Mrs. Crockett and Mrs. Baulch of Okla. City come to visit me today. Weather still cool.

 

October 10, 1981

I read a book, The Silver Sooner to see if it had a good Okla. setting. I heard the author, Darcy O’Brian on TV and he understands the Okla. spirit so well I though I should mention his novel as one that gives a true setting (unlike Cimarron and Grapes of Wrath). But there isn’t much setting in his book and I don’t like it anyhow.

 

October 11, 1981

Cool, dark, rainy day. Back not bad. Connie Cronley called me about an article she is writing about me for the 1982 anniversary number of Oklahoma Today. They want some comments from me. And I must work fast to write them.

 

October 12, 1981

I finished one part of the comment for Connie to include in her article but I couldn’t mail it because it is Columbus Day and the post office is closed. It is a was a dark, dismal, rainy day but warm. The wheat is glad for the rain.

 

October 13, 1981

Glenn Miller came to see me. He was the little son of Rev. Dean Roy Miller when I came back to Marshall from Stillwater in 1955, now a handsome young man in his 30s working out of Enid for an oil company. His visit gave me great pleasure. He remembers me with great affection because through me he met some Indian Indians!! A small boy’s thrill.

 

October 14, 1981

Warm sunny day. I had to use both air conditioners in the afternoon.

 

October 15, 1981

It rained in the night and through the day – 2 inches in all. The sowed wheat is happy. I was supposed to see Dr. Freed but was afraid to try it lest it start up my back trouble by exposure to this kind of weather.

 

October 16, 1981

I got finished the second part of my contribution to Connie’s article but too late to mail it today. The date of this is not so important as the one was the one I mailed Tuesday. She may get it Saturday – Oct 17 but O.K. if later. Warm cloudy day, as has been all week.

 

October 17, 1981

Warm, cloudy day as has been all this week. It cleared off today. Warm. I used the air cond. We had terrible floods in the southern part of the state this week. Only good rains here. Jim Horton called me from Indianapolis. We had a fine visit.

 

October 18, 1981

Sunny day. Cool. I used furnace a little. Our minister, Rev. Ted came with communion service. Raymond came with him.

 

October 19, 1981

Cool sunny day. Nothing happened

 

October 20, 1981

Sunny day. It got warm this P.M. so that I used air conditioner. Had a lovely long distance call from Wynona Nelson at Jay.

 

October 21, 1981

Dark dreary day, getting cold this evening. Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields for annual peripheral vision check. Everything O.K. Pressure: right 18, left 24. Sight in right O.K. Trip didn’t tire me much.

 

October 22, 1981

I asked Alice to turn off the water in my yard hydrant, and it wouldn’t move move. I am now trying to run down an elusive plumber. Bright, sunny day but a cold spell is on the way.

 

October 23, 1981

I suppose we had a light freeze last night. My thermometer got down to 32ᵒ. Gloria Weber and Glenna Matthews and a lovely young woman named Aletha Hollis came to record an interview for a project the first two have. Aletha did the recording. The sun shone all day and it warmed up some. No plumber yet.

 

October 24, 1981

Cold but sunny. Nothing much happened.

 

October 25, 1981

Rained last night. Dismal rainy day. Also cold but not so cold as yesterday.

 

October 26, 1981

Sunny, cool day. My lucky day. Ruth Lowes and Gladys Davis called me from Canyon and this morning. Their dear voices. My cousin Allie’s widow, Lula, and her sister, Mabel visited me this P.M. Then Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell called. And I felt well all day. Also go in touch with a man to repair my hydrant.

 

October 27, 1981

A beautiful day. Perfect. As Okla. October can be. And I got a permanent. Marilyn came and did it. First time I have had anything done to my hair since before my back trouble started two months ago. I got very tired but feel more self respecting. And Jess Queen who did the digging and his father who knows plumbing fixed my hydrant. Cost, work $20 valve $8.10 but worth it. Visit by Ramona

 

October 28, 1981

Nothing in particular happened to me personally. I am distressed that Reagan won in Senate approval to sell latest planes to Saudi Arabia. Should have taken lesson from Iran.

 

October 29, 1981

Ramona took me to see Dr. Freed. I am not able to take my annual check-up this year, but he did the best he could. And he gave me some experimental medication for my bones. Wants to see me in a month to check. I think there may be serious side effects that must be checked. Warm day. When I got home about 1:00 P.M. I turned on the air conditioner. It was 80ᵒ in the house.

 

October 30, 1981

I failed to write in the evening and now a day later I don’t remember much about the d what happened. I am becoming very forgetful, the result of the progressive clogging of the arteries in my brain. I do remember that it was a dark cloudy day, warm.

 

October 31, 1981

It rained today, and is expected to turn cold. This evening was “Tricks or treat.” I turned on the porch light and quite a number of children came. I had not been able to get any treats for them, but I supplied myself with nickles [sic], and gave them. They said “That is O.K. Thank you.” They are so sweet. If I had told them I had nothing they would have said, “That is O.K.”

 

November 1, 1981

Dismal rainy day – and rather cold. Raymond Bryson told me a good many farmers have got their wheat planted yet. This rain is bad for them. I know Pat O’Neill has a lot unplanted, so does Raymond’s renter, Buddy Rudd. Raymond came to see me today. It is Sunday, and he always checks on me before church. My back is O.K. but I didn’t feel very well today. Or any day.

 

November 2, 1981

Another dismal rainy day. But I felt well for the first time for almost a week. I am doing some more work on a possible third printing of Foot-loose.

 

November 3, 1981

No rain, but cloudy cool day. Nothing in particular happened. I am afraid another back spell in starting up but I hope it is a false alarm.

 

November 4, 1981

We saw the sun once or twice and it didn’t rain. Ramona came to se me. Lovely Ramona.

 

November 5, 1981

Nov.6 Another beautiful day. The wheat not planted still waits for the ground to dry and several people (including Pat) have far to go yet. Raymond brought an amaryllis bulb for Christmas. May Jettis helping me in Selma’s place.

 

November 6, 1981

Nov. 7 Another nice day but a stormy period is on the way. I slept badly badly last night, so felt bad today. But I managed to do some more work on my Foot-loose should there ever be a third printing.

 

November 7, 1981

5 Nov. Nov. 5. I made 2 entries for this day. Nov. 6 Nov. 5 The cloud over Okla. finally moved last. This was a beautiful warm sunny day. Selma is will be taking a trip over the weekend and May Jett Van Hauen will be taking care of me. will be taking care of me. I had a hard time persuading Selma to go.

 

November 8, 1981

Dismal rainy day. Mission festival at the church. Clara told me by phone of former members who came from a distance and good attendance of local people in spite of the rain. Dinner after the service. Raymond Bryson & Rodney Huffer brought me a lovely meal. My lucky day. Lovely young girls, Maria Ehnen Ehnen and Rhoda Streck came to visit me.

 

November 9, 1981

It cleared off in early morning and the sun shone bright. They say there will be a hard freeze tonight. Selma got back from Colo. in early P.M. Had a very pleasant trip. I am so glad she went. I talked with her on the telephone.

 

November 10, 1981

Hard freeze last night. Grass whte white with frost. Sun came out and it was a glorious day. I opened the front door and looked out in the P.M. and felt all the thrill of remembered years of physical wholeness. It is nice to have Selma back. Her trip was perfect and she wanted to give it up to take care of me. I am so happy to think she went.

 

November 11, 1981

Another beautiful perfect day. And I have been thinking of the date. I was sleeping with Esther Engler when in the depth of the night we were awakened by the blowing of the whistle. (It was in Enid.) We lay there too moved for speech, except a sentence of deep thankfulness. I know I thought of the loud guns silenced and of tired boys climbing out of the bloody trenches and of a peace that I thought would last forever. It was a high point in time.

 

November 12, 1981

Another lovely day. I sent my dentures to Hennessey this P.M. to have a spreading crack repaired by Dr. Binkley. I hope nobody comes to see me till I get them back tomorrow. Selma took them. I have three things needing repair, the other two are an electric socket and the crippled air conditioner.

 

November 13, 1981

Another lovely day. Selma got my denture plate. And it fit! Bill repaired my light switch. Clara Schaefer came to visit me. Lovely. I talked on telephone with Ethel White. She is getting old, too.

 

November 14, 1981

Another warm day, but cloudy part of the time. I felt unusually well. Worked on preface to “Foot-loose.” I finished it once but I am changing it.

 

November 15, 1981

Another lovely day. Sunday but no church for me. Raymond Bryson stopped  in after he took Mabel to teach the smallest in children in the united Sunday school. He and Mabel are alreading already working on plans for celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in Dec. Last year they spent the day taking me to the nursing home.

 

November 16, 1981

Lovely warm day. Used the air con. all P.M. I slept well last night so felt well today. Such a joy to have a mind that works. Finished the “Foot-loose” revision I have been painfully struggling with for many days. This is Okla’s statehood aniversity anniversary. It is the beginning of our Diamond Jubilee, which will climax Nov. 16 next year.

 

November 17, 1981

Another perfect day. Used the air. cond. all afternoon. Felt pretty well again today. I am very feeble even on good days and can’t do much writing or attending to business or any living routine. Seldom step out of the house. Even if I had strength to walk in the yard I can’t get my walker down the porch steps.

 

November 18, 1981

Another lovely day, but cold weather is on the way. I got Mr. Jacobs to install my air cond. properly. A short job, cost only 17.50. It seems wonderful not to have a draft of hot or cold hair flowing in. It seems so easy. And I wasted 4 months. It took him only a minute to see what was wrong. He lives at Crescent. Clara Shaefer and Rosina called. Poor Rosina has same bone trouble I have and she is much younger. She suffered terribly from recent attack of back trouble.

 

November 19, 1981

Cold day. Strong north wind. I don’t know how I could have stood it if I hadn’t got the air conditioner fixed. There was nothing wrong with it. It had not been correctly installed. And cold air would have poured into my house today.

 

November 20, 1981

It froze last night but was not nearly as cold as expected. Even so I don’t see how I could have managed to live through it if the cold hair had been pouring in as it did until it was repaired. Gloria Weber and Glenna Matthews came this morning to make recording of our interview. Lovely Aletha Hollis did the recording.

 

November 21. 1981

It warmed up some today. And I felt remarkably well today. Ramona came with a petition circulated by the Republicans to hold an election to redistrict the state for congressional elections after 1980 census. The legis. being Democratic did a disgusting job of gerrymandering. Ramona is a Democrat so am I but I have been wanting to sign it & I did, also got Selma to sign it.

 

November 22, 1981

See Nov. 23 for Ray and Shirley. Pleasant day but I spent most of it in bed. I have trouble sleeping at night because of poor circulation in my feet and the following day is very bad because sleeplessness clogs the defective arteries in my brain.

 

November 23, 1981

Lovely warm, bright day. And I had good sleep last night and one of my rare days of feeling normal. I failed to note yesterday that my beloved Ray and Shirley Worsley called me for a beautiful visit on the telephone.

 

November 24, 1981

Another sunny beautiful day. It There is frost on the ground in the morning these days but by afternoon it is so warm I turn off the furnace, and leave it off till the sun goes down. Then I turn it as low as possible. Some P.M.s I even use the air conditioner.

 

November 25, 1981

The holiday comes tomorrow but I have much cause for thankfulness today. It was a warm, beautiful day. Winnie Branen visited me this morning. Glenn Miller sent me a beautiful flower arrangement and an even more beautiful letter message with it. He was a small boy when he lived here and I am grateful that he still remembers me. And it was one of my rare days of feeling well.

 

November 26, 1981

It suddenly turned cold last night and has been colder all day than usual – but not bad. Selma, bless her, brought me a lovely dinner at noon. This is Thanksgiving day and I have much to be thankful for in the goodness of people. I felt well again today.

 

November 27, 1981

Another day of feeling well. This is unusual. It was rather cold and unpleasant I received a lovely book from Rennard Strickland which he and a co-author wrote about John Rollin Ridge. He sent the make-up pages in May and I found it fascinating. Now I can throw them away for I have the completed book. They did a superb job.

 

November 28, 1981

Cold miserable day. I felt unusually well. Wrote a letter which I will get printed and send to all the people to whom I owe letters and haven’t the strength to write them or to send them Christmas messages.

 

November 29, 1981

Sunday. I had a bad day. Spent much of it in bed. It rained some. Was cold but not very cold.

 

November 30, 1981

Ramona took me to see Dr. Freed. He hopes my bones are getting better. Wants to see me in two months. Finds no serious side effects. It is an experimental treatment. It rained hard last night. Cold wind today. Alternated between clear and cloudy. Hazel Anderson died this morning of cancer.

 

December 1, 1981

Ruth Thomeyer called from Calif. to learn if I were still at home. She left here in early 1900s when she was a small child but she loves this place & has returned with her husband to visit me and Ruth Cromer. Always sends us Xmas letters. Now Ruth as [sic] past remembering and I can’t think of any body but me for her to continue her contact when I am get past that age. She is about 8 or 10 years younger than I.

 

December 2, 1981

I wrote a letter that I shall have printed to send to people to whom I can’t  write personal letters. I may send it after Xmas to those who wrote me. I can’t write much any more. Cant keep up my correspondence.

 

December 3, 1981

It was cold today – not so low in temperature but because of a strong north wind. Nothing in particular happened. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis. He has been ill most of the summer, in the hospital several times. Also some of his friends have died.

 

December 4, 1981

I believe it was De. 4 that Jim Horton called. I am writing late. Marilyn came and washed and set my hair. It has become very oily, wu a side effect of the new medicine. I have really been ashamed of how it looked. Of course it will become oily again but it is a relief to have it look decent for a time.

 

December 5, 1981

Had a bad night and felt bad today. But pleasant things happened. Vera Long came to visit me and my beloved cousins, the Worsleys, came called me from Chicago – rather from Wheeling, a Chicago suburb. A year ago yesterday they were here in my home.

 

December 6, 1981

Sunday but no church for me. It was a beautiful warm sunny day. And I felt especially well.

 

December 7, 1981

Another beautiful day, But I didn’t feel very well.

 

December 8, 1981

An even more beautiful day. Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. He found pressure: right eye 19, left eye 24. I did not get very tired.

 

December 9, 1981

Another beautiful day. Dr. Jim DeVore called and said he and Nancy would come by to see me tomorrow P.M. on their way to Wichita, I am very happy about it. I was ill today. Had a bad night. Raymond brought me a beautiful poinsetta [sic].

 

December 10, 1981

Had a fine visit with the DeVores. And I felt fine. Weather a little cooler but still warm.

 

December 11, 1981

A cloudy day and cooler. I didn’t feel well, but I let Gloria, Glenna and Aletha come to take recordings. I don’t know exactly what their project is but I think I should keep up my professional contacts as long as I am mentally able. Helps delay senility.

 

December 12, 1981

Dark, cloudy day – getting ready to turn cold. Nellie Blanche Moorman called me from Calif. So good to hear her dear voice. And Vera Long paid me a lovely visit. Brought me some delicious pumpkin bread and spiced tea makings. So sweet of her. I felt so well today I could hardly believe it.

 

December 13, 1981

Gloomy dark day, not very cold. I am worried about Poland. I wish the Pols had not demanded so much. I am afraid of another Hungary or Czechoslovia [sic]. I have grieved about Poland ever since my visit to that unhappy country in 1958.

 

December 14, 1981

Cold, gloomy, dark day. But I felt well. My beloved Nellie Moorman sent me a box of lovely pears.

 

December 15, 1981

Nellie Moorman (bless her) sent me a box of pears

 

December 16, 1981

Gloria Weber, Glenna Matthews, and Aletha came for recordings of my writing experiences. Cold day, really cold. Elsie Schaefer brought me a plate of fruit from the church, and stayed for a nice long visit.

 

December 17, 1981

Cold night and cold day. Bob Johnson sent me a little box of those super dates he gets to send people at Xmas.

 

December 18, 1981

Thermometer down to 10ᵒ this morning. The sun shone and helped a little in the P.M. The carolers came at 5:00 and sang to me. A school group I imagine. Lovely. A big group. About 12 years old.

 

December 19, 1981

Another cold night and cold day but sunny. We have had no snow or sleet or even rain during this cold spell. Generous Jim Horton sent me a huge box of grape fruit. And I am getting many lovely Christmas cards with newsy letters. And I haven’t sent even one. Tomorrow is the golden wedding anniversary of Raymond and Mabel.

 

December 20, 1981

A wonderful day. Raymond and Mabel’s golden wedding anniversary. I couldn’t attend but I learned it was fine. And they even sent me a plate from the supper. So I ate with them in spirit. Alma and Jonathan Friend stopped in to see me. Also the Bill and Bernice Hestwood whom I had not seen for 22 years. And this evening the church carolers sang for me. Lovely. Dark cold day but not sleet. Worried about Poland.

 

December 21, 1981

Dismal rainy day, not so cold. I am getting sad so many lovely cards with newsy messages – at this busy season. And from people I haven’t written to for two years. And plates and boxes of fruit and other goodies. Had wonderful visits from Raymond and Clara. Raymond is very happy about yesterday’s celebration (But he looks tired.) I have enjoyed it with him and Mabel even though I couldn’t attend.

 

December 22, 1981

It rained off and on and sometimes snowed but the snow melted before it hit the ground. The thermometer was above freezing but the wind made it cold. Had a lovely visit from Ramona. She brought me a box of candy.

 

December 23, 1981

[No entry]

 

December 24, 1981

Selma and Paul and Steven started drive to Denver where they will see the older son and daughter of the family, Selma’s step children, whom Selma brought up. And a wonderful mother she was to them.

 

December 25, 1981

Had Xmas dinner with Pat and Ramona. Enjoyed the visit greatly. It was a year ago (must have been Thanksgiving Day) that I was in their home last. Ramona has come often to see me but Pat has been too busy. He didn’t finish planting wheat until some time in December.

 

December 26, 1981

Coolish day. Sun shone in P.M. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis. I called Nellie Blanche in Calif. and heard her sweet voice.

 

December 27, 1981

We are having lovely winter weather – frost at night, cold morning usually cloudy, lovely sunny warmish P.M. My favorite young friend Janet Shelby called. She lives in O.C. now. Has a job. Just completed a semester of graduate work at OSU. Wants to get into work for Republican National Committee.

 

December 28, 1981

Another winter day like the ones of last week. But I have a sore throat. I hope I am not coming down with a cold. Selma and her sons returned from Denver. May Jett Van Hauen has been with me.

 

December 29, 1981

Another pleasant winter day. Of course I only look out, do not step out. I have somehow acquired a cold, but it is not serious so far.

 

December 30, 1981

Cloudy day but not stormy. My cold is bothering me.

 

December 31, 1981

Another winter day – cloudy forenoon, lovely sunny afternoon, cold this evening. My cold is not serious I hope.