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5. 1982

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January 1 - December 31, 1982

(Box 5/Folder 10)

 

January 1, 1982

Well, my prophecy of 1978 was too pessimistic but I am not sure of finishing the year’s record. Today was cold but not stormy. And I am troubled by an unpleasant cold. Finished reading the final volume of Malone’s great life of Jefferson, which I borrowed from Pat on Xmas day. His old age physical troubles which I just now read seems familiar.

 

January 2, 1982

Pleasant winter day but supposed to turn cold tonight. I am so troubled by my cold that I fear it is flu, only somewhat slowed down by my flu shot.

 

January 3, 1982

Cloudy cold day – rained some. I didn’t see any snow. I felt well. I think I had flu, but it was held down by my flu shot until yesterday and was a mild one-day case even then. Annual congregational meeting at the church today. Dinner of course and they sent me a huge plate of food. They elected Brad Shelby to the official board.

 

January 4, 1982

A beautiful bright day. I did not feel very well.

 

January 5, 1982

A lovely warmish day. And I felt well. But snow is on the way. Domer Dougherty brought my printed letters. I will send them to my friends to whom I owe letters and can’t write them.

 

January 6, 1982

It turned very cold this P.M. Our first real winter storm. I felt well. Winnie Branen brou visited me and brought me a book to read.

 

January 7, 1982

It got pretty cold last night and this morning the ground was covered with snow – soft, not icy, and not very deep. The sun shone beautifully but little snow melted. Raymond came to bring me a letter Dollie Wamsley sent inquiring if I was O.K. since I hadn’t written. I am sorry I worried her. Every day I intended to write.

 

January 8, 1982

Ground covered with Sunny day but cold. In P.M. snow melted except in shade. Again I felt fairly well, Send out some of my printed letters.

 

January 9, 1982

Cold day but sunny. All the snow was melted in late P.M. except on the north side of houses. This evening it is starting to get really cold.

 

January 10, 1982

Thermometer was -3° this morning with a high wind. The TV tells of terrible winter storm all over U.S. And this time it came far enough south to hit us. News so bad in Chicago area I called Shirley and Ray Worsley. But they are O.K. Their apartment is warm.

 

January 11, 1982

Terrible storm throughout U.S. Worst in the century says TV. Not so bad here as yesterday. Sun shone, no wind. But more expected tonight. Pearl Beeby, May Jett’s mother, died suddenly this morning. I believe the young couple, the Jordons [sic] who bought Edith’s house next door, moved away yesterday. They turned on their light on the porch before they left. But a moving van was there. I didn’t see it load.

 

January 12, 198[2]

It was cold but a lovely sunny day. And the terrible storm that is hitting most of the U.S., even the South, passed us by. Raymond and Mabel came to see me. I got to show them the beautiful amaryllis from the bulb they gave me. It is the most beautiful one I have ever seen. And I am so glad we missed the terrible storm we were expecting.

 

January 13, 1982

Cold but sunny. Pleasant to look out on by one like me confined inside the house. I had a lovely visit with Clara Schaefer. She is such a good friend and comes to see me often. We are so thankful we escaped the storm we were expecting.

 

January 14, 1982

This was a beautiful day. Cold this morning but sunny all day, even warm in P.M. Pearl Beeby was buried today. Eunice Baldwin McNeil called briefly after returning from the cemetery. Lois Clark called from O.C. Asked if it is O.K. for Blue to some to see me Monday. I should be very happy to see him. And perhaps Lois could come too.

 

January 15, 1982

Another lovely day. But a terrible stormy has hit all the north and it is supposed to reach us by midnight. This is said to be the worst winter of the entire century. Okla. has been fortunate. The weather map these past days has showed only this state and a tiny strip of Kansas free from the terrible storm that has even ravaged the South along with all the rest of the country.

 

January 16, 198[2]

Terribly cold all day. High wind this forenoon. My house was cold and I had to bundle up. In the P.M. bright sunshine and blue sky. Terribly cold outside but house warm. Wind went down. My boy, Blue Clark, and his lovely mother, Lois, drove up from the city to see me this P.M. Wonderful visit. He is happy with his Calif. Job.

 

January 17, 1982

Another cold day. Sunday. I am writing late. As I remember it was terribly cold, although sunny. The Jordans next door seem to have moved ab away but they left their light on.

 

January 18, 1982

It got much warmer today. I am writing late. Don’t remember anything special.

 

January 19, 1982

A beautiful warm day. Everybody in Okla. relaxed. We are not used to this terrible cold. I had the furnace off all afternoon.

 

January 20, 1982

Warm day but cloudy, rained a little. Gloria, Glenna, and Aletha spent the morning making a recording. Mr. Cosby called this P.M. Writes for Guthrie paper. Wants to come for an interview tomorrow.

 

January 21, 1982

Don Huffer called and I had a fine visit with him. Louis Cozby came to interview me this P.M. I was tired and didn’t do very well. He wants it for the Sunday paper. It was a warmish day but cloudy and foggy, a little moisture falling but I think no ice. Don came to see me about a birthday celebration. We decided on a dinner at the new cafe that opened a week ago.

 

January 22, 1982

Foggy this morning, warm and pleasant the rest of the day. I failed to mention yesterday yesterday that my young neighbors, the Jordans, moved out of the house they bought from Edith’s heirs. I don’t know their plans. I hear they went to Chickasha. He is a geologist. Came from Penna. hoping to get work in Oklahoma oil fields.

 

January 23, 1982

Sunday Windy day – unpleasant but not cold. Terrible weather all the time in the the country from all north of us. Maxine Shickelmeier called me from Enid for a long pleasant visit.

 

January 24, 1982

Lovely winter day – crisp morning, warm sunny afternoon. Russell and June (Cora) Cason came to visit me. Then Clara Schaefer came. It was my lucky day.

 

January 25, 1982

Another good day. Wind blew but the sun shone warm. Nothing Alice is is in the hospital with a lump in her breast. She is not worried but I am. And Jo Ann Cassiday has been spitting up blood. Is also in the hospital. They have not discovered the cause yet. That worries me, too.

 

January 26, 1982

Frightening news. Alice Pipla had her breast removed. Cancer. She told me yesterday in her bright brave way about the lump which the doctor thought was probably harmless but she would have to stay in the hospital two nights. But it was cancerous. She said she couldn’t come as usual to clean my house Thursday, but would come later in the week. I told just not to come at all. Now I am terribly worried about her.

 

January 27, 1982

Warm day, but windy. I turned the furnace off at noon and left it off till night. I had Alice on my mind all day. I am so worried about her.

 

January 28, 1982

Another warm, windy day, but it is supposed to be bad tomorrow and I am supposed to see Dr. Freed. Raymond came and brought me golden anniversary pictures to look at. And he gave me a very fine one of him and Mable [sic]. They look young enough to be celebrating the 25th anniversary.

 

January 29, 1982

Warm rainy day. Severe thunder storms in some parts of the state this evening. Supposed to turn cold tonight. Selma took me to see Dr. Freed this forenoon. He found me in pretty good condition.

 

January 30, 1982

My 92nd birthday. People are wonderful. Stacks of cards. Raymond, Gerry, Ramona came to see me. Gladys called from Colo. Jim Horton from Indiana, Lovely  plant from the Wamsleys in Kans. Raymond brought a lovely sweater and I truly needed it. Dark, cloudy day but warm (in 30s) It rained more than an inch this spell and we truly needed it.

 

January 31, 1982

Nice, sunny day but getting cold. The church people had dinner for my birthday in our lovely new cafe. Raymond & Don came after me. The cafe was full of those wonderful people. I am not strong enough for much preparation but Selma (bless her) helped me dress. (and undress and go to bed afterward) Evadean baked a wonderful cake. And this evening Sylvan Cooper (my cousin) called from California. How wonderful people are.

 

February 1, 1982

Cloudy dreary day, but fairly warm. Winnie Branen came to see me. The sweater Raymond and Raymond Mabel brought on my birthday didn’t fit so as they were going to Enid today Mabel exchanged it and brought me the new one. It did fit and is even more beautiful – in fact. I think the most beautiful sweater I ever saw. I shal shall find a real use for it.

 

February 2, 1982

Snowed all day, soft, no ice, no wind so no drifting – just what the wheat needs, thermometer above freezing all day. Terrible weather farther north, hit snow reached only north central Okla. Deep at Enid. It is getting cold tonight. Alice Pipla got home this morning. She called me. Is getting along fine. They do no even think it necessary to follow with chemo-therapy. Are sure they got it all. I am very happy about it.

 

February 3, 1982

A beautiful day – sunshine and blue sky – but cold because of the snow. Selma has been coming every morning to get my day started but she couldn’t make it this morning, but I managed fine. She came in late P.M. after the roads got opened up and brought my mail and did several things for me. In my mail was love the brand new book by Ruby and Brown.

 

February 4, 1982

Cold, gloomy day – some snow. Selma was able to come this morning. The book that came yesterday was a present from Jack & Della Thomas. I have been anxious to see it. Dr. Ruby told me he would send me a copy but I did not know it was published yet. I called him this evening and told him not to send the one he planned. Had a nice visit with him. It is very expensive and no use my having two.

 

February 5, 1982

Feb. 6 198[2] Cold day. Foggy morning formed ice on trees and grass but it melted and fell off by noon. I have been gettin getting my hair washed and set on Fridays. Mabel takes me down. Feb. 6

 

February 6, 1982

Feb. 5, 1982 Cleared off, sun shone but very cold. But our storm is over

Feb. 6, 1982 A beautiful sunny day, warmer but still cold. It thawed on the roofs some but not much.

 

February 7, 1982

Lovely, sunny day, blue sky, cold in morning but got up to 40ᵒ in P.M. Much snow melted but much remains. It is Sunday but of course no church for me. Such a joy to see the church people at the cafe a week ago. And my eye is good enough with the new lens so I can see their faces. Raymond called. He always comes to see me or phone me before he goes to church. Shirley and Ray called from Chicago.

 

February 8, 1982

More snow – soft, no ice, no drifts. And not very cold. But I am afraid there will be ice tonight. Elsie Seefeldt (bless her) cleaned my house, which has not been cleaned since Alice went to the hospital. Of course I paid her but she did if out of kindness. She does not need or want it as a job.

 

February 9, 1982

The expected snow or ice storm did not come last night but it got as far as Enid with deep snow. Here it was a lovely clear day but cold. Yesterday’s snow melted some when the sun hit it. Selma was able to come this morning. Car doors frozen shut but she enjoyed the walk through the sunny crisp morning. She has missed only one day.

 

February 10, 1982

Learned that my dear friend Pat had bad heart attack Monday (Feb. 8) evening. Ambulance had hard time getting him to the hospital in Enid. He is still in intensive care but is getting along fine. Ramona called and told me this P.M. Of course I worry about him. And I am thinking of the drive to Enid thru the storm to take him to the hospital. Ramona said it was vey very bad but the driver was skilled. Today it warmed up and much snow melted here at Marshall.

 

February 11, 1982

It was warm today with much thawing. Then this evening another storm hit us – snow and I am afraid freezing rain. But the weather man says it hit only the northern half of the state and will not be very bad. Just now (9:30) the snow has quit. The garbage man couldn’t collect last night and had no room for all of it today so missed my street. Two collections stacked up on my porch.

 

February 12, 1982

It must have snowed all night for it was deep this morning. But But it was not slick and Selma really enjoyed walking to my house through the crisp bright morning. In the P.M. it became warm and much snow melted though the ground is still covered Raymond came and repaired brought a hose on my vacuum cleaner he had repaired. Stayed to visit. I had expected he would have to take it to Enid for repair.

 

February 13, 1982

It turned warm and much snow melted. Sun and blue sky all day. I hear good reports of Pat but I am still grieved. I am afraid this splendid man in the prime of life will be a semi-invalid from now on. And I still grieve over the untimely deaths of John Hammer, Bob Shaefer, my beloved cousin Burton and other strong useful men. I loved them all and I love Pat and Ramona.

 

February 14, 1982

Warm, sunny, windy day. Therm Temperature 35ᵒ at 7:30 when It Selma came. Snow melted fast in P.M. About 3/4 of the ground is bare. Raymond came before church – had a good visit with him.

 

February 15, 1982

I think it was above freezing all night. It was about 40ᵒ at 7:30 this morning. It was cloudy all day but the snow melted fast. It is all gone except on the north side of buildings a little remains Alice Pipla called me for a telephone visit. She is getting along fine. No pain, is doing light housework, can drive her car except in city traffic. Has been back to see the doctor and he is well pleased.

 

February 16, 1982

Cooler day but not bad. Cloudy and dark. Nothing happened.

 

February 17, 1982

Another cloudy day, above freezing but cool. Nothi I got a fine note from Pat in the hospital thanking me for the plant I sent. Full of humor and good spirits. It made me very happy but I still worry about him. I am afraid he will be a heart cripple the rest of his life.

 

February 18, 1982

News about Pat. Ramona called me. All reports are in. His heart has not been damaged. They will operate in O.C. Tues. P.M. I suppose an arterial bypass. Chance of recovery 75%. It will be a complete recovery – no more heart trouble. And his physical condition is perfect. The doctors are very hopeful. But of course I worry over that 25% chance. Warm sunny day – lovely.

 

February 19, 1982

Warm, sunny day. Thermometer 70ᵒ all over the state. Raymond called to show pictures he took of my birthday dinner. Very good.

 

February 20, 1982

Sunday. Raymond came to see me casual before church. Another lovely day day. Had furnace off and window open all afternoon. I worked on income tax. It is Saturday. I wrote “Sunday.” All days are alike to me. But Raymond did come.

 

February 21, 1982

Another warm day – got into the 80ᵒs in several parts of the state. In the 70ᵒs here. I felt bad all day. Floy Cobb called me for a long telephone visit. Told me Beulah Jane Clinton died recently. Clinton

Clinton

 

February 22, 1982

Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Right eye 20, left 24. Hot in Enid – 79° – and I got pretty tired. Upper In 80ᵒs in some parts of state. Tomorrow Pat has open heart surgery – heart undamaged but will need artery by-pass. I have him and even more, Ramona on my mind. He told Brad Shelby to report to me soon as it is over. That touches me very deeply . The operation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Of course I will not go to bed in the P.M. as usual. Will stay on guard. It will be in O.C. at at

 

February 23, 1982

Vera Long visited me this forenoon. Warm day. Of Of course I am very tired. Went to bed and slept till about 6. Pat came out of the operation in fine condition. It proved to be very difficult and complicated. I sat by my telephone till Brad Shelby called at nearly 4:00 P.M. I do not know what his prospects for a complete recovery are. But I am very happy at his survival. What a strain on Ramona, all those hours.

 

February 24, 1982

Cooler weather today. Snow predicted. Alice Pipla came to see me for a lovely long visit. I am so happy about her. She feels well and is in fine spirits. I think she will not have any return of the cancer. She is so sensible. Says if she had to lose some part of her body she is thankful it was not a hand, a foot, or an eye which would cripple her.

 

February 25, 1982

Got word that Lula Cooper, my cousin Allie’s widow, has died and will be buried here Monday after funeral in Methodist Church. She always came back from home on the West Coast. (Oregon, Calif) every year and always came to see me. Last time was Oct. 26. She was very feeble. She was about 11 years younger than I. Will be buried by Allie and their baby and grandchild.

 

February 26, 1982

Yesterday was cold – not terribly cold but not warm – and last night it snowed over much of the state but only a few flakes fell here. The sun came out but it did not become so warm as recent days. No bad storm, just Feb. weather. I felt well today.

 

February 27, 1982

The obituary in the Enid paper says Lula died on Feb. 23. (Same day as Pat’s surgery.) Sunny day but coolish.

 

February 28, 1982

Lula’s daughters, Ruby Thompson from Oregon and Aline Helm from Calif and Ruby’s daughter, Margaret Fry from Calif came to see me this forenoon. They drove through and are staying at Enid. I knew and loved them all when they were growing up and have seen them several times since. All fine women. They drove down to see me, stayed about 2 hours. Lula’s son, Melvin, is in the hospital in Calif. Has suffered greatly from arthritis. Lula’s death was sudden. Knew she had a bad heart, fell with heart failure. Was very feeble when I saw her in October. Pleasant sunny day.

 

February 29, 1982

I did not go to the cemetery. I think it comforted Ruby, Aline, and Martha to have me there at the funeral. Renewed the old Marshall ties.

 

March 1, 1982

Went to Lula’s funeral. It was a beautiful service in the Methodist Church with the Methodist pastor conducting it. The pall bearers were good friends Raymond chose. I could not have gone except for Selma’s help. As I sat there I was thinking that this was the twelfth member of my family whose funeral had been held in that church. The three women from the West Coast left immediately after the funeral.

 

March 2, 1982

Warm, cloudy day – a few drops of rain fell. I called people and wrote notes to people thanking them for the friendly participation in Lula’s funeral service. Quite a number of people came to the service. None of them were old enough to remember Allie and Lula. Their warm friendliness meant much to the three women after their long sad drive from the West Coast. Not a strange lonely end of the journey.

 

March 3, 1982

It was a cold day – not very cold but not warm. Very severe cold weather from Kansas on north. Deep snow. I found that Etta Miller Casteel was at Lula’s funeral. She and Ralph (her husband now deceased) went to all the parties with Allie and Lula before any of them were married. She was the only old friend at the funeral.

 

March 4, 1982

March 5, 1982 Jean Gill, the niece of Ruth Cromer, my teacher during 1900-1902, came to visit me. She bought all the books I had on hand - 87.00 in all. Two copies of some, to give to friends – had me autograph them She lives in O.C. I liked her very much. It started snowing at noon. The ground is covered but thinly. I am tired tonight March 5

 

March 5, 19[82]

March 6 Pat was brought home from the hospital this evening. I am so happy about it.

 

March 6, 1982

Pat was brought home from the hospital this evening. This is wonderful news. It was a sunny day but rather cold. The thin snow all melted.

 

March 7, 1982

Ramona took me in her car to see Pat. Had vine visit. He is in good spirits but it will take some time for his incision to heal and his legs where they got veins to use for the the by-passes (5 of them). He is very well and able to walk and exercise. Today is Sunday. Cool day but sunny.

 

March 8, 1982

Nothing much happened. Clara Schaefer called on the telephone. She does it often, also comes to see me often. So sweet of her. Got a wonderful letter and a wild flower book and an article from Dorothy Leake. She is 88 and still active personally and professionally.

 

March 9, 1982

Another pleasant day. These are becoming typical – it gets cold before morning, then starts to warm up in forenoon; is really warm in P.M. and evening. But then is still snow and extremely cold weather throughout the northern half of the U.S. I felt fine today.

 

March 10, 1982

Another one of these days. Really warm in P.M. and evening. Nothing in particular happened.

 

March 11, 1982

Same weather. Clara came to visit me. Brought Rosina Cassiday to call on her nephew, Pat, and then Rosina also visited me a few minutes. And Audrey Olmstead brought me a copy of Okla. Today with the story about me by Connie Cronley – the Diamond Jubilee number. They did a good job, no typos, no changes, beautiful lay lay-out.

 

March 12, 1982

Warm day – got up in the 90ᵒs in the s.w. part of the state. But cold weather is on the way. Nothing in particular happened.

 

March 13, 1982

Still warm but cloudy. Rain is expe expected. Alice called me for a long telephone visit. She is getting along fine. I think her cancer is licked.

 

March 14, 1982

A stormy night – spells of high wind, thunder, lashing rain (1½ inch and we needed it.) Cloudy today. My dear cousin Nellie Moorman in Cal. called for a lovely telephone visit. This is Sunday but I have almost forgotten it as a church-going day. This surprises me. I had not realized how easy it is to forget. Learned that Dr. John Thompson of Stillwater is in the hospital recovering from heart by-pass surgery exactly like Pats Pat’s. His wife, Della, wrote me.

 

March 15, 1982

Warm day. Threat of tornadoes all evening. So far as I know, none came down. Bad thunder storms in some places. I talked with May Jette Van Hauen and she agreeded [sic] to do my yardwork formerly done by Alice. I felt well today.

 

March 16, 1982

Warm day. I finished compiling my income tax. Edith Clark came to see me and I gave her my camera. It has been a close friend but I can’t use it any more. I felt pretty well today. Tornadoes last night – worst at Bartlesville – also bad at Ada. Lesser ones at other places.

 

March 17, 1982

Warm day, 83ᵒ. I used the air conditioner in the P.M. I slept badly last night and had a bad day

 

March 18, 1982

Another hot day. And terrible storms are predicted for late tonight and early tomorrow morning. I asked Selma to come and put my income tax data down cellar. If a tornado takes the house it may spare the record I have compiled with so much labor.

 

March 19, 1982

The tornadoes reached only the Panhandle and I think did little damage in that sparsely settled area. All was quiet throughout the rest of Okla., bad in Kans. and to the north. I have been ill all day.

 

March 20, 1982

Nothing much happened.

 

March 21, 1982

Sunday. Raymond always phones or calls Sunday morning. Audrey Olmstead and Etta Casteel called for a lovely visit before church. Lovely sunny coolish day.

 

March 22, 1982

Frost this morning. Lovely day but coolish. The wild plums and redbuds are blooming. A month early. Of course I haven’t seen them but people tell me. Also Edith’s apricot tree started blooming several days ago. People tell me it it is lovely. The redbuds are native. They should know better. I am afraid afraid the next cold spell will kill a lot of them.

 

March 23, 1982

Selma took me to Enid this morning to see Mr. Tagge about my income tax. I had expected Ramona to take care of it but of course Pat’s heart surgery prevented it so I had to manage. I got terribly tired (had to wait in the office) but I think I got thru it O.K. Got home at 2:00 P.M. ate a piece of bread and went to bed, slept till 5:30. O.K. this evening. I like Mr. Tagge.

 

March 24, 1982

Nothing in particular happened. Warm day. Tomorrow Selma will drive to Okla. City to be the family while her sister-in-law will be operated on for cancer of the breast. Sister of Selma’s deceased husband.

 

March 25, 1982

Elsie Seefeldt helped me get up, etc. in Selma’s place. So good of her. Of course I pay her but she doesn’t need the money. Is doing out of sheer neighborliness. And she has come once a week to clean my house since Alice’s surgery. Of course she is a fine housekeeper.

 

March 26, 1982

Lovely weather. Martha Blaine came to visit me. I enjoyed it so much. She brought a fine bibliography she has written about the Pawnees. A copy of the new printing of Okla.: Foot-loose etc. came today. Not bad. I will order a few copies.

 

March 27, 1982

It rained all night and all day. Snowed in O.C. and other parts of the state. The ground was white but it soon melted. Only a few flakes fell here. It is rather cold – about 40ᵒ I think. Snowed 2 inches in O.C. Of course it soon melted for the temperature was far from freezing and the ground was warm.

 

March 28, 1982

Clear day but cool. Raymond called on phone as usual. It is Sunday. My beloved cousin Dorine called from Independence, Mo. and we had a lovely telephone visit.

 

March 29, 1982

Felt well all day. Then in the evening when I was washing my few supper dishes I started having chest pains. My heart thumped vigorously and missed a beat about one in 3 or 4. I called Selma. The chest pains and the heart quieted down and missed a beat almost one in 15 to 20. Then all settled to normal and Selma helped me get to bed. I was very weak. I have an appointment to see Dr. Freed tomorrow. This came just at the right time.

 

March 30, 1982

Selma took me to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He was quite concerned about my heart. Gave me an electrocardiogram & wrote a prescription. Otherwise found me O.K. I have had chest pains before but was not sure it was my heart because it did not miss beats. The pains were not serious last night or any other time and I ignored them.

 

March 31, 1982

Violent bowel trouble. The medicine I think. I felt O.K. but weak. Raymond called. Lovely day. Not too warm. I turned off the furnace and it is still off tonight.

 

April 1, 1982

I couldn’t call Dr. Freed yesterday. He is out of his office on Wednesdays. And the bowel trouble was very bad. I kept on with the medicine – 2 capsules the first half day, three yesterday. This morning called and he said it was the medicine and to quit it. I am very weak. Clara Schaefer and Rosina Cassiday came to see me. Lovely visit.

 

April 2, 1982

I am recovering from the side effects of the new prescription. Strange weather all over Okla. this P.M. Some tornadoes, but mainly high wind and dust. Here the light went off, the wind was furious, and dust obscured the air. Then after about an hour the hair cleared and the electricity came back. It was even worse in O.C. & other places lasted longer. Now it is turning cold the wind is only normally high, & the air is clear.

 

April 3, 1982

Pleasant day but reports of tornadoes 40 in all over east half of U.S. Some very bad. Several in Okla. Yesterday P.M. I was so upset all we physically – I failed to record that the good man “Fibber” McGee died of a heart attack and the suspect in the horrible murder of our young high school girl was convicted. Got life sentence, probably because all the evidence was circumstantial. But it was very convincing. Everyone upset it wasn’t a death sentence.

 

April 4, 1982

Palm Sunday. At church several young people including my beloved Dick Diedrich were confirmed and the Shelby baby was baptized. Of course I didn’t attend but Pastor Ted brought the communion to me and Raymond came with him. In the afternoon Raymond and Mabl Mabel came to see me and brought me a beautiful lily with two blooms and many buds. It had been in the church at the confirmation service. I will try to get it in the church next Sunday for Easter. Raymond and Mabel will be away.

 

April 5, 1982

Cooler day. The weather man says it will freeze tonight. I felt bad all day. Still weak from that heart medicine that went wrong. I am enjoying my beautiful lily. It now has three blooms.

 

April 6, 1982

Cool day. Hard frost last night. Terrible blizzard in the north. I felt well today. Mac Odell called. He and Marcia are coming to see me tomorrow. Two lovely young girls called – Kerri O’Hern and Sharri O’Hern called. They were among those confirmed Sunday.

 

April 7, 1982

A fortunate day for me. Mack and Marcia Odell and their two beautiful young children came to see me. They told me of their work in Botswana and what they are doing now in guiding other workers in undeveloped areas throughout the world. It was wonderful to see them. And Max Shank sent me an amy amaryllis bulb. I know Max must be very lonely without Mary.

 

April 8, 1982

(Written Apr. 9.) Became very ill at 1:30 this morning bowl [sic] trouble. Ill all day. Did not dress. Stayed in bed. Clara Schaefer came to see me in the P.M. Nice visit. Selma came at noon and evening to fix me light meals. Trouble seems to be moderating in the evening, but still bad.

 

April 9, 1982

The trouble continued through the early part of last night. Then I had an attack of chest pains. Called Dr. Freed this morning. Nothing he can do. But I began to improve before morning and I think I am over the bowel trouble only very weak. Selma came at noon and is coming this evening to fix some soup. I think I shall begin to pick up strength tomorrow. Later – Don Huffer came for a fine visit this evening.

 

April 10, 1982

Warm day. I still feel pretty weak. June and Russell Caston sent me a glorious potted Chry chrysanthemum. Selma came back at noon and evening to get my meals. Th The cafe brought it at noon but she cleaned up.

 

April 11, 1982

Easter Sunday. I did not go to church but my lily did. Don Huffer took it. And my chrysanthemum went to brighten the café. Margaret Ools is so good to bring all my noon meals. I wanted her to have the use of the plant. She had done some special decorating. Warm day but windy. I took care of myself today except in the morning.

 

April 12, 1982

Felt even better but still very weak. Hot day, above 90ᵒ in all western half of Okla. 96ᵒ in s.w. Still 90ᵒ this evening here. I have had my air cond. on all the time since 3 P.M. and it is still 81ᵒ in the house. I have not started up the big one in the kitchen.

 

April 13, 1982

It was not so hot today but pretty warm. I used the air conditioner from 1:30 P.M. to 6:00. I am still very weak though I am over my sick spell. My beloved cousin Shirley was to have surgery on her arm today. Crippled by arthritis. Ray will not call until tomorrow since no danger is involved.

 

April 14, 1982

Another hot day. I am still very weak. This is Prairie City week. I am sure I shall not be able to ride in the parade Saturday. Ray Worsley called. Shirley got thru her surgery fine but she is suffering a great deal. She will be returning home tomorrow.

 

April 15, 1982

I called the Worsleys just before noon. She was already home but was suffering a great deal. I then ordered her a plant. Wanted to be sure there was someone at home to receive it. Hot day.

 

April 16, 1982

I was ill all night and all day today. Now it is certain I can’t ride in the parade. I will write a message for the announcer to read. Hot day but not so hot as some days.

 

April 17, 1982

Louise Harpster spent on hour or two with me. A lovely visit. Of course I did not attend the parade (or anything else) but Winnie came to see me this evening and reported the biggest crowd and the best parade for many years. Nice cool day. Perfect. And I felt fine. But I was am too weak after yesterday to take part.

 

April 18, 1982

Sunday. Raymond stopped by on his way to pick up Mabel teaching her S.S. class to take her with him to church. And Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell visited me in the P.M. It was not so hot today. I felt better but still very weak.

 

April 19, 1982

I felt well today. And am gaining some strength. It was not so hot today and is turning cold tonight. Two people called me – Dr. Don Davis of Central State to invite me to hear Henry Steele Commanger [sic]; and Vivia Locke of Okla. State to ask me some questions about a phase of the Okla. Diamond Jubilee celebration she is directing. Both very pleasant experiences

 

April 20, 1982

Cold day. It even froze in the Panhandle during the night. My nice boy, now grown up to be a H.S. junior, Mike Diedrich came to work deliver some eggs and visited me a while.

 

April 21, 1982

Another cold day. And I felt fairly well. Had a wonderful visit from Charles Richey Ritchey and his mother. A good boy who grew up to be a good man, got his Ph.D. & has a responsible job in a govt. office in Washington. He brought me a lovely flower arrangement.

 

April 22, 1982

I felt well today. But it got warm in the P.M. I am afraid the warm weather is coming back.

 

April 23, 1982

I failed to mention that Selma reported that there was a hard frost when she came one morning. I think April 21. And the freeze dilled everyone’s garden. It was a cool day today but no frost I think. A man named George Saxton did some yard work for me. Cleared the tall grass and weeds from my flower garden. He can’t recognize plants, can’t tell them from weeds & cut them too but I’m glad to get him.

 

April 24, 1982

It clouded up and thunder storms are threatened for tonight. We set up the clocks tomorrow. I don’t know how I shall manage for I feel pretty bad today. I had good luck luck – got Dorothy Elmore to take care of my yard. No more George Saxton. Last year Raymond & Mabel gave me a beautiful amaryllis. When it finished blooming I gave her the bulb. She took care of it and it bloomed more beautifully before. She gave it back to me. Generously

 

April 25, 1982

It rained some. I don’t know how much. I am really sick today with the beginnings of a bad cold. Spent nearly all day in bed.

 

April 26, 1982

Felt much better. Cold ending not beginning. The man came back to finish work. Raymond (bless him) came to help so the job is well done. Trimmed my lilac and tamarisk of dead wood that made them eyesores. Now they are well shaped and beautiful. I am glad Raymond got him even though he did such a bad job on my flower garden. Dorothy will take care of that. But she couldn’t have trimmed the dead wood from the shrubs.

 

April 27, 1982

I am not improving so fast as I wish from my cold but I hope tomorrow will be better. Anyhow I am much better than I was two days ago.

 

April 28, 1982

I had a good night last night and feel much better today. We had a hard shower this morning. The wheat needed it. Mabel sent me (by Raymond) a bountiful supper. She is so sweet. And Raymond is so good. Alice Pipla called. The doctor took the bandage off her arm and said it was O.K. for her to do my housework. I am so happy about her and it is good news about her work. I did not want to suggest it for I wanted her to take care of herself.

 

April 29, 1982

Nice cool day. I feel better but I am not regaining strength so fast as I wish. My old fashioned yellow rose is beautiful. I can see it from the back porch.

 

April 30, 1982

It rained again last night. Official pre predictions now put the prospect of our wheat harvest as the second best in Oklahoma’s history. I am still slowly recovering from my cold. An autographed copy of Okla. Memories came from Anne Morgan and Dennard Strickland. Fine book by two good friends and fine scholars.

 

May 1, 1982

Another cloudy day. Altogether we have got 5½ in of rain the past few days. And we needed it but that doesn’t mean we like it. I felt almost well today. Shirley and Ray called me. Shirley is recovering nicely from her surgery. Her severe pain is over. All the past week there has been activity in the Jordens [sic] empty house. I don’t know who is getting ready to live there. Perhaps the Jordans are coming back.

 

May 2, 1982

This is Sunday. Mabel Bryson came with quite a group of beautiful children from her S.S. class. They brought me a May basket to hang on my door. They had several dangling from their little hands to give other shut-ins. They were so sweet.

 

May 3, 1982

Felt well this morning only weak. So Selma took me to see Dr. Shields long neglected. Very lucky. Short wait. Eyes O.K. – right 16; left 22 Feel O.K. this evening only very weak. Stirring all the time in the place next door. I wonder what is happening.

 

May 4, 1982

I had a very bad night and was ill all day. Winnie came to visit me. I learned who is moving into the house next door. Name is Damrau. They have rented from the Jordans.

 

May 5, 1982

Felt a little better today. The weather is very threatening – tornadoes and severe thunder storms.

 

May 6, 1982

Felt really well today, only still weak. It rained again last night. Alice came and cleaned my house. The doctor said it was O.K. for her to do anything. Her recovery has been marvellous [sic]. I am so happy about her. Dorothy Elmore did some beautiful work in my flower garden where she could reach from brick walks. I am so happy to have her. As soon as the ground dries she can finish. My peonies have started to bloom.

 

May 7, 1982

It was a sunny beautiful day. My old fashioned yellow rose is glorious.

 

May 8, 1982

Lovely day. My peonies are glorious. Paul De Witt graduates from OSU today. He has been working in the City and taking a few courses on the side. He had lacked a few hours. Wisely quit college and grabbed a job when it appeared.

 

May 9, 1982

Sunny day but windy. Raymond called came as usual on Sunday. Such a good man. And Clara paid me a long visit this afternoon. My peonies are even more beautiful than yesterday.

 

May 10, 1982

I felt better than usual today. Marilyn Mewherter came today and gave me a permanent. I am listening on TV to tornadoes on the western edge of the state. I don’t know whether they will come as far east as we are during the night. My flower garden is glorious thanks to Dorothy. Later – I think my permanent was May 11.

 

May 11, 1982

My flower garden is truly glorious since Dorothy finished with it – peonies, roses, iris, also roses at other parts of the yard and climbing on the porch. Some violent weather hit the western edge of the state this evening and is moving east. I hear alarming reports on TV every few minutes. But I will go to bed. Not well enough to take to the cellar.

 

May 12, 1982

A wild night. Violent thunderstorms hit Marshall about midnight and 3:00 A.M. Many funnels sighted farther west (not here) and a tornado hit Altus, killed two people, wrecked town. Hard rains this forenoon. Seems to be moving east. I am still watching TV. Bad thunderstorms west of O.C. No funnels yet. Tomorrow is supposed to clear up.

 

May 13, 1982

Light rain last night. Bad storms have left us. Gloria Weber, Glenna Mathews, and Aletha Hollis spent the forenoon with me – also read from the recording as Aletha has trimmed down the interviews they took last fall and winter. She did a good job and it sounds pretty well. I listened only a few minutes. Had a lovely visit. Raymond happened in while they were here and took our pictures. They plan to use the recordings on programs.

 

May 14, 1982

Stormy weather stayed with us. It rained here this P.M. Much of Okla. was under a tornado warning this evening. But I think the bad weather is really leaving us now. Nothing in particular happened today.

 

May 15, 1982

The stormy weather was supposed to move out of the state but it didn’t. It rained last night and the clearing did not come. But it did dry up enough so that I got my lawn mowed in late P.M. Aileen Christian was buried today. She had been of in feeble health a long time.

 

May 16, 1982

A wild night. Thunder, torrential rain. Tornadoes in the state all forenoon. All Okla. under tornado warning this evening. Heavy rain and thunder storms here off and on all day. It was the day of the church picnic but of course they had it inside. Sent me a dinner. Clara says there was a big cloud [sic] in spite of the weather.

 

May 17, 1982

Heavy rain and thunder in night, but it cleared off today. It seems wonderful for the sun to shine and the weat [sic] earth to start drying. But more storms are on the way. The rain certainly ruined my beautiful peonies. But roses bloom between times and the trees are green. In the state were the Altus tornado May 12 and floods at Kingfisher last night.

 

May 18, 1982

It seemed wonderful to have a whole night without violent thunder and torrential rain and a day with sunshine and no tornadoes. But things are supposed to start up again before the night is over. It is very bad for the wheat. And towns are flooded – Kingfisher worst, then Norman, Guthrie, Weatherford and others.

 

May 19, 1982

Rained last night but quiet. Quiet today. Sunny in P.M. But worse is predicted. Luella Reim called. Lovely visit. Learned Joe Rawlins died. He and Ronie were close friends of mine. Knew Ronie when she was a teenager at Canyon Canyon 1924, Joe after their marriage. Her letter reached me today. They lived in Calif. Also saw obituary of Lila Day Williams in Enid paper. Knew her when we were girls in ninet nineteen teens. She was 89.

 

May 20, 1982

Heavy rain and violent thunder at two different times during the night. But it was clear today and the storms have moved almost entirely out of the state north and east. I am going out on the porch and looking out of windows enjoying my lovely flowers. Roses and mock orange.

 

May 21, 1982

No rain here last night or today though there was a heavy rain s.e. of us us last night. Don Huffer came for about an hour’s very pleasant visit. The country as I can see from the window is beautiful. I can see a wheat field just outside of town and it is tall and lovely

 

May 22, 1982

No rain last night, sunny today. But another bad spell is expected soon. Everything is beautiful. Even if I am shut in the house I love to look out and see it.

 

May 23, 1982

The rain hit all of Okla. but not with the expected violence yet. It got here in the middle of the P.M. Heavy shower but no wind or lightening. May be worse tonight and tomorrow. My flowers are still lovely. But I know the wheat doesn’t need any more moisture.

 

May 24, 1982

Rain last night and today, but nothing violent. Alice Rosamond and family and her brother Jerry Rusco came to tell me their mother died yesterday. My parents’ friendship with the Rusco family began in the fall of 1899. She will be buried Wednesday by her husband in our North Cemetery. I will try to attend. Raymond Bryson will take me.

 

May 25, 1982

No rain today. A little rain last night but no thunder. None of the violence we expected. I am losing much strength these days. Also my sight is failing. But the outdoors as I look thru the windows is still beautiful. Also I can still read.

 

May 26, 1982

Ruth Rusco was buried this afternoon. I could not go to the cemetery but Raymond, that good man, took up a spray of flowers from me and her oldest son son, Clifford and his wife came to see me afterwards. I think the flowers helped them to know their ties to Marshall. And a letter came this morning from Margaret Harper telling me Ples had died. I loved Ples – knew him since he was a college boy in the 1920s. And I love Margaret. She and Ples had a beautiful life there in Canyon with their children and their community leadership. It rained today.

 

May 27, 1982

It didn’t rain last night or today but violent thunderstorms are in the state tonight. Will be here soon I think. And I am afraid to use the air conditioner at night. But the hot nights make me ill.

 

May 28, 1982

Rain and thunder last night. It destroyed a trailer house and I don’t know how much other damage at Hennessey. (High wind.) It hit here at 10:00 P.M. – kept it up till after 12:00. It didn’t rain today. I am troubled over the war over the Falkland Islands. There is only one side to this dispute the peaceful, and well governed pea British inhabitants and the cruel tyranny of Argentine government which attacked them. In protecting them England is carrying out a responsibility.

 

May 29, 1982

Nothing in particular happened. And it didn’t rain last night and the sun shone today

 

May 30, 1982

It was a hot day. Raymond that good man came and got my artificial flowers to decorate my graves when he and Mabel decorate theirs. All the western half of Okla. is under a tornado alert this evening.

 

May 31, 1982

It rained last night but nothing serious. Cold today Clara brought me some chicken this evening. I was getting short of food for this 3-day closing of cafe. I have been organizing material I collected in an interview with old Sam Haozous when I was starting research on Geronimo in 1955. Today finished – will send to Ruey Darrow, brilliant daughter who I hope will write a book about that fine Apache family.

 

June 1, 1982

Cold last night but warmed up some this P.M. Nothing in particular happened Raymond brought my flowers back from the cemetery and boxed them up nicely to use next year. I had thought they would be ruined by the rain and wind but he had pinned them down so securely they were undamaged. I have 15 graves up there. The Brysons have only Raymond’s  parents two sisters and a baby niece or nephew – Frances’s child.

 

June 2, 1982

It rained last night and was cloudy and cold all day. I am even using the furnace. This morning I got the proofs of the book Dr. Scales and Danny Goble wrote which will be published in the fall. I am reading it with much interest. They dedicated it to me. Also my Geronimo is coming out in the fall – I suppose with all the corrections I made when it first appeared.

 

June 3, 1982

Learned Claire Payne died. I had known him many years and liked him but was not intimate with him. I loved Velma from the time she was four or five years old and lived across the street. She and the other Clem children were at our place as much as they were at home and she has during all the years been one of my dearest friends. I am so grieved for her. She and Claire had a good life together. Celebrated 50th anni. a few weeks ago. It rained several times today and was and still is very cold. I have my furnace on.

 

June 4, 1982

Selma took me to Stillwater for my annual check-up by Dr. Freed. I missed it in Augu Oct last year because I was down with my back. The doctor found me in good condition – even my heart. It would really be good news if my heart were bad for my mind has failed much these past three months. It was cloudy and cool today but did not rain.

 

June 5, 1982

Today Claire Payne was buried in our North Cemetery (His funeral was in Enid.) I wish I could have been there. I am so grieved for Velma. It did not rain last night or today. I am glad the weather was mild for the funeral, and for the burial. (Claire was buried here in our North Cemetery.)

 

June 6, 1982

Sunday. But I seldom think of Sunday any more. It did not rain, was cloudy and warm – upper 80ᵒs. I am reading the galleys of a book written by Dr. Scales and Danney Goble. I have been interested in this “Political Hist. of Okla. ever since I read its forerunner in young James R. Scales’ masters doctoral dissertation many years ago and I was in on the collaboration with young Danney that put it in its present form.

 

June 7, 1982

It didn’t rain but was cloudy and very hot and humid. Vera Long came to see me. Nice visit.

 

June 8, 1982

Warm day. No rain. My purple clematis is blooming. It usually always before bloomed fully on Memorial Day. Also my Madonna lilies, which usually had finished by Mem. Day. And my yucca is also blooming.

 

June 9, 1982

Again it didn’t rain in this part of Okla. I hope the wheat fields are drying. I finished reading the Scales – Ogle galleys today. I have been urging Dr. Scales for many years to review it for publication. As a dissertation it was too detailed and technical but it has been used much in its manuscript form by students of Okla. hist. But he was too busy. Now with the collaboration of Young gifted Danny Goble it will reach a greater reading. It will be published in November.

 

June 10, 1982

Another day without rain. And it turned cool last night. (Got hot in P.M.) Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell came to see me. Fine visit. I didn’t hear the news on TV (company) so do not know what happened in Lebanon. I am very worried about the Israeli – PLO war there.

 

June 11, 1982

It rained last night (½  inch) and again this P.M. Again it delays the wheat harvest. The sun shone this evening but I think it will rain again tonight and tomorrow.

 

June 12, 1982

It didn’t rain last night and was clear most of the day. Lovely and cool, but I am using the air conditioner this evening. Today Selma attended the important annual meeting of her church at Purcell. I shall have to take care of myself tomorrow. Nobody was free to take her place. I can manage. Of course the cafe will bring my noon meal as usual, which is so bountiful I always save half of it for supper.

 

June 13, 1982

No rain last night or today. I was ill today but I had little to do. Didn’t dress. Spent much of the day in bed. Clara came to see me. We had a very pleasant visit. Clara is so good to me. Selma called me on the telephone this evening. Got back in late afternoon. She had good weather both days fortunately Today is Sunday. Not for me.

 

June 14, 1982

Lovely day. I failed to make entry but I do not remember that much happened.

 

June 15, 1982

It rained last night and there were severe thunder storms in the state today. Raymond brought Charles Burchardt to call. I love Charles – have known him since his boyhood, have been in close touch with him ever since.

 

June 16, 1982

No rain last night or today. I think probably some wheat was harvested here this P.M. This morning Selma took me to Enid for Dr. Shields to make his routine pressure check of my eyes. And for the only time I failed to check to see if he was in his office. And he was on vacation. Had our trip for nothing. I am becoming increasingly forgetful.

 

June 17, 1982

No rain, but tonight we are under a tornado watch and bad storms pro predicted for tonight and tomorrow. They haven’t been able to cut wheat here yet. My beloved Gerry Schaefer came to see me today. Brought me lovely string beans and squash she raised. I will ask Selma to cook and help eat them.

 

June 18, 1982

Rained over the state today – here this evening but nothing violent. Nothing in particular happened. I am reading a very fine book on early Creek history by my good friend Mike Green. He had sources not available to me in the 1930s.

 

June 19, 1982

No rain last night or today. Nellie Staton Thomas came to visit me. Brought the daughter and granddaughter of my beloved friend, Alice Staton. My chum when we were little girls, my close friend until her tragic death about 1930. I had never met them. The daughter looks like Alice. Wonderful to see the two of them and Nell.

 

June 20, 1982

Sunday. And it seems more like Sunday than usual. It was communion Sunday at church (Pentacost [sic] I think) and our pastor Ted with Raeman [sic] brought the service to me. He mentioned that at the church services the shut-in members are always remembered. That thought may stay with me on future Sundays. No rain last night or today but our harvest has not started yet.

 

June 21, 1982

It rained last night – enough to prevent beginning of harvest. Cleared off this P.M. Winnie Branen came to visit me this evening.

 

June 22, 1982

Felt bad all day. In evening Glen Woe Wueester of Beattie, Kans. where I was born came to see me. He was the one who took me up there for my wonderful visit in 1977. I was delighted to see him but found it hard to keep up my end of the conversation No rain today.

 

June 23, 1982

It rained this evening. And harvest is still not started. It is very cool – almost cold. Was cloudy all day but warm, upper 80s I think.

 

June 24, 1982

It rained again last night. Cloudy all day. Harvest hasn’t begun yet. Oh they have perhaps tried cutting a swath but no real harvest. I was ill today.

 

June 25, 1982

It rained (and thundered) again last night. Cleared up and the sun shone today. Still no harvest. I had a bad night but Selma (bless her!) let me sleep till 8:15 and I felt surprisingly well all day.

 

June 26, 1982

It didn’t rain but we expect a stormy night. Mabel Bryson sent me a beautiful blooming plant. Raymond brought it and stayed for a fine visit. Nellie Moorman called me from Los Angeles for a visit. People are so good.

 

June 27, 1982

I felt well today. It didn’t rain last night or today. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis for a nice long visit. He is such a warm hearted, generous person. This is Sunday but I missed any Sunday feeling.

 

June 28, 1982

It didn’t rain. And they really managed to cut some wheat in the P.M. So harvest really started though on a difficult scale. Winnie Branen called this evening. Joseph goes to choir practice and she visits me.

 

June 29, 1982

The thermometer got up in the 90s There was some more wheat harvesting today. Clara Schaefer and Rosina Cassiday came to visit me this evening. Lovely. My purple clematis is full of bloom – a month late.

 

June 30, 1982

My air conditioner made queer noises at 10:   Ht about midnight and I turned it off. Spent a bad night. Ill all day, got Mr. Jacobs from Crescent to repair it. He found nothing wrong. Turned it on and it functioned O.K. But it has been turning itself off the past week when the room was still warm and he turned back the thermostat. Now it cools the room. So now I expect better service from it. Hot days in the 90s. Wheat harvest progressing.

 

July 1, 1982

The air conditioner in my study (the one I had trouble with yesterday) was frozen solid this morning and it took all forenoon to thaw out. Otherwise O.K. Another day – in 90s. But with good sleep last night I felt fine. No rain. Wheat harvest continues.

 

July 2, 1982

Hot day but I got along O.K. Harvest is progressing though with difficulty.

 

July 3, 1982

Sunny day. Harvesting. Thermometer in 90s all over state. I felt well but I am very weak. Ruth Lowes called from Canyon, Texas. So good to hear her voice. No change since I first heard it my first day at the college in 1924. She was a student and was the leader of a Y.W.C.A. service.

 

July 4, 1982

Sunday. Warm bright day. Good for harvest but combines are still getting stuck in the fields. Selma put up my flag and Alice came in the evening and took it down. Had company twice today – Clara in the late P.M., Winnie in the evening.

 

July 5, 1982

Hot day. Raymond came this morning and took measurements for a window fan he is going to put in  the back porch. My kitchen air conditioner gets the porch so terribly hot it weakens the efficiency of the air cond. How could I get along without Raymond and Mabel.

 

July 6, 1982

Selma took me to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Tension: right eye 18, left 24 – almost 25 Bad thunder storms in state – one near Hennessey coming this way – tornado watch I am sitting up to watch it.

 

July 7, 1982

The storm hit Hennessey hard, but passed to the south of us. It did rain quietly here. Russell Ahrnsbrak whom I did not know but knew the family came with his wife. (born in Russia) to have me autograph some books. Came with Etta Casteel, his aunt. Winnie Branen also came to see me. Cooler than our usual weather today.

 

July 8, 1982

Felt surprisingly well today. And yesterday Raymond was in Enid and he went all over town hunting a fan for my back porch window. This morning he installed it and it seems to be making my house much cooler. My back porch gets so hot with my air conditioner in the kitchen and the afternoon sun on the roof that it weakens the efficiency of the air cond. This takes out much of the hot air.

 

July 9, 1982

Thunderstorm last night. Very bad for me because I had to turn off the air conditioner. Ill today. But the fan Raymond installed is working wonders in making my house more comfortable. I should have had it years ago but I didn’t know how to regulate the hot air from my porch.

 

July 10, 1982

That new fan is accomplishing wonders. And I felt fine today. No rain last night. Sunny and warm (upper 80s) today. Ray and Shirley called from Chicago. Lovely visit. (When I write “Chicago” I mean the suburb where they live.

 

July 11, 1982

July 11 continued next page Sunday. Warm day. No rain. Harvest still slowly and painfully going on. The cafe is closed four days while they install an air conditioning system. That means I must shift for myself (with Selma’s planning) for my meals. It started yesterday and will continue Mon. &Tues. They bring me a warm meal at noon – I phone in my order – and the servings are so large I save half to warm up for my supper. Selma always gets my breakfast. I do not have enough strength to cook and prepare food.

 

July 12, 1982

July 11 No rain and the sun shone but no harvest. The combines sank in the wet fields. I am still happy over the improved service I get with my air conditioner since Raymond installed the fan. My beloved young friend. Michael Diedrich came to deliver some eggs and stayed to visit briefly. I love Mike.

 

July 13, 1982

July 12 It rained nearly all day. It was cool. No harvest. Usually by this time all the lad has been plowed or disced [sic] to prepare for the next crop.

July 13 Rained last night. Warm and sunny today. No harvest. Fields too wet. Clara Schaefer called.

 

July 14, 1982

Warm day – about 90ᵒ – not hot like usual July. Rained this evening. There was some harvesting today. Listened to 30 min. radio program from OSU – my writing experience recorded by Gloria and Weber. My story was a little hesit hesitant as I fumbled for words. (A problem of my age and approaching senility) but not bad. Aletha bad done a superb job of editing out the pauses. But it sounded very different from my style of speaking 5 years ago.

 

July 15, 1982

No rain. Thermomer Thermometer above 90ᵒ. Violet Poindexter called from Enid. She and Sylvia will be here tomorrow

 

July 16, 1982

No rain last night or today. Hot – in mid and upper 90ᵒs. Violet and Sylvia came. They brought Ethel Gibson Hubbard who lives at Covington. I taught Ethel in 1907 when she was six. All three in 1914-15. It was wonderful to have them here. We got out a school picture taken in 1915. Enjoyed looking at it. Sylvia and Ethel are widows. Violet never married.

 

July 17, 1982

No rain. I think our summer is finally here. Came two days ago. Temperature in high 90ᵒs all over Okla. – 100ᵒ at one spot. Shirley I mean Dorine called for a long wonderful visit from K.C. Hearing her voice was almost like seeing her. Told me all the family hews – all doing fine.

 

July 18, 1982

Sunday Summer is here. Has been here 4 days. No rain and no prospect. Now the wheat can be painfully harvested. A mon Six weeks late. Usually all the land is plowed or disced [sic] before this time. I had a wonderful visit from Roy Dean Miller this morning. Then he went on to church. I know all were happy to see him. He was the pastor here from 1955 on. 1955 on. Or was it 1956?

 

July 19, 1982

They tell me they are still having trouble with the harvest. The grain is dry but the ground is so wet the combines still bog down. And it is cloudy this evening. I had a bad night last night and have been ill today.

 

July 20, 1982

[22] Turned two pages. July 20 on p. 22. Hot day. We have finally got into July weather. The bagworms have entirely stripped one of my walnut trees. It has been stripped a week or more so Selma says but my sight is not good and I didn’t know it. Raymond, bless him, will spray it tomorrow. I was ill today.

 

July 21, 1982

The hard little shower yesterday morning didn’t even hit the northwest corner of Marshall so did no harm to harvest. Just dropped out of a little cloud over us. I find bagworms have entirely stripped one of my walnut trees. Raymond will spray. I was ill today. Very hot. – 102ᵒ at Enid.
Later – not bagworms, another kind that strips nut trees – pecans and walnuts.

 

July 22, 1982

July 20. Turned 2 pages. Hard brief showers dropped out of two little clouds this morning. And thunder showers expected tonight and tomorrow. Temperature up to 100 over the state today. I felt fine.

 

July 23, 1982

Another summer day. But not a hot summer – high 90ᵒs or barely 100ᵒs. I felt bad today. And my eyes are failing fast. So is my mind especially my memory – names worst of all.

 

July 24, 1982

Hot day, no rain. I felt well and it turned out to be a busy day. Selma washed and set my hair. Then about 11:00 Dr. Jim and Nancy DeVore called from Perry returning from Santa Fe and Navaho country. Said they could stop to see me on way to O.C. Had wonderful visit. Such a lovely thing for them to do. Ate hurried snack & went to bed. Then Raynold [sic] (bless him) came to see about new fan that scared me because it made too much noise. Decided Decided mothing dangerous – only the wind. I feared it was a fire hazard. So good of Raymond. Later. I wasn’t alarmed after Raymond checked it. And then Selma stopped the noise.

 

July 25, 1982

Summer day – but not hot summer [90ᵒs]I felt well. This is Sunday. Harvest still not finished. And ground still wet so combines bog down. Nothing much happened so far as I am concerned. Fan made no noise today.

 

July 26, 1982

Raymond (bless him) called Stillwater and got a special spray and sprayed my walnut trees Friday. This morning Selma brought me a twig. It was covered with dead and dried up worms. Also Selma told me she drove a small piece of cardboard in a loose places in the window by my fan that vibrated. Did it yesterday morning. That is the reason it didn’t vibrate make noise yesterday. And it didn’t today either. I was really alarmed till Raymond checked it Friday.

 

July 27, 1982

Learned Ruth Cromer died yesterday. She was 99. She was one of the two rural school teachers who got me started right intellectually and she was only 17 years old when she became my teacher. (The other one was my first teacher when I was five.) All the rest of my childhood schooling was wasted time. Raymond and Mabel Bryson started a trip to Europe today. I am so glad. They deserve it. It is a farm trip with an agricultural guide.

 

July 28, 1982

Ruth Cromer was buried today, Funeral this morning at Methodist Church across the street. I couldn’t attend but her niece, nephew and wife, and grand nieces came to same before the funeral. (Descendants of her sister Gladys Diehl. Gladys was born when Ruth was teaching our school in 1900-02. I remember how happy Ruth was about her. This was a cool day – rain in some parts of the state.

 

July 29, 1982

There were heavy rains and flooding over the state last night. Especially in the low area between Hennessey and Okeene on SH 51. No rain here. Coolish day. mid I felt pretty well. My crepe myrtle south of the house, planted by Dr. DeVore is blooming beautifully. I can see it from the window. He saw it when Dr. and Mrs. DeV. came this week I also saw from the window a humming bird working my trumpet vine.

 

July 30, 1982

Another coolish day. And I felt pretty well. Winnie brought me a book America the Beautiful published by The Readers Digest with condensation from my first chapter of Footloose. I had forgotten it but now I remember vaguely. Also she brought me a 1962 Gilcrease Magazine, The American Scene, with an article from my book, Tulsa very skillfully organized. I don’t remember it at all and I doubt that I ever knew they used it. But they did a good job, and that is important to me since my name is on it.

 

July 31, 1982

Coolish day. (mid 80s° over (low 80ᵒs over the state) ends the coolest July I ever saw in Okla. But the rainy spell is over. (It never rained here.) I am feeling pretty well these days. Nothing in particular happened.

 

August 1, 1982

Nothing in particular happened. We started late on summer weather but even our hot days this year one in the 90ᵒs, never like usual Okla. weather.

 

August 2, 1982

Hot day for this cool summer – upper 90ᵒs, not 100 yet. Ruth Thomeyer called me from Calif. I had sent her the obituary of Ruth Cromer from the Enid paper. The paper said the funeral was Wednesday and she wanted to send flowers I told her it was last Wed. With Ruth Cromer’s death I am the only person here who remembers the family (McMeekin) Ruth was a little girl but she has a strong affection for this community. Clara Schaefer came for a lovely visit.

 

August 3, 1982

Failed to make entry and now I have forgotten what to say in a late one. My memory has failed seriously these past months. But I know it was a warm sunny day. No rain.

 

August 4, 1982

Same as Aug. 3. Same summer weather. Reached 101ᵒ at Enid. Probably same here. And I do remember that Winnie came to see me. Brought me some tomatoes. But this is a late entry and I have forgotten most of day.

 

August 5, 1982

Another hot day – 100ᵒ to 102ᵒ over most of the state. But still not Okla weather for we have hot nights and Okla. has cool breezes at night. I wonder if that great volcanic eruption in Mex. is the cause. The cloud from it is still over much of our sky.

 

August 6, 1982

It rained a little last night and was terribly hot all night. Learned Reagan vetoed bill giving a small measure of justice water stolen from Papago Indians. It would have finished the crusade upon which I was engaged the years before I became unable to continue. The only hope is get Cong. to override his veto. The other Ariz tribes won under Carter

 

August 7, 1982

It rained last night over the state but not here. Harvest is finally over I think. Pat finished a week ago. Not so hot but sultry even at night. I am having trouble with the air cond in my study. My bedroom gets very hot.

 

August 8, 1982

Sunday. No call from Raymond. He and Mabel are in Europe. It was cooler – low 80ᵒs. We are having the coolest summer I ever saw in Okla. And the hottest nights! I have learned that Pres Reagan vetoed the bill restoring some water stolen from the thrifty Indians who built irregation [sic] ditches many and lived in abundance long before Columbus. I spent what strength and have today planning ways to help them. I worked on that since 1979 and won – all but the veto.

 

August 9, 1982

I had a sleepless night last night and was ill all day. Coolish day – low 90ᵒs. Nothing in particular happened. Called Assn. on Am. Indian Aff. but Steve Unger will be out of the office till next Monday.

 

August 10, 1982

Another cool day – that is for summer lower 90ᵒs. Clara (bless her) came to visit me. Raymond and Mabel are home – or will be home if their plane has not arrived at O.C. yet. It gives me a warm feeling just to think of it.

 

August 11, 1982

Coolish day. Raymond called this A.M. Said they got in at 11 last night. Had fine trip. Both felt fine all the time. No bad luck of any kind. Mabel had not been very well before they left and I had been afraid it would be hard for her – but it wasn’t I am happy to have them back.

 

August 12, 1982

Hot day again, upper 90ᵒs over the state. Nothing in particular happened.

 

August 13, 1982

Hot day – 105ᵒ at Enid, probably the same here. Nothing much happened. I have an appointment with Dr. Shields next Tuesday. I am in a hurry to see him. My sight in the eye with the plastic lens is failing rapidly. Sight in the other is very dim because of the cataract.

 

August 14, 1982

Hot day – 100ᵒ and up all over the state. Raymond came to see me this morning. It was wonderful to see him. I am glad they took the trip but I fell felt bereft all the time they were gone.

 

August 15, 1982

Another hot day. But filled with happy experiences. Nice to have Raymond call as he always does on Sunday mornings. Then in the P.M. my beloved Velma Payne came to visit me. After that good, generous Jim Horton called from Indianapolis I missed my P.M. sleep and it made me ill but it was worth it. Then in the evening there was a family night party at the church and Raymond and Don Huffer brought me some cake and ice cream. People are so good, especially Raymond and Don and Mabel and Evadean.

 

August 16, 1982

Cooler day – low 90ᵒs. And I felt well all day. Winnie came to see me this evening. I have an appointment with Dr. Shields tomorrow. I am fearing very bad news.

 

August 17, 1982

Selma took me to see Dr. Shields. Good news. Eye trouble is a disease with a long name. Will never make me blind but may destroy my reading. But may never get worse than it is now. It has been coming on about four months. Tension: right 18, left 24. I got very tired.

 

August 18, 1982

Coolish day – lower 90ᵒs all over state. Had good night & slept wonderfully today. Selma’s daughter and her two little girls came to visit her. Came in late last evening. The family lives in Denver Husband could not get away from his work to come. They visited his parents in Ind. and he had to return. So good of Selma to take care of me while her daughter is here.

 

August 19, 1982

Another day in the mid 90ᵒs. Not too hot. We need rain very badly.

 

August 20, 1982

Another coolish day (mid 90ᵒs). I have no one to take do necessary things to my tree and plants this summer. Dorothy suddenly left – I think probably to care for her sick sister. Today I thought I had a couple to trim a rose on my porch trellis and some branches hanging from a tree but they didn’t come I missed my supper waiting, finally ate some bread and jelly and drank milk.

 

August 21, 1982

Not too hot – mid 90ᵒs. Selma’s daughter, Martha came briefly. I had not seen her since she was a young girl. She is young and lovely as ever. And my beloved Ramona came to visit me. Spent about an hour. I have missed her greatly – Pat’s heart surgery and slow recovery; then this difficult harvest; also from young teenaged relatives from Ireland. So I have been a long time without seeing her. And then Mr. Smith came and trimmed the tree and rose vine. A good day.

 

August 22, 1982

Up to 100ᵒ today. And how badly we need rain. Pat O’Neill came to see me today. I told Ramona yesterday I wanted to telephone him about a newspaper article we talked about a year ago, and he came instead. Stayed about an hour and visited. It was wonderful to see him. I have greatly missed that beloved couple because of Pat’s long-drawn-out recovery from surgery and then the difficult harvest and preparing the soil for the fall planting. Pat is too thin. I am concerned about him.

 

August 23, 1982

Hot day – low 100ᵒs over the state. 102ᵒ at Enid, probably the same here. But I felt O.K. today. Learned this evening that Charles Burchardt is ill. Was taken to hospital. He and Janie (Bryson) live in Illinois.

 

August 24, 1982

Hotter than yesterday. But it seems to be cooling off tonight. This was primary election day! I voted; got pretty tired. Now I am afraid from the returns this evening Cartwright is going to lose out as atty. gen. One of the few honest men we have in state polite is. I am very un concerned. Those predictions are usually correct. Charles Burchardt has had a heart attack.

 

August 25, 1982

Coolish day – high 80s. But we need rain terribly. Cartwright was defeated. I am terribly unhappy about it. Alma Friend came to visit me. She has been here all summer keeping house for the men who are busy at the farm work but this is the first time I have seen her. She looks lovely as ever but more crippled than in previous years. The housework is hard for her.

 

August 26, 1982

Selma took me to Enid to get my teeth cleaned. Dr. Dedrick found they needed considerable filling. Set a date. I hope I am well enough to go. Just called Raymond Bryson. Charles continues to improve. Hot day – 102 at Enid. Probably the same here.

 

August 27, 1982

Nice coolish day – low 90ᵒ. But I felt so worn out from yesterday that I didn’t accomplish anything. I am working these days (in very small amounts) on some changes I hope will be made if there is any future printing of “Foot-loose”. It rained and thundered a little this P.M. Not much water fell.

 

August 28, 1982

Cool night, but it got into the low 100 100ᵒs today. The minister team, Jack and Paula Timmons who have lived in Calif. since leaving here are here (or I suppose they are. The Brysons were expecting them.) Raymond said he would bring my to them to see me before church tomorrow.

 

August 29, 1982

Jack and Paula came for about a half hour this morning. They both look fine. Paula is very happy in her work as chaplain in a federal prison. I had been worried about Jack for there was no minister’s job near by but now he is assistant pastor in a large church close to their home. He even has a chance to use his musical training in directing the children’s choir and a group of bill [sic] ringers. They had a dinner at the church and brought me a big plate.

 

August 30, 1982

Hot day – 104ᵒ at Enid. When I had that collapse 4 years ago I was working on justice for the prosperous agricultural Indians of Ariz. reduced to poverty by the stealing of their water the past 1½  centuries. Got pretty well started, then unable to continue but the belated justice continued to progress and Cong. passed a bill this summer. Then Reagan vetoed it. talked to Steve Unger today & we made plans for Jim Horton to continue my work. Nothing doing till after Labor Day.

 

August 31, 1982

Another hot day. Learned V.O. Bostick died yesterday. Was working at repairing a building he had bought. Failed to come home for noon meal. Roberta went to look for him and found him dead. I am deeply grieved. I love the Bostick family. They live in my block. I am thinking of Roberta. The telephone coop changed equipment today. We all got new numbers. I was ill all day.

 

September 1, 1982

Another hot day -- 104° at Enid. V.O. Bostick’s funeral was today. The family had a very happy Sunday. One or both daughters there from Tulsa. He was in especially high spirits. Vera Long came to see me this evening. I enjoyed her visit very much. I felt fine today. Later – it was only one – Cecilia Cecilia 

 

September 2, 1982

Hot day – 100ᵒ at Enid. After our cold spring and cool June and July we had the hottest August I can remember since 1936 and Sept. starting the same. The rainfall in Enid for the whole month of August was .01. It did rain, however, a little more in some parts of the state. But very dry everywhere.

 

September 3, 1982

Cool night, cooler day (around 90ᵒ) and I feel wonderful. I am working on the last contribution I shall make to the water rights of the agricultural Indians of Ariz. who prospered mightily by irrigation works long before Columbus until their water was stolen from the mid 1800’s on. I am getting all ready to turn it over to Jim Horton. They got a law passed by Cong. this year and the Pres. vetoed it. Jim will have to stir up action.

 

September 4, 1982

Day not so hot – around 90ᵒ. Just before bedtime I found my air cond had quit. Mr. Jacobs of Crescent. I called Woody, also Raymond. It was frozen. I called Selma. I thought of a night that would make me seriously ill. Selma brought her hair dresser and soon melted it. They placed fans to bring cool from my kitchen air cond. After it me the ice melted it ran O.K.

 

September 5, 1982

The air cond. froze again in the night but the fans brought air from the kitchen. Also it was cool by that time outside. So I had a good night – feel O.K. today. This P.M. Roberta Bostick and the two girls and the husband of one (Teresa) came to see me. They were all so happy just one week ago. But they talked and laughed during our visit, though there were tears in their eyes at times.

 

September 6, 1982

The air cond. froze at 1:40 A.M. but by that time it was cooler outside and the fans helped. I felt well today. When the trouble started I was afraid it would get me down, but with the cooler weather, the fans, and my kitchen air cond. I can manage. It was around 90ᵒ over the state today. I finished some work I was doing to turn my private lobbying project of water for the agricultural Indians of Ariz. over to Jim Horton. I quit it three years ago but they need some more help. Pres. Reagan vetoed a bill to give them justice.

 

September 7, 1982

Another cooler day – low 90ᵒs. Went to Stillwater to see Dr. Freed. He found me O.K. Got pretty tired. I have managed with my crippled crippled air cond. and fans. The damaged one freezes when I have it on a little while. I am going to do without it tonight. Last night it was frozen solid at 11:40. Selma arranged another fan. It rained a trifle today. Not enough to help.

 

September 8, 1982

Mr. Jacobs came from Crescent to repair my air cond. Found it damaged past repair. So I had to buy a new one. That after d this P.M. It cost $516.75 (with tax). I think it will work. The other was defective. I had it only 2 years. [Got it August 1980 July 20, 1980. Its predecessor lasted 18 years and was still going O.K. but it froze one night and I thought I needed a new one. The new one seemed O.K. till this past summer. I spent more than $50 on unprofitable repair. Coolish day – 90ᵒs.

 

September 9, 1982

My new air cond. really cools things Very different from the one I got 2 yrs. ago. Cooler day. No rain. Bill Rouse had to put in new breaker on my wiring. Discovered it when they put in the new air cond. Bill is such a good man. It was a pleasure to see him.

 

September 10, 1982

Hot weather again – 100ᵒ in Enid. But both my air conditioners conditioners are working effectively. Two years ago Jerry Rhines was really trying to establish an honest business but he lacked experience and I think the air I have just now replaced was never effective. But he lost money on his venture and when he sold me the one in the kitchen last year he had become undependable. Now I think I have two good ones functioning thanks to a capable repair man - Mr. Jacobs at Crescent – and an honest dealer – Mr. Mag of Rose of Crescent.

 

September 11, 1982

Hot day twice in P.M. black thunder bumpers came over with wind and rain. I think a little real water fell. Joe Christian came to see me in the evening. So nice of Joe. He is a very fine person. Marshall can be proud of him. His father died when he has about ten. Worked his way through college has M.D. & Ph.D. and is a very well known scientist. Directs an important laboratory. And he takes time to call when he visits his mother.

 

September 12, 1982

Found it rained ½ in yesterday. Enough to do some good to surface plants like in gardens & flowers. Not enough for wheat ground I think. This evening we are under a tornado watch. Jim Horton called today. He is ready to take over my lobbying campaign to help Ariz. Indians recover water stolen from the fields. Pres. Reagan vetoed bill passed by Congress to bring them justice. Had a very fine conference (by phone) with Jim.

 

September 13, 1982

It rained ¾ inch last night. Very quiet. Didn’t even wake me. I felt fine this morning but shortly after 11:00 became light headed. Then suddenly so dizzy I had to call Selma to help me to bed. Finally went to sleep and woke feeling better but still light headed.

 

September 14, 1982

It rained ½ inch last night. Hot today but cool front came in from the north this evening. I slept well at night, though I had to get up and turn off the air conditioners when it thundered and I feel well today, only weak. Eula Ruth Olmstead called me this morning from Enid to ask me a question but stayed on the line for a very pleasant visit. I love Eula Ruth. I am certainly benefitting from my new air cond. even though it did reduce my checking account account badly.

 

September 15, 1982

[No entry]

 

September 16, 1982

It was cloudy and really cold today – about 68ᵒ all day. I am still not well. Clara Schaefer paid me a lovely visit this morning. When When Alice came as usual on Thursdays to clean my house I asked her to light my furnace. I always lighted it myself but three years ago I found it so difficult I knew it was the last time.

 

September 17, 1982

It was cool today but warmed up a little so that I used one air cond in the late P.M. Sun came out. Ramona came to see me today. How lovely she is.

 

September 18, 1982

It turned hot again today. Cool this evening. Rained a little. I felt bad today. Nothing much to write about. Found hot hot dry August killed half the low evergreens along the front of my front porch. I am terribly unhappy about it. Have petted those little trees for years. But this year I scarcely step outside and failed to notice. I should have found a way to water them

 

September 19, 1982

When Selma came this morning I asked her to water the evergreens. The water in the yard has not been turned on this year and she could not move the lever. She carried some in a bucket from inside the house. It perked up the living trees but the beautiful smooth harmony of the row is ruined. I must get the water man to move the lever so the hose can be used. I have been ill today.

 

September 20, 1982

Felt fine this morning. So fortunate, for I saw the dentist at Enid. He filled every one of my five teeth. I stood it fine but of course it was hard on me. The water man moved the lever lever but twisted it loose. I got a man to fix it and he did it while I was asleep this P.M. I suppose I have the use of water now. And I got a new resident Mrs. Smith to take care of my yard. She will come tomorrow.

 

September 21, 1982

Run-off primary and vote on parimutual [sic] betting on horse racing. The results can be accurately predicted this evening. I am very unhappy about the results. The betting won (on horse racing) I think a government should not engage in unproductive (and worse) activities. The corporation commissioner now in office won over a reform candidate. Now all three belong to the utilities. It was a cold day – 40ᵒ in the morning, never above the 60°s. I was so glad to have my furnace. Mrs. Smith watered my plants.

 

September 22, 1982

Learned the good senator in my district was defeated by an unprincipled demagogue. I had supposed he was safe. He was one active statesman in a shoddy legislature. Every decent decent person and issue I voted for was lost this year. Cold day – 40ᵒ in the morning – 70ᵒs in P.M. I felt fine.

 

September 23, 1982

Warmer today. Nothing in particular happened. I am very concerned about the fighting between the Israelis and the militant Palestinians in Lebanon and between the Moslem [sic] and Christian (!) Lebanese. President Reagan has shown the first intelligent understanding of any foreign police since he became president. I think it is the influence of his new Secy. of State Shultz.

 

September 24, 1982

Lovely day though of course we need rain terribly. Mrs. Smith came and with a woman she brought to help her finished cleaning the weeds and grass out of my flower garden. It has been neglected all the months since Dorothy left. I was not well enough to go outside the house to see it or to see that someone should attend to it.

 

September 25, 1982

Cool, lovely day. Blue sky. Clara Schaefer paid me a lovely long visit.

 

September 26, 1982

Cool, cloudy, dismal day. I wasted most of it. Could have worked on a letter I started yesterday. This is Sunday, but I hardly think of it as a special day any more. I am surprised at the short time it takes to forget. It is only about two years since I quit attending church.

 

September 27, 1982

Warm again – in 80ᵒs. Raymond called to pick up some business papers and stayed for a fine visit.

 

September 28, 1982

Warm, windy day. Worked on my letter I started Saturday. It is to Don Huffer in case he would have to take Raymond’s place in managing my affairs. Raymond is well but things do happen to people.

 

September 29, 1982

Warm windy day. A pleasant Mrs. Meyer called from Perry. Wants me to autograph a Prairie City for her twelve year old son.

 

September 30, 1982

Not so windy. Getting cooler this evening, Winnie Branen brought the book for me to autograph (Joseph sells them for the “Prairie City” committee) Had a pleasant visit with Winnie

 

October 1, 1982

Selma took me to Enid for my peripheral vision examination by Dr. Shields. I became ill before I started and the trip was hard for me. Also my eyes did not function normally but Dr. S. thought his test was accurate. It showed no decline in peripheral vision. My pressure was right 18, left 24. I slept all P.M. and feel better this evening.

 

October 2, 1982

It rained .4 inch rain last night. Not enough to help the wheat land but it will help our flowers and gardens. Also I think it rained a little this P.M. – perhaps enough to add to ½ inch. Jim Horton called for a telephone visit. I am tired today but feel fairly well.

 

October 3, 1982

A beautiful day, but I was ill. Russell and June Caston came to see me this afternoon. It was wonderful to see them, but I was almost too ill to keep up my part of the lively conversation. This is Sunday.

 

October 4, 1982

No entry for Oct 4. On Oct 5 learned Maine Maxine Sanford’s husband died Sunday. He was a fine man. I am so sorry for Maxine. They were in their early 70s – could have had more good years together.

 

October 5, 1982

Failed to make entry. I am not feeling well these days. I remember Shirley and Bob called for a lovely long visit. Shirley has bad flu but is recovering. They are right in the midst of the area in the villages skirting Chicago where some sick person has planted cyanide in Tylenol capsules and killed 17 persons so far. She had just finished using one box and bought another. Fortunately she had not used any.

 

October 6, 1982

Felt surprisingly well today. Saw an article in Newsweek about the scheme to move the body of Geronimo to Ariz. as a tourist attract attraction. I started a letter in reply. I think this should be decided by the descendants of the band but I want the history straight

 

October 7, 1982

I can see the beautiful blue skies out of my window but I am not out in this lovely fall weather. Worked a little on my Geronimo letter.

 

October 8, 1982

I was sick today. A man called from Tulsa. Wants me on a TV program. Is coming Wednesday. I hope my sluggish mind will work well enough so I can manage. Luella Reim called for a pleasant visit. I love Luella.

 

October 9, 1982

It was cold. Down to 42ᵒ outside this morning. I got up and turned on the furnace. The sun came out and it was a lovely crisp day. I felt bad all day but worked a little on my Geronimo letter.

 

October 10, 1982

Nellie Moorman who lived in our home some years in her childhood called me from Los Angeles for a visit. It was wonderful to hear her voice. Raymond and Mabel brought briefly after church the minister (and his wife) who I think conducted the service today. He and our minister work together on a TV program. He wants me on the program and I told him I would try to do it. I should know his name. Oh, here it is. Guilford Lovely fall day.

 

October 11, 1982

I felt pretty well today. It was a beautiful autumn day. Selma washed and set my hair, trying to get ready for the TV interview. Winnie (bless her) called this evening. I am still working on my Geronimo letter. I know my mind and memory is failing especially when I get tired, but I don’t think it shows yet. But I try to make things as easy as possible and this was mismanaged.

 

October 12, 1982

It rained last night but not much. I was ill all day. August and Catherene Burchardt called briefly. August has failed greatly but Catherine looked more like herself than she has for years. It was wonderful to see her – worried about August. Learned Learned of death of Raymond Grey.

 

October 13, 1982

The man (Mr. Rose, photographer) came and took an interview as part of a TV program. Mr. Gregory the man in charge didn’t come. They were very careless about the time. I got ready hurriedly to meet 9:00 A.M. date. Got here at 11:30. Got very tired. Selma helped – In fact managed. Rose was pleased with the interview but I think it was inadequate. I got too tired.

 

October 14, 1982

Lovely fall day. Nothing much happened.

 

October 15, 1982

Another lovely fall day. But the wheat ground cannot be prepared for planting until it rains. I am still working on my Geronimo letter.

 

October 16, 1982

Lovely day. Nothing much happened.

 

October 17, 1982

Sunday. Cloudy but cleared off. Nothing much happened.

 

October 18, 1982

I finished my Geronimo letter. I hope Newsweek will publish it. It is about a scheme to move G’s body to Ariz. as a tourist attraction. His people are united against it. I was slow writing the letter because of my physical and even worse my mental limitations. Also other things interrupted.

 

October 19, 1982

It was a warm night and a warm day, but a cold spell is on the way. Obituary in the Enid paper about Mrs. Sanford. Poor Maxine! Her husband died exactly two weeks before her mother. (Oct 3, Oct 17) But Mrs. Sanford was senile and completely helpless. She must have been close to 100 years old. Her death was a blessed release. Still the two deaths at once are hard on Maxine. And her husband was so helpful in caring for her mother.

 

October 20, 1982

Temperature on my front porch thermometer this morning was 34ᵒ. Pretty close to freezing. Or was that Oct. 21? I am making this entry late.

 

October 21, 1982

Heard the TV program the Tulsa man Gregory called about on Oct. 8 Supposed to be a diamond anniversary. He took me in. (Name, Gregory.) Used one short sentence and half of another from my interview. It was a solid hour of trash. Well not quite. Yvonne Chouteau and her dancers were O.K. But he certainly cheated me. I shall be more careful hereafter when they want me on a program.

 

October 22, 1982

I had a permanent. Marilyn took me down to her shop in her car. It is quite an ordeal for me but I stood it pretty well. I almost have to have a permanent occasionally. I try to pick a day when I feel well. Ramona (bless her) typed my Geronimo letter. It will go out tomorrow. I hope they will print it.

 

October 23, 1982

Learned that Rosina Cassiday fell on Main Street yesterday P.M. She is much younger than I but has osteoporosis bad as I have.  In the fall she broke her shoulder and her hip hip in several places. I am terribly distressed about it. I think she will never walk again. And I am afraid she has several years to live. Main Street was almost cleal dessdat deserted but two boys saw her One raised her head while the other got help The ambulance took her to St. Mary’s Hospital at Enid.

 

October 24, 1982

Got good news of Rosina Cassiday. She had surgery early this morning – made mechanical hip support, say she will be up walking soon (with a walker. This is Sunday Our minister, Ted, left home at O.C. at 6:00 A.M. to be there in time for the surgery. Then back here to preach. The UNICEF kids came today instead of Halloween. They brought me a plate of cookies when they come to collect.

 

October 25, 1982

We are having lovely weather all the time. We need rain terribly. The farmers are planting wheat on hard, perfectly dry ground that comes up in clumps. Of course it can’t sprout but it will be there if it rains.

 

October 26, 1982

Another beautiful day. This evening I heard an hour’s debate between Gov. Nye [sic], Dem. running for reelection and Republican Daxon. I liked Daxon so well I would vote for him in an ordinary election, but this year I don’t want to strengthen that unprincipled ignoramus, Pres. Reagan by electing any Republicans. And I like Daxon so much more than Nye [sic], who is simply an old time politician.

 

October 27, 1982

Warm day I used the air conditioner in the afternoon. There was a dinner at the church tonight and they brought me a heaped plate of food for my supper.

 

October 28, 1982

Another warmish day. I am reading up getting ready to vote Tuesday. It is very different from what it used to be even I was well informed about everybody in the state government. I find it hard to do that these days. Oct. 28

 

October 29, 1982

Oct. 28 Another warm day. Winnie Branen was here briefly this morning but I have forgotten her errand. I am becoming more forgetful all the time.

 

October 30, 1982

Warm day. I worked on candidates to vote for Tues. Raymond spent some time here this morning. The kids came for some time here this morning. The kids came for “Tricks or treat” this evening. Bless them. I had no treats for them – gave them dimes instead. Dana Smith helped me an hour and wouldn’t let me pay her. Then Keith Eanen came. Such a fine boy. Ray and Shirley called for a lovely telephone visit.

 

October 31, 1982

Sunday. It was communion service at Church and Rev. Ted brought it to me. Raymond came along. Hot day. I used air conditioner in the P.M. Clara Schaefer came for a lovely visit. This is the day we set our clocks back to standard time. Very pleasant. I slept soundly till 7:20 – 8:30 by yesterday’s time. It would be nice if we could have an extra hour every day on night instead of once a year.

 

November 1, 1982

[No entry]

 

November 2, 1982

A big day. My third printing of the paperback of Geronimo came. Most of the horrible errors of the first (and identical second) printing had been corrected but not all. I must write the present editor. I voted. Am listening to election returns, gratifying so far. I mean throughout U.S. Most of the bad people nominated in the primary were elected in Okla.

 

November 3, 1982

I got the election news I missed last night. (Went to bed before the returns were in.) Bad news in Okla. generally, in the national election Reagan did not receive the defeat I had hoped for his electioneering during the past weeks had been successful! He is so good on TV – his actor’s ability. Can make people believe any lie. He lost out in a few places but in general emerged as strong as ever. Somehow the Democrats were not very effective. I think they could have done better.

 

November 4, 1982

Apparently we had a hard freeze last night, the first of the season. I was not out to see it but the TV said it froze hard all over the state. Jack Beeby is in the hospital very ill with a form of meningitis.

 

November 5, 1982

Apparently it froze again last night. It was a beautiful day, blue sky sky, crisp air, warm P.M. Nothing happened.

 

November 6, 1982

Not so cold last night, lovely today. Winnie Branen called briefly – brought me some Guthrie newspapers. They are making a big celebration of statehood this Diamond Jubilee year.

 

November 7, 1982

Warmish day but unpleasant and windy. Maxine Sanford Speckelmeier called for a long visit. I had tried to call her last evening but she was not at home. I am very much relieved about her. She had seen her husband suffer so during his illness and her mother was so senile she is thankful instead of grieved that they have entered a better life. I had sent them her Benjamin Franklin’s letter. Written when his brother died and she accepts it as he did. It is so true, so logical she says. This is Sunday.

 

November 8, 1982

Warm day but cloudy. I finished going checking all the changes I requested in my Geronimo. Most were made but a few errors remain. I have repeated un them in a list of corrections for the next printing. Finished it today. Ready to mail. My hip is very lame. I am afraid more back trouble. Collapsed vertebrae send pain to the whole nerve. It has been a year since I had an attack.

 

November 9, 1982

Cloudy warm day. I used the air cond. in my study all afternoon after 3:00 to 9:00 W about 7:00. My hip is not troubling me much today. I think my fear of painful back trouble was unnecessary. Della Thomas called. Tomorrow she & John are going to O.C. and will stop at about 4:00 P.M. at my house to pick up some books they sent me to choose from as birthday present to my namesake.

 

November 10, 1982

Hot day. Picked out the books I wanted to 2 to keep. But Della and John didn’t arrive at 4:00. I thought some delay or perhaps car trouble. By 6:00 started to worry. By 8:00 badly concerned for I knew they would have called me unless something serious had happened. Then it dawned on me I might have got wrong date over phone. Called their Stillwater home & found they were coming Friday. Pretty tired. I must not have heard her clearly clearly when she called yesterday.

 

November 11, 1982

Hot day. It rained ½ in. last night. Again this P.M. Cold weather on the way. Yesterday several men started working on Edith’s porch & dog fence. Someone surely bought it. This afternoon I had a wonderful visit with Buell Olmstead and his mother. The men continued work on the house – tore down dog fence, repaired front porch, etc. I wish I knew who bought it. Alice or Selma gathered my walnuts while I slept. I had a lot of fine ones.

 

November 12, 1982

It was a cold day. In the late P.M. I had a wonderful visit with Jack and Loretta Thomas. I kept one book from the three they sent for Angie and they took back the other two. Learned that Edith’s house is not sold. The young owners have gone back to Penna. (he lost his Okla job in Chickasha) and they are having it repaired so it will sell better. They want to sell it.

 

November 13, 1982

Cold night, 29ᵒ this morning, cold day (about 35ᵒ or 40ᵒ over the state. Not much happened. August Burchardt has had a stroke. Very serious. He can wiggle the fingers of one hand. That is all. Is in intensive care in the hospital – St. Louis, I suppose. I am terribly concerned about him and of course Catherene. I was concerned about August when I saw him Oct. 12.

 

November 14, 1982

A fine couple, Clark and Bette Hansell, visited me this morning. He is the great grand nephew of the artist E.A. Burbank whos [sic] experiences in painting Geronimo and his associates were very helpful to me. It was a cold night last night and a cold day. It was Mission Festival and a dinner at the church today. I had thought of trying to attend if it had been a pleasant day and if my company had not come. They sent me a heaping plate – enough for dinner and supper and all day tomorrow. I guess some of the men must have filled it.

 

November 15, 1982

Cold night, cold day. Luella Reim took a recording of yesterday’s service. (The conference minister preached.) And today she brought her recorder and left it with me. It was lovely of her but I couldn’t understand it. Still I listened to all. Made me feel a part of the congregation. She also brought a bulletin. She is going to take it to the Seefeldts also.

 

November 16, 1982

An important day – Okla’s 75^th birthday. I remember that day so long ago. I was not at Guthrie but remember all about the day. This year Guthrie was the center of the cele celebration. And I couldn’t attend this year of course but I shared in the feeling. Clara Schaefer and Ethel Newell came this P.M. for a lovely visit. Pat put up my flag and took it down. Bless him. The warm, golden autumn day was an exact reproduction of that day in 1907.

 

November 17, 1982

Cloudy day but no rain. Not very cold. I have very bad news from August Burchardt. Completely paralyzed with no hope of recovery. And they have no idea how long he will live. He is conscious and apparently with no pain. Good news about Rosina Cassiday. She is in the nursing home at Crescent where Clarice and Lavonne and their families live. Also Jack Beeby is recovering.

 

November 18, 1982

It rained this morning. I don’t know how much. Woodrow Winburn put a new thermostat thermocouple in my furnace I like to have a new one each fall. I can’t get him to take any pay and it is a tedious job. He is such a good man.

 

November 19, 1982

It was almost a hot day. Did without furnace all forenoon, used air cond. all P.M. It was almost 80ᵒ outside. Still furnace off this evening. Blue sky, bright sun.

 

November 20, 1982

Another hot day – lovely. My furnace wouldn’t go on when Selma came this morning. Pilot light off. She lighted it – good plumber. But it did the same thing again – wouldn’t start after I turned it off. I called Woodrow and he cleaned it all out. Now it is O.K. Jim Horton called from Indianapolis and the Worsleys from Chicago suburb.

 

November 21, 1982

Another warm day. It was almost in the afternoon. I am worried about my back. Yesterday I got down on the floor to show Selma hot to light the furnace and now my back is lame. She protested strongly  but I thought I could manage without any strain. Lovely telephone visit from my lovely Nellie Moorman in Calif.

 

November 22, 1982

It rained last night and again in the forenoon. Probably not enough to do any good. It was warm today but is expected to turn cold during the night. Margaret Ools is in the hospital. I am worried about her.

 

November 23, 1982

It was really cold today. The thermometer was 30ᵒ at its highest and a strong wind blowing. I am worried about Margaret Ools the lovely woman who has the cafe. She is in the hospital with what seemed to be a heart attack but turned out to be only exhaustion Perhaps she can rest and regain her strength. I hope so. Later – Selma told me there was some very small snowflakes falling at noon – The first snow of the season.

 

November 24, 1982

Cold day. About 35ᵒ all P.M. and evening Raymond brought me a book to autograph for Frank and Ollie. And Mabel (bless her) brought sent a small pie she had baked for me and a special cinnamon roll. They will spend tomorrow with Ollie and Frank Thelma and Pat Perry sent me a box of huge Florida oranges. They came this morning. I am so thankful for friends.

 

November 25, 1982

Thanksgiving Day. And I certainly have much to be thankful for. People are so good to me. Selma brought me the most wonderful dinner at noon today. (The cafe is closed and I had counted on setting out a scanty lunch. It is still cold, and not any immediate prospect of warming up.

 

November 26, 1982

It rained during the night and all day – a slow rain – about an inch I think. I hope this will start the wheat. It was above freezing all the time through not warm – about 40ᵒ most of the day. I had several lovely letters. People are so good.

 

November 27, 1982

Still cold. Rained much of the day. It turned to ice on trees and my front porch. I got such a fine letter today from Dr. Scales. He and Danney Goble sent me an aud autographed copy of the fine book they wrote on Okla. Politics. I had already read it. The Uni. of Okla. Press sent me the printed pages, then the finished book, but this is even more precious. I will give the other book one to Pat O’Neill and throw away the pages.

 

November 28, 1982

It got warmer last night. Ice melted from the trees. The sun came up and we had a beautiful day. This is Sunday. We got enough rain these past few days to bring up the wheat. Of course we shall have no pasture.

 

November 29, 1982

Another good day. Alice brought a little boy to go under the porch while she watched from outside while he closed closed up the summer openings.

 

November 30, 198[2]

Another warm day. Raymond repaired my back porch door twisted by last summer’s rains. He is so good. I shall have the joy to seeing my beloved Ray and Shirley Worsley tomorrow. On their way from Chicago to the extreme south-west of Texas. I have not seen them for two years. I suppose they are in Stillwater tonight.

 

December 1, 1982

Warm, cloudy day, some rain. My beloved cousins, Ray & Shirley, spent the forenoon with me. Then I sent them to the cafe for dinner, also invited the Brysons. Don Huffer and Eva Dean included and Selma to eat with them while I ate here at home. They had a regular party at the cafe as friends came and talked with them. They stayed here till 2:30 then started their journey. It will take them 2 more days to reach Harlingen at the southern point of Texas. Of course I went right to bed when they left. Violent weather tonight in eastern & southern Okla.

 

December 2, 1982

Tornadoes from Fort Smith east. Rain and thunderstorms in s. & e. Okla. I hope Ray doesn’t have hard driving the first half of his journey through Texas. Heavy rain there. I am troubled for fear the OSU library will make a deal with Nixon to accept his papers and house them as a sort of memorial to him. Several colleges have rejected his terms – his scheme. I am not sure of Dr. Rouse at OSU. Story was on TV. I will change my will giving my papers and books to OSU library if they do it.

 

December 3, 1982

I hope Ray and Shirley did not get into bad weather and they resting in a warm sunny area this evening. The weather is clear there on the furthest point in Texas. But the northern half of Texas had storms and the day was filled with violent weather just east of Okla. – tornadoes, floods. etc. Here is was cloudy and rained some and was not cold, but is getting cold this evening. The violent weather east of us extended north to Ill. Like spring storms.

 

December 4, 1982

Coolish, dark, rainy day. Shirley called from Harlingen, Texas. Weather warm and sunny. They reached their motel at Paul’s Valley Wednesday just before the storm struck. It was pretty bad. I’m glad they got there first. If they had stayed here a half hour longer they would have been in it. I talked to Jack and Della Thomas about Nixon and the OSU library. Nothing official yet but they will do some sleuthing to see how the matter stands.

 

December 5, 1982

Learned that Evelyn Day has died. She was the last of the family as we knew it when Edwin and I were young people with the young Days and their mother was our mother’s best friend (the fathers friends but not so close). It stopped raining last night and the sun sun  shone this P.M. Warmish day but needed furnace most of the day.

 

December 6, 1982

Called Dr. Rouse, director of OSU library about Nixon material. He feels as strongly as I do about making it a memorial to Nixon. But he would like to have the Nixon material if no conditions to honor Nixon are required. So do I. I’d be glad to get the papers of Benedict Arnold or Belle Starr on those terms. But I don’t think Nixon would consent to that. He suggested I add codicil to my will holding them in abeyance until matter is settled. I had already decided to do something of that sort. Warm day

 

December 7, 1982

It turned cold last night and is cold today. Probably will snow in Panhandle tonight. Warm day but weather unsettled. Selma took me to see Dr. Freed. He found me O.K. But my mind has failed greatly there past few months and of course he can’t do anything anything about that.

 

December 8, 1982

Turned cold last night. Writing late. I don’t remember what happened. My memory is failing seriously – the most rapid of my declining facul mental condition. I felt bad all this day.

 

December 9, 1982

Lovely coolish day. The amaryllis Max Shank sent me is in glorious bloom. Pat O’Neill came (I called him) and I asked him to see the lawyer DeClerck about the codicil to my will about OSU library. He will do it (bless him). Called DeC. & made an appointment to see him Tues. I lack the strength to write or see Mr. DeC. to tell him what I want Pat understands the whole thing – Raymond also came. Will talk to pres. & one regent of OSU if it should become necessary.

 

December 10, 1982

It rained last night and was a dreary dark rainy day. It was cold but above freezing so no sleet or icy ice on roads. But very cold weather is expected tonight. Got big packet of Mike Green’s writings from Dartmouth College. I have read his books but here are many reviews, etc. Greatly impressed with comprehensible quality. They want a recommendation for his promotion. Their custom in promotions.

 

December 11, 1982

It was cold this morning 30° and got colder though the sun came out. Will be in the teens tonight. Gladys Davis (bless her) called me from Colorado. I am reading all the published articles of Mike Green in preparation for a recommendation I am to write. Enjoying it.

 

December 12, 1982

Cold this morning but bright lovely day. Warming up. I finished reading all Mike’s writing. Impressed as always by his scholarship and insight but now by his comprehensive knowledge of Indian affairs. Later – morning Dec. 13 Had a heart attack (mild) at 2:00 P.M. Went right to bed.

 

December 13, 1982

Not so cold – but very windy, Selma’s brother had heart exam in O.C. hospital. Selma came this morning to take care of me then went there. Returned this evening. Said he is O.K. – will tell me more tomorrow. I went to bed soon after as she left. Got up at noon and ate some bread and cheese. Went back to bed. Raymond (good man that he is) called me at 1:08 – gas out all over town. Soon as it was turned back on he came (3:00 o’clock) with gas man to light my furnace & tanks. It took all P.M. for man to visit all the houses. My heart continued to miss beats, etc. all day but is over it now.

 

December 14, 1982

Felt better today but still weak. Didn’t get anything done on my recommendation of Mike Green. Lovely day – cold in morning but warmed up. I turned off furnace part of P.M. I was ready to start Mike’s recommendation yesterday – nothing done yet. Just as I was getting ready for bed my furnace quit. I called Selma and she couldn’t start it. Then Woodrow Winburn and he managed. He will come to work on it tomorrow.

 

December 15, 1982

Another pleasant day. Still my heart misses beats. I spent much of the day in bed. Woody came & put a new thermocoupler on the furnace. He did put on a new one a few weeks ago but I think it was defective. This one seems to be working fine. Clara called this evening. Fine visit. I feel much better this evening. My amaryllis is glorious Max Shank sent it to me.

 

December 16, 1982

Lovely fall day I felt pretty well. I think I have got over my heart trouble. Will try to see Dr. Shields tomorrow. I didn’t accomplish anything today. The Brysons gave me a lovely amaryllis. Now I have two. This one is a little later. Will be in bloom Xmas I think.

 

December 17, 1982

Lovely warm day. Went to Enid to see Dr. Shields. Got terribly tired. Right eye 17, left 24 He has been uneasy about that left. Told me to use drops oftener. Jim Horton , kind and generous soul sent me a big box of grapefruit and Vera Long brought me some raison [sic] bread and a very handy and clever book mark. People are so good. And Selma was so wonderful on the Enid trip and putting me to bed after we got home.

 

December 18, 1982

Beautiful warm, sunny day. Slept well and felt Tired from yesterday. My beloved Gerry Schaefer bought me an amaryllis bulb. Now I have three. She borrowed Selma’s key and tiptoed in to put it on my table while I was in bed in the P.M. but she peeked in on me and I was awake and ready to get up so she sat down & we had a wonderful brief visit. Learned that Alice Moffit has had a light stroke.

 

December 19, 1982

Beautiful warm day. Slept well last night & felt well. Got some work done on recommendation for Dr. Green. Selma brought yesterday’s mail. Lovely plate of fruit by Nellie Moorman in Calif. – came from Oregon. Then Raymond brought me a plate of fruit and cakes from the church. (Same for other shut-ins,) And in the evening I had a wonderful long distance call from Kent & Helen Ruth. A good day for me – much to be thankful for. This is Sunday.

 

December 20, 1982

Another pleasant day – warm. I slept badly last night and was ill all day. The Disciples Church prepares plates of fruit, cakes, candy, etc. for shut-ins. They gave me one today. May Jette brought it. It was nice to see her.

 

December 21, 1982

Lovely warm day. I felt fine and got some work done. My beloved Ramona came to see me. She is more beautiful than ever. A box came from Jim Horton filled with all kinds of lovely things. And he had already sent me a big box of grape fruit. People are giving me so much I can’t handle it. Ramona brought me a huge box of candy.

 

December 22, 1982

I slept badly and felt bad today. Warm but not so pleasant. I got another box (cookies from Denmark) from my beloved Connie Cronley. And cards from dear friends. And I can’t answer them.

 

December 23, 1982

Another warm day. Reached 72ᵒ (a record) in O.C. 73ᵒ in Tulsa. Learned of the death of Estelle Melton – got Christmas card from John. Felt pretty well and did some work on Mike Green’s recommendation. Writing tires me – have to do it in small spurts. People are sending and bringing me so much to eat I can’t handle it. They are so good.

 

December 24, 1982

Warm day. Rained (with thunder) last night, tornado on edge of Tulsa damaged houses & injured people this morning Violent blizzards west of us, tornadoes now out of Okla. east of us this evening. Selma’s step-son and family from Colo. Springs reached her home at 1:00 A.M. just ahead of violent snow storms and cold in Colo.

 

December 25, 1982

Beautiful day – golden sunshine, blue sky. I felt well and got some work done on recommendation for Mike. In the evening Shirley and Ray called from Texas. Lovely visit. People have been so good to me this Christmas – gave me 3 amaryllis bulbs (two now blooming), big boxes of fruit, candy, cookies – more that I can eat and find places to give it. I am so grateful.

 

December 26, 1982

Sunday. A dark miserable day cold but not very bad here. Blizzards west and north of us, tornadoes east of us. I am uneasy about several people away from home, especially the Brysons. I got some work done on Mike’s recom. Jim Horton called for a pleasant phone visit. He is so big hearted – sent me a big box of grapefruit for Xmas – also another big box filled with lovely or deliciously edible things.

 

December 27, 1982

Rained all night and all forenoon. Dismal day but not cold. Then in mid P.M. it started snowing, bit soft flakes, beautiful if I were younger. Ground covered but much melted. It quit snowing this evening. Ground still white, but melted on walks and roads. It is now turning cold. Selma’s boy and his family started back at 10 A.M. Just now called her from and motel in Kans. Wanted to continue journey tomorrow. Roads blocked

 

December 28, 1982

[No entry]

 

December 29, 1982

Dec. 28 Cold day – sunny in A.M., dismal & cloudy in P.M. Glen Wuester writes me that Sister Mary Mark Orr “died last night. We were very close friends She grew up on a farm close to where I lived as a small child near Beattie, Kans. We didn’t know each other. She was born after we moved away. Becam [sic] friends later – met in 1977. Raymond & Mabel got home this evening. I had worried about them. Also Selma’s son & family got home safely. Maxine Spickelmeier called from Enid. Wanted to come & see me but too stormy. Sill come after Jan. 15 – busy till then.

 

December 30, 1982

Dec. 29 Cold day morning but sunny & it warmed up in P.M. Raymond came to see me in the A.M. I felt well and worked some on my recommendation of Mike Green. I can’t work much at a time. The snow is all melted except in the shade.

Dec. 29 Cold, gloomy day. Worked on Mike’s recommendation. Cl Called the college – said I would be late. They said get it in my last of next week if possible. Supposed to get in Monday

 

December 31, 1982

Well I made it. I was doubtful on Jun. 1, 1978. But this book marks the time when old age hit me with a bang. An active and happy day May 10, 1978, but everything quit functioning at the time. I became old that day – like the Wonderful One – Hoss Shay. I have learned a new kind of life – dependence on people and appreciation for their Goodness. I think with Browning’s Rabbi Ben Ezra that this is a necessary part of the whole. I should never have known the otherwise. Worked hard today on my recommendation for Mike Green.