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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
January 1, 1990 (Monday)
Rain! Not much but a little. The first day of the new year. I like the
sound of 1990. It has a good ring to it. Although I stayed up till after
midnight we got up at the usual time. Weighed a little under 100#. Did my
exercises and read the paper. Jenny and Niki were both asleep so Don went
off to play tennis and I went for a walk. It was not cold, just cloudy
and misty so it was pleasant. Since Jenny was going to work at 4 we had
planned dinner for 3 so when I got back I made a lemon souffle, and then
since I had made the dressing yesterday I stuffed the turkey and had it
in the oven by 10. Niki got up at 11:30! How can one sleep so long? Jenny
at about the same time. We just snacked at lunch and Don watched Bowl
games off and on. None of them were all that interesting. I read and
worked on the dinner. Niki decided to go to Cal Skate with Erika so Jenny
took her at 2 and the 3 of us sat down to eat at 3. It was a good dinner:
turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot rolls, cranberry sauce,
a raw veggie plate and the lemon dessert. Then Jenny went off to work
till 12 but called later and said she would work till 3 and maybe 6. We
watched the news - Romania, Panama, etc., and then I cleaned up the
kitchen after Niki came home and had dinner. I took a shower, emptied the
dishwasher, ran a load of clothes and listened to the rain. We need it so
desperately since it didn't rain all of December and very little in
November. Linda called from Grass Valley. She had started out before noon
and had driven bumper to bumper in the snow and at 7 she gave up and went
to a motel and will drive down in the morning. I just hope she gets to
work on time. So now we have a new year. What will it bring? What is the
problem of Don's eyes - will he have the other eye operation, what about
his book? Jason graduates; Linda says she will move to Tahoe. Jenny wants
to move out with Niki and get a house. Will Karen get pregnant? Lots of
things to think about.
January 2, 1990 (Tuesday)
Clear and cold! Nasty north wind. Stars again. I slept in a bit this
morning and when we did get up the rain was long gone and it was cold and
windy but clear. Did all my exercises and then it was breakfast and the
Chronicle. Not much of interest. So then I watered the plants and
neatened things up and did 2 loads of clothes. At 9 I went to Lucky to
have a prescription refilled and then I went back to Stars after a very
long time. I did the machines and 20 minutes of the floor exercises; it
was low impact and fun. I plan to go again on Thursday. Got home and Don
was out sunbathing on the south deck. I fixed my lunch and then while he
took a nap I went over to the mall and also to Longs to pick up another
prescription but it won't be ready till tomorrow. I walked around the
mall cuz I think I should get something for Don for the 5th. I did get a
card but I would like to find something he would like. When I got home I
ironed all the things I had washed and then I fixed last night's dinner
putting the leftovers in things to go in the oven. I forgot that Linda
came for lunch and told us about her weekend in Tahoe. Becky and her
husband and son were there so they didn't go to a New Year's Eve party
but she had a
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good time. Priss called in the late afternoon to say that Cindy Hunt who
lives next door had gone to Tahoe with friends and on the way home there
was a terrible accident and the driver was killed and she was badly hurt.
Priss was so upset. Linda said she had seen a terrible accident and maybe
that was the one. The birdfeeder that Jason gave us and that we had put
out in the bushes finally attracted some birds today and they just keep
coming. We will have to check tomorrow to see if it should be refilled. I
was so excited when they finally decided to use it. After dinner Niki
made chocolate chip cookies with her mother helping. Poor Jenny who went
to work at 4 yesterday afternoon worked till 8:30 this morning. She came
home really exhausted. Niki went back to school today but without much
enthusiasm. Don got the movie Twins with DeVito and Schwartzenager,
whatever his name is, and it was really sweet. Now it's 10 p.m. and
everyone is in bed but me and after seeing the movie I am not sleepy. I
will buy groceries tomorrow and then I plan to go to Stars on Thursday.
January 3, 1990 (Wednesday)
Cold and clear. I was on my way to buy groceries at 10 to 8 so once I had
gotten through the Bidwell Junior High traffic I had an easy time getting
to the Cannery and Food For Less. I got my groceries and was home by
9:20. Not bad really. Put everything away and started making the potato
soup for dinner. Got that done and it was time for lunch, and then the
man from Gino's came to tell us that the hose that leads to the outside
vent had come off and he fixed it and put a clamp on it and it took all
of 3 minutes and it costs $35.00. Terrible. I felt bad and asked if the
washer, fridge or whatever needed fixing. So then we talked about dogs
since they have a German Shepherd, black like Daisy. After he left Don
went out to sit in the sun and I got most of the rose bushes cut back and
I can finish another day. I also picked all the lemons on our little
lemon tree and we can use them in the weeks to come. Then Don and I went
for a walk to the end of North Ave. and back but I had a catch in my leg
and didn't want to walk any further. When Niki got home we went to the
library and she got some books and so did I. The hospital called Jenny
and asked her to come in for a few hours so she left a little after 3 and
she called about 7 to say she didn't know when she would be home they
were so busy. So we had our dinner without her and then Linda came over
to return the vacuum and she helped Niki with her math and then we
visited. Finally Noriega left the Embassy and is on his way to the U.S.
for trial. Don went to bed with a headache and I don't feel great myself.
I have this little cough that I seem to get every winter for a short time
and so I decided to make hot buttered rum, which I drank before dinner,
but it didn't sit well and now my stomach feels queasy. I certainly don't
want to get sick right now with our anniversary coming up on Friday.
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January 4, 1990 (Thursday)
I woke up feeling rather rocky so I gave up going to Stars at 10 or 9:30
with the floor exercises at 10. We got out the vacuum after breakfast and
I dusted and cleaned the bathroom and Don vacuumed. Then I got dressed
and went to the Diagnostic Center for the x-ray to take to Dr. Laboski
tomorrow then to Longs for my prescription and then to Dalton's to buy an
unabridged dictionary selling at $80 but on sale for $20. Got an Atlas
too for $6.99. Then to Gibraltar to deposit my last check that I have
worked and then home. By then it was time for lunch. Early on I decided
to wash my hair so now I took a shower and shampooed and pinned it up and
then came out to read and doze off and on. Later I started in on dinner.
Fixed the potato slices in the oven. Fixed green beans. Did the salad
greens and then cut up the whole turkey freezing Vi the breast and doing
one container of pieces. Put the leftovers in Daisy's container and
saving enough out for tonight to serve with gravy. We ate at about 5:30
and then it was the news. Afterwards Don went off to Don Warren's to meet
with people who are concerned about a building project in our
neighborhood. Linda came by and talked about changing jobs at Chico
Medical cuz the top man who is now working in her office is a pain in the
neck and no one can get along with him. She left and I read till Don came
home and told me about the meeting. Now it's going on 10 and I had better
go to bed. Talked to Priss tonight and Cathy had written a thank you note
and the girls had also written thanking her and she was very pleased.
Talked to Jenny and Barry is calling again. He and his wife went to a
counselor but she refuses to air anything so things are not going well
there. Now Jenny has her hopes up again but she is being cautious. How
will this end? I guess time will tell.
January 5, 1990 (Friday)
Well today was our wedding anniversary and we have been married for 47
years! That is a long time! Mike called after breakfast and wished us
well and asked if we were going to eat out and we said we were going to
the Albatross for dinner. My cold wasn't great but we decided to go
anyway. Then at 10:45 I went to see Dr. Laboski but he was in surgery and
they asked me to come back at 11:45 and I did. I liked him very much. He
asked me to do all kinds of things: walk regularly on my toes, heels,
etc., plus other things and he decided it was stress and fatigue that
caused my neck pains and to be more careful with myself. Came home and
had lunch. Linda was here and she will probably stay where she is rather
than to move to another place at Chico Medical. In the afternoon I read
and dozed and then we got dressed to go. Linda, Jason, Jenny and Niki
decided to go to R. Fish for dinner so they were taken care of. We
arrived at the Albatross at 5:30 and there was a table set for us and
here on the table was a package and a card from Don and he had done a
second edition of the poems with ones from 1940 - 1990 and the latest was
a new one. Also a new picture of me. It was a complete surprise and I was
touched and pleased. Then the waiter came with a bottle of champagne and
it was from Mike and Karen. By then all the help in the restaurant were
aware of our celebration and they
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brought us a complimentary dessert of chocolate mousse pie with a candle
lighted on it. So it was all very festive. I had the roast beef and Don
the scallops and everything was very good and we had a good time. Came
home and since we were alone and tired we went to bed at 8:30 and made
love and it was fine for Don but not for me but I accept that now and
don't worry about it. And then we went to sleep and didn't hear Niki come
to bed. So now we are beginning our 48th year. It just doesn't seem
possible and these days it is quite remarkable. I wore my black knit
skirt; white blouse and black sweater and Don wore a shirt, tie and sport
coat. We looked good.
January 6, 1990 (Saturday)
Well this is the day after and I really don't feel well at all. I got up
at the usual time and got breakfast for Don and then I got dressed and
took Mary to the market but I didn't buy anything myself. Stopped on the
way home and got 2 doughnuts. Jenny had left for Sacramento with Linda
and Niki was up so I cut my doughnut in Vi and she had a part and so did
I. I didn't feel like doing much but I did write a letter to Tante Yan,
Sally, and Pauline. For the first two I used Don's letter that I sent out
at Christmas and just added something at the end. I wrote Pauline just an
all right letter but it was dull. Then I had a little lunch and read and
dozed most all the afternoon away. The 49ers were playing and they won
big. If they win next week they will be in the Super Bowl so a lot hinges
on next week's game. Should they be in the Super Bowl I will have a party
like we had before. I am taking something called Dynatab or something
like that and it makes me very sleepy so when I read I find I am asleep
most of the time. I did get up enough strength to make a tuna salad and
to make brownies. Jenny got some clothes in Sacramento and Linda got
shoes. They had a good time. We ate our skimpy dinner and then Jenny went
over to Linda's to watch movies and now we are stuck staying awake till
Jenny comes home and Niki goes to bed. We are both tired and would like
to go right now. Don just said it was raining. My, I hope it keeps up for
days cuz we certainly need it.
January 7, 1990 (Sunday)
Rain! - Well by the end of the day I feel better. It rained in the night
and was still raining this morning when Don took Daisy for their run. I
stayed in bed a little while and then got up in time to put Don's drops
in then I had my Pero and read a little bit of the paper but really
wasn't all that interested. So I sat down in the living room and read a
book and found myself falling asleep now and then so finally I got up and
went into the bedroom and lay down and covered up and slept for a couple
of hours. I got up to find out that everyone had eaten lunch so I fixed a
little something but was not too interested in food. Still I did feel
better than I had earlier. I sat in my chair and watched the rain and
listened to the wind and was glad I was inside. Niki went to the movie
with Nicole and finally I got up and fixed salad greens and chopped the
last of the turkey along with onions,
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celery, water chestnuts, etc. and fixed fried rice. Don spent the day
watching football, calling Mike to place bets and the Rams and the
Broncos both won their games, so next week the 49ers will have to play
the Rams and if they win they will go to the Super Bowl. I fixed dinner
and we ate but no one ate very much and me the least. There was the news
and then I did 2 loads of clothes and folded them and put them away. Don
fell asleep in the bedroom while watching TV so I guess we are all tired
today. Why I don't know. Talked to Priss and she was in a better mood
thank goodness. So I have nothing much to write. Jenny seemed to be in a
bad mood today so we saw little of her. She was very quiet. I suppose
things are not going well with Barry yet again. Tomorrow is another day.
January 8, 1990 (Monday)
I woke up this morning feeling much better thank goodness. I pinned up my
hair cuz I still looked terrible and I thought that might help. We got up
late but I still managed to get to Stars by 8:10. I did the machines and
then 15 minutes of the floor exercises before coming home. I took a hot
shower and got dressed in my green sweats and did my face and really
looked a lot better. We had lunch and then went to Dr. Shaw's. I had my
glasses tightened and Don saw Dr. Shaw. He said Don should see a
remarkable improvement in the next month. I just hope he is right. When
we got home I went for a 30 minute walk and it was so mild I had to take
my jacket off. I called Emma Rovey and invited her to lunch tomorrow. I
am not thrilled about it but I had said before the holiday I would do it,
so since Don goes to his luncheon club tomorrow I thought this would be a
good time. In the afternoon I made a huge fruit salad, sliced the last of
the ham, made twice-baked potatoes and broccoli with cheese sauce. Read
the rest of the afternoon. Asked Don for a drink before dinner and it
tasted good. Dinner was fine and then there was the news. Among other
things it is supposed to rain for the rest of the week. Called Priss and
chatted for a while and then Don got a movie with Billy Crystal about
cops but I can't remember the name. Found out the movie with Billy
Crystal was Running Scared.
January 9, 1990 (Tuesday)
Don got up early and took Daisy but it was too early for me and I went
back to sleep and got up at 6. I got my exercises in but figured I
couldn't go to Stars at 10 with Emma coming at 11:15 so instead I washed
my hair and pinned it up and then neatened up the living room and then
got the potato soup out. Fixed a dish of fruit and one of cheese and
pickles. Set out chocolate chip cookies and coconut macaroons, set the
table, cut up some French bread and was ready when she came. Okay, yes, I
swept the patio, raked up fallen snow branches left over from the wind at
the weekend. I also pruned the climbing rose. Then I swept the driveway
so it looked a little better. Well Emma came and with news. Jeff Sloan
got the principalship at Chico Junior, Miller from Chico High is going to
be vice principal and Hopper will be coming to Bidwell. I know everyone
will hate to see Jeff leave cuz he is so good. We had a nice time. She
brought me up to date on the ones I
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remembered. She left and Don came home so I went for a walk to walk off a
bigger lunch than I usually have. Then I fixed Swiss steak. Heated up the
rice from Sunday. Made a cottage cheese and fruit salad and vanilla
pudding. Cathy stopped by this morning and picked up things and the
recipes for cheesecake and graham cracker pie for the girls for 4-H and
tonight she called to get the coca cola cake for Rosalie. Then Pauline
called for the graham cracker pie for her company there so I really gave
away recipes today. Talked to Priss tonight. Tomorrow I go to the
Discovery Shop from 10 - 1. I did a lousy job setting my hair today. I
suppose I need a new perm but I hate the thought. Maybe I will have time
to set it again in the morning. Will have to shop in the afternoon or on
Thursday. Linda stopped by at noon after Emma left. She is unhappy about
her job what with all kinds of changes taking place.
January 10, 1990 (Wednesday)
We got up at 5 on another mild morning. I had to be at the Discovery Shop
at 9:45 so I planned to leave here at about 15 to 8 at the latest so I
did not have to rush, but I forgot that Don was eating breakfast with
Mary and Nancy, but since they have to be at work at 8 I just assumed he
would be back early. Of course he never remembers that I go shopping on
Wednesday, it always seems to come as a surprise to him. So I was all
ready and waiting and he was late and I was mad. It kind of spoiled the
whole thing for me. Why do I let things like that bother me? So then I
rushed like mad so I could get home in time and didn't buy very much. I
got back, unpacked everything and rushed to the Discovery Shop. The
morning went fast really although we didn't sell much. I got a pair of
white cotton slacks for summer that fit and a long cotton skirt in that
stone color I like and it fits, and I found a pair of shoes for Linda in
size 5 that she likes so that part was good and by the time I got home I
was okay. I ate lunch and took last night's meat and added tomatoes
stewed and macaroni for the main dish and fixed a green salad and made
muffins for dinner. Then I went for a walk and at 4 we went over to Nancy
Riley's to see the wood he has been working on and he has done a
beautiful job of refinishing. Came home and we ate dinner and watched the
news. Then Linda came over and kept us laughing about things at work.
After she left I called Priss and she talked for a long time. She is
going to Italy with David and Ann in July and she is already talking
about it. I get very bored sometimes listening to all that but I realize
that she wants to talk over her day and I shouldn't mind. Now I have a
headache so I am going to get ready for bed early I think.
January 11, 1990 (Thursday)
Daisy woke us up at 4:30 so Don got up and since I wanted to pin up my
hair before going to Stars I got up too and made Niki's lunch and Don's
breakfast before I did my exercises and then I pinned up my hair and read
the paper. Since today I wouldn't be going till 9:30 I decided to work on
that corner where the roses are again. I dug up 2 roses
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that have not been satisfactory and then I did some trimming and got
quite a bit done. By that time it was time to get ready for Stars so I
said goodbye to Dan and went out. It was not till I arrived that I
realized I had left my gear at home so I did the machines but didn't have
the right shoes for the floor exercises so I left. Stopped at S&S for
artichokes and then went to Lucky and got bread, cottage cheese, etc. By
then it was getting on toward lunch. I made a coca cola cake, which
turned out fine, and then we ran errands; went to the bank, to K-Mart for
an ironing board cover, to the mall for Don to buy sox and then to the
library. When we got home I decided to get rid of all the leftovers and I
really managed very well. Jason had stopped by so I told him to call his
mother and tell her to come for dinner and so we sat down at 6 and
everything I had was eaten except we didn't like the smoked turkey too
well that someone had given Jenny for Christmas that I had thawed today.
It was okay but not great. We watched the news and then Don went to lie
down cuz his war wounds bothered him. Jenny came over to talk and she
stayed for about an hour. I started a book but put it down when she came
and now it is after 9 and I have a headache and should go to bed.
Tomorrow Kathleen Muldoon and Barbara A. are coming for lunch so I will
be busy. I hope Don feels better tomorrow.
January 12, 1990 (Friday)
Rain! - It wasn't raining when we got up but by the time I was on my way
to Stars it was raining hard and that continued off and on all day long.
I bet every tree, bush, and blade of grass was happy about that. I didn't
stay at Stars that long. I tire so easily on the floor exercises; I
suppose if I stopped smoking it would help. When I got back I set the
table, got out the potato soup, thawed a loaf of fresh bread, made up a
dish with oranges, kiwi and dates and another one with pickles, cheese,
and beef stick. I had the coca cola cake from last night so I was all
set. I put on the skirt I got at the Discovery Shop but decided later I
didn't like it $3 worth so I found the tag and will take it back since it
was on approval. Priss called fast to say that we were invited to the
country club for dinner Sunday night then she called back to say would we
go to R. Fish and as I hesitated she said, "skip it" and banged down the
phone. That upset me. Well it was fun having Barbara and Kathleen for
lunch and we had a good time. After they left I cleaned everything up and
then Don got up from his nap and we went to the mall looking for
something for Ty for his birthday. At Penney's we found a good work shirt
for $10 and when Don paid it turned out to be only $5 cuz it was a red
tag deal. So then we saw a good working T-shirt for $5 so since we wanted
to spend about $10 we had two things to send. Came home and read and then
I decided to have cheese sandwiches and fruit for dinner so I fixed that.
We watched the news and the space ship found the satellite in space
grabbed and attached it to the ship. Fantastic! Then I decided I had to
call Priss and everything worked out okay and we will be going on Sunday.
So I will have a night off. Linda came over and watched a movie with
Jenny before Jenny went to work cuz she is doing an 8-hr. night shift.
Don and I read but I keep having headaches at night so finally I had a
cup of tea and that helped and then I took a hot shower and I felt
better. Jenny is
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working tonight. Jenny went to bed and turned off her light at a
reasonable hour and we went to bed and made love and it was fine. Well
not really for me but okay and I am accepting of that now and don't mind.
January 13, 1990 (Saturday)
I woke up at 3:30 and didn't go back to sleep. Not wrong I just couldn't
sleep so when Daisy came in at 4:30 Don got up and I got up too. I had
left frozen waffles for Don and Niki's breakfast, was no problem, and
then I put the sheets in the wash and made a potato salad, had read the
paper and gotten dressed and was ready to pick up Mary at 20 to 8 even
though it was pouring rain. We went and the only people there were the
one selling mandarins, the one selling broccoli and one selling oranges.
I bought broccoli and then we went to Safeway since I needed eggs, etc. I
decided we should go for a walk cuz it had stopped raining for a little
while so Don and I went for a 35 minute walk and it was very pleasant. We
were wise to go when we did since it rained right after we got back. Don
wanted me to re-read his book so I started on that and had read quite a
bit before lunch. Played some cards and won the 7 Across for a change.
Washed and set my hair. Linda came over and fixed herself some lunch and
Jenny woke up feeling lousy so she went to Dr. Powell's to get some
medicine. Niki went to see Wizard with Nicole Van Rossun and the girls
went to get videos to watch both this afternoon and tonight. Everything
outside is looking green and clean. Things were dusty and droopy but they
look great now. I hope it keeps raining for a while so we can get caught
up on precipitation. Dinner was easy. Fixed green beans had hot dogs and
the potato salad. I miss the cukes and tomatoes of summer. The evening
was quiet. The girls got movies and Don went to bed early but I read and
then went over to the apartment and watched some of Midnight Run even
though I had seen it before but it's very funny. Then although it was
early I decided to go to bed cuz I had nothing to read and Linda went
home and Jenny went to bed and so although I wasn't tired, I just sort of
went to bed cuz there was nothing else to do and so I had trouble going
to sleep.
January 14, 1990 (Sunday)
Rain at least a little. We got up later this morning. It was damp and
gloomy with sprinkles now and then. I read most of the paper and then got
dressed to go to church. We picked up Mary and today a couple repeated
their marriage vows after 50 years and it was very nice indeed. In fact I
cried and decided that it would be lovely if we did that in 3 years and I
would like to have the children and grandchildren all there. I told Don
and he thought it was a good idea too and so did Jenny. I went to Longs
and got vitamins and then later I walked over to the mall and got an all
cotton sleep shirt for Linda since the one I gave her for Christmas had
polyester and she can't wear that. I made bread and I finished reading
Don's book The Monkey Dance and I really got into it. In the morning it
was the Broncos vs. the Browns and the Broncos won big and then at 2 it
was the 49ers
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vs. the LA Rams and the 49ers won big so now we know who will be in the
Super Bowl. I had said that I would have a party this year to watch the
game so we will have to get busy and invite people. Then at about 15 to 5
I took a shower and got ready to go to R. Fish with Don and Priss. She
came to pick us up at 5:30. I wore my black knit skirt and top. I ordered
the salad bar and it was very good although I took too much stuff. Don
had the snapper and Priss the Mahi Mahi. I always feel tense and
uncomfortable at these dinners. Priss treats the waitresses like servants
and she is so touchy these days that one is always worried about saying
the wrong thing. She talked much about her trip to Italy in July and the
planning of it. I think things work out better when she and I do things
alone than when Don is along and he is really bothered by her and she
must sense it. Anyway it's over and it won't happen again for a while. I
ate too much and my head hurts and I am glad the affair is over. I bought
two rose bushes today and tomorrow I want to work in the yard and plant
the roses and start digging up the Bermuda.
January 15, 1990 (Monday)
Clear day. Well this was a busy day and a satisfying one. I made cooked
cereal this morning. Niki and Nicole slept in and Jenny went to work
although she felt terrible. She came home at noon and didn't go back but
slept and read in the afternoon. Don and I went out after breakfast and
worked in the yard and I mean worked! He cut back all the ivy on the west
fence on both sides and then he started work on the Bermuda in the rose
bush area. I worked on that and planted the two roses I bought yesterday
at Longs. The climber is another Don Juan that I put on the east fence
spaced near the quince and the other one, a pink, I put in the hole of
one I pulled out. It was clear this morning but very chilly but since the
sun was higher it was okay. In fact after lunch I sunbathed for a little
while and it felt wonderful. When we came in I did a load of clothes and
made lunch. In the afternoon I went for a walk and fixed a nice dinner of
roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and a green salad. I made
chocolate sauce so we had sundaes for dessert. Then it was the news.
Since we are having a Super Bowl party Don started calling people and I
will have to think about what I am going to serve. No mail today cuz of
Martin Luther King's birthday and I didn't write my letters. The
camellias in the north yard are now blooming and I brought in 3 different
blooms. Those bushes are doing very well. No word from Linda and Cathy
today. Just as I was writing this Linda came in and so we have been
talking. She is so much fun and it is always a joy to talk to her. I have
quince in the house too so the living room looks nice. So now it is 8:30
and I am yawning but I plan to read for a while before going to bed cuz
when I go too early I can't fall asleep. Well I stayed up till 11!
January 16, 1990 (Tuesday)
Rain. I got up before 5 and my hair looked so terrible I set it and thank
goodness I did cuz a little after 7 Chico U. called asking if I could go
to Pleasant Valley for K. Theile so I
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rushed around and made myself a lunch, put on my black knit skirt and
top, black shoes and sox and was ready by 15 to 8. I had some remnants
but there was nothing much to do in pattern but finally the day ended. I
had done all my exercises this morning but I wanted to go to Stars at
9:30 but missed yet another day. I certainly haven't gone much this year
well from August on last year. The women at Pleasant Valley seem to get
fatter and fatter, especially D. Reid, E. Robinson and Marge Willis. But
Susan Bruce and Mini Atkins were fine and it was good to see them. I just
hope I don't have to go tomorrow. I know the money is good but still I
really don't miss going to Pleasant Valley any more. Mark Bair says this
is their last year. Well Don picked me up shortly after 3:30 and I
started right in on dinner cuz I did not have a chance to do any of it
this morning. I made a coconut cake and while that was in the oven I
cooked the broccoli and made the sauce for it, made a chicken salad with
the leftover chicken from yesterday and we sat down at the usual time to
eat and then it was the news. It is supposed to be clear tomorrow but
another storm is due at the weekend. My stomach didn't feel great when I
got home and I had to go to the bathroom, unusual at that time of day.
Just hope I am not getting sick. Niki went to Dr. Perko and got a lot
more braces on and she looks like she has a lot of hardware in her mouth.
I talked to Priss who is concerned about her sister who is in the
hospital with a bad heart. Then I took a lovely hot shower and now I am
in my nightgown and housecoat, have brushed and flossed my teeth and
don't have to do any more tonight.
January 17, 1990 (Wednesday)
Oh dear, I forgot to write in this last night and now it is Thursday
night. Will I remember everything? I hope so. Let's see. Breakfast was as
usual. Then I did my exercises and got ready to go to Stars. I did the
machines and stayed for 15 minutes of the floor exercises Came home (Don
had played tennis) and had also worked in the yard digging around the
rose bushes again. So then we went to Paradise cuz Don wanted to see if a
book repairer could do anything about his old volume that is 450 years
old but the man said really it was in very good condition and he said he
would just leave it alone, but it was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the
drive. Came to the edge of Chico and stopped at the Cannery and Food For
Less to buy groceries and then we came home and had lunch. Afterwards I
went out and transplanted one of the roses that didn't get enough sun and
I just hope it lives cuz it was a pretty one. Then I went for a walk and
that was pleasant. Dinner was simple. I thawed some sausage patties, made
hot biscuits, did a fruit dish and scrambled eggs that turned out very
well. Also baked some spinach balls from the freezer so we had a good
dinner. Then there was the news. Made call to Priss where I heard all
about her trip to Italy in July. I think I will be hearing about that for
a long time. Then Don went to bed with a headache and I wanted to watch a
movie but decided after a while that after staying up till 11 two nights
in a row I had best go to bed a little bit earlier so off to sleep I
went. Mike and Karen sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers and I arranged
them in the vase that Cathy gave me for Christmas. That looks just grand.
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January 18, 1990 (Thursday)
All day I am 71 years old. I really don't feel as if I were 71 and hope I
don't look 71 but maybe I do. When I got up there was a funny card from
Don and a T-shirt in bright red with a 49ers logo on it. Then Niki gave
me a pair of red sox and Jenny gave me a pair of red sweats so now I have
an outfit in red. I told them to forget the Super Bowl party. I was going
to New Orleans and I would wave to them on TV. I got very funny cards
from the girls so it was all very nice and no one gave me a vase! Mike
called just as I was going for a walk so I was glad I didn't miss him.
They will be in Miami for the Super Bowl. He is giving a speech there. I
vacuumed the living room wing this morning and then I went to Stars.
Stopped off at Priss' to leave the jeans that didn't fit anyone and then
went on to do my exercises. The girl who is the instructor at 10 is very
good and I stayed half an hour. Picked up milk and some other things on
the way home and then made lunch. After talked to Mike I went for a 30
minute walk and it was bright and beautiful out and seemed like spring.
People were mowing their lawns; I saw violets in bloom. It was lovely.
When I got home I worked outside raking leaves out of borders, etc. cuz
Bill is coming on Monday to take all the stuff away and I want to get as
much done as possible. Came in and made a turkey hot dish, did the salad
greens and then did an apple crisp. Don went to the library and got me
some books. Jason stopped by and then went home. When Linda stopped by
after work we were just finishing with dinner so I sent the leftovers
home with her so she wouldn't have to cook. Jenny told me that she may
get a job teaching in Australia and if she goes in February she will be
interviewed.
January 19, 1990 (Friday)
I didn't get to bed till 11 and then I had to go to the bathroom at 4:15
and naturally Daisy heard me and thought it was time to get up. If I go
at 3 she isn't interested but when it's getting on to 5 she gets up damn
it. So Don got up with her but I stayed in till 5. Did my exercises and
had a muffin and my Pero and read the paper. Then when Niki had left for
work and Don had called his sister I got out the vacuum and did the
bedroom wing. It's a lot easier to do just XA a house in one day. Then I
took a shower, put on my stone gray slacks and sweater with a white
turtleneck and picked up all the stuff I was taking to the Discovery
Shop, and Don took me at 9:35 so I arrived just at the right time. There
were 3 of us working today and it was very slow until after 12. This was
the first time I didn't buy anything. I took 3 paperbacks but when I read
them I will return them. I looked at a lot of things but didn't see
anything I liked and anyway I really don't need anything. Came home and
had some lunch. Don took a nap and I read for a bit. Called and made an
appointment to have a perm on Wednesday. I fed the dog and then went for
a walk. It was bright outside but there was a nasty nip in the air so my
scarf and gloves felt good. When I got back I made cheese and egg sauce
on toast and fixed a fruit plate. Then at 10 to 7 Jenny took Niki to her
slumber birthday party and then Jenny lay down since she had to go to
work at 12. So we read and then Don asked if I wanted a drink and I asked
for a
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
Manhattan and then we talked a long time about our grandparents and the
fact that we never asked them so many things that we would like to know
now when it's too late. Then we went to bed and we made love and it was
lovely.
January 20, 1990 (Saturday)
This was a good day. Since Mary is very sick with the flu I went to the
market alone. I got broccoli for her cuz she asked me to and then I got
her some mandarins, and I had made muffins so I put them in the bag and
some fudge and some magazines. Took them over and then stopped at Safeway
to get things. When I got home Don was still playing tennis, but Bill
Roberts was here and he took all the cuttings from our pruning and clean
up. I changed the dining room decor and got out pink mats and candles and
the quince in the vase. Ate lunch, read, went for a walk with Don and
although it was so cold this morning it was warm and bright by afternoon.
Called Linda in Tahoe since it was 3 years ago today that she stopped
smoking. Made a pasta salad and added tuna and had hot bread for our
dinner. Am reading a good book called A Woman of Singular Occupation by
Penelope Gilliaut. Got a note from Pauline about my birthday and thanking
me for the magazine we gave them for Christmas. Jason stopped by in the
afternoon and told Don he was reading the poems and he thought they were
very good. He was pleased. Watched the news and then the Golden Globe
awards. Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman won for Driving Miss Daisy. Tom
Cruise won for Born on the 4th of July. The Little Mermaid won some
awards. It is 9:30 and I have just finished watching it. I enjoyed it.
Thank goodness Lonesome Dove won for Robert Duvall. So now everyone is in
bed and it is quiet and I suppose I should go too. I have a headache but
then I can't watch TV for very long. So the day is over and it was a good
one.
January 21, 1990 (Sunday)
Wrote to Pauline. Woke to a clear and cold morning. How many more times
will I have to write that before spring? We debated about going to church
but then decided to go. Don warmed the car up before we went out so I
didn't get cold. Father O'Hara looked sick and then said he was so he
gave a very short sermon and there were very few people at mass so I
think the flu is hitting hard right now. When we got home I wrote a long
letter to Pauline. Then I made a chocolate chess pie before lunch. I read
in the afternoon and then put the beef roast on. Fixed potatoes and
carrots. Did the salad greens and then went for a walk. It was still
brisk enough to be comfortable in a jacket. Don watched golf in the
afternoon. I had a small glass of wine before dinner but Don didn't have
a drink tonight. I think I would like a little wine every night and
probably skip the hard liquor although I do like a cocktail. Dinner was
delicious. I love that menu anyway and I had heated rolls so that made it
even better. Niki went to see the Little Mermaid and loved it. We watched
the news and then Don went to lie down for a while cuz he had a headache
and I read. Linda called Jenny to tell her that she was back from Tahoe
safe and sound. I
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
am always glad to know she is home cuz the roads are often treacherous in
the winter. No word from Cathy today. Tomorrow I hope to go to Stars. One
of these weeks I would like to be able to go every day. We shall see. Now
I find out that the Super Bowl is not at 5 p.m. but 2 p.m. so I will have
to start planning what I am going to serve and when I am going to cook
it. I checked from last year and I had made the comment that I was worn
out so I had better be careful about this year.
January 22, 1990 (Monday)
Again Don went off with Daisy and I was half asleep. I did get up a
little while later just in time to come out and have Don tell me that
Daisy had thrown up on the living room rug. So we got that cleaned up.
Don thought she had eaten something at the junior high. Well anyway then
I did my exercises and had my Pero. I got Niki up and got dressed to go
to Stars. I did the machines and 15 minutes of the floor exercises and
then left. Stopped on the way home and got 3 dozen eggs at Safeway cuz
they were on sale for 99 cents. Eggs along with everything else have gone
up in price. When I got back Don took the car and went to play tennis. I
did 2 loads of clothes and then went over to Montgomery Ward to buy hand
towels but they were not any good so I got some at K- Mart. Then home to
have lunch. Both Linda and Jason came for lunch and when they left I went
for a walk. Folded the clothes and fixed things for dinner: made fried
potatoes, sliced some of the roast, fixed two grapefruit and cooked
broccoli. Niki came home from school all upset cuz trouble again with Amy
and girls kept calling saying they didn't like her and she was crying.
What a mess. Girls can be so cruel. Her mother came home and we ate
dinner and then Jenny and Niki spent the evening over at the apartment. I
hope things will be better tomorrow. I made a batch of oatmeal cookies
this afternoon. Called Priss and she talked for almost an hour. Then I
read a book but I was so sleepy I kept dozing off. It was very chilly
this morning but it got warm in the afternoon. I can't wait for Wednesday
when I go to get my hair permed. It looks terrible now. We got an
answering machine with a phone today in the mail but didn't know who sent
it. We did not order one. Called Mike since it had been sent from Florida
but he didn't know either. A mystery. I think I will go to bed early
tonight.
January 23, 1990 (Tuesday)
I didn't feel great when I woke up. Daisy came in at 4:30 and Don
dutifully got up and took him to the junior high. I lay in bed for a
while and then got up and washed and set my hair. Next I made Niki's
lunch, did a few exercises and then had a muffin and my Pero but I still
didn't feel great so I went back to bed for a while. Something I never do
but it helped, so when I got up again I did some ironing and then got
dressed to go to Stars at 9:50. Don went off to play tennis. I did my
thing at Stars and when I got back Don and I went to the library and I
got books for Jenny and myself and Don picked up Oldest Living
Confederate Widow Tells All and I have started to read it and I love it.
We
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
had lunch and Don napped and I read. Then we went for a walk. The sun was
bright and there was still a chill in the air. Niki came home alone. She
said no one would play with her so I think she is in for a tough time at
school but she was not as upset as yesterday. I fixed spaghetti and a
green salad with hot bread for dinner. Then there was the news naturally
and nothing too interesting. I had a good chat with Priss. Her mood has
been good lately. Then Jenny told me that in two weeks she was going to
Australia for two weeks. That will be a long time for Don, Niki, and me
but I suppose we will make it. She doesn't know what to expect. I guess
Barry is having a hard time trying to decide what he wants to do. She is
also going to check out jobs there cuz they need instructors in nursing.
We will see. Don is watching an older movie with Marlon Brando. I smoked
9 cigarettes today after smoking only 8 yesterday. I would like to smoke
less each day not more. Tomorrow I get my perm. I hope I like it. Now I
must wash my face, brush my teeth and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is
another day.
January 24, 1990 (Wednesday)
A busy day. I made oatmeal this morning although I didn't have any
myself. Did my exercises read the paper, well most of it, and then got
ready to go grocery shopping. I like to be at the Cannery at 8 and today
I was the first one in the door when they opened. Then on to the Food For
Less and was home by 9:30. Don then had errands to run plus he had to
pick up the milk at Safeway. I watered the plants and worked outside a
bit and since by that time the sun had warmed things up it was a joy to
be outside, and as I was coming through the back yard I spotted the first
camellia in bloom on the old bushes. A pure white one. That bush was
given to us by the man who built our house so it is now 35 years old and
it is amazing to think I have lived in one place that long. This is
Mike's birthday so Don called me and left a note on the answering
machine. Ed Mizel had called this morning about a cousin in Russia who
wants to come to the U.S. to go to school. He and Don called back and
forth today and Don thinks he could get him into Chico State. The problem
lies in getting him out of Russia since he is a Jew and that really poses
a problem. At 20 to 1 Don drove me to Durham and I got my perm. Karen
does a good job but I get very bored with her talking. Still for $26 she
does a good job. Came home with David who picked me up since Don had to
take Niki to Dr. Perko's and Jenny was working at the hospital today. I
got busy on dinner. Made grilled cheese sandwiches for Jenny and Niki Don
and I had roast beef sandwiches heated up with some of the juice from the
roast. Then there was leftover spaghetti and I made a fruit plate. After
dinner there was the news. I talked to Priss and then read some in my
book. Don had a headache and went to bed and Jenny went over to Linda's.
Don told me that Mike called back this afternoon and he is very opposed
to Jenny's going to Australia for 2 weeks. Since Don is too they agreed.
I take a different view although I don't like the responsibility of Niki
for that time I think she should go. I didn't say anything to Don about
that though.
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
January 25, 1990 (Thursday)
I got up this morning at about 5:15. Well it was nice to see that the
perm was fine and no curl gone. I picked it up for just a little while so
when I combed it out it looked fine. I did a little bit of shopping
before going to Stars at 9:30. Had a good workout. I decided to do some
cooking so I made a pot of chili that I will use on Sunday but for
tonight's dinner I made a cranberry Jell-O salad and got everything put
together for a turkey divan. Don loves that dish. Alice Wipf called and
brought me some pecans from her tree. She said she had a very good crop
this year and she also brought me some little gardenia cuttings that had
rooted so when she left I planted them together and hopes to have a plant
that grows. Dale Steiner stopped by to talk to Don about Ed Mizel's
cousin who wants to leave Russia to come to the U.S. to go to college.
Don hopes to have him come to the Chico State campus. Dale also hopes
that Don could maybe teach to the seminar in the fall and I think Don
would like that. It was cloudy most of the day and there is even the
chance of rain tonight about midnight. I surely hope so since we need it
so much. We had a good dinner with the turkey, salad and hot rolls and I
made a lemon souffle for dessert. Jenny was late so I sat with her while
she ate and she told me about her day at work. Then the news and then I
called Priss and she offered to make a rum cake for Sunday and since I am
making a chocolate bundt cake and wanted something else to offer that
sounded good. I read in the evening. Don went to bed early with a
headache. Linda came over and she had received a letter at work saying
how good she was and that had pleased her. Cathy stopped by at noon and
we had such a good visit. She is always like a breath of fresh air and is
so funny. And so the day marched on at its usual pace and now everyone is
in bed but me. Niki wanted Nicole Van Rossun to come spend the night but
she couldn't come so I hoped she called her friend Robin. She had gone to
her birthday party last weekend and she can come so now I must think of
something for dinner tomorrow night.
January 26, 1990 (Friday)
The month of January is winding down. The Vi promise of rain in the night
didn't come so this morning it was clear. After breakfast I washed some
mirrors and the study down and then Daisy and I went out to cut quince.
It is still mostly in bud so I had trouble getting enough and in the
right kind of branches. I must have spent % of an hour trying to do the
one for the coffee table and the dining room table and with all the
candles I have I could find ones that were just the right color. After
that I took a shower and then walked to and from the S&S Produce Store. I
used to walk beyond them to Venus and that was a good walk and I liked
Venus better than Stars in many ways and my figure was better. I realize
that was from '81 to '86 and maybe I am just getting old and I should not
blame it on Stars. But the big advantage was that I didn't have to have a
car to get there. Came home and had lunch and then went to Priss to see a
new dress she had bought. It was stunning, polished cotton in a dramatic
print. Sometimes I envy her the clothes she has. It
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
cost $88 so I will probably never buy one like it. Stopped to buy new
potatoes at Lucky and when I got home I made mayonnaise and got
everything ready for waffles tonight. Robin Taylor came over to spend the
night with Niki so she ate dinner with us. She is very quiet but she and
Niki seem to get along well. I keep plugging away on the Oldest Living
Confederate Widow Tells All. It is good, in fact very good, but it has a
lot of description and not much plot. Still I enjoy reading it. Don went
to bed fairly early and I stayed up a little later.
January 27, 1990 (Saturday)
I wanted to get as much done as possible today for the party tomorrow. I
did my exercises and then went off to pick up Mary to go to the farmers
market. She brought me about 2# of almonds. I got some oranges, broccoli
and apples. When I got home I got busy. I made a 3-bean salad, fixed
carrots and celery and made the spinach dip. I love that so much that I
kept nibbling away right while I was making it. Niki and Robin went to
the mall, and finally even went bowling. Jenny took them and they all
seemed to have fun. Amy called and apologized for being mean to Niki this
week and asked if she would play with her Monday when they go back to
school. Niki went to ask Jenny cuz Jenny had said she couldn't play with
her, and Jenny said she couldn't do anything about what happened at
school but she should tell her that friends don't do things like that. I
made a simple dinner: sliced ham, green beans, creamed cheese potatoes,
raw veggie salad and canned pitted cherries for dessert. Don got the
movie Heart of the West. Crazy silly thing with Jeff Bridges, Blythe
Danner, but it was fun. Jenny was going to work at 12 to 8 so she went to
bed to get some sleep before she left and Niki went to bed while we were
watching the movie so when it was over we were the only ones up for once!
I had been drinking Amaretto over ice during the movie so then Don and I
had a little more while we talked in the living room and then we went to
bed and made love and it was very good. I finally got to shampoo my hair
today after my perm on Wednesday and it looked great. Well tomorrow is
the Super Bowl and I just hope the 49ers win and that our party goes
well.
January 28, 1990 (Sunday)
I had told Mary I was not going to church today and Don didn't go either.
Right after breakfast and without even reading the paper I got busy. I
made a chocolate bundt cake first with B. Conklin's recipe, then I boiled
my potatoes and a dozen eggs for salad. Got the ham out and put it to
cooking slowly. Meanwhile Don was busy outside. Well first he vacuumed
and washed the kitchen floor. Then he watered the borders, swept the
walks, driveway and the gutters so everything looked great. Niki and I
put a leaf in the table and I used the blue and white lattice dish from
Portugal with quince and blue candles to match. The menu for the party
was: bowls of: almonds, oriental mix, bagel chips, pistachios, and honey
coated sticks, pretzels. The dinner: chili, ham, potato salad, 3 bean
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
salad, olives, carrots, celery, pickles, spinach dip, cookies, chocolate
bundt and rum cake. Priss brought that. The people Cotrell's, Jeff
Livingston, Alice, Priss, Jason, Niki, Robin, Jenny, Dale, Karen and
Rachel, Joanna, Jackie (who brought almond roca) Cathy and the 3 girls
and Billi and Kirk Manford. The 49ers won 55-10! Linda had a fight with
Jason and didn't come but she did come over afterwards and seemed fine
and didn't say anything about the trouble. Everyone ate a lot and Don
served drinks. I didn't have any but I ate too much that was for sure.
Peopled seemed to like what I had made and I had judged amounts right so
there was very little left over. Don was a great help. He did all the
cleaning up and that makes it so much easier. Rosalie brought her new
rabbit her mother had brought her yesterday. Rachel ran all over the
place. She used a great deal of energy. Niki and I wore our 49ers Tshirts and Niki took my picture and I took hers. Daisy tried hard to be
good but she ran around a lot like people. I think the party was a
success this is the 4th time the 49ers have won and it was the biggest
score ever.
January 29, 1990 (Monday)
Both of my thumbs have splits and it is very painful to write. We had a
bad night for sleeping and so we slept almost till 6. Don had said last
night he had eaten so much he would just have bread and water today so
when he got back from his run I had put a glass of water and a crust of
bread down on his plate. After that gag I got out his papaya, banana and
orange juice. Went off to Stars at 8 and did my thing till 15 to 9 and
then home. I folded and ironed clothes. We took the drawers out of the
chest by the south wall and put casters down and so it moves better. I
neatened things up. Had lunch. Priss came to pick up her cake holder and
we visited at the car. After lunch Don napped and I read my book. My legs
hurt today and I wonder sometimes if I take too many vitamins but I worry
about quitting too. Will think about this. When Don woke up we went for a
walk and then I sorted out the leftovers from yesterday's feast and made
dinner. Simple matter. Jason came by and visited while he had a snack. So
Jenny told me the whole plot of Batman a movie I have had no desire to
see. Alice had brought me pecans so I cracked them and heated them and
will put them in the freezer. We had dinner. Niki told us about their
field trip to the bowling alley. I got a letter from my sister Pauline
today and she told me about grandma Menard and enclosed her background.
Most of the things I too had remembered so there wasn't too much that was
new. Jenny was late but we waited for her to eat. So the day went by.
Both Don and I are bored and would like to get away but there is always
something that keeps us from going. Now Jenny is going to Australia for 2
weeks and so we can't go yet again. And where would we go? We are low on
money at the moment and how would Jenny do in regard of Niki. Sometimes
we feel trapped or at least I do. It is a sad state of affairs when the
highlight of the week is going grocery shopping!
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
January 30, 1990 (Tuesday)
Rain in the night but not much. I woke to the sound of water dripping
from the gutters outside our window but by the time we got up the rain
had stopped and it didn't rain again although it is supposed to rain
later in the week. Got up and did the usual. Then after breakfast I
watered and fed the plants. Then I cleaned both bathrooms and by then it
was time to go to Stars. The 10 a.m. class is great cuz Cathy is so good
and everyone realizes that cuz there were 40 people there today and some
were turned away. I stayed till 10:30 and then came home cuz Don had
errands to run. Made me lunch and read my book till he came back. Then
while he napped I went to the library and got books. Stopped to see Priss
and we had a good visit and then back home. I made scalloped potatoes and
ham and fixed a green salad and then walked to Safeway and got bananas
since they were 25D# and we were out. By then it was cloudy, windy and
chilly. I was glad to get home. Since dinner was made I read for the rest
of the afternoon. We ate dinner after having a drink and then Linda
stopped by and ate. I asked about Jason and she said she had tried to
call but he didn't answer. I don't know quite how they operate. It would
never occur to me not to cook dinner for a member of the family but she
often doesn't bother. Then Jenny and Niki went over to Linda's and we
watched the news. Gorbachev is in trouble and there is talk that he may
resign. Then what will happen? We got to talking and I am afraid I was
rather angry about a lot of things. I think Jason who is taking only 5
classes could get a part time job this semester and help out. Don doesn't
see it that way. I see Jason as being not very responsible. He took the
vacuum again yesterday and promised to bring it back last night or today
at the latest and of course he didn't. But then his mother never took
responsibility seriously so why should he? Well I am not in a good mood
tonight obviously so I had better quit.
January 31, 1990 (Wednesday)
Rain in the evening. Not a bad day. Got up at 5:30 although Don and Daisy
got up earlier. By 15 to 8 I was on my way to 20th Street and the Cannery
and Food For Less. Then on the way home I stopped at Holiday and bought
turkey baster. Decided that Daisy's turkey stew tasted so good I would
make one for us. So using one thigh plus some turkey breast left over I
made a very good stew for our dinner. Had lunch and then I walked to
Lucky to get some things. I like to have a destination when I walk
although it means many times that I have to carry something home. Both
Jason and Linda came for lunch. I had a long talk with Linda about Jenny
and her going to Australia. We wonder how it will turn out. She leaves on
Tuesday and will be gone for 2 weeks. It started getting cloudy in the
afternoon and colder and by 4 p.m. it was raining and by nighttime it was
really coming down. We had dinner and then for once I listened to both
President Bush give his State of the Union speech and Foley gave the
Democratic side. They were both good. Linda and Jenny went to the mall
and Niki did her homework. She got her report card today and it was a
good one. Mostly A's and a couple of B+s. I talked to Priss and we had a
good chat
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
and then Jenny, Don and I watched Major League, which was funny and
sweet. Don ended up with a raging headache but he stuck it out till the
end. But now he is in bed, I can hear the rain and the wind and I suppose
I too should go but I am not sleepy so I will read for a while. My neck
bothered me today. I think I did too much yesterday at Stars.
February 1, 1990 (Thursday)
Now January is over. Although it rained in the night, by morning there
were stars and then sun. We slept in and it was late when we got up but I
had done much of Niki's lunch and I had a waffle that just had to go into
the toaster for Don so breakfast was easy. Niki wanted Kix this week so
she had that for breakfast. Jenny was working at Common's today and Don
took her so he could have her car since he had a meeting at the college
about the relative of Ed Mizel's who is trying to get out of Russia to
come to school in the U.S. and Chico State agreed to have him come here.
So after everyone left for school, work and a meeting, I went out to get
some fresh quince and the deck was a thin sheet of ice. I was very
careful indeed about walking on it and the grass was like walking on
potato chips. After I did my arrangement, I got dressed to go to the
Discovery Shop. The time went fast there. I brought home a number of
things. The only one I decided to keep was a red cotton, long sleeved,
loose fitting top that I liked for $2.00. Had my lunch cuz by 1:15 I was
really hungry. Didn't walk today. It was cold. I had stood for 3 hours at
the shop and my neck hurt. I just hope it doesn't get bad again. I made a
tuna salad, got out some little pizzas that were frozen and with chips
that was our dinner. Then the news which was mainly about Russia. Then
Don went to the bedroom to watch Greystokes-Tarzan and I read my book and
Niki did her homework and watched TV and now she is in bed reading. Jenny
and I had a long talk about her going to Australia on Tuesday. She says
if the job situation looks good, she will probably move to Melbourne
whether she is still with Barry or not. She doesn't see too much hope
there at present. I know that Don is against her going, but I am for it.
As she says, she has never done anything exciting in her life and this
might be her chance. Time will tell.
February 2, 1990 (Friday)
Well, the groundhog saw his shadow so supposedly spring is just around
the corner. I hope that is true but I had to scrape a lot of ice off the
car this morning before going to Stars. I did the machines but didn't
stay long with the floor exercises. Roxanne tends to do a lot of little
fancy footwork and that bores me. I stopped and got doughnuts so when Don
got back from tennis, we had them and then I showered and shampooed and
set my hair. Did 2 loads of clothes. Don went to Jackie's for his
luncheon club and I read. Then a woman called from the Discovery Shop
saying that the dress she had taken yesterday that I liked was too small
for her so she had brought it back. When Don got home, I went down and
got it, but I haven't decided yet whether I like it well enough to pay $2
for it. I will try it on for Jenny tomorrow and see what she thinks.
Stopped and
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cashed Jenny's $100 check to put with the grocery money and $45 check
from CUSD for half a day I did when my neck hurt and I had to go home.
When Jenny got home from work, she, Niki and I went to R. Fish for
dinner. Don had eaten so much lunch that he decided not to go. I ate too
much, but I liked the fish and next time I will concentrate on fewer
things. When we got home, Jenny went over to Linda's to stay the night.
Jason has not been obeying curfew and since Linda is in Tahoe this
weekend, she wanted Jenny to keep an eye on him. She will be going
tomorrow night too. I had thought that Niki would be going too but no
such luck. I will ask Jenny tomorrow if she could take Niki so we could
have an evening to ourselves. She will be leaving on Tuesday and I think
she should spend more time with Niki. Talked to Priss and now I will read
for a while. Niki is watching wrestling. Ghastly, but she loves it.
February 3, 1990 (Saturday)
Rain! When we got up this morning, it was overcast but the actual rain
didn't start till mid-afternoon and then it went on into the evening.
Mary and I went to the fruit market. I got some oranges and leaf lettuce
but that was all. Then we stopped at Safeway so I could get Don a
doughnut and Mary got some things. Came home and made a chocolate mousse
with a new recipe that we will have tomorrow. I hope it was a good one.
Daisy and I went to the back yard and I raked up leaves that had fallen
with the wind. Then I saw a huge branch on l of the eucalyptus trees and
pulled it down and cut off all the smaller branches and Don sawed the
main one. The wind has been very strong. Ate lunch, read and fixed dinner
so that there wasn't much to do at the last minute. Nicole was here and
she and Niki played. They had gone bowling earlier. For dinner we had
scrambled eggs, tater tots, oranges and kiwis and hot biscuits. All very
good. Jenny started packing today. She borrowed my travel iron and a deal
to plug in. She is leaving Tuesday but is getting ready. After dinner,
she took the 2 girls over to the Van Rossun's and then she went to
Linda's for the night to be sure Jason is in by 1. So Don and I put on
Dangerous Liaisons but we didn't like it all that much and after an hour
we gave up and had something to drink and then went to bed and made love.
Fine for me, but not for Don. That is a new twist. Before we went to bed,
we talked about Jenny and if she moves to Australia to live. Don
obviously doesn't want her to go and I feel if she wants to go I am all
for it. We shall see. Talked to Priss but briefly tonight. Now all is
quiet here. Don is in bed. I suppose I should go too although I would
like to stay up and read. But I won't. I made a plan for tomorrow's
dinner but other than that I have nothing on for tomorrow but I can read.
February 4, 1990 (Sunday)
Clear, Cold. We woke up to a cold clear day. The rain of yesterday was
gone. Picked up Mary and went to Mass. Stopped on the way home so Don
could get a doughnut. I decided to make most of the dinner early so I put
potatoes in to bake and then fixed them
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on the half shell. Did the salad greens, and browned the chicken thighs.
Made a good sauce: poultry A-l sauce, orange juice and honey, and soy
sauce, salt and pepper. Browned them and then when they cooked in the
oven there was a rich golden sauce. Jenny and I went for a walk before
lunch and then I read and finished the book I was on, a mystery, then I
wrote to my sister and went back to reading about the last Confederate
War widow. Niki went to a movie Tremors with Kasey. I called Jason to
come to dinner, but he said he probably wouldn't make it and he didn't.
Dinner was great and the chocolate mousse was very good too. Jenny and I
talked about her trip on Tuesday. She says she will go to Australia if
she is offered a good job and it will not depend on Barry. She seems to
be very sensible about the whole thing and frankly I hope she gets a good
job and moves. I will miss her and Niki terribly, but I think it will be
good for her. Naturally Don does not agree. So then I called Priss and we
had a good chat. She has been in a good mood lately. Now at 7:30 Don is
watching the all star football game in Honolulu and I am going to read
for a while. Don came out to say that Lethal Weapon was on with Mel
Gibson and since I had liked it the first time, I decided to watch again
and Don came out to watch with me. We didn't get to bed until after 11
but that was okay by me.
February 5, 1990 (Monday)
Rain in the evening. So now back to another week. Monday morning I got up
at 5:30 and had to rush around to make the lunch for Niki and to fix
Don's breakfast and work in a few exercises but I got everything done and
was at Stars by 8:10. I worked out till 10 to 9 and then came home. Had a
cup of Pero and a slice of bread and then went to get vacuum bags, some
ground meat, and a can of green beans. When I got back Don went to run
his errands. I made a meat loaf, did a 3-bean salad and then it was time
for lunch. Afterwards, Don napped and I read. When he got up, we went for
a walk. There was a nasty little south wind blowing and I was glad I had
dressed warm. When we got back, it was almost time for Niki to get home.
Then Linda arrived having driven down from Tahoe and so we heard about
her weekend. Then Jason called to say that on Saturday there was a dance
and he had to be back from San Francisco at 5. Don was taking him to a
tennis tournament in San Francisco and since it started at 1:30, there
was no point in going. I think Don was disappointed and he found out he
could not return the tickets and he didn't tell me how much they had
cost. My dinner was good: meat loaf, baked potatoes cut in strips,
broccoli au gratin and orange salad. Jenny was late so we went ahead and
then I sat with her while she ate. Later she went for a walk with Linda.
We listened to Dan Rather and I wonder about what is happening in Russia.
Jenny spent the evening washing clothes, writing checks for things for
Niki: haircut, money for tutor in math, money for skiing equipment for
this weekend. Don went to bed with a very bad headache. I read. Tomorrow
Don goes to Dr. Shaw to find out about glasses, etc. Then he has a
meeting in the afternoon and then he goes out to dinner tomorrow night
with Mr. Cohen from Sacramento. Niki and I will be here alone. Don talked
to Ed today about the
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Russian project. They call almost every day. Now it is 9:15 and all is
quiet. All I can hear is the rain. Had a nice visit with Priss.
February 6, 1990 (Tuesday)
By morning the rain was gone and it was clear and cold. Don went to Dr.
Shaw at 8:15 and came home saying that the repaired eye was now 20/25 and
they took his glasses and will put in a new lens for the eye and he is to
go back in 3 months and then Dr. Shaw will decide when to operate. I then
went to Stars at 9:30 and stayed till 10:15. When I got back, Jenny was
just about ready to leave. She was having lunch with Debbie and she took
her to the airport. I read while Don napped and then at 1:30 I went for a
walk. A student came at 2 to talk to Don about an oral history project so
Daisy and I stayed in the TV room. Mike called so I went to the other
phone while we talked. I think things are a bit tough for them at
present. So far Karen has only 4 clients and she should have about 20 to
make a go of it. So he is having to work very hard to meet the bills.
They have spent a lot of money on the wedding, his car, buying her a new
car, the house is expensive. I just hope they make it. Maybe they should
have waited a while before getting into all this. Well, once the call was
over, Niki and I went to the library and then to Longs to buy valentines.
Jenny left some money so I paid out of that. Came home and I had good
leftovers so Niki and I had dinner. Don went off at 6 to the Albatross to
have dinner with Mr. Cohen, a former student who is now a stockbroker in
Sacramento. He didn't get home till 8:30 and had enjoyed the evening. I
called Mary Wyle today and offered her the tennis tickets and she has a
friend who is an avid tennis fan so at least they will be used. I read
The Cutting Edge by Penelope Gilliatt, a small book but I liked it. Now
it is 9:45 and I must get ready for bed. Tomorrow it is grocery day so I
won't be going to Stars. Talked to Priss tonight as usual.
February 7, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is 9:15 PM and Niki who went to sleep at 9 asked me to wash a sweater
for her so the machine is churning away and before I go to bed, I will
have to wait to put the sweater in the dryer. We woke to a very cold
frosty morning. Don was kind enough to run the car a long time so that
when I came out at 8 to get in, all the ice was off the windows and the
inside was warm. I stopped by Priss' to leave her a drivers test cuz she
has to take it before the first of March and then I went grocery
shopping. I got home and Don was back from tennis so he helped me bring
things in. I had put 2 drumsticks (turkey) in before I left with all the
fixings so now Daisy has a new supply of food to mix with her dry food.
Then I made potato salad for tonight. Linda and Jason came for lunch and
I heard all about David Yakich's new grand prix. They had his mom out to
dinner together cuz it was David's birthday. Both Jenny and Linda liked
Marilyn and it had gone well. In the afternoon I read and then went for a
walk. I asked Jenny and Linda for dinner and I got together a real good
one: the meat loaf sliced and in a sauce, the salad, zucchini in
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tomato sauce, hot bread, carrots, etc. and brownies. Then Linda took Niki
over to her house and they watched a movie. Don got his new glasses today
and he can read very well, but he got a headache right after dinner so he
went to bed early. I finally finished the Confederate Widow skipping and
skimming at the end. It was good but it got a bit much after a while. Did
I mention that I did get a walk in during the late afternoon? Tomorrow I
will go to Stars again. Nothing much more to write about tonight. Now the
washer has stopped and I will put things in the dryer and then I guess I
will go to bed.
February 8, 1990 (Thursday)
I decided that we would clean the house today. After breakfast I watered
the plants and then I vacuumed the living room, kitchen, TV room and
washed the kitchen floor. Don did the bedroom wing. Then he went off to
have breakfast with Mac and Carl. I went to Stars at 9:30 and stayed till
10:15. Then I went to the Discovery Shop and paid off my bill there and
the ladies talked me into a pair of slacks and top. I like the pants, but
the top was too big so now I will have to take that back. Stopped at S&S
and got some things and then came home and had lunch. Don went off to the
library and I read and washed and set my hair. Then at 2:30 I decided to
make rolls and while they were rising, Niki made cookies to take on her
skiing deal with the Van Rossun's. I heated stew and made a salad and
with the rolls that was enough. Jenny did not call and I expected her to
as did Niki, but hopefully she will call tomorrow. We watched the news
and then Don had gotten Lethal Weapon II and Linda came over to watch but
it was just too violent for me and not as good as the first one so I read
instead. I called Priss at 4 since she was going out to dinner. I wish I
had something pretty and new to wear tomorrow night but I have no idea
what I would buy if I went looking so I will figure something out. It is
10:15 and I suppose I should go to bed. Nothing great today.
February 9, 1990 (Friday)
I woke up feeling cross. I hate it when I am that way. Everything seemed
to irritate me and it was late in the day before I felt like myself. B-6
is supposed to help that. I had cut down to 1 so I will go back to 2. I
decided not to go to Stars. That was probably a mistake, but so be it.
Instead I read The Last Waltz and finished it by the end of the day.
Since we had cleaned the house yesterday, I don't have to do anything but
neat things up. I changed the quince in the living room and it looks
great. I did my nails, shaved my legs and pinned up my hair. I suppose
cuz of my mood I thought my hair looked terrible, but finally I got it
working better. I talked to Priss in the late afternoon since we were
going out and tomorrow she goes to San Francisco to see Les Miserables so
I won't be calling her tomorrow night. She had been to the doctor and she
is anemic so she is going to take more iron. Niki was going to Linda's
while we went out so I gave them some potato salad and 3-bean salad and
fixed English muffins with cheese on top. I put on my black wool skirt
and top and black hose. I want desperately to have something new but
don't
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know what I want and I have so little occasion to wear anything nice that
I hate to buy something that I won't wear. We went to the Markland's and
they had another couple and it was all very nice. I liked the food but
Don did not. There were pieces of chicken breast cooked with prunes, and
2 other dishes, a rice dish and a salad with red and green peppers. The
conversation was good. Don got rather argumentative, but other than that
it was fine. When we picked up Niki, Jenny had called her at Linda's and
I was relieved since she had left on Tuesday and we had not heard from
her at all. Daisy was so glad to see us. She has not been completely
alone for a long time.
February 10, 1990 (Saturday)
I woke up at a little after 4 but noticing that Don had gone out to the
lounge to sleep I decided to doze and not get up and so it was 5:30
before I got up and Don and Daisy got up and left for their run. I fixed
breakfast and then went to wake Niki who wanted to be awakened at 7:30.
But she was already up. I had laid out what I thought she would be taking
so she just had a few things. Then I dashed off to pick up Mary and we
did a very hasty trip to the fruit market. I bought a few mandarins and
some apples. I took Mary home and got home myself by 8:20. Niki was
rushing around getting dressed and packing her things. I had made up a
sack of food: 2 packages of bagel chips, oranges, apples, kiwis, and a
batch of chocolate chip cookies that Niki had made Thursday. So at 9 Don
took Niki over to the Van Rossun's and he went on to play tennis with
Carl. I just sat down and read for a while and when he got back I drove
over to the Mall and spent money on little things. Bought some sugarless
candy and a little basket to put it in for Niki. Found some nice little
baskets on sale so I bought 4 for Easter baskets later. Went to Longs for
vitamins and shampoo, then to Lucky for cake mixes, bread and cottage
cheese. Home and by that time it was lunchtime. Don and I went outside
and painted the south fence. I did a little raking and picked up some
fallen branches. Went for a long, long walk. Fixed hero sandwiches for
dinner. Beautiful today and warm. Watched the news and dozed. Then put on
my housecoat and read. Don got his nightly headache. Strange to have the
house so quiet with both Niki and Jenny gone. We read and then Don asked
if I would like a drink and I had some amaretto over ice and he tried it
and thought it was good too. Then we went to bed and made love and it was
the best in a long time so it was a great way to end the day.
February 11, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up, Don for his run and I to make breakfast. Then there was the
Sunday paper and suddenly I remembered that Nelson Mandela was supposed
to be freed today after 27 years in prison. So we turned it on and they
were waiting for him and then he appeared. He appeared tall, handsome and
dignified and very much the leader. South Africa or at least black South
Africa went wild. The whole thing was very impressive. Mary Yakich called
saying she did not feel well and was not going to church. Don wanted to
stay and
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watch so I got dressed to go by myself. Before I left, I made some
comment about what someone had said about Mandela and Don called him an
"asshole." Don is always complaining about vulgarity—TV shows but I think
that is a very crude thing to say. I didn't say anything but I was upset.
Went on to church, stopped for a doughnut for him and came home. At 10:30
we went to the Mall cuz Jockey underwear was on sale and he wanted to buy
some. He ended up spending $75 for underwear! I couldn't believe it. Then
to K-Mart so I could spend $5 on a map. Was eating my lunch when Priss
called who talked for half an hour about going to San Francisco to see
Les Miserables. My mood did not improve. Last night we had talked about
taking a drive today and we were going to take Daisy with us. No mention
today and I didn't bring it up. Don watched golf. I read and then
marinated the steaks, made a salad, 2 baked potatoes and a lemon souffle.
I had decided yesterday to have a fancy dinner. Then got a call from Niki
and they were going to come home today instead of tomorrow. So sent Don
for another steak, made more salad, put in another potato to bake. She
got home and Don barbecued the steaks. Dinner was delicious. It seems
Jack got sick so they came home. We watched Siskel and Ebert and the news
and then Don went to bed with a headache and I read and dozed and Niki
watched TV. So I didn't go for a walk today. I was disappointed about a
lot of things and it was really a busy day. Should I have mentioned last
night's plan? Maybe so. Was I too upset and angry? Probably. I just hope
tomorrow will be better. I had really counted on lmore day by ourselves.
That didn't help either.
February 12, 1990 (Monday)
Well, thank goodness things were better today. We slept in late. The
paper was all about Mandela on the international front and Tyson and
Douglas on the sport scene. Douglas was knocked down in the 8th round and
they are saying the referee gave a slow count. But he won every round but
that one and knocked Tyson out in the 10th. There was an article in the
paper saying that talking to your plants or playing music for them
doesn't do any good but petting them, wiping them does so I wiped all my
plants with a damp cloth and they were really dusty. I also told them to
grow. Doesn't hurt to try everything. Went to Stars and worked out till
15 to 9. Don changed his tennis till 9 cuz Niki didn't have school today.
When I got back, I cleaned the bathrooms, got out a turkey hot dish to
thaw, made a marvelous fruit salad—grapes were cheap this week and I got
green and red ones so I put them in. Jennifer Sacks came at 10 and she
and Niki played and then went to the movie over at the Mall. They walked
both ways and that helped. After lunch I worked in the south yard. I
cleaned out the south border and then worked around all the roses. There
was a bitter north wind today so not only was it cold but dried things
out and I am going to turn the water on the south part of the yard for a
little while tomorrow. Then I walked to Safeway to get bananas to last
through Wednesday morning. When I got back, I took a shower and freshened
up and then read. Jenny called and she said things were good and bad
depending on the moment, but she doesn't seem upset. She has
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an appointment at 1 PM tomorrow (Australian time) that will be Wednesday
here. She talked mainly to Niki naturally. Dinner was a snap but I will
have to start cooking some things to refill the freezer pretty soon. We
watched the news and then I talked to Priss who was in a good mood.
Called Linda to tell her about Jenny's call and she had called Linda at
work and she felt the same way. Now it is 8 PM and Don and Niki are
watching TV and I am going to read for a while and then watch The Jewel
of the Nile at 9 if I am not too tired. So it was a better day. I hope I
don't go back to a day like yesterday.
February 13, 1990 (Tuesday)
Another cold, windy day but with the sun out. When is it going to rain?
Since I won't go to Stars till 9:30, I kept busy here at home. I dusted,
straightened things and then started split pea soup. That is always a
long drawn out affair cuz it takes so long to cook and I have to keep
checking. Then I went to Stars when Don got back from tennis and after I
worked out I stopped at the Discovery Shop and returned a gray pant set
that I had taken on approval that didn't fit. Ate lunch and went out and
put Miracle-Gro on the jonquils cuz I want them to bloom. Priss stopped
by in the afternoon and brought me some fish frozen and I gave her some
split pea soup. Went to the library and got books. Called Linda and asked
her and Jason to dinner. Cathy called to say her essay was so good in her
English class that the teacher is going to read it to the other class.
Don took Niki for math tutoring. It was the first time. The dinner really
didn't go well. Don was crabby and impatient, Jason was busy making wise
remarks, which really turns me off and Linda said she had not seen Cathy
for a month and was really mad at her. After they left, Niki got all
upset about the invention she was supposed to come up with and no matter
what we suggested, it wasn't right so she ended up crying. It was not a
good day as far as relationships were concerned. Well finally Niki and
Don went to bed and I watched Dirty Dancing. I didn't get in on the first
half-hour, but although I didn't have all the background I rather enjoyed
it. There was nothing profound about it, but it passed the time. I got to
bed at 11. I will be glad when Jenny gets home.
February 14, 1990 (Wednesday)
Cold with nasty wind. I gave Don his valentine and he gave me mine and
when Niki woke up, I gave her the little basket with the sugarless candy
and her card and then she gave us a beautiful card and some See's little
pops in chocolate so we started the day out well. When she went to
school, I went grocery shopping and I guess I was slow cuz I didn't get
home till almost 10. We put everything away. Don had played tennis with
Carl who leaves tomorrow with Lois for Yucatan for 2 weeks. Don will miss
his tennis. After lunch I made a coconut cake and tinted it pink and made
a white fluffy frosting. I heated ham, made a cucumber salad and fixed
those creamed cheese potatoes so it was a good dinner. I read in the
afternoon but decided against walking cuz it was just too cold. Jenny
called to say that the interview went very well and when she called back
at 4 to tell
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them where she was staying and they offered her a job at $38,000, will
pay airfare for her and Niki and give her over $2,000 to get settled. She
was very excited and wants to take it but we were not to say anything to
Niki. I called Linda after dinner (she was getting a perm) and told her
and she was very pleased. She said she would be over later. Just about
4:30 Cathy, Rose and Marijeanne arrived and Cathy kept us entertained
telling about the girls and their first communion and confirmation. I
told her that Linda had tried to call her and was upset cuz she didn't
call back and there was a problem about Linda's typewriter so when Linda
came, I told her and she called Cathy but nothing was resolved and Linda
was angry. Don had wanted me to smooth things out but it didn't work.
After she left. I watched The Princess Bride. That was very funny. Got to
bed about 10:30. Don had gone earlier with his usual headache. He is
getting very discouraged about that.
February 15, 1990 (Thursday)
Wind, wind, cold. I didn't get up quite as early as Don, but I got the
paper read and did some exercises, neatened up the house and was ready
for Stars at 9:30. I stayed till 10:15. On the way home I stopped at S&S
and Lucky. So I put things away, changed my clothes and had lunch. Don
had an appointment with Dr. Shaw at 11:25 cuz his glasses don't seem
quite right so they changed the lens a little and he is trying that.
While he was gone, I wrote a letter to Eureka pointing out the things I
didn't like about the vacuum. I will probably never hear from them, but I
felt better for having written. Priss called in a dither cuz some
committee was meeting at her house tomorrow and it was at 11:30 and she
didn't know what to serve them. She suggested egg salad sandwiches and
then asked if I would make the egg salad so I said yes. I will do it in
the morning. I made a shrimp salad for dinner with green beans, bread and
the rest of the cake. Niki and I went at 3 for her to have her hair cut
and it looks very nice. No one from school calls or sees her anymore. She
comes home, does her homework while she watches TV, comes to dinner, goes
back and works some more so it was 8:30 before she was done. We played
cribbage and rummy. I am sad for her cuz she misses the playing after
school. She feels bad about being fat and she doesn't know what to wear
to school each day. Well, tomorrow Jenny Sacks comes and that should
help. We will get a movie. Don watched a movie in the bedroom till his
head started to hurt and then he just went to bed. My stomach feels
queasy and I worry that the shrimp maybe wasn't fresh. I cooked up
another batch of turkey patties for Daisy. That is getting to be a chore.
Roxie is predicted, but so far it is just a violent wind. No word from
any of the girls today. It is going on 10 and I should go to bed but I
will read for a little while longer.
February 16, 1990 (Friday)
Rain, wind, snow! What a day. We woke to rain and wind and during the
morning there were huge snowflakes although they melted when they hit the
ground. Off and on during
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the day they came back. Paradise, Forest Ranch and Cahosset were all
snowed in and highways were closed into the mountains. In San Francisco
people were told to stay indoors cuz the wind was so bad and there were
storms all across the country, snow rain, tornadoes, etc. I stayed in all
day. First after breakfast I boiled a dozen eggs and made egg salad for
sandwiches for Priss and Don took them over when he ran errands. Then I
looked at the shutters in the kitchen window and they looked so grimy
that I scrubbed them on both sides and then washed the windows. That took
a long time cuz they were filthy. Then I did 2 loads of clothes, took a
shower, got dressed for the day and that was really all the work I did
for the day except to cook dinner. Don went to Joanna's for the luncheon
club and Linda came to lunch and we had a good talk. Jenny had called her
too later and she told the people she would take the job so it is
settled. Now she just has to tell Niki. I made macaroni and cheese for
dinner and did a green salad. When Niki came home from school, she made
chocolate chip cookies. Jenny Sacks did not come to spend the night. They
will go bowling tomorrow night and she is going to spend the night with
Linda so tomorrow night we will be by ourselves. I guess when Jenny
leaves, Jason will move into the apartment. I am not keen about that, but
if he doesn't, we would have to pay to put him in an apartment so we will
do it. After dinner we read and Niki watched a wrestling movie and then
we played cribbage and cards and now she is in bed reading and Don is in
bed and I will read for a while and then I too will go to bed. Not a bad
day, really.
February 17, 1990 (Saturday)
Rain, wind. We got up to a cold, dark, windy, rainy morning. I called
Mary and we agreed there was no point going to the fruit market. What a
relief, the first time in months that I don't have to rush off on a
Saturday morning. So when the rain stopped, I went out and picked
camellias and I neatened up the house and then went shopping. At Longs I
got systemic for the roses to be used later, got a fresh turkey at
Holiday for 7% # to be cooked on Monday when Jenny gets home and then
other needed things. Came home and ate lunch and then at 12:30 I went to
pick up Priss and we went down to the Senator to see Driving Miss Daisy.
I worried that I would be nervous driving Priss but it went well and she
even told me I was a good driver! The movie was great and we both enjoyed
it. Came home and poor Niki was unhappy cuz Jenny Sacks was supposed to
go bowling with her today but reneged and she had no one so I called
Linda and she came to get her and she said she could spend the night so
Don and I were alone. I fixed him sandwiches and heated the left over
macaroni and cheese so we had a light supper, watched the news and then
Don had gotten a movie so we watched Lonely Hearts, an Australian movie
about a 50-year-old man and a shy woman who had applied to an agency to
meet someone and all the problems of getting to know one another. It was
funny, sad, pathetic. All of those things and we liked it. Then we had a
drink and went to bed and made love but this time it didn't work out. Don
had had a terrible headache in the afternoon and it got better but not
that much better and I am sure that was part of the
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problem. Oh well, so it goes. Jenny called while I was at the movie and a
friend of Barry's that she had met when he was in the U.S. has offered
his house while he and his wife go to Italy and she and Niki can stay
there for 3 months while they can look for a place to live. Everything
seems to be falling in place for her. I am so glad for her.
February 18, 1990 (Sunday)
This morning I woke up at 6:30 and Don and Daisy were still asleep in the
living room. Don had had a bad night. I called Mary and told her we were
not going to church. There was fog to begin the morning but then it
cleared and except for a north wind it was pleasant. We read the papers
and then at 10 I went to Mervyn's and got Rose and Marijeanne's birthday
presents. For $28 I got shorts and matching tops and matching sox,
turquoise for Rose and purple for Marijeanne. Picked up some groceries
and came here and had lunch. We called Mike and told him about Jenny and
he said they would try to come out before she leaves. Had lunch and then
Linda and Niki came and I visited with Linda and we told each other about
movies. After they left, I went for a long walk and then came home and
made potato salad. Niki called Kasey whose mother has the flu and her
father has a cold so she is coming for dinner and the night. So I got out
another hot dog and bun and made a chocolate pudding. When Kasey came,
they decided to go bowling so Don took them and picked them up. While
they were gone, I went out and raked leaves that fell during the storm
plus some more branches and then I cut back some of the taller bushes in
the north yard but Don will have to help me get some of the long branches
I couldn't reach. So it was dinner and then the news. Don stayed and
watched 60 Minutes, but I came in the living room and read. Now at 8:15,
Don has gone to bed with a headache and I have finished reading my
magazine so best that I get a book. The girls are being noisy in the
apartment but I don't think I will go to investigate. Jenny must be on a
plane flying to the U.S. right now. She is due in at 1:45 tomorrow
afternoon. The time she has been gone has gone much faster than I thought
it would. It will be good to have her home again but now everything will
be geared to their leaving and with Linda going to Tahoe in June, life
around here will be very different. Don and I will be much more on our
own. Maybe we will have trouble handling that. I just don't know. Always
there have been children around to act as a buffer. It should be
interesting, I think.
February 19, 1990 (Monday)
I slept in, I seem to be doing this more and more but starting tomorrow I
will get back to normal with Niki going back to school. After breakfast I
changed the flowers, watered the plants, dusted and when Kasey and Niki
got up, they got out the vacuum and cleaned the apartment. I made
cranberry Jell-O salads, fixed carrots and celery, peeled potatoes and
then around noon I stuffed the turkey and put it in the oven. Also made
apple crisp and then before I knew it, it was 1:45 and Jenny's plane was
here. She said she was tired
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but she looked fine. She took Niki over to the apartment to help her
unpack and told her they were moving to Australia. We didn't know what
kind of reaction to expect, but suddenly Niki rushed over to say they
were moving to A. and she was very thrilled and immediately called her
friends. But later in the afternoon, I found her crying cuz she doesn't
want to leave Roman, her rat, I think Roman was really just an excuse and
she was realizing just how big a move it was. Well, I got dinner ready
and then we opened a bottle of champagne and even Niki got some, and
Linda and Jason were here and we all touched glasses to celebrate. The
dinner was good and then there was the news. Later, I called Priss and
told her the news after I had listened to her bridge afternoon and her
health, etc. I think she was impressed. Jenny finishes her teaching here
on May 15, and she wants to leave shortly after that. There will be a lot
of things to do. She will sell some things and probably store some things
and the things she wants to take with her she will have to ship fairly
soon since it is a long way away. Don is still worried about it and I can
see his point, but Linda and I call it the Australian Adventure and that
is really what it is. She doesn't have to stay there forever. I know we
will miss them. No doubt about that. Well, all is not well. After Niki
went to bed I heard her crying so she really doesn't want to go or is
worried and scared. I am very concerned about her and I wonder if she
will be willing when the time actually comes. It is a very big step and
children hate change. How well I know.
February 20, 1990 (Tuesday)
A beautiful sunrise with the southeastern sky aglow of orange, red, and
peach, but most of the day was overcast. Don had planned to play tennis
with Jenny, but she slept till after 10. Jet lag really got her this
time. I stopped by Priss' on my way to Stars to pick up some material she
wanted typed and got it back to her in the afternoon. She was gone so I
left it in her mailbox. There was a letter from Pauline today and she
sounded sad. Mary Allen finally died of cancer after a long battle and
she was upset about that and she has had the flu and said she really
didn't want to go to Italy in the spring but just wanted to stay home.
Maybe it was cuz of not feeling well and sad about Mary that she sounded
so upset. I must write to her. When I got home from Stars, I had lunch
and then I cut all the meat off the turkey, made a fruit salad, fixed
broccoli and everything else was put in smaller containers so I heated
the leftovers and we had a good dinner. Niki was rather quiet this
morning but came home from school in a much better mood and then she and
her mom went to prepare things to take to Australia and that seemed to
please her and she went to her tutor in math and then worked on it most
of the evening so it was a much better day for her. I was much relieved.
When the paper came, I checked on groceries and made a list. I will go
very early tomorrow cuz I go to the Discovery Shop at 10. No word from
Linda today or from Cathy. Jenny told me a little more about the job,
what she is thinking about taking with them and what she wants to sell
and she seems to have thought through things very well. Don got a movie
for tonight but got such a bad headache that he went to bed right after
the news. I really worry about these headaches
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cuz they seem to come every day and they come earlier and are worse. I
washed and folded clothes but didn't do much else. Don and I went for a
walk in the afternoon and that was pleasant although I get bored with the
same route each day. Daisy is off her feed. I don't know what has come
over her. She was eating so well and today she left just about
everything. Both my thumbs are cracked so I have bandaged them and my
eczema is bad on my right hand. I need sun and warmth.
February 21, 1990 (Wednesday)
I changed my routine a little bit today. I left for Food For Less at 7:15
and did my shopping there first and then went to the Cannery cuz they
don't open till 8 and the other store stays open 24 hours a day. So I got
home about 9. Then Don went off to get his old fashioned doughnut. I had
a couple of Pero and then I went off to the Discovery Shop and he watched
the movie True Believer cuz he had such a headache last night that he
couldn't watch it then. It was very quiet and dull today at the Discovery
Shop. We did very little business. I brought a number of things home but
kept only one summer blouse. The pants were too small and the top was
just too, too. Well anyway I got here at about 1 and had my lunch and
then Don and I went for a walk and it was so warm that I could have been
in a blouse instead of a sweater. When Niki came home, she said that 2
girls were going to give her a going away party. She seemed pleased. I
got a hot dish out of the freezer (that sounds simple) and made a green
salad and thawed a little loaf of French bread and then I went out to the
south yard and tackled the quince. It is going to take a long time to
trim the whole thing and then I have to cut up the branches I cut but I
am going to stay with it. We had dinner and watched the news and then I
called Priss. She was pleased cuz she had to take her drivers license
test this morning and she got 100%. She asked me to lunch tomorrow, but I
said no. I hope that didn't upset her too much. When I got off the phone,
I made chocolate sauce for Don and we each had a little sundae. The
weather is supposed to continue to be mild and lovely. About time. I
suppose all the almond blossoms will come out and then it will get cold
again. We watched a program about food on Public TV that was very good,
but I fell asleep in the middle of it and missed one of the best parts so
after that we just went to bed and to sleep. Too much hard work outside
today on the pruning I suppose.
February 22, 1990 (Thursday)
Beautiful warm day. Today we both got up at 5 so I guess we are back on
schedule. I said last night I was going to make hot cereal but then
forgot to so this morning I made pancakes and that satisfied both Don and
Niki. Right after breakfast I went to the south yard and worked on the
quince again but there is so much stuff and I was still not done so I
told Don I thought Bill Roberts should come and he agreed so he called
him and he is coming tomorrow. I got into my leotard and went to Stars
and stayed till 10:15. When I got home, I was so hungry that I ate lunch
early and then went in and took a shower,
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shampooed and pinned up my hair. Then since it was such a lovely day, I
went for a walk. Don went to the library and took back books and got more
books. I don't know what we would do if it actually closed. Then I worked
on dinner. With the left over mashed potatoes I made patties and fried
them. Used the rest of the turkey gravy and added chopped turkey, made a
very good cabbage salad, and stewed tomatoes. Took Niki to the Mall so
she could get a birthday card for Priss and she left the card somewhere
but bought her a carnation so I then took her over to Priss to give it to
her although her birthday isn't till next Thursday. I invited her to
dinner for the 1st of March, her birthday. Jenny worked at Dr. Powell's
all day. Jason came for lunch. I read in the afternoon and had a glass of
wine before dinner. Don's glasses with the lens changed again came in so
he rushed over to get them. Let's hope they help. Everyone has gone to
bed except me and I am going to have l more cigarette and then I too will
go. The weather is supposed to be good this weekend and Linda will be
going to Tahoe. I hope Jenny will do something with Niki part of the
time. I also wish that Don and I could get together in part that is, and
maybe do something by ourselves like going for a drive or something.
Probably neither of these things will happen.
February 23, 1990 (Friday)
Warm but high clouds. Up at 5 to cook oatmeal and then after breakfast,
Don did the vacuuming and I cleaned the bathrooms, dusted and neatened up
and washed the kitchen floor. We finished at about the same time. Good
team work. Then I got dressed and walked to S&S to get grapes and green
beans. By the time I got home, my neck was tired and so were my knees. It
concerned me cuz 4Vi years ago I walked to Venus and back every day and
that was further than S&S. Now I find I tire more easily. I keep trying
to stay in shape, but I guess I am getting older. Came home and had lunch
and then Bill Roberts came and he trimmed and cut up things that were
needed and he will be back on Monday to finish the quince and to
fertilize. I made a tuna salad and fixed the green beans and then Niki
and I made oatmeal muffins. Then Jenny went to get frozen yogurt for our
dessert paid for by Don. Jenny and I talked while Don watched the news.
She is trying to decide what to take and what to sell before she leaves.
She doesn't want to pay storage any more. Well I watched Parenthood. Don
started but then had to go to bed with a headache. It was okay but not as
good as I had expected it to be. It was just a little too slick. This
extended family had so many problems that it was unrealistic and so many
of them were not solved, they just slipped out of view. Still there were
some very funny parts so I couldn't knock it completely. Jenny watched
for a while, but then she went swimming with Crystal Sivane. She is
suddenly into self-improvement so she has joined a health club for 3
months.
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February 24, 1990 (Saturday)
Wrote to Pauline. Today was a day of accomplishments well at least the
morning was. Got up at 5, fixed breakfast and then made the bed, neatened
up the living room, straightened up the kitchen and then went to pick up
Mary. Bought oranges, eggs, and some mandarins. Stopped at Safeway on the
way home to get some things and buy Don his doughnut. Then I washed the
windows and screens for the music room and the big bathroom. Raked up the
leaves under the bushes right by the house in front. Then Don and I
washed the car and he vacuumed the inside. It looks just great. Then,
while Jenny washed her car, I swept the walks out front and pulled the
weeds by the fence. Then I swept the patio and raked some leaves in the
north yard. Now how about that for work! Dinner was simple. I made
waffles, sliced oranges and kiwis and made a dish of pickles and cheese.
Jennifer Sacks came at 6 and they went bowling and then came back here
and played. They ate in the apartment by themselves. We watched the news
and then I called Priss. Read for a while and the girls made snicker
doodles. Niki very cleverly made 4 cookies into letters that spelled
"Priss" and she will give her those for her birthday when she comes to
dinner on Thursday. Then they went to the apartment to watch TV and spend
the night in sleeping bags on the floor and I had a vodka tonic and Don
had sherry and we talked. Somehow I always feel like talking when we do
this. I wonder if Don just tolerates this or if he is interested in what
I have to say. I just don't know. Then we went to bed and made love, but
it didn't work again this week and he was really upset cuz things had
been going so well for him. I don't know why this happens and I have no
explanation, but it colors our lives so much. I wish I knew.
February 25, 1990 (Sunday)
Up bright and early and off to church having picked up Mary for the 8 am
Mass. Stopped on the way home for Don to get his Safeway treat. Then I
cut up a chicken and sauteed to get ready for baking later on. Made a
chocolate cake, rice and a green salad. Niki went with Jenny Sacks to
Sacramento with Jenny's father and younger brother. They went to the zoo,
leaving at 9 am and got home and ate dinner and watched a movie so she
was gone till 8:30 PM. I read and Don watched tennis and golf and then
after lunch when he suggested a walk, I said I didn't want to do it
around here and suggested we drive to the University and walk around the
campus. I haven't been up there for a long time and it was really
pleasant to walk on spacious walkways with no traffic. He admitted that
he liked it too. I washed 2 sweaters by hand and did 2 loads of clothes,
ironed and put things away so I felt that I had not wasted my day. After
dinner, which was very good, I walked to the end of North Avenue so the
days are getting longer and I expect to do that from now on. Rick Cherry
is going to buy Jenny's washer, we will buy her dryer for $ 175 and Rick
will buy our dryer for $50. I will be glad to have hers cuz it is almost
new and ours is not. In the evening I read and Don watched TV and we
stayed up till after Niki was asleep and Don wanted to try again and this
time I told him that he was the one
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to be satisfied and it worked so now he should feel better. His problem
is that he is too tense and worried about everything. Linda was here for
a while after dinner and she said they had gone snowmobiling and he
started in about how dangerous it was and she just shrugged. To him
everything is a hazard and they get tired of hearing about it. I just
wish he could relax a bit and not think that everything is dangerous. He
doesn't know how to enjoy life.
February 26, 1990 (Monday)
I woke up to find that Don was in the living room sleeping so I laid in
bed for a while and let man and dog sleep on. At 5:30 I did get up and so
they did too. I fixed Don an egg and toast and then we turned on the news
and the election in Nicaragua is over and Ortega lost! I was really
surprised. I ironed Niki's clothes I had washed last night so when she
got up at 6:45 her clothes were ready for her. Then I watered the plants
and then went outside and raked and took up some border boards. When Don
came back from his errands I went for a long walk. It was so warm that I
put on white slacks and a striped turquoise top. I got back at 10:20 and
read till 11. I like the book The Chamomile Lawn by Mary Wesley about WWI
and then years later. Takes place in England. Then I had lunch and made
Don's lunch. Both Linda and Jason came to lunch and after they left
Connie came and cut my hair. She did a good job and I like the result.
Dinner was easy! Made a fruit salad, took out the left over chicken to
heat plus the rice, fixed potatoes for mashing and opened a can of green
beans. Jenny was late so the 3 of us ate and then Don took Niki to
swimming. Then there was the news and I went for a walk to the end of
North Avenue and back. I want to try to do good every night if possible.
It is now 8:30. Jenny is doing flash cards with Niki and tomorrow she
goes to her tutoring for math. I am so sleepy I think I will go to bed
early tonight. Had a chat with Priss after the news was over. She was
okay. I hope Bill comes tomorrow to finish the pruning and to take away
all the stuff.
February 27, 1990 (Tuesday)
This was a busy day. I didn't go to Stars cuz I had an appointment with
Dr. Schwartz at 9:30. Lovely day. Sky was really blue today for sure. Got
up and did my exercises and fixed breakfast and then neatened up the
house before walking to Chico Medical. That is an extremely long walk but
I really enjoyed it. What a difference it makes when the weather is nice
and I walked along the creek after I crossed Marygrove. Doctor said the
bad patch on my hand was eczema and gave me some samples that should help
it. I walked back home and read till 11 when I fixed lunch. Bill came and
took away all the cuttings after finishing the quince bush. Then I mowed
and fertilized and it looks just great around here. I washed and set my
hair and did my nails. Since we were going to be out for dinner I fixed
grilled cheese sandwiches and made a 3-bean salad for Jenny and Niki and
for Jason who also came for lunch. I showered and then did my face and
put on
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my stone gray slacks and the long knot top that matches. People said they
liked my outfit so I must have looked okay. We got to Jackie's at about
6:30. We brought our waffle iron and a good bottle of wine. She had the
usual: sausages, bacon, waffles, syrup, strawberries, whipped cream,
mints, nuts, drinks before hand, wine, liqueurs. I had wine and liqueurs.
The usual crowd was there. Billi and Kirk, the Steiver's with Rachel who
is a bit of a pain, J. Rafferty and her son, the Livingston's, she is a
doctor and is here from Ohio applying for a job at Chico Medical, Joanna,
it was fun and I enjoyed myself. Jackie always makes people feel
comfortable. Home and to bed. Daisy acted as if we had been gone a month.
February 28, 1990 (Wednesday)
Buy card for Priss' birthday. Well as usual also a busy day. I was up at
5 after 7 to Food For Less and then on to the Cannery. Stopped on the way
home at Holiday where the stew meat was 2.99# and a boneless sirloin
roast was $2.49# so I got a roast and cut it into pieces for the stew to
be served tomorrow when Priss comes for her birthday dinner. I bought a
lot of groceries today and spent $88 but since I have the $20 each week
in reserve though I don't always spend it I will have to this time. By
the time I had put everything away and had my lunch of a bowl of cereal,
I started out at 11:30 to work in the library and I was to be there by
12. Next time I will have to allow 35-40 minutes going the long way. I
spent the whole time typing cards. It had been a long time and I had to
get back in the swing of it. Don picked me up at 2. Then I made the stew
going exactly by the recipe. I will leave it in the oven tonight and put
it in the fridge tomorrow morning. I fixed the spaghetti, a green salad
and hot bread for dinner. Jenny did not eat with us cuz she was going to
a dinner meeting later. She found out today that it will cost $127 per
100# portal to portal to Australia so it is going to be hard to decide
what is worth taking. After dinner I went for a walk at the junior high
while Niki came along on her bike. Watched most of the 6 PM news. There
was an earthquake in South California 5 something. No great damage.
Called Priss and she talked about nothing but her trip to Dr. Alberlin. I
hope she doesn't decide to repeat it all tomorrow. Linda stopped by and
her house is up for sale so now she will really have to go to Tahoe in
June. Don worked on a deal for Mike most of the day. He needs 5 catchy
topics for the basis of speeches on a cruise ship where most of the
people are old. Don came up with some marvelous ones. Linda stopped by
tonight and she loves them. Don has so much talent. Talked to Cathy on
the phone. She promised to come see us soon. She got an A on her report
in her speech class. Don went to bed with a headache but he went 3 days
without one so I keep hoping they will go away. Niki is watching TV so I
guess I will read.
March 1, 1990 (Thursday)
I am a very tired person tonight after a long somewhat trying day. We got
up long before 5 cuz Daisy woke us. I cut short reading the paper and
began work on tonight's dinner
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and tomorrow's lunch. First I made the crust and the cheesecake and then
did the filling and got that put together. Then I baked the crust for the
lemon pie and did the filling, did the salad greens and put them in the
fridge. Made a 3-bean salad for dinner. Took out the quince in the living
room and the camellias. Fixed the dining room table with the blue and
white basket from Portugal with all white camellias, the blue candles and
placemats. Dusted. Finished the lemon pie. Got out the stew ready to reheat. At about 3 I got out the cookies Niki had made on Saturday that
spelled Priss' name. To my horror I found someone had eaten the "P." Niki
called Jason and he had done it. I had used all the cream of tartar on
the meringue so I made Jason go to the store to get more and I made a new
batch of cookies so Niki could make a new "P." I was really angry. Then
Niki refused to eat stew so finally her mother took her to swimming and
she was okay when she came back. Ate ramen, salad and the pie. Priss came
at 5 and she was fine. She enjoyed the dinner and I had her take home
stew, pie and of course the cookies. Then tomorrow Don has his luncheon
group and I have to get ready for that. With Niki being difficult about
the diner I told Don I was not going to entertain again till they are
gone. He did not seem to see the problem at all and so I was very angry
inside.
March 2, 1990 (Friday)
Rain! - Woke to rain and it rained off and on all day and now at 10:30 PM
it is still raining. Well although today was better than yesterday, I
stayed home all day so I have gone a week without Stars and the only time
I drove in the car was to get groceries on Wednesday. But by late this
evening, Don went over to the Datsun people and they fixed the taillights
so tomorrow I can drive. Right after breakfast I got busy and set the
table for the luncheon group. The camellias are very fragile this year so
I had to replace some in my blue and white woven basket from Portugal.
Don had bought cold cuts and I fixed lettuce, set out different cheese
and pickles, fixed clam chowder, had 3-bean salad and the cheesecake.
Niki has a sore throat so she didn't go to school today so when the paper
came I went over there and we played cribbage. Then read and then she
went to sleep on the lounge. I worked only one day this month so I got a
check for $77, which I will put, in the savings account. Linda came to
lunch at 11:30 and then she came back after work and had dinner with us,
which was a repetition of lunch except I opened a can of tomato soup.
Jenny worked at the hospital and then ran errands. After dinner we
watched the news and then read until 9:15 and then I watched Linda
Ronstadt in "Songs from my Father." Now I guess I will go to bed. It is
still raining. How nice.
March 3, 1990 (Saturday)
Although it was raining when we got up later it became a typical March
day. Big white fluffy clouds with lots of blue sky in between. One minute
the sun is out and it was very warm and then the sun was gone and there
was a chill in the air. March right Took Mary to the market and I got
eggs and oranges. Took her home and then stopped to buy
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Don doughnuts. When I got home I cleaned the bathrooms while Don ran
errands and since I had bought 3# of almonds I cured them in the oven in
salt water and will send them to Mike. He asked for them last time he
called. Then to Thrifty for vegetable powder, to Lucky and salad greens
and sourdough and to Gibraltar to put money in and now I have over
$10,000 in that account. Then home for lunch. Afterwards a nice long walk
of about 30 minutes and then I washed the outside of the living room
windows. Jenny is going through her things and I tried on some things and
will be able to wear them I think. I hope Cathy comes in tomorrow so she
can try things on and the rest will go to the Discovery Shop or the
church rummage sale. Linda came over, went there and made a deal with
Mike to encourage her to lose 10#. So for dinner I made a simple meal of
scrambled eggs, biscuits, we each just had one (Don had 2) and a fruit
plate. No dessert. I didn't eat anything during the evening. I wanted to
lose weight too so I will try to help Niki by not eating as much myself.
After dinner I went for a short walk and when I came back I showered and
shampooed my hair and set it. By 8:30 it was dry. Jenny and Niki worked
in Niki's room and started to get things organized and packing. Niki and
Jenny played cribbage and she won as always. Talked to Priss and she was
in good spirits. There are going to be a lot of changes around here with
Jenny & Niki leaving and Linda moving to Tahoe and now it looks as if
Jason and Brett Dodson will be going to Tahoe too for the summer. I just
hope that works out and we will be by ourselves for a little while.
March 4, 1990 (Sunday)
Woke up to a cloudy sky. Wore black slacks and top and raincoat to
church. Changed when I got home. Jenny and Niki worked today sorting
through Niki's stuff deciding what to take and what to give away. Cathy
and Julian, her friend, came by and went through the stack of clothes and
took almost everything. Jenny had a lot of sewing things and canning jars
so now there is not much left. I will take some to the Discovery Shop and
some for the church rummage sale. I had lunch and then I made angel food
cake that turned out very well. Washed spinach, dried it and put it in a
container. Put a turkey hen in the oven, thawed some squash and fixed
green beans. Did the rest of the salad greens so we had a good dinner. At
three the rain eased off so I went for a walk just down to the end of
North Avenue. Tomorrow I hope to go back to Stars since I didn't go at
all last week. At about four Linda came over with a container of dried
fruit that Hal had raised and didn't want and so Craig gave it to Linda
but it had candied cherries along with dates, prunes, apricots, etc., and
she was afraid to eat it cuz she is allergic to cherries so we all
sampled some and then I put it in containers in the freezer. Talked to
Priss twice today. Bill Scott died Saturday. He was three years younger
than Scotty, died three years later and three days later in the same
month. Very strange. She is going to the funeral, as will David and Ann.
I met both Bill and Louise a number of times and liked them both. Niki
still doesn't feel well and Jenny is feeling queasy and her ears are both
hurting so she will go to the doctor tomorrow. Watched The Incident about
a prisoner of war camp in
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
Colorado in WWII with Walter Matthau. Very good, a German was accused of
killing a doctor in camp and Walter Matthew as a lawyer defending him. It
ended at 11 and then bed.
March 5, 1990 (Monday)
Woke up to a clear sky but by the time I was ready to go to Stars at
eight, the fog was so thick that I couldn't even see the creek from
Manzinate but it burned off. I did the machines and stayed 15 minutes of
the floor exercises and then I came home. Don went off to play tennis. I
think he is glad that Carl is home. I ran a load of clothes, changed the
flowers and neatened things up. Niki is still home with her cold, earache
and sinus trouble. Her mother took her to see Dr. Tedford and she is back
on antibiotics for 10 days. Alice called and wanted me to come try on
clothes today. Linda had come here for the church rummage sale. I took a
shower and put on a skirt and blouse, nylons, etc. Well, I didn't like
the clothes and thank goodness they were too big but I did take a
raincoat and a blue top that I can wear with slacks. We had a good visit.
I ironed some tops and then thawed some split pea soup, fixed cheese and
pickles, made a fruit plate and that was dinner. Since Niki doesn't like
that kind of soup, she had macaroni and cheese. She made chocolate chip
cookies in the afternoon. Jenny had a busy day and a full one. So got
home after seven and was very hungry. Jason came for lunch but no word
from Linda. Cathy was supposed to come but then called and said she would
be here tomorrow. I got called from Liz Rawlins! She wanted to know about
Stars so we had a long talk about it. She is considering going to a
health club. I tried very hard not to do too much today. I was under 100
lbs. this morning at Stars but I went to the scales and weighed 98 at
Stars and then I will know I am okay 96 would be even better but I got
hope for that. We watched the program, Wolf Trap in honor of Victor Borge
who was 80 and he was a delight as it always is. He is just as funny as
ever. Then we went to bed and in spite of a headache Don made love and it
was fine for both of us and I was glad about that.
March 6, 1990 (Tuesday)
I woke up in the morning with my knees hurting but by the end of the day
I am okay I did take a pain pill when I got up so I suppose that helped.
The question is should I take them all the time or try to get along
without them. Maybe tomorrow I will try it after breakfast. I put a
turkey thigh in to roast in water, veggies, etc. for Daisy and I got four
Cool Whip containers full so that will last for a while. Then I cleaned
out the fridge and threw some things out and consolidated things and
found we didn't have much barbecue sauce so I made two pint jars of that.
Then it was time to go to Stars at 9:30 and I did the machines and
although I stayed just twenty minutes at the floor exercises, I felt much
better for having done it. Came home and had lunch and then went out to
put systemic on the roses. I told Niki that she should come to the south
yard and sit in the sun cuz it
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was so warm and bright and out of the wind so she came out and helped me.
I dug up some Bermuda and around the roses and then we fed them with
Miracle-Gro so I was pleased about that. Came in and made a potato salad,
fixed broccoli, sliced ham and dinner was made. Niki wanted me to get her
homework so I went over afterward and got it. She should go to the
tutoring sessions and I hope she can go to school tomorrow. After dinner
we watched the news and then I called Priss. We will pick her up on
Sunday at 5:25 so we can drive to Portland to go to Bill Scott's funeral.
My copy of God's House came and I am going to work at it. Don is watching
a war movie naturally.
March 7, 1990 (Wednesday)
Well this was really a busy and hectic day. We got up even earlier than
usual cuz Daisy was restless. After I had cooked the oatmeal, done my
exercise and finished eating. I went to pin up my hair. Niki went back to
school today and Jenny to work and Don to meet with John Lowell to do our
taxes. While he was gone I showered and dressed, dusted, changed flowers,
washed sheets to our bed and even read a bit until Don came home. He
asked if he could go shopping with me. I didn't want him to come but I
said yes. Went shopping for groceries but not very exciting. It is the
one time each week when I can be alone and make decisions though minor
ones. Anyway, it didn't take long and then we were back home and so we
had lunch and then Don went off to run his errands. Upon his return he
put the stuff in the waterbed. We had the hose in it earlier in the
morning cuz it was getting really sloppy and then we made the bed. By
that time it was almost the end so Don took me to the library. I was just
about to start to type the cards when he appeared saying that the
Discovery Shop had called asking where I was and then I realized that I
was supposed to go there and take Priss' place on Friday so I had Don
drive me home to pick up the things I was returning and the things I was
to give them. So I worked till four. I found three things worth trying on
when I got home. A pair of cotton slacks in off white 75 cents, jumpsuit
in red cotton for $2.00 and a two- piece dress in a peach and white print
for $3.00. Lately when I tried them on they all fitted and I will keep
them. I was just about to make dinner when Kasey called asking if Niki
could spend the night and I said yes so off she went. Then I was to call
the school office downtown but Kathy Thiele is ill and I am to go to
Pleasant Valley Thursday and Friday. I was to take Priss' place on Friday
so I called Gerda Lydon and she offered to take my place so Don and I had
bacon (Don) and we both had poached eggs and toast. Then it was time for
local news and I went for a fast walk and then we both watched the CBS
news. Don was very tired and went for a nap. I checked Niki's lunch and
dinner and read. He came out and said he was so tired he just had to go
to bed and I read some more and then dozed. Bath and now I too must go to
bed. Martha wrote today sending the letter we had written from Paris in
1948. I had forgotten that we had written them such long letters. Don is
going to make copies. I must leave a note for Jenny and then go to bed.
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March 8, 1990 (Thursday)
I am a weary lady tonight. Daisy got Don up early but I stayed in bed
till five. I had to make lunches for Niki and me. I wore my navy slacks,
navy knit top and a blue and white polka dot scarf. Don took me to work
at twenty to eight. Now the counselors have little computers and discs.
You punch in the student number and you can get the present schedule, the
last semester schedule, etc. way back to the seventh grade. I had trouble
remembering everything but will try again tomorrow. I chatted with Susan
Bruce and then with Mark B. Talked to Kathi on the phone and started
making out course slips for tenth graders who had continued more than one
F on progress reports. I managed to talk to about nine students and then
had a long session with two classes with papers but really the day was
dull, dull, dull and I have to go back tomorrow. I have a bad canker sore
right at the tip of my tongue and it's very painful. Don picked me up at
3:30 and I came home and changed my clothes, had a cigarette (my third of
the day) and caught my breath. I never think about something at school.
Then I put a turkey hot dish in the oven, made a green salad, thawed
French bread and made a vanilla pudding. Jenny was working at the
hospital and didn't get home till 7:30 so the three of us eating. Both
Don and I were so tired by after the news (I walked through the local
news) so after Dan Rather I showered and pinned up my hair and now at
nine Don has gone to bed and I plan to read for a little while and then
go myself. Maybe I am getting too old to substitute but the money helps
so much I hate to say no when they call.
March 9, 1990 (Friday)
Pleasant Valley - Woke to a chilly but clear day today. I wore the stove
gray slacks and the long tan colored top. The morning went very well but
the afternoon dragged cuz some of the course slips didn't go out and some
of the students didn't care if they would get them I guess. Anyway I had
a lot of good talking with Mark and Susan Bruce and lunch was okay with
Marge Willis, etc. Still I am glad the weekdays are over with the $140 I
have been thinking about fixing up the room that has been Niki's after
the 16th of May. Things I must spend money on are her spackling, paint,
bedspread, and blinds(?) Drapes(?), a table lamp, floor lamp, either
paint the chair on find another one, a floor lamp buy the chair and refinish the top of the dresser and the table. I love a project so that
will keep me busy for a while. When I got home I changed my clothes and
had an iced Pero and a cigarette. Dinner was simple. I made sandwiches
with ham, cheese & lettuce, heated pea soup, spaghetti and the rest of
the hot dish. Jenny just had a little soup cuz Rick Cherry was coming to
take her out to dinner. After dinner was over I went for a long walk and
what a perfect time of year to be outside. Everything seems to be in
bloom, violets, flowering plum, apricot, regular plum, forsythia,
pansies, primroses, and jonquils. The list just goes on and on and of
course there is the fresh scent of blossoms and spring itself. The
mocking bird who has been eating our seeds all winter has moved down to
the end of North Avenue at Manzanite and sitting down there. It just
isn't fair.
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Niki watching TV and Don has gone to rest before watching his movie and I
am still reading Daddy but I can't seem to stay with it. Dinner will be
hectic since I go to fruit market and then I must help on the rummage
sale at the church. The canker sore in my mouth is better but not
completely well yet.
March 10, 1990 (Saturday)
We woke up to wind and rain. I called Mary and suggested that we not go
to the fruit market and she said okay so at eight I went to Holiday and
bought a beef roast for dinner and some fresh asparagus (it fixed all the
same) and then went over to the church. They had opened early so I sorted
clothes and looked for anything of interest. I found a sale of white
slacks and some beige ones and a gray wool sweater for Don and a white
short sleeved top. I came home at eleven and Don loved the sweater and
put it on and the pants and top fit but the one pair had a broken zipper
and I will have to put in a new one. Wanted six small linen napkins. I
had lunch and went back at one. This time I found a heavy wool jacket
with a hood for Don. Things finished sooner than usual so I gave them my
$20 and came home. I washed things. I forgot there was a lavender wool
sweater for me from Lands End that I washed by hand. I made a tuna salad
and we had the asparagus and hot bread for dinner. After I got back,
Jenny and I went for a long walk. She had called the paper in Australia
and they said not to worry about the transcript (it had not arrived) and
that we had put her on the tenure tract. While we watched the news I
ironed the things I had washed and then I shortened a pair of slacks once
the weather gets warm I shall be prepared with so many clothes. This
morning when we got up we noticed that Jenny's car was not here and Don
got very worried and I too was worried but then she called to say that
she and Rick Cherry had gone to John Garner's house and she had too much
to drink and didn't want to drive home so she had stayed the night and
she got here before Niki woke up. I took a shower after dinner and Don
made a fire and we were going to have a drink and then make lunch but he
got a terrible headache so that was out so now everyone is in bed but me
and I shall read for a while. I am not a bit sleepy so there were some
good things and some bad things about the day. Jason stopped by. Linda is
in Tahoe. No word from Cathy.
March 11, 1990 (Sunday)
We woke up to a very chilly morning. I wore my black polka dot pants and
top and even with my raincoat I was not warm enough. Picked up Mary for
church. Got home and read the local paper and then changed to warmer
clothes. Don wanted to go to the mall to look at Levi's so I went along.
I stayed and walked home. Stopped at Tom Foolery and got a little
cribbage board for Jenny and Niki for the trip so we had lunch and then I
washed the artichokes for cooking. Made the salad, greens ready. Put the
roast in and made a lemon souffle. Tennis today was the Newsweek
Tournament; Sudan Wells with Agassi vs. Edberg and Edberg won. We used to
go south every winter and we always
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
stayed at Sudan Wells. It's a beautiful area. Niki went to the movie with
Jenny Socks. Jenny is one of those girls who will scream a lot when she
gets to junior high. In fact she does a lot of screaming already. I am
less than fond of her. Jenny seemed tired and listless today and I saw
little of her. We had dinner at ten to five cuz we had to pick up Priss
at 5:25 and the plan was right on time. She seemed to have had a good
time when David and Ann and Bill's funeral was well done and Louise is
coming along okay. With all 5 of her boys in the area that helps. Talked
to Cathy on the phone. She had been to the Dr. cuz she didn't feel well
and he told her she was under too much stress. I know she does too much.
Well, come June she will be the only one left with Linda in Tahoe and
Jenny in Australia. Maybe it's her turn to be catered to. Linda called to
say that it was getting stormy and Craig was going to take her over the
summit and she would be home by 7. Called back to say after four hours
they had gone up and they would be down in the morning. Jason called and
wondered what was for dinner and fortunately there were some leftover
offerings so he came over. Don had plans for the evening but he got home
early and naturally he had a headache so everyone went to bed at 9:30 and
Nike was still awake reading. I am at a loss to have a solution for the
headaches although he expects me to come up with something.
March 12, 1990 (Monday)
I had such big plans today. I was going to vacuum, dust, change the
flowers, wash my hair, etc. and then the phone rang and Kathi was still
sick. So I put on my stove gray slacks and sweater and went to Pleasant
Valley. I just went on calling in tenth graders but it was not dull
today. I kept telling myself that it was going to be $210 instead of $140
to fix up the bedroom in May and that kept me going. At the end of the
day it was still not known whether I would go tomorrow or not. I was to
call Kathi so I would have left all messages. Don picked me up on the way
to take Niki to her tennis lesson and when I got home I changed my
clothes and made a pot of chili. Jenny had come home sick and was in bed.
She came to the table but ended up not eating anything. Linda came over
after dinner to dry clothes since her dryer was not working. So we
visited and Niki finished up her science project on materials absorbing
heat. Finally Kathi called at about 8:30 and said she would be coming
tomorrow so I don't have to go. Thank goodness. Niki went to bed about
9:15 and read till almost ten. Don wanted to make love and had not read
much or watched TV so he did not have a headache. I had some amaretto and
we talked and finally Niki turned off the light and we went to bed and I
was ready for anything but he was not so it ended not good. He gets very
upset when it doesn't go well so it is difficult for both of us. In a
way, I have come to dread this for that reason. It is too planned
somehow. I wish I felt better about going to Pleasant Valley, but that
too has now become a problem and I don't go very often.
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March 13, 1990 (Tuesday)
Letter from Pauline. I woke up this morning with a bad pain in my left
breast and I keep burping. I couldn't decide whether I was having a heart
attack or if I had breast cancer. Don isn't the only one who is a worrier
except I didn't say anything about it to anyone. Now tonight the pain is
gone and my canker sore seems to have gone away so at least I don't have
cancer of the mouth. Who knows what I will have tomorrow. Anyway I dusted
and changed all the flowers and then when Don got back from his breakfast
with Mary and Nancy I went off to Stars. Liz Rawlins has joined and I
talked to her. She seems fine. Very strange the way we have drifted
apart. Maybe cuz we still somewhat wonder who was at fault. I then went
to House of Fabrics and got a zipper for the slacks I got Saturday and
then home. Had lunch and then shampooed my hair and pinned it up. Don
went down for a nap and I went for a thirty-minute walk at Fish property
near the end of North Avenue. Has been sold for development and today to
my horror I saw they had cut down the eucalyptus trees. Came home and
planted the red bushes I had bought Sunday. Then I sliced the roast, cut
out hash browns, made a raw veggie salad. Jenny was at clinical and Don
had taken Niki to her math tutor when Rick Cherry arrived to take our
dryer and bring Jenny's from the storage locker. Think I am really going
to like the new one for one thing the door opens from right to left
instead of the other way like the old one and Rick attached it so we
don't have to call Gino's and pay $35 to have it installed. We had dinner
and then Jenny took Niki to Cal Skate since it was McManus night. Cathy
stopped by to pick up some material for Julie and we had a wonderful time
laughing about Cathy's classes, Holy Communion and confirmation, etc. Now
it is going on nine and I have made the cereal for tomorrow morning and
Niki's lunch. I nibbled too much today. I wish the weather would warm up.
I think I would keep busy with things and wouldn't have to eat all the
time. Letter from Pauline today. She will be writing a lecture on art. In
a way I resent it. Would rather hear about her.
March 14, 1990 (Wednesday)
Called Pauline. - We woke up to a fine misty rain. Well I had been awake
since three dozing off and on and thinking about all kinds of things. So
I made cooked cereal, did a long exercise routine and then got dressed so
I left for Food For Less at 7:10 after getting Niki up. It was still
raining then I got my groceries and then went to the Cannery. Found a lot
of goodies for today. I like that store cuz there is something different
every week. Got home at nine and sent Don off to Safeway to get milk and
doughnuts cuz they were on sale today for $2.99 a dozen. We each had one
and then I did two loads of clothes and used my new dryer. It's bigger
than the old one, runs quiet and opens from the left instead of the
right, which is a greater advantage. Had a light lunch and then Priss
stopped by for a minute to show me a picture of a sweater. She wanted my
opinion on it. At 11:25 I walked to the library. It was raining again but
a light one and I didn't get too wet. Stayed till two and then Don picked
me up. I started getting dinner tonight when
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Linda called cuz she couldn't get in touch with Jason and Gino's were
going to be at her house at four to check the dryer so I went to Chico
Medical and got her key and drove over to the house to find Jason and the
repairman also. When I got back Niki said she was going to Kasey's to
dinner and the night so Don and I had a drink and then ate by ourselves
since Jenny was working from three to six. Then we watched the news and I
decided to call my sister since they had mentioned tornadoes in Nebraska
and Iowa on the news. We had a good talk for about forty minutes and she
was fine and safe. Called Priss for a brief chat. There is a fashion show
at the country club next Wednesday and she wants me to go but I am no
good at those things and I would have to look nice and don't know what to
wear. She was going to ask Alice also so I don't think I will go. Don had
to go to bed at 8:30 cuz he got a headache. He says he is going to the
Dr. Shaw tomorrow and ask about glasses for TV. About time. So now I have
been reading and will have one more cigarette and go to bed. Don got in
touch with his sister this morning and she says Linda and Maxie are
coming out to Colorado this July and she is going to come too and they
will be visiting her. I don't like the sound of that!
March 15, 1990 (Thursday)
Woke up to a very chilly but clear morning. Don went off to play tennis
and then came home to change to go to breakfast with Carl, Mac, and John
Boyle but then Mac called to say he didn't feel up to it. I wonder how
much longer he will live? I got dressed and went to Stars and stayed till
10:20 and then stopped by the Discover Shop with a lot of clothes. I went
through the closets and weeded out things I had not worn for a long time
and I think I will be doing more of that kind of thing. I dress up so
seldom that I don't need the kind of clothes I used to wear to work.
After lunch I went to the Chico Mall. I was looking for a short or
culottes or whatever they are called. This year I want something in rayon
that would be just below the knee and would be for when I have to dress
up with nylons, etc. but I couldn't find all I wanted so came home empty
handed. I made a shrimp salad with canned shrimp, cooked green beans and
fixed dark bread with cheese topping. After dinner I went for a walk
while Don watched the news. It was a lovely evening with a beautiful
sunset, birds singing, not too chilly and I enjoyed my walk but my knees
seem to be giving me trouble these days. Linda came over and she talked
to Niki about losing weight cuz she is having trouble so they made up a
new list of meals and we will try that. I would like her to lose some
weight before she leaves for Australia. Priss was going out tonight so I
did not call her. Jenny is working tonight from seven to eleven. Don is
in bed asleep and Niki went to bed at nine. Now at 9:401 am about to fold
myself. My neck is tender tonight for some reason. I didn't do all that
much today. I just wish it would warm up and then I could tackle washing
windows and working outside.
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Diary of Florence Belson Lillibridge - 1990
March 16, 1990 (Friday)
Well the day started out with a bang but then fizzled out. We slept in
cuz Don moved to the lounge about 4 a.m. so I cut short my exercise. I
decided not to go to Stars but instead after breakfast I worked outside.
I picked up all the camellias on the ground, worked around the roses,
cleaned borders and really got a lot done. Don went off to play tennis
while all this was going on. I came in the house and re-arranged flowers
and greens and then went to Lucky to buy something I needed. By that time
I was hungry and had lunch. Don went off to Dale's for the luncheon
group. Jenny came home for lunch and then was off again. When Don got
home I went for a long walk. My legs really ached and I would hate to
think I should give up walking. When I got back I made sandwiches with
beef, ham and cheese and cut them so everyone could have at least one
kind they like. Opened a can of bean and bacon soup and fixed a veggie
dish. Then we watched the news and Jenny and Niki went over to Linda's to
watch a movie. I took a shower and continued to read a novel called
Modern Women that is real good. When I was working this morning I stepped
over something in the border and fell. At the time I didn't think I had
hurt myself but tonight I felt very stiff and sore so maybe I did. I will
have a better idea tomorrow. Jenny got Niki a pair of tennis shoes or
rather shoes for tennis (is there a difference) and a pair of white
cotton shorts. I must go to Simply Cotton and buy something with the
money Mary gave me for Christmas. No word from Cathy today. I am growing
weary so I had better go to bed.
March 17, 1990 (Saturday)
Well it was no wearing of the green around here today although I remember
as a child that it was important. It was a mild and bright morning. I
picked up Mary and we went to the market. I got ten pounds of oranges,
some leaf lettuce, baby carrots and a dozen eggs. Took Mary home and then
when I got home I unpacked and put away everything. Don got back from
tennis and we had coffee and Pero. He had a doughnut and I wanted one
very much but was strong. Then I cleaned both bathrooms and after that I
washed the kitchen floor and both bathroom floors. By then it was
lunchtime. Then Don went down for a nap and I walked to the mall. I am
looking for good looking flat off-white shoes. I finally found a pair
that I could live with at Johnson's but they didn't have my size so
tomorrow I will go to the Chico Mall where there is a Naturalizer Store
and see if they have or can order them. Came home and made a chocolate
mayonnaise pie for tomorrow. Jenny and Niki were going to eat dinner at
Linda's and watch movies so Don and I had a simple dinner of bacon, eggs
and hot biscuits. Very filling and very satisfying. I ate too much so
went for a walk after dinner. Then we read in the evening and watched the
news on CNN at seven. Linda stopped by today and we talked about Jason's
moving into the apartment. She will give up the house on the first of
June and then come here until everything is taken care of and then go on
to Tahoe. Since Jenny and Niki will be leaving on the sixteenth she can
be in the apartment. Yesterday Jenny
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said something about renting in Sacramento off and on till she leaves cuz
they are short of nurses and paying a great deal of money. Don
disapproved and told her so. Since then she has been very cool and both
last night and tonight she and Niki have been gone. I feel bad about this
cuz she never had any trouble the whole time she was here and now right
at the end things are strained. I didn't know if Don did the right thing
or not but I hate to have people mad. I realize that she wants to go with
as much money as possible but maybe working in Sacramento is going a bit
far. So now it is about 9 p.m. and Don is ready for bed, which is like
every other night. He is so tired at night. No word from Cathy.
March 18, 1990 (Sunday)
Absolutely beautiful day! I sunbathed for forty-five minutes and even
looked a light pink tonight. I hope it is this way tomorrow and I will go
out again. We went to church and when I came home I thawed the French
stew and got out some leftover rice. Then at 10:30 I drove to Ross to see
what they had in shoes but I couldn't find anything I liked in my size so
then I went to the mall and to Naturalizer to see if they had the offwhite flats I had liked at Johnson's that were not in my size. They
didn't have them there but they said they would try to order them so I
came on home. I wish I had taken my gift certificate at Simply Cotton cuz
then I would have gone there. I will have to go later. I must buy
something pretty soon so I can thank Mary. When I got home I had lunch
and then I sat outside on the south deck and it was so pleasant, not too
hot, but just right! Came in and did the salad greens and read. Girls are
busy getting boxes and packing things and deciding what to take and what
to sell and what to store (here naturally). Will all their things ever
really be gone? I doubt it. The things I would like them to leave they
are either taking or selling. So with the chocolate mayo pie I made
yesterday and the stew, bread, rice and salad, we had a good dinner. Then
Jenny went to walk with Linda and Niki and I walked. It was very
pleasant. Then I watched some of the news on CNN and then took a shower.
Didn't even get chilled getting out so spring is on the way. Don stayed
up after Niki went to bed and we tried but with no success. A hard time
at the moment.
March 19, 1990 (Monday)
It is 9:15 p.m. and I am so sleepy that when I finish this I am going to
bed. Not that I did all that much today really. After I got breakfast I
watered and fed houseplants and then I went to Stars but I didn't stay
all that long. Came home and did a load of clothes and since it was so
nice out I hung them outside for the first time this year. We ate lunch
and then I sat outside again for about forty-five minutes before taking a
shower and shampooing my hair. I decided to do something with a container
of frozen chopped turkey. I was in the mood for a hot dish so I made soup
and it was a great success. I put carrots, celery, spinach, onions, loads
of seasoning and then a package of top ramen at the
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end. Fixed a fruit plate of grapes, oranges, pineapple, kiwis to go with
it and hot bread. Poor Don had to take Niki to her tennis lesson and then
to her math tutor. Priss didn't feel well today so I fixed her a
container of soup and a small fruit plate and since Jason had come over
to sunbathe after school I sent him to take it to her on his way home.
Jenny didn't get home till late since this was her day to go to Paradise
after work to get her student assignments at F. River. After we ate Niki
and I went for a long walk and then when we got home it was just about
time for Jenny to arrive so I heated up her dinner. Don went to bed with
a headache and I finished a book I was reading and now I am going to bed
myself. Mike called and he and Karen will be here the ninth of May and
will leave on the fourteenth just two days before Jenny and Niki leave.
March 20, 1990 (Tuesday)
What a beautiful day! It was much warmer than yesterday and today is the
first day of spring! I know it won't last but I am enjoying it while I
can. I went to Stars did the machines and stayed for twenty-five minutes
of floor exercises. When I got home I had my lunch and then while Don
sunbathed and napped I went to Simply Cotton and finally bought something
with Mary's Christmas certificate. I got a pair of slacks in a slate blue
and then I bought a top that matches. This morning early I put two turkey
drumsticks and a thigh in the oven with lots of liquid and let it bake
for three hours. So this afternoon I took all the meat off the bones and
ended up with five containers for Daisy's daily meal. If we go to
Australia in January I will have to make an awful lot of this stuff. Well
anyway when I got back from Simply Cotton I sunbathed for twenty-five
minutes and then showered. I think I am getting a little bit of tan. For
dinner I made waffles and that was easy. Then I made up my grocery list
and then I went for a walk. Don and I went to Thrifty to get some
bargains. Niki went to swimming for the first time in a long time. At
8:30 we turned on TV and watched Suspect. It was very good indeed. I do
like Cher so much and it was suspenseful and exciting. As usual I missed
a lot cuz I am a coward and can't watch when it gets too scary. But there
were too many commercials and it was 11 PM before it was over and we
could go to bed.
March 21, 1990 (Wednesday)
Got up at 5:30 and made breakfast. Then Linda called and I was to pick
her up at fifteen to eight. Don was going to breakfast with Don Marquis.
So I picked Linda up and then went to Food For Less and the Cannery and
then to Safeway on the way home. I just got things put away and the phone
rang and it was Mary Yakich. Their car had broken down and they were at
Goodyear on Cohasset and needed a ride home so I picked them up and took
them home. Then back to my house. I fixed a sandwich and then Don got
home. We talked and then I left for the library. This time I allowed
plenty of time so I could enjoy the walk. I typed for the first hour and
then I shelved books for the second hour. Don picked me up at two and we
stopped at Patio and Things and K-Mart looking for an
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umbrella for our table on the patio. I am afraid it's going to cost a
lot. When I got home I made an imitation crab salad and fixed broccoli
for dinner. Just before we were to eat Niki told us that she was going to
the Pizza night for Aquajets with Kasey and then was going to her house
to spend the night. Niki was very thrilled to be getting second place
ribbon for her science project. So Don took the class over to Roundtable
Pizza and we sat down to our dinner by ourselves. Jenny works till ten
tonight at F. River. Then it was the news and since it had turned dark
and cloudy I didn't go for a walk. After all I had walked to the library
and that is a long walk! Priss stopped by in the late afternoon and she
had Cinders with her and we walked around the cul de sac and visited. She
told me about the fashion show I didn't go to but she was in a good mood
thank goodness. She brought me some cocktail napkins that said "Good
girls keep a diary; bad girls don't have time." In the evening I read.
Julie called asking if she could come to spend the night next weekend and
interview one of us. Then Rosalie got on the phone to tell me she got her
lamb today. It's called O.J. (Olivia Jane).
March 22, 1990 (Thursday)
Thursday morning. It was not quite as warm as yesterday although I did
not wear a jacket to Stars. Before I went I picked camellias for the
vases and did some ironing. Stayed at Stars till 10:15 and on the way
home stopped at the Big Five. I had bought some walking shoes about a
month ago but they were too big and I don't like them so today I asked if
I could exchange them and I found a really good pair for only $4.50 more
so now I have what I want and they are not too big. Then on to Lucky to
buy Tide and bread and cottage cheese. By the time I got home it was
after eleven so I had lunch. Don went to take a nap and Cathy came. I
don't see her very often so when she does come it's a treat. She is so
funny teasing about the sheep that Julie and Rose now have and about
Rose's science project on whether cats like cheap or expensive canned
food. We laughed so hard about all this and she and David are getting
along just fine these days and that made me happy. I gave her the Disney
Books of Knowledge all twenty of them cuz Jenny didn't want them so the
girls will like them I think. So after she left I lined up the leftovers
for dinner and I read. Don took Niki for her tennis lesson. Jenny was
late from work. She is not going to take her couch cuz it would cost $800
to ship it and it cost only $500. I just hope she can sell it for a good
price. After dinner I went for a walk and then I talked to Priss who is
not feeling well today at all. I worry about her cuz she doesn't eat
right and she keeps losing weight. Tomorrow I will make a hot dish and I
think I will take some to her. Linda leaves tomorrow after work for a
week of vacation. She and Craig are going to Lake Mead but I don't know
where that is. Don got a terrible headache at about 7 p.m. He got his new
glasses and he felt that maybe the headaches would be over but it isn't
working out that way. I visited with Jenny and then she went to bed and
now it's getting on to ten and I suppose I should go too. I called Connie
and she is coming tomorrow to cut my hair. I hate it and I want it short
but I will probably hate that too. We will see.
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March 23, 1990 (Friday)
Up at the usual time and I did a lot of exercise cuz I decided I didn't
have to go to Stars today. Don had to take the car to be checked at eight
and Carl met him there to go play tennis. I made a huge hot dish and
divided it into three containers and then saved out a small amount to
take to Priss for her dinner tonight. Then Ted Huff came to work on the
fence between the Spatteri house and ours. He tore down the existing one
and got new posts in and the general framework down and he will be back
tomorrow to finish. With all that going on I couldn't sunbathe but I did
get the rest of the lawn furniture out and then I made brownies. We
haven't had rain for a long time and I really want some. Made a big green
salad and when the crew got back at four I took all three things over to
Priss and when I got back Jenny, Don and I sat on the patio and had a
drink and little tidbits and it was a beautiful late afternoon and it was
fun. We had dinner and the news and I went for a walk but I will be glad
when daylight savings time begins on Sunday cuz then I can start at 6:30
and it won't get dark. Jason came late and finished up the hot dish,
salad, etc. It would cost $800 to ship Jenny's couch so she is not taking
it and will have to try to sell it. In the evening I read but I was tired
and I found myself dozing off which makes me mad but I really don't have
to go to bed either. Finally at eleven I woke up again and this time I
put Daisy out and went to bed.
March 24, 1990 (Saturday)
Wrote to Pauline. - This morning I went to the fruit market with Mary.
There were a lot more people today and more things to choose from. I got
a good head of lettuce, an onion, carrots and eggs. Took Mary home and
then when I got home I walked over to McMahon's looking for a bedspread
but didn't like any of them. Don wanted to go to Patio and Things to get
an umbrella but I didn't like the ones that we saw there and said no and
he didn't like that. But I want to look at Meek’s again. Then Jenny took
me to the Chico Mall and I got the shoes they had ordered for me. I like
them but they are just okay and not great. They cost $49. Had lunch and
then went to Holiday for ice milk and asparagus. Read for a while and
then made potato salad and pickled beets. Jenny is still sorting out
things to pack and things to leave till they leave. The fence is down and
cost only $163, which isn't too bad. I went out and pulled nails out of
the leftover boards and stacked them. Another beautiful day. No
sunbathing. Wrote a long letter to Pauline. We had dinner and I had a
sandwich but Jenny and Don had hot dogs. Niki had gone to Shasta Lake
with the Lindeman's and they were expected back late. She finally called
to say she was staying the night with Kasey. Don had gotten a movie
called Her Alibi with Magnum P.I. I can't remember his real name at the
moment and it was sweet and funny. Jenny had already seen it but Don and
I enjoyed it. I was really weary so we went to bed fairly early. I tried
and tried to get Priss but the Linda was busy. I showered and we waited
to watch the movie and finally got her and she had had the phone off the
hook by mistake. We went to bed and Daisy slipped in and we didn't shut
her out or close the
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door and right in the middle of love making suddenly Daisy is right there
with her nose in my face and we both cracked up and that was the end of
that. But we both saw the humor of it thank goodness. And so to sleep.
Next time we will close the door no matter what!
March 25, 1990 (Sunday)
This was one busy day. Don decided not to go to church. I wore my gray
pleated skirt, navy top, gray hose and navy shoes. Looked nice. Picked up
Mary, stopped at Safeway for milk and bananas. Came home and changed. Don
had finished up putting the boards away and filling in around the posts.
I did two loads of clothes. Then I fixed the boneless spare ribs in a
fancy tomato sauce, made bread, and ironed the clothes that required it,
read in between everything, The Sixth Seal by Mary Wesley. Was really
rather fascinating. Taking place in England, it was about a woman and her
son and his friend who was the only ones left after a strange phenomenon
destroyed everyone and thing above ground. Later other people were found.
I really liked it. Don watched tennis, basketball and golf. Agassi beat
Edberg in tennis to win a tournament. I was glad cuz I wanted him to win.
Jenny worked at the hospital from 7 to 4:30. Niki stayed at Kasey's till
4:30 so Don and I had the day to ourselves, which was nice. Jason stopped
by for lunch and came again for dinner. I made the chocolate pudding
cake, which is always good. I just seemed to move from one job to another
but it was all satisfying so I didn't mind. Tomorrow I work at the
Discovery Shop in the afternoon and I must pay someone to work for me on
Friday. I will be going to Chico Junior Thursday and Friday. I changed
all the bouquets today. The pink perfection camellias they're at their
height right now so I used them in the dining room and living room. I
have greens on the coffee table. It was sunny today but there was a real
chilly breeze. Niki and I walked after dinner and I needed that cuz I had
a drink before dinner and that always makes me hungry so I ate too much.
My ribs turned out to be very good. I hope Linda is having a good time
with Craig on her vacation at Lake Mead. Don came in and remembered the
man's name Her Alibi Tom Selleck! Sometimes my lack of memory frightens
me.
March 26, 1990 (Monday)
Woke up to a clear day. Don went off to play tennis and Jenny's car was
causing trouble so I left early for Stars and just did the machines and
then came home but Jenny got her car started and found there was not
anything serious wrong with it thank goodness. I went for a walk before
lunch and decided that was a good time of day to walk. Since the Academy
Awards started at six I know I didn't want to walk after dinner. I called
Priss about working at the Discovery Shop on Friday. I would have been
working for her on Friday so I thought maybe she would make the effort to
call someone but she didn't offer so when I went in at 1 I worked there
and Pat Roberts who was cashier had said she would do it. The afternoon
went fast and everything went well. I brought home a raincoat that I
thought maybe Jenny could wear but it was too small and a skirt I brought
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home for myself was too big so will have to return them. The bedspread I
wanted for Niki's room was gone. That was my fault cuz I should have
bought it the last time I was there. Now I will have to re-think my color
scheme. Don picked me up at 4:15 and dinner was a snap cuz I just heated
up all the leftovers and then at six I sat down for the Academy Awards. I
think it was the best one I have ever seen. Billy Crystal as Master of
Ceremonies was marvelous; and the whole thing moved at a good clip. The
women's gowns were in good taste and many were black. The speeches were
short. Well I enjoyed it all even though it went till after 9:30. Jessica
Tandy won, as did the movie Driving Miss Daisy. My Left Foot for best
actor and it won that for best supporting actress. The black from Glory
won best supporting actor. I can't remember best supporting actress. Then
it was Barbara Walters interviewing Chevy Chase, Warren Beatty and Arnold
Schwartzenager. That was fun too. So at 10:20 it was all over and I was
the only one of the family still awake so I went to bed.
March 27, 1990 (Tuesday)
Chilly in the morning but as the day goes on it gets warm. No wind today.
Since it was Tuesday I planned to go to Stars at 9:30 but Don came home
from tennis having hit himself in the face with his racquet and he cut
his lip badly. We thought he should go to Convenient Care so off he went
and so I took off my leotard and went to work on the other things. I did
a load of clothes, put them in the dryer for twenty minutes and then hung
them outside. Dusted the living room and then worked outside for a while
pulling weeds and working around some of the plants. Made lunch and then
sunbathed for about an hour. Showered and got dressed and worked in the
kitchen. Washed the salad greens, deboned four chicken breasts and
pounded them and seared them and made a sour cream and wine sauce to put
on later. Fixed the green beans and cut up potatoes to bake. Then I went
to the mall looking for bedspreads for the room Niki will be leaving. I
went to K- Mart, Wards, Mervyn's and Penney's. There I found one I liked
very much but not in the colors I had planned. Very dark green with a
paisley pattern. Decided to think about it. Came home and found that
Jenny was going out to dinner with John Cherry. So I asked Jason who was
here sunbathing to stay for dinner. The food was very good. Jason took
Niki to swimming and some friend brought her home. I decided on the
bedspread. It was $80 but with a 25% discount it was $60 plus tax. Now I
will have to change my whole idea of doing the room. I will have to
decide on paint and curtains. So the evening was quiet. Niki watched TV
and quit at nine. Don is miserable with his sore lip and my neck is
bothering me again. It comes and goes and right now it's here. Now I
really dread working Thursday and Friday cuz all the hours of tension but
the money will help fix up and pay for my room that I will be working on
and I so love a project.
March 28, 1990 (Wednesday)
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Got up at 5:30 and got out waffles for Don and Niki. I did a limited
amount of exercise cuz of my neck that doesn't feel a bit better today.
Then I got dressed and at 7:15 I left for Cost for Less. Even here the
prices are going up cuz Cracklin Oat Bran was over $4 a box and that is
simply too much to pay for a box of cereal. With Jason coming in the fall
and the fact that he is a big eater I worry about grocery bills. I got
home at 9:15. Don wasn't back from tennis so I carried everything in and
put it all away. Probably not a good idea with my neck and shoulder
problem. Since I had checked again at Meek’s on umbrellas I suggested to
Don that we get the blue nylon one there that costs $25 so he went out
and got it and it looks just great. Now I just have to come up with a
container to fill with sand to stick it in. I got my lunch and then
walked to the library. By then it was warm and the walk wasn't all that
pleasant. Typed cards and did a little shelving and then Don picked me up
at two. I asked him to take me to Chico Junior so I could find out if it
was supposed to be 7:15 when I am to be there. Jeff Shaw met me and gave
me a big hug. He has had the place painted, put in shrubs and flowers,
kicked out forty difficult students and he says everything is going fine.
I like that young man so much. Got home and made a mock crab salad, made
a chocolate cake and opened some canned soup. Kasey came for dinner and
the night. After dinner I bathed, shampooed and set my hair, called Priss
and then did my nails. Now its 9:30 and I am going to bed and I just hope
my neck is better in the morning. Right now it really hurts.
March 29, 1990 (Thursday)
Chico Junior - Got up at 5:30 and made my lunch and Kasey's. My neck
really hurts and I keep wondering how long the pain will last this time.
I had pinned up my hair and so now I brushed it back and it looked good.
Wore my stone gray slacks and long top and off we went at ten after seven
cuz there was going to be a conference at 7:30. Well although the
teachers showed up the parents and students did not so I went to the
office and started my day there. It was a long tedious day without enough
to do. Everyone was very kind and helpful. Jeff came down to talk and he
was just as funny and charming as always. Finally the day was over at
3:15 and Don and Niki picked me up cuz Niki had to go to her tennis
lesson. I just wanted to get home, change my clothes, and have a couple
of Pero and a cigarette. Finally I could do that. I got out the lasagna
that Priss had given me. There was a crab salad leftover and I fixed
cottage cheese and fresh pineapple. Cathy came by to discuss some music
for a class. Julie is coming tomorrow night for dinner and the night. I
wasn't very hungry and didn't eat much. Watched the news and called
Priss. Laid in bed for a while with the heating pad on. Now at 9:20 I am
going to bed and I just pray that tomorrow I will feel better but I don't
hold out much hope.
March 30, 1990 (Friday)
Chico Junior - Don took me to Chico Junior this morning at fifteen to
eight. Like yesterday there just wasn't enough to do but finally Billie
Jean gave me some work to do
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and in the afternoon I helped the registrar go over schedules but the day
endlessly dragged and with my neck hurting so much I thought it would
never end. The pain has been very bad again today and by the time Don
came to get me I was almost in tears. He had to take Niki to get her hair
cut cuz Jenny was supervising the movers first getting her things out of
storage and then taking the things from the apartment. The lounge that
she decided not to take is in the apartment living room and now she is
going to try to sell that. Luckily I had thawed a hot dish and I made a
salad and heated bread. David brought Julie at five so when Niki got back
from her math lesson we had dinner. Julie asked a long list of questions
about my past, the war, depression, etc. that brought back a lot of
memories good and bad. After dinner I talked to Priss on the phone and we
compared pains and was able to laugh about them. Jenny went to Dr.
Powell's office and got me some Vicodin and I took half of one and went
to bed at eight. I just hope and pray that tomorrow will be better but
what worries me is what if I was to get this thing if we go on a trip. It
scares me.
March 31, 1990 (Saturday)
Today was not a good day. My neck really hurt. I sat around for a while
and then I decided I would just go ahead and do things so I washed the
kitchen floor that was really dirty cuz of Daisy's paw prints and then I
swept the patio and brought the plant stand around and put the plants on
it that had been on the tables. Then I went to K-Mart and bought two
white plastic chairs ($8 each) and an umbrella stand ($7). Went to Lucky
and got breads (the little ones) and grapes and cottage cheese. Came home
and had lunch. Looked through the things Jenny is going to sell at the
yard sale and bought $3 worth from Niki who is going to make the money on
this project. Thank goodness Jenny took back my top to Simply Cotton for
that gave her the money cuz there were not any pants that fitted me. The
afternoon dragged on and I was in agony. Jenny and Niki went to a potluck
birthday party so there was just Don and I for dinner. I made bacon and
tomato sandwiches had a salad and chips and salsa and we watched the news
while we ate. Afterwards we walked over to the junior high and looked at
the maple planted in the inner court. I can't wait for the autumn and the
brilliant colors. A ninth grade geography class did it. At seven after
trying to read I came up and went to bed. Just couldn't stand the pain
any longer.
April 1, 1990 (Sunday)
Fed roses systemic. Well, thank goodness my neck was better today. It is
not completely well, but it is on the way. I wore the neck brace most of
the day and that helped. We didn't go to church but we did a lot of other
things. I got a lot of stuff out of the shed and decided to put them in
the yard sale. I hope to sell the old desk on the north patio and bring a
bookcase out and paint it brown so it will blend in. It will give me more
space for clay pots, etc. Then I fed all the roses with systemic and
since Don was watering the
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borders, he gave them another watering. Niki spent the night at Nicole's.
At 12 Cathy came with the 3 girls and she went off to a birthday party
and I fed the girls. I had done 2 loads of clothes and I ironed
everything that needed it. I went through drawers and rolled up a lot of
stuff that Julie couldn't wear. Then Nicole, Niki, and Robin came. They
went to the Mall and when they came back, we all went over to the junior
high to look at the world maps they have painted on the inner court on
the cement. Very good indeed. Cathy came there and saw it too and then
they all went home. The other 3 girls played out till 4:30 and then went
home. I had a simple dinner. Found a piece of ham in the freezer and
heated it and made cream and cheese potatoes, green beans and the fruit
salad. Watched the news, called Priss who is feeling better too and then
Jenny and I went for a walk. When we got back, Linda came over. She had
had a wonderful time at Lake Mead and looked tanned and rested. Watched
some of 60 Minutes and then Funniest Home Videos. Took a shower and now
here I am at about 15 to 9. So I got a lot done and feel very bold.
That's why I am getting rid of things and sorting things out and getting
my old summer clothes ready for warm weather. I just hope my neck will
continue to feel good.
April 2, 1990 (Monday)
Letter to Pauline. Fed roses Miracle rose food. Well, today I didn't feel
quite as good as yesterday. I was pretty much okay in the morning, but as
the day progressed, the pain was back. Right after breakfast and when Don
went off to play tennis, I got out the rose food and the pail and took
care of all of the roses. True, I carried the pail a few times and it was
heavy, but I was careful for the most part. Then I came in the house and
neatened up the long hall closet where the sheets, etc., are. By that
time, Don was home and it was going on 10 so I walked over to the Mall. I
looked around a bit and found a floor lamp I think I will buy for the
room. Got paint samples so when the blinds come I can have the paint the
same color. Stopped at Safeway and got some things like bananas and came
home. Don had to meet the former student from Malaysia-Natson or some
such name, and he went to lunch with him and Dale so I had my lunch on
the patio with Daisy in attendance. Laid down for a very short time and
then at 2 went to Dr. Schwartz who said the thing on my toe was not a
wart but a small corn that he removed. Stopped and cashed my checks at
Gibraltar and then home. Made up the salad greens, made the ham
sandwiches and heated the hot dish. Don went off with the student to the
Albatross for dinner. I ate alone. Then Jenny came and ate and Niki had
tried not to eat until after swimming. Called Priss. Linda had come for
lunch after I was done and we talked about the yard sale and her move to
Tahoe. She came back at night and she and Jenny went for a walk after
Niki was home. I would have liked to walk but didn't feel all that great.
Finally at 8:30 Don got home exhausted and now he is in bed; and although
it is just 10 after 9, I think I will go too. I hope I feel better
tomorrow. Wrote to Pauline.
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April 3, 1990 (Tuesday)
Well, I think I am better today. My neck did not hurt all that much and I
got quite a lot done. I decided not to go to Stars. In fact, I may not go
there next week. We will see. After breakfast I tackled the cupboards in
the back bath and I took some things away and organized the rear. Don got
back from tennis and at 10 we went to Wards to buy the paint for the
bedroom but first we went to look at their floor lamps. We both liked the
same one and so I paid cash for it and it came to $53 and the paint came
to $34 so now everything is done that can be done till after the 16th.
When we got home, Don sunbathed and I had my cottage cheese and fruit and
then we went to the library; and I told them that until my neck was
better, I would not be volunteering. Since I work at Pleasant Valley
tomorrow morning and go to the Family Service luncheon the next
Wednesday, I figure after that I will probably be okay. So back home I
made the salad for dinner from a new recipe and it turned out to be good
and I made rolls and with perfect timing I took them out of the oven as
we sat down and they were just perfect. Finally the paper came so I made
up my grocery list and then Don and I walked over to McManus to open
house to look at Niki's room. We stayed a very short time. When I got
back, I went for a short walk and then I called Priss. Don went to bed
early with a headache. Linda stopped by and I asked her if she wanted a
birthday dinner and she said yes and gave me the menu. So now I must go
take a shower and pin up my hair so I will look okay tomorrow morning at
Pleasant Valley. Jason came over after dinner and he and Don took the
bookcase to the north patio. I will paint it dark brown like the house
and then we hope to sell the desk and I think the patio will look better.
April 4, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is 8:30 PM and I can't seem to stop yawning. It has been a busy day. I
was at Pleasant Valley at 7:30 getting ready to "teach" Mark's German
class first period. He had everything so well organized that it was not a
problem. When the class was over, I sat in the office and nothing much
happened. I made some schedule changes, but that was all. Left at 11 and
Don picked me up. I ate lunch and then at 15 to 12 I went grocery
shopping. Came home and put everything away and then cleaned the 2
bathrooms since Don had vacuumed this morning. I was so pleased that he
did that cuz it was needed and I know I would not have time today. Then I
fixed a simple dinner with hot dogs, carrot salad, then fixed French
fries and left over turkey salad. Kasey called and invited Niki for the
night so Don took her over after we ate. Poor Don did things for Niki all
day. He went from one place to another. After dinner, Linda came over and
we walked and talked just like we used to. Jenny is in Paradise from 3 10 at her clinical class. A friend of hers is coming from Chicago
tomorrow and will be here till Sunday so I must fix a nice dinner
tomorrow, and I hope to work at the Discovery Shop tomorrow afternoon so
I will have to cook in the morning. There are strawberries so I can have
them for dessert and I am defrosting chicken so I will work it out.
Friday is Grand Parent's Day, so I will have
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to pack a lunch. Maybe we can have hamburgers. I will see. Well one good
thing about the day. My neck has not hurt at all. I think I am getting
better. Since Niki went to Kasey's and Jenny was not due home till well
after 10 we went to bed and closed the door, but it was not good for Don
so we didn't get very far. Naturally he was upset, but we went to sleep
and that was that.
April 5, 1990 (Thursday)
This was a hectic and busy day for both Don and me. Got up, did my
exercises, had breakfast and then I de-boned 4 chicken breasts, added 3
chicken thighs and browned them and made a sauce for them. Then I dusted
everything, took the covers off the lounge and chair so the living room
looked nice. Neatened up the apartment as well. Next I went out and
painted the yellow bookcase dark brown, but the first coat is not enough
so I will try to do it tomorrow afternoon when we get back from Durham.
Don came home from tennis with a very sore spot right above his navel. He
couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well, he took a shower and then I
showered and we had lunch and he decided to call Dr. Wooding and she said
she would see him at 12. I had to be at the Discovery Shop at 15 to 1,
but he made it home and the doctor thought it was a sore muscle; but he
is not to play for 3 days and if not better, he is to go back. I worked
hard at the Discovery Shop and brought home a London Fog raincoat that
Linda loves, a pair of slacks that fit me and another pair that will
maybe fit Linda. There were several of us working so they hoped I got 3
since there was no business. I had done the salad greens while I waited
for Don to come back from the doctor so I put the chicken in, fixed the
rice and put it in, got the bread out and then I met Judy, Jenny's
friend. She had flown out from Chicago and Jenny picked her up in
Sacramento. We both like her very much. At twenty to 5 after Don had
taken Niki to tennis lesson and to Dr. Campbell, I dashed to Holiday and
got strawberries so there was strawberry short cake for dessert. Dinner
was a success. Jenny took Niki swimming and we visited with Judy. Then
Linda came over and we went for a walk. Came back and Don was watching TV
so I called Priss and we had a good visit. Don went to bed with a
headache and I read for a while. It is now 9:30 so I will let Daisy out
and have a late cigarette and go to bed. A long busy day, no doubt about
that.
April 6, 1990 (Friday)
So the Grand Parents' Day arrived. Up at 5 and after exercising and
orange juice, I made a batch of brownies and then 6 lunches cuz I called
Cathy and she said yes she would like one too. First I made Niki's and
then a sandwich for everyone (half of one for Don and me), cut up the
apples and oranges, carrot sticks and dried apricots, chips, pickles and
the frosted brownies plus drinks. It was all outside this year and it was
a bright day even a trifle chilly. The girls were sweet, but since they
see us all the time, they were not particularly excited. I imagine the
teachers hate it and the grand parents after the fact are
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probably feeling as we do. We left at 12 and got home to Daisy who acted
as if we had been gone for weeks. Had a cigarette and a cup of Pero and
then changed my clothes and painted the bookcase a second coat of paint.
It looks fine. Later in the afternoon, it was dry enough to put against
the fence. I stayed organizing the stuff I had taken out of the desk and
tomorrow I will put things in the bookcase. Then I waited a little,
washed the aphids off the roses since the systemic has not taken hold
yet. Jenny, Judy and Niki went out to dinner and so we had a drink in a
leisurely fashion and then there was some left over chicken from last
night, some carrot salad, rice from last night and I opened a can of bean
and bacon soup and I even had the last piece of brownie. Then there was
the news, grim as always; and then Don and I went for a long walk of
about 40 minutes. Then I called Priss and we had a good chat. And so the
day went by. Tomorrow night I will have to have a nice dinner and then
Sunday Jenny takes Judy to Sacramento to catch her plane and then she is
driving to Tahoe to leave her car so that Craig can try to sell it in
Nevada and she doesn't have to worry about the smog device. She will come
home with Linda Sunday night. Tuesday is Linda's birthday and she wants a
special dinner. Well, I can worry about that on Monday.
April 7, 1990 (Saturday)
We woke up to a cloudy sky and a cold wind. Mary and I went to the fruit
market where I bought eggs, escarole, small carrots and radishes. Mary
talked about her health and attending a funeral. Real dismal. Stopped at
Safeway to buy Don a doughnut and got milk and bananas. Don was sweeping
the sidewalk and gutter, so I helped. Then I started putting things in my
bookcase that is replacing the battered desk we hope to sell at the yd
sale. I had planned to have hamburgers tonight, but as the day progressed
and it didn't clear up, I decided to change the menu. I went back to
Safeway and got sliced beef and turkey and got out different kinds of
bread and I made a good stir fry and we had sandwiches and a fruit plate.
I walked before dinner cuz I knew it would get dark early. So after
dinner, I watched the news with Don. Then I read for a while and then I
did my nails and toenails and took a shower. Spent the evening reading
the new Reader's Digest. Judy has fit in very well. She is an easy
houseguest and we all like her. Even Daisy has accepted her. I called
Priss and she was in a good mood and that helped cuz she often has
trouble with Saturday and Sunday. I am tired tonight and think I will go
to bed early. I just hope the sun comes out tomorrow. I realize how much
the weather affects me. I hate when it is dark and gloomy especially this
time of year when I expect it to be sunny. Well, tomorrow is Palm Sunday.
Thursday is Linda's birthday, Saturday is Jenny's birthday and next
Sunday is Easter. I had too much today and so I must be careful tomorrow.
Jenny takes Judy to Sacramento tomorrow and then drives up to Tahoe to
leave her car. She will ride back down with Linda and they will probably
be late getting back. I hope Niki doesn't get too bored with us all day.
Good night.
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April 8, 1990 (Sunday)
A very chilly day. In fact, I wore my navy shirt, plus wool sweater to
church and a sweater over that. But I looked nice. Since it was Palm
Sunday, it was a long service, but it was good. Came home and put on
turtleneck and sweatshirt and slacks. Didn't do too much in the morning.
Had lunch and then Judy got ready to go and Jenny drove her to
Sacramento. They both decided that the shoes I had bought at Naturalizer
didn't go with the coral and white dress and I should go back and get the
other ones. So Niki and I drive out to the Chico Mall and I got the other
ones plus a pair of white flats. Got bows for the off white ones too and
since both of these were on sale, it was really a good buy. Came home and
I baked potatoes for Vi shells, did the salad greens, fixed green beans,
and did hot dogs a new way with cheese on top and put them under the
broiler. During the afternoon, Don watched golf and I shortened 3 pair of
slacks, all cotton ones for summer: white, turquoise and salmon colored.
Then I pressed them all. Priss stopped by and brought back some dishes
and some spiced chicken wings, some frozen cherries. Jason called and
asked to come to dinner. He is going to Reno tomorrow to see his Father
and he is going to use our car. He will be back Oft Thursday. It is going
to be a difficult week cuz Jenny left her car in Lake Tahoe hoping to
sell it there. So we are going to be in a bind till Thursday and then it
won't be easy with just one car. Then Mike Mizel called to say he and his
wife and child will be here Easter Sunday! They will be here for dinner
and will stay the night in a motel. I am not thrilled. Don and I then
watched Peter O'Toole on a re-make of the Pied Piper with Monte Wooley
and it was very good, but it lasted till 11. So then we were so tired we
just went to bed and to sleep.
April 9, 1990 (Monday)
94# - I decided I would just have to give up on going to Stars this week
with the car situation so complicated. So Don went off to tennis with
Carl and I started the clean-the- house campaign. When Don came back, I
said everything for the yard sale had to go over to Linda's patio. Don
was gone and we got just about everything on the first load and then
Jason drove back with us and they got the desk in and the rest of the
boxes. Then Jason took our car to go to Reno to see his dad and we have
his car. Then I swept the north patio and it looks a lot better. Then I
washed the screens and windows in the kitchen of the apartment. I was
outside standing in the driveway and something started to crawl up my leg
and when I looked, it was a baby squirrel who must have thought I was a
tree; and I let out a yell cuz I was startled and he just stayed on the
driveway. So I got Don and by the time he came, the mother squirrel came
and they both went up a tree. Then Niki and I put up the posters of
Holland, Australia and Monterey that I had bought at the Discovery Shop.
Then lunch time. Robin came for lunch and she and Niki went to the movie
and then over to her house for dinner. I made a tuna salad and had soup
and hot bread for dinner, and Linda came home early from work cuz she
didn't sleep last night and she was going to spend the night here cuz she
didn't want to be alone over there
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with Jason gone. We ate and then I went for a long walk and then called
Priss. Don got When Harry Met Sally for Jenny, Linda and me; and he got
Stake Out for himself. By then Jenny got called to work and so she got a
movie for Niki and Linda went home and we didn't have 3 VCR's so Don was
so mad, he went to bed and I watched When Harry Met Sally alone. Then
Jenny came home cuz they didn't need her after all and Niki went to bed
and I went to bed and Don woke up and we made love, which started out
great and then didn't end up right. We really have a problem at the
moment and I don't know if it will get better for both of us or not.
April 10, 1990 (Tuesday)
This was not a good day for me. I woke up feeling gloomy and things did
not get better. Don decided to take Jason's car to the Datsun people to
be checked. I know how angry this makes Linda and said so, but he was
adamant. He left the car and got it back by 3 PM. It needs a new
windshield that will be replaced tomorrow and one new tire, plus the work
on it today. I washed our bedroom; the bathroom and the TV room windows
this morning plus the screens. While we were eating lunch, Don asked me
what was wrong and I told him. I resent giving Jenny the $500. I resent
having Jason's car fixed. Here is his money going out to children and
grand children and they don't even appreciate it or thank him. I am so
careful about me trying years to save and then he does this kind of
thing. Is he buying their love? I just don't know, but I was fed up and
said so. Then he was angry so the situation just got worse instead of
better. Nicole Van Rosen came over and she and Niki stayed till about
4:30 and then they went to Nicole's house where Niki will spend the
night. I worked hard on the dinner for Linda: roasted a chicken with
dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot rolls, green beans with mushroom
soup and onions, carrot salad and chocolate mayo pie. Also, I gave her
$30 and a card. The dinner went fine, but inside I was still angry and I
thought of all the things in the past that I can't seem to forget. The
fact that I wasn't allowed to have a car but they were bought for
children. I saved $400 to buy Christmas presents, but Don never even
acknowledged that. He is always crying poor, but then he spends all kinds
of money on everyone but me. Well, it was a very bad day all around.
After dinner, Linda went home and then Jenny went over to see her so I
went for a walk and was gone for half an hour. Came back and called Priss
just to find out when she was picking us up tomorrow for the lunch. That
was another thing that made me mad. I will be wearing a dress I bought 7
years ago and I would like to have had something new; but since I go
places so seldom, it seemed foolish to buy a dress. But I want to have
something new, I do, I do. Let us hope that tomorrow I will feel better
and my anger will be gone. Don went to bed at 8:30. That is how he deals
with this kind of thing.
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April 11, 1990 (Wednesday)
Fed roses over the season brought in the house. Well, today was better.
Not great, but better. After exercising and breakfast, I sat down and
started a book that I hadn't quite finished last night. Then I called
Pacific Gas & Energy about the smell of gas in the room where the furnace
is and they came out and found a leak! I was glad I had not imagined it.
Then Don took Jason's car to get a new tire that was needed. I got dinner
in my navy blue dress with the white cuffs and belt. I bought that dress
in Santa Rosa before we went to Europe in 1984. It was much shorter and I
put the hem down and now I think it would look better shorter and I
really wanted something new but it was okay I guess. Priss picked me up
at 11. I didn't know cuz it was supposed to start at 11:30 but I didn't
say anything. Then we got Erika Ahru and Vivian Millis and all went out
to the Butte Country Club. I had a tonic without the liquor and then at
12:30 we had lunch, which was okay but not great. Then one woman talked
about her dolls and another one about beads and then we left. I was glad
to get home and have a cigarette and some Pero. Changed my clothes, fixed
the leftovers and ran the disposal and something stuck and now tomorrow
Ginos must come out and it will cost a fortune and it was my fault. Niki
went to Kasey's so wasn't here for dinner or the night. After we ate,
Jenny and I went for a walk and Don went to the library. I took a shower
when I got back and started a mystery and Don watched a Nova about our
biological clocks that was evidently fascinating since he told me all
about it afterwards. No word from Linda today or Cathy. Tomorrow I must
start working on Sunday's dinner. I still haven't bought the groceries
yet this week. Everything is out of kilter till Jason brings the car
back.
April 12, 1990 (Thursday)
80°. Letter from Pauline. First of all, it seemed like Friday instead of
Thursday most of the day. Jenny went for her swim and when she got back,
Don drove over to get a front tire for Jason's car. $40+. Then the man
was to come to put in a new windshield, but he was very late. Don was
also watering our lawn plus the lawn across the street. I put the turkey
legs and thighs in the oven to cook. I walked up East Avenue to mail
letters. I washed all the mirrors in the house. I made chicken soup with
the left over chicken so I got 3 meals out of it. I watered the plants. I
took down the plants over the shelves in the living room and cut out all
the bad parts. They don't look as good, but I hope they will get better.
Finally, the man came and did the windshield and it cost $200! Then the
man from Ginos came and checked the disposal and a service charge is at
least $35, so it was a very expensive day. Linda came for lunch. She is
seeing a Dr. Coyle about biofeedback cuz she is having such trouble
sleeping. I got a letter from Pauline. Benjamin is going to Grotau next
fall. She is going to be a hostess for some fundraiser and needs new
clothes. I always feel so provincial and inferior somehow when I read her
letters. Niki spent the day at a Kid outing. She bowled, she went to fun
world, she played miniature golf and she ate lunch at the Graduate. She
was gone from 8-5:15 and all this is $15. The 3 girls
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went out to dinner so it was just Don, Niki and I tonight. I called Priss
and she talked about Cinders and was in a rather touchy mood. Bill Dolan
died last night. I guess of a heart attack. I tried to call Ann, but got
no answer. I will try again tomorrow. Jason got home from Reno and Tahoe.
He had a good time. He didn't notice the changes in the car. I told Linda
about it at dinner and she told him. Don went to bed at 8:30 with a
headache. It is 10:30 and I must go to bed cuz tomorrow I hope to go
grocery shopping and I have a lot to do. I called Cathy and asked her to
come on Sunday.
April 13, 1990 (Friday)
89° - This was a busy day but sad in a way cuz I really didn't think
about its being Good Friday at all. I can remember as a child how
important that day was, and now I am really thinking about it for the
first time. We got up late and I cut down on my exercises so I could
leave the house early to go grocery shopping. I got a lot of things for
the Sunday dinner at the beginning of the day. I wore a lightweight wool
sweater, but I kept changing to something cooler. After things were put
away, I went out again to S&S, to Lucky for a few things and to Long's
for vitamins. Then I changed again and washed the kitchen and dining room
windows and swept the driveway. The people across the street came over
bringing Knutjeus bottled juices, jams and some Turkish Delights. We
invited them in and visited a bit. They were thanking Don for watering
the lawn while they were gone. We had lunch, Jenny sunbathed, Bill
Roberts came and mowed the lawn and I got the 4 Easter baskets ready so
Cathy can pick up her 3 tomorrow when she comes home from work. Alice
Wipf brought me a beautiful iris in shades of pink and lavender. I put it
in a huge vase Dr. Thompson gave Linda for her birthday. Dinner was
simple. We finished the soup I had made yesterday, had grilled cheese
sandwiches, Waldorf salad, great artichokes and strawberry shortcake. I
made bread in the oven and it turned out fine. Called Priss after dinner
and she was in one of her down moods and accusatory. Red Hutchinson died
just a month after Hutch, and I think that upset her; but I find it very
trying when she gets like this. Don decided to go to Red October with
Sean Connery, but he didn't like it and left early. Robin is staying the
night with Niki and I think they are finally going to sleep. They seem to
get along well. So I am going to bed myself. I did the 2 piecrusts and
put them in the freezer. I don't have too much to do come Sunday.
April 14, 1990 (Saturday)
A busy, busy day. First of all, I went for a walk at 6:30 and it was so
cool and clear. Just a lovely time to be out, and I felt like walking,
whereas at night it is a bit of an effort. Then Mary and I went to the
market and I got eggs, carrots, oranges and almonds. Came home and
started right in. I made 3-bean salad, double recipe, macaroni salad with
peas and cheese, fixed the celery and carrot sticks and the dip. Finally
at about 12:30 I sat down and had lunch. I had vacuumed the bedroom wing
and Don did the rear of the house. Then I dusted and cleaned the 2
bathrooms. Since there were enough roses, I
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made bouquets for the coffee table and the dining room table. Then I
showered, shaved my legs and felt that things were under control. Mike
Mizel called to say they were coming up today instead of tomorrow and
they would call when they were leaving. Got a frozen hot dish out of the
freezer, made carrot salad, got out fresh bread and made oatmeal cookies
that turned out perfectly. We had dinner at 5, bacon and eggs. Jenny went
out to dinner with Debbie and Pat and then Niki went to Linda's to watch
movies so at 7:30 when the Mizel's arrived, we were alone. They were both
tired, but Benjamin was very perky. They cleaned up and had cokes and
then she tried to feed Ben, who wasn't much interested; and then they ate
and they finished the whole hot dish and all of the salad so they must
have been hungry. We introduced Ben to the bottom drawer in the kitchen
and he went right to town throwing out all the containers, and Don got a
picture of him. They left at 9:30 to go to the Holiday Inn. Mike and Don
plan to play tennis tomorrow morning if the weather is good, and Lynn
will come along when she and Ben are ready. I liked Lynn very much. We
did not smoke while they were here so after they left, we sat outside in
the back yard and it was cool and breezy and I found the big dipper and
the North Star so it was a nice way to end the evening. I had washed all
the lawn furniture in the afternoon and things worked out fine.
April 15, 1990 (Sunday)
Well, this was quite a day. I set my hair after I got up and then did my
exercises. It was much cooler than yesterday, but I was determined to
wear my coral and white print dress and my bone pumps and hose. I was
glad to get home from Mass and put on something warmer. I made the 2
chess pies and that was really about all I had to do. I buttered the buns
and set them aside and then Mike and Lynn called and said they were
coming over. They brought a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers and a
lovely little basket of wine- colored glass with a clear handle. We made
sandwiches, chips and cookies for them since we had eaten earlier. Then
the baby took a nap and then Jenny drove them through the campus, etc. I
did the fruit and veggie plates and got the 3-bean and macaroni salads
ready. As a favor to Don, I had cleaned the 2 grills for the barbecue.
The hamburgers were delicious as was the chess pie. Cathy brought me a
beautiful heart-shaped basket with a chive plant, some seeds, etc. Niki
gave Don, her mother and me a wonderful Easter basket with all kinds of
candy. So it was a very nice day. Oh yes, Mary brought me a beautiful
plant for taking her to the market each week. Now to talk about Mike. I
think he had somehow fantasized about this trip. I think at one time he
had loved Jenny very much and he felt guilty about breaking it off when
he heard she was pregnant cuz he was afraid he might be the father and he
was not ready to get married and simply not to a non-Jew. And he had had
such good times here and he came back with a 13-month-old child so he
couldn't sit around and talk cuz children are demanding so he felt
frustrated I am sure. His wife is lovely and I really liked her. I am
sure she knew more about this. At least, I simply hope she didn't know. I
felt sad for him in a way cuz he waited so late to get married. So at 39
he has a very young baby and here Jenny is with an 11-year old
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who, incidentally, was great with Ben and that impressed both his
parents. They left at 7:30 and Don was very tired and went to bed by 8.
Now it is 9:30 and I will be going to bed pretty soon too.
April 16, 1990 (Monday)
Cold, windy, cloudy. Well, today was more or less a day of rest. We got
up at 5 and I did my exercises and then I went for a long walk. When I
got back, I worked outside, planted the chives Cathy brought me yesterday
and some snapdragons and planted some marigold seeds. Whether they will
come up is questionable. Then Mike and Lynn came by to pick up their food
and blue ice. That was at about 8:30. Then I came in the house and took
in a pair of slacks I had bought and had to re-hem them and shortened my
blue slacks. By then it was lunchtime and after that I read and dozed the
afternoon away. Don had a proposition that I would make all the decisions
and take over all the finances. This came about cuz I was upset about the
buying of the windshield for Jason's car and giving Jenny $500, etc. I
have mixed feelings about it. For dinner I made up all yesterday's
leftovers and opened a can of soup. Merry, who used to baby-sit Niki,
came to see Niki and took her out to dinner so it was just the 3 of us.
Linda came for lunch and talked about Mike Mizel and felt he was dull and
snooty. I agreed. So after dinner I called Priss and she was in a good
mood, and I offered to take her to lunch on Friday. Then I took a shower
and got dinner, and we went to the Friends of the Library meeting about
the Measure A on the June ballot to have everyone pay $36 a year for the
library. We volunteered to help. Came home and discussed it all with
Jenny and then to bed.
April 17, 1990 (Tuesday)
We got up at 5. I made Niki's lunch and then shampooed my hair and set it
before having my Pero and some bread. Did a very brief exercise and then
after work started and the traffic was over, I walked. Came back and
rearranged the flowers Mike Mizel had brought, dusted and then got ready
to go to Bill Dolan's funeral. We picked Alice up at 9:30 and then Linda
at Chico Medical and got to the church at 9:45. We talked to Jane who was
standing outside. She seemed very upset and fragile. Bill had turned 70
Friday and there had been a family dinner with everyone there, and it had
been wonderful and he died in the night. Terri read a Psalm and then
Kevin gave a very long eulogy. It was too long, but it was well done.
Then Judge Morocey spoke and he too was good. Then there was the regular
but shortened version of the Mass and then it was over. Ann looked
devastated. Pigeons were up in the top of the church and they fluttered
and cooed. We all came back here and had lunch and then I took Linda to
work and Alice home. Changed my clothes and walked to Safeway and to the
Mall to get tights and then home. I did the salad greens and fixed a stir
fry with 2 chicken breasts cut in strips, carrots, beans and onions and
did rice. Jenny took Niki and Kasey to swimming and then we ate. We had
already gone ahead. Afterwards, Don and I went for a walk and that was
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pleasant. I had 3 walks today. Linda and Jenny also walked, and then they
went over to put the rummage out for Salvation Army since they did not
want to have a yard sale. Tomorrow will be busy cuz I will make a bundt
cake in the morning first thing for Mary Yakich cuz it is her birthday,
then shopping and the Discovery Shop in the afternoon. Hopefully, Niki
will go to Kasey's for dinner and the night and Jenny works late in
Paradise, and we will have the house to ourselves. The blinds came today
so after the 16th, we can start on the room. Now it is 9:30 and I am
going to bed.
April 18, 1990 (Wednesday)
Daisy got us up at 4:30. I wanted Don to ignore her for another halfhour, but he got up and then so did I. After I fixed breakfast, I made a
chocolate bundt cake for Mary Yakich. It was the fancy one with sour
cream, chocolate chips and pudding mix; and I did a chocolate frosting.
When I called Linda after work asking her if she was going to pick it up,
she acted surprised that I had made it. Our children constantly surprise
and at times annoy me. Well anyway, it was all done by 7. I even went for
a walk before going to the store for the groceries. My mood is not much
better than yesterday and nothing looked good at the store, so I didn't
buy much. I was home by 9:30. We put everything away and I washed some
clothes, changed the flowers and then we had lunch. Don took a nap and I
read till 12:40 and then Don took me to the Discovery Shop where I worked
from 1 to 4. The time went fast and we made $128. I bought a little
Bissell carpet sweeper for $2.50 and some little games for Niki to play
on the plane. When I got home, Don took Niki and Kasey to Roundtable for
the Aquatic Jet Pizza night at Roundtable. I made cheese sauce on toast
with relishes. Then at 7, Don took them over to Kasey's for the night. I
went for a walk after talking to Priss. Then I came home and folded the
clothes and took a shower. Don said he was getting a headache, so when he
offered me a drink, he decided he didn't want one. I asked for a
Manhattan since I had not had one for a long time. So I drank my drink
and we talked a little and then we went to bed, and we made love and it
worked okay for both of us. How about that!
April 19, 1990 (Thursday)
Today we got up at 5 and I made those Pillsbury rolls that Don likes, and
after breakfast I went for a walk to the end of North Avenue and back,
and then I made a huge amount of hot dish so that I ended up with 4
containers of it. Froze 3 and kept one for tonight. Then I went to Stars
for the first time in a long time. I stayed for the floor exercises for
about 20 minutes and then left and stopped at S&S for cantaloupe,
tomatoes, etc. and then to Lucky for strawberries. Came home and we had
lunch and then Don and I talked calmly about our situation and its
problems. We agreed that we have no social life. So we thought about what
we could do about it. Don even suggested that we move since all the kids
are settled. Where, we do not know, but it is worth thinking about. I
would hate to leave this house and the yard. We thought also about going
places and just accepting
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the fact that we have no friends or at least ones that we are invited to.
Nothing was actually accomplished, but it helped to talk about it. I
forgot to mention that Mary Bedford told me this morning at Stars that
Bob White had committed suicide. I called Alice this evening and she felt
that he had never been able to accept the fact that he was gay. We had a
good dinner of hot dish, a green salad, hot bread and strawberry short
cake. Then we watched the news and the hostage deal is off, at least for
now, cuz the U.S. did not send the right person to be on hand. Who knows
what will happen next. Then I went for a walk again and then called
Priss, but she was going out. We will have lunch tomorrow. Don and I then
watched a very strange movie called Sheila with James Coburn plus other
stars I did not know. Jenny waited for a call that was to come at 10 from
Australia. They are going to interview her by phone to decide whether she
will be put on the tenure tract or not. It will be a conference call with
the people for all of the campus. Jason stopped by today, but no word
from Linda. I did find out that the Salvation Army people picked up all
the stuff that was going to be for the yard sale. I went to the library
this afternoon and got a lot of books. The call took half an hour and
they decided she would be on the tenure tract. The woman called back at
12:30 to tell her. I had asked her to wake me and she did.
April 20, 1990 (Friday)
It is 8:45 PM and I have just started reading a book called After Freud
that I thought was very good. It about a man who is too cautious married
to a woman who was a tomboy as a child. They have 2 children and she has
an affair and her husband who has been in therapy for 3 years goes into a
catatonic state and has to be in the hospital for 2 months and what
happened to their marriage. I thought it provocative. Don is watching TV
in the bedroom. Niki is watching in the apartment and Jenny is going to
work the night at the hospital. We got up late this morning. I did my
exercises, but did not go to Stars. Instead, I washed my hair and pinned
it up and then went for a long walk. The day couldn't decide whether to
be nice or cloudy and it keeps changing its mind. I was taking Priss to
lunch so I wore my stone colored slacks and top. She picked me up at
11:30 and we went to Rubino's way out on the Esplanade. It was okay but
too much food for me. We drove through the development across the street
from there to see all the buildings and then back to Priss' to see the
azaleas and her new clothes and then home. I had made a tuna salad in the
morning, so I cooked some artichokes and heated rolls and that was
dinner. Mike called in high spirits and he told me what he wanted me to
cook when they came. Mike always wasn't so happy. Linda is in Tahoe and
Jason is in Ashland and we never seem to hear from Cathy. I call, but
there is no answer. I wish I enjoyed going out to lunch more, but I find
I am bored and I always eat too much. I am so used to my cottage cheese
and fruit. It is hard to adjust to heavy food. Packy called tonight to
talk about Bob White. What could I say? I made an appointment to have a
perm on Monday. By the time the kids come from Florida, it should look
okay. Don and I talked a little more today about our problem. We realize
that neither of us really have any friends. He
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has Carl and I have Priss and neither of them are really what I call
friends. Don got a letter from Curti today and he would like to go see
him but it would cost $800 so he won't go. Jenny has a free roundtrip
ticket to anywhere in the U.S., but she did not give it to him. It would
be a loan so that was out. I think sometimes I expect more from our
children than they are prepared to give. I am sure they would see it
differently.
April 21, 1990 (Saturday)
I was lazy today for sure. Don got up at 4:15 and took Daisy to the
junior high. I stayed in bed and got up at 6:15. I had been awake from
2:45 - 4:00 and was really tired most of the day. Well, I got up and did
a very short exercise and after breakfast and the paper, I redid the
floors and went around with my new little toy, the Bissell small carpet
cleaner. Then it was off to get Mary and go to the market. I bought eggs,
asparagus, kiwis and lettuce. Took Mary home and sat around talking to
Don and then went to Lucky to get my thyroid pills. Came back and had
lunch. I love my cottage cheese and fruit. Then I sunbathed! I must get
my legs tanned so I won't have to wear stockings this summer. I did halfhour back and front and it wasn't too hot so it was pleasant. Came in and
showered and then did the salad greens, got out the left over casserole,
chopped 2 small cantaloupe and got rolls out of the freezer. Don had a
drink, but I didn't want one. Then Niki told me Kasey was going to be
here for dinner and the night. But we would have enough so it was not a
problem. I said I was going to write letters and I thought about cleaning
the bathrooms but I just wasn't interested somehow so as I said at the
beginning, it was a lazy day. Jenny and I went for a 30-minute walk from
6:00 to 6:30. Then I called Priss and heard all about the garden tour
that I didn't want to go to. Jenny had gone to get Sea of Love with Al
Pacino, but I didn't like it and went into the study to read my book and
both Don and Jenny admitted that it was terrible. Now it is going on 10
and I must get ready for bed.
April 22, 1990 (Sunday)
We woke up later this morning. Don had had a bad night with his back
hurting. I decided to walk with them when Don and Daisy went to the
junior high and it was cloudy but pleasant. Came back and made breakfast
and then I told Don he had to stay home and he was willing. I picked up
Mary and took her home afterwards. Stopped at Safeway and got doughnuts
for the girls, Jenny and Don, then I read the E-R and then changed my
clothes and cleaned the 2 bathrooms. One of the hostages was released
today. He is the oldest of the 3 who were taken 3 years ago. His name
starts with "P." I had planned to sunbathe today, but it was too cold,
windy and cloudy all day so that was out. I decided to make crybaby drops
and that pleased everyone. Also, I made a marvelous dinner: roast beef,
mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh asparagus and a huge fruit salad. In the
afternoon I took cookies over to Priss. I finally finished Jon Cleary's
book, Babylon South about the financial world of Australia. I liked it
very much. Kasey
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was here all day till 5 PM and the girls seemed to have a good time. At 8
PM we watched a new series on Australia. Tonight they dealt with all the
strange animals, especially the kangaroos. Fascinating. Jenny went over
and walked with Linda in spite of the weather. Linda said it rained the
whole weekend in Tahoe. Jason got back from Ashland. He had had a good
time and enjoyed the place. He saw Peer Gynt and then a modern one. It is
15 to 10 and I am tired although I didn't do all that much today, but I
think I will go to bed.
April 23, 1990 (Monday)
Thunder, lightening; very light rain. Woke to a cold dark morning. When
is it going to be spring? I didn't feel exactly great but didn't actually
feel sick. I got into my leotard and went to Stars but without much
enthusiasm. I didn't stay very long. Came home and Don went to run his
errands. I cooked eggs and deviled them. Made mayonnaise. By then it was
lunchtime and I had my cottage cheese and fruit. Linda came to lunch and
regaled us with Beth's wedding where the bridegroom, who has a hair lip
and a lousy voice, sang to her right during the wedding. Sounded ghastly.
While she was here, the mail came and there was the thing about Jason's
test that we paid $55 for and he doesn't have to take freshman English!
It counts for 2 English courses. We were all so pleased. Then I went off
to town to Connie's for my perm. It was very short and very curly and it
cost $35. I think I will like it after it relaxes a little. Got home
after 4 so I fixed the platter with left over roast beef, 5 eggs,
carrots, celery, cheese and asparagus and did the noodles with Parmesan.
Jenny got here a little late so she took Niki to swimming and then came
back to eat. Went over to Linda's to walk and then picked up Niki. I
walked to Safeway to get bananas and then called Priss when I got back.
It stormed after lunch, but it didn't last long. Don went to bed early. I
read and now it is going on 10. Jenny went to swim and just got back.
Niki is coughing and probably won't go to school tomorrow. I want to go
to Stars at 9:30 but Don will be back from tennis by then. Tomorrow I
must write to my sister. I keep putting it off. I wish I had something
exciting to tell her but I don't.
April 24, 1990 (Tuesday)
95# - Really rather a dull day. Did my exercises this morning. Changed
the flowers, watered the plants and looked out for Niki since she is home
with a cough and painful sinuses. When Don got back from tennis, I went
to Stars. Liz Rawlins came over and asked if Don and I would like to come
up to the Canyon tomorrow for lunch. I said I would check, but then
realized that Niki may still be home tomorrow and I must also, so when
she called to confirm, we decided to wait till next week. Although it was
nice to be invited. Came home and we had lunch and then Cathy arrived
very upset cuz Jesse, their collie is very sick. The vet doesn't know
what is wrong. She brought her English research paper to get help and
both Don and I talked about it with her. I sunbathed for
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over an hour. It was so nice to have the sun out and there was a nice
breeze too. Showered and then fixed a lousy dinner of chili and hot
bread, but I made a good vanilla pudding. We watched the news and Leslie
Stall took Dan's place. I wonder if they are grooming her to take his
place? Don and I went for a walk and when we got back, I wrote letters to
Ann Dolan and my sister. She always has so many things that she is going
to or doing, and my life is so dull by comparison. Oh well. So this will
be short tonight.
April 25, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is 9:20 PM and I am so sleepy and tired that I am going to write in
this and then go to bed. I really don't know why I am writing in this at
all cuz the days are so dull there is nothing to write about. Let's see.
I did all my exercises this morning, read a part of the paper and then
was on my way to grocery shopping by 7:15. Didn't find much in the way of
bargains at Food For Less but did better at the Cannery and even went to
the Wonder Bread Day Old Outlet and got wiener and hamburger buns.
Unloaded everything. Don went to Safeway for milk and half-and-half. Then
we went to Holiday and I got good buys there and then Niki called form
school cuz she didn't feel well and I went on foot to get her. Had lunch,
walked to the library and typed cards for I-V2 hours and then called Don
to pick me up. Laid on the lounge for a little while and then did the
salad greens, made a yellow cake for short cake to go with the
strawberries I had bought. Still had some roast so I served that. Watched
the news. Dan Rather is using Grecian formula. Suddenly his class is
gone. Went for a short walk and then read Newsweek. Now Niki is going to
bed and I am too. Mike Mizel called having received my letter thanking
him for the presents and for the pictures of Ben that Niki took. That was
nice of him. Don talked to him. I was gone. Jesse, the York dog had a
hysterectomy today and hopefully will be okay. There were all very
concerned.
April 26, 1990 (Thursday)
Well, today was a little bit different cuz I never got into work and
didn't even leave the house till 6:30 PM. I had planned to go to Stars
for the 10 am session, but Don had a swelling in his right arm pit and a
couple of days ago Jenny told him she thought it was an ingrown hair and
not to worry about it, but this morning she looked at it again and it was
very swollen and red so he went to Convenient Care and the doctor removed
it but it took time and by the time he got back, it was 11 am. So what
did I do with my morning? I made a potato salad, I changed the flowers, I
dusted everything (the wind has been terrible and dust is everywhere). I
sorted magazines, ran my little Bissell and picked up a lot of dog hair
and then it was 11 and Don was back. So we had lunch and then I went
outside to sunbathe. Linda came for lunch and sat out on the patio since
that is where I was and Don came out too. After she left and I had had
enough sun, I shaved my legs, took a shower and shampooed my hair and
pinned it up. It turned out just fine and it
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looks great. So for dinner we had hot dogs, relishes, green beans and the
salad. One half of the cake from yesterday was left so I had some vanilla
pudding and I cut the cake in 2, put the pudding in and made some
chocolate frosting and it was very good. Talked to Cathy a number of
times today. Latest is that Jesse is home but far from well. Niki babysat
Chris Silvane's too little girls, Daphne and Suzanne. She is a good
babysitter. Linda came over and she and I went for a walk and I went for
a long walk too. So now at 9 I am ready for bed.
April 27, 1990 (Friday)
Yesterday I didn't go out of the house except for walking, but today was
different. I did my exercises and walked to Safeway to get Don a doughnut
and then at 8:30 I went over to Priss' cuz she wanted me to try a dessert
she had made 3 days ago. It was soggy but interesting and so she was
satisfied that I had tested it. I visited with her and then went to
Thrifty to buy a deck of cards for Niki to take on her trip. From there I
went to Hubbard's and got 12 daisy plants and 6 dusty miller plants. Then
to Lucky to buy some groceries and home. We had lunch and then I went out
and planted everything I had bought. Watered them tonight and will do it
again tomorrow. I grilled up the rest of the roast and made sandwich
spread, so dinner was meat sandwiches, left over potato salad, corn on
the cob, and a plate of pineapple and strawberries. Jenny went out to
lunch again today and wasn't hungry tonight, so she didn't eat dinner
with us. Then there was the news. Chris Steiner, well that used to be her
name, came to say good-bye to Jenny and brought her a beautiful
paperweight. She had her 2 children with her and they were adorable. She
looked great too. I went for a walk but it was putting one foot in front
of the other and I didn't enjoy it. Don has not been feeling well since
he got up from his nap this afternoon. He feels dizzy and funny in the
head. I am concerned. I just hope he will feel better in the morning.
Niki is watching a crazy movie and loving it. Julie did not get to be
cheerleader and it seems she did the routine without mistakes and 2 girls
who got it made mistakes and one of the judges said she should have
gotten it. That is tough. I must buy something for her tomorrow cuz she
will be confirmed on Sunday. Jesse is better today. I am tired tonight.
April 28, 1990 (Saturday)
I woke up before 5 and Don got up at 5 so I did too. Fixed his breakfast
and then I did my morning exercises and had my Pero as I read the paper.
Really slim paper on Saturday mornings. Went out and picked roses and
there were a lot of them so I redid the bouquets and by then it was time
to go to the fruit market. My egg lady was not there and I didn't see
anything that I wanted so I came home without a thing. Mary got a few
things. I took her home and then when I got here, I read the E-R. Don got
back from tennis and he swept the walks and gutters. I was going to feed
the roses, but I just didn't feel like doing anything. My throat hurts.
It is not bad, but I just don't feel very great
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today. I read a good mystery called Bum Steer by a woman called Pickard
who writes very well. I ate some lunch and then made bread and that was
just about my contribution to this day. I made squaw corn and a green
salad for dinner and we had fresh bread. Don and I had a drink before
dinner plus little tidbits. When Don talked to his sister this morning,
she offered to come out and stay in the house while we were gone to
Australia. I really don't want her here in our house while we are gone
and then she would probably stay when we came back and I didn't want that
either. He got real huffy about it. Jenny and I went for a walk after
dinner and she thought it would be a mistake to have her and I agreed.
When I got back, I called Priss and she told me about her day, which was
a memorial to Jane Shermer. Priss was very tired but managed to talk for
over half an hour. Now it is 8:20 and I don't feel like starting another
book tonight and it is too early to go to bed so I didn't know what to
do. Saw Helen Roseman at the market today. She has had shingles for 7
months and had a cataract operation and George is in the hospital after a
prostate operation so they are in a bad way.
April 29, 1990 (Sunday)
It was cold and windy this morning and my throat hurt and I decided not
to go to church and then Don didn't want to go so I called Mary and
explained. We knew we were going to the Confirmation exercise at 3 so I
decided to make dinner in the morning. I made a turkey hot dish and a
green salad and a lemon souffle. Got some rolls out of the freezer and I
was all set. I set my hair, took a shower, did my nails and by 2:30 I was
set. Wore my coral and white print dress and I thought I looked very
nice. Don seemed to be in a bad mood all day. He wore his gray jeans, his
navy blue shoes and sport shirt. I didn't say anything. Since Julie was
one of the first to be confirmed, we had a first row pew. There was
Linda, Julie, Don, me, David, his brother Brian, Cathy, a brand new baby,
and older brother about 3 and Brian's wife who sponsored Rose who sat at
the other end. The church looked beautiful and the Bishop was a complete
surprise. He was not young and he looked real frail and distant; but he
was funny, kind, and he talked to the children and what he said was
practical yet inspirational. I really liked him, as did Linda. Don
thought he was okay but that he talked too long. But then, Don tends to
be critical of just about everything these days, so I try to ignore his
attitude. By afternoon, it had warmed up so my dress was the right thing
to wear. My throat is not sore now, but I have that rather dry nagging
cough I get once in a while. I had a drink while things were cooking when
we got home at 15 to 5. The dinner was very good. We watched the news and
then I went for a walk in spite of the weather and then I watched 60
Minutes. Called Priss and heard about her day. Now I have a headache so I
will take some aspirin and some cough medicine when I go to bed.
April 30, 1990 (Monday)
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Well I did a little more today than I did yesterday. My dry cough is
certainly annoying and I woke at 3 and came out and spent the night on
the lounge. Not a great start on the day. But I did my exercises and had
my Pero and then there was time to change the flowers. Then I walked to
Safeway to get Don some bananas and his morning doughnut. When I got
back, I fed the roses both systemic and Miracle rose food and then it was
lunchtime but Don was going to the luncheon club at Joanna's so I ate
alone. Then I went out to sunbathe. Jenny came home and wanted me to come
in to visit with her, which I did. She is not feeling well and she may
have an ulcer. At least her stomach is certainly bothering her but then
she is nervous about leaving. And Niki is too. Well, I can understand
that. Don got back from the lunch saying it was so dull he couldn't stay
and made an excuse to escape. I had bought a turkey ham this morning and
I made broccoli au gratin and thawed tater tots and cut up a cantaloupe
and kiwis. Liz called and we are to go over tomorrow at 11:45 and she
will drive us up to the Canyon and we will stop at Forest Ranch first to
have lunch. Another hostage was freed today. This time it was Reed. I
don't know as much about him. We watched the news, and then I went for a
walk and then called Priss. After that I watered the plants I had set out
cuz with the wind blowing all day, things dry out so fast. I so much
wanted David to come with his truck and take the bookcase that is on the
north patio and also to take some of the stuff in the shed, but who knows
when that will happen. Now it is 9:15 and Don is watching God Father II.
It is very good. Don got a call from Ben Franklin and he and Esther will
be up tomorrow cuz they are here on business and they will stop by at
10:30. I will have a lot to do tomorrow morning.
May 1, 1990 (Tuesday)
Well today was certainly different. We got up before 5 and I did my
exercises and had some bread and my Pero and then I washed and set my
hair. Then I dusted, changed the flowers and neatened up the living room.
Don had breakfast with Mary and Nancy and then he went to see Dr. Shaw at
9:00. Next Wednesday, he has to have a laser treatment at Community at 9.
That is the day Mike and Karen arrive. Well, anyway we got that settled
and then Esther and Ben Franklin arrived and stayed till 11:30. Ben has
been ill and he looked frail and worn. He is stooped and appeared no
taller than Don but he is alert and still funny. Esther did most of the
talking but it was nice to see them. After they left we drove over to the
Rawlins' and Liz and her dog Coco drove us up to Forest Ranch where we
had lunch in a little restaurant. The food was very good. Then we drove
down to their house in the canyon. We stayed till after 4. We sat inside
for a while and visited and then we walked down to the fishpond where
Jack has seeded lots of trout. Don finally caught one. Then we drove to
Lizzies Lake and saw the swans and ducks and fed them. From there we went
to the lake and saw a pair of mallards. The female was sitting on the
eggs and he was out in the lake. Again we fed the fish. Then back to the
house and then home. It was all very pleasant and it was good to see the
Rawlins again. When we got home Jenny was feeling terrible and had a
ghastly headache from going
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without caffeine and Niki and Kasey were doing homework and then were
going to swimming. Don and I were not very hungry so we had what we would
have had for lunch and that was simple. Then there was the news. Then I
called Priss and then did my walk. I have made my grocery list and now I
will read for a while. I think our cool weather is over and we are in for
a hot spell. I just hope Jenny starts feeling better. Jason got some kind
of grant and will have to study at the college and I think he will have
his tuition paid too. That will help.
May 2, 1990 (Wednesday)
A busy day. We got up at 5 and I was out of the house a little after 7. I
got things at Food For Less but the Cannery was not so great today. I was
back before 9. Don was still at tennis so I put everything away and by
that time Don was home. I watered the borders and then I asked him to
help me put up the mirror that Jenny is not taking with her. It has a
black frame with gilt. For some reason he was very impatient with me. I
felt bad cuz it was not such a difficult task. Anyway it looks fine over
the fireplace in the apartment. I called Cathy and she will take the big
mirror that was there. When it was time for lunch we found that Niki had
forgotten to take her lunch so I walked it over. It was starting to get
hot and the wind had come up again. After lunch I took a shower and then
put on my turquoise slacks and the muted plaid shirt and went to the
Discovery Shop for my stint. Although we ended up making $123.90 it was
rather a slow afternoon so I did a lot of looking and I got a lot of
things. After trying everything on at home I am returning 2 things but I
am keeping an all wool navy coat that zips down the front. It was made in
England. It was priced at $7.50 but coats were Vi price so I got it for
$3.75. Got a pair of slacks for 500, a brown cotton skirt and a navy
sweater both half price. When I got home it was 4:30 so I made a Waldorf
salad and heated up the turkey hot dish and some bread. I had bought
strawberries so we had sundaes. Then I called Priss after the news and
then we went for a walk. It was still very warm. Ann Dolan called and she
will come over tomorrow afternoon. Linda stopped by and we talked. Jenny
came home early from F. River and she felt better. Well we went to bed
and we tried but it didn't work. Then about 3 Don woke up and we tried
again and this time he almost made it but then it didn't work so we went
back to sleep.
May 3, 1990 (Thursday)
Today we got up at the same time but I decided I am not going to go
overboard on the liquor cuz I didn't feel so good when I got up. It wore
off and I was okay but not again. Still I have been known to say that
before. After breakfast I went to Safeway and got a number of things
including a dozen doughnuts. When I got back Don went to tennis and I
started a huge spaghetti sauce. While that was cooking I decided to rehem the skirt I got at the Discovery Shop and I also made the slacks
narrower. So that kept me busy off and on. Went to Stars and stayed
longer than usual. On the way home I stopped at S&S
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to get fruit and they had a flat of strawberries on sale for $2 so I got
them and when I got home I called Cathy. I got David and told him he
could have half a flat of strawberries plus lunch if he would come pick
up the things I wanted him to take: the mirror, the bookcase, the long
boards, sheet rock, a plant, etc., and he came! And he took everything. I
fixed him a great lunch and then I fixed lunch for Jenny and Linda. Ann
Dolan had called yesterday saying she would come at 4 so we had a good
visit. She is doing very well in spite of the fact that she can't stay
alone at night yet. It was all very easy and natural to talk to her and I
think she found it helpful. Then we had dinner after she left with the
spaghetti, salad, and fresh strawberry sundaes. Then the news, a talk
with Priss. Jenny and Linda went shopping and Niki babysat Daphne till 8.
Don got a headache. I read the E-R. Later he got up and we sat outside
for a while. It was a hot day but with the fans we were able to do
without the air conditioning. I must start some cooking in preparation
for Mike and Karen. After we were asleep Ed Mizel called and Don needs to
get another copy of all his stuff at the University for the Russian who
we hope will be able to come.
May 4, 1990 (Friday)
I really got a lot done today. Don had to go up to the University to get
the whole deal again for the Russian student so I got to walk. I cleaned
out the shed, took a lot of stuff away and organized the rest. Swept the
patio. Then ran 2 loads of clothes and put away a lot of winter things.
Suddenly it was like summer and sweatshirts etc. look unbearably hot. I
pinned up my hair so when I had done all these things I combed it out and
when Don got back from work I went to Lucky and got salad greens and some
beautiful tomatoes cuz I was hungry for bacon and tomato sandwiches for
dinner and we had fresh pineapple and cantaloupe, great artichokes and I
made a chocolate cake for dessert. Jenny went to the Albatross with Rick
Cherry so it was just the 3 of us. Jenny and I did some picture changing.
We took the mirror down from over the fireplace in the apartment that we
had put up yesterday and moved it to the bedroom. We put a large Ken
Morrow picture in its place and it looks better. We moved the picture
that was over the lounge to the TV room and put Don's picture of his
father in front of the drug store in the study. I never liked the picture
where it was. Now it looks fine in the study. So little by little I am
making changes. I must admit I am getting eager to work on Niki's room
and put my house in order but I must learn to be patient. After dinner I
read and then at 8 Linda came over and we went for a walk just like old
times. I will miss her when she moves to Tahoe. Then Jenny got home so we
talked for a little while longer and then Linda went home. Don is
watching Black Rain but I wasn't interested. Lots to do tomorrow. I must
start walking in the early morning cuz it is too hot lately in the day.
May 5, 1990 (Saturday)
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Another day in the life of the Lillibridge's. We got up at 5:30 and I
went with Don on the walk and run with Daisy this morning. Daisy was a
bit confused not knowing who to follow. Then it was the paper and Pero
and off to the Farmer's Market. I got 2 dozen eggs, some kiwis, and some
beautiful new potatoes. Back home I cleaned the stove and it needed it
believe me. It was already getting warm so I put on shorts and top and
felt much more comfortable. I washed the sheets and remade the bed. Then
it was lunchtime. Don had taken Niki to Kasey's and they went from there
to the parade downtown with Nicole Van Rossun. Linda and Jason brought
over an end table that I will use in the back room and Linda took the 3
white square box-like things that she will use in Tahoe. She also brought
a box of dishes that Jason will use. I read in the afternoon and then
made a potato salad, sliced ham, fried corn and had relishes and pickles.
The girls got back at 5 and we had dinner. Jenny went to a luncheon and
then went over to John's so she wasn't here for dinner. The girls got a
movie and watched that while Jenny and I went for a walk. It was hot but
there was a breeze. When we got back Jenny and Niki moved the lounge from
the apartment to the back room and with the end table it looks just
great. The brown one will be in the apartment till Linda takes it to
Tahoe and moves our old one into the apartment. There is so much
switching and changing going on it is crazy and we are not done yet. And
to think we still have the room to paint and set up. Talked to Priss on
the phone. There is a big uproar about making Mills College co-ed. The
girls are crying and fighting about it as are the alumni. Last night it
rained and in Chico there was a student riot and all cuz of Rancho Chico
Days that has replaced Pioneer Day with no improvement evidently. Jill
called saying that the Gifted Program group had won a state contest and
were going to the National in Ames, Iowa. She was so thrilled. So it was
quite a day.
May 6, 1990 (Sunday)
We woke up to a beautiful day. We read the paper but somehow I find it
hard to get interested in the Sunday paper. There is a lot of it but most
of it doesn't appeal. So I put on my red jump suit and red shoes and went
off to church. Stopped at Safeway on the way back for milk and things.
Then I read quickly through the local paper and then changed my clothes.
I transplanted the marigold seedlings I had planted in one of the
planters and put them into 3 planters. They were so small it was like
planting hairs but I hope some of them will live. Took those out to the
shed and then had lunch. Went over to see Priss and help her put away
some dishes that are in the top of her cupboard. Came home and made a
shrimp salad and fixed asparagus. Nicole and Niki were here till about 2.
They made chocolate chip cookies with the usual mess and then they went
off to Nicole's piano recital and then were going to stay at Van
Rossun's. Jenny went to the Marquis cuz Bessie had a brunch for her.
Linda stopped by and had a snack. Then we were alone for dinner cuz the
Van Rossun's were giving a party for Jenny and Niki. The shrimp salad was
just okay, the asparagus was terrible, the rolls were not quite hot and
the strawberry short cake was okay. We watched the news and I shortened a
knit top and
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then I lay down to read and fell asleep and Don laid down on the lounge
and also fell asleep. The phone rang and it was Mike calling from Texas.
Karen had called her friend in San Francisco and she and her baby were
down with strep throat so they plan to come right up to Chico when they
get to San Francisco tomorrow so they will be here for dinner. They will
be 2 days early and suddenly I realize how much I have to do to get
ready. Well we will manage somehow but let's face it, I like to be
organized and to plan everything just so, but I will make I it know.
May 7, 1990 (Monday)
A busy day. We got up at the usual time. I did my exercises and Don went
off at 7 to get his blood tests. Came back and had his fruit and coffee
and then he went to have his X- ray and then to breakfast with Carl and
Mac. I cleaned the 2 bathrooms and tried to clean the upholstery on the
couch. When Don got back he did the vacuuming and I dusted and did the
flowers. Made a potato salad and a chocolate chess pie. Went to the store
to get green beans and tomatoes and cucumbers. Then Linda came for lunch
and I found out that Mike and Karen were coming today. I showered,
shampooed and set my hair and got dressed. They were not due till about 6
so Don and I read and at 5:30 Don had a drink and they got here at 10
after 6. They both looked just fine and they brought the pictures of the
wedding and the honeymoon and they are all just marvelous. We had hot
dogs, the potato salad, green beans and tomatoes and cukes and the pie.
Mike says he has just about given up on meat which is going to make it
hard to plan meals. Linda and Jason came over after dinner. I must call
Cathy tomorrow. I went for a walk at about 8 and it was very pleasant.
Then Niki who had gone to swimming and ate late watched Lady Hawk and it
was just as good as ever. Priss called and she has to take care of Chuck
Millis tomorrow. She is not thrilled about that. Now it is 10:30 and we
let Niki stay up too late. I hope she will be okay tomorrow in school.
Both Karen and Mike seem very happy and they look great. I just hope they
won't be bored cuz we have so little to offer them. They will be going
back to San Francisco early so they can see their friend there. Now I
must go to bed.
May 8, 1990 (Tuesday)
Woke up to a very chilly morning. After my exercises and Pero I walked
and met Mike who had been out for some time and he walked with me. Came
back and Don and Mike went to play tennis. I watered my marigolds, washed
the patio furniture, swept up the leaves left by the wind and then got
dressed and went to Stars. Stopped on the way back and paid my bills at
the Discovery Shop and took some things for them to sell. Stopped at
Lucky to buy French bread and then home. Don had to go to see President
Wilson at 1 to get some letters for Ed to send to Russia so I lay out in
the sun for a while and read and dozed. Karen went for a walk and got an
allergy attack so she is miserable. I made a 3- bean salad, fixed some
red new potatoes and made a cheese sauce to put on them. Did a
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fruit plate and sliced some turkey ham so dinner was easy. After dinner
we watched the news and then watched the video of the wedding. It was
very nice. There was very little shown of Jenny and Cathy except when
they were dancing after the ceremony and they seemed to be having fun
then. I wished they could have been pictured with Mike and Karen along
with Ty and Jill. I felt somehow they had been neglected but maybe Karen
was too excited about the wedding to notice. I wonder if they would have
ignored us if we had gone? Linda came over and she and Mike went to buy
Jason's graduation present which is a new mountain bike that costs $430
plus tax etc. and everyone is to chip in. Jenny went to work with someone
on an article so Niki and I went for a walk. It was a pleasant time of
day and we had a good time. Karen went to bed. Don had a headache and
went to bed. I called Priss earlier but got no answer but at 9 I got her
and she had been at a friend's house for dinner. I invited her to eat
with us on Thursday. I know she will want to see Mike so now it is 10 and
everyone is in bed so I think I had better go too.
May 9, 1990 (Wednesday)
Got up early and did my exercises. Mike took Don to his 8 AM appointment
with Dr. Shaw to have a laser treatment so I left at 7:15 to go grocery
shopping. It was a cool bright morning and a pleasure to be out. Mike
wanted to make dinner so I skinned, cut up and (deboned the breasts) and
got it ready for him. Don got back and said there was nothing to having
his eye done. I ate lunch and walked to the library and worked for 2
hours. Don picked me up and he was in a very bad mood. He is upset about
the way Mike is always kissing Karen and "feeling her up" as he says.
Well it bothers me too but I realize we can't say anything about it. Don
is so uptight that it worries me. Mike and Karen went for a walk in the
afternoon to go to the Mall and buy things for Jenny and Niki when they
leave. While they were gone I cooked artichokes, made an orange olive and
onion salad and fixed strawberries for the cake and when they got back
Mike made a chicken and rice dish that was very good. Then we watched the
news and I went for a long walk and it was cool and breezy. Then we got
the Wind and the Lion. I don't think Karen and Mike liked it very much.
We think it is so great but then we don't seem to agree about movies.
Jenny went to work in Paradise at 3 and didn't get back till 10:30 just
at the end of the movie. Niki went over to Kasey's house for dinner and
the night. I talked to Priss briefly. She is coming to dinner tomorrow
night as well as Linda and Jason. I wonder how that will go? So finally
we went to bed. They will be leaving on Saturday. We look forward so much
to Mike's coming but when he is here it just doesn't go all that well. He
and his father are on different wavelengths and that seems to be the
problem.
May 10, 1990 (Thursday)
Very cool and cloudy this morning but it did clear up at about 7:30.
Jenny went to have her hair done before she leaves and Don, Carl and Mike
and Karen went to play tennis. I
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made a graham cracker pie to serve tomorrow night. Then I made a
chocolate sour cream bundt cake for tonight. I pinned up my hair and
planned to go for a walk sometime today but never got to it. Ed Mizel
called Don to say that now they need a letter confirming that notary that
okayed President Wilson's letter is a notary and they have to have a
letter from the Clerk of Butte and one from the State Secretary saying
the county clerk was okay so he drove to Oroville and then to Sacramento
and he didn't get home till late afternoon. He was exhausted. By then I
had dusted, neatened everything up and made a big green salad and I
bought corn on the cob so when 5 PM came I had ready: hamburgers, corn,
chips, green salad, and chocolate cake. Priss came at 5, Linda from work,
Jason, and the rest of us so there were 9 of us. It all went very well. I
had 2 Vodka tonics but didn't fill them. Everyone was gone by 7:30. I was
very tired. Tomorrow won't be so complicated I hope. While Don was gone
this morning both Mike and Karen talked about Don's being so up tight and
suggested a new drug that is an anti-anxiety drug. I will talk to him
about it after they are gone. I felt fat tonight. I am not used to eating
so much and I hope I can use some constraint tomorrow. Jenny came home
from the beauty parlor with a perm again. I think I liked it better
without but this will be more relaxed in a few days. Niki goes on
Saturday to have hers done.
May 11, 1990 (Friday)
Chilly morning! Started out to be cloudy but then it cleared. I did my
exercises or most of them while Mike did his. Fixed breakfast and read
some of the paper. Jenny and Karen went for a walk and I went another way
and we met, all of us walking vigorously. Jenny was nervous about giving
a speech at the college so she got dressed and gave her speech to Karen
to practice. When she got back after lunch she said she had done very
well thank goodness. Don and I went out to Food For Less for imitation
crab and to the Cannery where we got 8 small containers of Pero for 790
each so that was a good buy. When we got back we had lunch and then I lay
outside for a while and read. Then Don, Mike and Karen went to play
tennis and I cooked. I made the crab salad, did the fixings for squaw
corn and fixed broccoli au gratin and since I had made the graham cracker
pie yesterday dinner was set. Mike and Karen went to the Chico Mall to
get some presents for Jenny and Niki but we were ready to eat at 5. I had
all the food laid out and Don was ready to serve when Mike went over to
say something to Jenny and Don got furious cuz they weren't right there
and Niki was walking to the apartment to eat with Jason and Don swung
around and knocked some of her food on the floor so he stamped off to the
bedroom and said he was not going to eat. What is the matter with him? He
is so irritable and irrational that it frightens me. When I went to check
he said he had taken a pill that Dr. Wooding had told him to take. Later
he did come out and eat a little bit but not much. Finally I told him how
upset I was about the way he has been acting this week and said he should
take some kind of pill that is being recommended for anxiety. I know he
was angry cuz I wanted to talk about it but I can’t go on like this not
knowing when he will blow up. I am scared. I want him to go see Dr.
Wooding right away but he says he
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will wait till the 21st. Now it is bedtime and I have a headache and a
stomachache. Not a good day.
May 12, 1990 (Saturday)
Woke up to a cool morning. Went for a long walk and it was so pleasant.
Mike went too but we missed each other. Marijeanne made her first
communion today and we had promised to go. Mike, Karen, Don and Carl
played tennis till 9:30 and when they got back they began to pack and I
got ready to go to St. John's since we were supposed to be there at
10:45. I wore my coral and white 2-piece dress. If my navy blue linen is
my wedding dress then this dress is for religious functions since I wore
it to the confirmation. Mike and Karen still were not ready to leave so
we bid them good-bye. They gave me a beautiful hydrangea plant. It is
lavender with petals around the edge and then little tiny flowers in the
middle. I think I will plant it in the north border. Well back to
communion. There was a huge crowd. We had places set aside for us but it
was still a long dull affair and we were glad when it was over. Well it
was all quiet. Niki had gone with Kasey to skating and Jenny was not here
either so we changed our clothes, had some lunch and then I stripped the
bed, washed sheets and towels and put things away. I must admit it was
nice to have the house to ourselves and have everything quiet. I made a
simple dinner of bacon, eggs, fried tomatoes and we had hot chocolate
sundaes not a great combination perhaps but it all tasted good. I went
for a walk after dinner. Jenny has started to do the last packing. She
called Priss and went over to get an old suitcase and Priss gave her a
sweater and a present for Niki as well. That was sweet of her. Well then
I took a shower and Niki went out with Debbie and Pat so we had the house
to ourselves. Well we went to bed to make love and it just didn't work at
all. Don was supposed to take the pills Dr. Wooding had given him and
that he promised to take when we talked yesterday but when I asked him if
he had taken one today he said no. That was the last straw as far as I
was concerned and I didn't say anything else but I think he got the
message.
May 13, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up at 5:30 this morning. It was very cool but bright and sunny.
Did my exercises and then cuz it was so cool I wore my gray skirt and
navy long-sleeved top to church. I had thawed 2 doughnuts so when we got
home we had those and they tasted great. Changed my clothes and watered
plants. When Jenny woke up she brought a box from Grace Jr. with a tiny
cup and saucer from France that is very pretty but what will I do with
it? I would have liked a rose bush but never mind. I walked all around
the yard and just looked at things. It all looks so beautiful now before
the real heat comes. I love our place. After lunch we drove out to
Cathy's. Jenny and Niki went with us. We saw the 4 sheep, the 9 turkeys,
the goose, the duck, the chickens and many many rabbits. Cathy had a
framed picture of the family that I fell in love with and she said I
could have it. I
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am thrilled. When I got home I put a beef roast in the oven, fixed a lot
of tiny new potatoes I got at the market and carrots. Made a green salad
and a blueberry crumble. The dinner was delicious. Then Linda got back
from Lake Tahoe and she and Jason came over and I heard all about shacked
up at "hovel" as she refers to Craig's cabin. Jenny and Niki did a lot of
packing and they are just about ready. They will leave Chico on the 5:30
PM plane. I wonder how we will all handle that farewell? It doesn't seem
possible that they are going. Watched the news, went for a walk and then
watched Nature that was about the outback in Australia. We all went to
bed at 9. Before we went to bed Don took his pill and told me he was
taking it so I guess I got through to him. Mike called this morning from
San Francisco to wish me a happy Mother's Day.
May 14, 1990 (Monday)
Fed roses Miracle-Gro. Got up at a little before 5. It is lighter earlier
every day and so we got up early. Crazy. I did my exercises, went for a
walk after breakfast and then went to Stars at 8:15. Afterwards I stopped
at Priss' and took a picture of the Yorkies and she loved it. She thought
they all looked so good. Came home and cleaned the bathtub and then
Thrifty Rooter came and fixed the faucet in the kitchen skink in the
apartment and checked the other things and said they didn't need it but
it still cost $41. Oh well. Had lunch and then went to Safeway for things
and to Longs to get my Premarin, which cost $20.40. It was an expensive
day. Then I read for a while before thinking about dinner. Niki didn't go
to McManus today but instead she went to school all day with Kasey and
she said she had a good time. I fixed green beans, sliced the roast, made
gravy for Don and made a sandwich for myself and did a salad of peaches
and cottage cheese. Then I found out that Jenny and Niki were going to
eat with Vicki and Kasey Lindeman so there was just Don and I. We ate,
watched the news, I called Priss and then I decided not to walk tonight.
I was just too lazy. I realize I should have gone, but for once I said
no. Mike called to say they had arrived safely but poor Karen has not
gone to the bathroom for 4 days and is in misery. I suggested Metamucil
and prune juice. The phone rang again and again during the evening.
People wanting us to contribute to causes or give money for political
campaigns or little girls wanting to talk to Niki. Now it is 9:15 and
everyone is home and in bed except for me. I am sleepy but probably when
I get in bed I won't be able to go to sleep. That often happens. It was a
busy day with the temp at 80 ?. If only it would be this way every day
all summer how nice that would be.
May 15, 1990 (Tuesday)
Fed roses Miracle-Gro and camellias Miracid. This has been a day of
tears. It didn't start that way. I got up at the usual time did my
exercises, fixed breakfast for Don and even cooked some muffins for Jenny
and me. Then I went for a walk and felt so good that I really enjoyed it.
Don went to play tennis, Jenny had gone to Paradise and Niki went to
school for the last day. I fed the roses and then gave the camellias and
gardenias
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Miracid so that took quite a while. When Don got back I went to Stars and
had a good workout. Came home and had lunch and then lay down and read
and dozed in the living room. Later I made waffles and a fruit plate for
dinner. Niki got home from school and kids had given her a stuffed animal
and a huge poster with Australia drawn on it and everyone had written
something. She went off to play with Robin one last time and then she
played with the neighborhood kids after dinner. Jenny came home teary
eyed and cried off and on. Amy and Erika cried. Tears everywhere. I asked
Linda if she wanted to stay for dinner but she didn't feel very well but
Jason came and ate 3 waffles. We watched the news, I called Priss and
then Don and I went for a walk. Don went to see Dr. Shaw at noon and his
eye is coming along just fine the doctor says and in July he will go back
to decide when to have his second operation. Mike called wanting to talk
to Jenny and she called him back and cried when she talked to Karen. You
can see what I mean about tears. So far I haven't cried but I don't know
how I will be when that plane takes off. So now I am going to get ready
for bed. I will be glad when tomorrow is over but I am going to go
grocery shopping and I will go to the library and work and that will make
the day go faster.
May 16, 1990 (Wednesday)
Jenny and Niki leave for Australia. Well this was quite a day! We got up
at the usual time and I did all my exercises before eating my breakfast.
Didn't have to wake Niki cuz she was not going to school. And I didn't
have to make her lunch! I am happy to be done with that chore. So at 7:15
I was off to do the grocery shopping. Didn't buy anything too exciting.
By the time I got back it was almost time for lunch and then off to the
library on my own 2 feet. Typed 40 cards and then shelved. Don picked me
up at 2. All 3 sisters had gone out for breakfast and all day there was a
steady stream of calls and people coming to say good-bye to Jenny and she
was in tears most of the day. Some brought flowers, some gifts. They
ended up with 6 big bags plus the carry-ons. Don suggested he and Jenny
go out early to be checked in and they did that. It was a very good idea
cuz they had so much. Then when school let out about 6 girls from Niki's
class appeared and stayed till finally I suggested they go since we were
about ready to leave. It was rather strange since they had been ignoring
Niki these last months and suddenly they were crying cuz she was leaving.
At 4:30 we left for the airport. Cathy couldn't make it but Linda and
Jason plus the Van Rossun's and Vicki and Kasey Lindeman came. More
gifts, more tears and Jenny was really upset by this time. She is usually
rather reserved about her feelings so I found it rather surprising.
Finally they were on the plane and we left. Don was crying and I had
tears in my eyes but since I knew how much she wanted to go I couldn't
really be sad. Linda and Jason came home here too and we made sandwiches
and talked about the news. Sammy Davis Jr. died plus Jim Henson who
created the Muppets. After Linda and Jason left, Don and I started in on
the apartment and cleaned out all kinds of things and took some things
away and put a lot of stuff in a bag for Cathy and the girls. We almost
had to do it tonight cuz tomorrow
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Linda will be bringing more things and this weekend Craig is coming with
a truck to move in the big things. Then after this weekend Linda and
Jason will be staying here till after Jason graduates. Lots of changes
going on.
May 17, 1990 (Thursday)
This was a busy day. I slept in till 5:30 and then did a very little in
the way of exercises and didn't go for a walk after breakfast. Instead I
started washing clothes and ended up doing 4 loads of towels, sheets,
mattress covers and blankets. I mixed soda and bleach into a paste and
cleaned the tiles in the apartment bathroom and then I cleaned the mildew
off the shower curtain. Then Don and I moved to the bedroom that had been
Niki's and filled all the holes in the walls and believe me there were a
lot of them. By then it was 10:30 and I changed my clothes and went to
the dentist to have my teeth cleaned and checked. No cavities. Got home
and had lunch and went to the Discovery Shop and worked very hard all
afternoon. Brought home curtains, a jumpsuit and mattress cover on
approval but nothing worked so I will have to take it all back. Damn!
When I got home Don and I went to Wards and had our paint colored and
shaken and then back home. I fixed a cabbage salad, grilled cheese
sandwiches and chips and I even made a chocolate cake that we had with
whipped cream while it was still warm. Linda came over and ate a little
later. And then Jenny called from Melbourne. They were in their little
brick house with 2 chairs, a bed, a cat for Niki and a TV but they both
sounded happy and the flight had been good and they had been moved to
business instead of tourist, which helped. Jenny said there was a nice
yard with roses. They both sounded fine. Mike called wanting to know if
we had heard from them so Linda called him back and gave him the phone
number. After that Linda and Jason went for a walk and then I called
Priss. Cathy stopped by today and I gave her all the things we had set
out for her and she left a short story that Don typed for her while I was
gone this afternoon. He went to bed early and I have been reading. It is
now 10 and I had better go to bed. A busy day.
May 18, 1990 (Friday)
Cool - Another busy day. Usual morning routine but then we put on our
painting clothes and went to work. Don did the ceiling and then went to
Safeway to get milk and doughnuts so we took a break and then we went
back to the walls. Really Don did most of it but I did all the edge work
in the closet, which was a killer. We found out we did not have enough
paint for a second coat and it needed it so we went back to Wards for
another gallon and stopped at Safeway for milk. So far the room has cost
$320 and I still need paint for the chair and fabric for the tie
cushions. We haven't decided yet whether or not to get curtains. We will
see how it looks with the blinds up. Well anyway we did the second coat
and called it quits for the day. I know that Don was really tired but he
was good-natured about the whole thing and that helped. I had expected
him to be cross
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but he wasn't. He cleaned up and I showered and washed my hair and pinned
it up. Then I wrote to both Jill and Ty and Pauline. Made a mock crab
salad and fixed artichokes. Called Linda and asked her to dinner. It was
cut day at the high school and so Jason went on that. He called and was
going to eat dinner with Brett Dodson so he didn't come to dinner. We
finished off the chocolate cake. Don watched the news and Linda and I
went for a walk. It was so chilly we put on sweatshirts. Linda went home
and I put in a load of clothes and ironed the ones that were sitting
waiting to be ironed. Then I made up the bed in the apartment. Tomorrow
we plan to do the woodwork. We are supposed to go to the deal at the
University for retired people and the church festival is in the
afternoon. Whether we will go to both or anything I just don't know.
Craig is supposed to come down and there will be furniture moved. Some to
here and some to storage. Don wanted to call Jenny again but I talked him
out of it. I am afraid he is missing them very much but I am not. Wonder
if he realizes? Well I have been too busy to think about it I guess. I
always try to work hard when I am lonesome. Anyway I know they wanted to
go. Now it is getting on to 10 PM and I had better get to bed cuz
tomorrow is a busy day.
May 19, 1990 (Saturday)
Cold, rain in late afternoon and evening. What a day this was. Priss was
mentioning Ashland last night and The Comedy of Errors and that would
feature today. Got up at about 5 :30, made oatmeal for Don, did my
exercises and then took Mary to fruit market. I got eggs, some apricots.
Stopped on the way home for doughnuts, changed clothes and was just
getting ready to paint when Don called from the bedroom and I rushed in.
The cover on the new can of enamel had not been put on right by the man
at the store and there was paint all over the rug, some on the walls, the
door and Daisy who looked like a reverse fireman's dog, black with white
spots. We got paper and rags and tried hard to get some of the paint up.
I used a brush and got some of the spatters up in the hall but when I
suggested Don call a carpet cleaner he did and they came out and got it
cleaned up to the tune of $45! We had planned to go to the Faculty
Retirement Brunch but that was out. Well finally we got the painting done
except for a second coat on the woodwork and we will do that tomorrow.
Then Don went to hang the mirror over the bureau and the wire cord broke
but the mirror didn't break. I got a new cord and it is now hung. Linda
and Craig came over and the TV's were switched, they put the brown lounge
in storage and brought our old one to the apartment for Jason. Linda
wanted to take the brown one to Tahoe but Craig said no. Then in taking
Linda's glass-fronted bookcase out of the truck, the door flew open and
the glass broke. By late afternoon it was raining so we did not go to the
Church Festival either. Instead we showered in mid afternoon and then at
5 we had a drink and ate some more mock crab salad and French bread. It
was so cold that we turned up the heat-on the 19th of May! We were
watching the news when Priss called to tell me all about the brunch at
the University. She said it was very good and the program was good too.
But everyone was chilly since it was held out of doors. Now it is
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9:15. I have been reading and Don is watching a movie. I guess Linda and
Jason will be moving in tomorrow evening. They will be staying till after
Jason graduates. We both remarked about how quiet it is around here with
just the 2 of us. We miss Jenny and Niki. We noticed in the paper that it
was raining in Melbourne today.
May 20, 1990 (Sunday)
This was a busy day. Got up and did a little bit in the way of exercises.
Had my Pero and then got to work. By 8 am we had finished the painting:
it looks just great. It was another cold miserable dark day. I put all
the paint rags in the washer and dryer and then folded them and put them
away. I made a lemon pie cuz I thought Don deserved something special
after all the painting. Went over to Priss to help her decide about paint
for the 3 rooms she is going to have painted on Thursday. She gave me
some cherries someone had given her. Came home and made a beef stew that
turned out very well. This time I added a can of mushroom soup didn't do
the French recipe and the little new potatoes in it were delicious. Went
to the House of Fabric looking for material to cover the chair pads but
didn't find exactly what I wanted. At 3 we called Jenny and Niki in
Melbourne. It was 8 am Monday morning there. They have walked around the
neighborhood a little. It is a 10-minute walk to Niki's school and Jenny
is going to enroll her tomorrow. Both Linda and Jason arrived at 5 for
dinner and the stew, a green salad, hot bread and the pie were so great
that I ate too much and felt stuffed so Don and I went for a walk. Then I
went over to Linda's house to help her move stuff over here cuz from now
on till after graduation they will be staying here. She still has a lot
to do but she wants to be out completely as soon as possible. We watched
part of 60 Minutes and were appalled at the way food stamps have become a
new currency for drugs and everything else except food, at least for some
people. Then it was Australia and then bed and I was ready cuz I was very
tired.
May 21, 1990 (Monday)
Another busy, busy day. How long will this go on? I want to sit back and
read a book! Got up at 5 and did my exercises and then went for a walk
after breakfast. Went to Stars and when I came home I took the drapes,
mattress pad and jump suit back to the Discovery Shop since nothing was
right. Went to the Mall and got 2 sheets at Mervyns that turned out to be
the wrong color so I will have to return them tomorrow. Went to SherwinWilliams and got a quart of dark red enamel. Had lunch and then I painted
the wicker chair and the little table in the red. That was really a job
well at least the chair was. Then I made macaroni and cheese and a
cucumber salad and opened a can of peas for dinner. Afterwards I went
with Linda over to her house and brought back a load of
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things. Don helped me unload. Then I made a cover for the red chair but
discovered I still have to paint some more of the chair. I used an old
green tablecloth for the cover and had enough left over so that I can
cover the bottom of the box springs cuz the spread doesn't come down far
enough. Watched Newhart Murphy Brown and Designing Women while I worked.
Not great. Jenny called today collect cuz her phone still isn't working
right for out calls. She is upset cuz she can't get her furniture but the
good news is that she enrolled Niki in school and it is very good. She
was impressed. Don went to see Dr. Wooding for his physical and he is in
great shape. She gave him some kind of pills that are supposed to help
his depression. He still has to take some kind of test for his throat. So
it was a very busy day and tomorrow morning Dale and Jackie will be here
for breakfast at 8 so better I go to bed so that I can get up early.
May 22, 1990 (Tuesday)
Things were rushed this morning cuz Don had his club but not for lunch
but breakfast. I pinned up my hair when I got up and then did the
vitamins before doing my exercises. Then we set the table with blue place
mats and candles and I had a few roses for a little vase. I mixed up the
stuff for scrambled eggs, heated the sausages and Canadian bacon, opened
papayas, set out cherries and Don went for doughnuts and sweet rolls.
Then I got dressed and just before 8 I went from house to house on Elene
with material for Proposition A to keep the libraries open. Many people
were not home. Those who were, were nice and at one house, the Burger's,
they invited me in and we had a very nice chat. Came back to the
apartment when done and sewed the strips on the green tablecloth ready to
put around the bottom of the bed since the spread does not reach. Then I
got dressed and went to Stars. Worked out although I am stiff from
painting and exercising yesterday. When I got home Dale and Jackie had
just left (Joanna is out of town) so I told him about my handing out
library material and he went to do his block. I replaced the green strip
around the bottom of the bed; re-touched spots on the red chair and now
when the blinds are up we are done. The cost came to $330. I paid for
everything out of substitute money. We both napped after lunch but the
phone rang twice so neither of us got any rest. Linda and Jason went to
the Yakich's for dinner so we decided to each make our own. I did a
dinner sandwich with chips and dill pickles and Don made a peanut butter
and mayo sandwich. When Linda got back we both went over to the house and
I vacuumed all the floors with rugs, did the blinds, and dusted the walls
with the vacuum. Linda cleaned both bathrooms, the stove, etc. and washed
and waxed the floors. Then we came home and everything was done. Then
there was time for a little drink and then we went to bed. I had showered
earlier. Well we made love and it was just perfect. We were both so happy
about that and since I was very tired anyway I went right to sleep.
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May 23, 1990 (Wednesday)
Don had some test at Eulae and had to be there at 10 am so I rushed
around this morning. I made a big deal of oatmeal and Don had a good
breakfast. I did all my exercises and then got dressed and was out of the
house at 7 am! I went only to Food For Less and the Cannery and was home
by 8:30. Don went off to Eulae and I tried the super windows stuff that
is supposed to repel dirt. I did the kitchen, dining room and living room
windows on the inside and the ones in the guestroom were just finished on
the inside as well. It looked better today but then I read the directions
more carefully. I got out a hot dish to thaw, ate my lunch and went off
to the library on foot. Don got back just as I left. I typed cards and
shelved books and Don picked me up at 2. I fixed the salad greens and
made a chocolate pudding and then I painted the big cream-colored basket
and the wastebasket the dark red like the chair. I keep thinking of more
things. Ed Mizel called to say that things look very hopeful for the
Russian student coming and Dale called to say it was all set for Epstein
to come in the spring so it was a good day for good news. We ate dinner
and then Don and Linda worked on putting the blinds up. It rained quite a
bit in the night and there were sprinkles today and lots of clouds and
then a short time of clearing but more rain is predicted. I just wish it
were not so cold! Tomorrow night Linda and Jason are going to R-Fish as
guests of Drs. Thompson and Ford in a good-bye dinner for Linda. Don
watched Twilight or was it Sunset with Bruce Willis and James Garner.
Willis was Tom Mix and Garner was Wyatt Earp. I looked in on it now and
then but I was so tired I finally went to bed.
May 24, 1990 (Thursday)
Another big workday. When will this stop and I can go back to being lazy
again? After breakfast when Don went off to play tennis I got out the
vacuum and did the bedroom wing. When he came back he vacuumed the rest
and I washed the 2 bathroom floors after clearing the bathrooms
themselves. Then I did the kitchen floor on hands and knees. Not only do
I not want to be a nun kneeling in prayer all the time but I don't want
to be a scrubwoman cleaning floors but the house looks so nice. Then we
had lunch and then we went to the new Fred Meijer's store. It is huge and
they do have everything but it was almost too much. They did have good
buys in groceries so I got bananas, strawberries at 590 a pound! tomatoes
and some romaine. We got some cold meats for sandwiches. Came home and I
called Priss and she came over to see our new room and liked it. After
she left I made a raw veggie salad, fixed corn, made a little cake-like
deal to go with the strawberries and made our sandwiches. I cleaned the
lawn furniture and we had a drink outside although it was very cool. Ate
dinner and watched the news. I ran a load of clothes and folded them when
they were dry. Went for a walk although my legs hurt and then settled
down to read. Cathy stopped by in mid-afternoon. Julie's lamb did not
make the weight and she was very disappointed. Rose's did and it will go
up for auction. Both Julie and Marijeanne got awards on their
photography. Cathy was being
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run ragged and will be glad when the fair is over but then there will be
something else. Jason and Linda got back from their dinner with Drs.
Thompson and Ford and staff and they had a good time. Don is watching TV
in the bedroom.
May 25, 1990 (Friday)
Another busy day. I had planned to go to Stars but after exercising for
15 minutes and going for a walk I decided to work on the windows instead
and work I did. I first cleaned the outside of the living room windows
with my old-fashioned ammonia, vinegar and cornstarch. Then I hosed them
down and when they were dry I applied my Window Maid. When it was dry Don
and I rubbed and rubbed. They look great but there are still spots that
will have to be polished tomorrow and tomorrow probably. I raked up some
leaves, did some trimming and kept busy all morning. It was a beautiful
day with bright sun for a change. After we ate lunch I lay out in the sun
and it felt so good. Then Linda came for lunch and I went in to talk to
her and when she left (she will be going to Tahoe from work) I went back
out again for a while. Then I showered and got dressed for the afternoon.
I forgot to mention that before anything else this morning I did the
ironing of things that have been sitting for days. I am catching up. I
went over to the Mall and bought a whole beef stick. Didn't want to but
both Linda and Jason like it and I have to have things on hand for
sandwiches. I heated up the left over hot dish, made a green salad,
heated some rolls and had it all set up for dinner. Cathy stopped by to
drop off Marijeanne while she took Rosalie to the tutor. We had a good
time. I told her stories about when Cathy was a little girl. Kids love
that. After they left we read for a while and then Jason came and I had
thought he was going to the Senior Barbecue but instead he ate with us so
Don had a sandwich so there would be enough hot dish. We watched the news
and then I was going for a walk but it started to rain. Called Priss. Don
started to watch a movie with Debra Winger but it was so bad he gave up.
At 10 we called Jenny and Niki. It was Saturday afternoon there. They may
get their furniture next Friday. Jenny is going to work on Monday. Niki
says they are stricter in the schools there and she is having trouble
understanding what people say but she didn't sound unhappy about it.
Jenny was honest. She said they have both had their ups and downs. It
will help when their things arrive.
May 26, 1990 (Saturday)
Wrote to Jenny and Niki. Another dark day. Rain off and on all day. We
got up at 5 and I did my exercises before having more Pero. Got dressed
and walked to the end of North Avenue and then it started to rain so I
came home. Went to the fruit market with Mary who brought me a big sack
of Royal Ann cherries. I got new potatoes, little cukes, but my egg lady
wasn't there. Took Mary home and stopped at Safeway to get a doughnut for
Don. They had extra large eggs (18) for $1.25 so it worked out okay. I
had an appointment with Connie to get my haircut so I went downtown for
that and stopped at
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Priss' afterwards to see her 3 rooms that have been painted. They look
very nice. Then she gave me a portfolio of prints she had gotten in China
and said I could choose some to frame. I went to S&S and got some veggies
and then home. Ate lunch. One of the frames I have was very dark so I got
the stain off and it is oak underneath so I sanded and waxed both frames
and now on Tuesday, I will get glass for them. I read and dozed for a bit
in the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Jenny and Niki. Decided to have
bacon, eggs, and biscuits for dinner. Jason also had a bowl of soup, a
banana, and some ice cream. Then we watched the news that was one
disaster after another with no let up. Mandela says DeClerk is not really
sincere, the far right Afrikaners say DeClerk is selling them out.
Gorbachev says he doesn't want Germany unified in the UN. Arafat says
Israel can expect the Palestinians to rebel against Israeli rule. The
Polish miners are on strike. The Russians are complaining about the rise
in prices-you name it and something is wrong. I get very discouraged. Now
at 8 PM Jason has left for the evening. Don is napping and I have been
reading; Mike called and he and Karen were cooking up a storm. They
sounded so happy. Well I read till 10:30 and now it is time to go to bed.
May 27, 1990 (Sunday)
Rain, wind, rain. How strange cuz we are having a winter near the end of
May. Woke up to poring rain and it rained off and on all day. Mary called
to say she wasn't going to church and so we decided not to go either.
First I boiled a lot of new potatoes and eggs and then while they were
cooking I made a chocolate bundt cake. Made a potato salad, got cukes
ready. Frosted the cake, neatened up the house, read a little, shampooed
my hair and set it. Turned on the heat cuz the house is damp with all the
rain and it is chilly. After lunch I fixed the fruit plate. I had
marinated the chicken breasts last night so I put them in at 3 and I made
rolls. Cathy called to say that she couldn't get the car started so Don
went to get her and the girls. David was on a 12-hour shift, so my dinner
was the chicken, rolls, potato salad, cukes and tomatoes, fruit plate and
chocolate cake. We adults all had a drink and then we ate. Jason had gone
to lunch at Baba's and then he drove here to Live Oak to visit some
Yugoslav friends. I tried to be careful about dinner but I still feel
stuffed and I didn't get a walk in either this morning or this evening
and that doesn't help. Then too for some reason when Jason meets with the
3 girls he teases them or they tease him and chaos follows. Don took them
home at 7. I spent a lot of the day in the kitchen and tonight I am
tired. Went to bed.
May 28, 1990 (Monday)
A busy day. After breakfast I decided to wash the blinds in both
bathrooms. I could not figure how to take them off the window so I washed
them blind by strip (there are 42 little metal strips). Did them on both
sides and then dried them and they look beautiful but it took a long
time. Then Daisy and I went outside and I pulled weeds (they were easy to
pull cuz of all the rain). Then went to the south yard and cut the long
grass
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around the rose bushes. Checked around the yard trimming and pulling
weeds. By then it was lunchtime and I had a beautiful fruit salad with
cottage cheese on top. Took a shower and changed my clothes and then read
for a while. Don and I went over to the Mall to check out the price of
glass for the 2 frames I want to put pictures in for the guestroom. $1.85
for the small one and $2.30 for the large one. Will wait till tomorrow
and check with American Glass. Came home and made a big green salad,
fixed the green beans I got at the fruit market Saturday and then cut up
the left over chicken from last night and made Rice-a-Roni adding the
chicken. Heated rolls and it was a very good dinner. In fact it was
better than the dinner last night. We had left over cake and that too was
good. Linda got home a 4 but didn't feel very good. Still she ate well
and went for a walk with me. Afterwards, we planned to go to Back to the
Future III but when we got over there, there was a big crowd and we
decided to wait a few days. So then Don got Shirley Valentine that Cathy
had thought was very good and we watched that and she was right. It is
very good. In fact I wept and if I had been alone I would have bawled. It
is about a woman of 43 who is married. The children are grown up and her
husband takes her for granted and she gets a chance to go to Greece for 2
weeks and she goes. It is about the dream everyone has of doing something
daring and forgetting about responsibility. She sees beauty and a little
love and she finds herself again the way she used to be. I loved it. But
it made me sad.
May 29, 1990 (Tuesday)
Today was one of those sitting around days without much to show for it. I
had planned to go to Stars but then things didn't work out right. First
at 7 Don went for his special blood test and then at 8:45 he went to the
dentist and by then I had lost interest in going. I did get out the
little stepladder and got some of the paint we had missed at the top of
the windows in the living room. The weather couldn't make up its mind.
One minute it was chilly and then the sun would come out and it was warm.
We ate lunch after I had gone over to Alice's and picked 2 baskets of
loganberries. Alice and I had a good visit. One can always pick up
without any problems with her. Then Don and I went downtown to American
Glass and I got my piece of plate glass cut to fit on the little table in
the guestroom and I got glass for the 2 picture frames. When we got home
Don took a nap and I cut out 2 of the pictures that Priss had given me
and I was a long time getting them done. Don helped me hang them when he
got up. Dinner was easy. There was potato salad left and I fixed hot dogs
and artichokes. Linda got a letter from Jenny but we haven't had one from
her yet but of course we have talked on the phone. Called Priss and
chatted with her. It started raining after dinner and now at 7:30 it is
dark and gloomy out. I walked this morning and wanted to walk again
tonight but didn't want to do it in the rain.
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May 30, 1990 (Wednesday)
Is this going to be a better pen? The other one is so faint. It was a
busy day. At 7 I left for the grocery shopping. First Food For Less and
then the Cannery. I got done in record time. It was cold, cloudy, with
occasional rain all day. I gave up thinking I could walk to the library.
Priss stopped by to bring Jason a graduation card and $10, which I
thought, was very kind of her. She had a cup of coffee and we had a good
visit. Then it was time to eat lunch and go to the library. I typed up 41
cards and then got the books out of the book drop and that is a hard job.
Left at 2 and came home to a letter from Jenny and Niki. The first we
have gotten. It was written on the 20th so we already had the news about
school etc. I took a shower and pinned up my hair and debated about what
to wear to Jackie's party. I ended up wearing my black slacks and top and
the peach colored linen blazer that I bought at Penny's about 5 years ago
for $4. It looked okay. We went early so we could see the apartment and
what would be needed to furnish it for the Russian student. I thought it
was rather depressing myself but since there are things in it and it will
probably be okay. Nadia was there and we had a good talk with her before
others came. It ended up with Dale, Charlie Gesecter and his very
attractive girl friend and the Wagstaff s. I had wine before and with
dinner, which was very good: chicken, baked potatoes on the half shell,
good bread, green salad and fresh strawberry pie. Nadia is now at
Barbados and she wanted to have a year off to teach at OSU but didn't get
to. She is just as vivacious as always. I have always liked her very
much. Then we came home and Daisy acted as if we had been gone for weeks.
Don had a headache so we went to bed and so the day ended. It was nice to
go out. I made 2 chocolate chip, etc. pies this morning. One for Linda to
take to work since tomorrow is her last day and one for us to eat
tomorrow night.
May 31, 1990 (Thursday)
Well today was better. Some clouds but nothing like the past week. Still
very cool. Don went off to play tennis and I watered my indoor plants and
then potted 2 sets of cuttings that were rooted. Went outside and got
some old fence boards and tried to cover the area behind the camellias
where Daisy had done some digging. Then got dressed to go to Stars. Did
the machines and stayed 20 minutes of the floor exercises. Since I had
walked at 6:30 this morning I didn't feel guilty about leaving rather
early. Stopped at S&S on the way home to buy some things. Fixed lunch and
then went to Big 5 to buy a new pair of walking shoes. These came to
$18.05. When I got back from that Don had been talking to Ed Mizel and
Sel wants the Russian to live in a student complex. Don is against it. We
discussed the problem at length. I made a good dinner. I had bought l/4
of a turkey breast some time ago so I baked that, fixed mashed potatoes
and gravy, asparagus, a peach and cottage cheese salad and the graham
cracker pie. Linda came home very happy with her last day at work where
there was lots of food and presents and everyone sorry to see her go. We
ate dinner and then watched the news. Priss called and Don
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answered and she had totaled her car in Oroville where she had gone to
play bridge. The gas pedal stuck as she was going up the driveway and she
rammed into the house. She was unhurt but Vivian Shaw and Edith Kent were
both hurt and had to go to the hospital. I called her back and she was
upset naturally. We read in the evening till after 9 and then went to bed
and made love and it went well. I think Don is feeling much better about
all that and so finally May is over and I am glad. I hope that June will
be warmer and life will be less hectic. Linda goes to Tahoe tomorrow and
will be back on Monday.
June 1, 1990 (Friday)
Letter from Pauline. I didn't go to Stars so I did do my exercises and I
went for a walk. Jason suggested I go to the Racquet Club cuz they have
machines there and I may just do that. I am going to check it out at
least. I watered plants, I did a load of clothes, I tried to cut off some
of my khaki skirt to make it shorter. Since I am so short I think I look
dumb in a skirt which is above my ankles. I will try hemming it tomorrow.
It didn't rain today thank goodness. In fact it actually warmed up. I
made a tuna salad in the morning cuz I was going to the Discovery Shop in
the afternoon. So I ate my lunch. I had shampooed my hair earlier so I
took out the rollers and got dressed. I wore my beige jeans and shirt and
a white sweater. It was a busy afternoon. We made $171+ and I worked very
hard cuz there were just two of us in the shop. There were things half
price so I brought home quite a bit of stuff but will not keep it all. I
will keep another white sweater and perhaps one top. Will have to think
about it. Got home at 4:30 and heated some canned peas, shredded cheese
on top of slices of bread and heated them, put out chips and then made
salad. The three of us had dinner. Linda had left for Tahoe at 2:30.
There was enough pie left over so both Jason and Don could have a piece.
I had a little ice cream later. We watched the news. Barbara Bush and
Loisa Gorbachev spoke at the Wellesley graduation and BB (Barbara Bush)
was especially good. Jason went out for the evening. I read and dozed and
finally we both got up and went to bed. Cathy and Linda spent the morning
together. It is interesting that when there are 3 sisters usually 2 chum
together. With Jenny gone Linda has turned to Cathy. How well I remember
that. Cuz I was one of 3 sisters and we never did anything as 3 and the 2
kept changing.
June 2, 1990 (Saturday)
A clear morning. Don, Daisy and I to the junior high. Me with my scissors
so I could bring home some roses. Fixed breakfast for Don and then did
some exercises before my Pero and the paper. Then off to the fruit market
with Mary. I got cukes, eggs and red onions. Stopped at Safeway to get
doughnuts, some ground meat and buttermilk. When I got home I went out
front with a rake and got all the dry things out of the border. Then I
washed the kitchen and dining room windows and applied the miracle stuff
to keep them clean. Then I did the TV room windows. By then it was
lunchtime and I was willing to quit. I started to read a book by Nevil
Shute I had never heard of before called The Far
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Country about Australia and I like it but I got sleepy and decided to lie
down to read but it turned out I lay down to sleep. Got up and made the
recipe for waffles, did a fruit dish and a dish of cheese and pickles. We
had a drink before dinner. Ate too much but it was so good. We called
Jenny and Niki at 3 and talked a long time. They are to get their
furniture on Monday at last. No car yet. Niki seems to be doing well at
work and even the wait is coming along. We no sooner hung up then the
mail came and it was a long letter from Jenny. Miriam and Mike are coming
next weekend and Rick Cherry and family on the 19th. After dinner Don and
I went for a walk and then we read. Jason went out for the evening. Don
got a headache again at about 8:30 so he went to bed and I read till
after 10. Finally with some sun and warmth my roses are perking up and I
have a lovely bouquet in the living room of roses, coral bells and the
last bamboo.
June 3, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up at 5 and I made the Pillsbury rolls. Did a few exercises and
read the paper and then put on my black slacks and top and the peach
colored blazer. We picked up Mary and went to church. When we got home I
changed my clothes and started washing clothes. With Jason's, Linda's,
and ours, I ended up doing 4 loads. While all this was going on I
shortened my khaki skirt and that took a long time. Called Mike to get a
recipe for sliced turkey breast. I called Priss in mid-afternoon and
invited her to dinner. I made the turkey dish, fixed fresh green beans,
made a raw veggie salad, hot French bread and fresh boysenberry sundaes
for dessert. She came at 5 and we had drinks and then ate dinner and she
ate a good dinner and we had wine and then we visited for a while before
she left. No walking today. Then Don had gotten Back to the Future II cuz
Jason had seen it last night and thought it was "trippy." I thought it
was terrible! Dull, chopped up and it didn't make any sense. I lay on the
lounge and fell asleep through most of it. Then Sel called trying to have
the Russian student living in a dorm rather than at Jackie's Don is
opposed and had typed up a list of arguments and he thinks he may have
won but knowing Sel she will keep at it. Then Tyler called and talked to
Jason mostly and said he was coming out for a while or for the summer. It
was all very confusing. Mike said on Sunday that they were coming over on
Wednesday and he would check out what was going on and let us know. I
certainly don't want Tyler for the summer and Don says Gail may come out
to visit. This is not the summer I had envisioned! And so to bed.
June 4, 1990 (Monday)
This was quite a day. Started out as usual. I did my exercises, fixed
Don's breakfast and after my Pero I went for a long walk in the cool of
the morning. Don went off to tennis and I went to Stars. Stopped on the
way home to buy Don a doughnut. He had gone to breakfast with Carl, Mac
and Joe Conlin. When he got back he ate the doughnut and then went out to
sunbathe. In the meantime I made a meat loaf and then cleaned both
bathrooms. I was in the back room when I heard Don call out in a
desperate voice. I
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rushed down the hall and he had come in to take a shower, slipped in the
shower and hit his head on the faucet. He had a big gash on the top of
his head and he had blood all over his face, his chest, on the floor, the
sink, the walls. It was terrible. Finally we got the bleeding stopped and
I put a pad on it and helped him get dressed and I took him to Convenient
Care where they took stitches. Brought him home and he lay down. Then I
went out and did all the windows on the car in and out with my magic
window cleaner and that took almost an hour. I read for a while and then
made a batch of brownies, green salad, fixed the broccoli au gratin so
with the meat loaf we had a good dinner. Linda got here about 4 and they
went down and got Jason's graduation bike ($500+) and it is a beaut.
After dinner Linda called Donna and Ty will be out on the 19th for 2
weeks. Whether it will be here and Tahoe and/or Guerneville remains to be
seen. I am not thrilled about it but we will manage. Then Linda and I
went for a walk and then I had a long chat with Priss. Linda said she
thought $100 a month for Jason would be okay and I agreed. I can manage
on that. So now at 9 Don is asleep and I will read for a while and then
go to bed. Haven't decided what to wear or to take with me tomorrow for
our little trip to Shasta.
June 5, 1990 (Tuesday)
We got up at the usual time and at 7 we went over to vote. We were 3 and
4. Then I walked from there, got back and by then Linda and Jason were
up. Visited with Linda and then did some ironing before packing my
clothes. Didn't really know what to take so I guess I took just about
everything. We packed some food (oranges, apples, crackers, candy,
liquor, etc.) We had lunch but before that I shampooed and showered. Then
at about 1 we left. The ride started out okay although right from the
beginning d lot of traffic, especially big trucks. I had thought about
taking my pills that kept me from getting so nervous but Don had said it
would be not problem so I didn't take them with me. From Redding on it
got worse with road work etc. so I was very happy when we got to Mt.
Shasta and finally to Big Foot Ranch. Yes, there were 3 llamas and a
donkey and 2 goats and 3 dogs. The people are very nice and friendly.
They have a house with 3 bedrooms to let and then the cottage where we
were. It was beautiful. There is a big deck with chairs and table, quite
a large living room with skylight, a bricked in area and a stove with a
fire going, a compact kitchen behind louvered doors, a bath and bedroom
all done in oak with antique furniture, reading material, a radio and a
lovely view, Only bad part - lots of mosquitoes. We went up to the house
to see about places to eat. They offered wine, crackers and cheese but we
said no. At 5:15 we drove into town and ate at Michael's, an Italian
restaurant, soup, salad great but the veal picante not so good. We came
back and read. Then we went for a walk in lovely country with a stream
and a bridge to cross over. Then Don got a headache and went to lie down.
I was reading a good book called Rosie so I finished that. He came back
out at 9 and did not feel much better so he went back to bed and I stayed
up a while longer and then went to bed myself. Bed real hard and pillows
very hard. Otherwise it was fine. I realized that we were used
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to the radio on most of the time, the TV for the news etc. Daisy wanted
in and out and maybe this is just a bit too quiet for us. Maybe if the
sun were shining and it was warm I would like it better. I am still glad
we came.
June 6, 1990 (Wednesday)
Today was a different day. We got up early and I did my exercises and
then we put on jackets and went for a walk. First we went over to the
animals and I petted the two goats and the donkey but the llamas looked
at us but wouldn't come too close. Then we walked up to the road past the
beautiful little stream and on into the forest. It is all so lovely but
the mosquitoes make it less attractive. At 8 we went up to Ward's house
for a breakfast of juice, strawberries, ham, scrambled eggs and round
balls like doughnuts to be eaten with butter and syrup. All very good.
But they had already eaten and they talked to us. Rather awkward. From
their front windows there is a wonderful view of Mt. Shasta but it was
cloud covered and it was raining. We stayed till 10 and then left. Going
back it was not as bad as coming up and there was less traffic on our
side of the freeway. I was not nervous. We stopped at Red Bluff so that
Don could get some coffee. As we came down it got clear and warm. We got
into Willows about 1:30 and to the Golden Pheasant Lodge. We got a very
nice room. It is a huge place beautifully landscaped and the room was
spacious and well appointed. Don napped, we read and watched TV. I took a
shower at 5 and put on my stone colored slacks and knit top. We watched
the local and national news. Feinstein won, Kevin Campbell won, the
library lost. In fact everything in Butte County was voted down although
statewide the initiatives all won except 18 and 19. At 6:30 we went to
dinner. We got a free drink and then delicious things like huge shrimp
unpeeled and dipped, pita bread hot with a country feel, a salad, I got
prime rib and Don a filet, we ordered one piece of pie but it was not so
good. Back to our room where I changed my clothes and then we went for a
long walk around the compound and it was a beautiful view with a full
moon and a lovely sunset. There is space here and one can see the
mountains blue in the distance. We went to bed at about 9:30 and we tried
but it did not go well. Still it was a good day and I feel better about
our being away for a little while.
June 7, 1990 (Thursday)
Didn't write in this last night as I should have. We got up early in
Willows and I went for a walk around the compound in the cool of the
morning and it was lovely. Don went to have breakfast in the fancy
restaurant but I wasn't hungry and just had some Pero made with water
from the hot water faucet. I packed everything up and we were on our way
so that we got home at 7:30 to find everyone asleep including Daisy! In 2
days Linda had shaped her up! She wasn't expecting us so early so there
were dishes in the sink, wilted flowers—vases, etc., but that was okay. I
went out to cut roses and Don cleaned up the kitchen. Then I went grocery
shopping and got home in time for lunch. In
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the evening I washed my hair and Don went to the library for books.
Cathy, David, Craig, Linda, Jason, and David Yakich all went out to
dinner before the graduation so Don and I had a simple dinner of a big
fruit salad, and I had taken home the prime rib and left over filet so I
made sandwiches and I made Don a vanilla pudding. Then I took a shower
and since the evening was hot I put on my black flats (no hose) and at 8
Mary came with David and the 3 of us went to the graduation with the
others going separately. The crowd was huge and Don let us off and parked
the car and then we did find seats in the bleachers but we really
couldn't see anything and couldn't hear too well either. Naturally Jason
sat way at the back cuz of his name. One girl gave a stupid speech and
Linda Snieg gave a good but people were so rude and were talking so much
it was hard to hear her. The kids bounced beach balls, opened champagne
bottles, blew bubbles, the audience was noisy and unruly and I thought it
was terrible. Fortunately we all agreed so it wasn't just me. It just
lasted an hour but it was 10 when we got home and we were weary and went
to bed. On Tuesday night it is Jason's Award Night. Jason got a $350
grant from the breakfast Lions, $25 from the John McManus so that will
certainly help. I was so pleased for him.
June 8, 1990 (Friday)
99° - We got up this morning and after a few exercises and a dish of
Grape Nuts I went for a long walk. Don played tennis and then at 8:30 I
took Daisy for her bath. I folded clothes I had run through and put in
the dryer last night and planned to iron but didn't get to. The junior
high had its promotional this morning so there were cars lined up way
around the keyhole and we were boxed in. I put together a mock crab salad
and fixed the green beans since I was going to the Discovery Shop at 8
and I am always tired when I get home and didn't have to start cooking.
Linda was going to leave this morning but decided to wait till tomorrow
morning. She wanted another day with Jason. He and his friends went to
the all night party and didn't leave to drink as planned. Linda, Craig
and I were very relieved cuz we had worried about that. He slept in till
noon. I had Don take me to the Discovery Shop at 12:45. We had a very
busy afternoon although we didn't make all that much money but it is good
to be busy cuz the time goes fast. Slacks were on sale half price so I
brought 3 pair home and I think I may just keep one pair. I am washing
them in hot water and will put them in the dryer to see if I can shrink
them. If not I will take them back. I heated rolls and so we had a good
dinner and then we listened to the news. It was so hot that finally I
gave in and made chocolate sauce and Don had a milk shake and Linda and
Jason had hot fudge sundaes. I felt fat and didn't have one. Then we sat
outside and visited with Linda and then she went to read and I came in to
read and Don went to bed so it was a good day. Tomorrow I will neat up
the house, water plants and do some cooking.
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June 9, 1990 (Saturday)
Hot - We went to the junior high but there were not many roses but in the
hot weather they don't last anyway. Came home and fixed breakfast and
then off to the fruit market. New things today. I got some beets I will
cook tomorrow and the first tomatoes of the season, not great but at
least homegrown, eggs and some lemons. Stopped at Safeway for milk and
doughnuts. Linda was just getting ready to leave for Tahoe. Don vacuumed
the house and I dusted and neatened up and then changed the flowers. The
day lilies are in bloom now and they are lovely but they last only a day
and then one has to start over. I went for Lucky's French bread, vitamins
and turkey parts at Holiday. When I got back, bad news from Ed Mizel. The
young man from Russia had called and he is not being allowed to come to
the U.S. After all the documents, all the money spent, all the calls and
hassle, poor Ed is really upset and so was Don. I don't know what the
next step is. We went to Mervyn's to look for shirts for Don but couldn't
find any he liked. I wrapped up the brass apple bell and gave it to Alice
cuz she has a bell collection. Lay down after lunch for a little while
and then set my hair, did my nails and shaved my legs. Jason went off to
a party at 3. Said he would be back by 7 but now going on 9 he still
isn't home. Mike called this morning and said Tyler was coming out about
the 17th. Linda will be going to San Francisco to see a dentist and will
probably pick him up and bring him here and then later he will go to
Tahoe with Jason. I took a shower. I had done some ironing and decided to
wear white slacks and a red top to Mark Bain's party. We called Jenny and
Niki at 3:45 and had a good visit. Miriam and Mike were there. They will
be staying till Wednesday. It sounds as if they were doing a lot of
things. Niki talked a long time, as did Jenny. The party at Mark's was
very casual. Both Andy and Gretchen were there. Don was bored and he
already had a headache. There were some good things to eat and I sampled
everything. We stayed just an hour and then came home and had another
drink and I fixed bacon and tomato sandwiches. I watched the news and
then I read and Don went to lie down and so another evening by myself
reading while Don was in the bedroom. It is not a very good life
considering everything but I have no solution to the problem so I read
and tried not to think about it.
June 10, 1990 (Sunday)
Well this was rather a pleasant day. I did all my exercises this morning
taking about 20 minutes. Cooked breakfast read the paper and cut coupons.
Then I put on my red jump suit and we went to church picking up Mary.
When I got home I changed my clothes and changed the day lilies. Cut up a
chicken and made Packy's recipe. Read for a little. Cathy stopped by with
the girls and we had a good visit. She is going to Tahoe on Tuesday and
Wednesday to visit Linda. She got all A's at Butte. I was so proud of
her. I forgot I went for a walk this morning and Don and I went again
after dinner. So now I have lost the extra pounds I gained on our outing.
I am not going to eat so much between meals. Agassi lost to the man form
Equador. Jason was in and out. He is going to Tahoe
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tomorrow with Brett and another friend. They are taking their mountain
bikes. I think they are going to stay with friends. He called his mother
and she said it was fine. I think he is already bored and although he
would never admit it I think he misses his Mom. Maybe not. The dinner was
good. I mashed potatoes and with the chicken and gravy and a huge salad
we ate well. And there is enough left over for tomorrow night. I wrote to
the kids in Australia and tomorrow I must get a letter off to Pauline.
But I have to wash windows and feed the roses too. I made a lemon souffle
and that was good too. I did 2 loads of clothes so Jason would have clean
clothes for tomorrow. Finished the book I was reading about Jewish people
who have retired to Florida. It is about marriage, family, losing a mate
and how different people react. Don watched a movie although he had a
headache, but then he seems to get one every night. I called Priss and
she was in good spirits. She had been to a big party last night and so
the day went by and it wasn't too hot. In fact we didn't even turn on the
fans. It is supposed to be cloudy tomorrow but no sign of that yet.
June 11, 1990 (Monday)
Today I decided to do a lot of things and I did just that. Exercised in
the morning and then a 25-minute walk. It was lovely and cool and a
pleasure to walk. When I came back Don was off to play tennis so first I
got the step stool and changed the hanging plants in the bathroom since
they had been reaching for the lights so long they looked strange. Then I
washed the bedroom and bathroom windows and screens. I let down the
blinds in front and back. It makes the rooms darker but cooler. Then
Cathy dropped Marijeanne off as she was taking Rose to the tutor so we
trimmed the bush in the north yard by the apartment window. I took the
water spots off windows and then washed them. Now that was a lot to do in
one morning, but Marijeanne and I then put systemic on the roses. We were
going to put Miracle on but Cathy came and she had to leave. By then it
was lunchtime thank goodness so I ate and then ironed clothes and
shortened a pair of slacks before going to shower and shampoo. Then it
was slow-down time. I made a fruit salad, heated up the potatoes and the
chicken dish and there was dinner. Afterwards we watched the news. Called
Priss and then went for a walk. Jason left for Tahoe at 12:30. He was
going with Brett Dodson and Brad somebody. Linda called asking when he
had left and I told her. He was supposed to call Don when he arrived but
didn't call but I assume he is okay. I don't know how long he will be
gone. The only thing I didn't do today was to write to Pauline but maybe
I can do that tomorrow.
June 12, 1990 (Tuesday)
We woke up to a cool breezy morning. Don went off with Daisy and I worked
in the kitchen. When they came back I went to my exercises and then it
was paper time. Afterwards I went for a long walk and it was most
pleasant. Came back and first I fed the gardenias and camellias and then
I put Miracle Gro on the roses. Watered and fed the
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indoor plants next. Put 3 turkey thighs to cook in the oven with carrots,
etc. Then I got dressed and went to Stars but Cathy was not working this
summer so that put a damper on the floor exercises. Came back after
shopping at Thrifty and Payless looking for a special cream for Don. Had
lunch. Then we went to Gottchalk's to look for sport shirts for Don.
Found 2 we liked on sale and came home. He lay down and I fixed the salad
greens and made chocolate cookies, the kind he likes and frosted them.
Cathy had stopped by this morning to pick up a box of food and some of
Linda's pants to take to Tahoe since she was going today. Then Linda
called and I told her Cathy was coming and she was pleased about that.
Then Jason called for directions to someone's house up there. He had left
the sheet in the apartment. So I gave him the needed information. Don got
a headache before lunch today. He is getting very discouraged and so am
I. We had hot dish, a salad and hot bread for dinner. Watched the news.
Don had gotten a movie but he didn't like it. I went for a walk just to
the end of North Avenue and then back and Don went to bed before 9
perfectly miserable. I stayed up and read. Another lovely and dull
evening.
June 13, 1990 (Wednesday)
Dark clouds in afternoon. A typical Wednesday. Did my exercises, had my
Pero, read the paper and was off to go shopping before 8. Wasn't quite so
rushed today so didn't start so early. Went to Food For Less and the
Cannery. Didn't find anything pretty exciting this week but it was okay.
Got home and put everything away and then had lunch. Don was going to
Dale's for lunch so he visited with me while I had mine. Then I walked to
the library. I wore my red jumpsuit and I really wasn't too warm even
though it has long sleeves and a high neck. I did 40 cards and then filed
them, picked out some books and then it was 2 PM so when I came out Don
was there. Instead of a bright sunny day it had turned dark and windy.
Looked like a storm in the Middle West in the summer. We got home and Don
lay down cuz his headache came much earlier today. I had planned on
hamburgers but with the weather looking so strange we decided to have the
hot dish again and so I made a raw veggie salad and heated up bread. The
headache was better when he woke up so we watched the news, not all bad and then I went for a walk and came back and started reading The Joy Luck
Club and I know I am going to like it. We had a small drink about 9 and
then went to bed and made love and this time it was a success for both of
us! How great. Nice way to end the day. No word from any of our children.
I guess Cathy and Jason are living it up in Tahoe.
June 14, 1990 (Thursday)
Wrote to Pauline. Cool day. Today is my mother's birthday. She always
laughed about the fact that they put the flags out for her. I didn't feel
like getting up but finally did at about 5:30. Don had gotten up earlier
with Daisy and was back from the junior high and had made his breakfast
before I appeared on the scene. We intended to go over to the
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Racquet Club and try the machines thinking that I could drop Stars when
my time was up but when we got there they were so big and there were no
weights and no benches just those huge affairs that looked too much for
me so we came home. Don went off to the library to work with Dale on the
seminar for fall and I defrosted the apartment fridge, cleaned both
bathrooms, did a load of clothes and made a potato salad. Had lunch and
then cleaned up and went to the Mall where I tried on many tops. I found
one at Brooks for $20 but couldn't decide to buy it. Will think about it.
Got a navy one on sale at Miller's Outpost. Got a prescription filled and
came home. Donna called telling of Ty's plans and that Linda would pick
him up in San Francisco and bring him here and then later he and Jason
would come to Tahoe and then back here and then to Guerneville. Jason
arrived at 4:30 so I thawed another hamburger and there was enough of
everything else. I called Linda after dinner and she wasn't too happy
about all this. Well I am not either. Donna was sad that Matt was getting
married on the 21st of September and it is going to be a big wedding. I
didn't walk this morning or this evening. I just decided to skip a day
but I will go back to it tomorrow I promise. Don got his headache early
today but didn't take a pill till about 8. It is 10 after 10 now and he
is asleep. I am having my last cigarette and a last Pero and then I too
will go to bed. I wrote to Pauline but the letter didn't please me. I
think of things to say when I am walking but when I sit down I don't say
anything very interesting. But enough already.
June 15, 1990 (Friday)
A real leisurely day. Got up at 5:30 and worked hard on my exercises.
Then I went at 8 and worked hard on the machines. I went for a walk first
and it was cool in fact almost chilly. Stopped on the way home at S&S and
got oranges for 250 a pound as were new potatoes. When I came home I
decided to do something about my tan so I lay out for an hour and read
and dozed. Came in and had lunch and then went back to lie on my stomach
and started to get the other side tanned. Came in and asked Jason if he
had anything that had to be washed and I ended up doing 3 loads. I shaved
my legs and took a shower, pinned up my hair and then at 4 I made a Greek
salad: orange slices, red onions, and black olives to take to the Family
Service picnic. I wore white slacks, my new blue top that I wore
yesterday and white flats. Don wore white slacks, his new blue and white
striped shirt he got at Gottschalk’s and we looked very nice together.
The food was just so-so. I wasn't impressed. Priss met us and sat with
us. We were home early. So we had coffee and Pero and sat on the patio
cuz it was such a lovely evening. Then I went for a walk. Got a letter
from Pauline today and George and Susan are moving to Denver. Susan has
an executive job with Neiman Marcus and is going to start right away.
George will stay in Hawaii with the children till summer school is over
and then they will go to Denver too. Franny Whiting had an operation for
clogged arteries but is going to be okay. I had just written her
yesterday but will now write again.
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June 16, 1990 (Saturday)
I woke up to a bright but chilly morning. Made breakfast, did my
exercises and afterwards went for a walk and it had to be brisk cuz I was
cold with shorts on. Mary had called last night saying that their guests
would take her to the market so I went alone. It was a mad house but I
got lots of things: 3 pounds of nectarines, red and white onions, green
beans, and eggs. Came home and went to work. I made a big hot dish and
had enough for a little one. Made up hamburgers. Then went to Longs and
got one Max Factor lipstick for $4.50 and then got one free. Wanted to
buy Opium but it cost $34 so I forgot that. By that time it was lunchtime
and then I went outside for an hour. I read for a while and then took a
shower. Then we called Australia. Niki sounded fine. She has a friend,
Mandy, who is in 5th grade and her mother got a job in Australia and she
lives nearby. She is from Texas. Niki said a small jar of Best Foods
costs over $3.00. Then we talked to Jenny but she sounded rather down. I
think the adjustment is hard. At 4:30 we had a drink on the patio but by
then I was feeling sad and the drink just didn't taste right so I went in
and fixed bacon and tomato sandwiches and got out the rest of the potato
salad. Jason ate at Baba's. I had made fudge in the afternoon and maybe I
ate too much and that was why I wasn't really hungry. I don't know. We
watched the news and then Don had gotten a movie, The Bear and we watched
that. Very good. Called Priss and talked about the blouse she is looking
for to take on the trip. Don got a headache and went to bed and I read
before going myself.
June 17, 1990 (Sunday)
At 9:15 on this Father's Day of 1990, I slept in till 5:30. Daisy got Don
up much earlier so by the time I got to the kitchen Don had eaten and was
reading the paper. I got out our vitamins and then did my exercises
before coming in to join Don. He stayed home this morning but I went to
church alone cuz Mary had relatives visiting and they took her to church.
Stopped on the way home and got doughnuts for Don and Jason. Changed my
clothes and did a 30-minute walk. When I start out I find it hard to
catch my breath but that eases off after a while. Is it my heart or my
lungs? I can't decide and it worries me, but I don't want to do anything
about it cuz I am a coward. Came back and lay outside in the sun for
about an hour and then had lunch. Showered, shampooed, set my hair and
then fixed sweet and sour pork steaks and set that aside and then made a
rhubarb pie. It turned out beautiful. At about 3 the pie was done and I
tried a little piece and it was good so I called Priss and took her a
piece and stayed to visit till 3:30. When I got back Don went up to
school to observe a candidate for Sudian Studies. I had good dinner: the
pork, fried rice, cukes and tomatoes, hot bread and the pie. Don got back
so we ate at about 5:30. Then there was the news. Mike called and we both
talked to him. I went for a walk and it was pleasant. I am trying to go a
different route each time even though I still stay in the same general
area but I get so bored walking the same sidewalks day after day. I would
love to walk in the park but don't want to do it alone and I would have
to
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drive there and that seems sort of silly. What I would really like would
be to walk alone along the ocean. Well maybe some day. Anyway Linda
called. She is in San Francisco at Marijeanne's. Her appointment is on
Tuesday morning and then she will pick up Tyler and they will be here for
dinner. How long they will stay I just don't know. Time will tell. I am
going to read for a while and then go to bed.
June 18, 1990 (Monday)
85° - We got up at 5:30. I was very diligent about my exercises. I smoked
2 cigarettes and then went for a walk but I found myself having trouble
breathing. I tried to be careful the rest of the day. I went to Stars and
worked out very hard but didn't stay for the floor exercises. I got home
I changed my clothes and watered the plants and then I went out to the
patio and pruned the two maple trees in the tubs. I want them to look
like Japanese plants but I am no expert. Don played tennis, went to
breakfast with the men and then ran errands. I ate my lunch and then when
he came back I took the things back to the Discovery Shop that I decided
not to buy. I looked around just a bit and found a yard of blue denim for
250 so I got that. I decided to cover 2 pillows to put on the patio
chairs and while Don watched golf I pinned them on and sewed them by
hand. They look great. Then I made bread and fixed salad greens. Since
dinner consisted of spaghetti and I got ajar of Ragu, the salad and fresh
bread there was little to do. We got a card today from Katie Newbold, had
not heard from her for a long time. Linda got a lot of mail and Jason's
report card came: A in Government and Calculus, B in English and Physics
and a C- in Art (that was cuz of tardies). After dinner we watched the
news and none of it was foreign but all domestic and all bad. A man was
angry cuz his car was repossessed so he went into the agency and killed 9
people and wounded 5 more. Then he killed himself. Well it went on and
on. Afterwards, Don and I went for a walk. I called Priss and talked to
her. She went to the doctor today about her blood and she is to go back a
week from today to find out about the tests.
June 19, 1990 (Tuesday)
99° - Quite a change from yesterday and it is supposed to stay hot till
the weekend. Well what did I do today? First I did 20 minutes of
exercises, then had my Pero, went for a walk while it was still fairly
cool. Came back and rolled out a piecrust and made a chocolate chess pie.
Went to Stars at 9:30 and did all the machines and did 15 minutes of
floor exercises before coming home. Then I made a big potato salad and
trimmed the green beans. Had lunch and sat outside 15 minutes on each
side but just on my legs. It was too hot to lay out completely. Pinned up
my hair and did my nails. Then decided to make rolls and since it was hot
it was a perfect day for them to rise. Don didn't turn on the air
conditioner till 5 so the house never really cooled down. Linda called at
2 saying that they were at Marijeanne's and she was going to get a bite
to eat and then they should be here by 6:30. So I put the ham in the oven
at 4 and everything worked out okay.
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Tyler looks good. He is no longer short; he is stocky but not really fat.
When they got here they were hot and tired and dehydrated. They both
drank a lot of coke. The dinner went well and then the boys went off and
so Linda told us all about the doctor who is going to do something good
about her jaws and then she went to a woman who told her about make-up
and mixed things for her. It came to $95 so I hope it is worth it. She
seemed to think so. Finally at 8 I went for a walk but it was still hot
and I really didn't enjoy it. Also although I was careful about
cigarettes today I still huffed and puffed so tomorrow I am going to cut
down still more. I will go grocery shopping and then I work at the
library so that should help as far as cutting down is concerned. We shall
see. It is nice having Linda here. She always has a lot to talk about.
June 20, 1990 (Wednesday)
100°+. No cigarettes. Rather a strange day. I have not had a cigarette
all day. I did my exercises this morning and had my Pero and a little
bowl of cereal. Then I went for a walk but I found it very hard to stick
with it. Came home and got dressed to go shopping. Went to the usual:
Food For Less and the Cannery. Stopped at Holiday and got 3 ice milks
before coming home. We put the groceries away and then I made my lunch.
Linda washed a huge quantity of clothes. First the boys were going with
her and then they decided they would go on Friday and Saturday and now
this evening they say they will be going on Monday. Mrs. Neeley called
and wanted Linda to bring Tyler down on the 1st and 2nd but she said no
she could do it on the 29th and finally Mrs. Neeley had to accept that. I
thawed hamburgers, made a tossed salad, bought com at 90 each and we had
that and there was left over pie. I started to get diarrhea about 3 and
had terrible pains in my stomach so I didn't have a hamburger although I
did eat a bun. We watched the news and it is going to be hot again
tomorrow and then Linda and I went for a walk. Maybe it was just my
imagination but I didn't seem to have much trouble breathing even though
it was so hot. I will see how I do tomorrow morning. I called and made an
appointment with Dr. Wooding for me at 3:30. I haven't said anything to
Don about it yet. No use in getting him all worried and concerned. Got a
letter and a card from Niki today. But we must tell them to combine the
letters and not to write so often since it costs $1 to send a letter.
That is just too much. Talked a long time to Priss when we got back from
our walk. Don was lying down with a headache again. I am getting sleepy
so will close for tonight. How will I be tomorrow about cigarettes? I
hope I can stick with my decision to quit.
June 21, 1990 (Thursday)
100°. No cigarettes. Woke up at 5:30 and decided to make Don French toast
for breakfast. Haven't made that in a long time and it turned out well
thank goodness. Then I did my exercises and had a piece of plain toast. I
went for a walk of about 25 minutes. It was already getting warm when I
came back. Linda was up but she decided to go later
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than planned. At 9:30 I went to Stars and did the machines and stayed 15
minutes for the floor exercises. Stopped on the way home at S&S to get
beautiful strawberries plus oranges. Linda and Jason spent the morning
filling out forms for college and Don sunbathed and watered the grass cuz
tomorrow Bill mows. When it gets hot things dry out so quickly. I made
lunch and then I ironed clothes that had been sitting around. Don went
off to Dr. Simpson's cuz his knee has been bothering him but the doctor
said it was not really in bad shape and to exercise it and take something
like Advil if it gets painful. Linda then talked to me about Tyler and
Jason. I guess it isn't working out very well. Tyler doesn't want to do
anything and Jason wants to be with his friends and I suppose that bores
Tyler. Then his dad gave him just $20 and that is not adequate. Linda
left at about 3 and she called later to suggest that I give Ty the $50
that Donna had given him to pay Linda for food. He isn't going to be up
there that long and she will send down a check. I made a good dinner:
sliced ham with cheese and pickles, noodles with cream and parmesan, a
fruit salad, green peas and strawberry shortcake for dessert. I suggested
they go to a movie and I would pay but they said no. Finally after dinner
Don lit a cigarette and then he asked if I had quit and I said yes so he
dramatically put his out. That annoyed me. Then we went for a walk but it
was just too hot. Called Priss, she was married 50 years ago today. So
she was sad. Don lay down with a headache, the boys went out and I have
been reading. Really a very dull day but then most of them are that. It
is after 9 and I suppose I should be thinking about bed. What I would
like would be a cigarette.
June 22, 1990 (Friday)
No cigarettes. We woke up at 5:15 to a windy chilly morning! What a
change. I am sure it won't last but it is great. I dashed in and pinned
up my hair before going out to make breakfast. I had my vitamins and
orange juice and vegetable power and then went in and exercised for 20
minutes. After the paper I walked for 25 minutes before going to Stars.
There was a terrible earthquake in Iran and now they think 35,000 have
been killed and hundreds of thousands hurt and/or homeless and the bill
to amend the constitution about burning the flag doesn't make it through
the House. Thank goodness. Anyway when I got back from Stars I swept the
patio and raked some of the leaves that fall all year. I had Ty and Jason
put the spray on the spots on the apartment ceiling where there were
watermarks. Then they went tubing. I made a tuna salad before lunch. I
realize that I use cigarettes as a reward. I say to myself "When I finish
this I will have a cigarette." But now I can't do that any more. I made
broccoli au gratin, heated some rolls and made a chocolate pudding so
when the boys came home and were hungry dinner was ready. Don and I went
for a walk after the news but it was still pretty warm and I huffed and
puffed. Don had gotten the movie Jackknife with John DeNiro about Vietnam
veterans and he falls in love with his old buddy's plain sister. It was
rather slow. Don didn't like it at all. I thought it was just okay.
Anyway afterwards we had a bit of brandy and then went to bed. It was
okay for me but not for Don.
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June 23, 1990 (Saturday)
No cigarettes. Woke up to a cool morning. Got breakfast for Don and then
did my exercises. Went for a walk before picking up Mary. We will have to
start out earlier now that there is more produce and the crowds are
bigger. I got eggs, onions, green beans, cukes, tomatoes. Dropped Mary
off and came home. I had gotten doughnuts, half-and- half, and bananas on
my morning walk and I really wanted a doughnut when I got home but I had
a piece of bread instead. Watered all the plants and then went to K-Mart,
Longs, and Lucky to compare prices on vitamins. I also tried on some
shorts at K-Mart but they were ugly. I finally got B-6, Lecithin, Marlyn
50 to make my nails strong, dental tape and suppositories. A lot of money
for stuff that isn't what you would call exciting or fun. I have promised
myself that if I go without a cigarette for a week I am going to buy
something nice just for me. We will see. It is the 4th day. I ate lunch
and then I wrote to Jenny and Niki and to my sister Pauline. Took a
shower and pinned up my hair. Then we called them in Australia. Jenny
says it is very chilly and she feels cold all the time so she is going to
buy some wool sweaters and she will buy a second-hand sewing machine and
make some wool skirts. She hopes to have a car this week. Niki is into
netball and she goes to a clinic every Saturday morning to learn more
about it. Jenny says that both have their ups and down. Don and I went
over to Packy's this morning and picked apricots. They are nice big ones
and sweet. For dinner I got a hot dish out of the freezer, made a green
salad, hot bread and I made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies in the
afternoon so we had them and ice cream for dessert. Don got a headache
and went to bed early. The boys went out and now at 9 I am going to sit
outside for a while and then read.
June 24, 1990 (Sunday)
No cigarettes. Don ended up on the lounge so Daisy slept in and we got up
at 5:30. I made Don a great breakfast: the usual fruit and juice and then
ham, a poached egg and orange Danish rolls. Then I did my exercises and
had my Pero and read the paper. We both went to church. I wore the pale
yellow skirt I bought back in 84 in Omaha for $1, white blouse and belt.
Father O'Hara is on holiday so we had the man we have every summer who
wasn't doing this for 9 years. When we got home I changed my clothes and
read through the local paper and then went to K-Mart to buy Dove soap and
vegetable powder both on sale. Went to Mervyn's but didn't like anything
that was on sale so came home. Don was out cutting back the ivy so I
worked for a while at that and then came in and skinned 4 chicken legs
and thighs attached, cut them apart and sauteed them and made a sauce.
Mike and Jill called saying that Donna was in the hospital with a kidney
stone and would be there for a little while and Jill was to be at Mike's
for 2 weeks. By then it was lunchtime and then I read for a bit before
fixing the rice, a raw veggie salad and fixed fresh bread to be heated.
Priss came by with a marvelous chocolate cake and I added some chocolate
sauce to whipped cream, put it on 2 slices and it was great. So we had a
good meal. Jason went off in the afternoon with his friends and left
Tyler. I didn't
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approve but didn't know what to do about it. I just hope they get off
tomorrow for Tahoe and there isn't any problem. I did 2 loads of clothes
and got them folded. Don and I went for a walk and that was pleasant and
my breathing didn't cause too much of a problem. Don insists that the
next 3 months will be different cuz he has quit smoking. I don't know
what to think. I would like a cigarette but so far it doesn't bother me
all that much. But he is miserable. I don't know quite what to do. Well
we will see what Dr. Wooding says tomorrow.
June 25, 1990 (Monday)
No Cigarettes. Up before 5. Fixed everything in the kitchen and then off
to the music room to do my exercises. Read the paper had my Pero, and
then went for a walk. I did the usual but was puffing on the way back. I
got dressed in my leotard and went to Stars. They had painted the whole
place over the weekend and it looks nice. When I got home Don was back
from tennis and the boys were about to get up. Jill called and I got Ty
up. It seems she was going to leave the hospital late this afternoon but
then later Mrs. Neeley called and they were going to operate but she
didn't say for what. The boys keep putting off going to Tahoe and Linda
called and talked to Don and then talked to Jason and finally they
decided to go and left at about 2. By that time I was ready to scream but
naturally I didn't. Ty needed money again sol gave him $25. Then when
they were gone I washed and set my hair and read for a while and then I
took a shower, put on my turquoise colored slacks and top and went to Dr.
Wooding. She check my blood pressure, it was okay, and listened to my
breathing and she checked my heart on her machine and it was just like
last year's and we talked about my huffing and puffing so tomorrow I am
to go back and she will check on my breathing to see if I have emphysema.
Then I went next door and got a chest X-ray. Got home at 4:30 and put the
left over hot dish and chicken in the oven, cooked the green beans and
did a cuke and tomato combo and we had a drink and ate at 5:00. Then
there was a little left over cake from yesterday that Priss had sent and
we had that. I ate too much. Watched the news, called Priss and then
napped during a program on TV. At 9 Don wanted to go to bed and make love
and we did and it didn't work for either of us. Now we are going to bed
to sleep.
June 26, 1990 (Tuesday)
No cigarettes. Bad news from Dr. Wooding. Got up this morning and did my
exercises after I had fixed Don's breakfast. But I didn't do all of them.
I read the paper and then got dressed and went for a walk. It was cool
and pleasant out. When I got back Don was just about ready to leave for
tennis. I fed the roses and the gardenia bush, did a lot of cutting back
of wisteria and honeysuckle and put the stakes up for the mums. I was
going to Stars but then decided not to. Walked to Safeway and got orange
juice and a doughnut for Don. By the time I was done with everything
outside it was time to think about lunch.
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Don went off to the library and I also had him get some shrimp at Safeway
for dinner. Took a shower and got dressed and then at 4:00 we both went
to Dr. Wooding. The chest X-ray was fine. But then she had me take a test
of taking a breath and then blowing it out and although I did it many
times the results were very bad. I have emphysema. I seem to have about
50% of the lung capacity that I should have. She gave me a prescription
for a spray that is supposed to open up my lungs and I am to take some
more tests at Eulae but I am to keep on with regular activities. Don then
saw her and got some prescriptions to help him sleep and to help on the
no smoking. So when we got in the car I told Don what she had said and
told him we were not to tell anyone about it. Will he be able to keep his
mouth shut? I sincerely hope so. Came home and fixed the shrimp salad and
heated relish. I had made a chocolate pudding cake in the afternoon so we
had that for dessert. Bush has finally given in and says we will have to
raise taxes. No more reading his lips. No off shore oil for 10 years.
That is to save Wilson since he is against it and is running for
governor. So a lot of things happened today. Some good and some bad.
Tomorrow I will have been off the cigarettes for a week.
June 27, 1990 (Wednesday)
Well I have gone a week without a cigarette and except for a tinge of
longing now and then I have really not minded. Let's hope I can continue
that way. We got up at the usual time and I did the usual things; set out
the vitamins, the papaya, heated the water, put the banana next to the
papaya, put out the prunes and a glass of juice, etc. I wasn't hungry so
I didn't have anything but the juice and vitamins then my exercises and
after the paper I went for a walk and it was nice and cool. Came back to
get my grocery list and money and off to Food For Less and the Cannery.
Really didn't buy all that much but I still need to get some things. Put
everything away, played some cards, talked to Don and then I ate lunch
and at 11:30 walked to the library and it wasn't all that hot. Did the
cards and shelved a little. Got a lot of books in early cuz next
Wednesday is July 4th and the library will be closed. I made a yellow
cake, did the salad greens, got the corn ready and put out all the
fixings for bacon, tomato sandwiches. Jason drove up at about 4:30 so we
set an extra place. He said Tyler would like to stay the summer in Tahoe
but he would have to have a job. I don't know if his mother would buy
that. She had to have an operation for the kidney stone but I guess she
is doing fine. When I got back from grocery shopping we called Julie and
wished her a happy birthday. She is 13 today. I have used the spray
inhaler that Dr. Wooding prescribed. I have one more to go before
bedtime. I think it is helping. Record temperatures in Arizona, Texas,
and Southern California with forest fires, heat prostration etc., and it
is still just June. Don got Pascali's Island with Ben Kingsley. I was not
interested. I talked to Priss and then went for a walk. Read. When the
movie was over we had some Kaluha and then went to bed but it didn't
work. Don wanted to do it to see if the prescription he was taking would
make things more difficult. That is not my idea of when to make love. But
I guess the romantic view should be long gone.
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June 28, 1990 (Thursday)
Test at Eulae. Went to the junior high with Don to pick some roses but
they weren't all that great. Came back and made Don's breakfast. Did my
exercises read the paper and had my Pero and slice of bread. 350+ homes
were destroyed in Santa Barbara fires started by arsonist and then the
winds and the heat took over. Sounds terrible. I pinned up my hair and
went for a walk. Don played tennis. At 10:15 I was ready to go to Eulae
for my pulmonary test. For some reason this really bothered me more than
anything so far. My hands were shaking and my mouth was dry. That place
is so depressing. Most of the people look like the dregs of society, many
obese and ugly. Finally it was my turn and I went down a long hall and
finally ended up in the room along with another lady and I was tested. I
put a thing in my mouth and breathed in and out many times. The man in
charge didn't think it was so bad. We will see what Dr. Wooding says
about it all. Came home and had lunch and told Don about it all and then
I read and dozed cuz I seemed so weary. Made a good dinner. Boiled new
potatoes and creamed them, re-heated green beans, sliced some ham, made a
big fruit dish and converted yesterday's cake into a Boston cream pie.
Jason went to the Yakich's for lunch and got back here by 5 so he could
eat with us. Then the news, then I called Priss and then Don and I went
for a walk. It wasn't too hot. When we got back I ironed clothes that
needed it and folded the rest. John Cohn called and I told him all about
Jenny since he had not heard from her. Don went to bed with a bad
headache and I tried to make over a dress that Jenny gave me last summer.
One of those with a drop waist and that fits like a sack. Well it will be
okay to wear around the house. I guess I will go to bed. I would love to
have a cigarette but no, never again I guess. I have gone 9 days now
without one so I will just have to stick with it!
June 29, 1990 (Friday)
When I woke up at 5:15 Don had already gone and come back from the junior
high so I got up and helped in the kitchen and then went into the study or rather the music room and did my exercises. Went for a walk after I
read the paper and it was a nice cool morning and I didn't have any
trouble with my breathing. Don went off to play tennis and I went to
Stars. Did the machines and 15 minutes of the floor exercises. It was not
Roxanne today but one who was good. Stopped at S&S for oranges and then
to Safeway where I got 2 doughnuts. I figured if Jason were up I would
give the other doughnut to him and if he were not I would eat it. Well he
was up. He wanted me to wash clothes so I did 2 loads and folded them all
carefully. Then I hemmed up the dress I had worked on last night and
ironed things that needed it. Jason left for Tahoe around 2 but he still
had some errands in town. Don went to Jackie's for lunch with the club
but they served Mexican food and he hates it and there was a great deal
of it so he came home feeling just terrible. He lay down and read. I made
a cheesecake and got it in the fridge and we will have that tomorrow
night. I fixed scrambled eggs, cukes and tomatoes and toast for
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dinner. First Don wasn't going to have any but when he got up from his
nap he decided to eat something and felt better afterwards. We watched
the news and then I called Priss. Linda called wanting to know when Jason
was due. She had taken Tyler to the Nut Tree. We talked about Tyler and
Jason and as always she had some astute observations. I miss her. She
says she is getting bored and in another week she plans to start looking
for a job. Don watched a movie tonight. I went for my walk, took a
shower, and now I plan to read for a bit.
June 30, 1990 (Saturday)
Cool in the morning. Exercises, breakfast, walked. Same routine. Picked
up Mary at 7:30 cuz it was so hard to find a parking place now. There are
so many people there now! I got beautiful tomatoes, cukes, eggs,
apricots, and on the way home I stopped and got doughnuts for Don and me.
Still I must be careful about that sort of thing cuz I didn't want to
gain any weight. I made a potato salad and then called Priss cuz she
wanted me to come over so she could show me something so I went over and
looked at her clothes and her wild flowers. In the afternoon I shampooed
my hair and set it, fixed baked beans, set the table and arranged the
flowers. Priss said she would come to dinner. I put on the dress that I
had altered yesterday. It looks much better now. It was the grayish green
one with the drop waist. Priss came at 5 and we had drinks and tidbits
and then the dinner was hot dogs, potato salad, tomatoes and cukes, and
the cheesecake for dessert. We visited for a while and then she went
home. I really didn't feel like a walk although I would have gone but
instead I read and then we went to bed and that did not work yet again.
Well I was not surprised. We called Jenny and Niki at 4 and they were
still asleep on Sunday morning although it was 9 am there but I told Don
from now on we will call at 5. It was cold and windy there. Her classes
start on the 9th of July. They seemed fine but Jenny is still very
lonesome. She says she is going to make it but I think it is difficult
for her.
July 1, 1990 (Sunday)
An uneventful day. Up at 5 following the usual routine. Got ready for
church wore white slacks, beige top and sandals. Picked up Mary. Service
was short. Don stopped for a cinnamon roll but no doughnut for me today.
When I got home, I changed clothes and went for a 30 minute walk. Very
pleasant. Came back and had lunch. Don's war wounds are very painful at
the present and so he spends the day in and out of bed and taking pain
pills. I drove to Ross' to look for something new to wear. I tried on a
lot of things but really didn't see anything I liked well enough to buy.
Then to Clothes Direct and tried on more things and didn't buy. Went to
Chico Mall and Gottchalk's but they didn't have the kind of white knit
shorts I wanted. Gave up and came home. Called the Markland's and they
can come to dinner on the 4th. Called Bessie Marquis and she will let me
know tomorrow night. Tried the Rawlins but they are out of town. Came
home
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and didn't have to cook cause we had so many leftovers. We had dinner and
watched the news and then I called Priss and then went for a walk. It was
lovely and breezy and I enjoyed it. Came home and had a shower and sat
outside for a while and then came in to read. Mike called this morning.
Didn't have too much to say. Certainly, didn't say anything about paying
back the $75 I gave Tyler. I need that money. I wrote to Jenny and Niki
today. I wish I had more to tell them. Life here is not very exciting
certainly. I ran a load of clothes and once the drier is done I am going
to bed. I did so little today and yet I am weary.
July 2, 1990 (Monday)
I started this day well enough. I got up early, did the breakfast
routine, did my exercises and then since I was done with everything I
went to Stars at 6:30! I did 15 minutes of the floor exercises and then
did the machines and came home, stopping on the way to get Don a
doughnut. Then I frittered the rest of the morning away. I read, I sat
around doing nothing although I did do some trimming outside for about
half an hour. Had lunch and suddenly felt so guilty cause I had not done
much so I watered the plants, dusted a lot of things, made an appointment
to have my haircut tomorrow morning, got out the turkey parts and put
Daisy's turkey, carrots, etc. in the oven to cook, made waffles, cleaned
the two grills for Wednesday, made up my menu for the 4th of July picnic
and Bessie called and they can come and I called and invited the Heinz so
there will be 8 of us. I made up another pound of hamburger into patties
so I got some things done. After dinner we watched the news, called Priss
and then went on my second walk for the day. I had walked for 25 minutes
when I got back from Stars and I did the same walk in reverse this
evening. I am bored with all my routes and I find that walking tires me
but since the doctor said I should keep it up I will continue to do it.
Don has felt lousy all day and spent most of the time in the bedroom
lying down. His war wounds are really bothering him and he can't work
cause he wants to smoke so badly and he always smoked when he wrote. And
then on the 10th he will be going back to Dr. Shaw to find out about the
second cataract. That in itself is a worry. Life seems so complicated of
late and none of it is fun. Damn.
July 3, 1990 (Tuesday)
I planned to go to Stars at 6:30 but I didn't wake up till 5:30 and by
the time I had done all my routine it was too late so I just went for a
walk instead. When I got back, I cleaned both bathrooms and then got
dressed to go for my haircut. Don wanted to finish his work on the first
part of the seminar so he said he was going to smoke today to get it
done. Connie cut my hair for $12 and I tipped her $1 so I think that will
be the last time I will be doing that. It is the Beauty College from now
on. Then I walked around window shopping till 10. Tried on white shorts
at Bradley's and Cotton Party but they were expensive and I didn't like
them all that well. Got home and Don had done a lot of work
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and was very pleased with what he had done. He asked me to read it and it
was good. Then I had my lunch. Swept the patio and raked up the leaves.
Don lay down cause his war wounds are really bothering him and he is in a
lot of pain. I made macaroni and cheese. Did the salad greens. Fixed the
green beans and then made divinity. I was just in the midst of it when
Don came in and said the pain was so bad he couldn't handle it and we had
to go to Convenient Care. We had to wait till the candy got hard enough
to drop into pieces and then we went. We had to wait quite a while but
then he got a shot and we came home and he lay down. The paper was here
and I made up a grocery list. Just before dinner was ready Don called and
he was very woozy. Had tried to get up and couldn't navigate so I got out
a breakfast tray and put his food on that and he ate in bed. Then he
watched the news from there. I was going for a walk but was leery about
leaving him alone. Jason got a letter saying how much money he would get
for this fall at CSU so I called her and we had a nice chat. She will be
coming down next week. She is bored and writing up a resume and will be
over writing for jobs. Now it is 9:10 and Don is asleep and I should go
soon because tomorrow will be another big day. I just hope it goes well.
July 4, 1990 (Wednesday)
We got up at 5:30 and I went with Don on his walk cause I didn't want him
to feel weak and not have anyone there. Had my Pero and then walked to
Safeway to get Don's doughnut before going to the fruit market and
shopping. I got tomatoes, cukes, radishes, corn and then went on to Food
For Less where I got the rest of the groceries. Cannery was not open
today. When I got back I started on the cooking. I made potato salad,
fixed the baked beans, did the cucumbers for the Greek salad, arranged
the flowers. I had enough roses saved to make a beautiful bouquet in the
living room and in the dining room I used the blue and white basket from
Portugal with red roses and daisies. I made brownies but they didn't turn
out right so I made them again and froze the first ones and will use them
another time. I got the tomatoes ready for slicing and frosted the
brownies and checked the hamburger and hot dog buns and THEN I showered,
shampooed and set my hair. I was weary and wanted a cigarette. Wore white
pants and a red top and shoes. The Marquis', Heins', and Markland's came
and it went very well. We served drinks and tidbits and then had hot dogs
and hamburgers, Greek salad, potato salad, sliced tomatoes, baked beans
and brownies and divinity and coffee for dessert. Lois has had a knee
replacement and walks with a cane. I suggested that everyone tell what
the 4th of July was like when each of them was a child and that worked
very well to break the ice since some of them didn't know the others. I
had cooked too much food and suddenly I am putting on weight so I will
have to be careful for the next few days. Don is in bed with a headache
and he has taken a pill. I am sleepy and tired so I will be going pretty
soon myself. I can hear fire crackers, etc. going off in the distance.
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July 5, 1990 (Thursday)
I have very little to show for this day. I suppose since I worked so hard
yesterday my body and spirit rebelled against doing anything constructive
and I got up at around 5, fixed Don's breakfast and then did my
exercises. I didn't even drink juice this morning cause I weighed almost
100#! I ate too much yesterday and the no smoking is probably taking its
toll. I must really be careful. I went for a long walk and it was so cool
I had on the purple short sleeved sweatshirt and felt fine. Don went off
to play tennis and I checked the fridge and made a container of potato
salad, baked beans, left over spinach dip and hamburgers and called Cathy
and told her we would be out with the stuff. When Don came home we drove
out. I saw her garden, the bantams, the goose, the turkeys but most of
all the mess! I would love to get into the yard with a rake, a hoe, a
shovel and a dumpster but I realize it doesn't bother them so I must stay
out. Came back and read till lunch. Didn't do anything all day except
iron the clothes I washed yesterday and dinner was simply leftovers.
Linda and Jason called and they will probably be down on Tuesday. I
talked to Priss on the phone and she had been busy but had gotten a lot
done. We watched the news. Zina Garrison beat Stephi Graf in the semifinals at Wimbledon. Big upset. Then Don and I went for a walk. Then he
watched TV and I read and dozed. I got so tired. I suppose cause it is
hard breathing when I walk. No real desire to smoke a cigarette. Daisy
got her rabies shot this afternoon and won't have to have another one for
3 years. It is after 9 and I think I will go to bed early tonight.
July 6, 1990 (Friday)
Today I surprised myself! Got up at the usual time. Did my usual
exercises. Fixed Don's usual breakfast and then had my usual Pero and
read the paper. I was able to go to the 6:30 class and I stayed almost
1/2 an hour, which is very good for me. Then I did some of the machines.
Drove to Safeway to get Don a doughnut and some cottage cheese for me and
then home. I changed my clothes and worked outside for a while and then
read till 10. I drove over to the mall and got 3 pairs of underoos at
Penney's at $2.25 each. Then to Brooks where I got a pair of white knit
shorts and the white long sleeved scoop necked top at $23 and 24 but
there was a rip in the top so they took 10% off. Then to Mervyns where I
got 2 pair of sox. Everything I bought was white. One would think I were
a bride! I wanted to find a pair of black knit slacks - I tried them on
at Mervyns, Casual Comer, Grenage's but they were all too big. I think I
will check Penney's again tomorrow just in case I missed some there. Came
home and had lunch and in the afternoon I read and talked to Don. For
dinner I made tuna sandwiches, heated macaroni and cheese, had sliced
tomatoes and cukes and cookies for dessert. Then there was the news. I
called Priss, went for my walk and then watched Goodbye New York for the
third time but it was a sweet movie. I took a shower and shaved my legs
before the movie so afterwards we sat outside for a little while and then
went to bed to make love.
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It was my suggestion and I guess Don was not in the mood cause he just
couldn't even get started so we stopped right there and I came out to the
living room to write in this. So tomorrow is Saturday and that means the
fruit market and taking Mary and then another day much like today I
suppose.
July 7, 1990 (Saturday)
By the time I woke up this morning, Don and Daisy were back from the
junior high and I had to pin up my hair before coming out to get the
vitamins for us all. Then I did my exercises, had my Pero and went for a
walk before getting Mary and go to the market. I got cukes, apricots,
cooking apples (I hope they are good ones), some baby breaths, green
beans. Took Mary home and stopped at Safeway to get doughnuts and eggs.
Don was watching Wimbledon and Martina was beating Zena Garrison. So now
all that there is left is the final with Becker and Edburg. I decided
that I still want some black knit slacks so at 10 I went over to Penney's
and looked again and I found a pair of petite ones that were $24 but were
25% off and when I tried them on I liked them and bought them. Came home
and made a chocolate mousse for our special dinner tonight. Then I laid
outside to work on my tan that I have neglected for weeks. I ironed all
the clothes I had washed and bought, shortened the new slacks and then
showered and shampooed my hair. Our dinner was: filets, corn for Don and
green beans for me, a tossed salad, hot rolls and the mousse. Everything
was delicious. Then there was the news. Then we called Jenny and Niki.
Though Jenny is very stressed out about her lectures starting next
Thursday, she sounds better than last week and Niki was also fine
although she was upset about a hair cut that she said made her look just
terrible. Then I called Priss and then Don and I went for a walk. I
wasn't so short of breath either this morning or tonight but then I had
used the inhaler right before both times. Waited for the moon to come up
since it is full tonight but with all the trees and bushes I just
couldn't see it and finally gave up. Went to bed and Don tried to make
love but no good so we gave up and then we looked and we saw the moon. I
got up at 2:30 and looked again. I ended up somewhere where I could
really see it and there would be drinks and fun and we would make love
and it would be wonderful.
July 8, 1990 (Sunday)
We woke at 5 and I did all my exercises after getting Don's breakfast and
then there was the Sunday paper but there wasn't all that much I wanted
to read. Mary had called last night saying she would not be going to Mass
so we decided not to go ourselves and instead I went for a marvelous long
walk. Crossed the creek bed and walked on the other side by Heins,
crossed the bridge and then walked down our side of the creek. It was
cool, quiet without the birds singing and singing. Don watched Edburg
beat Becker at Wimbledon. Watered all the houseplants and then lay
outside but it got quite hot. Came in for lunch and then went back out
for a while. Then it was time to shower, shampoo
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and set my hair. I wrote a long letter to Melbourne and then a long one
to Pauline. I decided to wear my new white top; a beige knit skirt and I
thought I looked OKAY. Even my hair turned out right. We watched the news
at 5 and Priss picked us up at 15 to 6 to go to the Albatross. We had
drinks and I had the scallops as did Don and Priss had the roast beef. It
went OKAY. Priss' driving is not very good any more and it makes Don very
nervous and I too get worried. She has slowed down and misses turns etc.
I don't know how good I will be in 12 years so I should not comment. When
we got home we changed our clothes and had some chocolate mousse and then
went for a walk but all of a sudden Don said I should go get the car and
come back to pick him up cause the pain was back in his buttock so I
rushed home and drove back to get him. We went to bed fairly early.
July 9, 1990 (Monday)
I had planned to go to Stars at 6:30 but although I got up early I just
didn't quite make it so I went for a long walk instead and went at 8.
Today was the first day of school for the 3 elementary schools that are
on year round school starting this year: Rosedale, Need Dow and Chapman.
It will be interesting to see how it goes. Roxanne did not teach the
class today and her name is not on the board so I don't know what the
scoop is. Came home and did some trimming of the wisteria that grows when
your back is turned and then I swept the patio. I started to sunbathe
before lunch and finished up after lunch. The trouble is that now that
the weather is hot it means washing my hair every day and then I have to
pin it up as well since I have no perm and that is a bore. But I wanted
to look good today since Linda and Jason are due in the evening and I
wanted to look my best. I took a short nap after lunch and then did some
reading. Dinner was simple. Don chose a waffle with an egg and kippers
with cauliflower buds and cherry tomatoes. I had the last 2
things
with a ham sandwich. Then we watched the news. I called Priss and then
went for my walk. We thought they would be here by 8 - 8:30 but it is now
9:45 and they aren't here yet and now I am getting sleepy but naturally
we will not go to bed until they arrive. I am proud of my dried bouquet
in the living room. Cathy brought me 4 cattails and last week I bought 10
yellow yarrow stems that I hung upside-down to dry and today I arranged
them and they look great. I did a load of wash and ironed today but other
than that I did very little. Tomorrow I will do more. We waited all
evening for Linda and Jason to arrive and they didn't get here until
10:30. Linda said she had told us that Jason didn't get off until 7 but
if she did we did not remember. Anyway they were fine but it was after 11
before we got to bed.
July 10, 1990 (Tuesday)
104° - This
5 and I did
the paper a
6:30 - 6:55
was a busy
just a few
little bit
and then I
day in a way that was different. We got up before
exercises. After doing Don's breakfast looked at
and was off to Stars at 6:10. I worked out from
stopped at Safeway and got
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milk. When I got back Linda was up and washing clothes. In fact she
washed clothes all day, hanging some out and putting some in the dryer.
Then she was talking about curtains for the bedroom and I remembered that
there was material left over from the curtains in the living room of the
apartment. So we got them out and there was plenty of it. We washed all
of it and I ironed it all. She went out to Cathy's to cut the grass for
her so I got all her clothes off the line and ironed and folded. Don went
to see Dr. Shaw and he will have the operation on the other eye on August
22. That is cutting it pretty close to the beginning of school but he
will make it. Then he went to Dr. Wooding and she said he should smoke if
he is stressed out and I am glad she said that. I made a good dinner:
chicken, potato salad, green beans, creamed potatoes (Jason wanted that),
cukes and tomatoes and apple crisp. We had a drink before. Then the news
after and then I went for a walk. It was still very warm and it was an
effort to walk but I did it. Don without thinking mentioned the fact that
I had emphysema in front of Linda so she has talked to me tonight and she
thinks I should go to see a pulmonologist and she suggested some names. I
will have to think about this. I am very tired tonight and I am going to
bed right now.
July 11, 1990 (Wednesday)
106° - It was a hot day today and no mistake. We got up before 5 and I
got Don's breakfast and then did my exercises. I went for my walk early
cause I could see right away it was going to be hot today. I then at 7:15
left for grocery shopping. I really didn't buy all that much. With just
the two of us we have a lot of stuff on hand that I can fall back on. I
then went to the Cannery after Food For Less and got quite a few things
there and then to the bread outlet to get buns. Stopped at S&S for apples
and oranges so I was home by 9:15 and both Jason and Linda were up. She
thought I should make an appointment with Dr. Mayse the pulmonary man and
she offered to make the appointment so I am to see him on Friday
afternoon at 1:30. She has had so much experience after working at Chico
Medical so she handled it all just beautifully. We had lunch and then I
drove to the library (it was too hot to walk) and I typed 44 cards and
then did some shelving. There is a difficult woman in charge now and I
really don't like her at all. It takes the fun out of working there but
then I do get a lot of books to read so I will put up with it. Got home
at 2:05 and Linda and Jason were just leaving. I really loved having
Linda here. I realize how much I have missed her. There were letters from
both Jenny and Niki so I read those. I made chef salads for our dinner
but neither of us could finish them. I always make them too big. We also
finished the chocolate mousse and then there was the local and national
news. Then we read until it started to cool off and at 8 I went for my
walk and was gone for 30 minutes then I called Priss. Chatted with her
and then took a shower. It is now 9:30 and we still have the air
conditioning on. We decided to have a liqueur and then we visited and
then we went to bed and had another failed cause. I just hope it gets
better soon.
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July 12, 1990 (Thursday)
104° but it seems like more - When I woke up this morning I didn't feel
like getting up or exercising but I did both. I am not so sure that I
want to drink any more. I have mixed feelings about that. I love the
social part but not the morning after. I never have a hangover I just
don't feel very peppy. Anyway I went for a long walk and it felt good.
Don went off to play tennis and I cleaned both bathrooms. Then I dusted
and neatened things up before going to Stars. I had a good workout there
and talked to Liz. They can't come on the 21st. Stopped on the way home
at Holiday to get ice milk and strawberries. By then it was lunchtime and
we shared the left over of last night's salad. Then I read and a while
and then I made a salad of peas, cauliflower, onions, cucumbers, and it
was good. I called and invited Alice, Packy, and Cassie to lunch on
Tuesday and Liz, Jack and the Rawlins on Thursday so I am going to have a
busy week but I want to get as many of these people out of the way in
July as I can. Our dinner was good. I had two pieces of chicken left, the
salad, cornbread, and left over creamed potatoes. Then Don had a fresh
strawberry sundae and I just ate my share plain. Then the news and then I
suggested to Don that we drive to the card center and then walk around
cause it is so pretty there by the creek so we did and we walked to the
1-mile and then back. Then we drove to Governor's Square to see the
doctor's office where I am going tomorrow. When I got home I ran a load
of clothes, ran the dishwasher and emptied it. It is after 9 now and Don
is going to bed and I will be soon. We talked today about his problem and
he talked to Dr. Wooding and she suggested a psychologist. He called one
but had to leave a message. I don't know what the aim is on a lot of
this. I wish I did. I wonder how my interview will go tomorrow?
July 13, 1990 (Friday)
105° about - It was hard to wake up this morning. The nights are hot and
so I don't sleep well nor did Don. I did a few exercises but my heart
wasn't in them. Had my Pero and decided to walk early before it got too
hot. It wasn't really bad. Came home and decided not to go to Stars so I
made a tuna salad for dinner. Then I shaved my legs, shampooed and set my
hair and had lunch. Read for a while and then it was time to go to Dr.
Mayse. The appointment was at 1:30 but I had to wait until after 2 before
I saw him. I liked him. He said on a scale of 0-10 (10 being the worst) I
am a 3. He said cause I keep my weight down, exercise a lot, have stopped
smoking, the situation is not life threatening. If I take care of myself
I won't die of this. I must keep up the exercising, eat right and not go
back to smoking. He said he wished he could have some of his patients see
me cause I was doing everything right. So I felt good about that. Came
home and told Don and then called Linda cause she was very worried and
she was so pleased to hear that for now I am okay. Don had to go get new
lenses in his glasses so while he was gone I made him a big batch of
graham cracker sandwiches. For dinner we had salad, green beans, sliced
tomatoes and chips. Then we watched the news and then I tried to reach
Priss but she did
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not answer so I went for a walk and it was pretty hot but I made it. I
will be glad when it cools off a bit. Don is watching Family Business
with Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick. But then about
l/2 an hour before the end Don got a terrible headache. I think he hasn't
adjusted to the new lens yet. Anyway he took a pill and watched the rest
of the movie and then we went to bed.
July 14, 1990 (Saturday)
It just doesn't cool off much at night so one wakes up in the morning
feeling lousy. I fixed breakfast for Don, really worked at my exercises.
Then had a cup of Pero and decided it would be wise to walk early so that
was what I did. Got half an hour in and at 7:30 took off to pick up Mary.
At the market, I got eggs, nectarines, cots, corn, tomatoes, cukes,
parsley. Went to Safeway and got doughnuts and the stuff to make the
summer soup for Tuesday and Thursday. Put things away when I got home and
then went over to Priss' to say goodbye to her. She was packing and
Lining things up. Then I went to the mall and looked at the things on
sale. Went to Longs for vitamins and then home for lunch. Don napped and
I read and when he got up we went back to the mall and he found a very
handsome silk sport jacket $110.00 for $39 so he got it. When we got back
we turned on the air cause it was over 100° and very hot indeed. I made a
green salad, got the hot dish ready and then read some more. At 4:30 we
had drinks and then ate our hot dish, green salad and fresh bread. I got
out some brownies and dessert. Then it was news-time. Don got a headache
from reading again so he lay down. At 8 I left a note and went for a long
walk. When I came back he was still asleep so I read in the back room.
When he woke up I took a shower to cool off and at 9:30 we went to bed.
Then Don decided to call Jenny. He had tried earlier in the day but she
was not at home. This time he got her and we both talked to her. Linda
had already called her so she knew about the emphysema. Niki had left on
the bus for the ski trip with Marian and Mike. I was hot and couldn't go
to sleep so I got back up and read till 11:15 and went back to bed and to
sleep.
July 15, 1990 (Sunday)
Wrote to Jenny, Mike, Martha - When we woke up this morning there was a
little breeze and it seemed a bit cooler. Don wanted me to walk with him
to the junior high so I did that and then did my exercises when I had
made breakfast. In fact I made him French toast. Then it was the paper
and then I got dressed and was ready for church. We stopped on the way
back and I got 6 pints of blueberries plus milk, etc. When I got home I
went for a long walk and then when I got back I ironed all the stuff that
had been washed the last few days. Re-did the flowers and then I finished
the book I was reading last night. The author was Elizabeth George and
she writes very well. I had lunch and read some more. Decided on bacon
and tomato sandwiches for dinner, com on the cob and grapes and cheese.
It was a good dinner. Afterwards it was the news - all very dull.
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Then Don suggested we go for a walk. I was sharp I must admit but I
didn't want to go at 6:30 when it is still so hot. Anyway I have to use
the spray and then went half an hour or more. I didn't mind but he
suggests it not every night and I always have to say I want to wait. Well
at last it was 20 to 8 so we went. I would rather go alone but don't want
to hurt his feelings. I wrote letters this afternoon. I still have to
write one to Tante you but will get to it. Then Linda called. It was
raining very hard in Tahoe. There was thunder and lightening. We had a
good visit. Cathy called today. They were back from the 4H camp. It had
been okay. Well eventually it was bedtime and I had taken a shower and
was fairly cool so we tried yet again and eventually Don was able to do
what he wanted to do and so it was worth it. I wasn't quite as lucky but
it was about okay and then finally to sleep.
July 16, 1990 (Monday)
I realize that I am not really doing much of anything weekdays. I suppose
it is the heat and I will feel more ambitious when it gets cooler. Don
went off to the Department of Motor Vehicles to see about a license for
Jenny and I walked to Lupin over to Cohasset and then to Safeway to buy
prunes, bananas and cottage cheese. When I got home I put the prunes to
cook and watered all the indoor plants, dusted and neatened things up.
Then I did a little pruning outside. Cathy called saying she would drop
off Julie and Marijeanne while she took Rose to the tutor. So Marijeanne
played cards for a while and then watched TV and I played cards and then
fixed them something to eat. When Cathy got back I made Rose a sandwich
and then I told Cathy about the emphysema. I thought I had better cause
Linda would be talking to her and I didn't want her to think she was left
out. After they left Don and I had our lunch and then I lay down and I
read. Mike called this morning and I told him that we had been talking
about coming to Florida and Don wanted to discuss it with him so while we
were eating our green salad and left over hot dish for the third time he
called and they talked about it. It was decided we would try for the
first part of November rather than Thanksgiving. I would rather not
travel at that time and since we probably won't be here for Christmas I
would like to have Thanksgiving here. Still maybe Linda will want to do
it at Tahoe. Then there is the problem of finding someone to stay in the
house with Daisy. I want to make these trips and yet I don't if that
makes any sense. Don got a movie with Robert De Niro and Sean Penn. - My
Two Angels or some such name but it wasn't any good. I gave up on it and
took a shower and then Don did too. Anyway he had a headache. So now I
will read for a while and then watch a little TV maybe before going to
bed.
July 17, 1990 (Tuesday)
We got up at 5 and I did my
paper hastily cause Don had
wanted to go to Stars so we
and I did my thing with the
exercises and Don did his walk. We read the
an appointment with Dean Stephens and I
drove together and he went to the University
machines and a
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bit of the floor exercises. We came home and Don went to play tennis and
I started work in the kitchen. I did all the chopping for the summer
soup, then I made the tuna salad, then I put the blueberry crumble
together and put it in the oven, set the table, arranged the flowers.
When Don got back he vacuumed the whole house and then I dusted.
Everything was ready by 11 so I sat down and read. Packy came first at
11:45 and we talked about her kitchen which Ted Huff is remodeling and
then Alice came and then Cassie. I put the rolls to heat and served wine
and we visited and then we had lunch. Everyone seemed to like everything
and we had a good time. They left at 2 and it seemed just about right. I
must do this more often. Don came in and cleaned up the dishes once they
had left and then I ripped the sleeves out of the dress I bought at a
yard sale last Saturday for 500! Alice is going to help me make the top
smaller. Dinner was no problem cause there was enough tuna salad for Don
and I made myself a cheese sandwich and we had some green beans left over
and sliced tomatoes and the blueberry dessert. Then the news both local
and national talking about deficits and one crisis after another all
involving money. Our legislature still doesn't have a budget and they
should have had it by the 30th of June. We went for a walk at 7 and then
we spent the evening reading. I went to bed at 9:30. Really too early
cause I was restless all night and kept waking up. Don went to the travel
agency today. To Florida November 8 - 18 or 19 To Australia December 18
- January 21st
July 18, 1990 (Wednesday)
Hot - Since I had a restless night I got up at 4:30 and pinned up my hair
and then Don and Daisy were up and off to the junior high. Don's group
was having breakfast at Maria Cailendens at 8 so we went together and he
got off and then I went to Food For Less and the Cannery. But there
wasn't anything very exciting at either place. Stopped at Holiday to get
a pound of bacon and when I got home I realized that I had not stopped at
the fruit market so I went back but by 10 things are picked over and it
is hot so I didn't get all that much. Will stock up on Saturday instead.
Then when I got home this time Don rushed off to run his errands. I put
things away and fixed my lunch and Don's. Ran a load of clothes and got
them just about all hung out and the line broke! Unpinned them and put
them in the dryer and after dinner Don fixed them but we didn't put up as
much since we didn't have as much now. Too hot to walk to the library so
I drove. Did 40 cards and then shelved. Stopped at Lucky on the way home
and bought some things. Fixed hot dogs, chips, the summer soup and corn
on the cob for dinner. There was still room in the dumpster so I cut back
the wisteria. Went over to Alice's this afternoon and took the recipes
she wanted and then she pinned the sleeves on the dress I got for 500.
She will sew it when she is not so busy. I didn't feel exactly great
today. Don't know what was wrong but I hope tomorrow is better.
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July 19, 1990 (Thursday)
Hot - Well this was a busy day but it turned out very well. I went to
Stars at 6:30 and when I got home Don was off to tennis so while he was
gone I made a graham cracker pie cause tomorrow is his birthday and he
loves that pie. Then I got busy. First I did the chicken and I deboned 6
thighs. I had never done that before. I had 4 chicken breasts already
deboned so then I sauteed them and put them in the fridge. Fixed the
green beans and then Don got back from tennis. I dusted and neatened up
and did a quick floor wash in the kitchen and had lunch. It was hot so we
turned on the air early. Then I arranged the flowers. I had been saving
roses and I managed a bouquet for both the coffee table and the dining
table. Used the blue mats and candles. Then I fixed the salad greens and
made a lemon souffle before going in to shower, shampoo and set my hair.
Linda called saying that they had shipped Don's present but didn't know
if it would come tomorrow. She is applying for temporary jobs and got one
for a week next week and she is substituting for others as well. She
seemed in very good spirits. I wore my white scoop necked top and when
the Rawlins came at 7 everything was under control. Then the Roseman's
arrived and we had a very good evening. Poor Helen has so many physical
problems. She has had shingles for months and has been in great pain and
still is but she doesn't complain and is as funny as ever. I felt good
about the evening all the way around and they ate and seemed to enjoy the
food. After they left we quickly cleaned everything up and then went to
bed and made love and that went very well especially for Don so it was a
great day all the way around.
July 20, 1990 (Friday)
Hot - Well I think Don had a nice birthday. We woke up very early. It was
already warm. I did some exercises and had my Pero and read the paper.
Then I went for a walk while it was still fairly cool. Don went to play
tennis and I cleaned the 2 bathrooms and watered the plants. Then at 9 I
went to Penney's cause they were having a sale. I found a nice white
shirt for Don for $5 and a pair of Reeboks for me for $9 and then I came
home. Cathy came with Rose and Marijeanne. She was going to the doctor
cause she has an ingrown toenail that is very painful. I made lunch for
everybody and then they left for home. I decided I wanted to go to Simply
Cotton even though it was so hot. I tried on a lot of stuff and ended up
with a pair of pink shorts for $14. Came home made dinner: twice baked
potatoes, left over chicken, raw veggie salad and the graham cracker pie.
Don had a nice birthday. Cathy bought him a book and a card. Linda and
Jason sent a very good-looking sweatshirt and 3 very funny cards and she
called as well. Dale called and whistled Happy Birthday over the phone.
Mary Wyle sent a very funny card so he got a lot of attention. I felt bad
that Mike didn't call since I had written to him and wrote out the 20th
to him. We watched the news - one of the Supreme Court justices suddenly
resigned and he is liberal so now Bush will have a chance to appoint his
first judge. It will be interesting to see who he chooses. Suddenly Don
got a bad headache so
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he went to bed and at 20 to 8 I went for a walk. It was still pretty
warm. I came back and read and then at 9 I opened things up and Don got
up for a little while but felt too lousy so went back to bed. Bad ending
to a nice day for him.
July 21, 1990 (Saturday)
I decided to put away my lazy ways and to accomplish something! We got up
a little before 5. I fixed breakfast and then did my exercises. Had my
Pero and read the paper. Then I went for a long walk while it was still
cool. Came back and had a small bowl of Grape Nuts and then picked up
Mary and went to the fruit market. Mary had brought me some tomatoes from
the garden so I got cukes, peaches, nectarines, grapes, eggs and corn.
Also stopped at Safeway on the way home and got groceries. Then Daisy and
I fed the roses systemic and Miracle Grow. They are not doing well this
year and I may lose some. We shall see how the things I used today affect
them. Came in the house and fixed lunch and sat outside even though it
was hot. I haven't sunbathed for a long time and it felt good. Came in
and cleaned up and shampooed and set my hair and then I made a big batch
of chili and once that was done I made spaghetti sauce. Then I made a
fake crab salad, fixed the corn, sliced tomatoes and that was our dinner
plus left over pie. At 4:30 we talked to Jenny and Niki. Jenny told us
about her teaching and clinical work and Niki told us about her ski trip
and how much snow there was and how she is really skiing now. Mike called
today and wished Dad a happy birthday, as did Jenny so he had his
birthday extended over 2 days. After dinner we watched the news and then
I reread Dorothy Gilman's Incident at Badamya. which I have read before
and dearly love. Don and I went for a walk at 8 and it was still warm by
9. We picked up the house and turned off the air. I am tired and ready
for bed but at least I feel that I accomplished something today and I
hope to do the same tomorrow.
July 22, 1990 (Sunday)
It is 9 p.m. and Sunday is just about over. We got up at 5 and since
papaya are so expensive right now and so lousy, I cut up a cantaloupe and
Don had that instead. After breakfast I put two turkey thighs in the oven
with carrots and chicken bouillon. Then I watered the outdoor plants and
did some other busy work before getting dressed and ready for church. I
wanted to go for a walk while it was still cool but there wasn't time.
After Mass I changed my clothes and then I went for a walk but it was
already getting too warm to enjoy it. When I got home it was time to take
the turkey out and added the noodles and put all of it in containers for
Daisy. Ed Mizel called and now the KGB checked out the young man from the
Russian Steppes as Don calls him so who knows whether he will get here in
time to go to Chico State this fall or not. We had lunch and I started on
letters to Jenny and Niki. Don called Dale and Jackie and they will come
to dinner on Thursday but I haven't gotten in touch with Alice yet.
Dinner was not great and then the news and Siskel and Ebert. Then I read
about Dreams in the Atlantic and
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then at 7:30 we went for a walk but I found tonight it was really an
effort. We had a drink before dinner and although I didn't feel anything
maybe that didn't help on the walk. I will have to check that out again.
So I am weary tonight and I think I will go to bed early. I think I will
go to the Beauty College on Tuesday and get a perm. My hair is driving me
crazy. Every time I turn around I have to set it.
July 23, 1990 (Monday)
Keeping to my new plan to do something worthwhile every day. I started
right in this morning. I did my exercises, had my Pero and then went for
a long walk. I crossed the creek and walked on the other side to the
bridge and then back down Manzanite. It was cool and very pleasant
walking. When I got home I washed the counters and the stove in the
kitchen so it doesn't look so grimy. Then Julie called saying they were
coming in cause Rose was going to the tutor. I fixed them both lunch.
Made Rose's and then we played cards. I ate my lunch and then left for
Stars before Cathy and Rose got back. I did the machines and then stayed
the whole time for 40 minutes of stretch and trim. It was hard and I will
probably be stiff tomorrow. I stopped at the mall and looked at some
things advertised in the paper but they were all too big. For dinner I
found a little left over stew and made a good salad: cukes, tomatoes,
radishes, onions, green beans in vinegar and oil and hot bread. Don
finished the pie and I had ice cream on a brownie. Then I made chocolate
sauce and mayonnaise. After that I went for a walk. Bush is nominating a
man from New Hampshire called Soiter who was suggested by Susini and I
hate him so I am not very optimistic. Paul Carass called saying that
Melanie Kayrell got a full time job and until they hired someone he wants
me to work one day a week and I am glad to do it cause that will help pay
for our trip. He will let me know when I start. Called Alice and she can
come on Thursday. Saw an interesting program on Jerusalem or at least
part of it and they said there are no tourists they are all pilgrims.
Each one has their beliefs and I cried cause I don't know what I believe
and I want to believe something so much. I envy those who do know. I
think it would be a help.
July 24, 1990 (Tuesday)
86° - I got up this morning expecting to be stiff and sore but was really
OKAY. Did my exercises before breakfast and then went for a walk and it
was lovely and cool and a joy to be walking. I went by the Beauty College
to read the opening time and it was 8:30. I got back at 7:30 so I did a
lot of trimming outside. We didn't seem to have much in the garbage with
just the two of us so I can put a lot of clippings in. Then I played
solitaire till 8:30 and went back to the Beauty College and made an
appointment to have a perm at 10. So I came back home again and kept busy
till it was time to go. It took till 12:30 but I liked it and it cost
$22.50 rather than $35 if Connie did it. So I had my lunch and then Don
woke up from his nap and we talked and played cards and then I read for a
while before thinking about dinner. I had the chili, made a fruit plate
and fixed some peaches
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so Don could have a fresh peach sundae. Then there was the news but I
dyed a pale yellow skirt purple cause I didn't like it the color it was
and I just hope it will be even. I hung it on the Linda to dry. Then we
went for a walk and it was really pleasant. If only it did stay like this
how great it would be. Now we are having 7 for dinner on Thursday: the
Livingston's, Jackie, Alice, Dale Steiner and us. Tomorrow I must go
shopping and I have to work at the library. When we got back from our
walk I finished the book I was reading and then Daisy and I stayed
outside and I cut back the wisteria.
July 25, 1990 (Wednesday)
87° - Well I guess this was a typical Wednesday. Made Don's breakfast.
Did a shortened version of my exercises. Read a little of the paper and
then went for a walk. Went to Safeway to buy a new type of all purpose
vitamin but they had not come in yet. At 20 to 8 went to the fruit
market. Got peaches, nectarines, cantaloupe, cukes, and cherry tomatoes.
Then went on to Food For Less and from there to the Cannery. Was home by
20 to 10. We unloaded everything and put it away and then I played a
little cards. Watered plants, made lunch and then was off to the library.
Since it was such a pleasant day I walked. Typed cards the whole time
cause there was a lot of them and I visited with Mrs. Thorn. Don picked
me up and we went to the Cannery to buy wine. Then home and I ironed
clothes and the skirt I dyed purple turned out very well. Dinner was
good: green salad, hot bread, left over chili and stew heated together,
corn and for dessert strawberry shortcake. All very good. Watched the
news, read Newsweek, Went for a walk. Linda called and she was in good
spirits. We miss her so much. She is always so funny. Don got a headache
so he is in bed and I am falling asleep so best that I go soon. I did
debone 8 chicken thighs after dinner so that is done and I won't have to
do it tomorrow morning.
July 26, 1990 (Thursday)
Warm again - Well another day another dinner party. I told Don we were
going to take a break now for a while. While Don vacuumed this morning I
did the first cooking of 8 boneless chicken breasts and the 4 thighs I
had deboned and then added wine, orange juice, mustard and honey. Put
them in the fridge to cook in the afternoon. Then I did 7 potatoes, after
baking did them on the half shell. The salad I think is great: green
beans, tomatoes, cukes, black olives, onions, radishes, vinegar and oil.
Then I made a lemon soufflé for dessert. In the afternoon I was going to
shampoo and then decided to postpone cause it has not been three days
since my perm. I had saved enough roses so I had a beautiful bouquet in
the living room and in the dining room I had Black-Eyed Susans, peach
colored roses and marigolds and it looked great. Then I used dark blue
mats, orange napkins and the deep blue candles - very attractive table.
Dale brought flowers, Jackie and Alice - wine and the Livingston's creme
de menthe and brandy! We had a good time. It was all very relaxed and
comfortable. I am using the buffet for
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serving now and it works out very well. I had to put a leaf in the table
because there were 7 of us. We talked about Soiter for the Supreme Court
and we did a little Bush bashing. It was really a most congenial evening.
I wore the pale yellow skirt that I bought for $1 years ago in Omaha that
I dyed purple, my white scoop-necked cotton top with a silk scarf for a
belt. I liked my perm and I felt I looked nice.
July 27, 1990 (Friday)
Well I didn't accomplish much this day that is for sure. We got up a
little late. I did my exercises as usual and then I went for a walk at 7.
It was really rather pleasant at that hour. When I got back Don had gone
to play tennis. Then there were cards to play. The house was clean; the
roses were still fresh so there was little to do. Don insisted I go have
my picture taken at LaForce for my passport. It costs $6.99. I didn't
smile and I look pretty grim but so it goes. We took my application down
to the post office but we had forgotten the picture so we had to go back
for it. Well finally we filled everything out and it will be 3 weeks
before I get it and it cost $42! Passports have gone up! Then after lunch
I went to the mall and tried on shorts at Mervyns and a lot of shorts at
Grenage's. I liked some of them very much but didn't buy anything. Came
home and read. Dinner was easy. I heated the baked potatoes and the
chicken. Sliced some tomatoes, heated some fresh bread and got some
brownies from the freezer. Then the news. Then I drove to Thrifty and got
some Sunsweet prunes on sale. When I got home I went for my evening walk
and then Don had a movie with Debra Wringer called Everyone Wins. It is
very strange and I took a shower and really wasn't all that interested.
July 28, 1990 (Saturday)
We got up a little bit later this morning but I did all my exercises and
then went for a walk before picking up Mary. I wanted more than anything
to find Gravenstein apples and there was some there! I was very pleased
and got a $1 bag full. Also eggs, cukes, grapes and green beans. Came
home and after putting things away I made the dressing for the turkey.
Then I went to Longs and Lucky to buy things and spent a lot of money.
Vitamins are expensive. Had lunch and then though it was hot I lay
outside for quite a while. I didn't want to lose my tan. Came in and made
a big apple pie and tuna salad. Sliced tomatoes and cukes and heated
bread and that was our dinner and green apple pie is about the best. We
called Australia. First we talked to Niki who had seen Pretty Woman, who
was back at school and not too thrilled about that. She is doing a report
on pollution in the environment. She sounded chipper. She said Jenny was
talking to Barry but then she came to the phone and we talked a very
short time. I told Don afterwards that I didn't think we should call
every week. It is expensive and there really isn't all that much to say.
I would rather write. So after dinner we watched the news and then I
folded the clothes since I ran a load earlier. Then it was time for my
walk but I just did a
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mile going to the end of North Ave. and back. Now it is going on 9 and I
will read for a while and then go to bed. I showered and shampooed this
afternoon but don't feel very fresh now.
July 29, 1990 (Sunday)
The last Sunday in July. Really the month has gone fairly fast. Don had a
bad night cause of his war wounds acting up so he didn't feel up to going
to church so I picked up Mary and did it alone. I like the young
substitute priest who gives very short sermons but thoughtful ones. I am
amazed the people coming in shorts and very skimpy attire. The days of
hats and gloves are well gone. When I got home I changed my clothes and
went for a walk before it got too hot. Jackie had brought me the latest
Hillerman book, Coyote Waits, and I read that for a while. Then I got the
turkey from the apt. fridge and the dressing and stuffed it and put it in
the oven at 12:15. Peeled the potatoes, got rolls out of the freezer,
made up some relishes and spent the afternoon checking the turkey,
reading and dozing. It really didn't get too hot till about 3:30 and then
we turned on the air. I typed a letter to Australia and thought about
writing Pauline but put it off yet again. Oh, I forgot, when I got home
from church my left ear still hurt and the pain went up the side of my
head so I went to Convenient Care but the doctor couldn't find anything
wrong but he gave me a Rx in case it got worse. We had a drink before
dinner. In fact I had 2 drinks but vodka tonics tasted so good! And then
we had our dinner and it all tasted just great. I heated up yesterday's
apple pie and we had that for dessert. Then Siskel and Ebert the news, I
finished my book and then drove over to Priss' with a note cause she is
coming home tonight at 10:30. Vivian Shaw is picking her up. So now at
8:45 I think I will read a bit and play some cards and then I guess I
will go to bed. We tried making love but it just didn't work at all. Such
is life.
July 30, 1990 (Monday)
This was quite a hodgepodge day with not much accomplished. We got up
rather late and it already seemed warm. I did a few exercises and then
read part of the paper. Don didn't play tennis today. I went for a long
walk and it was very pleasant out early on. Then I got dressed and went
to Stars a little after 8. When I got home Priss had called so I called
her back. She had had a good time but was glad to be home. I puttered
around and then it was lunchtime. Afterwards I went to the mall. I seem
to be a shopper these days although I don't buy much. I checked Grenage's
again but nothing was marked down any more. Also checked out Mervyns and
Miller Outpost. Nothing. Stopped at Safeway for milk and bananas. When I
got home I got all the meat off the turkey and cooked up the bones, etc.
for Daisy's stew. Set out left over potatoes, turkey, dressing and made a
green salad. Made myself a sandwich and sliced some for Don. Mike called
this morning. He had tracked in some oil from his shoes on the rug in the
hall and he wanted to know what to do. I suggested he call in a carpet
cleaner. I ran a load of
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clothes. Linda called to say she would be down tomorrow for a few days.
Craig was off at a meeting and Jason was going to visit his Dad. We ate
dinner and watched the news. Then Don got a headache so he lay down. I
tried to dye the pink cotton top denim blue cause there were some spots
on it and it turned out fine. I went for a long walk even thought it was
still pretty hot out. I am pleased that Linda will be here tomorrow. Don
has been asleep for a long time. I must take a shower and go to bed.
July 31, 1990 (Tuesday)
Linda arrives - Well we got up early enough so that I was able to go to
Stars at 6:10, did the machines and 15 minutes of the floor exercises and
then came home and walked for half an hour. Then I got busy in the apt. I
cleaned the tub, toilet and sink, then vacuumed the living room, bedroom
and kitchen and then I scrubbed the floors and that meant being on my
hands and knees for most of it. Hard work. It is after something like
that when I would like a cigarette as a reward! Tomorrow it will be 6
weeks since I quit smoking. Well after that I had lunch and fixed Don's
and then since I had pinned up my hair earlier I changed my clothes and
read waiting to go to Dr. Shaw's at 2:45 and then Linda arrived much
earlier than we had thought she would. It is always so good to see her.
She is such fun. She had brought a lot of dirty clothes so she started
washing right away. I went off to Dr. Shaw's. He said I just had dry eyes
and I am to put drops in 4 times a day. This time I will do it and keep
doing it. The cataract is still there naturally and is bigger but not
ready to be operated on thank goodness. Came home and made a potato dish
that takes hash browns, cheese, etc. This is a recipe of Priss'. Turned
out great and we had sliced turkey, green beans, cukes and tomatoes and
brownies from the freezer. Linda took Mr. Yakich to the mall. We watched
the news. Called Priss. I had gone over this morning and she brought me a
beautiful silver bracelet with a ball attached made in silver, lovely. I
called to thank her again. When Linda got back we went for a walk and
then she visited. She had bought a book of sign language and has decided
to learn how to do it. Don got a headache so he went to bed and now Linda
has gone over to the apt. to read and I will read for a while and go to
bed too.
August 1, 1990 (Wednesday)
Very busy first day of August. Got up at 5 and did half an hour of
exercise then after the paper and Pero I did a 30 minute walk at 7:30 I
set out for the Fruit Market. For Linda I bought cukes, tomatoes,
nectarines and cantaloupe. Then off to Food For Less where I spent only
$20.15. At the Cannery it came to $ 15+ and then I bought crackers for
Jason so when he leaves tomorrow he will have things with him. Got home
with all the stuff and Linda was having her haircut and Don was at
breakfast with Mac and Carl so I carried everything in and put it away
and started right in making baked beans and a big potato salad. Fixed my
lunch and then walked to the library. It was pretty warm, but I made it
okay. No one had typed cards yesterday so I had 81 cards to do! Too many.
It
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didn't get them all typed. Don picked me up and I got home to making a
chocolate cake. Fixed the cukes and tomatoes. Cathy had both of her big
toes operated on so she won't have ingrown toenails any more. David was
working, so it was just Cathy and the girls. I fixed the hot dogs and so
we had them with the salad, beans, a big fruit plate and the cake with
ice cream. They left right after dinner cuz of a swim meet. We watched
the news which was all bad. The Government wants to cut a lot of things
out of the budget and then on the national news Congress can't decide on
a budget either so we are in deep trouble all the way around. When all
that bad news was over, Linda and I sent for a walk and it was pretty
warm but we made it. Then back to the cool house and we played Solitaire.
Mike called today and made all kinds of plans for the visit. I was not
here at the time. It was probably good as I was not myself tonight and I
weigh 100# on our scales. I was at 95 and so this is the result of not
watching what I eat. I am really upset and it is hard not to eat when you
cook so much food.
August 2, 1990 (Thursday)
Got up at 5 and weighed and I was right on 100# and yet I can't resist
eating things I should not even think about having. Oh well, this morning
I will have to buy less good things. I went for a very long walk after my
Pero and then when I got back I fixed the soup, which meant a lot of
chopping. Made the turkey salad, set the table, etc. It was going to be
just Jackie and Dale. When everything was done, I left at 11 to be on
time. Linda left for Tahoe at about 10:30. After I went to the Discovery
Shop taking some things to give. Looking around I found a top in yellow
and white for $1 that will go with my yellow skirt. Then I walked
downtown to Bradley's and found a $38 pair of blue knit slacks for
$12.99, so I bought them. Walked around the other stores and bought some
jasmine oil for Linda. Then I drove to the Mall and went to Grenage's but
they had not lowered the price on the things I liked, so I came home and
stayed in the apartment until our guests left. Changed my clothes cuz it
was getting hot. Dinner was simple, I just put out the things that were
left over and that was it. We watched the news mainly about Iraq invading
Kuwait and there is going to be big trouble there I feel. Then I called
Priss and we visited for quite a while. The Don and I went for a walk. It
was still very warm and it was hard to be enthusiastic about vigorous
walking when one is dripping. Came back and we both showered and then
played cards and we both one our Solitaire. Then I had some wine cooler
and we made love and it was good for Don but I couldn't quite make it,
but took care of it later myself. Don wanted to call Jenny cuz he called
Sacramento today and he thinks he has the drivers license situation
solved. He tried to call her at 10 but there was no answer.
August 3, 1990 (Friday)
Well today I got quite a bit done. After my exercise and breakfast I went
for a very long walk. It was a nice morning and I enjoyed it. Don had
errands to run so he let. First I
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worked outside long enough to do some trimming and to fill a container
with cuttings. Then I came inside and cleaned both bathrooms. When Don
came back, I went to both Lucky and Safeway cuz I wanted to buy some
things they had on sale. Then it was lunchtime and after playing cards
for a while, I went to Stars. Did the machines and then stayed for the
whole stretch class. It was a hard workout. Stopped on the way home at
Holiday to buy ice milk and turkey parts. Again I had things to do. I
made up hamburgers from some ground beef and then I made pie dough cuz I
wanted to make an apple pie on Sunday. The mail came and there was a
letter from Jenny and from Niki. They were both fine. For dinner we had
bacon, eggs and I browned the left over mashed potatoes. Don had a fresh
strawberry sundae and I had fresh pineapple. I really tried today to eat
sensibly with no sweets and tidbits. It will be interesting to see how
much I weigh in the morning. I want to get back down to 95#. We had a
drink before dinner and I had a wine cooker again. I really like it and
it is considerably less alcohol. Then suddenly after dinner Don got a
terrible headache so he had to take a pill and go to bed. I didn't feel I
should leave him to go for a walk and that disappointed me. I drained the
coffee, emptied the dishwasher and neatened up the fridge. Then I
finished a book I was reading and now its 9:20 and I will play a little
cards and then go to bed.
August 4, 1990 (Saturday)
It just the 4th of August and I am really tired of the heat. I did my
exercises, went for a walk and saw about 15 hot air balloons floating in
the sky. Beautiful sight. Then it was the Fruit Market and I took Mary
and got pretty much the usual. Got home and Don had been talking to his
sister and she wanted to come out for Thanksgiving. Well, we will get
back from Florida on the 20th and Thursday will be the 22nd and I can't
get ready for that and have Gail her too. Who knows what condition the
house will be in? So Don called back and she will come in October. The
weather should be pretty then to. She wants to go to the Hearst Castle so
we will be taking here there too. I am not thrilled. Then Ed called and
the young man from Russia should be on a plane for New York on Tuesday.
We had to come back to Jackie's to check on what needed for the
apartment. I think the place is dreary but Don was determined that he
should be there so that is where he will be. It means we will have to do
a lot of buying to finish it. Donna called and said she and Jill would
probably be up on Thursday and she was going to call Linda. She will call
back. I feel bad that I am not very enthusiastic about that either. So
then we had lunch. I made marvelous sandwiches: French bread, cheese,
tomatoes, pickles, mayo and lettuce. Great! Read for a bit. Went to the
Mall and checked on the things I want to buy but they had not come done
any in price. Read and played cards. For dinner I made mock crab salad,
corn and fruit for dessert. Wrote a long letter Pauline. Don called Jenny
and I talked for a little while. She had had her haircut and they cut it
way too short. Still she was laughing about it. We watched the news.
Iraqis are still in Kuwait but they say they are leaving tomorrow, but
they are putting the government in control. Sounds bad to me.
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I ironed clothes and then called Priss to invite her to dinner but she
couldn't come. Then went for a walk and now I will read for a while.
August 5, 1990 (Sunday)
Note to Jenny and Niki. I forgot to write in this yesterday (Sunday). It
is amazing that lately it is hard to remember what happened. Since
nothing very exciting happened. Mary called last night and said she
wasn't feeling to well so she would not plan to go to church so Don and I
went alone. This was Father Kelly's last day and he will be going to
Ireland to teach so he won't be back next year. I liked him. We came home
and I changed my clothes and went for a walk but it was really getting
hot. We asked Priss to dinner but she wasn't able to come but I pretty
much cooked the meal I had planned for her. I re-heated a piece of ham
from the freezer, cut up potatoes for baking, fixed broccoli, mad a green
salad and then made a big apple pie. I took two pieces to Priss after
dinner. I did some ironing. I read. I walked again in the evening and it
was very hot. I called cuz I didn't hear from my sister. I just hope
nothing is wrong. Cathy and the girls stopped by after church at St.
John's and we had a good visit. They will be going to Tahoe on Wednesday
morning and will come back Friday morning. Talked to Linda in the
evening. She was back from a race that she and Craig had gone to. Then at
91 watched the much talked about night soap opera mystery, Twin Peaks. I
enjoyed the first two-hour episode. It was funny, scenery was beautiful
and everyone was having an affair with someone else in town. In the very
beginning there was a murder and so I guess the rest of the season will
be spent figuring out who did it. At 11 I went to bed. It was still
pretty warm.
August 6, 1990 (Monday)
112° today. Got up at 5 and did my exercises. Had my Pero and then went
for a 40- minute walk. Don had a meeting up at school at 8. While he was
gone, first I swept the front sidewalk, a long job. Then I washed the
driveway where the birds use it as a bathroom. Then I did some pruning
before going in the hose. Washed the kitchen floor that certainly needed
it. There are some spots on the rug in the TV room. I think I got them
out. Called Cathy and she and I discussed Twin Peaks at length. She and
David had loved it too. Fixed the lunch for Don and me and then at 11:30
I went to Stars. Did the machines and then the 40-minute stretch and
training. I had made snicker doodles this mooning so I dropped 4 of them
off for Priss how wasn't home. When I came back from Stars I made a salad
with green beans and ham etch. That was okay. Had sliced tomatoes and
chips and we had the last of the pie for dessert. Linda called. Donna had
called her and they will be coming up for the weekend. I guess they will
be here on Thursday. Linda has a job interview tomorrow at 3 with a
psychiatrist in Carson City. She would do the whole office bookings,
billing, etc. It would be 5 hours a day and she would like that. Talked
to Priss a long time cuz he had heard from Dr. Howard today
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about her blood problem. She is to go back in 2 months. The whole thing
is still undecided. Then in spite of the heat I went for my walk.
Beautiful sky with lots of clouds turning pastel shades. Smoke over the
foothills and I could see flames when I got to Lupin. It is supposed to
be just as hot tomorrow. I hope not!
August 7, 1990 (Tuesday)
Woke up feeling sluggish cuz it didn't cool off in the night so we were
both restless. After breakfast I walked for 40 minutes and it wasn't too
bad. When I got back I watered plants inside, dusted everything and
neatened up the house. Then I got dressed to go to the Discovery Shop. We
had talked about taking out the bushes on the north side of the apartment
and Don did it this morning. Big job. He still has to get the stump out.
I got to the Discovery Shop at 9:45. It was a rather slow morning but it
got busier later on and we ended up making $85.31. I brought home a lot
of things but most of them didn't fit well enough to keep so I will have
to take them back. No letter from Pauline, but a nice letter from Jenny.
She is so busy! But that is understandable. Jason called in the morning
saying he was coming. He arrived about 4. He is so tanned. He looks
great. He has an interview tomorrow morning at 8:45 with Dean Stevens
about work-study. Then Jackie called and brought her card from Jonathan
over. He is very cute and he is very nice. We had spaghetti, green salad
and I made vanilla pudding for dessert. Don and I spent about an hour in
the afternoon sun cutting up the brush. It was a big and a hot job. I
showered afterwards and got cooled down. Jason went off for the evening.
We went and laid down after the news. Linda called and she got the job
she wanted in Carson City with the 2 psychiatrists. She works 5 hours a
day and is paid $10 an hour. She was pleased. She starts next Monday.
Finally at 8 PM it was cool enough to walk so I did a short one and it
wasn't too bad. Donna called and she and Jill will be here tomorrow for
dinner and they will leave for Tahoe on Friday morning. Now I have to
think of what meals I will be making. I am going to bed for a while. I am
weary.
August 8, 1990 (Wednesday)
I woke up at 3:30 and couldn't go back to sleep so finally at 4:45 I got
up and did my exercises in the bedroom since Don had moved out to the
living room earlier. Then we both got up at 5. I fixed breakfast and then
I checked on the chicken for tonight. Went for a walk and then Jason got
here from Mario's at 7:45 so I didn't have to go over there. He had some
breakfast and Don got back from tennis so I was free to go grocery
shopping. I went to the Fruit Market first and then to Food For Less and
the Cannery and was back before 10. Got everything that I wanted. Watered
the outdoor plants and cut all the wood that we had cut from the bush
yesterday and then Don cut all the little stuff and put it in the garbage
can. Don said that Jason's interview with Dean Stevens went well and
Jason went down to the bank and opened a checking account. By then it was
time to go to the library so Don took me and I had only 27 cards to type
and then I
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shelved books until 2. When Don came he said Donna and Jill were already
here. We made a batch of brownies and when they were done I put the
chicken in the oven. We all visited and thinks were natural and
comfortable. They both look good. We had a drink before dinner and the
food was fine: chicken, green beans, hot homemade rolls, a green salad
and brownies with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Then the news (bad scene
in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, etc.) Then we went for a walk and looked at the
houses being build and then home. I took a shower; Jill and Donna watched
Lethal Weapon II. I am tired tonight and will have to go to bed soon.
Mike called and talked to Jill.
August 9, 1990 (Thursday)
Pauline called. We got up at 5. It was smoky and hot when we got up and
most of today was the same way. I fixed breakfast and both Donna and Jill
woke up about an hour later. Jill doesn't seem to feel very well. She
isn't hungry and she is quiet. Donna says she has had a very busy summer
and she is crashing as they say. Maybe so. Anyway we went for a walk
after everyone had eaten. But Jill went home about home about half way.
Then we sat around and talked, etc. and played cards and at 9:30 Donna
and Jill went shopping and I got in the kitchen and got to work. I had
some ham that I cooked up and made into a spread. Boiled eggs and made
egg salad, made a batch of bread, made mayo and then made a potato salad
and Donna and Jill came back and we went to get nuts for them and stopped
and got French bread. In the afternoon we talked and read and making
dinner was easy cuz all I had to do was cook the com and lay everything
out that I had made this morning and there were brownies left over from
last night. No letter from Pauline. Hopefully Demetri will be in the US
tomorrow night. Ed and Don talked a number of times during the day. Then
Donna and I went for a walk after the news. But fire in Cohasset, 37,000
acres burned so far. Then Pauline called and we had a wonderful visit.
Lisa and Steven had been there for 2 weeks! It took them a week to get
over it! So now everyone is watching The Bears. I have seen it already as
has Don, but he is watching. Donna and Jill will be leaving tomorrow
morning. I am weary and plan to go to bed early.
August 10, 1990 (Friday)
Letter from Pauline. Hot!! We got up at the usual time and Donna and Jill
came in shortly afterwards. I went for a walk and when I got back they
were loading up the car so the left for Tahoe rather early. Then I got
busy. I did 3 loads of wash, the sheets, towels and just regular dirty
clothes and then I got out the ironing board and ironed 6 sport shirts, a
pair of slacks of mine and got everything put away and by 10:30 I had
remade the beds and everything was back in it usual place. Don played
tennis and then had to go up to school to pay for some tests for Demetri.
I dusted and neatened things up and then it was time to shower. I wore
the red top again and this time I work my khaki tulip shirk and red shoes
and it looked nice together. Priss picked me up at 11:30 and we went to
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lunch at Rubino's. I ordered the chicken salad, which cost $4.20, and it
was terrible. Priss ordered the shrimp sandwich and it was equally
terrible but we had a good time talking. Then we went over to her house
and visited and she gave me 2 pieces of kaluha cake and took me home. We
had leftovers for dinner so that was not a problem. After I changed my
clothes we started looking for furniture. Went to Penney's, Wards and
Chico Furniture looking at beds and Don had checked earlier about filing
cabinets. We will hit the garage sales early tomorrow. Got a letter from
Pauline today about the bicycle trip across Iowa by George and Dave. We
had dinner and the phone rang and it was Matt wanting Linda's phone
number. He is on standby to go to Saudi Arabia. Suddenly it brings the
whole mid-east problem much closer to home. Watched the news. The forest
fire around Cohasset has now burned over 50,000 acres and is not
contained. Went for my walk at 20 to 8. Hot but bearable. Pauline didn't
mention in phone call or letter about my emphysema.
August 11, 1990 (Saturday)
Letter to Australia. Well this morning Don called Ed and Demetri arrived
last night. Liza met him is New York but he managed customs and getting
to the plane to Chicago by himself. He will be here a week from today.
First I went for my walk. I really get bored with that 2 times a day.
Then I picked up Mary and I got nectarines, cukes, green beans, melons
and pears. When I got home Don wanted to start looking for things for the
apartment. I was not in a very good mood. I don't know why exactly, but
everything seemed to bother me. Well anyway I looked in a lot of places
for a lot of things and we ended up buying: a 13" TV, a radio, 2 filing
cabinets (Jackie has a door that will fit on top to make a desk, an air
conditioner for the window, a little table that I will try to refinish, a
frying pad, 2 dish towels. Tomorrow we will buy the bed and then I have
to find a cover to go over it and pillows, and pots and pans, etc., etc.
Cathy brought the girls in to the Chico Swim Meet. They came in and had
until about 2 and will be back tomorrow. Watched the news after a dinner
of left over spaghetti and fruit salad. Tomorrow Priss is coming to
dinner. I called and talked to her this evening. I then went for a 25
minute walk and now at 8:30 it is dark and we have turned off the air cuz
it was cooling off outside. Wasn't too bad today. The Cohasset fire is
still going strong and they closed Yosemite cuz of fires in the park. I
rolled out a piecrust tonight and will make a lemon pie tomorrow. I am
going to stay up till 20 and watch Twin Peaks. I hope.
August 12, 1990 (Sunday)
It is Monday evening. I forgot to writ in this last night. Don stayed
home from church and I picked up Mary and we had another substitute
priest but he seemed to be fine. He is from Chicago and has never been to
California before. Got home and went for a walk but it was already
getting a little warm. Then I went over to K-Mart and got 4 sets of
towels in beige, a dish rack, and some Listerine for us. Don went to
Long's and got a
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dish rack that was smaller, so tomorrow I will have to exchange the one I
got. We were waiting for Cathy and the girls to come from the swim meet.
I walked over and looked for them, but couldn't see them. I got my
piecrust from the freezer and baked it and I had made a lemon filling in
the morning. So at about 2:30 I put it together and it turned out
beautiful. Just about then Cathy arrived with the girls. They had not won
anything but they placed and so they got some pins. The left for home and
Linda called. She was tiered from the week and she got bored with Donna.
But Jill had a good time and that was good cuz she certainly didn't have
a good time here. Priss got here at 5 and we had drinks and then dinner:
turkey salad with chutney, green beans, cukes and tomatoes, hot French
bread and the lemon pie. All very good and we had wine to and I felt
really stuffed. Priss left at 7:30 and I went for a brief walk. Don has
been watching a program on channel 9 for a month of Sundays at 9. It was
about the RAF during the battles of Britain so the last one was tonight.
After that was over we went to bed. I was tired again tonight.
August 13, 1990 (Monday)
It was cooler when we woke up this morning. In fact, it wasn't too hot
today. Don went off to play tennis and I went for a walk and I stopped at
Bidwell cuz the teachers are back. Of course I stopped to see Carras and
he said I would know Thursday cuz that was when Barbara A will be back.
So I know I am going to be working. I just don't know when. Then I took
the finish off the table we bought for the Russian's apartment. Put a
coat of stain on it and then went to K-Mart to take back the dish rack
and went to Long's. Then Don and I went to Target and we bought: 2 sets
of navy sheets and a lightweight comforter, mattress cover, some stacking
deals, garbage can, waste basket, a sauce pan and I think that was all.
Okay, yes, a pillow. Home for lunch and then I went to Stars and really
had a work out, first on the machines and then 40 minutes of stretch and
training. When I got back, we went over to the apartment and made up the
bed and got the other things put away. It is beginning to look much
better, and then I put a second coat of stain on the table and did a load
of clothes. For dinner we had left over salad, beans and bread. Pretty
dull! Then the news, the fires are still very bad. Then the national news
and we are pouring troops, ships and planes into Saudi Arabia and it is
costing a fortune and who knows how it will end. Called Priss. Don was
watching football. Later we had a liquor and then went to bed and made
love and it was not good. Better for me than for Don. I have come to hate
the whole thing cuz he gets upset and it is not good for him or me.
August 14, 1990 (Tuesday)
I got right up at 5 cuz I have to go to
and fixed Don's breakfast and then by 5
are getting shorter and the sun was not
work out and was back by 7. Then I went
Stars early. I did my exercises
I was ready to go. My, the days
even up when I left. I got a good
for a
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walk. When I got back I cleaned the two bathrooms. Don was back from
tennis by then. We went to the Cannery and got some things but is was so
strange; when I am shopping with Don I usually forget so many things.
Anyway then to Target to get a desk lamp for the apartment and then home
for lunch. Afterwards, I went to the Discovery Shop to take back some
things that didn't fit and I looked a little and came home with 3 tops
but I will probably keep just one of them. A navy short sleeve with a
green thin stripe. $1.50. So then when I got home I read and Don read.
Dinner was simple. I made bacon and eggs and fried breaded tomatoes and
hot biscuits. Got some brownies out of the freezer for dessert. Called
Linda. Her job is okay. The people are very nice, but there is not enough
to do and she is really bored. She will try for a few weeks and then
think what to do. Don got a headache after the news. No wonder. The news
right now with the Kuwait deal is enough to give anyone a headache. He
laid down and I went for a walk. What a lovely change. There was a cool
southern breeze and it was so pleasant. I had almost forgotten what it
was like to walk when it wasn't hot. I washed my hair today and I must
get it cut. It is too long. Tried to call Priss but she wasn't home and I
didn't call back. When I got back from my walk I tackled the wisteria by
the north patio and I got some of it down, but Don will have to work on
it tomorrow. Stained the table for the apartment again today and it
turned out looking very good. The grocery ads were lousy today. I don't
know what I am going to buy. Don has a doctor appointment early so I
won't be going to Food For Less. Now I think I will go to bed.
August 15, 1990 (Wednesday)
Lovely, but cool. This wasn't the usual morning. Left the house at 7:30
to go to Food For Less for groceries. Don had an appointment with Dr.
Shaw at 9 and I couldn't get back in time so I decided to buy what we
needed at the stores here. When Don got back, I had already been for a
long walk and had done my exercises. Went to K-Mart for coat handers for
Demitri and then to Lucky where I bought a few things and got him some
things there too and then to Safeway and home. Didn't buy much but then
we really didn't need much right now. I have built up such a supply of
food that we could go for weeks if we had to. I was hungry for beef, so
we had hamburgers and a green salad and I made a chocolate pudding cake.
This was after the library. It was so cool that I walked and didn't even
feel warm. Wonderful after all the heat. We had a drink before dinner on
the patio, another thing we haven't done for a long time cuz of the heat.
Dinner tasted good and then there was the news and after I asked Don if
we could drive up to the university and walk around up there. Starting
next week there will thousands of students so this will be the last
chance. So we did and it was so cool and breezy and we met about 6 people
all together so we just walked and enjoyed. I read in the evening. Don
asked if I wanted to make love and I said no cuz I really wasn't in the
mood and he said okay and went up to bed and I stayed up until 11 and
read.
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August 16, 1990 (Thursday)
Woke a little late this morning so Don got his own breakfast. Did my
exercises and read the paper with my Pero and a small bowl of Grape Nuts.
Then off for a walk and it was so cool I had on long pants and long
sleeved top. What a change! When I got back Don was off to tennis and I
watered and fed the houseplants and then swept the patio. Then I went
over to the beauty shop to see about getting a haircut. The girl I wanted
couldn't take me tomorrow or Saturday, but could take me at 10:30. So I
decided I would go to Stars and just do the machines and then I would be
back by 10:30 and it worked out okay. Don went to breakfast with Carl,
Mac, and Joe Coulin but he wasn't back by the time I left. The girl did a
good job but then she is just about ready to graduate. It cost $3.60 and
I gave her a $1 tip. When I got home it was 11:30 and Don had already
eaten. So I fixed myself cottage cheese and fruit. Don was expecting an
English Professor to come to talk about the seminar so I decided to do
the shops. Went to K-Mart and bought black dye. Then to The Shop, a
second-hand clothes shop. Tried on a blouse I liked but the sleeves were
too long and so decided against it. Then went to the Mall and looked at
all the shirts but couldn't find anything I liked. Checked the sale of
slacks at Grenage's but the price had not gone down. When I got home I
decided to make rolls and I did half of them as cinnamon rolls and that
pleased Don. We had a little turkey hot dish I found in the freezer, the
rolls, cukes and tomatoes. Then the news, the local and world and all
bad. Priss called saying she had roses so I drove over and she had
beautiful ones. We visited. When I got home Don and I went for a walk and
then I shaved my legs and showered. We went to bed fairly early and we
made love and it was just great for Don and nothing for me but I could
have cared less cuz he needed it and I really didn't.
August 17, 1990 (Friday)
This was a busy day! Right after breakfast I went for a long walk and
Jerry McGuire was having another yard sale so once I got home I took some
money and walked back over. I got 2 little picture frames. Will have to
take the paint off and then I can put Jason's picture in one and save the
other one. Got a pink sweater for 500 and also a good looking lampshade
for $5 brand new and it was marked $30. I took it home to try and I like
it so I walked back once again and paid for it. Then I vacuumed the
bedroom wing and by then Don was back from Commons where he had had to go
through a lot of tests preparing him for the operation next Wednesday.
Then I washed and set my hair and sat outside for a while, had lunch,
combed out my hair and got dressed to go to the Discovery Shop. Wore
white slacks and red top. Very busy afternoon. We made $225! I brought
home a lot of stuff on approval. Will keep some of it. The school called
and I will work at Pleasant Valley on Monday and Tuesday and then Barbara
A. called and I will work there Thursday and Friday. Then Barbara
suggested that I apply for the Bidwell job for the year. She thinks I
could make up the days I will miss while we are gone. But I have to apply
and be interviewed. I am not thrilled about that. Well anyway
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after Don picked me up we went to Jackie's and took the stuff we had
brought and Don had gotten the bike that has been serviced. Came home and
had a drink and I made grilled cheese sandwiches, and we had sliced
tomatoes. Watched some of the news. Tried to call Priss but no answer.
Then Don and I went for a walk but I had forgotten to take my spray and I
huffed and puffed a little but not too bad. Ran a load of clothes and
read and then to bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day.
August 18, 1990 (Saturday)
Rain at 10 and wind. Today was the big day. Got up at 5 and did my
exercises, read the paper and had my Pero and went for a walk. Got back
at 7:15 and at 7:30 left for Farmer's Market. Don talked to his sister
this morning and she will be flying into San Francisco October 4th and
then they will drive down to San Simeon cuz Gail wants to see it and then
they will come back up here and she will leave from Sacramento on
Tuesday. I got a lot of things at the fruit market. When I got home Don
wanted to take the last things over to Jackie's so we stopped at Safeway
to get milk, and margarine, jam and cheese plus things I had bought at
the market. When I got back home I made a potato salad, got out the
hamburgers and buns, fixed the tomatoes and cucumbers and made a
chocolate cake. Got the ironing done. Don went out at 1:15 but the plane
was late so we came back and then went again a little before 2 and then
he took Dimitry to the apartment and told him he would be back at 4:30 to
pick him up. Don said he liked him very much and that he looked a lot
like Jason. Well at 4:30 he arrived and Don was right he does look like
Jason. He is a little taller but has dark hair, brown eyes, his hair is
short in front and long in back and he has a Slavic face. He did not try
the corn on the cob; he liked the hamburger and the potato salad. He did
not have dessert cuz he wanted to stay in shape. He is sweet, likeable,
speaks English very well. Interesting that his mother is Greek Orthodox,
so technically he is not Jewish at all since it is determined by the
religion of the mother. He wanted to see the house and garden. He says he
and his mother and his father and grandmother live in 3 rooms and that
they are truly lucky. Don took him home at 7 and I went for a walk. Then
Don and I talked it over and now at 8:30 Don is very tired and is going
to bed and I am going to read. It is very cloudy and there is much
lightning. It may rain I don't know yet whether it will or not.
August 19, 1990 (Sunday)
I just put my book aside and I must write in this and go to bed cuz
tomorrow I go to work at Pleasant Valley and I want to be there are 7:30
and I want to walk to work so I will have to leave here by 7. This was a
busy day. Got up at about 5:30 as did Don. I fixed his breakfast, did my
exercises, had my Pero and read the paper. It was so cool after last
night's rain that I wore a turtleneck white and a black cotton top over
it with white pants to go to church. Don stayed home. I took Mary. Then
when I got home Don went to pick up Dimitry and took him to breakfast. I
did my walk after I changed my clothes.
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Don brought him back here and I took him to K-Mart to buy an iron, shower
curtain, ironing board, then Don took him to the Mall to buy shorts. I
cut up and fixed a chicken to put in the oven later, did the salad
greens, got out the beans, and will do the rice later. Swept the driveway
and patio, washed the patio table and chairs. There must have been a lot
of dust in the air that the rain brought down. Wrote a long letter to
Australia. Oh yes, Dimitry had lunch here. At 5:30 Jackie and Dimitry
arrived for dinner. We had cocktails first made with vodka he brought
from Russia. He had coke. He doesn't drink or smoke. We had dinner and
everything went well. Then they talked about what he should take this
fall. I went for a walk at 7:30 and they left right afterwards. Got back
in half an hour. Don was so tired that he went to bed. I showered and now
I must go to bed too. Tomorrow at Pleasant Valley will be a hard day cuz
there will be schedule changes all day.
August 20, 1990 (Monday)
I am a tired lady tonight. Got up and did my exercises this morning and
was ready to leave the house by 7 AM. Wore my white linen pants and red
short sleeved top. Walked to work cuz Kathi wanted me to stop by at 7:30.
Nothing special. Nice cool morning and I enjoyed the walk. Students had
to sign up today and they started in at about 8:20. I saw about 30 of
them during the day. Everything went smoothly. All of Mark's mess and
stacks of papers are gone and now there are pretty blue mini blinds. The
new counselor has a beautiful poster on the wall and it is very calm and
serene. Don got my application form for the job today at Bidwell. When
there was a break, I worked on it and got a rough draft done for the
written part and got the rest filled out so all I need is my transcript
and Don will get that tomorrow. He went to the luncheon group at Dale's
at noon. The rest of the time he was running around doing things for me
and Dimitry. I will be very glad when this week is over. We got home and
tried to have something very simple for dinner. Jason arrived at 4:30,
was very hungry. So I heated up some leftover rice. He had two bowls of
cereal, a piece of chicken, some fruit salad and a lot of cantaloupe. We
had fruit salad and some bread and butter. Then there was the news, very
bad in the Persian Gulf. I went for a walk and Don had such a bad
headache that he had to go to bed. Linda called and Jason had found out
that he didn't have to enroll until Wednesday. He was very upset cuz he
could have stayed an extra day. First he didn't want to speak to someone
in Tahoe and then he didn't want to leave. I washed a load of clothes and
put them in the dryer, then I left for my walk and now I have ironed them
all and put them away. I must take a shower and figure out something to
wear tomorrow.
August 21, 1990 (Tuesday)
Pleasant Valley High School. Up early. Did my exercises but not too many
then had some breakfast. Packed my lunch and another pair of shoes and at
7 I set off for Pleasant Valley. It was not as much fun to walk when you
have to carry something but it was a
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beautiful morning and I still enjoyed it. Wore my new light blue slacks,
T-shirt in white with a blue flower pattern and a white jacket. When I
got to work I visited with Minnie and then the day began. I didn't make
as many schedule changes as yesterday. Kathi put me to work in the
afternoon checking juniors for credit and classes. Last night before I
went to bed I started looking in the dark in the living room and I found
my transcripts so Don didn't have to go up to the University to get
copies made. He took them in this morning so my application is in now. I
will just have to wait to see what happens. The nice part about it is
that if I don't get it I really won't mind all that much. It would be
nice to have the money but there are drawbacks. Don had an appointment
with Dr. Wooding at 3 so I had to walk home and it was rather warm and it
seemed longer than this morning. It seems that the food places have not
really opened up on campus so Don says we will have to feed Dimitry till
Monday. I am not the least bit happy about that cuz this is a very busy
week for me and I probably won't be able to go to shop cuz of Don's
operation tomorrow and anyway it seems to me that we have done enough for
him but I am afraid I am stuck as usual. It is just about 9 but I think I
will go to bed cuz I am tired and things are going to be difficult
tomorrow. I just know. What I wish is that I could go to the fruit market
at 8 and then go on to Food For Less and the Cannery but instead I will
be sitting at the hospital.
August 22, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is just 7:30 PM but it feels like midnight. This is the beginning of a
long and tiring day. We were up before 5 and we had to be at the hospital
at 6. Well we made it along with the other couple. In their case, it was
the woman who was having a cataract removed. They told me that it would
be about 9 when he came back, so I left. Went to Lucky, Safeway and
brought the things home and then went out to Food For Less and got things
there. I wanted to go to the Cannery but they didn't open until 8 and I
was to early. Stopped at the Farmer's Market and got $2 worth of
nectarines cuz this was the last day for them. Got green beans and
cucumbers and some delicious melons: green cantaloupe. Went back to the
hospital at 9 and they said it would probably be another hour so I rushed
home and put everything away and was just coming into the parking lot
when a blue lady told me Don was back. Dr. Shaw said it had all gone well
and Don was eager to get home. So we came back home and he laid down but
he wanted a poached egg, toast, papaya, and coffee. Then he rested. I did
the flowers, neatened things up. Made the mock crab salad then decided I
had better make up some other dish cuz I will be working at Bidwell
Thursday and Friday. Finally got in touch with Jackie. Dimitry did not
pass the language test so they checked around and he can get into a
language culture program for a semester and then he will take it again.
They had checked on everything knowing that Don was not able to do
anything today. They and Dimitry were good enough to call Ed and explain
it all to him. In a way I think this will be better cuz their English is
not all that good. We will see. Jason had dinner with us. He was all
excited cuz he had ordered some things from Crew and had written the
first check. He
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cleared the table and rinsed the dishes. I did a load of clothes and when
they were dry I folded them and now I have Jason's to fold, but I rather
like doing that so I don't mind. I hope by tomorrow Don will be feeling
better. I called Bidwell and explained that I had to take Don to Dr. Shaw
at 8 so I would be late but would make up the time. Now I am going to
read for a bit.
August 23, 1990 (Thursday)
Bidwell - Today I went to Bidwell, wore white slacks and lavender skirt I
got at the Discovery Shop for 750. There really wasn't all the much to do
today. It was good to see everyone and hear about their summer. I did
check schedules, etc. so I kept busy. Emma told me Barbara Copeland was
applying for the job 2 days a week that I would rather like to have and
others are applying too. I may get it and I may not but fortunately I
won't mind if I don't get it. I came home at noon and put the drops in
Don's eyes and ate lunch. I had walked this morning and gone to Safeway
so I had gotten cottage cheese and it was good to have it with fruit
again. Barbara decided that instead of working on Friday I would come
Monday and Tuesday and the was fine with me. When I got home after school
I made macaroni and cheese, a vegetable salad using the left over green
beans, etc., hot bread, melon and I made vanilla pudding but Dimitry
didn't like it. Talked to Priss and we had a good chat. Linda called and
I had a long talk with her. She is liking her job and asked for more to
do and gets it. She had talked to Jenny and she is getting tired of
Barry's not making any decisions about their relationship. I don't know
what is going to happen there. Went for a walk after I took Dimitry home.
He came for dinner. Called Mike and told him we were cutting the time of
our visit short so we are still going on the 8th but will come back on
the 16th which is Karen's birthday. But I just felt that we were staying
too long and I didn't want to get back on Tuesday and have to prepare the
Thanksgiving dinner with jet lag. It is 9:30. Don has been in bed a long
time. I am tired so I guess I will go to bed myself.
August 24, 1990 (Friday)
I am a weary lady tonight not cuz I did so much but cuz I did a lot of
running around. I got up at about 5:30. I went for a walk after breakfast
and it was so cool that I wore a sweatshirt, I puttered around here and
at 9 I sent out. Don was going to come to school with Jason, who was
registering at 10:30. First I went to the Cannery and bought things I
would have bought on Wednesday when I didn't go. Then went to the
Discovery Shop to pay my bill and I tried on a lot of stuff and bought a
lavender and pink sweatshirt. Came home and here was Don, who was hurt
cuz Jason didn't have him go with me so he stayed home. I felt sorry for
Don cuz he wanted to help but I can see Jason's way to cuz he wants to be
independent and I am caught in the middle. We had lunch and then Don went
to lie down so I went over to the Mall. Stopped at the shop run by the
Cancer Society and there was a sale and I got a very nice rose colored
blouse for $1. It was from
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Nordstrom's. Checked in the Mall and the slacks at Grenage's has never
been marked down further. Checked the other stores too, but didn't see
anything I liked. Came home. Made tuna salad, got the macaroni and cheese
out to heat. Fixed the carrots and celery. There was a little bit of this
and a little bit of that. Jason got all the classes in the order he had
wanted and he was pleased about that. I went to get Dimitry at 4:30 and
we had dinner. He and Don talked on the patio. I watched the news, which
was bad. They have called up the reserves, 45,000 of them. It is a mess.
Then I called Priss and after that I went for a walk. I forgot to say
that I did sunbathe for a while today. I must try to keep myself tan and
if the weather gets cooler, I won't mind being outside.
August 25, 1990 (Saturday)
Woke to a very chilly morning. It felt more like October than August. Did
some exercises, had my Pero and was out for my walk by 6:25. I put on my
canary yellow skirt and matching sweatshirt and I had to walk fast to
keep warm. Took Mary to the fruit market where I got melons, beans,
onions, apples, pears, tomatoes. When I got home I went down to a yard
sale 2 houses beyond the junior high and I found a LL Bean rag sweater
for Don and a pretty cardigan for me in a wine color for 750 each. Then
when I got home this time I stayed. I cleaned both bathrooms and then
went outside and cut back the jasmine in the south yard and I cut off all
the blackened leaves from the gold dust plants. Then I made lunch and
then made the dressing for the turkey. I took Don to get his lottery
ticket, and then we went to the library so that we could get books. Read
and then I pinned up my hair and then later took a shower. We talked to
Jenny and she sounded as if things were going okay for her on the job.
She hopes to get a car this week. Niki wasn't feeling well and didn't
come to the phone. She was asleep and her Mom couldn't wake her. It
sounds as if things are not good in Australia. They too are having
financial problems. I got dressed in my dress of the coral and white
blend. I felt I really looked very good. We went to Dale's for the
History Faculty Reception. Neither of us had anything to drink. I wasn't
going to drink when I had to drive. I have decided we are not going to
another one of those. I felt out of place. There are so many new people
and except for a few old stand-bys I don't know anyone and the new ones
really have no reason to get to know us. I felt awkward and
uncomfortable. Kind of a shame to dress all up for such an occasion. Don
is watching the 49ers playing the San Diego Chargers and I am going to
read.
August 26, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up to a cool morning. Read a little of the paper. Cut coupons for
product and then went for a walk before getting ready for church. I wore
my blue denim jump suit. I like the top but not the pant part. I wonder
if I could find some material like it and have a skirt made? Probably
impossible. Picked up Mary and took her home after wards. When I got back
I took Don to buy lottery tickets and then home. Changed my clothes,
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made an apple pie, put the dressing in the turkey and at 12 it went into
the oven. Then I had my lunch; prepared the potatoes for boiling and set
the table cuz Priss, Jackie and Dimitry were coming for dinner. Then I
finally sat down and typed a letter to Jenny and Niki in Australia. The
turkey turned out just fine. It was a very good one. I put cantaloupe,
grates and nectarines on one plate and relishes on the other. The adults
had drinks before dinner. Dimitry didn't want coke today but rather he
wanted tea, so I made it for him. The conversation went well. Priss was
at her best and everyone had a nice time. They left and we both realized
that we were very tired. I was going to walk but it was cloudy so I
didn't. Ed Mizel called about 3 times during the day and just as I was
getting out of the shower he called again to say he was coming out on the
6th or September. Neither one of us thought that was very good idea but
what could one say. Then Don and I talked about it and while we were
doing that Ed called again to say he had decided not to come out right
now. We are all doing things the way we think they should be done and how
we would have done them when we went to college, but Ed may not see
things this way. It is a puzzlement.
August 27, 1990 (Monday)
Bidwell - I woke up at 5:30 so I cut short exercises and then was able to
get a walk in since I left at 6:35 and was back a little after 7. Lovely
morning for walking. Then I got dressed, tried on about 4 things before I
wore black slacks and top. I felt I was going to Bidwell as a student
instead of working there. Right now I feel fat around the waist so
nothing looks right on me or so I feel. Had a busy day. We registered new
students and then I worked on files in the office. Went home about 9:30
cuz my black shoes hurt my feet. Went home for lunch and Don was back
from Dr. Shaw's and he doesn't have to wear the patch in the daytime any
more and the night cone till a week from Wednesday. Had a meeting after
school at 4 pm with Cerras, Hopper, 2 school psychologists and one
Special Ed teacher plus me. A Chicano boy from Chico Junior has been
involved in gangs and lots of fights. The meeting lasted till after 5! I
rushed home and made a coleslaw, heated mashed potatoes and gravy and Don
cut up turkey so we ate rather soon considering I had made nothing ahead.
Got a letter from Jerry today and a flyer from Matt and Lisa. They have
canceled the big wedding and will be married in Texas instead. I am glad
I went off the pills. Don got a headache in mid-afternoon and is
miserable tonight. I talked to Priss. I was going to wash my hair but
then decided not to and I was going for a walk but really I am just too
tired so I think I will pin up my hair and go to bed early.
August 28, 1990 (Tuesday)
Bidwell - Wrote to my sister. Woke at 3 am cuz I went to bed too early
and then dozed off and on from then till 5 when I got up. Made oatmeal so
one knows that fall is around the comer. It tasted great cuz I had a
little bowl. Went for my walk and got dressed and
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was at school at 7:30. Wore the light turquoise slacks and matching knit
top and the white cotton jacket. I worked hard today. I called in all the
students for Emma and me about course changes, wrote them up and made
schedule change forms for Debi. Typed up a list of students who were
below 50 credits for last year and typed up a list of students from 6th
grade who would benefit by the Best Program. So I earned my money today.
When I got home Don was just about ready to go up to school. He talked to
the woman in charge of Dimitry's program and Don found her very
impressive. Then he went to the seminar and instead of 10 people there
were 16. It sounded as if it went very well. But he came home with a
headache and was very tired. I had made myself a turkey sandwich, had
sliced tomato and some frozen brownies. I fixed him a hot turkey sandwich
and the tomatoes and he finished up the pie. We sat outside so he could
have a cigarette. Then he came in and took a pill and went to bed. While
everyone was gone this afternoon I finally got a letter off to Pauline.
Jason had a 4 pm class and then was getting a haircut and then he was
eating dinner at Maurio's. We got 2 adorable Father's Day cards from
Jenny and Nikki. It is celebrated in September in Australia. So since
they were not here in June, they wrote funny and sweet sayings on them
and Don was so pleased. Well now it is 20 to 9 and I am going to read for
a while. I don't know if I will be working next week at Bidwell or not.
August 29, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is 8:30 and Don and Jason are watching a James Bond movie and I have
just taken a shower and feel fresh and clean. This has been a busy day.
After breakfast I did my walk and then at 7:15 I was off to the Food For
Less to get groceries and at 8 I was at the Cannery so was home before 9.
Put the groceries away. Don went to run errands and since I had bought
some lemon furniture oil I decided to do the dining room table and that
lead to the cabinet in there and then on to the living room where I did
all the furniture and it all looks great. Then I watered and fed the
houseplants and then I washed the kitchen floor and ironed the clothes I
had washed yesterday. By then it was lunchtime and then Cathy appeared
and we had a wonderful visit. She ate lunch and then was going over to
the Home Health deal where she plans to work 2 days a week. Just working
2 nights a week at the hospital isn't bringing in enough money. Got a
letter from Pauline about the war. Made a good dinner: turkey ham, green
beans, creamed potatoes with cheese, cukes and tomatoes and chocolate
cake with whipped cream. We had a drink before dinner on the patio and
then it was just Don and I cuz Jason had a late class. Watched the news,
went for my walk and then I wrote a letter to Matt and Lisa in Texas
since they had to cancel their wedding in Florida. I told them about our
wedding cuz I thought they might derive some comfort from the fact that
you can have a good marriage without a fancy wedding. Called and visited
with Priss. Tomorrow I work at the Discovery Shop in the afternoon.
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August 30, 1990 (Thursday)
We keep waking up later. Don has been taking something to make him sleep
and it is working. I did my walk but I was much later than usual and so I
got involved with junior high school and McManus. Won't do that again.
Then I shampooed my hair and set outside and cut a lot of plants back,
like daisies, Dutch Iris, etc. Daisy loves it when we are outside. Then
it was time for lunch and I got driven to work at the Discovery Shop. I
wore my aqua slacks and top. We had a very busy afternoon and we made
$231+. It was a very good day. A Mexican family came and bought $101+
worth so that certainly helped. I had thawed a hot dish, got out French
bread and washed the salad greens so dinner was a snap and there was
leftover chocolate cake. Jason was fine tonight at dinner. He talked
about the logic class and was friendly. I read the paper and checked that
Grenage's had dropped all the sale things to $10.99 so I drove over and
there was the beige knit slacks but when I tried them on they were too
big and they didn't look all that good. But there was a pair of black
ones in rayon and linen that had been $61 and fit very well so I bought
them and then I went to Penney's and got two lunch bags that are bright
shiny plastic and look like shoulder bags. They were $10 but with 50% off
they were $5 and I got one for both Linda and Jenny. Got home and called
Priss and chatted and Don had talked to Dimitry earlier cuz he was to
interview someone under 18, someone middle age and someone over 60, so
Jason, Don and Jackie were the ones. Mike just called and we had a good
talk. They are going on a cruise to Canada and he is going to give some
speeches and everything will be free.
August 31, 1990 (Friday)
Well this morning we got up at 5 and somehow I got to Stars at 6:15
although it was touch and go. Worked out with the floor exercises till 7
and then came home. Instead of walking early I waited till 9:30 and went
first to Long's where I had 2 free coupons so I got a L'Oreal lipstick
($5.75) and a pair of panty hose free! I got some coupons in the mail.
Then I walked around the Mall till the stores opened at 10. I wanted a
long-sleeved black turtleneck but couldn't decide whether I liked the one
at Miller's well enough to buy it. Went to Brooks and found a pimento, a
white and a black short sleeved cotton T's that had been $16 down to $4
each so for $12 I got 3! With the great bargains in hand I walked home in
time to eat lunch. Don had to take Dimitry some place so I went out in
the yard and cut back the oleander bush cuz Daisy was at the Vet's having
a bath. The doctor called and said her skin was so dry so we are to give
her 1 teaspoon of animal fat and 1 teaspoon of salad oil in her food for
each cup of dry. In 60 days her coat is supposed to be much better. We
shall see. I made waffles for dinner and the man had a lot of them.
McEnroe played and won today in the U.S. Open. Jason seems to like his
Logic class. He talks about it a lot. Don and I were planning to make
love tonight but he got a headache again. After dinner I drove way out to
Ross thinking I would find a top
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that matches my blue knit slacks but no luck. So now I have showered and
shaved my legs and Don has gone to bed and I shall read I guess.
September 1, 1990 (Saturday)
Woke to a real chilly, but clear morning. Went for a walk and was back by
7:30 so I could pick up Mary. I got a lot of things at the market:
Tomatoes, cukes, grapes, eggs, green and wax beans, corn and the first
almonds of the year. I have to buy a lot of them cuz we want to take some
to Niki and Karen when we go in November. Linda called to say they would
be down later in the day cuz Hal fell last night and broke his hip and
he's in Eulae. And Craig wants to see him. I got busy around the house
after I got home. Changed the flowers, neatened things up. Made a potato
salad. Made a full recipe of chocolate cake. I got some more of those
green cantaloupes so I fixed one of those and so when they arrived in
late afternoon I was all ready. We had leftover turkey ham so I sliced
that with pickles and cheese and there was the good French bread from
Lucky. Linda was fine and it was so good to see her. She ate with us at
the regular time and then Craig came from the hospital so I fixed their
dinner. Then he went off again and Linda, Don and I sat in the back yard
and watched the moon come up and talked. I asked for and got a Manhattan
and Linda had a bourbon and water and Don had sherry. Then Linda and
Craig went off and Don and I went to bed and we made love but it didn't
work out very well but still it was nice to try and be together. Linda
and I walked after dinner and it's always so much fun to be with her and
we talk a blue streak.
September 2, 1990 (Sunday)
Note to Australia. I am writing this by the light of four candles. About
an hour ago we heard a big noise and the power went out and it's not back
yet. Jason has since gone out and Don has gone to bed. It was a busy day.
Mary called to say she was not feeling well and was not going to church
so Don went with me. No one else was up when we left but when we got back
both Jason and Linda were at the table having breakfast. I changed my
clothes and went for a walk and then when I came back I cut up the
chicken and sauteed it. Fixed the green beans and washed the salad
greens. Cathy with Rose and Marijeanne came in and went with Linda to
look for appliances for the house. Then it was decided that Don and Cathy
would go to see "Assumed Innocent" with Harrison Ford. They went to the
2:45 one and Linda took the girls to do some shopping and then they came
back here to watch TV, I ran two loads of wash and did my ironing. Fixed
some melons. Set the table for dinner, etc. Craig and Linda left at about
4:30. Craig was not able to talk to the Dr. about putting Hal in rehab so
he experienced a rather frustrating time. He hopes to settle things
tomorrow after the movie. Don and Cathy picked up Dimitry and then Cathy
and the girls went home. We had chicken, rice, green beans, green salad
and cornbread then David and Don talked and then Don took him home.
Dinner conversation is rather strained. Then I walked. Talked to Priss.
Heard that Fred Wynn had died.
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Then the lights went out and now at 9:30 they are back on. I finished the
book Julian's House by Judith Hawkes. I liked it very much but I thought
the ending was something of a let down. I am tired so I am going to bed.
Tomorrow is Labor Day for what that is worth.
September 3, 1990 (Monday)
Since this was Labor Day, I tried to labor a bit. Anyway, we got up about
5:30 and after breakfast I did a 30-minute walk. Then I swept the floor,
driveway and sidewalk and then hosed down the driveway cuz some birds
have a nest in the tree overhanging it and they make it very messy. Don
went to breakfast with Carl and Mac. Then he sunbathed and I got my lunch
and then went off to Stars and there were no floor exercises but I did
all the machines. My gray tights came in and I paid for them. They were
$14.95 and I tried them on tonight and they are very nice. I plan to get
a gray T-shirt or sweatshirt to match. When I got back, Don and I went to
Pay N Pac and bought 4X8 and 2X8 latticework deals for the vines we are
going to put in. I made those little pizzas on French bread, made a cole
slaw, sliced some ham. There was some chicken left over from yesterday
and with chips that was our dinner. Jason says his dad is coming tomorrow
and he will eat at the Yakich's, which works out cuz Don has his seminar
tomorrow night and he will be eating late when he comes back. After
dinner I watched the news. I tried Priss but she was on the phone. So Don
and I went for a walk and when I got back we tried again but she must
have been taking Cinders for a walk. So I took my shower, brushed my
teeth and now I plan to read. Then after a while we went to bed and with
some false starts finally Don was able to do it and so all is well.
September 4, 1990 (Tuesday)
I really got my exercise today. First I did my usual morning routine.
Then I went for a long walk. I came home and dusted the furniture and ran
two loads of clothes. At 9:301 went to Stars and did the machines and
then stayed half an hour with Cathy cuz she was so good. Each time I stay
late less and I am proud of that. Then home, change of clothes and then
lunch. Afterwards I walked to the library and worked for 2 hours. Typed
35 cards and then shelved a good load of books. Don picked me up and when
we got home I made Don a milkshake cuz he had to leave at 4 for office
hours before his seminar. David Yakich is here for a few days so Jason
went to eat at the Yakich's so I was alone. I realize I am rarely truly
alone. I suppose if I was in that position fulltime I don't think it was
so great but once in a while it's nice not to have to cater to anyone. I
made scrambled eggs with ham and onion and a lovely big piece of toast
and I made the green bean salad so I had a good dinner. I was listening
to the news when Don got home. He was having great trouble with his eye
working with the other one and he had a hard time reading his notes. He
felt that he had not done well or at least the students didn't respond
very much. I fixed him the same dinner I had had and then I went for a
long walk before
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calling Priss and visiting with her. Then I read Gone to Soldiers. I have
read it before but I like it very much.
September 5, 1990 (Wednesday)
Well, this was an interesting day. We got up late this morning and it was
the one day I didn't have to do that. I rushed around and had to give up
on the walk cuz too much was going on. At 7 :15 I left for shopping and I
rushed through Food For Less and the Cannery. Since Safeway had a sale on
doughnuts, I bought a dozen. Then home and I got everything put away
before Patty Logan arrived to talk about staying in the house while we go
on our trips. She is 28. Seems very sensible and she liked Daisy and
Daisy seemed to like her. We asked her what she would consider a fair
amount to be paid and she said $50 a week and since we had thought $10 a
day that was fine. We will work out details later. Then the phone rang
and it was the Durham Elementary. Marijeanne had fallen on the playground
and broken her wrist so they thought. Cathy just started a new job today
and David was camping so Don went to get her and took her to Convenient
Care where they X-rayed it and put a cast on. Cathy stopped by for lunch
and found out that Marijeanne was here with a broken wrist. Then I had to
get ready to go for my interview at Bidwell. I changed clothes about 4
times before I finally settled on my navy blue dress with the white trim
that I bought in 1983. Got there at 1:05. Had to write a lengthy essay on
confidentiality and then I went in to the interview with Paul C., Bob C.,
Barbara A. and Kathi Theile and a man who works in the drug program. It
was very friendly and I felt it went very well but the catch is Bidwell
has two days and I can work only one cuz I can't make over $9,225. Well
we shall see. Came home and changed my clothes. Gave Marijeanne a snack.
Later her mom showed up and they left. Jason was going to be out with his
dad so I fixed us grilled cheese sandwiches, chips, sliced tomatoes and a
fruit salad with whipped cream. Watched the news. Packy called and went
over to see her kitchen and to get a book. Don and I went for a walk and
when we came back I did a light pruning. When I got in the house Don had
a terrible headache and had to go to bed. I showered, read and now I can
well go to bed.
September 6, 1990 (Thursday)
Bidwell - It got real warm today. When we got up it was cool. I did a
very short exercise routine, had a small bowl of oatmeal and my Pero,
read a bit of the paper and then went for a walk and it was most pleasant
plus there was a gorgeous sunrise with gray clouds trimmed in deep red
and then they all turned peach with the moon still looking full in the
west and the sun coming up in the east. Breathtaking. Then I put on my
aqua cotton slacks and the aqua and white striped sweater and off to
school. Barbara told me that I was the best interview she had ever
witnessed and everyone agreed with her but I won't get the job cuz it's
going to be 3 days a week and I can do only one. In a way, I am relieved.
There is so much to do and I find that I get weary. Well anyway I saw
Emma's
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and my students today and then just at the end they called from the
office and asked if someone would take Mrs. Rowe's class and I went down
to a large class of 7th graders who had been so rude and rowdy that they
had made the teacher cry and she walked out. I really read them off but
they were a noisy bunch and she is going to have trouble. Went back after
school and Mr. Roop was there and he suggested having the parents come in
and sit with the child and I suggested Mr. Hopper come in tomorrow and
observe. Got home and fixed a can of beans to put in the oven. Fixed hot
dogs, cottage cheese and a fruit plate. I had a cuke and tomato sandwich.
Watched some of the news, found two Holiday coupons in tonight's paper
that had some good buys on fruit so I went to get some. Then called Priss
and we had a good talk and then Don and I went for a walk. It had started
to cool off. Don is feeling lousy and I will be glad when he sees Dr.
Shaw on Monday.
September 7, 1990 (Friday)
Bidwell - Nice morning. Not as dramatic as yesterday's sunrise but nice.
I had a good walk. Wore white slacks, black top to work. No word yet on
who they are hiring for the part time job but I will be working next
Monday and Tuesday. Came home for lunch and visited with Don who went to
Jackie's afterwards for their luncheon club. Some of the people of last
fall are coming again. Richard Colvin who has an overprotective
grandmother is back but he seems in better shape. There was a new student
get-together during the last period today. I think it was a bit of a flop
but Barbara and Kathi thought it was good. Then home, changed my clothes
and made a tuna salad, sliced tomatoes and cukes, used the last of the
green beans and made muffins so it was a good dinner. Then the news and
then Linda arrived so since she was hot and thirsty and hungry, she sat
right down and ate and there was plenty of everything for her. We walked
later and had a good talk. It's so pleasant walking in the evening now
but pretty soon it will be too dark and then what? I guess I will have to
do it before rather than after dinner. Don called the school today to say
the paper from American Heritage had called and he will be in the Brush
with History section telling about their meeting with Roosevelt during
the war. It will be in the December issue. Then at 8:30, Marijeanne
arrived. David's back from biking and Julie and Rose were both going
somewhere for the night and Cathy works tonight so little Marijeanne with
her arm in the cast came in. She watched TV and was so good. When it was
time to go to bed, she went without any fuss. We are not only lucky with
our children but with our grandchildren as well. So at 10 we all went to
bed.
September 8, 1990 (Saturday)
This was a busy day. We got up at 5 and I did my exercise and drank my
Pero and read just a bit of the paper and it was time to go for my walk.
Not very cool this morning. Then I picked up Mary and off to Farmer's
Market: beans, corn, cukes, tomatoes, melons, eggs and we stopped at
Safeway for milk and half-and-half. When I got home, I
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put everything away and then I made a chocolate chess pie. While it was
cooking, I cleaned the stove, teakettle and counters and by then it was
lunchtime almost. Don was uptight this morning. Everything seems to be
wrong. He washed the car and when I came out to help, he snapped at me. I
am not very tolerant of that type of behavior. I feel very bad when he
gets headaches or his back hurts, etc. But when he is so abrupt and
snappy I feel like walking out and not coming back. I hope this doesn't
get worse with the years. My neck is bothering me today and I think maybe
working at school has something to do with it. I cleaned up after lunch
and since I had shampooed my hair this morning, I put on makeup and
looked quite nice. Linda came to get a perm but instead got a new kind of
haircut and she looks great. Cathy came from work and picked up
Marijeanne as I was leaving for the market. We called Jenny and Mike this
evening but it was not a good conversation. We were cut off in the middle
and had to call back. Mike wants us to bring Best Food mayo since it
costs $4 a pint there but we can't bring food out of the country. They
have bought a lounge and chairs but they won't be ready for weeks. I made
a good dinner: roast beef, browned potatoes and carrots, green salad,
French bread and a pie. Dimitry came for dinner and with Linda here it
was great. I stayed up to watch Twin Peaks from 9-11. Linda stayed for a
while but she was tired so she gave up but I stayed till the end. Crazy
but fun to watch.
September 9, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up late this morning. It was 6 when I got up and then Don and
Daisy hit the deck. By the time I fixed breakfast for Don, did my
exercises; there was little time to read the paper. Don's back hurt so he
didn't have to go to church. So I picked up Mary and Father O'Hara was
back but he was quiet and said very little although he gave a longer
sermon than usual. Maybe he hated to have their vacation end. When I got
home, both Linda and Jason were having breakfast and reading the paper.
Linda wanted to leave early but Cathy wanted to come over after mass so
she waited around till 10:30 and then left without seeing her and Cathy
arrived surprised that she had not waited. She and Julie stayed for a
while and then they left. I had gone for a long walk right after church
and I had picked up a dozen doughnuts cuz they were still on sale at
Safeway. We had lunch and then we went to Hubbard's where we bought a
crepe myrtle, 2 North Carolina jasmines with yellow flowers, a passion
vine and 2 pony packs of daisies that came to $4, a lot more than I had
planned to spend but now we have them and Don will be working on all of
it on Wednesday. Agassi lost to Sampras in the men's finals for the U.S.
Open. Jason went to Baba's for dinner so I had leftover roast sliced,
corn on the cob, fruit salad and cake with whipped cream. We walked in
the evening and then I showered and we read a bit and then went to bed
and made love and though it took time and was pretty complicated
eventually we were both satisfied and then I got up and set my hair. Back
to Bidwell in the morning.
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September 10, 1990 (Monday)
Bidwell - We got up to a cool morning. Fixed breakfast read a bit of the
paper and then went for a walk. It was a pleasant morning. Put my makeup
on and put on a pink blouse I haven't worn before and my purple skirt.
Didn't look great but okay. After I had been at work a little while, Paul
Carros called me in to tell me that I didn't get the job but then I knew
I had not when I was interviewed. Since it was for more than one period
and I couldn't do it cuz of the money going over $9,225. So then back to
work. It was rather a dull day all around. Don went to see Dr. Shaw and
now he can run and play tennis. Got home after school and it was really
hot today. Changed clothes and made a green salad, vanilla pudding and
spaghetti. Jason got home and was starved. After we ate and watched the
news I went out and started to cut down the bush near the rose bushes
that is dying. Then when it's out I will put in new rose bushes. Then
called Priss and she was in one of her prickly moods with a lot that is
none of my business but I get very annoyed sometimes. Then Don and I went
for a walk. When I got back I worked in the kitchen. I made a stew with
the leftover roast. Emptied the dishwasher and then played some
solitaire. The 49ers were right at the end and behind and then in the
very last seconds they won 12-12. I woke up Don to tell him since he had
gone to bed with a backache. I still have to take a shower since I have
one more day at Bidwell.
September 11, 1990 (Tuesday)
Bidwell - Another day at Bidwell but there wasn't enough to do today and
the time dragged. I did the usual this morning. Went for a walk. Did my
exercises. Fixed Don's breakfast, etc. Today I wore my black knit slacks
with a black short sleeved top and scarf. Now I am done for this weekend.
Tomorrow I will go grocery shopping and maybe I will even go to the
library to work in the afternoon. We will see. It got hot in the
afternoon but now it's cool again. The days are getting shorter. This
evening when I finally got out to walk, it was 7:15 and already the sun
was setting although there was a beautiful sunset cuz there were just
enough clouds to catch the rays and turn them into peach, then mauve and
then gray. Don had a class so Jason and I ate at the usual time. I ground
up the rest of the roast that I didn't put in the stew and made spread
for sandwiches and I cut up a green cantaloupe, made up some more pasta.
We had spaghetti again. Bush made a speech at 6 and talked about gulf and
the tax problem but this time did not get nasty about democrats thanking
countries. Don got home right at the end and I fixed his meal and then it
was time to put the bread in the oven. It rises so much and it's too
airy. Somehow I think next time I will put some whole-wheat flour in it
to try to make it a little more solid. I have to start planning for
Sunday and the little afternoon party we are having for all the people
who helped to get Dimitry here. Then Priss called us out to the country
club for dinner so that will be great cuz then I won't have to cook. Don
has gone to bed and I think I will read for a while before going.
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September 12, 1990 (Wednesday)
We got up at a little after 5. I did my exercises and then after my Pero
and the paper I went for a walk before leaving for grocery shopping. When
I got back Don went to rent a posthole digger so that he could put up the
trellis for the vine on the east side of the apartment. Then we had lunch
and I went off to the library to work for 2 hours. The library will be
closed on September 29th unless something or someone intervenes and comes
through with money but I don't think that will happen. I don't know what
I will do without a library since I read so much. I did 2 loads of
clothes, folded everything, ironed what was necessary and then dinner was
a snap cuz I had made a beef stew yesterday so I just made a green salad
and that was it. Jason has a late class so I set food aside for him and
Don and I ate. Then I went to Thrifty and bought a little hand vacuum
called a Red Devil and got extra parts with it so even though it was on
sale, it came to $57. Still I have always wanted one so I went ahead.
After I got back with that I swept the patio and watered the new Crepe
Myrtle that Don put in. He is in bed with a very bad back, which means he
should not do anything like this and we will have to get someone to do
the digging. At 8 I turned on Channel 9 and Bill Moyer did an hour of
Amazing Grace and since that is my favorite hymn, the one I want sung at
my funeral, I loved every minute of the program. Tomorrow I go over to
Alice's and I will get my 50-cent dress that she has fixed for me. I hope
it will look okay. Now I am going to read for a while before going to
bed.
September 13, 1990 (Thursday)
I am a stiff lady tonight and I will probably be stiffer in the morning.
Well let's get things in order. After breakfast I walked over to Alice's
to pick up my dress. This is the 50-cent dress I got at a yard sale.
Alice did a great job on it and when I asked how much I owed her, she
said she wanted a lemon pie. Well that makes things easy. We had a good
visit and then I walked home carrying my dress. I planned to go to Stars
at 9:30 but then Don said Jason had analyzed the digging for the 3 posts
and he suggested using light equipment and digging the hole by hand. I
was willing to try so I changed my clothes and with a little metal
spatula and a metal fork, I started on the first hole and Don came out
and together we got the three holes dug. Don went for a sack of cement
and we put the posts in and now we will have to wait for the cement to
dry and then we will attach the trellis. We had lunch and Don went to
sunbathe and I shortened my black rayon slacks and pressed them. I had
washed the sheets on our bed and I made up the bed. Then Cathy came and
we had a great visit. When the mail came, there was a long letter from
Jenny plus pictures of them and some of their house. Mike looks so much
older and taller and thinner. Then at 5 Don got Dimitry and Jason and
David and Don and I went to R-Fish. There is a lot of food but I don't
think it's all that great but everyone tried a lot of things. I think the
thing I liked best was the frozen yogurt with all the topping. We
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came home and Dimitry visited with Don on the patio and I called Priss
and then I went for my walk. Beautiful sky tonight. It's getting toward
fall cuz now there are clouds. No rain yet but there is a good feel to
the air. Don went to bed early with a headache and I have been looking at
Newsweek and now I think I will check out TV
September 14, 1990 (Friday)
We got up a bit before 5 this morning and it's now very dark at that hour
and tomorrow it will be more so. Very cool this morning. I went for my
walk fairly early and then went to Stars for the 8:30 floor exercises.
Had to stop at Dr. Perko's to get two sets of three each toothbrushes to
send to Mike. I did some of the machines but Roxanne was into doing a lot
of these little steps so I got up and left. Stopped at S&S and got some
lemons and that was good cuz I have to make a lemon pie for Alice next
week. Then on to K- Mart where I bought denim blue dye and tried on a
black long sleeved T-shirt but none were right. Came home and dyed the
pink 50 cent dress and it turned out just great and I ironed it. I am
thrilled with it. I dusted all the little things in the bookcase in the
living room and tomorrow we will have to vacuum and get things ready for
Sunday. I potted 2 sets of cuttings that have been rooting in the kitchen
window. Dinner was simple. Heated leftover stew fixed sliced tomatoes and
made biscuits. Tomorrow we can put up the trellis since the cement is
setting around the posts. Then we will put in the vines. Lots to do
tomorrow. I must make divinity and some little cookies, get the house
ready, etc. for Sunday and the people coming who helped Dimitry. Well, we
went to bed and we made love after we had sat on the patio and drank
vodka tonics. It was the first time in a long time when we both came and
it was good for both of us and we were so thrilled.
September 15, 1990 (Saturday)
This was a busy and productive day. Fixed the breakfast routine and then
a brief walk. I went over to the junior high too, to check on roses but
there was not very many. Went to the fruit market with Mary and got a
very pretty bouquet of pale pink dahlias, com, green beans, tomatoes,
cukes, grapes and melons. When I got home I put everything away, changed
my clothes and when Jason got up we put up the lattice part and Don
nailed it to the posts and it looks fine. Then Jason and David planted
the North Carolina Jasmine and debated about how to set the one in the
north yard. I ran two loads of clothes, made all eat lunch, popped corn
and ate a lot of it unbuttered and unsalted. Made divinity that turned
out just perfect. Cathy came and she had bought a new car, a Geo, blue, 2
door for $5,000, a 1990. She got it in Clacerville. She was so thrilled.
I made a new recipe of some chocolate squares and I will put them on a
dish along with the divinity. Made a good dinner: Com on the cob, green
beans, sliced tomatoes, rice and I got some pork steaks at Food Fair and
they turned out and good. For dessert another new recipe of stewed dried
apricots, prunes and banana sliced in at the end topped with whipped
cream. Don suffered all day from a backache and had to take very strong
pain pills. After dinner
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I talked to Priss and then went for a walk from 7-7:30. Don was in bed
watching football. Jason set up the TV for Twin Peaks and I am to record
it. I just hope I followed directions right. Tomorrow will be a big day.
September 16, 1990 (Sunday)
This was a busy day. Up early and off to church where we had a missionary
that makes Don impatient but this one wasn't too bad. Mary brought us
some very good figs. Then home. I made egg salad for sandwiches and I
soaked cuke slices for sandwiches. I arranged flowers for the living
room. Neatened things up and went for a walk. Checked out the McGuire for
County of Superintendent School's yard sale but didn't see anything I
wanted so went on from there for my walk. Pinned up my hair and then got
things ready for a 4 o'clock get-together for Dimitry. I had cut rounds
in thin white bread so I did the egg salad and cucumber, fixed a plate of
divinity and chocolate squares. Did the salsa, nuts, cheese sticks and
fruit sticks. Put on my coral and white print dress and at 4. David and
Jackie came and then Dale, but the Glouster's didn't arrive until after
4:30. She is very pretty. He is nice looking and they were much younger
than I expected but they didn't talk to Dimitry at all. The man did
almost all of the talking and he seemed to be trying to impress us more
than usual and they defeated the purpose of the whole affair. I am sure
David was upset. Finally we had to almost ask them to leave cuz Priss
called and we were not to come so late. We picked her up and had a drink
and the dinner and everything tasted just great. I had prime rib and
chocolate mousse dessert. I will weigh heavy tomorrow morning, that is
for sure. It was one of those evenings where everything went right with
Priss and she enjoyed it and so did we. A simply marvelous sunset on the
way home. When we got home, we put everything away and cleaned everything
up. Then Don went to bed and I stayed up and watched some of the Emmy
awards but I was weary so at 9:30 I came up and went to bed too.
September 17, 1990 (Monday)
I am a weary lady tonight. It all started this morning. I decided to go
to 6:00 Star's and by rushing around I made it. I got there at 6:15 and
did the machines till 6:30 and then I stayed with the aerobics till 7:15
- the best I have ever done but I was tired! Came home after stopping at
Safeway for milk, etc. Changed my clothes and walked for 30 minutes. Then
it was doing my things around the house till lunchtime. Got dinner and
went to the Discovery Shop to discover that I was to come a week from
Monday. So I will go this Saturday and then again on Monday. Well, I
guess that will be okay. Ed Mizel called while Don was gone to say he
planned to come out on the 4th of October. But I had to remind him that
Gail was coming that week and so he decided later in the day not to come.
And I forgot that the nurse at Durham Elementary called and Rose had a
temp and she couldn't get in touch with Cathy so Don went to get her. She
was very good. She ate well and watched TV. She said her throat hurt and
her head hurt but she felt good.
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Finally I got Cathy and she had been there all the time but worked last
night and was asleep. So she came to get her. She isn't feeling well
either. I made a potato salad, had hot dogs, sliced tomatoes and green
beans plus leftover divinity and chocolate squares from yesterday. Fell
asleep during the news. Talked to Priss and then walked for 30 minutes.
Cooked Daisy's chow over two huge turkey drumsticks, ramen, carrots,
water. Tastes great and she loves it. Took my shower, pinned up my hair,
which means I will have a terrible night and now I will watch a little
TV. I chose Murphy Brown and Discovery and they were both good. Then it
was really time for bed and off I went.
September 18, 1990 (Tuesday)
Up at 5. Did a few exercises, fixed pancakes for Don and then I read some
of the paper before getting ready to go to work. I wore my black knit
slacks, short sleeved black top and white cotton jacket. I walked to
work, which was okay but the sun was in my eyes all the way and carrying
my lunch and regular shoes makes it harder to walk. Still I enjoyed it.
The note left for me asked that I continue checking on juniors and what
they needed to graduate. I didn't mind doing that and I would much
rattier have something to do even though its dull than sit and try to
look busy. Kids did stop by with questions and I was able to take care of
almost all of them. It's always good to see Susan Bruce and Mini and we
managed to get caught up on what has been happening. Had lunch and talked
to Dorothy and Sharon. They have certainly not lost any weight. In fact,
many of the people look fat to me there. Don picked me up at 3:30. He
dashed off to school for his seminar and I quickly changed my clothes and
had something cold to drink. I made a huge fruit salad with kiwis,
peaches, pears, melon, grapes and pineapple. When Jason came home, I
fixed him bacon, eggs, toast, hash browns and the fruit. Watched the
news: Souter who I think will be confirmed for the Supreme Court, the new
East crisis, inflation, the deficit, well pretty much the same thing.
Atlanta will get the Olympics in 96. Then Don got home and this time his
seminar had gone very well but still he had a headache. I fixed his
dinner and then went off for my fast walk cuz it's getting dark so much
earlier. I had talked to Priss briefly earlier on. Jason took his first
math test yesterday and he got an A! Don spent a lot of time today
checking a tutor for Dimitry so he can learn the computer. Don just
checked with Ed and he thinks he should do it. I am very sleepy. Will go
to bed soon.
September 19, 1990 (Wednesday)
It's just about time to go to bed and I am ready. We got up a little late
this morning and since Don was having breakfast with Mary Bock and Nancy,
he really had to dash about to shave, shower, etc. When he left, I got
dressed and did a 30-minute walk and it was pleasant and cool. When he
got back, I decided to skip Food For Less and go to Cost Less Foods cuz
Cathy says it's so good. It's rather hard getting there and I was a bit
worried, but I made it but I didn't like the store at all. I got just a
few things and then
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stopped at S&S and got things and to Lucky and home. So I didn't buy all
that much. Put everything away and fixed my lunch and was off to the
library at 11:30. I typed cards, did some shelving and then stamped 500
cards. They think now that the city will carry them for another year. We
shall see. When I got home, I made turkey divan, fixed large green salad
and got out some bread to heat. We had a drink before dinner and ate by
ourselves cuz on Wednesday Jason has Logic from 4-7. We watched the news
and then I went outside and worked on digging the hole for the plant I
wanted to put in the north yard by the patio. I dug down 14 inches and it
was hard work and then Don came out and we decided that was not the way
to go so we dug down and put the two lattice pieces together and nailed
them to the roof and I planted my passionflower plant and cleaned up the
mess. Called Priss and then shampooed, showered, pined up my hair and
read. Don watched a program about Adlai Stevenson but got a headache. I
am tired so I think I will go to bed. Not much planned for tomorrow.
September 20, 1990 (Thursday)
Very hot and windy. Since I had washed and set my hair last night, I did
not sleep very well and I had a lot of dreams. I was glad to get up. I
did my exercises and fixed breakfast and read quite a bit of the paper.
Then Don went out and dug up the root of a bush that we had cut down last
week and I went for my walk. I average about 30 minutes each morning. I
don't know what I will do once it starts to rain if it ever does start to
rain. Ran two loads of clothes and then went to Stars at 9:30. Really
worked on the machines and stayed for about half an hour of floor
exercises. Stopped on the way home to get milk, cottage cheese, etc. This
was the day to make Alice's lemon pie to pay for the dress she fixed.
Then to please Don, I made one for him too. They both turned out okay I
took one over to Alice's and then went to a mall. Exchanged some
lipsticks that were not right and then tried on clothes in the mall.
Ended up with a nice short sleeved T-shirt for $2 and a black long
sleeved T-shirt for $12. Don picked up Dimitry at 4:30 and a young man
came here to talk about computers and he will give lessons to David. Then
David stayed for dinner. I fixed turkey sandwiches with gravy and a salad
and we had the pie. David had been to a Jewish holiday affair and was
making fun of how much the people had. I finally lost my temper and let
out that maybe it was rude not to eat. Took two pieces of pie to Priss. I
must admit that I was very envious cuz she had bought such a good-looking
black outfit at Grenage's. It was something I would have loved having but
I would never have bought it cuz it cost too much but oh how I wanted it!
Came home and read and Don watched a movie till he got a headache and so
he had to take a pill and go to bed. Talked to Linda. She is enjoying it
since the novel move. Lovely long letter from Jenny today. I am going to
read for a while before going to bed.
September 21, 1990 (Friday)
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Hot again but cooled off early in the evening went again to... Time was
when Friday night had great appeal cuz we were so young and it meant the
end of the workweek. Cathy had asked that Don pick up Rose and Marijeanne
at 4 at their house and bring them here for dinner and to stay till
parents picked them up at 9:30. They were to take Julie to a leadership
camp for Four-H up in the hills somewhere. Well, I started this day by
going for a walk at 15 to 8. Walked to the end of Lupin and to Cohasset
and Safeway to buy bananas, doughnuts and fake crabmeat. Stopped and made
appointment at 10 to have haircut at Beauty College. Got home and did the
ironing of clothes, washed yesterday, then went for haircut. Picked up
when I got home and it looks fine. Had lunch. Don went to lunch at
Joanna's and I went to 12:10 Stars. It was tone and trim and I stayed for
the full time. I like that class. Got home and made the crab salad and a
new recipe for chocolate cookies. Not great but okay. Don left early to
get the girls cuz he didn't like them being alone at the house. He met
them going home and helped them with the chores, which he said they did
very well. They get along so well and they came here and sat down and
watched TV and then ate a good dinner. Rose has a great appetite though
she is the thin one of the three. I watched the news and then I took the
girls to play at McManus and at the junior high while I walked back and
forth to get my exercise in. Called Priss this afternoon to tell her that
I would not be calling this evening and she was out anyway. Nothing
important in the mail today.
September 22, 1990 (Saturday)
We got up late so there was a bit of a rush to get breakfast into my
exercise and be ready to pick up Mary at 7:30 but I did it. Today it
seemed like fall at the market, not very many tomatoes or melons. I did
get com, cukes and some tomatoes and, as always, the green beans but no
grapes. I bought almonds again. Stopped at Safeway and now I have to
start saving receipts again cuz Rose's class is savings for a computer.
When I got home, I decided to defrost the freezer. In doing so, I found a
whole lot of almonds that had been cured but not salted so I did 3 big
batches of nuts. Now the freezer looks great and is organized. Of course,
I soon forget where I have put things. Went for a long walk looking
around for a yard sale I had seen advertised but didn't know where at. I
was hungry for hamburgers so Don barbecued and we had them, chips, the
com and some more of the cookies I had made yesterday for the class. No
Twin Peaks tonight at 10 so I took my shower early and Don asked if I
wanted a drink and I did so we went outside on the patio so he could
smoke and I had a vodka tonic. But it got too cool so we came in and I
had another one and then we went to bed and made love and it was just
great this time for both of us. What a nice thing to have happen and so
to sleep. Talked to Jenny and Niki but it was one of those times when
things didn't quite go right. Jenny had failed her driver's test again
and she was upset about that.
September 23, 1990 (Sunday)
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Rain! Woke up to a bright morning. Picked up Mary and went to church.
When I got home I changed my clothes and did the long walk, North Avenue
to Lupin to Cohasset at Safeway and home. Picked up bananas and
doughnuts, but told Jason and Don that, since they had come up in price,
we would have them just once a week. Made a great dinner: chicken, milk
gravy, carrot souffle, tossed salad, mashed potatoes. Jason ate at Bob's.
Priss brought over some of her bourbon cake, which is always delicious,
and I decided to make things fancy so we had wine. We lit the candles and
it was nice to be by ourselves. The 49ers won today but Don thinks they
are not really playing very well. I wrote a long letter to Australia and
a shorter one to Mike and Karen who should go aboard the cruise ship this
evening for their 7-day trip to Canada. Mike will have to do 3 lectures.
Late in the afternoon, it started to cloud up and then after dinner it
became a rainstorm with thunder and lightening. I managed to get a walk
in before it actually rained but it was sprinkling and it felt good cuz
it was cool and fresh out with a breeze. The Civil War II program started
tonight on Channel 9 and it was two hours long. Don got a headache and
had to quit but I stayed. However I did fall asleep for a while. Still
it's very good. I think I was just tired. Anyway then I too went to bed
and it was still raining a little bit.
September 24, 1990 (Monday)
Well, this was a busy day. I made oatmeal this morning. In fact, I had
some myself. I did my exercises and then I went for a walk before going
to Stars at 8:00. Before I left, I put the dining room curtains in the
wash and when I got back I put them in the dryer, changed my clothes and
then washed the walls in the dining room and in the kitchen around the
stove but it's the ceilings that really needed to be washed and I can't
do them so I will have to think about calling the people in Paradise who
do ceilings. Then I ironed the curtains and Don helped me put them up.
They look nice and fresh. Then it was time for lunch and then it was time
to go to the Discovery Shop. It was really a dull afternoon. I made $102
and I brought some things home. I think I will wait until Linda comes on
Friday. I will try things on for her and ask her what she thinks about my
choices. Got home and went right to work on the dinner. Made more boiled
potatoes to mash, had the ones left over. In fact there was leftovers and
I had the carrot souffle, made a huge fruit salad so it was a good dinner
and, Jason, who had missed out last night got to have as many potatoes
and gravy as he wanted. Then the news and then I called Ann Dolan but she
can't come over tomorrow afternoon since she baby-sits but she said we
would get together. She seemed fine. Don and I went for a walk and ended
up at Safeway to buy milk cuz we were just about out. Then I took a
shower, watched the Civil War till 20 to 10 and then I was just too
tired.
September 25, 1990 (Tuesday)
We woke up to a cloudy morning. I had heard the rain in the night but it
was just a little sprinkle cuz everything was dry this morning. I walked
early and at was pleasant and
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cool. When I got back, I washed and set my hair and then went out and
finished cutting the hedge in front of the house - a big job. When I got
done it was time to get ready for Stars. I got there at about 20 to 10.
Did the machines and then did 20 minutes of the floor exercises. Very
good but rather tiring. Came home and pretty soon it was time for lunch.
Then Don laid down but I stayed in the kitchen. I made mayo, cut up
carrots for Don's lunch each day. Made a piecrust and made half with
cheese and half with cinnamon and sugar. Fixed Don a cup of tea to go
with the tarts. Then he and Jason went off to work. I called Priss and
had a long chat with her and then wrote to Pauline. Then fixed dinner:
Bacon, eggs and pancakes. Jason and I ate together and then when Don got
home, I fixed his. His class had gone well and he was pleased about that.
He made us a grocery list for tomorrow's shopping and I have planned my
menus for the rest of the week. Linda called and we had a good talk. She
will be down on Friday afternoon and I look forward to that. Now at 8 I
must go watch the Civil War. Stayed the whole time. It's fun watching
with Jason.
September 26, 1990 (Wednesday)
We got up before 5. The paper keeps coming late and Don gets very upset
about that. I did my exercises and then I was off for my walk. Nice
morning. Came upon a man who was talking to himself. Looked like a
homeless person and he scared me. I had to go by him and then I walked
very fast not looking back and my heart beat very fast. Glad to get home.
Didn't say anything about this to Don. Then off to grocery shopping.
First to Food For Less and I got a lot of good buys. Had lots of coupons
too and that helped. Then on to the Cannery and then home. Had lunch and
then got ready to walk to the library. Just about then, Cathy arrived to
have lunch but I had to leave. Worked hard typing cards and then did a
little shelving before 2 PM came. Don picked me up and when I got home I
made a coconut cake with fluffy white frosting. Fixed a good rice dish
with leftover turkey, green beans, cukes and tomatoes. Jason had class
till 7 so Don and I ate and then we watched the news. I was reading the
paper when I got to the obituaries and saw that David Groshong was dead.
That was Joyce Menke's second husband. I then went for a walk and when I
got back, Jason was home so I fixed his dinner and then called Priss who
told me that David Groshong had committed suicide. He was very ill and
was going blind. We will go to the funeral on Saturday. Then I took a
shower, pinned up my hair and then went to watch the Civil War. Tomorrow
I go to Pleasant Valley.
September 27, 1990 (Thursday)
Pleasant Valley - A busy morning getting ready to go to Pleasant Valley,
making lunch, etc. I wore my old navy blue slacks and a navy top but
needed a sweater when I walked to work. Only bad part about walking is
that I have to carry regular shoes and a lunch so can't just swing along.
It was a really dull day. Finished checking junior transcripts for a
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few students but that was okay. Don picked me up at 3:30. There was a
letter from Mike with a Christmas list. I got to work, checked the fridge
and came up with leftover green beans, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy,
rice. So I put all those things in little dishes and then made tuna
salad, sliced some tomatoes and some bread. Heated the ones that needed
it and that was dinner. Tomorrow we will have hot dish and salad and
Linda will be coming. The District Office called and Emma was in the
hospital and I am to work tomorrow and all next week. Now I must
rearrange things about Discovery Shop and I still have the jury deal
hanging over my head on Monday. Will talk to Paul about this tomorrow
after dinner. I went for my walk and then talked to Priss before the
Civil War. I ironed the Chinese red shirt I got at the Discovery Shop for
$2.50 and decided I would wear it tomorrow at Bidwell. It's linen and
says it has to be dry-cleaned. Will have to think about that. Then at 8,
Don, Jason and I sat down for the ending. It was a strange and terrible
war but as the man said at the end, "Before the Civil war, we talked
about the United States as "we" but after we said the U.S. is ready etc."
So at last we really are united but I think to this day people in the
south still feel that they should not have lost the war and of course one
wonders how and what would have happened if Lincoln had not been killed.
I understand Sherman better, Grant and Lee.
September 28, 1990 (Friday)
Bidwell - Back to work this morning. We got up at 5 and had breakfast.
Read the paper. Did my exercises and then went for a walk before getting
dressed for work. I wore my black long sleeved T-shirt, the red linen
long skirt that I decided to keep from the Discovery Shop, black belt and
black hose and shoes. I really felt dressed up and everyone seemed to
like it. I am not quite clear about Emma. First I heard it was a blood
clot in her leg and then later in the day it was not a blood clot and she
was about ready to go home but when I talked to her late in the day, she
said she was flat on her back. Couldn't get up to go to the bathroom or
eat and it would be all the next week probably cuz even when she goes
home she will not be able to come back to work right away. I had a busy
day settling in and running around trying to get caught up. I had a hard
time trying to get someone to take my place at the Discovery Shop on
Monday. I still won't know till Sunday night about jury duty so until
then. Don vacuumed the house today and I watered the plants when I got
home. Jason ate at Baba's. Don and I had bacon and tomato sandwiches and
I made a macaroni salad. Then Linda arrived so she had something to eat
and then we went for a walk. She said she had the flu this week but she
looks great. Don got the presents for Dimitry. He got him a light for his
bike, batteries for it and a book on American idioms and a very good
card. Jackie got him a "Chico Street West" shirt and Linda went to Tower
World to get him some tapes so he will have presents. Linda and I stayed
up till 10 just talking. We always have so many things to talk about. I
know that Don wanted to make love but he realized that Linda would have
to talk to someone since Jason went off with his friends.
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September 29, 1990 (Saturday)
This was a very busy day. When I got up, I made those Pillsbury rolls
that everyone is so fond of. Did a few minutes of exercising and was out
walking at 5 to 7. It was still cool then but ready I was in shorts. Then
it was the fruit market. Pretty much the same things as always. If the
hot weather continues, I suppose things will continue to grow. Got home
and pinned up my hair. Then decided to wear my navy blue dress with the
white on the cuffs. Don even put on a sport coat and we went to David
Groshong's funeral at the Episcopal Church. Rev. Pew did the service and
it was very good. The church is beautiful and the Menke girl sang.
Someone played the violin and someone played an oboe solo. All the music
was good. Joyce invited us over to the house for refreshments but we said
no. Don was feeling shaky so he stopped off at home to eat and I went to
the hospital to take Emma all her mail. She thinks she will have to be
there for at least 5 more days but she was in good spirits. Rushed home
and got out of my nylons, dress, etc and ate lunch and then made bread.
This time I used 3-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour and it turned out very
good. Linda went off to the Dr. Thompson's house for the daughters
wedding. Cathy came by with the girls. I ironed clothes and folded things
and got everything put away. Then I made brownies, put the hot dish in
the oven and made a big tossed salad. We ate dinner, which tasted great
and then we sat in the living room and Don got out the albums. We sat
together and spent a wonderful hour looking at them laughing and crying
but having a great time. Then Linda and I went for a walk and were back
before dark. She was tired and decided to go to the apartment to read and
sleep so Don and I sat on the patio with our gin and tonic to watch the
moon come up and then we went to bed and tried to make love but it didn't
work and so to sleep.
September 30, 1990 (Sunday)
A busy, busy day! We got up at 5:30. Made breakfast. Did my exercises,
read a little of the paper but not much. The Chronicle is so big on
Sunday that it's overwhelming. Still when we lived in Albany, I read the
New York Times rather thoroughly so maybe I am getting lazy in my old
age. I don't remember there being so many bad things in the paper at that
time but maybe I just don't remember. I put on my gray skirt and navy top
and we were off to church. Picked up Mary on the way. We pay $30 a month
now. We paid $50 until we retired but many people put a $1 in each Sunday
and that is all so I don't feel guilty. When we got home I changed my
clothes and did my walk and picked up about 8 walnuts so when I got home
I decided to crack out the ones I have been picking up. I never take them
from the sidewalk or lawns, just the street when the cars drive over them
anyway. I got about half a pound coffee can. Sugared and cured them in
the oven and put them in the freezer. Then I washed windows, the ones in
the TV room and the living room and then I did all the mirrors in the
house, which means 11. Did all that before lunch. Then I read for a
while. Talked to Linda who then left at 1 for Safeway. Then Cathy dropped
off the three girls. I had polished all my silver jewelry this morning
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and found some of the little necklaces that were not valuable so I put
them out and let the girls each have one. I have started to think about
who will get what. I don't plan to die soon but it's something to think
about. I don't want any hassles after my death if I can avoid it. Then
went outside and replanted the China Doll plant that was horribly root
bound. Then after the girls left, I made dinner of leftover macaroni
salad, com on the cob, baked egg bread (first time I ever made that),
scrambled eggs and tomato slices with brownies for dessert. Don and I
went for a walk and then I showered, shampooed and set my hair. Will
watch Twin Peaks at 9.
October 1, 1990 (Monday)
An exhausting day. I walked after breakfast and then got ready for work.
I had pinned up my hair last night so didn't sleep too well. I wore white
slacks, white top and my peach colored linen jacket. It was a very busy
day. I didn't know what to think about Emma. Every day the doctors try to
do something different. First, she was to have an I.V. for 5 days to thin
her blood, then she was to lie still for 5 days and then today she
called, shortly after I got to work and she is to start walking right
away. What will tomorrow bring? I saw a lot of students today and was
very busy. When school was out I walked home, hot and tired, and then the
rush really began. I changed my clothes and I stayed in! I put eggs and
potatoes on to boil, opened a can of beans and fixed baked beans and put
them in the oven. Then I made a potato salad, sliced tomatoes, washed a
cantaloupe and sliced and washed grapes for a fruit platter. The thing
that really angered me was that Dimitry called and told Don he wasn't
coming to dinner cuz he had karate, Don found out, however, that karate
wasn't till 7 and he would have plenty of time to get there. I was so
mad! Here I was after working hard all day, knocking myself out for
another man who had no idea of all I was doing for him. Well anyway he
came with Jackie and opened presents: a light for their bike, batteries,
two tapes (Linda had bought cake) a book of American idioms, and Jackie
got him a big sweatshirt. I don't think he really got much for all this.
Right now I would be happy never to see him again but of course we will
see him again I realize. I guess I am just too tired and Don is always
doing this kind of thing. Sometimes I think on my deathbed Don will
expect me to get up and cook something fancy for someone he has invited
to dinner. I laid down after they left to rest a minute before going for
my walk and fell asleep and when I got up, it was late, so I called Priss
and heard about her bridge game and then I thought I should do something
about my hair, taking a shower and get to bed early and maybe I will be
in a better mood tomorrow. This is getting to be a hideous week. I just
know it and then on Saturday, Gail will be here.
October 2, 1990 (Tuesday)
Why am I so tired at night? When I am not working I can do a lot of my
cooking in the early part of the day but now when I go to work at 7:35
there is little time to do much
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cooking, so that leaves everything after 3 PM and by then I could care
less. Working full-time at 71 is a lot different from doing it when I was
41-51 etc. I just hope Emma gets well soon. I had problem students today
too and that didn't help. Tomorrow I hope to leave early so I can get my
grocery shopping done after school cuz we are going to eat at Priss'
tomorrow evening and I would rather not go shopping in the evening, but
Don will be leaving Thursday morning so I must do it tomorrow. Well back
to dinner. I made macaroni and cheese, a green salad, canned peas, to
please Jason and vanilla pudding to please Don and Jason. I ate by myself
and then Jason got back from his class and he ate. Then we watched TV.
and there was a plea for the budget that Congress will be funding soon
and then Mitchell talked for the Democrats but I am afraid it will not
pass cuz the Congressmen are thinking more about getting re-elected then
about saving the government from a bigger debt. I got up and went for my
walk and just as I was coming home, Don came back from teaching his
seminar, so I fixed his dinner and then cleaned up the kitchen, took a
shower and pinned up my hair. I don't have to go to bed in rollers, but I
don't have to get a perm right now, but rather I have to wait till just
before we leave for Florida. The moon is almost full tonight and the wind
that blew so hard today has died down, so it should be a good night for
sleeping. Now I have to figure out what to wear to school tomorrow.
Germany is reunited today and there is a big celebration going on over
there. I can say that would be great, I just hope we don't spawn another
Hitler. A year ago no one would believe that this could happen. Thinking
most faced this war in many ways.
October 3, 1990 (Wednesday)
I woke up about 4 times in the night and each time I had to go to the
bathroom, very annoying. Well I had pinned up my hair and I hope that was
one reason for waking up so many times. We got up before 5 and I got a
lot done. I watered the plants, folded the clothes, washed the sheets and
even had time to play a game of solitaire. Today I wore a navy and denim
skirt, red and white blouse, and my red shoes. I had bicycle duty before
school and I stayed too long and my feet hurt. When I came home for
lunch, I changed them. I am amazed that more kids aren't killed what with
all the cars bringing kids to school and those on bicycles and
skateboards or just walking. I stayed out there for 15 minutes. Then I
called Emma, we had a good talk, and then I typed up the material for a
3-year review on Guy Estrada. Went home for lunch and then came back and
finished checking on progress reports till last page and I had asked
Barbara if I could leave early and she said okay so I got home and Don
and I went to Food For Less and the Cannery. I seemed to buy more than
usual, but that always happens when Don goes with me. Still I am glad he
would go with me so I am not complaining. Came home and put everything
away and then we went to Priss'. We had a drink and then she made waffles
and had lovely sliced ham and there was a huge fruit dish before, it was
so very good and it was so nice not to cook dinner. Jason had a class
from 4 - 7. I had fixed a lot of stuff for him to eat, but he had eaten
before he went to class. I walked this morning before work and
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this evening after we got home. Now, it was dark shortly after 7. The
moon is full tonight and it is lovely out. Enemies in a Love Story, that
was what Don got for us to watch tonight, but it did nothing for me.
October 4, 1990 (Thursday)
We got up at 4 but it really didn't seem any different from other
mornings. In fact, the paper was even here early. Don left at 5:30 as
planned so then I had a lot of extra time so I folded clothes, and ironed
things that needed it, watered the outdoor plants and then went for my
walk and what a lovely morning. The sun was just about to come up in the
east so there was a lot of color and in the west, the full moon was going
down so it was breathtaking walking in either direction and the birds
were starting to sing, but they sounded sleepy, came back home and put on
my white Cherokee slacks, cotton sweater- pale aqua and white. Started
out first for my bicycle duty and then called Emma. She was discouraged
this morning and not good. I wish she had better doctors. I think Dr.
Masen is probably nice, but I don't think much of his methods. Then I
worked on progress reports. Talked to some students, but starting
tomorrow, I will have to talk to a lot of them. Came home for lunch and
Daisy was all over me. Went back and at 1 there was a study meeting that
was interesting and worthwhile. Got home late, after 3, swept patios and
driveway. Jason said Mike had called, so I walked back but he was
teaching class and didn't go back after dinner. We had grilled cheese
sandwiches and a salad for dinner and I made fudge and it turned out just
great and we both had too much. Linda called and we had a good visit.
Then Don called and it didn't sound as if it is going very well. Gail put
a teakettle on the stove and forgot about it and set the apartment on
fire and there was a lot of damage. I said she was already being
difficult so it doesn't look very promising. I called Irene Addy to check
if I could come to help tonight, but it was all done so I explained about
working but I would try to come on Saturday then I took a shower and
pinned up my hair. Had a good visit with Priss. Then I will rest for a
while and then go to bed.
October 5, 1990 (Friday)
This is a very tired lady who is writing this tonight. Daisy got me up a
little after 5 this morning so I got up and did some exercise, had my
juice, some Cheerios and my Pero. Daisy didn't seem to have to go outside
so I went out with her for a little while. I did my walking to the end of
N. Avenue and got some nuts on the way, then I got dressed in my gray
skirt and navy top which was very comfortable, stayed for bike duty this
morning but was too hot by afternoon. Talked to Emma and it was going to
be at least another week so I will be working 5 more days at least. I
think it will be nice to have the mornings but I just know I don't have
to do it but I won't back out now. The rest of the day was busy, busy cuz
the progress reports reached home and mothers and fathers were calling
and wanting to know why their children had gotten an F or a C or
whatever. I
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was to have the teacher call whether they are coming in next week or I
was to call their children on that very night. I wrote notes to teachers.
I called kids in, I made announcements, and by the end of the day, I was
ready to drop! Reached home and fed Daisy and thank goodness this time
she ate. Jason was here and we visited. I washed his clothes, vacuumed,
and dusted the place and it looked very neat. Since Bill had mowed, I
started the watering. We talked about eating out or getting a pizza but
Jason continued teaching so I ended up with the old faithful tuna salad,
there is also baked beans left and cottage cheese to go with them and I
fixed bread with Best Foods and parmesan. Mike called and I had a long
talk with him and he told me all about the cruise that they just left. I
went for a very fast walk to the end of North Avenue. The sun was setting
and the sky was a riot of hot pinks, oranges and reds. It is 7:15 and Don
has not called yet. I don't know what the scoop is. I am a bit concerned.
I think I will rest for a while before I head to bed. Better get to bed
early cuz tomorrow is going to be a very busy day indeed. But, I went
out, turned on the TV, and watched Children of the Bride till 11 and it
was good.
October 6, 1990 (Saturday)
I got up at 5. Didn't go for a walk this morning but I got right to work.
In fact, I made the chocolate cheese pie before I even had my Pero. Then
I did the dusting while it was cooking. I had to leave at 7:30 to pick up
Mary and I had to drive the old car that is now Jason's. It is a menace.
I almost went right through the windshield and was very, very tired.
Someway I got thoroughly resentful of Don. Why am I left here without a
decent car. Next time he gets an idea like this one he can rent a car but
leave me with some kind of transport. I got stuff at the market, took
Mary home and went to Lucky to get carrots. Went home and made carrot
souffle, fixed the game hens in the marinade for dinner, fixed the green
beans and then had a late lunch and then Don called and he was at the KMart just a little ways from here and Gail was buying clothes and it was
an hour before he got here with her. I forgot that before lunch I went to
Gibraltar and cashed my checks and I was the only person in the bank.
Anyway, they arrived. Gail looks like a caricature of her mother. Her
hair is dyed black and she wears no makeup. She talks constantly. Don has
had it and can't stand to be with her. Well, I listened, but I must admit
it is hard. The wind blew all day so I decided it would not work to
barbecue so I cooked the game hens, the souffle I had made, the cranberry
Jell-O salad; so I just cooked the rice and we had tomorrow's dinner
tonight. We had a drink before dinner and the food was good. The pie was
good too. Then I went for a walk and then we called Jenny and Mike and
they are fine. Don got Witness and we watched that and then Don got a
headache so he went to bed. Jenny got her driver license finally and she
was pleased about that. I did stay up for Twin Peaks but it bored me this
time. I don't think I will watch again. Was in bed by 11:10.
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October 7, 1990 (Sunday)
I got up at 5 and I did all my exercises for a change since I have been
slacking off these last few days. I know that I didn't have to do any
cooking cuz I had done all that yesterday. I went for a walk and it was
chilly out today and then I came back and tidied up. Put on my black
skirt, black top and black shoes and had a silk scarf. Don decided not to
go so I picked up Mary and on the way home I stopped for doughnuts and a
cinnamon roll for Don. I changed my clothes and went outside with Daisy
and raked leaves and cut big bushes, dug up violets (they were in the
borders and taking over) and managed to be outdoors for about an hour.
Then it was time for lunch and I washed and finished my yard, took a bath
and sat outside in the sun. It was lovely, not too hot and just right for
dozing. Came in but didn't watch the 49'ers. They were losing when I
checked about them but then they came through, 24-21. Are they going to
do that every season? Played a little solitaire and Gail came out to talk
to me and talked about cribbage so we played a game and she wasn't
thinking. She has an obsession on the size of men. She checked Jason out
and then said he could still grow for 2 more years. She talked about Don
all the time and how short he still is. She brags about how tall Brad is
and I said on stage tall and bald. She brings out the worst in me
unfortunately. Dinner was a snap! Hamburgers, green beans, potato salad,
cucumbers, tomatoes, and chocolate cheese pie. Gail didn't eat the pie,
she had some store bought chocolate chip cookies. We watched the news.
There was a debate between Feinstein and Wilson for Governor, so Don and
I went for a walk. I must admit that we talked about Gail the whole time.
By then he needed to get some of it out of his system. He vows he will
never see her again. We are going to call and write, but that is it.
Anyway, tonight I must do my nails and get ready for work tomorrow. I
tried Priss but no answer. I will try again.
October 8, 1990 (Monday)
We got up right after 5. I had made oatmeal and I fixed Don's breakfast
and then went to do my exercises when Gail appeared with a blanket and
heard her saying brother dear did you fix me some tea and some oatmeal,
etc., etc. I felt like screaming cuz it sounds so false. Thank goodness I
was in the TV. room or I am afraid I would have said something. Anyway, I
came in and had half a grapefruit and some Pero. I then got ready to go
for my walk. It was really chilly this morning. Wore my dark red wool
skirt, black top, hose and shoes and a wine red silk scarf. School was a
zoo. There usually is so many phone calls and I called students in. Then
a little while before lunch Don appeared to tell me that Gail was taking
the limousine to Sacramento tomorrow and there will be no trouble to
Glacerville and Don is not going at all. When they started to talk about
it, she started to lay down all the rules and he just said no. She ranted
and raved and threatened, but finally gave in. I dreaded going home for
lunch but she acted as if nothing had happened. I worked hard all
afternoon and then got home before 3:30. It was easy to make dinner. I
had thawed a hot dish, made a green salad, Don got sourdough and I made a
blueberry
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crumble and Gail loves blueberries so dinner was okay and then we watched
the news. Congress still has not come up with a bill that Bush will sign.
When will this end? The parks are closed but the mail will come Tuesday
and the air controllers are continuing to work. At 6:30 I went for a long
walk and there was a beautiful sunset but by the time I got home it was
almost dark and I was gone almost half an hour. It gets dark earlier and
earlier. I called Emma and she is getting much better. Called Priss but
no answer. Took a shower, pinned up my hair. I didn't get in to have a
perm right now and will have to get one on Saturday.
October 9, 1990 (Tuesday)
Well, this morning Gail went in the limousine to Sacramento and caught
her plane in Chicago. She said goodbye when I left for school and said
how nice it had been here and so who knows why she really felt that way
or was just facing the problem, thinking she seems to forget so much at
times that maybe she forgets her temper tantrums but I found it very
upsetting the way she talked to Don. Does she love him or hate him or
does she know? It is a puzzlement for sure. I had a busy day at school
with mothers calling and demanding things for their children and
sometimes I could do what they wanted and sometimes I couldn't so I was
tired by 3:10 when I left. I came home and changed my clothes and visited
with Don for a few minutes and then he had to go off to his class. I got
all the leftovers out of the fridge; potato salad, broccoli, carrot
souffle, grapes, cantaloupe, Jell-O salad and I sliced and baked some
bread, put out chips and sour cream and Jason and I ate, saving some of
everything for Don who came at 7. Jason registered to vote and so we
talked about the election and the propositions. I am beginning to enjoy
his being here more and more. He was so good when Gail was here sitting
quietly at the table and not making any wise remarks, though he said he
wanted to. I went for my walk after I ate and then Don got home and we
visited while he ate. I had called Priss at 4 so I didn't have to call
after dinner. We seem to miss each other's calls. We call at different
times now. Anyway, Don was just about to sit down to rest and Dimitry
called and he wanted to talk to Don cuz he wants to go back to Russia! He
must be very lonesome and I think he is under so much pressure about the
Tofel. I will have to wait till Don gets back to find out what the
problem is.
October 10, 1990 (Wednesday)
A long trying day. Dimitry wants to go back to Russia and I have to go
back to being unemployed. I talked to Emma this morning and then she
thought she was going to have an upper G.I. this morning and then she
thought she might be able to go home this afternoon. But will she be able
to go to work on Monday? That is the question. I saw a lot of students
today and tomorrow is a real killer. I have a meeting with a parent about
4 teachers at 7:30. A parent is coming in at 10. I can get my flu shot at
11, and I have an IEP meeting at 3. I am falling asleep as I write this
and it is only about 8:30. When I got
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home from school, I changed my clothes and then Don and I went to Food
For Less, the Cannery, and the Day and Wonder Bread outlet. When we got
back home we put the groceries away and then I put the turkey in a dish
in the oven and then I made a cabbage salad and got out fresh bread. Don
and I ate and I watched the news and then went for a walk. Priss stopped
by and brought some chopped fruit and some coffeecake left over from
Family Service Coffee that I missed this morning. Then Dimitry called to
say that he still plans to go back to Russia and Don said he would bring
him over Saturday and they would talk. I wore my new black rayon slacks
today and they looked nice. I wore them with the black cotton long
sleeved T-shirt and it looked nice. Now, I want a perm so I won't have to
pin up my hair every single night. I am going to read for a little while
and then go to bed. Dull day, dull life.
October 11, 1990 (Thursday)
We got up at 5 and since I can't go for a walk, I did my exercises, made
breakfast and then decided what to wear; my old black watch plaid skirt
that I bought at Oser's 20 years ago, wore navy hose, shoes, and top. At
7:30, I had a parent conference with 4 teachers that lasted till 8. Then
I saw students and then at 10:30, I had a parent conference. At 10 to 11
Don picked me up and we went to Dr. Wooding for our flu shots, dashed
back home and fixed cottage cheese and a peach with raisins and back to
school. Saw more students and then at 3:05 there was a Special Education
meeting with Mrs. Gabriel and 2 different parents and I didn't get home
till 4:30 so it was a long day. I got home, didn't even change my clothes
cuz Jason had an appointment to have his hair cut at 5:15, so I cooked up
some noodles and made a mock crab salad, and opened a can of soup and had
French bread. Then even though it was early, I decided to forget the news
and went for a long walk. I didn't get to go this morning and so I had to
do double time tonight. When I called Emma this morning, she said she was
going home in just a little while so now this means she can go to work on
Monday? I wish I could be in next week but I will be happy if I don't
have to. Still $500 would be nice. Then there is the problem of Dimitry.
He went up to school and checked out of the program for taking the Tofel.
Don and Ed have been talking back and forth all day. Ed is coming out
next weekend and that will mean more work for me but I like Ed so it
won't be like having Gail here although I felt sorry for Gail. Don is
watching Glory and I guess it is very good. I must get ready for tomorrow
and decide what I am going to wear tomorrow.
October 12, 1990 (Friday)
I am back to school, thank goodness, through Friday, but this will
probably be the last one cuz when I talked to Emma today and she said the
doctor told her to stay home and have bed rest till Wednesday and then he
will decide, but she hopes to be back on Thursday. In a way I would like
to work all week cuz that would be $500 and that would come in handy when
we are taking trips soon. It was a very busy day at school. I wore
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my gray knit skirt and navy top with the navy sweater, but I didn't
really need it very long. There were parents and kids and all kinds of
things and I didn't seem to have a minute to catch my breath. Kathleen
took a personal leave day and I miss her when she is not there cuz I am
fond of her. Don hopes his dean talked to Ed Mizel about Dimitry or he is
talking to Dimitry. Anyway, when I walked home it was just about time to
take Dimitry to the Sizzler. I know he is determined to go back to Russia
and Don thinks that Ed is just about ready to say he can go back. He
talked to the parents with an interpreter and they want him to stay. In
fact, I know they want to come. It will be interesting to see what
happens when Ed comes out here next Friday. Ed has told Don that Gail had
asked him to drive her around to look for an apartment. He said he
couldn't but he reserved a car and driver for her and he gave her $100.
It was nice of him to do that but a mistake cuz now she will use him like
she does with everyone else at the Sizzler. Dinner was a flop. Dimitry
said how hungry he was but once he got his food he left most of it on his
plate. When we got home he and I cleaned with some new stuff. Don called
and then Jason took him home. Later we had turkey and then we went to bed
and made love and it was great for both of us. How great for a change.
October 13, 1990 (Saturday)
I don't have to get up this morning, in fact, I slept till 6:30 and Don
had eaten when I came out. I had cooked Daisy food last night and left it
in the oven so I added the Raman and when it was cooked, I put it in
containers. Went for my walk and there was a beautiful sunrise with the
moon color coral and then a jet flew by catching the rays and making a
long coral riot. Breathtaking. Went to the Food Market with Mary and got
torpedo red onions, delicious apples, green beans, carrots, 3 persimmons,
kiwi, tomatoes, and almonds. Stopped on the way home and got a dozen
fashions cuz they were on sale for $3.19 a doz. A year ago they would
have been $ 1.99 a doz., then home and then back to Holiday for a
pineapple, bananas, and yams, to Safeway for a turkey ham piece and then
home. I washed the kitchen floor on hands and knees cuz it was so dirty,
I couldn't stand it another day. Don had vacuumed and tomorrow I will
dust and clean the bathrooms. Then off to Connie's for a perm at 11. She
was pretty pushy about me going to the beauty shop for my haircut and
perms cuz of the low price and kept saying what a terrible cut I had. I
just made up my mind whether I liked the one she gave me or not. When I
got home I took half pound of ground beef and made spaghetti sauce and
then I made chili with the other half pound. We will have it tonight with
fruit and French bread. Dale S. called to say that everyone was going out
to dinner on Wednesday and inviting a woman who will bring Jackie two
surprises for her. Her birthday is Thursday, but she is going to a
conference and won't be here. Now, we have to think of a present. Now it
is 8 PM. We have all evening and seen the news and I have gone for a walk
and we have talked to Linda and she gave us some very good ideas about
Dimitry and she asked that we call Mike and get him in on it. I talked to
Priss and she sounded lonesome so I invited
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her to dinner for tomorrow night. Jason has gone off for the evening and
Don is very tired so he is going to bed early and I may do the same thing
myself.
October 14, 1990 (Sunday)
It is 8:30 PM and I have taken my shower, shaved my legs and anyway I
sound dumb to write this. I have a raving headache. I drank strong tea
but that didn't seem to help so before I go to bed I must take something
cuz my neck is hurting too and that is a bit much. Daisy came in at 4:15
this morning and Don got up and went to lay on the lounge and we all went
back to sleep for a while. I forced myself to get up at 6:30. At 7 I
called Mary and said we would not be going to church. Somehow I just
can't force myself to get dressed so early. I just hope Mary understands.
After I had read the paper I made the pie crust, fixed the green beans,
segmented red grapefruit and had the fresh pineapple, grapes, and kiwi
and poured some triple sec over it. Then I went for a brisk walk. Came
back and made and ate my lunch, made the pumpkin pie and got the turkey
ham out. Even fixed some almonds and got a coffee can full to put in the
freezer. This just to put in the freezer. Mike called and after hearing
about Dimitry said it himself he was to get him to a psychologist. Don
said it won't work and Mike said then why did you call? I told Don I felt
that he had said indirectly that he didn't think Mike knew what he was
talking about so he called up and apologized. We will wait to see what Ed
thinks. So dinner was all set: ham, candied yams, fruit salad, green
beans and pie. Priss came at 5 and we had a drink and told her about
Dimitry and then we ate dinner. She brought us some chocolate pudding
cake and I sent her home with pie. We had a pleasant visit. It gets dark
so early now in the day that when she had gone it was too late to walk. I
started reading September by Rosanne Pilcher and I think I will enjoy it.
The Ginger is on at 9 - 11 and I loved the book but would be just too
late and since I have to work tomorrow I must not think of watching. I
hope this is my last week at Bidwell. I like it but I have many things I
want to do and I can't do any of them as long as I am working, and my
neck will hurt as long as I work, I am now sure.
October 15, 1990 (Monday)
About the same time as last night and why am I just as tired and each day
my neck hurts a little more and pretty soon I will be like I was last
year at about the first of November. I have to be over this by the time
we get to Florida. When I am tired and I hurt I get cross and testy. How
do people who have long Lingering illnesses remain civil. I shudder to
think what I will be like when my time comes. We got up at a reasonable
hour, did the usual breakfast things. I took my quota of vitamins: all
purpose B complex, E, 2 C's, lecithin, A, calcium, estrogen and a
thyroid. I just hope all these things help to keep me healthy. Some
doctors say everything and some say if you had a proper diet don't take
any. Who is right? I really wonder, but I am scared to quit. My black
slacks and top have a silk scarf. It was a nice morning and I enjoyed my
walk but anyway when I left at
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20 to 7 it is still almost dark. Then off to work and what a busy, busy
day. Barbara and Kathleen never had time to catch their breath. I wasn't
quite as busy, but I had plenty to do and then Paul borrowed my
typewriter so I didn't get to type up my notes before I left for the day
so I will have to do them tomorrow. Went home and made creamed potatoes
with cheese, sliced them and made a huge green salad. We had Priss'
chocolate cheesecake for dessert. But before we ate we went over to
Wagner's. I wanted to buy a desk organizer for Don but they couldn't find
one. They usually move things around and maybe that was the reason. Well,
that sort of put me off and then after dinner I drove to Pay Less cuz
they had some light canvas shoes on sale that would have been great to
take on the trip but they didn't have my size, naturally. So I came home
and Don and I went for a walk and then I ironed the clothes that had
piled up over the weekend and then brushed my teeth. Put my drops in my
eyes, called Alice W. and heard about Andy's wedding to the girl from
Paraguay and now I am finally going to read. The first time that I am
doing something I want to do!
October 16, 1990 (Tuesday)
It was a cool clear day. When is it ever going to rain? I walked this
morning, but now at 20 to 7 it is still pretty dark and walking is not
fun. And to think just a few months ago it was already too warm and
bright to be walking. School was hectic and busy all day. Mrs. Wells
called me first thing this morning and read me off in no uncertain terms
cuz I had moved her son from Math 3 to Math 2 without calling her. The
boy was thankful to go but his mother had a different attitude. Niki says
she drinks when she is not working and she said she wasn't working this
week. Oh well. We had a student study meeting and that took up time too.
Niki said it was Boss's Day so she got each of us a bouquet of roses.
Talked to Emma and she was getting a perm and she sees the doctor
tomorrow. Don had his class so after he left at 3:45, I cleaned the
bathrooms, watered the plants, made a grocery list, fixed oatmeal, made
waffles. Jason went to Baba's for dinner so when Don got home we ate the
waffles, sausages, cheese and pickles. My neck hurt so much by then that
I laid down with a heating pad and dozed a bit and then took a hot shower
and was in bed by 9:30. I just hope and pray that tomorrow when Emma sees
the doctor that she can come back to work. I am tired of the school thing
and since my neck bothers me so much, it is agony to be there and I don't
have enough clothes to be going.
October 17, 1990 (Wednesday)
Another day and at the end I found out that I have to work Thursday and
Friday cuz the doctor told Emma that although she is getting better, she
should wait till Monday and then it may be just half day. I suppose I
should be glad cuz of the $200, but still. Well, now I went for my walk
before and picked up 8 walnuts. I put them on the table over the hot
water heater so they can dry and this weekend I will crack them and cure
them in the oven. I pick only the ones in the street. Then to school and
I was busy all day. Talked to
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a lot of parents on the phone and talked to a lot of kids. I don't know,
did I solve any problems? Did I make anyone feel better? I keep asking
myself things like that. I am happy to make the money but there has to be
more to it than that. I came home and changed clothes and went for a long
walk and that was great. My neck is really hurting but since I know there
is nothing to do about it, I am trying hard not to let it get me down. At
school Kathi called and asked me to work half a day on Thursday and then
a whole day on the 30th, so I will be very glad when Nov. 8th comes and I
don't have to go anywhere. I changed my clothes again and put on my black
skirt and top and tan hose and black shoes and at 6:30 we went to the
Albatross. It was a surprise birthday party for Jackie. The Steiner’s,
the Parker's, Billi and Kirk, Don and I and Jackie. We had drinks at
dinner. I had rib roast and Don had filet. Don had wine and then there
was a birthday cake and we all sang and the waiters did too. It was a fun
evening and everyone seemed to have a good time. Jason had a late class
so I made him a grilled cheese sandwich, ready to cook, and chips and a
fruit salad and I left instructions. He seemed glad to see us when we got
home. Now, Don is in bed and my neck hurts. But I must go to bed myself
cuz it is much better when I lay down.
October 18, 1990 (Thursday)
A little bit of rain! This week is going, unfortunately, very slowly.
Tomorrow will be the last day and then on Monday, Emma will be coming
back, I hope. We woke up at 5:30 and it was very cloudy and by the time I
went to school, it was raining! By then it stopped and started about 10
times and never did rain very much. I think it has forgot how. Anyway, I
didn't go for my morning walk and I hate to miss that. I had a hard time
trying to decide what to wear and ended up wearing black slacks, white
top, and black sweater. It looked okay. I am tired of all my clothes and
I feel very outdated in everything I wear. Not all that much happened at
school today. I didn't see very many students and didn't make too much
effort to do so. I will be working at Pleasant Valley next Thursday, and
then the following Tuesday, so that means two more days and then I hope
there is a brake but I must admit the money is nice. Came home and we
drove to Food For Less and then to S&S. It was their anniversary and I
got 10 lbs. of potatoes for 79 cents, pistachios for $1.99 a lb., and
vitamins. C, 100 mg-100 for $2.00, so I got a lot of stuff. Then at home
I unpacked and put everything away and then fixed salad greens and made
the salad, cooked the spaghetti and heated the sauce and cut the French
bread. Very simple dinner. I was going to make dessert, but just didn't
have time. At 6 I went for a long 30-minute walk. It stopped raining, but
it was cloudy and damp and not pleasant. Took a shower, put a lot of
clothes in the w. machine, and now I am writing this. Well, tomorrow Ed
comes and it will be interesting to see what happens with Dimitry. Will
he win and get to go home? We will be eating at the Albatross again and I
finally decided what I will order this time. But it will be nice not to
have to cook dinner.
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October 19, 1990 (Friday)
My late day and that is the way it turned out. I did my usual morning
routine. Wore black to school cuz that was what we were supposed to wear
today. Today was the first time that there was very little to do. I got
the first page of my weekly ready to S and Niki. Went home for lunch and
then in the afternoon Emma came. She used one crutch and she wore a brace
around her waist that she said helps a great deal for the pain in her
back and I had thought it would be rather awkward but she sat and talked
about all the students and since she had gotten a warning commentary on
each one, it was easy to discuss them. So then when she got ready to go,
I went to the lunchroom and it was just about the end of the day and the
cake and coke party for those from the honor roll was getting over, so I
stacked paper plates and cups and then came home. Don was here and Ed was
at the motel. The he went to pick him up and take him up to school to
meet the people in the program that Dimitry knows too. Jason and I
chatted about the election initiatives and then Don brought Ed here and
we visited while he called Dimitry and then off to the Albatross. Jason
went separately, as did Carl. Ed, Don and I had not thought it was so
wise to call, but that was a good move on Don's part cuz he had studied
Russian History and during the war had studied Russian so was a big help
on the conversation. Well, when it was over, we drove back here and then
Ed and Dimitry took off. We won't know till tomorrow what happened
between them. Dimitry looked strange with his moustache and his funny
jacket and his long hair in back and I think Ed must wonder what he got
himself into. Well, we came inside and had drinks and talked about them,
went to bed and right in the middle of a very fine time when Daisy began
to bark. Don got up and dressed and went around and couldn't see or find
anything so he came back and Daisy did it again and he got up again and
then she gave up. Tomorrow is another day.
October 20, 1990 (Saturday)
We got up at 5 on a chilly but clear Saturday morning. I did my exercises
and since Don was going to play tennis with Ed and then go to breakfast
afterwards, I didn't have to prepare much. At 20 to 7 I went for my walk
and it was still partly dark, but by the time I got home, the sun was
coming up. At 7:30 I took Don over to Ed's motel and then went on to
Mary's and then to Farmer's Market. Thank goodness this time the lady had
eggs and I got 3 persimmons and some very good apples, a new kind
originally from Japan, green beans, some tomatoes, etc. Stopped on the
way home at Lucky and Holiday and bought stew meat and ground beef
depending on what we decide on for dinner but Don was home and said that
Ed insisted on taking us out. So I went outside and cleaned up the patio
and then did a little trimming of bushes, etc. Came in and made lunch for
Don and me. Read for a while, then Alice came, bringing me large mums of
many colors and we visited. I cracked out the walnuts, I have been
picking up on my walks, and then I showered and put on my faithful green
skirt and navy top. For $1 at McGuire's latest
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yard sale I got a tea towel, a red sweatshirt and a black cotton top. We
talked to Jenny and Niki. Niki was all excited about a big program they
are presenting. Jenny looked tired and overworked. At 6:30 the 49'ers
were up. At Rubino's the food was okay, but not great. It was an awkward
affair with people trying to make conversation. Then back to drop off
Dimitry and Jackie was back from her conference. There was a letter for
Dimitry from Russia and although earlier he had said he would stay till
the semester, after reading the letter he told Ed he wanted to go home
after Thanksgiving when he went to Chicago. We came back here and the men
stayed up and talked and I read in the bedroom. Then we went to bed. Don
was tired and discouraged.
October 21, 1990 (Sunday)
We got up at 5:30. Don didn't go to church cuz he and Ed were having
breakfast at Denny's. I dropped him off before I picked up Mary. When I
got back I changed my clothes and then I made egg salad and ham salad for
sandwiches cuz Don had said he would bring Ed back here, then I went to
the Mall looking for a black skirt, knit, mid- calf. I checked Genney's,
Brooks, Casual Corner and then at Grenage's there was a dress, it cost
$58, plus tax (it was petite) and it fit just right, so I bought it. When
I got home the men were eating the things I had fixed and I ate a bit and
then I went for a long walk, down another creek, crossed over and came
down to the other side of the bridge and down the road. When I got here
Ed had left for the airport, so then I got to work. I made a meat loaf,
put potatoes in to bake for twice baked, made rolls, made angel food
cake, fixed green beans and made a fruit plate. It was a very good dinner
and we all enjoyed it. After dinner, I walked just to the end of N.
Avenue and back and then I finished the book, September by Rosanne
Pilcher. I enjoyed reading it. Now to turn to Dimitry. I think he will
regret going back to Russia. He says his parents want him to come but I
don't think that is really true. His father and mother are not getting
along and the father intends to come to the U.S. and she planned to come
closer to Moscow. How important the girl is who he says he loves, I have
no way of knowing. He did not level with Ed on this at all. I think he is
a very immature young man who has been terribly spoiled. I have no idea
how intelligent he is cuz it is hard to judge since although he knows the
language very well, I don't think he understands it all that well. I
don't think he is very smart and he simply doesn't seem to have any
ambition. Why would he want to go back to Russia where he has no job, no
future, where Jews are badly treated and where both his parents want to
leave? His grant notice has a little to do with this too and it is all
very strange. Don and Ed have spent hundreds of hours and Ed thousands of
dollars and all for nothing.
October 22, 1990 (Monday)
100 1/2 pounds at Stars this morning. My first free Monday in 3 weeks and
it was nice. Got up in time to do a little bit of exercise and then off
at 6:30 and Stars. I got there just
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in time to start the floor exercises and I stayed with them till 10 after
and then did the machines and left at 7:30. Got home and changed my
clothes and did the ironing. Then I did the salad greens and dinner and
fixed my lunch and dinner. After I ate I went downtown before going to
work at the Discovery Shop. I went to Bradley's since they are going out
of business and are having a big sale. I decided on a lot of things but
ended up just buying a black and white silk scarf for myself and a pretty
one for Karen to take to her for her birthday and a pair of black socks.
Went very fast over to the cotton pants, but I didn't have time to try
any on. Then to the Discovery Shop where I worked till 4. I had a good
time. Pat Dobbin worked in the back room and I like her very much. I
brought a lot of things home, but will keep a blouse in a rust and white
stripe for $2.00 and some knee socks. The other things were either too
big or too small. When I got home I made rice and a very good stir-fry. I
added some bread and that was dinner. There was leftover angel cake. I
finished that. I went for a long walk this morning when I got back from
Stars and I walked again after dinner. I had a long visit by phone with
Priss and then I shaved my legs and took a shower. I have just finished
reading the paper and now I am so sleepy, I must go to bed.
October 23, 1990 (Tuesday)
Well I don't recommend going to bed at 8 PM every night but I must admit
I definitely feel rested today and I wasn't stiff or sore from going back
to Stars yesterday. I got up before 5 and before 6 I ate, had my Pero and
washed and sat my hair. I watered plants, dusted and used my red devil to
get up dog hairs, then I combed out my hair and went for a long walk,
picked up walnuts on the way. When I came back I got ready to go to Stars
and was there to do the machines before doing half of aerobics. Then I
went to the Discovery Shop to pay a bill from yesterday. I decided on the
dress I had paid $1 for and since it was big, and cotton, I put it in hot
water and the dryer shrunk it. Will iron it tomorrow. Came home and ate
lunch and then sat outside for the first time in weeks, if not months. It
felt good but then I got hot and my hair got frizzy and I had to take a
shower. Went to the Mall and bought a necklace for Karen's birthday on
the 16th of Nov. Saw another scarf I got her at Bradley's, that should
due it. Will wrap it later. Then I made bread and chocolate chip cookies,
the best I have ever made. Don took some to Mary Bock when he went to his
seminar. While he was gone I got the spaghetti ready to heat and I made a
salad and fixed bread to eat. Watched the news and made notes so I could
tell Don over dinner. Called Priss and visited with her till Don got
here. Then I lit the candles and we had a nice dinner together. Then we
sat down and went over the ballots to decide what we were going to do
about the initiatives. David Yakich is here with his girlfriend and their
dogs. Jason ate dinner there tonight. Later we had a Manhattan, which
tasted wonderful and then we went to bed and made love and it was
wonderful. What a great way to end the day.
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October 24, 1990 (Wednesday)
This was a busy day. I did very little in the way of exercise, read the
paper and drank my Pero and then went for a walk. It is still almost dark
when I start out but I can see the sun coming up by the time I get home.
Then I went to Food For Less and the Cannery and then to the S&S Market,
and to Safeway for milk and to Lucky also, it was after 9:30 by the time
I got back. Don was having breakfast with Carol and Mac but Jason was
here to help carry things in. I put everything away and by then it was
time to get lunch. We ate and then Cathy came and so I fixed her lunch
and then we sat on the patio and visited. She is so funny and so smart. I
am so proud of our children. Mike had just called and he was feeling very
busy and pushed. Karen was being offered a job today but I don't think
she would take it. She will be going to a fertility doctor next week. I
don't think he wants to have a baby but she wants one. Mike can't refuse
her anyway. After Cathy left I sunbathed for a while and then took a
shower and pinned up my hair. Went to the kitchen and made a mock crab
salad, broccoli au gratin, and a vanilla pudding. Heated up rice and the
twice-baked potatoes leftover. Jason had a late class and then ate at
Yakich's so Don and I were alone. We had a drink before dinner on the
patio and after dinner Don watched the news and I went for a walk but my
heart wasn't in it. I just put one foot in front of the other, came back
and shortened the black and white dress I bought for $1 at the Disc. Shop
Monday and I shortened my black slacks. I made the dress too short to
begin with so had to sew the hem twice. Now it is 9 PM and I am so tired
I am going to bed. Linda called and we had a good long talk feast. So
today I had seen everyone but Jenny.
October 25, 1990 (Thursday)
What is happening here? Don went to bed before 8 cuz he was ready and got
a headache and was so sleepy. Now at 8:30 I don't have the headache but I
am falling asleep! We got up at the usual time and I did all my exercises
then had a little bread and my Pero. Put on my black cotton knit slacks
and black turtleneck and my new black and white silk scarf. Took the
roses that I had in the fridge to school and I started out walking at
7:20. I got to school and handed out roses to all the office staff and
then I spent the day sitting doing nothing and the time really moves
slowly when the day is like that. And I have to go back next Tuesday,
yuck. Don picked me up at 2:45 cuz he had an appointment with Dr.
Hagerwood at 3:15 so I rushed home and went to the bathroom and then off
to see Dr. Hagerwood. He checked me and said I was really in good shape
but there was a little atrophy so I will use my estrogen cream 3 times a
week and he gave me some pills that will help me when I am traveling and
have to go to the bathroom. He is so nice, I really like him. Came home
and got out leftovers, some mock crab salad, some meatloaf that I sliced
and heated some broccoli, there was really enough for 3 but Jason ate at
Baba's. Then I went for a walk, came home and watched the rest of the
National news. Then I typed a letter to Sel and Ed, played a fast game of
solitaire and read the Newsweek. Don
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offered to take me up to the mountains tomorrow to look at the fall
colors. I don't even have to watch it. I hope it goes well. I think I had
better go to bed. Well, I went to bed and then at about 10, Dimitry
called Don asking that the school who translated his transcript had made
contact with some young Russian in Sacramento and they told D. that he
should get a different kind of visa and he could get a job and bring his
girl over. He was all excited. Don listened and then said he would see
him on Saturday. Well that news woke us both up so we got back up and
talked about that and then we fell back to sleep. Don will call Ed in the
morning.
October 26, 1990 (Friday)
We got up this morning and Don called Ed about 5:30 and Dimitry had
called Ed in the AM, Chicago time, and Ed was not very pleased about that
and Dimitry wanted Ed to arrange to change his visa and Ed suggested that
he have his friends in Sacramento do it. Ed and Don have decided to be
hands off for the time being and let Dimitry do his own thing. I went to
Stars at 6 and stayed till 10 to 7. I don't like to go to the aerobics
very well but the good news was that I won't have to weigh in till the
1st of Feb. cuz I checked with the woman in charge. At 10 to 9 we got in
the car and drove way up above Forest Ranch, almost to Chester and then
down through Red Bluff and home by 12. It was a beautiful morning and
there was very little traffic and there was so much color. Green of
course and yellow maple and the red of dogwood. We seemed to have a lot
to talk about and it was fun and was a nice change of pace. Had lunch and
Don rested and then went to get his hair cut and then we went to Penney's
and looked at luggage but didn't come to any decision, so came home. I
made a tuna salad, hash browns, green beans, hot rolls, and there was
some raisin pudding. Then I went for a walk at 6 and by the time I got
back at 6:30, it was almost dark and tomorrow night will be the last
night I will be able to walk after dinner cuz the time will change on
Saturday night late. When I got back I took a shower, did a load of wash,
and chatted with Priss. Sometimes it is strange. She talks and talks,
then she will ask something about me and I tell her and then that reminds
her of something about herself and she never even comments about what I
have said.
October 27, 1990 (Saturday)
Tonight the time changes so tomorrow morning it will be an hour lighter
and tomorrow night it will be an hour darker. Got up and did some
exercises, went for my walk before picking up Mary to go to the market.
Suddenly, the market wasn't much fun. For one thing it was very chilly
and the tomatoes are not great and the cukes are not much and they're
usually no eggs so I got some green beans and squash and that was it.
Took Mary home and came home myself. Made potato salad and cured some
almonds. Cracked the walnuts I had pickup up during my walk during the
week and dried them in the oven too. At 10 we drove out to Gottchalk's
and Don picked out a suitcase and got one in black and they are very good
looking. I wanted to look around but didn't want to have Don waiting
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so decided I would come again myself. Maybe tomorrow or Monday. We had
lunch and Don went to sunbathe and then to watch football and I went to
the mall. Wanted to buy underoos, as Niki used to call them, and a black
bra, but gave up on that when I scratched my arm on the pin and the price
tag. Also bought some vitamins and got some prescriptions filled. When I
got back, hot and weary, I fixed baked beans, buttered buns, with
wieners, and made a chocolate cake. So we had a simple dinner, but a good
one. Then I went for a walk and Jason took Daisy for a walk and he said
she did very well. At 8 Don went around and changed all the clocks, so
tomorrow we will have an extra hour. Don took Dimitry to the bank this
morning cuz he asked him to and he took out all his money ($1,200) and
closed out his checking acct., and got things out of the safety deposit.
So who knows what he is going to do? Don went off to bed and I watched
Twin Peaks for a while but then I got bored and went to bed.
October 28, 1990 (Sunday)
Well since the time changed we woke up and got up at 4:30 but that was
really 5:30. I fixed breakfast while Don and Daisy were at the senior
high. Then I did my exercises, had my Pero and read the paper. Finally
the budget has been settled and now Congress will adjourn and everyone
will be slinging mud at everyone else until Nov. 6 and the next day we
leave for Sacramento and on to Florida on the 8th. Since it was so light
out I went for a walk before going to church and so I saw a gorgeous
sunrise cuz there were clouds on the horizon. Then I got dressed for
church and we picked up Mary. Came home and read the local paper, then I
fixed pork steaks for dinner already to put in the oven, did the salad
greens, snacked a little, and then went to Clothes Direct where I bought
a black rayon blouse for $14. Checked in Ross but couldn't find anything.
I left there and then on to the Chico Mall and I walked the whole mall
and then went to Gottchalk's and found a black brassiere for $12 that I
like and it was 36 B. Am I getting bigger? Came home and fixed potatoes.
Don was working on the mini blind in the bedroom across the hall from
ours. Finally we got it up and then I vacuumed everything and got
everything put back. Went on to do the living room and dining and
kitchen. We had a good dinner: pork steak, mashed potatoes and gravy,
squash, green salad, peas, and the rest of the cake from last night. Then
the news with Bush playing golf in Hawaii today. Everyday having a
different sport. Yesterday he was swimming. A real jerk! Don went off to
bed but I stayed up for quite a while watching Lethal Weapon. It is
violent, but a very good movie.
October 29, 1990 (Monday)
Well, it wasn't too hard to get up this morning and I did my usual
routine and then went off to Stars at 6:10 and did the machines before
the floor exercises, then when I got home I tried on my black skirt with
the blouse I bought yesterday but it looks best with the rayon black
slacks. Then I washed my hair and set it. By then Don was back and I went
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off on my morning walk, half an hour later I was back and I started the
split pea soup. Don was going to Dale's for the luncheon, so I ate my
cottage cheese and fruit and then he left. I walked to the mall to return
the pants I had bought that were too big. Check around at the store but
didn't buy anything else. Then I went to Wagner's Stationery and got a
desk drawer tray for Don. I hope that maybe he will clean up his desk
inside and out cuz it is a mess. It was pleasant walking and I enjoyed
the outing. From now on it will be too dark to walk after dinner so I
will have to do it in the afternoon. Dinner was easy but very good: split
pea soup, hot fresh bread, a plate of fresh fruit: grapefruit, orange,
kiwi and persimmon with a plate of cheese (3 kinds) and pickles. Very
good dinner. Watched the local news and then the National news. Then I
called Priss and visited with her. Now I am planning to read for a while
and I have to do my nails and decide what I am going to wear tomorrow.
October 30, 1990 (Tuesday)
This turned out to be a very busy day and I am glad about that. We got up
at 5. I did a lot of exercises knowing that I could not go to Stars. I
put on my stone gray cotton slacks, navy top and my shoes and walked to
school. There was a note on the desk saying that I was to call in
students who had gotten mostly F's on their progress reports and so that
was what I did all day. Later, I read the note more carefully and it said
only juniors, but by then I had called in 10th and 12th graders. Had an
awkward meeting with a Mrs. Pierce who teaches Spanish and should not be
teaching at all. Two kids came in to complain and she came after school.
Don picked me up and he told me he would be going to his class but the
English Prof, is taking over for two weeks so my plan to go to Mervyns,
etc., were changed. I made bacon and tomato sandwiches, heated up some
leftovers and that was dinner. Then Jason came and I fixed him some too.
Linda called and she will be done this weekend. After dinner I made the
French stew and put it in the oven and then tomorrow I will re-heat it.
Dimitry was coming to dinner tomorrow but then Don found out he had cut
his class at the University and was going down to Sacramento and S. F. to
see his Russian friends and when Don called Ed, he said he tried to get
him on a plane tomorrow so that is what is going to happen hopefully and
then we won't have to have him for dinner. The weather is changing and
the wind is blowing and it is cloudy and let us hope that it rains! We
have The Gods Number, Part II. I have tried to call Priss but it was
busy. Will try again. We loved the movie. The 2 small children were
adorable and the scenery was wonderful as before. Afterwards I had 2
manhattans and then we went to bed and made love and it was as good as
the movie.
October 31, 1990 (Wednesday)
It rained in the night! How Great! We woke to a different world. It had
rained in the night and everything was soaked and it was cloudy and dark.
Don left for the airport at 6 to see about getting Dimitry on a plane for
Chicago. Ed had offered a stand-by but Don
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said no cuz Dimitry might end up having to wait for a long time. But he
was lucky and he was able change the ticket, and he got him on a plane at
10:25 AM. Dimitry told Don he planned to go right home to Russia, marry
his girlfriend and move in with her and her mother. In Chicago Ed and Sel
wanted him to go to a junior college in the area. I don't think he will
do it. Time will tell. While Don had his problems with Dimitry, I went
grocery shopping at Food For Less and the Cannery and by hurrying I got
back in plenty of time for Don to get Dimitry on the plane. I went for my
walk and then had lunch with Don and then off to Stars for the 12:30
workout. Had a good talk and I can stay the whole time for that class cuz
there is all shaping with weights, etc., and no jumping. I stopped on the
way home at Safeway to buy things, like chicken, etc. And then when I got
home I fixed the greens for the salad, got the stew out to heat and made
a Boston cream pie. When it was done I went for a long walk cuz I needed
French bread so I walked to Lucky's and back, by then the rain clouds
were gone completely. When I got back I folded clothes that I had washed
and dried earlier in the day. Priss came at 5 and we had a drink and told
her about Dimitry. Jason has a later class on Wed. so the 3 of us ate our
stew, green salad, and our bread with wine and then had the dessert.
About 12 children must have come to the door for trick or treat. We put
Daisy in the TV room and she barked when she heard the doorbell but she
was okay. Priss left and Jason came and had dinner and left. Mike called
to check on what kind of booze we wanted and I told him bourbon and
vodka. That was sweet of him to think about it. Don and I are tired, so I
think we will go to bed early.
November 1, 1990 (Thursday)
Well, I had a busy morning. We got up at 5 and after breakfast and
exercising, Don went off to play tennis and I cleaned both bathrooms,
then I cleaned the top of the stove and the counters and then I washed
the kitchen and dining room windows in and out. Then I went for my walk.
At 10:15 I went to Big 5 to see about one pound weights, but they didn't
have any. Went downtown to Bradley's to see if the gray slacks I had seen
and tried on were still there, but they were not so I gave up and came
home by way of Holiday and they had the turkey parts on sale so I bought
a lot and will go back and get more tomorrow cuz I have to cook up all
these for when we go to Australia. Long letter from Jenny today telling
all about her work, the weather, the car that she wants but can't afford,
etc. A very long letter and a very welcome one. Don and I went over to
the Mall to get my gray tights and in the boy's department I found a gray
T-shirt for $10 that is the same shade of gray. So I did find something I
wanted today. Jason at Baba's so we had scrambled eggs and biscuits.
Rosalie was here this afternoon while her mother worked. She got all A's
on her report card and all E's in attitude. That tutor is paying off. I
walked both this morning and this afternoon and the wind was powerful.
It's chilly but clear. Talked to Priss on the phone at 7 and I have been
reading and dozing. Don is watching Stakeout yet again. Linda called and
they will be here late tomorrow evening. That is good cuz I won't have to
cook dinner for them tomorrow night just on Saturday.
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Patty Logan is coming on Sunday. Will be nice to get to Florida and not
have to cook for a while.
November 2, 1990 (Friday)
Cold, clear, wind - I woke up at 2:45 and couldn't go back to sleep. I
worried about what to take to Florida and later to Australia, how we
would get along with Mike and Karen and how Don would feel. He had both a
headache and backache when he went to bed. Well anyway finally I got up
at about 5 and went to Stars at 6:30. I used the machines for 15 minutes
and then did the floor exercises for 30 minutes and since I had done 15
minutes of stretching at home, I did a good workout. When I got home I
shaved my legs, showered, shampooed and set my hair. Swept the patio and
moved all the plants to the west patio cuz it will freeze one of these
nights. Then I went for my walk and got home at 10 and was really hungry
but I waited until 11 and then a cheese sandwich. Then I went to the
Safeway, Holiday and Lucky to pick up various things. Then Don and I went
over to Jackie's to pick up Linda's lamp and end table and a lot of
clothes that he did not take with him. Don called Ed when he got home and
he wanted to keep them for right now and will let us know. I read and
then got out the stew, made a fruit salad and heated some bread. We had a
drink at 4:30 and ate at 5. I watched some of the news and read for a
while and all of a sudden it was after 8 and I had not called Priss so I
did that we had a good visit. Don got a headache so he went to bed but I
stayed up cuz with Linda and Craig coming this evening I wanted to stay
up but it got later and later and I had read and was tired so finally at
11 I gave up and went to bed.
November 3, 1990 (Saturday)
Well it was a good think I finally went to bed last night cuz Linda said
they got here at 1 p.m. We got up at 5 this morning and it was really
chilly! Fall is here. Now I just wish it would rain! I did my exercises,
had some breakfast, read the paper and then got on a lot of clothes and
went for my walk. Came back and went to get Mary and we went to the
Farmer's Market. I got green beans, cherry tomatoes; some applies, some
kiwis and some persimmons. Got home and put everything away and Linda was
up so I wanted her to look at the things I had bought to see if she
thought they were okay. She liked the black rayon slacks and black rayon
top. She liked the black long sleeved shirt so I guess I bought the right
things. I checked the chicken, made a chocolate chess pie. Linda is fine
and it's so good to have her here. Cathy came in the afternoon and they
went shopping. Cathy looks tired and worn. I think she is working too
hard and she worries me. My dinner was good: rice, chicken, cabbage
salad, green beans and the pie. Then we went for a walk even though it
was dark. It was not as much fun walking in the dark but we did a lot of
talking. When we got home Don was watching the news and at 6:30 we began
watching Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Linda and I
just loved it. I could sit down and watch it all over again. When it was
over Linda went over to the
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apartment to be with Craig and Don went to watch Beverly Hills Cop. We
talked to Jenny and Niki today. Jenny seems in good spirits. Still no car
and she is about to give up. Still she doesn't seem to upset. The big
production Niki was in was a big success. Niki talked about it too.
November 4, 1990 (Sunday)
Work up at 5 to a chilly clear morning. Did all my exercises, made
Pillsbury rolls for the family and then got dressed for church. Wore my
old back watch plaid skirt and wool turtleneck and another wool sweater.
Picked up Mary. Came home and changed clothes and Linda and I went for a
long walk. We walked over the freeway and down the other side of the
creek. When I got back, I cooked the broccoli, and the yams and did the
salad greens. The 49ers were playing the Green Bay Packers and they beat
them. I was glad about that. Linda and Craig took our white table and
four chairs to their storage locker so I don't have to worry about them
anymore. I did a load of clothes and will iron the ones that need it
tomorrow. Linda and Craig left at 2 cuz they had to be in Lake Tahoe by
5:30. I hated to see them go cuz it was so nice having them here. Patty
Logan arrived at about 3:30 and we had her feed the dogs and then she
played with them outside and in. I went over the whole house with her
taking here what to do about everything. We will have to type a list out
which I realize will only be to reinforce what we said today. She seems
very bright and eager. We will do fine. We had a good dinner: turkey ham,
hot rolls, broccoli au gratin, candied yams, a big green salad and for
dessert chocolate chess pie and blueberry crumble. Patty eats very well
and then she told me about here many jobs. She had been through the
police academy, has had recruiting jobs, etc. Just before she went home,
we reviewed everything. Suddenly I remembered about the Ginger Tree is at
9. I turned on the latest episode and it was very good. After that it was
bed!
November 5, 1990 (Monday)
This has been a busy day. Up at 5 and by 6:15 I was at Stars doing my
thing. When done there I came home and did my walk. It was chilly but
bright. Back at home I ran a load o clothes and washed a sweater and for
Don. Then it was time to go to Discovery Shop. Ed Mizel had called saying
that Dimitry did not want the clothes he had left so I washed and ironed
them and took them to the shop with me. We did not have the best of days
making only about $67, but it was fun and I met Anne Brusie and worked
with her. I brought home two pairs of white slacks but neither one fit. I
ate a sandwich and visited with Don and then it was time to go to get my
hair cut at Connie's. I think she cut it too short but there is nothing I
can do about it now. I will pin it up tomorrow morning and then I will
have a better idea how it really looks. I took the leftover chicken from
Saturday night and cooked it up and made chicken salad, opened a can of
tomato soup, sliced French bread and that was our dinner. Jason ate at
Baba's. I watched the news on the last night before the elections. I
typed up a list of things for Patty Logan concerning
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the house. Don watched a game and read but now I am tired and am going to
bed. My two thumbs are cracked and they are painful. Tomorrow I must
write to Pauline. Tomorrow and Wednesday and then at 4:30 Wednesday we
will be on our way.
November 6, 1990 (Tuesday)
Note to Pauline. Well the day finally came and I think I was getting very
tired of all the political commercials. We got up at 5. I did my
exercises and had my Pero with a small bowl of cereal and at 7 we were at
the polling place. I was second and Don was third to vote. It was such a
long ballot that it took about 10 minutes to complete. Then from there I
went on my walk and Don went to play tennis. Got back home and got out
the vacuum. First I pinned up my hair and I don't like the cut in fact I
was very upset. She said she would take off % of an inch and she cut it
much shorter than that. Anyway I pinned it up and then vacuumed the
bedroom wing. By then Don was back and he did the rest of the house. Then
I made a potato salad. Walked over to the bank and took my cash ($500)
and got traveler's checks for $200 and put $260 in savings and saved out
$40 for Patty for groceries. Then when I got home while Don sunbathed I
wrote to my sister. Not a bad letter. After lunch I made and frosted a
chocolate cake. Went for another walk in mid-afternoon. It was chilly and
windy. Mike called and told us to bring almonds and some sourdough French
bread. He was tired from his trip to Dallas at the weekend. The mail came
but there was not anything interesting in it. We had Jason feed Daisy who
was back from her bath and check up. Now I have second thoughts about
Patty Logan. Her schedule is such that she won't be here much of the time
and I don't know when she will find time to do any cooking. Election
returns started coming in about 4 and now at 9 we are beginning to hear
about California but not much so far. I am very sleepy.
November 7, 1990 (Wednesday)
We got up at the usual time and had the usual things. Don was ready to
play tennis and I went off to go grocery shopping. I went to the Cannery
and bought about $40 worth of groceries. When Don and I got back Don went
to Yakich's to take Steve to the doctor Mary called last night and asked
Jason to do it and he said he couldn't cuz of classes. Now this morning
he feels maybe he should have done it and so after Don went over I told
him I thought he should have and we had a talk about it. Then he felt
terrible and then I felt bad that I had said anything so we both
apologized. I took a long walk and then Cathy came and we visited and
felt bad about the elections since P. Wilson won and none of the people
we voted for won except Thompson for State Senate, and all the
propositions went down except for one to limit how long you could be in
office. The Big Green failed and everyone was upset about that. Steve
Yakich is just worried and there really not that much wrong that anyone
could do anything about. So then I washed and set my hair, shaved my
legs, took a shower, but not in that order. Went for another walk then
Don called Patty and she has a strep throat but she came and brought the
luggage we
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are taking to Florida. She went to bed so I got out some split pea soup
and told Jason what to cook. At 4 Carl came and picked us up to get the
bus down to Sacramento. I wore my black slacks and top and black wool
sweater. The bus ride was hideous. We went to Paradise and Oranilee and
then went to get something to eat. I had a club sandwich. I ate a few
bites. Don had a hamburger and that was better. Then we went to the room
and we had some bourbon and water and then we made love and that was very
good and then sleep. I woke at 3 and didn't go back to sleep but that was
not unusual.
November 8, 1990 (Thursday)
We woke up very early at about 15 to 5 and Done got dressed and went over
to the terminal and found out about our luggage and at 6 he took
everything over and they will go direct to Tampa. So we got everything
put together and a little after 6 we went over and by 7:10 we were in the
air. They served us a breakfast and it was not good. I sat in the middle,
Don at the window and a black lady was on the aisle who was not friendly.
We read and dozed and finally arrived in Chicago. It was dark and gray
there. We stayed in the terminal and I changed my shoes and walked up and
down and it felt good. I hate to sit all the time. Our flight from
Chicago to Tampa didn't take all that long. A very nice lady sat next to
me and we chatted away. Don got a little nervous so he took a Zantex and
dozed. By the time we got to Tampa it was dark (6:30) and Mike was there
to meet us and, yes, the luggage came through without any trouble and we
got in the car and drove to Lutz. Mike's house about 10 times more
beautiful than the pictures or the descriptions of the girls who came to
the wedding. I have never seen anything like it. Karen has done a lot to
it as well. In the screened in area around the pool she has 4 white
chairs with aqua seat covers and there is a chaise and then in the dining
area she has white wicker with blue chintz covers on the chairs and a big
glass top table. Our bedroom is at one end of the house with a very
glamorous bathroom adjoining and on the other side of the bathroom is a
study. She has bottles everywhere and pretty pieces of art and the whole
thing looks like something out of a magazine. Karen didn't get home from
work until 7:30 so Mike cooked the dinner. He made tuna noodle casserole
and a green salad and he heated some of the French bread we had brought.
They have a table and chairs at the end of the kitchen and they eat there
all the time cause the dining room is very formal with a long table and
chairs. They had a store bought pie for desert, but I didn't eat any of
that because I was full. We had had a good light meal on the plane at 4
(tuna salad, good bread and a chocolate bar that was delicious) so I
wasn't all that hungry but naturally I had to clean my plate since Mike
had made it. Then we visited till a little after 9 and then off to bed.
It is all so different cuz none of the windows are open and everything is
locked up and so if we go for a walk in the morning we have to set the
timer so that alarm won't go off. The part of the house that I liked best
is the screened in patio over the pool cuz it goes up about 20 feet in
the middle and makes it look spacious.
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November 9, 1990, (Friday)
Naturally we woke up early and it seems that Karen has to sleep until
7:30 or her days are ruined so we were tiptoeing around and Mike came
over so I guess we woke him up. Don made coffee in the study and then I
heated water and made Pero and was able to go to the bathroom. Then we
went for a walk. It was all very quite and clean and lovely around the
area then there was the lake so it was good walking and we were not warm
at all. Then Mike made breakfast for Don with bacon, eggs, fruit, etc.
and I had some bread. Then he went off to work and Karen went for a walk
and I sat out and enjoyed the view. At 10:15 Karen went to work and we
had the place to ourselves. We both love the screened in area with the
pool. I could get used to a house all closed up and with the air
conditioner running. Then it is so breezy out there but they are afraid
of mosquitoes since there has been an encephalitis scare. We open doors
and windows and they close them so the best and safest thing is to stay
in the screened in area. We read and talked and then at 1:15 Mike came
home and he and Don went off to play tennis so I got out the things that
needed pressing and did them all and discovered I had not packed my black
long skirt, but I guess it doesn't matter all that much. So I forgot my
skirt and my rings. I shall survive! Well as the afternoon progressed the
rain came down harder and harder and finally we had to go inside cause
even back in the comers it was raining. Later in the afternoon, Mike
started to cook dinner. Karen was going to be late so he did it all. I
made the salad and he thought Tyler was coming along with Jill and her
boy friend so he cooked a lot of food and then Tyler came and left right
away but Jill and her friend stayed for dinner and we waited for Karen
who came at 8 so we ate in the dining room and had rice with chicken and
the green salad and some bakery apple pie with ice cream. I passed up the
dessert. We cleaned up and put things away then went in the living room
and talked for a while then at 9:30 we went to bed and to sleep.
November 10, 1990 (Saturday)
Well today was better. We didn't wake up until 6:30. Don ate his banana
and had his coffee and then we went for a walk. I wore my white knit
shorts, black top, black socks and white shoes so I thought I looked
nice, but no one else mentioned it. Today we looked at things more
carefully at things while we waked. One family has a pet pig and he came
out to look at us. He is big. Most people have dogs and they bark but did
not bite. Very few people have fences so most of these dogs are running
free. Everything is very green, lots of palm trees of many varieties.
There are some areas that look just like wilderness with tall cypress
trees, sweet gums and that beautiful Spanish moss hanging down and
drifting in the wind. Mike had to take Jill half way home and then Donna
came half way cause Jill had soccer practice. When he got back Mike made
Don another huge breakfast. I went for a second walk cause there was
nothing much else to do. Karen arrived on the scene at 9:30. Then we had
to think about what to take with us to the Longboat Key Resort. We drove
down and it was sunny but very windy. When we
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got to our suite we were stunned. It was so gorgeous we couldn't believe
it. There was a huge living room with coffee table, three different
lounges, TV behind doors that can open, a beautiful view of the ocean, a
terrace with furniture, kitchen fully equipped, dining room table and
chairs seating 6 and then off each side a huge bedroom with closets,
storage, bath, another TV, another terrace on the ocean, etc. Everything
was luxurious. We walked down on the beach and it was cold but bright.
Then we dressed for dinner and I wore my rayon slacks, the white cotton
scoped neck long sleeved blouse and black socks and shoes and my pearls.
We drove around looking at eating places and we ended up at a place
called Harry's that was nice and the food was great. I was clever and
ordered crab legs as an appetizer and a green salad also with bread that
was my dinner. Then we went back to our hotel and after we visited for a
while we went to our room. We had a drink of bourbon (Keaker's Mark) and
water and then made love and it was great so we went to sleep and all was
well. We paid for the dinner.
November 11, 1990 (Sunday)
We woke up at the Long Boat Key Resort at about 15 to 6 so up to do
exercises and then Don at 7 went to breakfast here at the Resort with
Mike. I wasn't hungry so I didn't go along. I read the paper in bed, cut
out coupons and got dressed. Mike and I had a long, long walk on the
beach and I picked up shells. It was cold and windy (bright) the
sandpipers were out in force running like little wind-up toys and all in
unison. We had a great walk. Then back to our room and I got everything
packed and put on my yellow skirt and matching turtleneck top. At 11 we
checked out and drove down further to look at shops but they were all
closed so we got back in the car and drove back to Lutz. I had not eaten
anything this morning so by the time we arrived at 1 p.m. I was hungry
and had my cottage cheese and fruit and a slice of bread and peanut
butter and jam. Then Karen and I looked at pictures with Karen while the
men watched football. Karen then made chocolate chip cookies, not very
good and finally I supposed she use more flour and when added they were
better. Still not great but she doesn't have a regular cookie sheet and
that was one problem. She has spent a lot of money on things for the
house but has very little in the way of conveniences in the kitchen. Mike
mowed the lawn and then we waited while Karen talked a long time on the
phone but finally we ate dinner of leftover chicken and rice dish. Green
salad and some of Mike's bread (very bad). Then they left to meet Karen's
mother's plane from Dallas. The plane was delayed cuz of a flat tire and
her mother wasn't feeling well so they stayed with her for quite a while.
We watched 60 Minutes and then the 49ers games. I got into my gown and
read a book that was here while I watched. Well skimmed all book. I shall
be glad to go home. I think visits to one's children should be about 4
days at the most so what will it be like to spend a month in Australia?
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November 12, 1990 (Monday)
Well we are beginning to have a routine of sorts. Don gets up and makes
coffee in Mr. Coffee that he has brought in before bedtime and he sits
out on the screened in area and drinks it and reads the paper. I get up
and do my exercises but I miss not having my music. Then I heat water and
have my Pero. Then we go for our walk of about 25 minutes and then Mike
cooks Don this huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, etc. But today will be the
last time cuz I am going to the store and I will buy cereal, etc. He
should not be eating all that stuff every day. By 9:30 both Karen and
Mike were gone so I did 2 loads of clothes and then ironed and folded
everything. It's much cooler than expected and I just wish I had brought
more slacks and sweaters to wear. Mike was supposed to come home from 24 so we worked around that time. We had lunch and Don napped but then he
didn't come home until 4:30 when Karen also arrived. She had bought 2
ceiling fans for the living room. I don't know how they will install them
since it is so high. Then Mike took us to the store and I was back in a
supermarket and I was able to buy some things that I was hungry for such
as cheese, dry cereal, lots of fruit and veggies. It came to $30, which
wasn't bad. The men had gone to the video store and had gotten Look Who's
Talking and Field of Dreams. Karen was making lasagna. I had segmented
oranges and fixed lettuce in the afternoon so I sliced some apples and we
had that with the main dish and French bread. We ate in the dining room
and it was all very pleasant. After everything was put away and cleaned
up we saw the movie with John Travolta and Kristie Allen and it was okay
but I was disappointed although I didn't say so. Don left early on with a
headache. When it was the over I went into the bedroom to get my book and
when I got back I found all the lights out so decided I should not be
there so I went to bed too although it was just 9:30 and I was not ready.
Okay well, what the hell. What we realize is that we are set in our ways
and they are too and it really doesn't work plus the fact that we have no
way to be on our own except in this house and that makes it difficult. I
am sure we will not come again. Not cuz we don't like them but they are
busy with their work and there just isn't time for anything else.
November 13, 1990 (Tuesday)
We woke up a little after 6 and Don made his coffee and went outside to
have it with a cigarette, and he forgot to turn off the alarm so about 10
minutes later this hideous noise went off and Mike rushed in to turn it
off and of course that woke up Karen; and if she is awakened before 7:30
she just can't function for the rest of the day according to Mike, so we
just both felt terrible about it. Later we went for our walk and then
came back and had Cheerios. No more bacon and eggs thank goodness. Then
both Karen and Mike went off to work and we were left alone for the day
so we rested and talked and ate. Cuz we have so little to do we seem to
stuff our faces. Not good. I spent some time with a soap solution and a
toothbrush trying to get some spots out of the rug. I feel I should be
doing something. We ate lunch and I went for my second walk and then Mike
came home for a
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few hours and he and I talked and then he and Don talked and then he went
back to work. I put a potato in for Mike and I made a green salad and we
watched the sunset and then a little after 6 Mike came and we had the
rest of the lasagna, hot French bread and the salad. Then he went off and
got ice cream and rolls for breakfast. Then we set down and watched Field
of Dreams, which was very good. But then Don broke down and cried cuz his
father had been a baseball player when he was young and he just wished
that he could see him as he had been then. So he cried and Mike went to
comfort him and we all cried. It was very emotional.
November 14, 1990 (Wednesday)
Now if I were at home I would have gone to Food For Less and the Cannery
today but instead here I am in Tampa with an entirely different day. Same
morning routine except that Mike had bought sweet rolls so we had those
this morning and afterwards my stomach bothered me. I didn't feel well
but I took some Gaviscon and was pretty much okay. We went for our walk
and then at 9:00 we set off for Busch Gardens. It cost $3 to get inside
the gate and then we found out to our horror that it cost $23.50 each and
that was ridiculous. There were lots of rides but at our age we were not
going on them and the animals were all in rocky areas. As Don said, what
animals really like rocks? But I am sure they are easier to keep clean.
Anyway it wasn't great. Then we went to Karen's office and picked her up
and went to lunch at an attractive place but I just had the salad bar and
was worried about eating very much. Then they drove us through South
Tampa and the Bay Shore with the longest sidewalks in the world and we
saw lots of old houses that were most attractive. Then took Karen back to
her office and home. Since Mike was going to have to give his speech at
6:30 he didn't want to eat beforehand so I got out 4 chicken breasts and
deboned them and then cooked them on top of the stove, made a sauce and
got them ready for the oven, made a fruit salad and then sliced French
bread. I read my book and Don turned on CNN and then Dan Rather. Karen
didn't get home till 7. In fact we had started to eat. So we sat down and
ate and then we visited. I was determined to read my book so I came into
the study and read and finally finished it. Silent Partner by Kellennan very, very strange. Then Mike got home and his speech had gone very well.
He was pleased so he ate and we all talked and heard about it. Then Don
called Patty and she said it had rained there and that Daisy has been
eating at odd hours. Later he got in touch with Jason and his report was
much the same. Now it's 10:20 and I must get ready for bed. Don didn't
take a nap today and he too is just getting ready for bed. So we are both
up late tonight. Just tomorrow and then we will be on our way home. Both
Karen and Mike are trying hard but they have their lives and I am sure
they will be glad when we are gone.
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November 15, 1990 (Thursday)
Another beautiful morning and now it's warmer. We are getting better at
being quiet in the morning and no alarms have gone off accidentally so we
are catching on. We had our coffee and Pero and then went for a walk. I
had a bowl of cereal when we came back. Then both Mike and Karen went
back to work and the cleaning lady came. I did a load of clothes and when
they were dry I ironed and folded everything so that they could be
packed. We really had the day to ourselves although Mike came for a short
time at noon. I washed and set my hair. Took a shower and read. Don
watched the Senate Ethics Committee hearings and it looks like Cranston
who is suffering from cancer and cannot attend is not going to come off
this looking very well. He is not going to run again in two years and I
think he is wise not to run. I don't know about Glenn whether he is
guilty or not but Keating is a crook and he is going to drag a lot of
people down with him. So then about 6 I put on my new black rayon top and
slacks and I felt I looked good. Mike came home and he took our picture
and we looked good for an old couple. Then the Nightly News came on and
they sent a satellite up into space and Mike and I went outside and we
could see it in the sky! Quite something. At 7:15 Karen got home and we
all went to the restaurant and we ordered sangria (white) that was very
tasty and the paella and it was very good. There was rice, chicken,
scallops, mussels, but I didn't see any shrimp but anyway it was good and
the conversation was good. We talked about when the kids were little and
about the Yakich's and about Australia and it all went well. Then we got
home and cuz we have to get up early in the morning we went right to bed
and I for one was tired so I went right to sleep. Tomorrow we will be
home.
November 16, 1990 (Friday)
Home at last and I am glad. Don woke up in Tampa at about 4 but I waited
a while before getting up. I was so tired. Well anyway I had a cup of
Pero and then put on my black slacks, top and sweater and at 6:15 we got
in the car and Mike took us to the airport, which is really a beautiful
one. We got on the plane and breakfast was served. I had raisin bran,
some juice and a bit of a muffin. Then we got to Chicago and had a wait
that didn't seem too long and then we got on another plane and that
served us lunch. I ate a little of my chicken, a bite of carrots and
salad and a brownie but by then my stomach was acting up and I kept
having to go to the bathroom. Slept a bit, read a bit and suddenly we
were in Sacramento at around 12:15 our time and then we had to wait till
1:30 before we got on the bus and went to Chico. There were just the two
of us so the driver didn't have to stop at any other town. Jason was not
there since we got in early so we called and he came. Chico looked
strange after being in Tampa where everything was green. Here the leaves
were all colors cuz it was autumn and it was dark and cloudy. Somehow our
house looked dreary and ugly after that gorgeous house of Mike's in
Tampa. I am sure in time our house will look okay again but right now
yuck! I am very tired. I cleaned out the fridge and threw lots of things
away that had spoiled. Daisy was very glad to see us
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naturally. I called Mary to tell her that I would pick her up in the
morning to go to the Fruit Market. Then I called Priss and said on Monday
she had an accident and totaled her car. She wasn't clear just whose
fault it was. It makes me wonder. So tonight I suppose I have jet lag cuz
I am very tired and feel let down.
November 17, 1990 (Saturday)
It is a little after 7 p.m. and Don just came in to tell me that he was
exhausted and he had not done anything all day. I worked out that he
probably has jet lag. We woke up this morning more or less on Tampa time
and finally at about 4:30 we got up. I slept very well. It was wonderful
to go to sleep in my own bed and a waterbed at that. I sent Don off to
Safeway after he got home from his run with Daisy. We needed milk,
papayas, and bananas. Then after he had his breakfast set up I went out
to do my exercises with my regular radio station on. Then a bit of the
paper and then I washed clothes. Went for my walk at 6:45 and picked Mary
up at 7:30. Got green beans, tomatoes and mandarins, the first of the
season and they were pretty sour but nice. When I got home washed some
more clothes, did the ironing and so everything is clean and the summer
things went back in the suitcase for the next trip. Finally in midafternoon the man came to fix the phone. Squirrels had been gnawing the
wires leading to the house. Ordered a Mrs. Mitchell fresh turkey at
$1.29#. It will come to almost $20. Cathy stopped by with all 3 girls and
two friends of the girls. They were on the way to the movies. Went over
to see Priss and took the wedding pictures that Karen had given me. We
had a good visit. Made spaghetti, green salad, hot bread and a vanilla
pudding. My stomach seemed okay by dinnertime but I am going to be
careful for a few days. Called Jenny and Niki. Jenny may have a used car
by Tuesday. A woman is leaving the country and wants to sell. It will
cost $7,000, but it is a stick shift and learning to do that with her
left hand is going to be hard. Then we talked to Niki and she had been on
a 5 day camping trip and had had a great time. She now talked about
kilos, meters, etc., so she is adapting well. They both seemed in good
spirits. Later Linda called and she told me Marijeanne was coming for
Thanksgiving but Craig will be eating with his father.
November 18, 1990 (Sunday)
That Daisy! She woke us up at 4:30 this morning and that is just too
early. I made sweet rolls from Pillsbury, then did my exercises but I
really didn't feel like reading much of the paper today so skipped it.
Stanford beat Cal I did notice that. Don didn't feel like going to church
so I went and picked up Mary. Came home and Don had talked to Ed and
Dimitry decided to stay. He talked to a woman lawyer who is Russian and
an immigrant and she convinced him. Thank goodness he is there and not
here. I went to buy groceries at Food For Less ($30) and at the Cannery
($11) and then home. Put everything away and then went for a walk. I did
a long one and the trees were beautiful but my knees hurt and I really
didn't enjoy it too much. When I got back I made 5 piecrusts cuz I will
be
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needing 3 for Thursday. Then I dried French bread for dressing. Then I
fixed potatoes and green beans and made a great fruit salad and put the
roast in to cook. Wrote a letter to Jenny and Niki. Read a little. I am
still tired I think from the trip. Called Alice and we had a good chat. I
ordered the sweater Jason wanted and the hat his mother wanted by phone
and they should be here in a week. I tried hard not to eat anything extra
today and I didn't make a dessert cuz I would like to get down to 95#
although I may not make it. Dinner was very good and the two men really
went for the mashed potatoes and gravy. Mike called just when we were
about to eat. We talked for just a few minutes. He didn't mention Karen
or her birthday or the present we had given her. After dinner I read and
dozed. Tried to call Priss but no answer. Now I am going to bed.
November 19, 1990 (Monday)
Don had a bad night and he is feeling very sick today with a cold and
maybe the flu as well. Anyway we woke up a lot in the night and finally
at 4:30 we got up. Since we were up early I went to Stars at 6:10 and
stayed till 15 to 7 but the woman in charge did too much leaping and
jumping so I didn't stay for the whole time. At 8 Don started in doing
all the things that were needed for Jenny to get cheaper car insurance.
He didn't get back till after 10 and then I took over going to Holiday,
S&S, Dr. Hagerwood to give them my Pero card and then to Lucky and
Safeway. Got home at 11:15. I bought another turkey to use later. This
one is over 20# but is only 350 a # while the one I will use Thursday was
$1.29 a #. It had better be good! I had lunch, then Don went off to lunch
at Jackie's and I walked over to the mall looking for a navy turtleneck
but no one had a small one so I came home in the rain but it didn't last
all that long. Don came home feeling terrible so he stayed in bed till
dinnertime. The meal was not all that great. Leftover roast with gravy,
made a potato dish and a tossed salad. I had made fudge in mid-afternoon
so I had some more of that. Don faxed a letter to Jenny but we haven't
heard anything in reply. Dimitry called from Chicago and talked to Don
thanking him for all he had done for him. He says he is going to work for
Ed and maybe go to school. He sounded fine I guess. I didn't watch the
news tonight. I am reading the Shell Seekers by Pilcher and liking it.
Called Priss and heard all about her day and her life in general. I think
I will go take a shower and then do some more reading.
November 20, 1990 (Tuesday)
Here it is 11 p.m. and I just finished the Shell Seekers and I should be
in bed cuz I have a big day tomorrow. We made it till 5 this morning. Don
is still feeling pretty awful but I think he slept a little better last
night. He went to see Dr. Shaw at 8 and his eyes are fine. He will have
to wear glasses but not strong ones. From there he went to pick up Carl
and they had breakfast at Denny's. I walked over to Safeway and Lucky's.
I was thinking of buying crescent rolls that one bakes but they were too
expensive so I guess I will make them again. When I got back I put the
split pea soup on to cook and Daisy and I went
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outside and raked leaves and cut back ivy. Had lunch, washed and folded
clothes, read my book and went for another walk at 3:30. Good dinner of
soup, a fruit plate, and cheese and pickles and French bread. Watched
some of the news, called Priss and chatted briefly and then Don set up
Back to the Future Part III. I watched for a while but was bored so went
back to my book. Talked to Cathy today. We solved the world's problems.
She is always fun to talk to. Tomorrow will be a big day as will
Thursday. I cleaned both bathrooms and even washed the floor. Then I
vacuumed and dusted the bedroom wing. I picked all the mums in the north
yard and have them in the red teapot on the coffee table. Will have a
fruit arrangement in the basket that collapses on the dining room table
on Thursday. Now I must go to bed.
November 21, 1990 (Wednesday)
Today was a busy, busy day, but then that is to be expected the day
before Thanksgiving. Let's see what all I did. Did my exercises and then
had some com flakes. Then I read the paper and then I went for my walk.
Down to Lupin, over the Cohasset to Safeway to buy buttermilk and then
home. I did the carrots and celery. Neatened up the fridge so there would
be room for everything. Rolled out 3 piecrusts and put them in the
freezer till tomorrow. Mad the dressing for the turkey that Don picked up
at Holiday. Vacuumed the living, dining and TV area and washed the
kitchen floor and then I made and had my lunch. In the afternoon I ran a
load of towels and rags. Raked leaves and put them in piles swept the
walks and driveway. By tomorrow they will be covered with leaves again I
realize. Made a potato salad, got out the green beans left over, sliced
tomatoes and heated hot dogs for Don and Jason and I had a Denver
sandwich. Ironed the brown tablecloth and when I went for my walk this
afternoon I picked up pretty leaves and some berries that I will use
along with the fruit in the wooden basket. Don feels just terrible. I
think he has the flu. If he doesn't any feel better tomorrow I will make
him go to Convenient Kay. Got a letter from Pauline about their trip to
Greece. Linda called to say they would not be done until tomorrow morning
cuz Craig had to run late. Marijeanne is due in at about 11 - 11:30 so
best that I stay up since Daisy will be in a tizzy.
November 22, 1990 (Thursday)
Another Thanksgiving is over. By doing the piecrusts yesterday plus the
dressing things were really easy today. When we got up at 5, I made the
pumpkin pies and then after it came out, I put in the first chocolate
chess and then the second one. I made the green bean casserole and
creamed com in the morning and that was a mistake cuz the com was watery
and I could not save it. I will have to remember that next year. But
there was plenty of food anyway. Marijeanne slept till about 9 and then
Don made her a cup of coffee and she sat in the study to have a cigarette
and read the paper. She has gained weight and looks good somehow. But she
is the same Marijeanne and it was nice to have her here. Then about 11
Linda and Craig arrived. Craig went to the nursing home but
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fortunately he got back in time to eat dinner with us. Linda and I went
for a walk in the afternoon and got our little visit in. I had bought
this expensive Mrs. Mitchell Turkey for $20! And it was very good. When I
removed it from the roaster to the platter it fell in two. Good thing
that we were not carving it at the table like in a Norman Rockwell
picture. I used the brown tablecloth, used Linda's wooden basket and put
two kinds of fruits and veggies in it. Had some pretty fall leaves around
it and yellow candles and napkins so the table looked nice. Cathy and
family arrived and Priss so there were 12 of us. Priss brought delicious
wine and the whole thing went very well. The girls cleaned up and there
was no fighting and Jason didn't tease them like he did in the past and
everyone seemed to have fun. Priss came in her new car, silver colored
and very glamorous. Don felt terrible but he carried it off well and he
cleaned up the dishes so that everything was taken care of and in fact I
even emptied the dishwasher before I went to bed. I broke down and went
to Safeway and got crescent rolls by Pillsbury so I didn't have to make
rolls and everyone thought they were good! So it was a nice holiday.
November 23, 1990 (Friday)
Today was a bust. I did very little in the way of exercise. I did not
walk. I did not go to Stars. In fact I did not go out of the house at
all! I now have Don's cold, flu or what ever it is and I feel terrible.
My nose runs, I sneeze. Mike legs hurt. I am hot and cold by turns. Yuck!
It was a long time since I have had a cold and I had it. Then too I am
coughing a little. Well I did things here in the house. I did 3 loads of
clothes, changed the sheets in the guestroom, and washed them and made up
the bed. Linda and Craig left a little before lunch. Marijeanne gave me
money and I must go to S&S tomorrow and order flowers for Mrs. Miller who
is dying of cancer cuz Marijeanne says Alex, her son, is very fond of
Mrs. Miller too and so the flowers are also to be from him. I am to send
them twice. I read. I took a nap this afternoon on the lounge. I made a
good dinner. I had the left over green beans, some spaghetti for Jason
some sliced ham, baked yams. Made an orange, onion, and black olive salad
and there was pie for dessert. I called and chatted with Priss. Don went
to the store and got some Dristan so I plan to take them tonight and
hopefully will be able to sleep. I have so much I have to do this next
week so I want to be able to sleep well. I missed my walk today, so I
will probably weight more tomorrow. I took the meat off the turkey this
afternoon and made up 4 containers of food for Daisy with the less
desirable parts. There was also two containers to make turkey salad and
hot dishes and another of white meat for meals.
November 24, 1990 (Saturday)
Today I decided to be lazy. I really didn't feel all that good so it was
a good time to do nothing. I did a few exercises but not many. Then after
breakfast and the paper, I went to pick up Mary to go to the Market. I
bought mandarins because they really appealed to me. We stopped at
Safeway on the way home and I got broccoli and bananas. I still had
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to go for my walk so I did that but didn't go as far as usual. When I got
home Don was watching football. I had seen an ad for Clothes Direct in
the paper and I decided to drive out there. It was a long drive. Well the
things they had did not appeal or were the wrong size so I came home
empty handed. I had lunch. Read, dozed and finally it was time to think
about dinner. Cathy arrived with the girls and she left them while she
went to see a patient. I made a cheese sandwich for Don and the ham on
one for me. I heated up some potatoes au gratin that I had frozen some
time ago. Made a relish dish and so when Cathy picked up the girls we
ate. We spent the evening reading and then at 9:30 Don asked me if I
wanted a drink and I had brandy. I was feeling toasty since I had taken a
hot shower after talking to Priss. We went up to bed and made love after
a long, long time since Don has been feeling so lousy and it went well
for him and I can have my time another time. I didn't mind and then went
to sleep.
November 25, 1990 (Sunday)
After doing very little yesterday today I decided to do a lot and I did.
We went to church and when we got home I watered and fixed the plants and
then I made bread. Priss called and wanted to bring over some cake. So
when she came with Cinders, we went for a walk over to the junior high.
It was so cold and blustery that it was hard even to walk! When I got
back it was time to put the bread into the oven. I had lunch and then
wrote a long letter to Jenny and Niki and another long one to Pauline so
I then came into the living room and wrote up yesterday's activities and
then I felt I was caught up. The rain that came at about 1 eased off at r
so I walked to the end of North Avenue and it was starting to clear and
it was mild and pleasant. When I got back I cleared the gutter down to
the drain and then dame in and put the turkey divan in the oven I had
already made the fruit salad. Don asked me if I wanted a drink and I said
yes but it was a mistake cuz then I took a second helping of the turkey
and then some of the cake with ice cream and I didn't need to do either
one. Having a drink always makes me eat more. After dinner I read and lay
down. Don went to bed early having taken some Dristan but I decided to
stay up and I watched a stupid movie from 9 to 11 with Linda Evans about
romantic love. Then I took my Dristan and went to bed.
November 26, 1990 (Monday)
I decided today that I hate winter. I hate a cold wind. Each winter seems
to get worse. We got up this morning at 5 and I did my exercises and felt
and looked fat! I went to Stars at 8:00 and stayed till a little before
9. Stopped on the way home to buy carrots since we were out. Then I
showered and washed my hair. Set it and later went for a walk. Even
though it was bright and sunny, it still was chilly. We had lunch and at
10 to 12 went to Dr. Shaw. My eyes have not changed so much but one eye
really needed a change so I thought it best to get new glasses. I chose
some that were on sale. Altogether they cost $147. That seems like a lot.
Came home and at 10 to 2 I drove to
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1702 Esplanade and had a mammogram that was another $60 and hopefully
insurance will pay most of that. So by 20 to 4 I was back home. I changed
my clothes and put on warm things. I made waffles for dinner. We watched
the news and then I called Priss. Don was watching a game but came in
saying he had a headache so he took a pill and went to bed. Now it is
8:45 and I am very tired and I am going to bed myself. We got a very good
letter from Jenny. She writes so well. Before I go to bed I am going to
make oatmeal for tomorrow morning.
November 27, 1990 (Tuesday)
Another untypical day. I did get up this morning and made the oatmeal.
Set out everything for Don's breakfast and then did my exercises. Had a
little dish of cereal and a piece of bread with my Pero. Don went off to
eat a second breakfast with Mary and Nancy and I went bad to bed!
Something I just never do, but I didn't feel well. I was cold, my head
felt funny, and the glands in my neck on the left side hurt, so I just
gave in laid down and really laid around till noon. Then I got up and had
some lunch. Washed my hair again and pinned it up and then I made rolls.
Did a green salad, made a coconut cake, thawed a hot dish. Don went off
to class at 4 and Jason and I decided to wait and eat dinner with him
when he came back at 7. Jason how has a cold and he stayed home today
too. I was raining today so I didn't get out of the house to walk. I just
hope I feel better tomorrow. Well Britain has a new Prime Minister by the
name of Major. On Thursday the UN will vote on Iraq but right now I just
hope to get through grocery shopping in the morning and the Discovery
Shop in the afternoon and then if I feel lousy I can be sick on Thursday
and Friday. We shall see. It is 9:30 and I had better get ready for bed.
I hate winter and colds and being cold!
November 28, 1990 (Wednesday)
I didn't write in this at the end of the day and now it is the end of the
next day so I just hope I can remember everything. Thank goodness I felt
better today than I did yesterday. So I did my exercises and dressed warm
and set off for the weekly grocery shopping. I got out side at 7:15 but
there was ice on the car windows so I had to scrape that off. I got to
Food For Less and got a lot of dry cereal, got some fake crab, coffee,
etc., nothing terribly exciting but I needed a lot of things so that is
why I spent more than I usually do. Then I went to Cannery and again I
got a lot of things but that was okay cuz I needed to replace some
things. Got home and pet everything away and then it was already
lunchtime. I had forgot to go to Safeway to buy cottage cheese, so I had
my fruit and two crackers with cheese. Then I was off to the Discovery
Shop. Lynn Kumli was the one working with me and she asked to be a
cashier when I told her I didn't want to do it. We had a wonderful
afternoon cuz she is so much fun, then I found al kinds of things to take
home and try. I took 3 pairs of slacks and they worked out just right. I
got a sweater that is the color of the slacks I got at Bradley's turquoise, and then I got a lot of wool skirts
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for the York girls to try. It was 4:30 when I got home so I made the crab
salad, headed scalloped corn, heated bread sticks that I didn't think
were that good and we ate late at about 6. The dinner was okay, but I
wasn't exactly thrilled with it. Then while we listened to the news, I
ironed all the clothes that the York girls will try on. I forgot there
was a very pretty white cotton nightgown for $2. Don had got Bird on the
Wire with Goldie Hawn and Mel Gibson and it was terrible! I couldn't
believe that two such good actors could be in a movie that was so bad.
Then it was bedtime and I was ready.
November 29, 1990 (Thursday)
Boy was this a busy day! Got up at 5 and got things ready for breakfast
and then at 5:301 had 2 turkey thighs cooking in the oven with carrots,
etc. At 9 I went to get my new glasses. They are very plain and
inconspicuous but okay. Stopped at S&S for lettuce. On the way back I
went to Long's to pick up a prescription and at Safeway I got orange
juice cuz it was 89 cents for 12 ounces. When I got back Don and I went
to the Mall and we found the Reeboks for Niki for $39 and Kegs for Jenny
for $22. We got Far Side calendars for Don and Mike and a video of Pretty
Woman for Niki. Came home and had lunch. I cut up the turkey and got the
first batch of Daisy's food in containers and started the second batch. I
had don a load of clothes earlier this morning and got everything ironed,
5 shirts of Don's and two pair of cotton slacks, etc. Don went to the
mall and got some more things and I went for a walk to Safeway and when I
got back I found I had missed Cathy, who stopped by. Made potato soup and
chopped the second batch of turkey stew. So now I have got a few
containers for Daisy to be fed while we are gone. Called Bessie and
talked to her about sending in Jenny's membership check for a nurses
organization. We are going to dinner at the Marquis on the 9th. Called
Trudy Dempbery to say that we were leaving on the 18th. Called Joyce
Groshany and asked here for dinner on Sunday. Began studying my book so
that I can pass the test for my driver's license next Tuesday. The UN
passed resolution saying that if Sudan doesn't leave Kuwait by January
15th, the will use force. I don't know what will happen next. Called
Priss after dinner and talked to her. She was down and was missing
Scotty. Don has a headache and has gone to bed. Jason is feeling better
today. My cold seems to be on the wane. My thumb has split like it does
in cold weather when I have my hands in water a lot. It is 8:30 so I will
read a while before going to bed. The sweater I ordered for Jason wasn't
right, so we sent it back today and we ordered a T-shirt.
November 30, 1990 (Friday)
When will this cold be over? Every morning when I wake up I feel lousy
but after I have been up for a while it is better but still not good.
Today I left the house at 8 and got on the machines and 25 minutes of the
floor exercise but with the cold I felt I was short of breath again.
Damn. When I got home I changed my clothes and went for my walk. Stopped
at Bidwell to se the counseling ladies. Barbara did not take the job at
Chico
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Senior and they were all fine and it was good seeing them. When I got
back I chopped up the rest of the ham from Thanksgiving for sandwiches
for tonight. I fixed my lunch and Don's. Then I found out that we are not
going to fly out of Chico to San Francisco but out of Sacramento to Los
Angles. He was so mad since the ladies at the travel agency had made that
clear! Then Cathy came and she had some lunch and took 3 of the things I
had brought from the Discovery Shop for the girls. Then we wen to the
Christmas Fair at the fairgrounds and I found some sterling silver
earrings that I can wear that do not clip on are for pierced ears! They
were $35 but I love them and so I treated myself. We had such a good time
together. Came back and went for my second walk. Jason was eating at
Baba's so Don and I had ham sandwiches, soup and a green salad and I made
hot fudge sundaes for dessert. We watched the news. Linda called and they
were on their way back from Lauphgrin to Tahoe. I dozed off and on as I
read my driver's test book. I was happy to go to bed at 9:30. I hate
winter!
December 1, 1990 (Saturday)
In 17 days we will be on our way to Australia. There are so many things
that have to be done before that time it makes me shudder. It was clear
and cold this morning when we got up at about 15 to 5. I did all my
exercises before my Pero, some cold cereal and the Chronicle. Then I
played a little Solitaire before going to get Mary to go to the fruit
market. I bought $5 worth of mandarins for Cathy with the money she had
given me and some for myself and that was about it. We stopped at Safeway
and then home. At 15 to 10 I went to K-Mart to see if they had the salad
spinner (they did not) and then to the Mall to order flowers again for
Mrs. Miller from Alex and Marijeanne. I went to Penney's and tried on
some black stirrup slacks and I wanted them but they were $30 and I have
2 pair of black slacks so I talked myself out of them. Pretty soon it
will be spring and I will want something more colorful. When I got home I
went out to the north yard and raked leaves and trimmed back bushes and
ended up with 3 huge piles of things. Came in and made mayonnaise, fixed
relishes and then had lunch. Called Priss in the early afternoon and went
over to show her my earrings and we had a good visit. Came home and Don
and I went for a walk and then I put this skimpy little dinner on the
table: ham salad, egg salad, a relish dish and some canned lentil soup
for the meat. Afterwards I made divinity that was divine. Now Iraq is
saying that they will talk to Bush but if they give in then Israel will
have to give up the West Bank so now we have another piece in the puzzle.
Well on the 15th of January something will happen if not before. I am
weary tonight and don't feel all that great. When am I going to feel like
myself again?
December 2, 1990 (Sunday)
I woke up on the lounge in the TV room. Had a miserable night with my
nose stopped up and having trouble breathing and had been awake most of
the night so Don went off to church but I stayed home. I had made the
graham cracker pie yesterday so early on I cut
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up the chicken and fried it ready for oven cooking later. I made the
cranberry Jell-0 salad, fixed the broccoli and set out the rice so I
didn't have to worry about dinner. So most of the day I just lay around.
I read some of the pages in the driver's license book and I tried some
paperbacks but I really don't feel up to anything much. Cathy came by
since she was working for Home Health this weekend and she had some lunch
with us. Jason spent the morning telling me about Twin Peaks which he
finds fascinating. In the late afternoon I decided I would feel better if
I got dressed up. I had pinned up my hair earlier so I combed it out and
then I put on my black T-shirt, my new black long gored skirt I had
bought at Grenage's but had not worn, dark hose and black high heals and
I put on make-up and I felt better right away. Joyce came at 5:30 and we
had a drink and then went in to dinner. Jason was here and it all went
very well and the food was great. Joyce talked openly about her life
since David Groshong died and there have been problems since she was
thinking of leaving him before he got so sick and she was not grieving as
much as one would think. She is very level headed about everything but
she finds herself in a financial bind. We have always liked her so much
and we felt so comfortable with her. After she left I turned on the
Hallmark program with James Garner as a retired Georgia judge whose
boyhood friend a black man refuses to take the Medal of Honor, and there
is a subplot with Billy Windell having leukemia and doesn't want to tell
his wife. It was a real tearjerker and I did a lot of crying but I went
to bed without Dristan and slept right through from 11-5. Maybe a drink
of wine, and tears help sometimes.
December 3, 1990 (Monday)
Woke up this morning feeling so much better that it was incredible. So I
did my exercises, read the paper and then while Don went to play tennis I
cleaned the bathrooms. Then I took a shower and put on my turquoise
slacks and sweater and walked to the Mall. I am still looking for a black
dressy top to wear with my long black skirt but didn't find anything I
really liked. I went to Security Pacific and cashed my check buying
American Express Traveler's Checks put some in the bank and took some in
cash. Came home and had lunch. Don ran some errands and then I went to
Ross and got 3 pair of sox for Niki, got a wool scarf for Jason. Then to
the Chico Mall where I got 2 tops for Jenny. I will have Linda look at
them on Saturday and if she thinks they are okay I will take them with
us. I went over to Alice's later in the afternoon and she gave me 15 huge
persimmons that look just lovely. I took her some lemons and some candy
so we exchanged. When I got home I fixed dinner: mashed potatoes and
gravy, left over chicken, canned peas, left over Jell-O salad and pie so
it was an easy dinner to make. Tomorrow Don has his class and a week from
tomorrow night his students come here for dinner and a week after that we
will be going to Australia. So we ate and then we watched the news. Read
during the evening and then we had some Irish Mist and talked and then
went to bed and tried to make love without too much success but I really
didn't mind all that much. I feel that way more and more lately.
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December 4, 1990 (Tuesday)
Well today I went for my driver's license test. I have been worrying
about it for weeks. My appointment was for 8:10 so I was there before 8
naturally. Everyone was so nice this time. It used to be that the DMV was
noted for being unpleasant but times have changed. I took the test and
missed two. Then took the eye test etc. and by 8:30 it was over and I had
a new license. The tree people came at 8 so when I got back they were
pruning the eucalyptus in the north yard. Then they cut down one of the 2
in the north backyard. They trimmed the other 2 way up high and they look
just great. They trimmed all the bushes across the back and they were
done by lunchtime. They cleaned everything up and charged $425 which is
cheap these days. Don went to lunch at Dale's to meet a couple who are
applying at the History dept. I made a macaroni salad for dinner and had
a simple lunch. I washed some clothes and ironed shirts and slacks for
Don and read. At 15 to 4 Don dropped me off at Dr. Murrill's so I could
get my teeth cleaned and he went on up to school to his seminar. Well
they didn't get to me till 4:30 and by the time I was done it was almost
5:30 and dark. I have to go back cuz another filling fell out. I must
admit that I was scared walking home in the dark. I had crossed Mangrove
near Holiday Inn and after dark and all that traffic my heart was
pounding and my breath was short when I got across. Then it was so dark
down Ellene I was very glad to get home. I fixed B.L.T. sandwiches and
got out the salad and Jason and I ate and then when Don got home I fixed
his dinner. A woman in New Mexico wrote to him saying she had made copies
of his Brush with History and asked if he would sign them. She was going
to send them as Christmas cards. He was so pleased. We started to watch a
movie but it was lousy so I read my book Possessions by Judith Michael. I
am liking it. Was in bed by 10:30. Didn't feel as well today as
yesterday.
December 5, 1990 (Wednesday)
Good old grocery day. It was a beautiful morning, cold but clear. I
picked a lot of lemons and put them in a box and dropped them off at
Priss' on my way to Food For Less. I didn't buy anything very exciting
today. I spent about $36 and then $12 at the Cannery and I was home by 9.
I bought a boneless beef roast and cut it up into stew meat and made a
French stew. We had lunch and then we ran errands, went to Collier's and
got a salad spinner $10 (finally) and came home and wrapped it and a far
side calendar and sent the box off to Karen and Mike. Went to the library
and S&S (for mushrooms for the stew) so it was almost 3 when we got home.
I fed Daisy and then I started raking the leaves and debris on the ground
inside the huge bushes in the back yard. I sawed some of the dead
branches and then Don came out and did some more and we worked for a long
time and got a lot done. Came in and made brownies, washed salad greens,
fixed potatoes and so at 5 we sat down to stew, salad, mashed potatoes
and everything tasted great. Jason came home and I fixed their dinner.
Linda ordered a unicycle for Craig for Christmas and it came today and
Jason put it together. I wonder if he will like it? I read
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in the evening and talked to Priss and then took a shower and read some
more. Clear night with no sign of rain. I think it has forgotten how.
Finally today Cathy stopped by and picked up her mandarins. She is going
to have some kind of test on the 18 to try to solve her problem with her
periods and bleeding. We tried to make love tonight but no luck.
December 6, 1990 (Thursday)
It seems so hard to get up these days cuz it is cold and dark and this
lady seems always to be stiff and sore. But I did roll out of bed and
after fixing Don's breakfast I did all my exercises before having my
Pero. Later I decided to clean things out. I went to the bathroom closet
and got bold and threw out lipsticks, and a whole bunch of other things.
Then I moved to our bedroom and I cleaned drawers and neatened things up.
Don went to play tennis and then later I went to Stars. I find it very
difficult to go these days and I wasn't all that thrilled when I got
there. I looked fat in the mirrors and the floor exercises didn't appeal
cuz there was a lady who did a lot of running and jumping in various
directions confusing everyone so I left. When I got home Don had been
working in the back yard so Bill will have a lot of stuff to haul away
tomorrow. Don had to go to the dentist and I went for a walk and when he
got back at 12:30 I went to the Discovery Shop. We started out slowly but
ended up making $168 so that was good. When I got home Cathy and Rose and
Marijeanne were here. I made a potato salad in the morning plus baked
beans so I just had to cook hot dogs. Jason ate at Baba's. In the evening
I read the new Good Housekeeping and Don watched TV. Marijeanne called
from San Francisco saying that Mrs. Miller is very ill and would I send
flowers 2 more Saturdays and she will send the money. I got a nice long
letter from Pauline today and I must write to her before I leave on the
18th. We went to bed and Don wanted to try again and this time he did
fine and I didn't but that was okay. Jason has decided he wants to go to
Santa Cruz next year and he talks of nothing else. Their things came from
Peterman, a cap and a striped shirt and they fit so this time we didn't
have to send them back. His Mom comes tomorrow. Dale and Jackie couldn't
come to lunch this week so that will be next week. Fine with me.
December 7, 1990 (Friday)
Another busy day. I just hope when we get to Australia life is at a
slower pace at least for a while. Since I don't like to go out for lunch
I suggested to Alice and Priss that they come here for lunch and it will
be on Thursday so now I will have to come up with something. After
breakfast Don went out and started work again on the bushes in the back
yard. By the time we were done since I went out too we had all kinds of
things pulled out and all the leaves and I took up the boarder boards so
that helped to make it easier to get stuff out. Then Don ran errands and
then I walked over to the Mall to order flowers again for Mrs. Miller for
Marijeanne and Alex. Went to the bank to cash Jason's
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check and then home where I got the car and went back to Lucky and
Holiday for groceries. Jason also is up tight about applying at Santa
Cruz but he left at 3 to go to a concert in Berkley taking Cathy's Geo.
He has to remember to calm down about things when they don't go quite
right. But he is young and that will come. Linda came at 4:30 and it is
always so good to see her. Don lit the fire and we had drinks and then
leftover stew, potato salad, French bread, a relish dish with dip and
then I had made a chocolate chess pie so that was for dessert. I showed
her what we had gotten for Niki and Jenny and she approved of everything.
We talked about Jason's going to another college and when he should do
it. We talked about Royal's Mom. She called Marijeanne and I guess she is
not going to live much longer. Don went to bed fairly early cuz his back
hurt and he had hit his finger when he made the fire and it was painful
too. Poor dear. He hurts in so many places so much of the time. I guess
we are really getting old. My legs hurt when I walk but then I have to
keep walking.
December 8, 1990 (Saturday)
Another chilly but clear morning. We got up at 5 but I wasn't interested
in doing much in the way of exercises today. Probably should have I know.
Read the paper and then went to pick up Mary to go to the market. I
bought 10# of mandarins and then found the man who had the friendship
bracelets last week so I bought 3 of them so now we have just about
everything on Niki's list except a poster and a T-shirt about peace. Took
Mary home and when I got home I changed and worked in the back yard for
about an hour. I couldn't stand all that stuff piled up waiting for Bill
and he might not come till Friday so I hauled most of it to the south
yard and will try to finish it tomorrow. Then at 20 to 101 went to the
library to buy paperbacks for the trip at the book sale. I found 3 and
then went inside and found Mrs. Thow and she had a copy of Lonesome Dove
that Don wanted so I saved him $5 cuz I paid 500! Jenny called just
before lunch and she wants me to buy some sheets for them cuz they cost
so much there. I worry about going more and more cuz everything is so
high over there. Well we will see. I made the turkey hot dish and fixed
the salad greens and we have pie left over from last night so dinner was
a cinch. I had washed my hair and showered and shaved my legs early so
now I just hope to do my nails. After dinner Linda, Jason and I played
cards and Don watched the news. Then Linda and Jason worked on
applications for Santa Cruz and Humboldt State. Jason wants to go to one
or the other. I read but was not much interested. Don got a headache and
went to bed early. I dozed in my chair and then read the American
Heritage but now I want to go to bed too. Tomorrow we go to the Marquis
for a brunch. I just realized I forgot to call Priss tonight. Oh dear.
Well I will call tomorrow.
December 9, 1990 (Sunday)
That Daisy came in at 4:30 and wanted us to get up. Don gave in before 5
but I stayed till then. It is really cold in the mornings now. I hated
getting out of a warm bed. Got
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dressed and did some exercises and Don got his own breakfast. Then it was
off to church. When we got back Linda was up and later Jason. I changed
to my black skirt, black hose and high heels and black T-shirt top. We
left at 10 stopping at Finnegan's to get a bottle of wine. There were 2
other couples at the Marquis. Their house in Paradise is lovely. We had
good food, a cheese puff, ham, croissants, coffee and fruit cup. The
women of the 2 other couples are on the nursing staff. One is married to
an engineer who comes up every other weekend and the other at the
University. He was very impressed with himself I thought. When we got
back Linda had gone back to Tahoe. I looked at the paper and went to KMart to buy vegetable powder, a lipstick and some Dove liquid. Then I
went for a walk and then Don and I raked leaves out of the border in the
front yard. Poor Daisy had to sit inside and watch from the open front
door. I think we should train her to stay in the front yard. Dinner was
nothing. I made myself a cheese sandwich and Don then said he would have
that too. Later Jason heated up some stew. We watched the news at 6. Some
of the hostages have gotten home from Kuwait. What will happen next? I
called Priss and she seemed in a good mood. I started another book but it
seems to be slow going. I decided to pin up my hair cuz it is looking
pretty unkept these days. I shall be glad when I get my perm on
Wednesday. Well I think I will get ready for bed. I washed my face
tonight with the new liquid Dove soap. I feel bad that we missed saying
goodbye to Linda.
December 10, 1990 (Monday)
Rain!! This is going to be a hectic week if today was anything like it is
going to be. Daisy woke us up twice in the night and it was hard to get
back to sleep. So then we got up at about 5:15 and after exercises and
reading the paper I got dressed and at 8:30 we were at Dr. Heideger's
office. Don had to go to Dr. Murrill’s at 9 to have a filling replaced so
he walked over even though it was raining. They took me in spite of the
fact I had not seen him before. He gave me a prescription for the inside
of my nose. I drove over and waited for Don and then we went home and I
did a little in the kitchen and then I went to Lucky to drop off the
prescription, then to Dr. Schwartz to try to get a prescription for Jenny
which I had to pick up in the afternoon and then to Dr. Murrill's for my
replacement of a filling. Got home and made 3 recipes of the hot dish and
got them in the fridge. I had lunch and finally sat down and caught my
breath. Made 2 recipes of chocolate sauce and tomorrow I will make the
brownies and fix the salad greens. Don likes a fire and tomorrow I will
vacuum and dust and do a flower arrangement for the table. The students
are coming at 5 so they will eat first and then hold the class. When the
paper came today it said that June Barnesau had been attacked in her home
and was in the hospital. Sounds terrible. Jason sent in his application
to Humboldt State for next fall. He doesn't want to be in Chico. Then he
went over to Baba's for dinner. Don and I had bacon, eggs and biscuits.
Don watched for the football all evening. I did another batch of turkey
stew for Daisy and then finally cleaned up the kitchen, took a shower and
will read for a while. Sometimes it scares me that I get so
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tired doing things that I used to do without any effort at all. Talked to
Priss. It rained off and on most of the day and it is supposed to rain
again tomorrow so maybe we have broken the spell. I hope so.
December 11, 1990 (Tuesday)
Another busy day. My nose is already better after using the ointment
prescription that Dr. Heideger gave me. So today I did the rest of the
cooking for Don's class. I went to Safeway for salad greens, Lucky for
French bread, took Jenny's prescription from Dr. Schwartz to Lucky and
went to K-Mart and tried on some black slacks with stirrups but talked
myself out of them so came home. I had lunch and then I washed a huge
amount of salad greens, made a large and a regular batch of brownies, cut
greens from the yd and with berries made a centerpiece for the table
along with a square of red material and with red candles, it looked very
nice. I pinned up my hair and the plumber came today and I got a new
showerhead in the back bathroom. When I took a shower this afternoon it
was just wonderful. I pinned up my hair and at 4 PMI put the 3 hot dishes
in the oven, Don set the table and lighting a fire at 15 to 5 the
students started coming, the whole 14 of them showed. Don offered wine
and beer, 1 person took wine, about 3 took beer, some took milk! And a
number of them took water! One fellow took 4 helpings of food. When
everyone was satisfied with dessert and coffee I let Daisy in to meet
everyone and then she and I went to the TV room where I read the paper,
made my grocery list, etc. Then Jason got home from his music class test
and he went in to get food and then we visited till the people left at
7:15. Then I helped Don clean everything up. Marijeanne called to say
that Norma Miller (Royal's mother) had died so there will be no more
flowers sent. At 8 I watched the Clios (commercials that were best in
1990) and that was a disappointment and then I watched Coach and
Roseanne. I had never watched either one before but they were not bad,
and then at 10:15 to bed.
December 12, 1990 (Wednesday)
We woke up this morning to fog! The first time this year. It should be
rain instead. I left at 7:15 for Food For Less and it was even thicker in
the south part of town. I went there and to the Cannery and was home
before 9. Put the groceries away and then Daisy and I went outside and I
got the rest of the stuff from the back yard to the south yard so when
Bill comes on Friday it will all be in one place. It was wet and heavy so
I was glad to be done with it all. There is still some in the bushes but
I will wait on that until we get back and then I think I can put it in
the garbage container a little bit at a time. Went for a walk to the end
of North Avenue, and then drove downtown to have Connie give me a perm.
It cost $35. She did not trim it and after setting it when I got home I
think she should have trimmed it but it is too late now. Dinner was
simple. There was just enough hot dish left over for the 3 of us tonight
and I made a green salad and heated the last of the French bread and
there were brownies left over so it was so easy. Watched the news
although I
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dozed a bit and then called Priss and had a good visit with her. She and
Alice are coming to lunch tomorrow noon and then I will have to think of
something to feed the men in the evening. While I was gone today Cathy
came and she and Don decided to give Julie books so Don got her the
Education of Little Tree but we still have to find I Heard the Owl Call
My Name and we should get her the Trees, Fields, and the Town. At least
it is a start. Don is laying down with a headache. I think I will go
write to my sister. Weill got a letter written and then when I got in bed
Don wanted to make love and it went okay so the day ended in a nice way.
December 13, 1990 (Thursday)
Woke to fog but it burned off early. I was busy in the kitchen this
morning. I made a tuna salad, got out some split pea soup to thaw and I
made a lemon souffle that turned out very well. Vacuumed the living and
dining area, dusted, made a nice clean arrangement for the table with
some holly berries for color and red candles. I bought crescent rolls to
cook at the last minute. Don ran errands and I went out to the Chico Mall
and got a game for Marijeanne and some books for Julie. Priss called at
11:30 and when Alice didn't come for 15 minutes I called and she had
thought it was 12:30 so she came very shortly. I had the soup, the tuna
salad, carrot sticks and avocado slices and the rolls with the souffle
for dessert and wine and coffee. It went well okay. It is easier if it is
just Alice or just Priss. Alice brought some almond roca and some
mandarins. I went for a long walk in the afternoon at about 3. For dinner
I made another salad, cooked green beans and had bread with parmesan
cheese. Jason went out to Cathy's to sit with the girls to pay for taking
Cathy's car to Berkeley to the concert last week. We watched the news and
then I took a hot shower. Daisy went to the vet for her bath today. I
read the paper and played a little solitaire and now I will read for a
while before going to bed. Busy day tomorrow.
December 14, 1990 (Friday)
It is 10 to 10 and I am a weary lady tonight. I just finished ironing 6
shirts and a pair of Don's slacks. Before that I made a batch of fudge
and hopefully tomorrow I can make penuche and divinity so that I can give
candy to Alice, the people at Bidwell, Priss and leave a little bit here
as well. We got up to a very cold day this morning with frost on the car
and the lawn. After breakfast I made a chocolate cake and frosted it,
made turkey divan and a big fruit salad. Had pinned up my hair early so
after I was done cooking and setting the table for Jackie, Dale, and Don
I fixed my face and hair and went over to the Mall to get a pair of hose
and to look around a bit. From there I went to Dr. Shaw's to have my
glasses adjusted and I had to wait about an hour so I read till my turn
came. Went back home and had lunch and then got everything ready so I
could leave and Don just had to put it on the table. Took all the candy
lying around to the Discovery Shop with me. We had a real quiet afternoon
but it was fun. Mrs. Kermli and Seawell were working too. Got home at
4:15 and heated chili, made another fruit salad, heated bread
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and we ate dinner. Don said the luncheon had gone well and they ate
everything and there was a lot! Watched the news and then my sister
called and we had a very good visit. Called Priss and we are taking her
to Dale's tomorrow night. Then Jason and I played our quota of cards for
the evening and then the ironing. Don went to bed early. Called Jenny
this morning and she said Don didn't need to bring his sport jacket but
then she called back while I was gone this afternoon and said he should
bring it. Also that we should call Niki on her birthday. Well it won't be
long now. Tuesday is the day!
December 15, 1990 (Saturday)
Rain - We woke up to rain. What a beautiful sound. But is was cold as
well. Later we found out that it snowed in Paradise and Forest Ranch.
Anyway I did my exercises had my Pero, read very little of the paper,
washed one of Don's sweaters and then at 7:30 went to pick up Mary to go
to the fruit market. It was cold and rainy and the windows of the car
steamed up and then I realized that the heater wasn't working. I just
bought mandarins and all the way home my hands were so cold I could
hardly drive. Don took it over to the Datsun place and they fixed it by
10:30. Then I took our books back to the library and went to Holiday for
fruit and veggies. I made penuche but it never did get hard. I beat it
and beat it with no success. It tastes wonderful but won't hold its
shape. In the afternoon I showered and shampooed and set my hair. Cathy
came by with Julie. She bought me a bonsai for Christmas. They will keep
it at Durham till we come back. She bought tapes for Julie and Rose and I
must give her the money for those. I got a card for David and put $10 in
it. His birthday is tomorrow. We called Niki and wished her a happy
birthday. Nicole Van Rossun called wanting Niki's phone number and they
will be bringing presents over. I just hope we can get everything in our
bags to take to Australia. I wore my black blouse and black pants to the
Steiner's party. We packed up and took Priss with us. Don got all dressed
up too and looked very nice. The food was good. I didn't have anything to
drink cuz I had in mind that we would drink when we got home but Don was
getting a headache so that was the end of that plan. Still people told me
how nice I looked and that was good. I talked to Jackie, Joanna, Gloria
Feris, Barbara Bagle, Mary Peterson, Billi, etc. so I liked that. Just 2
more days in this big old town. I will take a notebook with me cuz it
doesn't weigh as much.
December 16, 1990 (Sunday)
This was one busy day. We got up at about 5:30 to a cold, clear morning.
Read some of the paper and then got dressed to go to church. Father
O'Hara insisted that that he has been under stress and is going to the
hospital this week for tests. He joked about it but it sounds serious.
Came home and started cooking. I made powdered sugar balls, 2 batches of
thump prints with red and green frosting, made a batch of rocky road, and
finally tried after dinner a batch of divinity. Tomorrow I will take some
of all of these to Alice, to the counselors at Bidwell and I have to
write out the directions for all the frozen food I am
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giving Priss. I also have to pack my suitcase, do last minute washing and
ironing and all those things. Linda called and she found a beautiful
paperweight and bought it for Don so I will buy him the coffee maker. I
must also see that Cathy gets her money for Christmas and an envelope for
Linda too. I made chicken for dinner plus a big green salad and mashed
potatoes and milk gravy. I managed a walk just before lunch and another
one at 4 PM. For some reason they will cut down the trees that stand in a
long row behind Bidwell and I can't understand why they would cut them
down. Must ask tomorrow. My thumbs are really in bad shape at the moment.
They have cracks so deep that they never seem to heal. Very discouraging.
I am very tired tonight cuz it seems that I stood in the kitchen all day.
Don is getting jittery about leaving so I will be glad when Tuesday comes
and we will be on our way.
December 17, 1990 (Monday)
This will be the last entry in this book this year cuz I am taking a
lightweight notebook to Australia. So today I finished up all the things
I have been putting off. I made another batch of divinity, I made up a
plate of candy and cookies for Alice, made one up for Priss plus I took
her all the things I had made and froze: chili, spaghetti sauce, split
pea soup, potato soup, turkey hot dish and the regular hot dish. So all
she had to do was put it in her freezer. I started to really pack the
suitcase. I took everything out of and started over and added some things
and took out some things. I just hope I took the right things but one
never knows. Bill Roberts came and he somehow managed to get all the junk
we had piled up plus all the leaves in piles that we had raked and the
ones that he raked and now the lawn looks just great. Then I made dinner
of candied yams, broccoli au gratin, cabbage salad, and I heated a piece
of ham left over from Thanksgiving. I guess I am getting excited about
going cuz I really wasn't hungry and ate little. Well maybe I have been
eating too much candy. That could be it too. In the evening we watched
the news, and then there was the 49er game and they beat the Ram's
handily and then Don suggested we have a drink before bedtime and I had
some brandy and then we went to bed and tried to make love but it just
wasn't to be. I don't know when we will be able to do this on the trip.
We shall just have to see. So the rest of 1990 will have to be in another
book. I hope we have a good time in Australia.
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December 18, 1990 (Tuesday)
This should be December 7th cuz it is the day that has done down in
infamy. It started out okay. I started packing, washed sheets, we remade
the bed, I washed and pined up my hair, I went for a walk, I showered,
did another load of wash. Cathy arrived and we had some lunch and then I
put on my black slacks, taupe and black sweater, put the silver dog pin
on my shoulder so Cathy could see it before she left. Said goodbye to
Jason and we went to pick up Carl at 2 PM. The drive down was uneventful
and we made it in good time at 3:30. Said goodbye to Carl, got out
luggage checked in and we went up to wait for our flight and then we were
told that the fog was getting too thick and we might not be able to get
to Los Angeles. We waited around. More and more people came and finally
they said that the planes were not landing so people were being flown to
San Francisco and bussed into Sacramento. We called Jason to tell him
that we would not make the 10:25 arrival in Melbourne on Thursday. Don
stood in line for a long time and finally we are to leave Sacramento
tomorrow at 2 PM and then we get in Melbourne at 10:15 on Friday. Since
we have lost one whole day and although we got our hotel room free, we
will be paying for dinner, which was ghastly, breakfast and lunch before,
we leave for Los Angles and then we don't get on the plan until 9:45. By
then we will be so keyed up that the 17 hours will seem like 57. I am
annoyed, Imogene from the travel agency told us we should have flown out
of Chico to San Francisco and gone from there and instead we are in
Sacramento and who knows maybe the fog will be gone too. Now it is 8:30
and I don't want to unpack bags and look for the gown and do I take a
shower or not. I want to blame someone and yet who do I blame at this
stage. I think we should have taken the bus to San Francisco when it was
offered late this afternoon and tried to catch the plane to Melbourne
before it left Los Angeles. I think we could have made it but Don wanted
to do it this way and who am I to know if it would have worked. I am very
frustrated and tired, and I will end this. Yuck!
December 19, 1990 (Wednesday)
It is 8 PM and I am sitting in the airport here in Los Angeles waiting to
get on our plane to Melbourne that will be leaving at 9:45 if all goes
well. It has been a long, long day but we are coming down to the home
stretch. We woke up a bit after 5 this morning. I did a few exercises but
not many. Don went up to have some breakfast and I got dressed and put my
make-up on and later I went downstairs and walked around to the lobby and
had a cup of Pero. Then we went over to the restaurant and we each had a
croissant that was
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not any good and then back to the room. I played some cards and read a
part of the paper and we went back and forth between the motel and the
airport. Finally we had to leave cuz we had to check out at 1. We called
Cathy and she had had the exam and everything was normal so now they want
to adjust the estrogen and progesterone till they can come to a proper
amount. But she was relieved that there was nothing wrong. So at lunch
everyone said by. I read Voices in the Summer by Pilcher, which was
terrible. We shared a chocolate yogurt about 1:30 and then later we went
to a cafeteria and shared a fruit salad, a chicken breast sandwich and
fries. I have no inclination to go to the bathroom and I wonder how long
I can go without feeling just terrible. I shudder to think how I will
look and feel by the time we arrive. We take turns checking out our hand
luggage. We walk and look at people and people look at us. There are many
children and many babies. I suppose families are going to see their
grandparents. Well we are doing just the opposite. Most food one buys is
terrible and terribly expensive. Very few people are well dressed but
then I should say by when they have to stand and sit around for hours.
The women who are well dressed seem to have a pattern. Very handsome wool
coats in blacks, bright red, white, etc. and more of them are down to the
floor. For the most part men seem to be better dressed than the women
are. I guess the main thing is that there are so many of them! We both
wish we had brought coats, sweaters or some additional warm clothes after
hours of people watching I can say they obviously do a lot of traveling.
When we took off from Sacramento at 2:45 it was clear but Los Angles was
overcast and it rained off and on. I will stop here and write some more
once we are on the plane.
December 20, 1990 (Thursday)
Missed - No writing
December 21, 1990 (Friday)
Well Thursday just got missed but there will be 2 coming back. I took a
tranquilizer and in spite of sitting up the whole night, I really would
sleep a good part of the night. Don did not do as well and he said it was
really very bumpy at times. So then I wok up and it was still dark. We
had a little snack and then later breakfast. There was a meal offered
when we got on the plane at 9:45 but that did not appeal to me at all so
I didn't have any of that. A young Australian who lives in London sat
next to me and he was very helpful and pleasant. We went to Sydney.
Stayed there for about half an hour and then on to Melbourne. We declared
the two loaves of French bread and they let me through with no fuss at
all. In fact, they were very charming and to know what kind of history
that Don taught, etc. and then we were out and there was Jenny and Niki
and how good it was to see them both. We got in Jenny's car and away we
went. She drives so well and though it was on the wrong side of the road
we got to their house and it was very nice indeed. There is a good back
yard, lots of plants and flowers and the house is real old fashioned
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but charming. We just fell right into the normal pattern. Niki and I went
for a walk and every house is brick with a low brick fence. Don took us
out to dinner to a place quite near by and the food was terrible and yet
maybe it was good for here. One has to realize that tastes and kinds of
eating vary so from country to country. When we got back Don watched the
news and the 3 of us went for a long walk and we saw where Niki went to
school which was in a beautiful setting and it was a summer school. Now
we are planning on what we should take next week for our time on the
beach. The weather was beautiful and I just hope it stays that way. Now I
am going to bed.
December 22, 1990 (Saturday)
Today was the day we were going to the beach, but first we had to go out
of our way to buy things to take. I was rather overwhelmed with the
prices. Their things are in kilos instead of pounds but still things are
very high indeed. I thought I would remember but now nothing comes to
mind but I keep wonder how people with children can afford to feed them.
Turkey's for example were over $3 a pound and ham was just as bad. Jenny
says chickens usually run over $5 so that gives one the idea. We didn't
buy all that much. When we got back to the house we packed clothes and
were off by 11. It was a very cloudy day and it rained much of the way.
It took about 2 hours to get there. Jenny is an excellent driver and she
didn't get upset if she took a wrong turn and Don was relaxed and sat in
the front seat checking the way and it went just fine. We found the
house, which has 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths, and a large living room with a
stove, and Don started a fire cuz it was rather chilly. It is all very
pleasant. Then Jenny and I went to store and got more things and we
bought wine and bourbon. When we got back, the fire was going well in the
wood stove and things were put away and we had settled in. Then Niki and
I decided to go for a walk and our goal was to see the ocean. Two hours
later we had not found the ocean and we could not see where we were
staying. There was no phone at the house so we could not call. We had not
noted the street and we walked and walked and were exhausted and getting
a little nervous. As we went over the same area yet again, Don walked out
and said he had seen us go by and wondered what the scoop was! So we had
been going buy the house but did not recognize it. We were so glad to be
found! I took a shower and Jenny cooked a pasta with a can of salmon,
some noodles that was just so and the green salad and the French bread we
had bought. I took a shower fast cuz I was hot and sticky after our
ordeal. Then Niki and I played cards and Don and Jenny had a good long
talk. It is going well. No problems!
December 23, 1990 (Sunday)
I slept very well last night. I forgot to bring a gown so I slept in a Tshirt and pants. It was chilly and we had two wool blankets. I woke up to
a lot of noisy birds. They don't sing exactly. Instead they tend to shout
in a raucous fashion. You do hear ones that are a little more soft spoken
but they are pretty much drowned out. Don got up first and went
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into make coffee and I got up later. I did my exercise and then got
dressed and came out to orange juice, a piece of toast and Pero. Later
Don cooked bacon and eggs. Jenny got up next and then Niki. We had hoped
so for warm weather but instead it was blustery with occasional rain. No
TV but we had the radio on and there was a typhoon in W. Australia and
even in Melbourne and especially around Balwyn there was a high wind and
lots of damage. Jenny called Barry at noon cuz he was taking the rabbit
and he went. There were some branches down but no serious damage. Jenny
and I went to the meat market this morning and got boneless chicken
breasts and lamb chops. We cooked the chicken today with baked potatoes
and green beans. The dinner was very good. Store bought cookies that they
call biscuits here for our dessert and we tend to eat too much of them.
She never makes dessert, but I think in the long run it will be less
caloric but maybe not. Finally after lunch we all got into the car and
drove to the beach and we saw the ocean. We went to two good beaches but
it was cold and windy both places. Niki found some seashells so she was
pleased. I just hope it's warmer tomorrow cut if it is still like this,
we might as well be back in Melbourne. Niki and Jenny played a lot of
cards today and we all went for a walk around 4 PM but again it is so
cold and windy that it no fun. I would give anything if I had brought
warmer clothes. I just wish I had sweat pants and shirts cuz I am cold
most of the time. I went out in the yard and picked flowers and greenery
for the table tonight. I am in my element cuz there are eucalyptus trees
everywhere and the good kind. I wonder about being here for a whole week
if the weather continues like this cuz when one is in a strange house it
is much harder to do things to keep busy.
December 24, 1990 (Monday) - Christmas Eve
It is all so strange. Somehow it doesn't seem like Christmas at all. I
just hope Niki isn't too disappointed in this holiday set up. What would
we do today? We went to the store to buy a few things. We kept thinking
of things and had to go back. Don wrote to Merry and to their sisters. I
have not felt like writing yet. I guess I keep hoping I will find a
typewriter and then I could write a letter. I did a lot of walking today.
I walked with Niki along the river. I walked with Jenny and we talked
about Barry and their relationship. I walked with Don and we talked about
Christmas and how strange it is to be here, but nice too. We fond that
the big building behind the house here is a Catholic Church and we may go
to church tomorrow. We stopped at a store today cuz they had sweatshirts
in the window and Don's sweater needs to be washed and he did not bring
another one or a sweatshirt but when we priced them and found out they
cost 602 pounds, we decided not to get one naturally. We are very casual
about eating. Don gets up first and starts the fire in the living room
and then he makes his own breakfast. I come next and have mine and then
Jenny and last Niki. Lunch is much the same with all of us eating good
things today. Tonight for dinner Jenny cooked rice and added frozen peas,
onions and mushrooms and she made a green salad and then we had some
Arnott's biscuits for dessert. It all tasted good. We had drinks before
dinner and Jenny had wine
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and Niki coke and she made us some crackers and cheese. Niki and Jenny
moved the Christmas tree out of the living room. It had been sitting on
the patio. After we moved it to the living room, we picked geraniums and
put them on the tree and there was some tinsel and we brought out the
presents but they were pretty few and to me it looked sad somehow. I just
hope and pray that Niki doesn't feel that way about it. But you never
know what they are thinking. I decided to take a shower, shampoo and pin
up my hair so I did that and then the four of us read. Niki is reading
Lynmara and she has a lot of Catherine Gaskin to read. By 10:20 we all
were in bed. What will tomorrow bring?
December 25, 1990 (Tuesday) - Christmas Day in Australia
Same pattern. Don is first so when I got up the living room was warm but
this time Niki was awake and so today we waited until Jenny got up and
she did at about 7:45 and so we opened our presents. Niki gave me a very
pretty address book with a tiny Koala bear hooked on it and a tiny little
plastic thing with a prism. Jenny gave us both a very exotic vase made of
a root from a native tree. Don got a key chain with his name from Niki
and lotto tickets. Niki liked the things we had brought here and her
Reeboks fit, thank goodness. It was a very strange Christmas really. Don
and I did not give each other anything. We cleaned up the papers and then
Don and I went for a walk. It was cool but not as chilly as it has been.
Then the big clothes washing began. There is a very strange washing
machine here but there is a very interesting part where you get the water
out of the clothes so that I did a load of handwashing and then I put
them in the gadget and turned on the power and all the water is squeezed
out. So I washed both pairs of Don's slacks and his wool sweater. People
don't have dryers here very often so we hung everything outside and it is
a lovely, breezy day and everything dried. We were going to church at
10:30 but then I sad no. I don't know why exactly. I had not brought a
dress or skirt and somehow I didn't want to go in pants. While I was
washing clothes, Jenny and Don when to a phone and tried to call Chico
and got through! They talked to Linda and she said she and Cathy were
cooking for Christmas Eve. We are a day ahead. She said Daisy was very
glad to see her and was following her around everywhere she went. They
said they would drink a toast to us tonight and we are to drink one to
them. They said it didn't seem quite the same and I can agree with that.
After all my clothes washing, we went to the beach and it was just
gorgeous. The beach is gold colored and there was very little debris.
Niki and I collected shells and since we had brought deck chairs, Don and
Jenny sat and read. Then it suddenly got chilly at about 2 PM so we came
home. Pretty much all the clothes were dry so I ironed the things that
needed it. Just think: washing and ironing on Christmas! We had a good
dinner: Jenny broiled lamb chops, I re-heated the rice and the potatoes,
made a fruit salad and she had chocolate ice cream for dessert. We opened
a bottle of champagne and we all had a little and toasted the family in
Chico because they were going to toast us. After dinner, Jenny and I went
for a one-mile walk. We talked about what the future might bring. Then
when we got back, we all read for a while. It is rather funny to see four
people avidly reading our books. Then we played
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some cards, Fish, rummy, and solitaire. I was the last to go to bed at 10
and Christmas in Australia was over.
December 26, 1990 (Wednesday)
Gechong, North Angle Sea, Australia. We woke up this morning about 6:10.
Don thought it seemed warmer but I went ahead and made a fire in the
stove in the living room anyway. I did my exercises and then came out for
my juice and French bread. It is hard to believe that the French bread we
brought is still edible. Don and I went to mail letters at about 8:30 and
although the sun was shining it was breezy and very chilly. We were going
to take a picnic lunch to the beach but it was rather cloudy and cold at
11:30, so we ate here. Niki had made lunch so we sat on the high stools
in a row and ate. Then at about 12 it cleared and it was sunny but very
breezy. Lots more people today but then it was Boxing Day, which is a
holiday. Both Jenny and Niki went into the ocean and said it wasn't all
that cold and then Don went, but naturally I did not. We got back after
two. Everyone showered and I pinned up my hair as well. Then I wrote a
letter to Priss. Don has written, but I didn't feel in the mood and I had
to write in longhand, but decided I had better start. The war news
sounded terrible today with Iraq threatening to attack Israel and now
there is talk of nuclear war. Where is it all going to end? We played
cards and read and then we went to Diane's Riverside Restaurant at 6:30.
It was a small place, but attractive with one girl very tall and quiet
and she seemed to do everything except cook the meal. Everything was very
expensive and good. I had fettuccini with mushrooms and ham that I didn't
like but then I ordered just that and it was not too expensive, but Don
and Jenny ordered the regular dinner that was $ 17.50. Niki had what I
had but a bigger portion and then two portions at $5.85 each of dessert.
I shudder to think what it all cost, but I will not complain. Came home
and Don and I read plus Niki and I played cards. Poor Niki now has a
sunburn and is read and hot. It will turn into tan in a short time but
she is miserable right now. We were all tired and when 9 PM came, we were
all ready to go to bed.
December 27, 1990 (Thursday) - Angle Sea, Australia
Heard rain in the nigh and when we woke up this morning, it was still
raining off and on. It never seems to show on the lawns and roads though.
I saw the kayaks on the river and the men paddling fool speed in spite of
the rain. The kookaburras were just as loud as usual too. Don wanted to
go get the paper at 7 when the newsstand opens so he decided to go and
risk the rain but it had stopped and he didn't get wet at all. Poor
Niki's sunburn was really painful today, so we didn't go to the beach.
After lunch Jenny, Niki and I walked to the bridge and crossed the river
and found a gallery near where we ate last night. It was in a house and I
fell in love with a metal bird, but it was $2,500. Some lovely
watercolors too. It was fun to look. Then we walked back and were willing
to rest by the time we got home. And then all of a sudden the wind came
up with a vengeance.
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It blew so hard we had to close everything cuz it was like a sandstorm
and it lasted a long time. I was so worried that trees would come down
but just small branches came down. I cooked scrambled eggs, hash browns
and green salad for dinner. Niki and I played a lot of cards. I didn't do
much reading today. Then at 15 to 7, we drown to a little neighborhood
theatre to see Home Alone. It was a funky little place with curtains
pulled over the windows and I think it was an assembly for an elementary
school during the day, but they had all the latest movies. The price
didn't fit the place, $7 for adults and $4 for children. Is there nothing
in this country that is not expensive? The first part of the movie was
rather slow but after the break, it was very funny and we all laughed and
the kids in the audience loved it. Then we came home and everyone was
tired, so we went to bed early. I sent a postcard to Dee at Chico Unified
and a letter to Linda.
December 28, 1990 (Friday) - Angle Sea, Australia
Up at seven. A lovely warm morning, no wind. I wrote a letter to Cathy,
so I am trying to write to as many as possible. Don had gotten the paper
at 7, but later in the morning, after I washed some clothes by hand and
hung them out to dry, he and I walked to the shops and bought doughnuts
and I got some cheese, milk and some smoked turkey. I started reading
Eight. Don had read it earlier and liked it. I didn't write any more
letters today. I must write to Mike. We are trying to get rid of all the
extra food, so we did some of that at lunch and then Jenny, Niki and I
went for a walk. They bought cones, but since they were so expensive,
$1.49 for one scoop, I go three pieces of candy and had one and brought
the other two home to Don. We walked across the bridge again and along
the river on the other side and then came back home. We read until it was
time to get dinner. This time I boiled the last two eggs cut them in two
and then sliced it along with tomatoes, put the cheese on. Cooked the
rest of the frozen green beans, put the crackers on and that was our
dinner and it was fine. Did the dishes while Don played solitaire. Jenny
and Niki went one last time to the sea to look for shells. It was a usual
day for sure, clouds, wind (but not like yesterday) so it keeps one
guessing. When Jenny and Niki got back Don and I went for a last walk
along the river. People were fishing and just sitting on the bank looking
at the water. It was all very peaceful and I rather hate leaving here,
but I suppose it is a sign that it was a good vacation. We played cards
until 9 and then we went to bed. Jenny and Niki were still playing rummy,
so we made love and it was okay but not the same as when we are at home
and by ourselves.
December 29, 1990 (Saturday) - Back in Melbourne
Don woke up before 6 and I stayed in bed a little longer and then got up
and did all my exercises. When I get up in the morning, I really feel
rather terrible. My neck is stiff; my throat is sore on one side. I don't
want to say anything to anyone but I worry sometimes about feeling so
bad. But after I put the drops in my eyes and take two puffs of my
inhaler, and do a lot of exercising, I seem to be much better. Maybe it
is the bed or the
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pillows are just not like being at home. We all had a simple breakfast. I
had made up the bed the was it was supposed to be and folded all the
blankets so after we had eaten, I got out the broom and dustpan and
neatened things up and then I washed everything and put the kitchen all
back to the way it looked when we came. We loaded up the car and at 9
were at the real estate place to give them the key. So at 9:10, we were
on our way to Melbourne. Niki kept saying she didn't feel well and then
Jenny took a wrong turn into the city and I got an anxiety attack, so I
just looked down and said some "Hail Mary's" and then Niki said she was
going to throw up so Jenny pulled to a side street and opened the door
and Niki threw up. She seemed okay and pretty soon we were at 16 Libra
and she said she felt fine. I think she tends to get carsick. We unpacked
the car and got things put away. Since we didn't have a chest of drawers
in our room, we just put things in our suitcases. We all ate a simple
lunch and then Jenny went off to buy groceries after putting in a load of
clothes. I went outside to sweep the steps and ended up raking the front
lawn and putting the hose on the tap. After the big wind last week there
were branches and dry leaves everywhere. Niki came out and she helped me.
We got a lot in the garbage can and put the rest in bags. When Jenny got
home, we hung out the clothes and we ended up doing three loads of
clothes and would be bringing them in as they dried. I will iron our
things later.
December 30, 1990 (Sunday)
The end of December. This is hard to believe when it is 90 degrees out,
sunny and bright. June I could believe, but not December. We spent a
quiet day. We walked all day. Jenny wanted to check out some furniture
stores and so she and I went to see if they were open. I had not ridden
in the front seat of the car before and I found it very hard not to
panic. Driving on the left side of the street is such a different
experience that it really threw me, but I kept my feelings to myself.
None of the stores were open. We checked both in the morning and the
afternoon. We washed some things and hung them on the line. They didn't
have any trouble drying today. I ironed some of my things. Niki cleaned
her room and sorted out things so I have many things to take back to the
York girls if they want them. I worked outside in the back yard raking up
leaves from the windstorm and there is an apple tree in the back yard and
many little green apples had fallen so I had to pick them up. I also
pruned. The place is over planted and nothing has been pruned for years.
Professionals should come in and cut out about three fourths of the junk
and leave the good things cuz there are many lovely plants being choked
by others. We had a simple dinner of sandwiches and salad. Don't and I
went for another walk after dinner. I think I am losing weight cuz Jenny
doesn't cook with any salt and there are no desserts. She made banana
bread but no chocolate sauce, ice cream, etc. Good for me cuz I like to
lose but not so good for Don. Tennis was on all day and peopled watched
that off and on and we watched 48 Hours that was interesting about a gene
that causes retardation. Pretty grim. I played Trivial Pursuit with Niki
in the
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evening. I came out ahead. We were in bed by 10. Our room was rather warm
but we got to sleep okay.
December 31, 1990 (Monday) - New Years Eve, Australia
This morning I went all the way on my exercises and with Jenny's regular
weights used in my hands, I got a good workout. Right away one could tell
it was going to be a hot day and it heated up past 108 degrees, so we
were right. Barry came with the rabbit's hutch, which was very elaborate,
and the little black rabbit is adorable. Since its cage is mesh on the
bottom, she can eat the grass, lettuce, carrots, etc. Here name is Siggy.
Then Jenny went off with Barry and came back about two. Niki decided she
wanted to make Rice Krispy squares so we walked to the store and got a
box called Rice Bubbles here, plus rubber gloves, and some apples and
they cost $8. Jenny had run a load of clothes, so I hung them out while
Niki made the Rice Krispy squares. The marshmallows were pink and white
and terrible, so were the squares, but Niki liked them. It didn't take
the clothes long to dry in the heat of the day. When Jenny got back she
and Don went to the hardware store and bought pruning equipment. So
tomorrow I think we will be pruning. I just wonder were we are going to
put all the debris? Finally they got home and Jenny cooked a chicken dish
for dinner and we had cukes and tomatoes in a salad. Then Niki and I
walked again, this time to the video store and we got Pretty Woman and
Shirley Valentine for the evening. Don didn't want to watch so he lay in
the bedroom reading and later ended up with a headache but I decided I
would stay up for both movies. I liked both of them. The people across
the street in this very staid neighborhood gave a party with a very loud
stereo of rock and roll music. I told Jenny that the neighbors were
probably so shocked they didn't think to complain. Niki didn't like
Shirley Valentine so she read and then at 5 to 12, she came out and at 12
we broke the poppers which were a great disappointment but we kissed each
other all around and then went to bed. The party across the street was
still going strong and it took a long time to go to sleep. Our New Years
Eve has not been great for many years, so this one was no different; it
was just in a different country.