Vacation

July 17, 2002:  Called Arlene R. this a.m. -- had a real nice visit.  Nancy came from work and brought me some shower soap.  We took a walk around the building to see the flowers.  I went to Book Club this evening. 
July 18, 2002:  I called Irene D. and told her my dream of the "picnic" potato recipe.  Tom came for supper -- the usual laundry, shower and then Rummikub.
July 19, 2002:  I called Wilva as she's been hospitalized several times this summer.  She still isn't too well. I fixed deviled eggs for the vacationers to take along tomorrow.  102 degrees today.

The vacationers were Nancy, myself, Mitch and Anna.  This was the trip to South Dakota, North Dakota and Canada.  Lots of good times were had, as always on those trips.  The ones that leap to mind on this one were the gravy-butt episode, Chicken Man, and "I'm the leader!".  Explanations on request for those not familiar that would like the gory details.

Here we are at the first state line photo op of the year.

Sounds like 2013

June 20, 2002:  Talked to Myrtle -- she came home yesterday.  Tom here for supper -- he took care of the laundry, I showered and then we played Rummikub.
June 21, 2002:  Hot again today -- we've had plenty of hot, dry weather.
June 22, 2002:  I talked to Greta.  Arlene R. brought the other five chickens.  No kids tonight."

We've had plenty of hot, dry weather in the here and now, too.  I don't know if the farmers are getting anxious yet since I don't know how much hot, dry weather the crops need in between rains.  I do know we haven't had rain for quite a spell, but to the untrained eye, the corn and beans along my route to work look okay so far.

Love is in the air here at Whatmore Acres -- I saw the young drake attempting to have his way with one of the females.  Unfortunately, I noticed at the same moment I was pulling the hose away from filling their pool and all ducks scattered.  I didn't mean to interrupt his wooing.  I am guessing he and his potential mate went back to their business after I went in the house.

Here's a not-so-clear photo of Grandpa at a time when it was his business to be concerned with crops and rain and hot and dry.

Never too old to ask Mom

"June 14, 2002:  As usual I played lazy today.  Did fold the laundry and put it away.  Talked to Nancy in evening.
June 15, 2002:  My neighbor, Bernice, called to borrow two round cake pans.  She was baking a special cake for her husband.  Greta called in p.m.  Arlene R. had brought five chickens and Greta wanted to know how to package them.  I told her about our plans for tomorrow so there won't be a Sunday morning call.
June 16, 2002:  Nancy came a little early -- we left here about 7:45.  Went to Dale and Lynn's church.  Dane was an acolyte.  Lynn was at some convention in San Antonio.  After church we went to IHOP --  a special pancake house.  Dale treated us to our meal.  Then Nancy and I did my grocery shopping -- took it to the apartment and took a nap.  Went to Tom and Merilyn's about 2:00.  The kitten is really special.  He walks around the place as if he owns it.  Jeff M. came while we were there.  I was back here about 5:00.  Nancy went right home to rest.

As an over 50-type person, I am glad to see that in 2002 my mom was still asking her mom things she didn't know.  It is supposed to work that way, of course, but I am still glad to read this.

And did Tom and Merilyn ever have a cat that didn't think it owned the place?  They have/had a knack for some real characters, even for cats.  I was telling someone about that rough-and-tumble Keena (sorry, if I am spelling that wrong) just the other day.

Here's Mom learning something about gardening from Grandma, no doubt -- something I am learning now.  Looks like a healthy bunch of something they are picking there.

Two having a blah day

"May 9, 2002:  Talked to Myrtle in a.m.  Tom and Nancy here for supper.  I showered and then we played Rummikub.  Nancy washed my double knit dresses.
May 10, 2002:  A "blah" day.  Mitch sick so no kids.  Called Arlene R. for her birthday.
May 11, 2002:  Made a chocolate cake and a lemon dessert for tomorrow."

I guess Mitch could be described as having a blah day, so that is why I decided on two.

I apologize for my lapse in blogging.  I am going to blame it on forces beyond my control since that makes me blameless:  preparation for graduation party, graduation party, graduation itself, having a long-lasting cold, and then recovering in between all of those things.  I am hopeful that I will be back in the groove of things very soon.

The photo is of both Grandma and Mitch (and Dane and Kyleah) not having a blah day.

A bit of history

"March 3, 2002:  Talked to Greta in a.m.  Nancy brought a beef stew dinner about 2:00.  In the afternoon, I took a shower and she vacuumed.  Then we played Rummikub.
March 4, 2002:  I called Arlene R. in a.m. just to visit -- did that rather than write.  Played Seven-Up in the evening.
March 5, 2002:  Mary took me for my weekly shampoo and set.

Sorry for my absence yesterday.  I was in Omaha at an all-day training -- would much rather have been doing almost anything else since the training was about lead-based paint.  Snoresville.  But, I am done learning about it for another three years, so that is great.  I was late getting there due to some not-quite-so-perfect directions and also the fact that I could barely see the street signs as I headed east because the sun was in just the wrong spot.  But, if that is the worst thing that happens this week or month or year, I will be in fine shape.

I don't have anything to comment regarding Grandma's comings and goings, so I'll include something I thought was a bit funny from the History of Winside book (the 1942 edition).

The First Court Case

The first case tried in Justice of the Peace Court in Winside was on January 25, 1887.  M. H. Dodge, a young lawyer who had studied law by correspondence, was the judge.

August Krueger was the plaintiff and the defendants were Julius Krueger, Otto Krueger and Herman Krueger.  There were no lawyers on either side.

Both sides called for witnesses and a jury.  Those on the witness stand were:  August Deck, Herman Krueger, Chris Krueger and Ed. Krause.  Jury:  Warner Starr, Wm. Averill, John Cherry, John Batte, F. Shinn, James Elliott.  John Cherry was excused from jury duty on account of sickness and F. Muehlmeier took his place.  Warner Starr refused to appear so a bench warrant was issued for his arrest and he was fined $5.00 and costs.

The bill of particulars alleged the defendants owed the plaintiff the sum of $24.00 for hay and house rent.  The jury's verdict was in favor of the plaintiff August Krueger.  An execution was issued to Ernest Nehring, constable and a chattel mortgage note was given the plaintiff for the judgment and the plaintiff agreed to pay the costs.

I find a couple of things interesting and/or humorous here.  The amount of money involved causes a bit of a chuckle now, but it was obviously enough to go to court over back in 1887.  The fact that the "judge" studied law by correspondence is a nice touch.  I wonder what Warner Starr knew or didn't know or what else he had to go that day that he refused to appear.  His fine and costs was a goodly sum of money compared to what the lawsuit was about, so he must have felt strongly about things.  It is a nice touch that the plaintiff agreed to pay costs after his big win.  Since the defendants were likely related to him, maybe this was a peace offering on his part.

For no particular reason, I have dusted off the butts photo to use today.

Alarm bells again

"January 6, 2002:  Greta called in p.m.  Mary came early and changed dressing.  Nancy came at noon.  We had dinner and then she vacuumed while I showered.  We played some Rummikub.
January 7, 2002:  Fire alarm rang this morning -- down the steps again.  Some clothes in the dryer had caught fire -- a lot of smoke.  When the smoke alarm goes off it automatically sets the bell ringing, calls 9-1-1 and shuts off the elevators.  I took the band-aid off my face -- it had healed nicely.  I called Arlene R. in p.m."

Maybe this was the firemen assist trip down the stairs.  Not that it matters one way or the other.  I notice Grandma was writing something every day; she wasn't doing that in the last journal.  I wonder why.  Maybe with everything all scaled down she was more organized.  Maybe by the time I am nearly 90, I will be organized, too.  It's a goal I am going to shoot for.

For no particular reason, here is Grandma Anna and I on my confirmation day.  I loved that dress.  Also love the Dorothy Hamill haircut!  (And you, too, Grandma Anna . . . )

A van?

"June 18, 1995:  Greta, Howard and I to Lincoln to Nancy's for Father's Day.  All the kids there -- weather was ideal.  Dale's got a "new" (to them) van.
June 23, 1995:  Sophia Morris and Arlene Lurz here in p.m.  I had Arlene R. play for me at Pinochle Club.
June 25, 1995:  To church in a.m.  Helen came here in p.m and we Scrabbled.
June 27, 1995:  Jean, Marjorie, Dorothy Jo and Helen here in p.m."

I am guessing the out-of-state folk were in town for the 4th of July even though it wasn't a big reunion year.  Which is very nice.

Either Grandma is playing fast and loose with the word "van" or I am totally forgotten that Dale and Lynn ever had one.  I just don't remember that or see them as van people.  But, as I have admitted on this blog before, I don't claim to remember much.

I have always liked this photo of Jean and Marjorie and Grandpa.  They certainly got a kick out of their Uncle Howard, and vice versa.

Impatience for impatiens?

"May 29, 1995:  Greta, Nancy and I to cemetery in morning to put out flowers.  We ate dinner at the Legion Hall.  Too wet for Nancy to set out any of the flowers.  She left for Lincoln about 5:00.
May 30, 1995:  Arlene R. brought eight chickens that I had ordered.
May 31, 1995:  I planted some petunias in the planter.
June 1, 1995:  I finished the planter and set out the impatiens.

I imagine those chickens were already butchered.  I've said it before and I'll say it again -- it makes quite an impression on a little girl to see her cookie-making, hug-giving grandmother grab a chicken and lop its head off with not so much as a moment's hesitation.  I can still see the stump with the two nails in it to put the neck between.  I can also clearly see headless chickens running and flapping around.  Once I got over the initial shock, I think I was pretty game for the rest of the butchering process.  There's nothing quite like the smell of singed pin feathers at the gas stove or watching the contents of gizzards revealed.  Ah, the good ol' days.  Well, sort of.

Not surprisingly, I have no photos whatsoever of chicken butchering time.  But here's one that shows generally the area where all that took place; not in the backyard but beyond a bit.  Of course, that's Grandma and Aunt Irene painting screens.

Gadding about

May 16, 1995:  Helen and I Scrabbled.  Delmar J. put on screens.
May 17, 1995:  Has been sunny and no rain since Saturday night when we had a shower.  Busy Bees ate dinner at Prengers.
May 19, 1995:  Pinochle Club at Elsie J.'s.  Arlene R. gave me a ride.  Greta came after work and planted garden.
May 21, 1995:  Greta took me to church.  In p.m. to Norfolk -- Helen, Dorothy Jo, Greta and I.  We shopped first and then went to Bonanza's for Monte's graduation party."

My spellcheck like "gadding".  I guess I never was sure if that was a real word or not.

I found a box of 'stuff' and it's a bit of a treasure trove as far as this blog goes.  It is going to be difficult to not use it all up all at once.  First up, I just have to use this undated letter.  It made me laugh.

'Dear Marian,

We are busy writing to you, Dale, Mary and me.  They decided to make you a picture and I should write a letter to you I was told.

I read stories for two hours straight this afternoon before they would let me quit.  One I had to read twice.  We didn't get to the mulberry trees this afternoon.  We went outside awhile and Lloyd let them have his duck and goose calls to blow for awhile.  That lasted quite awhile.

They sure are good kids to mind.  If I say what I want them to do or not do firm-like they just mind.  I sure like kids that know how to mind.

We are baton twirling with our pencils.  Mary can do it without dropping it.  Dale and I can't.

Hope you are feeling much better.

Love,
Myrtle"

I wonder if both Lloyd and Aunt Myrtle went inside during the duck/goose calling demonstration.  That had to be most unpleasant for them, but totally delightful for the two of us kids.

For some reason I am not able to add a photo right now.  I will post anyway and try a bit later.

Quilts and cards and dining

"April 28, 1995:  Nancy called this a.m.  They got home late yesterday p.m.  Had a fine time.  April was a cold, cloudy, rainy month -- more cloudy days than sunny days.  Farmers haven't been able to do any field work.
May 1, 1995:  Sewed the binding on the quilt Arlene brought.  Worked on spider quilt all week.
May 4, 1995:  TOPS ate at Geno's in Wayne.
May 5, 1995:  Pinochle Club at Laura's.  Arlene played for Laura and gave me a ride."

I have been poor about posting proper quilt photos, so here is one of a spider web quilt -- as per the note on the back.  I am guessing that is the same as the "spider quilt" Grandma mentioned.  There were several quilt photos taken the same day as this one with the holders in back sometimes visible, sometimes just their feet.  This one has a garden hoe showing on the side but no human body parts at all.  You just never know what you'll get with our family photographers.

Tilling and quilting

"April 23, 1995:  Greta took me to Werner Mann's 50th anniversary celebration at the auditorium.
April 24, 1995:  Arlene R. came with a quilt to be bound.  We basted around the outside of it.
April 27, 1995:  John took Howard to Norfolk and Howard bought a new Huskee tiller.  He had been using Lila H.'s since she moved to town.  Now that Jim is out of the service, he needs it.  $529.00 + $31.74 tax = $560.74.

Well, the quilt is one of Arlene's but the date on the back says 1993, so I'm close but with no cigar.  It is a lovely quilt, me thinks.

I still like how Grandma recorded the cost of things Grandpa bought or needed, but not so much her quilting supplies.  There were doubtful good, solid reasons for that but I still like to smile about it.

A new baby!

"March 8, 1995:  Jayson called.  They have a baby girl -- Alicia Kaitlin born at 11:03 a.m. -- weight 7 lb. 14 oz. and 20 1/2 inches tall.  Finished piecing the Rail Fence quilt top and started putting together brick quilt pattern.  Pieces were cut several years ago.  Cold and icy -- didn't go to WELCA.
March 10, 1995:  Warmed up -- Club at Ida's.  Arlene R. took me.

Well, I was unable to lay hands on a baby photo of Alicia last night.  She was a cutie, though.  Still is, even though she is now all but grown up and ready to graduate at the end of this school year.  It's crazy how time flies.  Oh and Grandma didn't mention Lora by name, but since she did all the hard work, I've included her in the labels for this post.  It seemed only right.

Here's the only photo I had ready of Alicia.  She's the one on the yellow looking at Grandma.  Very cute!

Clotheslines

"February 24, 1995:  Pinochle Club at Leona's.  Arlene R. was a guest and gave me a ride.
February 25, 1995:  Nice and warm -- hung bedding on line.
February 26, 1995:  Our spring weather is over -- not above 32 degrees today, drizzle and icy tonight.
February 27, 1995:  Cold and foggy."

Hanging bedding on the line -- I am rather nostalgic about clotheslines.  There is something about all those colors fluttering in the wind that is somehow soothing and hypnotic.  (However, where I live now, on the wrong day, my fluttering colors would snap free and end up near Wahoo in a matter of minutes.)  As a kid it was fun to run down the length of the lines with arms outstretched, making contact with the longer stuff on either side of you.  I remember Judy, my babysitter in Norfolk, taking an old sheet or blanket and putting it over the line and then staking down the edges to make a tent for her kids and me.  We had a blast, and with no electronic gadgets to entertain us, imagine that.