Mama's Family

Love those Grandkids!

2009-12-29T05:03:00.000-08:00

I love my grandkids! The kids left for Florida on Sat. and since Saturday at 10 am, C. has called me 11 times! When they were in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, when they hit Florida, when they got to their hotel, when he lost a tooth, and every night to say "Good Night"! I also have talked to D. to discuss the football scores and bowl games so far. Yep - as I sit in my chair wrapped in a blanket because the temp. outside is 25 with a windchill of 10 - I love hearing that C. just got done swimming in a heated pool, played on the beach, and it's 73 down there! I am glad they got away and are getting to spend some time with their other grandma!

Pray

2009-03-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

It's a beautiful day outside. It's chilly but the sun is brightly shining and the sky is blue. But .. there are also some people who need your loving arms around them right now.
A friend of B&S who has bone cancer and had to have a leg amputated and who is still going thru chemo has developed a blood infection. He is back in the hospital today and not doing so well. His wife is frustrated and worn out. She is trying to care for S. and take care of their two small children and work. Please be with both of them as they try to get over this latest hurdle. Please give strength to E's mother and her brother-in-law who are helping out so much. And bless the co-workers of E's who are giving her their time-off hours so that she can be with her husband and still get a paycheck. Please touch their lives too so that they know how important their compassion is and let it be a lesson to us all.

S. has a friend who is also at the hospital today with a friend who is having brain surgery right now as I am sending you this prayer. The surgery started at 7 am and is expected to go until 7
pm. She has four small children. Please guide the doctors and nurses through this. Please be with all those in the waiting room - give them patience through this long day. S's friend is in that waiting room and she needs blessing as she struggles with her young son.

You already know all of these needs and I know you watching over all of them. I pray that your will be done in all of their lives and to you be the glory.
Amen

PS - Thanks for taking care of C. last week - she looking pretty spiffy!

Back to Dorothy........

2009-02-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday, April 21, 1917:
Chilly. Regents office with grade cards - all finished.
Essay contest this afternoon and then to Church fo Funeral.
Tired & came home for supper. Paul called but said nothing about tomorrow.

Sunday, April 22, 1917:
Beautiful day but dull for me. Did not go to church. Slept all afternoon. Paul did not call up as he promised. Brought machine tonight. Went to church - then to Robbins with Ruby.
Machine gone wrong.

Monday, April 23, 1917:
Sewing and making garden.

Tuesday, April 24, 1917:
Still at home but working all the time getting ready for the picnic. Paul came down and said he would find some way of coming or getting me there.

Wednesday, April 25, 1917:
Picnic. Went with Dale and Gladys.
Paul brought me back in the wagon. Storm came up.
Stayed at Lawrences for supper. Paul & I came home in machine.

Thursday, April 26, 1917:
Tired and worn. Circus day but did not go.
Bought goods for new dress.

Friday, April 27, 1917:
Working all day cooking etc.
Paul came tonight but seemed quiet... late coming down.

Saturday, April 28, 1917:
Nothing unusual.

Sunday, April 29, 1917:
Went to church. Read all afternoon.
Paul forgot to call - so he said.
Rather late coming down and I got mad, blue, and everything else.
I hurt him by talking about Americans as bluffers etc.

Monday, April 30, 1917:
Started new dress.
Raining. Almost finished centerpiece.

Tuesday, May 1, 1917:
Mr. Hawes called and asked me to teach first grade at Pleasant. Drove me out.
Gladys, Cory, & mother burned.
Paul called this afternoon - I wasn't here. Called later.

Wednesday, May 2, 1917:
Still teaching. Mrs. Cory died this morning.
Paul came tonight and brought a box of candy. Had wonderful evening planning for out future.

Thursday, May 3, 1917:
Fine morning.
School is fine, especialy the hot lunches.
Paul did not call as promised & we missed the K.P. dance tonight.

Friday, May 4, 1917:
Raining all day. School closed at noon for Mrs. Corys funeral.
Finished dress and wore it tonight for Paul who came late again.

Saturday, May 5, 1917:
Baked pies and cake this morning. Went downtown for last check. Bought new tablecloth and sat up to hem it. Also bought linens and new dresser scarf.
Paul called.

Sunday, May 6, 1917:
Horrid, dull, cold, damp, day. Went to school for books but did not see Paul. Have a stiff neck today. Made out plans for week, Paul came early before I had finished washing dishes.

ok - ok -ok

2009-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

ok - you would think I would be getting the hang of this blogging stuff! The previous blog was to be on the Fields Family Weekend Blog. I will update!
But - if anyone has any ideas - let me know!

How About.......

2009-02-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Ok - don't everyone jump at once!
How about a weekend at the lakes on Gary's boat?
Everyone in favor - leave a comment and vote yes!

Uncle John

2009-02-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

I saw Uncle John last Saturday. I love Uncle John. Why? I don't know - except that he is my uncle. My mother's younger brother. He and Aunt D. had 6 kids - a huge family in my mind when I was younger. He owned an apple orchard and we always went down to get apples and visit. Uncle J. is a tiny man and he reminds me a magical little elf. Aunt D. made the best home-made caramel apples ever! But I never stayed all night with my cousins. I never had a "special" relationship with Uncle J. He never gave me any special bits of wisdom. I don't know what his favorite color is (although I would guess red!) or his favorite food. I have never even been to his current home! But - he loved my mother and he really misses her and he has the same macular degeneration eye disease that my mom had so he doesn't see well and I always have to tell him who I am. And when I see him look at me with those clear bright eyes that aren't seeing very well - I see my mom and we both have something very precious in common.

My brother has been wanting to get together with Uncle J. and listen to Uncle J. talk about his war experiences. I have heard there are some really interesting stories. I don't think I have ever know a more gentle man - it's hard to imagine him having war stories.

Sometimes it's nice to be loved or to love - just because.

In My Opinion...

2009-01-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

My sisters and I have joked alot about having our own talk radio show. How nice would it be to have 2 or 3 hours to just give our opinion on everything from politics to movies! I mean - we are right most of the time! While my one sister is very diplomatic and one is very direct - I would probably be the Mark Levin type and tell people to SHUT-UP !
Anyway - this week has been a very historic week in our nation's history. We have elected the first Africian-American President and even if you didn't vote for him - and I didn't - it is amazing how far our nation has come! There were close to 2 million people in Washington DC to be part of this great historical time. I heard yesterday on the news that there was not one arrest made - and that if true is impressive! There was also more money spent on this innaguration then any other in history. G.W spent about 45-50 million four years ago and was raked over the coals for spending so much but OB has spent 150 million and it's ok!!!
But now on to the important things - Michelle O's fashion - or lack there of!
Her "lemon-grass" brocade dress and coat looked like my mother's drapes from 1970! I also would have opted for a coat with BUTTONS since it was 20 degrees outside!
My sister thought her white evening gown looked like a chenille bedspread! I thought it was too long - she was constantly moving it out of her way and picking it up to walk.
I am sure that both of these outfits looked better in real life - and while they were better that alot of dresses that I have seen First Ladies wear - she needs help!

Last thoughts:
Thank you to President Bush. Thank you for keeping us safe since 911. Thank you for having broad shoulders that have had to carry alot the past 8 years. Thank you for being part of a very exclusive club that only has 44 members and being a member with dignity. I hope that you got on that plane that took you home to Texas and opened a big bottle of champaign and kicked off your shoes and said Hoo! Hoo! I'm done!!! You and your family deserve a long rest!

To President Obama:
Quit comparing yourself to Abraham Lincoln - you are not! But please have the wisdom to look back at our history and see what our true values are what our country has been based on for over 200 years. I pray that the doubts I have will be erased and you will be remembered in history as a fair and honest man. Good Luck.

I'm Back.......

2009-01-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since my last blog - not much has happened......
except the economy, new President, new family members, etc...

I have so many ideas running around in what brain space I have. It's had to get organized and get them down. I read some other blogs and some are inspirational, some are funny, some are depressing and I joined Face Book - which I can't see me ever using it to it's potential. But - there are definitly more things I want to do other than my Grandmothers Journal. Like...
Grandma's Journal - maybe 2 days a week.
President O : thoughts and worries
Recipes
Diet : Operation Dumbo Drop (borrowing the phrase from L.)
Baby #55 - family
Discipline - Disciple
Robbery!
Laundry
Goats

Grandma's journal - I want to finish with this and I would also like to copy it and make it into a scrape-book type thing for any of my sisters that would like a copy. So- I'm thinking that on Monday and Wednesda's will be journal days!

We last left Dorothy in April of 1917:

Friday, April 13, 1917:
Cold. Examinations at school. Arbor Day. Planted two trees. Paul called and said he would not come. Feeling horribly blue and heartsick. Went to bed early.

Saturday, April 14, 1917:
Down at store this morning. Washed and took bath. Parul came with car & went to Marion to see "Tale of 2 Cities".
Brought mamma & dad home. Then drove north for we had no time for talk and both of us were feeling worried.

Sunday, April 15, 1917:
Beautiful day. Went to church. Read this afternoon. Paul came and brought a box of candy. Had delightful evening but saddened by thought of his going to war.
God please keep us out of it.

Monday, April 16, 1917:
Teachers meeting

Tuesday, April 17, 1917:
Beautiful day but tiring. Hard work at school this week. Called Mildred. Corrected exam papers. Paul called and was in a hurry. Went to bed about 9-15 and just lay down when he tooted horn and I dressed and went down till 10-30. Nobody knew anything of it.

Wed., April 18, 1917:
Beautiful morning. Hot. Got awfully tired. Mamma not feeling well. Paul came early with car. Went to Robbins. Then to Mildred's program. Enjoyed myself.

Thursday, April 19, 1917:
Sowed grass seed at school. Met Paul along pike. Hot and looks rainy. No teachers meeting. Paul called and said he would be down tomorrow.

Friday, April 20, 1917;
School out for 2 days to make up. Tired and worn. Paul came, also tired but had delightful evening.

It's Fair Time!

2008-06-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

The County Fair starts on Sunday! The boys will take the goats and the remote-controlled car project and head for the fair! G. and his cousin J. want to stay all night one night - that ought to be interesting! Alot of people don't have any fond memories of county fairs - but growing up on the farm and being in 4-H for 9 years - the county fair was something you looked forward to every year. I took cooking and sewing and my horse. My dad would give me $5.00 a day - even though I told him $1.00 would do, he always gave me $5.00! Sometimes I would save it up all week and on the last day of the fair I would splurge on the junk food and rides!

The last couple of years I have taken G. into the fair early in the morning to feed his rabbits or goats and we always get a breakfast sandwich and sit on a bench and eat and enjoy the early morning! Last year I took Mom to watch G. show his goat and he won Jr. Showmanship! Mom was so happy! Can't wait for the fun to start!

2008-06-19T13:50:00.001-07:00

Dorothy's Diary

Tuesday, April 3, 1917
Fine day & got some good work in.
Met G's mother going home.
Mama in Columbus all day & had to clean up when I got home. Paul called.
Finished embroidery on pillowslip.

Wednesday, April 4, 1917:
Fine day - took shoes to be repaired.
Had visitor at school - Mary's cousin.
Loran drove me to town. Came down again to buy new shoes.
Paul came early with car & went to Marion.
Drove north afterwards......delightful night.

Thursday, April 5, 1917:
Horrid rainy day.
Feeling tired.
Nothing unusual at school. Went to bed early after talking to Mildred.

Friday, April 6, 1917:
Blue day & rainy.
O I am so tired of this work.
No peace at all.
Went to teachers meeting & Paul had to wait till nearly 10 o'clock.
Felt tired & cried.

Saturday, April 7, 1917:
Felt awful.
Teachers exam & there until 4 o'clock. Got check.
Paul called & I asked him to dinner next Sunday. Sent me wonderful plant for Easter.
Sent Paul a card.

Sunday, April 8, 1917:
Easter Day. Cold
Paul came in machine & went to Sunday School, then to our Church. Had wonderful day.

Monday, April 9,1917:
Rather cold but fine.
Feel awfully tired.
Fairly good day at school.
Went to teachers meeting. Mary Griffins wedding in paper.

Tuesday, April 10, 1917:
Hard day at school. Started program. Mildred called.
Paul called late & said "tomorrow".
O how I want him - no one knows.

Wednesday, April 11, 1917:
Good day at school & looking forward to seeing Paul. Late coming down.
Mother at Church with Miss Gladhart. Paul would not talk much & I asked him about it but he did not seem to want to talk much. Sat & cried after he went. O - Paul, if you only knew how much you are worrying me.

Thursday, April 12, 1917:
Fine day but blue for me worrying about Paul. O - I want him so badly. Saw him in field at noon today.
Mr Riegel & agriculturist at school. Teachers meeting tonight. There till 10 pm.
Worried sick over my school - I wish Paul would say what he wants me to do.

Dorothy's Diary

2008-04-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 26, 1917:
Feeling tired. O, I wish school was out. Made out grade cards. O I wish these worries were off my shoulders. I can't stand them much longer.
Did some work on pillowslips.

Tuesday, March 27, 1917:
Windy, rain, snow. Hard day at school.
Embroidery
Paul called and said he would be up tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 28, 1917:
Fine but windy and cold.
Hard day at school - headache. Paul came late but brought box of candy. Delightful evening but interupted by man from old house telephoning - his daughter dying.

Thursday, March 29, 1917:
Physology test grades for Reed and Morrison. Reed: 90 Morrison: 92
Windy dull day.
Felt good all day.
Paul called. Started to read a book but got sleepy.
Went to bed early.

Friday, March 30, 1917:
Beautiful morning. I wish school was out. Tired.
Paul came but had to go over to Aunties because she was sick. Paul stayed with me till 10-30.
Had an awful night.

Saturday, March 31, 1917:
Awake at 3 this morning. Cleaned Aunties kitchen, went home - took dads dinner. Cleaned machine and made some pillowslips. Too tired to eat or even take bath.

Sunday, April 1, 1917:
Raining all day. Did not go anywhere. Paul came & had delightful evening until the last when I got blue & cried. Paul you are so wonderful! Was ever anyone equal to you.
Somebody called to April fool me.

Monday, April 2, 1917:
Fairly good day at school - basted 4 sheets for mama & sewed all evening.

Guess What?

2008-03-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

The last blog I put on here was supposed to go to the "Fields Family Weekend" blog! I clicked the wrong thing and I want to thank Valerie for correcting it for me! So - now it's on both blogs.

But to get back to the life & times of Dorothy:

Thursday, March 15, 1917:(2 years from this date Margaret Jean would be born.)
Test in civics. Hard day in school. Bought new dress at Uhlers. Went to Church banquet with Gladys, then dance with Paul. Had good time. Mr. Riegle up there.

Friday, March 16, 1917:
Must not forget compositions in 6,7,& 8.
Tired and sleepy, did not get home until nearly one o'clock this morning.
Paul called when I was almost asleep.

Saturday, March 17, 1917:
Windiest day I ever knew. Working down at store. Had hair wahed. Missed Paul all day although he was in town, called up twice this evening but did not come down.

Sunday, March 18, 1917:
Blustry, snow and sunshine. Made cake & turned one layer on to floor. Paul came and we walked out to Meryl Young's. Played cards. Dell drove us back. Paul did not go home but stayed for supper. Had delightful & ideal day and evening together.

Monday, March 19, 1917:
Cold, clear wintry day. Fairly good day at school.
Paul did not call today.

Tuesday, March 20, 1917:
Worked on Paul's cushion & just about finished it. Paul called & decided to see Theda tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 21, 1917:
History: Nona 95
Ferd 92
Ralph 91
Willie 80
Ivor 82
Four normal girls walked in first thing this morning to spend the day.
Saw Theda in "The Tiger Woman", did not like it al all.
Late getting home, Hardly had chance to talk at all.

Thursday, March 22, 1917:
Good day at school. Real spring day. Gladys came over tonight to learn some crochet.
Paul called. Finished first pair of pillowslips.

Friday, March 23, 1917:
Gloomy rainy day. Children don't know what to do. Ferdinands deportment abominable.
Paul called and wanted to come down but could not let him because I had not finished cushion. Finished about 8 o'clock.

Saturday, March 24, 1917:
Paul's birthday - 25
Down at store all morning. Home this afternoon. Took supper. Paul late coming. Gave him cushion and picture. He seemed awfully worried some way.
Late going home.

Sunday, March 25, 1917:
Over at aunties. Then went to church. Paul called and then broght his mother & father & Gladys out. Took first ride in machine.
Came down again and went to our church.
Feeling tired - both of us. He seemed wonderfully tender tonight.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter weekend. I have enjoyed reading Val's, Leigh Ann's, and Sara's blogs on Easter and it's blessings.

The executive committee for this upcoming fabulous family weekend would like to know who is planning to come for what parts. There will be:
Friday evening - This will probably be pretty casual - maybe a bonfire and weenie roast and everyone getting settled in.
Saturday - We are thinking that we will have:
Breakfast
Kid Activities in the A.M.
Golf Outing & swimming in the afternoon
Maybe a scrapbooking session for the girls.
Cook out for supper
Maybe a "dive-in" movie - poolside.
Swimming in evening before fireworks at dark.
Sunday:
Open air church service / breakfast.

Any and all ideas are welcome but we are starting to think about food - beds - etc. and a head count will help.
Thanks
Charley

Dorothy's Diary

2008-03-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 5, 1917:
Drifts of snow 2' deep this morning. Only 8 scholars today. Two Epley boys did not arrive.
Did not go to teachers meeting but crotcheted on pillowslips.
Went to bed early.

Tues., March 6, 1917:
Cold - not feeling well this morning & got horribly sick by noon.
Gladys came over & stayed 2 hours & I asked her to come to club on Thursday. Have not eaten anything today.
Paul called & said he had not better come tonight, so went to bed about 7 o'clock.

Wed., March 7, 1917:
Still cold and windy, feel a little better than yesterday.
Grace came to school to observe. Raining hard so bought new overshoes.
Paul came without calling - brought me flowers. Delightful evening.

Thurs., March 8, 1917:
Club meets today at our house. Gladys came home from school with me.
Served ham sandwiches, pickles, fruit salad with whipped cream & cake & coffee.
Feel horribly tired now it is over but things went off alright.

Fri., March 9, 1917:
Feel tired. Gladys did not sleep well last night.
Paul called up but would not come down to meet me so went to teachers meeting alone.
Felt horribly tired.

Sat., March 10, 1917:
Down at store, bought goods for Paul's pillow. Worked on it all afternoon.
Paul came down this evening. Played rook with Jack.
Planning to go to Meryl youngs tomorrow.

Sunday, March 11, 1917:
No trip to country today - raining so stayed home.
Paul called & I asked him to come down. Came about 3 o'clock - delightful evening.
Went to our church - Should Christians go th Theatre

Monday, March 12, 1917:
Nothing special - did not go to teachers meeting but went down to store to write letters.
Paul did not call as he said, but I suppose he forgot.

Tuesday, March 13, 1917:
Test in Physilogy(can't read her writing)
Ferd 88
Ivor 75
Rob 86
Will 70
Nona 90
Morr 86
Elsie 73
Helen 85

Paul called and said he would be up tomorrow.

Wed., March 14, 1917:
Ferdinands Composition - 95
Paul & I went to see Miss Jackie of the Navy. Never laughed so hard before. Enjoyed evening immensely.
Decided to go to dance tomorrow. Pulled my hair down. Said good night through the window.

Nixon - Clinton??

2008-02-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

President Clinton is in Marion today to help campaign for his wife for President. Needless to say - I did not go. Well, Sara said we could go and then run to the cemetery and watch mom turn over. ---- Anyway, it brought back memories of Mom coming to school many years ago and getting me and taking me downtown to see Richard Nixon stop on his train ride thru Marion and give a campaign speech. We were in the Penny's parking lot (now the county office building) and I can't remember a single thing he said but I think I was the only kid taken out of school that day to go. It was history in the making, you know!!!

All of this campaign stuff also brings back the year we (Jim, Sara, mom and I) went to DC to visit Pat and Debbie over Thanksgiving. We had such a great time but it was the season of the hanging chads and mom was fired up over that.

But - now to catch up with Paul and Dorothy and see what they are going to do for the weekend:
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1917:
Ferdinand - unmanagable today in school. I wish school was out. Got home early but could not do much. Finished reading "The Heart of the Dessert".
Went to bed early.

Thursday, March 1, 1917:
Cold but spring like. Felt well all day till tonight. Edna Mitchell called. Paul called over phone & I told him not to come tomorrow. He seemed angry. O I wish I had not told him. I want him so badly.

Friday, March 2, 1917:
My blue day for I am worrying about Paul. I must see him.
Had exams at school today & am not sorry they are over. Teachers meeting tonight & I had to ask Paul to meet me.
A wonderful evening & everything is alright. I know he hates me to take that old exam tomorrow.

Saturday, March 3, 1917:
Teacher's exam in Business College. Arogul Riegel said he thought I was not going to teach.
O Paul - if you only knew what worries you are causing me not knowing our plans.
Paul called about 5, after I got home.

Sunday, March 4, 1917:
Snowy day, regular blizzard this evening.
Jack brought Smut home. Drove with Bill to Geddis & back in awful snowstorm.
Paul came & we spent a quiet evening for once.
I wish he would never never go away from me.

And later that week........

2008-02-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 16, 1917:
Stopped at Ishanens & bought card & valentine book & sent to Paul. Worried all day. He called at night to thank me & said he was coming tomorrow night.
Stayed at home this evening sewing pillow slips.

Saturday, February 17, 1917:
A happy day looking forward to his coming.
Sewing this morning. Had hair washed this afternoon.
Made some fudge for Paul. He did not feel well & so things were not quite so harmonious as they might be.

Sunday, February 18, 1917:
Went to church this morning. Took flowers to Mr. Welch this afternoon. Mamma went over to Aunties. After supper Paul & I went to see her. Had an ideal evening - he telling me of the book I gave him.

Monday, Feb. 19, 1917:
Rainy day - feel tired. O this program is driving me crazy. Teachers meeting tonight - debate on advantages & disadvantages of farm life.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1917:
Most strenuous day at achool - don't know whether those girls are going to show up or not.
Finished reading "When a man's a man"
Paul did not call tonight. O why must I worry so?

Wed., Feb 21, 1917:
Woke early this morning - could not sleep for worrying over program.
Saw Paul & rest going to Verna's wedding. I hope they will be happy.
Paul came down tonight but I was horribly blue & cried over my worries.

Thurs. Feb 22, 1917:
At school decorating for Washington's Birthday.
Paul came over to bring magazine.
At Ellen Duths for dinner & her aunts for supper.
Feel tired & worn.

Friday, Feb. 23, 1917:
Ready for program but girls backed out. Mr. Spencer & Lippencolt spoke & everything went off
well.
Paul took me home but did not stay long.

Sat., Feb. 24, 1917:
Feel tired & lazy. Crotcheted and sewed.
Went down town this afternoon. Paul called this evening. Gladys invited me to dinner for tomorrow.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 1917:
Went to Sunday School with Gladys.
Dale had to ask Mildred too but I wish she had not been there. Stayed for dinner & then Paul & I came home. Did not feel well.

Monday, Feb. 26, 1917:
Warm day like spring. Felt horribly tired. 2 new scholars at school.
Did not go to teachers meeting. Paul called. Also Mildred to ask about what I had told Gladys on sunday. Such gossip - makes me feel disgusted at times.

Tues., Feb. 27, 1917:
Fairly good day at school. At Mrs. Snyders for supper & took spoon to new baby.
Paul called & then came after me. Spent quiet evening at home.

It's Winter in Plum Creek!

2008-02-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Feb. 4, 1917:
Blizzard - snow, wind. Stayed in all day. Read nearly all day. Mildred called this evening to know if Paul was coming - it was such an awful night. He came in his big fur coat, cap and gloves. Boys would not go to bed.

Monday, Feb. 5, 1917:
Terribly cold & no gas so stayed at home all day.
Turned hem in silk dress. Crocheted edge on nightgown. Went down to store this evening.
Paul called about 6-30.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 1917:
School this morning but horribly cold. Tank froze and then leaking. My milk bottle burst on stove. Plenty of gas gas this evening. Gladhart girls and Miss McKinstry came over. Paul came too. Played and sang - had nice evening.

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1917:
Warmer, tiring day. Gave several tests at school.
Bought game of checkers and rook. I hope Paul will teach me to play. He did not call tonight. I sat crocheting all evening till my eyes are tired.

Thursday, Feb.8, 1917:
Dull day - late for school this morning.
Gave test in agriculture. Snowing again.
O I wish Paul would take me to a dance tonight. I am dying to see him again. We have a club meeting tonight. Had good time at club but late getting home.

Friday, Feb. 9, 1917:
Feeling tired but worked hard. Paul called this evening. Went to teachers meeting.
Paul met me coming out. Delightful quiet evening.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 1917:
Went to store, shopping, sewing all afternoon. Went to take supper. Bought bath rug. Made curtain and sewed fringe on carpet.
Called Paul and asked him to go to church in the morning.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 1917:
Up early cooking. I took bath. Met Paul at church. Sermon was "1417 R Please" The line is busy. Went to dinner. Learned to play checkers & rook. Paul stayed, supper and then O-wonderful, we talked over the topic nearest to our hearts - - I named the month.

Monday, Feb. 12, 1917:
Cold - 1 below zero. No gas hardly. Went straight home. Went to teachers meeting & almost froze to death. Thank heaven I don't have to go to summer school but I suppose Pregel will expect me to. Horribly tired & sleepy.

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1917:
Still cold. Getting ready for night program & I wish it was over. Paul came down tonight & played checkers with Jack. Then we went to Marion to see "Civilization" - - a war picture.
He told me to call at store tomorrow evening. I wonder what for?

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1917:
Valentines Day and I am very curious. Children had Valentine box. Paul gave me his picture and a card & also sent a bouquet of violets and roses. O Paul but you are wonderful. The picture is where I can see him on awaking & going to sleep - - on my dresser.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 1917:
Feeling happy in Paul's love. Took children to see Health exhibit in Oddfellows Temple. Paul called and asked to come down. Went to show & then came home. Paul awfully sad because I had not sent him a message. I feel convicted but I gave him a rose with my heart.

President's Day

2008-02-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today, February 11, 1008 is President's Day. President George Bush is in Africa and we are all stuck listening to the never-ending campaign ads for B.Obama (African-American) and H. Clinton (woman) for President. What a difference it was in 1917. Woodrow Wilson was President and on April 2, 1917 he proclaimed the American entrance into World War I, a crusade to make the world "safe for democracy."
And now back to our story.............

Saturday, Jan. 27, 1917:
Stayed home this morning - Ellen and I went to see Gypsy Love. Wonderful play, I only wish Paul could have seen it. Stayed at home this evening to take bath and get things ready for tomorrow.

Sunday, Jan. 28, 1917:
Got up early - Went to church & Mr. Runnals preached on "Why I believe in Church Dancing."
Church filled - wonderful sermon.
Ellen came this afternoon. Paul called up and I told him to come down so I had Paul and Ellen for supper. Delightful evening.

Monday, January 29, 1917:
Gloomy rainy morning. Finished grading exam papers.
Results of exam:
Helen 70
Elsie 64
Morrison 66
Mona 82
Willie 64 *
Robert 70
Ivor 67
Ferdinand 68 *

Did not go to teachers meeting so stayed home and made out grade cards, reports etc.
Carpet laid on stairs.

* Willie and Ferdinand are Paul's younger brothers.

Tuesday, January 30, 1917:
Met Paul along the pike this beautiful spring like morning. He's going to dentist. Did not go to teachers meeting. Paul called about 8 o'clock. Finished sewing nightgown.

Wednesday, January 31, 1917:
Fine spring like weather. Pauls horses ran away and wheels ran over him. O I hope he is not hurt much. Came home early. Paul came about 8 and brought me a box of candy. Wonderful evening but Paul stiff from accident. He pledged our love again as the meaning of my ring.

Thursday, February 1, 1917:
Aufully sick in school. Could not work at all - headache. Helen called at noon. Went to our house and stayed all night. Feeling awful. Paul called to know what was the matter.

Friday, February 2, 1917:
Zero Weather - gas low - no heat. Paul came tonight but had to wear sweaters all the time. An awful cold day.

Saturday, February 3, 1917:
No sleep last night. No fire hardly & feeling terrible. Went to store - made up books took out some bills. Drew check for $55.50 and paid Uhlers. Paul called and said there was room for 1 more out there. Went to bed early.

What a Week......

2008-02-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's been two weeks since my last blog. Life takes some strange turns sometimes and it knocks you on your butt and leaves you just sitting there!

A week ago a close friend of ours (who is also a neighbor and someone we do business with) had a son that committed suicide. This young man was 22 and on the dean's list at college. He planned it out very carefully, it was not a spur of the moment decision. I felt so emotionally drained at the end of last week, going from total shock to being really mad at him for doing this to his mother and father to just hurting. Hurting for the loss of a life that had so much potential and hurting for friends that have lost a child. I don't think that hurt would ever go away.

I also went to a "Soup Swap" last week. That was fun! I came home with bean soup, chicken noodle soup, veg. soup, super duper chili, Italian tortalinni soup, and corn-sausage-potatoe chowder. Wow - I'm souped out! What a fun way to spend a cold winter evening! With good friends and relatives and food!

I also updated the "Family Weekend" blog today. I put info on about the Samaritan's Purse idea that we want to do and about our family church service for that weekend. Choir practices will sure to be starting soon! I haven't brought up the tri-athalon idea yet!

Next post will be back to the life and sexy times of D. Guy!
C.

Dorothy's Diary: Jan. 22 - 26

2008-01-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

Monday, Jan. 22, 1917:
Very slippery and icy. Bought new overshoes for best shoes.
Good day in school. Bought some oysters and plates and fell down on Main St. with them.. Awful mess.
Went to teachers meeting for new class - horrid bore.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 1917:
Still slippery - Willie told me Paul had his coat - wish I could see him in it.
Home early so rested awhile.
Paul and I at Gally Wags Minstrel Show. A delicious half hour in the dark after we came home.
Paul told of Vernas party to be onThursday night.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 1917:
Fell awfully tired and sleepy all day. Mr. Farrar at store noticed my ring. Paul took some repairs to store and ordered some bridles.
Sewed crotched yoke on to nightgown. Went to bed early.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 1917:
Cold - started dialogues for program.
O I wish school was out - I am getting disgusted with it. I went to party at Verna's. She announced her wedding. Paul came for me - snowed & he had to walk home. Horribly tired and worn. I wish Paul & I could have a quiet evening at home.

Friday, Jan. 26, 1917:
Still awfully tired, my eyes are stiff. Trolley on car broke so was late getting to school.
Got telephone in.
P. called & asked to meet me after teachers meeting.
Horribly tired.26

Dorothy's Diary: Jan. 17 - 21, 1917

2008-01-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

Wed. January 17, 1917:
Edna Mitchell married Monday - astounding everybody. Nothing special today just the usual round of lessons. Had hair wash at Letts. Ironed white dress and skirts ready for dance tomorrow. Mr. Thomas came after supper and fixed bathroom stove. Snowing again tonight but not as cold.
Father is sick and ought to be in bed.

Thurs. January 18, 1917:
Windy and snowy again. Rather strenuous day. Preparing for exams. Paul came in sleigh went to R.P.dance. Enjoyed every minute and I think he did too. He asked me if I wanted to go to a wedding - Verna's. I don't know yet if I will go.

Friday, January 19, 1917:
No exams at school. Herstand told me I missed teachers meeting last night. Well, I wouldn't have missed the dance anyhow.
Paul gone to Ednas belling tonight but he did not ask me to go. Going to bed real early to make up for loss of last night.

Saturday, January 20, 1917:
Bright sunny day but thawing. Varnished moulding this morning. Went to town and bought some cambrie for nightgown.
Paul left robe in store and I waited till 5:30 but he had not come. He did not call so I feel horribly disappointed. Such is life - full of pleasures and disappointments.
Minister called this afternoon.

Sunday, January 21, 1917:
Snow rain - hail & again rain.
Took good splash but did not get to church. Helped dad cut up 1/4 beef.
Did nothing hardly all day
Paul came about 6-30
Went over exam questions. Quiet evening at home.

Dorothy's Diary: Jan. 15 & 16

2008-01-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 15, 1917:
Still cold and snowy everywhere. Good day at school. Willie got his engine so eagerly looked for.
Auntie called dad up at store. I suspect she is lonely without us. I wish weather would get warm. It is such a long drill to school this kind of weather. Saw death of Stair's little girl in paper.

Tuesday, January 16, 1917:
Cold but bright. Saw Paul go by school house about 1 o'clock. He went to funeral. Late getting home and wonder of wonders Paul sat in the house. He had been asking mother for me. He & I had supper together - such as it was for we had nothing on hand. Went to see "Miss G. Washington" at Columbia. A happy evening although I cried over mothers doubting my fitness for Paul.

Dorothy's Diary: 1/7 thru 1/14 1917

2008-01-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Jan. 7, 1917:
Beautiful sunny morning but not feeling well - results of work yesterday. Packed books, made outline of school work for Grace. Paul called up and drove down later and then we went to Grace's. Had nice evening. Out last evening at Aunties.

Monday, Jan.8, 1917:
Up early packing. Auntie mad. Went to house and I certainly worked harder that for many a day. Well our house is practically straight and looks livable. I wish Paul could see it. Our new dining room furniture came.

Tuesday, Jan 9, 1917:
Rainy turning to snow. Damp and dull all day. I felt tired and worn today but was anzious to get home. Fixed curtains and pictures downstairs, tried piano and it sounds twice as well now. I never appreciated home so much as I do now.

Wed., Jan. 10, 1917:
Dull and damp - O I wish the day was over for Paul should come tonight.
Ivor, Morrison Ferdinand fighting.
Paul came about 7-15. He could not get used to the house. He called it our house warming. I wish he would talk more. I wonder if he regrets asking me the one thing of life.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 1917:
Paul said last night - H.G. told him I was engaged to G. Thank heaven I never was. Heistand at school and gave spelling survey. Father eas sick with bad cold. Cold night. Read Riley for awhile. I wish telephone was in so I could talk to Paul...

Fri., Jan. 12, 1917:
Zero weather. Could not get fire at school till late. Feeling tired.
Paul came down early before I was dressed. Went to 1st show at Marion "A Woman Alone".
George on car and Paul noticed him cross overl Well, I am glad he did not win me over. I had to slip my hand in Paul's during show. I wonder what he thought.

Sat. Jan. 13, 1917:
Cold and Snowing. Put up curtains to all windows. Stained hall floor and my bedroom. Went to town about 3:30, bought felt for table etc. Found package of Posts from Paul at store. Went to town again about 8 o'clock. Paul called but I was out. Then I had nerve enought to call him. Regular blizzard for mother and I to come home in.

Sun., Jan. 14, 1917:
8 below zero and piles of drifted snow. Stayed home all day for weather was awful.. Paul came about 7-15. He seemed awfully quiet and I again asked him why he did not talk to mother. O Paul if only I can live up to your ideals for no other has such.

Thursday, January 4, 1917

2008-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

Drove to school with Marion and U.G. Blue day for me
Gladys and Vivian over after school this evening.
Gladys and Mildred say that L's disapprove of our going to G's party.
Paul called when I had gone to bed. I am longing for a quiet evening with him.
Boys took load to new house.

Friday, January 5, 1917:
Dary rainy morning.
Gave Willie subscription to "Youth's Companion."
Teacher meeting.
Paul met me. Had to stay in dining room because our stove disconnected. Asked me if I wanted to teach next year after telling him of exam tomorrow.

Saturday, January 6, 1917:
Teachers Exam Business College
Mrs. Saiters for organizing guild.
Did not go to either of above. But went to house to varnish floors and cleaned up.
Drew check and paid debts. Ordered Paddocks van for Monday.
Grace promised to teach for me on Monday.

----------------------

I am so intrigued by this diary. I love getting a glimse into life so many years ago. I really think she would be glad that we (my sisters & I) want to know her better. My mother was ornery when she was little and very beautiful and I know that she always missed her mother and missed having a relationship with her. I think that is why she was always close with us and I wonder what parts of mom were from her mother. Mom said that they always told her that her mother had beautiful hair. It was very long and thick and she wore it up on top of her head all the time and suffered from alot of headaches. Mom always thought that the headaches were from the hair? Interesting fact: my daughter has very very thick hair and she has said that it gets very heavy when it's long.

Now -- on to my "Ta-Dah" list. I usually start out with a To-Do list but this year I'm making it my Ta-Dah list. Paster P. preached in his sermons all through Christmas that we :
1. Forgivable
2. Loveable
3. Valuable
4. Acceptable and
5. Capable

Sometimes I forget that I am capable of:
1.Being organized (Getting started 30 minutes earlier in the morning would help alot!)
2.Sticking to my exercise programs and diets. ( I love going to Curves and I love going to the Y for the swimming classes - so DO IT!)
3.Remembering to be thoughtful of others (getting cards set, remembering birthdays, helping out, volunteering)
4. Being a disciple - which means being disciplined!!!

I think those 4 catagories are pretty much it. Now to break those down into what I want to do.
That's the next blog and the next.....

Wed. January 3, 1917

2008-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Feeling tired. Paul's colt died. He had counted so much on it.
Paul came to school with buggy and drove me home. I wished I could cheer him up he was feeling so blue.
Mamma and I bought bed and set of chairs.

A New Year

2008-01-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 1, 1917:
New Years Day began at 12 midnight with Paul - instituted an annual event.
Scolding this morning for setting up so late. Bought new woolen socks.
I am hoping this year may be as wonderful as last. I wish it may.
Grade cards made out - ready for school tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 2, 1917:
School - felt A1 all day.
Paul came down and went to Geddis's party for Vivian. Had splendid time but I left Paul at home and came home with Bill and Jack. I felt disappointed but I know it was foolish to expect him to walk in rain.

These are the first two excerpts from my grandmothers diary. I never knew her because she died after having a ceasaren (twins) when my mother was 3 years old. The twins only weighed 1 1/2 lbs each but they lived. She wrote this diary the year before she married Grandpa Paul. She was a teacher and she was 24 years old. Bill and Jack were her brothers and they all came here from England when she was about 9 years old.

I wonder what she would think about the "internet" and "blogging"?? I wonder if she knows what a dynasty she started? My mother, 4 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren: 21 great-grandchildren, one great grandchild on the way: and I'm sure there are many more to come!

Year End

2007-12-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

Well... Christmas was a mixtures of things. It was a good day spent with family. The kids are so much fun. J. was is the play at church and he was so funny! S. came to church and sang in the choir on Christmas Eve with J. and that was special. I had a small meltdown on Xmas Eve in church because it hit me that I really missed my mom. I felt sad and lonely but joyous all at the same time! J's sister had back surgery on Xmas Eve morning and so we visited her on Xmas Day and she is doing fine. We also were robbed on Sunday night! We were at church watching J. play a "robber" in the Xmas play (he was trying to steal the manger scene) and we were being robbed! The worst part is that I think it is someone that we know - they seemed to know right where to go and they just took specific things. All of the Xmas presents were wrapped and under the tree but not touched. Anyway - I figured that whoever did it has to live with what he did. It certainly didn't ruin my life. Honked me off - but didn't stop me!

The new year starts tomorrow!! I'm going to add my grandmother's diary to my writings. It will be fun to get a glimpse of life in 1917.

Pastor P. talked yesterday about how we are given one day at a time. We can't do anything about yesterday and tomorrow isn't here. God gives us one day at a time to live - we really can't handle more than that. That's a good way to start a new year - one day at a time.

Tis the Season.....

2007-12-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

I was driving in to work this morning and listening to my "Charlie Brown Christmas" CD and it really mellows me out. I always have a Christmas panic attack - ever had one of those? When you realize that Christmas is only a week or so away and you don't have your cards done, the shopping isn't finished, need money to finish the shopping, gifts to ship that haven't been bought yet, cookies that you would love to bake, laundry to do (so you have something to wear on Christmas), the house to clean and finish decorating and plan food for when everyone comes over for the holidays! Oh yeah - nothing is wrapped yet either!

But you know what? If I had to have Christmas right now - this very minute - it would be ok! I have more food in my freezer, fridg, and cupboards right now than my family could eat in a week! I have some presents bought so the little ones would be taken care of. I have a home where we could all come and enjoy being together, play games, eat, and have a good day. We are all relatively happy and healthy- some of us are definitly more energetic than others. And I have the stuff to make a birthday cake. A birthday cake to celebrate the birth of my Lord and that's what it is all about. When I think of one thing that I really want to do on Christmas - it is to go to my cozy little church on Christmas Eve and sit with my family and hold a candle and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas to all!

Boys, Boys, Boys.....

2007-12-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

I babysat my three grandsons for the weekend. What fun! They are growing so fast! They are 12, 9, and 6! It is fun to spend time with them. We went to the movies and watched football! They went to church with J and I. I am so blessed to live close enough that I can see them everyday and enjoy there life. I am also blessed to have a son and daughter-in-law who enjoy having us around too!

I remember one year when we watched them and they were smaller, we stayed in our PJ's the entire weekend!

MMMMM.....

2007-11-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Boy - do I like Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie! I even liked the scalloped oysters! My brother made them this year and did a wonderful job! Thanksgiving was a very nice day. We listened to our "Thanksgiving" CD on the way to my brothers and the The Muppets and John Denver Christmas CD on the way home. We watched some old home movies, some took naps, & marveled at my sister-in-laws new oven - which included a "warming oven"! Wow - that made things alot easier.

My sister brought a diary that was our grandmothers. We never met her because she died in childbirth when my mom was 3 yrs. old. But for one year (1917) we have a glimpse into her life. I don't know if she kept a diary for any other years - it seems like she should have because she was so faithful for this one. I think she has written something for every day. It is the year before she married Grandpa. I think when the new year starts - I will work her diary into my blog. It is so neat to have something of hers.

So - now that I am thankful for all the wonderfull things in my life .... I need to start my lists for the Christmas Holidays! I know I have two cookie exchanges, cards (home made ??) decorating, shopping and a 2 day trip to a water park to plan for in the next month. I want to do it all and have time to sit in front of the fire and enjoy the season.

Till next time - C.

The Turkey is coming!!!

2007-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

Well - Thanksgiving Week is almost here! We were just going to stay home and re-coup from the past 6 weeks but have decided to go to my brothers house. My two sisters will be there also. I'm glad we will all be together. Memories and stories will be plentiful! I'm going to fix my mom's stuffing. I am so glad that I had her teach me how to make it! There is no recipe - but it sure is yummy!! My brother will probably fix Mom's scalloped oysters. That is another dish that Mom always fixed and taught us how to make - "don't get the crackers too moist"!!

When I was little, I can remember my Aunt D. coming out the night before Thanksgiving to help get everything ready. It was such a big deal! They would spend hours making batch after batch of stuffing, getting the tables set, getting the turkey ready and it would go in the oven in the middle of the night and cook for hours and fill the house with the BEST smell! All of us kids sat at the "kid" table - I think you had to get married to get promoted to the adult table!

What fun and what beautiful memories! That is probably why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We get together just because we want to - we love each other - and I am so thankful for my life.

The last couple of years, we have rented a house at Lakeside for Thanksgiving week and just taken off and had a great, quiet, fun week in a house by the lake. It is becoming a tradition that my kids and grandkids will remember. We play games, watch movies, fish off the dock, take walks, bake cookies, take naps and get some Christmas shopping done. It doesn't matter there if we eat off of mismatched plates or drink wine out of paper cups! That's the magic of it!

So - the next few days will be spent making lists, buying groceries, getting the cards and games ready to go to G's, talking with my sisters and sister-in-law and daughter about what everyone is fixing, sending flowers to my son and daughter-in-law for their Thanksgiving Feast with S's family, & cleaning the house (notice that is last on my list!).

Mom - we will miss you this Thanksgiving!

Ok - I'm Learning!

2007-11-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

Ok - so my lists are not to great! I'm learning this blogging stuff!

Things my mom liked:
Her family (me best)
Her church
The color pink
Tap dancers and nurses (she always wanted one of us to either be a nurse or learn to tap dance and none of us ever did!)
She loved baseball - She (and my dad) used to be Reds fans - National League all the way - but later she switched to the Indians because she could get it on her radio better.
Wine and a good whiskey sour!
Playing cards
Going for rides in the car - anywhere

Things my mom didn't like:
White meat chicken (she hated chicken breasts!)
Turkey - too much like chicken
Turtle neck sweaters
Animals in the house

Remembering Mama

2007-11-01T11:43:00.002-07:00

I guess I don't know what direction I want this blog to take. I just know I want to record my thoughts and feelings. I want to remember my mom. She just passed away last week at the beautiful age of 88. She was sick in bed for three weeks. She asked for two things when she found out that she had stage 4 cancer of the liver, spleen, and bones. She asked that she not have any pain and that she not die alone. So, we (my brother and sisters) got some help from hospice, got her some morphine, and didn't leave her side. We laughed, cried, held hands, prayed, fed her, bathed her and loved her right into heaven.

My mom loved: Mom didn't like:
Her family White meat chicken
Her church Potatoe pancakes
the color pink
tap dancers and nurses (she always
wanted one of her kids to do tap
dance or be a nurse - none of us did)

I will keep adding this list - thoughts keep coming to me in the middle of the night and countless times of the day.

Remembering Mama

2007-11-01T11:43:00.001-07:00