David’s Diary – 22 February 1971

Monday, 22 February 1971

Days like today I do not need—the fewer of them the better. Up about 9:30 after Θ. Had a hearty breakfast—tended to desk work and to Debbie (she watched Sesame Street) while Bonnie went off shopping; wrote my weekly letter to Mrs. Myers. When Bonnie got home about 11:30 I went to the P.O., then to the Eagle office. Also stopped by Virginia Bate’s apartment to return her gloves which she’d left in our car. Amy was there—and she recounted their experience of the previous evening. Family problems between Virginia and her son and his family. Virginia had been very upset—harsh words, crying. Virginia came in while we were talking. About 12:40 I arrived home, Bonnie left for work. I made bread in the afternoon; did desk work too—but all equilibrium was shattered by an hysterical phone call from Hazel Brady—she was very upset about the boys at the church with their band. She won’t come back or contribute as long as they’re there. We exchanged heated words, i.e., I lost my temper. Later I got a more balanced report from Sarah Orne—there had been an unfortunate confrontation between the WSCS ladies + the boys—largely provoked by Hazel. This upset my day for the most part thereafter. Fixed supper, had it almost ready when Bonnie got home. Had phone conversations with Jean Crowell and Gladys Haskell. In the evening Bonnie went to community chorus rehearsal. Watched CBS news, on phone, shaved. At about 9:00 I drove over to see Steve Kramer—apologized for Hazel, who had told the boys they had no right to be in the church. Home by 9:45. Relaxed, snacked; OBLO 11:40.

Tuesday, 23 February 1971

[Top panel: called Beck for Ed Nutting]

Rather surprised to see it was almost 9:30 when I looked at my watch when I woke up. Got up, had breakfast. After eating had a long phone conversation with Gladys Haskell re: the upcoming program on NUVA. Mail man brought slides; we projected them in Bonnie’s room—its one of the rooms in this house than can be reasonably darkened in the day time. The last few minutes before the noon hour both Bonnie and I lay down—weary for some reason. I had had a big breakfast, so I didn’t eat lunch. And Bonnie was having slight stomach upset, so she didn’t eat. She left for work at the usual time. I worked in my study in the afternoon—organized publications which I’ve received over the last 3 or 4 years from the American Schools of Oriental Research—I’ve just been throwing them in a box. I prepared—either today or yesterday—renewal of my $15.00 membership. Today wrote out check ($9.00) renewing I.F. Stone for two years. Worked at my desk most of the afternoon after reading the COCU assignment for tonight. Bonnie got home early, just about 5:00, as I was preparing supper. Ate about 5:30. Shaved; watched CBS news. Had the COCU meeting at the Congregational church 7:30–9:30. When I got home we worked at transferring fish from one tank to another. 10:00–11:00 watched CBS special: “The Selling of the Pentagon”—how the Pent. spends $190 million this year on self propaganda. NT reading: Matt 25, OT: Ezekiel 26; bathed c. 11:30. 3 more guppies born while I took my bath! OBLO 12:20.

Wednesday, 24 February 1971

[Top panel: guppies born in early morning hours]

Up about 9:15. After eating I turned my attention mainly to preparing a letter to go to the congregation re: the fund drive to raise $520.00 to paint the side of the church facing town hall. It had to be composed, then the stencil typed. I took some time with the mail when it arrived. About 11:45 I went over to the Orne’s to get Homer’s signature on the stencil. When I got home I shaved—while shaving phone call from Carol Lewis—they had been out of town for about a week but are now back. Finished shaving, then we had lunch—finished up with this about 2:00. Then I set off on an afternoon of calling. First I left the letter to the congregation and envelopes with Rip Hannibal; he’s going to do the work. Then I went to see: Gertrude Parsons, Ellie Martin, Virginia Bate, Anna and Alvina, Ethel Leary—then I went back to see Virginia’s aunt Amy, who was asleep when I’d been there earlier. Virginia wasn’t in, so we were able to lay plans for a surprise birthday party for Virginia next month (24^th). I got home about 5:45. Bonnie had supper just about ready. After eating I relaxed with the newspaper and watched CBS news. 7:30–9:00 I was at Town Hall—an open meeting re: the proposed new Teen Center, to be financed with $12,000 of town money. When I got home, glanced through Town Warrant, relaxed; OT reading: Ezekiel 27; NT: Matt 26. When we got up this morning we found 12-15 new guppies (altogether). Bathed together OBLO c. 12:00.