Tag Archives: 1970

David’s Diary – October 16, 1970

Friday, 16 October 1970

[Top panel: a letter from Whitfords today that they have a new baby boy]

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then headed for the Building Center. I had to get some wood—some pine to replace the shelves which I ripped out last night. Also ordered 2 sheets of plywood for making doors for everything. When I got home I got to work with the pine which I’d brought home—Bonnie went shopping for aquarium supplies—just as the router is turning out to be my Xmas present, so the aquarium is turning out to be Bonnie’s. She got home shortly after 12:00—we fixed lunch, and she left for work after eating. I put Debbie in her room after she finished—she went to sleep. I continued for a while on the building—then took a break—while I was on the break the Building Center truck arrived with the plywood. I got back to work about 3:00. Had the shelves all up and two side pieces of the frame in place when Bonnie got home. I put chicken in the oven—while moving the TV into the living room I stepped on the cord so that it came loose from the back of the set—threw a spark—so now TV has to be repaired. After supper I went ahead working on the framework around shelves. Bonnie worked on getting the aquarium set up. I had to spend quite a bit of time rebuilding the marble-top table which is usually in the front hall—Bonnie has chosen it for the aquarium, but it wasn’t strong enough; back to work on the framework—finished it essentially, then bathed, OBLO about 2 AM (!)

Saturday, 17 October 1970

I didn’t sleep well last night—despite the late hour of retiring—then too, the fire siren blew erratically during the night and morning—so sleeping wasn’t easy. But I made it out of bed about 9:00—had some breakfast, but really felt lousy. Bonnie took off for Gloucester—to get TV cord replacement and some fish. She got back with cord but w/o fish—pet shop didn’t open til noon. While she was out I tried to figure how to put frame and doors on corner shelves—too many problems—so we decided to let those go. We fixed lunch, then after eating all three of us went to the pet store. We bought 8 fish and some supplies (also some water plants), got home about 2 o’clock—Bonnie put the plants in the water, we let the fish float in the plastic bag in the water for about 20 min—then released them. Then we left for the garden—did(n’t) get there til about 2:45. We worked for a while, but I was just too exhausted—we came home—I collapsed into bed. Later Bonnie came to nap too—and Debbie was out of it. About 5:45 I began puttering in the kitchen—baked a cake. Gary Wait arrived about 6:30. We had supper together, then spent the evening watching a film on TV—The Russians Are Coming—before which Gary and I did the bulletin for tomorrow’s service—after which we talked about fish; B + I bathed together; OBLO, c. 12:50 Θ.

Sunday, 18 October 1970

Up about 7:30—shaved, had a quick breakfast—we left about 8:15 for Cambridge. We followed Jerry + Carol Lewis—Elizabeth Knowlton rode with us. We got to the Quaker meeting about 9:20—left Debbie and Chris in the nursery—meeting lasted about an hour. Predominantly young people—the children left about 9:55—only 2 people were moved to speak. It is a form of worship one will have to get used to, but I find it more meaningful than the Methodist—or general Protestant—liturgy—words, empty words. I wish that we could go more often. Someday. We had a coffee hour after meeting was over—then headed home. Jerry + Carol came for lunch, and Gary Wait too. Elizabeth couldn’t stay that long. Early in the afternoon we visited with our company. But by 3 o’clock they had all cleared out—about 3:00 Gary went out for a walk. Then Bonnie and I napped—Debbie was already asleep. I got up after 5:00. Did some sketches for a stand to hold 3 fish tanks. About 6:30 I had some supper. Gary came in (with a friend) and left for the train soon after. The friend had come to Rockport on the train earlier in the day. At 7:00 I picked up the Ornes, we went to the subdistrict meeting in Ipswich—re: Special Session of the Conf. on Oct 31. Got home about 10:00. Had a snack, did some sanding in the kitchen, but tried to relax. Read in bed briefly; LO.

Monday, 19 October 1970

Up about 9:00—and not feeling a bit like getting up. I wrote a brief article for the Eagle and took it over to the Eagle office. The rest of the morning I did some light reading, tried to get started on desk work, played with Debbie in the yard. About 11:45 I began getting lunch for us all. Bonnie had spent the morning varnishing the deacon’s bench, and shelves in kitchen, and was rushing to get them done. Just about noon, I got a call from the hospital: John Wicky, Bertha’s husband, had been admitted to ICU. I arranged to have Sarah Orne babysit with Debbie, shaved, got dressed, then went to the hospital at 1:00 with Bonnie. I saw John briefly, then returned to Rockport and spent about an hour chatting with Bertha. John’s condition doesn’t appear to be too bad. I returned home, Sarah left, (I found one of our tropical fish dead on the carpet) began desk work, which I continued until about 4:40. I hurriedly put supper in the oven; Debbie was just waking up. We then got in the car and drove over to get Bonnie. Came home, had supper, watched CBS news. Bonnie went to Community chorus rehearsal during the evening. I worked on the doors for the kitchen cabinet. Got two cut out, grooves cut, edges rounded, watched TV during this evenings work. Knocked off about 12:00; bathed; OBLO, c.1:15.

David’s Diary, October 19, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/22/davids-diary-october-16-1970/

David’s Diary – October 12, 1970

1 Reply

Monday, 12 October 1970

This has been a more leisurely and relaxed day. We got out of bed when we felt like it—at least we stayed in bed until Debbie was too loud to be ignored any longer. I suppose we were all up by 9:00. We had planned to return to the lake to sail, but Marty didn’t feel like it—and the day was overcast like yesterday, though there was not as much fog. Finally we decided to go to a brand new shopping center. So we spent the late morning and early afternoon there. We bought a tablecloth, new sheets—two sets of brightly colored flower prints. Bonnie also bought some flannel for making nightgowns for Debbie. We didn’t get back to P + M’s house until after two—we had lunch—then most of us just felt like collapsing. I napped for a while—as did Paul, Marty, Debbie. Bonnie had energy, however, so she went to a shopping center to do a load of diapers and to get groceries. After she got home, we all came to life slowly—and had a delightful time just sitting around talking. Early in the afternoon I called Sears in Boston and ordered a router set—on sale $25 off!—watched CBS news—then about 8:00 we all went downtown for a Chinese dinner—delicious. Then home after 9:00. P + M headed for bed; I wrote rough draft of a letter to Rev. Scobie re: Harris baptism; OBLO, c. 11:00.

Tuesday, 13 October 1970

A tiring day. We were awake with Paul + Marty around 6:30–7:00 when they had to leave for school. But Bonnie, Debbie + I went back to bed when they had gone. We didn’t get up til about 9:00. We hurriedly dressed, packed, ate breakfast and loaded the car. We left their place about 10:15—we went across town to see the Stoners for a short while. Then after a visit there, and getting gasoline, we were on the NY thruway by about 11:45. We made good time getting home—we stopped a couple of times. We headed directly into Boston—traffic in the city was distressingly heavy. We went to Sears to pick up the router I had ordered. Luckily everything went smoothly. After leaving Sears we headed out of town, went to the N. Shore Shopping Center—we arrived there about 4:45. We were interested in locating a copy of Better Homes + Gardens Handyman’s Book—and we found it. Then we piled into the car again and headed home. We were here by 6:00. We busied ourselves with unloading the car and looking through the mail. I fixed supper for Bonnie, but wasn’t hungry myself. We relaxed, watched CBS news. About 8:00 I then fixed myself some supper. Debbie was in bed early—she was exhausted too. I spent the evening trying to figure out my new router—it’s quite a machine. Bathed about 11; OBLO c. midnight.

Wednesday, 14 October 1970

Up about 8:30 or so. Had breakfast, then worked on my letter to Rev. Skobe—he baptized (or is soon to) the Harris baby—which I refused to do—I wanted him to know my understanding of the situation. Then Bonnie, Debbie and I went to the Building Center; we got hardware for the kitchen cabinet doors I’m making—but no luck on certain router attachments. We came home, I called Building Center in Gloucester—then I went over there in the car, but no luck there either—went to Sears—ordered a part. Came home, had lunch. Bonnie left for work, Debbie played then slept in her room, and I got back to work on the kitchen shelves over the radiator. It took me all afternoon to get the frame out on, which will hold the doors. The house isn’t true, so that took some planing and some careful fitting. When Bonnie got home from work we called Jerry + Carol Lewis—invited them to come over for dessert at 8:00. We then had supper in the midst of carpentry mess—I continued working before and after supper until the Lewises arrived. We had a pleasant visit with them. While they were here I phoned in the order to Sears for several items which I’ll pick up tomorrow; also called Dr. Beck. The Lewises left about 10:00—then we watched TV as I continued to work on the frame around shelves—final nailing + sanding; bathed; relaxed, OBLO, c. 11:30 Θ

Thursday, 15 October 1970

Not up too early—by 9:30? Had breakfast, after shaving, which I hadn’t done since Monday evening before going to the Chinese restaurant. My main concern was to get the new frame around the shelves over the radiator sanded and varnished—this took me up til about 11:45. Then I went to the dump. Came home, prepared to leave for Boston, had lunch. Left about 1:00—got gas—but had to return—I was about to Ancher Inn when I remembered that I’d left the transfer of credit slips at home. Then I set out again. Got to BU about 2:30—large crowds outside CLA—a bomb threat. The next hour and half I bought Playboy, contacted Beck, checked on grade for one course. Had to see Beck at 3:00 and at 4:00—so glance(d) through Playboy in the interval. After seeing Beck 2^nd time left BU for Sears (also saw Elaine Follis at BU)—picked up several items: anchor bit, aquarium, tool box, house slippers. Headed home in heavy traffic, rain. Got here about 6:15. We ate supper, watched CBS news, looked over our new things. Relaxed, tested new router anchor, watched Flip Wilson. 8:30–9:30 Ironsides. Then I set to work on cabinet above sink, i.e., ripped out old shelves, sanded wall, measured, prepared to start building tomorrow; bathed, watched Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:50 Θ

David’s Diary, October 15, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/21/davids-diary-october-12-1970/

David’s Diary – October 8, 1970

1 Reply

Thursday, 8 October 1970

This turned out to be the morning to make a baby! I.E. yesterday Bonnie’s temperature was down sharply—indicating ovulation—hopefully. So we followed Dr. Settle’s [1] method for sex selection. Douche with water and baking soda—we tried to time it as close to the time of ovulation as possible—and we had abstained for two weeks to increase the sperm count—so if all went well, it’ll be a boy in 9 months. Θ+. Bonnie stayed in bed to remain in a horizontal position. I got up, gave Debbie her breakfast, also brought Bonnie hers in bed. During the morning I worked on the Deacon’s Bench. Bonnie got up about 2 hours after we’d had sex—but she was very lethargic—about 1:00 she fixed lunch. Early in the afternoon I finally finished the bench—sanding and all. I then cleaned up the dining room. Also earlier I’d received a phone call from Gary Wait, more details re: Sunday Service—and he’s coming up tomorrow so that we can leave for Schenectady on Sat. In the afternoon Bonnie stained the deacons bench, and I did some surveying and calculating concerning the shelves Bonnie wants in the kitchen. Went to the building center shortly before 5:00—got advice, tomorrow materials; I fixed supper when I got home. We watched TV—CBS news. Early in the evening we called Paul + Marty; went to Patriquins to watch Ironsides; Kay informed me that Scobe is baptizing the Harris baby—which I had refused; came home about 10:30—called Don McGaw; bathed, OBLO c 12:25.

Friday, 9 October 1970

Θ with foam—up about 8:30?—we had breakfast, then all got into the car and went to the Building Center. I bought a beautiful level—$9—but it’s a good one. Also bought the odds and ends for making the kitchen shelves—plus pine—the plywood for the doors will have to come next week. Just as we were arriving home the mail-man arrived—so I looked through Life magazine + I.F. Stone. Then I got to work on the shelves—we ate in the carpentry mess about 12:30. For the whole afternoon Debbie either played in her room or slept—and I went ahead on the shelves. I took a break around mid-afternoon. Bonnie got home about 5:15—then I went about rounding up my work—when I finished we cleaned up the dining room. I got the planks in place—next week I’ll do the framework and mount the doors. We worked on getting the house in order until about 6:45—then I went to the train station. As usual, the train was late—about 7:10. Picked up Gary Wait, who is here for the weekend to house sit, cat sit and preach for me on Sunday. Gary had never been to our house before—and it has been a long time since we’ve seen him to visit for any length of time. After supper we conferred on the Sunday service and bulletin—but we also had a chance to visit before and after I did the bulletins; we started heading for bed about midnight. Bonnie and I bathed together—OBLO, c. 12:45.

Saturday, 10 October 1970

Up about 8:00—we were eager to get on the road, but several things had to be done. After breakfast, I shaved—2 days worth—then Gary and I went up to the garden. We wanted to bring some vegetables with us to Paul + Marty. Got several eggplants, tomatoes, cucumbers. When Gary and I got home, we then walked down to the church—I wanted to show him where it was, the procedures for the service, etc. We then came home, a few minutes after 10:00. Then Bonnie and I busily began loading the car. We had wanted to get off by 10:30. But we didn’t quite make it. We didn’t leave Rockport until about 10:45. We made several stops on the way—for lunch at a lousy Howard Johnson’s—for a rest stop, for gas. We finally got to Paul and Marty’s place about 4:15. Their boat, the Abi Yoyo [??] is setting right outside their home—so the first thing we did was take a tour of it. Debbie seemed quite interested. We unloaded the car, relaxed—then set about fixing supper—I gave Marty some assistance. We ate about 5:45—a delicious chicken dish—with pecan pie for dessert. In the evening we viewed slides of their trip up the St. Lawrence River. Kay and Ellen came over—but everyone was rather tired, so it wasn’t a late night; OBLO by 10:30.

Sunday, 11 October 1970

Up about 6:45—hardly my idea of sleeping in on Sunday on vacation—but we wanted to get an early start to the lake—we left here just after 8:00—had to stop a couple of times to find a service station to get air in the tires. But we finally were whizzing on our way—the 5 of us in Paul’s car—in rain + drizzle. But by the time we arrived at the launching place (called “topaz”) near Lake Geo Village—the rain had stopped. There was still heavy overcast, fog. But we launched anyway—there was plenty of wind, which was rather chilly. Debbie seemed to enjoy the sailing, but the boat proved to be too small for someone so active. We sailed probably for more than 3 hours—we had lunch shortly after setting out. When we got back to the launch place, where we left the boat for overnight, we were pretty tired. Marty drove back to Schenectady—we piled into the house. Paul + I collapsed. Debbie was active since she’d slept in the car. Bonnie + Marty fixed supper. We ate about 5:30. The evening was spent “rotting our minds”—as Paul puts it, i.e., watching TV. We did this until about 9:00—then turned it off. Then we just sat around gabbing for a while—too pooped to do anything else—finally we headed for bed. OBLO, c. 10:55.

[1] Actually, Dr. Landrum Shettle— updated version of his book

David’s Diary, October 11, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/19/davids-diary-october-8-1970/

David’s Diary – October 4, 1970

1 Reply

Sunday, 4 October 1970

[Top panel: 3 photos]

Up about 8:15. Shaved, dressed—my class arrived about 9:20 on. About that time I got a call from Esther McLaughlin—cancelling play-reading which had been set for tonight here at our house. Too many people away or sick—then too, Bonnie has a nasty cold. My class was over about 10:15, I went to the church. We had an average sized crowd—today was communion. Got home about 12:30? —had lunch. Then we tried to nap a while—I refused to let Bonnie go the Open House for the Sunday School—she needed more to stay home and take care of herself. So I went about 4:00. Mailed an order to Cokesbury for several items. The Open House was not well attended—I had an opportunity for chatting with Ed Nutting and Dick Bamforth. Came home about 5:00—and started right to work on the Deacon’s Bench. We removed the rug from the dining room—it is now my work shop. I drew all the pieces on the wood, which I brought in from the garage. We then had supper, about 7 o’clock—in the living room—Debbie seemed somewhat bewildered. Then all evening I spent sawing, Bonnie knitted—I took 3 pictures as the work progressed, the[n] after midnight. We worked (Bonnie knitting) in the dining room, watched Johnny Carson, as I began assembling the bench. I bathed about 2:00; OBLO 2:20.

Monday, 5 October 1970

[Top panel: one photo of bench with Debbie]

Up about 9:30—not too enthusiastic to greet the day in view of the hour at which we retired last night. After breakfast I got right back to work on the Deacon’s Bench. Bonnie went to Gloucester, to Action, Inc., to apply for surplus food program—she also got groceries on the way home. She arrived home exhausted, she’s fighting a cold. I called the Lab to let them know that she wouldn’t be in to work. I went on some errands of my own—to the Eagle office with the church article, then to the Building Center for some more odds and ends. We ate around 1:00. Early in the afternoon I called Jerry Lewis at the Fisk Organ Co. I needed some drilling done on the arms of the bench—for the dowels—my bit can’t do the job properly. About the middle of the afternoon I went over there. Stopped [at] a grocery store on way home for orange juice. I went back to work on the bench until about 5:30. I went over to Lewis’—Jerry had brought home the tool used to smooth edges of wood. After supper I worked on the bench again—this was the way I spent the evening with the TV on [???] 7:30 went to get Carol Lewis—she went to Community Chorus with Bonnie. I had problems with splitting wood, mistakes on the blueprint. I returned the tool to Jerry about 11 o’clock. Worked on bench until about 12:30. Bathed, OBLO c. 1:35.

Tuesday, 6 October 1970

The phone rang about 8:00—Mrs. Paradis wanting to know if our electric power had just gone out—I turned on the lamp and reported NO—back to bed—15 min? later she called back to say everything was alright—I wasn’t too happy. Back to bed; got up about 9:30. After breakfast I spent some time getting one of the dining room chairs back together. Bonnie recovered the seats. Then I worked a while on the Deacon’s bench. Late in the morning I went to the Building center to pick up odds and ends. Got home, returned to work on the bench. We’d had a late breakfast, so didn’t have lunch. Bonnie went to work, and I continued on the bench. About 2:00 I had a couple of sandwiches for lunch. Started the spaghetti sauce for supper. Debbie wasn’t napping, so about 3 o’clock we went outside. I was occupied clearing the tomato patch and taking up the fences, getting the picnic table off. Debbie played around me while I worked. It was a beautiful afternoon—we had a pleasant time together. About 3:45 we came in—she was quite ready for bed. I then did a lot of sanding on the bench, then cleaned up the room after glancing through the paper. When Bonnie got home we invited Jerry + Carol Lewis over for the evening. We had supper; I baked + iced a cake, watched CBS news; Lewises arrived about 8:10—left about 10:30—it was an enjoyable evening; relaxed; bathed; OBLO; 12:20.

Wednesday, 7 October 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Fixed myself a hearty breakfast because my morning schedule included working at the garden. I got to the garden about 9:30. Carol Lewis came over too, with Chris in the buggy. We first of all took down the long stretches of chicken wire on stakes which the peas had been on. The whole area was terribly overgrown with weeds + grass—so extricating the wire wasn’t easy. Then we set about trying to clear the grass and weeds. With one break, when Amelia brought us a great drink (ginger ale with tang, plum juice + mint leaf!) I worked through until about 12:45—and I was simply exhausted. After I got home I bathed, then had lunch. I immediately just wanted to flop—take a nap. Debbie was in a lively mood however—so there wasn’t much quiet. But I finally shut myself in the front bedroom downstairs—got some sleep. Got up about 4:30—read the paper—about 5:35 Jerry Lewis dropped by the house with the two arms for the Deacons Bench. These were replacements. B, D and I then went to Gloucester to Stop + Shop. Bought steaks for supper—came home, fixed it. Watched CBS news—TV all evening—as I worked on the deacons bench. Watched Nixon at 9:00—nothing new. Watched mediocre movie, Carousel—off to bed, LO 12:22.

David’s Diary, October 7, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/18/davids-diary-october-4-1970/

David’s Diary – September 30, 1970

3 Replies

Wednesday, 30 September 1970

Up about 9:00. What a tedious day. I had a slight breakfast, then got back to my reviewing. I am so discouraged and worried about this test—I need months yet to study. But still I’m eager to get it over with. I don’t know how I’m going to pass it. I’m afraid that by tomorrow evening I’ll be no further along the road to my Ph.D. It wasn’t difficult for me to be distracted today. I took my time looking through the mail when it came. Bonnie took Debbie out in the morning on errands—one of which was to get fall car inspection. We had lunch about 12:30—I got back to work. About 1:30 Bonnie and Debbie left again. This time they took Carol Lewis shopping down the line—for groceries. Bonnie also came back with a beautiful new bed spread. The[y] didn’t get back til late in the afternoon. I helped her put groceries away—and we fixed a very simple supper of left-overs. Read some more after supper; then watched CBS news at 6:30. Nixon’s in Europe, Nassers sudden death rather steals some of his thunder. About mid-afternoon I went over to the congregational church to sign 75 letters (from 3 pastors re: SS open house on Sunday). I worked all evening on reviewing; also prepared transfer of credit forms; bathed about 10:30—OBLO c. 11 o’clock.

Thursday, 1 October 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Shaved a two day beard, had breakfast, prepared to leave for Boston—left the house about 10:00; caught the 10:15 train, did a little last minute reviewing while riding in, but then tried to relax. I got to BU about 12:00—I went to the bookstore to buy a copy of Playboy. Then I went to Beck’s office. It turns out that he was unable to have lunch with me; so I went on down to the refectory, found Lloyd Carr, whom I hadn’t seen in ages—so I ate my lunch with him. Then at 1 o’clock, I went up to the library, picked up the exam and began work. It wasn’t too bad; there were some areas in which my answers were weak, but I think I passed. I handed it in shortly after 4:00. Then I checked out a couple of books and headed for North Station. I was able to catch the 4:55 train—just made it. Read Playboy on the way home. Got here shortly after 6:00. David Herlihy was here proudly displaying his honorable discharge papers. We had supper—then the evening was spent relaxing for the most part. We watched TV part of the time—Ironsides—then I began the process of getting some arranging done in my study. About 11:15 I bathed, then we watched Johnny Carson, his 8^th anniversary show—the LO about 1:05.

Friday, 2 October 1970

Up after 9:00. Had breakfast, then shaved—was ready when Jim Bussey, John Dunnack and Gladys Haskell arrived at 10:30—we talked about C.A.M.P. and what it can be doing. Jim disclosed that Mac White will probably consider holding only one Annual Meeting on Cape Ann—that certainly won’t be popular with some folks. We broke up about noon. Bonnie and I had lunch—Debbie was sound asleep. Bonnie left for work as usual, but I didn’t have ambition to do much of anything. I tried to nap a while, did odds and ends, read an article in Playboy on pornography in Denmark—a country which seems to have a much saner approach than the U.S. At 3 o’clock Rev’s. Bailey, Bamforth and Nutting arrived, and we talked about the JYF and other matters for about 1½ hours. When they left I began tending to supper. Bonnie got home shortly after 5:00. Debbie had just gotten up. She’d been napping most of the afternoon. She hadn’t had her lunch, so she ate supper early. We fixed supper, watched CBS news. Don and Lawry arrived about 7:20. We had supper together, had a very delightful evening of visiting and games. First we played Group Therapy—which can be devastating—then we switched to password. It’s hard to give up when you’re having so much fun—but, OBLO, 1:32.

Saturday, 3 October 1970

I was up briefly to change Debbie—and to put her socks and shoes on—she can insist on some pretty weird things and weird hours! As soon as she got them on, I put her back to bed—she was content! and then I went back to bed. Between 9:00 and 9:30 the whole household came to life. We had a leisurely breakfast with Don and Lawry. Then we went to the garden together. We got a heap of stuff to give them. We got back to the house about 11:00—they left very soon. They had to be in Brookline by 12:30 for a Dr’s appt. I then tried to nap, without much luck. About noontime I put the chicken in the oven, then began studying the plans for the deacon’s bench I’m to build. After lunch I shaved, then went over to see Esther Longley at the nursing home. I stayed with her not quite an hour. Then came home. I had planned to do more calling, but just didn’t have the stamina. So I took Bonnie + Debbie along to the lumber yard to get the wood for the deacon’s bench—also picked up a few new tools. When we got home we all sacked out—from about 5:00 to 7:00. Homer Orne’s phone call got us up. Then we fixed supper. I then spent the evening working on sermon and bulletins. At one point we had a grand hilarious time playing with Debbie in her room; bathed c. 12:20. OBLO 12:36.

David’s Diary, September 30, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/17/davids-diary-september-30-1970/

David’s Diary – September 26, 1970

1 Reply

Saturday, 26 September 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work preparing the C.A.M.P. service for tomorrow night. I hadn’t got very much done when Jerry Lewis arrived with his trailer—to cart away the piano—and he really started demolishing it in earnest, what a racket! Finally it was all stripped down—we kept most of the bigger pieces for scrap lumber. He was just interested in the sound board. What a heavy thing it was. I helped him get it into the trailer, then went to his home to help him unload it. Came home, got back to worked—also called my SS class to remind them that we begin tomorrow. After lunch I shaved, then paid a call—went up to see the Hannibals. I cancelled two other calls, and I’m glad I did—seeing now that I would never have had time. When I got home I got back to work preparing the C.A.M.P. service. When most of this was done, Bonnie and I contemplated the blank wall in the dining room where the piano used to be. I went to the building center—got a bulletin board—mounted it 4X7 feet. Bought a rocking chair from neighbors who were moving. Had supper. Worked all evening on various things: Camp service, Sunday school lesson, painted a red border on the bulletin board. I prepared a fun quiz for my Sunday School class; quit about 12:30. Bathed. OBLO, 1:05.

Sunday, 27 September 1970

Up shortly before 8:00; shaved, dressed, practiced the sermon; my class arrived about 9:30—6 girls—a certain degree of uneasiness—but as the hour passed, with the taking of the fun quiz, things loosened up. We quit shortly after 10:30. I headed for the church; had a brief and not too pleasant conversation with George Marr re: the banners. Preached Part III on the women of the Bible. Got home by 12:30. The Garcia’s were piling into the cars to leave for NY for the winter; we loaned them our cat cage to transport Ming in. After the[y] left we ate lunch; then I had about a half hour to work on my statement on C.A.M.P. for tonight’s service. At 2:00 I went to the church—the 3 clergy were interviewed by an Eagle reporter on the joint Sunday School. From there I went with Ed Nutting to the Congo church to put the evening bulletins through the folding machine. Got home about 3:10—worked on, finished the C.A.M.P. statement. At 3:45 went to St. Mary’s for meeting of the 4 clergy of the JYF. Home at about 5:00. Shortly thereafter Busseys, Dunnachs, and White arrived. We had supper and fellowship together until about 7:15, then we all left for Wesley church. Service was at 8:00. Pouring rain, not too well attended—a tremendous, dynamic sermon by White. We got to Patriquins to pick up Debbie about 9:40. Came home shortly after 10:00; relaxed, bathed; OBLO, 11:40.

Monday, 28 September 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then got my article written for the Eagle; I took it over to the Eagle office, came home, began looking over exam reading lists. I wrote a letter to Cokesbury ordering 8 books. I then tried to prepare myself for the mammoth task of reviewing all my reading since June 15. We had lunch shortly after 12:00. Before Bonnie left for work she put Debbie down for a nap—and she slept almost the whole afternoon. About 1:00 I was going to start my review. But I was feeling weary and lethargic from yesterday’s pace. So I napped from about 1:00–2:45. I got up, felt revived, got a cup of coffee, then finally began my review. I worked at it until about 5:00, when I quit to get supper ready; Bonnie got home early, and we ate about 5:30. I reviewed for a few minutes before 6:30, then watched CBS news: NASSER DIED SUDDENLY TODAY—what a shock. And Nixon had audience with Pope Paul—from what Nixon said he seems unable to think except in terms of military might and the power of his office. About 7:30 I turned to reviewing again. After 8 o’clock I called Beck to tell him that I would be in to BU on the 1^st of Oct to take the exam; we had a nice chat. I spent the evening studying. I stopped before 11:00 to watch news; then mailed (drove to P.O.) letter to Beck with the reading list I’ve been working on; he requested it; home, OBLO, c. 11:54.

Tuesday, 29 September 1970

Up about 9:15. Shaved—2 days worth; had breakfast—my main concern today was to press ahead with my review. I had hoped to have two whole weeks to review, but here I’m trying to cram it into 3 days—and I’m not too happy about it. The reviewing is very tedious, and I also find it emotionally draining; there is so much to know, and I’m continually formulating questions in my own mind which I know I can’t answer. In short, I’m worried, nervous. It’ll be a miracle if I pass the test. We had lunch about noon. Then Bonnie left for work. She put Debbie in her room, but she didn’t settle down to sleep for some time. I read downstairs. About 4:30 I began to work on and off on supper. We ate as soon as Bonnie got home from work. I got a little reviewing done before CBS news at 6:30. In the evening Bonnie went down to Patriquins after putting Debbie to sleep, and I continued working. I went through Mowinckel’s Psalms in Israel’s Worship in about 2 hours—which shows just how speedy and inadequate this review is. Today Bonnie mailed a letter to Blackwell’s—I ordered R. H. Charles Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha—I’m tired of being without it. After Mowinckel I started in Lindblom Prophecy in Ancient Israel—I stopped about 11:00 to bathe; Bonnie got home; relaxed; OBLO, c. 12:15.

David’s Diary, September 29, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/15/davids-diary-september-26-1970/

David’s Diary – September 22, 1970

1 Reply

Tuesday, 22 September 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. This was another day devoted largely to reading. The exam is scheduled for Oct. 1—and I need time to review after finishing Eissfeldt. So I got to work reading. Late in the morning I took a break—walked down to the church to change the wayside pulpit—I put up an announcement of the joint Sunday School. When I got back Bonnie was preparing lunch; we ate—early—by 12:15 I was back to reading. After Bonnie left for work, Debbie went down for a nap—I returned to reading, I got sleepy—and stretched out for a few minutes on the bed in the front room. I wasn’t there too long, but it was enough to revive me. So then I spent the afternoon reading—worked on supper late in the afternoon—we ate as soon as Bonnie got home. After supper I strolled down to Mrs. Cooney’s with the Joint SS programs—she has to address them for mailing. Came home, watched TV—CBS news—the Middle East crisis is getting worse—with speculation that Mr. Nixon might intervene—we can’t seem to resist the role of world’s policeman—when will we ever learn? —The evening was spent with reading again—made pretty good progress—listened to radio, Wagner’s Gotterdammerung—finally gave up about 11:30. Bathed, then OBLO exhausted, LO, 12:40.

Wednesday, 23 September 1970

[Top panel: took 3 photos of tomato]

Up about 9:00 after Θ+ —an agreeable way to begin my birthday. Immediately after shaving I met Mrs. Cooney at the back fence—she handed me the Church School programs which she had addressed, and I immediately took them to the Congregational church office to be sorted for mailing. I had a visit with Ed Nutting—further reflections on the blow-up meeting last Sunday. I didn’t get home til about 11:00; the mail was here, I read I.F. Stone’s Bi-Weekly—the first issue since his August vacation. Then turned to reading for a brief while [before] lunch. After eating I again turned to reading, but the heat again got to me—a beastly hot day—in the low 90’s on this first day of fall! —so I napped. I was out longer than I had intended—didn’t get up til almost 3:30, but I got right to reading. Then Bonnie announced that she had arranged with Carol to go swimming. So I read until 4:30, then we went to Lewis’, and from there to the pit. They invited us to stay for supper—especially when they discovered that it was my birthday. We went home to change—then returned to their place—they even baked a birthday cake! We had a nice visit—came home shortly after 9:00. I then read in earnest til after 12:30. Bonnie scrubbed floors! OBLO, c. 1:15.

Thursday, 24 September 1970

We were not all settled down for the night until about 2:00 AM—so it wasn’t very easy to get up this morning. And we had to get up—at least I did—about 8:45—because Phil Parker was planning to come by about 9:30 to pick up Sunday School materials—which he did. After he left I prepared to run some errands. Shaved. I went to the garden, also to Lewis’ to pick up my unique tomato which I’d left there last evening. On the way home I stopped at the Building Center to check on swing set for Debbie—also stopped by the church—the 3 SS superintendents were getting set up for Sunday. Got home about noon—Bonnie was sacked out—so I read for a while. We had a late lunch, then I read some more while Bonnie went shopping. She returned in time for me to go to a 3 o’clock appointment at the Eagle office to ask about some good publicity on the opening of the joint SS. Then went to Ed Nutting’s office. When I returned home, I got back to reading—and I finally finished—i.e., Eissfeldt and thereby the entire Summer’s reading list! Fixed supper, filled out selective service info form, watched TV, CBS news. Got a little up-straightening done in my room before 8:30. Mrs. Myers called to wish happy birthday. Watched Ironsides—then cleaned up my room—bathed after midnight. OBLO, c. 1:00 A.M.

Friday, 25 September 1970

Not up til about 9:30. Had breakfast, shaved, then made some calls—on Winnie. Kay was there, so we had a nice visit; then on Mrs. Smith—who seems to be bouncing back marvelously after her operation to install a heart pacer. Got home about noon. Had lunch. Before Bonnie left for work, she put Debbie down for a nap, so I was able to turn my thoughts to the sermon, and this was my main concern for the afternoon. I napped very briefly in the early afternoon—“napped”—didn’t fall asleep. But I made good progress on the sermon, had it 80% done by supper time. Had supper ready when Bonnie got home. After eating we relaxed in the living room, watched CBS news. I then turned to finishing the sermon and preparing the final draft. For a while we stood in the yard and watch[ed] lightening to the NE. Then we debated about the piano in the dining room; we’d like to get rid of it. I called Homer; he agreed. Bonnie called Lewis’—and they came right over to look at it. While they were here the thunder-storm struck—wow! Carol became quite frightened. After they left I went back to work on the sermon. I got it finished, then turned to do the bulletins—got the stencil typed. Finished about 12:45—bathed; OBLO, 1:21.

David’s Diary, September 25, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/14/davids-diary-september-22-1970/

Gladys – September 20, 1970

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sept. 20-1970

Dear David,

Since I sent your birthday gift with Bonnie’s, this will just be words. Have been rather busy since coming home, and having Mark’s three here one week kept me occupied that week, haven’t had much time to write but will hope to catch up on things when we come in Oct. I have to attend a regional meeting in Oct.-2-3-4 in Chicago. Also should attend a Conference Meeting (Division of Christian Outreach – of which I am a member) on the 5th so am not certain right now whether we will get to start on the 6th or 7th. Will try to get off on the 6th – If I can find time to get things ready for Dad. He thinks we won’t be able to come. One of the M.D.s at the Health Center suffered a broken hip and won’t be back to work until Nov. 1 so he thinks it wouldn’t be right for him to try and take off in Oct. We shall see.

Looking forward to seeing you in Oct. Don’t forget to write to Mrs. Myers. It means so much to her to get your letters.

Love Mother

David’s Diary – September 18, 1970

1 Reply

Friday, 18 September 1970

Up before 9:00. We had breakfast—Joe Stoner had been up early to go fishing—Dorothy had breakfast with us. We called Dr. Steadman in Magnolia—wanted to know his office hours; we have noticed Sully favoring his right paw. After breakfast, about 10:15 Bonnie, Dorothy took Sully over to Magnolia. I had intended to get to work on the sermon, but I was more in a mood just to read, rather [than] to create. So I got a start on the days quota. When Bonnie and Dorothy returned (without Sully—he has to stay til Sunday) I then went up to the garden. It had been a rainy gloomy day all day—so I picked in the rain + drizzle—eggplant, tomatoes mainly. Got home about noon. We had lunch. Bonnie had to leave for work; Dorothy and I finished lunch and cleaning up. Then she got ready to go for a walk—despite the rain. I then turned to reading—looked through the mail when it came about 2:00. Then I shaved. While I was shaving Joe arrived—he got back early. Shortly thereafter, Dorothy returned, and very soon they got on the road—shortly after 3:00. I then read until Bonnie got home about 5:00. Fixed supper, ate, read, watched CBS news. Read til about 8:30. We went to see Goodbye Mr. Chips at the LAC. Mora stayed with Debbie. We got home about 11:15. Visited with Mora. She left about 11:40. Bathed. OBLO 12:15.

Saturday, 19 September 1970

[Top panel: photo of grape juice]

Up about 9:00—had no breakfast, just a glass of juice—started work on the sermon, i.e., preliminary reading. But I certainly wasn’t much in the mood for starting to write. What a grind it’s going to be for the next 2 years, to write the weekly sermon. About mid-morning Bonnie mentioned the grape-juice—it needed to be strained once again and sweetened. So we went to work on that. After it was all done—and bottled—I took a picture. Somehow the peace and quiet of the house seemed to deteriorate late in the morning—the telephone kept ringing, the Garcia twins, Teddy, Mora were here—Carol Lewis dropped by. Finally amidst the confusion I had my lunch. About 1:30 Carol + Jerry left Chris with us for the afternoon—they went sailing with the Lashes. I shaved, then went to Crowells’—had a conference with Jean re: Fund for Reconciliation. Then I drove on over to the hospital to see selectman Richard Manson—he fell the other day, injured his leg pretty seriously. I was home by 3:30. Tried then to get to work on the sermon—although there were further interruptions. Jerry + Carol came for Chris; Mora did more laundry. I fixed supper; we ate about 6:30—Then I had to devote my evening to writing the sermon. Finished shortly after 10:00. Did the bulletins; then practiced the service. All prepared by about midnight; bathed; OBLO, c. 1 A.M.

Sunday, 20 September 1970

We had set the alarm for 9:00—but the phone rang at 8:00—and 2 more times before 9:00, so we didn’t get as much sleep as we had hoped. After finally getting out of bed about 9:00, we had breakfast, then I shaved, practiced sermon, then left for church. Today I preached the second sermon in the series on women of the Bible, today, specifically on Abigail and Bathsheba. We got home about 12:30. Fixed lunch; after eating, I relaxed, actually napped briefly. At 2:10 I got up, then drove over to get Virginia Bate; she stayed with Debbie while Bonnie and I went over to visit Winnie Gamage—just home from the hospital. I was given a tour of their new house—very lovely—unfortunately their church pledge doesn’t really reflect the wealth which was put into the house! At about 3:30 I went to St. Mary’s church. The 4 pastors of the JYF and Loyd Starrett met in Dick Bamforth’s office—and what a session! Lasted til almost 6:30. In general this can be said: some frank feelings were expressed, and Loyd Starrett finds it hard to accept criticism—he stormed out of the meeting, followed by Ernie Bailey—but they both returned. But not a very cordial parting; came home had supper—relaxed, listened to music—read some, but the evening wasn’t very productive—felt drained after such an emotional session; bathed about 11:00; OBLO, c. 11:30.

Monday, 21 September 1970

[Top panel: took pictures of Debbie with headphones]

Up about 9:00 after Θ—again w/o the foam, so we may have made a baby—a month ahead of time. Bonnie had a full roster of errands for the morning—so she was gone most of the time. I got some reading done while she was out, although I did have to take time to prepare my Eagle article and chat with Carol Lewis when she came by to leave some items—I informed her that the JYF is looking for leaders, and that we were interested in them. Bonnie got home shortly before noon. I went over to the Congregational church to approve the mimeographed program to be sent to members re: the new Sunday School program. We exchanged further reflections on yesterday’s heated meeting—from there I went to the Eagle office to leave my article. I got home, ate lunch, Bonnie left for work, Debbie went down for a nap—and I was able to devote the afternoon to reading. Late in the afternoon I set about fixing supper and we ate shortly before 6:00. Retired to the living room to watch CBS news. We all stayed in the living room for the evening—Debbie included. She enjoyed listening to music with the headphones—she kept them on longer than she ever has before. By about 9:00 she went to bed; then Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT; after which I returned to reading; bathed about 11:00; read further in bed; LO, c. 12:25.

David’s Diary, September 21, 1970

David’s Dairy – September 14, 1970

1 Reply

Monday, 14 September 1970

Up after 9:00. Had breakfast, wrote my article for the Eagle, and wrote a letter to Mac White re: his visit to Cape Ann coming up on the 27^th. I then went to the P.O. and to the Eagle office. Then I went to Hatfield’s Color Shop—to buy a frame. When we got home last night from the play reading, a beautiful print of Pope John (20X16) was on the hall table—which told us Don McGaw had been here—he’d told me about the print on the phone. I got an oak frame, came home, stained it. After we had lunch, Bonnie went to work, Debbie went down for a nap—and I put the picture up in the living room. It looks quite good. I then turned to reading in Eissfeldt. After being away from concentrated reading for 3 days, it was hard to get back into the groove—so with the distraction of the painting, and falling asleep, I didn’t get to reading in earnest until about 3:30. I put the roast in the oven, so it was all ready when Bonnie got home. We had an early supper; I watched CBS news in the living room. For the evening Bonnie went over to see the Lewises—from 8:00 to 11:00—she took our old mattress (½ of it) with her—they cut out a section for a crib mattress. I made progress reading while she was gone—Eissfeldt goes faster than I had anticipated; bathed about 11:30 together; read briefly; OBLO 12:25.

Tuesday, 15 September 1970

Up before 9:00; shaved (two days worth), had breakfast. Without much delay I got to my reading. About 10:30 I decided to go vote—it has been a miserable day—cold, rainy—so I had to walk through the rain, with umbrella—so I was not very happy to arrive at the polling place and discover that the voting didn’t start until noon. I came on home, read further until we had lunch—i.e., about noon I went down, voted, and we had lunch when I got back. When Bonnie left for work, Debbie went down for a nap, and I got to reading. Mail was very late—didn’t get here til about 2:00—I looked through it. I didn’t make as much progress in the afternoon as I had wanted. I just wasn’t feeling much like reading, for a while I dozed. About 5:00 I gave up altogether to work on supper. Bonnie voted on her way home, we ate not too long after she arrived. Then I relaxed in the living room, watched CBS news. Bonnie took the car over to Lee’s—Roy will take it for servicing tomorrow—Sue came back (with Diane). I studied while Bonnie + Sue conferred re: Sunday School. My reading petered out in the evening—I was just too pooped. Called Don McGaw to thank him for the picture of Pope John. Relaxed, listened to music, listened to election returns; bathed about midnight; OBLO, 12:35.

Wednesday, 16 September 1970

[Top panel: Photos of Debbie]

Up at 9:15 after Θ+. Virginia Bate called about 9:30 to chat about the election—the best news was Fr. Drinan’s victory.[1] We had breakfast, then I turned to reading. Eissfeldt is certainly tedious. I’m really having to force myself to keep at it. We had lunch about 1:00—I devoted the afternoon as much as I could to reading. Toward the end of the afternoon—after observing the twins next door having some grapes off our vines—I decided I’d better do some picking while there were still grapes. Bonnie joined me and we picked quite a few. We have never paid much attention before to these grapes—and this is the third summer we’ve been here. But we got a big batch, so will make grape juice tomorrow. We didn’t have supper until late—about 5:30. I watched TV—CBS news—and did some grape sorting. Then read. About 8:30 Roy Lee arrived with the car—it had been in for service. Bonnie took him home, and then dropped in to see the Lewises—had some items to give them. So she was gone until about 10:00. Just as she was leaving earlier it occurred to us that this was the 16^th i.e., the day to take a photo of Debbie, so I did. After 10:00 I didn’t have the determination to stay with the reading, so we watched TV, sorted grapes—three big bowlfuls. Watched Johnny Carson, bathed together, OBLO, 12:10.

Thursday, 17 September 1970

Up before 9:00. Had breakfast—a beautiful sunny morning—so I went out and picked more grapes. We’d taken one batch yesterday—but I knew that there were plenty more. Did I really have time for such diversions? No! But Bonnie was itching to make the grape juice, so I knew I didn’t have much choice about when to pick grapes. I got quite a few, and got to reading about 10:00—just shortly after Bonnie + Debbie had left in the car. They picked up Carol Lewis (+ Chris) and went shopping in Gloucester. About 10:30 I worked on sorting the grapes—and this took quite a while. Bonnie arrived home about 12:30. I made a quick trip down to St. Mary’s to pick up Sunday School materials. When I got home we had lunch; then I shaved, and returned to reading until Carol Lewis + Chris arrived about 2:45. Then we all got to work making the grape juice. We were at this well more than an hour. I then got back to reading after Carol left—we had supper about 5:30. I read from 6:00–6:30, then watched CBS news + . Then more reading 7:30 – 8:30. We began watching Ironsides, and the Stoners arrived; they watched it with us. Then we visited, had a snack; they retired; read, bathed together; read; OBLO 11:35.

[1] Robert Drinan was a Jesuit priest who opposed the Vietnam war. He served in Congress, 1971-1981.