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David’s Diary – September 22, 1970

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/

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield, July 14, 1882

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Letter transcription:

Bloomington, Ill. 7/14/82
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt:

This evening while I have few leisure moments to write I will try to answer your letter, I want you to write oftener for you can tell me more than any other person there. “James” rece’d a letter from Chas. Gilchrist this week – They moving off the Hill makes another great change there. Is Fannie & Conn living in the country yet? I suppose her baby is quite a large boy now.

[page 2] We live in a very pretty place. The porch extend along the front of the house and is high. I am even sitting on tip stelps. The front faces the east. The family are all well and all at the table but me. Minnie is calling me to supper, so I must go. I have eat my supper and made a call and entertained three callers who have just left.—They are now old acquaintances—have known them since the first time I cane in City. Last night—my fellow came, he will leave the city tomorrow—how lonesome I will be—You ought to try to come to see me soon. I think now that I cannot come to see you all very soon. “I would if I could.”

[page 3] I’ve have had little Tad picture taken and is just like him. Thaddie is smart—he does not act like a baby three years old—more like a boy twelve. He always his hat on back part his head and he came in the other day in that way—said to Ma [Can I have the can?] Ma said not a word, then he said, [I’ll bring it back!] [I won’t brake it, when I get done with it I’ll bring it back.] He looked so straight at Ma, his eyes were sparkling. We think him a great boy. He must always walks so important. He had to sit three times to get his picture, for when we asked him to look, he would raise on his tip toes. When ever he

[page 4] does anything he ought not too he goes to Ma [says] Ma I want to kiss you. She of course must give up—and laughs. Minnie has grown so much and Floy is taller not so fleshy. James is very tall I can stand under his arm. And Lee is as tall but very heavy large. I feel so small beside them. This is yesterday after-noon I will finish my letter—I got sleepy last night before I could wri finish. I wish you was here to go up town with me. I am so home sick. The teachers institute is going on now. Why can’t you come soon, if you don’t I will die. Sure, it will not cost much and not take

[page 5] long to come. Start here at half past Seven and get to Indianapolis at half past Eleven in night—get to rest there one hour before you could start for B. Then arrive here at half past five in morning. I would meet you at Depo—which is only two blocks from where we live. You I know would enjoy the visit we live in a very pleasant place—we have five rooms & kitchen—I am now in “parlor.” I wish I had your picture please send me one. I am going to get mine taken next week. I had mine taken with a friend here but mine is not good so I will not send you one of them. All the boys are working—and Pa. Lee

[page 6] is is commission business for himself. “James” is clerking in Notion & Millinary store, but [?] like any thing at “home” on larger scale. James gets four & half a week. Lee makes sometimes five dollars a day and Pa make four dollars a day and Arthur he has been living in country but came home the “fourth” to day this summer, he is selling paper & now until he can get business to work which pays more. I am going to clerk in fall or soon as I can get a place—All girls work here the Vanbuskirk girls clerk when they can—but now it is dullest time. The girls here which are highly respected and go in best society clerk—clothe themselves and do safe some besides. I live to clerk. Hope

[top of page five] you will write me a letter soon. I want you to give my love to all Pa’s folks and keep a share for yourself. I have not heard from my friends only as you tell me. I would like to see [?]

Yours lovingly
Eudora R. Scofield

[top of page one] I sent two of Thad’s pictures one for Aunt Minnie

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/13/fayette-friday-eudora-scofield-july-14-1882/

Gladys – September 20, 1970

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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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/12/gladys-september-20-1970/

David’s Diary – September 18, 1970

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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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/11/davids-diary-september-18-1970/

David’s Dairy – September 14, 1970

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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.

David’s Diary, September 17, 1970

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

David’s Diary – September 10, 1970

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Thursday, 10 September 1970

Today I was somewhat lethargic—in view of yesterday’s trip to Boston—I marvel that I once did that several times a week—how I hate it. We got up about 8:40. After breakfast I called Don McGaw—I needed to ask him if he can preach for me in Oct.—he’ll be able to come one Sunday. We had a long chat. I then got two play books ready to mail—for members of the group who don’t live close by. I took them to the P.O. then went up to the garden—but the picking was pretty poor—but I did get one huge eggplant. Came home—and got started on Eiesfeldt. Looked at the mail when it came. We had lunch about noon. Then Bonnie took Debbie grocery shopping with her; I tried to do some more reading, but got sleepy—so I napped. Bonnie got home, went to work sewing—a new dress for Debbie—and I got up, shaved, then got back to my reading. I was rather restless—but I did stick to the reading—made progress—better than I had expected; Eiesfeldt has always looked so imposing and threatening! About 5:30 I got to work on supper. We ate about 6:15—watched CBS news. I got about 45 min. reading in before going to Patriquins at 8:15. Watched TV with them; Ironsides not on, came home shortly after 10:00—read until bathing about 11:00; read briefly; OBLO c. midnight.

Friday, 11 September 1970

We got up early this morning—at 7:30—because Homer Orne was bringing Lawrence Swan over shortly after 8:00 to look at our plumbing problem—low pressure at the kitchen sink. We had breakfast, but I was pretty droopy. They came, did some puttering, and were gone shortly—some improvement was made, but the job will require new fixture to be attached in a few days. My morning was plagued with weariness and noise from the crowd next door—but I did make substantial progress on my sermon—we had an early lunch about 11:30—I worked further on my sermon. Bonnie went to work, Debbie napped. I finished the sermon shortly after 2:00; shaved, then got back to work on the Sunday morning service. I typed the stencil for the bulletin, ran it off, wrote pastoral prayer. I also began putting things on for supper. We ate as soon as Bonnie got home from work, about 5:30. Relaxed, watched CBS news. Began rereading Harvey—making notes for Sunday night’s reading. At 7:20 I went to the Episcopal Church—another meeting to complete plans for the Joint Sunday School. I got home shortly after 10:00. We viewed the slides which came in the mail today; relaxed, read in Harvey, bathed after 11:00; OBLO, c. midnight.

Saturday, 12 September 1970

Up about 8:45 after Θ. I had hoped to get work done in Eissfeldt during the morning, but it didn’t work out that way. The Garcias and their houseguests were out in the yard—I did take care of cataloguing the new box of slides, dating them, etc. Finally I did turn to Eissfeldt, but my heart really wasn’t in it. I was distracted by the mail and by drowziness. About 11:30—when I had stretched out on the couch—the truck from Brown’s arrived, delivered our mattress—very firm—might take a while to get used to. We had lunch, right after I finished shaving. Then I went to pay a call on Rip Hannibal—I hadn’t had a chance to talk with him since he started coming to church. I left there about 1:45—came home, we prepared to leave for the garden. 2:00 we got there—today’s project was digging in the potato patch, getting out grass, weeds and potatoes. After the work we celebrated Ann Fisk’s 40^th birthday with cake and punch. We got home perhaps about 5:00—napped—after reading further in Harvey. Got up about 6:30—watched TV debate among governor candidates. Had supper 7:30–8:30. 8:30–10:30 I visited the Haskell’s—Karen goes to college tomorrow. Got home about 10:30. Finished Harvey, practiced sermon bathed, relaxed, OBLO, c. 12:20.

Sunday, 13 September 1970

Up about 9:00—not very bright eyed; Bonnie is having trouble feeling comfortable on the new mattress—she got up about 4 o’clock, went to sleep in the back room—she hasn’t felt too hot all day long. Had breakfast upon getting up, shaved, dressed, practiced sermon, left for the church—preached on Prov. 31:10-31—on the Ideal Housewife—the first of a 3-part series on the women of the Bible. After church Winnie + Kay came up to try our new mattress which Bonnie voiced her complaints about. After we had our lunch I spent a while working in the tomato patch—pulling some plants up, trimming others back. Jerry + Carol Lewis came over to get our big crib; then they took us over to see the big house which they’re trying to find the down payment to buy—$10,000! They like the house very much, but they’re not too optimistic about raising that kind of money. After we got back home we napped for a brief while, then about 5:00 I put the chicken in the oven. Had a chance to visit with Mora, who’s exhausted after several days of guests. We ate about 6:15—about 7:15 took Debbie to Patriquins; went to Lewis’, then to Play reading at McLaughlin’s—I was director, for Harvey; 11:00 left Lewis’; 11:30 left Patriquins, came home, bathed, OBLO, 12:25.

David’s Diary, September 13, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/09/davids-diary-september-10-1970/

David’s Diary – September 6, 1970

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Sunday, 6 September 1970

A long day—up about 8:30 after Θ—we didn’t bother with the foam, so if Bonnie ovulates in the next day or two, we might have made a baby—a month or two ahead of schedule. After getting up I shaved, had breakfast, dressed for church, then read for about a half hour after practicing the sermon. Left for church about 10:35. There was a decent crowd, about 40—the Hannibals were back too. I preached on “The Potter and the Clay.” After we got home we changed and drove up to the garden—hadn’t been there since Wednesday—we picked beans, corn, egg-plant, tomatoes. Got home, had lunch, then I got to reading after 3 o’clock. My reading didn’t last too long however; I got sleepy—I stretched out on the bed in the front bedroom downstairs—I was both sound asleep—and yet annoyed by the kids and grandmother next door. I finally very groggily got up about 6:00. Then we fixed supper. About 7:00 I called Mrs. Rapp to check on some details re: Play reading—had a long chat with her. Then I got more reading done. About 8:45 Mora came over to stay with Debbie and to do her laundry. We went down to the Little Art Cinema to see “O What a Lovely War”—it was excellent in spots—but was overly long. I was bored much of the time. We got home about 11:30—visited with Mora and Billy til about 1:15. Bill + I listened to some Wagner + to Anna Russell’s Ring Cycle; OBLO, 1:30.

Monday, 7 September 1970

Up about 8:30—not that I wanted to get up at that (h)our—since we got to bed at 1:30—but Debbie had gone to bed at a reasonable hour and was wake at her usual time. I got out of bed, went downstairs and read in Weiser for a while before Bonnie and Debbie appeared. I dressed, we had breakfast. My main concern for the day was again to get a lot of reading done. If I’m to take my exam on October 1, I can’t fall behind in my reading this month. I read in the morning—being Labor day there was no interruption by mail delivery—or paper boy (actually girl!) in the afternoon. We had lunch about 12:15, Bonnie went to work—her main project for the morning was getting a frame for Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. By 1 o’clock I had settled down for my afternoon’s reading, and aside from checking on Debbie and chatting briefly with Mora as she came and went with her laundry, I stuck to it until shortly after 5:00—at which time I began on supper. We ate not long after Bonnie got home—no CBS news—the damn baseball game was dragging on. In the evening we hung the painting in the living room, but I made progress on the reading. While we bathed we made suggestions to one another re: names for the next baby. Read a while after bathing; OBLO c. 12:15.

Tuesday, 8 September 1970

Up at 8:45—as soon as breakfast was over I got to my reading—I wanted to finish Weiser before the end of the day—and I did, about 10:15 this evening. I read all morning and all afternoon. We had lunch about 12:15; Bonnie went to work, Debbie played after her nap. There were some interruptions, but nothing major. About the middle of the afternoon Billy McKenney stopped by to say good-bye—he left to return to teaching in New York. When Bonnie got home about 5:20 we set about making supper. We ate, watched CBS news—then we went for a walk—what a joy to have Rockport free of tourists—bear skin neck was almost deserted—we had a leisurely stroll down and back—with Debbie in her stroller. When we got back, about 8 o’clock I called the new D.S. Mac White re: preaching for a C.A.M.P. installation service on the 20^th; he agreed to—will also have supper with us. We chatted for more than 15 minutes—he wanted to find out a few things about Rockport and Cape Ann—since he’s new to the area. After this phone conversation I returned to my reading. Later in the evening Margaret Reilley called from Canada. She’s planning to return between October 1 and 10; what a relief it was to finish Weiser—now on to Eiesfeldt. Bathed together at 11:00; OB Θ+ LO midnight.

Wednesday, 9 September 1970

Up about 8:45. Went to Richdales after 9:00 for some bread. Came home, had breakfast, shaved; then made preparations for going to Boston—I planned to catch the 11:15 train—so I was at the station shortly before then. But the train was late—didn’t leave Rockport until about 11:40. I did some sermon planning and reading for sermons on the way in. When I got in—I went to Park Street station—from there I walked to 100 Summer Street to Baker Play Co—bought 8 copies of Harvey. From there I walked to 581 Boylston Street—conferred with conference treasurer Terry Thomason re: a report which has to be made. Had a nice chat with him. Stopped in Cokesbury briefly—then took the trolley to BU—did various errands, ate lunch about 3:00—registered—or rather signed up as a continuing student. Saw Beck briefly. Caught the 5:15 train home, got here shortly after 6:30. We had supper, watched the news. Then I relaxed for a while. I had read part of Harvey on the train home—I finished it relaxing on the couch. Then I cast the play. Then I went about delivering copies to 5 families—saw Jerry + Carol briefly. Also saw Ornes for a while. Came home, relaxed 10:30–11:30. OBLO c. 11:45.

David’s Diary, September 9, 1970

Gladys – September 2, 1970

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9-2-70

The check is for both of you. Will try and get David’s card out before his birthday.

Have been quite busy since coming home, but did have a most enjoyable trip. Met a young girl who was coming to U.S. last year. She was on the staff of U. of I. last year – (Sept ’69 to June ’70) and is now returning to Japan. She couldn’t be back in Tokyo when we were there but her Mother and a sister and husband (Dr. Yamada – with Univ. of Tokyo) entertained us one day and evening. We attended Kabuki theatre together – 11 am to 4 pm – then went to a Japanese dinner. 10 courses. Quite an evening. We took pictures while in the restaurant. If I can think about them, will bring them along.

Love Mother

David’s Diary – September 2, 1970

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Wednesday, 2 September 1970

[Top panel: photos of banners/ Ezra – Debbie]

Can’t recall exactly when we got up—Paul and Marty were up and away early—i.e., I think by 9:00. We had breakfast together, then saw them off. Then I gradually got back to reading. Around the noon hour I took a walk—chatted for a while with Billy McKenney and David Herlihy—then I walked down to the church. I changed the way-side pulpit, took 2 more banner photos, went to Richdales for milk. Not too long after I got back Cameron Sesto arrived with Ezra and Esten—for an overnight visit. We had a big lunch together—bacon and tomato sandwiches, with the tomatoes from our patch. After lunch they all went out for a walk—and I tried to get some reading done—but I was plagued by the same old problem—fatigue and lethargy. I dozed. When the troop got back I continued with my reading, but stopped to work on supper about 6:15. I watched CBS news. Bonnie and Cameron and the kids played in the living room—Bonnie got out her oboe and accordion. We had supper about 8:00. I had planned to get some reading done in the evening but no luck. After supper we showed Cameron some slides—then we had a snack—the evening wore on as we visited. Finally we were all so exhausted we couldn’t keep going; OBLO w/o bath 11:40.

Thursday, 3 September 1970

[Top panel: one photo]

What a day this has been! At 5:15 Debbie woke up crying—I went in, calmed her down, came back to bed—but my morning sneezing began—so it was no use to try to get back to sleep—I got up dressed, tried to read—between sneezes and blowing my nose. Debbie cried some more—Bonnie got up and changed her. Cameron was getting up downstairs to go photographing. After she left I went down to the dining room to read and have some coffee. Ezra then got up—and kept me company! Finally I went back to bed –about 8:00? Not much sleep, however, since Esten was now crying. Bonnie went down to console him. She got him quieted, came back to bed. We didn’t sleep well, but got up about 10:00. I had breakfast, shaved, wrote a letter re: Theora [?] Elwell, delivered it; dropped in to see the Ornes, got home about noon. Tried to nap—had lunch. Our birthday gifts arrived from Malaysia—a silver cup for me, cloth for Bonnie, a bell and wooden noise maker for Debbie. Cameron + Ezra set off for a walk, Bonnie collapsed asleep—I tried to read, dozed off. When Cameron returned, she, Ezra + I went to the garden; they headed home soon after we returned. Bonnie, Deb + I had supper. Exhausted essentially; I read a little; we watched TV—Ironsides, Dragnet; snacked; bathed.

Friday, 4 September 1970

This at last was a day of accomplishment—my hope is renewed that someday I might get my Ph.D.! We got up about 9:00—after Θ+ —with thunder and rain in the background. After breakfast I got to reading—I took a break to get film ready to go to Mail-a-way. Late in the a.m. Bonnie went for a walk with Debbie and mailed it. We had lunch about noon—Bonnie left for work, Debbie went down for a nap—and I read—I was feeling fine—in a mood for reading. I settled into Bonnie’s new rocking chair in the living room and made progress. There were the usual interruptions to check on Debbie, pay the paperboy, read the paper—but I was pleased that I was getting something accomplished. It was great to have so many guests this week—but it had its drawbacks. Bonnie got home about 5:30, I read on to my stopping place, then fixed supper. We watched CBS news. Early in the evening I had phoning to take care of, which I did. But for the most part, I plowed ahead in Weiser. So far the reading has been relatively easy in this book—which gives the appearance at first glance of being deadly dull. I took a break about 10:30—but read further. Then about 11:30 I had a snack and decided to quit for the evening—I want to be alert for the next section: Ezekiel! Bathed; OBLO 12:30.

Saturday, 5 September 1970

[Top panel: one phone call long distance—Don McGaw]

Up about 9:00. Shaved (2 days worth), then had breakfast. My main concern then was to get the sermon under way—so reading had to be put off. Up until about 2 o’clock I stuck to the sermon, and made good progress—we had lunch about 12:30. Homer Orne came by about 2:00—to give us our check and to confer on other things. After he had gone I then set out on some calling—I went up to see Hannibals, but they weren’t home; I then went to see Lena Smith—recuperating from her surgery to have the heart-pacer installed. She was in pretty good condition—she met me at the door. I left there about 3:30—went back to Hannibals—but they were still away. So I came back home and returned to work on the sermon. I kept at it until I was finished—about 6:00. Called Don McGaw re: hymn sing. Then we had supper. My main concern for the evening was to get the bulletins done—I finished these about 8:00—then I played with Debbie for about a half hour. Then I turned to preparing the service, after which I practiced the sermon once. Then, finally, about 9:45 I was able to turn to reading in Weiser—I didn’t get to the point most desirable—but hopefully I make it up tomorrow. Had snack c. 11:15; bathed; OBLO 12:55.

David’s Diary, September 5, 1970

David’s Diary – August 29, 1970

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Saturday, 29 August 1970

Up about 9:00 (?)—had breakfast, shaved. My main concern for the day was the sermon—which was only in very rough outline. I worked on it in the morning pretty consistently until about 11:45, at which time I went to the garden—hadn’t been since Wednesday. Got several things. Came back, we fixed lunch, then I worked for a while longer, until 2:00—then I set out to do some calling. Saw Esther Longley first 2:00-3:00, then Grace Harris 3:00-4:00 + Louis Rich. Then about 4:00 got to the Hannibals. I was home by 5:00, and got more work done on the sermon before helping with supper. We watched NBC news with supper. After eating I relaxed for a while. Then my evening was spent finishing the sermon and preparing the service. I finished the sermon about 9:15, then did the bulletins—then prepared the service. This was all done by about 11:30. Unfortunately I didn’t get any reading done today. It’s amazing how uptight people get over small things—Esther Longley was very agitated today over the $5 charge that is going to be made for the Sunday School. But what a small commitment to ask of people! The time has past for the church to welcome people—“unconditionally”—we cannot make an appeal to people—no strings attached. Bathed, then headed to bed; LO shortly after midnight.

Sunday, 30 August 1970

Up at 8:30 after Θ. Had breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon, head[ed] for the church about 9:40. It was a milestone of sorts—Rip Hannibal came to church. I’ve been calling on him ever since I came to Rockport—he was very alienated from the church. I preached on John 10:10—abundant life. Only about 30 in attendance. We fixed lunch as soon as we got home, then I relaxed before selecting some poems to read at the Den-Mar service. Then I worked on putting my study in order—a colossal mess. About 2:30 I left for the Den-Mar—took Kay Patriquin and Winnie Gamage along. I was home again before four—the service lasted 3:00–3:30. I spent the next hour again clearing away the clutter in my study. At 5:07 Paul + Marty drove up. We immediately went to the garden—came home, did some preparations for supper. Then visited and played with Debbie in her room. Shortly before 7:00 we had our supper. It was too dark after eating to go for a walk, so we relaxed, then got slides. Paul and Marty had brought theirs—and we saw quite a few—then we showed ours. We all then had a snack—but we were a pretty sleepy bunch, and headed to bed without baths; OBLO, 11:45.

Monday, 31 August 1970

Can’t recall when we got up. Again I was plagued by lethargy and fatigue. I’m so tired of reading, of plodding ahead through these weighty tomes. In the morning Paul and Marty left about 10:00 for the museum in Boston. Then I got my Eagle article written; I called up Ornes for suggestions about what I might put in it, and I received a long complaint from Sadie about my sermon. I had included a paragraph about Christ not being the only way to achieve “abundant” life. There are people who hear something, but interpret it on an extreme level. Sadie misread, overread—it’s frustrating to know that a sermon can be taken so many ways. After our long talk (during which Tompkins delivered our new chair) I went to the Eagle office. I came home and spent the last part of the morning walking on the neck, also bought a birthday card for Pat Harry. Got home just a few minutes after noon. The afternoon was a big failure study-wise. Got almost nothing done. I slept, wrote the card to Pat Harry. Very shortly after Bonnie got home, P + M got back from Boston—the museum had been closed!—but they went book shopping—had very good lunch. The Busseys arrived shortly after 6:00. We had supper together—spent the evening visiting. Busseys went home c. 10:00—we then talked til late; bathed, OBLO 1:35.

Tuesday, 1 September 1970

Finally up about 9:30—rather washed out after last night’s late session. After breakfast we all got into the car and went out to Hallibut Point Reservation—had a ball scrambling over the rocks—took a lot of pictures. The wind was stiff and cool—a lot of clouds, so the sunshine wasn’t constant. When we got back we sat around discussing recuperating. We had a late lunch, then sat around some more—in fact until about 4 o’clock. It was good just to be able to visit and relax. Unfortunately not much reading got done! Bonnie took Paul, Marty, + Debbie to Gloucester to get steaks, and to see the harbor, so I had a chance to get a little reading done—although I was sleepy. But then they arrived back home and supper was begun. We ate about 6:30, watched CBS news. Then we all went for a walk. We went down to T-wharf—did a lot of boat gazing—Paul is such a boating—i.e., sailboat enthusiast. He and Marty are so eager to take us sailing. We also walked down Bearskin Neck and back. Got home about 8:30. Paul was very sleepy, turned in about 9:30—but Marty, Bonnie and I stayed up talking until about 11:00. Bathed, OBLO, Θ by midnight.