Monday, 6 October 1969

Up about 9:15—after breakfast tried to get to work studying—after doing phoning for youth group; hired Steve Winkler from Andover Newton. Placed another ad for our car in the paper. Read some in Wurthwein’s book + in The New Republic when the mail arrived. Finally about 12:00 got around to starting typing of Hebrew—had a late lunch, shaved, then back to Hebrew. Finished about 3:00—then we all went for a walk down to the Mill pond. When I got back to work didn’t get much done—did some work in Aramaic—then got sleepy; napped until 6:30. Had supper. Then about 8:00 went to see Alan—he had phoned me, asking me to come over. He’s drunk—he had recently received word that his mother is dying of cancer. He’s in terrible shape; I returned home to get things—am spending the night at his place.

Tuesday, 7 October 1969

Cleaned up Alan’s kitchen last night—stayed up til past two talking; but even after lights were out didn’t get to sleep. A very restless night—but we were up around 8:00. I went home around 10:00 to get Alan’s laundry, to bathe, shave, eat lunch. Then went shopping for groceries for him. Bonnie + Debby + I arrived back at Alan’s after 12:00. I stayed all afternoon; we talked, played cards, went for a long walk—then his friend Marty came over to work on the house. I went home about 5:00. Relaxed, Bonnie + I napped after Θ. Then had supper. But then by 8:00 returned to Alan’s. He had gone to Marty’s but they were both back—Marty stayed most of the evening working on back door. After he left Alan + I talked more. It looks as if he might ask Pat to marry him. We finally got around to getting to bed; LO, 1:02.

Wednesday, 8 October 1969

Up shortly after 8:00. Alan was much better this morning. Around 9:00 he brought me back to Rockport. Then he went off to do shopping, and to get caught up on business. I tried to nap, but with no luck. So I got up and worked on my letter to Pat Harvey about the experience of the last few days. It turned out to be over 3 pages long—typed, single-spaced. I was finished with this by the time we had lunch. After lunch we got involved in making grape juice from the grapes off Alan’s vine. Made a little over a gallon. After this was over, went to the post office with the letter to Pat. I then got some work done on organizing + putting down thoughts for Sunday sermon. Also spoke with Alan on the phone. Tried to nap again late in afternoon, but again no luck. After supper (+ CBS news) lady came to look at the car; worked on sermon, feeling weary and washed out; read about Rembrandt; bathed  OBLO  by 11? Θ+

Thursday, 9 October 1969

Didn’t get up til about 9:00—the day was a lethargic one; I’m still having trouble recovering from my stay with Alan. Bonnie left about 9:30 to attend a lecture/demonstration on patterns. I tried to get some work done, but turned to napping instead. When the mail came I spent quite a lot of time with Newsweek; Bonnie got home about 11:30. We had lunch about 12:30. I read in my book on Rembrandt. When Bonnie left to go to work about 2:30 (at the hospital), I went for a short walk with Debbie on my back—to the P.O. and for milk. When I got home made 3 phone calls to Boston—one about Vietnam Day on the 15^th. Then I turned to preparing lesson for Bible class; took a break to finish making the grape juice. After finishing Bible lesson, more in Rembrandt. Had supper ready when Bonnie got home. Bible class at 8:00; 5 in attendance; had a snack, back to Rembrandt, then worked on sermon, bathed; worked on sermon, read in Rembrandt; OBLO 12:45.

Friday, 10 October 1969

Up about 9:30. After breakfast turned to working on the sermon—when the mail came took time to read I. F. Stone and to glance thru Newsweek. Also in the mail there was the statement signed by Bishop Mathews and several others, in support of Vietnam Moritorium [sic], Oct 15. This took much of the rest of the day—arranging with other clergy in town to give them mimeod [sic] copies for bulletin inserts. We had a late lunch, when Bonnie went to work, I walked to Ernest Bailey’s house to let him see a copy of the statement. When I got home I worked on the Sunday Bulletin. Also saw to getting supper in the oven. Alan arrived shortly before 6:30. Bonnie got home about 7:15. We had supper. Around 8:30 Mr. Sutton arrived; he’ll buy our car. Alan left about 10:30. Tried to do some mimeographing; bathed; OBLO 12:05.

Saturday, 11 October 1969

Up about 9:40. After breakfast went over to Gloucester, to Wesley Church; Jim Bussey helped me to run off 645 copies of the Statement on the Moratorium—for various churches. Then I distributed them to the various clergy in town. Got home after 12:45. Had lunch. Desk work—got my desk straightened up. Then finally got to work on Aramaic—made some progress, but not enough. Got sleepy probably about 4:30 or later, stretched out to take a nap—Bonnie too. We didn’t wake up until 6:45  We got up and got our supper, then I did phone calling. Then I turned to Aramaic again. Then about 9:00 I worked on getting the service ready for tomorrow morning. This took more time than anticipated. Didn’t finish til 10:30. Then Bonnie and I had a snack, then bathed. Then OBLO, 11:53.

Sunday, 12 October 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved, then practiced sermon. Then got ready for church—left about 10:30. Preached Part I on the rich young ruler—Mark 10:17 ff. Mrs. Orne told me of Harry Emerson Fosdick’s [1] death. Got home about 12:30. I decided to take Bonnie on an overnight camping-foliage trip. I arranged for the 8:00 meeting this p.m. to be transferred elsewhere. We got ready to go after lunch. Were on the road by about 3:30. Arrived at our campsite in NH.—a few miles off exit 20, rt. 93. When we arrived it was just about sunset. We got set up, fed Debbie, then had something to eat ourselves. Very pleasant camping weather. Not too cold, no rain, and very few insects. Debbie was very tired and seemed perhaps upset with the strange surroundings. But she went to sleep in the back seat in playpen; we are getting to bed shortly after 9:00.

[1] One of the great liberal Protestant preachers of the early 20^th century, founder of Riverside Church in NYC.

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Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/03/davids-diary-october-6-1969/

Monday, 22 September 1969

Up at 9:15. After breakfast, got to work on Aramaic—that was my main concern most of the day. We didn’t have lunch until late—then Bonnie went to WSCS. I stayed with Debbie—she was content to play by herself. I worked on Aramaic until Alan + Pat arrived about 3:30 for tea. Bonnie got home after they’d been here a few minutes. They left about 5:00; then we had an opportunity to chat some more with the young man who’s just moved into the apartment  next door. Then back to Aramaic until 6:30. Had supper, then back to studying. During the evening I got a phone call from Jean Crowell—there’s a rumor going around that FFR money is being “misused”—I will have to publish info. on funded projects. About 10:00 turned to Hebrew and worked on this til past 12:00. Then stopped to bathe. read briefly in bed, LO 12:48.

Tuesday, 23 September 1969

27^th birthday. Before we got out of bed, Bonnie gave me to [sic] packages—one was a hammer, the other another sports coat—almost done. We were up by 8:30. Had breakfast, did some straightening at my desk, worked on Hebrew, shaved; Bonnie took a couple of pictures of Debbie + me in the yard. I caught the 11:15 train to Boston. Got to BU around 12:50. Had lunch outside ^*phoned bishop’s office about FFR^ —tended to getting books. Had Aramaic at 2:00—After 3:00 xeroxed  an article (noted damage from a small fire in the stacks at the library). Left BU about 4:15 with Jim Bussey—he had the car. We arrived in Gloucester about 5:30. I called Bonnie—she came over to get me at Busseys. We had supper around 7:00. I phoned Jean Crowell about what I’d learned from bishop’s office. Went to Concerned Citizens meeting at Glouc. Baptist Church from 8:00-9:00—came home—distress in lower tract—diarrhea; weary; bathed; OBLO c. 11:15 Θ

Wednesday, 24 September 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, then got to work typing my Hebrew translation. I was occupied with this until about 11:00. Mail man brought Newsweek magazine (which I took a few minutes to glance thru) and post-card from Paul. Thanked me for sending him my few back copies of South Af. Digest. I shaved, bundled up three more, wrote him a brief note, then went to the Post Office—also changed wayside pulpit. Had lunch, caught the 1:15 train to Boston; got to BU about 3:00. Chatted with Dr. Richardson about what version of LXX [1] to buy; had brief talk with Beck before seminar. 4:00-5:45 seminar, caught 6:40 train—got home about 8:00, had supper. We left Debbie at Patriquins about 8:30 then went to Gloucester to see Midnight Cowboy—an excellent film. Picked up Debbie shortly after 11:00, came home, bathed, read briefly in Newsweek; LO 12:10.

Thursday, 25 September 1969

Up about 8:45. Breakfast, then got to work on 3 brief letters—to Mass. Bible Society for LXX, to Abingdon for replacement of vol. 2 of IB, to gallery in Buffalo re: Hofmann’s exuberance. Then I got to work on Hebrew. Took time to read IF Stone Weekly when it came. We had a late lunch when Bonnie returned from shopping. Shaved before lunch; afterwards went to P.O. with roll of film. Then got to work preparing in I Sam for Bible study. Shortly before 4:00 Alan + Pat arrived for tea. They then left around 5:00. I went back to I Samuel. About 5:45 went down to the church to get set of maps. When I got back I helped with supper. Watched CBS news. Worked on Hebrew briefly before Bible Class members arrived at 8:00. 6 in attendance—covered I Sam 5-9. This was over by 9:30. Had a snack, then worked on Hebrew til shortly after 11:00. Bathed; read, LO, 12:17 Θ+

Friday, 26 September 1969

Up at 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work immediately on my sermon. Looked thru Life magazine when it arrived in the mail. Had a late lunch, and was able to get my sermon done by about 2:00. Bonnie went off on errands. I typed the bulletin stencil; Bonnie got back—we had a caller—a woman asking money for the new hospital wing. I don’t think we’ll be able to contribute. I then ran off the bulletin. About 4:00 I made a trip to the dump. The rest of the afternoon—read, glanced through the Life Art book which arrived in the afternoon. Read a few more pages in Wurthweins book on OT text. Played with Debbie a while. Had supper about 6:00. Got back to studying about 7:30. Worked on Hebrew all evening. Bonnie went shopping; bought carpet tiles; stopped to bathe about 11:00; then back to Hebrew, OBLO 12:22.

Saturday, 27 September 1969

Found ourselves still in bed at 10:00. Got up, had breakfast, then got to work on Hebrew. Didn’t have lunch until I had finished the 8^th chapter of Deuter. Shaved. ^took photo of Deb. in rocking chair^ After lunch went calling; took communion to Grace Harris + Louise Rich. Then went to see Hannibals—Bonnie dropped Debbie + I off there. Then I walked home with Debbie on my back—Bonnie went shopping in Gloucester. I put Debbie to play in her room, then I took the top off the picnic table, put it in the basement. Then I went to see Mrs. Patience—took her communion. Got home about 5:00. Then got to work on mowing the lawn—the last time for the season. While mowing I found a baby (I presume) frog or toad in yard. Took it down to the mill pond after I stopped mowing, with some still to do. Had supper, made phone calls, prepared the service for tomorrow, practiced sermon, then turned to typing my Heb. trans. (Bonnie at Dru’s shower this evening) bathed about 11:30;  OBLO 12:28.

Sunday, 28 September 1969

Neither of us slept too well last night, and we had to be up shortly after 7:00—we both felt lousy. But we got breakfast and got ready; were at the church by 9:00. Bonnie has a Sunday school class. Debbie is in the nursery. I took her home at 10:30, Carol Gabin [?] sat with her. Preached on I Kg. 21—last sermon on Elijah. Home about 12:30. Put chicken in oven; we napped. Had lunch near 2 o’clock. I then straightened up the car anticipating someone coming to see it (who called yesterday)—but never showed up. Read in Wurthwein. Shortly before 4:00 a fellow showed up to be interviewed for youth leader; committee arrived. After the fellow left we discussed until 6:30. They left, we had supper. Went to Wesley Church at 7:30 for Meth. men; 9:00 committee picked me up—went to Manchester to see other fellow—didn’t get home til 11:30  Bathed; OBLO c. 12:45.

[1] LXX is the common abbreviation for Septuagent, the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament.

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Monday, 15 September 1969

Up at 9:15—had breakfast, then got right to work on Hebrew translation—in book of Deuteronomy. Interrupted briefly by the mail—but kept right on working. Stopped for lunch around noon—took breaks once or twice during Hebrew during the day to read articles received by Promoting Enduring Peace—Paul McGraw had put me on their mailing list. Read Clark Clifford’s article on Vietnam—his correct realizations are too late + his defense of our original VN involvement stupid—ignores Geneva Accords of 1954. About 3 o’clock took a study break. Bonnie, Debbie + I walked out to the end of Bear Skin Neck. But I got back to work when we returned. Put fish in the oven at 5:00—the[n] worked until about 6:15. Watched CBS news—more troop withdrawals announced. Bonnie went to a community chorus meeting in evening—I worked on typing my translation—paying close attention to variants; stopped to bathe around 11:30; OBLO—read in Winthwein [?]; LO 12:25.

Tuesday, 16 September 1969

Debbie 13 mo. old.  Started keeping diary one year ago today. Got up about 8:40—had breakfast, shaved, then got to work doing more typing of my Deuter. translation. Worked on this until about 10:30. Then got ready to go to Boston. Caught the 11:15 train. Read some further in II Sam. on the way in. Got to BU about 1:00. Ate my lunch on the steps outside—a beautiful day. 2 o’clock Aramaic class. We met the full hour—Richardson gave brief outline of some of the features of Aramaic. After class ran into Pat Holmes outside CLA—we chatted for a few minutes. Caught the trolley. Took 4:10 train to Rockport. Arrived about 5:30. Napped until 6:30. Watched CBS news with supper. 7:30—took pictures of Debbie—then got to work typing translation. Finished about 10:00—then put Aramaic grammar into binder; straightened desk; bathed, read in bed in Aramaic grammar; LO, 11:40.

Wednesday, 17 September 1969

Wasn’t in a hurry to get out of bed this morning—since my day doesn’t end up very early. Got up about 9:30. Breakfast, shaved, read more in Aramaic grammar. Got ready to go—caught 11:15 train to Boston—got to BU about 1:00. Again had lunch outside on the steps. Then had Aramaic class at 2:00; at 3:00 had a meeting with Dr. Beck. Proposed doing Hebrew translation as part of my extra DS hours. Beck OK’d this. We made tea together. Class began about 4:00. 7 altogether—an enjoyable 2 hours. Beck drove me to N. Station (within 2 blocks) when class was over—he was on way to airport. On the way home it began raining. I had started walking home from depot when Bonnie met me in the car—with Debbie. We had supper. I played with Debbie—then we went down to Patriquins. Saw Apollo 11 movie; came home shortly before 11:00; bathed,  listen to news; OBLO 11:55 Θ+

Thursday, 18 September 1969

After Θ+ last night we were awake a while had a drink—so we slept late—didn’t get up till after 9:00. After breakfast I went down to the P.O.—ordered Driver’s Deuteronomy—changed wayside pulpit. When I got to work I read in Samuel in preparation for tonight. Read in Newsweek when it came with mail. Had a late lunch, shaved; then we all went to the camera shop in Salem where we had bought our camera last February. We bought 3 lenses for close ups, a [???] glare filter, a shutter release cable. We left home about 2:00—got back about 4:00. I worked further in Samuel. Relaxed briefly. Then we had supper; watched CBS news. Finally straightening up. Bible class met at 8:00; 6 in attendance—besides Bonnie + myself. Did the first 4 chapters of I Sam. Over by 9:00. I took a couple of candle photos, translated Hebrew until about 11:30. OBLO 11:47

Friday 19 September 1969

Didn’t make it out of bed until after 9:30. After breakfast I got to work immediately on Hebrew translation. Bonnie went grocery shopping, and I was able to make good progress. Debbie napped. We had a late lunch after Bonnie got home. I made a short trip to return some Sunday School materials to a woman from Wesley Church. Then I spent quite a a while again on Hebrew. About 4 o’clock we all went for a walk—Debbie on my back—we went down to T-wharf. I took several photos with the new lens + with film speed setting on 100. Hope to improve the pictures of sky + sea. We stopped to see Dru  Patriquin. She showed us their new apartment. Came home, put fish in oven, then got back to work on Hebrew until about 6:30. CBS news, ate supper. Then worked on sermon til almost 10:00. Then typed Hebrew translation til past 11:00; bathed; read briefly in bed; LO 12:25

Saturday, 20 September 1969

Up about 8:40. Had breakfast, shaved; about 10:00 worship committee arrived: Sue Lee + Karen Haskell. We conferred about an hour; ^received letter from Diane Nancekevill—marriage to Allan is off^ after they had gone, I got back to my Hebrew. By 1 o’clock I had finish[ed] typing what I had translated long-hand. Went to market for grape-juice; had lunch; then went calling; took communion to Ethel Leary. Then called on Anna + Alvina, Virginia Bate, Mrs. Martin + Mrs. Parsons. Came home, then went down to see Lucy Patience—took her two pieces of pie. When I got home I got back to my desk. Did the bulletins for tomorrow, then did a little work on my when Bonnie called me to supper. After supper I got back to work on the sermon. Finished it by 8:15  Then prepared the service; stopped to bathe about 10:30. Worked on Hebrew trans. OBLO 11:43.

Sunday, 21 September 1969

Up about 8:15  Had breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon. Got to the church about 9:50. I had announced an adult Sunday School class—but no one showed up—I came home, did a little Hebrew. Then returned to the church about 10:35.  34 in the congregation; preached the third sermon on Elijah. Got home about 12:30. We had lunch; then I went to see Lucy Patience—took her several picture puzzles. Also took photos of a tree in her yard and several close up pictures of individual blossoms. Home by 2:00. Tried to work on Hebrew—but very weary. Napped until about 4:30—at least tossed + turned. Then worked more on Hebrew. About 6:30 got ready to go to Alan’s—Left about 7:00. We all watched The Royal Family on TV—viewed slides—took pictures. Came home around 10:20; Bathed; took pictures of cat in washing machine; Hebrew; OBLO 11:45 Θ

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Monday, 8 September 1969

Up about 8:00; had breakfast, shaved, caught 9:20 train to Boston. Went to Symphony I theatre and saw “I am Curious (Yellow)”, a Swedish film; not particularly a great film in itself, but does represent another step in liberalizing film treatment of sex + nudity. After leaving the cinema went to BU; had time for brief lunch before going to class. The German class is beyond me—most students in it are advanced German majors—prof lectures in German –I’ll have to drop it; tried to find Beck after the class but no luck. Left for North Station, caught 4:10 train home. Bonnie not well today—in bed when I got home—dizzy spells. I fixed supper after relaxing. Then went over to Addison Gilbert Hospital to see Becky Bussey (she had her baby this afternoon: Matthew James), Jim was there too. Also saw Florence Hannibal. Came home, baked a cake for Bonnie—read—have read today in Books of Samuel. Hurricane headed our way  Bathed, OBLO 11:53.

Tuesday, 9 September 1969

Didn’t get to sleep easily last night—so was sleeping late. About 9:30 Bonnie asked me to get her a doctor—called Stelluto’s office—they called Dr. Mann’s office—they called us. After eating, and feeding Debbie (Mrs. Paradis stayed with her) we went to Mann’s office in Gloucester. He couldn’t find anything wrong with her. Recommended rest. We came home about noon. Watched weather report—hurricane headed our way (G[??]). I went to town to get prescription filled. Came home, got lunch, fed Debbie, cleaned up kitchen. I was tired—relaxed—then in the late afternoon napped. Got up about 5:00, shaved, then tended to getting supper. About 7:20 left for the church for the Board meeting. They agreed to pay parsonage utilities. Meeting over 8:30—chatted until 9:00. Came home, wrote letter regarding attending a meeting in Oxford, Mass this Saturday. Ordered the magazine Interpreter. Bathed. Off to bed to read; (the hurricane headed out to sea), LO 11:35.

Wednesday, 10 September 1969

Didn’t get up til after 9:30, and I was tired. Had breakfast, made a lunch, shaved, then caught the 11:15 train to Boston. Arrived BU around 1:00. Ran several errands and managed so see Beck briefly. Saw Walter Aufrecht [sp?] again, we had a chat before he went to class at 3:00. I walked with Dr. Beck to his car as he left for Logan airport to meet friends. He asked me to hand out syllabus at seminar if he didn’t get back in time. We decided on my dropping German course + picking up directed study in OT. I gave out the syllabus when Dr. Richardson brought phone message from Beck that he couldn’t be back in time. I caught trolley to N. Station—road with Dr. Brown. Caught 4:55 train—arrived home shortly after six—suggested to Bonnie that we go to a movie. So we ate, left Debbie with Patriquins, went to see Funny Girl—pretty good. Picked up Debbie; home about 11:00; bathed; OB.

Thursday, 11 September 1969

Up by 9:30. After breakfast began tending to desk work—Hazel Brady called reminding us that we said we’d dine with her this noon at Captain Courageous restaurant. I didn’t get much desk work done in the morning. I had to help Bonnie move the rug in the bedroom—i.e., turn it. This required moving most of the furniture out of the room. Mail man brought slides—we viewed them—a good batch. I shaved about noon, then we went to the restaurant. Had a marvelous rare roast beef dinner. Afterwards I left Bonnie off at the hospital for her to visit—and I went with Debbie over to see Alan + Pat. Got back to the hospital about 3:00—we came home. I napped. But Bonnie went back to Gloucester shopping. I went sound asleep. When I got up I got to work on letters to Bible Class members. When Bonnie got home she sacked out. I fed Debbie supper. About 9:00 we went to Patriquins—showed slides. Came home at 11:00; bathed; OB about midnight.

Friday, 12 September 1969

A full day. Up about 9:00; after breakfast got to work on my sermon—and made good progress. Stopped when the mail man arrived to look through the mail—snapshots came from mail-a-way. ^pictures of D. in box^ Many good ones. Went back to work on sermon—shaved—we had lunch around one, then I was able to finish the sermon and to type the Bulletin stencil by 3:30. Then I went over to see the Ornes about the presentation I’ll be making tomorrow on behalf of C.A.M.P. After chatting with them I went up to see Rip + Florence Hannibal—she’s home from the hospital. I stayed until about 5:00, then came home; wrote letter to Bonnie’s folks—also included 17 pictures in the letter—then around six started on supper. Watched CBS news. About 7:30 went to Gloucester to confer with C.A.M.P. treasurer. Home by 8:30—worked on what I’ll say tomorrow—did some desk work. Bathed, off to study in bed, LO. Θ+

Saturday, 13 September 1969

Up at 6:30. Had breakfast, shaved, got my lunch together, left about 7:50. Beautiful weather. Had to go to Oxford, Mass. out by Worcester. Took 128 + Mass. turnpike. No problems, got there in plenty of time—almost an hour early. The committee was a few minutes late in seeing me; I presented the basics of the Cape Ann Methodist Parish. They asked me a few questions. Dr. Uhlinger was there and also spoke for C.A.M.P. I was able to leave shortly after 11:00. Stopped at Whittemores in Needham for Bulletins. Ate lunch in car. Stopped in Gloucester to buy masking tape. Home about 2:20. Tired; napped. About 4:00 I had revived enough to go visit Lucy Patience. After I got home took Sunday School materials to Phil Parker—Bonnie + Debbie went along—we stayed only briefly—then came home and had supper; I spent the evening in my study + at desk—practicing sermon + preparing service; bathed; OBLO 12:45.

Sunday, 14 September 1969

Up shortly after 9:00; had breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon, left for the church about 10:30. Preached second sermon on Elijah (I Kg 18). Was home by 12:30. Had lunch then got to work on Hebrew. Haven’t worked on Hebrew in a long time—so pretty rusty. Worked all afternoon. ^took pictures of Debbie in rocking chair^ Had supper around six. By 7 o’clock had done 1^st assignment in long hand. Want to type it tomorrow—do a thorough job. In the evening we went over to Riverdale Church for the farewell reception for Forrest Clark. Stayed about 30-40 minutes. Then we went up to see Alan. Pat Harry is still there. They have been doing painting and insulating Alan’s porch. We have agreed to get together for celebrating of our birthdays—Alan’s is 25^th. We didn’t stay too long. Came on home—I did some work but am very weary. Got ready for bed shortly after 10; OBLO 10:25.

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Monday, 25 August 1969

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast, then got to work in my study. Made a successful return to German today. Reviewed 10 pp. in Noth without trying hard. Could do more. Bonnie went shopping in the morning. Very hot day—92 ° about noon. I shaved before lunch. Chatted with Eddie Garcia (?sp.) from next door. Helped Bonnie unload car when she got home, after lunch got back to German with several interruptions in the afternoon. About 4:00 I went to visit with Mrs. Patience. By 5:00 I went to the Patriquins to tell Kay we wouldn’t be down tonight—slides haven’t come back. |Les + I got into discussion on NT; he’s just read Passover Plot. Came home, worked more on German. We ate about 6:30, CBS news. Worked more on German, then we went for a drive around the Cape. Drove by Alan Federick’s house; saw Pat in the window. Home and back to work by 8:45. Stopped to bathe about 10:45. Studied Deutsch in bed; LO, 11:47.

Tuesday, 26 August 1969

Up about 8:00; had breakfast and tried to get to work; but I’ve been having so much trouble getting started in the morning, and the German review doesn’t excite me much, so I found things to do other than German. The mail man brought two boxes of slides which we viewed. I shaved before lunch, and while Bonnie was getting lunch I went to the dump, then went and voted in the special primary; voted for Michael Harrington. Had lunch, then got back to work; Bonnie went swimming at the pits with Bill next door. I worked in German until about 6:20. Watched CBS news, had supper. At 7:30 I went to see Phil Parker to confer about the Sunday School; not enough teachers. Left him about 8:45, came home then went immediately to Patriquins—Bonnie + Debbie had already gone down. We showed our new slides + movie which had arrived last Sat. Home by 11:00; news: Harrington won; bathed; OB read Θ+ LO, 12:10.

Wednesday, 27 August 1969

Up about 9:15. Breakfast, then to my study—found  things to do besides German, which has been the pattern recently. Mail man brought letter from Diane Nancekevill, worried about Alan. Did get some German done when we stopped for lunch. After lunch shaved; replied to Diane’s letter, went to post office, went to see Sue Lee, asked her to teach in Sunday School—she will. Went to see Rip Hannibal, but he wasn’t home. Returned home, got back to German. Late in the afternoon received a phone call from Pat Henry, who is now with Alan. Talked for about an hour—until about 5:30. Then I worked on German until about 6:30. Stopped for supper + CBS news. About 8:00 went to see Phil Parker; we won’t need to send the letter we had anticipated—only need 3 classes. Home by 8:45. Worked on German, with interruptions until about 11:00; bathed; studied driving manual; OBLO 12:00.

Thursday, 28 August 1969

Up about 8:45—after breakfast got to work on German surprisingly quickly—and made progress. Got a distressed call late in the morning from Diane in Canada. After lunch shaved, then back to work on German. About 3:00 went up to see Rip Hannibal—finally found him at home. He gave us a bag of pears. After getting home I got back to work on German. Then about 6:15 I got another phone call from Diane—also spoke with her father. They assume that Alan is alone in his house; do not know that Pat is there. Want me to go over there with an MD to help Alan. After supper I did go over to Alan’s; stayed until about 10:00. He was relatively sober, but his moods fluctuated. He’s willing to see Don McGaw for talk and referral. Doesn’t want to tell Diane over the phone about Pat—yet can’t go to Montreal; tried unsuccessfully after getting home to contact Don; studied driving manual; OBLO.

Friday, 29 August 1969

Up about 8:00 after Θ; breakfast, shaved; we left here about 9:00 to go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Beverly to get our car registered and get our new licenses. We got there about 9:40—were out about 10:45—we both passed the tests. We then went to the VW place and saw Roy Lee—he arranged a road test for us. We like the squareback. We then headed home, got here shortly after 12:00. Looked at the mail, then I went for bread, came back, had lunch. Then Bonnie went for an eye exam. I had planned to get work on my sermon done, but no luck. Jim Bussey came over to work on his car in our shade. I put the new plates on our car, after short trip to pick up Sunday school catalogue + charcoal. Busseys stayed for supper—we cooked outside. They had to go home suddenly when Becky began not feeling well—a lost evening; photographed charcoal; bathed; read in bed; LO 10:30.

Saturday, 30 August 1969

Up about 9:00—had slept very well. This morning I occupied myself sorting, dating, numbering the two boxes of slides which we have recently received back. Very slow to getting to vital matters. Shaved before lunch—which wasn’t til about 1:00. Busseys arrived about 1:00—he did more work on the car. I did get to work in my study. By 4:30 I had done 3 stencils: Admin. Bd. List, Sermon schedule, bulletin for tomorrow. Then I went down to see Lucy Patience. Got back home around 6:00. Fixed supper since Bonnie was sacked out. After supper got back to work—typed stencil for newsletter, then did sermon. About half done by 10:00. Stopped to run off the stencil (also tried unsuccessfully to catch Mrs. Field’s cat). After running off the stencils got back to sermon. Didn’t finish til about 1:00; worked on service; stopped to bathe; worked more on service; OBLO 2:06.

Sunday, 31 August 1969

A full, busy day. Up at 7:45—hard to get up. Breakfasted, shaved, dressed, practiced sermon. Left for church about 9:30. Preached on “Sword of the Prince of Peace”—about 30 in church. Home by about 11:30. Signed all the pastoral letters before lunch. After lunch ^talk with Rev. Baily on phone^ I went right to work getting the pastoral letters ready to be mailed; then had to tend to several letters—to seminaries about youth leader, to Levon King and others. This took my whole afternoon. Dropped off letters to Mrs. Cooney + to post office. Came home, straightened up desk part way; relaxed, napped until about 6:00—then started working on supper. After supper, I finished putting my desk in order—took picture of myself in chair. Then got down to German—put in about 1½ hours. Stopped about 10:00 to bathe. Debbie today climbed (via rocking chair) onto dressing table + discovered that light bulbs are hot! Studied German in bed, LO 11:05.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/25/davids-diary-august-25-1969/

Monday, 18 August 1969

Up shortly before 9:00; had breakfast, straightened up my desk—tended to odds and ends. Letter from Dr. Beck suggesting that we confer at Edding, N.H. Alan Federick came over and we read German until after 12:00. Alan left, we had lunch, I wrote to Beck, Chorpenning [?] + Levon King (indicating that he can still buy our car); went to the funeral home about 2:45—beastly hot day. After the funeral (John Patience) also went to the cemetery—was home by 4:00. Changed, went to Alan’s to read German, because sleepy came home about 5:00—relaxed, watched news 6:00-7:00; had supper. After supper went to my study, relaxed; then spent the evening on the bed studying chapters in the German grammar. Debbie was playing in the room, climbing all over the place—Bonnie + I pushed her back + forth on her new “creative coaster”; bathed, OB Θ+  LO c. 11:30.

Tuesday 19 August 1969

Up about 8:30. Breakfast, the[n] worked in my study—did straightening up and odds and ends; also went to the post office, changed wayside pulpit, went to the police department for applications for driver’s licenses—we put them in the mail immediately. I got letters about the hymnsing ready to go out. After lunch, shaved; did more puttering in my study while Bonnie was off shopping. Phone call from Roy Lee concerning our new car; he has ordered it—should have it by Oct. 1. Bonnie brought back the package of letterheads from printer; I wrote to the graduate school about being here this fall; finally got to German late in the afternoon. Fixed supper, then got to German in the evening and helped Bonnie a little in her efforts to get the back room ready as Debbie’s play room—lights out by 10:20 ?

Wednesday, 20 August 1969

Up at 4:00 AM looking at Orion—outside! Considered taking pictures  Another day of little accomplishment; still bogged down in lethargy. Up about 9:00. After breakfast, I went about fastening down the metal piece, apparatus actually, which fits in the hole in dining room ceiling/Debbie’s play room floor. I did German off and on during the day, but not very enthusiastically. Bonnie was gone most of the afternoon on errands and shopping. I stayed with Debbie, did German, dozed. About 6:00 I started on supper—had it about ready when Bonnie got home. Got back to work (?!) after relaxing after supper in Debbie’s room. She climbed all over us. Contacted Paul Deats by phone, arranged to take German exam Sept 3^rd. Tried, but failed (as of 11:22) to reach Dr. Beck by phone; stopped to bathe, tended to the cats OBLO, 11:47.

Thursday, 21 August 1969

Up about 9:00, while getting breakfast Dr. Beck called from Epping. We arranged to meet tomorrow afternoon. In the morning I didn’t get much done; we took several pictures of Debbie in her yellow play suit. We talked about camping trailers. I shaved before lunch; after eating I went to the post office, dropped off hymnsing posters downtown,  strolled down Bearskin Neck, then visited Lucy Patience. After returning home I got to work on my sermon; napped—sound asleep. Put fish in the oven, worked more on sermon, almost half done. Had supper, then dropped Debbie off at Patriquins; then we went to the show in Gloucester; saw Oliver—thoroughly enjoyable. Got to Patriquins about 11:00, but stayed only a few minutes. Came home, fixed lunch for tomorrow’s trip; bathed; OBLO, 12:20.

Friday, 22 August 1969

Up about 8:00; breakfast, wrote (typed) my petition to take German exam on Sept. 3^rd. Shaved, loaded car—we headed for Epping N.H. (Camp Hedding) about 9:30. Debbie surprised us—she got car-sick—threw up. We were stopped about 10-20 minutes cleaning up. We went straight to Exeter to the mill. Bonnie spent about an hour getting cloth. I put up the playpen on the yard—Debbie played while I worked on sermon—I took several photos of her. About noon we head[ed] to Camp Hedding. Had lunch with Becks—spent the afternoon in conversation—about many things including my course work this next year. We left Becks about 4:20, arrived home in Rockport 5:45. Called Alan Federick after supper, CBS news (+ after bolting down shelves in Debbie’s room); Pat is with him! Too lethargic in evening to do much; relaxed, bathed OBLO 11:28.

Saturday, 23 August 1969

Up before 9:00. Had breakfast, shaved—my main preoccupation today was getting ready for tomorrow (preaching twice)  By the time that I stopped for lunch I finished sermon. After lunch I puttered around at the desk and also got the bulletins run off. Mid-afternoon I went up to see Rip Hannibal; he wasn’t home so came back. Napped. When I got up I got to work typing the sermon—had to put it on small sheets since the pulpit at Riverdale is small. Had supper, watched NBC news—only 3,000 troops have been “withdrawn” from Vietnam; is supposed to be 25,000 by the end of August. More tricky Dick. After supper chatted outside with neighbors who are redoing furniture. Then got to work preparing for the services tomorrow. Practiced sermon twice. Bonnie sewed all evening; bathed about 10; OB, LO, by 11.

Sunday, 24 August 1969

Up at 6:00! Took my time getting breakfast, shaving. Left for Riverdale about 7:15. Went through the service with organist. Preached the 8 o’clock service. Arrived back home a few minutes after 9:00; stretched out a few minutes. Went to church about 9:35. Preached on “Jephthah and Herod.” [1] Home by 11:30. Watched news, helped with lunch. Very hot today; napped naked on the bed; helped Bonnie get cool by going over her with a wet cloth. We gave each other our birthday gifts—I gave her a book on camping; she gave me a pillow for reading in bed. ΘFO. Then we went for a walk down Bearskin Neck; took pictures. Very crowded; came home, had no supper. Just drinks. About 7:00 I headed to the church for the hymnsing. Small crowd. Busseys came up to the house with us afterwards. We visited for about an hour. After they left I had a supper; bathed, OBLO, 11:40.

[1] I shudder to think what that was about!

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/24/davids-diary-august-18-1969/