Tag Archives: Massachusetts

David’s Dairy – September 14, 1970

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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/08/davids-diary-september-6-1970/

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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/07/gladys-september-2-1970/

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

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/05/davids-diary-september-2-1970/

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.

David’s Diary, September 1, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/04/davids-diary-august-29-1970/

David’s Diary – August 25, 1970

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Tuesday, 25 August 1970

Up at 9:30. Had breakfast, then got to reading; my hope for the day was to make progress in Bentzen. And for the most part my time was pretty much devoted to this. The morning was short, however—we hadn’t planned to be in bed that late. We had lunch about 12:15—Debbie was napping however. Shortly after Bonnie left for work I got a call from Roger Smith; his mother is in Maine; she had had fainting spells, and this afternoon had an operation to install a heart pacer. He called me back about 5:30 with word that the operation appears to have been a success. I spent the afternoon reading, although there were interruptions. I had a phone conversation with Gladys Haskell, and I fed Debbie about 3 o’clock when she woke up. I read until shortly before Bonnie got home; fixed supper, watched CBS news—just as it was beginning Jerry Lewis called. He and Carol wanted to go see The Sterile Cuckoo—and asked us to stay with Chris—we agreed. The(y) arrived about 7:00. About 7:30 I drove over to see Roger Smith, but he wasn’t home; I came home, got more reading done before the Lewises got back shortly after 9:00. We had a snack and a visit; the(y) left about 9:30. Read some more, then bathed about 11:00; read in bed; LO, 11:45.

Wednesday, 26 August 1970

[Top panel: took photos in Copley Square—afternoon + evening]

Up about 8:30—the day for going to Boston. After breakfast I went up to the garden to get some vegetables to take to Sestos—not very much available, but a few items. When I got home I shaved, finally we were ready to go—left home about 10:20. Upon getting to Boston we went directly to Sears—didn’t get much satisfaction in finding things we wanted. About noon we piled back into the car and headed for Sestos—20 Claflin [?] Rd in Brookline. We had our sack lunch with us—ate visited, then left by 1:30—we left Debbie with Cameron, Ezra and Estin. We went directly to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts—saw the special exhibit of Andrew Wyeth paintings—also ran into a former theo colleague, Jim Marlowe—working as a guard—attending the museum school. We saw a film after looking at the painting—the World of Andrew Wyeth. A worthwhile afternoon; then we drove to Fisher Music co. by the Boston Common. I waited in the car while Bonnie bought music. Then we drive to the English Room (formerly English Tea Room); we hadn’t been there since when Bonnie was pregnant; had supper; then strolled to Copley Square—took photos. Then back to Sestos after 6:00. Visited with them until almost 10:00; headed home through Copley Square—to take photos of the fountain at night. Then headed for Rockport. Got home about 11:15. Bathed; headed for bed; LO. 12:05.

Thursday, 27 August 1970

Up about 9:30—I was surprised when I realized what time it was. Had to go down to Richdales for milk before we could have breakfast. The main word to describe my day is “lethargic”—all of us were pooped, washed out after yesterday. I tried to get my reading under way in the morning, but I found myself supervising Debbie out in the yard for a while. I got some reading done in the morning. I discovered that there was no bread for lunch, so I had to make another trip to Richdales for that. After lunch again tried to read. This was one of those times when I let everything distract me—my heart just wasn’t in my reading, and I didn’t get much out of what I did cover. Early in the afternoon Bonnie and I tried to get some leads on a new mattress, but no one wants to sell a queen-sized mattress by itself. I did get a little progress made reading while Bonnie went off shopping. She bought some flower patterned sheets. I fixed supper, after which we went to the show; Kay Patriquin stayed with Debbie—or rather vice versa. We went to the Little Arts Cinema to see The Boys in the Band—an excellent film—a frank, honest portrayal of homosexual life; 9 o’clock got to Patriquins—watched TV with them; came home c. 10:30, relaxed, bathed.

Friday, 28 August 1970

[Top panel: photos at Drue’s shower]

Up at 8:30 after Θ. We had breakfast, then Bonnie got to work finishing a garment to give to Drue at the shower—something for the baby. I had a slow start, but finally got going. Then about mid-morning we went to Gloucester—to do some important shopping. We went to Browns—got a mattress—at least ordered it. We had gone to buy a chair, but when we discovered that they would sell us a queen-sized foam mattress separately, we ordered it. We didn’t find just what we wanted in a chair, so went to Tompkins—and found a very comfortable chair—it was $120; the mattress was $80—so we spent over $200.00. We got home shortly before noon. We had lunch, Bonnie left for work—Mora was over doing her laundry. We visited while I had my lunch—I was still hungry and had more after Bonnie left. During the afternoon I got more reading done—although my progress was cut down because I napped. I then read, even got some done after Bonnie got home; I fixed supper. We watched CBS news. In the evening Bonnie went to Drue’s shower. I stayed with Debbie, played with her briefly, put her to bed, then read all evening. Finished Bentzer Vol. I—after Bonnie got home—Paul called shortly before she arrived; they’re coming Sunday; bathed; read; OBLO 12:25.

David’s Diary, August 28, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/03/davids-diary-august-25-1970/

David’s Diary – August 21, 1970

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Friday, 21 August 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then got to work reading—Frost OT Apocalyptic. About 10:30 or so I heard Eddie outside with the kids—he and Mora had arrived from NYC about 12:30 last night. I visited with him—also with Dave Herlihy for a while—then got back to reading about 11:30. We had lunch about 12:15—Bonnie left for work, Debbie settled down for a nap. I read for a while, then napped. At 2:00 Eddie was at the front door, he gave us some mackerel—which he cleaned for us. Just as he left the mail man arrived—just about 3 hours late! He brought slides and a movie—mainly of Debbie’s birthday. I finished reading—arrived at my stopping point—then the rest of the afternoon tried to make headway on my sermon, but without much luck—got about ¼ done. Fixed supper, we ate about 6:00—watched CBS news. In the early evening we played with Debbie—had a wild time. For the second time we tried to teach her to twiddle her thumbs—she seems very intrigued with the whole idea. I got to reading about 8:00—about 8:45 we viewed slides, had a snack. Bonnie was exhausted, went to bed, so I had quiet to read, which I did for the rest of the evening; bathed shortly before 12:00. Read finished Frost; OBLO c. 12:30.

Saturday, 22 August 1970

[Top panel: took two pictures: spider + tomato patch]

Up at 9:00—after Θ. I had hoped to get a lot of progress made on the sermon, but I didn’t have much luck. The kids were outside much of the time, and Bonnie began clipping the hedge—by late morning I was getting very frustrated and annoyed. Got a call from Amelia Fisk that some boys were seen stealing corn, so she advised us to pick what we wanted. About 11:30 I drove over to the Lewis’s—to show them photos of the banners, and to go from there to the garden; they gave us some pears. I went to the garden, brought them some corn, then headed home. We had lunch, I shaved, with close attention of Debbie! then did some calling: went to see Lucy Patience—took her some vegetables. Homer Orne came in while I was there; then I came home, drove up to see Hannibals. Returned home briefly, then I drove to Gloucester—got some groceries. When I got home, Bonnie had taken Debbie for a walk. I turned to the sermon, but got only a few sentences done when they returned. We fixed supper. After supper had a phone conversation with Sarah Orne re: the $5.00 charge for Sunday School—she doesn’t like it. My whole evening was devoted to finishing the sermon + preparing the service. I finished it all up about 11:45. Bathed; OBLO, 12:30.

Sunday, 23 August 1970

Up at 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved—left for the church about 9:30—raining—it rained almost all day, heavy at times; only 10 in the congregation—5 in the choir. Mrs. Hannibal was there, for the first time since I’ve been the pastor here; perhaps Rip will be coming soon. When we got home we fixed lunch. Then I decided to nap—I “should” have pushed myself to read, but I decided to take a day off from that. So the mid-part of the afternoon I spent napping. About 4:00 I got up—discovered that Bonnie had been doing some baking. I puttered around; I numbered and catalogued the box of slides which came recently. About 5:30 when we were preparing for supper the Lewises dropped by to pick up some things that Carol had left here. Then during supper David Herlihy came to the door—very elated—he has been discharged from the Navy, without having to do his 2-year service—they just aren’t needing as many men. He stayed while we finished supper—after he left I relaxed, listened to the Boston Pops. 7:30-8:00—I trimmed the forsythia bushes which Bonnie had started on yesterday—very wet. We spent from about 8:15–11:00 at the Patriquins—showing our slides and movies and snaps, and watching TV. Came home, bathed; read a while in bed; LO, 12:10.

Monday, 24 August 1970

Up about 8 (?)—after Θ. Had breakfast, but I wasn’t feeling up to doing anything—so I sunk back into bed for a few minutes. But then I got up and got to work on my reading—started Bentzen’s Intro to OT, Vol. I. I worked in this til about 10:00. Then I did my article for the Eagle, drove over to their office as usual. From there I went to the garden to check on tomatoes—I picked several from the plants that came up on their own—many were ripe and on the ground. Came home, got back to reading until about 12:15; Bonnie and I had lunch, Debbie was asleep. Bonnie left for work, I read. About 2:00 Debbie woke up. I gave her some lunch; I put together the turkey salad for supper. Then I put her up in her rooms. I returned to reading. For a brief while I napped, then read some more. When Bonnie got home I worked on supper. We ate, watched CBS news. Early in the evening I continued with the reading. Then about 8:40 Mora came over to sit with Debbie and to do her laundry—we went to the show at the Little Arts Cinema: The Sterile Cuckoo—a good film—funny, yet sad. Got home shortly after 11:00; had a piece of pie with Mora, visited; I got a little more reading done; bathed together; OBLO c. 12:40.

David’s Diary – August 24, 1970

David’s Diary – August 17, 1970

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Monday, 17 August 1970

Up about 8:30—had breakfast. Grandma + Emil left as soon as breakfast was finished. It was raining hard. I then prepared my article for the Eagle, got the film (movie + slides) ready to go. Shortly after 10:00 I went to the Eagle office, then to the P.O. Then I went to the church. I worked further on the banners. I put on the Hebrew lettering—not the best job in the world—a good scribe [would] cringe!—but good enough. I got home about 12:15. Had lunch with Bonnie before she left for work. It pretty much was a lost afternoon. I was very lethargic. I looked through some books which came—one a volume on The Louvre. Also I did some tying up of tomato plants. About 3:15—just when I was finally forcing myself to work, Debbie woke up. I gave her some lunch—then put her to playing in her room. I tried to work again—dozed off almost. Then I looked at the paper when it came. About 5:00 I started working on supper. We ate about 6:00, then watched CBS news. I did get a little work done early in the evening, but shortly after 8:00 we went to the Patriquins—Drue + Sully were there—for another birthday part[y] for Deb. She got several gifts—I took pictures. We came home shortly after 10:00. I got some reading done—Debbie went to bed surrounded with toys! —bathed. OBLO 12:20.

Tuesday, 18 August 1970

[Top panel: Started new roll of colour film—photo of tomato plants. Picked first tomato from our patch—had it for supper.]

Up about 8:30. Had breakfast—my main concern for the day was to get Ginsberg finished—a tedious book. I was able to make progress in the morning. Shortly after 11:00 I arrived at a stopping point; I then went down to the church—took 3 or 4 photos of banners, finished up the roll of B + W 36 which I started on Sunday—Debbie’s birthday. Also I attached one wire for new banners. Went to the P.O. with the roll of film, then came home by c. 12:15. Had lunch, Bonnie left for worked—Debbie was asleep. She’d been up late last night—very excited over her new toys—she went to bed with all six penguins!–but she was up this morning early, was very cranky, tired, so she needed her nap. I worked on Ginsburg. Finished it by mid-afternoon. Had phone conversation with Jim Bussey. About 2:30 or 3:00 gave Debbie her lunch, after which she played in her room. I started Frost’s O.T. Apocalyptic—although I dozed off—no fault of the book, which is quite good. Then read some more. When Bonnie got home from work I went to the garden—saw Lewises on short bypass to give them cucumbers. Came home, fixed supper, watched CBS news. In the evening I made progress in Frost; two breaks, to play with Debbie and later to have a snack. Read until about 11:15—stopped to bathed, read briefly in bed; LO midnight.

Wednesday, 19 August 1970

Up about 8:30 after Θ. I had planned to make this an all-study day, but it didn’t work out that way. Yesterday evening Ann Fisk remarked about tomatoes rotting on the ground—which was a broad hint that some tying up needed to be done. So after a hearty breakfast I went to the garden. And the tomato section was indeed a veritable jungle—weeds and vines all over the place. I worked from about 9:15 til 12:30—and got one row tied up and weeded. After 11:00 I strolled over to Lewises for a cold drink and to call Bonnie (no answer), but then worked some more. I got home about 12:45. Had lunch. I was pretty pooped—and so napped, dozed, after eating, until about 3:00. But I didn’t get to reading until almost 4:00. I read for an hour, then went to the church to put up the second wire needed for this week’s new banners—also did a little more painting on them (the green boarders)—got home shortly after 6:00. We had supper, watched CBS news. I went down to the church again to spray the flies—very annoying working on the banners with them all around—hanging around since Sat’s barbeque. I did some erasing of penciling on banners; came home, played briefly with Debbie, turned to reading, which I gave up to bathe about 10:30; then I read for a brief time in bed; LO, 11:55.

Thursday, 20 August 1970

Up at 9:00. Shaved (2 days worth) had breakfast, went downtown for milk and thumbtacks. Shortly after 10:00 Carol Lewis arrived; Bonnie took care of Chris while we went down to the church to work on the banners. We got them finished and hung—the two that hang at the front of the sanctuary, based on the theme: What Does the Lord Require of You, but to do justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly with your God. We got back to the house after 11:30. We had lunch about noon. Carol went off shopping, Bonnie sat with Chris, I went over to see Gladys Haskell re: teaching Sunday School—she declined. I came come, dozed, napped for a while. Carol got back, then she and Bonnie went over to Mals—gone about 30 min. I stayed with the kids, read. After they had returned and Carol left, I read some more. After 5:00 I went to Pigeon Cove—to Lee’s to pick up a toy—Sue wasn’t home. I went to the garden, picked lima beans, corn. Walked to Lewises to buy some honey. Came home, helped on supper, watched CBS news. I got some reading done before we went to Patriquins about 8:30—watched Ironsides + Dragnet—had “mug-ups”—thunderstorm, heavy rain. Came home about 10:30—read until about 11:15—then bathed. Read further for a while in bed; LO, 12:15.

David’s Diary – August 20, 1970

David’s Diary – August 13, 1970

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Thursday, 13 August 1970

Up about 9:00. Unfortunately I felt rather lethargic today—I had trouble getting down to my reading, especially since the reading assignment today was Ginsburg’s Studies in Daniel—a difficult book. I didn’t get much done in the morning. Bonnie went grocery shopping. I got what work done that was done in the afternoon—but once I dozed off. I’m going to have to go back over the material I’ve already read—it’s closely argued, complicated. About mid-afternoon I went to the dump, then later I went to the garden—got corn and squash. Then I did some more reading before supper time. We had supper—watched CBS news. I straightened up my study somewhat—played with Debbie for a while. About 8:00 David and Michele (?) Herlihy—our new neighbors arrived. We had a nice evening’s visit together. We watched Ironsides and Dragnet—then listened to parts of Tom Lehrer’s record That Was the Year That Was. They left about 10:30. I just sat doing nothing in my study for a while—contemplating having to make a concerted effort to conquer Ginsburg’s book. Then I packed my briefcase and prepared for my trip to Lexington and Boston tomorrow, bathed about 11:45—watched some of Johnny Carson.

Friday, 14 August 1970

Up shortly before 8:00. Shaved (2 days worth), had breakfast—then went to the garden to pick some beans for Dr. Beck. I took him also, squash + potatoes. Left the house about 9:10. Got to Lexington just a few minutes after 10:00. We had a nice long chat, until 1 o’clock—over a whole range of subjects—including dissertation topic. I asked about doing something on Song of Songs—and we opened up several avenues which we’re going to look into. Mrs. Beck served some food, so this was my lunch. Shortly after 1:00 I left for Boston. Went to Sears to pick up bras for Bonnie; then went to BU. I picked up a copy of Playboy, gave some books to the BUST library, checked on my fees for this fall. Then I drove down to the Copley Square area. Parked on Newbury Street, walked to Cokesbury, then to several other shops. About 3:30 I headed home; stopped at Star Market in Danvers [?] for ice cream and mellons. Picked up Bonnie at the hospital—had to wait a while. We got home shortly before six. Had supper; relaxed; 7:00-8:00 I took Virginia Bate (who stayed with Debbie in the afternoon) to the hospital to see her Aunt Amy. Got home, had dessert, relaxed, viewed early slides of Debbie—didn’t attempt to do any work. bathed about 10:00. Of(f) to bed Θ+ settled down by 12:00.

Saturday, 15 August 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, shaved. My hay fever, sinuses were in terrible state—to add insult to injury, Bonnie decided to vacuum the whole house—I went outside to escape the dust. I had planned to get some reading done, but that was out. I sat out in the yard. About mid-morning we all went to Gloucester, to pick up a sewing machine at Sears which Bonnie is to use while hers in being fixed. Then we went to Mals and Stop + Shop. We got home just about noon. While we were getting our lunch, grandma + Emil arrived. After lunch they went with Bonnie for a walk. I did the bulletins. After they got back I did some work in the yard. The tomato plants needed very much to be tied up—so I tended to that. Other than that, I did very little. It was a hot day—tho there was a slight refreshing breeze. About 4 o’clock I went down to the church—this evening was our annual chicken barbeque. I spent most of the time with Mrs. Lee, sitting out front selling tickets. Got home about 8:00, utterly exhausted—just sat around. I played with Debbie for a while, also practiced the sermon. Had a snack, listened to stereo radio: Beethoven’s 9^th. Bonnie, Grandma, Emil played Scrabble all evening; bathed c. 11:00. OBLO c. 11:30.

Sunday, 16 August 1970

[Top panel: Debbie 2 years old!]

Up at 8:00. Shaved, had breakfast. Shortly after 9:00 I left the house. Stopped at the church to leave off the bulletins and to pick up my robe. Went to Wesley Church in Gloucester—pulpit exchange—I preached my sermon, “The Impossible God”—about 30 or 35 people in the congregation. I got back to Rockport about 11:45—was able to give Bonnie a ride home from the church. We then took a trip up to the garden—showed it off to Grandma + Emil, picked bean, squash, corn. We came home, got busy on lunch. After eating we got a call from the folks in Lafayette—they’d had a nice trip to Japan; wanted to wish Debbie a happy birthday. After lunch Bonnie and I busied ourselves with preparations for the birthday party. I went downtown to get some film, came back by way of the beach—saw Drue and Kay. Once home we sat in the yard til party time, shortly after 3:00. We took lots of pictures—as well as a movie. Virginia Bate joined the party—after it had died down we had a nice chat. After Virginia went, I tried to nap. About 6:00 we had a snack supper—Bonnie, G’m + Emil + Deb went to the band concert, I drove to Pigeon Cove to see Carol Lewis; she approved my latest banner designs; after watering my tomatoes, I worked on banners at church; home about 9:45, relaxed, bathed about 10:30—OBLO Θ+