Tag Archives: Virginia Bate

David’s Diary – 22 February 1971

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Monday, 22 February 1971

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

Tuesday, 23 February 1971

[Top panel: called Beck for Ed Nutting]

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

Wednesday, 24 February 1971

[Top panel:  guppies born in early morning hours]

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

David’s diary, 24 February 1971

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/13/davids-diary-22-february-1971/

David’s Diary – July 28, 1970

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Tuesday, 28 July 1970

Up shortly after 8:00. Shaved—two day beard. Had breakfast. My main concern for the day was reading. I was able to devote most of my morning to it. But when the mail came I read I.F. Stone’s Weekly—plus an article on Stone from the Wall St. Journal which Virginia Bate sent me. I then went about getting some announcements ready to send to the Administrative Board re: next week’s meeting. Addressed envelopes, had lunch, finished preparing the mailing. Bonnie went to work, Debbie played in her room; I read. I reached a stopping point and was ready to go to the P.O. with Debbie when Barbara + Hazle Lord called—they’re moving to Maine tomorrow! By the time I was off the phone, Debbie was asleep—so I read—finally finished Mowinckel at about 3:15. Then relaxed a bit. Debbie was waking up, so we went to the P.O., then to the church—I changed the wayside pulpit. Home again, read paper, relaxed, watered the tomatoes. Then began getting supper ready. We ate as soon as Bonnie got home from work. Got packed and ready. Dropped in to see the Lords’—6:50–7:30—then headed for Avon. Arrived here at 9:00. Had a nice visit—also some ice cream—Debbie showed off her growing vocabulary. Hot, muggy night; bathed; OBLO 11:20.

Wednesday, 29 July 1970

[Top panel:   97.8 day!]

Up about 7:30. Shaved—had breakfast. Left for BU before 8:30. My main concern for the day was to get some reading accomplished. It was very hot and humid; I had worn shoes because I was afraid my feet might get cold in air-conditioned Mugar Library. But the air-conditioning had been shut off because Boston is having problems with water. I went back to the car to get my sandals—which I happened to stick in—just in case! I decided to try to do some studying at the School of Theology library. I ran into Hobart Farrell—whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. We had lunch together out on the lawn in back of the School of Theology. In the afternoon I was able to make the most progress—I read straight through until about 6:15—got up to p. 104 in Lindblom. Then I headed back to Avon. Arrived about 7:15—Bonnie fixed me supper, then we sat out on the back lawn, trying to catch some breeze. Debbie went running around the lawn, playing in the bird baths, etc. Later in the evening we moved into the screened in porch—played cards—then had ice cream—came in about 10:00. Relaxed, bathed. Read, OBLO, 11:25.

Thursday, 30 July 1970

[Top panel:  97.7]

Up about 7:20. Shaved, had breakfast—got on the road to Boston shortly after 8:00. I made good progress during the morning—but I knocked off about noon. I took the trolley to Boylston—planned to eat my lunch on the Common or Garden—but it was too too hot! So I made the return trip to BU. Tried to find a shady spot—ate one sandwich—wasn’t too hungry, so I got right back to reading. About 3:15 I took a break, had my second sandwich and banana—then read again until about 6:00. I wanted to go further, but I had reached the point where I wasn’t getting much from the reading. So I knocked off and headed back to Avon. Arrived shortly before 7:00. Bonnie made my supper. The evening was spent relaxing for the most part—in front of the TV. Watched Ironsides—that was the main concern—then there was a ½ special on the East Coast’s current pollution crisis. Between 10:00 and 11:00 I tried to get some more reading done—had some luck—but really didn’t get very far. 11–11:30 we all watched Nixon’s press conference—his usual evasions, half-truths, doubt-talk. But he performed well and no doubt satisfied most of the public; bathed; Bonnie and Emil engaged in a prolonged game of scrabble; read psalms. OBLO c. 12:30.

Friday, 31 July 1970

[Top panel:  97.9]

Up before 8:30. We had breakfast, packed the car, and were on the road by 9:30. We decided to take the through-Boston route—it was slow, because of road repairs, but we got into Rockport just about 11:00. We took time to get unpacked, look over the mail, look over the tomato patch. Then we had lunch. Debbie played in her play-yard after we got home until lunch time, so after lunch she was eager to have a nap. Bonnie left for work. I relaxed. I tried to get to work on my reading, but my heart really wasn’t in it. But by mid to late afternoon I did get going. After Bonnie got home from work, I went up to the garden—got a big batch of Italian beans, 2 cucumbers, 3 squash. Came home; we fixed supper. Watched CBS news, at the end of which Walter Cronkite noted the retirement of Chet Huntley—and Chet suddenly flashed on the screen to bid goodbye + goodluck to Walter! We then watched NBC news—and saw Huntley’s last performance. I then read briefly; Bonnie gave Debbie her bath—then we went for a walk to the headlands—T-wharf —art galleries. Home about 9:00. Then read for about an hour—still in Lindblom. Bathed. OBLO c. 11:00  —Θ+

David’s Diary, July 31, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/23/davids-diary-july-28-1970/

David’s Diary – July 8, 1970

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Wednesday, 8 July 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. I shaved while Bonnie went to Richdales for bread. After breakfast I wrote a letter to the Gloucester Daily Times, drawing attention to the drug education program which Project NUVA is presenting (sponsored  by C.A.M.P.) on July 15 at Wesley church in Gloucester—took it to the P.O. Unfortunately this was one of those days when lethargy seemed to have the upper hand. This combined with noise all around the house, kids and neighbors, kept me from making much progress—trying to get a good start in Gunkel’s The Legends of Genesis. About mid-afternoon I decided to go down to the church, and I did find peace and quiet there. So I did make some progress. I came home after six; we had supper, then about 7:30 we took Debbie down to Kay Patriquin, then went to see the film at the N.S. Theatre in Gloucester: Woodstock—a color documentary on last year’s Woodstock rock music festival. It was an excellent film, very interesting—although not being a fan of much of the music, some sections were overly long. It grants very clear insight into a youth culture that has developed in our nation—so distant, alienated from the silent majority or what have you; we got home, after picking up Debbie, c. 11:30. Bathed, OBLO about midnight.

Thursday, 9 July 1970

Up after 9:00. Had breakfast—went to the church to read. It’s much quieter down there. I stayed until about 12:30. Came home, had lunch, then returned. When I got there I found that the Kramer boy had his electric guitar all set up, but he was no where to be seen, so I resigned myself to the fact that he was probably going to be returning—and he did. The sound was deafening, so I decided to leave. I went to the Rockport Public Library, hoping that there might be a quiet corner there—but no luck in being able to really concentrate. So I came on back home, continued reading in Gunkel’s Legends of Genesis, which I finally finished shortly after 5:00. Bonnie took Debbie for a stroll—so there was some quiet—although this was broken by the twins next door. After finishing the book I looked over my tomato patch, then started working on supper. Watched CBS news. Then did some phoning, then turned to reading for a while. At 8:30 watched Ironside, then Dragnet, after which I returned to reading—now in Wright’s introductory article to Deuteronomy in IB. Bathed about 11:00; Bonnie + I had a long talk about sex, our problems, feelings—solutions—then Θ+ –didn’t fall asleep until late.

Friday, 10 July 1970

Up rather late—about 9:30. After a quick breakfast my main concern was the sermon. My thoughts crystallized quickly—with the help of “sermon-starter” in Xn Advocate. I worked on it in what was left of the morning, and was about half done when I stopped for lunch at 12:30. Bonnie left for work, and I put Debbie in her room. I continued on the sermon, and finally finished about 2:45. Then I turned to doing the bulletins. These were done by about 4:00, then I spent another hour preparing the service, i.e., pastoral prayer, “words of explanation” to the responsive scripture. Thus I was ready for Sunday morning! I even practiced the sermon once before Bonnie came home. We fixed supper, watched CBS news; I baked a cake and iced it. Saw Eddie Garcia out in the yard, back from a week in NYC. He had received a reply from Gordon-Conwell regarding his letter about Roland Villars—in which he’d sent photo copies of Roland’s hate notes. Gordon-C seems genuinely concerned. I had planned to get a fair amount of work done this evening, but there were interruptions—two long phone conversations. One with Becky Bussey, then one later with Jim when he returned my call. But I did get some reading done. I had a late snack about midnight; we bathed together; OBLO, 1:00 AM.

Saturday, 11 July 1970

Up about 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast, then spent my morning on the go. I had to put posters (concerning the Drug Program) all around town. On foot I covered key points in Rockport, then drove to Gloucester, and home the long way through Annisquam. I wasn’t home until shortly after noon. We had lunch, then about 1:15 we went to the Lewis’s. Jerry and I walked over the Fisk’s to get swimming passes—then we drove to the pit. It had been cloudy most of the morning, but the sun came out beautifully for the afternoon. We had a delightful time. I stayed out of the water most of the time; chatted with Mary Ann Lash. But for about the last ½ hour I was in the water; David Milke—a BUST student while I was there on STD—showed up; he married Dr. Brown’s daughter. About 4:00 we went to the garden with the Lewises; got potatoes, lettuce, peas, beans, squash. Came home, fixed a delicious supper with these things—along with ham sandwiches. We napped 5:45–6:30. Virginia Bate arrived and we went to the show at Little Arts: “True Grit”—and average film, enjoyable. Got home shortly after 9:00; I took Virginia home; had a snack, practiced the sermon; then finished Wright’s intro article on Deuteronomy in IB; bathed; OBLO, 12:07.

David’s Diary, July 11, 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/16/davids-diary-july-8-1970/

David’s Diary – June 14, 1970

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Sunday, 14 June 1970

Up at 5:45 (ugh!)—shaved, got ready to go; we were on the road by 6:30. Arrived at the Bishop’s breakfast at 7:30. This lasted until about 9:00. There was breakfast as well as exhortation by the Bishop. After this broke up we assembled at Andrews Hall for the processional to Meeham Auditorium. The morning service began at 10:00. It was a long service—lasted 2 hrs. 40 minutes—out at 12:40. Included the ordination, sermon, 3 choirs, Lords Supper. When I was ordained Don McGaw joined in the laying on of hands. The most memorable part of the ceremony was Bishop Pickett’s addressing of the questions to the Elders elect. Bishop Pickett (86 years old) assisted Bishop Matthews throughout the service. We headed for Avon about 12:55—got there about 1:45. Had lunch out in the yard—a beautiful sunny day. Then I napped; I was exhausted and had a headache. About 4:00 we started loading the car—preparing to go. Left about 5:00—arrived Rockport at 630—unloaded, took Virginia Bate home, had supper, relaxed; then about 9:00, we went down to Patriquins to share our experience and to catch up on what’s been happening. But we came home shortly after 10:00—it has been an exhausting day, bathed together. OBLO, c. 11 o’clock.

Monday, 15 June 1970

Up about 8:30 after Θ. Went to Richdales for milk, bread, yogurt. Had breakfast, got to work writing this week’s article for the Eagle. I then shaved, and took the article to the Eagle office. From there I went to Mals to purchase a frame for my Elders ordination certificate. Came on home, framed it. Virginia came over to pick up some things she’d left. The morning went quickly. Bonnie left for work about 12:40. I had my lunch, gave Debbie hers; we then went for a walk down to Bearskin Neck. I was wanting to find a peace medallion—but had no luck. We came home; Debbie played in her pen in the yard (as she had this morning)—and I went about watering and applying Rapid-Gro to the strawberries and tomatoes. The strawberries are coming along well. I ate one today—the first of the crop—and it was pretty good. About mid-afternoon Debbie went down for a nap. I tried to read, but became drowsy—so I napped myself. I was just coming to when Bonnie arrived home. We fixed supper; watched CBS news. I got about a half hour of mowing done before Bonnie left for Community Chorus Rehearsal at 8:00. I then puttered at this and that but finally got down to reading in Roberts OTTV—this occupied me for the balance of the evening; had snack around 11:00; more reading; OBLO, 12:25.

Tuesday, 16 June 1970

[Top panel:  Debbie 22 mos today]

Up about 7:15—read while Bonnie was still in bed. After a while I decided to shave and bathe. Bonnie got up while I was still in the tub. My main concern for the day was to make progress in Roberts OTTV. So I spent the morning with this. Bonnie went to the garden to get some weeding done. After she got home, and before she went to work, I did some mowing. When she left I put Debbie out in her play yard while I had lunch. I let her play out there about an hour. It was hard for me to get much done while she was out there—it’s hard to supervise and study at the same time. Since she’d gotten sunburned yesterday I didn’t want her to have too much exposure today. I took a few pictures of her—with Christine [??] in one—in honor of her 22 month birthday. About two I put her down for a nap and she didn’t object. I then was able to study for the rest of the afternoon. Late in the afternoon I put a chocolate cake together—also helped Bonnie with supper—watched CBS news. Photo of Debbie + choc. cake. About 8:00 we left Debbie with Kay Patriquin, then we went to the Gloucester Drive-In to see a movie: Ann of 1000 Days—not bad—but not great. This was out shortly after 11:00—we picked up Debbie, came home, prepared for bed; OBLO midnight.

Wednesday, 17 June 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Had breakfast, got some reading done in Roberts—this was my concern for the morning. In mid-morning, as a break from reading, I bathed and shaved. After lunch—which we had about 12:30—I went on errands. I went to the Rockport Library to look at Books in Print, I went looking for the peace-medallion again—but the shop that has them was still closed. Went to Gloucester for charcoal briquets + groceries. When I got home—about 1:45 I got back to reading. About mid-afternoon I got a call from Francis (Mrs.) Smith—a visitor in town—her father had been pastor here in 1923—C. B. Ware—she wanted to see the church. I called Homer Orne. We spent about an hour with her, at the church and parsonage. Homer remembered her as a little girl, even had some photos. We took pictures. When she left—her college age daughter was with her—I got back to studying, until about 5:00 or 5:30 when I [?began?] preparing for the Wesleyan Fellowship. Had to get the barbeque ready, get tables + chairs from the church. I lit the fire about 6:45. There were 10 altogether including us; 6 stayed after supper to play PoKeNo[1]—it broke up about 10:00. We had a snack, then I got some further reading done for about an hour; OBLO, c. 11:20.

Diary entry from June 17, 1970

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pokeno_game

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/09/davids-diary-june-14-1970/

David’s Diary – June 6, 1970

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Saturday, 6 June 1970

[Top panel:  called Bob Driscoll re: drug program]

Θ before arising about 9:00. Had breakfast; much of the day in the earlier part was devoted to desk work. I made out a pulpit exchange schedule to be followed by Bussey, Delp + myself. I turned to working on bulletins. I typed two different stencils for putting information on the front of our bulletins—so that I’ll have more space inside. This occupied me until I had lunch. Bonnie was off weeding for a while in the AM—but came home because of rain; then she went off grocery shopping. I had my lunch while she was gone. In the early afternoon I prepared the bulletin for tomorrow. Then I set about another major task: putting bars across Debbie’s back window. It had a screne [sic], but we’d feel better if she’s behind bars too! [1] This required two trips to the building center. I made the bars out of 1 inch closet dowels. This occupied me both before and after supper. I finally finished about 8:00. Then I turned to other things at my desk—making phone calls, getting the place straightened up in general. I also read further in Shaw’s Caesar-Cleo for tomorrow night’s play reading. Finally I turned to working on the service—the sermon had been done for several days—but other details—as always—needed attention—watched 11:00 PM news; practiced sermon; bathed, read; OBLO 1:35.

Sunday, 7 June 1970

Up about 8:00—shaved, had breakfast—had to be at the church by 9:00 to rehearse the girls taking part in the service. Bonnie and I did this from 9:00 to 9:45. Service at 10:00—the hour for summer worship. We were home and had lunch completed by 12:00. I then turned to finishing straightening up in my study—finished read(ing) Caesar + Cleopatra for tonight’s play reading. About 1:40 I stretched out for a nap—fell asleep—but got up about 2:20—I went to the garden for planting—helped get out the witch grass and helped with the planting of corn. Came home about 5:00. Put supper in the over, then went back to the garden to pick greens for the salad. Had supper around 6:00–6:30. Then I prepared an article to go to the Rockport Eagle tomorrow; I am going to try to use very regularly the space available for the churches—it replaces a newsletter really. About 7:15 we left Debbie at Patriquins, then went to Lewis, from there drove (to) Hardy’s—the hosts for the play reading: Caesar and Cleopatra—a long play—and some of the parts weren’t well read—the director really didn’t do his job well either. Finished up about 11:00; took Lewis’s home—picked up Debbie; home in time to watch 11:25 weather; bathed; OBLO 12:30.

Monday, 8 June 1970

Up before 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast—ran several errands, including taking the church news article over to The Rockport Eagle. When I came home Eddie Garcia was ready to dig—enlarge the garden. So this occupied us from about 11:00 to 1:00. We got the ground all prepared, and put the stakes in for tomatoes. I had lunch about 1:45. Then I got Debbie ready and we went calling—went to see Daisy Jodrey and Grace Harris. One of her patients died a few weeks ago: Josephine Frost—wanted to die on her feet. Had a spell lasting from one evening til the next morning—she wanted to stay on her feet. And she was, about 5 o’clock, when she saw the morning sun striking the house across the street, she said “Now”, and died—on her feet. Went with Debbie to the building center, then to see Lucy Patience. Came home, got busy putting up a simple rope fence around the tomato patch—to keep out the kids. About the time I finished this we had supper. Watched CBS news. Then in the evening I planted the tomatoes in the soil we’d prepared. Gave the new ones a dose of Rapid-Grow—the new ones were growing wild in the community garden. I then turned to rigging up a “gate” for Debbie’s play area. Then I came in—read, relaxed, did phoning, then I did next Sunday’s bulletin. Straightened up desk. Bathed at 11:30, watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, c. 12:30.

Tuesday, 9 June 1970

Up shortly after 9:00. Had breakfast, then got right to work on the frame (for the cheesecloth) to cover the strawberries. At 10:00 I went to get Virginia Bate and her things—she’ll be spending some time at the parsonage while we’re gone. I was occupied with the frame until about 12:30 or 1:00. Then I ate lunch, shaved, prepared to go to the funeral home—I had the funeral of Arthur F. Olsen. I buried his wife last June. The funeral was at 2:00; I went to the cemetery. Didn’t get back home til about 3:00. Then we loaded the car. Finally about 4 o’clock—after searching for Bonnie’s keys which she’d left in the trunk of the car!—we got on the road. We got to Boston—went to the day old bread bakery outlet to stock up on things—this was a store that the Albees had shown us—and it was closed down! We then went to Warren Hall—to leave a copy of the Sunday bulletin with Tom Raper; then to Sears to pick up our set of camping dishes. Then we headed for Avon—didn’t get there til about 6:30. It was really too late to start out camping, so we are spending the night here in Avon. We had supper, relaxed, went shopping at Kings—came back—visited with Janice (relative of Bonnie)  showed our lantern; relaxed, visited, OBLO, c. 11:15.

Diary entry from June 9, 1970

[1] To prevent any attempts at escape.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/06/davids-diary-june-6-1970/

David’s Diary – February 21, 1970

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Saturday, 21 February 1970

Up by 9:30. Shaved—two day beard; just had a glass of juice for breakfast; went to work at my desk—completed my Dead Sea Scroll notebook. After the mail had arrived, Bonnie, Debbie and I went for a walk—for bread, milk—and to get cards for writing notes. We took several pictures in B + W. Went to the church; then came home. Had lunch; then I worked briefly in my study before starting to make calls. About 1:30 I went to see the Hannibals—stopped first at the church and picked up an RSV to take to Rip. From Hannibals I went to see Esther Longley—then went to see Lucy Patience. Got home shortly before 5:00. Spent some time in my study—with Debbie crawling all over everything. About 5:45 we all went down to work on supper—swordfish + french fries. Watched NBC news—this being Saturday. After this I did more work on the service—wrote my observations on the Responsive reading, wrote the pastoral prayer. Then about 8:30 we went down to Patriquins. We showed them our latest family slides—also I showed them my Dead Sea Scroll[s] slides. We had “mug-ups”—sat round chatting. About 10:30 we came home; I practiced the sermon; watched 11:00 news; we bathed together; OBLO, 11:57.

Sunday, 22 February 1970

Up at 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast, practiced the sermon. Billy Elwell arrived at 9:30 for class—Karen Haskell didn’t show up. We read the story of Samson. Left for the church about 10:35. A fairly decent crowd—about 35 probably. Preached Part II on Jeremiah. After getting home we put chicken in the oven. I went down to Richdales for something to drink. We didn’t have lunch until around 2:00. After eating I set about fixing the easy chair in the living room—I had discovered that the nails holding the springs on were ripping the fabric. So we decided to just put in a piece of ply-wood—which I did. Finished by 3:30. Shortly before 4:00 members of the C.A.M.P. council started arriving. Dr. + Mrs. Uhlinger showed up. We discussed the drug proposal which we’re submitting to the FFR. This meeting was over by 5:30. We got supper—then I had a few minutes to relax. Then about 7:00 I left for Riverdale Church for Methodist Men—I gave my program on the Dead Sea Scrolls. When this was over I decided to stop to see Alan Federick—which I did. He seems to be in rather good shape—and Maria seems to have moved right in; I met her. Left about 10:00. Stopped + reported to Margaret Reilly; came home, relaxed. We bathed together; OBLO, 11:45.

Monday, 23 February 1970

Up at 7:30. Shaved, had breakfast, prepared to leave; Jim Bussey came by about 8:30 to pick me up—we left shortly thereafter for North Andover—the Bishop’s study day—but the bishop wasn’t there—he’s gotten behind because of the flu. Jim Uhlinger gave me several items related to Qumran. We heard a speaker on “cluster” ministries. I sat with Don McGaw. Had a good opportunity to chat with him. The meeting broke up about noon; had sack lunch. Then we headed home. Jim and I discussed the possibility to joint services for 3 C.A.M.P. Churches. Got home about 2:00. Picked up Debbie from Virginia Bate. Came home, worked on Amos—but late in the afternoon I got sleepy; stretched out—was dozing when Bonnie got home. We relaxed for a while—then worked on supper. We watched CBS news—then after 7:30 I got back to work. Bonnie left for community chorus rehearsal. I played with Debbie very briefly—then put her to bed. Then I turned again to working on Amos. I also wrote a short note to Don. When Bonnie got home from rehearsal she wanted to go swimming at Tucks. We went. Took Debbie along; got home about 11:15. Bathed together; watched some of Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:12. Θ

Tuesday, 24 February 1970

Up about 8:45. Had small breakfast at my desk; finished by [sic] brief letter to Don McGaw—then took it to the post office—also changed the wayside pulpit. Then came home and continued my reading in Kaleprud’s book, Central Ideas in Amos. Bonnie went grocery shopping. She got home before noon. So we fixed lunch and she left for work. I shaved then got back to work on Amos—finished Kapelrud. Phoned in to Sears in Boston for a “play center” for Debbie. My afternoon was spent preparing my notes for the Amos lecture. Then read the newspaper. When Bonnie got home we worked on supper; ate about 6:40. Watched CBS news—their new series on pollution, population crisis, etc: “Can the World Be Saved?” is frightening. As soon as this was over I prepared to leave—dressed, got things together. Arrived at St. Mary’s about 7:30. Had about the same sized crowd as last week—perhaps 40 or more. We went through the book of Amos—omitting some sections. I finished up about 9:00—then there was discussion for a while. Then a period of standing around chatting. We arrived at Drue + Sully’s by 10:00—watched TV with them until 11:00—then came home (Drue had sat with Debbie—Sully worked late).  We bathed together; watched part of Johnny Carson while in the tub; OBLO, 12:20.

Wednesday, 25 February 1970

Up about 8:30. Shaved, had breakfast; went down to Richdales for bread. When I got home Bonnie then was able to make my lunch—and I got ready to leave. Picked up Virginia Bate about 9:35. Drove to Boston—I drove in since I could take her to the Lahey Clinic. We arrived there about 10:40. Then I drove back toward town. Parked on Newbury street. Went to Publishers Clearing House on Boylston St—trying to find the Pope John record. No luck. So I then went to BU. Picked up Debbie’s blocks from [??]. Had lunch with Wally Aufrecht who was visiting school for the day. After we had lunch he was kind enough to drive me over to Sears so that I could pick up the “play center” for Debbie. Then he drove me back to BU—I put it in the car—returned to BUST. Virginia came to BU from Lahey. She went to OT Theology with me—enjoyed it thoroughly. After class I saw her to the trolley—then bought cookies for the seminar. Arrived back at school—made tea—started the water heating; Seminar 4:00–6:00. Actually I left early. Got home about 6:45. Watched remainder of CBS news—we had supper. I put the “play center” together; worked on Aramaic. Bathed about 11:00; watched some of Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:13.

© 2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
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David’s Diary – November 3, 1969

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Monday, 3 November 1969

Up shortly before 9:00. My main concern again today was Aramaic—and I got to it after breakfast. This occupied me until the mail came, and I spent some time with a long letter from Pat Harry—she’s had enough of Alan I think. Bonnie got home shortly after noon—I helped her get groceries into the kitchen. After lunch, shaved. Worked on Aramaic in the afternoon; called Margaret Reilly to tell her I’d heard from Pat. Had to extricate Debbie from the rungs of her rocking chair! Got supper ready for Bonnie’s return after 7:00. After eating I drove over to Lee’s; picked up Sue, came back to the house. She and Bonnie went to Community Chorus. Then she drove our car home—Roy will take it for checkup tomorrow. In the evening worked on Aramaic—9:30-10:00 listened to Nixon’s Vietnam address. A terrible speech; Nixon is a prisoner of obsolete ideology + stupidity. Worked on Aramaic til past 11:00; bathed; off to read in bed; LO 12:13. Θ

Tuesday, 4 November 1969

Up shortly before 8:00. After breakfast got to work on Aramaic. Had intended to do some work on Hebrew, I didn’t get to it. I had to be shaved and ready to take the 11:15 train to Boston—which I did. Got to BU about 1:00—ate lunch in Oxnam lounge. Then relaxed in the library before class. Aramaic from 2:00-3:00. Then I immediately left for N. Station—caught the 4:10 train. Was home by 5:30. Shortly after 6:00 Roy Lee arrived with the car. I then drove him home. I came home, helped Bonnie get meat ready to freeze, watched CBS news, had supper. After supper played with Debbie. Called Margaret Reilly to talk about Alan. She met him at Mal’s (Maria with him) he seems to be getting along well. My evening was devoted (though not too strenuously) to Hebrew. Stopped at 11:00 to bathe +  to listen to election returns; Lindsay won reelection in NY—very good; studied more briefly; OBLO, 12:20.

Wednesday, 5 November 1969

Up shortly before 9:00. After breakfast got to work on Hebrew. This took the whole morning; but I did take time to read I. F. Stone’s weekly when it came. Shaved about noon, had lunch, then left for BU, by car about 12: 50. ^ raining hard^  Got to BU just about 2:00; found a parking place on Commonwealth. Had Aramaic to 2:00–3:00. Then went to jewelry store and bought Bonnie some earrings (for pierced ears). Fixed the tea for seminar, which met from 4:00 to 6:00. Drove home—arrived about 7:20. Had supper—put one set of earrings on Bonnie’s plate—she was very pleased. After supper I played with Debbie, then put another pair of earrings on the headboard of the bed. Bonnie soon spotted them. About 9 o’clock we went down to Patriquins. But didn’t stay too long—we were home by 10:00; bathed, OB, Θ+, LO by 11:05.

Thursday, 6 November 1969

Didn’t sleep well, that was up by 8:30. After breakfast made ^ changed wayside pulpit^ a trip to Gloucester for air-mail envelopes +  typewriter correcting sheets. When I got home tended to letter writing, i.e., wrote to Pat Harry—rather this was in early afternoon, after lunch, that I finished the letter. Went to the post office, bought a copy of Playboy. After returning home, read in Playboy and also worked on preparing for Bible Class tonight. This took most of the afternoon. Played with Debbie for a while about 5:45  shaved, then went about getting supper and getting Debbie fed. ^CBS news^ When Bonnie got home about 7:15 we had supper. The Bible class I arrived about 7:50-8:00. Only 4 tonight besides Bonnie + myself. This was over by 9:30. Then I got to work on Hebrew—have a lots of catching up to do. Stop to bathe about 11:30. OBLO, 12:12.

Friday, 7 November 1969

Deborah’s moaning woke us at about 7:00 AM. So I went downstairs to sleep in the front bedroom—and was rather startled when I woke at 10:00! I got up and dressed and had breakfast, but felt terrible. Bonnie was up and felt horrible too. It took us quite a while to snap out of it. I got going on Hebrew after a while. Then before lunch I went out for milk and bread. Not too long after eating, Bonnie left for work. My afternoon was spent reading for the sermon. Read the book of Revelation and article in IDB. Fixed supper, Watch CBS news—had supper ready when Bonnie got home. After supper finished Revelation. Played with Debbie a while, then got to work collecting my thoughts for the sermon. Got out and re-read a paper on Rev. that I’d written in 1964 for Rawlingson. [1] Wrote part of sermon; stop; worked on Hebrew  OBLO 1:06.

Saturday, November 8, 1969

Up about 9:00. After breakfast, shaved. Then I got to work on Hebrew—after finishing what I set out to do, got back to work on my sermon. After a late lunch, finish the sermon, then got to work on the bulletins. Finished this about 3:00, then was occupied until about 4:00 with desk work. Then I went over to Loyd Starrett’s house to confer on youth group matters. Then went up to see Rip Hannibal—then to see Mrs. Patience; was back home by 5:30. Then worked at my desk until 6:30. Had supper. Played with Debbie briefly, then went to the church for the rehearsal—Drue + Sully’s wedding. This was over about 8:00—stopped by home to get Bonnie + Deb. We went to Patriquins for set-down buffet. I came home early with D.—she fell down and back stairs for 2nd time; scared the hell out of me, but she was OK; worked on service; bathed, OBLO 12:25.

Sunday, 9 November 1969

Up about 8:20—had breakfast, shaved. At 9:30 my class arrived—we dealt mainly with the story of Noah. Off to the church about 10:30. Preached on the Book of Revelation—met a new young couple—Jerry + Carol Lewis. We were home by 12:30. Ate lunch, then I went back to the church by 1:30  The wedding was at 2:00—Drue + Sully. After the ceremony we came home (Virginia Bate sat with Debbie),  then went down to Patriquins for the reception. Very crowded; took several pictures. I came home by about 4:00—utterly exhausted. Took a nap after Virginia left. Slept until about 6:30. Got up, had a small supper, took Virginia’s glasses to her at her apartment, went to the church briefly, stopped into Patriquins briefly—then came home. Worked on Hebrew—typing up my translation. Then shortly before 9:00 we went back to Patriquins (Debbie too). But we were home by 10:00. I got back to work on Hebrew, watched 11:00 pm news; more Hebrew; bathed; OBLO 1:08.

[1] One of my New Testament professors at BU.

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David’s Diary – May 26, 1969

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Monday, 26 May 1969

To my surprise I found myself still in bed at 10 o’clock. Debby had slept late too. We didn’t move too fast—spent the rest of the morning packing. Had lunch when Dad got home at 11:45—Mother fixed steak for us. Dad had time only for lunch—then was called back to the health center for an emergency. We finished packing—and watched the splashdown of Apollo 10. We finally left W. Laf. about 1:30. We got to Bloomington about 4:00. Just drove around, walked, looked at the new library and at Wright Quad.[1] Left Bloomington about 5:00. On the way to Spring Mill stopped–photograph limestone quarry. We got into the park + pitched our tent about 7:00. After feeding Debby and having our own supper we drove around the park. We didn’t do much walking—since Debby was getting tired. Came back to the tent and got to bed around 10. Θ

Tuesday, 27 May 1969

Up about 6:30. Rather chilly, but very clear. We were able to get dressed and everyone fed with no discomfort. Our main concern in the morning was to see the Old Village—swarming with kids. Before this excursion we had to go into the town of Mitchell to have the brakes checked. We came back to the tent after seeing the village—had lunch, tried to nap briefly; but [at] 3:00 we were out sightseeing again. We went hiking and visiting caves—Donaldson Cave was the most spectacular. After this we came back to the tent; I shaved; we all took bathers.[sic] Bonnie fed Debby, then we went to the Spring Mill Inn for supper—not an extraordinary meal—and a very busy waitress. Stopped briefly at Lake—back to tent; Debby to bed; chatted with neighbors, off to bed by 9:45. Θ

Wednesday, 28 May 1969

Up about 7:00. We busied ourselves getting ready to leave—feeding, packing, etc. We were finally on the road a little after 9:00. Stopped in Mitchell to get some throat tablets—I was getting a sore throat. We then got on the road again, and pulled into Centerville about 1:00. I was very hungry, so I ate too much—so had to nap for a while after eating! In the afternoon Bonnie and I went over to grandpa’s harness shop—took several pictures. Also looked at some campers outside his shop—for sale by the boating shop next door. Late in the afternoon I went to the laundromat at the west of Centerville—took about an hour. We had supper when I got home; watched news; went over to Bonnie’s parents’ house on Plum street, got rocking chair out of attic; went to grocery; home, showed slides, off to bed after bathing—about 11:00.

Thursday, 29 May 1969

David with Debby, Spring 1969

Up at about 6:30—had breakfast, shaved, loaded the car—left Centerville after 9:00, but stop in Richmond to buy film—so we didn’t get into Ohio until about 10:00. But we were to the other side of Columbus by 12:00. Stopped for lunch at the first rest area east of Columbus. We were on the road again by 1:00.  Made good time—arrived in Wheeling, W.V., about 3:00. Stopped at the Fostoria Glass outlet, bought one piece; headed on to Pittsburgh—arrived at Lee and Mary [???] apartment about 5:00. Unloaded the car; had supper. Visited. About 8:00 we all went out to see the city. Drove to several places, especially to outlook points. Took some pictures. About 10:00 we came back to the apartment. We visited, then showed a few of our slides to show the difference between instamatic camera + ours. Bathed; off to bed about 12:30.

Friday, 30 May 1969

Up about 7:00. Breakfast, shaved, packed—we left the Weber’s apartment after 9:00. We were away from Pittsburgh by 10:00—but it was a long tiring drive today. Didn’t get hot until after noon; we went to Exit 20 on the Penn. Turnpike, and much of that highway is in poor condition. At exit 20 we left the turnpike to get Route 30 to go through the Penn. Dutch country. Unfortunately we were in too much of a hurry to see the area properly, but we did get some pictures. We pushed on toward Philadelphia—our destination: the home of dad’s cousin, Joyce FitzRandolph. She had mailed directions to us, so we had no trouble finding her house—arrived there about 6:35. Unloaded the car, fed Debby, then sat down to supper ourselves. We had a very pleasant evening together, discussing Europe and the family tree. Also took pictures; bathed about 11:00, off to bed about [blank].

Saturday, 31 May 1969

5th anniversary  Up shortly after 7:00; packed, shaved, breakfast, loaded the car. We left Joyce’s place about 9:00; made relatively good time. We had no trouble whatever getting through New York City. By noon and we were well north of the city. Stopped for our lunch in Connecticut. We had good traveling weather, and made good time. We arrived here in Rockport just a few minutes before 5:00. Unloaded car, took Virginia home, went to the Anchor Inn to get clam plates, brought them home; we ate supper while ploughing through the pile of mail. Phil Parker came over at 7:00 to discuss Children’s Day service for tomorrow; when he left we looked at the slides which have arrived. After this I worked on the bulletin; 9:30 went to Patriquins; had to break in the house through cellar—front door jammed; took photos of the moon; bathed; off to bed, lights out 12:30.

Sunday, 1 June 1969

Up about 7:30. Had to make final preparations for church. Allen called. Small breakfast, shaved—after a trip to the church about 8:00 to change wayside pulpit. Returned to the church about 9:30. Today was Children’s Sunday, so I had very little to do in the service. We began 10 o’clock service today. Home by 11:15. Fixed lunch after going for bread and milk. After lunch drew with red marker on the map the course of our trip. Was very sleepy, weary. So I napped most of the afternoon. Didn’t get up until about 5:00 and felt pretty groggy. Worked on photographing the map I have marked, then began work on the “title slide”  for the slides of the trip to Indiana. Ate about 6:00. At 7:00 I had to go to Riverdale for C.A.M.P. meeting. This was over before 9:30. Took Gladys Haskell home and we chatted in the car for quite a while; stopped at the church, youth still meeting; came home; viewed slides; bathed; off to bed; lights out c. 12.

[1] This was the dormitory where I lived at I.U.

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David’s Diary – December 16, 1968

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Monday, December 16, 1968

Debby 4 months old.

Up after 9 today. We had breakfast—Bonnie was feeling lousy. I worked on my Greek paper, did the pastoral Christmas letter; stopped at about 2 to fix lunch. Bonnie napped in bed, I brought lunch to her upstairs. After lunch I worked on a letter to Judge Wynanski in Boston on behalf of Howard Marston, Jr. I took this to the post office + went for bread + milk. Home again, went back to work on Greek. About 5 stopped to clean up kitchen, start on supper; Bonnie came down, she was feeling much better. I went back to the Greek paper. Stopped for supper about 6:20. Had supper watched CBS news, relaxed until 7:30 or so—then back to work. About 9:30 stopped for pie + coffee. Bathed, then came back to work on the paper; have most of section I finished. Must have it done by tomorrow night. We took pictures this evening. Lights out at 11:45. ISN

Tuesday, December 17, 1968

Up around 9. Breakfast, back to work on the Greek paper—until mail arrived; many Xmas cards—letter from Paul + Marty, + Dr. Beck. Bonnie went to the WSCS Xmas party at about 12:15—I stayed with Debby. Worked on my paper. Finished writing about 1:30. Stopped to shave, have lunch. Cleared off my desk—set up card table for the Greek typewriter right next to my desk. This occupied my attention for the rest of the day. Very slow going; must type the page in English, then swing over to the Greek machine + type in what words are required. Stopped about 6:30 for supper—helped fix it. Back to work shortly after 7:30. Bonnie started to work on making my sports jacket—she is overwhelmed by the difficulty of the task. At about 10, we stopped for a snack. Back to work by 10:20. Stopped typing at about 1. –on page 11 (typed). Must be finished by noon tomorrow. Bathed; off to bed; lights out at 1:40.

Wednesday, December 18, 1968

Very hard to get up this morning. Finally out of bed about 9. Ate breakfast, got to work typing—stopped when mailman arrived. I had wanted to be done typing by noon—but no such luck. Bonnie took Debby for regular Dr’s appointment at 2:30 and I worked on; I was just finishing up at 5:30 when she came home. I took catalogue over to Barbara + Hazel, also invited Barbara to come to Bible study tonight. Worked some in my study until 6:30—had supper, worked in my study until Bible class started arriving. We had quite a lively session. 9 in attendance; we discussed Luke 1 + 2. Sarah Orne disagreed strongly with my interpretation—she is fundamentalist. Didn’t break up tonight until 10 pm! I went to work on the Jeremiah paper. Had researched basic 29 words in 20:14-18 by 12; coffee break. Worked on until about 3:00. Off to bed at 3:30.

Thursday, December 19, 1968

Up about 9:20—rather weary; went right to work writing on the Jeremiah paper. Stopped when mail arrived, but not for long—didn’t even read I. F. Stone. Stopped for lunch around 12:30 or 1. Today as I worked on this paper, Bonnie worked on my sports coat—got it cut out, and by this evening had enough sewed together that I had the first fitting. I finally got to the “typing” stage about 6 o’clock.  Stopped about 6:45 for supper, but at 7:30 got back to work. Had to do page 1 three times because of mistakes and difficulty with copying out the Hebrew. Worked all evening. Stopped about 12:15 for a cup of coffee. Bonnie took her bath and went to bed. I worked on, finally finished the paper completely at 2:15. I’m not too satisfied with it—just didn’t have enough time to do a good job. Bathed; off to bed about 2:50.

Friday, December 20, 1968

On the go all day long; up at 8:45—Shaved, compiled Jeremiah DS reading list, proofread papers; gathered together library books—headed for BU about 10:45, in the car. Got there about 11:30. Took paper to Richardson, and the Greek typewriter. Took Greek paper to Kim’s office. Picked up my mail, ate lunch; looked up the Peeks—at their apartment at 115 Bay State Rd. Wanted to see how his work was coming. Headed home around 1:45. Arrived back home at just 3. Went down to see Virginia Bate; took her her Xmas gift, a framed photo of myself—she was very pleased. Back home, worked on the wedding ceremony for tomorrow—had to type it all up. About 5:45 Bonnie gave me a Haircut; then I got dressed and left for the church. Wedding rehearsal from 6:30 – 7:45. Got Bonnie, we went to Old Farm [?] Inn for dinner with wedding party. Home about 10:30. Bathed. Off to bed; ISN; lights out 12:20.

Saturday, December 21, 1968

Up about 7:30 to watch the blastoff of Apollo 8. It was on schedule at 7:51. I then went down to the church to put wedding announcement on the wayside pulpit. Home again to work on the marriage service. At 10:30 tuned in CBS news. About 10:41 the Apollo was blasted toward  the moon. Worked on the wedding service (ate lunch too, and shaved) until time to go. It was a very nice wedding—everything went smoothly. Over by 3:00. We (Bonnie + I) went to the wedding reception at Gloucester House Rest. Didn’t get out until after 5. Came home, visited with Barbara + Hazel who had kept Debby. I came home, worked on writing the “7 o’clock news” for the church service tomorrow. At about 7:45 the young people came; we went to the church to rehearse. Home by 9:30. Did bulletins, worked on sermon; off to bed at 2:10.

Sunday, December 22, 1968

Up at 9. Practiced sermon; breakfast, shaved, off to church at 10:35. Quite a big congregation—75. Preached on “Silent Night Vs. Violent Night”—with the sermon being introduced with “Silent Night + the 7 o’clock news”—sung by 4 teenage girls and narration by Peter Haskell. Some favorable reaction—by [but] Alice Marr was very mad. Home by about 12:30. Lunch. Napped for a short while. At 3:10 was up again. Bonnie, Debby, Barbara, Hazel and I went up to see Elizabeth Gates. Had a nice visit; we were home shortly after 5. Desk work. At about 6 we went down to Patriquins for supper; spent the evening with them, just goofing off. Came home around 10 (?), Desk work, Jim Tanner came up and we gave him details about care of the house and the cat. He left about 11:40. Bathed off to bed for ISN at 11:40.

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David’s Diary – November 11, 1968

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Monday, November 11, 1968

Up about 10. Began working immediately in Kömmel’s Introduction to the NT, the section on Paul, for tomorrow’s directed study. Worked on this until about 11:30. Put lunch in oven, shaved. Phone call from Charlie Whitford; he + family planned to come to Rockport in the afternoon. We had lunch. At 12:30 went back to studying. 1:15 we left for Gloucester—meeting at the Wesley Church parsonage. This was over about 2:30. We came back home, I got back to studying until the Whitfords arrived. They didn’t leave until almost 10. We visited, played records, had supper together. It was a good time, but I am ruined as far as study is concerned. Back to the books at 10:00. Studied Greek. Worked on Mark 16; Matt. 26. Bathed. Worked on Greek, packed briefcase, off to bed at 12:45. Not at all prepared for Paul D.S. due to Whitford visit. So much work to do everywhere.

Tuesday, November 12, 1968

Up at 8:30. Breakfast, caught 9:20 train to Boston. A terrible day weatherwise—very high wind, rain. Greek class 11:15 – 12:00. Lunch with Dr. Rowlingson, Hobart Farrell, Les Strong. Read newspaper + magazines for a while; worked on German. 2:45 had coffee with Bob Rogers; he + his wife had spend a year in England + he was able to offer ideas + information. 3:10 I was off to Paul DS., but I met Oliver in the hall and he said that he couldn’t meet today—and I wasn’t prepared! So I was able to catch the 4:10 train home. Arrived around 5:30. We called off the official Board meeting because of the weather. Had supper, watched CBS news. Worked on Quiet Corner. Took pictures of Debby. Around 9 we went down to Patriquins. Home around 10. Back to work on the Quiet Corner. Hair cut; bathed. Bonnie and I looked over pictures deciding which to give as Xmas presents. Off to read in bed at 12:40.

Wednesday, November 13, 1968

Up about 10. Worked on finishing the Quiet Corner. Finished about noon. Watched noon news, ate lunch, shaved. Mrs. Cooney dropped off the mailing list here at the house. I went through it to make notes for Dick Gray. Bonnie went to the bank. About 2, I left for Gloucester. Took the Quiet Corner to the Times office, had my picture taken. Went to the hospital, saw Karen Haskell and Gazella Dodd. On my way home left the membership list at Wesley Church with Dick Gray. Stopped at grocery store, came on home. Had cup of coffee, back to work at my desk. Studied in Bright’s Jeremiah for the Bible study. Worked til about 6:20. Stopped for supper, watched CBS news. Back to work in Jeremiah at 7:35. Worked until Bible class began arriving. 6 in attendance. Did chapters 27 – 30. Over at 9:30. We had coffee + snack. About 10, back to work in Jeremiah. Bathed about 11. Back to work; read in Bright and in Leslie. Off to bed at 1:15.

Thursday, November 14, 1968

Up at 8:30. Caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Greek class, 11:15 – 12. Had lunch with Dr. Richardson. He forgot to tell me that he couldn’t meet with me today for our directed study. So neither of my directed studies met this week. I was able to catch the 1:45 train home. Studied a little German on the train. Was home at 3 o’clock. Bonnie was out with Debby grocery shopping. I worked on German after a coffee break until about 6, then had supper. Left for Gordon early so that I could go to their book store—but it was closed. Class from 7 to 9. Was back home by 9:45. Worked on making the tickets for the showing of the film, “The Gospel According to Saint Matthew,” Dec. 1.  11 o’clock had cup of coffee + watched news. – soon after I got home this evening we called Paul + Marty (his birthday was yesterday). We talked about 12 minutes. After 12, bathed. Looked over work ahead in next few days; off to bed at 1:15.

Friday, November 15, 1968

Up about 10. Began studying for the Paul directed study. Read I + II Thessalonians, with Kümmells Introduction.  Stopped to examine the mail. Material from the Danforth Foundation to apply for Kent Fellowship. Glanced through Newsweek. 12 had lunch, watched the news. After lunch, back to Thessalonians. About 2, mailed letter to Harrell Beck with Kent Fellowship endorsement form. Went to Gloucester to get heavy paper. Visited Mrs. Martin at the Cape Ann Nursing Home. Came home; mimeographed the tickets for the Gospel According to St. Matt. Film. Got back to work on Paul—reading in Galatians. Finished Galatians, stopped for supper after 6. Watched CBS news, etc. Watched TV—Jacques Cousteau program on whales. Cut the mimeographed tickets while watching. Back to my study about 8:30. Great difficulty giving birth to a sermon idea; took all evening. Studied some German. Bathed at midnight. German briefly; off to bed at 12:45.

Saturday, November 16, 1968

Debby doing pretty well sitting up today – Debby 3 months old

Up around 9:45. Worked on the sermon. A letter came from mother. No reaction to our announcement of moving to Europe—we expected her to insist that we come to Indiana for Christmas—which we plan to do anyway. About 11 went to the church: WSCS Fair. Visited + chatted, came back home, worked more on sermon, back to the church with Bonnie + Debby for lunch. Went to see Virginia Bate—sick in bed. On home to work again on sermon. This took the afternoon—along with doing the bulletin. At 6:10 we left Debby with Barbara + Hazel Lord. We went to the CAMP loyalty Dinner at Wesley. A rewarding evening. Milton Smith played and sang, Richard Harding delivered address. We went to Busseys for a few minutes after it was over. Home again before 11. Watched news, had snack. Bonnie borrowed a book on campsites from Busseys. She found a place for us to stay on the way to Indiana. Worked on service; desk work bathed; off to bed at 1:15.

Sunday, November 17, 1968

Up around 9:20—Home Orne’s phone call finally got me out of bed. Practiced my sermon, shaved, dressed, off to church. More than 30 in attendance. Year ago was my first Sunday at the Rockport church—62 attended! Today I preached on loneliness: “Lonely in the Crowd.” Again, I borrowed heavily, this time from a book by Alan Walker. Home about 12:30. Had lunch, desk work, Alan Frederick called. He’s had an auto accident + was bruised up, but not too seriously. We are loaning him the VW on Tuesday. Meeting at 3 here at parsonage; Joint Youth Steering Committee. This lasted too long. Not out until 5. Had supper, the Lords visited with us as we ate. After supper wrote letters, to Mrs. Myers, Folks, Paul + Marty (sent them Quiet Corner). We took Debby’s hand + foot prints. We put them in the baby book, also on Mrs. Myers letter. Didn’t get to studies until about 10:30. Read I Corinthians, bathed TOGETHER; read in Kümmel on I Corinthians; off to bed about 1:30.

Deborah’s hand and footprints from the baby book

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