Ethel Blanch Stoker Journal


January 1985

Tuesday January 1, 1985

Both sat & watched parades and football all day. Put a roast in oven so didn’t even cook.

Wednesday January 2, 1985

Lee some better. So went and seen Myra & baby. I don’t think she feels as good as she says. Baby raher on the yellow side. Jim got home so brought car home Tues. nite. Pd F[ederal] L[and] B[ank] [$]13,000.

Thursday January 3, 1985

Jim got home so brought car home Tues nite Pd FL bank $13,000. Went to Pasco. Jim had to have glow plugs etc replaced in Chev. & paid 136.00. It is still under warrenty. They said they would send to factory & reimburse the money. Paid Jim the 136. Home & listened to Tempe & BYU basketball. Y won—just barely. Y was the National winners in football for 1984.

Friday January 4, 1985

Study D & C. Must give lesson Sun[day].

Saturday January 5, 1985

Finished lesson for Sun. Vanae called in the evening & said Kyle was having baby blessed & come over for dinner. Had to refuse as too late to get someone for lesson.

Sunday January 6, 1985

Lesson went better than I had hopped but I really prayed & He came thru. Wish next Sunday was over. Just got home from church & Kyle called & asked us for dinner which we went. Egberts & all of Vanae’s family there. Kelley put on a reat meal—turkey. Think Vanae helped. I came home with 4 qt cream & gal of milk. Stayed played rook. Seen Jeri’s pictures.

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Ate popcorn etc. Good day.

Tuesday January 8, 1985

Went & helped Sr. Roylance quilt.

Wednesday January 9, 1985

Went to R[elief] S[ociety]. Got new teaching partner—Ileen Peterson. Hope she knows here people live. Go to Madrishin, Ella Davidson, & Tally Wyatt. Learned different kinds of soup.

Friday January 11, 1985

Gained 5 lbs over holidays. Must do something quick. Work on D&C.

Sunday January 13, 1985

Lesson went well. Pres. Christensen was there as well as Eileen. But had tood participation. Glad it is my last tho as I’ve forgotten how to study or age. I can’t remember.

Keith & Genevie picked us up & we went w/ them to Lurays & Skips. To Lurays we were shown a mongoose & it jumped out of a box. Jim had rigged a dummy,[1] but I thot for sure it had me. A good laugh at my expense.

Lee didn’t go to church—still a head cold, but some better. Weather still dull. All of Dec has been cloudy & cold, cold.

Friday January 18, 1985

Lee not much better so I decfided I would go to Moses Lake & shop. The car was so dirty I went to Othello to wash it. The nozzle was in the pipe. I couldn’t get a quarter to go in so I took both hands to work with the quarter & finally it went in. The water


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pressure knocked the hose out of the holder & it squirmed like a snake. I finally got a hold of it lower down on the hose & the end hit me in the eye & broke my glasses. To add to more insult, the water started going down about half way thru. I thot I was nearing the end until I felt myself getting wet in the back. I held the hose behind me with my left hand and the hose sprung a leak. I came home bruised & no glasses & wet. Needless to say, by the time I got home my eye was starting to discolor. Had a cut just below my eyebrow. And I did not go shopping. Thank goodness for a old pair of glasses I had that I can wear.

Sunday January 20, 1985

No church for me as eye too black, but it has cleared up some. Had a freezing rain last nite—just enougth to have roads slick. Watched S[an] Francisco 49ers & Miami Dolphin play in super bowl. 49ers won big. Keith Genevie & Dana came & played rook.


Monday January 21, 1985

Jim and Lee left for the Dr. to Seattle. Weather still cold, foggy. Hope all goes well as Jim not feeling too well today.

Kelly, Vanae, Genevie & Dana left John Deer[e] day & came & played rook. Paid Vanae for our trip to Hawaii—[$]693.25 apiece for a week there—[$]1386.50. Sure enjoyed it. I’m sure the weather better there than here now. In fact

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Held Pres. Re[a]gans inaugural ceremony in the rotunda today instead of outside & [canceled] a parade because it was too cold—4 below. The only time in history this has happened. Lots of disappointed kids after having worked to earn money to go plus all the practice involvede, but just too cold.

Thursday January 24, 1985

Today not quite so cold. Keith called & asked if we would like to go see a show on vido, “The Natural”[2] which we did. It was a good show—about baseball good & evil. Had lunch with them.

About 2 Bp Jones called & asked to come out. Glad to have him till he came. Then it was for me to be ed[ucation] coun[selor] in R[elief] S[ociety]. It floored me—too old for one thing, not sure of myself & no good at greeting people. To think of all the going & work. I guess I’m lazy, but Lee willingly said yes and I knew from the start what I would say. But I’m so unqualified. I was gong to say unworthy, but I can’t think of why unworthy.

Now both Lee & myself are sure going to lose a few lbs. I’ve got to get some new clothes, but don’t want to till I can take at least a size smaller.

Vanae brought a half pig & put

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in freezer yesterday while I was visitng teaching. I go with Eileen Peterson to Ella Davidsons, Myla Rae & T[ally] Wyatts. She is ready to be delivered. Lee didn’t even offer to pay for cut & wrap, but we will.

Friday January 25, 1985

Went to Lora Jo’s & Dad got a hair cut. Went to M[oses] L[ake]—dog food etc.

Saturday January 26, 1985

Tally had her baby, a big healthy boy. Sat[urday] we went to the hospital to see her. Looks good. Eileen & myself gave her a caster romper—[$]4.27 each. Came home.

Keith called & we went & seen another video show the “Wilderness Family.” Played rook. Dave & Lora Jo, Jim & Ann came. Visited.

Sunday January 27, 1985

Today was the day. Was sustained as 1st coun[selor] in R[elief] S[ociety] in Sac[arment] meeting. Then after was set apart as a coujselor in R[elief] S[ociety] by Jay Rolylance. If Im faithful & prayerful I will be able to fulfill my duties. In a case like this I will or must be on my knees much. When 75 ¼ years old it isn’t all that easy to take that much responsibility. But with help I know I can do it. If I don’t forget important things. That’s my worry. Then I’m not used to having to do things. Guess I’m lazy. Our first meeting will be board meeting Tues[day]. Must prepare the Inservice lesson. Mindi called & they

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came over. Left about 5:15 as Dennis had his h[ome] teaching to do. Myra said she was released from R[elief] S[ociety]. Had our h[ome] teachers also. Made hot pork sandwiches & hot cake. Went to parents fireside—video from S[alt] Lake. Was good. Keith & G[enevie], Skip & J[ulie] went with us.

Monday to Thursday January 28 to 31, 1985

Whooper—the sun came out for 4 or 5 hours today. The first for any length of time since before Christmas. It was nice; however, at 5 p.m. it is down to 22—so colder. Sunny and cold until Friday [February 1].

Tuesday January 29, 1985

I forgot we held our first R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting. All went well. I still gave inservice lesson. Prsidendcy met after. Was gone 5 hours.

Friday February 1, 1985

Friday we awoke to a light snow storm, but the wind was blowing 15 m[iles an hour] so very cold—about 5 to 10 degrees above heard on TV. Utah was 60 below. Imagine. Lisa called & said Rexburg was 45 degrees below. So I guess we could be worse off.

Saturday February 2, 1985

Keith & Genevie came down last nite & asked us to ride to Pasco to Trevors baptism which we readily accepted. Sun is shining today, but still cold. Lee can’t keep feet warm at nite. Put quilt under bottom sheet.

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Sunday February 3, 1985

Dennis had his baby blessed & we left home at 7:15. Church at 8. Dennis conducted & did a very good job. Kalvin cried some. Attended all meetings. Good to see how others conduct R[elief] S[ociety]. Came to Dennis’ & had a very good dinner. Home by 5.

Jeri & Karl came & brought a pineapple cake. Delicious. Called K[eith] & Genevie. All had sand[wiches] & cake & drink. Then rook. Women beat 2 of 3.

Monday February 4, 1985

Took income tax into Rogers.


Tuesday February 5, 1985

Went to Connie Jensens & quilted on quilt for the Lopez girl (Betty).

Friday February 8, 1985

About 6 Paul called and asked us over for games. Said Keith would pick us up. Roads rather slick & weather still cold. We ate hot dogs; however, we had already had eaten supper. Hard to stick to a diet. About 8:30 went with Keith to school to watch Dana with the marching girls. Watched last half of basketball game. Othello lost.

Saturday February 9, 1985

Got up at 5:30 or Lee did to go to Coer Lean[3] to watch Craig[4] wrestle. I wasn’t going to go as I was afraid of the roads. I lay in bed for ½ hr. thinking all the time I would worry myself sick if they didn’t get home when I thot they should so I got ready & went. My fears were unfounded tho as the main roads were bare. We got there only to find the matches cancelled as Ricks got to the pass in Montana & the road was closed. Nothing to do but come back.We stopped to Cos[t]co,[5]

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big store. Keith has a membership in it. We bought [$]43.00 of groc[eries] etc. They bought sheets & towels & groc[eries]. Theirs [$]140 so guess OK.

It started to snow while we were in. Went to eat. Blustry on & off, but before Ritzvill[e] sun was out. Had been thawing some.

Sunday February 10, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] went OK. Ellen[6] conducting for whole month. Thawing some again today with wind blowing.

Wednesday February 13, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] work meeting. It went OK. Ellen wasn’t there as she had a committment to go to B[asin] City R[elief] S[ociety]. Did teaching yesterday.

Thursday February 14, 1985

Vanae called & said they were moving in Wood’s[7] house. So Lee & myself went over & helped clean. Kitchen has 4 ovens. 2 cook tops, lots of storage etc. Colors I wouln’t of picked tho in some of the houjse. I think it has 5 baths. I came home sick.

Friday February 15, 1985

Pres. Christensen had called & asked us to talk in stake conference Sat. nite. Course said yes, but I’ve got the flue. Couldn’t go to Betty Lopez wedding reception & I really wanted to.

Saturday February 16, 1985

Now have to miss conference. Dad will take 6 min[utes] instead of 3. Even got me a new dress for it. Oh well. So is life. Had to cancel taking dinner tomorrow to Laura Marlot.

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Monday February 18, 1985

Felt better today so tonite Lee wanted to go to Vanaes. Took Keith & Genevie. Left at 5. Vanae not home, but house fairly well arranged. Went to Jeris. Course Lee said we came for black beans. Jeri had some in freezer so nothing doing but she fix them. Tacos & beans. Real good. Played rook.

Thursday February 21, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] to Karens.

Friday February 22, 1985

Insurance guy came so we cancelled Dennis & Lora Jos policy & invested in their for them. Sure hope we did right, but that is the way we see it.

Saturday February 23, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] stake meerting. Good. Only find I’m to be with satke. Should take over music. Then BY[U] played ball. All went to Pauls. Took tacos. Y got beat. Kim & John are here.

Sunday February 24, 1985

Church. Choir practice. Then all went to Keiths for sandwiches & cake. Home at 5 for home teachers. Weather warmer. Snow all gone except in shade. Sure seems good.

Craig called while we were to Keiths & announced his engagement to a girl.[8] Married as soon as school is out. Kim & John woops guess I’ve already got it. Goofed.

Tuesday February 26, 1985

Went to Royal to Lee & Joeys scout program. Both received their Eagle Merit Badge. About 50 in attendance. Good seeing they were the only ones onored. Lora Jo served a scout emblem decorated cake. Then Phillips, Dave’s mom & dad up, us, home teachers & scout exec[utive] frm Ellensburg. Went to their home for banana splits. All was good.


Friday March 1, 1985

Went to M[oses] Lake & paid to F[ederal] [and] bank. Both Lee & myself rather hoarse however not feeling bad. Went to Jim’s for supper, real good as usual. Then played banjo etc

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till 9:30. Jim not well today. When migrant labor come in Ann will teach full time etc.

Got [$]30.00 worth of beef today. It is colder. A cold n[orth] wind is blowing. Snow about all gone now.

Saturday March 2, 1985

Tonite went to JoLene DeCorias wedding. She married a Hilmes from Connell. Bp married them. Reception in senior center.

Sunday March 3, 1985

Lee head cold. Did not go to church. I’m very hoarse, but went. As my month to conduct. Keith & Genevie came & played rook till 10:30.

Monday March 4, 1985

Awoke to snow this a.m. Snowed till about noon, but by nite it is all gone.

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Friday March 8, 1985

Lee has had a head & chest cold. Has had it for weeks. I’ve had it too, but feel fine now. He can’t shake his. Went to Connell & Jana played for Lee. He is to play banjo for ward R[elief]S[ociety] birthday party. Hope he is better. Ate supper with Vanae & went to Kyles to see Jana’s Iseral pictures. They have moved where Ray was.[9]

Saturday March 9, 1985

Didn’t go to Lisa Egberts Wedding as Lee sick.

Sunday March 10, 1985

Church for me, not Lee. Went with Keith to “How to Study Scriptures” video from S[alt] Lake.

Wednesday March 13, 1985

Lee some better today. Went to practice for R[elief] S[ociety] supper. Went well.

Friday March 15, 1985

Left home at 9 to prepare for R[elief] S[ociety] supper tonite. Made 198 cordon blu, had around 250-275 crepes made. Home at 3. Back at 6. Crepes would not come lose from paper. Made too many anyway. Supper, very good: cordon blue, creole rice, mixed veg[etables], set salad, hot orlls, & muffins (orange & bran), and crepes with strawberries, bananas, choc[olate] & whip cream. Had too much of everything tho. Everyone said how good. Program good also. Lee played “Oh, Susana,” “Music, Music, Music,” & “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey.” He did real good. Had picture or video.

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Don’t know what for yet.

Saturday March 16, 1985

Dennis & Myra came this afternoon. Lee was helping Keith, but he came home at 4. Rook and a new way to play rummy. They would not stay for supper. However, I had asked Larry & Ruby. I teneded Angie while they got machinery ready for sale next Friday. They came as well as Keith & Genevie & Dana.

Sunday March 17, 1985

Good lesson in R[elief] S[ociety] today. Sr. Gilbert on Honesty. R[elief] S[ociety]. Visited Sister Strate who has a blood clot in her leg. Keith &Genevie came this p.m.

Wednesday March 20, 1985

Lee working for Keith. I worked in yards. I’m so stiff & sore. Lee is also. We havn’t been very active all winter & it shows. Today Spring begins. Weather has been good. Today wind cloudy & colder. Rain predicted.

Friday March 22, 1985

Awoke this a.m. to cdold wind & snow. Snow didn’t stay long tho.

Monday March 25, 1985

Worked in garden. I pruned raspberries.

Wednesday March 27, 1985

Quilted for Ella Davidson. A white bedspread. It
looks great.

Thursday March 28, 1985

Vanae came abut 9:45 and we picked up Lora Jo and went to Yakima for lunch for Lora Jos birthday. Lora Jo dared me to have ears pierced. I dared her & Lo & behold we hadn’t gone very far in the mall when we came to a special [$]4.50 for small earrings and piercing. I choose my birthday sapphire as did Lora Jo hers.

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Mine has never hurt at all, but Lora Jo said her left one hurt badly. Went back, but was told al was well. Had sand[which] for lunch. Later drink & ice cream. I didn’t buy much as broke as usual. Rest got a few things. Home after dark.

Friday March 29, 1985

Went to Royal to Allisons class early days. Grandparents were invited. Home 1t 1. After lunch there. Then went to B[asin] City for a few potatoes before all are taken from Rays cellar. Jim nor Jesse home.

Saturday March 30, 1985

A cold wind blowing. Was going out , but nowguess first look out.

Sunday March 31, 1985

Was to Connell to church. Jana’s testimonial. All was there: Ennis, Lora Jo, Jess, Jim & Keith & us. Church was very good. Jana’s emotions surfaces but she got hold & gave a very good talk. Carl & Jeri sang also Kyle & Kelli & the Haws. All went to Vanae’s for dinner which was prepared before hand: roast ham, scalloped potatoes, 2 salads, corn & rolls plus ice cr[eam] & cookies. Sure a house full.

Later after Sacrament befor4e dinner went to Columbia Basin & seen Pres Hatch[10] set Jana apart. Jeri & Karl came home about 7:30.

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Monday April 1, 1985

Lora Jos birthday. Early Vanae brought us some beef hamb[urger]. Great. Wish I could do more for them. They were leaving afternoon to take Jana.[11] Vanae, Becky & Marci.

Tuesday April 2, 1985

Went to Moses Lake & got perm to Marizopa Beauty past Safeways—[$]17.50, but it didn’t include set. Just cut & perm.

Wednesday April 3, 1985

Spent most of day baking. I made choc chip and applesauce cookies plus a fresh apple cake.

Thursday April 4, 1985

Washed and got ready to go to Daryls at Vadar, WN by Olympia. Met Jess at 3 by B[asin] Hill Road. He was late but got away by 3:30. We took Megan, Jailynn and Chris with us. Took about 4 hrs. Earl family also so wall to wall beds on floor. We were privileged and had a bed & room all of our own.

Friday April 5, 1985

Spent time cooking plus walked the hills coverd with trees except some clearings. Was beaufiful. Picked some wold daffodils. All went to Winlock ward where Daryl has to go to church. Here April was baptized. I gave opening prayer & Lee closing. Bruce baptized & Daryl confirmed. All kids sang. It was good. Cookies & punch served after.

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Saturday April 6, 1985

Much talking, laughing & work. Made (after kids in bed) popcorn baskets, popcorn balls. Only put over a cereal bowl to form basket then filled with Easter candy. Kids had colored 4 doz. eggs. No priesthood at conference as no dish there.

Sunday April 7, 1985

Breakfast. Kids found eggs that Jess & Earl hid. Much eats while there. Had spoon tacos, sandwiches, fried spuds & baked beans, waffles & hot cakes, eggs & bacon, toast, Jello, sloppy jos & potato chips plus all the cake & cookies we all took. No wonder I gained. Aftter dinner left for home. We stopped and viewed Mt St. Helens from a long way away. I drove till Yakima. Then it got dark so Lee drove. I enjoyed the days ver much, but it was kinda hectic.

Tuesday April 9, 1985

Work day to R[elief] S[ociety]. It was good. Supposedly we leanred how to have a good lawn. Sala dressings demonstrated.

Wednesday April 10, 1985

Got ambitious and burned weeds in the back even burned up some of Keith’s pallets; however, Paul said they were no good. Place looks bood. Wish weeds would stay down. I’m sure stiffl Arthritis worse.

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Saturday April 13, 1985

Went to stake R[elief] S[ociety] visiting teachers luncheon. I had to take a fruit salad. Had salad, ham, rolls, drink, carrot & celery sticks, & cheese cake. A program was given. All was good. It started at 12 & home by 2:30. I had burned weeds around bee house & when I got home, Paul was here burning & clearing behind bee house. Is going to plant a patch of raspberries.

Sunday April 14, 1985

Church. Fasted this a.m. for Geo. Roylance who is in Wenatchee hospital—partially paralyzed from stroke. Has been there for a week. About 5 went to Vanae’s. Home by 8.

Monday April 15, 1985

Worked out in yard all day—moving grapes etc. Really tired tonite. Cloudy & few drops of rain. We need it, but none.

Tuesday April 16, 1985

Went to ward welfare meeting, but just as well of stayed home as nothing was brought up.

Wednesday April 17, 1985

Went to Basin City and picked asparagus as the farmer[12] is going to plow it up. Jim told us about it & came and helped us.

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Genevie, Dana, Melanie, Lee & myself got lots. I froze 19 bags. Want to get more to pickle. Asked Jim for dinner Sunday.

Thursday April 18, 1985

Went to Pasco to Tri Cities Eye clinic & got eyes checked. He said a big change. Frames & bill cost more than [$] 200.00. Will be 2 weeks before I can get them.

Friday April 19, 1985

Executive meeting to Jenks. Found that Karen Baasgaard is moving to Mattawa. So a new bork counselor.

Saturday April 20, 1985

Worked Sat. made Rhubarb dessert & salads. Made rolls Sat. nite. So most ready for dinner Sunday.

Sunday April 21, 1985

Think all enjoyed it. It has frozen the past 2 nights. Lee rigged up a sprinkling system in the orchard for the fruit, but I think he was too late. It’s been really cold. A cold wind during the day.

Monday April 22, 1985

Paper said most cherries, apricots & peaches have been taken by the frost. We must have our years supply. Tri city Herald said Sat morning temp[erature] was 22—Sunday 20—lowest for April since taking weather records in 1909. Normal for April 20 is 65 [day time] + 36 [night time].

Jim & family I thot really enjoyed dinner yesterday. I’m glad.

Tuesday April 23, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting. Visited nursing home. Bro Roylance is there now. Had a stroke & one side paralyzed. I’m sure he didn’t even know I was there. Went to Roylances after we did our R[elief] S[ociety]

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teaching. Thot I’d take her out for ice cream or something, but instead she has a quilt on and I quilted. Lee worked greound for Keith.

Wednesday April 24, 1985

My glasses are ready so went to Tri Cities and got them. Had a fuse put in car as well as the fan motor. We had the motor. Cost [$]10.91 switch. Home by 2 so stopped to Vanaes. All busy planting spuds. A good day weather wise today.

Thursday April 25, 1985

Went to temple in Bp Jones motor home. 15 woment were there from the R[elief] S[ociety] for inititory work. Did one session & 15 washings. Weather good.

Friday April 26, 1985

Cold wind this a.m. Wanted to work in garden, but even Lee came in as it was too nasty. I worked on my history. Then at 7 went to stake roadshow. Only this was on video. Even I was in it. One quick shot, but it was enough.

Saturday April 27, 1985

Wind still with us. I do wish it would clear up.

Tuesday April 30, 1985

Last day of May [April]. I got a call early this a.m. from R[elief] S[ociety] Pres. Jenks[13] that George Roylance had passed away about mid night. I certainly hope we as the R[elief] S[ociety] will be able to do what is expected of us. We, Ellen & myself went to their home about 10. The family was to the mortuary. A quilt

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was up so we quilted till noon. Came home & made a choc[olate] cake and cabbage salad & went back. Ellen brought roast & spuds. Quilt still on the & Mable quilting so I stayed till 6. It was almost done.

Thursday May 2, 1985

Spent most of day calling people to furnish for the funeral.

Friday May 3, 1985

Genevie called an asked me to go to Spokane with her which I took her up because I wanted to look for a dress. But lo, no half sizes in downtown. Genevie got a straight size. I tried on a few but something wrong with all. Didn’t get home til 8.

Saturday May 4, 1985

Hurried & did my work & left at 9:20 for funeral. Worked in kitchen till time for funeral for Bro Geo Roylance. Sat thru funeral. He awas a great man. Many tributes paid to him. As soon as we could rushed back to kitchen. Had casserole, ocorn, peas, salads, relish, rolls & dessert from cakes, pies, cookies, puddings. We had tos et 2 extra tables. Had 400 paper plates. Had 16 left. Whether we fed that many or not I don’t know. Sister Lopez brought in meal for a dozen—Mexican food or we might of run out. I don’t know. It was a mad house for awhile. I left kitchen at 6. Very tired, but happy it turned out as good as it did. It being

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our first funeral. Also Bp Jones’ first.

Sunday May 5, 1985

Ellen took charge of R[elief] S[ociety]. Good lesson on temples. I didn’t bear my testimony in R[elief] S[ociety], but did in Sacrament [meeting]. I t still frightens me, but I do know this is the true church or why do I do all I do. My life is family and church.

Heard that David Wynn[14] took his own life. Feel very badly as I repected him. Ma[y]be not some things he did, but who knows what prompts us to do what we do.

Went to Vanaes for dinner. Karls father, step mother & 2 kids here. Had a nice visit & dinner as usual: Hamb[urger], Knockworst, etc, plus Kelly mad ice cream; Jeri, pies. Very good. Ordered 6 8qt kettles from Mr. Schull for kids Christmas. Home at 8.

Monday May 6, 1985

Genevie called & invited me to a kitchen shower for Craigs intended. Only had a few hours notice. But took dish towel, frog scouring pad holder, & 2 hot pads. Lots there. It was to Royal in a mobile home.

Tuesday May 7, 1985


Cleaned up yard & took trash to dump. Home yards look nice. Planted garden yesterday; flowers today.

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Cold wind again today. Wonder if it will ever warm up so crops will grow. Finished planting garden & flowers. Need a few petunias. The TV said 40 yrs ago today Germany surrendered. Great. Too much tho on news.

Friday May 10, 1985

Tonite is Craig’s wedding. We left home about 4 a.m. Took Paul and Donna with us. Keith & Genevie left yesterday. Melissa[15] was getting her endowments last nite. Hurridly got ready & went to chapel only to find that instead of going thru at 7:30 they weren’t going till 8:30. So I read the Sunday school lesson in D&C. Marriage at about 112. Griffith married them. He is from Pasco. When we got out of temple a light rain met us. I went w[ith] out a coat so after a while we went & sat in car. They were taking pictures.

Soon all went to a Chinese restaurant to eat. It was served family style. Very good. About 23 was there. Came right home. Here by 5. Read paper then went back to Royal for Melissa Phillips baptism. Both myself & Lee spoke. Dad did well, but not sure about me. A good, filling day.

Saturday May 11, 1985

Ruby & Larry flew in for the wedding. They borrowed our p[ick] up to run to Othello so I asked them for supper. I fixed roast etc even a cake.

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Six oclock came & went so Lee insited we eat. I left everything, but we got ready and went to the reception only to find Larry & Ruby there. I was out of patience, but never got a chance to talk to them. A nice crowd from royal as well as Othello there. I gave chocheted center piece & silverwear for 8.

Sunday May 12, 1985

Mothers Day. Wish I could have been more of a daughter—thotful & loving to my mother as my children are [to] me. I love them so much. Home early from church as noSunday School—a program—given a white geranium. Home & read paper.& Vanae called & said she was bringing dinner over. Soon all came—Kyle, Kelly, Jeri & Karl, then one by one they all came. Even Keith after some of his company had left. Craig & Melissa were going to Norman’s[16] cabin at Priest Lake for a few days & got as far as highway & their car quit. So Keith asked to borrow our P[ick] up. Lights have a short, but they sould get there before they need to use the lights.

Monday May 13, 1985

Went to bank and cashed in our savings in order to pay $3,000 for a dish for T.V. that Dad insists

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we need. I can get all I need on the channels we can now get, but not him. His life is sports, I guess. Oh, well. Now we have no reserves. If either get sick—nothing.

Tuesday May 14, 1985

Work day in R[elief] S[ociety]. Demonstration of cooking with eggs. Good. Went to nursing home & seen sis McFadden. Took Sis Roylance to R[elief] S[ociety].

Thursday May 16, 1985

Today Dad’s 75th birthday. Got up to a strong east wind. Even blowing bird nest out of the trees. I spent most to day cooking: bread, cake, 2 salads, meat ball
etc. Kids having pot luck dinner for Dad’s birthday at 7th Ave Church. Vanae made huge cake with 75 candles on plus figurine of boy & banjo. Dad got kids to blow out candles & they went out in one puff. Dinner very good & plenty of it. Dave brought a couple & spare[17] that is from N. Dakota. All there from here, but not Pasco.

Friday May 17, 1985

Watched Ryan while they & guests[18] went to Spokane. Keith & all went to Rupert to craig’s reception. I go up 3 or 4 times a day & let Skeeter (dog) out.

Saturday May 18, 1985

News said 5 years ago today Mt. St. Helen erupted & did so again today—only this time ust steam. Glad. It has turned off hot 90-95 [degrees] dry.News said Florida is so dry that fires are out of control. Many houses lost.

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Tuesday May 21, 1985

Went to temple with Bp Jones in his car. Rosena & Amy[19] also. Stayed. Home till 5 --Got there to go thru with Eric Jensen & the Haws girls marriage. We got 5 sessiosn in that day. Stayed at Kanes motel.

Wednesday May 22, 1985

Did 3. was home by 5:30. But when we got home the 22nd discovered our rototiller was missing. Called Keith, Vanae, Lora Jo & Jim. All no. Asked Jim to call Jesse & if he had it to call. No call so we contacted the sheriff. He came out. Didn’t give us much hope.

Thursday May 23, 1985

Called insurance to see if it was covered while they looked it up, Jesse called & said he had it. Jim couldn’t call him as they were to seminary graduation. Relief. Lots of fuss for nothing. Found tho everything should have serial no.s rcorded. Marked somehow & kept under lock & key.

Saturday May 25, 1985

Ruby & Larry came. Sold their bees.

Sunday May 26, 1985

Ward conference. Jenks were away so I had to take charge in R[elief] S[ociety]. Christenson gave a good talk on V[istiting] T[eaching]. After went to Keith’s to dinner. Mikes girlfriend, sister & mother Bodily from boise were there. Came to a kid she knew at Ricks testimonial. They left about 4:30 & we came home so Keith could rest. They work so hard.

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Monday to Wednesday May 27 to 29, 1985

Lee cut hay for Keith. Just enough to have it rained on. Rained all morning 29. I quilted to Amy Kents. Cold today even had heat turned on.

Thursday May 30, 1985

Sun shining this a.m. Wind as usual but still cold. I don’t sleep too well at nites. Can’t get Matt[20] out of my mind. With counseling & love I’m sure he will repent & be a upright young man. We love him—feel so sorry for him & family as it came out in the paper. Our prayers are for them all.

Friday May 31, 1985

Bruce’s graduation. Weather great . In fact hot inside gym. Bruce received the music award as well as one of 18 others on the honr student and academic diploma. Graduation was good. Sister Mecham was there. Must go up & visit. But I came home really sick. Jim told Vanae [North] Franklin [School Distict] would not hire Ann next year. I feel so sorry for Jim & Ann. I would gladly exchange places with them. They are really going thru their ‘trial by fire.’ I know they are going to come thru with a stronger determination, but I can’t get them off my mind. I could cry. But prayer is my best resource.

Saturday June 1, 1985

Well June came in with wi8nd & cold; however, Lee still cut hay for Keith.

Sunday June 2, 1985

For the first time in ages I forgot

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it was fast day. I even knew I had to take charge of R[elief] S[ociety] & would be obliged to bear my testimony. But it never dawned on me it was fast Sunday. Will have to repent and fast next Sunday. Lee or myself was asked to give a minute to the subject of forgiveness in marriage in S[unday] S[chool]. I asked Lee to do it. Eileen even said more or less a model couple in ward—I wish.

Karl & Jeri came & stayed 4 or 5 hrs. Was going to teachers dinner at 7. They asked us to go to Southern Utah w/them the middle of the mo. Karls siser is getting married in St. George. Course jumped at the chance.

Monday June 3, 1985

Did our R[elief] S[ociety] teaching early. Helped Mable Roylance quilt afterward. Lee still in hay.

Wednesday June 5, 1985

Went to Melanies 8th grad graduation.Seeing she is studentbody pres. She gave the welcome. She was given the citizenship award for the girls. Around 125 graduated.
Went to Jims. His ideas are a little different than ours. Surely hope he is right. Visited with Mrs. Meacham to Audreys & Jesse’s. Their school isn’t out till Friday.

Thursday June 6, 1985

Awoke to rain. Lots of hay still in the field.

Friday June 7, 1985

Still rainy. Stopped in the p.m. so Lee cut the lawn. Wind is blowing.

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Dave was lucky to get his hay up with a minium of rain. He has sold half of it.

Saturday June 8, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] board mt at 10:30. Then at 1:30 Connie Taylor from by Spookane spoke to all the women of the stake on “death.” She lost her husband by drowning on a scout trip. Also a daughter.

Jeri & Karl came over at nite.

Tuesday June 11, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] momemaking. I don’t know where I was. I thot it started at 10:30, but it was 9:30, half over. Sorry. It won’t happen again. Then went to Connie Jensens & quilted till 5.

Wednesday June 12, 1985

56th wedding ann[iversary]. Lee left before 5 to help Keith. Home at 10 with pains in his chest. Took him to Dr. Floyd: X-rays, electrocardiogram, blood test—all super. He figured it, pain, caused by pain in arms & bacdk. Gave him some sample pills plus nitro if it happened to be heart. Went to M[oses] Lake for dog food. Safeways. Out of large bags again. Got clock for Lee’s father day.

Thursday June 13, 1985

Lee out to work again. Has put in about 10 hrs today. I baked 6 goosberry pies & put in freezer. My best looking 2 crust pies yet. Only one run over.

Peonies almost gone, but clamitis starting and roses are beautiful. Called Matt. He is doing fine.

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Had our first peas out of Keiths filed tonite—just enough for creamed peas, but they were great.

Saturday June 15, 1985

Cleaned house. Cleaned floor on my hands & knees, but still not satisfied.

Sunday June 16, 1985

Fathers Day. Had a program in place of Sunday school. Home & dinner. About 3 Dennis family came. Then Jim & family had a nice visit. Had cake & strawberry, Jello salad to share. Lora Jo called. Their day or I should say her day was taken with church. Vanae & girls came. Then Keith & Genevie & kids. A good day. Love them all. Only didn’t make it to Jensens open house for Cleons father & mothers 50th wedding [anniversary].

Monday June 17, 1985

Left about 10 to go to Connell to leave with Karl & Jeri Ann to go to St. George to attend Karls sisters wedding. Drove to Homedale & stayed with Rays mother.

Tuesday June 18, 1985

Drove to Ogden. Visited & had supper with Eliza then to Verdas. Les & Eunice came . A nice visit there. Stayed with Verda.

Wednesday June 19, 1985

Drove miles to Bryces Canyon. Seen it in a hurry. It is beautiful. Then on to St. George to Motel 6.

Thursday June 20, 1985

Went to Grand Canyon thru the Kaibah forest. So clean & pretty. Canyon lot like Bryce, looking down on different formations. Coming back drove thru Zions Canyon. It was different. The mountains

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of whitish rock. A road all the way thru the mountain. Ine tunnel. Im sure was a mile long. Then to 6 again.

Friday June 21, 1985

Tracy getting married today. We went to the ceremony in our street clothes except shoes. Her father & step mother came from Connecticut as well as Mother & step father from N. Jersey. After ceremony all went to a luncheon, but we wen’t invited. So Lee & I made 2 sessons in temple. Then Karl & Jeri Ann came& I did one more with them, butLee went back to motel Got in touch with Leslie Stoker[21] so came to motel. Karl & Jeri went to reception, but Leslie was there so we didn’t go. When he left, walked to Dennys & ate.

Saturday June 22, 1985

Had breakfast with Karls father & wife & brother & wife to “The Mushroom Farm.” Had supper there—the 20th with his mother. Then toured Brigham Youngs summer home in St. George. Also the tabernacle where was told all the church presidents had spoken from the pulpit except J[oseph] S[mith]. Left there & drove thru miles of desert to Wells, Nevada. Supper to a truck stop & watched people play slot machines etc for awhile. Played rook & bed. It was hot out & about time to retire the air conditioner stopped so spent a warm nite.

Sunday June 23, 1985

Left Wells & drove to Boise & stopped to Larry & Rubys. They have a nice

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home there. Ate dinner & visited till about 3:30. Drove to Givens Hot Springs where Knights are to hold a family reunion in August. Then to the cemetery where Mr. Knight[22] is laid to rest. Then to Homedale & a good bed.

Monday June 24, 1985

Left Homedale & home by 2 p.m. Cost to us, [$]200.00. All well here except dry. But mornings chilly. Today only got to 68—low 36. Washed 3 batches of clothes. All well at home Garden has grown during the week.

Tuesday June 25, 1985

Busy watering garden & lawn. R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting at 9:30. Shortly after noon Keith called & said the Border Patrol was rounding up illegal aliens hoeing onions for Bicart. We went out. 2 Police cars, a van, pickup & car was parked on the ditchbank. All came in on different ways. They put them all in the van & left. I guess all not supposed to be here. They ran every which way when they seen the cars but no good. They were surrounded.

Joey called & asked Lee to go with he & Lee in place of Dave on a salmon fishing spree sponsored by the stake for all Eagle scouts. Think Lee [Stoker] is very pleased.

Wednesday June 26, 1985

Made a zucchini & cocanut cake for Lees lunch.

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Thursday June 27, 1985

Lee left 5 this a.m. I walked & picked a basket of peas. Stewarts[23] came from Orem, Ut. They had been to their daughters. It was good to talk of England once more. They couldn’t get over the vastness of farming here. Picked a few peas to eat. Only stayed a hour or so. I went to Jesse’s & took peas. To Jims. Jim wasn’t home. Had taken kids to circus in Pasco. Left peas anyway. Home alone. Crocheted & watched TV. Genevie called & told me Eddie Sharp[24] had passed away. I’m sure we will go down to Parma as he lived with us a year & worked another year, but Lee doesn’ know it yet.

Friday June 28, 1985

Audrey & Sister Meacham came about 3 to get some things out of their storage.Sister Mecham brought some beads & showed me how to work with them. It’s the Mecham runion starting tomorrow.

Saturday June 29, 1985

Walked, picked peas for supper. Lora Jo & Vanae came. Vanae brought us a sack of frozen hamburger they had an injured cow & had to kill her—hamburger which is good. Gave Jim & Lora Jo some also. they are so good to us. Heard on news the hijacked men were released in Syria. Then it fell thru. I feel sorry for innocent people—40 of them hijacked by the Shites.[25]

Lee home about 8:30. Think he enjoyed his trip.

Sunday June 30, 1985

Last day of June.Church. Left about4:30 to go to Venevie’s mothers in Nyssa to attend the funeral of Eddie Sharp. Got there about 11 p.m. Keith & Genvie went with us. Good trip, but enjoyed air conditioning in the car

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Monday July 1, 1985

Went to Parma to the funeral. He didn’t look like Eddie who lived with us for better than a year. Then worked for us after he married Delores[26] for almost 2 years. Many people there we hadn’t seen for years.Chapel & overflow full. Had to set up chairs. Delores very plucky. Guess Eddie suffered much. In fact bottom part of his heart was dead. Funeral at 10. Ate lunch with family. Went to Ballantynes for 2 hrs. Then home. Here by 9. Good.

Tuesday and Wednesday July 2 and 3, 1985

Hot. 95-100 [degrees]. Many fires. Around, especially in Calif.

Lee cutting hay for Keith. Booker road closed to Bruce so all traffice past home. Road had been graveled, but very dusty. I complained to road commission & now they are sprinkling the road past the houses & its much better.

Thursday July 4, 1985

Vanae called and asked us over for hamburgers for the 4th. Lee is thru cutting hay so I hurried and made a cake to take & away we went. The hamburgers were the best ever. Visited till 6 or so. Went to TV dish place. He wasn’t home. Home. TV & bed. Not quite so hot. Didn’t even go out & watch fire works. Getting old.

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Saturday July 6, 1985

Lee is working for Keith. Hay. Jeri Ann called & said she & Karl was coming over to wash windows. They need washed very badly, but they don’t look too much better after they are done. They wouldn’t stay for supper, but shortly after they left Skip & Julie & boys came. Fixed spaghetti & ice cream. Rook. Left about 10. I went to bed, but Lee studied priesthood lesson.

Sunday July 7, 1985

I stopped to nursing home & took Hazel McFadden to church. However after S[unday] S[chool] she said she ws tired so I took her back to the nursing home.

Shortly after dinner, Dennis & Bryce came. Left about 5:30. Then Jeri Ann & Karl. I had asked them over for B[arbe]q[ued] ham[burgers]. Earlier Dana called & said it was Keith’s birthday & wanted to borrow a cake mix. I had forgotten birthday so I asked he & Dana down. Genevie & Mike are in Oregon. I had made Jello salad. Jeri brought lettuce salad.. Hamb., p[otato] chips, pickles, drink, Dana’s cake & ice cr[eam]. Good. Rook. We got beat 2 games.

Monday July 8, 1985

My back went out last nite. Went to Dr. Dean. Course pelvis out. One leg shorter. Going to Jones’ etc but when it hurts to move something must be done.

Dave brought Alison & Ryan over to stay while Lora Jo is to girls camp.

Tuesday July 9, 1985

Got perm to Audrey Nelsons in Basin City. Jim watched the kids for me. Genevie got a perm also. We left at 12:30 &

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didn’t get home till 5:30. I brought Megan & Danny so Jim could go to Pasco Stake Girls Camp & cook one meal. I rushed & fixed peas & potatoes & left girls to clean up while I went to R[elief] S[ociety] workday. Mrs. Muscot showed us how to use microwave. It was at &:30. Didn’t get home till 10.

Wednesday July 10, 1985

Went & got cheese. Went to M[ose] Lake with Genevie to get dog food. Left kids home with Lee. Home by 5. Paul got cooler going.

Thursday July 11, 1985

Picked & canned dewberries. That is all I want. So someone else can pick them. Jim came for kids.

Friday July 12, 1985

Picked raspberries & canned 8 pints of pickle beets. Lora Jo today. Guess all went well.

Monday July 15, 1985

Picked our first red tomato. A small one, but oh, so good. Lee wouldn’t event ake a taste because he said he knew how well I liked them. I ‘ve had my back go out quite often. So I went to Dr Deane. Course to hear him tell it. It was far out. I was begtinning to walk crooked.

Been busy between bereies, & bad back.

Friday July 19, 1985

Picked rasp[berries] & straw[berries]. Felt fine until I sat down. Back went out when I got up. But it took pain pills & long hours to can 7 qts rasp. 4 in freezer. Make 3 batches cookies.

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Saturday July 20, 1985

Got up early & made 2 big bowls of Macroni salad for the reunion.[27] Jess is over it. It was held at the park in Moses Lake. Kids love the water slides. I didn’t go to it this year as my back still not good & all. Good, hot day—106 degrees but we had plenty to eat, swim & program. Home by 9. Good day.

Sunday July 21, 1985

Church as usual. Hot day again. Home teacher, Bro. Gilbert, came. Enjoy his visits.

Tuesday July 23, 1985

Awoke this a.m. to no hot water in the kitchen So we drained the tank & Lee took both elements out & went to Othello for more. Course none in stock so a 2-day wait with tools etc all over floor and a hose running outside from tank cause it still drips.

Thursday July 25, 1985

Finally got the parts & Lee put them in, but couldn’t keep them from leaking. The parts wasn’t the right ones. None to be had. So substitution.

Friday July 24, 1985

[Friday] I went to Othello & got a new gasket for the top element. Still leaks.

Friday … we watched church ball game.

[Saturday] Still leaking & floor rug all wet. Skip came & put some glue-like stuff around it. So now wait for it to dry.

… we watched church ball games. Othello finally won the 3 stake [tournament].

Sunday July 28, 1985

Went to church at the 3rd ward. Mike’s testimonial. Good. All the family that are around was there. Larry & Ruby stayed Sat. nite with us.

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After church we all went to Keith’s for lunch. Mikes girlfriend & mother & brother came. Had sloppy jos, baked beans, chips, fruit salad & cake & got a tossed sald, but didn’t make it up. Keith leaves tomorw to take Mike to MTC.

Monday July 29, 1985

Finally got the leak stopped in heater, but it wouldn’t heat up. So Skip came with his elec[tric] tester & found the reset units woldn’t work. So I went & got a new one. He put it on, but still no hot water.

Tuesday July 30, 1985

R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting. More there. We made invitations & made a bigger effort to et more out. 4 Mexicans were there. Lee finally got heat to water & it’s great. Inly while he was down checking for leaks it blew up. Steam & water everywhere. Fan has been going for days & nites to dry rug. Went to bed sick—such a mess. Lee turned thermostat down & turned off power.

Wednesday July 31, 1985

Just had to wash. Still no water. So I carried hot from the other bath. About the time I finished, we had hot water again. I washed one batch normally. About 7:30 we were getting supper & I heard a pop. Heater blew up again. Must have someone come & check. Something isn’t right.

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Cooler last 2 days. Last nite had a shower—the first for months.

Friday August 2, 1985

Called Jesse & he came about 7 p.m. It only took him a second to see the brackets holding the thermostats hadn’t been put on. So as a result the thermostats hung loose, not up against the heater to make them work. So it kept getting hotter & hotter.

Jesse only could use his right arm; however, as when he was to Daryls he was chasing a cow & fell against a post & knocked his arm out of the socket. He pushed it back in, but the muscles & ligaments I suppose are hurt.

Saturday August 3, 1985

Does it ever seem good to have water once again. Got floor dried & rug put back down about 7 p.m.

Sunday August 4, 1985

Awoke to rain. When we got to Basin City it had stopped. Went to BC church. Earl had their baby blessed—Steven Garth. He was born either July 22[28] or 23. I don’t know which. Enjoyed church. Jim, Earl & us had dinner with Audrey.

Tried to call Dennis on his birthday, but no one answered.

Stopped to Keiths & visited for a while. Home. Bread & milk. Bed.


Monday August 5, 1985

Water came back in ditches tonite after a break in main canal. Water hurt Keith. It ran down the draw. Lost about 3 acres of wheat plus gullys and broke lines to circles. Went

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to Connell for lawn mower. Finally got our forest cut. Makes one want to live here now. Cost $151.00, but Lee sasys it runs better than it ever has. So don’t mind the cost.

Tuesday August 6, 1985

Weather sunny. A breeze blowing. So do not have to have cooler going. Lee got hungry for peaches so we went to (Gores) Norbets now & got box [$]7.00 34 lbs. They are very good eating. Had barb[equed] steak & tomatoes. Lee een brought in 2 ears of corn. Took small bucket of tomatoes to Vanae Yesterday. Second crop of strawberrys on now. Doing pretty good. Few cukes, eggplant, squash & peppers.

Lee got 325 gal of diesel from Keith so it should run us awhile.

Sunday to Thursday August 11 to 15, 1985

Back bad again. It doesn’t hurt for a day or so. Then it hurts—especially when I walk. I can hardly make my legs go. Old age I guess. It really seems good to eat fresh vege[tables] out of the garden: cants & tomatoes, corn, berries. We are living on them.

Jeri & Karl, Genevie & Keith came Sunday. Nice visit plus Rook Keith’s Blue Lake beans are on. Ellen Jenks came & we went to the field &got some. Lee is cutting hay for Keith. I canned 10 pts of pickled beans. Took all afternoon on acc[oun]t of back.

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Friday and Saturday August 16 and 17, 1985

Friday & Sat[urday] didn’t do much. Didn’t even vacuum floors. Lee finished hay.

Monday August 19, 1985

Got a call about 6 a.m. from Eliza stating Margaret Hancock passed away Sunday. She has had cancer for years. Has had one breast removed. I guess she suffered terrible. She was a super woman. So death should be sweet. Would like to go, but Lee wasn’t too thrilled, but says whatever I want.

Called the family—and Oh, Joy when I called Jim, Ann answered the phone and told me she has a teaching position in Othello. She will take Jeri Ann’s place as Jeri is moving & teaching in Pasco. So today I had bad news also good news. Went to Othello for red peppers to make relish and chili sauce. Cost $1.99 lb so I came home with 2—1.65. So will be stingy with them.

Thursday August 22, 1985

Lora Jo & Dave came over for tomatoes & said Dave is out of a job. Spinners are moving to Quincy and will eliminate his job. The fieldman will spend ½ day in the shop. Close it & spend rest of day in field.

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Saturday August 24, 1985

Lee went hometeaching last nite and so the a.m. took potatoes, tomatoes, onions, corn & cantaloupe to Jensens. They do not have a garden & he is working 11 hrs a day—7 days a week & and not well, has had heart surgery.

Keith called & asked us to go to Kennewick to the fair, but Lees back is bothering him again so se said no.

Weather really seems like fall.

Sunday August 25, 1985

Took a bouquet of glad[iola]s to R[elief] S[ociety] today—bright orange, red ones. At noon Jess called & said Bruce was to receive his eagle award tonite so Lee & myself went. Both Bruce & Danny Monterith was honored.

Tuesday August 27, 1985

Board meeting this a.m. I took a fruit salad, melon, cantaloupe, bananas & grape.

Lee went to Jims to take him to the lawyer as they are seeing why Jim can’t get diablilty but when Lee got there the lawyer had called & postponed it till 4 so Lee came home. About 2 Sister Roylance who has had surgery & Carrie[29] came teaching. I then went w/Lee to take Jim. We sat in on the conference—just a review of his medical history. Bought 3 roasts @99cents lb. Home.

Thursday August 29, 1985

Took Jim & Ann. She had to get a sub. As lawyer thot she should be there also. Trial was at 11. Mr. Seeley & Englehardt from school came but was not invited in. We went in room with a main guy from S[ocial] S[ecurity as well as a doctor from there.

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The lawyer ask Jim questions from his school up to now. Jim was down & looked terrible. When lawyer got thru main guy asked Dr. if he had any questions. Dr. asked 3 or stating he thot Jim really was disabled. Course he used medical terms I couldn’t understand. Main guy quotes section etc then said, “We lose some & we win some—granted. Were we ever happy. Course he hasn’t got it yet; however, lawyer says it shouldn’t be too long.

Went to Sizzler to eat. Jim paid. Got few groceries & home.--Elated.

Friday August 30, 1985

My back acting up again. Lora Jo came & we drove to Vanaes then went w/her to Pasco. Went to Longfellow School & seen Jeri Ann. School won’t start till Tues. Went to Richland & seen where Jeri & Karl are going to move to—Green Tree Village. Went to Bananas & ate. Luray home & went right to Othello with Lora Jo as she has appointment with Dr. Deane. She is no better either. Home. At 6 picked up Genevie & went to Benevides Cafe & got 6 meals. Came home & ate. Dana came also. Meals so—so, Mexican, cost 18.50 tho. Watched ball game & bed.

Saturday August 31, 1985

Genevies birthday today. Dana borrowed eggs to bake her a cake. She is hauling beans. Lee is making me stay down to see if back will recouperate. He even barb[equed] steak for breakfast. Going

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to Jim’s for supper & Megan’s baptism. Lee is to talk.

Sunday September 1, 1985

Church. Renewed recommends. Bishop asked us about teaching a parenting class in the ward. So guess we we’ll be busy. Home & Keith asked us for dinner. He was getting some tomatoes. Course we went. Keith so sleepy we came home. Then went to Vanaes. All asleep there. So went to Jeri Anns. Played 1 hand of rook. Karl had to go to water. So we went to Vanaes. Lisa leaves tomorrow to go to Isreal. Visited then rode with them to check circle on spuds toward B[asin] City.

Monday September 2, 1985

Went to Iveanes Kents. She is home from hospital for ruptured disc in her neck.

Tuesday September 3, 1985

Took supper to [Iveline] Kent. [She is home from hospital with ruptured disc in her neck.] Meat balls & scalloped spuds, corn, tomatoes & fruit cake. Lee went with Jim to Moses Lake to look at cars & he brought one[30] home. Lee thinks he did O.K. Went to Booker rd & got [$]13.00 peaches to eat.

Wednesday September 4, 1985

Went to denist. Told him I wanted porciline cap on tooth—cost [$]300. So I went back & told him not to send for the porciline. Don’t think he liked [it].

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Thursday September 5, 1985

Finally talked Lee into going to Dr. Ang in Othello [Connell]. He hasn’t felt well all summer. Dr. Took B[lood] P[pressure], heart, lungs, etc, but inasmuch as Lee had eaten breakfast before we left, Dr. couldn’t finish. I also seen Dr. The first thing he asked me was if I was dizzy. I didn’t find out what caused it, etc. I also passed OK lungs, heart, etc. Dr. said both was in very good shape for our age but what he liked was our happy disposition. He knew were Vanae’s parents.

Friday September 6, 1985

Was to dr. at 8 a.m. no breakfast. Heard verdict. Lee is very diabetic. Urine brown & cloudy. He has to have insulin shots every day. Unlike Jesse diet won’t work. I also was finished—a pap smear—first since I went on the mission. All OK. He did give me a cortozone shot for my back as well as arthritis.

Came home. Canned 7 qts tomatoes, washed temple clothes & my bedroom sheers. Went to M[oses] Lake for dog food. Went to Dennis. No one home. Went for a sandwich. Came back & still no one home. We were supposed to bring Mindi home, but Lee wasn’t feeling too well so we came home & called. Dennis was to work. Myra to soccer practice with Bryce so Dennis & Myra brought them over about 8:30.


Saturday September 7, 1985

Picked berries, washed car, dinner, house work. 4 when I finished. Then BYU

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& UCLA was playing football. It just started & Danna & Genevie came. Then Jess called, & he and Audrey came at half time. Keith who had been to stake conference came & Paul came in from bean threshing.

Lee got up & popped corn & fixed drink. Course I had the clean up. Y got beat 26 to 29—Something like that.

Sunday September 8, 1985

Stake Conference. Took girls Mindi & Laurie Ann. Joey got his knee hurt in Football Sat. nite. Hope not serious.

3 shots of insulin has changed the color on the test tape, but Lee still down. I think the Dr. shouldn’t of told him how bad he is as he is worse now than before. Doesn’t do anything. Sleeps lots.

Monday September 9, 1985

Joey had to hae surgery on his knee. Dr. said it was the same operation as Kurt Warner had on his knee.

Tuesday September 10, 1985

Went with Lora Jo to Wenatche to see Joe. Spent abvout 5 hrs there. He was in pain. Shots put him out, but sat there anyway. But when we left about 4, he was looking better.

Also heard Jake Jensen had fallen from top of onion storage shed 14 to 20 ft. Shattered his right elbow & dislocated his shoulder.

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Thursday September 12, 1985

Went to Meachams on Booker road to get some peaches to eat, but he wouldn’t take anything for them as they are about gone but said if anyone wants any to go get them. Lee went to Dr. earlier. His gloucous in urine had gone down some. Dr. increased insulin up to 20 units. Lee now getting a head cold & sore throat.

Friday September 13, 1985

Genevie, Donna, & us went & cleaned up the peaches. I bottled 14 qts w/ hardly any sugar.

Saturday September 14, 1985

Went to R[elief] S[ociety] stake meeting. Good. Watched Y & Washington football. Y 28, Wash. 3. Took peach dessert to Ivene Kents. She looks better—is up & dressed. Went to M[oses] Lake to see Bro. Jensen. Elbow bad. Back black as coal. I imagine very stiff & sore. He is going to Boise. Said he wife is going to retire so she could take care of him. Went to Artic Circle & had hamb[urger] & sundae.

Sunday September 15, 1985

Church. Was told dividing the Royal ward today. Bro Robins the other bishop. Washburn is the one that will be held over.

Joey better.

Monday September 16, 1985

Picked strawberries. Should of picked sooner as som spoiled. Went to Genevies & Donna. Put up 200 pkg of corn for freezer. I cut most of it off & was I tired. My arms ached, but Donna & Denevie was worse. They were on their feet.

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We worked on the garage as wee got quite a rain. All of Sept. has been raining, cloudy & windy. Hope soon farmers can get on the fields to harvest. Soon berans & hay will be spoiled.

Joe went to football game tonite. Lee is some better from cold.

Wednesday September 18, 1985

I decided to enter some chroched things in the fair. I took 2 hankies, 1 pink baby dress, Tabasco bottle cover, owl & croched hat I made for Jeri Ann. Spent the day receiving items in the craft part w/ Genevie. More this year.

Thursday September 19, 1985

Lee went to Dr. Has made some headway but not enough . Is on .025 for 3 days then 30 insulin. Came back & went to fair. I stayed to help. Judges were there. So rushed. 5 were kept busy—Delores G[arner], Mrs. Smith, Genevie, Donna [Paul’s wife?], & myself. Dave was there w/ pigs Joe & Lees so he & Lee & Joe came home.

Friday and Saturday September 20-21, 1985

Washed & exec. Meeting. Alison [Phillips] & Maia [Stoker] came to spend the nite. Sat[urday] Took them to the parade. Lee is cutting hay for Keith. They are able to thresh beans in afternoon. Mindi, Laurie Ann & Bryce came about 2 so we went to the fair. I got blue ribbons on all my work. Stayed two hrs. Met Lora Jo. Alison went home with her.

[page 365]

Jim & family came for a bean supper. So Maia went home.

Sunday September 22, 1985

Church. Was reminded it was fall and I had on a summer dress. By one I know quite well. So that was on my mind. I was taking charge so my mind wasn’t working. I feel I made a flop. So blue. Then one thing & another in R[elief] S[ociety]. Didn’t set too well. So I’m on the peck. Picked up the articles from the fair. Then went to LaRee Kent who has a baby girl. Found out they need help. Went to Vanae’s where all the family gathers in honor of my 75th birthday. Most were there—a houseful for sure. And yes I could blow out the candles on a beautiful birthday cake. Vanae also gave me a beautiful September musical doll.

And a note which read. Dear Mom, What a special mile stone you have achieved. we are so proud of you and I’m so glad I have you as a mom, for the time you have helped me over all the rough spots and for the special example you’ve always been. I hope I grow old so gracefully and majestically as you have. Mom I love you so much. Thanks for all you do. Love, Vanae.

All brought eats—sand[wiches], salads, etc., ice cr[eam] & cake. Lee wanted to come home before I wanted to. So Lee unhappy. Did not talk all the way home, but home shortly after 9.

[page 366]

Monday September 23, 1985

I should have stayed in bed today. Still on the peck. Lee got up. All was civil, but left to cut hay for Keith without saying I’m on my way. Happy Birthday or a thing. So guess I’ll go back to bed. I might feel better.

A terrible earthquake in Mexico. News this a.m. said 3,100 dead. In fact, next day another one hit. Guess its terrible.

Tuesday September 24, 1985

Board mt. today. Good crowd, but more should have been there. Karen brought drink & cinnamon rolls. I ate one and did I ever have the heart burn. Ellen & I bought some powder, Huggies & oil & took to LuRue Kents new baby. Sent thru her house. It is nice but too many stairs.

Wednesday September 25, 1985

Read in paper where a young Allred[31] boy, 27, shot his mother & dad. Members of Royal [Ward]. Read in paper where 2 babys and a woman had been rescued in Mexico after a week being buried in rubble. Almost 5,000 have perished.

Thursday September 26, 1985

Went to Dr. today. Lees blood sugar still coming down, but to increase insulin to 35. I heard bad news tho thanks to Lee. But I guess its good he made a issue of it. I’ve been itching for past several days & heart burn—dizzy & headache & urine very

[page 367]

yellow. This a.m. my skin was yellow. Dr. said hepatitis. He gave Lee a gamma shot & anyone else I’ve kissed on the mouth. I am to take B complex. He said no known cure for hepatic. He sent a blood sample away to see which kind. I’m grounded. No one in & I can’t go out. I called Jim and asked him to go get a shot as I’m sure he kissed me on my mouth Saunday & I’d hate him to get it. I had a bite of an apple of Genevies at the fair. I’ll call her. I knew I wasn’t feeling up to par, but I thot I was lazy.


Saturday September 28, 1985

Women’s conference. We got it on TV. It was very good. Lee finished cutting Keiths hay.

Sunday September 29, 1985

Lee went to priesthood then came home. It was fast day. He said he didn’t want to leave me alon. So good of him. Genevie sent down our dinner—roast beef, spuds, gravey, corn & salad. Good. Still itch terrible.

Monday September 30, 1985

Lee called Dr. for some medicine for a shot & got prescription. He came back to Rexall to get it. I plus needles for Lee came to [$]41.00.

He then went to Pasco to get a elec[tric] deal to help him w/diabetes. It all cost [$]194.00. Hope we soon recover or we’ll go under.

Dr.called and said I had hepatitis. The results of samples came back. It’s A. That means from saliva, etc. B is from needles etc.Sure am glad to get itch medicine.

[page 368]

Tuesday October 1, 1985

Awoke to clouds this a.m. & a few drops of rain. At noon cleared & is nice now. Have had frost.

Today Ellen Jenks & Carol Moulton called yesterday. Ileen Perterson then brought us chicken noodles & Genevie brought some dried bean chili & Vanae apples & potatoes. All are so good.

Mike called Keith this a.m. He is on his way to Tokyo. Sure he’ll do great.

Wednesday October 2, 1985

Itch is about driving me batty. I have sores and bruises all over my body where I’ve scrathed. Not sick—just lazy & no good. I get the heartburn bad tho.

Saturday and Sunday October 5 and 6, 1985

Watched conference both Sat. & Sunday. Enjoyed it very much. Even got Sat. nite priest hood. Sunday after morning [session of] conference Keith came down & he & Lee gave me a blessing. Sure hope Keith doesn’t get it. Genevie sent dinner down again.

Monday October 7, 1985

Keith called Dr. Pershall & Dr. Said if I were younger he thot I would be OK but seeing I was 75 he would see a specialist. So Keith called Spokane & made a appointement with a Dr. Gowere at 3:15, but he didn’t do any different than Aug., except took EX-ray of chest to see if I had a hital hernia because of my heartburn. Have to go back next Monday.

Bp. Jones called as well as Helen Peterson. Spent another miserable week all yellow and itching terrible. I was beginning to feel very low.

[page 369]

Monday October 14, 1985

Much later—I’m still very shaky. So don’t know whether this can be read or not. Went back to Gower the next Monday. Keith & Genevie went with us. Dr. still thot it was hepatitis, but before he could do much Lee told him I needed to be in the hospital. Dr. argued that I would do as well at home. Anyway Medicare may not pay their share etc, but Lee insisted & finally we had to sign a paper clearing the Dr. So to the hospital I went on the 14 of Oct[ober].

Was of course put in isolation. Yet I mingled with other people checking in etc. My blood was checked f& it was bad so I had 4 pints plus IVs.

Tuesday October 15, 1985

Next morning before Breakfast I was taken to the basement where a …was put on my stomach. I watched it on TV. Course couldn’t make heads or tails out of it. But I was there for a long time. Finally taken to my room & another doctor came in with Gower and he was a surgeon. The test showed I had g all stones and the duct was shut off entirely so all the poison was going thru my body.

Wednesday October 16, 1985

So on Oct 16th at 8 a.m. I was wheeled out of my room to a large room. I imagine 10 or 12 patients were waiting for surgery. It wasn’t long & Dr. Commack came. I was wheeled into a smaller room & that’s about the last I remember until I was back in my room where almost the whole family was waitingt. Was I ever sick.

[page 370]

To my stomach for a half hour. Then I wanted to sleep. I didn’t hurt much. Dr. came in & said they took gall bladder out & made a new duct out a piece of my intestine. Said he was worried about the pancereas as it looked like a tumor or cancer could be on it. I had tube down my throat & nose + 5 in my stomach. The folks were really swell. Someone came most every day. Nurses were all great also. Received may get well cards.

Thursday October 24, 1985

I got along great until the Dr. came in on Thursday [October] 24th & said I could go home Sat. I said why not today as I knew Lee & Jim were coming up. He checked & took out 2 tubes. Those nose & mouth had gone earlier & said “Why not.”

Vanae called shortly after & I told here I could come home. So Dad came all prepared with quilts, pillows etc. Earlier Vanae had brought up a gown & heavy blue robe. So I was all set for home. Tired tho. But had the girls been busy they had come & washed & gone all thru my house—even cleaned out fridg. Put supper on to cook & both had to leave for church affairs. It was so good. I was weak & faint for sometime & no appetite. Lee was called to jury duty, but Genevie brought my

[page 371]

dinner ever day—even on Sundays. She went the 2nd mile. Everyone has been so kind. Visits, food & cards. We are so lucky to live here, especially around our family.

Tuesday November 5, 1985

Went back to Doc Nov. 5. Vanae & Lora Jo took me as Lee still on jury. Everything fine. Dr. took out the big bothersome tube but still have 1 left. Had blood tests, exrays. Guess everything OK except must drink 6 glasses liquid a day—ugh.

Wednesday November 20, 1985

Getting stronger. Have helped some asround the house. Washed etc. so much better. Haven’t been out yet tho.

Ray came this a.m. & brought a man with him & said it was a early Christmas gift to take our row of trees out. I could of cried & think Lee almost did too. Anyway is cold & snowy. As it is the guy came about 2 & worked ½ to ¾ hrs & has 7 cut down. Then left. Looks so different.

Called to cancel my appointment for tomorrow as roads are bad. Dr. in surgery & he hasn’t called back.

Thursday November 21, 1985

Asked Keith to drive us to Spokane to dr. They just got home from Utah last nite & said the roads were terrible, but we could of went alone as roads to Spokane good. Dr. took the bile tube out. So that is the last one. After many exrays still no news. I’m to not worry but one does anyway. Go back in Jan[uary]. Went to

[page 372]

Cos[t]cos and got Christmas napkins for R[elief] S[ociety] party plus cereal & Christmast nujts, canes & paper. Stopped to Ritzville truck stop & ate. Had hot pork sand[wich]. Was good. Light snow all the way home. Home by 5 p.m. Soon snowing harder & a strong wind came up. Cold. Wind has died down, but snow drifts everywhere. We can’t get out until Keith comes with tractor & blade. All schools around are closed.


Saturday November 23, 1985

Awoke Sat. to 18 elow zero on our therm[ometer]. Boy is it cold. Paper says coldest Nov. and more snow. Now snow is 13.7 inc where the winter average is 13.7 so some winter so far. More snow predicted.

Thursday November 28, 1985

Went to Keiths for dinner. Luray, Jim & kids there. Dinner great as usual. I got shaky & didn’t feel too good. Played a few card games. Time to come home, car wouldn’t start. It stopped on Lee to Othello yesterday & Keith helped him get it started. So guess more problems. Car is still in front of Keiths. Keith brought us home. A north wind blew all day & it is freezing. Dennis , Lora Jo & Vanae all called.

Sunday December 1, 1985

Well I made it to church today. Everyone said how good I looked which I do. Got shaky but put on my coat & when I got warm, OK. I bore my testimony also. I couldn’t leave with out thanking

[page 373]

Him for all my blessings plus the members of the ward & my husband. He has been so good & thoughtful. Afternoon Dennis & family came & Vanae & girls. Dennis stayed for supper. Had chili.

Tuesday December 3, 1985

Lora Jo came & we went to Connell & got Vanae & took her to dinner for her birthday. Got pants & socks for younger kids. Had a blizzard at Dairy Queen & home after dark. Had a good day.

Saturday December 7, 1985

Yesterday & today the temp[erature] is above freezing. Snow is melting; however, black ice. No school yesterday, Monday or Tuesday. School will be going till July.

Friday December 13, 1985

Tonight was the R[elief] S[ociety] work meeting ( party). Mothers & daughters. Connie Jensen furnished clothing for a style show. Using R[elief] S[ociety] women & children. It was good. Musical no. & reading. It was served buffet style. Finger foods, but some such as beef kabobs—Quish & many more. The women put lots of work in decorations. Also while all I did was put some food on tables & I was done for. Lois Sharp offered to bring me home so as soon as I ate, I came home. Shaky & sist ers said I had over done it. Oh, well. I still hope. Did our teaching yesterday. Gave each 3 we teach a [$]3.00 hanie.

Sunday December 15, 1985

Went to church. Got along OK.

[page 374]

Tuesday December 17, 1985

Was our ward R[elief] S[ociety] board party to Karens. Served 2 kinds of sosup & relishes& cream puffs with ice cream covered with choc[olate] topping & apple juice. It was good. Took table cloths, Christmas silverwear, glasses, & plates to good set. Exhanged gifts. I got candy & nuts. Gave each one a small cake. Dana made mine.

Wednesday December 18, 1985

Christmas party. We didn’t go.

Friday December 20, 1985

Family Christmas. I cooked turkey, potatoes & gravey. Kids brought rest. Keith & Dennis furnished the games. Lora Jo took over white elephant. A very good meal & lots of laughter; however, again I was not allowed in kichen. Too old.

Sunday December 22, 1985

Church. Went w/ Fieldings. Lee sore throat. Keith & Genevie came at nite.

Monday December 23, 1985

Went to Connell to witness Nicholes’ baptism. Good. It was at 4 so went to wish Dr. Ang Christmas greetings. Think he enjoyed us being there. He told Lee ma[y]be diabetes has gone. Sure hope so.

Tuesday December 24, 1985

Went to Vanaes for Christmas eve. They, Ray & Vanae, wasn’t home. Went to meet Lisa who was supposed to fly in from Isreal, but left at 7 a.m. because of fog in Seattle. Lisa didn’t get in until 4 p.m. She really looked good, but tired—4 days without sleep.

[page 375]

Had pizza for supper. Program & opened gifts. Had a good nights rest. Everyone seemed to be happy to be back in their own home.

Wednesday December 25, 1985

Awoke about 7, only to find Santa had emptied his pack for us again: stadium blanket, towel set, earrings, automatic lite switch, S[unday] S[chool] book, plus trees cut, shirt & blouse and to think we can only give so much.

Had a breakfast of pancakes, eggs & bacon. Left about 10:30 & went to Jim’s. All well there. Got a shirt & lovely blouse there. Then to Jesse’s. Daryl & Earl there. All well there also. Stayed till about 3. Came home. Changed clothes & went to Dennis. Played rook. Good supper: roast etc, & warm cake. Santa brought them a video as well as Ray. Bed seemed good.

Thursday December 26, 1985

Left Dennis about 10 a.m. Stopped to Metro. Made a deal to exhange TV as well as dish washer for [$] 844.40. On to Lora Jos. There older kids all goen. Lora Jo washing, cleaning, stove etc. Then while showing what Santa brought her tree tipped over. Broke several ornaments. So had to take time to cacuum etc. about 3 Dave came from work sick. Stomach flue plus chilling etc. We were going to stay the nite, but decided to come home so as not to catchg his flu. Took me a long time to get warm, but slept till almost 8. Good old bed.
[1] A parlor gag where a great deal of talk is about this wild mongoose and how ferocious it is, then the intended victim is coaxed to look at it by touching the release of a spring loaded sock. All at once it jumps out in a surprising move.
[2] Movie based on a Bernard Malamud novel of the same name. Malamud was an author Jim Stoker had wrestled with trying to analyze the dynamics between the roles of the creator, the created, and the critic in Malamud’s novels and short stories. The attempt was so slippery and unmangeable that it was beyond the scope of Jim’s masters thesis. Although Jim had completed his masters requirements—the required classes, the orals, the German language proficiency tests, he never finished this writing requirement for a M.A. in American Studies at the University of Utah. Bernard Malamud was a Jewish author and had taught at Oregon State University from 1949 to 1961 where Grant Blanch, who also taught there during those years, did not care for the man’s moral stance. Yet it was a the insight this man gave of the Yiddish experience that many readers hailed him as a great American writer. He was a writer of the fantastic. Jim once asked the former farm economics professor, his mother’s brother, about this man. By his uncle’s very tone Jim knew that an intellectual Jewish writer, whose novel, A New Life, made a mockery of the cow-college atmosphere at the Corvallis, Oregon school, would not measure up to his uncle’s idea of what is solid Mormon-based truth. Malamud, born in Brooklyn, was an outsider or a critic and with that point of view was encountering A New Life, in which he targeted many of the parochial values that sustained the American Northwest.
[3] Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
[4] Keith’s son, Craig, was wrestling in one ot the heavy weight classes for the Ricks College.
[5] Costco is a membership warehouse club chain of stores. It was the Spokane Costco that Ethel tells about.
[6] Ellen Jenks, Philippine-American wife of Duane Jenks who came from Basin City.
[7] The Charles Woods house was located at 31 Buehler Lane, the corner of Beuhler Rd and Highway 240. A former Connell bishop, Charles, had some reverses in his life and lost the land he was farming. His house was highly decorated and was not necessarily decorated in the simple tastes of the Knight and Stoker families.
[8] Melissa Fay Koyle.
[9] 951 Buehler Road, Connell, WA.
[10] Paul Hatch, president of the Pasco Stake, set Jana apart for the California Sacramento Mission.
[11] To Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.
[12] Bill Odermott.
[13] Ellen Jenks.
[14] A former husband of Marilyn Munn, and a member of the Owyhee ward when Lee was bishop there. See
[15] Melissa Fay Koyle, Craig Stoker’s fiancée.
[16] Norman Garner was one of Keith’s boyhood friends as well as a former partner in Bruce Farms. In the aftermath of the 1983 litigation against Union Carbide which put Keith and his Bruce Farms partners in financial difficulty. Keith had already sold his Priest Lake cabin. Norman had become bankrupt, but although in the process of selling his cabin hadn’t sold it yet. So it was available for Craig’s use.
[17] These visitors included Monty Haugen & Bill Williams, who, having some legal training, were giving farmers advice and strategies in handling bankruptcies and foreclosures.
[18] The legal advisors, Dave & Lora Jo Phillips, and other farmers from the irrigated land, hoping to meet with others, including dryland farmers, in Spokane.
[19] Amy Kent—Lee Stoker’s future wife.
[20] Matt, as a minor, had some problems with the law and was incarcerated in a juvenile facility for three weeks. He was able to repent and change his ways to the extent that when he turned 18 all the charges were expunged from his records.
[21] Lee Stoker’s nephew, Leslie Arthur Stoker, the son of Leslie Willis Stoker and Annie Weston.
[22] Orval Knight, Jeri Ann’s paternal grandfather.
[23] One of the missionary couples that had served with the Stokers on their mission to England , 1979-1981
[24] A high school friend of Keith’s at Adrian Union High, Eddie, dissatisfied with living in his sisters home, came to live, go to school, and work with the Stokers for several months in 1947-1949.
[25] TWA Flight 847 was an international flight which was seized by Lebanese Shite Islamists on Friday morning, June 14, 1985.The aircraft with its passengers and crew endured a three-day intercontinental ordeal during which one passenger, a U.S. Navy diver, was murdered. Dozens of passengers were then held hostage over the next two weeks, until released by their captors.
[26] Delores Salter.
[27] Lora Jo Stoker Phillips in bound Journal of Lee Hammon Stoker Family Organization, wrote: …Highlight for the young and young at-heart was the water slides. Jesse and Audrey’s family was in charge this year. …It was decided that we need a permanent date for the reunion—the Saturday before the 4th of July weekend was agreed upon.
[28] July 22, 1985 was the proper birthdate.
[29] Carrie, the widow of Vern Garner, who was married to Charlie Billman.
[30] 1976 Dodge Dart with a slant 6 engine.
[31] Jeff Allred was LDS young man who had gotten hooked on drugs. His parents, Wells and Loriol, on his request for more money, realizing that his money would go to buy more drugs, refused. They went to bed ignoring their disturbed son’s request. Going into their room with a gun, he shot them, killing both.

Ethel Blanch Stoker Journal



1984

Sunday January 1, 1984

Church. The roads were rather slick, but no problem. Another negro lady came to church. She seemed quite nice. The mother & daughter that came in the summer hasn’t been there all winter. Hope this one will come. She lives alone & works at potato plant swing [shift]. Don’t know about husband—dead or divorced—no children.

Monday January 2, 1984

Fixed chili. Dave & Lora Jo came. Had just chili & carrot pudding. They left early as roads were slick. Had a little freezing rain.

Tuesday January 3, 1984

Got up & left to go to Pasco to pay corn bins. Just one more payment. Thank goodness. Roads were a sheet of ice until about Eltopia then they were good on in. On coming home the roads were bare. Went to Moses Lake & paid Federal Land Bank payment. It is no where paid off tho as is C[orn] bins. Went to Dennis.’ Myra on [news] paper route. Dennis was home. All the school was closed on account of slick roads.

Vanae’s kids left for Ricks, but not till roads were good. Had snow tires all around. Called & said roads good except Ladd Canyon—only 20 miles speed there. Snow is starting to melt.

Thursday January 5, 1984

Snow now about all gone, but it is foggy. The fog stays on all day which I don’t like—however, not terribly dense.

Lee got the idea he should now get the exact boundary fixed up on our 2 acres as well as Jesse’s so we went to Millers office only to find the bank had sold Jesse’s house. We did not know a thing about it & I’m sorry. It was by sealed bid—Ochoa bought it for [$] 28,000. We had been to the bank & offered [$] 10,000 cash but it was turned down. All we could come up with.

Too foggy to do much running around & mud.

Sunday January 8, 1984

Still fog, but church as usual. Fast day . Seeing new years fall on 1st Sunday, I started it out right by bearing my testimony. Lee did also.

Listened to Seahawks get beat in football. Rita Garner called & I’ve to take crackers & apples to R[elief] S[ociety] Wed. Also have missionaries coming for supper at 5. So will have to get on the ball. I’m released as luncheon chairman. Will take my papers to next meeting which is Wed[nesday].

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Tuesday January 10, 1984

It has turned colder. In fact is snowing out now just when the yard was almost bare. I’m starting again on my Life history, but it’s been almost a year & I don’t now know where to start, but I must.

Wednesday January 11, 1984

Had to furnish soda cra[ckers] & 10 apples for luncheon to R[elief] S[ociety]. They had clam chowder & oatmeal cake. Good. Came home & fixed easy meat ball, Jello salad, corn, beans & rolls, plus cake & fruit for Elders at 5 p.m. It turned out good. Also in fact I think the rolls was the best I’ve made. One Elder said I cooked like his grandma—that his mother was no cook.

Thursday January 12, 1984

Worked on history all day.

Friday January 13, 1984

Worked on history. Early Vanae called & said Kyle had called & said he was getting married—the girl[1] from Alaska that was here at Thanksgiving with Jana? or Kyle? Glad for them. She seemed like a very nice girl. Only seen her for such a short time tho. About 7 Keith called & asked if we’d like a game of Rook. Came & stayed till almost 11. Good to have them come. It has turned colder & a east wind blowing. Not much more snow tho. At least the fog is gone.

Saturday January 14, 1984

Sun is shining as much as it can on account of dirty windows this a.m. However, the temp is 8 [degrees]. Wind has died down some, but must keep 2 heat lamps in fruit room.

Thursday January 19, 1984

Yesterday finished my visiting teaching. Nancy Stetler wasn’t home the day before.

About 6:45 this A.M. Jim called & said he had been to Dr. Yesterday for heart.

[page 218]

Dr. Kerr gave him some nitro & he is going back today for tests for Cholesterol & trygliserides—both he & Ann will take this test.

Vanae came over and said Kyle is getting married 16 Feb. in Cardston. It will be a double wedding. Her sister is getting married also. Kyle’s intended’s name is Kelly Jensen. I went with Vanae & we got some tricot for a quilt for them. Then at 1 I went to school—Hiawatha--& helped Jeri Ann & the other 3rd grade slow students. Will go back ne
xt Thurs. I enjoyed it.

While I was gone, Jesse came & told Dad the bank had sold his home. Frank Ochoa had bought it for [$] 28,000, I think it was. I really feel bad. Don’t know when they will have to move.

I have spent all my spare time in preparing a S[unday] S[chool] lesson. Sister Peterson entering hospital today.

Friday January 20, 1984

Spent all day studying. Jeri Ann came & did some printing for me. Mine is terrible Attended a wedding reception for Cliff Jones’ daughter, Kathy. Not quite so cold.

Saturday January 21, 1984

Awoke to almost 20 degrees and snowing lightly. Quit before noon. I went with Genevie to R[elief] S[ociety] stake meeting the first. I have attended in Othello stake. Came home and studied for S[unday] School lesson tomorrow.

[page 219]

Sunday January 22, 1984

Got thru my S[unday] School lesson OK, I guess.Bro Davidson told Lee I had it over him as a teacher—Ha. Dad gives the H[igh] P[riests] lesson. Came home and got makings for banana splits & went to Jesse’s, his birthday, for dinner. She had a baked potato with hamburger browned & flavored with taco seasonings over top then butter, sour cream & grated cheese. It was good, salad & beans. Had banana spilt later. Then Cheri & Earl came. Had ice cream & cake. I was stuffed. Played Hearts.

Then about 6 [p.m.] went to Jim’s. He wasn’t as hyper as I’ve seen him but plenty. We read his papers he is getting ready for family. He said Dr. Kerr told him he didn’t think he would ever teach school again. Hope he is wrong. Got home about 10.

Monday January 23, 1984

Phone rang about 6:30—a collect call from Ann. I thot she had run off the road on Radar [Hill]. Never thot she wouldn’t be there that early to teach school at Othello. Instead called to tell me Jim was in the hospital. Had took him & Ann in ambulance about midnite. We went about 11:30 [A.M.]. Jim looked rather tough—tube in nose, needle in arm, wires all over his chest. He is in intensive care & no one except family allowed. Took Ann to get Jim some reading material from the library. She also got him paper & pen for calligraphy. Then all went to Skippers to eat, then to Luray’s for Ann a bed. She hadn’t had any sleep for 24 –28 hrs except sitting up. While she slept we did a little shopping.

[page 220]

Went back to Lurays for some soup then back to hospital. Found Jim looking some better. Came home about 8:30 [P.M.] to find Rhoda Lee & Sister Melba Taylor[, the Basin City Ward Relief Society President] there. Matt had stayed out of school to tend Danny. Surely hope all goes OK. The Dr is still talking of sending Jim to Spokane.

Warm wind blew all day & snow is all gone in Pasco, a little home, but our yard is a lake.

Thursday January 26, 1984

Believe it or not, the weather went from 8 above to 47. However a wind is blowing and it seems colder.
Called Ann last nite and she didn’t see the doctor yesterday but nurse said Jim had had a heart attact. So was going to keep him a few more days. Surely hope they can get to the bottom of his problems. Its been too long now.

I went to Othello and got the pattern of the Cardston Temple for Vanae. Took it over & we marked the quilt for Kyle & about dark—we were just getting it on the frames. Lee called & suggested I stay the nite, rather than come home& leave early the next day. We quilted till 11.


Friday January 27, 1984

Got up & by 7:15 was quilting again. Jesse came in & said Jims rabbit hutch—that he had the Laotians chicken in—had caught

[page 221]

on fire from a heat lamp. Course killed the 6 chickens & burned some of the shed also some Bee supers inside. It never rains but what it pours.

Came home Friday nite.

Saturday January 28, 1984

Went to hospital.[2] Jim was out of intensive care. His doctor[3] is sick but he figured Monday he would know more.

Came to Vanae’s & quilted for awhile.

Jesse came and said he had gotten job running Glen Warr’s place for a dairyman. So will not be working for Ray this yr. Jeri Ann came & asked us for supper. Had chicken etc., even a Oreo milkshake. Played rook & Jeri Ann & myself got beat. Home by 10:30.

Sunday January 29, 1984

In church in place of my lesson the Elders showed a film. I had about 10 min., but did finish last week’s lesson. It was stake general fireside from S[alt] L[ake]. I really wanted to go. Dad didn’t, but the home teachers were to come. So another excuse. They never did come, but we didn’t go either.

Monday January 30, 1984

Went to Vanae’s & quilted—almost finished.

Ann called & said, they flew Jim & another guy to Spokane to Deaconess hospital & they were doing a heart catherization at 7:30 Tues. morning. We decided to leave about 5.

Vanae insisted Jeri Ann come over for Lee & we go to their ward family home evening—which she did. We were

[page 222]

Served a hamburger & root beer drink. Then a film was shown & girls passed ut bags of popcorn. Then when reels was changed, we were given a ice cream cone. Film a comedy—Conderman. We left early so we could cash a check to Akins there. It was surely foggy until we got almost home.

Tuesday January 31, 1984

Ann came about 5:00. Said she left home 4:30 but still foggy. Made our way slowly to Vanae’s. She was going to keep Danny. He was asleep so I proceeded to carry him in the house. I no more stepped on the cement sidewalk when I really fell. Arm was under Danny’s head so he didn’t get hurt but my chin hit his head. It really gave me a jolt—jaw hurt for all day. Then I realized how slick the roads were. We traveled not much more than 30 [mph]. You could feel the car slide so between dense fog & roads we didn’t get to Spokane till almost 10 only to find the doctor wanted Jim off his medicine for a week. Found out there my chin & jaw hurt even when I talked was turning black & blue. Visited till Jim was getting sleepy. Went downtown had Taco salad then across place to a pie

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place Got Jim more pens & paper. Went to Sampson Ayer & got music, “Could I Have This Dance for the Rest of My Life.” Went back to hospital. Fog had lifted & I was anxious to start for home so was hoping Ann would hurry. We left about 4:20, roads good & no fog, but hadn’t gone too far till we ran into fog. It wouldn’t of bad if it was daylight, but it got dark & fog most of the way till we turned off for Connell. Clear then all the way home [at Othello] Tried to get Ann to stay but she figured probably fog tomorrow.

Wednesday February 1, 1984

She was right; awoke to fog. Went with Larry & Ruby to see Craig come in from his mission. He arrived on schedule at 5 p.m. Looks great. The whole Keith family was there—quite a group. All them went to the church house where Keith took pictures. We all wore dresses & suits. Only I didn’t know they were taking pictures so didn’t have my hair done. As usual I looked like a witch. Genevie had told Lee, but I didn’t know. Then all went to Luray’s & ate—casseroles, cold cuts, cheese, spud chips & brownies. Home by 10. A good day. Only coming home Genevie (we rode home with them as Mike took pickup in after practice wrestling) was driving & ran into a skunk. Pickup right behind us

[page 224]

& I imagine they got it too. When we got out of the car the smell was bad, bad, bad.

Thursday February 2, 1984

Couldn’t sleep. Don’t know why. So was up at 6 to start binding the quilt Vanae finished and brought over yesterday to finish for Kyle. Went to Hiawatha School at 1 to help with slower kids. Came home & worked on quilt.

Friday February 3, 1984

Left home about 5:30 to go to Kathy Bullen’s[4] wedding in Moses Lake. Stopped to Dennis’ for a few minutes. Kathy’s wedding was held in the Rose Hill chapel. Her husband is a convert to the church and an only child, but he is getting a wife plus 5 kids. Surely hopes all works out.

Saturday February 4, 1984

Went to Othello’s basketball game. Both Jr & varsity won over Sunnyside.

Sunday February 5, 1984

Didn’t go to Church as my face is still showing signs of my fall. Had dinner ready when Lee got home [from Church]. About 3 Ann came & we went to Spokane to be with Jim. Got lucky & obtained a room that nite at Clinic motel.

Monday February 6, 1984[5]

Went to Deaconess after checking out [of the motel]. Jim still about the same; however, without his medicine for a week he is more quiet & I hope relaxed. [Jim’s] …heart catherization[6] which is scheduled for 7 a.m. When Jim came back to the room. They did not have to put him to sleep. He watched the viewing on TV more or less. He said the main artery was almost closed off.

Soon Dr. Golden[7] came & talked to us, said it[, the angiogram] went well. Said he would perform an angioplasty which is a ballooning---same procedure as before except when he got to the blockage [this time he would] expand [the balloon] and break up the slug. Said he couldn’t be prepared [to perform the angioplasty—the ballooning procedure] till Fri. but time was essential as he could have a massive attack any time.

Now Jim hooked up again to tubes plus nitro patch on his chest. All in all it gave him a headache. Ann & I went to cafeteria for a sandwich. While we were gone Dr. came in again & said he was doing the ballooning Tues. So now I called Lee to come up. [Jim had] asked for Dad to come and administer to him.

Monday Ann & I went shopping. Got Kyle a 50 p[iece] everyday silverware. Had to get a motel, the Kingsport. Cost us [$]30.00. Rather be to the clinic.

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Tuesday February 7, 1984

About 11:30 [Lee], Keith, Vanae & Lora Jo came up. Had a blast in his room. The Dr. talked to us and said it went well. All he was concerned about was too easy. Said it was liked clay. A chance it could fall back [page226] into the opening.

[page 225] We all went to The Mill for dinner. Ann & myself went back to stay while rest did some shopping and did they shop. Lee got a used guitar[8] & amplifier--$100.00. Thot he got a bargain. Ma[y]be he did. I don’t know—if that is what he wants, OK.

All came in & said goodby. Ann & I stayed but he [Jim] really had another headache.

Wednesday February 8, 1984

Jim spent a good nite. The nurse now took all tubes etc away even the nitro from his chest. Jim seemed tired so we left to let him rest. I got a purse from Penneys, Ann’s Christmas. Ate to Denneys. Went back & Dr. said Jim maybe could go home Sat. if all went well. So Ann decided to come home. Trip home great.

Thursday February 9, 1984

Awoke to cloudy & rain. Not much doing. At nite Jim called and said the Dr. said he could come home tomorrow. Great, I told him we would be there with bells on.

Friday February 10, 1984

Ann came down about 7:30 said roads were very slick. We took our car hit a few slick places but later on the roads were great. Jim looks good, even got out of the car and went to music store, think he was tired when we got home, had lunch then they went on home.

Saturday February 11. 1984

Went to Moses Lake, seen a house something like Dennis wants to build. Also the lot. If all goes well they can be in by May. Jesse & Earl are both thinking of building. Sure hope all goes well. Went to Jim’s. He & Ann went to Lance Empys wedding reception. All were surprised to see Jim there. Scott[9] was best man. A good crowd there.

[page 227]

Sunday February 12, 1984

Went to church. In Sacrament meeting all the stake presidency was there. Lee leaned over & said ma[y]be a new bishopric. He was right. These have been in [for] 6 years— Garner, [Tom] Rogers & L[aury] Kent. Our new bishopric is Cliff Jones, Bp., 1st [counselor] Jay Roylance & 2nd [counselor] Cleon Jensen with Ted Giles as ex[ecutive] secretary. Each talked a minute. Good.

Home & lunch. Then went to 3rd Ward for Craig’s mission report. All the family came—even Jim. Craig gave a good religious talk, not even one experience tho which I like to hear, but we really need to know Jesus Christ and learn to love him much, much more. All went to Keiths later & had cookies & sherbert & 7-UP drink. Good. Watched skating olympics. U.S. won a silver trophy in couple dancing. Bed 11:30.

Monday February 13, 1984

Rain, rain this a.m.

Left for Cardston, Canada about 3:30 a.m. to go with Ray. Us, him, Vanae, Jeri Ann, & Karl left Connell about 4:20 in a rain storm. Before we got to Ritzville, it was snow & roads wee slick. Drove that way almost to the Canadian border. Then roads were dry. Only stopped for gas and hamburger. Arrived in Cardston about 4—to find rooms reserved. After deciding who went where, we hurried & got ready to go to the temple. Kelly got her endowments. Small temple, but a nice crowd went thru. Met Kelly’s parents—Jensens from Alaska—as grandmother, aunts, uncles, etc. After temple went

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to Mrs. Jensens mothers place and had turkey etc—apple pie & ice cream. Had small house & many there. So had to balance plate on lap. It was good after only junk.

Thursday February 16, 1983

All slept well till about 4:30 & I think everyone came up straight. Scott, Jana, Lisa plus 3 boys came from Ricks. Didn’t leave there till 8. In order to bed all down, Ray finished night on floor. Vanae in a bed chair. Was extra beds in the other room so all conked out for 2 or 3 hrs.

All except Jana & Lisa went to temple to see Kyle married. Didn’t take a session. Kelly’s sister, Linday, was married also. The first double wedding I’ve seen. Mr. Tanner married both couples. All met in one room. The men had to stand behind their wives chairs. The 3 fathers of the couples was asked to bear their testimonies. As was also the 2 grooms, both returned missionaries. Enjoyed them all. Ray paid us a compliment. He is a very good guy—pre-occupied & mood ma[y]be at times, but a great guy. After picture taking etc. went to the church house where we were fed again. Imagine 100 or more family & friends—roast beef, spuds, salmon--Mr. Jensen had brought from Alaska. Salad, & strawberry short cake, a

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program was also given during eating, a custom in Canada. Whenever anyone taps on their glass the groom has to stand up & kiss the bride—only about 3 or 4 times during meal. Jana played piano. Lisa sang. A sister of the brides gave 2 songs. All good. Then at nite at 6 a open house to a Drs. place, a uncle of the brides was given—a huge place beautifully furnished. At steady stream came. These small sandwiches was served. 3 small pieces of cake, drink, nuts & candy. Back to our rooms shortly after 8. Played rook & bed. Good day. Good company.

Friday February 17, 1984

Left for home—roads bare & dry—a beautiful day. Ate breakfast in Canada. Canada more expensive than the States. Crossed customs. We brought all the gifts home. In fact they were taken upstairs & I didn’t see any. No problem. Home by 5. A good trip.

Saturday February 18, 1984

Stake conference. Good.

Sunday February 19, 1984

Sunday stake conference. Good. Lee down with a bad back so didn’t go. I did.

Monday February 20, 1984

Went to Lora Jo’s. Home then. I went to Roylances—quilted. Rain.

Tuesday February 21, 1984

Rain again this a.m. I’ve Kelly & Makaela while Ray & Vanae to Glens Ferry to a reception.

Thursday February 23, 1984

Took income tax to Rogers. Complained about his charge so we will see this time.

Went to school in afternoon.

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Friday February 24, 1984

Cleaned house & made clam chowder & a dessert to be ready if company came, but no one did. Went to Keiths at 8 & played hearts. Listened to 11 p.m. news. Othello basketball team won their game.

Saturday February 25, 1984

This is the day—Kyles reception. I have gone all thru my house (need to house clean tho) ready for company . So today I didn’t do much. Vanae called & we went at to [Michael Jay’s] J’s in Connell for dinner. Very Good. Jim & Keith came & amist confusion all went to Church where everything was in readiness so picture taking resumed. Going when first guests arrived. Soon a large crowd there. The cake was beautiful. Had slush. Candy 2 kinds & nuts. Cake was 3 tiered with a waterfall. Program at 8:30. Lisa solo, Jana piano. 3 little ones sang (cute). Lora Jo reading & Kelly’s sister a solo. Dennis M.C. We didn’t stay as Kelly’s sister & new husband, Linday & Dan, came. They were tired so left all the cleaning up to others. No presents opened, but lots there.

Sunday February 26, 1984

Fixed bacon, eggs, hash browns, fruit, jam & toast. Got company away by 8., but had to call them. Church etc. Finally had tome teachers. Got vexed at

[231]

Lee about bed time. In fooling—but I got mad. Oh, no. Now I feel awful even tho he told me he was sorry. I wouldn’t smile. So as a result, he went to bed mad. I sat watching TV.
Earlier I called Ann about Jim going to hospital on 29. She said she had 3 days of teaching & could Dad & myself take Jim up. We called Keith & he said to forget our Wed. lesson & could go. So we called Herrud & he said the same.

Monday February 27, 1984

Got a call this A.M. I’m supposed to be to R. S. board meeting & give inservice lesson Wed. nite. Had to refuse surely feel badly but Jim need help more.

Wednesday February 29, 1984

Called and got excused from giving our parents lesson tonite as we are taking Jim to Spokane for a checkup. Left in the morning and went to Moses Lake and made our farm payment which is due Mar. 1st. So now we are broke except S. Security and we got our elec. Bill the other day. It has doubled since last bill. The estimate & this bill is [$]239 for 2 mo. Phone [bill] has also come up.

Jim drove down & we left for Spokane about 3:30. Went to Sampson Music for Jim before going to the hospital.

[page 232]

Jim got on the subject of Social Security. He & Ann teaching etc. I think he is not as well as we would like. Course he thinks as well as we do that they (the school) should recognize Ann & give her a teaching job. If all is right that we hear. They have had a raw deal.

Got Jim signed in the hospital then we left to find a bed. Drove past several out toward the airport—in the dark but didn’t go into any so went to Starlite [Motel] on Freeway. Cost [$] 17.11 for the 2 of us. I had taken enough stuff, so we ate in the room. The heater kept turning off & on. So didn’t sleep well.

Thursday March 1, 1984

Got to hospital before they came for Jim for another heart catherization. Waited for him. After 1 ½ hrs I went to his room & he was back. Thank goodness everything looked good.

Afternoon went downtown & fooled around. About 3:30 went to a Chuck Wagon. All one could eat for 3.29. So as usual made pig of ourselves. But it was better than usual. Hurried back so we could be there when Dr. made his rounds. The Dr. said everything looked good & he could go home tomorrow. Course as before he wouldn’t commit himself about his [Jim’s] other sickness.[10]

[page 233]

Stayed again to Starlite but another room which was much better.

Friday March 2, 1984

Picked up Jim. Found a grocery store that Lee had heard had oranges 6 lbs for [$]1.00. Got a case & 2 sax full gave to Jim. Stopped again to music store & home. Think Jim was quite tired, fed him & he insisted he could drive home.

Sunday March 4, 1984

Got up about 6:45. Lee has a head cold so didn’t go to Sharp[11] reception last nite. He sounded so bad breathing he called & asked Moulton to take his Priesthood lesson.

About 7:15 I got a call from Ross that [his wife] Sr. Peterson was in hospital. Had to take her in the nite—heart & wanted to know if I’d give the lesson—me—with an hour’s notice. Oh, no, but I had to say yes, but with the help of prayer, relighing on a great power—I made it thru. Afterward, many complements. One said if they hadn’t of been told they figured I’d had a week to prepare. They all are so kind, but I know I had help. Subject was “A Marvelous Work and a Wonder.”

Then in the afternoon Bro. Jensen called & asked us to take the time in sacrament next Sund[ay]: “Love Comes thru Service” so more worry & study. Later Julie called & asked for a bed for the nite. Glad to have them.

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Monday March 5, 1984

Fixed breakfast. Justin sick to his stomach. Then left about 10. I’ve stripped beds & washing. It’s a good day out so I hung my sheets on the line. Electricity is getting so expensive. We’ve spent much of the winter in the study except when company comes so don’t have to heat the whole house.

Tuesday March 6, 1984

Jim called & said he needed to move bees & asked for the pickup. Lee offered to go help if he could get the pickup started after sitting all winter. I went Sister Roylances & helped quilt till about 3 then we loaded 3 bales of Keith’s hay. Course asked first and 3 bales of straw to take for Jim’s goats. When I first went in the house Ann’s greetings was I’ve got a teaching job at B. City—The kindergarten only 3 days a week. She was really excited. We’re so happy. Im sure Ann is a good teacher. Jim & Dad got 1 load of bees but it got dark & both gave out so we stayed the nite.

Wednesday March 7, 1984

Ann had a teaching job at Othello so I came home to study lesson for tonite while Lee & Jim finished bees. Jess was here when I got home. He had had a physical & was going in for results. He said they were going to move in the trailer house[12] & not build now as it was too expensive. A good move to my way

[page 235]

of thinking. He came back after being to Dr. & said he had diabeates. Sure hate to hear it but if one is careful of their diet they can make it.

Class turned out good. Wish I were better at giving the lesson tho.

Thursday March 8, 1984

Quilted at Roylances on Elma Rupert’s quilt in the morning & school in the afternoon. Lee went to help Ray.

Friday March 9, 1984

Studied for talk for Sunday. “Love Comes thru Service” & cracked nuts for Vanae. Mixed bread & made cookies. Tired.

Saturday March 10, 1984

Lora Jo & kids came for dinner—beans. Dave went to temple. After dinner went to Vanae’s home by 6. Listened to the Othello’s basketball game on TV. They played for class AA championship in the Kingdome & they won—only 1 point, but they played a good game. Colder today.

Sunday March 11, 1984

Church as usual. Sister Peterson there for her class. She is a very good teacher. We gave our prepared talks. The Spanish met seperate so reverence was very good.. Lee gave an outstanding talk When Bro Jensen thanked us at the close of the meeting he said he and Connie had said when they got older they would like to be like Grandma & Grandpa Stoker. Anyway it made us feel special. They are very kind & loveable.

Home & after dinner found 1981 Income papers. IRA needs more information.

Monday March 12, 1984

Took Income papers to Rogers. The problem was I put income from place in Ochoa’s name. Bank has it in escrow. So they sent it in in their name. Quilted again. Finished quilt.


Tuesday March 13, 1984

Rainy so Lee & myself took Jim to the Dr Kerr thinking ma[y]be Dr would give Jim paper stating he couldn’t work thus help getting S. Security, but Dr. said one almost had to be bed fast before they could get a toe hold on S.S. I agree S.S. is bankrupt but I don’t know how they expect someone like Jim to manage. Thank goodness Ann is working but what about summer? Dr. also told Jim he didn’t think he could stand to teach anymore. Ann & myself went shopping but I guess all bad news Jim was negative to everything that was said—especially coming home. Raised his voice—uncontrollable then in a second “Im sorry, Im sorry”—I’ve never seen him this way before. It scares me. I really worry lots.

Wednesday March 14, 1984

Gave “Pursuit of Excellence” in R[elief] S[ociety]. Hope I put enough enthursam in it for people to try. I am.

Thursday March 15, 1984

Cracked nuts. School at 1. Jeri Ann not there. Sick. A Mrs. Judd substituted. Listened at nite to BYU beat a basketball game in the playoffs. Sat[urday] they play Kentucky.

[page 237]

The Democrats are really taking over TV—plugging for themselves to be nominated for president of U.S.—Mondale, Hart, Glen, Jackson (Black) & McGovern. On news McGovern & Glenn havn’t won above 3rd so they have quit. Jackson hasn’t won either, but so far he is staying in. Washington state has gone for Hart.

Still unsettled weather & colder.

Friday March 16, 1984

Finished Vanae’s nuts. Quilted Roylances. R[elief] S[ociety] birthday party. I took 3 doz. rolls.

Flora called. Deb not so good.

Sunday March 18, 1984

Jim called yesterday and asked us up for dinner as well as to attend a recital at Pasco in the Epicipal Church. 12 played piano. Matt the only cello. He did very well. Had chili & popcorn.

Went to Jesse’s. They have lots packed. Moving this week to the trailer but said he still plans to build. He is losing weight & feels good. Came home & stopped to Keiths. Mike & Craig checking Ricks & Y. All are well. Rained some in the nite. Need to get out in yard.

Wednesday March 21, 1984

Studied for our lesson tonite. It went as usual. Henry Besendorfer[13] called. I invited him to go with us which he declined, but said would come out tomorrow. He & wife are staying at Cimmeron.[14] Working for a bee man.

Thursday March 22, 1984

Amy Kent called & asked me to come help quilt. I & Rosena did our [visiting] teaching first, then about 11 I went & quilted till 1. Then went & helped at school. Dashed home, but Henry never come.

A great day out.

[page 238]

Saturday March 24, 1984

We received notice from IRS wanting to know why 37 thousand & wasn’t listed as rent as B Franklin [Bank] had sent in. Rogers is so slow I finally called him as we only had 15 days. He had listed it as Ochoa. That’s how it had listed it to him. So we made a trip to Othello to get them, but can’t get them in mail till Monday as PO closed & Tom made out the whole packet.

Got 60 lbs sugar for canning.

Sunday March 25, 1984

Church then went to Vanaes for dinner. She had Jim there also his 47th birthday. He surely isn’t doing as I would like. Played hearts. Home at 10 p.m. Home at 10 p.m.

It started raining while in church & has turned colder & rained till almost dark. When we came home on the sides of road in the grass—looked like it had snowed some. Real foggy.

Monday March 26, 1984

Jim called & asked if dad would take his banjo up. See if he could feel better is real down this A.M. Ann has to teach school. Rained again today. I didn’t go. Mixed bread & worked on history. Lee said Jim had a terrible day. Only played a piece or two. Vanae called & thot family should get together & see what could be done. Will Thur. 7:30.

Tuesday March 27, 1984

R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting at 9:30.Should of given lesson, but no book Did get one today tho so next mo[nth].

A filling came out of my tooth. Will go to Baggley[15] Thurs. Had B[lood] P[ressure] checked at hospital. Have been having head aches. Left arm a little high.

[page 239]

Got home & Lee had dug horseradish. So you know how we spent the afternoon. We have enough for the neighborhood.

Called Jim & he is much better today. We are so grateful for that.

Wednesday March 28, 1984

Awoke this a.m. to more rain. We’ve sure had plenty the past 2 weeks. Farmers can’t get on land. Ray Sunday said it was hard to keep his hired men busy. It is good on a peony I planted yesterday as well as 6 granny Smith apples Lee planted. A farmer gave them to him. Study for lesson tonite. It is the 5th one. Five more to go.

Lee hauled a load of manure from Keith’s between showers. He was wet alover. How did he ever work all day forking it on a truck then off. We’re both soft.

Thursday March 29, 1984

Income Tax came today. Owe over or almost [$] 1,000. Paid 260 quarterly. Enough left over from last year to make 1st payment then 260 in June.

Jim called & said he felt better today. Wanted us to go up & help with news letter. Got denist appointment at 10 as lost filling out of a tooth. I made a apple sauce cake, breakfast & broke my neck to get to Dr. Bagley on time. When I screamed at Lee to lets get on our way he said I thot you didn’t have to be there till 10 I said right he then said its only 8:45. Was I ever floored.

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So took my time and did get to Dr. only to wait 15 min. The tooth was only a shell and such a big hole he had to cap it—stainless steel 61.00. The one next to it is gold. So what?

Went to Jims. So I skipped school as only one car. Pickup filled with manure for the garden. We did not work on news letter. All he wanted it seemed was to talk. I did his dishes. Ann working. And he was washing, some sorting job, so I finished that last batch in the dryer when we left. Met Mrs Coulter for the first time visiting teaching. She stops from work to Palmers. So its 2 teaching times but she is nice has a bad habit tho.

Family came to talk about Jim. All here except Jesse. He was working putting up a dish for the church.

Lora Jo told of a woman in Ridgeview who has powers no one can explain. She is ¼ Indian & a gift. So we called Mrs Phillips who has been to her. Also Deanie Garner, Val has been there. All spoke very favorable so Mrs Phillips called at 10 there for an appointment. Got one at 4 p.m. next day. Vanae & Keith is going to look in S. Security.

Had cake & ice cream & bed

[page 241]

Friday March 30, 1984

Left home at 7:45 [a.m.]. Had to stop to store to cash a check as we were broke. Made it to Phillips about 3:10 good roads & heavy foot. She & Louis took us. She[16] took us. Then house –just remodeling & she no house keeper so really wondered but she had no excuses. Was quilting on small stand. She is in ceramics as well as knitting & crocheting. But very talkative. She worked on Jim about 3 hrs., kneeding & massaging. Said she could feel others pain as well as see inside a person—color of organs etc. Said Jim had lead poison in his system as well as a hital hernia which was causing most of his trouble. Showed him how to put hernia in place, as it was restricting oxygen to the brain. Told him to take 2 cups of brown vinegar in tub of hot water once a week to bring out the lead. Take vit[amin] c & garlic. Call or come when wanted. She described him to a “T,” his mood s etc. She also told Lee as she shook his hand that he had a problem. So when we got ready to leave, she said sit here. Then put her fingers on a sore spot on his chest & said a valve got stuck & when chest pains came to massage there & OK, uncanny. So I made a appointment for 10 next day. I’ve a

[page 242]

stiff neck & headaches. Ate in Adrian.[17] Went to Val Garners. He was more than happy with Dr. as both he & Deanie said he was bad enough that he wouldn’t be here now if it hadn’t been for her. Jim slept to Vals. We went to Debs. Neither he nor Flora too good. Talked till almost midnite.


Saturday March 31, 1984

Washed our bedding. Picked up Jim & visited Dee & Janetta[18] before going to Dr. She [Karen Land] worked on me for 2 + hours. Said my neck was out, but had been for a long time. I felt it snap. Said I had good muscles. Ho ho & was in very good shape. Arthritis was mostly lie the lubricant had gone from joints & was grating. Told me to take alfalfa pills. Said Vit[amin] E oil stopped itching. I’m sure going to try it as my back sure sends me to the door jam.[19] Went to Elaine[20] & Clarks [Olsen]. They swear about Mayo Clinic. They took Karen there about blackouts.

I do not have headach[e] but Neck still stiff. Home by dark. Just hope & pray she helps Jim.

Was reading paper & Jess, Audrey & Bruce came. They are moving & no electricity. So they came for the nite. Gave them a snack. All were tired.

[page 243]

Sunday April 1, 1984

Jess & Audrey had to go for clean clothes. We went to church. They were back & had showered & Audrey so tired was sound asleep. Hurridly fixed dinner. Then went to Royal to wish Lora Jo happy birthday—36th one. Had pop corn & cho Chip cookies. Home & played a couple of hands of rook & bed.

Monday April 2, 1984

Jess got away early as still had a few things to move. I washed & made choc chip cookies & apple sauce cookies. So busy all day. Jess here again. I’m so glad we have extra beds they can feel welcome.

Tuesday April 3, 1984

Left all in bed & we met Bishop Jones about 4 a.m. to go to the Temple. 10 of us went. Visited all the way . Did 4 sessions each plus some sealings for Ileen Peterson. Did some endowments for her also. Home by abut 8:30, rainy toward Seattle. Jesse must of gotten electricity as they did not come to stay. Should go up & help them, but don’t know what to do—as putting away is up to them.

Wednesday April 4, 1984

Worked harder on my lesson and it turned out better. Course was a more interesting subject: How to Train a Pig—Child.

Rainy tonite.

Saturday April 7, 1984

Conference. Went to stake house [for] both sessions. Ida & Vern Bullen came home with us at noon & I fixed soup & sandwiches, cookies & ice cream.

[page 244]

It is rainy off & on all day. At nite got a good one.

Dad didn’t go to Priesthood m[ee]t[ing]. Keith & Genevie came down later & played rook.

Sunday April 8, 1984

Dad awoke with a sore throat. Im stiff from working in yard I guess. Got to do more of it if weather ever clears up. Dad listened to Conference on radio. I went to stake house. Conference was good as usual. Dahlin Oaks and [Russell] Nelson,[21] the heart Dr., was sustained as apostles. Dave & Lora Jo & family came out for dinner. I put a roast in & Dad potatoes. Hurrried only to find Daves family wasn’t going back to conference as Allison had a friend that had to be home by 1:30. Then Mindi called & said they were coming so I listened to almost all of afternoon conference before Dennis came.

We went to Jims. I’m sure he is some better, but…. Stopped to Jesse’s. They are going to be comfortable in trailer house. I think almost as much room as their house minus basement. Need more cabinet space in kitchen tho. Jess will go with Jim to Spokane tomorrow. Home & supper—bed.

Tuesday April 10, 1984

Called Jim & he said the tread mill was no problem. Heart

[page 245]

is O.K. Dr. wouldn’t say tho that the heart is his problem. Went to M[oses] L[ake] with Dave’s finances. OK I hope only no one has ever heard from man about fert[ilizer] bill. Too late to go to Kent (Lavon) Wedding.

Wednesday April 11, 1984

Helped Vanae hang wall paper in house where Kyle will live. Also had class which went well.

Thursday April 12, 1984

Back to help Vanae. Put Varathane on kitchen cabinets. Spud was there cleaning carpet. Find I’m not as young as I once was. Legs really ached from climbing up & down. Came home early & before bed a good hot soak in bath tub.

Friday April 13, 1984

Surprise, I’m not stiff. Guess bath was what I need. Washed & pruned last of raspberries & cleaned half trash away. Jim called having problems with income tax. He is not so well the past 2 days.

Saturday April 14, 1984

Lee is discing for Larry so I was to spray dandelions, but couldn’t open sprayer so finished berries. Seen my first butterfly. Past 2 days the weather is great. Cherry trees are in full bloom. I pulled my first rhubarb, but garden not even worked yet. And with Lee working I don’t know when it will get done. Town for groceries.

Sunday April 15, 1984

High Council day today. Also Jay Jensen’s missionary farewell. Keith was our man from the stake. All was good. AT 5 on channel 25 the church presented “The Last Leaf & On the Road to Emaus” in tine with Easter which is next Sunday. Both were good. Then after supper turned on TV & it was “The Ten Commandments.” Stayed up till 11.

Monday April 16, 1984

Lee finished Larry’s discing. I walked to Keiths. Hard—going fast.

Tuesday April 17, 1984

Worked in yard. Lee sprayed dandelions. He couldn’t start rototiller. Paul came along & started it. Course before garden got done, it killed. Lee tried to start it. It’s a pull type & he really hurt his arm. We called around. So will have to change to a self start as Lee is in pain.

Keith came about 2:30 and said disc was ready. So we took old red pickup to Othello to get fixed & Lee was on disc at 3.

Friday April 20, 1984

Worked in yard this a.m. Ann called about noon and said her neighbors, the Dayleys, were having trouble—in fact a one sided fight and she & a 10 year[-old] girl needed a place to stay & wanted to know if she could come here. Of course I said sure. I spent the next several hours washing bedding I hadn’t washed since Jesse stayed here. I had told Ann I wanted to attend the road shows so then she called back and said Irene would meet me at the stake house. Lee worked late

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so I went with Keith. We looked all over , even walked out to see if she was sitting in the car. Then during the first 3 road shows I walked back & forth to see if I could recognize her. I couldn’t so then I sat back & enjoyed them. Lora Jo wrote and directed Royals. It was as good as any. [It was] about a magic carpet. They were all good.

As soon as it was over I started to go out & she (Mrs Dayley) was standing in the back. I did recognize her. She was late, only saw 3 shows. I came home with her. We found a surprised Lee when I came in and announced we had company for a few days.

Sunday April 22, 1984

Easter. I had to go to church as I had a part of the R[elief] S[ociety] lesson. So about 7:30 I asked Irene if she would like to go to church with me. She is Catholic. Course she said yes. I have several dresses I can’t wear—too little. So I pulled one out—a slip & stocking. All fit fine. Called Donna to see if the girl cold borrow a dress of Christies. So we went early, made the change & church on time. R[elief] S[ociety] lesson given by Maryanne Taylor & was very good. Then a Easter program. Mrs. Dayley didn’t have much to say abgout the services. about 7:30 Ray , Vanae, Kyle & Kelley, Jana, Scott & Marci came. Good to have them. The two girls hit it off fine.

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Monday April 23, 1984

Mrs. Dayley left for Pasco to file for divorce. She had bruises on her body & Mr Dayley ordered a 16-yr-old boy to leave home after a beating. I took a bale of hay to Jims & went with him to Walla Walla to the Dr. there. Jim wasn’t feeling too well. I drove most of the way home. He called Karen Land from Homedale [Ridgeview] & is going back Sat. Ann will go with him.

Tuesday April 24, 1984

Went to R[elief] S[ociety] ward prep[aration] meeing at 9:30. I had the inseervice lesson to give. Think it went well. Came home. Lee had finished Keith’s field & working for larry. Got notice of income tax preparation in mail--$170.00. Not good but better than $360.

Wednesday April 25, 1984

Studied for our parents lesson then gave it. All seemed to enjoy the class. Only one more to go before these have their 10 lessons in.

Sunday April 30, 1984

I attended church as usual. Course Lee went also. After dinner I went with Lee to do his home teaching. It was hard for Lee to tell them that this visit would be his last as they assigned him DeCroias & Helen Jensen with Tom Rogers as his partner. Hope they will be 100%ers. As long as Lee stays to Multons & Roylances he really enjoys being there.

Tuesday May 1, 1984

One would usually think of May as lots of sunshine & flowers well

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this year it’s different—wind, cold, & rain. However, tulips etc are blooming, lilacs and snowballs about ready. But it’s been cold. We got a new electric start rototiller so finally got our garden in today. Borrowed Fielding’s garden planter & it was a snap. The only thing planted by hand was potatoes. Now for it to come up.

Wednesday May 2, 1984

Last lesson. Surely hope they got some helps. Now to relax for awhile.

Thursday May 3, 1984

School—Kids now call me Mrs. Stoker and wanted to know why I missed last Thur. Well we went to F. L. Bank in Moses Lake to argue in Dave’s behalf and didn’t get home in time.

Friday May 4, 1984

LuRee Kent called & asked if I would take some baby dresses I’d crocheted to stake Women’s Conference Sat. I took them to Alta Fulmers this a.m. Then did our R[elief] S[ociety visiting] teaching. Lesson on adversity which can be a blessing in our lives. Sisters Karen Peterson & Nancy Stelters birthdays 6 & 9 of May. We gave them a card. Took rototiller to Jim.

Saturday May 5, 1984

Womens Conference at 9. It went very well. Had outside guests for workshops except one woman from Warden. She took up [topic]: Empty Nest—What then[?] Nothing I didn’t know tho she had a cute cross stick ring with a woolly sheep in center that said Ewe dust fat Ewe fluffy—cute. Luncheon at 11 p.m.

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Sunday May 6, 1984

Church. Reading. Home teachers came. First in several months and I’ve never had visiting teachers since last Oct. when they were all changed. Keith & Genevie came & women beat men in 2 hands of rook. Then Jim called & said he used the rototiller Saturday & was really down Sat. nite and Sun.

Monday May 7, 1984

We went to Jim’s about 7 so we could call Elaine [Olsen] about Mayos before she left for work. Jim had done his chores but didn’t look or act well. In fact had to leave us while he ran for 15 min. After talking it over, I called Karen [Elaine’s daughter] and told her to get Ball rolling. Lee finished Jim’s rototilling. Karen called back and said Jim was accepted—that they would call. Made arrangements for [Ray] Tuckett to take bees.

Tuesday May 8, 1984

The admissions from Mayo called and wanted confirmation & said they would work him in as soon as possible. About dark took Keith & Gen & went to Jim’ s & Lee brought home a hive of bees (before Tuckett got them) for he fruit trees. Worked yard. Jesse brought rototiller home after using it. Sent Temple quilt pattern to Myra both Seattle and Cardston. Sure hope we get them back.

Wednesday May 9, 1984

R[elief] S[ociety] work day. The Spanish women served lunch. It was good, especially the rice & soup. Seems

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Good not to sorry about a class tonite.

Saturday May 12, 1984

Lora Jos family came for Mothers Day as they had to come as far as Othello so made one trip do. Brought a bowl of baked beans, oatmeal bread. Both were good. Left about 4:30 to go to Prosser to Randy Munns wedding reception. Seen all of Owyhee people there.

Sunday May 13, 1984

Mothers Day. Jim & family came later. We are happy he has heard from Mayo’s and is to be there June 13th so Ann can go with him. School is out the 11th. Keith & family came. Then Dennis family & Ray & Vanae family. It is good to visit with all of them. They are very thoughtful. Sunny today.

Monday May 14, 1984

Good day yesterday but today windy, cloudy & cold. I walked about a mile about 6:30 a.m. Only put on a shirt and got cold. It didn’t warm up all day. Mt. St. Helens spewed again. No damage. News says flooding again in Utah around S[alt] L[ake], Provo, Layton. Mud slides have destroyed several homes & 2 people have been killed.

Wednesday May 16, 1984

Lees birthday. House cleaned bedroom. Work in yard as usual. Have got it looking pretty good. It’s now wet & shrubs at south of house are cleaned and looking good. About 5 [p.m.] got ready to go with Keith & Genevie to listen to Glen Campbell in Moses Lake—only to find we didn’t leave till 6:30. Any way Genevie told us wrong & we were ready

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for once on time. The seats were [$]12.00 Ticket but Keith bought ours. Dave & Lora Jo were there also. We saved them a seat in the blue section as that is where our tickets were—on bleachers. A elderly woman in the reserved seats asked me if I would like to come & sit on chairs by her as there was a extra seat which I gladly took instead of bleachers. Rest sat on first row. We could hear if couldn’t see everything; however, it wasn’t as loud as the Osmonds. There were 5 on instruments—all string. All were good. Afterward went to godfathers for pizza. Dad bought that [$]27. Then Dave went his way & we came ours. Home at 12.

Thursday May 17, 1984

Worked in garden. Set out melon plants and 14 geraniums that we had started in the house. wEnt to school. Got some groceries & when I got home Lee said Vanae had called and was bringing supper over. She thot it was the 16th & was bring it for Dad’s birthday. She wouldn’t stay, but supper was great: chicken pie, salad, and a cocoanut centered choc[olate] cake. Great. Then dad did his home teaching. Goes now with tom Rogers to DeCories & Niels Jensens. Dennis called & said he would bring cement Sat. to fix step in back so we’re not walking in water when irrigate lawn.

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Friday May 18, 1984

4 years ago today was the eruption of St. Helens. Worked out today. Finished garden planting. Cleaned dirty garage. Scubbed rug in study & the kitchen floor. Both was tired. Dad is ready to have Dennis bring cement to build up walk in back.

Saturday May 19, 1984

Dennis brought the cement. Dad started cutting hay for Larry, but it started to rain so he quits. Spinkled on & off most of the day. Took nitro bide to Jim. He has had a bad week. Both of us are no good today. Stopped & seen Norma Sepp—was in a accident 4 weeks ago today. Jana is helping her.

Sunday May 20, 1984

Church as usual. Then I had Jeri Ann & Karl, Kyle & Kelli, Jana, & Lisa, Mike & Dana for dinner. Craig had to go to Mat[t]awa. Had turkey etc, & raspberry dessert. Played rook later. Think all enjoyed it.

Wednesday May 23, 1984

I had a perm today. Drove all alone to Tri Cities. The first time I’ve driven in a town except Othello since I came from our mission. Got along real well. I went to Fantastic sams by Jafco in Co[lumbia] Center. Cost [$]19.50 & cut plenty short, but it sure feels good. Got a few early tomatoes, cabbage & flowers. All 59 cents a pony. Came by Vanae’s. She had filled 2 hanging baskets

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With plants. Earlier she had taken my baskets. They are very nice. Now for Lee to find time to hang them.

Thursday May 24, 1984

Planted the flowers. Lee had made a planter box for the front window. I planted it. Put the rest by the garden. Then went to school for the last time this year. I have enjoyed it. Lee is having trouble with Fieldings swather. Had worked all day on it. Still isn’t going.

Friday May 25, 1984

Lee went before breakfast to help Larry get swather going. Larry now is taking it back and hire the rest done. Our lawn mower is using oil & I can’t keep it going so we tok it into the Tri Cities about 10. Lee took the camper off of the pickup as the old red one is making odd noises. They said they could have mower going in 2 hrs. So we waited. My dryer quit. The belt broke. So got a new belt, 3 grapes to replace the ones that winter killed & a Granny Smith apple. Then came home. Lee went to take disc from Ruby, but she wanted to stay on it. So Lee will go at daylite tomorrow & work ground. It was raining

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just a little, but we planted the plants anyway and he also got the belt on my dryer. I’m glad as I miss it. Hung clothes on line this week. It’s been colder today. Tried to cut lawn, but too wet.

Sunday May 27, 1984

Today’s a beautiful day. Ward conference which was very good. The choir was scap[p]ing the bottom when they asked Lee & myself to sing. Which we did. I’m sure I was asked just because Lee was.

[Jerald] Kent who was excommunicate—I have not the foggiest idea why—was re-baptized Sat & opened meeting Sunday. Great. I think lots of both of them.

We are taking up a collection of our kids to send Jim to Mayos. Skip & Julie came & we played rook. Course Lee & myself didn’t see eye to eye during one game, but hope we didn’t show too much.

Monday May 28, 1984

Memorial Day, but Lee left at 5 to work ground for Larry’s beans. I went to Moses Lake to Dennis’ for a few minutes. Studied my lesson for R[elief] S[ociety] teacher trainer tomorrow. Lee came home early as ground to Larry’s was too wet so we finished planting garden as well as rototilled it. About 6 Jesse called and asked if we would like to ride to the cemetery with them. So was there before 7. The Kennewick cemetary[22] was beautiful. Earl & Cheri rode with us. Something wrong with their car.

Home & Bed.

Tuesday May 29, 1984

Water & Lee left at 5 so I’ve been

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all morning until time for R[elief] S[ociety] working at it. Lesson went well. It was about our attitude. Took Rhubarb to Vanae. She was headed to Pasco for rep[airs] so I went with her after depositing money in the bank for Jim. Then came thru B[asin] City and gave him the deposit slip. He was going to Pasco to check travel to Mayo. I’m not sure Ann is really convinced he should go, but I do not know what else.

Wednesday May 30, 1984

Thunder storm about 5 this a.m. Thunder & lightening which we get, but few. Then before long—wind—dust is blowing, the most for several years. Today was a eclipse of the sun. Beautiful on TV, but nothing outside here that I could see. Worked in garden. It looks nice. Have had a few strawberries. Will have to pick them Sat. Lee is home today. Finished to Larrys and Keith isn’t ready to start in hay. Swather isn’t ready.

Friday June 1, 1984

Mike’s graduation. Gave usual [$]20. Stopped later to Keith’s for cake & ice cream. Mr. & Mrs Ballantyne up.

Saturday June 2, 1984

Lee got up at 5 to help Larry while I slept. Came at 9 to cut hay for Keith. I washed car & tried to cut lawn. Crazy mower or me—I don’t know which—disaster.

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Sunday June 3, 1984

Church. Les & Pearl[23] came & visited a while. Sure glad to have them. Jeri Ann & Karl came. After a light supper played rook.

Tuesday June 5, 1984

Attended the funeral of Dave & Kay Freeman’s twelve yr. old boy. He was raking hay, hit a hole the circle[24] had made & the front of tractor collapsed & the tractor fell on him. Funeral was good. Home & cut back lawn. Lee is cutting hay for Keith yet. It rained Monday & is colder. Hope no more rain.

Friday June 8, 1984

Lee finished cutting hay for Keith for now. So Lora Jo came about 11 and we moved swather to Royal. We went yesterday and borrowed a trailer to haul it on from Ross Peterson. We stayed the night there. Between Lee and Dave they cut till dark.

Saturday June 9, 1984

Both Lora Jo & myself had stake R[elief] S[ociety] meeting at 10 a.m. So hurried with breakfast. I came home after meeting and picked strawberries. May were spoiled as we left the water running on them overnite. A belt broke on swather so Lora Jo brought Lee & they got a new one then she brought him home. Dave put the belt on and finished his hay.

Sunday June 10, 1984

Church—Eric Jensen & Maebelle Pieseon reported their mission in Sacrament . Hurried home & made sandwiches, salad. Made cake earlier and

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went to Basin City to listen to the B City Community Orchestra.

It was very good. Matt played two solos on his cello. Jana accompanied some singing on piano. A big crowd attended.

About 5 all the family attended a gathering at Basin City Park. All had fasted. The men gave Jim a blessing. Dave anointed & Ray sealed the anointing. Then the elders in the group consecrated the oil. Paul mouth. Then all ate a delicious dinner. Plenty for all & more. All from around here were there except Larry & Dennis. It was their church time.

Ann & Jim had to leave as they were to catch Am Track at 9. It was 7 before we left & they weren’t packed so we could help with that. Matt to Jesses; Maias to Evett Dayleys; Megan to Woodings; & Danny to Vanaes. We got home 8:30. I read paper & bed. I was exhausted.

I know Jim will get some help there. Just keeping fingers crossed & lots of faith.

Monday June 11, 1984

Got up at 5 to go bring swather home. Breakfast. Worked in garden. Went to M[oses] Lake & got a pear tree. Dennis & Myras house or I should say extra room

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Will soon be completed. It will be nice. Home. Read & went to Connell for Ray & Vanae’s 25th wedding. One day early went at 7:30 to Jeri Ann’s & Karl’s. Everything was ready—turkey dressing, salads, ham, hot rolls, cake & ice cream. Everything great. Ray’s mother & Lee was up. The kids gave them a silver tray & money toward a vacation. Ray’s mom, salt & pepper & silver candy dish, us. Nothing as yet, but will. Every one tired. Home by 10.

Tuesday June 12, 1984

Picked berries & sprayed thistle. Lee had to talk to the young folks going to the temple for baptisms. I didn’t go as I’m going to R[elief] S[ciety] tomorrow. I felt fine till after supper then I started to get a upset stomach. Kept getting worse so went to bed before 9. All night I didn’t know whether to sit on the throne[25] or have my head in it. This went on all night. In fact twice had to lay on the floor as I thot I was going to pass out—terrible feeling. By morning trots over over, but I was weak and dizzy.

Wednesday June 13, 1984

Lee was home so I stayed down. Missed R[elief] S[ociety] tho. In fact didn’t do much.

Oh, Tues. Genevie put my hair up then we walked for a couple of miles.

Friday June 14, 1984

Feel better today so washed. Lee finished cutting Keith’s hay--Thur afternoon and Fri morning. Hope weather stays good. Around 85 degrees today, but still with our beloved wind. Did get rain

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Tue. Night tho. Everyone has hay down—very few were lucky enough o harvest without rain damage.

Saturday June 16, 1984

Genevie & Donna had garage sale to Donna’s. Lots of clothes and furniture from the cabin.[26] I stayed 2 hours & put in few things.

Went to B. City to check on Jim’s things. Oh, yes, Ann called Wed. nite and nothing new for Jim is to see phycologist Wed. We are all so disappointed as I just knew by now they could find his problem.

Jess took us to supper to Chuckwagon. Good, but too much. Tired & bed.

Sunday June 17, 1984

Fathers Day. Vanae called and asked us to dinner, but we thot kids would come so we stayed home. Earl & Cheri came to get things from the storage of Jesse’s[27]. Then Dave & Lora Jo. Then Vanae & kids. Then Dennis & Myra. Enjoyed them all. Vanae gave Dad a B[ook] of M[ormon] & Lora Jo brought a delicious s cherry pie.

Monday and Tuesday June 18 and 19, 1984

Took all day to cut lawn. So took lawn mover to Kennewick. Hope it is under warrenty. I should have had a R[elief] S[ociety] esson today, but the presidency forgot. Came back by Vanae’s. They had a big sack of peas picked & a bag of

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meat they had butchered. Ann called and said Jim was going in hospital & she was on her way home. Would be in Thur. morning.

Wednesday June 20, 1984

Awoke to rain. Feel sorry for farmers still hay out—both Keith & Dave have some.

Thursday June 21, 1984

Longest day of the year, but cloudy & colder. Have had a little sprinkle this a.m. Then later sprinkles & clouds & wind all day. Ann arrived OK—just an hour late-- Train was. For first day of summer, it is a bummer.

Friday June 22, 1984

Awoke to sunshine. Surprise, but TV says rain again tomorrow.

Saturday June 23, 1984

Walked a mile this a.m.

Sunday June 24, 1984

Church as usual on Sunday, but lets back up. About 11-11:30 [Saturday, June 23] Jess, Audrey, Bruce, Vesta & Craig & kids came. Visited awhile & I fixed all tuna sandwiches & milk. Got a invite to meet with them Sunday which we did after church. Had barb[equed] hamb[urgers], salads, cake, [potato] chips, pickles, etc. Went to the park in B[asin] City. Enjoyed it. About 7 a.m. Deanie[28] called & said Flora had passed way in her sleep. I was not surprised as she has had her share of suffering. It’s Deb I feel sorry for.

Wednesday June 27, 1984

Left at 5 to drive to Nyssa, us, Jesse & Audrey, & Vanae. Arrived in plenty of time to change clothes (to go to the church).

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A large crowd attended the funeral. Many from Burley. Eliza & Parl (even on a walker as he still can’t put his foot to the floor) and girls & Isabell Wagstaff, Don & Georgia. For us it was a chance to see many probably we will never see again. R[elief] S[ociety] fixed lunch & home by 11. Tired. Deb wants to stay alone, but said he hopes he can go like Dewey[29] did, only shorter than 4 mo.

Thursday June 28, 1984

Lee cultivating beans for Larry so up at 5. I did R[elief] S[ociety visiting] teaching alone as Rosena’s granddaughter had a ruptured appendix. Hot today.

Friday June 29, 1984

Awoke to rain. Up at 5. Lee a[l]ready to go to work, but sprinkling so he went back to bed after I had his lunch all ready.

Cashed in a [$]2,000.00 certificate [of Deposit] today. Just put it in bank until we see how Dave comes out—paying the F[ederal] L[and] Bank. His hay is spoiling so it looks like he will have to go to the bank to bail himself out. Rain has topped, but Lee still stayed home as he figured he could finish tomorrow.


Friday June 29, 1984

Awoke to rain. Up at 5. Lee already to go to work but sprinkling so he went back to bed after I had his lunch all ready.

Cashed in a [$]2,000.00 certificate today. Just put it in the bank until we see how Dave comes out. Paying the F. L. Bank. His hay is spoiling so it looks like he will have to go to the bank to bail himself out. Rain has stopped but Lee still stayed home as he figured he could finish tomorrow.

Saturday June 30, 1984

Lee left. I walked the mile but could hardly make it home. My left knee felt like it was going to collapse at any time. I came home & wrapped it with stretch bandage. It helped a lot. Hurried and did

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my work up. Cooked a roast so had a good meal. Read R[elief] S[ociey] & S[unday] S[chool] lessons. Since I’ve made my goat in pursuit of excellence. I’ve never yet missed. Hope I don’t. I really enjoy the B[ook] of M[ormon]. I can just see Alma pleading with the people of Zarahemla. No different than our prophets today. Lee didn’t finish beans.

Sunday July 1, 1984

Church good as usual—lots of visitors on account of babies being blessed & 2 baptisms. Home to hot stew. I made some & by mistake I put a can of hot sauce (Mexican that Terry[30] had given us) instead of tomato sauce in it. Lee eats it OK but a little goes a long way w/me.

Jeri & Karl came & spent a good 3 hours. Cherries are now beginning to be ripe enough to eat. Jim called. He got in this a.m. about 6. Really sounded good, but will find more when I talk to him , but understood he still has to go to Virginia Mason Hosp in Seattle.

Walked out to check raspberries. Ended up by picking enough for supper. They really tasted good. Read awhile in “Miracle of Forgiveness” finding out how much I have to repent of. Nothing big, but many little things. Lee playing banjo.

Monday July 2, 1984

Lee to work at 6. I walked again. Hope I can meet my goal to walk 4 times a wk. Now my knees are bad enough that I have to wrap them which surely helps. Hope to get lawn mower back soon as our lawn really needs it. The weather now is in the 90 degrees. Rain still back east. Grain is turning yellow & looks good.

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Tuesday July 3, 1984

Guess what? We had pop corn for supper tonite. I gave a lesson in ward R[elief] S[ociety] board meeting on “humility.” Lee took me in an had the car greased.

Wednesday July 4, 1984

Met the [1984 Olympic] runner at the corner of the scale yards. They stayed in Mesa last night. The torch took off at N. Y. or I should say was flown to N.Y. from Athens then runners from AT&T have run from N.Y. to here & will go on to the Olympic in L[os] A[ngeles] by the 20th. We then went to B[asin] City. The parade was just finishing. Met Jim & went there while Ann frosted cake etc. Jim found from Mayo’s that there is nothing physically wrong, except ulcers. It’s a emotional thing. Which I guess it is as lately everytime he & Dad[31] gets together, Dad must always say the wrong thing as Jim got upset again, raised his voice etc. From today I take that Jim figures he did not have a good childhood. All we thot of was milking cows and making money. Even said he hated to go to college as Dad was against it. Which is not true the way I remember it. The only thing we didn’t let Jim do that he wanted to was to travel when he finished his mission. We was

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short of help at home. I went away feeling very blue. Mabe all our kids feel as tho we were a failure as a Dad & Mom. Guess it is too late now, but I just hope they can improve over us. I’m reading the Miracle of Forgiveness by Pres. Kimball. Will try and repent but just cannot right the wrong that we have caused our kids. Oh, perk out of it Ethel. We must remember Jim is sick and try & forget—but it hurts.

We went to the park & had lunch. Visited with Jess & Audrey for a hr. Went to Vanaes to see if they would go camping for a week. They like Keith too busy. They were having barbequed steaks & home made ice cream, but we came home. Had a dish of “generic” brand. Read. Jess & Audrey came for sleeping bags as Daryl is coming tonight. Watched fireworks for awhile & I went to bed. About 10 when it was darker Lee aroused me & said they were better so I got up & sat on the step in my nightgown & watched to the end.

Saturday July 7, 1984

Keith’s birthday. Also our family reunion at Moses Lake State Park.[32] Paul & Donna & family were in charge. At 10? closer to 11 they held a treasure hunt. 2 sides were chosen then given one clues. I was head of 1. Dad the other. We lost, but had apiece of candy anyway.

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Then Donna furnished spoon tacos—chili over tortia chips, topped with onion, cheese, lettuce, hot or mild sauce. It was very good. They also furnished drink (Orange) for all. Then pie.(I had to take 3). Then most all went ½ mile to a water slides. It’s a new place. No trees big enough for shad. I just looked, but wished I had taken my swim suit. Looked like all were having fun & getting red. Most adults went back to park after a while. There visited etc. Some played volleyball. Had popcorn balls & cookies. Finally just at dusk had hamb[urger]. Each took their own, salad & cake, & more punch. Then had a program, but before supper held a family meeting. Same ones put back in: Keith, & Dennis & Lora Jo.

The program was very good. Each family participated good. Home about 10:30 or 11, dirty, tired, & happy for a grand time. All family there except Lisa (back east),[33] Craig (Seattle-baseball), Bruce (with Priesthood [outing]), Vesta (here last week). Joey had to work. Think about 92 there.

Sunday July 8, 1984

Went to Keith’s at nite & seen video Keith had taken to reunion

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played games with Kim & John, Larry & Ruby, Paul & girls. Ice cream & home.

Monday July 9, 1984

Picked 4 crates, berries. Jeri Ann & Karl came for some cherries so sent berries to Vanae.

Tuesday July 10, 1984

Vanae & Lora Jo came and painted my utility, kitchens & my bathroom. I really appreciated it. It would of taken me a month to do it all. But they really worked. I cleaned middle but was tired so left rest and rode to Jim’s[34] with Lee to get the bees that was up there.

Wednesday July 11, 1984

Did hang pictures etc. Then started in cherries. Did 4 buckets in juice which took all day. About 5:30 put beets on to cook. Lee cutting hay for Keith. I rubbed [his] back this a.m. He isn’t feeling too good—back again.

Thursday July 12, 1984

Picked berries for Lora Jo. Cleaned outside of cabinets which took most of the day with 3 Tb [spoons] of linseed oil, 1 Tb turpentine & 1 qt water.

Friday July 13, 1984

About 3:30 [a.m.][35] Lee woke me & asked to help him take bees to the swamp in Keith’s field. So sleepily I piled out, helped him load the sleeping hive in pickup, but when we got there, the top had slipped & bees were all outside the box. I hurridly got in the pickup & there I stayed[36] & Lee waited till most went

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back inside then he unloaded them himself. He had on bee clothing. Back in bed at 5 till 6:30.

After breakfast spent till 11 writing a tribute to Gareld Marchant on his 80th birthday. Should be in by Sund—only to find I do not have a long envelope. So must got to town.

News just announced Mondale for Democrat pres has chosen a woman from N.Y. as vice pres. We’ll see.

Friday July 20, 1984

Havn’t written for a week but can’t remember too much exciting except Jana left for Iseral & Vanae has 3 children with them probably to adopt. Making plans to go East with Karl & Jeri Ann so have been busy hoeing garden and picking berries. Went to Pasco today 21st to get some walking shoes. Got 2 pair—only [$] 7.00 apiece. So hope they work.

Saturday July 21, 1984

Dennis & Myra came today. Good to see them. Was told Myra was 4 ½ mo. pregnant. Am glad. One couldn’t tell it. They picked a few dewberries & took some raspberries to eat. Was wards 24th July celebration tonite but we didn’t go. Went to Keiths & played rook & got skunked.

Sunday July 22, 1984

Had a report for S[unday] S[chool] about Abish. Was a good lesson. Almost a drama. Was asked to teach the class next Sunday but

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had to say no as we won’t be here. Jim & family came to dinner. Left about 5:30. He is going to Seattle Friday then wants to go to Utah. We worked hard to get garden & yards clean so we could go East with Karl & Jeri Ann. So are about ready for a rest.

Friday July 27, 1984

We left home about 7 A.M. and picked up Karl & Jeri. When all was packed was loaded I thot to the gills—we had to have a cooler in the seat with 2 of us. We drove to Butte Montana. Drive was very enjoyable to have Karl drive most of the way while we relaxed. The fields showed that they had had ample water, but were now beginning to show stress. Followed the Clearwater river up the LoLo pass. I had taken sandwiches, cookies, cherries, apricots & apples so we didn’t stop for lunch. Ate at Kentucky Chicken at Butte for supper. Room [$] 28.00.

Saturday July 28, 1984

Drove to Yellowstone thru pastures full of cattle. Entered Yellowstone at Livingston at North Gate about 9 [a.m.] Noted different formations at springs at Mammoth & on to Geyser Basin. We old people sat in the car while Karl & Jeri toured the sights. Drove to Roaring Mt. Only it wasn’t roaring anymore. Passed a meadow with a large herd of elk grazing. Passed mud pots to Old Faithful. While waiting for the eruption, we ate sandwiches we had fixed at Butte. Finally Old Faithful started her performance. Imagine 4 or 5 thousand were in attendance to witness it. It didn’t seem to go as high or last as long or as often as I remembered it. Visited with a couple who

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shared their log with us to sit on. They were from Canada. We tried to be the first to leave but didn’t make it so was in line bumper to bumper for miles. Drove past West Thumb around lake to Fishing Bridge; however, it was closed to fishing. Many were lined on the bridge on both sides. Followed Yellowstone river and people were fishing there, but many signs were posted that all fish caught had to be thrown back. Seen many buffalo. One old bull was grazing by the roadside so a long line of cars were parked and cameras clicking everywhere. On to Canyon Falls which was beautiful. Drove back to Fishing Bridge & went out East Gate. See a cow & calf moose quite a distance away. Also seen lots of antelope from Butte to the park.

Went to Cody Wyo.—named after Buffalo Bill Cody. Every ad & billboard told us Buffalo Bill stayed there. Stayed the nite there.

Sunday July 29, 1984

Left Cody & seen many more antelope. The landscape was typical of western Wyo.—high and barren. In the Sheridan area was farms with, believe it or not, acres of sugar beets. Gained altitude over mt to about 800[0] ft. Decended into South Dakota—still many cattle in green pastures & meadows.

In Wyo seen many oil wells working. Western So. Dakota was mostly rough land.

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As we traveled south we came to fields of fat cattle. Arrived at the Black Hills—probably called so because of dense pine trees that from a distance, the hills looked black. From Rapid City went S.W. 20 miles to Mt Rushmore where the faces of Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt was carved in the rocks. Many people wee there also. The carvings were huge. Seen a film that told how big they were. A man standing on the nose looked like a fly as each nose is 20 ft. long, eyes 11 ft wide, heads are 60 ft high. It was started in 1927. Man (Borglum) died in 1941, but his son who worked with him finished it. Found a motel out….

Monday July 30, 1984

Arose next morning and seen many signs on hwy advertising Wall Drug in S. Dakota. The signs started hundred miles earlier so we drove off highway to see it. It was a old city. The whole town had a hillbilly effect—watering troughs & hitchin posts etc. There bought some stamps in a place where one could find anything: wax figures, souvenirs, clothes—you name it. It was interesting, but it was getting late so we couldn’t linger longer; however, I’d liked to of stayed longer. Drove back to Hwy 90 east to Murdo. It was now dark & all the motels a No Vacancy sign out. Stopped to a few ,but no good. Finally seen a sign so we went in. It was [$]38.00, but very new—ploosh. Our room was small with 2 beds & 1 head board [diagram of back to back beds abutting one common headboard], gold velvet drapes & spread. Next morning east again. Corn was small, pastures green –like too much rain that they

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couldn’t get on land to plant. Drove to Mitchell & stopped to Corn Palace.Broshers said corn is replaced every year. Huge wall pictures, inside &out, was made with corn—tassels, kernels, husks—All was used. Said cost [$]36,000 a year to replace. It was different & pretty. Bought a small vase. Left there & drove to Iowa—to Glenwood. Found Karl’s mother & stepfather about 5.

They just built a new hillside home—only front exposed to the weather. She had supper waiting, but we toured his garden & yards first. Had roast lamb, corn on cob (honey & sugar), tapioca for dessert. Cleared table & went to see their chapel. A bldg converted—a bank rents part of it. It was downtown—very nice. Went to the park. Seen a new Am theater & parks, also a museum of old machinery. Only it was closed—a few pieces outside. Watched Olympics a while & bed.

Tuesday July 31, 1984

Next morning after sourdough h[ot] cakes & cantaloupe, gathered our dirty clothes and went to Laundromat. Did 3 batches. While washing went to sort of antique store. Had lots of handiwork for sale. Many could be used for Christmas. Put up a few sandwiches & left for Omaha to pick up Scott.[37] The plane was late as usual, but finally got on our way to Nauvoo. Earlier we had made a call from Glenwood to reserve a motel room. Sure glad as it was dark when we arrived. Ate at a drive in. I thot we were loaded before, but with Scott’s case

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I just don’t know how the men fitted it in, but they did. Scott slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. It didn’t take long for us to be out of it. Stayed at Nauvoo Family motel.

Wednesday August 1, 1984

Stayed in bed longer than usual as figured nothing would be open too early. Left to eat, but seen the information center. Went in seen a film of the church. Went to the bakery & got a recipe of molasses cookies & tasted one. The Cultural hall. Reorganized Chruch. It was not like I remembered it from 1952. Seen J. Smith home, grave, etc. Went to a hose & watched them make pottery & candles & barrel making. I wanted to see the brick & blacksmith shops, but all thot we should move on so we did.

Went breakfast. It was now about 2 p.m. Drove to Hamilton where a Dairy Queen was by a diesel pump so we filled up both. Dairy Queen didn’t have hamburgers—only hot dogs. So had a chili dog, drink & ice cr[eam] cone—[$]16.00 for 5. Drove on. Got 16 oz pop for 55 cents each. On farther & seen melons for sale. Dad & farmer had a good visit when all was anxious to get on our way. Got 4 cants & a melon for [$]5.00. Drove to Normal by Rapids City[38]& found a 6 Motel. Got groceries & had a good swim in the pool—first swim for years & years. Fixed supper in room of stew (Jeri took elec. Fry pan), cants. More Olympics & bed.

Thursday August 2, 1984

After breakfast of cold cereal & watermelon, drove thru more corn & soy beans. More hilly than southern part of Ill.; however, still corn & beans.

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Fort Wayne—home of Purdue Un. It now started to rain. Not hard tho till about 1 when we stopped to eat lunch of sandwiches we had made, by a large shopping center. We no sooner got our sandwiches out of car and it came. Course it didn’t take long for us to hit car again. So we ate in the car. The rain now was coming by buckets full. Passed Goodrich Tire Co. Sat in car awhile then decided to go on. After miles of driving it did let up then stop.

Drove to Kirtland. It was late when we arrived. Drove thru the town. Seen a motel going in, but it looked rather ritzy. Didn’t seen any more so retraced our steps & stopped but no rooms left. The last one was being checked out. So nothing to do but go on. Drove on & nothing. Finally seen 2 patrol cars parked in a school lot so drove in and asked about lodgings. They called several & all was full p. Finally one said he would show us the way to one more and if it was full that was all. We drove for quite some time & finally a motel. He went in with Karl. Soon he came out & said Karl was getting one. Relief. We took cases in & went to the Ponderosa to eat. It was nice: a salad bar & steak. Oh, so good & did we make pigs of ourselves.

Friday August 3, 1984

After a good nites sleep we went to Church information—a new chapel. Seen slides there of the early church. Then on to

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the Kirtland Temple. The Reorganized has really done a lot of work to make their bldgs & yards look like ours. A information center, landscaping, etc. Went on a guided tour of the temple. The guide was knowledgeable, but of course, not in agreement with us—such as temple work. They are starting a new temple in Independence, but as he said they are a poor church & it will not be completed till 2000. Also said it was only tradition that the head of the church be passed from father to son and they figured that someone had written in J. Smith’s journal of the appearance of the Savior, Elijah & to J. Smith & Oliver in the temple. So much for that.

Left there on a cloudy day & headed to N.Y. thru a corner of Pennsylvania. Seen many grape fields. Stopped to McDonalds for breakfast & dinner. Got on toll road[$]1.65. Seen the Falls.[39] Karl did most of the driving as he knew where he was going. Seen the Falls once again. It is built up much—bldgs covered all available space except for parking. We boarded the “Maid of the Mist” for a ride close to the falls. [$]4.25 each. Was given a plastic long coat 1/ hood attached. However still got wet from the spray the falls made. My hair was soaked—the hood so big. Left there and headed for Palmyra. Arrived about 6:30 to a place beyond Rochester—to a place called Pittsford. Got a room at the Sunny Motel. Checked in. Stopped to a groc store for cereal, milk, bread & p. butter for tomorrow then to the pagent.

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Hurried and got there about 8—only to find it didn’t start till 9:15. At 8 only a few people were there, but when it ended there were lots. The lighting, sound & costumes all were marvelous. It was superb. Guess 8 to 10 thousand.

Saturday August 4, 1984

Left Pittsford headed for Boston. On way stopped to eat lunch (already prepared) to a gas station & park, restaurant etc. Had to buy drinks. Jeri & I went to rest rooms & coming out stepped in a store—5 small drinks, 2 lg pretzels & 3 donuts came to [$]6.00 so will not stop there much. The countryside is mostly hilly & tree covered. Not much farming, homes, or anything. Arrived in Massachusetts about 4 where we drove to Framingdon—motel [$]39.00. It also had big apts as well. We had to go to Laundromat again. This time 85 cents each [load]. Men got groceries while we washed. 3 or 4 meals for [$]16.00. TV, Olympics & soft bed.

Sunday August 5, 1984

Reserved motel for one more nite. Left suit cases there & on to Boston. Went to Chestnut Hill and caught the subway into Boston. Only just about didn’t. We had greenbacks & conductor wouldn’t take them as each had to have the correct change—[$]1.50 each. So the train pulled out without us. We drove to a service station where he would only give us [$]3.00 in change, but among us all we finally had the right change. From the subway we followed a

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red line in the center of the sidewalk on the “Freedom Trail.” It took us to the places of early history. Seen the cemetery where a lot of the founders of our country are buried—then the buildings where they met—then to a square compartable to England. Open markets where one could buy anything. Anything to eat from fish & meats to desserts served on paper plates. You found a place to sit or stand to eat.

We went to a upstairs restaurant that Karl knew about. I cad cod & fries—very good [$]3.75. We then shopped awhile. We didn’t buy anything. Rest got a T shirt each. Visited Paul Rever[e]’s home, the Boston Harbor where the tea was dumped. Back to train. Return fare free. Then car, then motel by 5. Very tired as we walked & walked & walked. After, rested awhile. Lee & myself walked to store & bought ½ gal Butter pecan ice cream. It was hot & muggy (thank goodness for air conditioners in motels) and it really hit the spot. Olympic games again. Karl called his grandfather & I called Genevie. Everything OK.

Monday August 6, 1984

Left motel about 9 for Connecticut. Went thru Providence Rhode Island into Connecticut. Then crossed border again to R. I. to Misquamiente to the beach. I’ve seen pictures of beaches covered w/ people, but now I’ve really seen it first hand. People as far as the eye could see. A large place to dress & undress; however, you had to take all belongings with you to the beach. I got in the water and a big wave came & knocked me off my feet. I had my hair in curlers & I didn’t want to get it wet, but I had no choice.

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I guess salt water my curl more tightly. Ate lunch (prepared in morning) on the beach. I didn’t think we had been out in sun too long, but both Lee & myself got a sunburn. Mine didn’t hurt much, but scaled. Seeing my hair was up, my ears got burned & they itch. Showered & dressed and went to Karl’s grandparents, the Irvine Lindholms. They are 82 & 80. Very nice. Scott, Karl & Jeri walked to the beach there while the grandparents took us sightseeing in their car: many people on beaches there, boats mostly sail [boats?], some beautiful homes, trees of all kinds.

Inez had supper started, but while working in the kitchen she got sick. I tried to help make yam & fresh apple casserole: layer yam, layer apple, & B[rown] sugar on top. Soon her head went on her arms. She was sitting on a stool by the cabinet. She roused & went to bather room. Soon came out & just started again when she passed out. The Dr. was called & he said bring her in. She was roused by now so Karl drove them to the hospital. We finished supper of baked ham ( canned), baked spuds, broccali soufflé, & yams, rolls & cinnamon rolls were already baked. Soon Karl called from hospital and said they were keeping her alnite [and] for us to eat & ma[y]be us & Scott go get a motel which we did. We had to go several miles before we found one. IT was now dark. It was [$]43.00, but we did have a kitchen.

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Tuesday August 7, 1984

So got groceries before breakfast. For breakfast had bacon & eggs—toaster there, so had toast for a change. Went back to Karl’s grandparents. He came while we were there and said they figured it was just the heat, but keeping her for observation. Jeri had called Vanae & said Ray needed Scott home at least by Sunday. So we left Westbrook and went to N.Y. to see Lisa. Between Connecticut & N.Y. we paid [$]4.00 in toll at 6 places. Thick traffic.

Found Oyster Bay & called Lisa. She & girl came and showed us where she works. She introduced us to the 2 girls she works for: one old enough to drive & other younger. Lisa showed us the house, swimming pool, but I’m content with what we have. Cloudy & rain a little. Lisa went with us to Teddy Roosevelt’s home—a big house, many rooms filled with animal heads he had shot. It closed at 5 & we didn’t get there till 4:45 so didn’t get to go upstairs. The furniture and all was the Roosevelts.’ Animal rugs were on the floor in most every room. It was a beautiful place. Then went back to town. We had been asked to eat to where Lisa works. They would go out for pizza, but we said no so we all went to a spaghetti place where I had spaghetti & meat balls. Lisa said they go there for pizza or a deli next door, get what they want & charge it—easy way.

Before we got Lisa back it started to rain again--not for long, but in sheets. Headed for a motel. One wanted [$]60.00 for 2 beds plus tax.

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Drove miles and asked to several on Long Island. Some even [$]85.00 & tax which would have been [$] 92.00. So we said goodby to Long Island & got on No. 1 the old road. Headed back to Connecticut. We finally, after backtracking a few miles, found one that sleeps 5 for [$]51.00. It was not a desirable room. It could have been nice, but was dirty; however, the beds were good.

Wednesday August 8, 1984

Went back to N.Y. to the Bronx Zoo. Stopped and asked a guy just a few miles from it where it was & he didn’t know. Stopped again & asked. We had passed a turn off, but it wasn’t marked so back tracked a mile & soon were there. Cost [$]2.00 to park car, [$] 1.00 each to get in except Sr. Citizens. We got in free. The zoon covered lost of ground 250 acres and was quite well kept, but I think we walked over 250 acres for what we seen. I think Hog les, Seattle or any of the zoos is as good or has as much to see with less walking. Left there about 2. Was grateful for air in car as it was so hot & humid in the park.

Then drove to the city. Statue of Liberty in the distance with scaffolding around it. Boasts in the harbor, Empire State Bldg. Cars, cars, & cars. Then Big apt bldg on on top almost of the other. Thank goodness for Karl. Went down Times Square on 42nd St. where we walked 30 years ago. It is still nothing but theatres, peep shows etc. Headed out to the Parkway. Went over Brooklyn Bridge as well as Geo. Wash. Bridge. Thru many small tunnels.

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Couldn’t move any faster than the traffic which was backed up for miles. Finally Connecticut. This route missed the toll bridges. It was not so fast, but still a 4 lane highway. Stopped to McDonald in Danbury & had hamb. We had stopped twice before & saved our cards from the olympics. If U.S. won the event on the card, the bearer rec[eived] a free burger, drink, or fries. We had saved enough that our meal only cost [$]2.60 for us 5.

Went to Karl’s dad’s & stepmothers in Southbury which is between Dansbury & Waterbury. Turned at Jeremy Swamps to Hulls Hills and there in a clearing in the trees Karl was home. This was where he grew up. It was a big old home, living room, dining room, kitchen, portch & bath down & 5 bedrooms & bath up. She wasn’t home, but his dad was. He showed us around the yards & garden. Soon she came with groceries 6 or 7 sax which we helped carry in. He fixed spaghetti for the kids supper. Kids ate first—2 of his & 2 theirs. Then we ate. Watched olympics. Then they said they were going to town & be right back. Soon they came with ice cr[eam] & cake. It was the girl Jenifer’s birthday tomorrow. She is quite cute. She will be 4. Johnathan is 5. His boys are 14, 16. We sang happy birthday. She opened gifts: a cabbage patch doll. We gave her [$]1.00. Ate cake & ice cream, TV & bed. We had single bed. Scott on floor in our room. Kids on floor in another room. Karl & Jeri on floor in living room. We had a fan in our room.

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Thank goodness.

Thursday August 9, 1984

Awoke before anyone was up & got ready to wash. Had to waken Jeri to get their clothes. Went to basement. It was so wet & damp there that the deep freeze & all was covered with rust. It took us till 10:30 to wash & dry 3 batches. It took so long for them to dry that I took Scott’s T shirts damp. We ate breakfast he had fixed—scrambled eggs. Then Lee, Scott & myself said goodby. Left Karl & Jeri there to visit longer & meet us in D.C. They would come on Am Track. Headed from Southbury. Got car greased then on to Delaware. When we left it was foggy, but now it had burned off & was hot & muggy. The terrain & all reminded me very much of Oct—early fall—hot & hazy. Homes one could see thru trees & in cities old 2 & 3 story. New England—very pretty.

To start with we took the wrong road & had to turn around & backtrack after had car greased. (He said shocks should be replaced as tires were wearing on front). We got in another traffic jam—as was doing road repairs. Seen Prinston U[niversity], Philadelphia—was smoking from large smoke stacks. The Delaware river had many big boats on it. Drove to Wilmington. Found 6 motel. Had called ahead for bed. Olympics & bed. Heard U.S. won 150 medals—59 gold.

Friday August 10, 1984

The wording on license plate was “Delaware, the 1st State.” Seen many Roy Rogers drive in. Drove past East susquahana river. Toll again, 50 cents. Lots of liquor stores. Diesel about 10 cents cheaper than at home. N.Y. diesel was [$]1.29.9. Went thru

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the Baltimore tunnel. It was long but clean & pretty with signs saying to keep up speed. Toll 75 cents. Passed U. of Maryland. It occupied a block of old beautiful bldg. Seen many beautiful churches with large steeples on top. Here we seen several signs out of private home, “Tourists Welcome.”

We didn’t arrive in D.C. till 12:15. The road [on which] we entered DC was all colored folk. We drove miles without seeing a white person, but farther on seen all colors mixed. Luck was with us. I remembered Marriot (We had called from Southbury & reserved room) was in Bethsaeda. We followed 1 and soon Scott spotted the motel. Rooms for 3 nites—[$]128.70. After unpacking car we drove back downtown. Of course we didn’t know where we were going & ended up in Arlington. So stopped to a Chinese restaurant. I & Lee had sweet & sour shrimp—very good. Don’t know what Scott got, but it was sure hot.

Went to temple at night. The temple is small. Ma[y]be more rooms, but each small. 19 women & 15 men in the session with a rope dividing men from women. 2 workers thru the entire service except for prayer circle. Then another man came & stayed. Before going on session seen Roy Blanch & wife from N. Jersey. They were staying in Marriot also. So after they got out (Their stake had a meeting so didn’t go w/us). The came to our room & visited awhile. She R[elief] S[ociety] Pres. He as. Stake clerk. She is outgoing. He very quiet.

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Saturday August 11, 1984

Ate at a Hot Shoppe in D.C. after trying to find a place. All one could eat, [$] 4.25. Help yourself & it was good. Between Wisconsin & Connecticut Ave we found we could get to the capitol, but here again we didn’t turn off and found ourselves in Arlington again. Only this time to the cemetery. Here we found a tour of D.C. plus the cemetery for [$]6.50 each. So we parked the car & got on tour—on long open busses. We could get on & off the busses whenever it stopped. Stopped to Lincoln Memorial, several Smithsonian bldgs. In once we all agreed we would meet at a certain place at such & such a time.

10 min. before we were to meet I decided I’d better start looking. I walked & walked, passed each exhibit several times & couldn’t find where to go. I was beginning to get worried. But after being 15 min. late I did find them. I just don’t know why I can’t tell directions. I was quite sure to notice things so I could go out again. But it didn’t work.

Got off at the capitol. Was told when the flags on the bldg wasn’t flying that congress was not in session—which they were not. The figure on the dome is of a woman called Freedom. Went inside. Hard climbing all the outside steps with bad knees & Lee’s back. A worker there took us on a elevator to basement & told us how to go out a side door to avoid the steps—great.

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On now to the cemetery but all was so hot & tired. We stayed on the buss & didn’t go to Kennedys grave, changing of the guard, unknown soldier, or Arlington house. Came back. Ate at Roy Rogers where I got a hamb. & waited for men. I had my burger half eaten when they came. They had been putting pickles etc on theirs at a bar which I didn’t see so I ate mine just buns & meat, uh. On our trip we seen where the Am Track station was—Union Station. Tired but good day.

Sunday August 12, 1984

Sunday once again. Lee’s back is telling him to go easy. Too much walking. I rubbed him, but didn’t help much.

I tried calling Doug Blanch who I thot lived in the neighborhood, but no luck. We found address of church in phone book, but Scott didn’t know how to get there & I’m sure I didn’t so we didn’t go. I had taken my B of M so read my S[unday] S[chool reading. About noon we all went and ate breakfast & dinner in one to Hot Shoppe.

Then on to Virginia to the Dulles Airport so Scott could fly home. Found it without trouble. Rain again. Found no place to park unless we paid. So Lee sat in car & I went with Scott to check baggage. Walked thru. It was big, but not many people around. Missed the hustle of the small airports. Left Scott to spend 2 hours till take off time alone.

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By now Lee knows how to get to motel so drove strait to it. Watched closing of Olympics—or did I. Sleep came first.

Monday August 13, 1984

I washed a batch of clothes then checked out. We couldn’t get it for another nite at the cheap rate—instead of [$]39.00 we would have to pay [$]90. Special rates to temple goers, but all these rooms reserved starting Monday nite.

Found a place that had a ad in the paper for tires, but he couldn’t work on our car till 2:30 get 2 new tires & shock , but when the colored man looked at it he said the tires needed rotated. So we drove more & found a place to eat—Long John Silvers. When we got in we found it was run by coloreds. The place was clean & neat so we stayed. We ordered fish. Got 3 big pieces, cabbage salad, & large fries for [$] 2.99. Drink 65 cents, but refills only 25, which Lee had. Went to Sears to have tires rotated; however, here [$]13.65.

Then went to Union Station to pick up Karl & Jeri. Again no place to park so I went to look for them while Lee sat in car. After waiting until 4, that was train was to be in, I asked only to f
Karl & Jeri took the tour that we had taken Sat. We complained about the room so were changed to another one. Lee lost or left his pocket knife in the room we vacated, but didn’t miss it till we had left. We read & watched TV. Walked across street to a restaurant & had a snack.

About 5:30 Jeri called & asked if we’d like to attend a free concert which we did. It was at the Iwo Jima Memorial. The memorial was of our boys hosting the flag on the island. The navy was very colorful in white & red—blue & white & black. It was the drum & bugle. We left early to beat traffic & find a place toe at. We stopped to a Chinese place in D.C. It was a swanky upstairs deal—not much less than 9-10 dollars. Lee & I ordered just a appetizer. Others chicken. They said it was good.

Wednesday August 15, 1984

Arose to go to the temple. Was out at 10:30, but by the time pictures were taken etc. We went back in and had dinner there which was good. All drove out of D.C. N. West but me & I went out S. West. Hilly country, covered w/trees—lots of sumac in bloom. Followed route 70 thru Hancock to Cumberland—Daniel Boone country.[40] He opened up the Cumberland Gap to the Ohio valley. Ha.

Stopped for fuel at Hancock & met

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2 lady missionarys who also was gassing up. One’s name was Van Orden. She has relatives in M[oses] Lake—Pres Jones. Passed thru the town of Flintstone. Came to Cumberland, a larger town than usual. 5 big steeples of churches. All within a block of each other. Country now is still hilly but more open—barns & cattle to many places.

We read in the paper that unwed mothers account for 1/3 of the N. York births. In the Olympics U.S. won 82 gold medals, 61 silver, & 30 bronze—total 173. Next was West Germany 17-19-23—total 59.

Crossed the eastern continental divide. At 3 p.m. crossed from Maryland into W. Virginia. So far the rest areas are sure not as plentiful as in the West. Trees here are not so dense, but still plenty. We go up one hill & down another, one after another. There is a haze in the valleys. Guess it’s the humidity. Most of the trees where we have pine was oak, ash, maple & poplar. A good divided road all the way. The Allegheny Mts are not at all like our Rockies. They are tree covered small hills. Not that many rocks. Now in W. Virginia we did hit good rest areas. Came into Charleston W. Virgina capitol. Stopped to a motel that was filled up, but he called & got us lodgings with a Red Top motel that we had seen on billboards for several days—[$]32 + tax—different than [$]60 & 90 elsewhere.

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Walked to a Rax (chain of shops). Had sandwiches which were good. Home—rook & hearts & bed.

Thursday August 16, 1984

Left motel in a fairly thick fog. The hills more rocky here. Drove to Huntington[41] where Ray spent his mission. Passed 2 big oil refineries--one just inside Kentucky border. Seen fields of corn & tobacco. One field was being harvested. It is still hilly tho. Just before Lexinton.[42] Seen many big homes with wide verandas, wide front yards & white picket fences. They were beautiful.

We followed a sign to a horse farm & museum in Lexington. It was a big affair. Cost us [$]1.00 to park. Seen a statue of “Man of War,” a famous horse—water & flowers all around him. Went to main bldg. Cost [$]5.00 per person to see all & would take all afternoon so we sat under the shade of a tree, ate sandwiches we had prepared & drank root beer & left. Passed many pastures & horses. It is definitely horse country & even seen black painted fences instead of white. Crops really need rain now. Cedar trees are showing up with gently rolling hills.

We took route 64 into Indiana. The farther we went the bigger the fields & better looking corn & soy beans. Crossed into Illinois, across the Wabash River. Many oil wells. Ground flatter & not many trees. Crossed border into Missouri. Here

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stayed again at a Red Top Inn, in St. Louis, about 8 mi[les] out. It is Karl & Jeri’s 1st ann[iversary] tomorrow so we went to groc store. Lee & I got peaches & cream. Karl & Jeri went out to eat. We played yahtz. Soon they came & all played hearts. Called Ann. Jim is still in Seattle. Called Keith. He was still on combine.

Friday August 7, 1984


We left the Big Arch of St. Louis at 8:30. Filled tank with diesel, crossed Mississippi on Hwy 70 to Missouri, “the land of the Ozarks.” Not too much farming, lots of wasteland. Really need rain here. Stopped to a nice rest stop & ate our sandwiches. Drove to Independence. Went to information center. Were there a hour, but enjoyed it. Here lawns are burning & brown as well as corn & beans. Stopped to stand & bought a large, about 40 lb, melon to take to Karl’s mother for [$]3.00. Went through St. Joseph. Crossed into Iowa about 5:30. Here crops look better. Arrived at Karl’s mother’s—the Connolys. Had a nice super. Got some cookie recipes & bed. Karl & Jeri’s anniversary.

Saturday August 8, 1984

Went to gift shop. Owner wasn’t in. But got a toothpick pig & thimble & 2 mice. Washed to Karl’s mothers. Jeri got material & made a flower pot cover. I got afghan kit. Ate then to Stragetic [Strategic] Air Force place where planes & few rockets were shown. One just cannot imagine the size of some of the planes while smaller ones rested on the ground under the wings.

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These were obsolete. On to Winter Quarters. Saw the visitors center. The Church bought a house from a family across from the cemetery. The old couple died & the family offered it to the Church so they bought it. Here seen a film & to the grave site of those who died , 600, on the treck west.

We then went to a restaurant that served Mexican food. Here had to wait 10-15 min. to be seated, but it was very good. After all filled to bursting, we had sort of fried dough—hollow in center & could fill with honey. Very good. We pd bill for all.

Sunday August 19, 1984

Mr. & Ms. Connoly left early for church. It was their branch conference. We left at 8:40. A coun[selor] was at the door and shook our hand, but no one even smiled. The meetings were good tho. The 2nd coun. In the stake pres. talked of Catching a Vison. All stake pres. talked in S[unday] S[chool] & R[elief] S[ociety]. The branch pres. talked not at all. Mr. Connoly is 2nd coun. R[elief] S[ociety] chorus. 8 people sang. Pot luck dinner served later at church in a big basement. This is the first time the kitchen has been used. Dinner was very good. Home, read & slept to 4:30 when Carol[43] called & finally located the old Stoker cemetery. We all took off again & after stopping several

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places to inquire. We finally located it on Mr. Donald Swanson’s farm. Box 10 State Orchard Rd. Council Bluffs, 51501. Mrs. Connoly did all the Council running—reminds one of Verda.[44] Mr. Swanson very nice. He gave us some material of the cemetery to

take off & mail back to him. The cemetery is located in his field. It has been fenced. Trees in it. Plack [Plaque] with 33 names inbedded on a granite slab telling who is buried there. Came home. Popped corn. Had poppy seed cake & drink. Heart which I lost & bed. Good day.

Monday August 20, 1984

After a great breakfast of tomatoes, juice, cantaloupe, rice & French toast, we left Karl’s mother for Glenwood to take the material Swanson gave us off.[45] Carol offered to mail it back so she left for home & we headed out. Had it done at school library for 10 cents [a page]. Thot we had said our goodbyes but Jeri missed her handiwork so had to go back & say goodbys once more. Got on [Interstate] 80 thru Nebraska on a good strait road. Here lots of cattle pasture & hay fields. Irrigation in parts here—beets & wheellines & few circles. I drove for 100 miles till I got sleepy. Passed the Platt river many times. Overcast, breeze & not so hot when we got to Wyo. It started to rain. No mountains in sight. On top of the world. Changed watches to Mountain Standard Time. Stayed at motel 6 in Cheyenne. Ate at a truck stop before entering the

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town. Had rib eye steak [$]3.95. Had called ahead for room Played rook & bed.

Tuesday August 21, 1984

This motel was by a railroad. But I slept thru it & so did Lee but Karl said he heard 3. was awy by 7. Overcast sky. Drove miles thru green rolling hills & no houses. We are now 8,650 [feet above sea level] elevation. Getting into the Rockies. Passed the Lincoln Monument. Made of rock from a distance it looked just like hijm. Passed Laramie—home of U. of Wyo. Seen lots of antelope & oil wells, cattle came thru Echo & Devils Slide in Utah. Henefer & Devils Gate to Ogden.

At at Utah Noodle parlor. Not like I remembered it. Stopped to John.[46] On to Elizas.[47] Not home. To Vals.[48] He home. Back to Elizas. They were now home. Visited with the folks in W[est] Weber. Karl & Jeri stayed with LaNea.[49]


Wednesday August 22, 1984

Seen Hancocks that were home. Terry’s[50] 5 yr. old boy in hospital with kidney infection. Margaret looked good. But Eliza said has had more lumps removed.

Seen Marvin Venable.[51] He is doing great. He told us Allen’s[52] girl Liz is married to a Negro. He has joined the Church. They have a baby.

Went to Les’s.[53]Annie asked Lee & Eunice[54] for supper. Karl & Jeri went to Eunices.’

Thursday August 23, 1984

Next evening [August 23] all went there to eat.

Friday August 24, 1984

Then next day [August 24] visited Verda.[55] They were getting ready to go to a Nelson reunion. Toni[56] was there. Visited & stayed the nite with

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Bob & Nina.[57] Both looked good. Did our washing there so Jeri will have clean clothes to start school. Lee got a new temple robe & apron. I got garments.

Saturday August 25, 1984

On our way to our mission reunion, we stopped to visit Alta,[58] but she wasn’t home however Al was. Karl & Jeri stayed in Lehi with his uncle. We then all went to Midway to Pres. Ivory’s[59] farm. We didn’t get there till bout 4. Some playing tennis & visiting—Rigbys, Petersons, Stewarts, Fowers from Ogden, & us were the older ones there. A good time visiting. Presl Ivory has sold his farm & house in S[alt] Lake & going to build some where in Cottonwood. Supper was catered. I think the church. Tables were set up in a gazebo—another bldg. We had sweet & sour meat over rice, green beans, salad relish, buns, butter , drink & sundies. All good. Held a program later outside also. We rec[eived] the prize for being married the longest—2 envelope openers. Gave on to Jeri. Missed most grandchildren by 1 to Petersons, but didn’t count Vanae’s other 3. A great time. Drove to Eunices. All bedded down.

Sunday August 26, 1984

Awoke & away by 5. Stopped in Burley & visited with Herman. Called Don. Didn’t think we had time to go out. Ate to café off highway. Stopped in Homedale to Ray’s mothers. Had corn & tomatoes there. On home. Here by 7. Stopped to Vanae’s. Scott picked us 2 sax of corn. All well, but busy.

Monday August 27, 1984

Spent the morning doing corn. Got about 30 bags in deep freeze. Yards & garden in good shape except lawn tall. Dog still tied up, but we untied him Saunday & he has been home ever since as far as I know.

Tuesday August 28, 1984

Bottled a batch of cucumber relish & 2 batches of Rhubarb jam. Need some peaches for freezer which we went to Royal & got for 10 cents lb.—Hale.[60] Got 30 bags in feezer.


Thursday September 6, 1984

Left at 4:30 to go to the temple with Jack Goodrich. Did 4 sessions & home by dark. A good day. He chged [$]10.00, not bad.

Saturday September 8, 1984

Oh boy. We finally got our lawn mower back. Lee had to put bagger on & took him awhile to get it all adjusted, but got front lawn mostly cut before dark. Also bought a new telephone with a amplifer on. Now it is worth [$]106.00.

Sunday September 9, 1984

Sunday was stake conference. Derick was here. He will be new temple pres. It was good. Rusty is sick so Lora Jo didn’t come, but Dave & kids came to conference then to dinner & got over ripe tomatoes. In evening Keith & Larry & wives & us went thru the rail road car at Bruce. It is a Pul[l]man, built in 1910. Named Abraham Lincoln. Now home to Curt Andrews. It can entertain 6 very well overnite. Still much to be done tho. It will rent out for $1,000.00 a day. The we came here & had our first

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Melon from our patch. Not too good tho & cantaloupe. Then Genevie, Dana & myself went to Larrys & played a game. Then home & read till 9:30.

Sunday September 16, 1984

Went to Jeri Anns for a chicken dinner which was excellent. Then stopped to Rays only to find a woman of the ward had left her husband & she & 7 kids were there. Didn’t stay too long. Weather hot.

Thursday September 20, 1984

It’s turned cool. Even had a shower during the nite. In the afternoon a wind started blowing hard enough to get dirt blowing. Went to M[oses] Lake to get car air conditioner fixed & found belts needed replaced. But I still don’t think that is all the problem. Spent the time with Myra while car was being worked on. All well. Went to Ephrata & got front axle for old red P[ick] up—[$]65 + tax. Oh, boy.

Friday September 21, 1984

Went to Connell & watched football game. Connell won from Colfax. I sat in car w Vanae.

Sunday September 23, 1984

Church as usual. I don’t feel any older than yesterday, & but a year ago—yes. I never once thot I’d slow as much as I have but guess time takes its toll. All the kids came except Dennis. Lora Jo came Sat. nite & brought 2 big bowels of carmel corn. Good.

Tuesday September 25, 1984

Gave the lesson in R[elief] S[ociety] board mtg. Im making Christmas gifts for married grandkids—Owl dish cloth holders.

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Saturday September 29, 1984

Took car to Othello as tire keeps going flat. He found a short nail, but had to put a tube in--& was my face red. I didn’t have enough money to fix it. Waiting for S[ocial] S[ecurity] before we can pay light & phone bills. I charged it which he didn’t want to do very much. But we’re being watched over. When I got home the interest from 2 notes we have was in the mail so I went back in & payed him. Went to Pasco Monday [September 24] & got us a new Whirlpool washer & dryer with what Larry owed us & more—[$] 750. Then while Keith & Paul was installing them Giles came to fix stove which was [$]90.00 , parts & labor. So now everything is going once more except my little TV. It quit & smoke came out of back. So guess it’s a picture tube. I sure miss it.

Rays birthday.

At5:45 went to Womens Conference in stake house. Pres. Hindley, R[elief] S[ociety], Y[oung] W[omen] & Primary leaders all talked. Then a display in the culture hall & light refreshments. All very good.

Sunday September 30, 1984

In church adults met & Bp Jones talked to us on morality, our children, good. Society seems to turn its back anymore & anything goes. Its terrible. I had part of Sunday school lesson. Home teachers came.

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Monday October 1, 1984

Lee left for work—helping Ray at 6:45. He had to take car as old pickup—the brakes went & the other one he figured had a clogged fuel line. But it turned out to be a dirty fuel filter. I got the part and he fixed it. OK. I went to help Sr. Roylance quilt. I crawled under quilt to go to the other wide of quilt & I had just got my needle in when my nose started bleeding. It bled quite a bit & Mrs. Roylance even suggested calling a Dr., but I said no. I finally quit, but I didn’t do anymore quilting as I was afraid of getting some on the quilt. I had had one earlier in the week, but not bad.

Wednesday and Thursday October 3 and 4, 1984

Then [Wednesday night and] Thur[sday morning ] nite Lee & I were playing yahtz & it started again. Lee suggested I let it bleed awhile. Which I did for about 1/2 hr. Then when I wanted to get it stopped I couldn’t. It wan’t now bleeding very bad & I was so tired so we3nt to bed & lay on my back. Was I ever uncomfortable with blood running down my throat. About 1:30 it finally stopped so I could sleep. Thur it all I haven’t felt too good—dizzy & headache.

So I thot as did Lee ma[y]be is blood pressure so I went to hospital & had it checked & really its lower than it has been at times. I knew tho

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when I left home it would be OK as I had prayed & I got the feeling nothing to worry about. Its great. Got car greased.

Friday October 5, 1984


Went to Gilberts to her daughter, Linda’s, baby shower. It’s a girl. Had to go to town first for a gift. Really didn’t want to go, but felt I should. I wanted something different so got a nit elite & fever thermometer.

Lee & I got our communication crossed. I thot he said to go to Vanaes for him & he said to take him from Keiths field to got to Vanaes to get red truck with brakes out. Anyway, I left him sitting here for ahour. Was he ever mad. I wanted to wait & have Dennis go get pickup, but crossly he said no. So back to Rays I went. Got p[ick] up back home then back to Keiths field for other p[ick] up. By now all was well.

Saturday October 6, 1984

Dennis came about 9 to tune green p[ick] up & fix brakes on red one. Fixed dinner for them:roast beef. Theink they enjoyed it. Couldn’t get part for red brakes. Hope things soon get fixed. Our bank acct is down to [$]300 and only a week is gone. At this rate I need to get a job also. Ha.

Listened to conference till Dennis

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& kids came yesterday [October 6] I got up & fixed a jack pot casserole for dinner. Last nite [October 6] I made rolls & Jello salad as I have Elders coming for dinner. I

Sunday October 7, 1984

made so much that asked Keith to eat with us. He took Dad to Priesthood meeting last nite [October 6]. A good crowd gathered to watch conference. Dashed home fed all then all went back except us. Lees leg is bothering him so we listened to it on radio—Othello station. It came in good. Had banana splits for dessert.

Monday October 8, 1984

Lee went to work as usual for Ray in the potatoes. I left at 8 for Royal. In the way I got a gallon of ice cr[eam] at M & Save for [$]2.00 and took to Lora Jo. The kids Sat[urday] had gathered up apples from under their trees ready for us to make into apple sauce. Lora Jo didn’t feel too well, but we made 70 qts before I felt I had to leave at 6.

Tuesday October 9, 1984

Lee went to work taking the tractor back to Rays as he had finished the field. Ray ad no more work for him.

Wednesday October 10, 1984


Lee fixed leaking faucets. Went & got flue shots—[$]2.50 each. Started raining abt 5 p.m. & drizzled most of the nite.

Saturday October 13, 1984

Went to R[elief] S[ociety] stake meeting. Think I talked too much in class. Everyone there rec[ived] “praying hands” ormament. That was the theme—prayer.


Sunday October 14, 1984

Went to Jim’s to dinner & about 4-4:30 the family started coming. Demont Taylor from the Stake high council

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came & all family except Dennis. He is still in church. Then abt 5:15 Lee ordained Jim a H. Priest. That now makes all our family that is old enough H. Priests. All are worthy of he calling. I’m sure. Ann served cake & punch.

Keith & Genevie came later[61] & spent the evening.

Monday October 15, 1984

It froze last nite. Today I was going to make chili sauce, but when Iwent for tomatoes they were frozen so don’t know.

Tuesday October 16, 1984

Eliza called & said they, LeNear & Parl, would be up Sat[urday]. Glad but house is terribly dirty.

Wednesday and Thursday October 17 and 18, 1984

Really worked on house. All ready except dirty windows & kitchen. However have cleaned inside pantry & cabinets. Even went on Thurs. & helped 3rd ward quilt for a couple of hours.

Friday October 19, 1984

Lee still helping Keith.

Got a phone call & Eliza won’t be up on acct of weather. 3“ snow in Ogden & up to 18” in S[alt] L[ake]—earliest & heaviest snow since been keeping track of S L airport in

1928. She said a 15 car pileup in Farmington. Of course Im disappointed but house needed a good cleaning. Mixed bread & made cookies.

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Saturday October 20, 1984

I was doing my Sat. Work when I got a pone call from Sr. Peterson. She had the flue and would I take her S[unday] S[chool] class. One just cannot say no. Then before I finished my work Dennis & family came to work on red P[ick] up. Thank goodness for a casserole in freezer. After they left, I really studied. Made 3 assignments. That helped.

Sunday October 21, 1984

All went well with lesson. A visitor even came up & said he enjoyed it. So I guess all that studying payed off. Course lots of prayer was included. I ran out of time. Then I was told Ruby wanted me to call. So between meetings I called her only to find she wanted me to babysit while they went to Boise. I said yes, but Lee would go with me. The baby went to M[oses] Lake so I only had 3 in school. But shortly after I left home, Ray & Vanae came to visit. That I missed out on.

Monday October 22, 1984

Kids had to leave the house at 7:20. I was afraid I wouldn’t wake up so I didn’t sleep too well. Then had kids reay to leave by 7. They went to school & I came home, but had to go to Othello to get Ruby milk & eggs. Then Johnny came home at noon. About 3 Lee called & said Eliza had called from Othello & would be right out. I brought Johnny with me. Called Genevie & she offered to keep the kids. So I went & got other

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two & left them there. I hated to but nothing else to do.

Tuesday October 23, 1984

Then Tue[sday] we drove to Coulee Dam. It’s a hughe thing. Then to Winthrop. Between dam & there we ran into snow until Omak. Then roads good. Got amotel to sleep 5. Cost [$]65.oo tho, but before that we ate in Twisp.

Wednesday October 24, 1984

Next morning [Wednesday] ate in Winthrop. Parl had forgotten & left his wallet under the pillow so went back for it. Drove the N[orth] Cascade highway. Snow on sides of road, but road bare. Stopped to Diatbote[62] (sp) power plant. Then on to Seattle. Went to

Ivars to eat, only to find it closed for remodeling. But they had a fish bar & placed to sit so we all got baby prawns & spuds. Talked there to a so called “bum.” Slept on the dock & ate leftovers—Uhg. On to the temple, but couldn’t find Grant. He as not in home by 8. Think Eliza & Parl was tired. Keith came & visited & bed.

Thursday October 25, 1984

About 11 went to Lora Jos then on to M[oses] Lake to cemetery where Herbert is buried. Did a little shopping. Dennis now Myra home. Home to roast pork. Ray & Vanae & older kids & Jim family came & visited.

Friday October 26, 1984

Eliza & Parl & LaNea left for Preston to a Wagstaff meeting Sat. Surely hope the roads were good for them.

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Saturday October 27, 1984

Lee is corrugating grain for Larry. Also today, Keith & Genevie came down last nite to play rook. Clocks will be set back tonite for day light savings time. I’d just as soon it be left as is.

Sunday October 28, 1984

Church. Even tho we were ahour late we couldn’t make it to church without the last minute rush. Val Caloway was the Hi Coun. Speaker. He brought a Mexican boy with him. Home teachers—Garn Gilbert & son. Came later. It’s good to have them come.

Monday October 29, 1984

Weather cold. We went R[elief] S[ociety visiting] teaching, but dfidn’t go till Debbie Culter got off work and Nancy Stelter home from driving buss so it was past dark when we got home. However I got everything ready to go to the temple tomorrow before I left. Gave both Keith & Vanae a invite, but too much to do.

Tuesday October 30, 1984

Arose at 3. All was to meet a t chapel at 4. At last minute Lee could find his recommend so we dashed to chapel to have Bp. Jones issue him another one. Elaine Roylance needed on also So Bp had called Pres. Christensen from Royal to meet us at the corner of O’Sullivan road. So in the end Pres. & Sis. Christensen went with us. Did 3 sessions. Met Grant & Emma Dell at lunch. Rich is engaged again. Hope this works out. She has 2 children 15 & 13 I think. Took garments from Lora Jos to exchange. Got on

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Wrong road & headed to Seattle. Hard to get off when one gets on; however, made it back & got garments OK. Only to find Christensens had left earlier with some from Royal. All went well till we got to Bend & it had been raining. Now snow. Roads got worse the farther we went. Soon came upon traffic stalled. Not sure, but think cars or truck cross wise in road. There about 2 hrs. Finally got going again. At a snails pace, only this time we couldn’t get going. Finally spun into concrete barrier with back wheels. Soon a cop came & gave us a shove. After going sidewise for a long time, we finall got straitened up & crawled to the top. Passed cars & trucks stalled. On tops lots of trucks & cars stopped. So it was running a maze to get thru which we did. Snow covered roads to Cle Elum. All traffic going into Seattle was stopped so trucks & canr lined up for miles. After Cle Elum roads dry & bare. We left temple about 5 & arrived home at 2. I’m afraid I wan’t a very good traveling companion. I was so nervous & did I ever pray. So I don’t care to travel much on slick roads.

Wednesday October 31, 1984

Awoke at same time. Halloween but both were so tired. Went to bed around 8-8:30. One car came. Think it was Larrys family, but in bed

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Friday November 2, 1984

One would hink Fri. 13 instead of the 2nd. To start with Paul called & asked if I would check on Genevie as there had been a fire in their bedroom & she was burned. Lee & I went right up. Genevie was cleaning and had plugged a heater in a wall and the plug in caught fire & got her curtains on fire. While putting it out, she got burn3ed on hand, wrist & arm—painful, but not large places. Boy does the house smell of fire. Glad they have insurance. It completely burned one set of curtains, spots in the rug & bed spread plus walls all black. I had plenty of stew so asked them to dinner. Paul, Donna, Keith & Genevie then was working on quilt blocks & Lora Jo came. She had been to Dr. Things not going well. She had started to hemorage. I fixed her up & she went home about 8. Got a call from Dave. She lost the baby—3 mo. They were to the hospital & she must have a D & C. So would e there the nite.

Saturday November 3, 1984

I cooked beans & made apple crisp so when Dave got Lora Jo They came out & I sent them home with them for their dinner. Lora Jo looked pale & I think tired before they got away as had towait for crips to bake.

Ruby called & wants me to baby sit again. Larry has a job in Boise. He must quit farming on acct of asma, hay fever or something. Working for Beneficial Life.

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Tuesday November 6, 1984

Didn’t go babysit until 5. Larry packed a p[ick] up of things to move. Was going to rent a storage for a couple of mo.

Tuesday morning Lee went with Jim to Seattle. They went to temple 2 sessions.

Wednesday November 7, 1984

I stayed afternoons & nites with kids, but came home mornings as all kids school till Jon comes home at noon.

On Wed[nesday] Jim went to Dr. & home Wed nite. Dr is going all out for Jim for S[ocial] Sec[urity] & ins[urance]. He will sign all papers etc. Good.

Thursday November 8, 1984

Jim called & asked us to go get a couch [they’d bought] that was in & bring out for him from Sears. I had Genevie pick up Jon.

We then went to Connell. All well there. Becdky leaving for Sweden with friend & family tonite. Vanae said the 3 children they have are going to a childless couple in Yakima. They were good kids, but having tghem was breaking up their own family. Vanae felt very badly.

Larry & Ruby came home about 11. I came home in the rain.

Friday November 9, 1984

It was ward mini bazaar & dinner: featuring baked spuds with topping on, salad bar & pie ala mode. I had to take 4 doz. rolls. Also gve owl complete with dish towel for bazaar. I helped clean up. Thot we would never get thru silverwear. Made $1,100 for church.

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Saturday November 10, 1984

At breakfast I got up from my chair to walk Got a catch in my back. Boy did I hurt. About 10 Jesse came. Connell playing Cashmere there for football. Vanae asked us to go with them in motor home, but refused on acct of my back. Feeling better so rode with Jess & came home wih Vanae & Ray & family. Rained on game & game sure one sided. Cashmere 41, Connell 6. When we got home. Did make a batch of rolls & put in fridg. Lee insited I take a hot bath for my back. I did but almost passed out it was so hot. But when I cooled off back was some better.

Sunday November 11, 1984

Din’t go to church. Lee only to priesthood. He is like a old mother hen. Broke Sabbath & made pumpkin pie to take to Genevies. They are having a early Thanksgiving dinner for family here and they are going to Kims for Thanksgiving & I took rolls & pie. It was very good as usual. I feel badly I broke one of her goblets. I hope I can replce it. Back some better. Home after 9. Watched Ellis Island on TV.

Tuesday November 13, 1984

Back almost OK now, but cure as bad as pain. Worked on Quilt for Dana for Christmas. Rained a lot today.

Wednesday November 14, 1984

Awoke to Sunshine, but colder. Working on crocheted Christmas gifts. I finished one hing and think of 2 or more little things I could fill in.

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Thursday November 15, 1984

Lee decided he wanted a glass enclosures for his tub so he could use the water agitator we have that Jim gave us years ago. So we went to M[oses] Lake to Pay & Pak. Got one for [$]45 tax & all. Went to Dennis.’ Myra fixed supper. Hamb[urger] helper. It was good. Don’t think she feels too good expects her baby around Christmas.

Friday November 16, 1984

Lora Jo went to Dr. All OK there except price—as usual. Glad they have ins[urance].

Saturday November 17, 1984

Lee finished the bath enclosure. Then BY was playing football so went to stake to watch it but it wasn’t televised so stopped to Keiths & watched others. At 7:30 went to stake house & listened to Community Choir. Name of it was “You Are Called,’’ a religious theme. It was good. Will be presented 2 more times at other churches. We had 6 to 8 LDS participating.

Sunday November 18, 1984

Rained during he nite, but cold. Church. Was asked to give S[unday]S[chool] lesson next Sunday so now to worry all week.

Wednesday November 21, 1984

Attended Connell School for grand parents day. Becky, Marci & Matt. All on the honor roll.

Thursday November 22, 1984

Thanksgiving. Studied awhile here. Went to Lora Jo’s for dinner which was yummy. After all done watched

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2 shows on video. Home, rook, bed, good day.

Friday November 23, 1984

Studied & wrapped a few Christmas ‘White Elephants” while Lee watched football. Daryl & Mary Ellen, kids came with Jesse & Audrey. Didn’t stay too long. Then went to Rays to watch Ricks play Phonix. Phonix won. Found we are going to Hawaii. Leave on the 5 &home 12. We can ill afford to go, but will never get another chance. Becky brought us a box of chocolates from Sweden. Came home in heavy fog. Rained about all day till about 5 p.m.

Monday December 3, 1984

Its been a long time since I have written so I’ve forgotten much but—Dec 3 Kyle & Kelly became parents of 8 lb daughter Korrine (Kory).[63]

Tuesday December 4, 1984

Then the 4 of Dec we left home for Hawaii. Berl Egbert & Nancy, Ray Vanae & us. We went thru Moses Lake & seen Kelly. All are doing great. Drove—Egberts took their little care & Ray. We rode with Ray. Drove to Seattle. The roads were good. Stayed to Crest Motel. Went to 3 men in a Tub restaurant. It ws very good. Next morning left car to hotel and their shuttle bus took us to airport. Left 8:45 bound for Hawaii. Arrived in Honolulu 5 hrs later. Only Hawaii are 2 hrs ahead of us. We were greeted with fower leis. Boarded plane again after shuttle bus took

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us to another part of airport.

Wednesday December 5, 1984



Went to island of Kona.[64] Here a car was available for us. It was a squeeze 6 people plus 8 or 10 pieces of luggage. Went o motel only to find they didn’t have enough rooms. So they sent us to a fancy condo (all this included in ticket), king-size bed, 2 4/4 beds, 2 full baths, wsher dryer, itchen, living room & full view of the Pacific. But alas could only stay 1 nite. Flowers beautiful. Visited a place where [we saw] a stage show. Good.

Thursday December 6, 1984

Drove to other end of island. Scenery beautiful Stayed there the nite. Got wet with rain while trying to walk to waterfall. Drove back to Kona. Turned back car. Boarded plane for Kauawi.[65] Here had access to another car. Tis one smaller still, very low to the ground. Hurried to hotel & unloaded luggage so to relieve weight. Flowers blooming every where & sugar cane seen lots but the rain came again. Got on boat and went to Fern grotto. Hiked up to it from boat in rain. A couple were being married in the grotto. They also had to walk in rain.

Friday December 7, 1984

Left about 4:30 for Oahu. Here a bus took us to Hotel (Mirmar). They were renovating so we were on 6th floor. Ray—16 & Berl on the 22nd. Gift shops were everywhere connecting one bldg to another. Lot like open market in Mexico.

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Saturday December 8, 1984

Guided tours cost so much that the men decided to rent a car so we could come & go as wanted. They got a Lincoln—more room to sit. Here we could leave luggage in hotel At nite called Gaylene Kent who married a Hawaiian boy & lives there & asked about church.

Sunday December 9, 1984

So we went to their ward the Met a large ward & quite open so it was hard to hear. By now the wind really blowing. Heard water over roads in Kona.

Went to Church Polynesian Village. It was great cost [$]34.00 per person, btu one cold stay all day, eat & program. Which we did. Program outstanding. Home at 10:30. Ray sick. Said he ate too much pork at supper.

Monday December 10, 1984

Went on cruise to Pearl Harbor. Wind so strong I couldn’t hear all. Wish I could of tho. Many wrecked boats still avove water after 43 years. Shopped in big mall before going home.

Tuesday December 11, 1984

Visited Sea World. Spent several hrs there. Lee didn’t want to go so he sat in car. I got bead hanging decoration for $12.

Wednesday December 12, 1984

Drove around & seen more sights. Home & checked out at 12. Took car back. Cost [$] 44 each or 132.00. Caught shuttle bus back to airport We bought case of pineapple to bring one each for kids. Boarded plane about 2. Rather rough to start.

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Landed in Seattle 8:45. Time difference. Took Shuttle bus to hotel & bed. Ray & Vanae got car & went back about 1 a.m. to pick up Jana. She flew home from Iseral.

Thursday December 13, 1984

Jana looks good after 6 mo. absence. All headed home. Here about 1 . Went to Othello & got mail etc.

Friday December 14, 1984

Washed etc. Cold.

Saturday December 15, 1984

Made salads, rolls, pies, cooked turkey for our annual family Christmas party—a big success.

Sunday December 16, 1984

Church then to Keiths for pizza Larry & Ruby brought over.

Tuesday December 18, 1984

Prepared for grandkids ( married ones) to come to chili feed before Larry moves to Boise. Thermometer 0 degrees when I got up. But wind has quieted down some. We got our car yesterday afternoon from being fixed from wreck—around [$]1,800.00. Wind blowing. Snow drifting. Cold as blazes. However, kids came except from Pasco—Luray, Jim. Skip & Julie out of town. Plenty to eat. Larry & ruby late about 1 hr. Plenty of laughs. Fun.

Wednesday December 19, 1984

Finished our shopping in Tri Cities. Spent plenty of money & didn’t get much, but its all done now. Stopped to Albertsons for some ice cr[eam] 99 cents and stepped out of car & bing my back went out again. I could hardly walk. Lee is so good. I stayed down & he waited on me,

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sits and wrapped gifts.

Thursday December 20, 1984

In afternoon took a hot bath. Feel some better.

Friday December 21, 1984

Friday did my teaching alone. Rosena has had surgery. I made pot holders for all. Elisa was baptized tonite. Suppoed to be at 5 but no one there. Then Keith came. Then Rubys parents. Bishop. Then finally Ruby & Larry. Services good. She was baptized on her birthday.

Both Lee & myself were asked by the Bp to bear our testimonies while Elisa & Larry were dressing. As soon as it was over we headed to Pauls to watch ‘Y’ & Michigan play a bowl game. “Y” wpm 17 to 24. Home. Jim took our car to Utah for holidays. Sure hope road were good. We have his & it’s a change for sure.

Saturday December 22, 1984

Slept till 8 or didn’t get up. Preparing to go to Pauls for Keiths family get together. I have to take drink. I took the canned consentrated apple juice. Got there at 6:30, but of course everyone late. Didn’t get started till after 7:30. All Keiths family there except Kim. Had a good lunch: sandwiches, sald, chips, dips, etc. Had nativity program with kids acting out. Sang sons. Then opened gifts. Each got plenty. We—Paul a trivet, Larry, 100 mine spools thread plus mini set of wrenches & screw driver. Luray, waste paper basket/straw. Skip, Seattle temple bed.

Sunday December 23, 1984

Church. Christmas program for S[unday] School.

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At choir practice after, I stumbled over raised part in choir seats & fell face down. Very embarrassing. Shook me up. Don’t know why I’m there tho. I can’t sing.

Herman Fielding came for chili & carrot pudding. Maude is in Texas. Home teachers came. Brought a fruit cake. Lee went teaching also. Took bananas & oranges. Went with Keith to Pres Christmas message to stake house. Found craig rolled Keith’s pickup Sat nite. Hit a slick spot. Luckily neither he nor Dana hurt. Not too much damage to p[ick] u[p].

Monday Decemer 24, 1984

Went to Dennis. Delivered presents on to Lora Jo’s. Home & to Jeri Anns about 4:30. Made candy coverdd pretzerls, on to Vanaes. Took candy.Had very good supper: Hero sand[wiches], salads, dips etc. Kelley’s mother & dad & family there also. Then had avery good program. Kyle & family left & kids coaxed to open gifts. Sheikh we did. Jeri gave us 2 knives, Kyle their framed wedding picture. Vanae a electric slicer, book, water picture, trivail game. We came home loaded. Went to Jeris to sleep.

Tuesday December 25, 1984

Vanae called & up we went again. Santa as usual unloaded—watches,games clothes, dolls. Breakjfast of hot cakes , ham & eggs. Left there & stopped to Kyles. On to Jesse’s. Had ham, baked spuds, relish tray, beans, sweet potatoes. Very good. Seen their rabbit project. Jesse’s back is out quite badly.

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They gave us a set of microwave dishes. Dennis a selection of jams & cheeses. On to Keith. Didn’t stay long as they were going to Pauls. Got a lovely large glass bowl.(Matches the pitcher Vanae gave ) full of grapes. Apples, oranges, bananas. Home . Game of Yahtze. Bed 9:30.

Saturday December 29, 1984

Nothing doing much just lazy. Working on S[unday] School lesson. Sr. Peterson will be gone for 3 Sundays. I shold feel honored to think she would ask me out of all the adults. But it worries me. I don’t mind finishing the Bof M. It is exciting & interesting & I love it but starting in Jan. It is the D&C. I know nothing about it. So must really study.

Jim traded cars with us. He took our to Utah on the 28th. It fits his family better. We have his little yellow one. It’s different.

Got a call about 6 p.m. Dennis & Myra have a 9 lb 7oz boy—Kalvin. Guess it came fast. Both doing great.

Sunday December 30, 1984



Lee has a bad head cold so he didn’t go to church. Lesson went well. Hope rest do also.

Monday December 31, 1984

Last day of 1984. Didn’t do much. Lee still not well. He went to bed. I sat up till New Years alone.

Went to Connell & farm money was in so pd bank the note there. Went to Pasco & pd last payment of [$]2,000 on corn bins. However they are not ours now they are pd for.

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blank
ind the train was 1 hr. late. I went to find Lee to tell him & met him coing to find me. He went back to car as he was pared in a loading zone & I went back to the waiting room. People now began

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to come to catch the train—quitting time. Each was soaked. Lee said it really came down for 30 min. I was underground & couldn’t hear or see. A continual stream of people with briefcases in hand went thru the waiting room. This kept up until 5:30 when Karl & Jeri finally came. When we got to the car the rain had stopped.

They hadn’t had much to eat so we were going to take them to Long John Slivers on N. York ave or to Hot Shoppe. They decided on fish. The traffic was bad now & we were visiting. Anyway didn’t find our road & ended up in Arlington once more. Stopped to Safeways to a phone booth & Jeri called motels & finally located one for [$]50 + tax. It took us a while to find it as the road just wasn’t marked at all. Finally after asking found it. At motel was told where a good place to eat was. We went & to our amazement people were waiting to be seated—and on a Monday nite to boot. Finally uishered up stairs. We ordered steak. Karl trout. Salad bar came with it so all trooped back down, filled our plates heaping & back up again. Soon a large piece of meat plus ½ baked spud plate filled with juice. It was very tender, but I’d say steamed instead of broiled. I couldn’t eat all of mine so shared with Karl & Lee. Cost [$]5.95 each. Bed but during the nite the conditioner froze up I guess—noise, but no cold. It was almost uncomfortable.

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Tuesday August 14, 1984

[1] Kelly Fae Jensen.
[2] Kennewick General Hospital.
[3] Dr. Raymond Kerr, an LDS doctor of Kennewick, was somewhat susceptible to depression himself.
[4] Daughter of Vern and Ida Bullen, former neighbor, hired man, and converted to the church through association of
Lee and Ethel when they lived in Big Bend, a community near Adrian, Oregon.
[5] The Monday February 6 and Tuesday February 7 entries were rather unclear and jumbled up in Ethel’s journal. After 25 years Ann Stoker who was there helped to clarify what happened. So these two entries are not true to Ethel’s version…Yet these are her exact words.
[6] Jim’s procedure being performed this morning was an angiogram…the running of dyes in the blood whose presence would show up on a monitor what the condition of the arteries were.
[7] Michael S. Golden, M.D.
[8] Not a guitar, but rather a mandolin which had the same fingering that Lee used on his banjo. He enjoyed the higher tones it provided.

[9] Scott Knight.
[10] Dr. Golden made it clear that his specialty was only the heart. Another doctor, probably one with psychiatry credentials, did visit Jim in the Deaconess Hospital. Jim was obsessed with music and had mentioned to him his attempts at making a violin. Sympathetically, this doctor gave him a Scientific American article about wood in Stradivarius violins.
[11] A child of Dean Sharp and Lois Garner. Dean’s brother, Eddy, a friend of Keith’s, had lived with the Stokers in 1947. When he married, he continued working for the Stokers for a few months. Lois was a sister to Keith’s former business partner, Norman Garner.
[12] Don’s house at 2020 Fairway near Basin City.
[13] One of Lee’s Aaronic Priesthood boys when Lee was bishop of the Owyhee Ward in the 1950’s.
[14] An Othello motel.
[15] Kent Bagley, an LDS dentist practicing in Tri Cities.
[16] to Karen Land, a masseuse with gifts in Ridgeview, community south of Adrian, Oregon.
[17] At Bicandi’s, a tavern that had been there for years.
[18] Lee’s nephew, Dee Jesse Garner and his wife, Jenetta Harrison. They lived in Sunset Valley, an outlying community near Nyssa, Oregon. It was from his home that his mother and Lee’s sister, Thelma Adeleine Stoker, seeing a crop-dusting airplane crash into a neighbor’s house, suffered a heart attack and died on August 2, 1971.
[19] Ethel would back up to a door jamb and rub her dorsal itch against it for relief.
[20] Lee Stoker’s neice Elaine Garner, daughter of Dewey La Grande Garner and Thelma Adeline Stoker. She and her husband lived in the Kingman Kolony community near Adrian, Oregon. The Olsen’s daughter, Karen, had been to the Mayo Clinic for medical help. Lee and Ethel would also help Jim to seek treatment at that medical facility in Minnisota. They recommended that Jim seek psycho therapy at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle which he did during the month of August 1983.
[21] Russell Nelson, heart surgeon, and a former member of the University of Utah LDS stake presidency when Jim and Ann Stoker attended. At the time of his marriage in 1969, Jim was interviewed for a temple recommend by this man.
[22] Desert Lawn Memorial Park & Crematorium, 1401 S Union, Kennewick was where Donald Stoker was buried. In July 1997, Jesse was buried there as well.
[23] Leslie and Pearl Ballantyne, Genevie’s parents and members of the Owyhee Ward.
[24] Circle irrigation systems are centered on a pivot from which extensive water pipe is rotated around the field by series of tires which in the wet soil make deep trench-like depressions.
[25] Toilet.
[26] This was furniture from Keith’s Priest Lake cabin. During these economically trying times for the Stokers and Bruce Farms, Keith had to sell that property.
[27] Having had his house sold out from under him, and not having the room in the trailer that had belonged to Don to which they moved, Jesse stored many ot his things in a shed at Lee and Ethel’s Othello place.
[28] Deanie May Garner, wife of Val, and daughter-in-law of Flora Etherington Garner.
[29] Dewey, Delbert Garner’s brother, had married Lee’s sister, Thelma, who suffered from a poor heart. The stress of watching a crop dusting plane crash into the Schulties home on August 2, 1971 caused her death. Dewey followed her death in November of that year.
[30] Ethel’s nephew, Terry Hancock, had served a Spanish-speaking mission and lived in West Weber, Utah.
[31] Somehow Ethel was not getting at the heart of Jim’s problems which were rooted in the affective area of cognition. Jim always loved school, but he often felt his father was pushing in ways that were not in his sons’ interests. His father had a prevailing belief that “Father knows best.” Jim, in particular, was led to believe that his father discounted any schooling that was not practical, and that Jim should choose a career which made lots of money. Jim, on the other hand, was temperamentally drawn to the humanities, particularly teaching literature which usually was not lucative. Having served on a school board, Lee knew that his yearly income would dwarf any teachers, who were often desperate for funds. Lee also was critical of ivory-towered academicians. To top it off, when Jim’s problems, according to some doctors at the Mayo Clinic, had supposedly no physical dimensions, Jim was filled with frustrations. When Jim mentioned that maybe he should cope by being resigned to his condition, the nurses working with him adamantly warned him against going into that line of reasoning. It seemed to Jim like all pressures were coming at him, not only from some members of his family, but also from some members of his wife’s families as well, even society itself ratcheted up the points of contention. Everyone thought they had the medicine for him. Everyone was pushing him. He couldn’t measure up. He could either implode or explode. Ethel had just seen an example of the latter.

[32] Lora Jo Stoker Phillips in bound Journal of Lee Hammon Stoker Family Organization, wrote: … Lee Stoker family reunion convened at 10:00 a.m. in the park. We began with a treasure hunt. Paul and Donna Stoker in charge. After lunch we spent the afternoon at the water slides. Family business meeting began abt 5:30. Mtg called to order by President Keith Stoker. …Lee Stoker moved that each individual be responsible to send vital information to historian that will be elected. Information is to be received by April 1, each year. …It was suggested…that the family mtg not exceed one hour. Motion carried. Jesse’s family will be responsible for next years family reunion. …much discussion followed about what method to use in having new officers. It was decided that we elect officers this year and have a committee including the officers, but also extending to include one member of each family of Dad’s children. That is, each family will be represented on the committee to make by-laws. It was voted that all the old officers be retained. Daryl Stoker was elected family historian. All vital information is to be sent to him.
[33] Lisa was working as a nannie in the greater New York City area.
[34] Jim’s health had compromised his physical ability to care for the bees. Lee would arrange with Ray Tuckett to take care of the hives, in the meantime Dad moved one bee hive to his place.
[35] Typically bees are moved during the dark hours when they are all inside the hives.
[36] Ethel was very allergic to bee stings.
[37] Scott Knight stayed at home doing farmwork. At this point he joined the Stoker-Schull touring party and would help with the driving.
[38] Located near the Quad Cities: Rock Island, Moline, Illinois and Davenport , Bettendorf, Iowa, and north of Nauvoo.
[39] Niagara Falls.
[40] Unfortunately this is not the country that Daniel Boone opened through the Cumberland Gap. That gap is located further south in the area where Virginia, Kentucky, & Tennessee meet. The Stokers and Schulls were traveling in western Maryland headed west into West Virginia.
[41] West Virginia.
[42] Lexington, Kentucky was the general area where Daniel Boone did set up a settlement, Boonesboro, after coming through the Cumberland Gap.
[43] Mrs. Connoly.
[44] Lee’s younger sister, who is very outgoing and not afraid of doing things.
[45] To photo copy the material.
[46] Blanch, Ethel’s brother.
[47] Ethel’s sister Eliza Blanch Wagstaff.
[48] Ethel’s nephew, Val Hancock and his wife Margaret, suffering from breast cancer.
[49] Eliza’s daughter.
[50] Ethel’s Hancock nephew.
[51] A recent widower, the husband of Lee’s sister, Jane. See entry October 14, 1983 entry about her death.
[52] Lee’s youngest brother, Allen, who lives in Roy, Utah.
[53] Lee’s brother Leslie who was living in West Jordan, Utah.
[54] Lee’s sister Eunice and husband Lee Southwick. They lived just east of Murray, Utah.
[55] Lee’s youngest sister, Verda Stoker Nelson. Married to Willard Nelson, they were noted for much socializing.
[56] Willard & Verda’s daughter.
[57] Nina Judkins Despain was Ethel’s niece, who with her husband Robert, lived in Taylorsville, Utah.
[58] Alta Judkins Bailey, Ethel’s niece and sister to Nina Judkins Despain, and her husband, Albert Bailey, lived in American Fork, Utah.
[59] Ellis Ivory was the president of the Manchester England mission when the Stoker’s served in 1979 to 1981.
[60] Variety of peaches.
[61] To Lee and Ethel’s home in Othello.
[62] Diablo.
[63] Korrine Faye Knight, daughter of Kyle Lee Knight and Kelly Fay Jensen, was born in Moses Lake, Grant, Washington.
[64] The city of Kona on the big island, Hawaii.
[65] Kauai.