Ethel Blanch Stoker Journal
1981

[page 83]

January 23, 1981

Arrived home the 23rd of Jan. [1981] to a very excited family. All were at the airport in Pasco to meet us except Larry & Ruby & family, John & Kim in Utah, & Paul’s children home with the measles or something. Great day. We really appreciate them. All have matured so much. Our Father in Heaven certainly has blessed us more than we deserve with such a fine posterity. After cake & ice cream to Vanae’s, we came home and everything was in place—and a beautiful micro wave oven on the cabinet for our 50 wedding from our kids. I had to cry.

January 24, 1981

Released by Stake Pres. Christensen on Jan 24.th

Thursday and Friday February 5 and 6, 1981

We went to the temple to Seattle with Dave & Lora Jo. It was a wonderful two days. Got 6 endowments each, but if we had worked it right should of gotten more.

Sunday February 8, 1981

Went to Mattawaw with Keith and took a few min each in Sacrament [Meeting]. Then at 7 went to Kent’s for a fireside where we showed a few slides and talked of Eng[land].

Monday February 9, 1981

Had a opportunity of going to Utah with Ray & Vanae to see Scott, but Dad didn’t think he could go that far so fast as his neck & back is causing him problems. Instead we offered to go baby sit so kids could go to school. Kids were good, but I found one has to be on the go to keep up with a large family.

Thursday February 12, 1981


Thurs nite met with High Council. Dad gave a good report. I rambled on as usual. Dad rec[eived] a assignment to take 7 min[utes] in stake conference. Went back to Connell & all were bedded down.

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Saturday February 14, 1981

Took Mark & went to Burbank where Kyle was wrestling. Pinned his first guy in seconds it seemed. Took lunch so went out to car & ate. Went back early & got a perfect hard seat. No more got comfortable & Ray, Vane, Scott & Marci came. Scott has chemical inbalance or a lot like Jim so the mission gave him a medical discharge. Surely hope they can find a good Dr. here to treat him. We really feel sorry for him because he feels so badly. Wondering what the people will think & say. I imagine a guilty feeling, but really it shouldn’t be. Went to McDonalds for a hamburger for supper. Kyle hurt his arm & I didn’t think he would wrestle anymore, but he did with it taped. Won both matches so he took 3rd, having lost his 2nd bout when he got his arm hurt early in first round. So it was forfeited. Arrived home about midnite.

Sunday February 15, 1981

Arose Sunday morning around 5:30, thinking it was 6:30, but washed hair & had it put up, lay on floor with hair dryer on it. Fooled around & called Keith to see how Craig came out in wrestling. (He took first) & see if Keith wanted to go with us to conference. Found out it started at 8 and we thot 9. Was then after 8. Did we ever throw clothes. Pres Christenson was talking. No place to sit on stand as Primary children was there so went clear to back. When Pres. finished he asked if Elder Stoker was there as he hadn’t seen him. So Dad had to walk clear up there. When he got half way, Pres[ident] said I was to come also. So I had the

[page 85]

long journey to make also. Pres. had me sit on front row in audience, served for Primary, but not filled. Dad gave a good talk on missionary work. Dave & Lora Jo came before we got away so I asked them if they were coming out. She said yes but they hadn’t eaten. So I came home, made cake, thawed roast in microwave & had dinner about ready when they got here. After dinner. Dennis & Keith came & we showed slides for 2 or 3 hrs.

Tuesday February 17, 1981

Lee left about 2:30 a.m with the stake priesthood to go to temple. They got 5 sessions. Home at 1 a.m.—a long day.


Sunday February 20, 1981

Our day at church. We both spoke; however, I was first and took too long as usual. Lora Jo & family, Keith & family, Paul, Jim family, Dennis family, all came. They came home later for chili, Jello & cake.

Monday and Tuesday February 21 and 22, 1981

Spent Monday & Tuesday afternoons cleaning up boat & Ash out of garage. Also cleaned out fruit room. Feel more like we are home. Timer is shot on washer. Will be 10 days before I can wash. Oh—

Friday March 6, 1981

The last day of February [Saturday February 28], Pres. Smith & Sampson & wives and Smith’s brother from Ogden went on a vacation to Mexico and [their airplane] went down between Page, Arizona & Provo. The weather is bad & can’t get in to locate the plane. Keith and 5 other planes left [Othello] the 4th [March] to help as weather had cleared some but as of the 6th no luck. The 3 couples leave 20 children. The Stake fasted the 6th. Friday the 6th we went

[page 86]

to Grandpa Eppich’s funeral in Basin City. Just before we left Audrey called & asked if anyone had the right to go in and take their grain from our grain bins. Of course Dad said no. So on our way to funeral went that way. A big truck just pulled out loaded. Peoples Bank had taken it upon themselves to take grain for what Jesse owed. It was terrible 2 police cars there plus all of Jesses kids except Jesse[,] & Bank manager. Anyway no more to be taken out till Jess gets home. He is away looking for finance.

Went to funeral. It was good to see old faces. Went to Pasco for fan for bath, but came home empty. Went to Basin City to H[igh] Priests party. What a assortment we had to eat with—kettle lids, big trays, muffin pans, vases, bottles, cans, plastic fort drink & spatulas, wooden spoons, ice cream scoops, etc.—you name it & they had it. It was fun. Had plenty of chicken, salads, pies, drink. Anthon Price took pictures then showed them on TV. Dad won a chrysanthyem (white).

Friday March 27, 1981

Got a call from Eunice & she said Burton Satchwell had called & Aunt Minnie had passed away. Later Deloss called & confirmed it. She lay down for a nap & passed away. When Uncle Herman came in he found her. No struggle or anything. Funeral at 2 P.M. Tuesday.

[page 87]

Monday March 30, 1981

Keith, Jesse, Craig, Lee & myself left about 11a.m. to go to Burley. Drove to Nyssa & stayed to Ballantynes. Left about 6:30 [a.m. Tuesday March 31] & drove to Burley. Nite before found out Pres. Re[a]gan had been shot & in hospital. Drove to Don’s & changed clothes. Went to Herman’s. They were leaving for Unity church house. We went also. Family participated in services. Visited with Herman afterward. Seen many we hadn’t seen for years. All Stokers there.

Wednesday April 1, 1981

Came home Wed. Stopped in Nyssa & visited Deb & Flora for a hr. Home at 11:30 p.m.




Friday April 2, 1981

Bought a new Magnavox televison with remote control. Overstuffed [chair] in study was sent to be re-covered. Cost almost $400. Not too happy with the material we chose, but it is clean & hot holes in it.

Last Saturday & Sunday in March 28 & 29, I helped Dennis & Myra move from Othello to Moses Lake. Later he will be working out of Euphrata. I was tired, stiff, & sleepy, but felt good to think I could help

Wednesday April 8, 1981

Went to Grant’s to Corvallis. Found all well there. The drive was beautiful this time of the year. Seen Rich’s home he is building. Sorry to hear his wife left him. One never knows now days. Left home Wed. noon.

Friday April 10, 1981

Came home Fri[day] morning. Tomatoes frozen when got home.

Got some genealogy from them [Grant Blanch family] to check with ours.

Wednesday April 15, 1981

Got income tax finally sent off on the 13th. Tom Rogers took a long time but he did go back 5 years and picked up a loss they wouldn’t allow Dennis. So we may get a refund of around [$] 8,000 to offset last years almost 10—that we paid . No tax this year.

Watering yard and as usual water over sidewalk & have to walk on tiles [to get to the house].

[page 88]

Received general conference on radio. All of it great.

Was asked to work in extraction program. Now it’s turning out to not set up yet so we are over the genealogy library. I really feel lost as neither one of us knows a thing about genealogy. Can’t submit 4 generations as don’t know a thing about it.

Easter Sunday April 19, 1981

Went to Lora Jo’s for Easter. Dennis & family also. Had ham, salad, drink, & cake & rolls. It was very good. Got home about dark & stopped to Keiths. Larry & Luray & families there. Had cake & ice cream.

Think our cherries are frozen as its been freezing the past week at nites. Paper states most early fruit or apricots, cherries, & peaches, pears hurt bad.

Thursday April 23, 1981

Ray & Vanae brought babies over as she was headed for hospital. Dr. says baby is coming breach so may take it Cecearian or C section, but about 2 p.m. Ray called & asked Dad to go in. Baby girl, fine 8 [lbs.] 10 oz., but Vanae not so well. Found out she had varicose veins in her uterus and while taking baby it ruptured and she bled so badly her blood pressure went to zero so a immediate emergency. School was notified and 15-20 students came plus Sister McAffee, nurse on duty. So she was given 9-12 pints. A time or two they thot she was gone, but the blood did the trick. She was in surgery 5 hours—a complete hysterectomy. She is

[page 89]

weak & so tired, but is doing great now. Thanks to her clean living.

Sunday April 26, 1981

I had Ray & kids for dinner. Jim & Ann came later. Ray insisted on keeping babies Monday, but I’ll take care of them. Baby is doing great. Named Kelli Marie.

Windy—as usual.

Thursday April 30,1981

Vanae came home on Thursday, but gas pains so bad she entered hospital again on Sunday [May 3, 1981].

Tuesday to Saturday May 5 to 9, 1981

Came home Tuesday to our place. I kept Kelli and about every other feeding ran her to the hospital to nurse. Vanae still has plenty of pains, but baby doing OK. Sent Eliza & Flora a Mother’s Day card.

Vanae stayed here [Lee Stoker’s on Billington Road] till Sat. nite & Ray came for her. She wanted to be home for Mothers Day.

Mothers Day, Sunday May 10, 1981

Nice program for Mothers Day in Church. Sat[urday] Myra came & brought a plant. Sunday Keith, Lora Jo, Jess & Jim came. They are too good.

Monday to Friday May 11 to 15, 1981

Monday Vanae gave me a violet. I’ve never had one before. Hope it lives. Got a tote bag ‘Grandma,’ 2 tapes B[righam] Young, perfume & powder, and a sun chair. Spent the week to Vanae’s. Baby has a stuffed up head. Week ago Dr. gave her some medicine, but last week said lungs etc fine, but head [cold] persisits. Probably a allergy. Sounds terrible at times then again no sign. Friday [May 15] we rode to Richland with Jana & Lisa to piano lessons. Vanae was tired when we got home & baby cross. Too much air I suppose.

Got home to find Bob Stoker has called & was coming & bringing

[page 90]

Herman Sunday [April 17]. They found the plane & Smiths and Sampson’s plane had burned on impact. Thot Lee was to go help clean up Roylance’s yard as company was expected for funeral Friday.

Also Larry had bought our combine—[$]5,500 a year for 5 years. Glad it stayed in the family. Now nothing more to sell except gas tank in old pickup.

Sunday May 17, 1981

Jesse & Audrey brought homemade ice cream & cake for Dad’s birthday yesterday. Vanae & Scott came. Very good chocolates they brought Dad. Jess also-- so weight up, up. Sunday we went to Basin City to talk in Sacrament. Ward has many new faces. Kids grown up. We enjoyed it. Went to Jim’s for dinner. Good as usual.

Came home & about 8 Herman, Bob & wife & son came. Then Keith & family came with ice cream & cake.

Monday to Friday May 18 to 22, 1981

Monday, Bob went to Seattle to Dr. with son & wife. We took Herman & visited Vanae’s, then Lora Jo & ate dinner, Jim’s & Jesse & supper. Home & called Dennis. Vistors left for home about [Tuesday?] 3:30 p.m.

Scott had a cyst removed from his backside Monday [May 18?]. In pain, but will be to hospital probably till Thurs of Friday [May 20, 21?] Got a good rain early Tues[ May 19] morning. Still cloudy & cold.

Wednesday June 17, 1981

Lots has happened since I last wrote. So I will try & recall a few [events]. We took camper & stayed to Dave & Lora Jo’s for a week. Dad harrowed Dave’s corn so Dave could get his beans in.

[page 91]

Thursday [June] 4th we left for Salt Lake to see what we could find in Genealogy on the Blanch side. Don & Georgia went also and Julie Judkins came, so feel like we did accomplish a little. Georgia is going to type it up & sent it. While there we visited most of the families & came back June 15th. While there found Ruth [Hancock] Goodfellow had fallen down her back stairs Thursday and had not regained consciousness yet. Attended church with Eunice in S[alt] Lake; also with Eliza in W[est] Weber. Sister Wahlquist rode home with us. Before we left we got a refund from U.[ncle] Sam of better than [$]7 thousand. Also bill from accountant Rogers for [$]752]. If we hadn’t gotten it, we could not of gone. Went 1,766 miles. Cost for gas $119.00. Car made over 20 miles per gal. Enjoyed ourselves.

Vanae is feeling fine now except tired. Scott is doing much better.

Attended ground breaking of new stake house Tues nite [June 16]. It was really cold. I almost froze. Keith took us to Freddies for Chinese supper afterward.

Wednesday June 17, 1981

Last night [Wednesday June 17] we picked them [Keith and Genevie] up & went to Vanae’s but they were gone to show. Went to Jesse’s but M.I.A. Visited with Daryl. Both he & Earl are working.

Thursday June 18, 1981

Today the 18th, we picked peas then it rained & is cold. Got 8 pkg in freezer. Had enough gooseberries for 1 pie.

Family reunion has been set for July 18. So guess we won’t attend Hill Cummorah pagent this year, no money either.

[page 92]

Wednesday July 1, 1981

It’s been another busy 2 weeks. Peas & raspberries in garden to take care of. Then we left Wed [June 24] nite for the temple & came home Sat [June 26] Got here at 7:30 [p.m.] Took camper & stayed in temple parking lot . Got 27 sessions. Should have been 28, but in one session I told Dad I was dizzy. Then went strait to the room while Dad waited in chapel. He thot I was sick so he alerted everyone. Then got dressed & went to camper for me while all the time I was innocent. Too bad he worried tho.

Sunday [June 27?] was Strates 60th wedding [anniversary].Attended open house to Hugh Sloans. Got a wind fall. Made [$]1068. Interest on money certificates $15,000.Took another one for [$]10,000. Owe Wood & Blessing [$]752 for making us almost [$]8,000.Then another surprise, got another refund from IRS for [$]999.31.

Tended Kelli Marie for Vanae while their family spent 2 days & 1 nite to Seattle—zoo, etc.

Thursday, July 2, 1981

Tending Dannie for Jim today while they go to temple.

Saturday July 4, 1981

Left the morning of the 4th with Lora Jo & 3 youngest children for Nyssa. Visted with Deb & Flora. Went to church to Owyhee. Many new faces. Building full. Flora’s family was there for dinner.

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Monday July 6, 1981

Visited Iona till noon. Then we drove home in rain from Ontario to Umatilla—really a cloud burst in a couple of places.

Dad didn’t go so had my berries picked so I made jam.

Tuesday July 7, 1981

Left at 5 Tuesday morning for the temple. Did sealings, initiatory, & endowments. Spent 2 days there.

Friday July 10, 1981

Attended Julie Garner’s wedding.

Saturday July 11, 1981

Sat. Helped serve to the Mexican Fiesta. Dad didn’t go as back bothering him. Vanae called and asked us to Sun. dinner as Scott is leaving Monday for his mission to S[alt] L[ake] South [Mission]. Must be there at 7 a.m. Wed.

Sunday July 12, 1981

Craig was ordained a elder. Dad didn’t go any where—back still bad, but I went to Vanae’s & had a lovely dinner of baked ham, 4 salads, drink & cake.

Thursday to Saturday July 16 to 18, 1981

Family Reunion 16, 17, 18. Picked berries & bottled dewberries, froze boysenberries. Packed camper. Got away about 11 for Levey Park [on north side of the Snake River above Ice Harbor Dam], but Genevie had called & asked us to eat with them. Only [for us] to bring mellon for supper so we stopped in Pasco & picked up apple juice, 2 water melons & 6 cantaloupes. While going to camper, the front of the cart came down & let melons fall to ground. Broke done melon. When got to Levey, Don & Georgia, Parl & Eliza were there, also Audrey & Jesse. Parl & Eliza slept in camper with us. Don & Georgia slept outside in sleeping bags. Enjoyed reunion very much. Friday nite had

[page 94]

program & I heard Don comment that the Stokers had something going for them. Think they enjoyed it. Traveler on bicycle stopped & heard tail end of program. Gave him something to eat. He even had breakfast with us. He came from Florida touring the states. Sat[urday] afternoon took company to visit all our kids & show them where they live. All was to reunion except Dennis & Myra. He had to work & Kim in Provo, & Scott & Jeri on missions. Company left Monday [July 20] We cashed Metropolitan Ins. In—in 50 yrs it had only made us around $ 150.00.

Saturday July 25, 1981

Othello Stake sponsoring 24th July at fair grounds. We went for 2 or 3 hours.

Men came and put new siding on the house. We had dark red color again. It is supposed
It is supposed to be insulated plus never painting again. At least guaranteed for 40 years.

Strawberries starting to bear again.

Friday to Tuesday August 7 to 11, 1981

Traveled to Everett to watch Craig play in the East-West games for football. West won 41 to 40. Craig played most of the game. Then got in with Keith in motor home. Sent our camper home with Larry and crossed on ferry to Whitby Island. Rode around it, then took ferry to the peninsula and went all around it. Went to Westport. Cool there; hot elsewhere. Went to Seattle and watched Seattle Mariners & Calif Angels

[page 95]

play baseball. Seattle won 4-5. Ate at the Ming Tree in Bel[l]vue—Chinese. There was 6 of us: Dana & Craig plus us 4. Ordered for 5 and still had to leave some. Craig & Keith drove on home, arriving at 3:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. Tired.

Wednesday August 8, 1981

Denist appointment Wed. So far no cavities. It’s been a week of over 100 degrees. So it’s hot, hot, hot. Hurrah no cavities.

Tuesday August 25, 1981

Mary Ellen had a baby girl today, 6 lbs. Named her Arin. Second name, but don’t remember. Cooled off some & it feels better. In fact mornings are chilly.

Saturday August 28, 1981

Deb & Flora called Sat. 28th. We weren’t home. Gone to B[asin] City for LaFae’s [Lee] wedding rec[eption]. They called Keith & said they heard down there that Dennis had been killed in a auto accident. So thankful there is no truth to it. Finally finished 21 qts of pears to date, 10 pts of chili sauce. Surely have enjoyed our tomatoes.

Sunday August 29, 1981

It was conference Aug 29th. Enjoyed it.

Wednesday September 1, 1981

Cleaning house for Joan & Ann Haydock, visiting from Engl They will be here 4, 5 or 6 [days]. We feel badly. Sister Haydock called and said they wouldn’t have time to visit us. Guess spent too much time in S[alt] L[ake} or with Elders. Really would of liked to of seen them.

Wednesday to Friday September 9-11, 1981

Went to the temple [Bellvue] 9-10 & 11. Lived in camper again. Did 24 endowments.

[page 96]

But going over had a flat going down Snoqualmie. We had a tire & jack but nothing would fit the jack for a handle. Spent a terrible nite on the side of the road with big trucks of hay etc passing. They just rocked the camper. Highway patrolman came & next morning called repair man. Came & changed tire for us—[$]53.00. Terrible. The rest of the time was nice.

Saturday and Sunday September 12 and 13, 1981

Went to High Priest supper Sat. nite and a couple that were baptized Dad spoke on same nite. Sunday nite firesides to Kents.

Wednesday September 16, 1981

Wed. I took my turn in nursery. Wed. nite had elders for supper. It was good. Did quite a bit of quilting on quilt for our group for bazzar.

Friday September 18, 1981

Went to Pendleton to the round up. Good, but HOT. Thurs. Morning helped Genevie in booth for Adams Co. fair. I have quilted 2 baby quilts. Will give on to Cherie’s baby. I had to give the literature lesson in R[elief] S[ociety] Sunday. It worried me. As I can’t remember what I read anymore.

Saturday September 26, 1981

Then Sat Sept 26 was Connell days & I wanted to see

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Jana on the float seeing she was a princess and this was the last parade. I went & was going to study Sat. nite after R[elief] S[ociety] conference (General at the stake house, but Larry & Ruby brought a load of beans to put under the shed as it rained lightly. Lee went out and all came in. They had hamburgers so I warmed them up & they ate here. Read it over but too late to study…

Sunday September 27, 1981

But got a good morning of study as Church doesn’t strt till 11:30. I feel like the lesson went well. Anyway I ran out of time. Ma[y]be to the relief of some tho. Last Friday 25th Lee and I had a complete physical at the health center (no charge). Both passed with flying colors. I thot we had passed but a week or so later the Drs. office called & Lee had to go in. They found high triglycerides in his blood. They have the same effect as high chloresterol, but a different fat. So now he is on a fat & sugar free diet. Dr. also gave him nitro to see if it would help chest pain.

October 1981

Went to Salt Lake to see the Blinkhorns as Ann had called and said she & Sheriden were in S[alt] L[ake] and Bill would come from Saudia Arabia before conference. Keith & Genevie went with us. Stopped to Don’s & Hermans. Met Herman’s new wife. She seemed quite nice the half hour we were there. Drove to W[est] Weber

[page 98]

But stopped to eat so it was midnite when we arrived, but I had called from Declo so our bed was ready. Keith stayed there & we went to LaNea’s. Next morning, went to Kerns to see Blinkhorns. They went with us to take Keith to Kim’s in Provo. Took them around the Y [Brigham Young University] & mission buildings. Next day was Sat[urday] so we stayed to Verda’s & heard conference. Went & helped Annie [Weston Stoker] quilt while men went to Priesthood [session of LDS General Conference]. Lee took Les & Bill & Mr. Moss. Bill thoroughly enjoyed it. Listened to conf[erence] Sunday morning. At noon went to Nina’s & listened to afternoon [session of conference]. Visited with Tom & Joyce.

Monday Verda drove our car & we picked up 3 Blinkhorns & seen S[alt] L[ake] from Bingham [copper mines] to Snowbird [ski resort]. Seen things I hadn’t seen before. Think the Blinkhorns enjoyed it. Had to say Goodby. Bill wasn’t ready for the temple, but he has stopped smoking & is a priest so hope. They are wanting to find work in S[alt] L[ake] as he quit [his job] in Saudia [Arabia]. Didn’t want to be away from family. Visited [relatives in] Roy[, Utah] and Ogden & home on Friday [October 9].

Sunday to Wednesday October 11 to 21, 1981

On the 11th of Oct. Ray & family went to Homedale[, Idaho] to see sisters & Vanae caught foot getting out of van & broke her ankle. So they didn’t get much visiting done.

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Dr. in Caldwell thot only one bone broken, but I took her to Dr. Zirkel Wed. 21 & he said other bone was cracked & put a cast on—clear to top of leg. I’ve been going over every day , but Ray is thru harvest now so ma[y]be won’t be so bad. Trying to get quilt bound & stuff ready for Bazaar on the 7th [of November].

Friday and Saturday October 23 and 24, 1981

While to Vanae’s Friday the 23, Lee called & Tom & Charlott Reeves had dropped in. I came home. Fixed lunch & had a nice visit.

Sat. Took Marci, Becky, & Mark & went to Empey’s [in Basin City] & got 30 gal. of apple cider. We picked up apples & helped squeeze 100 gals. It’s sure good.

Dad had gotten 10-12 pheasants this yr.

Thursday and Friday October 29 and 30, 1981

Left early 3:45 a.m. to go to the temple. Chuck & Ella Davidson & Golden & Amy Kent went with us. We redone Dad [Joseph Blanch] & Aunt Gena [Morrison, Joseph’s half-sister] being sealed to Wheatley Blanch. Aunt Gena had to have baptism. Some else did that. I did the initory & endowment & Lee & I the sealings. Jarl & wife [Shirley Empey Basin City neighbors?] boys helped as witnesses & Father & Mother. October 30—Did 3 sessions & came home. Baltzar Rodrigues had his wife & family sealed to them—51 from our ward witnessed it. Home by 7:30. Got 7 end[owments] each.

Saturday October 31, 1981

Went to Dennis. Was told Myra is expecting lst of Jan. or first of Feb. It was a surprise. Came home & read books to try to get a talk for mutual girls on the art of homemaking spiritually.

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Also learned from the paper Fieldings’ spud cellar burned while we were to the temple.

Sunday November 1, 1981

Cramed before Church. There was around 25 girls there. Both Lee & myself spoke. Think they were interested . At nite Keith & Genevie came down to use the phone theirs is out of order. They said Jesse isn’t home yet from the Bahamas. He has been there 5 weeks or more trying to get money he has coming. Hope he soon gets home. We are worried Ma[y]be I should make mention in Lee’s talk he gave me quite a compliment. Even tho it isn’t entirely true. Such as house always clean. Myself clean. Always a smile when he came home. Wish it was true always, but I do appreciate him telling this to the girls. He is a great man.

Thursday November 5, 1981

We went to Spokane to a Dr Engster that the Dr in the clinic recommended. He [Lee] was put thru tests and report to Sacred Heart Hospital on the 11th for more tests.

Saturday November 7, 1981

Ward Bazaar. Was busy all day—cleaning house & was to chapel at 1 to help mark the baked food things as they came in. Then dashed home & made a double batch of clam chowder & back again. The Bazaar was a success. Took in [$]7,200.00. Not bad. I gave a tricot baby quilt. It brought [$]40.00 & pin cushions & hot pot holders that didn’t sell well as they had them marked at $3.50 each. Tired.

Sunday November 8, 1981

Went to church by myself. In fact

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Lee didn’t go to the bazaar. At nite fireside was held here. I broke the Sabbath & made a cake, cream, Danish dessert & strawberry desert. All enjoyed it. Played 17 points Church by Floyd Weston. Glad the week is over.

Thursday November 12, 1981

Lora Jo came & went with us to the hospital. She left Dave with kids & Rusty sick also, but really appreciated her going so I wouldn’t be alone. We stayed to a motel close by the hospital, $21.00, not bad. They did a heart catherization on Dad & found when the main artery branched off in his heart both branches was plugged off 90 to 95 %, Doctor figured he would only live about a year the way it is. So will perform Surgery Monday 16th. Lora Jo & I came home. Had hardly gotten in when Lee called & said the Dr. Wanted to talk to us both Sunday nite. Keith & Genevie were to go to Spokane that week for depositions so it made it great for me.

Sunday November 15, 1981

They [Keith and Genevie] took their mother home & I took the car. We left Sunday 15th about 1 [p.m.] Talked to the Dr. about 5 or 6 oclock—just what to expect of surgery. It was a Dr. Leonard. I’d say about 40-42 yrs old. Very nice.

Monday to Wednesday November 16 to 18, 1981

Surgery was for 10 a.m. but when 10 came it was put off till 12. Just about straight 12 they came for him. Keith excused himself from depositions Monday so he could be there also. We waited on 2nd floor till about 3 when the Dr. came & said it was all over & everything went well. Course it was morning before Lee felt like having us around. He was kept in

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intensive care about 3 days. Then taken to another room farther from the monitor. Then next day was taken to [room] 631.

Thursday and Friday November 19 and 20, 1981

Believe it or not. I got sick also. Chilling, headache, dizzy. I started Wed. Thot I had gotten too much cigarette smoke, but Friday I was no better so went to a Dr. in Spokane. He could find nothing wrong. Took blood & urine test. Said white cells low, but that was natural with a virus infection. Then I broke out in hives or something. I was covered except my face. He said that was normal too, but I couldn’t go see Dad.

Saturday and Sunday November 21 and 22, 1981

We came home Sat. Sunday Genevie brought my lunch to me, enough for 3 days, I think. Sunday John & Kim [Ford] & Les & Pearl [Ballantyne] came to Keith’s.

Monday November 23, 1981

Monday 23 Nov. John, Keith & myself went for Lee. I was feeling some better—at least not chilling especially when I had aspirin down me. That is all I was to do is take aspirin & lots of liquid. We got home about 2 [p.m]. Lee was tired, but got along well. When we got home we couldn’t find the prescription the Dr. gave Lee. So he is taking codine & aspirin, nitroglycerine. Hope it’s all right. Monday Genevie brought chili for supper.

Tuesday November 24, 1981

Our certificate was due at Connell. We decided to take our money out & invest in Sherwin Roberts at Tri Cities. I sure didn’t feel up to driving so we asked Ray to take us. We invested for 2 years at 17%. I hope we did right.

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Thursday November 26, 1981

Genevie brought us our Thanksgiving dinner about a hour or so later Vanae & family brought another big meal. Tues when we got home, Paul had brought a cooked chicken & big salad. Our family is super. I haven’t cooked for a week.

Saturday November 28, 1981

We feel bad as Skip & Julie went to the temple Sat 28th and we couldn’t go. We had looked forward to it for a year. But are surely glad they decided to go. All our married kids now have been to the temple. Luray even went with them with her new baby girl. It [Michelle] was born 20 or 21 [19th of November in Richland, Washington]. They are both OK.

Sunday November 29, 1981

Had quite a bit of company. Lee got by fine till Sunday morning & he had to sneeze. He said it felt like ma[y]be he pulled something lose. Surely hope not. Ever since he has come home when he gets up at nite. When he comes back to bed, he is shaking & cold. Then when he gets back, he sweats till he is soaked. I don’t know whether it is weakeness or whether he has what I had or not. I’m feeling better every day. Will be glad when the 7th comes as he is to go back to the Dr.

Vanae had her long cast taken off & one put on that comes to her knee. Can get around better.

I called the Dr. about Lee and he said to come in Thursday instead of Monday 7th. Sunday Carrie & Charley brought a cupboard he had made for Vanae’s girls for Christmas. Earlier the Moultons came.

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Then Goodriches. Think Dad got quite tired.

Monday and Tuesday December 1 and 2, 1981

All the kids or those not working came to see if they could fix or find why the pump runs every 15 min. I cooked chili Monday. Lora Jo & Vanae came made apple dumplings. They found where some water was getting away & thot that would solve the problem, but it didn’t.


Thursday December 3, 1981

Jesse came & took us to the Dr. Thurs. Daryl & Mary Ellen also. Mary Ellen went for her 6 wk. checkup & was lucky & got in. Daryl put his application in the Greyhound buss. Dr. figured Dad doing great. He gave him Indocin to take. That is what I take for arthritis. Dr. said it would take away the inflammation. He thot that was causing Dad’s freezing & sweating instead of what I had.

Friday and Saturday December 4 and 5, 1981

Lora Jo came & we went to Vanaes to say happy birthday, 43 yrs. old. I don’t have a doilie finished , but will give it later. Came back & went to Othello. Vanae had to leave to have cdast off. Finished most of my Christmas shopping. Next day sure not well again. Guess I over done it.

Past week have received the bills for me & dad. Mine was [$] 49.00 just to tell me to take aspirin & lots of liquids a virus infection ….

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Surgery 16 Nov. 1981
Entered hospital 12 of Nov. for heart catherization
Released 23 of Nov.

Dr. Leonard who operated $4575.00
Dr. Engster 1396.00
11 days Hospital 8981.13
14,952.13

Surely hope there isn’t much more. We are worried now if Globe Life will [not] pay what Medicare won’t. Will have to wait & see. But so glad he caught it before he had a serious attack. Will now have many years left.

Monday December 7, 1981

40 years ago since the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

Vanae called and Kyle got his mission call to Milwalkee, Wis[consin]. Cold! He leaves Feb. 4. I had hoped he would go to Eng.

Had a perm today at Beauty Boutique. Dee gave it & it lookes nice. I went with Keith family to live show, “Up with People” at Hi School. A good clean, moving family entertainment. Senior citizens [$]3.50. Dad had to sneeze again tonite &it about tares him open.

Sunday December 13, 1981

Toward evening it started to snow. The first of the season. During the nite about 2” fell. Geo[rge] Roylances visited this afternoon. It was nice for them to come. Lee still improving. Too slow for him. I haven’t been out either , but unless the weather mades roads slick am going to R[elief] S[ociety] Wed.

Monday and Tuesday December 14 and 15, 1981

Finished Christmas cards. Wrote a note in each. Not sending many as postage now is 20 cents. I sent Eliza a small pkg—2 hot pot holders, & Vesta 2 holder & pin cushion, & Scott a fruit cake & got 50 stamps. Oh, we sent cards to Eng. Also but bill was [$]22.50 so not sending many.

[106]

Tues. Keith & Genevie came to play rook. Ruby, Larry & family brought 3 fancy cookies & sang a carol. All played rood. I gave them choc[olate] ball & nuts.

Wednesday December 16, 1981

Some of the Mutual came and sang Christmas carols. Brought us cookies & candy. It was very thoughtful of them. I had to give the R[elief] S[ociety] lesson today, “Single Sisters in R[elief] S[ociety],” a topic I knew nothing about. I got a book from Vanae that helped. Guess I did OK. Lots of thanks.

Thursday December 17, 1981

Lee continues to improve. We went to Dr. on 17th. He is still on indocin. The roads good, but parking lot like ice. Ruined a tire on it—rubber peeled off. Had to get 2 new snow tires [$] 160.00. We hadn’t planed on.

Monday December 21, 1981

Shortest day of year. Visiting teachers came & brought candy & a tree ornament. Tree has been up for a week—unusual for me, but no outside lights as I can’t put them up. It sure makes a difference having a invalid in the house.

Wednesday December 23, 1981

I have all my gifts wrapped. A cake made & now waiting for Santa.

Thursday December 24, 1981

Ray came & got us & we went to their place. Had family nite. Spoke in a tape to Scott & Jeri. Heard one from Scott. Had a very nice supper. Dagwood sandwiches, olives, pickles, etc. Lee went to bed early, but I stayed visting till 11:30. Slept in Jana’s bed. Guess she spent a miserable nite, but ours was good.

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Had snow for several days & so a very white Christmas & plenty cold.

Friday December 25, 1981

Awoke early, but didn’t hear much so didn’t get up, but soon there was commotion so up I came. Santa had been there and had emptied his bag & sleigh both. 3 girls, a cedar chest plus many more. Mark, a stereo & Laron, a bike & Becky & Marci, watches & Vanae, a coat & diamond wedding set. Ray, a diamond. They had mounted in a ring. They gave us a nativity scene, world globe, & 2 books. Ray fixed breakfast—hot cakes, sausage, eggs, chocolate milk, & Tang. Vanae is getting along pretty good, but foot still swells a lot by nite.

We cleaned up dishes & went to Jesse’s. Roads slick. Mary Ellen’s folks visiting her. All well. Went to Jim’s. Santa had been to both places. Got a lovely pin cushion Audrey had made, a box of choc. Mrs Rush had made a blouse book 7 many many others perfume, temple suit cases. Elec[tric] blancket. It was great for us. Came home before dark. Vanae wanted us to go back, but Lee tired so came home.

Monday December 28, 1981

Had the 6 kids & partners home for a turkey supper. Dennis & Myra couldn’t make it as Dennis worked for Sate on road & Myra sick but rest had a very good nite. We enjoyed it very much. Myra has brochilis almost pneumonia. Still about 20 degrees & 3” of snow. Main roads bare tho, but side & parking lots very icy.

Tuesday December 29, 1981


Ray & Vanae took me to Othello where I got license for Olds[mobile]. Then in the afternoon

[page 106]

Lee & I went to Connell to bank . A Certificate was due--$10,000 + 707 interest. Also
deposited [$]3,859.40. Medicare had paid on Lee’s surgery but we also sent that much in checks in mail to Drs. etc. Escrow had been received, but Ochoa had not as yet made farm payment but the bank called the next day and said it had been paid and said they had deposited to our account so that after noon we went to Moses Lake and paid Federal Land Bank [$]38,000 to be on interest till note comes due 1 March. We have got to start paying it [principal of the farm loan] off fast.

The main roads were good, but side roads slick.

Thursday December 31, 1981

Jim and Ann family drove in about 6:30. They wee headed to Lora Jo’s, but it took them 1 ½ hours to get to here. The roads were so bad in their little car so they spent the night. We played Rook & O heck. Popped corn & watched the old 1981 go out & seen emerge a brand new ’82. All in all it was a eventful one for us. Coming from Eng[land] in Jan., having our own house & bathroom, working our garden & being able to attend 94 sessions in the temple. Lee’s surgery & all, but it was great year. I’ve come to appreciate Lee very much. Loved him before, but now it’s much greater. Hope we can both leave together. I depend on him so much