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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.