Good food, great company, old friends...

It has been such a nice weekend.  Lyndsey and Jud came in on Saturday because we (Lyndsey and I, along with 6 others) hosted a bridal shower for Kristen, one of Lyndsey's oldest and dearest friends, who is getting married in October.  Jud got to go stay with his Aunt Kristin and cousins Aden and Eric during the shower.  Later in the evening, there was a lingerie shower for Kristen, which Lyndsey and I also attended.  Jud got to stay with his PaPa Smith and Tina for a couple of hours while we went to it.

Today has been the laziest of days...ordered pizza in, took naps, watched a Ranger baseball game, and enjoyed a nice amount of rain.  Doesn't get much better.

Events like these are bittersweet to me -- on one hand, I am so happy and proud to see these, my favorite girls, falling in love, getting married, having babies -- but on the other hand, I would like to turn the clock back to when they were just little girls.  And, well, big girls, too!  I'm talking about the boy crazy, slumber party, wrapping houses, telephone calling, summer camp attending, clothes borrowing, note writing, hurting each other's feelings, learning to drive, prom dress shopping, cheerleading, lifeguarding, going off to college kind of days.

I miss them.

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, but as I'm sure you all know, its hard when the event is at your house.  So, here are a couple...


     Beautiful Kristen...she will be a gorgeous bride...

     The hostesses with Kristen (minus Randi)...

     Kristen with her mom, Mary, and little sister, Ashley...

     The beautiful flowers...



     Good company...

     And I can never resist taking my Lyndsey's picture...

The End.

Conversation with twins...

About cars..........                                                                    

Last week when I the kept the twins for a few days, we had several conversations.  I hadn't kept them for a full day since the end of school, so we had lots to catch up on.  Refresher courses, if you will.  Their vocabulary is unbelievable, and they actually talk in sentences now...so cute!

We had the following conversation one afternoon while in the front yard.  It was pretty priceless!

Me:  Boys, remember to never get close to the street, okay?

Them: (nodding heads up and down)

Me:  Do ya'll know why?

Aden:  Cars can hurt you.

Eric:  Its dangerous.

Me:  How can cars hurt you?

Aden: (banging his forearms together)...they run over you.

Eric: Yeah, dangerous.

Me:  And what happens if a car runs over you?

Aden:  Hurt you bad.

Eric:  The (making the sound of an ambulance) will come get you.

Me:  What else?

Aden:  Make GiGi (thats me) cry.

Eric:  Make Mamma and Daddy cry.

Aden:  Make PaPa cry.

Eric:  And Nana.

Aden:  Poppy cry?

Me:  Yes, Poppy would cry.

Eric:  And MiMi and PaPa?

Me:  Yes, MiMi and PaPa, too.  Who else?

Aden:  Pappy cry.

Me:  What about Lyndsey and James?

Aden:  "Wens" and James cry?

Me:  Yes, they would.  Everyone will cry if you get in the street and if a car runs over you. We will all be sad for a long time if that happens. Cars and trucks are very, very dangerous, so don't EVER get close to the street. Okay?

Them: (nodding heads up and down)

Me:  You guys look at me.  Don't ever get close to the street.  Okay?

Aden: Okay

Eric: Okay

Me: Promise?

Them: Promise.

I don't believe you can over-educate kids about dangerous things.  Life is precious, and bad things can happen in the blink of an eye.

The end.

Granny Writes.................March, 1926

March finds Marie basically doing more of the same.  Clint does come see her (well, they meet in Quincy) and she is so glad to see him.  She frets because she gets the pages in her Diary out of order...and when I say "out of order" ... I'm talking SERIOUSLY out of order.  But I figured it all out!  Towards the end of the month, along comes some fellow named Paul Reller, and I'm not liking him very well at this point...just saying!

Monday, March 1, 1926
Dear Diary,
Hope, Joy, Lucile, Kathryn and I just came home from the show.  It was swell.  Thomas Meighan in "Irish Luck".
I got a dear letter this morning but I am worried for his father is sick.  I can hardly wait until I hear from him again.  He says we will go to Quincy when he comes.

Tuesday, March 2, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came from work.  Lucile, Joy and I were the only ones from the third floor.  I got my letter from Clint and one from Nola Mae.  I wish he would come next Sunday.
I wrote a letter to him this afternoon and one to Reva Jane tonight.  Aren't I awful?  I started one to Aunt Nora but didn't get it finished.
I am tired and sleepy so good night.

Wednesday, March 3, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have been writing letters, letters, letters.  I wrote to Clint and Lennice at the office this afternoon and tonight I finished my letter to Aunt Nora and wrote to Nola Mae and home.  This morning I got a letter from my Abie, home and Mae Crane.  I was so shocked at the letter.
Oh, but I am angry.  I just noticed what I have done.  I wrote in the wrong place and got this all twisted up.  Now I will have to go back.
Anyway, this is the third and is Clint's birthday.  Also Grandmother's and Hope's.  I wish Clint would come this weekend.  Rose has a date.

Thursday, March 4, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have been fooling around all evening, doing a little of nothing.  I have had the blues today.  Got a letter from Clint and he said they took his father to the hospital.  I hope he gets better soon.  I don't know when Clint will come.  I am beginning to think he isn't coming at all.
I have had two compliments today.  Hope said that Mrs. Amy told Mr. Hickerson that I was fine, to be a new girl.  Lois told me that a boy, a friend of Ricky's, was crazy about me and wanted a date with me.  Nothin' stirrin' though.

Saturday, March 6, 1926
Dear Diary,
See how crazy I was.  I skipped some pages as you can well see.
I have been fooling around all evening.  Wrote a letter to Clint since I came home from work.
I thought I was going to be laid off today, but I wasn't.  Daddy?Croft was better but Clint can't come until he gets well.  I wish he could. 
I got a dear letter from Lennice this morning, a great big long one!

Sunday, March 7, 1926
Dear Diary,
I went to church with Hope, Joy, Kathryn and Lois.  Got my special delivery letter this morning and it was a good one.  I answered it and wrote to Lennice.
Irene came home this afternoon.  I was glad to see her again.  I haven't done anything this afternoon but fool around.  Had two chances for dates.  Tommy Maderino and John Turner, but nothin' doin'.  They are both keen though.  I wish Clint would be here next Sunday.  I am so homesick for him I don't know what to do.
Lois has a date with a fast one and I wish she would hurry home.  It has been cold and disagreeable day.

Monday, March 8, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have been fooling around all afternoon.  I mean evening.   I got my letter this morning and maybe he will be here this weekend.  Oh, I hope so.
I worked hard today and answered my letter after supper.  Nina, Lucile, and I went to town to mail it and bought some candy.  I am tired and sleepy, so good night--pleasant dreams.

Tuesday, March 9, 1926
Dear Diary,
I got my share of letters today.  One from my dearest one, one from Reva Jane, and Imogene.  I got those this morning and this afternoon I got letters from Nola Mae and Dot.  What do you know - if the weather is good and Daddy?Croft gets better, I am going to see my darlin' boy this week.  It would make me so happy but I am so afraid it will rain or something will happen.
This has been an ideal day and Rose, Irene, Lucile, Kathryn, Elsie and I walked home from the Nursery.
I had a phone call tonight.  Forrest and another boy want dates with me and some girl up here.  I'll take him two and leave myself out.  Wrote to Reva Jane and Nola Mae.

Wednesday, March 10, 1926
Dear Diary,
It has been raining this whole day and I have worried myself almost sick.  I am almost sure that Clint can't come and I want him -- oh, so much.
I got up early this morning and Irene, Rose and I fixed the lunches.
I got three letters this morning.  One from my Clint, one from home, and one from Aunt Nora.  Today I have written to Gene, home, Clint, Aunt Nora and Dot.  Did pretty well.
Lucile, Lois and Joy are working tonight.
Irene and I went uptown after supper to mail some letters and get some oranges.

Thursday, March 11, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came home from the beauty parlor.  Got a marcel and they say it looks keen.  I hope Clint likes it if he gets to come.
It hasn't rained today, but has been cloudy all the time.  If only Clint will come.  I got a letter from my Clint and one from Lennice.  He said he was leaving on Friday and would get here Saturday sometime.
I wrote to Lennice and told her I might see her before long.  I hope that I can.  This has been the longest day.

Friday, March 12, 1926
Dear Diary,
I almost forgot to write you tonight and I hope I am not here tomorrow night to do it.  This has been a cloudy, snowy day.  I got a letter from Clint this morning and he said that he was leaving for here Friday and would either get here tonight or tomorrow.  I didn't look for him tonight, but oh, boy! - just wait.
I went to the show tonight and was thoroughly disgusted with it.  I was sorry I went and lost my glove to top it all off.  I am all out of sorts about it.  The show was "Born Rich" and "The Last Man on Earth".
Oh, I can hardly wait for Clint to come.

Saturday, March 13, 1926
Dear Diary,
I am back in Quincy and boy, I am happy.  Clint came about two o'clock and called me.  I was so excited I could hardly work.
After work I went right home and got ready to come up here.  The roads were terrible but I enjoyed the trip anyway.  Look who I was with.  I was so glad to see Lennice and Miss Meyer, too.  Lennice wants me to hurry so this is all for now.

Sunday, March 14, 1926
Dear Diary,
It is now 3:30 a.m. and I am on the train bound for Louisiana.  Gee, I hate to go back to that work. 
This has been a most wonderful day and I love my Clint more than ever.
He came by this morning to take Lennice and me to S.S.  He had Fred Baldwin with him and we decided to chase around a little.  We finally went to church.  After church we took Lennice home, then went riding on the hard road to Urse.  It snowed most of the day.  When we got back, we took dinner at the Washington.  I then called on Mrs. Cornelius.  Clint, Ivan and Ed soon came by and I went riding with them.  We fixed up a date for Ivan and Lennice and went to the show.  It was "The Song &  Dance Man".  After the show we drove to Hannibal and there I left them.  I am so sleepy and will be dead at work.

Monday, March 15, 1926
Dear Diary,
I am going to bed early tonight and bear down on some much needed sleep.  I went to bed after I got home this morning, but of course I didn't sleep much.  I could hardly work today.  I was so sleepy and thought of my Clint so much.
When I got home I thought I might have a letter, but no such luck.  However, I hadn't been here long when I got a "special" and Gee-oh!  It was great.  And I don't mean maybe.
I had quite an experience with the brakeman and taxi this morning.
I want to take a bath, so farewell.  Letters from Nola Mae and Dot.

Tuesday, March 16, 1926
Dear Diary,
I feel much better today but I still need some sleep.  I just finished a letter to Nola Mae and should write to Dot.
I got a keen surprise this evening...a box of candy...St. Patrick's reminder from the dearest boy that ever was. I went to town with Lucile after work and when I got home, there was a special deliver letter.  Isn't he too wonderful for words?  But he should be saving his money a little more.  It will be a long time before our wedding day at that.
Lucile is working tonight and Irene is getting a marcel.
I have thought about Clint and my good time all day.  I wish I could have it over again.

Wednesday, March 17, 1926
Dear Diary,
I am lonesome, tired, and sleepy.  I didn't get my letter today.  I guess Clint is on his way home.
I worked so hard today, harder than I have since the first few days I was here.  Just four weeks ago tonight I arrived in this place.  It seems like lots longer than that.
I didn't get a sign of a letter today.  I wonder what the trouble is with all my folks.  I wrote to Clint after supper.  I only hope he gets on O.K. and that he and his mother can come back Easter.

Thursday, March 18, 1926
Dear Diary,
I worked tonight and just got home.  I really didn't work very hard but I am tired.
I have been so worried.  I didn't even get a letter today and I am afraid something has happened to my Clint. Oh, but I wanted a letter so very much.
I got a letter from home this evening.  This has been an ideal day and I have been so homesick and lonesome.

Friday, March 19, 1926
Dear Diary,
It is early but I am planning to go to bed soon.  I have been tired and good for nothing all day.
I got a letter from Clint this morning.  He got home all right but didn't stop to write a letter.
I mailed my laundry home and wrote a letter to Clint today.  It is raining now.  Rose has a date, Irene is working, and Lucile is reading.  I have the blues and that's that.

Saturday, March 20, 1926
Went to town tonight with the third floor gang, all except Lois and Catherine.  I can't help but think where I was last Saturday night and wish I could be back there.
I got the most wonderful letter from the most wonderful boy.  It was six pages long, and just swell.
I am tired and wanna go to bed.  There is a train excursion to Quincy tomorrow and some of Hillcrest is going.  I wish I were going, but I was just there last week and I can't afford the trip anyway.  I need some new clothes more than anything else.

Sunday, March 21, 1926
Dear Diary,
This has been the most lonesome dreary day I was put through although it was the first pretty Sunday we have had for ages.  I was so afraid I wouldn't get my letter and I wanted it so very much.  It did come about  seven o'clock and gee-oh, I was happy!
I didn't even go to S.S. or church today.  Irene and Joy went to Quincy.  Hope, Lucile and I went walking to the park and cemetery.  The views from there were wonderful.
I wrote a letter to Clint and Lennice this a.m. and one to the folks tonight.

Monday, March 22, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just finished talking to Forrest.  He accused me of being married.  They will be shocked when I finally do get married, I suppose.
I worked hard today and am good and tired.  I got a letter from Lennice and Nola Mae this morning and one from my sweet papa tonight.  I just love him and his letters and just everything.  I wish I could see him.
I wrote to him today and to Lennice and Nola Mae tonight.

Tuesday, March 23, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came home from work and am tired and sleepy.  Lucile is in the bathroom and we can't get in.  It makes me peeved.
I got a letter from my dear one this morning.   He had a date Sunday night and woe unto him.  But I know he was good and I will forgive him.
I got a letter from Wilma this evening and wrote an order for my coat, a grey one, from the National.  It cost $19.98, all I can afford.
Clint sent me a Flapper Fanny saying this morning - this was it:  A bungalow is a place where the wife bungles her first years' cooking and the husband owes.  Pretty good, don't you think?

Wednesday, March 24, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have been writing letters tonight.  Wrote to Mother, Aunt Nora and Wilma.  I got my laundry back today, also some candy.  Aren't they sweet?
I am tired and sleepy.  I may have to work tonight, oh, I mean tomorrow night.
I got letters from Aunt Nora and Clint this morning.  He said he didn't think they would come back Easter because they would have such a short time to stay.  I wonder when I shall see him again.  I am homesick already.

Thursday, March 25, 1926
Dear Diary,
Just got home from work and am rather tired.  I considered myself lucky today - got four letters - Clint, home, Reva Jane, and Dot.
Nothing exciting has happened today.  Irene has a date with Herman Davidson.  That would be rather exciting.
Mother told me I needed a new dress and to get one for Easter.  She said if I couldn't afford it, she would help me out.

Friday, March 26, 1926
Dear Diary,
I worked again tonight and am tired and sleepy.  Boy, if working nights helps out on your paycheck, I should be rich soon - but no such luck.
I got a sweet letter from the dear boy this morning and wrote to him at work.
Hope told me today that Amy thought I was a good stenographer.  Isn't that shocking?  But I know I'm not a good one.  I make more than a few mistakes.
I'm glad tomorrow will be Saturday, I am.

Saturday, March 27, 1927
Dear Diary,
I went to town tonight with Lucile and Irene.   Bought a Cutex set, stamps and Easter greetings for Clint, Mom, and Nola Mae.
I got a darling letter from Clint this morning but didn't have time to answer it at the office.  I answered it just before supper and finished it afterward.  I got a sweet letter from Nola Mae after work.
Gee-oh, I am sleepy, so good-night.

Sunday, March 28, 1926
Dear Diary,
This has been a long, lonesome day and I don't mean if.  I got my special this morning just after breakfast and answered it right away.  Also wrote to the folks, Nola Mae, Reva Jane, and Dot.
I went to the Christian Church to Sunday School with Elsie, Nina, Lucile, and Irene.  Nina, Alta, Lucile and I just came home from town.  We went to mail some letters and got something to eat.
Last night we made resolutions not to say catty things about people.  If we can't say good things we are to say nothing at all.  That will be great, if we can just carry it out.
Boy, I have wanted my Clint today.  Just two weeks ago I was with him.

Monday, March 29, 1926
Dear Diary,
I worked tonight and what do you know - Paul Reller acted as if he liked me a little bit.  He talked to me a whole lot, and girl, it was rather thrilling.
I got a dear letter from Clint and one from home today.  Didn't get to answer it until after work.
Lucile wants me to tell her about Paul so I must go to bed.

Tuesday, March 30, 1926
Dear Diary,
Like a silly little dunce, I worked again tonight.  The ground is covered with snow and it is still snowing some.  I should be whipped for working again.
I met Paul this morning and he spoke so big.  Then this afternoon Jennie Lou told me he had been trying to find out my name.  Just before work time ended, she brought me a note from him.  He said that he had heard from very dependable sources that the germ of love had entered my life and wanted to know if another germ could exterminate it.  I don't know exactly what to tell him.  I know what Clint would want me to say, but still, I would like to know just how far Paul would carry this.  If he would ask me for a date.  Isn't life shocking?

Wednesday, March 31, 1926
Dear Diary,
This crazy nut worked again tonight, but I don't feel as tired as I did Monday night.
Paul asked me for a date for the show tomorrow night.  I wrote him a note and told him just how things are with Clint and me.  If he still wants me to go with him, knowing that I love someone else, I might go.  I wrote to Clint this afternoon and told him about it.  I wish I hadn't told him about it until afterward.  I know how I would feel if he were to do me that way and I am so undecided as to what I should do.  Would it make my love for Clint any less?  I know it couldn't, but he doesn't know it.

The Cat Years, a "must read" for parents!

I'm taking a break from doing some major organizing...or in my case, making things worse because I have stuff ALL over my house.  I found another article that I clipped and kept years ago...probably around 1997-1998.  Hope you enjoy!

The Cat Years

from

San Francisco Chronicle

Adair Lara

I just realized that while children are dogs - loyal and affectionate - teenagers are cats.  Its so easy to be a dog owner.  You feed it, train it, boss it around.  It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting.  It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.

Then, around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big old cat.  When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor.  Instead of dogging your footsteps, it disappears.  You won't see it again until it gets hungry - then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you're serving.  When you reach out to ruffle its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you, then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before.

You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it.  It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed.  It won't go on family outings.

Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay, and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong.  Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave.

Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result.  Call it, and it runs away.  Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter.  The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.

Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner.  Put a dish of food near the door, and let it come to you.  But remember that a cat needs your help and your affection, too.  Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten.  Be there to open the door for it.

One day, your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day.  Let me get those dishes for you."  Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again.

So, back to organizing! 

"Oh heavenly father, make me a better parent..."

    At Lyndsey's wedding (June, 2006)

                   Not sure.  Lyndsey probably 4 and Jeremy 7.


    Jeremy, almost 3.  Lyndsey, 2 days old.



     Jeremy, 4, Lyndsey, 18 months old.



     Our trip to New York City, July, 2005



     Jeremy's wedding, June, 2005



    Jeremy 16, Lyndsey 13

    Not sure.  Lyndsey probably 10, Jeremy probably 13.

    Jeremy's graduation from Hardin-Simmons, May, 2003

                    Jeremy, 21 and Lyndsey, 18

     Couldn't resist adding this one.  Jeremy, 3, Lyndsey, 6 months, and me, 24 or 25


    Lyndsey, 13, and Jeremy, 16

     Lyndsey's bedroom in San Angelo, after moving out of the dorm!



    Oh my goodness!  I look like a baby.  A baby with a very bad mullet and a very bad perm!!!

                    L, 13, and J, 16


     Jeremy, 3, and Lyndsey, 3 months



     Fun at the mall!  Jeremy, 5, and Lyndsey, 2



     My beautiful daughter on her wedding day (June, 2006)

                              My handsome son on his wedding day (June, 2005)

I've been looking through boxes of "stuff" lately...trying to get ideas as to how on earth I'm going to get organized.  Its been a mission of mine for at least the last 40 years.  Seriously.  I own every organizational tool, system, and secret ever invented.  I kid you not.

I came across this prayer that was in Dear Abby many years ago.  It was written by the late Garry C. Myers, the founder of the "Highlights for Children", a wholesome, educational monthly magazine -- now in its 4th (by now, probably 5th or 6th) generation.  I laminated it at work and it hung on my refrigerator for years.  No telling how many times I've read it...sometimes more than once a day, especially during Jeremy's first year of college!!

Its also possible that it is EXACTLY what I needed to come across today.  Our children are our children, no matter how old they are.  The last few days have been a little rough, partly my fault...partly not my fault.  Jeremy and Lyndsey, please forgive me for some of my recent actions and words.  I love you both more than you will ever know...and I always will.  No matter what. 

Love..........mom

A Parent's Prayer

Oh, heavenly Father, make me a better parent.  Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say and to understand all their questions.  Kindly keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them, and contradicting them.  Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.  Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and ask their forgiveness when I know that I have done wrong.

May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children.  Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame and ridicule as punishment.  Let me not tempt a child to lie and steal.  So guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness.

Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me.  May I cease to nag; and when I am out of sorts, help me, Oh Lord, to hold my tongue.  Blind me to the little errors of my children and help me to see the good things they do.  Give me a ready word for honest praise.

Help me to treat my children as those of their own age, but let me not exact of them the judgments and conventions of adults.  Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose, and to make their own decisions.

Forbid that I should ever punish them for my selfish satisfaction.  May I grant them all their wishes that are reasonable and have the courage always to withhold a privilege that I know will do them harm.

Make me so fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children, that they will have genuine esteem for me.  Fit me to be loved, and imitated by my children.  Oh, God, do give me calm and poise and self-control.


The End.

Granny writes........February, 1926

The first time I typed up the February, 1926 portion of Granny's diaries, I have no idea what I did, but I somehow deleted it.  That has been at least 7 to 10 days ago.  I, just today, had the heart to do it again. 


February, 1926, finds Granny still in Green City with her family, still fretting about a "position".  During the month, she cooks her first meal, she writes (and answers) numerous letters each and every day, she begins to get "specials" ... or "special deliveries" from Clint, whom she misses so much it hurts.  However, she meets a guy named Forrest and goes to a party with him (which I'm sure was TOTALLY innocent)...then she frets about Grandpa (Clint) finding out.  She was so very relieved when he "forgave" her ... its so funny, because in today's times, that is grounds for breaking up/calling off a wedding/getting a divorce!!  Her writings make me laugh.  For those who knew her, they would have to agree that she didn't change much at all between the time she was a teenager until the time she passed away.  She finally gets a call from Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Company in Louisiana, MO, and leaves Green City to accept the position.  Apparently, the company was big enough that it had an entire Steno Department (in those days, the bosses dictated letters, which were "taken" in shorthand ... then the stenographer would take the shorthand notes to her desk and type them up).  Girls who worked for them were "put up" in dormitory type lodging, or in Granny's case, The Hillcrest. 

                  Picture of the Steno Department of Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Company.
                  Granny is on the front row, from left to right, the 5th person.  Isn't she pretty!!

     And in true Granny fashion, naturally she has the names of everyone
     written on the back of the picture.  Its also dated, but when I scanned it,
     the date was cut off.

Monday, February 1, 1926
Dear Diary,
This is the first day of February and I haven't a position yet.  Wonder if I ever will.
Pauline and I have been playing and singing and I have enjoyed it so much.  I am glad I can play a little for it gives me so much pleasure.  I only wish I could play well.
I got my letter but it was short.  I wouldn't blame him for not writing at all because I didn't.  You don't have any idea how I love him or how badly I want to see him.  Oh boy!
Tomorrow is Mother's birthday and I am going to cook supper.  My first attempt.

Tuesday, February 2, 1926
Dear Diary,
They said my supper was a decided success.  It was rather good.  Nola Mae was here.  I had beef loaf, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, pickles, beets, lettuce, salmon salad, coffee, fruit salad with whipped cream, and cake.
I got the darlingest letter from the dear boy.  I didn't have a chance to answer it till late tonight because Rev. Young called just after supper and stayed late.  Nola Mae and I just came home from the Depot.  We went to mail my letter.
Daddy got Mother a rug and Nola Mae gave her a handkerchief with tatting on it.  She hasn't received her other presents yet.

Wednesday, February 3, 1926
Dear Diary,
This is Mother and Dad's twenty second wedding anniversary.  I wonder how we will feel when we have been married that long?  I got my letter and answered it this afternoon.  Went to town with Nola Mae and mailed it.  We stopped at Watson's.
I just came home from Prayer Meeting at Longs.  Pauline is practicing.
Mother has been joining my first quilt.  She has worked all day on it and isn't finished yet.  She got some more birthday gifts this morning - three dresses, a pair of hose, a can opener, and a lot of sausage and butter.
Clinton is on my mind, as usual.

Thursday, February 4, 1926
Dear Diary,
10:10 p.m.  I just came home from Nola Mae's.  We have been talking and I also worked on some quilt blocks.  I am not getting along very well with it.
Pauline, Paul, and Helen all went to the show - "Little Annie Rooney".  I saw it once and oh!  If I could be with that person now, I would be happy.  If I could only see him for a while, I would be satisfied.  I got my usual letter.

Friday, February 5, 1926
Dear Diary,
Nola Mae, Dorothy and I just came home from Ramah Kents.  We have been playing pitch and the piano.  Had a very good time.  Also told fortunes.  Mine said that I was going to get my next letter and a valentine from Clinton and that I was going to marry Wayne but I know the latter part is a big mistake.
I got my letter today.  It was rather short again.  When he writes short letters, unless they are unusually good, he seems so far away from me.  Of course he is far when considering miles, but I don't mean that way.

Saturday, February 6, 1926
Dear Diary,
We just came home from Lois's.  Had a lovely time.  Nola Mae, Miss Blair, Pauline, Reta Payne, Wineva, and Ina Hayes were all there.  Of course we danced to both radio and Victrola music.
I got a perfectly good letter today and was satisfied with it.  I answered it right away, then read my other diary book from the day I left home for Quincy up to the last of December.  It sounded rather silly, just as you will sound in a short time.
Daddy went to Milan today.  Helen has a swelling in her throat and Mother thinks she may have the mumps, but I don't believe it is that.
I have to lead League tomorrow night.

Sunday, February 7, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have put in a rather full day.  Went to Sunday School and had a good time with my class.  They are so bright and responsive.
After dinner I got my letter and started to answer it when Dorothea and her cousin, Leila Davis, came by and wanted me to go walking with them.  We picked up Wilma and later Nola Mae.
I came home about four o'clock and finished my letter, then went back over to Pfeiffer's where we ate supper.  I lead League, rather I tried to.
After church we went over to Dot's Uncle Eds and listened to the radio.  I just came home.

Monday, February 8, 1926
Dear Diary,
I am very happy and optimistic tonight.  Sometimes I don't feel so happy.  I got a good letter and that always makes me happy.  I have become a milliner, fixed my black hat over tonight and like it much better.  Mother has been working on my tweed suit and I am planning to wear it again.
I wrote a letter to my dear Lennice today.  I am thoroughly ashamed of myself for not having written sooner.
We washed this morning and did part of the ironing this evening.  Daddy left for Brookfield.
Nola Mae and Dot went to Kirksville today to hear Sousa's Band.  They are planning to come back on the night train.

Tuesday, February 9, 1926
Dear Diary,
It is now seven o'clock.  I feel so miserable I don't know what to do.  I promised Forrest Cason this afternoon that I would go to a party with him tonight at the Legion Hall.  I would give almost anything now if I hadn't promised.  I feel guilty and I dread to tell my Clinton.  I know how he would feel or I know how I would feel if he did something like that.  But its too late now to back out.
We ironed this morning and I cut quilt blocks after I had answered my letter.  It was a swell one today, too.  Oh, I feel awful.  I wish it was over.
11:15 p.m. Just home.  Had a lovely time. Played rook and party games.  Gail Hayes asked me for a date.

Wednesday, February 10, 1926
Dear Diary,
I went to Prayer Meeting tonight with Nola Mae.  It was at Prayer (gee-oh, I'm crazy).  I mean it was at Taylor's.
I finished cutting my quilt blocks today.   Glory be!  I wonder if I will ever get it done.
I didn't get my letter today.  It just seems that Clinton knew about the party and was trying to spite me but he wouldn't do that, I am sure.  I told him all about it in my letter today.  I hope he will forgive me.  Mother is at Clara's, helping her quilt.
No word from Louisiana yet and no work.  I don't believe I'll ever get any.  I am so discouraged about it.

Thursday, February 11, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came home from the Sophomore Program.  It was good, better than their last year's program.  Pauline sang and was in a play, "Bachelors Forever".
Reva Jane, Dot, Nola and I went together.  Lois had planned to go but couldn't.
I got two wonderful letters today.  I wonder what he is thinking about the party Tuesday night.  I hope he isn't angry.
Have been piecing quilt blocks today.  Only did four though.  Will I ever get through?

Friday, February 12, 1926
Dear Diary,
Do you know, Clinton Croft is the dearest boy that ever lived!  I'd give most anything to see him now.  I have been so homesick for him today.  I don't see how I can wait to see him.
I got a Valentine gift from him, a heart shaped box of candy.  It is the nicest thing.  And I got a keen letter, too.  Isn't he a dear?
We have been over at Pfeiffer's.  Had a good time.  Paul went to a party at Mary Frances Young's.  Helen only got twenty-five valentines today and about half of them from boys.  She's a sight, lots worse than I used to be.  What will she be when she gets to be my age?  I'm bad enough.

Saturday, February 13, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have the blues more or less.  Mother had a spell this evening because I didn't stay and make speed and because I didn't take the Canton position and everything in general.  Did I cry?  Well, I guess.  The storm has blown over now.
Pauline and I just came home from Lois's.  We danced some but couldn't get any radio music.  There was too much static.
Daddy came home this afternoon.  He had me to write to a produce company at Brookfield.  I wonder if I shall ever get a position?
Wilma came up after me just as I had finished writing a letter to my dearly beloved.  We went to town and stayed nearly all the rest of the afternoon.

Sunday, February 14, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have had a lovely time today.  I went home with Dorothy after S.S. and we cooked dinner together.  She did the biggest part of it though.
I went after the mail and got my letter and a picture of the dear boy.  I don't think it flatters him in the least but I was glad to get it anyway.  We came over home and I answered his letter.  It isn't mailed yet.  Went back over to Pfeiffer's and had supper.  Guy Davis and family from Reger came in while we were eating.
We went to League and Church.  I tried to take notes on the sermon.  Didn't have a great deal of luck though.  Nola Mae stopped in after church and just left.  I am so sleepy and blue, too.

Monday, February 15, 1926
Dear Diary,
Mother and Clara are quilting my crossword puzzle as dear Clint would say.  I'm simply no good when it comes to that.  I don't like to do it.  I have been working on the pink and while one.
I didn't get my letter today until the afternoon train.  It was a good one but it seems that he is so far away.  I just take it by spells.  Some days I feel as if I knew him, oh, so well, and other days I don't know him at all.  This is one when I don't.
I went to town after school.  We visited the ice cream parlor.
Today is Dot's birthday and my Clint's will be soon.  I wonder what I shall give him?

Tuesday, February 16, 1926
Dear Diary,
This is the last time I will write to you in Green City for quite a while.  I got a long distance call this morning from Louisiana.  I am planning to leave in the morning and want to stay in Quincy for part of the day.  I have been busy all afternoon getting my things ready.  I called Mrs. Henry, Wilma, Reva Jane, went over to Pfeiffer's and tonight Dot, Nola Mae and Pauline and I are going to see Lois.  Mother and Clara are quilting.  I have the queerest feeling, I can't describe it, but I certainly hate to leave home, and I dread that trip.
Here's hoping I will like it.  I got my letter today and wrote one.  Let's say good-bye to Green City.

Wednesday, February 17, 1926
Dear Diary,
I am in Louisiana at Hillcrest.  There are about twelve girls here.  I like it fine here.  There are four girls in this room.  Have a piano and Victrola downstairs and we are allowed to dance.
It commenced to rain when I left home and rained most of the day.  Got to Quincy about 10:30. Went up to the store, saw May and Lennice, then went out to 925 and 1030 Jersey, then to the doctor's office, then ate dinner at the Monarch and then we to the college.  Saw Chet and met Ivan Merrill.  Took the two thirty train for here.
Since supper, I have written to my Clint, the folks, Nola Mae, and Lennice.  I wish I had my other letters written.  I am so tired and sleepy now.

Thursday, February 18, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have worked so hard today.  I don't think I shall ever be a good steno.  I have been typing but am no good at all.  I like my roommates so well, better than any of the other girls, possibly because I know them better.
I went to town after supper with Irene, cashed a check for $10, bought some Listerine and soap but it was too late to get the mail.  I wish I could have had it.
I have been talking to the girls all evening and getting acquainted.  Have had quite a good time.

Friday, February 19, 1926
Dear Diary,
It is almost 10:30 and I just came home from work.  I am so tired.  I should be shot for working at night after working all day.
Irene went with me to the Post Office this morning and I had three letters from my dear Abie.  They made me feel fine, too.  Now I must answer them before I go to bed.  Isn't that awful?  But I wouldn't sleep well if I didn't.  I got a letter from Nola Mae this evening.  I was glad of that, too.

Saturday, February 20, 1926
Dear Diary,
Work, work, work.  Maybe I didn't today.  We leave at 7:15 for work and come home at five.  Eat lunch out there and have only one half hour to eat.
I got the best old letter from Clint.  He is the dearest thing.  He said he was going to try to get off and come up here about the first of March.  I certainly hope he does.
Irene, Lois, another girl and I went to town tonight.  I took my watch down to get a crystal put in it, selected Clint's birthday gift, got my neck clipped and now I must take a bath.  It is late, too, and I am tired and sleepy.

Sunday, February 21, 1926
Dear Diary,
Just as I was getting ready for S.S. this morning I got a "special" from the only one for me.  It made me happy and it made me sad.  I could hardly keep from crying.  I went to S.S. with Hope and Bessie Lester and Kathryn Kohea.  When I came back I answered Clint's letter.  Then ate dinner.  After dinner, I wrote to Reva Jane and Imogene, then Rose, Irene and I went to town.
We had just set down to the supper table when the doorbell rang and what do you know, I got another "special".  Could I eat any supper?  I'll say I couldn't.  It made me feel sad and lonesome, too.
Since supper I have written to Clint again and to Dot and Aunt Nora.  The bunch has been in here cutting up.

Monday, February 22, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have just come home from work and must write to my Abie.  I know the girls all wish I would go to bed, but I have to write my letter.  I am not so tired now or sleepy, either, but I have been all day.  I didn't get my letter because this is Washington's Birthday.  Wait till tomorrow.  Got a new roommate though.  Her name is Mae Crane.  I don't know her very well yet.
Irene thinks she is taking the mumps.  I hope she isn't.  I have been getting acquainted with Alta Stark today, tonight rather.

Tuesday, February 23, 1926
Dear Diary,
I didn't work tonight.  I was too tired.  Mae is leaving at eleven.  She said she wouldn't work here for love or money.
I got a letter from home and Clint and Nola Mae and a card from Alfred Meals.  I have been writing letters all evening.

Wednesday, February 24, 1926
Dear Diary,
I didn't work tonight either.  I have been writing letters again.  I wrote to Lennice, Wilma, Clinton, and Mr. V. G.  I got letters today from the first three.
Lennice was so afraid I would get the mumps and wanted me to come up there if I felt as if I were taking them.
Forrest just called a while ago.  That is the first time I have talked to him.
Irene has been in bed all day.  She thinks she has the mumps or she did think she had them.  Her throat isn't swollen now and I certainly hope she doesn't have them.
Rose has a date tonight.  I wish I could have one with my man.

Thursday, February 25, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came home from work and I am so tired.  Irene is sick and has been in bed all day.  She hasn't the mumps yet, but I feel so sorry for her.
I got a dear letter from Clint today and one from Reva Jane.  I have been so homesick for him all day.  I wrote a letter to him at work again.  It made me feel guilty.  Rose and I went up town after work and I got Clint's present.

Friday, February 26, 1926
Dear Diary,
Irene and Rose and I have been talking about diaries and Clinton and everything.  Irene is much better.
I didn't work tonight.  Have been to town twice this evening and didn't buy anything either.  Fooled around with my clothes all evening.
I got three letters this morning and they made me so happy.  One from Clint, one from home, and one from Aunt Nora.  Mother said for me to tell Clint he couldn't have me for the next five or ten year if I was going to be as far away from home as I am now.  I answered Clint's letter at the office.  I am so homesick for him.

Saturday, February 27, 1926
Dear Diary,
I just came home from town and buying some new clothes.  Bought a blouse, tie, gloves, and hat.  I'm all dolled up!  I have the headache so badly.  Rose has a date and Alta's date came tonight.  I would give anything if mine would come.
I have been so homesick for him today.  We have a new roommate - Lucile Martin.  I am so glad.  I knew her at Quincy and thought she was the sweetest thing ever.
I mailed Clint's present this evening.  I got the bestest letter from him this morning.

Sunday, February 28, 1926
Dear Diary,
I have been so lonesome for my Clint today.  I got a special delivery this morning and boy, it was great.  I answered it and wrote a letter home.
I didn't go to Sunday School but Rose, Hope, Joy, Lucile, and I went to church at the Baptist church.  We bought a lot of ice cream but it wasn't very good.
Irene went home this evening.  She is going to stay there until she feels better.  I hope that is soon.
I read to Nina today, two love stories.  I have been talking about Clint and boy, but I cried this evening.  I was just too homesick for words.  I don't believe I can ever wait three years for him.   Ever, ever, ever...

Vegas Vacation/Wordless Wednesday...NOT!!

Last week, Terry and I went to Las Vegas for 4 days/nights....with Jeremy & Kristin, Lyndsey & James, and Glen & Tina.  For those who know me......well, you KNOW!!  For those who don't...Jeremy is my son, Lyndsey is my daughter, and Glen is my ex-husband and Jeremy & Lyndsey's Dad.  Strange?  It COULD be.  For some, it WOULD be.  But it works for us.  And when I say "us", I'm referring to everyone,

 including Terry and Tina.

Some people don't understand the concept of being divorced from someone and remaining friends with them.  The way I see it...when you have kids with someone, why would you NOT try to remain friends with that person? 

(I know, there are extenuating circumstances in every marriage and every divorce...and I'm not, in the least, trying to tell people how to live their lives.  I'm speaking only about my own situation.)

But, in the end, who would be most punished by the fact that we couldn't get along with each other?  Well, of course, it would be our children and grandchildren.  Just because you are no longer married to someone doesn't mean you have to hate them, does it?  With some, unfortunately, that is the case.  But in my mind, if I hate the father of my children...then I hate my children, too.  Because, after all, our children are US.  In some ways they are like me...in other ways, they are like him.  They didn't necessarily acquire our best (or worst) traits, but there is no denying who they belong to.

So, our family is blessed that we can all see past the normal obstacles that prevent exes from remaining friends.  In addition, our children and grandchildren are doubly blessed.  Instead of my grandchildren having one set of grandparents from our side of the family, they have two.  They have FOUR "old people" from our side of the family to love and cherish them, instead of just two.  Go figure.  At birthday and Christmas time alone, they "literally" REAP the benefits!!!

Terry and I have a very similar relationship with his ex-wife and her husband.  Okay, we haven't taken vacations together, but if it was ever something their kids wanted to do, we're in!  Life is just too short to let the little things pass us by.  And its too short to sweat the small stuff.  And in the BIG picture, this would definitely fall in the category of "small stuff".  I'm just saying... 

But, I digress, so back to my post.  Well, almost!  Funny, I was actually going to wait until tomorrow to post this, so it could be my first ever "Wordless Wednesday" contribution.  You bloggers know what Wordless Wednesdays are...the rest of you can probably figure it out.  But, I'm not well-known for being "wordless" ... and PLEASE, no comments from those who know me well!!

So, I wasn't really in the mood to take pictures on this trip.  My camera is big and bulky and I just didn't feel like carrying it everywhere we went.  So, as you will see from the pictures posted below, I took a total of six.  Pictures, that is.  I KNOW.  That is purely pathetic. Right?  If not for the pesky picture-takers posted at every possible place in Las Vegas, then the count would have remained at 6, but we actually ended up liking some of the pictures that were taken of us.

Waiting at DFW...James, Jeremy, and Kristin.

Glen and Tina, also at DFW

Lyndsey and Terry...DFW

Terry and Me...guess?  DFW!

Lyndsey and James, at the airport in Las Vegas.

                                                                            James

...........and,

Terry, Lyndsey, me, and Kristin. 

YES, I was accused of trying to match the theme of The Lion King.  I promise, I didn't!  Wow, I just noticed that my purse doesn't even show up!  Unless you look real hard!  Can anyone see it?

Terry, me, Lyndsey, and James.

Yes, I am a TOTAL nerd.  Who else do you know who goes to Vegas and doesn't spend a single penny gambling and doesn't drink a drop of alcohol?  And is thrilled to go to the Titanic Artifact Exhibition?

Just remember...it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. 

And nerds are just as important as cool people.  No matter what all you cool people think!!!

To the other 7 people on our trip, y'all remember this:

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS!!!

In summary, this was my 3rd trip to Vegas and Terry's 1st.  Also Lyndsey and James' 1st trip.  I had been twice before, but really didn't care for it.  I happened to be with a great group of friends both times, so I really did enjoy myself.  However, the casinos are NOT for me.  Too much smoke.  Too many people.  Too much skin.  Too much gambling that I just DO NOT understand.  I understand the slot machine concept, but don't have a clue about blackjack, roulette, craps, etc...

And don't care to learn!

I DO love the shows, though.  I could watch them all day long, all night long, 4 days and nights in a row!  Not the "skin" shows...I like the Broadway productions...Mamma Mia! that I saw with Susie 4 years ago and The Lion King.  We also went to Legends in Concert and it was GREAT!  The Michael Jackson and Elvis impersonators were SO believable, it was almost eerie.  Of course I loved the Titanic exhibit.  And for anyone who has never been to a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, you NEED to go!  I didn't have my camera, but believe me...it is worth the money!