1960 Diary
(transcribed by Charles Miller)

January

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1960- I got up early this morning when Pauline got up to go & get Gerald & go to Mass - so I told her I would dress the boys & we would take them with us when we went to Mass. Then they met us after they went to 4:30 Mass at St. Pat’s & got their boys. We went to 7:30 Mass then and just when we got home Gene called & wanted us to come over to their place for breakfast which we did & they had a very nice breakfast for us. We stayed a while & watched TV....., then we came home. Louise came over for eggs - then we watched the Rose Parade at Pasadena, was all very nice - we had dinner & I up the work & read my prayers - dad slept until time to go to Paul’s. We went a little after 3:00 p.m.. had a nice time and a big turkey supper & played cards until about 10:45 - started to rain or mist a little.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast , Dad pumped the water out of the house basement & then went down to help Gene fix up their bathroom. Gene took me downtown to exchange our Christmas gifts at Sears. Had real good luck - then I did up my cleaning about all before noon. After dinner burned papers & got my work done up and then Moe’s came down to see us & bring their Christmas gifts. I got a good paring knife from the grandchildren & a percale sheet from Moe & Joan. Pop got socks from the grandchildren & a gray shirt from Moe & Joan. I made supper before they left. In the eve, Gene & Betty came over, We played 6 games of cards - we only won three.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass - Women’s Sunday - had a good breakfast and a very quiet day at home. Pop slept in the a.m. & when out to the house a while in the p.m. Gene & Betty came over and watched the Globe Trotters with us & then we went to Pat’s. Stopped at Ben’s with some clothes for the kids from Mrs. Parizek - had a real nice time - Gerald’s also came out for supper - she had a good turkey supper for us - we played cards in the evening.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Pretty cold today. Lillian was here when we got home. She had coffee with us & then went downtown to shop & then to take Paul to the Dr. at noon- he has had ear ache. I washed & got through in good time. Lillian came back for dinner we visited & looked around the new house - then she went to get the school kids. In the eve, Pat & the children came & Pat did some sewing & I helped her some while Glenn was gone to school.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast I wrote checks out to Great Plains Gas for Gas - and Light & Power check & (Soft) Water. Then I did my ironing before noon. In the p.m. I did up my work & mended - had a good letter from Sister M. today. This eve Gene & Betty took me down for my Altar Rosary Card Party - Mrs. Connor brought me home then I made my Holy Hour - nice party 21 present.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1960- Went to Mass & after dishes Betty & I went out to Pat’s in our car to help Pat out today, Betty ironed - I folded clothes & mended, did dishes, picked out nuts etc. etc. In the p.m. Betty & Pat washed up baby clothes & I mended on them too & I brought some sewing home with me . In the eve - Leonard & Marilyn brought the children over while they made a visit to a friend in the hospital - Gene & Betty came over & helped take care of the children.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1960- Went to Mass but was late, as I think I dreamed the alarm went off & then I shut it off & then saw I had 2 more hours to sleep so I didn’t wake up - Pop waked up then & we really hurried & got to Mass at the Gospel - We brought Bessie home with us & we worked all day on the carpet rags & now it looks like I will soon have them finished for good. Don & Dean stopped in the a.m. are looking for work - Lillian was there for dinner - Betty over & sewed - Wilma, Clarence, Carol, Tony & Ann were here in the evening - so was a long & good day.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1960- Went to Mass - wrote letter to Bro. John & a couple of checks to be mailed - then I sewed carpet rags until time to put on dinner. After dishes I started in again & finished them up - Picked up some of our gifts from around the Christmas tree & also took the outside decorations ready to be packed. In the eve Gene & Betty took down the tree & helped get things packed away. Then Paul’s family came while Ronny & Tommy went to the dance.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1960- Went to Mass as usual. After breakfast I looked over the catalogues & did dishes, water plants & mopped my floors all before noon & was back & forth to the house quite a few times. Gene & Betty painted the inside of the kitchen cupboards & Pop went downtown get the pipes for the new stove hood & they got it put up after dinner - then we went down to see Msgr. about our plans for the weeding anniversary & a Solemn High Mass on April 23rd. and the open house April 24th. Then we went to Confession & then to the HyVee.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass - Men’s Sunday. After breakfast got ready to go to Myrtle’s. Then Louise came saying Mr. Miller was sick & didn’t know if they could go. Finally decided to go & take him to his Dr. in Muscatine - so left him & Carl off at Drs. office, Louise took Dad & I to Myrtle’s, then we waited for Carl & Louise. They put Mr. Miller in the hospital to try to find out what was wrong. After dinner Louise & Carl went to the other hospital to see Mrs. Miller. They got back to Myrtle’s about 4:30 or 5:00. We had lunch then went home. In the eve Dad & I & Gene & Betty went to Leonard’s to baby sit Lee & Roseanne also came. But after the children were all in bed and asleep they all went home & I stayed until Marilyn & Leonard got home from the card party at Gerald’s.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1960- Went to Mass, did my washing, wrote letter to Larry & Cindy - folded clothes and did quite a lot of mending on sweater, dress & slip - also got the sewing finished for Pat. Worked on winding up carpet rags in the eve. Louise came over for eggs & we visited. It rained in the eve & quite a lot in the night. No company quiet eve.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1960- Went to Mass. Water everywhere. Coming in our cellar now. Pop went out to get the pump started at the new house so we are keeping the water pumped out of there. I cut up squash this morning, fried chicken for dinner & did my ironing. Paul came & ate his dinner here this noon. In the p.m. I water my plants & wound up carpet rags, also worked on them in the eve. Don Reynolds came & got our water heater lit.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1960- Went to Mass. When we woke up the furnace was out & around 8 in. water in the cellar here. So after Mass I called Pat & told her of our predicament & that pop couldn’t come so they decided to come in and help us instead of us going out to help them dress ducks. So Dad had good luck in getting the pump started and pumping out the water and they also got the furnace going before noon. In the afternoon Glenn sawed the wood up in the apple tree. We had lunch, Glenn went home to do chores & then came back & they went to Duane’s for supper. Lyle & Lib & the 3 younger children here in the eve.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1960- Went to Mass, late again. Today alarm didn’t ring for some reason or other. After breakfast I wrote letters to Bro. John & Maurice. Then I got a good dinner for Pat, Glenn & family as Genie & Mary Lou had to go to the dentist & Pat to Dr. Glenn brought Kathy out here also. I roasted a chicken for our dinner. In the p.m. Pat went downtown to shop & Pop & Glenn went to a sale. Then we had lunch when they got back & Pat & Glenn went home for chores & came back for supper. Glenn went to school & Pat sewed. It stopped raining & started to snow.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1960- Went to Mass, was in good time today even though we had quite a bit of trouble getting out of our lane. Pop & Don worked at getting tractor started this a.m. then Don started to grade & it stopped on him - so it’s still there. I cleaned up the house packed away Christmas gifts & papers & ribbons, had a real busy day - but felt pretty good. It started to turn cold today. No company this eve. I sewed on a rug. Gene & Betty went to a basketball game.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast & dishes Gene & Betty came to take us to Pat’s to dress ducks. We stopped at Pearson’s Drug Store for card & gift for Pat to take to party - then stopped again at HyVee for our groceries - then on to Pat & Glenn’s. We had the 12 ducks picked dressed before dinner around 1 o’clock & after dinner we did our 6 chickens - got home before 3:30 p.m. so we could watch Iowa play Purdue on TV.. Iowa won. Then we wrapped our chickens to put in the freezer. Put 2 in boxes that I cut up. In the eve we went with Gene & Betty to Paul’s. Paul & Lillian were gone but we had a good time with the kids.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Home & good breakfast. Worked in kitchen about all forenoon preparing dinner & cleaning up, just taking my time in the p.m. I read my prayers - visited with Dad - no company until after supper. Gene & Betty & Charles came - also later Roseanne & Lee & Marilyn & Joe & Marilyn’s nurse friend. We played cards, two 4 hands & the nurse put puzzle together. It snowed quite a lot this p.m. and again in evening. Ron got tractor started this p.m. & brought it home.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1960- Went to Mass, although we had about 8 or 10 inches of snow. Gene came over & put the chains on the car for us & we had no trouble. Pop went downtown in the a.m. & got the car number & 60lb. bag of potatoes & ordered some lumber. Betty brought her clothes over & dried them in the dryer & I did my washing & dried them. Betty cleaned up my floors & scooped a path for Pop out to the house. Betty invited us over for a good ham supper. We played cards. 5 games. Betty & I only won 1. Gerald came & stayed all night.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast I got a card ready to send to Rosemary & wrote a letter to Myrtle. Then I ironed some & started the dinner. Just about noon Ed, Mary & Keith came & we finished the dinner. Ronny & Tom came out for a while in the afternoon after they had their exams. In the p.m. Ed went out with Pop to the house. After dishes Mary & I went out & looked around then Mary ironed a little & they went home. Quiet evening. No company. Started on a puzzle.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1960- Went to Mass today. 4 or 5 below zero. I got my work done up & then Marilyn brought the 2 little girls Diane & Debby over to stay with me while she took Douglas to the Dr. for blood test and got her groceries. In the p.m. Tom & Ronny came out again after their tests. Ronny went down to take test for the Army Reserve. Tommy put a puzzle together & then cracked some walnuts for me. In the eve I finished putting puzzle together and picked out some nuts. I got a bad case of bladder trouble & then started taking sulfa at 10:30. Very miserable, didn’t get any rest until after 3:00 p.m..

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1960- 5 or 6 below zero. I was surprised I was able to get out for Mass after having such a bad night and I thank God I got relief that soon, although I feel pretty weak & tired & some back ache. But after Mass we took our carpet rags & went for Bessie & her rags, got out to Mrs. Kessler and couldn’t get up the hill - so backed down & tried it again & couldn’t make it - so Dad walked up to the house - then the car started rolling backwards, I got my foot on the brake & held it - so when Dad came & tried it still ran backwards - so he had to get a wrecker to pull the car away from the deep ditch - so we got home safe & sound. Pat , Glenn , Mary Lou & Gene were here for dinner. May called to tell me of Dicks car wreck - but he wasn’t hurt bad - but car completely wrecked.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1960- 6 above. Went to Mass. After breakfast Libb & Lyle came & wanted to help at the house. So Lyle helped nail on woodwork & they filled nail holes & sanded woodwork. So I made a pretty good dinner. Betty came in & helped me a couple of times as she went back & forth to help Marilyn. I wrote Bro. John today. Mary called & talked a while. They were in town to meet Dick & Reg & settle up with the insurance agent. Gene & Betty came over in the eve & we played cards. We played 5 games and Betty & I won 4.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1960- 7 below zero. Went to Mass. Didn’t feel to good this morning, but kept plugging away & got a pretty good dinner. Pat & Glenn & family came in as Glenn helped work at the house. Lyle & Joe also came up & helped today - so we are having a little help. It was pretty cold today & I kept inside. We started our cinder plants. Pat ironed & finished her baby sewing. They went home early so as to stop & go to confession. Gene & Betty came in the eve. We played 6 games of cards & each won 3 games.

SUNDAY , JANUARY 24, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass, had breakfast & then started frying my chicken for company dinner. Pat & Glenn brought the children out & then went to 10:15 Mass. Betty came over & helped me & then Gene came & they stayed for dinner too. Ben & Joann & family came out for their eggs and visited a while. We played cards in the p.m. The ladies won 4 out of 3. After Pat & Glenn & family went home, Gene & Betty & Pop & I went downtown & got cheap gas. Then we had supper - watched TV. and played more cards.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast Dad tried to help Don get pulled out of hole on his road but couldn’t get him out, then we went down to get Pat & Glenn & children as they left their car at garage to get fixed. Then Dad & I got the plastic for our counter top. We got home Pat baked a cake & we got dinner. Glenn helped Dad & at noon Ed, Mary, Dick & Reg came & brought their pickup out & then had dinner with us. After dinner I washed & Pat & children rested. Around supper time Pat made cookies & we had corn meal waffles & sausage for supper. Glenn got his car, went home & chored & brought Kathy in with him for supper. Glenn went to school this eve.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1960- Went to Mass. Pat & Glenn & family ( all but Kathy ) came in again today. Glenn helped Dad & Pa went down to the Dr. & got groceries. Lillian came out and stayed for dinner & in the afternoon Dad & Glenn worked more out at the house but didn’t get any plastic put on yet. Pat did her washing. They went home in good time as it was raining and freezing. Don & Jim came & got our tractor & got Don’s truck pulled out. We had a quiet eve - no one came - icy roads & highways tonight.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1960- We didn’t go to Mass today. Dad was afraid of the icy roads but I guess they were not as the walks. About 11:00 a.m. Glenn & Pat & children came in as Glenn wanted to help Dad finish the counter top. I did my ironing & some mending. Pat washed the children’s coats & pasted stamps in her stamp book. In the eve Dad & I went with Gene & Betty for Bobby’s birthday. we had a nice time & a big steak supper - Dick & Reg came in the eve

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1960- We went to Mass this morning, the streets were O.K.. Wrote to Bro. John this a.m. then spent quite a lot of time out at the house with Pop in planning things. After dinner I cleaned the floors then got ready & we went down to church for Novena Service & to confession, Then down to Sears & looked at curtains - didn’t buy any. Then we went to the grocery store & home. Gene & Betty were over & painted the cupboards in the bathroom. Quiet eve - no company.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1960- Went to Mass. I wrote letter to Sister Margaretta & was out at the house for a while. Pat called & Mrs. Lockwood was over for eggs. In the p.m. I made 2 Angel food cakes & 5 pie crusts and got supper for Gene & Betty - they came here after Betty got through work. Gene put our new numbers on & they also got the table of Dick & Reg brought downstairs ready to load in the morning. We played some cards in the eve & the men won the most as usual.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1960- Went to Mass. Gene was over early to have Pop help load up the pickup with Dick & Reg’s table & rugs. Then they went to help them move up by Dysart. I mixed up my noodles before noon, watered the plants & got dinner. After dinner I rolled them out & left them to dry. Marilyn and her boy friend came out & visited for a while & then got stuck on ice as they were leaving. Mr. Lockwood helped them get out. Gene & Betty got back O.K. In the eve Paul & Lillian stopped in for a while.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass as usual. Home & breakfast. I made a good dinner of roast chicken etc. Also butterscotch pie. No company today. I looked over a lot of Catholic Messengers that had piled up for me & read some out of them. Pop roamed around outside. Leonard came over for eggs around supper time. Gene & Betty came in the eve & we played cards the men won 4 games to our 2.

February

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1960- Went to Mass - then started my washing and got it mostly done before noon. Mrs. Gander called & said they were moving out this week - sort of a shock & sort of upset us. Betty came over in the p.m. & did some sewing. Gene also came & did some figuring on their receipts. Pop cracked me some hickory nuts before supper. Gerald brought his dinner out & ate it here.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1960- Candelmas Day. Went to Mass & after breakfast Pop took me up to Mrs. Browns to get my hair fixed. Our card party was postponed for a week. So I didn’t like to cancel my appt. so went through with it. The Ganders moved out but still have some things left there. Gene was over & did some more figuring on his receipts & got done. Now he knows just how much he has paid on his place. I did some sewing this eve & picked out hickory nuts. Pat called on the phone.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1960- St. Blaise Day, had our throats blessed after Mass. Betty rode home with us. Lillian came out so she went with Betty & I out to Pat’s & we helped her get some of her work done. We came home right after dinner and Betty worked for Louise. Lillian & I visited & looked at the house. Then she went downtown before getting the school children. Quiet eve, no company. I picked out hickory nuts.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1960- Went to Mass. I wrote to Bro. John & made out some checks for bills. Pop went downtown for a while. I worked around today - don’t seem to get much done. Made pop some candy. After supper Pat & the children came while Glenn went to school. I picked out hickory nuts & Pat sewed on her towels.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1960- Went to Mass. After Mass went downtown for stamps and hair spray and I got some curtain material for the utility room curtain and looked at drapes. We got our groceries. This p.m. I made more candy for Pop. In the eve Gene & Betty & Marilyn Frantz came. We played cards. Then Gerald’s came & we played cards with them. Made my late Holy Hour.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1960- Went to Mass. Ronny came early & helped Gene over at the aluminum house. Then later Lillian & the rest of the family came. Tommy went over with Pop to help. Lillian & Johnny went downtown. Catherine & Phyllis helped me & we got a big dinner. Pat & the children came in while Glenn went to a sale. Paul came up for dinner & then helped Pop put in the sinks & then he also put the tile down in the bathroom. In the eve Gene & Betty came over & we played cards after I got my work done.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass, Women’s Sunday. Louise, Carl & Charles all sick today and didn’t get to Mass. So they couldn’t have the meeting they planned - as Gene was sick too & Betty couldn’t have it. Pat & Glenn & family came for dinner after they went to Mass. Lee & Roseanne came around dinner time & Lee ate a little with us. Then Paul’s came. Then Ronny, Tommy & Catherine & Phyllis went to a basketball game. Wilma & Clarence & Ann came out - also Lyle & Libb & Dave came out. We did some planning for the anniversary.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1960- Went to Mass. Then did my washing this forenoon - 4 batches, 3dryers. Pop was painting over at the aluminum house. He did 2 ceilings and 2 rooms and was pretty tired. I mended some this p.m. & rested some and was awful tired. Louise & Carl is sick, Charles some better. They had the Dr. for Louise again today. Pat & children came this eve & stayed while Glenn went to school. Late to bed.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1960- Went to Mass. Lillian was here when we got home. So after breakfast & after answering my phone calls we went downtown, It was snowing but melting some downtown. We looked for drapes but came home without any - as we found some we liked - but one was dirty, so couldn’t decide to take it. Lillian got her hair cut & was going to get a permanent at Bernice’s. Gene & Pop worked over at the aluminum house this p.m. & got the toilet fixed. Pop painted the living room this p.m.. Blizzard tonight but expect to get to Mass in the morning.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1960- Didn’t get to Mass. Bad blizzard again, all schools closed in Iowa City. We didn’t get up very early. Dad went over to paint some more in the aluminum house. Gene helped him some both forenoon & afternoon as he didn’t go to work on account of the storm, so the painting is finally finished. All but the woodwork. Now the weather is to bad to advertise it for rent. I sent in my subscription money to Tabernacle & Purgatory. I also ordered Consecration to the Sacred Heart small pictures and 8 large pictures with consecration put on. May’s didn’t come. Gerald came out & was here for supper. I put up his lunch for him as he had to work from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m..

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11,1960- Didn’t get to Mass again today. Gerald came back out this morning & slept a while as he still couldn’t get through the snow drifts home as the roads wasn’t open yet. He at breakfast, then left around 11:00 a.m.. I wrote a letter to Larry’s. Pop worked on tractor most of day to get it running so he could open lanes. Betty helped him & then Gene helped after he got home so they finally got it going. Don used it to get a road open for him to get through. I baked a cake & double batch of cookies & 6 pie crusts. Quiet eve, no company, watching TV..

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1960- We got out to Mass today with chains on the car, no trouble. Put ad in the paper to rent. I wrote to Bro. John this a.m. & started a letter to Mrs.Gibbons. Then Paul Came & was here over the noon hour - they had just gotten out for the first time. Their road still not opened. This p.m. I worked on cleaning paint off of the handles of the cupboards of the aluminum house - it took a long time it was so hard - but got them all looking real good again. They finished up the painting. In the eve Gene & Betty came & we played cards.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1960- 8 below zero. We went to Mass again, got through just fine. I went downtown with Betty & we picked up 2 drapes to bring home to see which kind we liked the best. Then after dinner she took them back & bought the ones I had picked out first. We had more calls about the house, one looker and Pop was pretty much upset about him. He found so much fault with everything. After that we went down to Confession & to HyVee & got groceries. Leonard & Debby & Doug came over for eggs with a Valentine & banana bread. I cleaned up the house & watered plants this p.m.. Gene & Betty came over & played cards. Betty & I had good luck tonight.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. Men’s Sunday. Paul’s stopped in for a while after Mass but didn’t want to go to Ray Wieskamp’s silver wedding celebration on account of roads & cold. We had more calls about the house & 1 looker. Gene & Betty came for a while. Louise & Pat called on telephone. In the eve we went to Leonard’s to baby sit & Gene & Betty also went so we played cards until the children were asleep & then stayed until Marilyn & Leonard came home.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1960- Went to Mass. Washed today. Party didn’t call about renting the house so Dad decide to sell it. Carlton & man came out in the p.m. & listed it. Pauline & boys came in p.m. & stayed until time to pick up Gerald. Left around 10:00 p.m.. Pat & children cams in while Glenn went to school. Libb, Lyle, Davey & Rita came up so we played a couple games of cards and the eve was gone.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1960- Went to Mass. Lillian came out today & then went downtown. Louise came over for eggs & we talked curtains. I am sort of tired & discouraged today - just wondering when we will get done. I sent a birthday card to Veatress & Silver wedding anniversary card to Ray Wieskamps. I did my ironing this p.m. & Lillian took hems out of living room curtains that we are going to use over in the new house in the bedroom. Pop cracked hickory nuts for me - so I started picking them out tonight. No company.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1960- Went to Mass. After Mass Louise came over to help on the house. Pop went downtown for a hair cut. I wrote to Sister Margaretta. Pat, Mary Lou & Gene came in and brought material along to do some baking for herself to freeze & have on hand for later. So she stayed all day. She also brought a chicken for supper so we made a big supper & had Gene & Betty over. In the eve we played 2 games of cards then they all went home. Glenn went to a sale today and bought a baler.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1960. Went to Mass. Carl & Paul were both here when we came home & working at the house. Louise came a little later. She decided to paint the breezeway, which she did & then helped Pop some more. Paul was there for dinner & then had to go & help Carl so they could start on Freddy’s house. I pressed curtains & then Betty came after supper and hung them up for me. No company this eve. I picked out Hickory nuts while watching TV.. Made my Holy Hour.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast Dad & I went downtown to look at stove at M. Ward - but they were not in yet. Then I got hose & Pop got some things for plumbing. Then we got groceries. After we got home I wrote to Wilma & sent checks to Farm Bureau, Co-op for fuel oil & Iowa Lumber Co.. After dinner Louise came & got the cake & showed me the gift she got for V & Harry for their birthday. Then she got the curtains cut off & planned for my bedroom. After that I mopped kitchen floor & vacuumed other floors. Gene & Betty came over in the eve & we played cards.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1960- Went to Mass. After Mass Gene came over & helped Pop about all day on the plumbing. Ronny came & worked on woodwork. Betty came - I washed my hair & she put it up for me. I got a good dinner & had Ronny & Paul both here to eat today. It started to snow after dinner. The men quit early. Then Pop & I got ready & went with Carl & Louise & Charles over to Dexter’s at West Liberty. She also had Bessie & Bob, Margaret & John for a very good turkey supper. We got home in pretty good time. It’s still snowing.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1960- Went to Mass with Gene & Betty, home in good time. I worked most of the forenoon getting dinner. Baked ham, made lemon pie filling etc., etc.. Pat, Glenn & family came for dinner after going to 10:15 Mass. After dinner we got the dishes done & Pat & Glenn went to Louise’s for meeting about the anniversary celebration. Not many came as the weather was getting so bad & snow & blowing & drifting. Pat & Glenn went home right away & found drifted roads. Glenn had to pull them in the lane with the tractor. Gene & Betty came this evening, also Dick & Roseanne.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1960- Didn’t go to Mass this morn as Pop didn’t think we could get out through the snow drifts. So Lyle came & was here before we had breakfast. He came to sand woodwork. Pop’s cold some better but still fussing about it. Louise came over & helped part of forenoon & all afternoon. Pat & Glenn came in the p.m. & they both helped, also Betty came & helped with sanding etc.. I washed & fixed a pretty good dinner, was pretty tired. They all went home in good time. Pop came in & slept a while so we had fairly early supper. Quiet evening, no company. I picked out hickory nuts.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1960- We still didn’t get to Mass today as Dad was afraid to go out on the lane. Pat & Glenn came. He had Glenn bring the tractor home so he got the blade fixed up & graded out our lane. Lillian came & helped today, also Pat & Glenn & Louise & they got quite a lot of sanding done. Pat brought 2 chickens up for dinner & helped me get dinner. Pop feeling some better but not to good. Quiet eve, no company. I picked out Hickory nuts.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1960- Went to Mass today. It had snowed quite a lot so no trouble getting out. Louise brought a board over for Pop to use, but had to work at home today so didn’t stay. Pop worked a little but didn’t feel very good & pretty tired. I worked all a.m. & part of p.m. on cleaning up our stove as we wanted to trade it in on a new one, which we did later on when we went downtown, but salesman didn’t even want to come out & see it. Quiet eve, no company. I finished the Hickory nuts.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty rode home with us. After breakfast Libb, Lyle & Bob came up. Libb & Lyle to work & Bob visited me. First he was out since he went up for his X-rays. So it was sure nice to have him. I wrote to Bro. John & Sister M. & tried to get a good dinner. In the p.m. I did up the work. Sent cookies out to the workers. They went home in good time as they had to get the school kids. Lillian stopped in a while. we went out to the house to see how my new curtains looked in the dining area.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1960- Went to Mass. Then downtown to Lubins to get my ironing board cover. After breakfast I started making my angel food cake for Sunday. I got finished by noon & out of the oven by 12:00 p.m.. In the p.m. Gerald & Pauline came & left the boys here while they went to a funeral. When they came back they brought rolls & we ate them with coffee. Louise was over. Gene & Betty came over & we played cards.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1960- Below zero. Went to Mass. Betty came early to help work at the house. Wilma also came in good time & they sanded & vacuumed up the dust. Louise came over for a little while before noon & again in the p.m.. They got quite a lot done. I mopped my floor before noon. After dinner I made a big fruit salad & a carrot salad. I did up the work, dusted floors & furniture. After supper I iced the cakes & made cranberry sauce & did up the work.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1960- Went to 7:30 Mass. After breakfast started getting the chickens ready for oven. Betty came over & helped me with the work and peeled potatoes, cleaned Celery & set the table. All of Ben’s family came for dinner. They got their other Chevie for Ben. After dinner Pat’s came, also Moe’s, Libb & Lyle & Paul & Lillian. So Paul & Lillian, Lyle & Libb, Glenn & Moe worked at putting the stain on the woodwork. Louise came over for a while. Pop & I, Pat & Joan played cards with Ben & Joan, Mike & Kenny. Then Ben’s went home. I had Pat’s family, Moe’s & Paul & Lillian for supper. Moe’s stayed until the dishes were done. Gene & Betty came over & played cards with us.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1960- 5 Below today. Went to Mass. I did my wash & washed 2 rugs extra, made 5 pie crusts & ironed a dress. Pat, Glenn, Mary Lou & Gene came in for dinner as Glenn helped out at the house. Pop went downtown at noon & met Ben at the bank for business. Louise & Betty also helped at the house. Glenn went home in time to get Kathy at school & then did the chores - came back for supper then went to school. Don M. up today & came over with Gene & Betty in the eve. We played cards & he stayed all night.

March

TUESDAY, March 1, 1960- Went to Mass. Louise was over early & working at the house - starting to varnish woodwork. Then Ed, Mary, Dean & Keith came. Ed had to go to Kalona but Mary & Dean started to help & Ed came back & helped some in the p.m.. Wilma also came in the afternoon & Betty also helped for a while. Don helped Gene today then they tightened up some of the water pipes. I went to Mrs. Browns & got my permanent this p.m.. In the eve Louise & I went to our card club. Had a nice time.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1960- Went to Mass. Ash Wednesday. Nice crowd this morning. After Mass went to cleaners & also to Lubins. Ed, Mary, Dean & Keith came again today & they helped a lot. Louise & Betty also worked hard. God bless them all. I got a fairly good dinner. Wrote letter to John Boaths, did the dishes & my ironing in the p.m.. Started snowing again this p.m.. Quite eve, no company. I’m quite tired & nervous.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1960- Went to Mass, then downtown & got stamps & mailed pkgs. we didn’t want. Wrote to Bro. John & sent card to Harold’s. Louise was over early too & starting on the extra closet painting etc. - Pat & Glenn & family came so Glenn helped Pop with the water pipes etc.. Pat helped me good to get dinner. Then Ed, Mary, Dean & Keith came - so they helped good. We watched Keith & they got along fine out there & got tiles laid in the entry way & kitchen & worked late. Glenn went home to chore & get Kathy. Came back for supper & went to school. Pretty cold night but they went home and their lane being drifted up had to ride in with tractor & trailer.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1960- Went to Mass. Pat & Glenn and family got in early today so Glenn helped Louise again today & they got all the blocks laid in the utility room before dinner. After dinner they cleaned them & then they all went home. The water froze in the aluminum house so Gene & Pop had to get them thawed out so Betty & I went to church for the stations. After we got home I looked around the out at the house & got a little done on my curtains. Lee & Rose Ann, Gene & Betty came & played cards this eve. 3 games each, I made 3 14’s.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty went along. The sander man was here early, before we went, to get started at sanding our floors and he worked all day until late in the p.m.. It cost us $62.50 but it’s quite a good job. Libb & Lyle & Rita came this a.m.. Thought there might be something they could do - but were to late - anyway they stayed for dinner. Dad & I went down to Confession & then got the groceries. Gene & Betty came in eve. We played cards - made my late Holy Hours.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1960- 17 below this morning. Went to 7:30 Mass, Woman’s Sunday. Paul’s stopped in after 7:30 Mass & visited for a while. The rest of the day very quiet. Gene & Betty came & took us down to the Stations at 4:00 p.m.. It started to snow plenty hard, but we all decide to got to Harold & Veatress’s anyway for their 35th. wedding anniversary. Dad & I went with Gene & Betty. Paul & Lillian went with Carl & Louise. Wilma & Clarence went with Lyle’s & Ed & Mary also came. Sure had a nice time.

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1960- 9 below this morning. Went to Mass as usual. Then did my washing, was awfully tired today but made out. Got clothes folded & put away & a little mending done. Also worked with plants. Louise came over in the p.m. & started working on the floors. Betty also came & helped some. In the eve Pat & the children came while Glenn went to school. I mended on Pat’s coat during the evening.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1960- Went to Mass & Lillian & Linda came home with us. Louise came over to see about the floors and found out that the floors were not filled as they should be so have to wait until can get help to finish putting in the filler. Lillian & I got the silver tea set cleaned this a.m.. In the p.m. we washed all the good dishes up and packed them up to move. No company this eve. We watched TV. & I mended some.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9.1960- Went to Mass. Betty rode home with us. I wrote letter to Reg. & Dick this a.m. but didn’t get it mailed - snow was so deep - snowed about all night again but was able to get out. No one came to help today but Pop kept himself busy out at the house. Libb called & said they might come tomorrow. I finished curtains for the utility room this p.m.. Quiet eve - no company. I picked out walnuts.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1960- Didn’t get out of the lane this morning so didn’t get to Mass. Wrote letter to Bro. John & also mailed letter to Dick & Reg. Louise came early to work also Libb & Lyle, then later Ed & Mary, Don, Dean all came to help work. Betty helped me finish the dinner & worked out at the house in the p.m.. They sure got a lot of work done & looks like we will soon be moving. Gene & Betty & Marilyn came in the eve & played cards. I was up late making Holy Hour.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1960- Went to Mass this morning, had chains on car & Reynolds had graded it out last night. Betty went with us. After breakfast I wrote to Bessie & Velva. Louise was over & varnished the floors & Betty helped clean up. Louise talked with us quite a while. Pop was down & paid the taxes. They were pretty high. I finished the valances for the breezeway today. This p.m. we went to the Stations & then got groceries. Got tape recording from Larry’s. Gene & Betty & Gerald’s here this eve.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1960- Went to Mass. Today I did my washing - washed valances too - also 4 rugs for Betty. Melted snow for my plants & got dinner for Pat & Glenn & family. In the p.m. I swept & dusted floors, mopped kitchen & bath, then watered plants & did my ironing of the week also washed kitchen & utility room curtains. Busy day. Gene & Betty & Johnnie Parezek came this eve. We played cards.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1960- We went to 7:30 Mass, Men’s Sunday. Paul’s stopped in after Mass - brought picture back that Ronnie painted around the frame for me. Gene & Betty came & we went to Wilma’s for dinner - had a delicious turkey dinner. Went to Devotions in the p.m.. After that Wilma & I worked on composing the invitations for our anniversary. The men & girls played cards. Then we stayed for supper & brought Carol back to Hospital. Joe & Marilyn Frantz and Gene & Betty were here & we played cards.

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1960- Went to Mass. Didn’t have to wash this morning as I did it up Sat. So I started working on drawers. In the p.m. I went with Louise to town to buy a few things that were needed to put up in the house. Pop has headache today, so don’t feel like work. Lots of calls about aluminum house to rent it. Glenn brought Pat & family in tonight while he went to school & they stayed all night.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1960- Went to Mass. Lillian came home with us from Mass & Louise also came over to help in the house. Deep freeze not working right so Lillian & Louise cleaned it all up & then it started to freeze up some but not to good. I sent card to Richey’s & letters to Bro. John & Moe’s. Pop still complaining of headache. Gene graded out road. I got the rug shampooer to clean rugs this eve. Glenn & Kathy came for supper & the men & the girls worked on the rugs - davenport & chairs. After supper - more calls about the house - but no renters yet. Bad storm warning out so Glenn went home. Pat & children stayed.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1960- Pretty bad snow but Pop & Gene had put on the chains last night so we made it to Mass & took back the rug shampooer machine. Pop still complaining of headache. Pat helped me all the time as usual. we went over boxes of things sorting out for our sewing cabinet. Gene & Betty got the pad & rug laid in the new house. Already to move things in. Deep freeze still not running right so called Sears serviceman out. He said it would cost around $50.00 to fix it up so Pop ended up by buying a new upright. Gene & Betty came over & played cards for a while this eve. Pat & children still her as their roads are drifted in.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1960- ST. Patrick’s Day. Went to Mass - and Pop is feeling some better today. Louise was over and cleaning up my refrigerator when we got home so we just kept getting things ready to move. After dinner Libb & Lyle came also Ed & Mary, Dean & Don & they all got busy moving things, so we got the living room fixed up in pretty good shape. Our new deep freeze was delivered. After dinner our new stove & a TV. stand. Then a little later we got a big surpass as a truck pulls in from Muscatine with a lovely handsome new bedroom suite, also a TV. stand. This is our anniversary present from all of our children. What a St. Patricks Day this is and what wonderful children we do have to give such a lovely gift & also to help us so much. Par went down to Dr. & shopped some. Glenn got out & came in & stayed all night.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1960- Went to Mass. I had lots of things to do today so worked around here & there. Pat & Glenn & family went home right after we got home from Mass so I did up the work & gathered up all the dirty clothes around & did a pretty good sized washing. Tommy came out for dinner. Joann & Jimmy came out around the noon hour for her eggs & looked at the new house. I stopped my washing while we went down for the Stations - then finished afterwards. Gene & Betty came over. I washed my hair & Betty put it up for me. Then we played cards.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1960- Went to Mass with Gene & Betty. Before we were through with breakfast Lillian, Catherine & Ronny came to help move. Also Gene & Betty, Louise, Libb & Lyle, Ed & Mary, Dean, Don & Keith, Roseanne & Lee, Pat & Glenn & Wilma. What wonderful children to take this moving on to themselves to handle. Pop went downtown to take the TV. stand back to M.W. & Co.. Can’t use 2 since we got the other one as a gift from the children. So I was over to the old house until nearly noon & then came over here to help put things away. They brought their dinner so everything went fine that way. Everyone worked hard that was here & I think they were all pretty tired. Glenn had to go home. Lee & Roseanne didn’t stay for dinner. Gene & Betty stayed for supper & helped me out - I was so tired in the knees & legs. Marilyn & the kiddies came for a while in the eve. Lee & Roseanne also came out.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1960- We had a good nights rest in our new house. Went to 7:30 Mass then had a good breakfast. Had a quiet forenoon. Pat & Glenn & family came & brought our dinner out. We enjoyed it. Then Moe & Joan came in the p.m. and brought our antenna & Moe put it up for us. They all went home then. Dad & I & Louise went to the Stations then had supper. Then Paul’s family came & we played cards. Gene & Betty came later & also played cards with us - 6 handed & 4 handed.

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast and today I worked in my cupboards in the kitchen re-arranging things. Louise & Charles were over for eggs. Betty was over for a while with her typewriter getting invitations started. Pat & kiddies came in eve & Pat brought her typewriter along & typed a lot of invitations. She seemed to enjoy it. I was up way late - again - but slept pretty good. Legs & knees still bother me.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1960- Went to Mass. Joann called & talked quite awhile. I wrote a pretty big letter to Cindy. In the p.m. I put some things in drawers & tried to get started. In the eve Libb, Lyle & family came up for the eve & brought Marilyn along. We played 3 games of cards. Marilyn studied. We were real pleased to have them & show the house to the children. Got to bed a little earlier than last night.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1960- Went to Mass. Betty went along. After breakfast Pop went down & got the meat. The 1/2 hog we got from Paul. Then we went over to the house & got it cut up & lard ground & sausage ready to take down to grind. Betty helped us after dinner. She came over with her typewriter & worked on cards. Pop & I went down to church & to Confession. Then down & got sausage ground. When we got home Gene & Betty were here & helped us get it packed away.

THURSDAY, March 24, 1960- Went to Mass. I wrote a big letter to Bro. John then the Assessor came & we were late in going over to the house to work. So we did go & get our lard rendered & the washing about half done before dinner. Pat & Glenn & children came out for a while & Paul stopped in. Also Gene. We finally went back to the house & finished the washing & drying of the clothes & melted snow for my plants. we also cleaned up some of the junk in the cupboards. Quiet eve, no company. People calling about the house, but no one came.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1960- Went to Mass. It started to snow and kept snowing most of the forenoon. Betty came & cleaned up the house for me. Louise came & cleaned her skirt & then started to sew the hems in the living room drapes. Dad & I went to the Stations in the afternoon. In the eve Gene & Betty came & we played cards for a while. Then Lee & Roseanne, Marilyn & Joe came & we played cards. Pat & Glenn’s baby boy born at 9:46 p.m. Glenn called & told me that our 49th grandchild had arrived.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1960- Went to Mass. After breakfast we went downtown & shopped a while looking for a shelf for our clock but couldn’t find one to suit. I got Easter cards & napkin holders & then we got our groceries. In the p.m. Louise came over & finished the curtains & did a few other odd jobs for me. In the eve Gene & Betty took Dad & I with them up to Paul’s & we spent a nice evening with them. we rented the aluminum house this p.m. to a Mr. Elmer Smith, a friend of B.K. Mercers.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1960- Went to Mass - home & had a good breakfast & got an early dinner. Pat called me on the phone from the hospital and we had a good talk. After dinner, Betty took Dad & I , Lillian & Louise to Wilma’s for the planning of the anniversary. Dad rode out to Lyle’s with Ed. They came back with Lyle to the Stations. Libb & I went over to church too - also Wilma, Clarence & family. All but Ann. The girls had good success in getting things planned. Invitations addressed, place cards made and lists made out for all the girls. In the eve Gene & Betty took me down to see Pat & the baby. I got stuck in the mud trying to get out to the car, it was really snowy. Glenn left the children here while he went to the hospital.

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1960- Went to Mass. I went over to the house & worked a while this a.m. then we had dinner & got ready to go down to St. Patrick’s for Joseph’s Confirmation. It was all very nice and then we talked a while with Ben, Joann & Mike & Kenny & Joe. Then we came home & I went over to the house & picked up some more things. In the eve talked to Pat & Louise & watched TV..

TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1960- Went to Mass. Lillian was here when we came home. After breakfast she went downtown shopping and bought a new dress & hat, then had dinner with us. I went over to the house for a while in the morning. Carlton called & said he had a buyer to look at the aluminum house & he came out and looked at it at noon - seemed to like it pretty well. Then Smith was here and decide he liked the old house better - so that’s where things stand now. Lillian & I went over & picked up some things in the afternoon & I worked until supper time putting things away. No company, quiet eve.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1960- Went to Mass. Mr. Carlton called & said those folks thought the house was to small so now we are back where we started. I worked around in the house here all day and watered the plants etc. etc. and put things away. In the p.m. I went to the house & sorted stuff out of drawers and worked quite late. Mr. Smith came out & said he would take the old house. In the eve Gene & Betty, Paul & Lillian came over & we played cards.

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1960- Went to Mass with Gene & Betty as we didn’t know how the roads would be. After breakfast I got a letter written to Bro. John & also sent card to Pat & Glenn & check for baby. Then I went over to the house to start my washing & had to carry them all over myself. We came home for dinner & shut things off, all but dryer. In the p.m. went back & finished. Gene & Betty helped & we got a lot of stuff burned up & cleaned out. Gerald stopped in for a while. I don’t feel very good this eve - cold I guess.