Tuesday, August 2nd, 1977

Today was very hot again (Daniel told me that yesterday it was 103 degrees), and we had a long day.  Dr. Baskerville's office called this morning and said Pete could go back to his regular medication.  Then the new public health nurse, ad Mrs. Reeves, called and she came by to see Petey at 11:00.  That meant a little rushing around to get dressed since we hadn't bothered when we got up.  She said her 3 children had all had music lessons at Frontier Music and she thought they were very good.  Pete showed her his organ and she told him a story about "little boy c taking a walk up the scales with his mother, then by himself, and his neighbor, Mr. D. who lived between two black trees, helping him get home.". Pete ate his piece of cold chicken and I had a liverwurst sandwich.  Then Dad came at one.  He brought me a beautiful long blue dress from Betty.  I had been part of her Trousseau but didn't fit her-it has an embroidered smocked top0an empire3 waist line.  I wrote Mr. Tuttle a note about the broken front door and enclosed it with my check for the rent.  Dad took us to the bank (put another $10 in Pete's savings account), the ost office, the Prudential office, and Payless Drug.  I bought a lot there and I thought the clerk said $5.95 (beautiful daydream) but it came to $12.95 (ABDEC vitamins, cigarettes, tampons, toothpaste, and a Batman and Robin book for Pete because he was playing Batman this morning with kitchen towel for his cape).  Then we went to the library (I finished the G's and the H's to Harrington) and to Safeway (They were out of Edwards coffee and there was no one in the office to ask if my pictures had come).  Dad bought Pete two suckers-I took them away from him to "save for a special treat" since the bank had already given him a sucker.  Then we went to the A&W-Dad and I had root beer floats and Pete had a hamburger (but I ate most it) and milk.  By the time we got home it was 4:30pm so I put Pete's pillow and blanket in the living room and turned on "Sesame Street".  Then I went to sleep-so did Pete.  He slept through "Electric Company" and cried and cried till I got him interested in "Happy Days" (I wanted to watch Jack Benny but Pete didn't) and "Lavern and Shirley"".  "M*A*S*H*" was a rerun so we went outside.  Sylvi8a had called me to babysit while she went to ceramics class but Dave got home and called to say they weren't coming.  But while we were playing with Pete's airplanes, Dave drove up with Sharon and little Davey.  He had to go to Midvale, so he left them with me (with not even a spare diaper for Davey).  They played (more kitchen towel capes) outside and then in till 10:30 when I finally got Sylvia on the phone.  She stopped for a cup of coffee when she picked up the kids so Pete and I didn't eat dinner till after 11 (I'd given each of the kids a slice of bologna and some milk). I cooked carrots.  I finally got him to bed at 12:00 Midnight.We read The Monkey's Tale and his Batman book.  I read Dove Cottage today-supposed to be funny but it depressed me.  Sylvia's thinking of going home to England for Christmas now.

Monday, August 1st 1977-in which Pete learns a valuable lesson about how others can be.

Today was Howard's Birthday.  I mailed his card today because I only realized yesterday that July was over.  I kept thinking it was June, trying to keep my summer from rushing by so fast, I guess.  Poor Petey-Vicky called and then came over today.  She brought her cousin Jill with her.  They ate Pete's candy, chewed Pete's gum, played with with Pete's electric train...then Vicky invited Pete to her house so I put on his shoes and they left.  A few minutes later they were back.  Jill had decided she didn't want to play with Pete so Vicky brought him home.  His feelings were so hurt he wouldn't even say goodbye to Vicky at the door-or look at her.  But he held his head up and didn't cry.  I played cars with him.  I may not be quite as good as playmates his own age, but I did succeed in distracting him.  Leslie took us up to the hospital this morning for Pete's blood test.  I stayed with him this time (I must call Dr. Baskerville in the morning and find out about his medication).  We had lunch in the cafeteria-Pete had fried chicken, green beans, jello, and milk.  I had stuffed peppers and cherry pie (I saved Pete "a bite at the bottom" of the pie).  We saved one of the pieces of chicken and wrapped it in a napkin to take home.  The young trainee who sat with us was very sad because he'd had to get rid of his black Labrador.  It had been killing cats and killed a puppy yesterday.  Unfortunately, once they've stated killing, it seems to be an irreversible impulse.  Leslie stopped at Safeway on the way home and Pete stayed in the car while I filled a WIC coupon so we'd have milk for our cereal.  Thelma called-thought she might come over this afternoon but didn't make it.  We napped, then I washed dishes (all eight plates were dirty) and dusted the book cases and some of the books-it was a treated cloth so maybe that wasn't too wise but I don't think it hurt the books.  I mailed a letter to Carol Carr from me and one from Petey today too.  And I scrubbed Hermit Crab's bowl and shells so he was "shiny clean".  Pete painted a picture for Carol today and got brown paint in his hair so he washed his hair in the bath tonight and cried because the rinse water "made him get an eyelash in his eye".  We read Henry Goes Exploring and 10 What? tonight and I finally finished Barbara Mishaed's (sp?) The Sea King's Daughter.  I've been reading it in bits for 3 months now.

Sunday, July 31st 1977 In which we give "The Rescuers" another go.

We went to church with Dad and Mom this morning.  Margaret Bunce didn't come after all so I didn't get to see the Bible School pictures.  Dad took us to Safeway after church so I was able to get some more meat, ketchup, and mustard.  Forgot the milk so I'll try to fill a WIC coupon tomorrow.  Pete stayed in the car with Grandpa and Grandma and Dad let him "drive" the car.  He loves to pretend he can drive.  We took early naps right after chu8rch and had dinner late.  Vicky called Pete to come over and play but there wasn't time before he got ready for the show.  Sylvia came over early, about 6:30pm, and we had a cup of coffee together before taking Pete and Sharon to the show.  She paid me all but 34 cents for babysitting the night she and Dave went out.  We had root beer all round.  I visited the Ladies room but one of the toilets was stopped up and the floor was flooded so I was glad neither Pete nor Sharon had to go.  "Tale Of Two Critters" was first this time.  Pete really enjoyed it-especially when the racoon trapped a mouse in a hollow log and, feeling through the holes in the log, pulled out a skunk's tail and got sprayed for his pains.  Then the skunk moved in to hibernate in the bear's den and the racoon was out of luck again.  The separation for the Winter dissolves their affiliation, but they retain enough of their shared experience, traveling down the river on a log, not to become enemies.  Then came "The Rescuers" with the mice Bernard (Bob Newhart's voice) and Bianca (Eva Gabor's voice) .  They enlist an albatross to fly them to "Devil's Bay" and foil the vicious "Madame Medusa".  The4y rescue Penny, the orphan, recover the fabulous "Devil's Eye" diamond, and., at the end of the movie are on their way to effect another rescue (as star members of the mice's "Rescue Aid Society").  Unfortunately for the superstitious Bernard, their second journey begins on Friday the 13th.  Pete thought it was pretty scary (he didn't like Medusa's tame crocodiles) and sat on my lap for about half the movie, but he did like it better this time and laughed a lot at the funny parts.  I think I might have some of the Margery Sharp paperback "Miss Bianca" books illustrated by Garth Williams in the books I haven't unpacked yet.  I should have a complete set of Charles Dickens too.  Wish I had some proper book cases-the brick and board ones take up too much room and have to be too low to hold many books.  Saving up for more cases is my next project, and a dresser and new drapes for Pete's playroom...and an opaque curtain for the front hall window.  There are so many things I'd like to do to this place, but they all have to wait on Pete's bicycle and music lessons.  Sylvia almost ran out of gas so Dave drove us home from their place (went out on the highway to get gas first).  Thelma called-we may see her tomorrow.

Saturday, July 30 1977

Betty woke me up this morning arriving at the door with the laundry...that is, Pete woke me up to answer the door and let her in.  We had coffee together and after she left Pete and I watched cartoons.  Vicky Plaza came over before Pete had dressed.  They watched TV and set up Pete's electric train in the kitchen.  They played until just before three (making the tracks into snakey curves so the train would go crooked).  When I finally sent her home so Pete and could have lunch (hamburgers and watermelon).  Then I put Pete down for his nap where I read Paul Gallico's The Hand of Mary Constable.  I read his Too Many Ghosts yesterday.  They both involved a specialist investigator of "psychic phenomena" and were rather dull in contrast to Mrs. Arris stories.  I read Elizabeth Goudge's The Sister of the Angels today, too-a charming if rather slight Christmas fable.  I think I'll try some of her other books.  Then I took a nap and, as soon as we woke up, Vicky came over again.  This time they set up the train in the bedroom since they didn't think they had enough room in the playroom.  Vicky went home to have her hair washed for church tomorrow and Pete and I took his airplanes and GI Joe* and his jeep out on the front lawn.  I showed Maria my mother's doll (with china head and wooden limbs) and she invited me in to see her doll collection.  Then she showed Pete and me the 80 year old painted tin car, with two drivers, that she and Daniel had bought at an auction.  They had gotten a leathery stuffed alligator at auction today.  It frightened Pete at first but Daniel got him to touch it  (it looked rather like the evil crocodiles in "The Rescuers")   They have, as one would expect, antiques everywhere-including handmade Chinese carpets.  Then Vicky came back and took Pete-barefooted-over to her house.  He played till about 9:30pm, when I phoned for him to come home for dinner.  Walking back they went too fast and Petey bumped his foot on a rock and cried.  We had pork chops and sweet potatoes but Pete only tasted the potatoes and didn't like them (just as well, I guess).  He had a few bites of chop and a little watermelon and that was all.  Thelma called, back from Sun Valley, and said they had gotten Pete and me presents.  I called Sylvia and arranged to take Pete and Sharon to the 7:15pm movie tomorrow night.  Gave Pete a bath -he had a nosebleed tonight and the rash on his face looks worse.  Saw Margaret Bunce tonight.

*Can't remember if I mentioned it previously, but this was one of the first GI Joe toys-more of a 12" doll than the action figure line that inspired the cartoons and recent movies.  This is one of those childhood toys I wish I still had-if for nothing other than it's current resale value on EBAY =-)    PL

Friday, July 29th, 1977

Today was "S" Day, but there was no sign of Stewart.  I called John this afternoon and he gave me Ed Hagen's (the assistant District Attorney) office and home phone numbers "in case Stewart should try to 'snatch' Petey or interfere with his custody".  John also said he hadn't found out anything about the music lessons yet, but might know next week.  Pete is really looking forward them because all his friends are "doing something".  Nicole is taking gymnastics lessons and Sharon is taking tap dancing.  But, as Pete says, "I can still play on my organ at home".  And with his recorder, harmonicas and organ, he can be a "one man band".  Vicky called and came over for "Sesame Street" and "Mr Rogers" then they went back to her house to watch "Electric Company".  Then Pete came home for Brady Bunch.  Gave Betty Phipps some of the watermelon Sheryl gave us.  Then I tested a piece and it had gone off (it's been out since yesterday with no refrigeration) so I told her to throw it way.  But while I was complaining about how dull the knife was, Betty ran home and came back with a really sharp knife from Bill's kitchen equipment so now I have a good one.  Betty was sick with an upset stomach so Petey couldn't go over there but Betty brought her box of little cars over for Pete to play with here.  Petey "helped" Daniel rake up the peeling sycamore bark off the lawn tonight, and Betty let him help water her flowers.  In fact, she asked Pete if he would do it while she was gone (they're going on a vacation with Debbie and Alyss) and she'd either pay him or bring him a present.  He said yes and opted for the present...of course, it really means I'll be watering their lawn and flowers but I'm glad to have a chance to do something for them.  Betty brought over The National Enquirer because it had an article on a new Leukemia drug-Asparagrinase (sp?).  It also mentioned Prednisone, Mercaptopurine, Cytroxan, and Venecristine...and he's been in remission for a year and 3 months.  The article even called the new drug a "cure" for Leukemia.  Pete had 2 Methatrexate pills today, half his regular dose and no side effects.  He's on half of all medicines until they recheck his white count Monday.  Pete had cooked carrots and some chicken soup for dinner.  I made pork chops but he wouldn't eat one.  We had hamburgers for lunch and he ate most of his.  I ate the last of the strawberries I'd bought today.  They'd already started to mold-even refrigeration didn't help.  We had a letter from Carol Carr today, and both Petey and I started letters to her.  Pete rode his tricycle and fire engine tonight-I really get tired of carrying them down the stairs and up again, but there's no place else to park them except on our porch.  Red Pete The Everywhere Cat tonight.

Thursday, July 28th, 1977-Countdown to "S" Day

Tonight was good grooming night for Pete and me.  I took a bath and washed my hair, gave Pete his bath (full of boats) cut his fingernails and toenails, and taped his toes (he has an "overlaid" toe on each foot and Dr. Baskerville suggested taping them in the correct position).  He has what looks like heat rash all over with maybe a few mosquito bites on his arms and legs.  Tomorrow is supposed to be "S" day-at least its the day Stewart told John he was coming.  John asked me to stay home tomorrow, or if I had to go out to call him so in case Stewart does come he can arrange a meeting...and, of course, I'd want to notify Cliff and Mr. Paschke.  Pete and I had a fairly quiet day.  Cheryl Ruth called and asked if we liked watermelon, and brought us half of a huge melon.  I'll ask Betty Phipps if she'd like some tomorrow.  Vicky called, and Pete went to her house (he walked over all by himself...tho I'd watched just in case Stewart might be around and have plans to snatch him...unlikely, of course, I don't think Stewart would even recognize him, but I can't help worrying-which would please Stewart greatly if he knew) to watch "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Rogers". Then they came back here to watch "Electric Company" and play with Pete's puzzles and Play-doh (they made pizzas, a step up from mud pies I guess).  Then Vicky went home and I took Pete for a "tricycle walk". We took tricycle along and hunted for all the sidewalks in the neighborhood (Ontario doesn't have a lot of them) so Pete could ride.  Pete went off a sidewalk and tipped over once, but he lit in some long soft grass and didn't cry-his knee has a few red scrapes I think are grass cuts but it doesn't seem sore and didn't bleed.  We saw Vicky on the way and she wanted to come but I told her we'd take sometime when she had her mother's o.k.  We went by the new City Hall and saw the fire engines installed in their new home.  Then we went as far as 9th Avenue, passing (at a distance) St. Matthew's Kindergarten where I hope Pete will go next year.  When we got home we had a picnic on the front lawn-bologna, cheese, apple juice, green pepper strips-in lieu of a proper dinner-Pete didn't have any lunch today, said he wasn't hungry-and I had a liverwurst and left over piece of cube steak sandwich.  He ate a little fruit today and drank lots of juice (6 cans and several glasses).  He had a temper tantrum tonight and through a glass (plastic) at me, so I spanked him and made him retrieve the glass from under the table.  He cried then hugged me and promised me he wouldn't throw things again.  Read Goldstein's Nobody's Sorry He Got Killed and The Little Fire Engine to Pete.

Wednesday, July 27th, 1977-in which we learn that old biases never die.

Pete and I went to the movies tonight.  We saw "The Rescuers" based on Margery Sharp's "Miss Bianca" books.  Petey thought it was pretty scary, with the villainous Madam Medusa and two ugly crocodiles.  It was a double feature so we also saw Walt Disney's "Two Critters" starring a racoon and a bear.  Petey liked that best.  We also saw Dr. Baskerville with Matthew, and nobly refrained from asking her any professional questions.  We had to take a cab both ways, and promised Paul we'd come and dispatch for him again if Vi wanted some time off.  We slept as long as we wanted to this morning then dawdled around the house till I gave Pete his bath at 11:30am.  Dad came in about 2:00pm and took us first to the bank so I could get the money to go to the show with.  Then we went to the library.  I got two books by Arthur Goldstein starring a 72 year old Jewish detective, and read one of them, You're Never Too Old To Die tonight.  Pete and Dad sat under the Mulberry Tree on the front lawn while I was inside getting books.  Then we stopped at Safeway.  I'd planned to spend $10.00 for groceries and actually spent $11.11-including cigarettes.  There was a column in today's Argus (part of "The Doctor's Advice") about a boy who bought tomatoes at 89 cents per pound with food stamps, and the clerk said she couldn't afford them at that price, how could he?!  And the doctor printed a lot of letters from people who thought the clerks should be able to say what you have to buy just because you have stamps (Funny that nearly 40 years later, I hear the same spew related to the work I do-PL).  We have to buy stamps too-they're not free (noting the structure of the program at the time was very different from SNAP resources as we know them today-PL)-and in our case we're really restricted by Pete's diets (no carbohydrates, low salt).  The letters upset me because they seemed to say "if you're poor, you have no rights" (The more things change...-PL).

I turned on the TV for Pete when we got home and I lay down to take a nap.  Pete woke me at the beginning of "Mr. Rogers" because Vicky was at the door.  They watched that and "Electric Company" together.  Then Pete watched "Brady Bunch" while I cooked dinner; cube steak (on sale), cantaloupe, strawberries, and green pepper slices.  I tried to cook Dad's beets, but they didn't get done in time to have with dinner, so I'll have them tomorrow.  Cleaned out Hermit's bowl yesterday-the detergent apparently didn't affect him.  I rinsed it out thoroughly.  Called the bank and found out the check to Safeway I forgot to enter was $6.69.  My pictures hadn't come back today so I'll have to wait (saw Jason Devore, Bob Devore, the Safeway Manager's son,at the movie tonight.  Jason helped in Bible School and Pete's very taken with him).  MSTI called to change our appointment to 2:40 pm August 10th since Dr. Holt will be in a meeting earlier.  Stripped the beds today and Pete played under the sheets in the laundry basket.  Read him The Surprise Party (an animal version of the game "Gossip") tonight

Of Blood Tests, Platelet Counts, and time in the sandbox.

"The hardest part of Blog is to write in it"-Unknown

The following is an abbreviated and highly edited entry due to a graphic description of a specific medical condition (not necessarily related to my Leukemia), that I think might be a little embarrassing were I to run into a reader of the full post on the street (I know most are local)-even though its now more than 37 years after the fact.  Let's just leave it at that =-). PL

John had forgotten to arrange a doctor visit (volunteer driver) for Pete so we had to take a cab and Petey cried because he couldn't go to the park after he was finished at the doctor's.  His white count was down so I had to wait to give his medication until Dr. Baskerville could call Dr. Holt.  They said to cut the dosage in half and then they'd decide what to do after next week's blood test.  Pete had lost a little over a pound this time-they go on so fast and come off so slow!  Bobbie drove us home.  We had lunch, cube steak and green beans for Pete-with beets for me, and took our naps.  Vicky called-the first time-about three and Pete finally went over to watch "Mr. Rogers" and "Sesame Street" with her.  He walked over all by himself.  He was supposed to call me when he got there, and finally remembered in the middle of "Mr. Rogers".  They both came back here for part of "Electric Company".  Vicky gave Pete some sand dollars.  Then he had some chicken soup.  We watched "Odd Couple" off and on while we ate.  Then Marilyn called and came to pick us up.  Pete and Nicole played in her sandbox.  Pete's been talking about building sand castles for ages.  He really wants to go to the beach.  Marilyn gave me some magazines and a beige blouse-it has a spot but I think my sweater vest will cover it.  I gave her a wig.  She's promised to take me to some AAUW meetingsin Payette when they have an interesting program.  I don't want to go to the one here because I don't want to meet Dale Haynes in any context.  (Betty Phipps said Dale was in the computer course with her son, Bill, and dropped out because she couldn't do it...ruined her computer cards).  Marilyn drove by Byron and Patty Chatfield's on the way home and Pete was enchanted with Baby Sarah.  When we got home he was hungry for hamburger so I made him one.  He ate one bite and said he was too tired to eat any more, so I put him to bed.  We read Adam's ABC and Henry, The Explorer, and sorted out his books to go back.  I called Dad and he said he'd take us to the library and the bank tomorrow.  "The Rescuers" is on at the Centre Theater and I want to take Pete.  Found Pete's police car with doors that open today-under his bed.  It's been lost ages.
 

Monday, July 25th, 1977-in which there are blood tests and a call from a dear friend.

I was sitting on the back steps tonight, watching Pete play road building in the dirt, and talking to Betty Phipps when the phone rang.  I hurried inside and it was a collect call from Noreen!  After all these years (I think it's been six years, maybe 7) I was talking to Noreen McGinley again.  Her address was still the same...or, as she put it, "while all you people have been all over the glove, I've been staying in the same place. I'm a conservative".  She promised to write after August 1st (She's moving next door and will have a new phone number) [These, of course, were the days long before cell phones when our numbers didn't just follow us from place to place and upgrade to upgrade.-PL] .  She's still teaching and still unmarried-hopes to come west next summer (by cr to California, from there to Hawaii by plane for a family reunion) and stop to see us on the way.  But whether we get a visit or not, it was lovely to talk to her again.  I've thought of her so often.  We shared an apartment in Hawaii when I was first there and she had just had surgery to remove a breast tumor while I had just had a cone biopsy for cervical cancer.  When we both came back to the mainland, we'd kept in touch but I'd lost track while I was overseas.  She told me Leona Kowalski had married and was teaching in the St. Louis area, and she thought Leona's husband was teaching at a university (he was a Greek refugee poet).  Someday I'd like to take Pete to Hawaii ...God willing (haven't been yet-PL).  Robert Belog must have had my letter by now, but I've not heard from him.  Called Thelma tonight.  She wasn't home, but Sissie answered the phone.  I must find a replacement guardian for Pete-that's not a happy home.  I spoke to Betty Phipps about it...she'd take him but she's had lots of surgery  and Bill has had an open heart operation.

A Leslie somebody picked us up today.  She'll take us for our next three blood tests.  Then she goes back to work (she's a high school secretary).  Pete went into the lab again and visited with Sister Angelica .  She showed him how some of the machines work and he had a counting race with one of them.  When it was time for his blood test, he told me to go sit in the waiting room and had it all alone (He was very big today, but told me next week he was going to be very little).  Leslie stopped at the Country Kitchen because Pete wanted to go to a restaurant.  He had soup and jello and milk while we had coffee.  We arranged to stop in the hospital cafeteria next week.  

Pete took an early nap today and was very indignant because Vicky called him just after he lay down.  He brought his little blue chair in from the play room to go by his organ now that it's on a table.  Petey watched all "his" programs tonight: "Sesame Street", "Electric Company", "Mr. Rogers", "The Brady Bunch" (they were trying to set a world record for "teeter-tottering" so Pete enjoyed that), and he insisted on having "Little House on the Prairie" on while he ate, tho he didn't watch.  We split a cube steak and Pete had more soup.  I cooked the beets Dad gave us tonight and our green beans, but they refused to get tender.  Ate most of the beets and some melon too, since I'd skipped lunch.  

Pete got nicely dirty in the back and then had a bath with all his toys, rubber ducky, boats, Weeble, and his submarine...He pretended it was Weeble's birthday and the little boats were Weeble's presents.  He's already planning for his birthday.  

Begged me not to tell Dr. Baskerville he's been eating cereal.  Read him The Man Who Took The Inside Out by Lobel (the one who wrote Owl's House which enjoyed.  I read Hans Brinker and The Silver Skates today again.   

Sunday, July 24th, 1977-in which Petey wears a suit, Nancy defiantly wears slacks to church(again), and turkeys attack

I am really praying hard for Thelma tonight.  Sissie ran away from home yesterday afternoon.  She was seen in Payette about 8:00pm last night but that's the last time anyone's known to have seen her.  Thelma called me because she didn't want me to find out from the TV or radio spots they've asked for.  The police in both Oregon and Idaho are looking for her, but she could be anywhere by now.  And she's so young...to be out at night, alone.  Got Petey in bet at one a.m. this morning when we got home from Sylvia and Dave's.  Then we had to get up early to be ready when Dad and Mom picked us up for church.  I wore slacks again today (take that, Biddy Brigade!-PL)-and no stockings since I haven't any without runs-and was pleased to note a lot of women in slacks today (including Betty and Mom).  We went to Safeway after church.  I was really out of everything.  I filled another WIC coupon, the one with cheese this time-and I spent $17.74 on groceries besides...mostly meat and fruit and juice.  We came home to unload groceries (it was raining and cool, hooray!) then went to the farm with Mom and Dad.  We had sweet rolls here  and more at the farm.  Betty was going through things and found a box with my dolls-including my baby doll that was Mom's (china head, wooden hands) and the Raggedy Ann doll Grandma bought for Peter before she died that Mom had kept (and which I believe I still have-PL). She gave me an old coffee table for Pete's organ to go on.  Dad gave me beets and carrots from the garden (tiny carrots for Pete) and Betty gave me some cherries and 3 rag rugs for Peter's "new" bedroom.  She's going to ask the carpet man if he has any spare pieces, too.  And when they get their new living room drapes (the drapes don't match the carpet any more), I'll get the old ones from their doors for Petey's French doors.  My back porch is getting full of stuff-must do some clearing out.  We were too tired to have lunch, napped  and then Lorraine called.  She came over and brought Pete an elephant ring toss game like her grandchildren have.  I had a fine time inflating it.  We went to her house, had coffee while Pete played with Valerie Shoot's grandchildren (she's a friend of Sylvia's, from England), then Lorraine took us for a ride.  We went to the park and Pete pushed Lorraine and me on the merry-go-round, then we pushed him, he swung, and we all 3 went on the seesaw-Lorraine holding Pete.  Then we came home and had dinner (steak, mushrooms, melon, chicken soup for Pete).  Marilyn Cates called and we altered our plans a little.  We're going over there at 7:00pm Tuesday night so Pete and Nicole can play in her sandbox.  Pete got hemmed into a corner of the chicken coop at the farm today by Dad's turkeys, and was pretty upset when I got him out.  He wore his suit to church today "to look good for Nicole".  Bernie gave him a fishing rod of his very own, and I got him a car at Bonanza 88, in return for staying in the car while I went to Safeway.  Red the Gordons' Meanaces today

Saturday, July 23rd, 1977

The phone woke me a little after nine (I'd gotten up once before to turn on the TV for Pete).  It was Sylvia and she wanted to know if I'd babysit for her and Dave tonight.  I wasn't crazy about the idea, but I wasn't doing anything else, so I said I would.  Pete watched cartoons (and "Children's Film Festival" and "The Little Rascals") solid until 2:00pm.  Then we ate some lunch (but I can't remember what we had) and took our naps. 

I read Bury Me In Gold Lamé by Stanton Forbes, and Hanged Man House by E.X. Ferrars and when I napped I dreamt about a chicken casserole and parsley (Water hemlock, I think) that made you sick, and six gray elephants (out of Peter's 10 What? Mystery Counting book).  I was drowsy and irritable all day.  It was hot and soggy again today.  If only we'd get some rain!  Didn't wake up from our naps until 6:00pm.  We played our Mary Poppins record, and the Lunelighters.  After I turned on the TV again and we watched some of "Lawrence Welk", and Pete finally got to see "Emergency!" again. 

Then I had just one hour to bathe and feed him before we went to Sylvia's and Pete dawdled over everything.  He only ate two slices of bacon for dinner, wouldn't eat his egg.  He went outside to play for a little while before they came and "helped" Daniel dig away the grass along the curb.  Dave picked us up at nine o'clock and Pete, Sharon, and little Davey played cars for awhile.  Pete took along his "emergency bag" stocked with 4 little cars, one big car, a coat for him and a sweater for me (to come home in) and 3 apples.  I took a book but never opened it because I was looking at an old Redbook of Sylvia's. 

Sharon disappeared into the bathroom for a long time and came out with her hair all in rollers.  She asked me to tell her how long to leave them in, then took them out and brushed her hair and said proudly to Pete, "See my curls?" and Pete said "Where, I don't see any." (of course, Pete has "naturally curly hair" like the little girl in the Peanuts cartoons).  Sharon was determined to stay up until Davey went to bed, so she sat in their big living room chair while I diapered Davey and gave him his bottle, and then was so tired I had to carry her into bed.  I forgot to put two diapers on Davey so I'll bet Sylvia has to get up in the night and change him. 

Put Petey down on the couch but he couldn't settle to sleep-shadows, the leaves rustling on the trees, a dog barking down the street, all the unfamiliar cracks and creaks of a strange house frightened him.  Dave had left me a beer, and I was just drinking it (Pete was still awake but resting on the couch with his shoes and socks off), when they came home.  They didn't have any change to pay me so I told them to catch it later.  They each said it hadn't been much fun.  Moore's Alley was dead and they didn't like the group.  We, on the other hand, had a very nice time.  I read Mickey Mouse And The Magic Clock to the 3 kids, Davey on my lap, listening attentively, and Sharon trying to read the words (she does know a few).  Tucked Pete in his own bed and he was right off.

Friday, July 22nd, 1977-In which Pete earns a spanking,

I slept through the alarm this morning-woke up and jumped into my clothes because it was nearly 9:00am.  Pushed Pete into his clothes and then Sylvia called.  She wasn't going to Iseri's after all because she needed to get her marriage certificate for her passport first (she's got to be certain of being able to go and get back before she makes a reservation because she doesn't want to pay for a cancelled booking).  But she came over anyway to see us.  Pete played with Sharon and Little Davey and I made Sylvia a pot of Darjeeling Tea.  It tasted pretty much like Lipton's.  Just after she left, Betty (Nelson-Sister PL) came in with the laundry and my books.  She'd spilled something sticky into the sack so I didn't get them back in the condition I lent them (too bad, they were almost "mint" and I'd counted on trading them in at the used book store, but now I doubt if I can get much for them)*.  She was upset with Tina because she'd nagged and nagged about her birthday present (her birthday's in October), so Betty finally gave it to her today, and told her all she's getting for her birthday is a card.  The boys are at it as well-Harold had ordered custom made collapsible rods from F&F for them, but they nagged and nagged for $8.99 ones from Skaggs (an area Department Store-PL)...so, Harold cancelled his order and got them the cheap ones.  Richie hadn't fussed so he's getting a good one.  Some days I'm awfully glad I only have one child.  Pete had a temper tantrum today over a cup of coffee (so we see here, my habit began early-PL).  He was pretending to be company and I poured him a cup with lots of milk.  Then he wouldn't drink it because he wanted to to add the milk himself.  I wouldn't give him another cup and he fussed and fussed until I finally spanked him.  He said, "Mommy, you hurt me when you spanked me", and I was very unsympathetic.  I said, "you were being naughty and I warned you.  I intended it to hurt".  Then he drank his coffee and had a second cup, to which he added the milk:  It doesn't happen often, but I think he needs to be reminded now and then, about the meaning of "no".  I wrote to Noreen McGinley today, and to Mr. Paschlee, Idaho Security Agent for Mountain Bell-since John told me they're still interested in Stewart's whereabouts.  I hadn't much concrete information to offer, except his mother's address (apt 11, Windmill, Harper Street), but if Stewart makes a definite appointment with John, I'll tell Mr. Paschlee when and where (not that Stewart would keep any such appointment, but, as John says, "Its best to be prepared rather than miss the chance").  Thelma didn't call or come by so Pete didn't get his swim.  I tried to call her but her line was busy for hours.  Pete had his Methatrexate today, apparently without side effects.  My period ended today, for which I'm grateful.  It was so hot, I didn't cook dinner till 11:00pm (but I'd left a burner on on the stove for I don't know how long).  Watched Boston POPS with a Mime Troupe tonight and Arlo Guthrie with Pete Seeger.  Pete like the guitar playing.  Wish it would rain!!!

*Context and Insights:  I imagine that, as with any family dynamic, there must have been a bit of sibling rivalry there-Mom was the oldest of 3-so some of her frustration bleeds through here.  It's also interesting to have a window into the early days of my cousins (Bernie, Bryan, and Richie)' eventual shared love of fishing-specifically fly fishing.  I know Bernie in particular spends a lot more than $8.99 on his equipment these days =-)-PL

July 21st, 1977-in which Petey asks "What's wrong with our Family?"

I dreamed of Noreen McGinley last night-so vividly that I felt compelled to write to her.  I have no reason to think my letter will reach her after so long (six years? or is it seven?) but at least I've tried.  And how many addresses in how many countries have I had in the last seven years?  More than I can remember...Hermit Hermit crab apparently got into the water last night, at least I heard his little claws scrabbling on the glass and his water dish was empty this morning.  We slept late (why not, nothing to get up for) and even so I was drowsy all day.It was very hot again today, like a blast furnace outside when I looked for the mail, so we dressed lightly and stayed in front of the fans.  I've read four of my new lot of books-Paul Gallieo's Mrs' Arris Goes to New York and Mrs Arris Goes to Parliament (a bit sad but I whs there were more of her adventures.  I've read Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris too and enjoyed them all, tho the only London Char I ever met-we couldn't afford one, I "charred" myself-wasn't the least bit like her); Charles Merril Smith's Reverend Randolliph and the Ways of Sin (his first novel tho not his first book) rather slow paced but nicely cynical; Ethel Gordon's The Freebody Heiress (two murderers avoiding the Gothics' usual neat solutions).  One, Gordon's Night Before The Wedding was so preposterous I didn't even read it.  I never can bring myself to believe in situations that call for enormous deployments of police to protect the endangered heroine, who is tethered like the sacrificial goat.  I've started another, Uncertain Voyage by the same Dorothy Gilman who writes about Mrs. Pollifax (now there's another heroine I really enjoy).  I enjoyed Gordon's cat books, too, but I prefer comedy to suspense.  I wish the authors I really like could write as fast as I can read.  Come to think of it, I imagine they wish so, too.  Finally, at about 5:00pm, it was cool enough so Pete and I went out on the front lawn for awhile.  The bark is shredding off the trees onto the lawn so we busied ourselves making jigsaw puzzles out of bark bits and trying to fit them back together again.  Sylvia called today to see if I would babysit for Davey and Sharon while she goes to Iseri's to try to find out what their plane fare to England will be (she said they'd called the airport 3 times and gotten 3 different estimates, and Iseri's had given them a (higher) fourth.  Pete didn't eat much today, only carrots for lunch (he left his hamburger and half a cube steak for dinner).  He said he was too tired to eat tonight, but I managed to give him a quick dip in the tub before he went to sleep.  We read only one story, Ten What (a mystery counting book) but I had to read it twice.  He liked the surrealistic illustrations (a fish and strawberries growing in trees).  I read him Sara Jack Keats' Peter's Chair at nap time.  He liked it because the little boy had his name and they had a new baby ("what's wrong with our family, Mommy?  Why don't we have a baby?")  He pretended his jump rope was a microphone cord tonight and sang a song ("all about love and Baby Jesus, Mommy") but it was very modern-I couldn't understand any of the words.  We watched an overdose of television today.

July 20th, 1977-in which there are two phone calls and the cobwebs are swept away.

"Once upon a time, there were two little pigs who lived in a barn on snow, and they could go in where it rained, and when it was sunny they could break it all apart and put it together again.  They ate with snow spoons, on snow plates and snow bowls and they drank out of snow glasses and cups.  They ate porridge from a snow porridge tree and they had snow hamburgers on their snow plates and they weren't cold.  They were very comfortable and that's the end of the story...it's a very funny story and you  can laugh and cheer when it's all over"-Peter Lawson, Age 4 1/2 (still trying to sell the movie rights-PL)

Well, I played Dame Durden tonight, sweeping the cobwebs out of the sky.  Petey called to me, very much frightened, after he'd gone to bed.  He saw a shadow swinging back and forth, first a circle, then a line on the ceiling-at first I couldn't see it so I lay on his bed and looked up and saw a tiny cobweb swinging.  I got the broom and swept the ceiling and Petey went to sleep.  We spent most of the day sleeping, or sitting right in front of the fans playing cars.  I had two phone calls, one pleasant, one not.  John Sandquist called to say Stewart had called him, purporedly from Los Angeles where he is supposed with his brother.  He asked John if John had written to him, saying "I can't do anything until I get that letter"-so John offered to send him a copy to Los Angeles, but Stewart said no, he'd get it forwarded from London, and refused to give John his address, though he did make an appointment to see him a week from Friday.  Stewart seems to me like one of those postulated dark starsthat implode, or anti-matter.  He sucks things in, leaves everyone a little soiled by contact with him.  Just thinking about him, even tho I'm convinced he's not going to act (indeed, I'm sure wherever he is it isn't Los Angeles) can darken the day.  If only Pete had a loving father*...tonight he said "Pretend I'm a baby, and I just learned how to say 'I love Daddy'".  What do I do, tell him not say that?  He has so much love to give.  Pity Stewart's ruined his chances of every sharing any of it.    The second phone call was from Diane Sandoval to thank me for Rosanna's Communion picture, so she had a copy to send her Mom and Dad.  She'd seen Shirley Vendrall since we saw her at the Migrant Worker's School Fiesta.  She promised to come by and see us one of these days...tho with five children, it's not too easy to go anywhere.  She might bring Monica, Carmelita, and Paul someday when Rosanna and Yvonne are in school, but, as she says, "they get into everything".  It was good to talk to her.  They're already thinking of another baby.  She said, "I guess Armando and I are just old-fashioned", and they are, of course, very devout.  Pete talked to Yvonne and Paul.  Our old house on 2nd is gone; they're pouring concrete for the donut shop now.


Thoughts and Context:
*Specifically with regards to this passage, I should note that my father's absence from my life in these early years was mitigated by the fact I had so many positive male role models all around me.  My Grandfather, of course, was chief among these, but there were people like Joe Plaza, Dan Eiguren, Paul the taxi driver, John Sandquist, Jerry Bunker, and many more in our lives at that time...Later, there would be even more-Jack Ogilvie, John Kirby (who, as stated previously, I consider my "Dad" for all intents and purposes), Manuel Borge (briefly), and Grant Baugh (a mentor through my times in the insurance industry)...and the list goes on.  I should also acknowledge that, while I wouldn't think of it as a full redemption by any stretch of the imagination, my biological "dad" did make some attempts to reach out later in life (covering two trips to London, which I'm incredibly grateful for in terms of the experience) and was even somewhat conciliatory at my Mom's passing.  Time and distance and my adult perspective certainly don't excuse Stewart's poor behavior during this period, but there's no value in retaining whatever residual anger or frustration I might hold for the man.  I will say this, he was a hell of a story teller.  For those who've seen the movie "Big Fish"-directed by Tim Burton, Stewart was just that kind of story teller-always with an angle.  The only distinction is that the character of the father in that movie turns out to have been telling the truth the whole time.  Stewart, not so much.

Tuesday, July 19th, 1977-in which their are more temper tantrums =-(, errands, and Nancy swears off A&W

Another sticky hot dripping day.  Pete got me up about 9:30am and we stayed in our night clothes.  Colleen came at 10:00am, and I had just time to snap up my bathrobe before I let her in.  Pete dashed into the bedroom and put on his clothes.  Then he showed Collen how he could play the organ.  She was pleased with how well he looked, but Pete had two nosebleeds today, one while he waited for me at the library, one from sheer rage when he woke up from his nap and realized he'd missed "Electric Company"-he had one of his worst temper tantrums ever, but finally frightened himself into being calm when he had a really bad nosebleed.  Took all his clothes off again after Colleen left and gave him a bath.  Cut his fingernails and toenails off, short and straight.  Then he got dressed again and  I dressed (in the orange dress Inge gave me because Pete said he liked it...the first time I've worn it).  Pete wore long pants so he wouldn't burn his legs on hot car seats.  Dad came in the truck and took us to the bank.  I deposited $10.00 in Pete's savings account, $90.00 in checking, and got $46.00 so I could buy my food stamps-and lunch for Dad.  Picked up my film at Estano's and was very disappointed with the results.  They charged me $5.75 and only did one print of each.  From here on out its Safeway for me.  I did get two more rolls of color film (outdated naturally, they don't make 127 film any more) and some M2 flashbulbs (don't make those any more either).  I got my food stamps and mailed my letter to Robert Belooj (sp)*.  I sent him my phone number and asked him to call collect.  I paid another $10.00 to the State Department of Revenue (at least I had the use of their money, interest free fro a year), and the telephone bill.  We went to the A&W for lunch, used my steen (indecipherable hand writing-PL) burger coupon, but Dad wouldn't let me pay.  We sat out on one of their benches 'cause Pete wanted to "go in" the restaurant .  Their food isn't very good any more...they even use ice milk instead of ice cream in their root beer floats.  Shan't bother with them again.  We went to Sprouse Reitz and I got Peter's Hermit Crab an aquarium.  Don't know if he'll prefer it to his shoe box or not.  Got Peter a "Raggedy Ann and Andy" puzzle, and a "Scribbler" puzzle.  Then we went to the library and I finished the "G's" this time.  Pete and Dad waited outside.  Then Pete came in and checked out a book for Grandpa to read to him...and then he had a nosebleed.  We went to Safeway and I left my black and white film to be developed.  They had cube steak today and I got some mushrooms, more coffee, green beans, and hamburger (how dull our menus are!).  Got home at 20 to 5:00pm and gave Dad a cup of coffee while I put groceries away, turned on the TV for Pete, and collapsed.  He slept through "Electric Company" and had a terrible tantrum.  I woke up just in time to catch the end of "M*A*S*H*".  We watched the baseball game (National vs American All Stars-National won), and part of the Victor Herbert special.  Pete had a birthday party for his dollhouse dolls and we both had to get dressed up (at 10:30pm!).  We finally ate dinner at 11:30pm (had a water melon, snack before that).  Finished Delderfield's Too Few For Drums today.  Read Pete Tweety and Sylvester-Picnic Time tonight.  He made up a story about Goldilocks and the pop bottles-she drank them all and took the empties to the store.

Thoughts and Context.  I guess it's to be expected, but it really bugs me to keep coming across names of apparent import to our lives (this Robert Belooj or Beloy or Belog.. that is mentioned over the past couple of entries) for whom I have no memory or additional information.  Additionally, and as previously mentioned, I guess I no longer can maintain the illusion that I was a perfectly behaved little angel, but to have so much rage inside that it causes a physical symptom (nose bleed) is still a little scary to my 42 year old self-not that I don't still periodically feel angry or upset, but rarely over having missed a television show (though, really, thank goodness for things like DVR, HULU, and Netflix, yes?)-PL

Monday, July 18th, 1977-More One Sheet Weather and a visit with Sister Angelica.

Pete and I both had our blood tests this morning, so I wasn't able to eat any breakfast.  We were ready bey 10:30am-just as well, because Paul Gates, as usual, was early.  We went first to Ontario Pharmacy, my medicaid card was expired-but Bob (Keele-of the same Keeles as Kinney and Keele True Value, another Ontario institution PL) let me have Pete's Methatrexate anyhow (my check hadn't come, and he needs the medicine tomorrow).  After our blood tests, we ate lunch in the cafeteria.  While I had my test, Petey told me, "Mother, you'll have to be brave all by yourself, because I'm going to talk to my friends"...and off he went to visit the lab technicians.  I heard him having a long talk with Sister Angelica and she gave him a postcard picture of the hospital, and marked the windows of the rooms he had slept in (she missed the pediatrics window tho'-I'll have to mark that for him).  Then Phil did Pete's test, a finger stick, for him and Pete didn't make a sound.  He didn't even ask for a hero badge today.  We had Salisbury steak and I let Pete have a minute helping of mashed potatoes and gravy.  I had some rhubarb pie, nicely tart for once.  On the way out we saw Sister Angelica again, and she said she had just run Pete's blood test and it looked good.  After Paul brought us home we took long naps.  Then I got Pete's pool out and filled it.  We let it warm while he watched "Sesame Street", "Mr. Rogers", and "Electric Company".  There's a Victor Herbert special on channel 4 tomorrow and Pete said, "Mommy, this time I'll let you watch it".  After the "Brady Bunch", Pete put on his swimsuit and got in the water.  At first he said it was too cold and didn't want to get in, but after he'd sat down and splashed around a little, he didn't want to get out.  I got him out once, getting his towel soaked in the process, but then he decided to get in again.  He squirted me with his water pistols and splashed me, so I got pretty wet too.  Then we emptied the water by squashing down the sides of the pool since the siphon didn't work, and Pete ran and ran the splashy grass.  Daniel had just cut it yesterday, and Pete even got some blades of grass in his belly button.  Put the pool on the back porch and got Pete dressed.  We went outside with his airplanes and GI Joe and his truck.  Lorraine Bennett called and promised to see us the end of this week.  I told her about Pete's "Jesus Music" and she said "We'll make a tape recording of it.". Then Mike and Joy from Bible school stopped by on their bike ride to play (wildly) with Pete. Started to go in and cook dinner, but Pete saw Daniel playing golf and took his clubs out to play while I cooked.  I made pork chops but Pete held out for hamburger-he golfed 'till it was dark and acquired another ball.  Now he has 5.  I wrote to Robert Belooj today (Not sure who this is-PL).  My check came in the mail and Dad's taking us on errands tomorrow.  Read Pete Hop on Pop and Raggedy Ann and the Cookie Snatcher tonight.  Started my period-very heavy.

Sunday, July 17th, 1977-in which the Biddy Brigade rears its ugly head, and Pete gets a brief case of the sullens

Went to church with Mom and Dad.  Betty and Harold gave the altar flowers for their anniversary and Betty did the refreshments.  Harold didn't come until late , because he couldn't sit down for church.  He had surgery, and had an allergic reaction to (medication-the writing is a bit hard to read-PL) so he was really in bad shape.  At coffee, two of the women at my table started talking to each other about how they'd never got to church in old slacks (or slacks at all) and without stockings...it just wouldn't be going to church...of course, it's all right for some who don't know any better..."  I took it very personally since I was the only one in slacks today (except for Mom who wore her usual trouser suit...what else could she wear?), but not the only one without stockings.  But if I though God really cared whether I wore stockings or not, I'd stop believing in God.  I thought about it all day, getting more and more upset.  If it were only for me, I wouldn't go to church again, but Petey loves it, and I think Mom and Dad really need us to go with them.  Did see Carol Wallace today and she promised to stop by sometime when she's shopping.  Petey and I love her dearly.  Promised to pray for Lynne to pay Mom a visit before school starts.  We took a ride after church-first we went to Safeway (I bought 1lb of coffee-I was out but my check hasn't come and I'm out of food stamps-some meat,, and a small bottle of ketchup...Pete won't eat without ketchup...$8.00).  we went home to put the groceries away and let Pete go (he's having trouble urinating).  Then we went to see the cows and a very long freight train, around by the airport, and home again.  Pete had a fit of the sullens and didn't want to get out of the car.  I got him inside and he cried and cried.  Then he stretched out to nap awhile .  I was going to fix lunch but he went so sound asleep, I took a nap too.  He slept until 5:15pm (no nap for 4 days), woke up cheerful, watched the "Muppet Show" (interesting how things come back around again, I'm seeing previews these days for a new version this coming Fall-PL), "Wild Kingdom", and "Wonderful World of Disney".  Then the doorbell rang.  I thought "oh, oh-Stewart!", but it was Carol Carr and Gretchen.  They bought Pete his very first pet, a hermit crab (named "Hermit Hermit" now) who lives in a shoe box till we can get him a proper aquarium.  Then Pete and I ate, and he said plaintively, "Can I get dirty now?"-so we took digger and dump trucks outside and he built roads and railroad tracks.  Betty Phipps came out and Pete told her about the magic show, we showed her and Bill "Hermit", and gave her eggs and beets finally.  Then I put Pete in the tub, after he wiped his black hands on my white top.  Then Pete and I played "jail" with the front hall closet and "camping" on his bed.Betty gave us the altar flowers from church today so we have pretty daisies.  Read Kemelman's Wednesday The Rabbi Got Wet today-my last library book.  Read Pete Just Like Magic.  Then we played "one potato, two potato" till I tucked him in.

Saturday, July 16th, 2015-in which there are two temper tantrums, a magician, and a night out.

Today Pete said "When pop sparkles, sometimes it sparkles in your nose, and it tickles".  Pete got up to watch cartoons...he got me up to turn them on.  Then I got a pillow and a blanket and lay down beside him and slept while he watched.  We finished up the Corn Chex this morning and now we're down to "7 Sprouted Grains" Banana Crisp, which neither of us likes too much (maybe Pete will eat less of it).  I finally started cooking lunch (steak for me, bacon for Peter at his insistence) at 2:30pm, and gave Pete a quick bath while it was cooking.  He wanted 2 eggs and had a temper tantrum because he said he didn't want to help with lunch so I put the bacon in the pan and then he decided he wanted to watch "Big John and Little John", so he did, but then "the Shazam-Isis Hour" was over and he wanted to watch that, too.  Vicky called and wanted Pete to come over to play but we hadn't time.  We dressed after lunch, called a cab (Bobbie, Paul's niece drove us) and went to the magic show.  Dennis Loomis was the magician.  He did rope tricks, scarf tricks, made pigeons and rabbits appear (yes, he pulled one out of a hat), made a tiny horse disappear...then he made a "gorilla" (a man in a gorilla suit) appear and it got out of the cage and frightened Pete.  He tore a newspaper into shreds-and then unfolded it, whole again.  He put his assistant into a cabinet, stuck 16 swords through the cabinet, and the lady emerged unscathed.  Then he swaed (well, "cut" with steel blades) a man in half, allowed his assistants to put him into a cabinet, which was then stuck through with 3 hollow steel blades, and a light shown through the openings, all empty, and then he reappeared all in one piece.  Then he and his assistant escaped from the stocks, appeared in stocks aain, and escaped again.  John (Betty's magician grandson) would have loved it...oh, and he made a lady float in the air.  I'd read a lot about all the tricks but never actually seen them performed before.  We came straight home (Petey had another temper tantrum because he wanted to stop at Paul's and I just told him, "You can cry all you want but you're not going to get your own way so it's not doing you any good!"), I changed clothes and fed us, and Sylvia was knocking at the door.  We took Pete to stay with Sharon and Davey, and Sylvia and I went to the Obon Odori dances at the Buddhist Church.  We went into the Temple and saw the flower arrangements too.  Two brothers, 3 and 4 years old, did one of the dances.  Then we went to the Dairy Queen and I had a hot fudge sundae (I won't want one again for a while) and a root beer.  Then to Moore's Alley (the Lounge of the old Moore's Hotel located in Downtown Ontario, the structure burned to the ground many years ago-PL) for 2 Vodka Collins and some music (saw Carol Ross).  Then, at 11:00pm , back to Sylvia's to get Petey (Dave had to go on a call to Rusty's Pancake House with all 3 children-they played in back in what was "Peter Pan's Playground".  Pete was tucked up on the couch but said, "Mommy, I was worried about you"-that's supposed to be MY line!  Then to bed.

Some additional thought and context:  It's difficult for me to read that I wasn't always the most well behaved child.  I hold no illusions, mind you, Mom told me my nick name used to be "Bertram Bossy Boots the Third" so that might have been an indication.  Still though, the more I learn about how she was feeling and what she was going through (especially in passages regarding my father), the more disappointed I am in my 4 and a half year old self for adding to her stress.  I guess it's part of every kid's journey, though and, in my own defense, I wasn't feeling great a lot of the time either.  

There's also a wee bit of foreshadowing here.  I don't really recall Rusty's Pancake house ever having had a "play area" of any sort, but it's interesting that the space she references in this entry has a Peter Pan theme, as that was also the theme of my wedding to my Amazing Wife Wendi.

Aside from all of those aspects, it's been interesting to revisit (in memory) many of the landmarks that I grew up with-some of which I haven't thought about in a long, long time.  Dairy Queen being downtown, and the Moore Building-once the tallest building in town with a semi vibrant nightlife then to abandon husk, then burning hulk, now a small city park.  Even in a rural setting where some might argue time stands still, life goes on and things do change...eventually.-PL