December 13th, 1978-in which Nancy battles depression

I feel more and more depressed as the month advances.  Today was Mom's Birthday and I forgot to call and wish her a Happy Birthday.  In fact, I forgot it was the 13th until nearly midnight tonight.  

Petey brought home a note from school complaining about parents sending their children to school when they are sick-and I know it meant me because Petey threw up spectacularly in the parking lot after school.  I feel so guilty for letting him go to school while I went to the doctor.  He only threw up once and didn't run a fever so I'm convinced it was the combination of spaghetti and chocolate milk (and salted rice chex) that made him throw up...but I still feel guilty....AAAND I sent his gift exchange present today when they were supposed to be taken to the party.  I can't do anything right.  I spent $17.00 on Christmas and Birthday presents and I still don't have anything for Thelma's family (they're giving us something so I HAVE to give them something) or Betty's boys.  I have to take money out of savings to go to Boise with, because Thelma wants to go to the Salvation Army stores and they only take cash, and anyhow I only have $20.00 left and I'll have to get groceries.  Petey didn't eat anything today except cinnamon toast and raviolis.  I just know he's going to get sick from malnutrition.  He's been exposed to Chicken Pox and could get shingles again and there's nothing I can do about it.  Nobody called or came by today and the only mail was a hospital bill.  Ugh!

December 1st, 1978-in which Nancy writes a biography for Peter

Peter is "Child of the Week" at his school.

Peter was born November 6th, 1972 in Manchester, England.  His father lives in England.  Peter came to the United States when he was 12 months old.  He flew in an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean.  Peter has Leukemia and sometimes Dr. De la Paz lets him give his own IVs.  Peter and his mother went to Newport for a vacation this summer.  They rode on Amtrak.  Peter saw the Pacific Ocean and built sand castles on the beach.  Peter likes fire engines and Super Heroes (especially Batman and Wonder Woman_.  Peter has five pet fish that live in an aquarium in his room.

Date Unknown (1978)-in which Nancy records her very bad dream

I dreamed I was in a church yard in Kansas.  The gravestones were all flat markers surrounded by red bricks.  The church was red brick, too.  There was a large rectangular pool by the side of the church.  It was bright blue.  All around the countryside was dust.  I decided to go into the church but inside was a witch making corn dollies and poppets.  I knew they had to be burned, but when I tried to burn them in the alter flame, the witch put a curse on the fire and it turned black and wouldn't burn.  Thre was straw on the floor and I tried to drop lighted matches into it because she'd forgotten to curse the floor.  That meant the whole church would burn instead of the dolls, but it had to be purified.  Then I was in the ruins of a house and  I found a brain in a bowl of liquid that was creating a disturbance all around the house.  I knew it had to be destroyed but I didn't know how.  My mother and father tried to destroy it, but when they got close, they just shriveled up like burst balloons-only their empty outsides were left.  Then we sent for a minister and a doctor but we hadn't destroyed the brain when Pete woke me up...

November 28th, 1978*

 *PUBLISHING NOTE:  I've made an editorial decision to move the story along a bit into 1978 (prior entries have been from 1977) in order to add some variety to the daily proceedings (though perhaps we'll circle back at some point), I felt the changes that came in my first year in school might add something to the previous year's rhythms and information (new people, new situations, et. al.).  Additionally, I'll be (within the best of my abilities) trying to stay more concurrent with corresponding dates/time frames as applicable- (i.e. logging entries from December 1978 as we proceed through December 2016)-noting that perhaps BECAUSE of the increased activity, Mom jumps around a bit more in her daily recordings.  

Thanks to all who've voiced your support and continue to have an interest in this project!-

-Peter
----
We had our first snowfall today and Pete hand his first real birhday party.  The United Methodist Women gave Yai Kido $20.00 to do something for Pete's birthday, and she suggested a party at MacDonald's.  Pete had never had a real birthday party before, so he was very excited about it.  It was scheduled for November 6th but Pete was ill and had to stay home.  Then it was scheduled for November 27th but Dr. Vestal scheduled his spinal tap that Monday.  Finally it was set for Tuesday, the 28th.  Then, this morning, it snowed.  But the snow had all melted off by this afternoon and Mike Kido had a cold and couldn't come.  We had Fawn, Vicky, and Tricia, and Pete and me in Yai's car.  Marilyn had to go to the bank so she met us at MacDonald's with Nicole and Kristen.  We ordered and then one of the girls came out with a target and velcro wrapped balls, and they had a contest. 

Each of the children got a certificate for free french fries, and Tricia, the winner, got two.  Then Pete opened his presents.  Tricia gave him a pretty blue shirt, Nicole gave him checked blue pants, Yai & Mike and Mr. & Mrs. Peters (friends of Yai's) gave him Superman socks, RDD2, a Battlestar Galactica shirt, and a Spider Man shirt.  Fawn gave him a Mickey Mouse shoe bag and two balloons.  I gave him a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter (PL NOTE:-soooo wish I still had this!).  We ate hamburgers and french fries and drank pop-it came in special plastic glasses for the children to keep and each child got a party hat and a plastic MacDonald's Christmas stocking.  They brought out the cake with six candles on it, and the staff sang Happy Birthday to Peter.  He had some trouble blowing out the candles-it took three puffs.  The cake had Ronald MacDonald with balloons and a little plaque that said Happy Birthday from Ronald MacDonald.  Pete got the Ronald decoration but just ate the chocolate cake under it.  It was moist chocolate cake with a thick creamy vanilla flavored vanilla flavored sugar icing.  Yai took lots of pictures (PL Note: Sadly these have been lost over the years).  The party came to just under $14.00 and Yai said she'd use the rest of the money to have the film developed.  She's going to give pictures to the United Methodist Women too.  Then it was time to go and we put everyone's coats back on-Fawn's under protest.  Marilyn took Nicole and Kristen home, and Yai took the rest.  We dropped Fawn and Vicky at Fawn's house then we brought Tricia home and I phoned Connie but she wasn't home.  I phoned Lorraine but got no answer.  Tricia and Petey played for a while and then there was a knock at the door-Connie.  After Tricia left, Petey tried on his new shorts.  They're big, but he likes them.  He has three new pairs of pants from Grandpa too, a new sweater from Daniel and Maria and a new shirt from Kay and George, so he's really well outfitted for a while.  Petey liked the party and it went well-no crying, no arguing, and no spills.  After waiting so long, I couldn't believe it finally came off so well (we sent home a hat, a stocking, and a hamburger/french fries for poor Mike).  I felt guilty about not inviting Lolita and Cindy but they didn't come the first time they were invited, nor bring Pete a present, and he hasn't played with them since before he got sick, so we asked Tricia, Vicky, and Nicole instead.

Monday, September 12th, 1977

Pete had a nosebleed @ 3:00am today.  The alarm went off at 7:00am.  Peter turned it off and I slept till 8:00am.  Then we rushed around a bit and were ready when Lorraine picked us up at 9:00am.  We had to wait a long time-didn't finish till almost 10:00am.  Then we had to stop by Ontario Pharmacy to get Pete's Methetrexate (I counted the pills this time-there were eight).  Then Lorraine dropped us at the Dairy Queen.  I used the last of my change to buy us each a corn dog, milk for Pete, and rootbeer for me.  Then we watched the construction men working.  They had a snorkel truck and a man was climbing up one of the lamp poles to take down the street light.  We got home just as Lorraine arrived, having dropped Connie for her surgery.  I gave her a lukewarm cup of coffee (in too big a hurry to let it heat properly) and Tricia and Reggie played with Pete.  After they left we took our naps until Marilyn called at 2:00pm.  Then Pete and I played outside (tag and hide and go seek).  He watched TV and I cooked an early dinner, cube steak and carrots.  Pete ate a little but was more interested in the TV.  Vicky called to say she was sorry about saying she had a stomach ache yestereday-that it was just a fake.  Told her Pete couldn't have company this afternoon because he was getting ready to go out.  Then she wanted to know why I didn't have Laurie babysit.  I told her Pete was going to a friend's house to play with some children.  I didn't like the idea of having only two teenagers in the two houses here in case anything did go wrong.  Marilyn got Jana, Pete's Sunday School Teacher, to babysit-so Pete was happy.  Susan (whose last name I can't remember) and Marilyn took me over to Weiser for the A.A.U.W. meeting.  They had a salad bar, coffee, and non-alcoholic punch.  Struck up an instant friendship with a woman named Beth, a retired school teacher and another smoker...in fact the only other one, so college education may have advantages.  There was a discussion on whether the U.S. should intervene in the export of baby formulas (being substitueted in 3rd world countries for more advantageous breast feeding).  Longed to point out that most U.S. mothers don't breast -feed, and formulas are considered "modern" here too, but felt myself on dangerous ground so kept quiet.  Then the group had a "brainstorming" session to decide their study topic for the next two years.  They finally decided to research chemicals, additives, and preservatives (necessity for, screening of, etc.).  Tonight's Argus had an article on DBCP, which causes sterility in men and doesn't break down (as previously believed) but leaves a residue in carrots, radishes, and other root vegetables.  Told Marilyn about Fuji (sp) Robesky (a biochemist and taster for DelMonte) saying that the "non dairy" toppings and dips are just flavored plastic.  Clipped the article on DBCP for Marilyn together with one urging farmers to resist control of pesticides.  She invited me to attend other meetings with her, though she knows I won't be able to pay the dues for some time (ever?).  I enjoyed it and hope to go again.  We split the babysitter's fee so I owe her a dollar.  Found Pete, as Roger put it, "lying down staring at the ceiling"-scared because it was so dark outside.  He doesn't like being out at night. He worries about being "given away" since I was sick.  Read him The Brave Little Tailor.

September 11th, 1977-in which Petey experiences his first, but certainly not last, case of stage fright.

Petey really has a phenomenal memory.  Last night he asked me to read him the book "about how the little boy had to go to the bathroom".  He remembered that it was a Dr. Seuss book and had Cat In The Hat on the spine.  I thought it might be one of his and looked, but it wasn't.  Finally chased down in my diary-it was (Did I Ever Tell You) How Lucky You Are  and we read it months ago.  Then we were talking about church this morning and Petey said the next time Pastor talked to the children, he was going to sit where Erik sat today.  He said "It'll be just like playing checkers, mom-I'll take Erik's place and Erik will move somewhere else".  To my knowledge, he's never seen anyone play checkers.  I asked him how he knew how the game was played and he said "In my book about Gus The Friendly Ghost, he plays checkers with mouse" (but it doesn't show them moving the pieces or talk about the gameso if that's where he got it, he extrapolated on almost no data).
I called Margaret this morning and told her Linda Warren was picking us up.  Only Julie came to church.  Mike's away on a camping trip.  Pat Devore led the opening exercises, then they took a picture of each class and its teacher.  then the children all ppracticed singing "Jesus Loves The Little Children" and "Zacheus") and marching into church in a procession.  We only had a few minutes left at the end of the service for Sunday School to meet.  We were to march into church during the first hymn and everyone got rather restless.  Then we all marched in and sat down.  I sat in the pew just behind Petey's class, and he came back to me in tears.  Said he "just wanted Mommy" and wouldn't go up and sing.  I think all those people in church scared him.  He did go up for Pastor's "children's sermon" but he sat in a corner and afterward said "Mommy, Pastor didn't talk to me!"  He talked to Jana, his Sunday School Teacher after church and she reassured him that not singing was ok.  Dad took us to Safeways after church ($19.00) and then for a ride to see the cows.  Pete and I were exhausted (2 hours of church is a lot for a little one) and took long naps.  Then Vicky came over about 5:00pm and was here for hours.  She finally had to leave to get ready for church.  She said she had a stomachache this morning and I begged her not to come see Petey when she felt sick.  Then I called her mother and begged her too.  Paul Cheek felt bad in Sunday School, too, and sat right next to Peter.  I asked his mother to call me if it turns out to be flu or something.  The whole world is one big germ waiting to fall on Petey!  Daniel raked tonight and Pete "hauled hay" in his wagon.  Then Daniel played hide and seek with Pete.  He's so good to Pete!  Had ried clams tonight.  Pete and I took baths and he "read" me Batman (he knows it by heart) and I read him The Dead Tree.  Lorraine's pick us up at 9:00am tomorrow (Connie is having surgery at 10:30am and she's babysitting)

Saturday, September 10th, 1977

Got up at 7:00am to turn the TV on for Pete and went back to bed.  Then I watched part of "Batman and Robin" with Pete and slept some more.  Vicky showed up before we had lunch and I finally had to send her home so I could feed Pete.  She came back before he'd finsihed eating and I told her he had to take a nap and sent her home again.  Margaret Bunce called and offered to take us to Sunday School.  I told her I didn't know what arrangements Linda Petrasek had made.  Then Linda called and said she had arranged for Linda Warren to pick us up since they live close to us.  I tried and tried to call Margaret back to tell her, but they were out.  I will call again in the morning.  Linda said she'd pick us up at about a quarter to 10.  Linda P said not to worry too much about the lesson for tomorrow since the children have to learn a song for the Fall Festival and practice marching in and out of the church.  And there are the opening excercises, so it will be pretty busy.  Vicky was outside when the mailman came and took my mail out of the box.  Petey had a fit (and I nearly did too)!  I tried to explain to her gently but firmly that you just don't get out other people's mail, but I don't know if I made any impression at all.  I was schocked.  Betty Phipps came over and gave me her house key, a list of phone numbers including her daughter's, and a written authorization to seek medical help if needed.  I hope Bill doesn't get into any trouble while she's gone.  Betty told me she'd given him orders not to let the Plaza boy in, because he's "tough" and a fighter (a bit of a bully, I gather), so I hope there's no trouble with him.  I spent the whole day (in spite of Vicky) unpacking winter clothes, sorting them into outfits that go together, and hanging them up-rummaging all over for clotheshangers.  Finally got most them taken care of (I still have some sweaters left over that no longer match any skirts or slacks I have since I gave away some of my winter clothes last year).  My period started tonight-it would just before I have to teach Sunday School for the first time.  At least I know why I felt so tired today.

I ate the leftover squash and Swiss chard today.  Couldn't get Pete to touch any vegetables.  He's going to get sick if he doesn't start eating something besides meat-I don't think a daily dose of vitamins is compensation enough.  He helped Daniel water the flowers tonight.  he and Daniel sat in lawn chairs and had a long conversation.  Pete was pretending to speak Basque.  Daniel gave us some lovely onions (I really like them even though they always give me a stomach ache).  Pete had a temper tantrum today about putting on his shoes to go outside, but apologized for it repeatedly afterwards.  I baked a cake (out of things to snack on) and promised Pete I'd bake one for his Sunday School class on his Birthday (it's on a Sunday this year).  He bathed and washed his hair (under protest)-even brushed his teeth!  I read him A Friend For Jenny and Dr. Seuss' ABC.  I read Alchemy and Acadame (sci fi anthology).

Friday, September 9th, 1977

Pete had his Methatrexate today, but there were only 3 tablets left instead of four.  Fortunately, he only had to take 3 because his white count was low, but that's the second time I've been one tablet short.  When they're only dispensing 3 at a time, it doesn't seem reasonable.  Pete had 2 nosebleeds today.  The first he didn't tell me about, but I found his kleenex in the playroom.  The second began tonight while he was doing puzzles and watching TV.  Thelma had mentioned taking Pete along to the mountanins this weekend, but Dr. Baskerville must have said no.  Thelma was going to ask her this morning and call me, but she didn't call-and when I called her I got no answer.  I called Marilyn Cates this morning to see if she and Nicole were coming over, but her car had broken down so they didn't come.  She invited me to an AAUW meeting in Payette Monday.  I'd like to go if we can share a babysitter.  Betty Phipps won't be here.   She and Bill are going to Portland for a few days and leaving young Bill here so he won't have to miss school.  Felt quite flattered when Betty said he'd asked them to tell me.  She's coming over tomorrow morning to talk about it-must remember to get written authorization  to take Bill to the doctor if he needs it.  Vicky was here for a couple of hours this afternoon.  She and Pete watched "Mr. Rogers" and "Electric Company",  She wanted Pete to go over to her house 'till 8:00pm, but I was cooking dinner and her sister came to get her because they were going to a football game.  I finally cooked Dad's acorn squash and dressed it with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and orange marmalade...but it still tasted like squash and Pete wouldn't eat any.  I made Daniel's Swiss chard, but we didn't eat that either.  I had it on low, with plenty of water , which was a good thing because I forgot it and left it cooking while I took Pete for a "tricycle walk".  We went around the Daily Argus building to the new city hall (admiring the flagpole) and then back home.  Called Dad tonight.  He wanted to know about Pete's first music lesson.  Mom might need surgery, but they don't know if she's strong enough to stand it.  Pete held the flashlight for me tonight while I bolted the back door "so I wouldn't be scared in the dark".  We watched Judy Collins on Boston Pops and I read him The Ghost Said Boo and The Binky Detectives.  I read The Night Spiders and The Missing Grandfather (pretty bad-gives me hope).

Thursday, September 8th, 1977-in which Pete doesn't roar like a lion or croak like a frog

John Sandquist came by early this morning (about 9:30am) to pick up Stewart's latest letter.  He asked me what Stewart meant by "perjury" (this letter Stewart said he'd told Gene Stunz to put me in jail for perjury and that "a few days in the slammer would do me good"...and he'd make arrangements for Petey AFTER I was in jail), but of course I didn't know.  I don't even have a copy of the divorce petition so I can't imagine what he's referring to.  John arranged for volunteers to get us to Pete's music lesson after all.  Lorraine Bennett called a couple of times-said she'd take us on Thursdays if she's in town.  2:00pm finally came and Pete and I went to Frontier Music.  We saw a movie about Yamaha, then Mary (the teacher) had us all sit on the floor and let the children play tambourines.  Pete was very tentative about making a noise.  In fact, he was very shy about participating in anything today, so I'm glad I didn't start him in a regular school this year.  They were introduced to high, middle, and low notes today-along with "loud" and "soft", and different tempos.  Pete wouldn't roar like a lion, croak like a frog, or tweet like a bird...he just watched and listened to the others.  Sylvia came by for her vegetables and we had a pot of tea (had forgotten I'd locked the back porch door and she had to shout to remind me).  After we got home from Yamaha (Pete with his $18.50 kit of music books, music paper, colored pencils, and coloring book), it was time for Pete's programs so I turned them on and lay down for my nap.  Vicky called about 5pm and woke me, but Pete was asleep so I let him sleep through "Mr. Rogers" and woke him up for "Electric Company" (his favorite).  Vicky came over and they watched "Electric Company" and "Zoom".  Vicky painted (there was a leak in the pan for water, and water ran everywhere.  In fact, it was dripping down Vicky's leg but she didn't seem to care).  She ripped out a whole lot of construction paper then hid it in the bathroom wastebasket-why, I don't know-then we all played Batman outside and Vicky golfed with Pete's clubs.  Laurie called Vicky home just before 8:00pm (I'd just told Vicky I wanted to fix Pete's dinner), and offered to babysit for Pete.  I asked her how much she charged and she said $1.00 an hour so I can't afford her (I only get 50 cents an hour for babysitting!).  Dad stopped by just for a few minutes on their way home from Mom's doctor (he thinks she has another {illegible} but doesn't know whether to cauterize or not).  It was just before 2:000pm and we were expecting Thelma to take us to Pete's music lesson so we didn't have much of a visit.  Peter and I played with his "letter board" tonight.  He knows all his letters but confused "M" and "W".  Then we tried spelling words and sounding them out.  Pete performed quite well.  We had cube steak and watermelon for dinner and Pete finally ate something (finished his steak).  We read Hop On Pop, The Fire Station, and The March Wind tonight.  I finished Leninger's Death By Inches and started Macombers A Clearing In The Fog.  Called Margaret Bunce to see if Erik wants to go to library story hour.  Maybe we'll go together.

September 7th, 1977-A Red Letter Day and a threat from Stewart

Today wqas a red letter day for Pete-he got his library card!  They let him check out his own books on the application card today and said they'd send him his blue card in the mail.  He had to write his name (but only his first name) on the application himself.  He was "practicing" all weekend.  Sylvia and Davy came by this morning and I used the last of my English Breakfast tea making a pot for Sylvia and me.  They left @ 11:30am.  Dad didn't come in till nearly 2:00pm.  We got my Mellaril at Ontario Pharmacy, my Trimon (Artane, that is) at Skaggs, along with two punchout books for Petey-Tiny Little Circus and Tiny Country Fair.  Dad took us to lunch at "'tucky Fried Chicken".  Pete only ate part of one piece of chicken and we saved the rest.  Then we went to the library.  I took havlf an hour to check out 8 books (I'm into the "M's" now) and Pete checked out 3.  Then Dad read to him while they waited for me.  We stopped at Safeway at 4:00pm and I did all my shopping in 15 minutes-I think that's a record!  Dad brought in a lot of vegetables from the farm and I called Sylvia to see if she wanted any.  Called thelma and offered her a dozen eggs (I filled a WIC coupon today and I still have over a dozen in the refrigerator).  Got a letter from Stewart today-said he had instructed Gene Stunz to have me "put in the slammer" for perjury, but if he heard from me before September 10th, he'd change his order (but he isn't going to like my letter when he gets it).  Thelma had a bad trip to Boise.  It was 92 degrees today and the 84 year old man she took was in such bad shape she had to leave him at St. Luke's and the doctor wasn't even sure whetherto treat him or not.  Glad we didn't go!  We're having a windstorm tonight whcich may cool things off a bit.  If not, I'll get out Pete's pool tomorrow!  Pete watched his programs-no naps (but slept a little during "Mr. Rogers").  Then Vicky came over to play (used up Pete's fingerpaints), puzzles, golf, Batman,..Then Pete went over to her house, she brought him back, then they quarrelled and he sent her home.  She said "she would never come again", but I got Pete to phone and apologize ("never let the sun go down on your anger").  Pete ate watermelon for dinner -wouldn't touch his steak.  We "punched out" for a while-Pete having a grand time tearing things.  Then I put him to bed (bath tomorrow to be clean for his music lessons), and read Dougal Looks For Birds and The Dead Tree.  We had a long discussion about what "mammals" are.  Pete's pretty good at classifying.  I read Lenninger's (Shannon's) Case Pending.  Stewart called Cliff Looney collect, he said, and Cliff refused the call.  Stewart's Gall!-Incredible!

Tuesday, September 6th, 1977-More run around, a bit of pumpkin pie, drop ins, and the promise of "tucky Fried Chicken"

The kind of day I had today, it makes me tired just thinking about it.  I called MSTI at 8:00am but no one could give me any information so they said they'd have Dr. Holt call melater.  Lorraine picked us up at 9:00am (and brought me a piece of pumpkin pie, bless her).  She held Petey on her lap while he had his blood test.  We got home about 9:30 and Dr. Daniel's office phoned (I'd seen him in the corridor at the hospital) to say he couldn't get in today and changed my appointement to the 19th.  I called Children's Services to cancel my ride and talked to Cindy Patten-who said she didn't have me down for a ride...and didn't think Pete's music lessonswere important enough for a vlunteer to take us, but said she'd ask John or his supervisor...but neither one was in and neither would be ther 'till Thursday morning so she wouldn't know 'till then if anyone could take us.  I did point out that I had been promised that a volunteer would stay with Petey one day a weekso I could get out and that never happened, and that John and the doctor both felt music lessons were important for Pete...but I was wastingg my breath.  And while I was on the phone with Cindy, Sylvia and Cheryl and little Davy arrived.  They'd just dropped Sharon and one of Cheryl's children at kindergarten for their first day.  I made a pot of tea and they stayed till 11:30am.  Cheryl will really be stuck if Sylvia moves because (like me) she doesn't drive.  Dad called to see what was happening about Boise, but I didn't know.  Pete and I had lunch and napped and at 3:00pm, Dr. Holt called-then she called Holy Rosary to find out the results of Pete's blood test.  His white coutn was 3100 so she said to put him on 3/4 of his medicine instead of 1/2 (but how do I give him 3/4 of 1/2 tablet?...so I'll give him a quarter tablet still, but 3 Methatrexate instead of 2).  Then she cancelled his appointment for tomorrow and changed the others to the 20th and 27th at 11:30am in Weiser.  I'm to bring his blood counts and medicine from the hospital.  Then Thelma called.  I told her his appointment was cancelled and she wanted to know if we'd like to go to Boise anyhow.  I told her no-I couldn't afford it and I'd asked Dad to come in and take me to get my medicine tomrorrow anyhow (asked Dr. Daniel's office to call Skaggs and Ontario Pharmacy and they called back to confirm they had so I can get it).  Dad said he'd take us to "tucky Fried Chicken"-I'd said "Let's go Dutch" 'cause Pete's wanted chicken ever since Sunday.  Dad also said he and mom would pay our cab fare to Frontier Music if the volunteers won't take us.  Pete watched his prorams and was adding some more to his paper train when Vicky came over to play.  They both were listening to "Hardtack Is A Fine Old Engine".  I made lamb chops (neck-all bone) and Pete wouldn't eat any.  Then Betty Phipps came to take him for a walk since he didn't get to see her this morning.  They returned the stray kitten to its home.  Them Pete saw Daniel out in front and Mike and Julie Warren came by (no trace of her stolen bike) and they all caught bugs out in front/  I made Pete some soup and we played with his LocBlocs.  I finally bathed him (he was all over "crumbs" fro the kitchen floor_ and read The Dead Tree and How The Sun Was Brought Back to the Sky.  I read The House on Cheyne Walk--very depressing more heroin pushing but the girl doesn't get a guy.

Monday, September 5th 1977 (Labor Day)-in which we get the Holiday Run Around, work on some letters, and try to do some good for others

Lorraine Bennett took us up to the hospital at 10:00am.  Shirley Kimball was on dutyat the desk and said they didn't do any out patient tests on Holidays (I don't know what she thinks Memorial Day and the 4th of July were!)-that technicians were swamped, and, in short, refused to do Pete's blood test today-now the results won't be available for MSTI tomorrow.  More hassle.
Lorraine promised to take us in @9:00am tomrrow and Shirley said they'd do his test right away, but what a mess!  Lorraine had Deena's 3 children with her and we all went to the Red Steer (Dutch).  Petey had a corn dog and I had a pizza-burger.  When we got home, Petey did some "lessons".  We worked on capital "R" and small "r".  He did quite well the the capitals.  We were both tired and took early naps-I slept from 12:30pm-3:00pm.  Then we watched part of Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.  Then we switched over to channel 4 for "Lilias, Yogo, and You" and "Sesame Street".  Thelma picked us up about 5:15pm (Pete had watched part of "Mr. Rogers") and took us over to her place for charcoal broiled hamburgers.  I gave Thelma some more pineapple juice (6 cans), squash, cottage cheese, tomatos, and some of Dad's plums.  Thelma took Pete's outgrown clothes for some little children Sissie was babysitting with.  The mother took the 3 children and left her husband-with only the clothes they stood up in.  I gave Thelma Pete's "everyday" winter coat-he has the one Grandma and Grandpa gave him for his birthday last year, and these kids had no coats at all.  Promised Thelma one of my winter coats for the mother, too (I'll give her the one Marilyn gave me-it's missing a button, but it's a good heavy coat).  Thelma gave me a very pretty green dress that's too tight for Sissie, but unfortunately it's too tight for me too.  Pete and I came home fairly early (before I didn't want to Herman and Sissie came-I didn't want to make how I held my purse too obvious) because Thelma had a pain in her side she was afraid might be from her kidneys.  Daniel was out mowing the lawn so Pete got his wagon and Daniel put "hay" in it for him.  Vicky Plaza came over and Danel gave her and Pete a lot of leaves (she's "collecting" them and, of course, Pete wanted to too).  Pete's were still on the branch so I filled an old milk jug with water for it and put it in the bedroom.  Them Pete and I tried to make a leaf print-He coated a leaf with fingerpaint and it, paint-sid down-on construction paper.  He covered that with newspaper and put weights on top.  He was covered with paint but I had to spank him to him in the tub.  Read him Dougal Looks For Birds and The March Wind.  He's complaining of being tired again....and my toe REALLY hurts

Sunday, September 4th 1977-in which we practice our morning ritual, and Petey learns about Communion

We had our cereal-Petey left me "a bite on the bottom" of his (it's a complicated ritual where he has to leave me "a bite on the bottom" of everything he eats and "a little drip" of everything he drinks and vice-versa so we're "sharing").  Dad picked us up just before 10:00am.  We were a little late and Pete and I shared a pew with Betty and the children.  Pete was delighted to sit by Richie.  We stopped for coffee after church and Pete and his little friends played "chasing Jason".  It was Communion Sunday today and tonight Pete and I had a long discussion about why he couldn't take Communion.  I explained to him that he had to be grown up enough to understand what Communion was all about, that at Confirmation he would make for himself the promises that Uncle Harold, Aunt Betty, and I made for him when he was baptised.  I told him that some churces let children study about and take Communion when they were seven, but our church started Confirmation lessons at about 11...and he said "When I'm 13, I'll take Communion!"...I hope he lives long enough to (PL NOTE: I Did!).  I suggested he talk to Pastor about Communion because he could explain it better,  Peter wanted to know what the wafers and the wine were for.  I explained to him that Jesus had given his friends bread and wine and said "This do in remembrance of me" and that every Communion was a celebration of Jesus' life and our being rescued from sin, and given enternal life so that when we die we don't just "stop".  He seemed to understand, tho I'm sure Pastor could have done better.  I think Pete's really "ready" for confirmation classes now.  Pete spent a lot of time with MaryJo today.  She was very kind to him even playing ball on the front lawn with him.  I went out once to see what he was doing, then went back in and left them together.  Pete has a big crush on MaryJo-sometimes just seeing her will render him speechless and shy, and he'll hide behind my back-so he was in a state of bliss to have her all to himself...and playing!  Dad brought in lots of vegetables.  I took some over to Betty Phipps and put some adide for Thelma.  I saved some squash for Sylvia, but remembered when I phoned her that they're camping this weekend.  I called Thelma today and Monty picked up the phone and yelled "NO, VERNON'S NOT HERE!"  I was rather surprised but Thelma explained that a gang of kids had been taking it in turn to call up and ask for Vernon (he's in jail this weekend).  We're going to Thelma's for supper tomorrow.  Took Pete for a tricycle walk-we went down as far as the Episcopalian Church where he'll go to kindergarten next year-all going well.  A thin black and grey cat with a purple collar follwed us most of the way-in fact all the way home.  It must be someone's pet because of the collar, but it had no tag and we couldn't find anyone it belonged to-poor thing.  If it's still around tomorrow, I'll put some food out for it (even tho I know better).  Pete made "B"'s and "D"'s tonight, but said it was too hard for him to do any lessons.  I told him he dind't have to for a long time yet.  Bathed him, cut his finger nails, and read him Firerose.  I read The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and Practise to Deceive (Linenger Police procedural).

Saturday, September 3rd, 1977-in which we do some Thrift Store shopping and do some reading.

Pete watched cartoons all morning-switching from channel 2 (tennis open) to channel 6, and stopping only briefly to have his breakfast creal.  This afternoon-at 3:oopm, Betty Phipps took us the Little Red House (theri 10 cent sale was over, but we picked up one Avon motorcycle full of aftershave for Pete-50 cents), to the Episcopalian Thrift Store <PL NOTE-Now the home of Next Chapter Food Pantry, managed by my wife, Wendi> (two dresses fro me @ 75 cents each, 3 books-10 cents each, and a doll bathrobe for Pete's dolly, a nickel), and to Salvation Army.  Their clothes were so high ($3 for a pair of pants, 75 cents for a navy blue skirt with no hem) that I didn't buy anything...but I found two records; Wanda Landowski playing the harpsichord and Glen Gould playing Bach (the corner of the cover had been chewed...probably by a puppy, but the record had never been opened) for 40 cents each, and Pete got 15 plastic horses he's put with his army.  I told Thelma about the skirt and she went over and got it for Sissie's school uniform.  I bought a few more books, too.  Got a copy of Aiken's Castle Barebone for 10 cents-so new it still had the jacket on, at the Thrift Shop.  The Salvation Army overcharged me a dime-not much but it's indicitive of their attitude.  I'll make my contributions, and they're fairly hefty, to the Thrift Shop from now on.  We got a letter from Carol Carr today-she's having a problem with the fishing boat.  She gets seasick!  Petey and I took naps at 5:00pm and spept till 8:30 because I didn't set the alarm.  Petey didn't want any dinner.  He just ate green pepper strips and jello.  The steak bulged in the pan and I had to slice it with that nice sharp knife Bill gave me to make it lie down flat.  Saved some for lunch tomorrow (hate to reheat it but I can't afford to waste that much).  After all that shopping, I just hhave a dollar left for church tomorrow.  Will have to take Monday's coffee money (Lorraine's taking us for our blood tests and stopping  afterwards) out of my $10.00 for Boise (be nice if we don't have to go).  My toe hurts.  I think I've popped out the joing.  Read Petey The Dead Tree and How The Sun Was Brought Back To The Sky, and I read Lathen's Come To Dusk (for the second time)-college politics, and A Stitch In Time-taking on the medical profession.  Pete and I listened to "Hardtack is a Fine Old Engine, Landowski", and Gould tonight.  He's getting an eclectic musical education.  Wish I knew more about music.  He said today he wants me to be his teacher in school because I'm a good teacher...nice someone still thinks so...

September 2nd, 1977-In which there's a schedule mix up and Thelma adds the drama

Thelma called this afternoon and said MSTI had tried to reach me, that they wanted to shift Pete's September 7th appointment to the 28th, "because his blood test was so good.".  Obviously there's been a foul up.  I called MSTI but everyone had left and the switchboard was closing down, so they said to call @ 8:00 a.m. Tuesday.  Thelma said they told her they were trying to reach me all morning...but that can't be true because Petey and I were home until 1:30pm.  In fact, I called Children's Services trying to talk to Patty Baladez.  So now I have to stew until Tuesday.  Had a piece of good news today-Petey only has to write his first name to get a library card, and he can do that now.  They gave me the card for us to fill in...maybe Betty Phipps will take us by the library tomorrow so he can get it...Dad picked us up @ 1:30 pm.  We went to the bank (instead of depositing $5.00 in savings, I put it aside for Boise), to the post office (food stamps and rent), Harry Erlebach's office (life insurance premium), and Frontier Music (Pete's lessons-and I checked on make ups).  Then Dad took Pete and Mom to the park, while I went to the library.  I checked out the rest of the Lathins (?) I hadn't read, and went through the "L"'s to Leniger (Dell Shannon).  They ought to print a list of pseudonyms.  Dad sent Pete in to fetch me.  Then we went to Safeway-I'd forgotten the grocery list but got everything on it.  Pete helped me shop-I got him a lined tablet, red ruler (he picked it out), pen, and school box (to keep supplies in).  Filled a WIC Coupon and got coffee too (I couldn't even have a cup this morning...had instant orange capucino).  Left me with $19.00 in the bank to last till the 13th.  Pete wanted a toy car, but I said no.  He said "Damn it!" but didn't fuss any more.  I explained to him we had to be careful how we spent our money.  I explained carefully and he seemed to understand...Dad was pleased.  I know he thinks Betty's boys spend too much, too freely.  Pete wants a lunch bucket with BatMan and Wonder Woman but they're $4.95.  Suggested it to Dad for his birthday.  Then Dad took us to the A&W.  I had a rootbeer float.  Pete had milk and a sip of my rootbeer.  We got home at 4:15pm and Marilyn Cates called because she'd found the brass button from the brown dress she gave me.  We plan to get together next week-probably Friday.  Made a puzzle and punched out some pictures.  Pete napped for a while after Electric Company-then Thelma called about 8:00pm and woke him.  Herman told Vernon that Thelma was "having him put in jail", and he should come and live at the farm, and the police thought it was a good idea"...Good Ol' Herman (oy!).

Then Pete went outside with Daniel for a while and Daniel gave him lots more green peppers.  We both love them.  Had cubesteak, green peppers, and canteloupe for dinner.  I bought a jar of apple butter today-sheer nostalgia-one time I got lost in Missouri and the family who found me fed me apple butter-I've loved it ever since.  Gave Pete a bath and read him Keats' Letter to Amy and The March Wind, and Farm Pets.  I read Murder Without Icing (Ice Hockey as big business).  Pete had 2 Methatrexate today.

Thursday, September 1st, 1977-in which Aunt Betty loses her ducks and geese

Dr.  Baskerville's office called this morning.  Pete's white count is down so they said to cut his medication in half till the next count.  He goes to MSTI again next week.  Thelma called @ 10:00 am and woke me.  She's not sure if she'll be able to take us-last time they only paid her 4 cents a mile for her trip to Weiser and that didn't cover her gas.  Betty called and she came @ 2 pm.  I heated up and iced by second loaf of cinnamon bread.  Petey fussed so much about having some I told him I wasn't going to give him any.  Then I let him have half a slice.  I told him tonight that was a mistake and I wasn't going to do it again-that if he wanted nice things, he must learn not to cry and fuss or he wouldn't get any.  I explained to him several times that it was wrong to tell him I wouldn't let him have something, and then give it to him, and that it wouldn't happen again.  Finally he said "I'm scared about what you said, Mama", but I was certain he understood.  Betty came at two, and she helped me select 3 continuing projects my students can do in Sunday School.  We agreed that was all the "crafts" I'd have time for.  Aging "parchment" with a candle we decided to leave for the parents to do at home if they want to.  I'm not risking burns or fire at church.  She pointed out I didn't have to get through everything listed for each session and we crossed out the parts I don't intend to use.  If Bryan is in the class, I'll have to do a lot of reading out loud because he's still having trouble reading...Betty says she wishes he could learn braille to see if that would help.  He's dyslexic.  Petey has just about memorized Batman.  He "read" it to me last night.  Betty said someone had shot, or else a pack of wild dogs had gotten six of their ducks and five of their geese.  The bodies were torn but not eaten.  The one remaining goose cost her $25.00 at the vet's-wing splint, antibiotics, salve because so many of it's feathers were torn off...and Babe didn't even bark.  The police are investigating and they got another dog-part shepherd-to keep guard outside.  Read last night about an electric shock method for stopping smoking-wish I could try it!  Pete built a farm on the kitchen table tonight.  He played with it for over an hour.  I invented a "trash collector" tonight who collects little boys who don't pick up their toys in a big truck and takes them to work on a farm.  Pete knows it's a "protest"...Betty wants a horse-and they're having sheep again.

Wednesday, August 31st, 1977 In which the Monster sneaks in

With apologies to all who've been following this series, please accept my sincere personal apologies for the serious lag between the last post and this one.  Suffice it to say, I've been having some technological issues (specifically not having regular access to a computer) that's been part of the problem-the other piece being that I often don't take into account the emotional taxation of going through these passages and memories-keeping in mind that I am rediscovering many of them even as I transcribe them for others.  That said, Mom's Birthday fell on the first week of May and Mother's Day Eve in particular seemed the appropriate time to begin again...

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I feel sad and empty tonight-if only there were someone I could talk to at 11:30 p.m.  Petey exasperated me at dinner.  he took over an hour to eat-until, finally, I refused to tell him the stories of "Charlie Brown" and "Charlotte's Web", and threatened to spank him if he didn't sit up and eat his hamburger.  He cried, but ate, and I relented and told him the stories while he had dessert (jello).
I spent the whole day picking up toys he got out and finally tonight I told him I was going to put them all in a sack and throw them away...and I almost meant it.  He spent so long in the bath tonight, playing, that I told him I was going to scream if he didn't get out.  Don't know if I'm so edgy because I didn't take a nap, or if I forgot my pill this morning (Petey said I took it).  But maybe I'm just sad...Sylvia called at 9:00 a.m. and came over @ 10:30 a.m.  We were going to the park but it was cloudy and cold and the children were playing happily so we stayed home.  Sylvia and I had a pot of tea and visited while Sharon and Pete played with play-dough on the kitchen table.  Sharon starts school next week.  I called John Sandquist about transport for next week, and Bob Keele about Pete's medicine.  Dr. Baskerville refused to request the drug exception for 6MP-must ask her about it next week.  Called Frontier Music and Pete can take a make-up class for the 22nd (and the week after if necessary).  Patty came after lunch and we got Pete's medicine and pants (one says "Sesame Street"), some heavy winter shirts, and a pair of shoes (the only ones they had), but I'll have to buy arch supports to put in.  Then Patty picked up Stewart's letter.  I told her Diane was expecting their 6th, and she said " Just wait till I see Armando!".  Then Pete had a nap, but I couldn't sleep so got up and read-intending to sleep during his programs (at least I finished today's paper today.  Yesterday they reported the death of a little boy from eating too much salt at one meal...how can that be!?) but while his programs were on, Pete wanted to make a picture with the "found objects" he and Betty Phipps brought back from their walk yesterday.  So, we got out the  Elmer's glue and the construction paper and glued and glued.  Everything seemed to stick pretty well exception for one leaf that kept curling, and Pete finally pulled it off in disgust and stuck in on numbered (illegible) they'd found.  The tape "mustache" stuck well as did the bottle caps.  Next question, what can we do with the picture?  Pete and I made jello in a mold today (and consequently I washed all the molds and the wall) and Pete helped loosen it in hot water and turn it.  He wanted to eat the "pretty jello" all by himself  but let me have some.  He made me a Tinker Toy swing set today, because Paul broke mine.  I resolved to clean kitchen cupboards tomorrow...weevils (ugh!).  Read Pete Black Is Brown Is Tan about racially mixed marriage.  I read The Monster Makers.   I worry I'm turning into a "Monster" too!  Tired of trying to be perfect all the time!

Tuesday, August 30th, 1977-in which the Sandovals pay a visit and Nancy stresses about teaching Sunday School

Pete had his mehatrexate today-apparently with no ill effects.  I overslept this morning and Pete woke me at 10:30am when Betty Phipps came to the back door...she said, "I;m so sorry, I waited till I was sure you'd be up!".  I got dressed and Pete and I took some vegetables (beans, corn, squash, tomato, cucumber, peppers) over to her house and I had a cup of coffee with her.  Be5tty kept Pete while I dashed over to WIC headquarters to pick up my August coupons.  I tried to fix lunch and Diane Sandoval phoned to say she was coming over, Thelma called (Vernon might have to go jail and she's having trouble collecting her unemployment), and Betty came over again to invite Pete for a walk.  Betty Nelson brought our laundry over.  Then Diane, Paul, Monica, and Carmelita arrived (she's expecting their sixth and Paul's not a year old yet!)  Monica, Rosanna, and Yvonne will all be in school this year-Monica's in the bi-lingual program at May Roberts.  They left just after 2:30pm and I tried to settle Pete for a nap, but he was too excited to sleep.  I finally turned on the television for him and I slept till 4:30pm, when he woke me up from a dream about carrots.  Betty Phipps made chicken in her pressure cooker and brought Pete a piece.  He watched his shows till 6:30pm, when Betty took him for an exploring walk.  I did my Sunday School lessons and panicked-I can't do all that singing, and craft work, and...but I called the farm and Betty (Nelson said she'd come over on Thursday and help me plan.  Betty Phipps and Pete came back with a sack full of stuff they'd collected, which Pete plans to make into a picture tomorro0w with white glue and construction paper.  He showed Betty his "school book" and tried working on "a" while she was here.  We did "p" last night and a maze.  Tonight he did a dot-to-dot picture and "o".  "c" was harder than "p".  After dinner I read him My Mommy Says There Aren't Any.  I dusted half the books in the bedroom tonight.  Pete told me Taybear poured a bucked of dust on them and certainly looked that way!  Scrubbed Hermit's bowl today since Carmelita spilled his water and Paul got into his shells.  Promised Pete a bath in the morning.  He said he was too tired tonight.  Must ask Patty to take his pills for refills tomorro0w.  I'll ask Betty Phipps to babysit while I see Dr. Daniels-don't want Pete there while I have my Pap.  Thelma said she'd take us to MSTI.  Read The Amiable Meddler today.  Supposed to be funny...really sad.

Monday, August 29th, 1977-in which Pete is not allowed to see the Star Wars of his generation

We're being invaded by insects.  Pete found a big ant on the floor tonight and I found a big black beetle or cockroach or something on the floor in the bathroom and smashed it and smashed but I douldn't kill it so I finally flushed it down the toilet.  I hate bugs.  Mr. Baker came today to take us to the hospital, but before he came Lorraine Bennett phoned to let us know she was back in town.  We stopped by Ontario Pharmacy to refill Pete's mercaptopurine, only to find out they've never gotten a drug exception for it so they couldn't fill it.  Pete was fussy and whiny before his blood test today but Sister Angelica talked him into a better mood, and he went back to see her to see how she ran his blood test, while I waited for him in the waiting room.  We saw Marsha Dekker and she told me she might bring Allen over Wednesday if she can-her baby is due almost any day now (she's still working too-at least she'll be handy to the hospital..).  Pete told me tonight that when Dave babysat for him he saw his friend , Bonnie, who took care of him when he was in hospital, and he ran right over and jumped in her lap he was so glad to see her. Pete was upset with me because I wouldn't take him to "Star Wars", but I told him we had to save our money for music lessons.  John still hasn't found anyone to help.  Good thing it's not the $25.00 for Nursery School I'm facing (kindergarten, that is)!  John called today.  Stewart wanted to know if Betty would act as intermediary with me-I said "no, but ask her yourself", and Pete's inside leg measurement so he could send him a bicycle.  I said "HA!"  Forgot to ask about music lessons or tell him about the drug exception (I did call Dr. Baskerville) and couldn't get him back so I'll have to call Wednesday (he's out tomorrow).  He said he'd have Patty pick up Stewart's letter.  I think Pete and I will have to walk over to the WIC clinic tomorrow to get our coupons for August.  I hope Pete can walk that far and it doesn't rain! (cloudy and cold again today, warmer tonight).  Pete went out to see Daniel tonight and he gave us green and red peppers and swill chard-I ate some of Dad's cucumber today-a mistake!  Petey played with his electric train tonight and was singing a song about it "down-a-down...plop!".  The plops were when the train hit the track he said.  Pete said Taybear (my teddy bear-PL) taught him the song , Taybear's Daddy (Pink Robert) taught it to him, and Rabbit taught it to Pink Robert-as good as the provenance of most modern folk music.  Pete would please Robert Bebog-he thinks all poems and verses...nursery rhymes, et al...are songs.  I said "Good night, Sleep tight" to him tonight, and he said "don't sing me that song!".  He tried to have a tantrum today because I wouldn't let him have hot dogs for dinner, but he couldn't keep it up after I pointed out it wasn't getting him anywhere.  I read Lathen's Ashes to Ashes (chapter heads from hymns) and By Hook or Crook today.  I'm sorry I only got four Lathens, now I'll have to read someone else.  Read Pete Ivanko and the She-Dragon and Batman tonight.

Sunday, August 28th, 1977-in which Petey goes fishing but doesn't catch anything

Overslept this morning, in spite of the alarm and had only 10 minutes to dress for church.  Fortunately, I had decided to wear what I wore last night and dressed quickly, but I had to finish dressing Petey while Dad was here.  Still, we arri9ved at church on time and I had remembered to put Pete's fishing pole in the car.  Petey had gotten up early, sliced his banana, and eaten his cereal and then gone back to bed.  We sat with Margaret and Erik Bunce at church.  Erik had some little cars with him and he and Pete played (I'd forgotten Pete's cars).  Then Bernie and Richie came in late and sat with Pete and Erik.  After church Dad dropped Bernie and Pete at Becker's pond.  It was cloudy and overcast but the rain held off.  Dad took Mom and me to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch-I was able to enjoy my mashed potatoes and gravy with a clear conscience since Pete wasn't there to see me.  Then Dad got chicken snacks for Pete and Bernie (I'd saved some of my coleslaw for Pete because he likes it...from there, he won't touch mine).  Then Dad dropped me at home and went back to pick up the boys.  Petey had a bite but the fish got away.  I was glad I didn't have to clean and cook one!  Bernie said he'd take Petey fishing again, only next time at the farm where he thought he'd have better luck.  So Petey must have behaved well.  We napped-I was exhausted from staying awake worrying about what Stewart might do until 3am this morning.  Then we watched "The Muppet Show", "Wild Kingdom", "Wonderful World of Disney"...then Pete and I went outside to play "Justice League" with his airplane, helicopter, and pickup truck.  It was so cold we wore coats (our furnace came on again last night).  Vicky called to see if Pete started school tomorrow.  Maybe by next year he won't have to make so many doctor visits.  Then we came in again and Pete watched "6 Million Dollar Man".  We had hot dogs and beans for dinner while I ate last night's left overs and told him stories of "Charlie Brown" and "Charlotte's Web".  He like "Charlotte's Web"better than "The Rescuers".  Then we played "Snoopy and Charlie Brown and Woodstock" while I watched the Boston Pops with Ethel Merman and part of Masterpiece Theater's first episode of Charles Dickens' life.  Petey listened to "Hardtack is a Fine Old Engine".  Then I put him to bed and read Zeek Silver Moon and we talked about baking bread together like the story.  Carol Wallace gave him a Sambo's book at church today and we cut out the Sambo and Tiger paper dolls and played with those tonight.  I read Murder Against The Grain-Soviet American wheat treaty (?-writing was a bit faded here-PL)-ahead of its time.

Saturday, August 27th, 1977-in which we see a double feature and Nancy is irritated by people who talk in movies (now we know where Pete gets it from)

Pete and I went to the movies with the Loebachs tonight.  We saw "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown" and "Charlotte's Web".  Pete had seen "Charlotte's Web" before on TV (he told the librarian the plot while we were there this afternoon) but didn't mind seeing it again-and it was, of course, better in colour.  Pete got up at 7:00am to watch TV and didn't eat breakfast until 11:00am, when there was a Frisbee contest he didn't care about.  He had a banana sliced on his cereal and I had to get more beananas today so he could do it again.  He lay down about 1:00pm , and when Granpa came to get us at 2:00pm, he was sound asleep.  At the library, he found a big chairl to sleep in while I got my books.  He finally woke up enough to get his own books.  He told me, "I got some really great books Mom!-Look at the pictures.  I know some are a little bit scary, but I won't be scared, I promise!".
I got through J and K today and started on L-I got some new Emma Lathen's.  I like her hero, John Thatcher.  From the library, we went to Safeway.  Got more cube steak and some very ripe watermelon (I think it will be our last this season).  Mailed a letter to Starr Savage today and sent her a copy of Pete's story about the two little pigs who lived in the snow.  I fixed chicken soup as soon as we got home and we lay down for a nap at 4:30pm.  I set the alarm for 6:00pm so we'd have plenty of time to get ready.  Pete wanted to dress up for the movie so I wore my new blue dress  Betty gave me for the first time.  He wore his "leisure suit".  The Loebachs came at 7:00 so we were right at the head of the queue (or however it's spelled).  The "Charlie Brown" movie was first and Pete thought the parts about being outside in the dark and the owl chasing Woodstock were scary, so he sat in my lap for most of the movie.  There was a couple behind us who had apparently come in on their own, sans kids, and kept explaining the movies very loudly to each other, which was pretty irritating.  Little Davey took off down the aisle by himself and got lost, but Peter went and guided him back.  For the most part he was very well behaved (a lot more active than I remember Pete being at one and a half, but then Pete was in training at the Komstam Nursery to be a proper phlegmatic Englishman).  I heard nothing further about my "emergency phone call" from England, so have decided it was just another ruse to get my phone number.  I fixed Pete and me cube steak and peas and sweet potatoes for me when we got home, but Pete just picked at his dinner.  He said he was so tired he could collapse and he could just go to sleep without a bath, but he insisted on a story because it made him sad if I didn't read one.  He had Ivanbo and The Dragon and I started Death Shall Overcome.  So cool and rainy today the furnace switched on.  Fishing with Bernie tomorrow!

Friday, August 26th, 1977-in which Nancy receives an emergency call from London and Pete worries about bats (again)

The telephone company called tonight and said they had an emergency call for me-would I please call a London number, which they gave me.  I called Dad and talked it over with him.  He assumed, as did I, that it was another of Stewart's tricks.  He suggested I call John Sandquist so I did and gave him the number.  He said he wouldn't call it, but would pass it on.  I told John that Stewart had tried once to commit suicide and I was a little worried on that score-but I knew, even if I talked to Stewart, that I wouldn't tell him anything he'd want to hear.  As I told John, the only thing I'd consider an emergency would be if something happened to Pete and he was right here, sleeping safely in his bed.  He didn't take a nap this afternoon, then went to sleep in front of the TV watching "Wild Kingdom", so I carried him in and put him to bed.  He woke just long enough to have some chicken soup, milk, and a story (When the Root Children Awoke and Batman and Robin: From Alfred to Zowie), a song, and then back to sleep.  He had his methatexate today and complained of his stomach hurting so I gave him 1/2 a Tylenol-perhaps that's why he was so sleepy.  I set the alarm for 7:am in the morning so I can switch on his cartoons.  I called Sylvia and we arranged to go to the movies ("Charlotte's Web" and "Run For Your Life, Charlie Brown") tomorrow night.  Dad couldn't come in today so he's planning to take us to the library tomorrow, too.  I called Thelma tonight but Sissie said she was busy and couldn't come to the phone.  I just pray Stewart wasn't thinking of suicide tonight.  It would be a terrible thing to have on my conscience that a phone call could have saved him and I didn't make it.  But once we're divorced he can't be anything to me anyhow.  I have to think of Pete and how to keep Stewart from doing him harm.  I wrote to Starr Savage tonight while Pete was sleeping.  I'll get Pete to paint her a picture tomorrow to slip in the letter.  Elliot's left and Dad decided not to go with him after all because Mom's health is so precarious and he didn't want Betty to have all the care to doalone.  Must be rather like Noah's sons seeing the old man drunk and naked for Betty to have to help Dad with Mom's care.  Embarassing for both of them.  I fixed the cinnamon bread I got at Safeway today., but didn't find it any better hot with icing than cold without.  It was rainy and cold today and we stayed in all day.  I ready Haining's The Ghost's Companion and The Wild Night Company.  Washed my hair.  Pete worried about bats again.

Thursday, August 25th, 1977-in which Nancy navigates the bureaucracy of Medicaid, and Stewart sends another threatening letter

Glen called this morning so I asked him about an alternate dentist in case I couldn't wait to see Dr. White, and he said he couldn't give me any names, I'd just have to call them all and see which ones took welfare cards.  Then I asked him about going to see Dr. Daniels and he quoted a regulation I couldn't understand at all-but I went ahead and called for an appointment anyhow.  I need a pap smear, and I've been having pains and needles in my left arm a lot.  I also need to see about having my Tremon prescription renewed.  Pete and I can't go in to see Dr. White until the end of September unless he has a cancellation before then.  Pete had gotten up, eaten his cereal, and gone back to bed.  He slept quite late this morning, and complained of feeling tired all day.  He fixed my cereal for me.  He'd finished the Total, so I was reduced to that awful Banana Crisp stuff, and he put a lot more in the bowl than I wanted.  Then he carefully flattened the cereal with his hand and poured on the milk.  I finished my letter to Uncle Rudy and folded Pete's picture and a wallet sized photo of Pete and me inside, and put it out for the mailman.  It rained again today and was cool enough so I didn't put on the fans.  I tried dusting the one in the bedroom by hand but wasn't very successful.  Dad phoned tonight and I complained to him about it, so he said he had an old vacuum of Grandma Nancy's he thought I might use.  The dirt just falls down inside the fan and is impossible to reach.  I had a letter from Stewart today at this address.  He said the divorce is going to cost me $50,000, I'll wind up on a "funny farm" (and Pete in a children's home), and he's going to get me for perjury, among other things.  I told John about it and he's going to come over Monday to get it and copy it.  Stewart must have gotten the divorce petition...perhaps he got my address from that-but I wish he didn't have it.  Thelma took us to Safeway at 2:00pm.  Pete had a yogurt stick and a burrito with Thelma's kids while he waited in the car.  I got him a new "school book", The Shapes and Sounds of Letters, and some more construction paper-as well as the plain yogurt he wanted.  Bought some cereal bowls and cashed a check so I'd have enough to take him to the movies.  I filled my last WIC coupon and gave Thelma 1 doz. eggs, a large can of pineapple juice, and 2lbs of of cheese (I let her pick them) since we still have lots of eggs and cheese.  Got home too late for Pete to nap.  I napped while he watched TV.  We had dinner (soup, cube steaks, corn) and watched some of "Welcome Back Kotter".  They mentioned Cyrano de Bergerac and Pinocchio, so Pete wanted the story of Pinocchio again.  We played "car sale" and "car wash" since it was too wet and cloudy to risk going for a walk.  Gave him a quick bath-only two boats and two Weebles-and read him The House That Jack Built and My Kitten.  We listened to 'Eroica" and "Hungarian Rhapsody".  I read James' Cover Her Face-not bad

Wednesday, August 24th, 1977

Mrs. Norris picked us up at quarter to eleven.  We went to Ontario Pharmacy where I left Pete's methatrexate to be filled.  We went in as soon as we got to Dr. Baskerville's office.  Pete is up to 49 pounds.  I told him he'd have to have toys for his "special treats" instead of food-must get his weight down while he's on 6MP and methatrexate.  His white count, hemoglobin, and platelet count were all normal today!  We called Mrs. Norris at her daughter's house, picked up Pete's medicine, and came home again.  We had hamburgers for lunch and then napped.  Pete was watching his programs while I read the paper.  There was an advertisement for the Pix (now an extension of Eldridge Furniture in downtown Ontario, though remnants of the theater's seating can be found at Jolts and Juice Company-PL). They have "Charlotte's Web" and a Charley Brown movie this week.  I tried unsuccessfully to call Sylvia Loebach to see if she wanted to send Sharon with Pete and just as I hung up the phone, Sylvia drove up.  I made her a pot of tea and she said she might like to go to the movie too.  We planned to make it some night this week (I'll have to cash a check) and to take the children on a picnic one day next week.  They may be moving to Nyssa-Dave has taken a job there, tho he's still waiting to hear about one that was offered him here.  Pete, Sharon, and little Davey played and watched TV while Sylvia and I talked.  After they left, Pete and I planned to go outside but it had rained today and the mosquitoes were fierce so we stayed inside.  We took some corn over to Betty this morning and she loaned Pete Bill's "car wash" to play with, so Pete organized a "car sale" in th living roomj and then we pretended we were washing and repairing all the cars.  I started a letter to Uncle Rudy, and Pete made him a "cut and glue" picture of mountains, a train, and a railroad track while he listened to "Hardtack is a Fine Old Engine".  I played "Carmine Burana" and Pete said he like it.  I defrosted the refrigerator today with Dad's gadget-had everything piled on the table when Sylvia came.  It really is fast-the ice comes off in big chunks instead of a little at a time.  It was cool enough today so I didn't think things would spoil being out for a short time.  Pete finished the hamburger for dinner, wanted some of my bacon, but wouldn't touch Dad's green beans.  He asked for corn and I cooked it, but he was too tired to eat it.  Called Thelma.  Vernon was arrested for having stolen property-some of the parts he used to fix his bike were stolen from a State Policeman's child's bike.  Read Pete The Root Children Wake Up.  No bath tonight, too tired.

Tuesday, August 23rd, 1977-in which a relative comes to town and we learn that Pete's Grandfather was the "Black Sheep" of the Hansen family

Today was a very special day.  Just after we had gotten dressed, Dad came to the door with Uncle Elliot.  We hadn't seen him since last summer.  They only stayed a few minutes, but Dad took some pictures of Pete and me with Uncle Elliot.  Just after they left, Leona, the new Public Health nurse arrived.  She gave Pete another "music lesson" as well as checking his pulse and respiration and looking at some little bruises that were worrying me.  Thelma called.  The woman who was supposed to hold her Fair Employment Practices hearing had had a car wreck and couldn't get here-and her other appointment had been moved up.  James and Tommy had gone out after she told them not to, so they couldn't go to the fire station with Pete (at which point, Pete was so upset he had a nosebleed and dashed into the bedroom and slammed the door so I wouldn't see).  We decided to go to the A&W for lunch without the boys if necessary.  Then Sylvia called and asked me to babysit tonight but I told her I couldn't because my uncle was here and I didn't know Dad's plans.  I tried to call John to arrange arrange a ride to the doctor's tomorrow, but our phone was out of order.  Got the phone company and they said they'd check it.  Then Thelma came, with Sissie, James, and Tommy-said Vernon had been arrested last night for "stealing" an old bicycle that had been given to him.  We ate coney dogs (30 cents today!), hamburgers, hot-dogs, and burritos for the kids (Pete forgot his burrito in the car-more tears), milk for Pete, root beer for everyone else.  Then we went to the fire station.  Sissie and Pete went in, the boys had to stay in the car.  Pete saw the new pole-I took pictures of Pete by the pole and at the wheel of the largest engine.  I double exposed, forgot my flashbulbs, but finally got two pictures I hope will be good.  Pete and Sissie got a ride on the fire engine.  Tommy and James were so mad they wouldn't speak to Pete.  Home, naps, and then the man arrived to fix Betty Phipps' doors.  I found the screws for him and he put on one new one.  Then Dad called to say they'd come for us about 7:00pm, so I dashed over to water Betty Phipps' lawn while Pete watched his programs.  Turned off the hose just as Dad and Uncle Elliot arrived.  I changed quickly while they waited in the truck and Pete and I were off to the farm.  We had barbecued steaks for dinner and I had a long visit with Uncle Elliot-the first time we've ever really talked.  Betty told me Monty Keffer had tied to date Tina and she'd flatly forbidden it.  She also told me some members of the church want Pastor Petrasik to resign, and I told her about Ron Eldredge.  She was also surprised that Dad used to be considered the black sheep of his family (poor and "roving").  We got home at 10:00pm and the Phipps' were there waiting to get in.  I had the only key to their house!  Betty gave me a bottle of wine and Pete a helicopter (he took it to bed with him).  We had a bath and washed his hair to be clean for Dr. Baskerville.  I read Jame's The Black Tower.  Pete had Hop On Pop and Mr. Bear and the Ride

August 22nd, 1977

Pete was in fine fettle tonight.  He switched over to 6MP instead of predisone today, and was running a little temperature (99+).  Now I know what "feverish activity" is!  He just wouldn't settle and go to sleep.  Nobody came to take us to the hospital this morning so we finally had to take a cab.  Gordon did our blood tests (mine was a week late).-arm for me, finger stick for Pete.  Sister Angelica was away so he didn't visit in the lab.  We had lunch in the cafeteria.  I had a ham and cheese sandwich and rhubarb pie.  Petey went with veal and mashed potatoes and gravy, and some jello.  I finished for him. Then we took a cab home again.  I talked to Vi on Paul's radio and asked her again if she'd like to go to church.  I told her I start teaching Sunday School  on the 11th. 

We took early naps.  Julie Warren came over just as Pete was lying down so I had to send her away.  Then we watched all Pete's programs.  I called Thelma and she's planning to bring Tommy over about noon.  I called the farm.  Betty said Mom has flu-and I called Dr. Baskerville but Sylvia said nothing can be done, just to wait.  Then I called Mr. Tuttle to tell him I had Betty's key in case the man comes about the door (probably too late, since we had a postcard saying they'd be back tomorrow or Wednesday).  I've got to call Dr. Daniels-pins and needles in my arm, pap smear, prescription refill...and I need to call Dr. White the dentist-I've a tooth that aches whenever I eat anything hot or cold and Pete has never been to the dentist.  I keep putting both off-tomorrow...

Pete woke up twice tonight, scared from having nightmares about the bats in "The Rescuers".  He made me tell him the story again at dinner and this time, for the first time, it upset him.  It's 1am now and he's still awake.  I scrubbed the beets and carrots Dad gave us tonight and Pete helped husk the corn.  We had corn on the cob for dinner, but one piece stayed so tough we couldn't eat it.  Pete made hamburger patties and I mad coleslaw with the red cabbage Dad gave us.  We went outside to play but the mosquitoes were so vicious we came right back in and played Batman and Robin in the library room, pretending the green carpet was grass.  Pete built a very elaborate Loc Bloc house with a garden, then pulled it all apart again.  We built a swing set with a ladder out of Tinkertoys.  Pete listened to "Hardtack, He's a Fine Old Engine again, then had his bath.  He said he was too tired to play, then took two boats and the submarine in the tub.  Read him The Wise Monkey's Tale and School For Sillies then sat with him.  We played my hair was a tent for him to go to sleep in.

Sunday, August 21st, 1977-in which Grandma Alice's health worsens, Nancy and Peter pick some vegetables, and there's corn for dinner

Dad had to usher for church today so he picked us up at 9:30am.  I took the photos of Pete and Nicole along to let Marilyn pick which one she wanted.  Margaret sat with us in church, but Eric and James weren't with her today.  Linda Petrasek gave me the teacher's manual and one of the learner's tests for Sunday School.  It starts September 11th.  She said they still hadn't arranged transportation, but she'd bring me herself if necessary.  Now that I'm committed I'm nervous about it, but I know Pete will enjoy it.  He wanted to go last winter, but I had no way to get him there.  We went out to the farm after church and picked beans and corn.  Dad gave us tomatoes, a cucumber, green peppers, carrots, and beets-then we had egg and bacon sandwiches for lunch.  Mom got a chill while we were there and started shaking badly.  Dad said she'd had one in the night, too.  Dr. Daniels wasn't available (I guess he doesn't even have an answering service to pick up his phone) so Dad called the Emergency Room at the hospital.  They told him it sounded like flu, and to give mom 2 aspirins and some 7-up, start her on clear liquids (but they didn't specify what that meant and he'd given her some carnation instant breakfast when I called tonight.  She'd been vomiting and Dad was about to give her meatballs with onions but I talked him out of that.  He said 7-up just didn't seem like enough (I know how he felt, but I always feel the same way when Pete has to be on clear liquids and bland diet).  Then Dorie Hatch came over and took Pete and me home so Dad could stay with Mom.  She took us by Safeway and I got some rolls for Pete's Sunday treat, some pop, and hamburger.  I let Pete pick the rolls since they were his treat.  Then Dorie was going back to the farm to help Dad with Mom.  He'd put a lot of covers on Mom and Dorie wanted to take them off again if mom had a fever.  She was afraid Dad wouldn't be able to read the thermometer.  Dad's going to get in touch with Dr. Daniels tomorrow.  I asked him to let me know if it is flu so I can call Dr. Baskerville (Pete sees her on Wednesday anyhow).  We napped-for once Pete didn't have to stay up to see his programs since they're not on on Sunday.  At 6:00pm, I started watering Betty Phipps' yard, while Pete ate up our left over watermelon.  After I finally got the hose set on the lawn, Pete and I snapped green beans and Pete husked the corn for dinner.  I kept moving the hoses while we were cooking and eating supper-finally finished about 9:30pm.  I checked the houseplants, too, and all except for two were still moist so I put a little water on the two dry ones.  The petunias in the pots outside are done for, I think-just too hot.  We had a few spots of rain after church this morning but it never really turned into a storm.  Pete wanted some soup after dinner (cube steak and corn) and I had a quick bath and washed my hair while it heated.  Then Pete had a bath after he ate his soup.  Yesterday when he got out of the bath he had black dirt still so today I really soaped him all over (he was too tired to wash himself).  I cut his fingernails and toenails, cleaned both, and put tape on his toes-then put him to bed (no sheet due to weather).  Read him Farmer Palmer's Wagon Ride-adventures of a pig and an ass.  I read Hyman's The Lansing Legacy.  Carted the garbage out tonight and swept the back porch while Pete rode Tricycle.

Friday, August 19th, 1977-in which Nicole comes to visit, the Fair is in town, and Nancy has a "Day-Mare"

Petey woke me up just before 10am, and just in time.  I'd only gotten my bathrobe on when the doorbell rang.  It was Marilyn with Nicole and Christen.  I'd totally forgotten I invited Nicole over to play with Pete this morning.  Fortunately, Pete dashed into the bedroom and dressed and I had coffee in the pot to give Marilyn a cup.  Then she left to run errands and Nicole stayed.  I managed to get dressed while they played-they went outside and I followed to keep my eye on them but Petey "ordered" me back inside.  Then they disappeared and I found them in back-Pete barefooted-so I persuaded them both into the house so I could put Pete's shoes on.  Nicole painted and played the organ.  Then Nicole's grandmother arrived to take her home, under protest.  Nicole said she hadn't had any time to play at all.  She and Pete had played pirate ship (and Pete lost his green fishing bole string he';d taken out to have his hands tied up by the pirate.  I don't like his insistence on playing at being tied up-I've warned him about it because of the danger he might be hurt or hurt someone else that he must never ever put anything around his neck or anyone else's) and golf.  Marilyn brought Pete some of Nicole's pants-he's a little shorter than Nicole and they were a perfect fit.  The new ones I got have to be shortened, but now he has 5 pairs he can wear.  I just hope nobody recognizes them and teases him (like they did me when I had to wear "hand-me-downs" at school and the little girl I got them from took pleasure in pointing them out-and with "girls" clothes, it would be worse for Pete).  Nicole left an noon and we ate lunch (I had hamburger, corn , sweet potatoes, Pete had hamburger-most of it "plain" because we ran out of ketchup).  Then it was 1:30pm and Dad arrived with Mom.  They'd dropped Bernie off at the church for his backpacking trip.  We went to the bank-$100 in checking, $46.00 in cash, ten into Pete's savings ($68.00 now!)-then to the post office-$37.00 food stamps, $11.00 + telephone, $11.26 to the Department of Revenue (final statement).  Then we went to Frontier Music and paid the $15.50 "beginning fee", and I asked them to keep my address and phone number confidential in case they get a call from Stewart (I mentioned muisc lessons in my letter to him).  Then to the fair!  Mrs.  Probasco didn't charge any admission for Pete.  We went tot the carnival rides.  Pete went on the Merry-Go-Round (we met Sissie and she held him on).the boots, the airplanes, the horse-drawn carts, and I have 2 tickets left for him tomorrow.  We went through the main exhibit hall, flowers foods, sewing, garden clubs, and co-ops; the small animals exhibit (the ducks and geese scared Pete but he liked the rabbits), and the cow barn (Pete almost ran through that-all those big cows); then back outside to meet Dad.  He treated us at the A&W (I'd meant to treat them)-burritos, milk, and a root-beer float. Dad asked why all my clothes were so heavy (he'd folded them).  I told him I didn't have any "summer" clothes (I had to wear wool pants today).  Safeway (coffee, WIC coupons, water melon n' such-still haven't defrosted the refrigerator).  Home.  Pete's programs, naps (he went to sleep in front of the TV)-we woke up about 7:00pm.  3 hours of watering Betty Phipp's lawn and plants (Pete wouldn't help) then dinner of hot-dogs, beans, and sweet potatoes for me.  Bath and bed.  Read Pete Raggedy Ann And The Cookie Snatchers and Little Bunny Follows His Nose.  I read Someone Is Watching by Giberson and finished Kelland's The Lady And The Giant.  I called the fire chief this afternoon and made an appointment to bring Peter to look at the new station next Tuesday at 1:00pm,  He said "Come any time", but I thought I'd better make it definite, and we have hospital Monday and doctor Wednesday.  Pete wants to see the poles.  Was talking to Thelma tonight and she's going to call and see if Tommy can go along, too.  Pete's relationship with the firemen is pretty special so I hope Tommy behaves himself if he comes.  Thelma wanted to go to the Fair tonight, in time for the show, but Herman called at 6:00pm and said he was coming right in to go with them, and then didn't show up.  We arranged to go over with her tomorrow afternoon, and tomorrow night for the gospel singing.  Dad invited us out to the farm to pick beans tomorrow, but we arranged to go Sunday after church.  He said there were tomatoes, too.  He brought me another squash today.  I had throw the crookneck squash away.  It got soft before I used it.  Must call Mr. Tuttle on Monday and remind him about Betty Phipps' doors-should have done it this week.  I don't know how good a job I've done on her lawn.  Had to water it by flashlight tonight, with Petey yelling from the house "are you all right Mom?".  I had a weird "day mare" today-dreamed I was running away through a series of different rooms, each with deliriously colored dainty lingerie strewn around.  Then I was hiding ("blending in" like in "Guns of Navarrone") in a dingy student union type restaurant.  It was over 100 degrees again today and I've been pouring sweat all day.  As Pete puts it, sadly, "I'm dripping, Mommy!  I'm just sitting here and I'm dripping!"  Even our fans don't help much, and I'm afraid Betty's petunias in pots are just about done for.