Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween - Days Gone By


On Halloween Night 2009 in Eugene, Oregon 
lots of Duck fans will wear this teeshirt to the USC @ Oregon Football Game

Here's what Family Members wore on Halloween "Back in the Day"  


Beth & Dorm-Mates 1977

Lexa and a Friend - 1980

Gangster Cousin - 1981

Matt - 1993

Matt - 1996

Will and Matt - 1999

Friday, October 30, 2009

Letters to and from Elsie Greenwell Upton - Mayo Clinic 1951




Ellen Upton Hall, Elsie Greenwell Upton & Margaret Upton Waning - 1963

Margaret Waning returned to Eugene, OR in early May 1951, but Elsie Upton remained in Rochester, with the aid of a "special nurse" for several more weeks.  As she progressed with therapy she was able to write short notes to her family.
Below is a selection of some of the letters she received and the notes that she sent to her family.   


Card from Sandra Waning


Card from Sandra Waning

"Sandy, Ore., Apr. 23 - 1951
Dear Elsie -
We just received your letter.  We hope for you a speedy recovery.  We have a friend here, who had that operation several years ago & is alright.  We are glad that  you went to that Hospital.  It is the very best, they can do wonders these days, and we are hoping that yours will be one of them.
We are so glad Margaret can be with you.  We know it means a lot you.
Roy has been making fence on the back end of our place between us & the neighbor in the back. 3/4 of a mile of fence.  Now after haying he can turn the cattle up there & they can't get out.  Ge used all steel fence posts.
Remember!! We have a date in August!  We would like some of the rain you speak of.  We having not had a drop in April.  Our poor little strawberry plants.
We haven't been able to get much work done now.  I've had to go to the Dr. for my infection so much.  He didn't help me at all.
I'm using iodine now.  You ought to see my hands.  I have it on both hands & fingers now.  I have to burn skin off before I can kill it.  I believe, after 3 months that I'm doing the right thing now.
Hoping to hear good news from Margaret real soo.
A lot of Love from Roy and Lillian (Greenwell)"       


Get-well Card from Ella McAdam Caufield
"Dear Mrs Upton -
Imagine our surprise to hear of your trip there.  Net wrote that Margaret came in on a plane and that you were doing fine.  I'm so glad it is over and I'm sure that you'll get along fine.  Isn't that place really something - you'd think everyone was sick.  
We are hoping you can get over to Joe's wedding (Her son, Joe Caufield) June 3, but I don't suppose you can make it now.  We are so hoping Aunt Net & Billy (Janet & Willard Waning) will come.  
Bud moved & the few days before Robbie came down with measles.  Then Tommie's got them & they are just out side now.  Such a time.
Hope you have a nioce trip back. The weather has been lovely - Rain - then sunshine.
Best of luck to you & good wishes.
Love, Ella Caufield"    


Postcard from Elsie Upton to Barbara Waning

"April 30, 1951
Dearest Mom & Sis -
I have only time for a very short letter this morning.  I will have to get lunch in a little while, and I have so much work to do I'm almost standing on my head.
As you probably know we changed to daylight savings time Sunday.  I always feel like heck for a few days until I get adjusted to it.  Grover likes it cause he get in more work before the heat of the day.  I'll like it after a while if I ever catch up on my hours sleep that I missed.
Grover came in from fishing about 12:45 last night.  He caught 3 pretty ones at Grace Lake.  He was pretty disappointed, but as I told him he'll have lots of pretty days between now and then end of fishing season.  He had fun anyway.  
Grover is home from the grocery shopping and is studying.  Little Grover is playing outside (it is nice again today) and Little Margaret is playing in the pen.
Hope you are feeling better - sounded from Marg's letter Friday as though you were progressing nicely.  Keep it up!  
Must run & get lunch now.  Let us know how everything is. We'll be thinking of you. 
Hope you are fine, get well soon so you can get back to the good old West Coast & Oregon.  Bye
- Love Grover.
Love, Ellen & all"



    
Card from Elsie Upton to Sandra Waning

"May 8 - 1951
Dear Mom -
I thought I would get a letter off to you yesterday - but didn't make it.  Such a mess - all the kids clothes to put away & my own too - still not through by a long way - but you can get through the house now.  
I had a grand trip home - after we got over Montana the weather cleared - so had a good view of the Rockies & the Cascades too.  They (the Cascades) looked about as impressive to me as the Rockies.  Maybe it was just where we crossed - but there were lots more high peaks in the Cascades.  Had an hour layover in Spokane.  When I got to Seattle I had a most pleasant surprise - there was Jim & he sure did look good!  He liked flying too.  Sun. morning we took an hour's ferry boat ride over to Bremerton - took the plane out at 2:15 DST & in Eugene at 5:30.  Raining again when we landed - not much sight seeing from Seattle down - too foggy.  It cleared some yesterday and is nice today - not very warm.  Going to mow some of the lawn for Jim this PM.  Seems like he has so much to do - course my house needs some floors swept & some dusting done - but guess it will keep.
Found the kids all fine - even Sandie, who is just getting over the measles.  Guess she was a pretty sick little gal.  Helen said she was awake with ear ache most of one night.  Her spots are pretty well faded out - but expect it will be next Monday before she can go to school.  She & Connie are playing dog or horse or something.
Have thought a lot about you and Miss Purcell (the special nurse) - trying to picture at different times of day what you are doing.  Think maybe you are eating lunch now - 12:30 your time.  11:30 here - so Barb will be home for lunch in half an hour.
Several people have called since I got home - Elsie Matthews for one - haven't had much time to call on my own yet - but will soon.  Want to write Ellen too.  Also nice letter from Aunt Ella inquiring about you.  They want Mom W. to go to wedding so bad - I don't know - when she gets her mind made up it's hard to change.  Mom W. said Connie got along fine - never a crying spell - mostly singing & playing all the time. (Also slightly spoiled).
Leaman (Lyman Scott) came over yesterday to say 'hello' & find out how you were.  He is a nice kid (& a big one) - seems like he has grown 6 in. since I saw him last.  Billie (Billie Scott) has been over this morning - curled Connie's hair so she can take her to town pretty soon. 
Not much news - will close now & write again - Love from all of us.  How about a letter from you?
Margaret"         



Card from Elsie Upton to Margaret Waning - the letter she was hoping for!

"5-12-51
Dearest Family:
Thanks so much for the beautiful flowers.  They are just wonderful.  I received your beautiful card and I was so glad to hear from you.  I am so glad Jim met you and you had a nice trip home together. 
I have had some trouble with my arm but it is better. Dr. explained to me what happened. I have had to have the dressing changed every day.  This morning at 8A.M. Monday at 9A.M. Dr. K. doesn't say when I can go home.  I had a nice letter from Jim's Mother Saturday and I was so pleased.  Your Aunt Agnes (Agnes McAdam Ingvalson) wrote me too.  I thought it was kind of her.  I had a nice letter from Elsie M (Elsie Matthews) and a card.  The card came this morning. 
I am sorry Sandy had measles.  I thought she had them when Barbie did.  Mrs. Waning told me what a time Barbie and Connie had watching for you.
This is a beautiful day.  Do you think I should take a plane home or back by train?
I asked Dr. K. when he thought I could go gome and he said, don't be in a hurry.  I will see him Tuessday 1:30P.M.  You have a package from Ellen.  I believe it is stockings and she sent me a book by Betty MacDonald.  It was very good reading.  She said she was sending me a package for Mother's Day.  It hasn't come yet.  I must write the Hall Family.  Did you get Miss P's letter?
There were a few days I couldn't write but I am getting better and I hope I stay that way.  
I will get you girls a gift for Mother's Day when I get home.  I went up town one day and I got so tired I havent tried it since.  I hope to see you soon.  Every thing is getting noce and green here.  Give my girls all my love.  I will try to write to them.
Bye for now.  With my love, Mom"   


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Letters to Margaret Upton Waning - Mayo Clinic - 1951

While in Rochester, MN in April and early May of 1951, Margaret Upton Waning noted in her letters home to James Waning that she was stressed, tired, and lonesome.  She did receive several letters from friends and family while staying at the Hotel Damon in Room #302. These letters were a source of comfort to her.     
Below are some excerpts:

"Sandy, Ore. Apr. 27, '51
Dear Elsie & Margaret, -
So very glad to get your Letter!  Also so glad to know that the operation is over, we feel that everything will come out alright. Those Drs know their business.
Margaret, Roy & I both say that you are the grandest person!  Your letters are wonderful!...
Lots of  Love,
Roy & Lillian (Greenwell)"




Elsie Greenwell Upton and Waning Grandchildren - circa 1950

This letter from Janet McAdam Waning alludes to Connie staying with her...
"Apr. Thurs 26 1951 
Your card and enclosed card and letter were rec'd & you'll just have to imagine how greatly they are appreciated & all the questions (from Connie) ...'and Grandma is in this room & Mommie in another - in the picture of the hotel on paper' - & all the things she'll say to you when you get home - she is doing just grand - fine isn't the word -Sandra visited her one evening while Mr. & Mrs. Scott went to Oakridge...they (girls) had a wild time singing & dancing - & Old Maid - but it was all right when Sandra went - not a whimper."
Here Janet Waning makes reference to her stay in Rochester about 1900 - her mother, Mary Burnet McAdam had stomach cancer, and went to Mayo for medical attention.
No - there was no Colonial - Kaylor, Damon or Subway - just the Rochester & Cook hotels - Cook the best - we stayed at the Rochester with all the rest of sick folks & friends - & it had a nice big dining room - some changes should take place in about 50 years....
Connie scribbled a letter to Ella (Ella McAdam Caufield) & I asked her what she said - she said "I said 'Aunt Ella dear I love you' so I wrote that interpretation to Ella - Letter from Agnes (Agnes McAdam Ingvalson) not much new except Julia Melby was getting $1500 worth of blue rugs - kinda gets Agnes's goat I think...
Mom Waning"


"Eugene, Oregon April 21, 1951
Dear Margaret & Grandma Upton.
We got your card today and Sandy was quite thrilled also Jim came over and gave me a report on his letter...So you think flying is quite alright, I have to admit it's the only way to travel and get there quick...We are getting along just fine...Sandy felt a little blue and lonesome the nite you left and stayed with Jim until bed time but since she hardly goes over - just a new minutes at a time then she's back over here.  They left a few minutes ago for the Carnival (Condon School)
and she looked like a big doll.  She had on her plaid full skirt, white blouse & pants with bells on them. I had washed and curled her hair today and she was really stepping high.  Barbie looked cute too - she had on a green print dress and Hope had her hair combed real nice and I don't think you need to worry about her because every time I've seen her she's been as neat as a pin.  Hope put her hair in pin curls the other nite and the next day it looked just darling.  Since then she's had the front braided and back in cluster curls.  Oh, your daddy looks like he's keeping himself clean and combed too!
Sandie is an angel child only some people don't realize it...The only real struggle I had was trying to to everything like two different mothers do it, and Sandy just couldn't see why she had to change her slip in the middle of the week, & couldn't wear her dress the second day...
Well bye-bye for now with all our Love,
The Scotts & Sandy"


Letter from Barbara

"Apr 29 Sun Morn 10 min till 11:00 D.S.T.
Dear Mammie,
My it is such a relief to be back on daylight savings time !!! I can get up at five instead of four now!  Still get to work at the same time, isn't that wonderful?  Just finished writing checks for light & water and Bendix fixing.  It seems I spend most of my waking hours at home at this desk.  If I were writing to you all the time I wouldn't mind so much, but it is something all the time...You remember, perhaps, Grandmother U. left me two signed checks to fill out for (Grandfather Upton's Portland hospital) that purpose.  Well, I thought being signed I should put them away where no one would find it. Well, I like to never found them myself.  Looked for them a little two or three times then finally put in an hour dumping all the stuff out of my two drawers I knew they were in some book or pad in one of those drawers, finally they fell out of one I had look through a dozen times...
Barbie and I are here alone.  Have had breakfast and dishes done etc.  She practiced the piano about fifteen minutes and wound up bawling about what a teacher's pet Marilyee is and how wonderful she can play the piano etc, etc, etc.  Both kids Barb & Sandie are going to take some straightening out...Then I asked Barb to help dry dishes and finally wound up helping myself. Neither of the girls turned a hand.  Didn't want to cause a scene away from home but have a feeling there will be some wonderful ones when they get home again.  I can hardly wait to get started....Barbie hasn't mowed the lawn or even touched the mower once and doesn't intend to.  Don't know just what to do...
It finally started to rain after 26 dry days in April.  Began a little Fri morn and has been showering since...Don't think we will get enough to bother me much as it is getting late in the season for steady rain (I hope!),  It is the first rain on the new gravel road.  Was beginning to think the gravel was just wasted...
I should have had Gale W. helping me put the new roller in the cat but it is bad to crawl around under the car in the rain.  Next weekend maybe I will get started unless you should be coming home and I would have to interrupt everything to meet you.
Maybe I could get Helen to meet you,  Boy Oh Boy!  She comes over nearly every evening and talks and talks and talks...
Got your 'thing' (a pamphlet about Rochester) all about Rochester Friday was mad at it.  All day I had looked forward to a long letter then that 'thing' with about a dozen words written on it.  Didn't even say you love me...Yesterday I got your letter so felt some better...Between the telephone and Helen I sure get talked to death.  I clean up in the evening and hurry to Cables before the telephone gets me.  Dwaddle over my supper then home for a late talk with Helen. Pooiee.  Well I must close, get Sandie...and go to Dexter...
Love and hurry home, (Jim Waning)
PS Asked Barb several times if she didn't want to enclose a letter.  She says yes but hasn't written a word.  Just wanders around.  She sure misses you.  Lonesome causes the crying I guess."    

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Mother and a Daughter -Elsie Greenwell Upton and Margaret Upton Waning - Mayo Clinic 1951



Mayo Clinic

There are some events which go down in family lore and help to define the meaning of family.  I think that the Upton women's trip in April of 1951 to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota was one such event.  

In the spring of 1951 Elsie Upton was diagnosed with breast cancer.  There was only one "cancer doctor" in Eugene/Springfield at the time, and due to the recent loss of a friend from cancer, Elsie was not enamored of him.  With the help of her G.P., Dr. Gardner, and the Waning's G.P., Dr. Guldager, it was decided that Elsie would go to the Mayo Clinic for a 2nd opinion and have the surgery performed there. The Eugene G.P.s felt that it was a medical emergency and insisted that the women fly to Minnesota, rather than take the train.  This would be the first plane trip for the two of then.  

And so, Margaret Upton Waning made the trip with her mother.  Margaret was a busy, young (35 years old) wife and mother.  In order to be with Elsie, she arranged for Connie to stay with the Waning Grandparents, Sandie to stay with the Helen Scott Family, and Barbara went to Mrs. Clarkson with
additional supervision from Hope, the family's baby-sitter.  She stayed with Elsie through the beginning of May.  Margaret then returned to Eugene.  Elsie remained in Rochester with a privately hired "daily nurse" for continued exams and therapy until about the 20th of May 1951. 

Below are five of letters which Margaret sent home to her husband, Jim Waning.  


Colonial Hospital

"April 19, 1951 Thursday P.M. (3:30)
Dearest Hubby -
Here we are back at the Hotel - Have spent most of the day since this morning, waiting here & there.  The Clinic is just a block from here.  They declared Mom "an emergency" case so she is being "processed" much faster that usual I guess.  A Dr. gave her a complete physical this afternoon & she has to report to one more office this afternoon & a whole flock of them in the morning - on Sat. she reports back to the Dr.  He says that the lump, arm, & breast all being so sore seems to indicate to him a tumor rather than a cancer - well keep your fingers crossed.
I expect you are wondering about our trip here - the flight was grand & I believe Mom is now a confirmed flier - says she & the girls will go visiting that way when she gets well.  I had a few "butter-files" in my tummy as we left the ground - but soon got over that.  While it was four-thirty when we got into Minneapolis, it actually only took 5 hours as we had to turn our watches up two hours.  Didn't see much scenery as it was very foggy most of the way.  Flew at 15,000 ft to Spokane - just 1 hour.  The Mt. peaks Rainier & some I didn't know stuck up through the fog & were beautiful - we were in the sunshine.  However shortly after we got out of Spokane we were in the fog (flew at 17,ooo ft) & didn't get out again till we were over S. Dakota.  Was disappointed not to see the Rockies.  From Minneapolis down here (by bus) took 3 hrs & Mom said the hardest part of the trip.  Of course we were kinda tired by then & they told us at the air-port we could fly down in 1/2 an hr.  Mom was all for it - but Dr. Gardner had said no & I didn't think we had better. (Small planes).  Somewhere between 75 & 50 passengers on the big one.
It is a beautiful sunny day - but cold & windy - like Portland in Jan. with the East wind blowing.  Coming down on the bus you could see snow in patches in the shade - under trees & etc.  It seems so funny - at home the kids in shorts & here still in snow suits - not a green blade of grass - no leaves on the trees & of course not a posy.  Going to have to get something warmer to wear as my suit is the only thing I have with me warm at all.
Have thought so much about you - the kids & the garden & all.  Was homesick before I got to Portland.  It seems like I am always going away without you.  I know you would have enjoyed the plane ride & I would have enjoyed it more if you had been along.
Have just brought Mom back from having an x-ray.  Tomorrow morning she has a blood test - 8 o'clock & no breakfast.  Lordy I didn't realize there were so many sick people.  Every kind & description - next to our table at lunch were a table of 5 or 6 people speaking Spanish (probably from Mexico) while waiting for Mom I sat next to a man from Canada.  I noticed a girl at the registration desk who seemed to be acting as interpreter for several people.
Well honey it's about 5 o'clock - guess we will have an early supper & go to a show - Mom thought she would like to see "Royal Wedding" with Fred Astaire.  One more working day for you - don't work all your weekends.  And you better go see Connie - tell your Mom I'll write to her soon.
All my love & kisses,
Marg.
Haven't seen any interns or Drs yet that I would go for!"
  




Zumbro Hotel
"April 21 1951
Dearest -
Gee was I ever please to have a letter waiting when we got in today.  I really didn't expect one so soon but sure was happy to have one - darn it I'm lonesome.  Mom & I had been doing some shopping & had a bite of lunch.  Got some cute dresses for the girls - you know the first thing they'll say is What did you bring me?  It's raining "cats & dogs" or something out - glad I brought an umbrella - wonder what your weather is like & if you are still rising early.  By the way I told you - you might need the feather blanket to keep you warm if I wasn't there to keep you warm.
Well we know part of the verdict - the same as Gardner said - Mom will enter the Colonial Hospital Sunday for an operation Mon. morning.  A Dr. Kirkland will do the operation.  He seems very young - but the Drs here are supposed to be the best so let's hope.  He described the operation just as Dr. Guldager did - about removing a piece of the tissue & examining it to tell the extent of the operation.  Wish you were going to be here to help me wait.
Haven't seen any of the Blooming Prairie folks.  Had thought about going tomorrow - but won't now as Mom must go to the hospital - will go later when she won't need me quite so much.  She has been quite cheerful through it all - says she is anxious to have it over - but I know she's scared - keeps remembering everybody who has died with it - Mrs. Phibbs, Mrs. Kelsey & etc.  I don't blame her as I woulds be doing the same thing in her place.  She is pretty dizzy today - maybe because we went to another show last night.  Saw "Up Front" it was a war picture - but more on the funny side rather than on the grim.  Wondered if you went out to play canasta last nite & will go to a show tonight.
Have had a couple of nice letters from Ellen.  It sure helps to hear from home & by the way I don't think you have ever written them thanking them for your birthday things.  You might tell my eldest also middle-sized kids that they might write to their mother & Grandmother.  Barb mustn't fuss about the eating (?) - Mrs. C. does the very best she knows and it will hurt her a lot if she thinks Barb criticizes.
One nice thing - this hospital Mom will be in is connected with this underground passage (or subway they call it) as is the Clinic, hotel - in fact 2 other hotels - so don't need to get wet.  Glad Dr. G. steered us here.  At the worst Mom will be in the hospital about a week with 3 or 4 weeks convil. - depending if they have to treat her as well.  If she can make it without me don't plan to stay longer than 3 weeks - will see.  
Sure miss you & the kids - love to you all & a special hug & kiss for you.
Your old lady,
Marg."           


Bird's Eye View of Rochester

"23 April 1951 Monday 4P.M.
Dear Jimmie -
Well now it is over & we know the worst (and the best).  It was cancer & they had to perform a "Radical" operation.  But they said none of the glands removed from under the arm or neck were affected & that is good.  She will need no further treatments & has every chance of a good recovery with no further complications - tho' sometimes they do go in pairs - there is no sign of any in the left breast.
I think I told you before - the "radical" operation is the removal of the breast & all glands connected with it - under arm side of the neck, etc.  I went over at 20 till to see her before they took her up about 8.  They took me up to the lab at 11 to see the specimen & explain the operation.  I got a special (private nurse) for her for several days & I hope nights.  She (the nurse) was there when I came back from the lab - so went out for a bite of lunch (also breakfast) - bought Mom a doz. beautiful red roses & came back to the hospital - where I have just left.  The house Dr (asst. surgeon) says she is doing very well - blood pressure good & etc.  She is still mostly asleep & looks awfully white & frail - but guess that's to be expected.  Thought I would get a line off to you & Ellen - get a bite of supper & go back.
Tell Helen (Helen Scott) I got her most welcome letter as I came in & I just loved it - hearing about everybody & everything.  I will answer in a day or two.
I sure missed you this day - it has been awfully long - but guess the worst is over.
All my love, 
Margaret"  


Silver Lake & Falls

"April 26 1951
Dearest Jimmie -
Gee it was nice to hear you talk the other nite - only made me homesick.  You sounded as if you must be in the next room.
Not too much to write about - but thought I would let you know I'm thinking about you.  The weather started clearing yesterday afternoon & this morning it is beautiful - didn't go to breakfast by subway this morning.  I get up about quarter to seven & eat breakfast about 8 o'clock.  Then back to my room & write letters - Mom had about 20 that she wanted me to write - that's besides writing to your folks at home & Ellen.  Just wrote a letter to Dr. Guldager.  Thought he had been kind enough to help us out - so maybe he would be interested in knowing how we are making out.  I go to see Mother three times a day - 10:30 to 11:30 - 2:30 to 4:30 & from 7:30 to 8:30.  Last nite didn't feel like coming up to the room when I left Mom - so went to a show - first I've been to since last Friday nite - so see I don't go every nite.  Saw "The Gambler" with Victor Mature - it was just fair - and I don't like to go by myself - even if you go to sleep I know you are there - even if you say I don't know the difference.
Mom looked good yesterday - she sat up a couple of times in a chair & ate a little & seemed to be quite comfortable - she hadn't had any shots since the nite before.  I am going to pay for her special nurse - that isn't so much when you consider everything but wanted to help a little.  I bought her a nice box of candy to pass out to her nurses - also got her a beautiful bouquet of red roses from all of us.  Ellen & family sent her an azalea - it is a pink one - full of blooms & very lovely.  Ellen has been good about writing - either a card or letter almost every day.  Mom's special (nurse) reminds me of Mrs. Johnson.  She is older & a little deaf - but she is very good to Mom - talks quite a lot and thinks that good for Mom - not so much time then to think of her own troubles.  Mother said Dr. Kirklin (the one who did the operation) was in to see her yesterday & his ass't was in twice - they changed the dressings - guess that was kind of painful.  They were having her exercise her right arm so it wouldn't be stiff.
Well honey, expect I better get to answering or writing some of these letters Mom wants me to write - worst of it is I'm starting to get replies already - no rest for the wicked & I don't like to write letters.   
Love -
Marg.
You know it wouldn't be half bad back here - now worst is over - if you were just here - see couples all the time and it makes me lonesome.
Kiss the kids for me."   


Elsie Greenwell Upton about 1961

"Apr 29 - 1951
Dearest Hubby -
Just this very minute got your letter dated Apr. 26 - and if you are any more lonesome than me - well just don't believe you are.  Wish we could have that honeymoon - but don't know - Mom wants to go when I do.  She is getting out of the hospital & they told her she could go home in a week or two.  Personally I think they are letting her out too early - but who am I to say?  She is recovering nicely from the operation - but she's in bed most of the time.  Seems to me she would be better off right there where her meals are served & there is some one to look after her all the time.  I expect that I can do most of it - the bathing & everything - but I'm going to have to pack her meals better than two blocks - oh well!  I've for most of the letters written (over 20 for her - that's not counting the ones to you folks & Ellen) so maybe I haven't any thing else to do.
The 29th, day light savings, huh?  Don't think they have it here - or at least I haven't heard anything about it.  Helen and Mrs. C. are going to have their hands full trying to get our kids out of bed an hour earlier in the morning I bet.  Sorry you are so tired & sleepy - always felt someway - that it was my fault you didn't get to bed early - guess not tho' if I'm not even there wonder if you are sleeping in this morning or working on your Cat.  I might even help you sleep if the kids didn't come bouncing in at the wrong time or company or something.  Maybe I'm not nice but have been wishing Ellen might have taken over (Mom I mean) when I get home - just for a while so you & I could have a little time together & I wouldn't be all tired & cross.
It's warm & sultry today - has been warm the past several days & people are noticing it - cause it has been so cold & disagreeable.
Mom's special will help us get settled tomorrow & said she would stay with her Tue. while I went to Blooming Prairie (to see McAdam relatives).  Called up a drive yourself place = they have Fords for $8 a day & 8 cents a mile or Pontiacs for $9 a day & 9 cents a mile so I think I'll take one - they aren't hydramatic - don't know if I'll remember to use the clutch or not.
I hear music playing - they have Clarion bells on the top of the Clinic that play half an hour or so every afternoon & an hour or more Sunday mornings - very pretty.
Well dear, guess this is enough scribbling for a while - will let you know about coming home when I know.
All my very best love & kisses to you honey.
Marg.
Will read the funnies - St. Paul Paper & go to lunch pretty soon.  The bellboy isn't even handsome - woe is me.  A Dr's convention going on & I haven't even run across a good looking Dr.  The elevator is run my a middle aged lady.  Course if you were here - there are a lot of cute nurses at the hospital - 'taint fair!"
Note on back of envelope: "Mom & I decided she would stay in the Hospital a few more days"
      


Sunday, October 25, 2009

October is "Uncle / Niece Birthday Month"





Jennifer and Chuck - October 1986


Jack and Lexa October 1984


Jennifer and Chuck - October 1985


Jack and Lexa - October 1985

Friday, October 23, 2009

Another Niece / Uncle Birthday Combo!

Celebrating Lexa - The Early Years!
1968-1974



Margaret Waning and Lexa - October 1968


Lexa, Beth, and Trygve - Summer 1969 


Lexa - 1969


Lexa and Kristi - 1970


Lexa and Eddie - Fall 1971



Lexa - Christmas 1971



Lexa and Barbara - Winter 1972




Lexa - Spring 1974



Happy Birthday Jack!


Jack and His Family - Thanksgiving 1970