Wednesday, August 23, 1961

Very nice day. Folded clothes & pressed quite a bit. Got a new G.E. Steam-Dry Iron with Regal stamps - 6 ¼ books. Nellie came home & kids took their gifts over for Bev. Ron wasn't feeling very good & stayed home at noon & layed down till about 2. Went to library to take books back & over to Mom's to return her iron & pinking shears. This morning we went to school at 8 to register Todd. As we were there early there weren't too many ahead of us & we think he'll go in the morning. Tonite when Ron came home from work he had gotten the ring he ordered. It is pretty & hard to decide which one to keep however I think maybe the one from Underbrink's looks a little more expensive.

Tuesday, August 22, 1961

Today is the birthday of Beverly DeBoom.

Today it was kind of rainy. I did wash our sheets & Jill & Todd's. Did some ironing. Cleaned family room good! Nellie & kids went to Bette's today. Mother & Zenas got home this afternoon & stopped by for coffee. Guess they had a good time. Went & got birthday gift for Bev. Tonite, Ron was late getting home - meeting till 6:30. Then he had to play bridge with Maynard Dix & the kids & I went over to Mom's to visit a little more. Saw 3 of the movie films they got back. Very interesting. They brought me back an Irish porcelain china cut & saucer - Ron an ashtray, Joni a tea set, Jill some lepricans & Todd horses with coach miniature.

Monday, August 21, 1961

Joni was sick during the night. Fever headache & trying to vomit. After Ron got to work, he called to see how Joni was & told me about Norm Fish's boy dying - same symptoms. Scared me to death. Couldn't get the Dr. here till noon. Joni has strep throat. What a relief. She didn't feel very good all day & stayed up in her bed. She had a shot. Debbie came back again this morning. I cleaned upstairs a little, did some ironing & washing. Finally got my coverlet today. Tonite kids & I stayed home. Ron went to Labor Management at Fred Maytag's home. He was home about 10:30.

Sunday, August 20, 1961

Jill & Todd went to S.S. - Joni not because of mumps. Didn't do much all day. About 4:30 we decided to go out to Maytag Picnic as Joni can go out tomorrow. We shouldn't have as when we came home she was sick.

Saturday, August 19, 1961

Today is the birthday of Mary Ann.

This morning - went uptown to get gift for Mary Ann. I took Bev & Deloris along to stay in car with kids. Got her a coulette nightie, purple pillow & vase. Had coffee with Nellie. Margaret Hanko had brought my plate back with cake on it. Ron took Todd & went to Colfax again with Dave this afternoon. Ron worked at factory this morning. Stayed home tonight. Mr. & Mrs. Anderson stopped by with Aunt Mary & brought me some glads.

Friday, August 18, 1961

Tired today. Seemed like I didn't get too much done. Went to shopping center at noon to try to get a gift for Mary Ann but didn't find anything. After work Ron took Todd & went with Dave to lake in Colfax to water ski. They also took Ken DeBoom. Joni, Jill & I drove over to watch them. We got home about 7.

Thursday, August 17, 1961

It was a very nice day today and I had a very happy birthday. This morning kids & I went over to Mom's & watered flowers & dusted roses. At noon, Ron came home with gifts for kids to give me. Jill - a cigarette tray, Todd - a rain bonnet & Joni - a plastic purse. And from Ron - a pearl solitaire ring. I was so surprised & pleased. Nellie was over this afternoon & gave me a trivet hot plate. Marg stopped out & brought Betty Hummel to see our house. We had Marg & Deacon out after work for a drink & tried to talk them into going to Babe's for pizza but Dec was too tired. Ron's folks were out & brought a birthday cake & a pair of pedal pushers, a pair of hose & 3 pr. pants. Mary Ann came out - a birthday book from Jan & Scott & a blouse from Mary Ann & Barron. We had Ken over to stay with kids. We went about 9 to Babe's (Ron & I) & had pizza. Got home about quarter to 12.

Wednesday, August 16, 1961

This morning I got up & cut out plaid vest & skirt for Joni. Nellie came over about 9 - then we went over to Edith's & got apples. Washed jars - then Nellie & I spent most of afternoon canning applesauce. We had 29 pts. & about a gallon which Nellie took to freeze & she took 8 pts. I went to Dr. & guess I won't have to have a shot. (Good!) Joni feeling very good. She isn't too swollen but we think she has them on both sides now. Ron went to Bob Faust's tonite for their I.E. duplicate bridge. Kids & I watched TV & then to bed.

Tuesday, August 15, 1961

Joni feeling pretty good today. Bev & Delores were over quite a bit of the day to keep her entertained. I went to Dr. this morning to have skin test to see if I have an immunity to mumps. Ron went yesterday. Stopped at Ron's folks & got apples. Spent this afternoon in kitchen - made an apple pie & got some ready to put in freezer. Tonite Ron took boat & went to Colfax waterskiing with Dave & Jim Van Elson. Came home about 8 & gave Dave a haircut, cleaned up boat & went over to Don Jones to help him with his wiring.

Monday, August 14, 1961

Joni woke up this morning with the mumps. Pretty swollen on her left side. Not too sick but not feeling good. Shirley went over to Mom's to get her things ready to go. Dr. Onnen came about noon to look at Joni. Ron had to go up after lunch to have skin scratch to see if he'll have to have a shot. Nellie came over & stayed with Joni while Jill & I took Shirley to the bus at 3. We got her off. Came home & was so tired I hardly did anything. Ron came home from work about 5 & went right to D.M. to meeting. Kids & I watched TV & we had Bev & Deloris over for a while. Ron got home about 10:30.

Sunday, August 13, 1961

Kids went to S.S. We had Ron's folks out for hamburgers at noon, then we we quick got ready & took boat to Gray's Lake in D.M. for afternoon. Had fun & came home tired.

Saturday, August 12, 1961

Worked on Shirley's dress most of day. Had to take zipper out & put a shorter one in - take sleeves out & cut opening larger. Shirley ironed for me most of day. We went to shopping center & had a sandwich at noon & got some thread & zipper. Bought a pr. of $6 Aileen knit shorts & pedal pushers for half price at Younkers. We were tired out & stayed home tonite.

Friday, August 11, 1961

Today - Jerri called this morning to say she wasn't bringing Debbie. She was sick - took her to the Dr. & she has the mumps. Shirley & Joni slept until about 10. Nellie was over for coffee & Bev played with Jill till Shirl got up. I went uptown to $ days. Got a pr. shoes for Ron - 2 pr $9.95 heels for myself - 2 ea. & a black purse for $1. This afternoon I worked on Shirley's dress. She ironed. Tonight, Shirley stayed with the kids & I went over to Cleora Jenkin's to Tupperware party. Ron went out to sell. I got home about 10:15 & worked on Shirley's dress before going to bed.

Thursday, August 10, 1961

Jerry Lantz started building our planter today. Had to go over to Mom's & borrow wheelbarrow. Shirley was there. She came last nite. She spent all day washing. I had a terrible mess all day with sand (in driveway) & cut grass tracked back in. Ken & Doug went to Red Oak. I took Nellie to beauty shop - picked her & Shirl up. Ron went to Gray's Lake after work with Dave to water ski. Shirley stayed with kids & I played bridge at Pat Stockton's.

Wednesday, August 9, 1961

Went uptown this morning. Bang's was having a sale. Didn't find a dress but did buy $4 blouse for $1. A $3 bracelet for 50¢ & a Jantzen black nylon swimsuit (to sun in) $2.

Ironed this afternoon. Tonite, I mowed part of the yard. Didn't get finished tho. Ron went out tonite. Sold 1.

Tuesday, August 8, 1961

Started a sweater today from some turquoise wool yarn Mom gave me. Stayed home tonite.

Monday, August 7, 1961

Noticed today that my avocado seed is finally beginning to root (put to root June 28). Today I finally got a letter written to Harry Saltman - 5th Ave. N.Y. about my coverlet.

Washed today then spent most of the day working on Shirley's dress. Orchid Shantung sheath to be fully lined with nylon - I'm holding my breath with every stitch.

Sunday, August 6, 1961

Kids went to S.S. Went over to Mom's to water plants. Brought home material for Shirley's dress for wedding. We went over to Umbargers tonite & cooked hamburgers out. Joni stayed all night.

Saturday, August 5, 1961

This past week Jill has finally developed a little attachment for another blanket - her doll blanket. I was very glad as her original blanket was in so many tiny pieces - we were forever losing them. Didn't do much today. Aunt Babe & Aunt Gert came to Ron's folks for weekend & were out. Ron worked at plant this morning. Todd went to Mike O'Harra's birthday party this afternoon. Stayed home tonite. Shirley brought some of her things home to Mother's today.

Friday, August 4, 1961

This morning I tried something for the first time. I gave myself a Lilt Refresher Wave. Just on top & sides. Guess it turned out okay - sure is curly. Straightened up house - washed living room windows. Tonite we had Judy Rosenburg to stay with kids & we played bridge at Tom & Sue Backman's with Bunn's & Loncar's. Ron won high - double deck of cards & I - low - a Papermate pen. We didn't get home till 2.

Thursday, August 3, 1961

Today I mowed the yard. It was awfully long & quite a job. Mother & Zen left today on vacation to Cleo's - Lowell's - Niagara Falls - Michigan - Wisc. & home. After work, Ron & Dave Taylor took the boat to the D.M. river to see how the controls worked. Clarence was gone too so Nellie & I had a drink then took our kids to the Root Beer Stand for supper, then took Bev out to Irvine's for a 4-H meeting. A storm blew up really quick. The wind blew hard & blinding rain. I had left the bedroom windows open but it didn't rain in. It sure did in Dave's car though - He had left it in the street with the windows down. Ron & Dave had gotten out of water before rain started & got home about 9:30.

Wednesday, August 2, 1961

This morning the kids & I went uptown - I got a checkbook & the material I had picked out. This afternoon I baked a couple of apple pies & straightened up family room. Folks came out in the evening & gave me my birthday present as they are leaving tomorrow on vacation & probably won't be home. A picnic basket. We can sure use it.

Tuesday, August 1, 1961

Today I cut out a dress for Joni & started sewing on it a little. It rained this morning. Kids played out on the driveway. This afternoon I scrubbed the kitchen floor & washed the family room windows outside. Karna & her 2 children came about 3. They stayed for supper.

Monday, July 31, 1961

Today had a very big washing. Ironed some. Didn't get much else done. Tonite Ron's folks came out & they & Ron washed & cleaned up the boat. Dave Taylor came out & came in & we sat around until about 10:30 & talked.

Sunday, July 30, 1961

Got up at 4:45. It was raining but we left at 6 for Clear Lake - picked up my folks. Stopped for breakfast. We got to Clear Lake about 9 or 9:15. Got the boat in water at Touristville for the first time. Then Mom & I were off to take the kids to Sunday School. We took them to Methodist Church - waited till they were out of S.S. then went to State Park where we got our swim suits on - went in water, picnicked & boated. Ken & Marian & Barry drove up & spent the day with us. We left about 5:30. Stopped at Roadside Park on this side Ia. Falls to eat picnic supper. Home about 8:45.

Saturday, July 29, 1961

Busy today - doing daily housework as I didn't do any yesterday. Went & got groceries. Stopped uptown - had 3 pr. jeans laid away. Got a 25% discount (balloon). A pr. of shorts - $1.00 for Todd. Cooked chicken & potato salad for tomorrow. Karna called. She wanted us to come out for supper so we went out about 6. Nice to see her, her kids grown so much. We had fish they had caught in Rock Creek that afternoon. Gordon & Doris & their boys were there too.

Friday, July 28, 1961

Today was Ridiculous Day. Margaret & I went uptown this morning shopping. I bought 3 pr. shoes, all canvas. 1 pr - $1.97, 1- $1.00, 1 - 87¢. A pr. shorts - $1.00. An iron tray - 50¢, 2 wood trays - 50¢, a piece of material 50¢, 2 belts at 49¢. Had Jane Guthrie to stay with kids. Got home about noon - had lunch then Marg & I took our kids up to the parade. Marg won $5 in mdse. at Western Auto. We went to shopping center then home. We went to Root Beer stand for supper. Tonite we had Jane again & we played bridge at Fausts with Marg & Dec - Moe & Bev.

Thursday, July 27, 1961

Worked hard today. Cleaned upper part of house & both bathrooms good! Washed Jill's sheets. Had coffee with Wilma.

Tonite we had Linda baby sit & Ron & I went to movie Solomon & Sheba. Pretty good.

Rain tonite.

Wednesday, July 26, 1961

This morning I had to go uptown to pay a couple of bills & get a birthday present. We stopped over at Mother's. Before lunch - took Todd over to Steve Howell's for birthday party. We picked up order at Sears & went to library. Tonite it rained.

Tuesday, July 25, 1961

Today I began taking care of Debbie Terrentino. Washed sheets off our bed. Got quite a bit of ironing done. Scrubbed the kitchen floor. Watered my flowers outside. Had a cosmo blooming today - first flower to bloom other than ground crawlers. Tonite Ron took boat up to have canvas cover put on. Mary Ann took Todd over to watch Scott's ball game. After supper, Ron took him back over. This was Debbie's birthday.

Monday, July 24,1961

Washed today. Went uptown & finally got 7-day pattern for Joni. Cleaned little room up. Fixed my hair. Tonite Ron took boat up to have motor put on - 40 h.p. Evinrude. I went to play bridge at Pat Empting's. Linda Rutherford stayed with the kids. We had 2 subs for Pat S. & Marian - Kay Mueller & June Blackett.

Sunday, July 23, 1961

Kids went to Sunday School. Finished my striped shirtwaist dress. We went for a ride & had Ron's folks & Mary Ann & Barron out for steaks in evening.

Friday, July 21, 1961

Rained off & on all day. I cut out striped shirt-waist dress for myself & sewed on it. Took hem out of Joni's plaid dress & put it back in.

Blogger note: Dress image is "Montgomery Ward's 1961 Shirtwaist of tropical colors printed on all cotton. Kerchief included. Sanforized. $22.84".

I'll bet the fabric and pattern for Mom's cost less than $5.00.

Thursday, July 20, 1961

Went over to Pat U.'s & had coffee. Stopped at Ward's & picked out some material for school sewing. Returned some dishes to Mom. Clarence & Nellie left this morning for Canada trip.

Wednesday, July 19, 1961

Finished mowing the yard. Fertilized my flowers.

Monday, July 17, 1961

Ron went to D.M. tonite & took Norm from Tyler's.

Sunday, July 16, 1961

Ron's dad bought a boat today. 16 ft. 6 passenger - Span. Am. Kids went to Sunday School. We went to Ron's folks for dinner. Phil & Ernie came in aft. Mom & Zen came over. We cooked steaks out.

Saturday, July 15, 1961

Didn't do much today. Ron went out to sell. Dreary day. Shirley was at Mom's - they came out late afternoon & kids & I went home with them. I helped Mom cut out & sew a dress for Shirl. Home early.

Friday, July 14, 1961

Tired when I got up but I did get busy - washed the sheets off all the beds & put them back on - got the upstairs pretty well cleaned. Sewed some on Joni's jacket. Todd felt better - in afternoon he was feeling pretty good. Jill went over to Grandma Bishop's and spent the day.

Rained tonite.

Thursday, July 13, 1961

Kids still didn't feel too good. I cut out green short set for Joni.

Wednesday, July 12, 1961

Today is the birthday of Jill.

Rained off & on all day. Todd was pretty sick & Joni didn't feel good all day. Had to take Todd to Dr. - had strep-throat. Both complained of bad headaches. Poor Jill - not a very happy birthday - naturally couldn't go to D.M. to park & museum & home on train as planned. We did get a birthday cake at Barrett's for her. We gave her a stick horse, a diaper bag with bottles, Captain Kangaroo colorforms, new baby doll, pj's & 2 new pedal pusher sets. Grandma Bishop gave her a short set. Grandma Jones a swimsuit & jacket & bucket. Mary Ann - a baby doll & pj's. Ron's folks & sister came out in evening for cake. Bless her heart - she took it good even though we couldn't do anything to celebrate.

Tuesday, July 11, 1961

Went over about 8 to get the kids & ended up staying all day. Nellie came over to let Bev use Mom's buttonholer. We rode uptown with Nellie to do some shopping. Got 4 patterns & some material for Joni. Bought a pair of shoes on sale at Loupee's for Todd. Jack & Jill had a big sale. I bought pj's for Jill & Joni & Jan a shirt & swim trunks for Todd. 2 pedal pusher sets for Jill & a swimsuit for Joni, also a blouse & shorts. Joni & Todd had a headache & by the time we got home didn't feel good - went right to bed about 6:30.

Monday, July 10, 1961

Got some work done today. Had a big washing, fixed my hair, scrubbed family room floor. About 3:30 I went along with Ron to D.M. He had to go into meeting. We went to the Elks & had a drink. Then I went shopping & Ron went to meeting. Only bought 2 pr. shoes & some sun oil. Had fun looking but my feet hurt so bad I could hardly walk (my corns). Met Ron at Babe's at 8:30 & we went to Noah's Ark where other Family Record Plan guys were & had pizza. We got home at 11. Nellie & Mom kept kids & Mom was already in bed.

Sunday, July 9, 1961

Kids went to Sunday School. We did a lot of yard work - mowed lawn, trimmed & stuff. Cooked steaks out & Bunn's came over to play bridge in evening.

Saturday, July 8, 1961

Another big breakfast. Kids put on their suits & played in water until 11. I sat in sun for a while. Ron went out & sold 1 plan. I packed & we left at noon. We drove around a little then went to Mason City & ate at McDonalds. We got home about 4:30. Joni slept all the way. We picked up Kip. Came home, unpacked, then went to the shopping center for dinner. We had a nice dinner. Kids had a pony ride in parking lot - we rode uptown, messed around & came home to bed.

Friday, July 7, 1961

Woke up with morning paper under door with breakfast menu on it. Ate a big breakfast with Mary Ann & Barron. Barron really got sunburned. They left about 11. Boat had to be fixed again. Ron napped. Kids & I went shopping. Ron went out in afternoon & sold 2 plans. I took kids early for supper. Then we got a sitter from motel & Ron & I went out. During kids dinner I saw Bob & Dot DeRonde. They said Marg & Deacon were over at the State Park camping so we drove over & drank a beer & toasted marshmallows with them. Then we looked for The Ritz, couldn't find it so we went to Witkes & had sirloin tips & mushrooms. Got back about 11 & went to bed.

Thursday, July 6, 1961

Ron woke me up at 5. We packed rest of car, got kids up & left at 6. Pulled Dave's boat up. We stopped at Zearing & ate breakfast. Ron's folks, Mary Ann & Barron stopped while we were eating. Got to Mason City at 9. Went on to Clear Lake & found a place to stay at the Blue Horizon - 2 rooms & bath - $24 a day. Very nice. We boated & sunned & kids played in water all day. Ron met a kid - Ken from Cedar Rapids - & they took turns water skiing. In evening we went next door for a champagne buffet. It was really wonderful. $2.50. Jill fell asleep at the table. After dinner, kids sat on dock & Todd fell in with his clothes on. We were pooped & went to bed about 9:30.

Wednesday, July 5, 1961

Today I worked hard all day washing, ironing and packing to go to Clear Lake tomorrow. It rained most of the day. Seemed like the kids were pretty ornery - probably because they had to be inside all day. Ron went out to sell & sold 2 plans. At 4 I took the girls to Shopping Center & all of us had our hair cut. I kinda hated to have Jill's cut after it has gotten so long but also am tired of trying to keep it looking good. In evening we took Kippy over to Mother's to stay - borrowed some suitcases & came home to finish packing. Got to bed about 1.

Sunday, July 2, 1961

We went to Mom's for dinner - took Dave's boat & we all went to McQuirter's Lake boating & swimming.

Saturday, July 1, 1961

Ron went out today to sell. I wasn't much in the mood to work. Did a little - late aft. In evening we went over to Mother's for our fish fry. Rich & Bette were there (for wedding). Marge & Howard had company and couldn't come.

Wilderman's came to DeBoom's this weekend & were over. Kids left this morning on band trip "On to Toronto".