Part 223
3/19/70 To Supervisors meeting. Jim Freeberg outlined company’s position on pollution. Very interesting. Said Jim, “This is the biggest crowd since either Fred Boeckh’s retirement of Hansberger’s appearance.” Said Eisenach from audience “That was the same time!” Home at 8:30 to find Jim Banks here - Ruth and baby. They stayed until 10 p.m. A good visit - all set for next summer.
3/21/70 Don Eisenach called and asked us to go to Red Gut. We jumped at chance. The Eisnachs, Fred Caswells and Johnsons at Pearson’s Landing by 11 a.m. We have wanted to go on that road ever since Poncho and Artie worked on it a few years ago. Much running around by us and at least another dozen machines. The “Silent Places” aren’t so silent any more.
3/22/70 Worked on toboggan. Had hard time getting draw bar off Scorpion on Friday. Had worse time putting it back this a.m. OK now. On to Kellner’s. Had a drink then Tom, Helen, Layna and I went for ride. We thoroly enjoyed Kellners’ company. We could stand more of those people.
3/23/70 Buck stopped in to tell us he sold what was left of airplane for $800. Not bad. We paid $1200 for it about 5 years ago and it is now wingless. While he was here, Harry Davey dropped in, nervous as a cat. Said he had chance to buy paper in Alexandria - $400,000 - and wanted our advice. He dropped it and ran. I have given it plenty of thot, as has Layna. We agree that he pulled one paper out of fire because he had a helluva lot of help. Help that is now gone. I will tell him so when comes back again.
3/24/70 Terry here for lunch. He and Layna had a good visit with me chiming in from my work. A good kid for our money. Harry out at 4:30. I had chance to talk to him alone. He countered my arguments about Grace helping him by saying he had always made the big decisions alone. He did admit he hated to be alone. More talk when Layna arrived. I don’t think we helped him a great deal - possibly confused him more, which is generally true in giving or taking advice.
3/25/70 At 6:30 I called Len Shannon and learned that his beginners were dancing at Ranier. I went at 8 p.m. intending to watch - and listen. They were short one man to make 4 squares so I got up and danced - and went the full route! Even stayed for lunch. My, oh, my how I miss that activity!
3/27/70 We unloaded 9 sheets of plywood and 25 2” X 4” X 16’ at Atsokan dock. I then went home and hooked toboggan to Scorpion and went for stuff. I put half of it on and it slid good. I then put on the rest and away I went. No problem. A good outfit for that kind of a job. A bit pooped when I got everything carried up to house. I am very, very soft. A good time at Bernice’s. Our family, (Karen & Robin), Dick & Joan, Buck (Dale had toothache), Johnny & Sue. Home by 10 p.m.
Part 224
3/24/70 I don’t think we helped him a great deal - possibly confused him more, which is generally true in giving or taking advice.
3/28/70 To Gene’s for dinner. Robin, Karen, Laird, Gene, Layna and I. A good meal, good conversation - but at 8 p.m. Layna and I off for square dance - the first one together in a long, long time. We had fun. Many new dancers but many older, too, who seemed genuinely happy to see us. We were happy to be there. We asked Johnny and Doris Sopp home for a drink. They stayed until 1:30. A good chance to visit with good people who I have missed a lot since we quit dancing.
3/30/70 Got going on income tax again but slowed down considerably when Layna brought Lisa and Jill here about 2:30. Timmy and Jayme here soon after which didn’t help. I enjoyed kids, nevertheless. At 7:30 I went to Williams’ to show pictures of Mexico to 4 H ers. Kids from 8 to 18. An unusual audience. I kept them fairly quiet for an hour which indicated something.
3/31/70 Stopped at Buck’s island and admired his job on his fish house. I would made a damned fine room in many homes. Harry and Sally (it comes almost as easy as “Harry & Grace”) came for supper. We had a great time, talking on many subjects. Much excited chatter when we learned that she had studied under our friend Robert Coover. He must have influenced her language which at times is stronger than a truck driver’s.
4/1/70 With a few interruptions I kept on income tax most of day. It is practically done. When I think that a good share of it goes toward paying a congress that voted themselves a 41% increase my guts go in knots. Goddamn such people. Well, the bastards have their hands full. Right now, today, 1) threatened postal employee strike, 2) teamsters threatened strike, 3) air traffic controllers “sick” walkout, 4) an accelerated war in Vietnam. These are the ones that are making the headlines. Many others dormant at the moment. We are in one helluva mess.
4/3/70 Wayne here at 9 p.m. We loaded Scorpion in station wagon, then took off for NW Bay in his car. Layna and Opal followed in ours. Crappies slow but we did manage to get 15. Back to cabin for steak feed. Played dominoes for an hour and to bed. Layna’s back feeling much better. We were glad she could be along.
4/4/70 Fishing fair. Saw deer cross ice, also one timber wolf. We had a wiener roast on ice and left about 1:00. On home by 3:00, a bit bushed from so much food, drink and fresh air. Off for Sally’s apartment for pre- Bigfork party. On to Eisnachs. A good gang there. Budris, Henricksons, John Ettestads, Sally & Harry, Nims. A birthday “do” for me, Harry and Agnes. Home about 10:30. Great.
