12/10/71 Visitation for Tense Shuff. Layna, Opal and I to mortuary. I did not get much past the door. Layna and Opal were able to view the body and report later that she looked remarkably good. As for me, I want to remember the healthy, vibrant Tense who fought the surf at Manzanillo. To Warren’s house for coffee. The McIntyres and Maude Will, pouring. We were the only ones there. George and I tried to make light talk but the atmosphere was not conducive to such. I had a hard time to keep from bawling out loud.
12/11/71 Picked up Opal Judy on way to funeral. Reverend Boechler tried hard, and partially succeeded, to give a good, personal service. Thru it all I felt myself in tune with Warren who heard little and must have been saying to himself “Why, oh why?” Stopped at Moes for eggnogs. Seegerts there. A good visit. Tense much in my mind, however. Three funerals in a month. Dorothy Eisenach, Mrs. Martin, now Tense. All this a penalty for living so long - and more to come.
12/12/71 Len Shannon called to say that the George Garganos were in town. Had stayed overnight after last night’s dance. We were asked to come over at 1:30 and did. They were having a callers meeting and it seemed like old times. Fun talking to Garganos, Mike Munson and Gale Brown. Home in time to get ready for RLWC 4th annual Xmas party. We brought Jayme, Timmy and Jill & Lisa. The boys partook of the food only but the girls contributed, and well, to the program. An interesting gathering, old and young, from Henry Swenson in his 80’s to babes in arms.
12/13/71 In p.m. Buck and I loaded our Scorpion on his trailer and on to his place. His machine was broken down out on lake near Susan Island. On way home we loaded Buck’s machine on toboggan and brought it home. No problem. Buck had it all torn down when we took off for our place an hour later. He has become a good snowmobile mechanic.
12/14/71 Buck dropped snow blower off at #265 on his way to work at Totem Pole. Snow stopped at noon so I cleaned out driveway. That has shoveling beat all to hell - when it works. We had planned to go to the beginners square dancers Christmas party but at 7:00 we talked it over and I could tell that Layna was going to drag herself there for my sake alone. Well, to hell with that. We called it off. Now, for the first time, I firmly believe that we have had it as far as that recreation is concerned - and God, how I hate to give it up! Well, it was a happy phase of our lives and I should be pleased that it lasted as long as it did.
12/16/71 When we were at Gun Lake last summer, I took measurements for a cabinet to fit in Bern’s kitchen. I decided today that if it is to be a Xmas present, I had better get at it. Did. My usual “stand & looking”, usual small bloopers, usual mild crises (like when jig saw blade broke) but I muddled thru. A stranger hearing me curse and swear would call a cop. Layna takes it all very calmly, outwardly at least. Well, she should, she has been putting up with it for a long, long time. Despite all this, I have it practically finished, and it looks good
12/17/71 The linoleum that Layna ordered Oct. 26, after several postponements, finally arrived today and it is down. I will admit that it is beautiful and worth all the frustrations is caused. Don ----- who did the job, is a master craftsman. I am very pleased that I realized my limitations and didn’t try it myself. There are some scraps left and I feel very capable of putting them on the landing and the three steps.
12/18/71 To Bill Martin’s for his annual get together. It make us feel good to know that these old Americans are included in his guest list - all middle aged Canadians.
12/20/71 Called Opal to learn that Wayne will be home tomorrow. He has had 10 days of check up. Hope it has helped. Karen and Robin visited with him almost every day. Thoughtful kids. I can’t help compare them with Byrne who has lost complete touch with us. Today his birthday and Layna tried to call (I would not have). He was not in. Maybe if I was busier this would not bother me so much. Maybe I have too much time to think about it.
12/21/71 Wayne Judy home from Duluth Hospital. He called, with the voice of a very, very old man. They alleviated the severe pain in his muscles but eyes still bad and diabetes kicking up in protest to new medication.
12/23/71 Karen and Robin here at 2 p.m. We were a little disappointed to learn that they planned to stay at homestead rather than here. They are bent on “roughing it” and I am all for it. They will get some idea of the life we led for so many years. Karen worried about her job. As yet no contract and negotiations have broken down. It is not easy to be merry under such circumstances.
12/24/71 Christmas Eve and we made a big day of it. It started out well with a long letter from Brad. Not a word about (or from ) his folks. His wit and common sense showed thru in his writing. He’ll get by. Robin and I off for Fort Frances where I bought a bottle of Crown royal (shared by Cliff Blais) for Claude MacFarland who was so good to us at Brule Narrows last fall. To Gene Monahan’s with Karen, Robin, Laird and Ah-li for an oyster supper. Good. Incidentally, Laird and Ah-li have almost reached saturation point with Oberholtzer, and we understand why.
12/25/71 A sad day in Viking land. Robin, Laird and I watched Dallas beat our team 20 - 12. A gallant fight but out lucked. Well, it won’t be the same for me if I watch anymore. Something like hunting game you can’t eat. Our gloom short lived. Layna put on her annual Christmas feast, built around Crawford Johnson’s turkey. Buck, Dale and 4 kids along with Gene, Laird, Ah-li, Karen, Robin. A festive board enjoyed by fine people. We have a good family which includes the in-laws. All left by 6:30 with exception of Karen & Robin who stayed until 9:30. Had a chance to talk about the events of the day. The fact that we did not hear a word for Byrne was foremost in the minds of all of us.
12/26/71 When we were alone, about 10 p.m. Layna called Byrne. A mother’s gesture, I would have waited for a move from him. She did the right thing. He sounded very contrite and we got a promise of an early letter. We shall see.
12/27/71 We steamed up the Scorpion and made a quick trip to the island. There had been a lot of slush on lake but as near as we could see, it was all frozen down. Traveling perfect. No one had stopped on island. Karen and Robin gave me the three Hobbit books by J.R.R. Tolkein. I read about 150 pages. Could be a fascinating reading experience.
12/28/71 Robin and I to town and bought material for Gene’s cabinet. It took until noon. I am sure that Robin was amazed at the amount of standing and looking I did before proceeding at any phase of the operation. Even tho I almost made a couple of boners. It went well all in all, however.
12/30/71 At 6 p.m. the Martins, Armstrongs, Buck, Dale and Gene here for couple of drinks and dinner. They stayed until 11 p.m. We made a rather feeble attempt at singing but not for long. We sat and talked. I have the feeling that Boise Cascade has beaten hell out of my once pride and joy - Gerry Armstrong.
12/31/71 Karen and Robin left at about 10:30 a.m. We had a very pleasant week with them. They showed good judgment by staying at the “Homestead,” It was a good experience and kept us from seeing too much of one another. A near argument this a.m. when we got on subject of diet. Karen rather critical of her parents’ weight and said arbitrarily that she would never let herself get that way. A goddamn silly statement in my book. On to Daveys’ by 6:30 and on to Holiday Inn for dinner. We watched and listened to Guy Lombardo usher in the New Year at New York’s Waldorf. He kept on playing until our clocks showed midnight. This was a completely unplanned New Year’s Eve and one of the better ones. What good friends we have! I was worried (concerned) about 1971. No need. It one of our better years.
