8/1/75 Sally, Jim, Jimmy and John with me in Starcraft and off for a day’s fishing at 9:00 a.m. Jim and John skunked. I felt sorry for John! A terrific storm about 1:00 p.m. drove us to shelter of small bay. It lasted about an hour. As we left, after storm, we saw two young foxes on hillside. Exciting. Long letter from Etta. Not too happy there. Very critical of her father. The pigeon that arrived on July 21, left today. A capsule on its leg indicated that it was a racer. It must have come in last after loafing on NWI for 10 days.
8/2/75 Bert and Ann, Jim and Tara, left at 9:30. I felt that I had laid around long enough. Repaired step on second cabin - also screen door. Sally and boys joined me and caulked both cabins. I repaired screen on first cabin. Felt good to do something constructive.
8/3/75 Stew Sheldon working on motor in shop when I came home. Got it fixed and he invited me to go flying. Did. A beautiful day and I enjoyed ride to Kettle Falls. Said Stew, “Take a good look, the Park Service will probably ban planes in this area.” Bob and Delsie Cummings for visit at 2:30. Stayed a couple of hours - good friends of the Byrne Johnson family and I think of us. We enjoyed talking with them.
8/4/75 Layna took me to Judy’s at 8:30 where Wayne was all set for our planned expedition to Boffin Lake. We picked up Lardy Larson in Fort and off we went. Fishing not bad for me. Got 6 WE, 4 perch and 3 good jax. Wayne 2 WE, 1 jack - Lardy skunked, and he didn’t like it. Wayne gave my good rod a jerk in taking it out of boat and broke about a foot off the tip. Crawford Johnson gave it to me in 1960, saying it cost him $75.00. I almost cried but in no way indicated how I felt to Wayne. I told him, “Don’t worry, I have as many rods as Sportsman Service” - which is almost true! A beautiful day, an interesting trip, good company - Fun! Back to island by 5:30. We were about to eat supper when Schumachers came for son, Hans. They were asked to eat with us and did. A good visit resulted. She is due to have her baby any minute so much talk about Karen’s birth on NWI.
8/5/75 Did a lot of picking up around island. Jimmy by my side all the way. He is anxious to help and at times really does. Good boy. Johnny’s interest elsewhere. After supper, I took the two boys bass fishing and we got 7 good fish. Jimmy got a 3 pounder. A thrill. I wish their parents could see how they behave when they are out with me - perfect little gentlemen.
8/6/75 Sally, Jimmy and I to Edwards Island at 8:00 for blueberries. Skunked. Home to clean and package fish, burn trash and keep busy. Jimmy still #1 helper. The Dr. Walter family here at 6:30, a couple of drinks - then a feast prepared by Layna and Sally. Interesting people. A bit flattering to think they could find time to come visit these old folks. Anchor Gas filled our tank today. 400 gal. for $202.
8/7/75 The mail concerning Jim Kimball’s article about us on July 27 is increasing rather than diminishing. A very special one from Waldemar Hvoslef. When I came to the words, “for your kind sentiments about my father, I thank you very much”, I couldn’t hold back the tears. My God, how will such a sentimental old fool survive Aug. 16? Wrote a long letter to Kimball before getting mail. It will not do - more needed. Sally spent day with Bernice. They are cooking up a big deal for Aug. 16. Very mysterious.
8/8/75 Ruth McLinn called at 9:30 a.m. to say she had map showing location of fabulous blueberry patch. We never were sure that we found the right spot, but did locate some fair picking. Layna and I got 16 quarts in about 3 hours. Not good, not bad. Temperature perfect, company good - we enjoyed the safari.
8/9/75 In a weak moment, I decided to put tent up. What a major undertaking that turned out to be. Aluminum poles in bad shape. Don’t think they will stand another erection.
8/10/75 Started day out by rowing for paper. A stiff SW wind and it was very invigorating. This developed into the “day of the people.” They were coming and going. Other than the kids who were here to see our kids, we had Les and friends for cocktails. The Frank Kocinski (4) a little earlier. Karen & Robin due at 7:30. They called at 9:00. The Shifskys with them. We took 3 boats to landing - Sally, Layna and I using 2 for that round. Left other for Byrne and girls. They pulled in at midnight. Here is body count on NWI sleeping. 3 Shifskys, 3 Monahans, 3 Byrne Johnsons, 4 Jernbergs, 2 Don Johnsons, Lisa and Hans Schumacher - 17 total. Grandma Layna taking all this in her stride - I think we will make the party next Saturday.
8/11/75 Our head count still holding up. From our 17 of yesterday, we lost Lisa and Hans but gained Bev Wunderlich + 2 boys and Jean Ockuly, so our total is up to 19. Only a couple of almost misfits - Little David and Eric Wunderlich. Not a bad average. Took Sheila and Johnny bass fishing in evening and Sheila caught a 2 ½# bass. A very happy kid - and old man, too. Little Christopher putting on quite a show. He is not overawed by the great activity around him.
8/12/75 Karen and Sally up to their ears in preparation for our anniversary “do”. Bernice too, apparently, but we are not included in the procedures. Today our group was increased by Gene Monahan, Jean E. and 2 kids (just for dinner) so we fed a total of 23. Much help by most present and the strain isn’t all on Layna. Me - I stumble along doing the chores and mixing drinks. I can handle all that.
8/13/75 The letters and cards, and presents, still coming. It is just like Christmas. At Robin’s insistence, we got a work force going on clearing dead stuff from north end of island. We made good progress. Started to repair platform for bell. It needed it.
8/14/75 Robin’s canoe cruise took off at 11:00 a.m. 3 canoes - 9 people. When they didn’t show at 4:45, and rain threatening, I went out in Larson and rescued Karen, Jimmy, Johnny and 2 small kids. A good thing. Storm came soon after. The Shifskys and Robin with little George Glazier paddled in. Byrne and I mounted bell. Quite an undertaking. Carol & Ted called to say their thoughts with us altho they couldn’t be here. Good kids.
8/15/75 Many, many cards and gifts coming in. Omar Bygland called from Seattle to say his year with us the greatest of his life. Very heart warming. Jim & Bert and Ann here about 2:30. Happy to have them back for tomorrow’s event. Layna and I to Boyds for cocktails. Rays there too. Brought them home with us for “Family Dinner” put on by Sally & Karen. 25 people. What a crew! Brad arrived in evening. He looks and sounds great.
8/16/75 The day’s activities off to an early start. When I checked the boats at 6:30 I found the following sign nailed to dock “To Don & Layna - Happy 18,250th day.” We learned later that the Amidons had sneaked over and done the job. Shortly thereafter the Bob Hilkes pulled in with a huge pumpkin, 50th Anniversary. The main event scheduled to start at Thunderbird Lodge at 2:00 p.m. What a problem of logistics faced us. 25 people and all the gear to be transported to main land. Somehow, it all worked out. Boats took some to landing, Byrne ran big Larson direct to Thunderbird. George Amidon took last of us, including Bert and Ann, Don & Layna and Little Chris. Our whole tribe on dock to welcome us, and then the people began coming. By program time, 3:00, there were about 200 assembled in dining room. Harry Davey MC. No need to write details, they are burned into my memory. We were roasted and toasted - a very heartwarming experience. About 100 people stayed right on thru for buffet supper. We tried to talk to everyone and almost succeeded. We wound up evening by sharing a table with Amidons and Bob Faegres. Everyone, mostly me, impressed by job done by our kids. Amidons took us home at 10:30.
