Johnson Journals part 383

7/31/80 I picked a tomato! The elder Jernbergs arrived. Good people. I think that to all of us it was their last. Both of them in their 80’s. A major operation getting him in and out of a boat.

8/1/80 To George Amidon’s “Roast” at 5:30. About 50 - 60 people assembled to give tribute - in reverse. Buck Riley MC, told the “roasters” to say nothing good about George. Altho several people, including me, were called on, no one could think of anything but compliments. All in all a great experience. Jessie Wald came.

8/2/80 At 4:30, Layna, Sally, Jim and I to Rays for cocktails. The Sam Whites there, too. A good group - much reminiscing about early Camp Koochiching days. Home at 8:00 p.m. to dinner. A couple of card games before we took off for our cabin. I missed the step and fell heavily, hitting my back on a rock. I was knocked out of wind. I had hell scared out of me and called to Robin, who came running. When I was able to walk, we got to our cabin. No bruises on my back but right elbow badly skinned. What the hell next, Johnson?

8/3/80 I almost begged off because of miseries when time came to go to the Mallard for breakfast. Went. A big group there including Mr. & Mrs. Henry Luce. We still have trouble trying to figure out what is so great about that layout.

8/4/80 At 4:30 we joined about 30 people aboard “Viking” as guests of Bob Wright. It was their 45th anniversary. We cruised up to “Big Vic” then back to south side of Grindstone - eating snacks and drinking all of the way. We dropped anchor and a boat from Thunderbird Lodge came out with a full scale supper. Big deal all around. We need it. Robin’s first day on new job. He, Karen and family will stay in log cabin until Oct. 1 when they move into new house. A major project.

8/5/80 Layna had invited the Evans and their house guest for brunch. I picked them up at Buck’s dock at 11:30. Took them back at 2:00 p.m. Everyone happy except me. My back mighty painful. Layna and I to Dean Minter’s for dinner. Bright people, good to be with.

8/6/80 Buck without a party. He came to visit about 3:00 p.m. and stayed for supper. A real morale booster for Layna - me too. Our new neighbors at Cleveland’s Island, the Johnsons, came for their first visit. They look like the right sort.

8/7/80 A mass migration from NWI today. Layna and I to Piggly Wiggly to replenish our scanty food supply. $60.00, 5 paper bags - did it. I can remember when $60.00 would buy a grub stake for the winter - for our family of 5. We were alone on island for 3 hours when the Dean Minters arrived for supper. Shortly thereafter, Dick and Joan came. Bern Minter raised some great kids, who in turn married great spouses.

8/8/80 Picked up Daveys at 4:30. Strong NW wind and Bern nervous. We haven’t seen these good people since last October. A crying shame. The Amidons joined us for dinner - more good people. Party broke up at 9:00. Well done, Layna.

8/9/80 The water still dropping slowly on Rainy Lake. Robin pitched in and moved a couple of boulders from near small dock. We can park a boat there now without hitting bottom.

8/10/80 K and R and kids, plus Don and Layna to Mallard for breakfast. A goodly crowd there. When Bob Treuer, writer, asked Gene if she ever considered writing, she gave a long spiel about how she had been married to a writer. She went on to tell how she was his superior in everything competitive so she left him alone in the writing field. I was watching Robin and Laird, wondering how they were taking this. Neither said a word in defense of their father. I rowed over for paper. When I got out of boat at our dock, I tipped boat over in 5 inches of water - clumsy - too much of that going on with me.

8/12/80 Nancy arrived with boyfriend Stephen plus his brother and live-in girlfriend of 8 years. I did not get the last name - nor does it matter. I am getting numb where strangers are concerned - and not too alert with family.

8/14/80 Called Dale regarding Tara and Sheila. Buck took them home last night. I took fresh gas tank and went to their island. They are fixed up as to this minute. I skinned my shin getting out of boat at Edwards dock. I manage to draw blood from this old frame practically every day.

8/15/80 Layna and I to town to pick up some items for tonight’s “do”. At 5:00 we had 21 people gathered at NWI for supper - Johnsons and Monahans. Laird opened 2 bottles of champagne and announced his engagement to Jerrie Healy, the wedding to take place in February.

8/16/80 Karen and Robin decided to take the offer from Boyds. They moved their stuff from first cabin. It looks like a good deal. Karen rather calm about the uncertainty of their future. Layna and I to Island View where we met Vivian for lunch. A good visit.

8/17/80 To K and R for chicken dinner in their new home. They are already settled. A good place to “camp out” for a couple of weeks. Jean E. Glazier and 2 boys came to NWI after supper. She said her mother had suggested that they give her a rest. I think Gene has a short fuse where kids are concerned. I have a short fuse where Jean E. is concerned.

8/18/80 Decided to quit pulling my guts out on 25 hp motor. Called Dave Seegert who said he would be out right after lunch. He didn’t show up until 6:30. In the meantime, I had primed the critter and it took right off! Nothing for Dave to do. We had coffee and chewed rag about ADM days. He, too, has fond memories of that period. Tara paddled to landing via NWI. She made it back to NWI but was pooped out. The wind had come up, making it tough going. I took her home. Karen came with 3 kids to do washing. They like their new home.

8/19/80 Froehlichs called to say they had some sweet corn for us. We picked it up. Stopped for a minute (we thot) with Bern. She asked us for a salad supper. A good visit. Just at dark, Tara and Paula paddled in. Gas line broken. We talked them into staying overnight at NWI.

8/20/80 Discovered a leak in gas line of Tara’s boat. Fixed it and they took off for Edwards Island. To town at noon. Saw Dr. Walter who said that my right ear needed cleaning. Come back tomorrow. Saw Lou Moe in hospital. She is miserable after gall bladder surgery. Karen has been busy all day running down two leads for job. One in Littlefork and other in Falls High School. She seemed optimistic. We are all pulling for her.

8/21/80 A wild, windy day and I decided against keeping appointment with Dr. Walter. I called and he said, “Come next week.” It wasn’t too rough for Tara & Paula. They came about 5 p.m. Their motor stopped as they rounded end of our island and they paddled in. They are packed up and ready for early takeoff tomorrow. Karen needed information in Superior concerning job as counselor. She drove down, saw necessary person and drove back arriving at 9:30. What a gal!

8/22/80 Took Tara and Paula to landing. They were on road by 8:00 - right on schedule. A couple of fine young ladies. We decided to do something about a new car so took off for Cook by 10 a.m. To Chevy garage and met Larry Phillips - a super salesman. He made a determined effort to sell us a Citation and damn near succeeded. We asked for more time. Will call him Monday.