8/23/80 Robin brought Bobby to spend day at NWI. Robin came with George at 2:30 and we pulled the Jernberg boat out. The first sign that the summer is winding down. The 5 Monahans stayed for supper. Fun! Layna has begun a sewing project for the kids. I think she enjoys it.
8/24/80 To Ober’s Island for weekly pancake breakfast. While there, Layna invited Ted, Rody, Tom and Thomas. Gene and Jean E., for 6:00 supper. 2 canoe loads and one boat brought them here near on time. Great people all. We sat outside for about an hour. Good conversation. Another hour at table. We watched sun go down and full moon rise. Beautiful. Surely there are few spots on earth prettier. Karen’s name comes up for hiring at tomorrow’s school board meeting.
8/25/80 We did it! After talking it over without any serious disagreement, we called the Chevy people in Cook (Larry Phillips) and told them not to hold car for us. We went to Sheridan and after a great deal of number changing, we bought a new Chevy Citation. It cost a much as our #265 home - so goes inflation. To see Dr. Walter who cleaned out my right ear. Also told me to keep on the pills which seem to be the answer to my “shakes”.
8/26/80 To Holiday Inn at 6:30 where we met Bill and Dare White. We had a couple drinks - and much good talk - then dinner. We chewed rag at table for another hour. An old friendship that I am happy is kept alive. Karen had much to report on her first day in school. Robin told about taking Sarah and Chris to school. A memorable day all around.
8/27/80 When Byrne was here we replaced seat in Edwards boat. We thot it was done well - bolts, screws and glue. Tara’s 200 pound friend, Paula, jumped from dock onto seat and it collapsed. I put it back together.
8/28/80 We decided to go to lumber camp exhibit at Grand Rapids. Called Bern who snapped at the chance to go along. We were on our way at 10:00 - in our new Citation.. On to campsite by 1:00 p.m. An interesting exhibit. It depicted life in a logging camp about 1900. On to Ed and Mildred’s for 1 ½ hour of visiting. Dropped Bern off at 9:30. A big day. Put 300 miles on new car.
8/29/80 Karen, Robin and Shifskys in Ranier. Strong winds and heavy rain most of day and I worried about transportation. The rain stopped as I went to landing. The girls had gone back to town for supplies. I loaded 5 kids and John and Robin in Larson and brought them home. All hell broke loose shortly after and girls stayed in town at Gene’s. Thursday paper carried large picture of Robin. The Chronicle carried cover picture of whole family. Everyone mighty pleased.
8/30/80 Wind changed directions several times but blew like hell no matter where it came from. Six kids on island. 3 Monahans and 3 Shifskys. When they got too noisy, I took refuge in our Happy Shack. Sheila called at 7:30 and we went after her. She had a good trip to Houston despite 107o weather.
8/31/80 At 5:00 p.m. John Holden picked us up and off for Newharts where we changed boats and off for Berry Island where the Jim Watsons were entertaining about 30 of the lake people. Caviar, turkey, ham, drinks of all kinds - much palaver. We left at 9:00 p.m. Very dark. Goalie Newhart not too sure of himself but he got enough help from the Johnsons and Holden to make it to their place. THEN WE GOT THOROLY MIXED UP AMONG THE LIGHTS AND ISLANDS NEAR NWI. It took some doing to find our dock. Very confusing - and embarrassing. Jim Watson told story of Gilbert Carlson’s adventure in towing Gilda with Bee Gee. It was absolutely true in every respect except for one detail. The true character in the episode was Don Johnson - with Layna as witness.
9/1/80 After lunch we all went to see K and R’s new home. It has the making of a comfortable place. It is well situated - near school and hospital. Shifskys off for home, the Monahans came back to NWI. Hopefully they will be moved from Duluth next weekend.
9/2/80 Layna to town to pick up supplies for tonight’s dinner. Everything ready to come out of oven by 5:30. Les Cleveland and Newharts arrived about 4:30. It is good to be in on their conversation. All of them have traveled extensively to far off places. Mexico seems close to Ericsburg when I hear them talk. All hands left by 8:00.
9/3/80 Buck here at 8:30 with our kicker. He put it on old Larson like it was a toy. I know that I am slipping physically (and mentally) but I am forced to believe that I never could handle one of those brutes alone. What a comfort that Buck is! The present plan calls for Robin & Karen to go to Duluth on Friday, get a “U-Haul” truck and return on Saturday with stuff. A big operation. I think they are equal to it.
9/4/80 The radio told us that the wind was 24 mph with gusts up to 34. I can well believe it. During a lull, near sundown, Buck brought Sheila over to say goodbye. Her ultimate goal is to be back in Pittsburgh about Sept 10. Good luck, you mixed up kid.
9/5/80 We were getting island happy so decided to go see Buck and Dale. They were at Musket Inn and flagged us down. We drank coffee and chewed the fat for an hour or so, then in to town where we picked up the 3 little Monahans.
9/6/80 Our first full day with the kids and it went well enough. There were a few confrontations - kids vs. kids, kids vs. grandparents, grandparents vs. grandparent - none of which lasted very long and none left any permanent scars.
9/7/80 K and R in old Chevy station wagon and Laird and Jerrie in “U-Haul” truck arrived in Falls about 11:00 a.m. from Duluth. Karen called us and we were there with 3 kids shortly after. A big, big day followed. The truck - a 24 footer - was jam packed full. Lee Grim and Don Carey had volunteered to help but didn’t make it. Laird, Robin and Old Man Johnson unloaded the beast alone while Layna, Karen and Jerrie worked inside unpacking, cleaning, cooking - on and on. Furniture, freezer, microwave, books, books and more books. Much of stuff put in garage, some in basement, some in house. God, what a job! Finished by 7:00 - had picnic lunch in back yard - which is a dandy, then on for home, completely exhausted.
9/8/80 We saw Cliff and Lou at Jill’s wedding and that is the only time we have been together all summer. A beautiful morning so we decided to give them a visit. They were alone and we spent a couple of hours in talking on many subjects. They are our oldest friends and always good to be with them. Cliff is nearing 80 and looking good. Our power off at 3:30.
9/9/80 Layna called the REA and made a date for service man to meet me at landing at 9:00. They found a tree over the line on Stop Island. All back in service tonight. An old saying says, “You never miss the water until the well goes dry.” Well, that goes for electric power, too. How did we get along without it in the “olden days”?
9/11/80 To town at 10:30. Did some shopping and ended up at K & R at noon. Gene pulled in shortly after. Karen made sandwiches for everyone. A ½ hour visit. Karen seems to be getting adjusted to her new home. She told us, “don’t break this to a soul,” that the Duluth house almost sold. Wouldn’t that be great?
9/12/80 Picked up Ed, Mildred and Anita at 2:00 p.m. A lazy p.m. followed. A couple of hot rums revived old memories of fall days on Mando. We sat before the fireplace and talk, talk, talked. Good people, we enjoyed it. A black, stormy night. Sally called from Duluth and we advised them to stay there. They did. As I grow older, the outboards get heavier, the space under the floor joists of all the cabins is less and the nights are darker for boat travel.
