11/28/80 To Fort Frances (Bill Martins) and joined 6 Canadian couples in a pre-Xmas “do” We talked, ate, drank, danced and sang until 1:30. Gerry Armstrong deep in his cups and reviewed houseboat days to men who had gathered in kitchen. He was high in the praise of Don Johnson, even shed a few tears. All very gratifying.
11/29/80 Vivian Sutch picked us up at noon and took us to Holiday Inn for lunch. It has been a good relationship which began at Norway Island in 1970. Karen brought Michele Holiday and Sarah and Bobby for a visit in evening. Our daughter looked pooped.
12/1/80 To town in p.m. Included in our shopping was a fire extinguisher. We need all the protection we can get. We hauled the 3 lamps that Robin and I built for their place and set them up in living room. Good.
12/2/80 Hugh Monahan died and funeral tomorrow. Robin to Minneapolis and Karen to debate meet in Duluth. Grandma and Grandpa drafted to take care of kids. Layna utilized the time in cleaning mess in basement and washing clothes. My contribution was to read to Chris - a good listener. I read from one of Robin’s text books about Parkinsons and it was rather depressing. I tell myself that a little learning is a dangerous thing.
12/3/80 Lou Moe out for a drink or two or three. A big pot of chili tempted her into staying for supper. We got into some heavy conversation on religion. Not very productive because we think too much alike, therefore no arguments.
12/4/80 The Lynches entertained about 40 people at the Pickle Barrel. We picked up Avis who played the piano. We sang Xmas carols for a couple of hours. Free drinks for all but no one out of hand. A good experience. Buck stopped in for a good report on their trip to Texas.
12/5/80 A misty, freezing rain most of day and all surfaces a sheet of ice. Walking very hazardous.
12/6/80 The formal dedication of the Senior Citizens Center at 2 p.m. today. We joined about 150 “golden olders” at the ceremony. It was the result of a team effort by a group of dedicated people led by a Mr. and Mrs. Clausen.
12/7/80 K and R and kids here for waffle breakfast (brunch). All serene until time to go home and Sarah rebelled. The outcome was that they left her here. A perfect little lady after they went (1:30. Picked up the Glennies and to the Wildes in Fort Frances. A couple of drinks, good food and some great reminiscing. Our relationship runs back to Dahlberg days. Much talk about Frank Weldon’s escapades. Home at 11:00 p.m. A very, very satisfying experience.
12/8/80 17 days before Xmas and I have written a total of 4 cards. Sometimes I blame my lethargy on the medication I’m taking but mostly I blame down right laziness. Hopefully I will snap out of it soon.
12/10/80 Karen’s day to drive to Superior for more book learning and I decided to go along. We left at 12:15 and arrived in Superior at 3:30. She took me to the Mariners Mall where I spent 3 hours watching the mob spending their money. Karen picked me up at 7:00 p.m. We bought some cheap liquor, had supper and off for home arriving at 11:30. All in all a good (even great) experience. We talked almost steady for 6 hours. We like each other.
12/11/80 Tony Rizzo picked me up and we gave Civil Service test to 93 candidates. Times must be tough when there is such a turnout for one job. We had an informal meeting. Tony, Ralph and I. Nothing spectacular.
12/12/80 Wrote a few cards, shoveled a little snow. Time runs along. Almost afraid to read newspapers. The media is gloating over the fact that Reagan is having troubles naming a cabinet. Don’t the bastards know that Reagan’s troubles are their troubles?
12/13/80 To Dr. Walter’s annual Xmas party. A super deal attended by a hundred or more people. Karen and Robin there, which pleased us mightily.
12/16/80 To Katie Carlson’s funeral in p.m. The mortuary full of friends and relatives of this remarkable 87 year old. We have known her for 51 years. Our relationship clouded by the presence of that arrogant little bastard, Gilbert. Chris Oien in wheelchair - a pitiful case. I could almost hear him crying, “What do I do now?” Reverend Harold Schumacher officiated and true to the Lutheran tradition, he had his doubts if Katie would pass through the pearly gates - this despite the fact that she loved her friends, her flowers and fed the birds. She did not go to church. He choked up badly several times. I can only guess why.
12/18/80 Buck here for lunch. A good visit. We have written 60 cards and have 20 more to go. Next year I start cards on Layna’s birthday- Sept. 15. Despite the cold, I went on foot to Walleye Bait Co. Damn near froze.
12/19/80 Karen, Robin and kids for supper. Karen starts two week vacation and she says (and we can tell) that she is ready for it.
12/20/80 To Shuppens at 5:00. Bob and Dorothy Phillips there. Drinks, food and much talk - most of it gossip. Margaret and Mike know all the old timers in area - and have definite opinions to express. Especially Margaret, who says, after most harangues, “Isn’t that so, Mike?” The answer is always, “Yes.” Home at 10:30. A very pleasant episode.
12/21/80 To K and R for supper. About 20 people of younger set there for punch and soup and sweets. Interesting people and it was rather invigorating to hear their talk. Layna and Gene furnished the goodies, enough for 100.
12/22/80 We (mostly Layna) baby sat for the 3 little Monahans. Karen brought them at 9:00 a.m. and we took them home at 4:30. They were well behaved, hardly a tear shed all day. We went to Mall and did some last minute shopping. Christ, but everything is expensive! Back to K & R for cod fish supper. Good!
12/23/80 I can’t get caught up on Xmas cards. A new batch every day. Betty Henrickson stopped in with a beautiful wreath, made from NWI pine cones. She visited for about ½ hour. We like her.
12/24/80 To K & R at 6:00 p.m. Gene there, too. Oyster stew - a traditional dish, punch and dessert. We left early. Our kids look tired, as well they might. On to Buck and Dale’s. They were getting ready to eat. 8:30. Altho we were full of oyster stew, we joined them - good. Little Danny put on quite a floor show. He started walking at 9 months. He now makes some strange sounds - like he is trying to talk. Home at 10:00. Another Christmas Eve without a Christian motif. Are we way off base?
12/25/80 A quiet Christmas morning. Layna had most of dinner prepared by noon. We sat, like old people should, and talked of past Christmases, mostly years up lake when our “first family” was growing up. K & R and kids and Gene came at 4:00. Karen with salad, Gene with dessert - a feast. My belly growing daily.
12/29/80 We had the 3 little Monahans here all day and as always, it was an interesting experience. Early in the game, Sarah bit Bobby who screamed bloody murder. Layna to the rescue and separated the antagonists by pulling Sarah off by her hair. More screaming but it soon stopped. Chris no problem if he can watch TV.
12/30/80 Vivian Sutch here at 11:00 a.m. A good visit and good brunch. Broke up early as we had appointment with Dr. Walter. Layna’s blood pressure good. Mine a little high but no cause for alarm. Johnny and Sue came about 4:00. A good visit and at 7:00 Layna made waffles. Good kids - happy and very successful. We like them and feel strongly that it is mutual.
12/31/80 Still getting a few Xmas cards. Layna to town to pick up groceries for Daveys’ dinner. They called at 6:00 p.m. to say they had “flu” and wouldn’t be able to make trip. To K and R at 7:00 to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Gene and Cherie there. The Monahans had prepared a feast around the fondue pot. Delicious - and fattening. A good gathering with a lot of laughs. We were home by 11:00 p.m. So passed another year. And again I can report that Don and Layna had a good year altho we can worry about my Parkinsons (and inflation and -on and on) if we want to feel sorry for ourselves.
