7/3/81 Layna and I put in the greater part of the day re-arranging and cleaning the shop. Layna a whiz at that kind of job and I just tag along.
7/4/81 Not much activity at NWI until I went after K and R and kids. They brought a plastic swimming pool that kept them occupied for some time. After supper they went to Ober’s Island and we took off for Curtice Island where we watched golden eye ducks fly in and out of box nest. A short visit with Buck and on to Rays. They are doing fine. Karen cramming for exam and she acts worried.
7/5/81 I got an hour’s work out of John before his buddies, Mike and Hans carried him away, not to return until midnight. K&R with 3 kids to Mallard for breakfast. Home at noon and Robin off for town for gaming session.
7/6/81 I finally had a confrontation with Chris. He had been biting Sarah and Bobby all morning and when Layna told him to slow down he absolutely ignored her. Well, I got his attention by grabbing his sun burned arms. He was defiant until I let him go- then cried. Schumachers here for a brandy at dark. Good.
7/7/81 Kee Ryst but it’s hot! The ‘Icebox of the Nation’ hit the national news yesterday. It’s 97 degrees was topped only by some little place in Arizona. Buck stopped to pick up Tyke and told of an accident in which their new pontoon boat was wrecked and the cook badly injured. Mr. and Mrs. Kruskopf here.
7/8/81 To Ray’s for dinner. Sam Whites there too. Also friends of Rays, the Elsinors who have a place on Lake of the Woods. A congenial group. Home by 9:30.
7/9/81 John and I worked part of day on decks at big cabin. Replaced several planks. Sure wish we could afford many more of same.
7/10/81 Layna had invited the doctor Walter family for the day. They followed a doctor pattern by not arriving until 3:00 p.m. We had nothing more important to do than wait. They brought a bottle of Scotch for me and a beautiful wood carving for Layna. A pleasant gathering- full of good talk. We left the table and got on the subject of Oberholtzer- Ted Hall deal. Interesting. Fred Walter must have some magical powers because my bum leg didn’t bother all the while he was here.
7/11/81 Bill and Gladys Martin, Bruce and Lois Caldwell, Sid and Sherry Assline, came at 4:30 in Bill’s new houseboat. A drink or two and off for Musket Inn. Much to tell about our years there and they were good listeners. A good meal, then ran around to big lake, threw anchor and watched moon climb in sky. Much good talk, much about Mando days. They took us home and tied up for night.
7/12/81 Bill Martin served coffee at dock. They took off about 8:30. Still plenty of people at NWI. People we scarcely know but friends of Karen’s. I had a strong feeling to be alone, and spent most part of day in Happy Shack- a true refuge from kids and people. My leg responded to the rest, much better. Our family down to 3 Monahan kids and John. Everyone else left, including Karen. She is off for a two week course at Superior “U”. Much hanging on how well she does.
7/13/81 Cliff and Lou Moe stopped for lunch. They had been to the Fort and cleared their boat. When they finished telling us about the rigmarole they went through to get a clearance I was tempted to say,- “to hell with the whole deal.” Robin here for supper and to pick up kids. He looked tired. Sheila came for about ½ hour. She has lost a lot of weight, very becoming. Still full of old B.S. Layna says she is tired of picking up after everyone. I believe her.
7/14/81 Rays came with their canoe to be stored. They leave Thursday. We made a dinner date for tomorrow. Sheila here for supper. She and Layna not too compatible. We took her to Val Boyd’s and dropped her off. Val brought her back. I would like to have heard their conversation- or maybe I wouldn’t.
7/15/81 My moods rise and fall depending upon the pain in my leg. There is no way that I know of to predict it, so even when it is not too bad I am apprehensive. Met the Rays, one drink and off for Grandma’s Pantry. Our only walleye feed of the year. Back to NWI, sat and chewed rag for a while and they left. A sad farewell. I am sure that the question in everyone’s mind was, “How much longer”?
7/17/81 Picked up Vivian Sutch at 11:00 a.m. and took her back at 6:30. She and Layna always find subjects to talk about. I stay in background fearing Vivian may corner me in a religious discussion. She knows that Jesus is on her side. I wouldn’t start anything with that pair.
7/18/81 Layna and I to meet Jim Larson at landing. He knew where the corners were for his lot. We measured out our lot and there is a chance that we have our dock on Mr. X’s lot. To Ranier at 6:00 p.m. to attend a wedding shower for Leonard Peterson and bride. About 150 people, mostly relatives and neighbors of the new wife. I consider Leonard in the top ten of men I have known. Good luck friend.
7/19/81 Dave and Jill Austin and 4 kids came bearing about 2 quarts of blueberries. Good people who practice the Christian ethic the way it should be.
7/20/81 The hole for dumping the Emergency Room pot about full to brim. Today, alone, I dug a new hole 3 x 3 x 3 and made cover for it. My leg still hurting but I am learning to live with it.
7/21/81 Mike and Margaret Shuppen here for visit in p.m. They are considering selling their place on Stop Island, “You are the first to know!”
7/22/81 Jim Larson, Bill Hardwig and I ran the lines around our parking lot and came to the conclusion that the dock was on our property…a relief. Sally and Jim came at noon. Layna, Sally, Jim and I to Seegerts’. Had a good visit for an hour. Good Lord how those people have worked! AND- still are.
7/26/81 Sunday. Karen’s 35th birthday- a big day on NWI. Weather perfect. About 30 people, big and little in attendance. A big bowl of punch. Then a pot luck feast, then cake by Sally. Some singing, much talking. They went home in bunches the last by 10:00 p.m.
7/29/81 I have patched over patches on second cabin roof for at least 5 years. Today we decided to do something more permanent. I got on phone and ordered material. It came in p.m. and by night we were well on our way. Mike, John, Sally, Jim, and me. I am bushed tonight. Nevertheless, we, Layna and I, off to gathering at the Sam White’s. Ted Hall and Rody, Jim and Ann Watson, Whites and Johnsons. Home after dark. I do not like night driving.
7/30/81 A good crew, Mike, John, Jim, Sally and I worked on second cabin roof. The bell rang for Bobby’s birthday party at 5:00 p.m. but we kept at it for another hour and it is good enough now to stand a good down pour. Big doings at party. Gene and friend along with Monahans, Jernbergs & Johnsons.
7/31/81 We, (Sally, Layna, Don, Jim), put the last touches on the second cabin roof. It will last long enough for Don and Layna.
8/1/81 Sally, Layna and I to 265 where we mowed lawn, clipped around flowers, braced tomatoes. I went fishing in evening and caught 1 walleye, my first of season!
8/2/81 To Moe’s in Black Bay for dinner. Sally too. It was Mary Lou Dyker’s birthday. Lou and Margaret had prepared a super dinner. Home at sunset. Beautiful!
8/3/81 Layna, Sally and I alone on island. I needed this! Burned up a couple of old wooden ladders. One of them, used to get to attic, was built by Chris Oien in 1927. Nothing lasts forever. Even a ladder and it’s maker.
8/4/81 We have reason to believe that our insurance with Boise is not being handled right. Called Vern Reuter who called Boise who said they would look into it. A floating bog about an acre drifted in to Schumacher’s dock. While we were wondering what to do, it slid along shore and went to Deer Island where it sits.
8/5/81 Met Darwin Joslyn . He has been clearing land next to our landing. Seems OK but I came away thinking I should have made clear our idea of where the lot lines are.
