Life of Mary Caroline Findley (from Her Diary Entries for 1947)

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See an overview of the years 1948 through 1957.

See the diary entries for 1946.

Wednesday, January 1, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & spit snow. Went to church for communion & took some Readers Digests down. Am writing with the new pen Mary gave me. Lucy went down to work this p.m. Wrote to Jean & Mrs. Gardner.

Thursday, January 2, 1947 (age 59): Snow sleet & rain. Pretty slippery but got warmer & melted some. Got withholding tax blank today. Made $2694.51 last year. Won't get much back but a little. Letters from Ruth Rochford who said Ellis has a housekeeper; Oscar's wife who was worried too & Jean. She & JA have been sliding. Wrote to all & sent Ruth's letter to Jean. Had hair washed & waved at Curly Top.

Friday, January 3, 1947 (age 59): Eva Dea's 55th birthday. Snow & rain. Card from E. Glendining thanking the Thrift Shop workers for a gift, also inviting us to tea Jan. 9--330 - 530. Also letter from Virg.. thanking for Xmas gifts.

Saturday, January 4, 1947 (age 59): Eleanor Tucker's 35th. Fair. [written in later:] Nat Jr. born. Went to New Bedford to see M. & gang. Joan had gone back but Jack & Babe were there. Min said she didn't have any fight when she came up to see her father but she thought maybe they thought she wasn't asking for money. She still isn't quite satisfied. Used ticket a year old on train & bought another one to come back with but gave it to Babe.

Sunday, January 5, 1947 (age 59): Fair-- mild in New Bedford. Didn't go to ch but M. & I talked over things. We also called Eleanor up & talked a while. E. said the shirts I sent for the boys are just right. Left at 3 on bus for Brockton, bus to Ashmont & home by train. Had supper at No. Station.

Monday, January 6, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Melted a little at noon but cold tonight. Letter from Joyce & one from Oscar's wife saying Ellis had written he had a housekeeper. Beautiful moon.

Tuesday, January 7, 1947 (age 59): Fair & then cloudy. Cold this morning & warmed up during day. Notice for John from Alumni Assoc. for a contribution toward memorial. Bill from Playdon for flowers for Annie's funeral. Got a state income tax blank & figured out that I owed 3.62.

Wednesday, January 8, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Windy & cold. Didn't get the sleet & snow predicted. Bought a book "Our Own Kind," funny as the dickens. Story around that a man wanted by police came into back yard of Press. Story that Charles Morgan dead false. Had flags half mast yesterday.

Thursday, January 9, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Got my state income tax off & it's lucky I asked Catherine to look at it for I hadn't filled in all I should. Had to pay $4.09. Letter from Jean & she was taking care of Burke Eldridge's wife--only one day, I guess. Then she did Xmas shopping. Tea at Mrs. Glendinnings but I forgot & didn't dress for it.

Friday, January 10, 1947 (age 59): Fair & very cold. O at Verrettes this morning. Forgot to pay for breakfast but paid for it at dinner. No mail. Got plaid suit in Thrift Shop for Karen & a book.

Saturday, January 11, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & warmer. Letter from Mary & one from Nat & Edie announcing the arrival of Nat Jr. on Jan 4. Went downtown & got 2 birthday cards, one for Peggy & one for Nat Jr. Sent a dollar to him. Got book for Peg. Didn't send it but will Monday. Went to Law. in p.m. & got Nellie some rubber sheets & saccharin. Couldn't find Goodwill so had to bring shoes back again.

Sunday, January 12, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. George Carter came home from Coles sanitarium. Looks pretty weak, but is dressed. Wrote to Mary & went over to Eva's for a while.

Monday, January 13, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Didn't feel any too well but went to work. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone. She said Mike had seen John in Japan. He's coming back to the coast & be up at Bremerton. Went to King's Daughters meet. Had a fish chowder supper with indian pudding for dessert.

Tuesday, January 14, 1947 (age 59): Rain & freezing. Bad walking as the roads & sidewalks were all ice. J. Fredrickson wanted to know if I really was going to get through & I said I wanted to. No mail.

Wednesday, January 15, 1947 (age 59): Icy mist. Terrible walking. Luckily I got up early enough so I didn't have to hurry. Went in road down Elm & car splashed me. Then Louie had a wise crack to make about my stepping off the curb at Verrettes. I told him to shut up. Letter from Jean & one from Mrs. Rochford.

Thursday, January 16, 1947 (age 59): Foggy & a little warmer. Ice & snow off streets so it's better walking. Letter from Mrs. Preston & I guess I could work down there if I wanted to. Ruth went up to Vermont for weekend.

Friday, January 17, 1947 (age 59): Peggy's 26th birthday. Fair & cold. Letter from Eleanor. Likes the suit I sent, also book. Income tax return of $3.60. Worked in Thrift Shop alone for a while as Thelma didn't come in.

Saturday, January 18, 1947 (age 59): Eleanor Lovely's 26th. Fair & cool. Nice out, but sloppy walking. Went to Doctor's, he gave me liver & iron pills for blood. Said I needed a vacation. Lucy & Thaxter up visiting & Mrs. Gilbert came for overnight.

Sunday, January 19, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Didn't go to ch. Went over to Eva's in pm. Wrote to Mrs. Preston, Mrs. Johnstone & Ruth Rochford. George had some company but was tired after supper, as he generally is.

Monday, January 20, 1947 (age 59): Icy rain again. Streets worse than last Wed. Started about 6.30 & froze. I got along ok till I got to Verrettes & a man helped me off. Melted later. Ross got to work about 9.30. Ruth stayed in restaurant for dinner. She went to ch. supper at night. Said there were 99 there. Quite a talk about the organ. Letter from Jean. Sent Roland's card & $2.

Tuesday, January 21, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy in a.m. but cleared & colder in p.m. Town report in, also North Andover Town report. Index in. No mail but wrote to Jean.

Wednesday, January 22, 1947 (age 59): Roland's 48th birthday. Cold & windy. Letter from Peggy saying John's ship on her birthday was in Panama. She seemed pleased with the gifts. The ship will be in Newport next month.

Thursday, January 23, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold-- got a bit warmer & cloudy. A Mr. Buell came in to see about the proofreading job. Has worked at different places filling in. He's from Stoneham, a B.U. grad of 1923. Will come in Monday & try it out.

Friday, January 24, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. Didn't wear rubbers as it was dry, but took them along thinking it might snow or rain. Ruth upset about her father & had the doctor who said he might have pneumonia & gave her a prescription. She didn't stay at the Thrift Shop as she had to get it filled & go home. Madison Humphreys was there.

Saturday, January 25, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Washed hair in a.m. & cleaned up. Went to Lawrence in p.m. Martha Howe & Lexie on bus.

Sunday, January 26, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Went to church & down to Dot's in p.m. Nelson working every Sunday at gas station for Oscar. I think he's foolish but maybe he'd rather than stay around with the children.

Monday, January 27, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & cold. Mr. Buell came in to work. Introduced him to the men as they came in. Seems to know his job. Went over to meeting of birthday com. of King's Daughters at Ella Curtis's & Lucy & I served cocoa & cookies. Served on handkerchiefs.

Tuesday, January 28, 1947 (age 59): Nellie's 71st birthday. Gave her $2 in a card. Cloudy & cold. George played rummy with us for 3 games--first time since his sickness.

Wednesday, January 29, 1947 (age 59): Miss Fannie's 82nd birth. Got pretty well smoked out as Mr. B. smokes a lot. Louie said Cole would like to have me stay another week. Mr. B. seems to know his job, but of course a little slow at first. Sent Christine a box of the makings for valentines.

Thursday, January 30, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy. misty. Ruth in but late at noon. Her father had another bad night but seems brighter in the daytime. Still on town reports. Mr. B. seems to know his job. Sent the Tucker boys a group of books I got at the Thrift Shop.

Friday, January 31, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy then fair & warmer-- cooler toward night. Went to fish chowder luncheon at Free church. Mr. Buell went too. Quite a gang of Andover Press. Worked alone in Thrift Shop as Ruth didn't stay. A number in but only sold a quarter's worth. Called up Jean & the baby is sick a little, the diarrhea that's going around.

Saturday, February 1, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Went down to beach to see how J.A. was. Kind of droopy-- won't eat. Jean didn't feel well either & R. cross about grocery bill. I felt terrible being there for a while but he got over it. Went by bus from Lawrence.

Sunday, February 2, 1947 (age 59): Fair & colder . Got J.A. to sleep out in the carriage & he had a good nap. Hasn't any fever but his eyes are heavy. They drove me to Portsmouth in pm & I came back to Boston.

Monday, February 3, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Lots of work. Doesn't seem as if one could do it all. Got kind of nervous wondering if Buell would get through the work. Had to help. Went in to see Frank Markey about a pension.

Tuesday, February 4, 1947 (age 59): Rain in p.m. warmer. Got some more stuff picked up. Worked hard all day. Went up to see Dr. Blake about writing a note to Markey saying I needed a rest. Letter from Gordon & Byron thanking me for the books.

Wednesday, February 5, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy--snow flurry & colder. Clear at night & windy. Put little trunk out in back attic, cleaned out closet pretty well. No mail. Put 2 detective stories in 2 packages to send to Mary & Minerva.

Thursday, February 6, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. 3 little boys drowned in Shawsheen-- little Finnerty boy was Jessie Dobbie's little boy 2½, then there was a Smith boy 3 & a Burbine boy 4 all playmates from Brechin Terrace. Went after toy gun on ice. Took more clothes to cleaners. Letter from Edie thanking me for bonnet.

Friday, February 7, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & not cold. The gang gave me $21.50 in a nice card and I got my final pay at the Press. I hope they all get along ok. All wished me good luck, even Louie slapped me on the back. Tommie brought in the card about 4.20 along with the proofs & Jerry said "it was something he swept up." Roland & Jean & baby came up about 8.30 & I drove back with them.

Saturday, February 8, 1947 (age 59): Rain & thunderstorm in morning. Helped with work & got baby to sleep. Wrote to Minerva, Virginia & Eleanor, Nellie, Harold Johnson & the gang at Press thanking them for the money.

Sunday, February 9, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy-- windy-- cold. Jean still has a cold. We took a short walk this p.m. & the wind was bitter. Wrote to Ethel. R. mailed the other letters.

Monday, February 10, 1947 (age 59): Still windy but a little warmer. We went downtown in p.m. & the tears were in J.A.'s eyes it was so windy. Covered Roland's chair. Started knitting another bonnet. Mailed valentines to Carla & Margo.

Tuesday, February 11, 1947 (age 59): Cold & windy. The wind blew all day long & it was pretty cold. Went over to the village & I got some dish towels & made up six for Jean. She bought groceries & some valentines.

Wednesday, February 12, 1947 (age 59): Wind still blowing but not so strong. Routine work. I keep on with bonnet. Played cards with Jean & Roland at night. R. popped corn.

Thursday, February 13, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Jean & I got letters from Mary & Jean got a long one from Janie explaining why she hadn't written before. She was all in a dither about Elsie who about had a miss & she was waiting on her & trying to keep her grandmother from mischief & Janna too. It sure was a funny letter & we laughed ourselves sick. Mary's family were in an auto accident but not seriously hurt. Slippery roads going up to see Mr. Hawes.

Friday, February 14, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. John Allan got 10 valentines & he knows where each one comes from. I got a letter from Janie re-sent from Andover. Snaps of Janna in it & one looks a lot like Allan. Also a valentine from Lucy. Went to Portsmouth & had J.A.'s hair cut. He looks a lot like Butchy.

Saturday, February 15, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & cold. Wrote to Mary & Jean took it along. Later wrote to Janie & finished the bonnet which I sent to her to give to Elsie. Took them down & mailed them & got a few groceries.

Sunday, February 16, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy-- a little rain. Sky all gray. J.A. woke early it seemed but I had read late last night & finished the book. Roland took him out riding & then I got him to sleep outdoors. Wind cold & getting gusty. Wrote to Lucy, Lexie, Ruth, Nellie, & Hap.

Monday, February 17, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & windy. A film of snow on ground in morning but disappeared during day. Mrs. Adjutant died. She had had a shock. Letter from Nellie telling about Buell being drunk Thurs. night & getting in at 1 oc. Friday a.m. & she was all worked up. Said she wouldn't keep him. Valentines from Janie & Janna. Wrote to Nellie & walked downtown to mail it.

Tuesday, February 18, 1947 (age 59): Warmer-- up to 50. Took J.A. for ride in stroller to see the waves, which were rolling in. Letter from Lucy. Walked down in afternoon with Jean & J.A. Got groceries. R. over at village. A bundle for Mrs. Andrews came here & R. took it over.

Wednesday, February 19, 1947 (age 59): Cold & windy but sunny. Cleaned up sewing room & Jean washed floor. Letter from Ethel. Roland took us for a ride around the back roads.

Thursday, February 20, 1947 (age 59): Fair but windy-- ring around sun. Jean & Roland went to Ice Follies. J.A. good but woke up when they came home by 11.30 & fussed. I finally took him into my bed & he went to sleep when he got warm. Letter from selectman about matron of town infirmary. Another letter from Nellie.

Friday, February 21, 1947 (age 59): Northeast snow storm. Blowing hard. Snowed & blew all day drifting around house & garage but bare in road. Snow plows kept roads open but no use to shovel. Wrote to selectmen that I'd be up Monday if it cleared.

Saturday, February 22, 1947 (age 59): Still cold & blowy but cleared in p.m. Roland got garage path shoveled. Jean went out with J.A. skiing. Letter from Christine thanking me for the valentine I sent. I wrote to her. Also to Ethel.

Sunday, February 23, 1947 (age 59): Fair & a little warmer. Blowy. R. took J.A. out in car & I put him to sleep on porch. R. & J. & J.A. went for a walk in snow, so his cheeks were rosy when he came in.

Monday, February 24, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Went to Boston, R. taking me to Ports. Had dinner at Union Oyster House & then looked in stores. When I got to Andover I saw the curtain move near George's chair but he didn't know it was I so didn't wave. They were glad to see me. I went up to see Mrs Thornton at infirmary & she took me around. Saw selectmen at night.

Tuesday, February 25, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Went to Lawrence about Soc. Security & got a card to send to Baltimore about my wages. Talked some more with Mrs. Thornton. Got medicine filled & dresses from cleaners. Played cards at night.

Wednesday, February 26, 1947 (age 59): Fair--warmer but blowy. Came back to beach on early train & found no bus running to beach so telephoned R. & he & J.A. came after me, to Portsmouth. They seemed agreeable about infirmary job so wrote to R. Hardy & accepted. Wrote to Mary & told her.

Thursday, February 27, 1947 (age 59): Fair-- windy a bit. Wrote to Min, Virg & Eleanor about job. Had a nice note from Harold Johnson thanking me for my note. Woman from Springfield inspecting houses. R. & J. will have to move anyway.

Friday, February 28, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & windy. R. went to Portland to get car registered. Got some boxes packed with stuff we don't use.'

Saturday, March 1, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. J.A. out quite a lot during day & he slept fine first part of night only waking up once. J. & R. went to dance. Woke up when they came home & kept awake for some time. I couldn't sleep. Minerva called up just after R. & J. went out, & thought it was a great idea my being matron. Wrote to John but haven't sent it.

Sunday, March 2, 1947 (age 59): Rain & snow. Another east storm. Rain in a.m. and snow heavy & wet in p.m. with the wind again. Jean made corn balls in p.m. Wind blew terribly at night. I never heard it so loud. J.A. slept ok through it.

Monday, March 3, 1947 (age 59): Windy & stormy. Waves highest for years, but they quieted down during day. Went all over beach & threw debris way downtown. Jean voted in a.m. & R. was in & out all day.

Tuesday, March 4, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy-- snow flurries. Jean went early to Andover on train to Rock. & came home in p.m. Asked about infirmary & found out quite a lot more than I did. John called up from Wash. & said he might be up on Thurs. or Fri.

Wednesday, March 5, 1947 (age 59): Fair-- some cloudiness. Helped do wash. Letter from Virginia funny as usual. She seems to think it's ok too to take over job. Mopped & dusted upstairs, cleaned silver, did ironing & went downtown to get onions & fruit cocktail Jean forgot.

Thursday, March 6, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. Jean cleaned up in expectation of John & Peg's coming but they haven't showed up. R. & J. took J.A. to the doctor for a checkup & he found a little sugar in urine. J. also had a going over. J.A. slept fine first part of night & then woke up & fussed. I came downstairs but couldn't sleep myself.

Friday, March 7, 1947 (age 59): Fair-- wind still cold. Went downtown & mailed letter to Virginia & got some groceries. Jean had a dentist app. so I stayed here waiting for tele. from John which didn't come. R. thinks he can get a car here for $900.

Saturday, March 8, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cold. Made molasses cookies. Heard from John about 4 oclock from somewhere in N.Y. near the Conn. line. Thought they would get there about 11, but didn't till nearly 3 Sun. a.m. Got off the road around Hartford. All pretty tired. Just 6 years ago Allan, Mary & Chris came for 3 days.

Sunday, March 9, 1947 (age 59): Fair--snow flurries. Slept late as could. The baby Margot is a darling, good as gold. R. tried out their car & liked it a lot.

Monday, March 10, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy & windy. John took me for a little ride up around the Nubble & over to the Village & back & we had a good talk. He would like to take over Uncle Ellis's farm. Got a pretty lapel pin in form of a palm tree from Ethel Howell.

Tuesday, March 11, 1947 (age 59): Cloudy--windy. Baby sick in night or early a.m. Had doctor-- said she had the flu lung-- mild case. Threw up all milk & then of course cried because she was hungry. Jean & R. took J.A. & Carla for a ride. Carla fussy as Peg wanted to give her a bath. Wrote to Ethel & thanked her for pin.

Wednesday, March 12, 1947 (age 59): Fair & cool-- not bad out. Baby fussy at times but not bad. She isn't herself though. Likes to be held. Letters from Ethel Harrington & Nellie. N. said W. Higgins was in the nursing home.

Thursday, March 13, 1947 (age 59): Fair & warmer. John & Peggy & the children & I went over to Ogunquit & they got me a box of chocolates for a present. Carla had the nightmare after I had taken her in with me & the baby was crying & I guess Peg & John didn't get any sleep which was a shame as they had to start back on Friday.

Friday, March 14, 1947 (age 59): Rain. Roland went up to Andover with J. & P. & saw the Thorntons & looked over the Infirmary. He stayed at Johnsons overnight. Jean & I cleaned up & I sure slept at night. Letter from Lexie.

Saturday, March 15, 1947 (age 59): Fair. Birthday cards from Lucy & Nellie. Roland seemed to like the setup. He came back on the Rockingham train. Looking for a car now.

Sunday, March 16, 1947 (age 60): 60 years old. Whew!! Jean almost fell down cellar stairs with potatoes. She let them fall & saved herself but wrenched her back. Went up to see Mrs. Andrews in Gonic. Lovely home. She felt bad to have J. & R. leave beach. Had cake with 6 candles on it at night.

Monday, March 17, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & windy. Took J.A. around the Nubble. It took me an hour. Had to turn him around several times to keep the wind out of his face. Birthday card from Eleanor. Letter from Lucy Gibson.

Tuesday, March 18, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- colder & windy. Went out for an hour with J.A. Packed up dishes & things in my bureau drawers. Talked about getting a Dodge car for $1500. Didn't think I could finance it at first, but finally decided I would, as R. is getting $150 for his jalopy. Jean at hospital from 4-7.

Wednesday, March 19, 1947 (age 60): 2 years ago Allan lost. Martin Chase brought over the car & its a beauty 1942 Dodge, hasn't been used very much as he was in the war. We went for a ride around the Nubble & to Cape Neddick. Got the rug out & cleaned it. Jean at hospital in morning. Fair but windy-- not quite so cold. Jean put ad in paper for icebox. Clifford Drunnells died in Florida.

Thursday, March 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- wind still a little cold. Jean at hospital all morning. J.A. didn't sleep good last night so woke up about 7 oclock then after I'd had him for a while couldn't get him to sleep till about 12. Birthday card from Helen & letter from Ruth Rochford. Uncle Ellis's housekeeper has gone. Wrote to Ellis & Helen.

Friday, March 21, 1947 (age 60): Went over to the hairdresser's in the old car. Jean drove me over & we took Mrs. Bertolini & Barbara. Got the new car in p.m. R. paying $150 he got for the old car & giving note for $1350. It sure is a nice car.

Saturday, March 22, 1947 (age 60): Fair. R. worked for Paul Eldridge so Jean took me over to Portsmouth where I got the train for Boston. Had dinner at Filene's & then went out & visited with Ethel Hitchcock. Got the 5.14 train out to Andover. They were glad to see me.

Sunday, March 23, 1947 (age 60): Fair--lovely day. Went to church & to the Free ch. at night. Had dinner at Andover Lunch Dot McDonough has bought out. Up to Eva's & as she was going to Clifford Dunnell's funeral, I went back to Nellie's. She & G. & Lucy at No. Andover. Then I went over to Lexie's & had supper.

Monday, March 24, 1947 (age 60): Rain. R. came up but B. Thornton didn't want to go to Law. so in p.m. R. & I went down to see Dot in Greenwood. We took Geo. & Nellie to see G.'s brother in Wakefield. Went over to Edie but not home. Saw baby. Dot's expecting again. R. went to Svensons but stayed at Infirmary at night.

Tuesday, March 25, 1947 (age 60): Rain. R. went to Law. with Burke & then we came back to beach. Jean wasn't feeling any too good, & R. was suffering with his stomach so he went to bed in p.m. Got the jacket to the suit Peggy is giving Jean. Called up Paul & he will move us Friday instead of Thurs.

Wednesday, March 26, 1947 (age 60): Cold & windy. John Allan had a great time picking up boxes & throwing them downstairs that R. got out of the attic. He had to go to bed again this p.m.

Thursday, March 27, 1947 (age 60): Fair but cold & windy. Got more packing done. Got cellar cleaned out & icebox gone. John Allan fell a couple of times & bumped head there is so much junk around. We didn't move as R. was still feeling punk. Beautiful Northern Lights.

Friday, March 28, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- not quite so windy. The truck came for the stuff & got away about 10.30. Then Peg came over & she & Jean cleaned up. I did dishes, got lunch & Peg, Judy, & Barbara were there. Had fried eggs & bacon. She also helped pack the car. We went through Waldo's house before we left & got away about 4 oclock. Stopped at p.o. & there was a letter from John. Took Jean's pipe up to Eldridge's. Got to Andover about 6.30.

Saturday, March 29, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--spit snow & rain. I stayed at Carter's last night. Roland still miserable but took hold & did things for the men. Jean & I tried to get things straightened up a little, but she got awfully tired. She went to Law. with Eleanor but shouldn't. I took J.A. downtown & got toothbrush & teal. He is a little homesick. Didn't sleep very well. Miss Ivanson got dog out of garbage pail.

Sunday, March 30, 1947 (age 60): Fair but cold & windy. I got up & helped get the breakfast ready. John Allan not eating right nor sleeping good yet. Got him to sleep for nap but he slept only an hour. Went to ride with Miss Ivanson, Jean, R. & J.A. through Lowell, Billerica, Reading, & B.V. home. J.A. had another nap. Miss Ivanson showed me the bookkeeping she does. I didn't sleep much but was so tired.

Monday, March 31, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- cool wind. Wrote to John yesterday & mailed it coming home from ride. Got up at 6 & went around with Miss I. & Jean. Mr. D. needed attention again. Jean fixed Mr. Douglas's eye. I washed dishes, went over the downstairs with carpet sweeper & mop & dusted. Took J.A. downtown & got book from bookstore. Jean did some more fixing up. She is pretty tired & R. had another upset.

Tuesday, April 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. J.A. had a croup spell. Jean got vaporizer. Miss Ivanson left. Beatrice off. Hectic afternoon. Jean made cake in a.m. Got letter from Janie. Wrote to Mary. Went down to Carters last night & posted letter for Mary. I played rummy but was so tired I didn't function right & came home at 9. Peggy's bundle of clothes was there & we got that home & the Christ picture.

Wednesday, April 2, 1947 (age 60): Rain all day. Slept till 5 a.m. last night I was so tired. Roland did some errands at town clerk's & tax col. about Sydney's & Jimmie Douglas poll tax they sent out. Jimmie is too old & Sydney is on the town. J.A. is better but still hoarse. Dorothy can wear some of Peg's clothes.

Thursday, April 3, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean & John both are hoarse & Jean is developing a cold now. Took J.A. for a short ride up over the hill & back down the bypass. I got turned around on Salem St. & told Jean wrong but we got on to the Mid. Turnpike all right. Took J.A. to Dr. Blake at night & he gave them cough medicine.

Friday, April 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Ran vacuum cleaner & did regular work. Got another box from Peg & I took the stuff down to the Thrift Shop in even. except suit which I'm having cleaned. Walked downtown & what a mob. R. took me down in car in even to Thrift Shop.

Saturday, April 5, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & rain. Took down payroll & got Easter baskets for table to fill with candy. Got Easter card from Mrs. Johnstone. Did regular routine work, & took care of J.A. Jean felt miserable with laryngitis but kept around. Went down to Carters in evening. Brought home a book. Also got one from the little library they have here.

Sunday, April 6, 1947 (age 60): Rain in a.m. Cleared off-- warmer. This was Bea's day off. Pat Beston had a pain so Jean called Dr. & gave him morphine shot. Dr. said he would call. R. ate a piece of roast pork & it gave him a pain. The people in the dining room seemed to like the dinner. Jean made muffins for breakfast & they made Mr. Duval too loose so we had to clean up after him. Jean feeling better though. Wrote letter to Mrs. Johnstone.

Monday, April 7, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Did reg. work. Went to Law. in p.m. & bought curtain stretchers 75¢-- carpet sweeper & tongs for house. Went over to Ella Curtis's last night with Lucy to a birthday com. meeting of K.D. Mrs. Harshaw drove us home. Was tired for I didn't sleep too well last night.

Tuesday, April 8, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cooler. Got list of prices for Peg's things from Thrift Shop. Also $5 from Bea for things Dotty can wear. Wrote to Peg & sent $5. Got $26 pay-- $2.70 out. Gave Jean $12.

Wednesday, April 9, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy-- some rain. People feeling better in house. Jean had an all night's sleep first in 2 years she says. Roland had a big wash of sheets. In the evening Virg., Paul, Joyce & Dickie came & we gave them sand., cake & coffee. Had a nice visit.

Thursday, April 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Frost last night. Got warmer during day. B's aft. off.

Friday, April 11, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- warm. Letters from Uncle Ellis & Elsie Coleman from Wyoming. Jean, J.A. & I went to Law. in pm & JA & I waited in car for Jean to do her shopping. She bought shoes.

Saturday, April 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair warm & sultry thunderstorm at night & reg. cloudburst. Went down to Carters afterwards & played cards, R. brought home hox of pictures & rest of clothes. Eleanor got Jean the blouse she wanted, when she went over to Law. with Roland who had to get the turkeys as he couldn't get them Fri.

Sunday, April 13, 1947 (age 60): Fair cooler. Our day off but we stayed around till after dinner. Had turkey and it was good. Jean, Roland & J.A. took the Johnsons for a ride to York Beach & brought home tools & sled. Got home about 6. I went over to Carters & stayed for supper. Bill Doherty came up & wanted story of how I came here etc. Told him about Aunt Eliza running town farm over 50 years ago.

Monday, April 14, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy-- misty & cooler. Jean laid up with lame back. Went to Dr. Sandberg, but he didn't help her much. She managed to do some of the cooking though. Bought some thumb tacks & push pins.

Tuesday, April 15, 1947 (age 60): Foggy then clear & cool. Mr. Saunders died at 11 this a.m. Saw it in paper & called Ruth & expressed sympathy. Cold has gone into my head & I feel worse then when in my throat. Got pay today & gave Jean $2 extra. She went to Dr. Sandberg & while he hurt her a lot she feels better now. Bea out this p.m. so we got supper & ate in kitchen. Cold terrible.

Wednesday, April 16, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--cool, spit snow & rain. Went up town & bought fountain pen for Dorothy's birthday from J. & R. & me. Also sympathy card for R. Saunders. Cold seemed worse but I slept well.

Thursday, April 17, 1947 (age 60): Fair &cool. Took clock up to Billings to have cleaned & oiled. Jean & Roland went to Boston in pm. Took J.A. for a walk after dinner & got his supper. Got some curtains up.

Friday, April 18, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy in a.m. then cleared. cool, Went down to see how Napier wanted payroll made up. Bea put up my curtains in living room & I helped Jean some upstairs which she changed around some. J. started to go to the Stunt night with El., but couldn't get in, it was so crowded. Paid Blue Cross $3.28. Mr. Saunders buried.

Saturday, April 19, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Cold some better but had a bad headache so stayed in bed a while. Jean vacuumed the place. I polished the brass. We forgot to put out the flag. In p.m. went down to North Reading to see the Haywards. R., J.A. & I-- & took the Carters along to Asa Gould's to see him.

Sunday, April 20, 1947 (age 60): Snowing-- wet slushy. Bea's Sunday off. Mr. D. got in a mess again. I took care of J.A. while Jean did work. She's not feeling any too good. Didn't go out all day as it was wet & cold. J.A. had a long nap on porch. Got along ok. Bea said wires down in Salem, NH.

Monday, April 21, 1947 (age 60): Still snowing. R. made snow man for John. Went downtown & took payroll but couldn't get an order at Rockport.

Tuesday, April 22, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- cold. Jean feeling punk. Wish she would go to doctor. She & R. went to Law. & bought curtains. I went downtown & got some things. Bought birthday cards for the May birthdays. Wrote to Eleanor we might be out next Sunday.

Wednesday, April 23, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. R. moved the things in Mr. Higgins room taking them upstairs to spare room. Jean fixed up room & changed things around. Didn't go out but had Carters & Lucy here for evening. Letter from Ellis & one from W. Burtt.

Thursday, April 24, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy but mild. Roland burned leaves & John Allan had a fine time outdoors. Snowman all melted. Miss Donovan visited Mamie & Annie & R. took her back to the Anderson Sanitarium. I went to Leg. Aux. meeting & received a Gold Star pin. Promised pie for May supper. Bea's afternoon & eve off.

Friday, April 25, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy-- rain in p.m. Had hair washed at Mrs. Addis'. Jean changed things around in bedroom again. I took some Nat. Geo. mag. to Mrs. Carter's & telephoned Eva Muise to have her call for them for the veterans. Got back pay at Press from Nov 1 '46 to Feb. 8 '47-- $106.16 less Old Age 1.06 withhold tax 19.50: $85.60

Saturday, April 26, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Rained during night. R. washed clothes today instead of Sunday. Letter from Mrs. Thornton. Received official app. as matron from Selectmen. Charles Morgan arrived at house.

Sunday, April 27, 1947 (age 60): D.S.T. Cloudy--rain in p.m. Our Sunday off & we went to Baldwinville to see Eleanor. Got there about 10.45 takes about 2 hours to go. R. played ball with the kids and J.A. went out with them. R.'s Aunt Bertha & Unc. Harry called, and Ethel called up as she got home Sat. We got home about 530. Jean made waffles & R. & I went down to see Miss K & Ethel after supper.

Monday, April 28, 1947 (age 60): Clear. Took J.A. for a walk in p.m. & played in sand with him. Bea had hair washed. Got letter from Ethel Harrington also invitation to Tommy Dea's wedding. Went to Ella Curtis with Lucy to a meet of birthday com. of K.D. Sewed on holders.

Tuesday, April 29, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy partly, cool. Did some bookkeeping, getting the bills together. Bea's afternoon off. Jean took J.A. in stroller uptown in p.m. to do some errands. R. had car greased. Took letters to be mailed & went to see Marion Wilkinson for a few minutes at night. Letter from Mrs. Shiebler wondering if she could help out here.

Wednesday, April 30, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--warm--rain at night. Stayed out this p.m. almost the whole afternoon. R. cleaned out the gutters around the house. J.A. is so long getting to sleep now it's daylight saving. Nat. Geographic came today.

Thursday, May 1, 1947 (age 60): Rain & cold. Went downtown in a.m. & got matron's app. sworn to. Got bills from Ford & Hill. Put $5 each in back for Carla & John Allan. Bought 2 dresses for Margo at Michael Jay's. Bought J.A. some toys & books & got some more seeds. Roland, Jean & J.A. went to beach. Lexie & Ruth came up in evening.

Friday, May 2, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & rain. Went up to Carter's in evening. R. didn't feel well & J.A. upset us all by fussing at supper so we got a bawling out. Got more bills for infirmary.

Saturday, May 3, 1947 (age 60): J.A. 2nd birthday. Rain. Had a nice birthday party for J.A. Eleanor & Janet came up. I didn't eat dinner because I didn't want to have another scene with J.A. who had his nap after dinner & Bea thought I didn't liike the dinner & it made her cry. I felt pretty bad about that. J.A. got lots of presents & Jean made him a cake, also had Surette come up & take pictures. Letter from John. He's on staff of Ad. Blandy at Norfolk.

Sunday, May 4, 1947 (age 60): Carla's 3rd birthday. Rain. R. got some pictures which were being developed that were taken when John & Peggy were at beach.

Monday, May 5, 1947 (age 60): Would have been Wilfred's 30th. G. A. C. [George Allan Christie] 78th. Cloudy--sun out a little. Jean has afternoons off this week. I took down the bills to Geo. Napier. Sent off birthday card to Christine airmail with a dollar in it. Have sent to J. Lodge for plastic raincoat & hat for her but don't know as she will get it in time. Went to movies with Bea & Roland.

Tuesday, May 6, 1947 (age 60): Nat's 32nd. Rain in a.m. Cleared off in p.m. so that R. & J. & J.A. went for a ride to Malden to visit R.'s relatives. I went to Law. on bus & got hat, corsets, & stock. Clouded up again at night & rained.

Wednesday, May 7, 1947 (age 60): Rain. Jean got proofs of John Allan's photos. All good. Went down to Carters in eve. & played rummy. Lucy had been over seeing Mary Connor's sister's house on Boston Road. Nellie had had doctor for nerves.

Thursday, May 8, 1947 (age 60): Cleared off but still some clouds. Windy & cold. Took J.A. uptown in stroller & mailed pkg to Margo & Jean's card to Christine. Went in town house with bill.

Friday, May 9, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Got a beautiful Mother's Day card from Mary with 2 handkerchiefs in it. Also a little note. Wrote & thanked her. Saw Frank Markey & told him about what John asked about the $300 for overseas vets & he said there was a new ruling coming up for those still in service to get the money.

Saturday, May 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Sent payroll up & the news bill. Got pkg from John & Peg containing slip. Cards from Jean, J.A., & Eleanor. Jean & Bea went to Law. shopping & J. got coat. Went to Carters & R. took home the closet I had. Put in Pat's room. Wrote to John & Peg thanking them for slip.

Sunday, May 11, 1947 (age 60): Christine's 9th birthday. Fair & cool. Got nice apron from J.A. & candy from Jean.

Monday, May 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Had a permanent at Addis' 4 hours. Stayed home rest of day. Mamie & Syd went to movie pictures & Jean & R. went at night. I took J.A. out on porch & then put him to bed.

Tuesday, May 13, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & warm. Letter from Helen Higgins asking if they could come here if they come up Mem. Day & I wrote & said sure. Hot all day. J.A. fussy because he didn't get a good nap. We sat on porch & he also played on lawn but didn't get to sleep much sooner.

Wednesday, May 14, 1947 (age 60): Cooler--rain & clear off. Better feeling day. J.A. had a nice nap & then took him in stroller downtown.

Thursday, May 15, 1947 (age 60): Margo's 1st birthday. Fair & cool. Went to York Beach in p.m. & R. & J.A. got haircuts in Portsmouth. Mrs. Andrews took us to the Yorkway for supper. J.A. slept on way coming home. Didn't have a nap.

Friday, May 16, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Did usual work. No mail. Just after I'd sent letter about toilet paper it came in truck. Took J.A. for a walk downtown & changed book. One I got no good.

Saturday, May 17, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Thomas P. Dea Jr & Olga Kuczan married. Went to wedding & reception at Country Club. R. drove me to the church & to the Country Club & Ethel drove me home. Went down to Miss K's for a while. Got check from Thaxter for stuff I'd bought.

Sunday, May 18, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & rainy. R.'s aunt & uncle came from Malden & stayed to dinner & supper. I wrote up Tommy Dea's wedding & took it over to Eva. We had roast lamb for dinner & Jean cooked it well.

Monday, May 19, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--warm. Felt awfully tired but took J.A. for ride in stroller downtown, took book back to bookstore, put $5 in bank for Margo out of the check from town I got. Got medicine refilled. No mail. J. & R. went to movies in afternoon, & I took care of baby on porch. Bea & I went in evening, Helen Darby's name was called, but she wasn't there.

Tuesday, May 20, 1947 (age 60): Foggy & rainy. Cleared some in p.m. so J., R. & J.A. went to Malden & took umbrella back, left J.A. at Bertha's, & R. & J. went to Boston. Jean got pr of saddle shoes. I went to Law. & got chemise, 6 fruit glasses & nightgown. No mail.

Wednesday, May 21, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy in a.m. rain in p.m. Had J.A. out with me in garden. Picked pansies & distributed them around. Went down to Thrift Shop & bought 2nd hand union suit for Mr. Duval. 45¢ Met Nellie on way down so J. & I gave her a ride & brought bundles home. I stayed there for supper & played afterwards & R. came & got me.

Thursday, May 22, 1947 (age 60): Frances would have been 28. Cloudy & wet. Letter from John & one from Navy Dept. saying Allan's medals would go to Butchie which is ok. Letter from Mrs, Thornton asking to have stuff sent. R. Hardy came up to see boiler & Alec Thompson also--needs a new one.

Friday, May 23, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & rainy. Couldn't go out to do anything till afternoon. The district inspector was here all afternoon & asked all sorts of questions & looked through the house. No mail. Wrote to John. Made app. for shampoo for Monday. [Written in later:] Dorothy had a baby girl after 3 boys.

Saturday, May 24, 1947 (age 60): Minnie Howell Leggett 66. Fair & warmer. Took payroll down & went over to Law. & got 2 art. baskets for Memorial Day.

Sunday, May 25, 1947 (age 60): Fair in a.m., rain in afternoon. We visited the relatives as I telephoned to Minerva & Jackie answered & said they were down on the Cape. Went to Dorothy's first & found she was in hospital, baby girl born May 23. Went to see her, but didn't see baby. Saw Oscar at garage with wife. Nelson laid up with bum knee. Went over to Nat's but not home, back to Saugus & saw Arthur. Rained hard when we came home.

Monday, May 26, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- hot in a.m. Cooled off. Had hair set at Addis' in morning getting lunch at restaurant. Stayed here in pm. with J.A. as Jean & Bea went shopping in Law. Letter from Mary. Christine got a bicycle for her birthday & had a cake.

Tuesday, May 27, 1947 (age 60): Virginia's 40th birthday. Fair & cool. R. took Annie to Dr. Emmons for glasses. I took J.A. for a ride this p.m. & sent a box of paper to Mary & a letter. Went into Carters & walked downtown with Nellie.

Wednesday, May 28, 1947 (age 60): Warm-- then cooled off. R. Hardy called up re. a Mrs. Powers or Callahan--aunt of Bea's who is crippled with arthritis to see if we could take her. R. Cole took Jean & me down & we talked with her & decided we could.

Thursday, May 29, 1947 (age 60): Warm in a.m. cooled off toward noon. Went down to cemetery with flowers. Took Carters.. Took artificial bouquets & a bouquet of lilacs & one of lilies of the valley & violets. Jean & Bea cleaned room for new patient then J., R. & J.A. went to beach in p.m. Letter from Virginia with $5 in it for Sue's flowers.

Friday, May 30, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--cold, clearing in p.m. Went down & saw parade. Got J.A. 2 balloons but both broke. Ruth S. & her niece & nephew & little Peter Bright walked up in p.m. Eleanor S. came & stayed to supper as Fred & R. went to ballgame.

Saturday, May 31, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went down & got birthday cards for Lucy G. & Butchie. Bought a suit in Michael Jay's for him & sent it off. Gray. Wrote to Mary that I was sending suit. Went over to E. Dea's a few minutes. She has an outdoor fireplace.

Sunday, June 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went to Abbot Bac. with Lucy. R. drove us down & back. Stayed around all day as it was Jean's day on. She took a ride in aft. after supper. Nellie & Lucy walked over.

Monday, June 2, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Went down to No. Reading & took old chair down to Lester Hayward's to see if he could do anything with it. He thought he could. Went to movies in even with Bea & Lucy. Saw The Farmer's Daughter.

Tuesday, June 3, 1947 (age 60): Rain. Thunder showers in morning. R. saw old Morgan downtown & he said he was all through here. I'm glad of it.

Wednesday, June 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Walked downtown with J.A/ Paid Minnie $2 on watch. Mailed Butchie's birthday cards. Jean drove the Carters & me up to Rasmussens' farm for them to get some plants. Went down in even & played cards. Letter from Vets. admin. re pension.

Thursday, June 5, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- then cloudy & cool. Lucy came up in even for a little while & left books of K.D. at Marion Wilkinson's to be audited. I walked up with her & we visited a few minutes.

Friday, June 6, 1947 (age 60): Fair--hot--cooled off at night. Felt dizzy so lay down most of morning. Got work done. J.A. slept late so Jean couldn't get him to sleep but I did so she could get dinner. She had a nap in p.m. & I fed him. R. took him & the men up to the dump. Mrs. Hardy from Punchard called up about prize. It will go to Jack Arabian & Richard Clough. Thelma Beck had another boy.

Saturday, June 7, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & cool. Morgan came after stuff at night but didn't have any talk with anyone. His son took him away. Minerva called at night & wanted to know where we were. Thought we would be down in p.m.

Sunday, June 8, 1947 (age 60): Rain & cold. Went down to New Bedford to see Minerva. Babe home. Jack at Syracuse. Took 3 hours each way. Had asked Annie Buchan to go to see Ethel Hitch. but when Minerva called I cancelled it. Had fire in fireplace when we came back.

Monday, June 9, 1947 (age 60): Butchie's 5th birthday. Cold--clearing. The folks were cold in house yesterday. Found an old oil burner we put in women's corridor. Had fire in firep. in morning. Took down bills to Geo. Napier. Got some new bills for prize money. Bought dress at Harborn shop. Jean, R. & baby went to Woburn at night. I went to K.D. meeting & supper.

Tuesday, June 10, 1947 (age 60): Allan's 36th birthday. Fair & warmer. Thought dress at H. Shop too big but as they didn't have one like it smaller I kept it. Went to grad. at Punchard with Lucy Gibson. Had reserved seats. Jack Arabian & Richard Clough got the prizes in memory of Allan.

Wednesday, June 11, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & then cleared. Stayed here all day. R. & J. went to ball game in Law. at night. Bessie Corey visiting Jean in afternoon.

Thursday, June 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair & muggy. Got library books ready to go back from the house. 50 books. Received 50 books from library. Cleaning day.

Friday, June 13, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Bea got mad at R. & gave us blue blazes. Just made me sick. Dottie went to prom in even & Jean gave her a manicure. We've tried to be nice to both but B. seems to think we are trying to make her work harder.

Saturday, June 14, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--clear in p.m. Got Jean Wood to do some cleaning. Letter from Mary. Elsie has twin girls. Went down to Carters after supper to stay with Lucy as the Carters went to the Alumni banquet.

Sunday, June 15, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warmer. Nat & Edie with their baby. Stayed to supper. Jean gave E. some clothes. Carters went to the reception at Papparellas for their daughter who was recently married.

Monday, June 16, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Got appoint at Addis' for hairdo. Had dinner at restaurant. Took care of J.A. in p.m.

Tuesday, June 17, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went to special town meeting to put in my say for an oil heater here at the infirmary. We got it. Went to Law. in p.m. & got gloves & a pair of white scuffers at Grants. Stayed at Carters for supper. Lucy at Mrs. Chapman's. Jean, R., & J.A. went to York Beach.

Wednesday, June 18, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went over to Rasmussens & got lettuce plants & some plants to set out also got some at Nyatt's. Sydney set them out in evening.

Thursday, June 19, 1947 (age 60): Dad's [Mary refers to her late husband as "Dad"] 63rd birthday. Joyce 14. Cloudy this a.m. Went to Carters in evening & played cards.

Friday, June 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Went downtown & paid $2 on dress, bought some other things for Butchie overalls, white shirt & jersey & sent out. Also wrote Mary. The bundle had come back.

Saturday, June 21, 1947 (age 60): Allan & Mary's 10th wed. anniversary. Fair. Went for a short walk in eve. & mailed letters & stopped in at E. Gordon's & she showed me her little apt.

Sunday, June 22, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went to church. Jean on as she's to have next 2 Sundays off. R.'s Aunt Bertha & Uncle Harry came up & stayed to supper.

Monday, June 23, 1947 (age 60): Mary's 30th birthday/ Fair. Wrote to Nat about his bidding on boiler. Went to K.D. meeting at Mrs. Shaw's on Wildwood road. It was an outdoor picnic & we had hot dogs & hamburgs, baked beans, relishes, raw onions, brown bread, salad, indian pudding & ice cream. R. & J. & J.A. went to Winchester hospital to see Lilyan Smith. They drove Lucy & me down to Shaws & back.

Tuesday, June 24, 1947 (age 60): Would have been married 39 years. Cloudy & cool. Went downtown with J.A. in stroller & got toaster from electric shop.

Wednesday, June 25, 1947 (age 60): Jean's 38th birthday. Rain off & on. R. sick & not very pleasant. Went downtown in p.m. with J.A. & got some bath bubbles for him to give Jean. Also got some cards. J., J.A. & Eleanor & I went for a little ride up around West And. Took home plant that was on Levi Bean's grave. Had a good geranium in it. Went to movies with J. in even.

Thursday, June 26, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warmer. J. & R. went to Boston in p.m. I took J.A. & went over to Eva's & Ethel drove us to Georgetown. They were picking strawberries. Rebecca & Ruth were home. Stayed at Eva's to supper & put J.A. to bed.

Friday, June 27, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Stayed in all day & went for a walk down to Carters at night. Jean & R. got another toaster from R.'s sister Olive. Jean had hair done.

Saturday, June 28, 1947 (age 60): Jean & Roland's 15th. Hot. Joan & Jack 20 years old. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone. J. & R. went to B. Libby's wedding in Biddeford. I took care of J.A. & he was very good. After dinner we stayed on the bed for nearly 2 hours, it was so hot.

Sunday, June 29, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Went to church. In the evening we took the Carters & Lucy for a ride to Marblehead & down through Lynn, Lynnfield, etc.

Monday, June 30, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Started on new schedule with J. & B. having every other aft. & eve. off. Had wave & manicure at Addis. All I could do to get home it was so hot.

Tuesday, July 1, 1947 (age 60): Didn't do much as it was so hot. Bea went up to Corbetts with Frank & had a swim. Jean had quite a time with Mr. Duval. It was all he could do to get up stairs. Had the doctor-- I guess this was yesterday.

Wednesday, July 2, 1947 (age 60): Cooler. Went down to Dot's in even. & had a chat with Nelson. Dot's in-laws imposing on her, don't do anything. Jean & I did dishes. Letter from Mrs. Thornton.

Thursday, July 3, 1947 (age 60): Uncle Ellis's 79th birthday. Cooler. John & Peg's 5th wed. anniversary. Lillian Smith came up to visit Jean. Has had operation & feels pretty weak. Went to Carters & played cards. Lucy went over to No. And. for the weekend but will work Sat.

Friday, July 4, 1947 (age 60): Cool. Roland & Sydney went over to No. Andover & picked 12 quarts of strawberries for jam. We hulled them & cooked them but they didn't thicken much at first, but did them over on Sat. a.m. Played cards at Carters again. Saw a few fireworks at Stadium from back porch.

Saturday, July 5, 1947 (age 60): A little warmer. John fussy as the dickens & won't do anything but cry when I go near him. Acts up at table so it's awful to try & eat. Couldn't eat supper so went downtown & had some.

Sunday, July 6, 1947 (age 60): Warm & hazy. Went to Gloucester & visited the Dees. I had dinner at the Tavern, & stayed at Dees in p.m. Ate part of my supper but had to get train at 6.30. Got home by 9.30-- went around through Boston.

Monday, July 7, 1947 (age 60): Muggy but cool breeze at times. Went downtown & did a few errands. got bills all but Brock. Wrote to Mrs. Dee & mailed it last night & then went to Carters for a while. Didn't play cards. Lilyan went home.

Tuesday, July 8, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & muggy.. In afternoon went downtown, paid $2 on dress & got book at Harborn shop. Had supper at restaurant & went to Margaret Hodge's for evening. Mrs. Williams came in for a while. Stopped on way home to speak to Mrs. Hadley. Jean & R. & J.A. went to Lawrence & Jean went to movies at night.

Wednesday, July 9, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & muggy.Lester & Lucy came up & brought up old chair Lester had fixed. It looks fine. They stayed a while & looked over house. Letter from Peggy. Says John on cruise. May see them sometime this summer.

Thursday, July 10, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & muggy. Took bills downtown & paid $2 on dress. Went down to Wakefield pond in p.m. with Jean, R. & J.A. Quite a place to swim.

Friday, July 11, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & muggy. Weather gets us all. Got $2.50 from Thrift Shop, but some of that is Peggy's.'

Saturday, July 12, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & muggy. When I took bath I laid glasses on chair & then sat on them & broke them. No mail of importance.

Sunday, July 13, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Jean's day on. Didn't go anywhere but stayed here while Jean & R. went for a ride up to Lowell & back in even.

Monday, July 14, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Letters from Mary & Peggy. Chris & Butch had chicken pox & Mary had Jane's children, helping her pack up to move to Alaska. J. & R. & J.A. went to Law & Canobie Lake. I went down to Billings & took glasses to be fixed. Got 3 books at Bookstore for $1.00. Went to Carters' & had cracker & milk. R. took Lucy to Lowell in a.m. for train as she is on vacation at Bristol, NH.

Tuesday, July 15, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Letter from Minerva. Stayed here in a.m. went down & got glasses fixed in p.m. & went for a ride with R. & J.A. Sydney & Jimmie went too. Went down by Fosters Pond & up N. Reading road & on to Wakefield.

Wednesday, July 16, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Went to York & it was foggy & chilly down there. It rained here in afternoon but didn't cool off any. Jean wasn't feeling good, so she stayed at Mrs. Andrews & slept while we went out to supper at Coupes. Wrote to Minerva.

Thursday, July 17, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Stayed around all day it was so uncomfortable.

Friday, July 18, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. Mrs. Powers' birthday & she got several cards & Mr. & Mrs. Hovey brought icecream & a birthday cake in evening & Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Baker came & brought a box of candy. Jean tried to make a cake but it didn't come out good. Went up to Lowell & met Lucy in p.m. & Jean went in shops. Took book back to Bookstore.

Saturday, July 19, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--muggy--hot. We've had 2 weeks of this weather & it's getting us all down.

Sunday, July 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair--not quite so hot. Went to church & forgot envelopes so had to put in a quarter. Went over to Miss K's afterward & stayed to dinner. Went up to Eva's & then home. Jean & R. & J.A. went for a ride to Chelmsford to see Mr. & Mrs. Henry. He is to retire in 2 mos.

Monday, July 21, 1947 (age 60): Not quite so hot but warm enough. J.A. went with Dot to the to summer school at Free church. R.'s sister & husband came. Got to Malden & R. went down & guided them home.

Tuesday, July 22, 1947 (age 60): Rain. The crowd was going to beach but no good.

Wednesday, July 23, 1947 (age 60): Hot-sticky--got cooler at night. Sent letter off to [blank]

Thursday, July 24, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warm. Nice day. Went to Carters in evening & while finishing game John, Peggy & Carla came in. Saw me in window. Stayed here at house till Jean, Roland & the relatives came back from York Beach. J.A. asleep & Carla went to sleep on couch. Said they would be back Sat. for weekend. Ship in Boston.

Friday, July 25, 1947 (age 60): Fair--hot. Cool at night. Went to see Abie's Irish Rose with Lucy. R., R.'s sister & husband went to Brockton to visit relatives. Gave J.A. a ride in p.m. to keep him out of Jean's way & was I tired!

Saturday, July 26, 1947 (age 60): Fair--hot. Good breeze. Worked all morning getting curtains clean & had windows washed in my room & dining room. Jean had hair done in p.m. John & Peggy & Carla came about 3.30. Went for a ride up through West Andover in even. Got icecream at Shattucks. Carla fell on John's velocipede & cut lip so didn't eat any supper but ate icecream in milk shake.

Sunday, July 27, 1947 (age 60): Warm. Jean's day on so in p.m. R. took John, Peggy, J.A. & Carla to Canobie Lake. I wanted Jean to go but Mrs. Powers got a strained ligament so she couldn't. Ethel Howell came over in p.m. R.'s sister & husband came back from visit in Holliston.

Monday, July 28, 1947 (age 60): Hot & sticky again & then rain in p.m. John went into Boston on train & in afternoon Jean, J.A., Carla & Peg went in by car to meet him. Someone backed into car & dented it. R. & his sister & husband went to Malden. I did ironing while Sydney was running the mangle downstairs.

Tuesday, July 29, 1947 (age 60): Hot. John, Peg & Carla left early for Boston as John is going on cruise to Newfoundland, & Peg & Carla will see him off. I felt miserable with headache & as a result of Peg saying last night R. didn't have any praise for their car & she wasn't going to have him looking it over.

Wednesday, July 30, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Jean, R. & J.A. with Joe & Olive went to Silver Lake in Billerica for swim in p.m. & then down to Malden in eve. while Joe & R. went to ballgame. I went to movies & saw The Ghost & Mrs. Muir.

Thursday, July 31, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Thundery. Got watch but it doesn't do right. Bea's day off. Joe & R. & J.A. went to Pomps in p.m. & Olive got packed. Jean went down in eve. for a short swim.. Their Aunt Bertha & Uncle Harry came up in even. Got pair brown shoes for $1 in Millers.

Friday, August 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Beautiful day. Joe & Olive left for home. Jean, R. & J.A. went as far as Chelmsford to get them on their way. Felt like work.

Saturday, August 2, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warmer. Took watch down to see what was the matter as it didn't go. Took book back to library. Got magazine & other books. Nellie & George went down to Russell's for a week. He came up & got them.

Sunday, August 3, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warmer. Jean & R. & J.A. went to York Beach for day. I invited Lucy here for dinner, so she came & stayed to supper too. I walked back with her & stayed till 8 oclock.

Monday, August 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- warm. Foggy in morning. Went up to Addis for wash & wave. Agnes having the day off. Walked both ways. Jean had Eleanor up in even. & had icecream in ginger ale & I also had candy, which made me kind of sick in night.

Tuesday, August 5, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warm. Cool in morning. Joe painted chair & I found pillow in couch upstairs & out in seat. Put my chair in living room. Went downtown with bills & got a lunch at restaurant. Took 4.20 bus to Wakefield & looked up J. Stringer. He seemed glad to see me. Also asked in Boothby's store if Asa still ran it, but he is sick, wife dead. Went down to Malden then back to Lowell & home.

Wednesday, August 6, 1947 (age 60): Fair--hot. Mrs. Guy Howe here to see Jean about joining D.A.R. & left papers for her to make out.

Thursday, August 7, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--sultry. Awful feeling morning. Went down to Wakefield & Saugus--looking up ancestors. Jean had long talk with Ed & Arthur; got quite a lot of information. Lucy went with us & enjoyed the ride.

Friday, August 8, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--sultry. Letter from Nellie from Russell's. She's eating better. Mrs Herbert McQuester called up about my Bean & Phelps ancestors. Seems I did have a Revo. ancestor--Joshua Phelps.

Saturday, August 9, 1947 (age 60): Sultry--cooler at night. Jean took Eleanor & Janet up to Lowell to do some shopping. On way back got some Bean data from me. Went down to Lucy's in evening for a short time.

Sunday, August 10, 1947 (age 60): Stayed here all day except for a ride at night over through N.A. Took Mrs Sanborn along & stopped at Helen & Belle's. John Allan had a good nap & was very good all day.

Monday, August 11, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & sultry. J.A. had another good nap but only 2 hours. Jean, R. & J.A. went looking up ancestors in Lynn, Saugus & Melrose. Visited Dot & Nelson. I went to movies in p.m. & got Andover Mens book from Townsman. Had it ordered last year.

Tuesday, August 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair & hot. Jean's day on & we didn't do anything so far as going anywhere, except they went for a short ride at night. No mail these days so far as letters go, but I don't feel like writing.

Wednesday, August 13, 1947 (age 60): Hot--worst day so far. No breeze till about 9 oclock at night. Jean, J.A. & I went to Reading to look up ancestors but everything closed. Went to Worburn & J. called on Lilyan Smith. They went for a ride later with Johnsons down to Ipswich, but Craves beach isn't what it's cracked up to be. I went to Carters.

Thursday, August 14, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Wickedly hot. After supper Jean & R. & J.A. went to Pomps. I stayed down in the basement all afternoon. Mrs. Howe came in with my papers all made out by Mrs. McQuesten.

Friday, August 15, 1947 (age 60): Hot--another terrible day. 3 claps of thunder in p.m. & hotter than ever afterwards. Wrote Mrs. McQ. a thankyou note & called her up also. The heat made me sick all day. Went down to Pomps at night. Thunder in air. Jean & J.A. slept on porch. Got tanks in cellar for oil heater.

Saturday, August 16, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--rain & cooler. Jean still looking up ancestors. She & Roland went to movies in p.m. Got the boiler out downstairs. Worte to Jean Dundas as it is her birthday I think.

Sunday, August 17, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & cool. Went to church & put in 7 envelopes. After dinner took bus to Boston & went out to see Ethel H. Later R., J. & J.A. & Annie Buchan drove out & got me. Stopped on road near Reading "Harrows" to get supper. I fed J.A. in car.

Monday, August 18, 1947 (age 60): Babe's 19th birthday.. Fair & cool. Felt better on acct of cool weather. Went down to Carters in even. Lucy having vacation week.

Tuesday, August 19, 1947 (age 60): [This entry and some ensuing ones written in later] Dicky's 12th birthday. Cloudy. Got watch sometime this week & also bought 3 books at bookstore, but it's been so hot that I didn't write much in diary.

Wednesday, August 20, 1947 (age 60): [entry spread over 2 days] Hot. Routine work & so hot we didn't do anything out of ordinary. Got card from Lexie from Hampton Beach but no other mail except ads.

Thursday, August 21, 1947 (age 60): Hot. [See previous entry]

Friday, August 22, 1947 (age 60): [No entry for today]

Saturday, August 23, 1947 (age 60): Hot

Sunday, August 24, 1947 (age 60): Hot. John, Peggy, Carla & Margo surprised us at 7 oclock by driving in & stayed till 1130 driving back to Newport where they will stay till Sept 10. Bea on vacation.

Monday, August 25, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Terrible weather. Tried to get John asleep on my bed & it broke down. Had to sleep on couch at night. Tried to get cool on porch. Jean went to Saugus & copied tombstone records. I got supper for folks.

Tuesday, August 26, 1947 (age 60): Hot in a.m. Thunder showers, cooled off at night. Got bed down from upstairs room & made up & very comfortable. Bureau much better. Mamie moved too into end room. Went down to Carters.

Wednesday, August 27, 1947 (age 60): Cool & pleasant. Jean went to Boston & found out the rest of the genealogy. I got the supper.

Thursday, August 28, 1947 (age 60): Cool & pleasant. Sent a birthday card & a dollar in it to Ethel. Took J.A. in stroller for a walk while Jean did up peaches. Mamie helped her.

Friday, August 29, 1947 (age 60): Ethel Howell 59. Cool & pleasant. Stayed around all day. Not much doing.

Saturday, August 30, 1947 (age 60): Cool & pleasant. I took aft. & eve. off & did a few errands & paid some bills. Stayed at Carters for supper & in eve. Jean did up tomatoes, beans & peaches. Jean sent off genealogy & I got receipt for mine. Made out to Edmire or something like that. I wrote back & told them to correct it in Wash.

Sunday, August 31, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & warmer. Took J.A. down to Carters in a.m. with Nellie's coat I borrowed last night. Also took down Spoonhandle for her to read. Finished reading Sarah Mandrake & it is a wild but interesting story. Roland took Mamie & Sydney to Bedford & J.A. went along. Jean had a sleep & I rested. R., Jean & Mamie went to movies at night.

Monday, September 1, 1947 (age 60): Beautiful day. Nellie & Lucy came up in p.m. & Lucy stayed to supper. We went to movies & saw Keeper of the Bees & Great Waltz. Sydney went along too.

Tuesday, September 2, 1947 (age 60): Rain. Regular tornado & how it poured. Did a lot of damage in different places. Bent flowers in garden over. Wrote to Jerry asking him if he was going to Jackson. Roland worked all day.

Wednesday, September 3, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Did errands downtown & took J.A. in stroller as Roland was working. He didn't work in p.m.

Thursday, September 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Wrote to Mary. Took money down to Eaton & took J.A. downtown again in stroller. Roland worked all day in North Andover I think.

Friday, September 5, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Don't get much mail nowadays. Hope Mary will write soon. Took pie & doughnuts down to Carters. First blueberry pie they have had. Seemed very pleased.

Saturday, September 6, 1947 (age 60): Foggy & cloudy off & on all day. Jean did up some more beans & tomatoes. She had 2 messes to clean up after Mr. Duval. We called up Dr Blake but he said he couldn't do anything. Jean, R. & Sydney went to movies at night.

Sunday, September 7, 1947 (age 60): Foggy in a.m. Cloudy. Jean, R. & J.A. went to Canobie Lake in p.m. John & Peg & the children came just as I was getting the folks supper. Stayed till 8.30. Gave us his address at Norfolk.

Monday, September 8, 1947 (age 60): Fair-- warm in a.m. & then cool wind came up. Wrote to Mrs. Meserve saying I might come up Sunday. Had hair washed & bought hand cream. Mrs. Addis gave me my lunch. John Allan went to nursery school. Liked it for a while & then cried thinking they had left him. First K.D. meeting in evening.

Tuesday, September 9, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Took J.A. to school again & Jean went with him but he still cried. She felt worse than he did.

Wednesday, September 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warmer. J.A. wouldn't go to school, but cried so they didn't make him go. I washed windows & curtains. Got a check for $1.90 from Thrift Shop. Cashed it at Thrift Shop & got supper downtown. Went to Carters & played cards. Jean & Roland went down to Nat's.

Thursday, September 11, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Called up about Mr. Duval. Don't know as they will do anything.

Friday, September 12, 1947 (age 60): Hot. In evening went out to supper at Harrows & got ripe cucumbers for nothing to make pickles. Went down to Dot's later & found they aren't going to Vermont for a while as Nat said they might. Letter from Mary with snaps of Chris & Butch.

Saturday, September 13, 1947 (age 60): Hot. Jean & R. went to movies in evening. Did up pickles in a.m. Letter from Jerry saying he wasn't coming up to Jackson as rates were too high. Letter from Mrs. Johnstone.

Sunday, September 14, 1947 (age 60): Foggy. Roland, Jean & J.A. drove me up to Jackson. Couldn't see any mountains as it was foggy. Left at 8.30 & got here about 12. As we didn't have dinner till 1.30 they started right back.

Monday, September 15, 1947 (age 60): Hot & muggy. Ride to Chorcorna with Farnums & Daisy Briggs in morning. Wrote to Mary & sent cards to Nellie, Lucy, Ethel & Miss K.

Tuesday, September 16, 1947 (age 60): Rain in a.m. & clearing. Northwest wind blowing so it's cooler. Hurricane warnings. Mailed cards to Jean, Mamie & Annie. Walked up to falls & talked with Daisy.

Wednesday, September 17, 1947 (age 60): Cool & fair. Didn't feel well in morning. Headache & bilious. Got better toward night. Took walks.

Thursday, September 18, 1947 (age 60): Fair & warm. Sat around most of day. Daisy Briggs went home. Went over to Conway with Ronald Meserve as he had to go over & get Edith S. who was having a haircut. Got letter from Jean with $10 in it. Will give her back $5.

Friday, September 19, 1947 (age 60): Rain. Came over to No. Conway with Miss Meserve. Didn't pay for ride as she was coming over anyway. Paid $32.50 board. Got home just after 7 & Jean came down to station to meet me.

Saturday, September 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Back to work. R. working outside so Jean went for the payroll. Jean Wood cleaning her part. Took walk in even & went to Lexie's but no one home, so stopped in at Eva's. Ethel there for her vacation. Eva is going away down south with Ethel this time.

Sunday, September 21, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--got warmer at night. Took a walk with J.A. in afternoon while Jean got supper. Stopped in at Nellie's for a few minutes. Her company had gone. Stayed out on the porch here in even. Roland's uncle & aunt from Malden here. R. worked all day for young Guy Howe.

Monday, September 22, 1947 (age 60): George Carter's birthday 72. Rain. Windy in a.m. Cooler in p.m. R. worked today too. Went to birthday com. meeting at Ella Curtis' made holders. Was made treasurer of penny-a-day for the committee. Brought home quite a lot of pennies. Forgot it was George's birthday till I went in & saw cards.

Tuesday, September 23, 1947 (age 60): Cold & pleasant. Quite a change in temperature. Went down & got pay at town house. Gave Jean $20 as I hadn't worked last week. Took J.A. for a walk in p.m. downtown & met Nellie & brought bundles home for her in stroller. Went down there at night & played cards.

Wednesday, September 24, 1947 (age 60): Cold again but got warmer. Cloudy. Jean went up to Johnsons to stay with Richard as the rest of the family went to Mr. Johnson's father's funeral. Took J.A. with her. Made me some cellophane curtains for the bathroom. I took a walk & stopped in at Gertie May's to ask about Jim & Jessie. She said Jim's head injuries made him kind of queer so he wouldn't let Jessie be buried for 10 days, until finally persuaded.

Thursday, September 25, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Cleaned my small bathroom today. Put $2 in birthday card for John & wrote a note telling him why I couldn't send more. Jean Wood came in p.m. & cleaned front room. Sent Miss Kimball a card for her birthday.

Friday, September 26, 1947 (age 60): Miss Kimball's birthday. Clear & cool. After supper went over to Lexie's, on the way Hap stopped me & wanted to know if I'd like my job back. I guess from what Lexie said, Buell is a pill. Mailed cards to John from Jean & me.

Saturday, September 27, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Went down to Carters to supper & played rummy afterward. Wrote to Minerva & asked her why she didn't come up.

Sunday, September 28, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cool. Went to church & had a sleep in p.m. R., Jean & J.A. took a ride to Plymouth. I went over to Eva's after supper & Ethel walked part way back with me.

Monday, September 29, 1947 (age 60): Sonny 25. Fair & a little warmer. Took J.A. downtown in stroller & mailed letters & package, of a dress, to Janna. J.A. has a nose cold.

Tuesday, September 30, 1947 (age 60): John 30. Rain in a.m. Cleared off at noon. Jean, R. & J.A. went to the beach in afternoon. I had a shampoo & then went to movies. Developed sore throat. Sent for some samples or rather remnants of cloth. Maybe I can make something.

Wednesday, October 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair & windy. Didn't get up till 10 oclock, but I ached so I couldn't stay in bed. Took a walk up the street & back just to get some fresh air.

Thursday, October 2, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Still felt punk. Card from Ad Preston. Jean went to Law. & bought more curtains. Mamie cleaned Annie's room.

Friday, October 3, 1947 (age 60): Janna 3 years old. Cloudy. Jean in bed & I got up & got cereal & coffee going. Made cabbage salad. She felt better in p.m. but I took J.A. out for a walk downtown and posted 2 letters, but felt pretty groggy.

Saturday, October 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Foggy in a.m. Still feeling punk, but kept going. I took a walk & stopped in at Carters for a while. They were putting away the gladiola bulbs.

Sunday, October 5, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Terribly dizzy & Jean called the doctor & I cried all the time he was here. Guess he thought I was a nut. Gave me pills for cold & told me to send up sample of water for him to test. R. took Annie & Mrs Powers for a ride & I went along up by the Tewks. State farm & back through B.V. up on the hill. A. had company later. R's uncle & aunt from Malden here.

Monday, October 6, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went for a ride to Uncle Ed's & I got so dizzy we didn't stop in North Reading as I'd planned to. When we got to the yarn shop on Main street, Jean stopped & went in but I got sicker & sicker so yelled for her to take me home. Some man helped me in house. Threw up 3 times. J. called doctor but he said I was tired out & nervous.

Tuesday, October 7, 1947 (age 60): Fair/ Stayed in bed all day. Was sick again after supper but got nothing up but gas.

Wednesday, October 8, 1947 (age 60): Fair & then cloudy. Got dressed this a.m. but stayed in room. Just eating tea & toast. Jean Wood came & said she would come Sat. if I wanted her. Jean went to Law.

Thursday, October 9, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Got up but felt pretty groggy. Did the mending & put the clothes where they should be. Had Ethel over to supper. She is leaving on Tues. Arthur Howe the organist at Phillips has rented Miss K's house for the winter. Got box of Xmas cards sent me. May keep them.

Friday, October 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Have had a fine week so far as the weather is concerned. Jean went to Law. & bought more curtains. I rode as far as Carters & they went with Jean to Law. Head still dizzy. J. & R. went out to supper, & I put J.A. to bed.

Saturday, October 11, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean Wood came for extra day as I felt still rocky. Went downtown in p.m. & went into the new gift shop. It's quite a place. Met Annie Buchan & her niece there. Bought some more books at the bookstore & did up a package of books to send to Mary.

Sunday, October 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean went to church. They couldn't get J.A. to sleep so went off in p.m. to Framingham. I took walk but helped Bea get supper. Wrote to Mary saying I was sending her some books.

Monday, October 13, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Foggy in a.m. but cleared off. Took J.A. for a walk in p.m. so Jean could make jelly. Went down to Carters at night & played cards. Lucy came back from N.A. weekend & played 2 games. Called up Ella Curtis re supper tickets at South ch.

Tuesday, October 14, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Took books down & mailed to Mary. Went to turkey supper at South church & sat with Lucy. Very good but no treat as we have just as good things here.

Wednesday, October 15, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Letter from Mrs. Thornton sometime this week thanking us for what we sent down by the Costellos but wanted to know "what my duties were that Jean should have to work so hard." She "worked hard all day & sewed every evening." I guess I'm just naturally lazy.

Thursday, October 16, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went down to Ed's in Wakefield & took back the book we had re-bound for him. Had a nice visit with him & Flora.

Friday, October 17, 1947 (age 60): Fair. No more fires from leaves allowed, it is so dry.

Saturday, October 18, 1947 (age 60): Fair--sprinkled a bit at night. Went to Eastern Star fair & supper at Free church. Bean supper & very good. Went to Carters afterwards & played cards. Jean went to Lawrence in p.m. & took Minnie & got quite a few hospital supplies.

Sunday, October 19, 1947 (age 60): Dad died 19 years ago [she refers to her late husband as "Dad"]. Fair. Jean's day on, but I stayed home & let them go for a ride in p.m. Mrs. Powers full of demands.

Monday, October 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Had hair washed & went to movies afterward. Got bundle of pieces from the place in Chicago & they were a fake. Nothing but clippings--looked like sweepings off the floor. Did them up to send back.

Tuesday, October 21, 1947 (age 60): Dad's funeral 19 years ago [she refers to her late husband as "Dad"]. Fair--cooler. Went downtown & mailed back the pieces & letter to the Remnant people asking for my money back. Got check for $2.23 for things I bought for house. Gave it to Jean with the $13. Also paid her for the bundle of "rags." Wrote to John & sent clipping about Eddie Bacher donating his eyes to the eye bank. He died about a month ago.

Wednesday, October 22, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean, R. & Mamie went to Boston in afternoon. Jean had haircut & Mamie got a new hat. R. sick but drove home. I took J.A. downtown & gave supper & put to bed.

Thursday, October 23, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went down to Carters in even. to play cards. Fires all around and in Maine the estates on Bar Harbor destroyed. Very dry. No rain for a month. Went up on hill & could see the smoke like a cloud coming from Haverhill way. Fires in Georgetown & Groveland.

Friday, October 24, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went down to Thrift Shop in even. & said Hello to Ruth. She said Buell was better this week than last. She had to read most of the proof, he was so woozy.

Saturday, October 25, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warm. Thought Jean & R. were going to the Crystal ballroom to dance but they didn't. Stayed in all day.

Sunday, October 26, 1947 (age 60): Fair--warm. Went to Boston by myself & called up Jerry who met me near the Park St. ch. & we went into the Common & sat down & talked for about an hour. Had an icecream soda & came home. Young John Cole had the fire dept. up at his house for a kitchen fire in the evening. Mrs. Carter said gasoline exploded.

Monday, October 27, 1947 (age 60): Fair--cloudy. Took in seams in my coat to suit as it's too big. Took J.A. downtown in p.m. so Jean could have a rest. Was all in myself from walking.

Tuesday, October 28, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean, R. & J.A. went to York. I got J.A. his dinner & put him to sleep in the car so he had a nap before they started & didn't wake up for a while afterwards. Went down to Carters & played cards.

Wednesday, October 29, 1947 (age 60): Rain for a change but not much. Got a letter from Virginia, funny as usual. Wrote to her & said I hoped to come out sometime. Got Butchie's mittens done & started a pair for 8 yr old which I think will probably fit Chris better than the 10 yr old ones I made.

Thursday, October 30, 1947 (age 60): Rain. Went over to Eva's & she told me about her trip. She had a fine time. Got back Wed. Got my dress back from Lucy Fessenden. She charged only a dollar for sewing up seams & making it smaller.

Friday, October 31, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean cleaning pantry & I helped her. Also dining room & put new curtains up. Got trunk from Carters & box which I gave Mamie for her communion set. It was the old writing desk Nellie gave me & I took the insides out & it was just the thing for what Mamie wanted.

Saturday, November 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went to Law. first time in weeks & got a seat for my chair. Got supper in Puritan & found a nail in my food--came with the cauliflower I guess. The Crowes were over there having supper. Frank Noble painting Jean's bathroom. Jean Wood housecleaned my bedroom.

Sunday, November 2, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Frost in a.m. Was so tired stayed in all day & lay down most of day. J., R. & J.A. went for a ride in p.m. & I got supper for the folks & went down to Carters afterward.

Monday, November 3, 1947 (age 60): Fair--Frost. Bea in a tizzy about something. R. said about old kitchen curtains being put in the wash without the tacks being taken out. She didn't mean to have them washed. Went over to Ella Curtis' to a meeting of the birthday committee. Got some "penny-a-day" money.

Tuesday, November 4, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--rained some at night. Got check back from the people who sent me the bundle of "rags" $2.21.

Wednesday, November 5, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Dorris (Collins) Carey died in childbirth. Was in John's class in school. Went to movies in aft. & J. & R. went at night & I put J.A. to bed.

Thursday, November 6, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Went down to Carters & played cards. Lexie called up to see if I wanted a ticket to chicken pie supper at Free ch. on Nov 14 so I said I'd take one & she could leave it at the bookstore.

Friday, November 7, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Sent off piece about Doris Collins' death & Charles Lovely's engagement to John. Stayed in in evening after being out in afternoon when I went down & visited Etta Cashan & she told me all about her trouble with foot. Got ticket at bookstore. Paid for the rest of bill for Mary's bag & sent off to "Swissconsin" for cheese to be delivered to John & Peg at Xmas.

Saturday, November 8, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--rain at night. Went out & changed book in p.m. & got one at bookstore too. Letter from Mary & she says Butchie would like some building things like tinker toys or building blocks. Finished a man's mitten. Awfully big. Saw Roso Keogh downtown & he said the Press was only working until 4 oclock now, 37½ hours a week.

Sunday, November 9, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean's day off & in p.m. she & R. & J.A. went to Uncle Arthur's & took down hooked rug Dad [her late husband] had made to see if he could bind it & hold it together. I went over to Eva's.

Monday, November 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair--windy. Jean not feeling good as Mrs Powers got her down with her fussing. Had Dr. Currier & he gave her some pills. Said it was nerves. I guess we all are a nervous bunch. Went to K.D. meeting & supper. Had beef stew & apple pie & icecream. Juniors there.

Tuesday, November 11, 1947 (age 60): Fair in a.m. got cloudy. The Nedeaux came up from Malden but Roland was at Punchard-Methuen game & Jean was out with J.A. They didn't stay long. Jean & R. went to Law. window shopping. I got J.A. to bed. Started to rain.

Wednesday, November 12, 1947 (age 60): Rain--good soaking. R. went to work for And. Coal. Rain changed to snow & then it froze. Electricity went off here in house for 7 hours. Lots of calls for the Law. Gas & Elect. men. We got out lamps for use in evening.

Thursday, November 13, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Had hair washed & then got supper downtown & stayed at Carters in even. [Written in later:] James May died in Calif. after 10 weeks in hospital.

Friday, November 14, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Went to Free ch. chicken pie supper. Tommy Dea's wife waited on table. Jean not feeling well. R. says she has got to go to doctors & probably have ovaries removed. Letter from John giving us plan of house & wanting to know when Jean was coming down. I offered to pay way--would have to borrow money, but R. told me about what Dr. said.

Saturday, November 15, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Walked downtown in p.m. with Jean & we browsed around 10c store & then I got 2 spoons in Billings for Christine. Went down to Carters again at night. Heard about J. May's dying. Was speaking to Gertie May at Free ch. supper & she hadn't heard then. Got letter today.

Sunday, November 16, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Went to ride to Bedford & took the Carters & Lucy along. Mamie visited her husband. Jean had a rest at home.

Monday, November 17, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy & windy. Wrote to Mary & sent it off. Didn't go out till 3 oclock then walked uptown & had an icecream soda & got a book in library & came home. Put J.A. to bed when R. & J. went to movies. Got one sock for Chris done & started on the other. J.A. got automobile from aunt & uncle in Toledo.

Tuesday, November 18, 1947 (age 60): Fair & windy. Went downtown in p.m. & into Thrift Shop but didn't see anything there except a blackboard I might get for J.A. if it isn't gone next time I go in. Took package of books to post office for Mary & sent order to Santa Claus Land for Butchie's blocks I'm giving him for Christmas. Also got shoes I had fixed at Reg's. Saw Mr. & Mrs. Cobb. They have an apt. in Shawsheen. R. & J. went down in eve. Jean & Bea changed days as Jean had dentistry done.

Wednesday, November 19, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Took J.A. downtown in p.m. in stroller. R. went to movies with Sydney in p.m. & Jean went with Mamie after Mrs. Powers went to bed. I was at Carters for the even.

Thursday, November 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Cloudy in p.m. Princess Eliz. of England married to Philip Montbatten of Greece. Heard the ceremony over the radio from Westminster Abbey. Got some more Xmas cards. Borrowed $50 from bank. Put a dollar in Virg. & El. children's cards. Got other sock done for Christine.

Friday, November 21, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean took some pictures of J.A. in his auto outside. Gave Charlie Morgan green mittens, but don't know as he will wear them. Jean went to dentist & then to Dr. Currier who said it was her nerves & being anemic. Physically ok.

Saturday, November 22, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. R. went to Boston to get Jean's fur coat. I advised her to go down & see Minerva so she called up & is going for a week anyway. I got up & made breakfast while Bea did the nursing work. Made jello & 2 pies, bought cake & cookies. After Mr. Duval had his feet fixed Dr. Humphrey fixed mine.

Sunday, November 23, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. We went down to New Bedford & Jean & J.A. stayed. Hope Jean will feel better. R. went round Robin Hood's barn trying to get out of Mattapan coming home, but we landed all right. Visited his aunt Bertha & she gave us tea. We let off steam there.

Monday, November 24, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Called Jean up at night & she said she woke up as usual at 5.30. Mrs. Powers thinks she's got to have the district nurse at night but Bea told her they didn't work nights.

Tuesday, November 25, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Had a session with R. Hardy & A. Cole about Mrs. Powers. Went downtown in p.m. & got some Christmas paper & seals. Wrote to Jean & sent her $5 to help buy Minerva's turkey. R. brought home turkey from Reed's, frozen stiff. It thawed out slowly.

Wednesday, November 26, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy--some rain. Went in Press & G. Collins said to bring down bundle & he'd do it up which I did. R. drove me down, so then I mailed it to Mary. Got 2 pies made, a pudding, cranberry sauce. Bea got vegetables ready & made dressing.

Thursday, November 27, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Thanksgiving Day. R. went to game. We had breakfast later so as to have dinner later. Carters came up. Mr.C. is very lame, so R. went down for them. Had a swell dinner as R. went down to Quincy to see Jean afterwards & brought J.A. back, so Jean could have some sleep.

Friday, November 28, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy. Special delivery from John & Peg with an air mail ticket in it for Jean to fly down to Virginia. R. talked with J. over phone & she's coming up tomorrow.

Saturday, November 29, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean came home from New Bedford by bus. I went in with R. & J.A. to Boston but didn't wait for her for I would have been late home by bus. They got home shortly after supper.

Sunday, November 30, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean helped with work, but Mrs. P. got her all upset again wanting another doctor etc. I said to keep away from her.

Monday, December 1, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean made cake & doughnuts also bread & packed her bag for trip to Norfolk. Sent a telegram saying when she'd get there.

Tuesday, December 2, 1947 (age 60): Fair--cloudy some. R. & J.A. went into Boston with Jean & saw her off on plane for Norfolk. J.A. was a little scared & at night when she telephoned he cried some. She got there ok & loved it. John & Peg & the children met her at airport.

Wednesday, December 3, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Wrote to Jean & was glad she got to Norfolk ok. Went downtown & then to Carters & when I got there Bea tel. that Mrs. Powers had had a bad cramp in arm. Came home & tel Dr. Currier & he came & gave her morphine shots. She groaned all night & Bea was up with her.

Thursday, December 4, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Mrs. P. groaned all night so I telephoned Red Cross for list of persons who might stay with her & Mrs. John Buchan came. A. Cole & selectmen finally decided to send her over to Crockett's in N.A. Cards from Jean from Washington.

Friday, December 5, 1947 (age 60): Snow at night. M. Wickinson tel. she had a bad cold & would I read at K.D. meeting next Monday. I said I didn't think I could go but would take the book anyway. Went downtown & posted package to Janna. Jean sent books & J.A.'s picture & I sent wooly slippers. Mrs. Powers taken to Crockett's in ambulance.

Saturday, December 6, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Wrote to Jean telling her about Mrs. Powers. Helped with work & approved bills. Seems good not to have bell ring every 15 min. R. got letter from J. & J.A. got card. Everyone in infirmary got a Townsman sent out by new management. Letter from Christine saying mittens were too small & giving me her marks in school. Got 1st Christmas card from Helen. She broke arm recently.

Sunday, December 7, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Cloudy at night. Went to church and put in envelopes to date. Stayed in rest of day. Harry & Bertha were here & Emma Seacole to visit Annie. A tooth came off partial plate.

Monday, December 8, 1947 (age 60): Foggy & warmer--slush. Went downtown & took bills. Got letter from Jean and one from Jane Bronson wanting Aunt Fannie's wed. certificate copy. I found out she was born in London, Ontario. She is 87.

Tuesday, December 9, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Went to DAR informal meeting at Mrs. Guy Howe's. Mrs. Currier, state regent of Newburyport, spoke. R. got letter from Jean. She will probably come home Friday or Sunday. Got Aunt Fannie's copy of wed. cert. & mailed it to Jane Bronson. One of Christ. cards came back. No stamp on it. Carters in even.

Wednesday, December 10, 1947 (age 60): Fair--cold. Stayed in all day. Made biscuits for supper. Got Duval & Jimmie fixed all right.

Thursday, December 11, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Snowed during night some. Had hair washed--need a new perm. R. received letter from Jean. He & J.A. went to Ports. Bought some Xmas decorations. Sent John & Peg Xmas card with $10 in it to buy something for house.

Friday, December 12, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. I got Mr. D. to bed ok, but I guess I hurt Jimmie trying to get out his eye. Got Xmas card from Mary.

Saturday, December 13, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Jean telephoned at night she's be home on Sunday. I went over to Mrs Powers & took over some fruit juice Earle had bought for her. Complaining as usual. R. & J.A. came in to see her too.

Sunday, December 14, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Academy girls came in with fruit & a dollar for each of the people here. Nellie came over for afternoon. Jean got in on time but her luggage all didn't come till next plane so they waited in Malden & went back & got it. She looks better. I got through day ok & Sydney fixed Jimmie's eye.

Monday, December 15, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Kind of hazy around. Went to Law. & bought myself a string of pearls in Enterprise with money Mamie gave me. Got a scarf for Dottie there with her initials stamped on. So many things to buy I was confused. Getting old, I guess.

Tuesday, December 16, 1947 (age 60): Cloudy then clear--warmer but windy. Jean, J.A. & R. went to Gonic to see Mrs. Andrews as it was a good day.

Wednesday, December 17, 1947 (age 60): Fair--cold in a.m., a little warmer at noon. R. put up branches of greenery & fixed lights over front door. Also lights in dining room & upstairs in sewing room. Got another lot of books from the library. Christine's card & one from Grandma Hawes came today. R. took Mr. Duval, Annie, Joe, & Dorothy up to see lights at Franciscan Seminary. Jean & J.A. went.

Thursday, December 18, 1947 (age 60): More Christmas cards. Mamie, Sydney & I went up to see lights. M. & I went inside.

Friday, December 19, 1947 (age 60): Fair. More cards. R. took the Carters, Lucy & me up to see lights. We went inside & over to the room where the replica of Bethlehem & Jerusalem were.

Saturday, December 20, 1947 (age 60): Fair. More Christmas cards. Stayed in while J. & R. went to movies at night.

Sunday, December 21, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Laid in bed & then Jean & I went to Free church. Good singing. Went to Eva's in p.m. & while there Jean tel. that Uncle Ellis had died. Came home & tel. to the Rochfords who said he was found at bottom of cellar stairs at 4 oclock p.m. by Dick. May have been there all day. Sent telegram to John. Tel. Oscar & said Roland would take him up.

Monday, December 22, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. R. took me downtown & then went after Arthur & Oscar at Saugus. I went to Law. & got Jean a blouse. When I got back I got off at Harding street & saw R. go by in car with 2 in back seat so thought they must be Oscar & Arthur. Nellie tel. that Russell wanted them there for Xmas & she wished R. could take them to Law., but of course he'd gone. Nov. Club sent icecream & cakes.

Tuesday, December 23, 1947 (age 60): Snow. Went downtown with J.A. in stroller & did errands & got payroll. Mary's package came for me. R. got home at 8.45 with Oscar & his wife who stayed overnight. Made good time from Rochester, about 5½ hours. Carters went down to Russell's for Christmas. Lucy staying at McTernen's.

Wednesday, December 24, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Got shoveled out. R. took Oscar & Ella home. J. & R. got presents down & set up train. Looked like a lot. Jerry sent a half dozen handkerchiefs special delivery as usual.

Thursday, December 25, 1947 (age 60): Christmas Day. Fair & fine day. Lucy was here to dinner & supper & we played rummy in eve. Bea went off & J. & R. & J.A. went to see Eleanor's presents in p.m. We had the presents for the folks after breakfast. John Allan just stood & looked. Jean had a flash camera so took pictures of him & the folks at dinner. Sydney wasn't here.

Friday, December 26, 1947 (age 60): Biggest snowstorm in years--24 inches in New York City.

Saturday, December 27, 1947 (age 60): Snowing some. Big drifts. R. & Joe shoveled out but R. walked downtown for errands. I went down to Carters in evening & played rummy.

Sunday, December 28, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Walked out in p.m. over to Eva's to see what she got for Christmas.

Monday, December 29, 1947 (age 60): Fair--cold & windy. Jean & I went out yesterday p.m. I went downtown & changed books. Hardly could get in library. Men carting snow out of square down High St. to old dump. R. not feeling very good. D. Keating went to dance at Crystal Ball of Jr. K.D. Jean took her picture after she got dressed. Christmas card from Janie with snaps of Janna. Lovely photo of Chris & Butch.

Tuesday, December 30, 1947 (age 60): Fair & cold. Went uptown & got pay & did errands. Janna sent J.A. a little duck with some crayons. I got state income tax but not having received $2000 last yr. won't have to pay anything. Letter from Ethel thanking me for book.

Wednesday, December 31, 1947 (age 60): Fair. Jean & Roland went to the Johnsons for a New Year's party. Got in at 2 oclock New Year's morning.

See the diary entries for 1948.

See an overview of the years 1938 through 1947.

See an overview of the years 1948 through 1957.

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