Enclosed find a candle for future birthdays

October 5, 1995

Dear "L"

Howdy!

Sorry we missed your surprise Birthday Party, and that we have not called more frequently concerning your health. We apologize.

We tried to meet Jill's unique request to send a birthday candle for the party. However, since the notice was very short we could not meet the deadline. Two things complicated meeting the request other than the short notice. One was on eof those busy schedules and unplanned situations that arose. Secondaly, we could not figure a way to safely send a candle due to the warm weather.

So - enclosed find a candle for future birthdays. We hope it will last and serve many birthdays!! This candle was LouBelle's idea. She is very creative.

And so - how is your health? Let us know. We are concerned.

My Fran ?? is off to a sorority meeting way down in Chandler. I don't expect her home until 10:30 PM. I really don't like her driving along and at night. But she is quite good at caring for herself. I should be clearning the table, doing the dishes and a lot of paper work. But we thought it more important I write you and get than candle sent on its way!

I don't know why, at our age, we don't cut down on our schedules. I think it because we haven't learned hot to do so. But, so what? It keeps us young - and tired. We more frequently take afternoon naps.

I want to prioritize life now that we are in the Autumn of life. I guess we can. I am trying  - but get so busy it is hard to prepare the priority lists. It is hard to make "priorities" a priority!

Tomorrow I have a routine eye exam and among other things I must prepare for a wedding rehearsal to be held a week early since during the week we are traveling to San Diego to help Allan with Kristen. It is "his week" with Kristen (Allan and K.O. are separated - or divorced or whatever). And he is in a new home. Busy as doctors are - someone has to help Kristen to get to school, ballet lessons, etc.

And the next week we fly to Omaha to visit Bill (now 81). It is a surprise visit. In between is the wedding., Symphony, football game, and, of course, Orpheus. Yes, I'm still hanging in there (36th season). I said I wasn't going to be...and LouBelle is still busy in Orpheus Auxilary. And I must work with Stevie to get up to Greer & close the cabin for the winter. Also, take some stuff up on his way to the General Store in Alpine he owns - in addition to working at resort hotels here. We are busy. I'm tired!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Love Frank & LouBelle

Thank you so much for the Christmas present.

January 10, 1997

Dear Grandma,

Thank you so much for the Christmas present. I use the lotion and chapstick alot. I hope you had fun at Aunt Jacque's. I had alot of fun! In school we are practicing letters and we are doing multiplication. I have 28 kids in my class and my teachers name is Mrs. Ray. I loved all the gifts you gave me. I love you very much. Hope to see you soon!

Love always,

Jennifer

Eviction

May 16, 1947

To Whom it May Concern:

I have been notified that my mother, Mrs. Ruth Jensen, has recently been evicted from 2507 Pierce St., and that since that time has proved a problem to society. A suggested course has been that she be committeed to the Douglas County Psycopathic Ward and that my father, Lars Jensen, be appointed as her administrator with power to dispose of her belongings.

After thoughtfully considering the difficult problem from every angle, my judgments are as follows:

Knowing my mother & observing her throughout my life, I belive that there are two general areas in which she does not always display the ordinary reactions. One is in her attitude toward her personal belongings & the other is in her provisions for the future. Right now I do not believe that she is any more mentally ill that she has been for as long as I can remember. Being put out of the home where she has lived for most of 21 years is certainly a traumatic and humiliating experience for her, as it would be for any of us. Furthermore, I believe, this incident points up the "sore spots" in her personal adjustment, but displays nothing to point up the many areas in which she is perfectly rational.

I do not think that putting my mother in a mental hospital will solve the problem. If she is helped to establish for herself a home of her own where she can have privacy & a degree of security, I believe that she will not be a menace to society and will have the maximum amount of happiness. The two "problem areas" of her personaliyu will assume their usual place where they won't cause too much difficulty. Would any of us react "normally" if we were forced to go through the experience she has had, practically without friends or family?

If Mother is institutionalized I really fear degeneration. Realizing her personality pattern, what would be left in life for her if her belongings & her freedom were taken away? I do not have too much faither in the rehabilitation mental hospital programs as they are staffed & equipped today. Suppose that her property, which is , I believe, the basis of her security is taken away, how will she ever be able to assume a near normal place in society?

The result of institutionalization will be, I fear, dicintregration of Mother's personality and a long costly program for the county. Finding for her in Omaha a very simple home & working out an adequate plan of financing her existance, I sincerely believe is the most creative, adequate, rehabilitating, and Christian way that is open to us. My husband and I are willing to cooperate in such a plan.

Very sincerely yours,

Marie Durand

Buffy, our Princess kitty

Postmark: October 2, 1992

Dear "L",

Well, here I am again, travelling down the road in spurts in my new Spurts Mobile. Going nowhere special - saying nothing special, but just spurting along!

I should be getting myself something to eat. Marie [note, he should have said LouBelle] is off to a sorority meeting. But I just got an urge to write - so I am.

At least I have a nice clean house in which to write since Diana was here this morning to clean. We won't have her now for awhile. She's going into the hospital very soon (again) for neck surgery. She has developed spurs which if they continue to grown constitute a danger. It will be a delicate operation.

When cleaning time comes again will we have another gal? And where will we get one? Shall we try to "Maid Brigade"?

We really need the help. When I married LouBelle I agreed (or suggested) we get cleaning help since this place is so big. It's larger that LouBell's nice little house was.

So - now we learn once again how to get good help. But, so what, if it takes some time to find someone, I'm sure we care do it ourselves. Yielding to the advice to my kids I want to keep my promise to them. (1) Don't take LouBelle's independence away , and (2) remember "your" house is now her house also. Well, I guess I can keep those promises. The fact is, I will. (clap clap clap!)

Anyhow, it's good I'm home tonite. I must play nurse tonite (& for the next 5 days) for Buffy, our Princess kitty, who just came home this afternoon after a de-clawing operation. She has her private quarters for several days in the laundry room. She cannot go outside for one week.

We cannot risk infection. To ease her pain we have had to prepare a shredded paper litter box. We have two large grocery bags of paper shredded in advance for changes in the litter box.

It's a bit of a chore - but it's worth it - and I think I can be a good nurse. She will get lots of loving attention so that she won't think we are old meanies.

But it isn't our only "hospital" errand. Tomorrow, we take LouBelle's Oldsmobile in for an assessment (& repair) by our preferred mechanic, Jerry. It seems it has developed a "clanking" up front, the refrig. isn't coming through as we would wish (and in 100 degree weather!) and it seems to shudder and shimmy a bit when pulled up to a signal or stop sign. I assured the service manager that shaking was the car & not my wife.

So - first the assessment, then the work, and then the bill. But we need three cars (already Mary borrowed one t'other day). We like things in good shape and one can if they're willing (who is?) to spend the $. So tomorrow - put it on the list. "Calais to Jerry."

Well, kid. I love you (we love you) but I'd better get some good in my tummy before my pants fall off. May take a shower early tonight, and lay things out so I can make a quick get-ready in the morning.

Take care - and greet "the boys" for us.

Love Frank & LouBelle

DEPTH THOT: Go placidly amidst all the noise & confusion knowing was peace there is in silence.

Salk Polio Vaccine

upcoming Winter Break

Laurie Lane

1-26-86

Dear Lottie & Bob,

Got your nice great-grandparents card. Already put it in Collyn's own book - better system than I had for any of my own kids or grandkids. Where did you ever find such an appropriate, specialized card?

About the dud of a phone. I dug up the sales slip, called the Federated Group at 5220 Indian School - 245-1900 - explained the problem and whereabouts of the phone. No problem (so the young man said) just take the sales slip and the phone to any Federated Group and everything will be taken care of. So - enclosed find sales slip. Transaction must be done prior to Feb. 16.

The Feb. 20 to Mar. 7 dates for your "winter break" are fine - a little bit skimpy but better by far than nothing. We'll just use the time optimally. It was 79 degrees yesterday and just as lovely today - hope the weather is as fine for you - be sure to tell Bob.

Now about the check. You returned the one for $130, dated 12-2-85, and kept the one for $25 dated 12-17-85. NO FAIR! Besides you crossed out the check in INK so I haf'ta wite a whole new check - FOR SHAME!

Betty called yesterday. She seems very happy and is planning a trip to Michigan in Feb. Will get to stop-over in Detroit to see Ken's school play hockey and on to his home for a special dinner for 8 (Betty cooking) and a reception on Feb. 14 with 50 or 60 invitations sent out. She's using up her vacation time - GOOD!

Gave Elin a call yesterday. Jan. 16, 1932 was their wedding date. I asked her to write down her early recollections and send them to us. She sounded obliging and same as always. Ray is making a special plow to use in the garden.

We're going along as usual. Sorted and stored Christmas decorations - making some serious moves to corral the garage. Made arrangements to take Joel for a balloon ride on his real birthday, Jan. 31 - also fulfills a promise to Frank for last year's birthday gift from me.

Lots more to chit-chat about but about out of paper.

Love - to both of you

Marie & Frank

I do not know when it is your birthday

Dear Jackie,

I thank you very very much for the lovely Birthday card you sent me and I appreciate it very much. I do not know when it is your birthday but if you let me know I will send you one too. Let me know how you are getting along in school from Grandpa Lars

Wish you would say Hello for me to Roxy, Melody, Jill, Mark and Dad & Mom too.

From Grand-Pops

Lars Jensen



Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland

January 9, 1943

Dear Folksies,

It's Sunday night, and sorry to say, many Sunday nights have gone by since we've written any letters. We haven't quite gotten settled down after Christmas.

We've all had colds. Mine, I guess is the worst, I've had it for over a month and can't seem to shake it. Roxanne has been sick this week - stomach flu. The same thing as when she was ill in Yakima. She's been on a very light diet, and just as cross as two sticks. Today she felt better, so I put her back on a partially straight diet, and she simply ate like a horse.

Roxy says quite a few words now. Such as "see, dropped it, here it is, here you are, where, hello, hi, boo, peek, bye, mamma, daddy, Martin" and understands, and will carry out a simple commands. Like "shut the door, put this back, put it in the hamper, come here, and go see so-and-so"

I had a wisdom tooth pulled this week too. Hurt for a few days but is all right now.

A Christmas card came from Hastings and thought you might be interested. Needless to say, I do not intend to send one back, so I'm sending it on to you.

By the way, I have heard not one scratch from that darned photographer in Yakima. I sent the proofs in the first part of October and have written again some weeks ago asking about them but have heard nothing at all. May I suggest that you write Rev Blickenstaff and ask him to do a little bird-dogging on the deal. I had planned to write the Better Business Bureau, but a personal contact with them and the photographer would be much better. Mom wrote that you and Elin had offered to chip in on the bill. That is not necessary; we set aside the money for this months ago. However, I'd appreciate it is you would write Rev. B - you know them better, so it would be best for you to do it. (If you think it's a good idea.)

The research on Martin seems to have petered out. Neither the doctor or the principal thought Martin would be any better off at Marymount - so that seems to be out. The doctor thought Martin should be analyzed by the school analyst in town, but Mr. Ford (the principal) didn't think the analyst knew her business, and knew personally of too many cases in which she was wrong. He asked if Martin had even been psychoanalyzed, and I said "yes". He thought that would have been much more thorough that the regular school analyst. There were two schools discussed - one a class at Roy (a small town near here) but this was really for feeble-minded kids and Mr. Ford didn't think he belonged there. The other was a class at Central Grade School in town which dealt with problem and handicapped children, and seemed to be just the thing for Martin. However, it's way in town, and impossible and impractical from a standpoint of time and transportation. So I guess Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland. There is just nothing else to do.

Sometimes he's good at home, and sometimes he's terrible, but on the whole I think he's improving. Spontaneous obendience is what we're working on more than anything else for that's the root of most of his trouble.

Here I am already to the fourth page and have not thanked you for your nice Christmas gifts. The rugs Mrs. Harris made are perfect. They are a beautiful blue, and go well with everything in Roxanne's room. The photograph book is just what she needs and we hope we can get those pictures put in in? the not too distant future. (Incoherent, isn't it?)

Bob appreciated the tie rack as did Martin. He put it up himself on his closet door, and was pleased as punch with his effort. God job, too. We are reading "Robin Hood" to him at night when he is a good boy. We're half way through, so you see, he's been pretty good. He eats up every word too.

Thanks again for all your nice gifts. I'm afraid ours to you this year were very meager. And by the way, did you get the other package of your slips and shoes? I had them both insured so let me know if you didn't get both boxes. Marty's bathrobe with baseball mitts and the baby mittens came too. Thank you.

Better close now, it's nearly ten-thirty, and I've got to take a bath before I go to bed. So adios.

Marty said he would write, but don't expect his letter till you get it.

L.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

(I miss you)

Stan Burkhalter - 1980

Week of Postcards: Scotland

May 18 '95

Dear Lottie -

I know this may not reach you before you leave on your trip - but just a line to let you know we are truly enjoying our stay in Scotland. Countryside is beautiful. Ken is doing great driving on the wrong side of the road. Visited Edinburgh yesterday & St. Andrews (home of golf) the day before. Doubt if we'll be able to "catch" you in Europe. We'll be North, while you are in France. We'll be seeing Ilse & Mille plus Finland.

Love Bets & Ken

Week of Postcards: Hawaii

Week of Postcards: Del Rio

12-16-90

Hi sweetest mom in all the world. How fun to sit down to write a note to you. We did a little shopping in Mexico yesterday and that really made us long to get home. We wonder if we could have a little gathering with Angie & Gary & Nate (& Patty?) on Saturday the 5th at your (our!) house. If that fits in your schedule, would you mind calling them to see if it fits in theirs? Mucho love, M&P

Week of Postcards: Rome

May 15, 1992

Dear Lottie -

Landed in Spain but decided to go on to Naples - seemed to be more fun.  Spent several days in Naples - with a side trip to Rome. On Tuesday we caught a small VIP plane to Ramstein, Ger. Obtained housing on base & rented a car. Wednesday drove to Karlscula Ger (where Randy was stationed) in seach of info re Ken's family. Hope to go to Berlin this weekend.

Love Bets

Week of Postcards: Mayflower

Dear Mom and Dad -

Today was some sort of Massachusetts hollerday (as Hugh calls our days off). So we and my classmate Adele (who wants to be a dentist) went to the beach for the weekend. The Cape (Cape Cod) was beautiful and the Mayflower is very pretty. Now we're back studying boring physics & chemistry. P.S. I have a 3rd interview at Howard coming up! But don't hold your breath. I might not get into any school, but I'm certainly trying. Love Roxanne. P.S. We found a spcial beach stone for Dad to polish. It's sort of striped.

Week of Postcards: Heidelberg

May 16, 1991

Dear L -

We're having a wonderful time. We rented a car & have been exploring Germany on our own. Yesterday we went to Heidelberg & climbed the stairs to the castle. Now we are in Wuppental with Ilse & her family. Tomorrow we visit the Cathedral in Kolon. We've arranged for a short trip to Paris - then on to London. Thanks for making it possible. Love Betty & Ken

Week of Postcards: Jamaica

Dear Mom,

Jamaica is beautiful and very mellow in general - we are staying in The Tree House on the Negril Beach and do not plan to explore any further than we can walk. Vendors are persistent. Food good (curried goat, etc). We spend most of our time in the water. Went snorkeling today.

Love, Rox