How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out. Did all your company come that you were expecting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska? I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that out later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - when you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time? I intend to send her a get-well-card. 

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned in snowed.

I had some of the Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did. 

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse writing as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes. I am Mother.

War in the middle of Greyhound

Ruth's travels took her to Phoenix and Tacoma...

...Colville and Portland...

...Omaha to Lincoln and back again...

And then you find a tidbit about Martin heading off to war...

The Ironing Board and The Hammer

Omaha, Nebraska

May 20, 1970

Dear Lottie -

I received the beautiful mother's day greeting. Also the check. One letter is dated April 23rd and the other May 4th. I answered the letter for April and then after I had written I received the last letter from you.

You asked me if my neighbor is home again? No she is still down in Georgia.

I did  no know that the Durand's had taken a trip to Europe. How could they afford it? I think they should try and look up their ancesters in England and France. Don't you? When they are abroad.

I am pleased to hear that you will be staying at Betty's house and I am sure she is looking forward to your stay.

I seems like a good arrangement for Jean to stay in your  house while you are in Portland. I suppose Jill and Bob will be there over the weekends so to speak.

I was over to see your father's house and I may have written that in my other letter.

I surely hope that betty could take care of the money your late father let Wiens borrow. They could pay back in small amounts. Don't you say so? Just because a person is good hearted is no sign another should take advantage. Did you know both of the Wiens girls are married?

I was glad that I was here when the census papers came to be filled out. Later a lady came to ask questions.

I haven't heard from Dora's relatives. I been thinking about writing to Albert and ask if he got his late mother's wedding ring. I talk to the Grievious once in a while. They are polite don't you think so? I suppose Mattie still has late Dora's ironing board and some-one has the hammer that was in the pantry drawer.

I hope about the social security that it will come my way. So much to consider.

Be sure and save that magazine I sent with the Lennon family picture on the cover. There is a reason.

I saw Johnny Cash on the last program of the season. He sang a song that he sang when he was 12 years old in a church. His moher played the organ whle he sang. Real nice.

And now for a different subject. Hope you don't mind. There is a a who write a column in the Benson paper. In part writes -

Quote "I can't recall having discussed common-law marriages in the past and I shall now take care of this oversight. A common law wife is as you probably know a woman who lives with a man for a number of years with neither one ever having energy or ambition enough to get around to aplying for a marriage license. the law makers of many states felt sorry for such stupid misguided women and decided they needed protection. Consequently, if you can prove you lived as a man and wife for seven years or more, you're alsmost as good as married and entitled to inherit" Un-quote.

Write soon and let me know that you have received this letter. With love and best wishes and thank you again for check, letters, and greeting cards.

As ever

Mother

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out.

Did all your company come that you were expcting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska?

I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that our later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - When you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time ? I intend to send her a get-well-card.

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned it snowed.

I had some of that Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did.

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse write as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes.

I am Mother.

The Geneology Project

1997

Dearest Lottie -

I'm happy we've had several good "get-to-gethers." Seeing all the family has been great - you know you are so loved by every one.

Ruthie, Sock & Mark have been recruited as "point persons" for the geneology project. I'm going to enter all the data I have and then send each of them a packet to help fill in the gaps. I'm sure Mark will be talking with you.

I hope to see you before going to Ashland about April 16, but if that can't be worked out, we can get an extension on your tax and file before the end of April.

Katie is in Portland this week while Kayla has another week of tests and observations.

Lots of love

Bets & Ken

Book of Ruth: Had Grape Juice and Cake

Ruth had numerous small notebooks, including this one from the late 1960s.

(a bit bigger than a deck of cards)

"Pop, I'm glad you can vote this election even if you vote for Kennedy."

Text editted per request of family member's wish not to be included in this blog.