Turnpike Driving - Monday, December 26, 1960

We got a fairly good start for Ohio this morning and got here in thirteen hours. It snowed until we got into Illinois. We went right near to the place where those three ladies were murdered in Starved Rock State Park last spring. They let me drive some on the Ohio turnpike for about an hour. Daddy slept in the back seat! Karen is quite a little girl. In Illinois we also saw the various canals--I'd never noticed them before. We'll have quite a little ways to go to Edington, Illinois to play basketball.

To Leave for Ohio - Sunday, December 25, 1960

Christmas 1960, and we're getting ready to leave for Ohio. We went out to Grandma's tonight to have supper with them and Pat and Delbert and Jeff. I got a letter holder with the Ten Commandments on it from Grandma and Grandpa. This afternoon I worked on extra credit themes for English. Christmas seems different without presents in the morning, but I think I "used" last night better not just thinking about what I would get. I liked this "Sunday" Christmas better than I recall liking them.

A White Christmas - Saturday, December 24, 1960

Since Christmas is on Sunday this year we decided to open our presents on Christmas eve. It's kind of nice for a change. From Mom and Dad I got: a black cardigan, slip, hose, slippers, pajamas, Phyl and I the book, Between You, Me and the Gate Post  by Pat Boone, from Phyl stationery, Virginia a "Don't Just Sit There--Worry" pillow, Ann a desk set, Grandma Kay, skirt material, Schwartzes an autograph hound. I gave Mom serving dishes, Daddy brush and comb, both card table cover, Phyl pillow, Virginia change purse, and Ann little travel bag and film. We're going to have a white Christmas. 

Negro Suffrage - Friday, December 23, 1960

We went to town this afternoon to finish up our Christmas shopping. After I got Ann's present I copied from a book on Negro suffrage while Mom was at the Laundromat so Phyllis could take the book back to the library. It was just as good to to do that, as I think it was the best for my cold rather than being outside. I wrapped up my Christmas presents for the family tonight. One day down and one to go! It's almost Christmas.

Out the Gym Door - Thursday, December 22, 1960

School was officially out for Christmas vacation after our dismissal following (wow!) the assembly. I was the very first student out the gym door. The French class sang three carols. This was dress-up day. Phyllis and I went to the roller skating rink in Wellman for the Christmas party since Helen Birkey and Linda Scott were going to be there. It was kind of a flop and the place was so cold we could have ice skated. I got another A on a government test.

Thespian Society - Wednesday, December 21, 1960

I went back to school today--although I about missed the bus in so doing. I think it was a good time to miss. We practiced for the assembly seventh period--French class, Spanish classes, and mixed chorus are singing. We had class meetings first period, so that meant no chemistry again today. It's cold. I finished (finally) my penpals' Christmas cards. We decorated the tree that Mom brought home from school. I'm a new member of the National Thespian Society.

Christmas Cards with Horses Picture - Tuesday, December 20, 1960

That egg taste turned into a slight case of "flu", or the same symptoms, so I stayed home from school today. I really don't think I could have missed out on too much, subject wise. Our Cristmas cards of us and the horses finally came. It sure was about time! I slept till noon, didn't get up till almost 2:00, then read government till they got home. I had Phyllis pay me back for chores. She wasn't too happy about it.