Band Plays for Memorial Day Service - Sunday, May 28, 1961

Cuddebacks came tonight and brought me a slip, and a few minutes later Stouts came and brought me a little sewing kit to use in college. Weermans gave me a pair of pretty print summer pajamas. I didn't have my class today since it was Missionary Sunday and Mrs. Weerman took it. Peters left today for the week. They can't be gone all of July as usual since Betty is taking driver training. Fudges went up, too. Virginia had to play with the junior high band at the Memorial Day service at the Methodist Church. It was the first year in years a band didn't go to the cemeteries.

More Graduation Presents - Saturday, May 27, 1961

We went to town this afternoon. I got a new pair of white tennis shoes, a chain for my editor charm, and Phyl's birthday present. Clara Ann gave me a cute white shirt as a graduation present from the church. Effie gave me a pendant and Uncle Ross and Aunt Alma a handkerchief and dollar. Mrs. Woodford wants me to teach her Sunday School class this summer. I mowed part of the grass this morning.

Sraight A's in High School English - Friday, May 26, 1961

We went over to Kalona tonight to a real nice restaurant for supper. Norma had told Daddy about it. We went back to get our report cards after dinner today. I got an A- in English - boy, was I ever holdiing my breath on that one. So that means straight A's in high school English (semester grades only count). I went down to an A- in French, A- in economics and sociology, and B in chemistry. I had a 95.75 average (A-) this year. Everyone on the honor roll got little plastic trophies. I finished washing the windows I started Wednesday and began sewing my blouse.

Daddy is Back at Work - Thursday, May 25, 1961

You'd never know Daddy just spent almost a week in the hospital. He was up and doing chores and everything like normal. We were all home today except Mom, and she had teachers' work day. I got dinner, but other than that I hardly did a thing. It's nice to just relax though, although I suppose I should be making myself useful. It has been a fast week. It was kind of cold and rainy. The senior pictures were in the Wellman Advance. Yesterday's Gold Feather was good. It was the first school paper I hadn't edited, assistant edited, or co-edited for at least 20 issues. 

Daddy is Home from the Hospitals - Wednesday, May 24, 1961

Daddy got to come home tonight. He's sleeping in my bed and I'm currently standing at Virginia and Ann's dresser writing this. Grandma McDowell and I went in to Washington's commencement tonight. It was real nice. Grandma Kay, Mom and Phyllis went up to see Daddy and brought him home. Virginia and Ann went to the junior high party. This afternoon Grandma Kay and I went to town. I got my driver's license replaced since my purse got stolen at commencement. I also bought talcum powder for Jerolyn and Mary Ellen and dark gingham. I ranked fourth in our class of 59, grade point average 94.3, Ross, 95.3, Linda 95.4, Shirley 96.2.

A Beautiful, Coveted Diploma - Tuesday, May 23, 1961

My beautiful diploma. "If....you will have earned that coveted diploma, and what is more, you'll have a well-trained mind." We had an "If" poem with that conclusion in the April school paper. I got dinner for Dale today. Grandma Kay did yesterday. It was fun using the new stove. I got a bracelet from Schwartzes to match the necklace from Grandma. I hope Grandma is enjoying her visit here after our many years (three, I guess) of coaxing her to come when she thought she wouldn't make any more trips out here. Mom took Daddy up to Iowa City to a specialist and now they have him in Mercy Hospital. 

A High School Graduate - Monday, May 22, 1961

Tonight I graduated from high school. We had a very nice outdoor commencement. The speaker, Dale Welsh of the First of Iowa banking company was very good. His topic was "Whither Bound - through learning, living and life." Mr. Driscoll took pictures of each of us getting our diploma. It was a little chilly out. From Grandma and Grandpa I got ten silver dollars, a $2.00 bill from Peters, and a little glass kitty from Jerolyn. Grandma Kay and I "kept house" today. We certainly had two beautiful nights after all our fears of rain.