Buying Shoes at the Ben Franklin in Wellman - Wednesday, July 26, 1961

Mom did her wash in Wellman this morning so Helen didn't have to take me home. I bought a pair of white flats on sale for $2.00 at the Ben Franklin store. They had some lavender tennis shoes that wold have been nice but not too practical and some heels for $3.00, but none I liked fit. Phyllis has her driving done for driver training  now. She and Bill Bauer drove today since Deanna had a 4-H tour to go to. They drove all around, including Muscatine. Piano lessons as usual. They're combining oats here now.

Got Governor Erbe's Autograph at Barbecue Day - Tuesday, July 25, 1961

Here we are again at Helen's slumber party. Everyone except us same three ended up not being able to come. The Barbecue Day was quite the thing. I went over on the band bus and met the girls. We watched the parade (Mary Ellen was on her 4-H float) and then had the free barbecue dinner. In the afternoon we rode the ferris wheel and took in the carnival. We went to Helen's to take baths and change clothes and then went back to Kalona. There were so many kids from the class and high school there that we were able to see. We got Governor Erbe's autograph.

A Free McCalls Pattern From Toni - Monday, July 24, 1961

I spent the afternoon mowing the grass. This morning I got my button holes marked but I'll wait until I get the buttons to make them. I also practiced and got dinner. Mom had an oral and she'll have one tomorrow. I got the free McCalls pattern that I sent for from Toni [hair products company]. It will be real nice to make a winter dress with. I pressed some clothes to take to Helen Birkey's tomorrow. We're going to have a Barbeque Day get-together.

A Strange Sunday With A Guest Minister - Sunday, July 23, 1961

Cuddebacks were here this afternoon and John Combs came up on his bike. Dr. Thompson was here for church. Peters are back in Minnesota for two weeks. After Dr. Thompson finished the closing prayer, he looked up and said, "My driver's here; I've got to go now." Grandpa decided to call out and ask him if he'd be back next week, then. Dr. Thompson can't hear very good any more and Grandpa was practically shouting by the third time when he finally heard. I don't know why Grandpa took a notion to say that anyway.

Babysat For Fudges Tonight - Saturday, July 22, 1961

About the only worthwhile thing I accomplished today was babysitting for Fudges from 5:00 till 12:30 (Sunday). Those dear little kids. Becky is a little doll and Craig and Jeannie are so cute and nice most of the time. It was pouring out when I came home. Let's see, this morning I didn't do much of anything. Nor this afternoon. I sewed a little and that was about it. Maybe next week will be better.

Gus Grissom's Flight Into Space - Friday, July 21, 1961

We watched Gus Grissom's flight into space this morning. For some reason a malfunction occurred that caused the hatch to blow off after the landing and the capsule filled with water and sank in three-mile-deep water. Grissom got himself off and started swimming. The lift-off was so easy and smooth and the flight perfect. The control crew was so calm. Alan Shepard was the one who got to communicate with him. I sewed some, wrote two letters (finished Vivienne's), washed my pleated skirt. It rained all day. Ann got dinner. Mom finished her comps.

Planning For Room 207 in Hawley Hall - Thursday, July 20, 1961

I gave one chapter of the lesson in Social Circle this afternoon since Mom wasn't able to be there. Grandma did the other chapter. Virginia and Mary gave their camp talks. There weren't too many there. The rest of the day when I wasn't sleeping or doing chores I was writing to Vivienne. I've got to get her letter off tomorrow or she'll disown me. She suggested bedspreads from Sears in her letter and now I'm suggesting drapes that could be used with plain spreads.