Vivien Was a Beautiful Bride - Saturday, December 28, 1963

The wedding was lovely and Vivien was a beautiful bride. Everyone commented on the pretty cranberry velveteen bridesmaids' dresses. They all turned out very much alike. We had a bridesmaids' luncheon today at the home of a former Sunday School teacher of Vivien's. Regina Stuewe Carlson and her husband from St. Louis were here when we got back to Nixes. I visited with her (as did Vivien) while we all did last minute things. About 5:30 Vivien and I went to the Hagerstrands (their house looks like a model home for Better Homes and Gardens) where Vivien and the attendants had the use of a huge bedroom and two baths to get ready for the wedding. The ceremony (I almost got dizzy standing), picture taking, reception and receiving line were as usual. We three helped Vivien get ready to leave, and then, amidst rice throwing, guess who caught the bridal bouquet! There are several guests at Nixes now, but I excused myself when Regina and Ken left.      

Helping Vivien and Charlie - Friday, December 27, 1963

Mrs. Nix let Vivien and me sleep late this morning. We felt guilty, but I guess we needed it. I helped Mrs. Nix get ready for a buffet lunch for Charlie, his sister, parents and brother-in-law. Roosevelt Rostagan, Charlie's roommate from Iran, got here after lunch. After helping him get settled at the Grovers, Vivien and I went to the courthouse (a landmark in this quaint Indian town) to get the marriage license, took her going-away outfit to Sally's house, where the reception will be, and took my dress to the cleaners to be pressed. The rehearsal was at 6:00, and then we went to a nice new restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. Their minister's wife, the former Joyce Graff, grew up in Washington, knows the [West Chester] Stephens girls, and used to go with Don Argo. Small world! The attendants helped Vivien and Charlie pack wedding gifts tonight.

In Oklahoma for Wedding - Thursday, December 26, 1963

Varners stopped for me at 7:30 this morning and drove me to Kansas City where I directed them to the train station. We got there at 1:30 and the train for Tulsa left at 5:00. I called Evelyn while I waited. I wanted to call Fred but I couldn't remember the name of the people he's staying with and the number wasn't in the student directory as I had thought. (I spent some time looking through the E's in the phone directory!) Vivien and her parents met my train. It takes about two hours to get to Tahlequah from Tulsa. We drove past the Northeastern campus. Two Hundred North Street isn't what I pictured it as, but it's very nice. Vivien and I are going to have to clear wedding presents off her bed so we can sleep in it.

It Was a Nice Christmas - Wednesday, December 25, 1963

It was a nice Christmas. We had dinner at Grandma's. I called Vivien to tell her I'd get to Tulsa at 10:00 tomorrow night. I also talked to Grandma Kay when Mom called to Ohio. I guess I'm about packed to go to Oklahoma. For Christmas I received a pink sweater, Cotillion perfume and talc, shoe tote bag, red and white blouses, diary, and slippers from Santa Claus, soap from Phyl, slippers from Virginia, a pin from Ann, lint brush from Schwartzes, money from Grandma Kay, desk sorter and coat hanger from Grandma and Grandpa. I must get to bed - otherwise I'm going to feel tired one of these times at the wrong time!

Bridesmaid's Dress About Finished - Tuesday, December 24, 1963

Well, we have the dress finished except for the hem. After it hangs for a night, it won't be hard to finish up. I had it on with my matching heels tonight and it looks real nice. I finished writing Christmas cards and sent the ones I had left over to the girls in Stephens. A little late I realize, but better late than not at all. I guess I didn't do much else today. Virginia reset the sleeves in the dress after I had gotten in too big a hurry, and Mom did a lot of the sewing, too. I wrapped my gifts for the family. So it's another Christmas Eve.

A Visit at the Journal Office - Monday, December 23, 1963

We went to town this morning. I had an appointment to see about my glasses. I need new lenses and I picked out new frames - black metal with silver trim. Poor Fred - these will probably gouge him worse than the plastic ones did! I got a pretty good start on my dress but will have to start over on the sleeves. I went in to the Journal office this morning. Everyone was glad to see me. I met Dallas Kinney, Bob Elliot's replacement. I did a little shopping, too, and got Vivien and Charlie a wedding present - a luncheon cloth set. Mom and the girls did the wash, though I guess Virginia stayed home and did her share here cleaning house.

Sunday School Christmas Program - Sunday, December 22, 1963

Tonight was the Sunday School Christmas program. The youth fellowship had a candlelight service. I intended to write Christmas cards this afternoon but didn't get very far. I got Evelyn's Christmas present - a madras plaid handbag - ready to mail. Varners are at Grandma's. Jeff and Calvin are really a pair - never a dull moment with those two around. Betty Peters was in a bad mood today, but finally tonight she got a little more spark in her. Any place is what you make of it, so her medical technique school in Minneapolis can't be that bad. I guess I'll stay up and write some cards.