Russian (Titov) Circles the Earth 17 Times - Monday, August 7, 1961

Leets took my write-up to the Journal on their way to Richard's early this morning and it was in the paper tonight. It made a nice article; also Mom's name with the area SUI graduates. Virginia is staying all night with Mary Dunbar. The rest of us went to the first night of the fair. They've got a real nice county fair this year in all respects. The carnival is a lot bigger and pretty nice. We baled hay out at Grandma's this afternoon. Oakey about had a fit over my driving the Plymouth! The Russians sent a man around the world 17 times - Gherman Titov. We went to the City for Mom to get her cap and gown.  

71 Attend the Leet Family Reunion - Sunday, August 6, 1961

We went to the Leet family reunion today at Grandma's.There were 71 people there. It was nice being able to see everyone again, especially the Millers from New Mexico. They haven't been back here since they moved there when Martha and I were in eighth grade. The kids haven't changed and are still so nice and fun. There are so many of those Leets I don't know, although I'm finally beginning to get them all straightened out. They had me write up the article about the reunion for the Journal. It's fun to get back to news writing. All in all it was a very successful day. They toured their (and our) former home and farm.

We Help Grandma Clean for the Leet Reunion - Saturday, August 5, 1961

We girls spent the day at Grandma's helping her clean house for tomorrow's McDowell-Leet reunion tomorrow. We went out after Betty and Linda left and had planned to come home for dinner but ended up staying. We gave the house a pretty good going over. I haven't cleaned for so long in ______(?). A man who is attempting to make the first coast-to-coast glider flight has been in Washington since Thursday. He came over West Chester and "landed one mile north of Chester" (sounds like Grandma's) in Peiffer's field. Grandma heard him on the Hy-Vee phone! Another old corn crib out there blew down last night.

Three Families of Cousins Go Swimming - Friday, August 4, 1961

Leets were here for dinner and supper. Betty and Linda are staying all night. This afternoon Leets, Cuddebacks and we kids went swimming. It was quite a mob scene considering the fact that no grown-ups were along! The cousins have grown up! I didn't get anything done in the way of sewing. I did manage to practice my lesson for the first time. These summer days are going far too fast. I keep comparing this to last summer. I don't like to brag, but I do have a good memory for certain things! (I can remember what I wore on the first day of school for all but 7th grade and 10th - or do I remember that!?)

Will Buy Things for Our Dorm Room in K.C. - Thursday, August 3, 1961

I got another letter from Vivienne. An Oklahoma girl who's a junior at Park thinks it would be better to wait till we get there to buy things for our room. I had been going to suggest that in my last letter. K.C. is a fifteen minute bus ride away. We had figured it'd be about that. Sounds fun! I got a letter from Sandy Mosiman saying my "Big Sister" will be Rae Goush from North Kansas City. I drove to unload four loads of straw. I finished my house coat. Mom had Missionary Meeting here this afternoon. Kenneth and Janet were here tonight.

Phyllis Has Her Driver's License - Wednesday, August 2, 1961

Phyllis is now a licensed driver. It will be handy for her to be able to drive places without Mom along. It will be different having a sister driving. There are some of the cutest little moths that come to my light to visit me. This one is white with tiny black dots. We did the wash. Betty and Linda Sue went in with us. Harold got them at the laundromat at 10:00. I bought a pair of real light beige shoes for $2.00 at Atchisons and a pair of new shoe laces for my tan shoes. A small plane sprayed the crops (beans) around here for grasshoppers. I began my dress. Piano lessons.

Mom Passed Her Comps, Will Have Her M.A. - Tuesday, August 1, 1961

Mom found out in Iowa City this morning that she successfully passed her comps, so now she'll have her M.A. As if she had anything to worry about! When we were at the A&P grocery store I shut my right middle finger in the car door. It was swollen so I kept it on a cold box of French fries on the way home. It's still pretty stiff. I got some white buttons and was able to finish up my housecoat except for the hem. We saw Leets for a few minutes when they stopped here at noon. Jimmy is cute and little Alice looks like a little doll.