Merl Came on Train from Texas - Saturday, July 7, 1962

This afternoon Cuddebacks came and then Merl walked in. My mouth dropped open as did everyone else's. Janet had said they picked up a hitchhiker. They knew about him coming up on the train but kept it a secret to surprise us. I read some from "Gone With the Wind" and mowed a little grass. Last night a car started up out in front, a cat yowled, and one of the dogs barked. Larry said there were peeping Toms in the neighborhood so tonight the three dogs are guarding the house.

"Route 66" Featured Cleveland - Friday, July 6, 1962

This afternoon Phyllis and I went to Iowa City so I could see what they had in the way of formals. I tried on about seven, then decided on a pretty blue $17.00 one marked down to $11.00 in Wards. I looked at patterns and thought maybe I could make one but the fabric shop had closed out. I also got an orange night shirt but didn't have time for any more shopping. Virginia, Ann and Denise went swimming. "Route 66" featured Cleveland tonight. It showed a "Carol Diane" boat cruise and showed the skyline. We saw both in June.

Attempting to Appear More Glamorous - Thursday, July 5, 1962

I went along to town with Mom early this morning to help her do the wash. This afternoon we kids went in to go swimming. Ann met Denise, and Jim and Larry were there with Tracy Janacek. I bought an eyeliner and shadow, a lipstick brush and powder in an attempt to make myself more glamorous. I just haven't done one constructive thing all summer.

We Went to the Circus in Washington - Wednesday, July 4, 1962

We celebrated the Fourth of July by going to the circus in town this afternoon. It was a pretty good circus, even if I went with what I thought was a grown-up if not pessimistic view of what I thought it would probably be like. I don't see how all those trained animals know just what to do next. Tonight we lit our sparklers. It was a foggy and rainy day.

Saw "Rome Adventure" Tonight - Tuesday, July 3, 1962

Phyllis, Virginia and I decided to go to the show, "Rome Adventure," tonight. We took Linda and Abbie with us. Troy Donahue (from "Parrish") was in it. By the time Phyllis and I waited around this afternoon until they had the hay baled (and then they didn't need us to help them unload it after all) the afternoon was gone. We have a little puppy here that someone evidently dropped off beside the road.

Burned Nearly 1000 Letters - Monday, July 2, 1962

Today I continued going through my stuff and this evening spent two hours going through most of it for the last time as I burned old letters and papers. I've had nearly 1000 letters (more than 890 from pen pals) that I'd always kept, but now they are carbon. Ann has Sheryl and Darlene home with her for a going away party for Sheryl who is moving to California.

Throwing Out Pen Pal Letters with Phyllis's Help - Sunday, July 1, 1962

It was a cool and rainy Sunday. This morning I taught the juniors class and will for the rest of the summer. This afternoon Phyllis helped me go through my high school things again and I threw away a lot more - including all of my pen pal letters (finally) except those from Mrs. Cowan. Now to get what I want to into a photograph album and scrapbook. I shouldn't have too much left in the closet that is in Phyllis's way.