January 24, 1959 The Ice Storm, The Cancelled Potluck Supper and The Birthday Party

Neighbor's back yard, January, 1959

 Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This has been some week but we feel lucky because towns all around us were hit harder than we were.  Decatur has really had it bad--half of the town without heat because of no power.  Our power didn't even go out once but the wires were really loaded with ice.  The trees popped and snapped and Ann was afraid to walk to school.  Our phone acted sort of funny but it didn't cut off.  Everything is covered with snow and ice so we aren't doing much driving.  B was supposed to start an extension class in Decatur last Wed. evening but they called off all of them.  He'll go this week if things get better.  All of the schools except ours closed on Thurs. and Fri.  But our kids could walk and they were to have Fri. and Mon. off because of the end of the semester anyway.

We were supposed to have our potluck supper here tonight but we called it off because there were so many complications.  Sorensens have been on a trip to Nebraska and were supposed to be back today but I don't see how they could get back because they drove.  Woody wanted to see his brother, John, before they leave on their long trip.  He has a recurrence of cancer and can't live long.  He is the one who was given only a few months to live almost 5 years ago.  They thought he was cured but it has hit him in the back and they know this is the last.  Sorensens plan to leave in March and won't be back until Sept. and Woody thinks he won't see this brother again.  Woody's publisher is paying for this trip and they are going to the places in the world where Woody has never been--Africa, Fiji and I don't know where all.  He will write a fourth grade geography as they travel.

Bob had a nice birthday and was really pleased with the money.  I think he like it better than he would have a package.  At least, he seemed to like it.  Granny Gibson sent him a dollar and wrote him a letter.  I think he got $5 in all.  We still haven't heard about the microscope we ordered before Christmas.  He's been awfully patient about it but I'm even getting tired of waiting on it.  The head of the science department gave him a lot of test tubes and things like that to use with his chemistry set.  Some of the things are chipped or cracked but Bob was happy to have them.  They are things the college classes can't use anymore.

Bob hasn't felt well the last couple of days.  He seems to be taking cold but it could be the mumps.

I sewed some this week and have my Christmas material dress started.  I bought a new shirtwaist pattern for it and I think it will be pretty--it is a dressy shirtwaist.  I hope to sew some on it today.

I kept a little boy all day yesterday.    The mother has to work and the boy called up and asked if he could come because their sitter couldn't come.  I said yes and he was here before 7:00.  Ann was the only one up when he rang the bell.  He hadn't even had breakfast.

I must get the kitchen cleaned up.  Ann had a little girl stay all night with her last night and I'll have to take her home after a while.  She is so quiet but Ann thinks she is the most wonderful friend she ever had.

Be careful on the ice.  I hope you are both fine."

                         Lots of love,

                               Bonnie