Haddock and Dill: September 30 and October 7, 1950 Canning, Sewing, Growing, Grape Jelly, Plum Conserve, Hat-Making and Plenty Cheap

Dear Mother, Daddy & Grandma,

"I'll start my letter but I may never get it finished for Bobby is talking as fast as he can. B is at a meeting at Bloomington High School this morning. He is a delegate from the University and is Chairman of the Broadcast Committee so has to be at the football game this afternoon. He has to make all arrangements for broadcasting the games. The speakers they use were in a repair shop in Peoria so we went after them yesterday afternoon. We had a little time to shop but didn't find anything.

I'll try again. Bobby is asleep and B is gone. We are having Bruce here for dinner tomorrow so I've been working in the kitchen this morning. Marge came and ironed for me. Aunt Ione sent us two fruit baskets of fruit (apples, plums, raspberries & grapes). I made 3 pts. of plum jelly and 12 pts. of grape. Bobby made short order of the berries but we are still eating grapes. Then one of the professors gave us almost a bushel of tomatoes so I canned 7 qts. and made some preserves.

I still haven't finished my dress. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will find the time. I tried on some corduroy dresses yesterday but didn't like them. I still weigh 128 so can't wear any of my good clothes left over from last year.

Ann is growing fast. She is real plump and smiles and laughs when we talk to her. We have started giving her banana. It seems like we can't give her enough to eat. She is hungry all the time. She can't eat cereal. It upsets her so we are trying banana for a while. Although she has lots of hair, she hasn't enough for a ribbon yet. It is awfully long in back, though and I'm going to ask Toni to cut it. I too, wish you were close enough so you could enjoy our babies.

I'm glad the quilt is done. It will be nice for Bobby to have and keep. Do you want me to get more yellow for a border? If you do, send me a scrap and I'll try to match it.

The Wheelers are all fine and had a wonderful time in Texas. They brought back 100 cans of vegetables that Eve's mother had canned for them--everything imaginable.

1949 Plymouth (Image courtesy of www.goodguyautobody.com)

Toni and Watty finally got a car. It is a '49 Plymouth and they are real pleased.

I have a little present for you, Mother, and will try to mail it next week. I wanted to get you something while you were here but couldn't find what I wanted.

I hope you are all fine."

Lots of love,

Bonnie

Grape Jelly

Measure the juice and plan on 3/4 cup of sugar for each cup of juice. Heat the juice to boiling and add sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and boil without stirring until the jelly is formed. Pour into hot jars and seal with paraffin.

Bonnie's Plum Conserve

Seed and quarter 2 qts. plums. Mix together with 1 lemon, cut in 8ths and sliced very thin, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1 large stick cinnamon, 1 c. raisins and 6 c. sugar. Cook until thick. Remove cinnamon and add 1 c. English walnuts. Pour into jars and seal.

NOTE: You can find the Tomato Preserves recipe here:

http://annbkennedy.blogspot.com/2012/05/september-9-1947-vermont-house.html

October 7, 1950

Dear Mother & Daddy,

"This has been a dull week. B has practically lived at school and Bobby, the baby and I have stayed home most of the afternoons. We did go to Wheelers today and to Wades across the alley one day. Marge Wade is having a baby next spring. It will be nice since her boys are both in school.

The Child Development class at school has to observe an infant so I am expecting a girl to come Monday to watch Ann for awhile. They make notes of every motion the child makes in about 10 minutes.

The Adult Education program begins next Monday night and I have signed up for a course in hat making. It should be fun and I hope I learn to make a hat or two. I wanted to take the class in tailoring but it met in Bloomington and I was afraid I couldn't get the children in bed and get there in time. My class meets once a week for an hour and a half. The session lasts 10 weeks.

Dr. Ball seemed to think I was fine. You remember he told me I was in good condition when Ann was born. Did I tell you he charged us $100. for everything? I thought that was plenty cheap.

I get a little more done on my dress every few days so maybe I'll get it done by spring. I'm going downtown tomorrow to see if I can find me a good dress. I still can't wear my last year's clothes. I'll try to get the yellow for Bobby's quilt.

Now that the Stoutland school levy has finally passed will Charlotte get to go back up there? Did you forget about those measurements? I have some material that maybe someday I can make her a dress.

We are still working on a formula. Ann is fat and growing but seems so uncomfortable after taking her milk. I'm trying skimmed milk now but can't tell yet whether it will work. Tomorrow is the second day for it and then we can tell. She seems to like banana but doesn't like the way it feels. She will never eat as well as Bobby always did.

How is Grandma? Does she sit up in the rocker now?

I must stop and write a thank you note. Ann is still getting presents."

Lots of love,

Bonnie

NOTES: In news of the Korean situation, finally called "War", U.N. forces cross the 38th parallel.
http://www.mbc.edu/faculty/gbowen/Korea.htm