The Spirit not the Letter

November 1, 1984.
Up before seven, heard Daddy.
Ready for Mass at 9:30 - walked - what a comforting philosophy. St. in heaven. Tomorrow All Souls Day. Must remember my beloved dead. K Her(rest is illegible)...me home. Saw Pauline, Mary Jo. Brief chat with Mary - insights into people's lives Mary gave me. I must not be too hasty to judge others. Johnnys-- met Dora (eyes were bad to-day but it was a bright day) she looked perfectly dressed as usual. Met Joyce G. in Johnnys--soon will graduate from C.U. two children gone, both on their own. Jean called. James is one in a million--no one would know that he is suffering. Reads, talks, interested in life, drives Grace to hairdresser. Mary coming with 2 daughters over weekend. Jean feels that it would shorten both lives if they left Clarksville.

November 2.
Windy and colder. Verona U. took most of flowers to decorate at Family Day observance in Corning. Gave me seeds. Bank, Johnnys. Reagan way up in polls. "Young must equate wisdom with age". Many back 73 year old actor Reagan as our leader in such troublesome times. One man cannot govern today. Took in all plants - frost forecast (mid 20's). Bobby cut grass again. I raked leaves around walnut tree. Sunny, blue skies but windy.

November 3.
First frost. Everything dead - one wonders how life would ever come again to these areas. Hair done - shopped briefly. Home 11:30. Johnnys. Visited Jean who brought me home - gave her 2 books to read. Burgan (sp?) came to service refrig. He suggested shopping for a new one - altho he would service it (about $180 - if I can get one as small as mine, do so - if not, he'll work on it).

November 4.
Superficial sermon. Although T. B. follows the ritual closely and is there when needed, he often fails to see below the surface. It's the spirit not the letter. Religion is communing with God within you.  I know I've a long way to go. I was remiss and feel sad - forgot to call Heidi on her birthday.  Katy was in Alex, Va. Mike, Tom, she ate dinner. She met Ronnie Reeves - walking in Washington. Judy in Boston. Dora still hobbling. Rosy called - had young Priest for dinner - he took Joey to Steelers game. No news from Clarksville. Rainy, rainy day. What are Doughertys doing? Must send Amy's card - call her next Sunday. Birthday is on 12 Monday. Called Tom 3X - no answer. Where are they?

November 5.
Spent time taking up some dahlia tubers, potted a begonia for Dora. Johnnys. Tom called. Judy home. Conference at school about Tommy. Thekla's letter - Pat at Sheila's babysitting. Colder at night.

November 6.
Rainy, cold. 40, with wind 20. Voted for Dem. nominees. As I predicted Reagan, the incompetent, is winning. Clean sweep of every state. (D. of Col. for Mondale). Sent Lynn's and Michael's letters.

November 7.
Reagan most inept President ever but popular, has won more electoral votes than any other Pres including Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mondale showed his colors, accepted his defeat gracefully, (TV not good to him and he is not good on it) will not seek public office again. Ferraro on TV with husband. Sent Amy's card - letter to Thekla, picked up more dahlia bulbs. Met Dora. Daddy restless. Jean called. James and Grace getting along well. Rosy called. May come on Mon. to clean stove and put in screens.

November 8.
Cold morning, sunny, warmer afternoon - clothes dried outside. Cleaned one bedroom, dug up about 50 dahlia bulbs - talked to Dora. Mary's Dr. - Lill P drove her--asked Lill to come in office when he told her. Hospitalized (Pitt.) She'll do so when Joe returns from his Mexico vacation. Dan Rather news - again pictures of starvation in North Ethiopia-so pitiful, many under 5 yrs. Many take hazardous trip by foot to Catholic Shelter - some are saved. (So much wasted food here, nothing there).

November 9.
Rained all day. Was Daddy not feeling well? Ate everything I gave him but Tom Webb felt something was wrong after he shaved him (Tom, Betty leaving by car with John and Delores for Fla on Tues. I'll miss them). Cleaned bathrooms upstairs. (Letter and how I love to get them from Michael). Erin scouting for her school next yr. Must call on Amy's birthday. Johnnys. Sent to Country Curtains.