This is a copy of a letter my father wrote to my wife, Ellen and I shortly after we were married and lived in Urbana IL where I was in college. My dad always called my wife Bill.
Dear Ted and Bill
I have some explaining to do, also some mail to send so Bill may through me in the jug when she hears about this. Before we start I want a few things understood. First a jury trial, second in C.C Mercer's court.
Well here goes. We got a letter from Auto Insurance Co. and I Didn't forward it as I should have. Our honorable post master had placed it very carefully in our box with the stamp end out toward the front of the box or to make it more plain the stamp was toward the South or to make it plainer the stamp was to the right as walk in the P.O. so that put the opposite end of the letter or the end that had the return address on toward the inside of the P.O. This might confuse you. The inside of the P.O. in this case is the part the post master and his sister work. The place where they distribute the mail. The place where the clock hangs on the wall. Now don't get confused with the barometer over the desk in the lobby. This might confuse you. A clock is an instrument which tells the time of day. A barometer is an instrument that tells the condition of the air pressure which in turn might indicate whether it is going to rain of be clear. I hope I got part so you can understand it.
Now there is another letter from the same said Auto Ins Co. placed in our box this time with the stamp end turn the other way or the opposite way of the first said letter. Now if if you will read the forgoing chapter you might figure out without me going to a lot of extra trouble to explain.
Now to get to the point, I wondered by not forwarding the first said letter I might have caused your insurance to lapse. So when the second letter came with the stamp end to the South, I thought I had better open it and rush some money up there. So I very carefully opened this letter and found out this letter with the stamp end to the North was quite a relief of one point but I might be facing sentence.
So I will enclose the said letters, the one present as exhibit one that I failed to forward and the one marked exhibit 2, the one that might cause me to a life sentence. There is another letter I will enclose also.
Gale called yesterday eve and said they have a baby boy. Terry Lee Tingley. Rex's were down for dinner today. Will close for now. PS Mom is making pumpkin pie this eve to take to Women's Club tomorrow eve.
Your Dad
This letter was dated Sun. Nov 11, 1956.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
My First Home # 2
Since I left at the age of 6 or 7 I don't remember a great deal about my first home. I can't even remember where I slept. It was a two story home with no running water and no electricity. It was heated by a wood/coal stove in a small basement feeding one large register in the front room and a wood/coal cook stove in the kitchen. I do know from hearing about it that mom got upset when the older boys brought the new riding horse into the house.
There was a bath tub in a small room you had to climb a few stairs to get to. There was a small tank at the head of the tub with a burner under it to heat some bath water. You had to carry water if you wanted a bath. We use kerosene lamps for light.
There was a barn, sheds, pig pens, chicken house, , fields, a small pond, some timber and a small ice house. We stored ice blocks cut from the pond in sawdust for summer in our ice box.
The depression force us out and one of dad's brothers who had money bought it. In the process of his remodeling he removed a lot of supporting structure from the inside and took off the top and made a flat roof. It soon started to sag and come to pieces and leak. It is no longer in use and is dilapidated or has been torn down.
There was a bath tub in a small room you had to climb a few stairs to get to. There was a small tank at the head of the tub with a burner under it to heat some bath water. You had to carry water if you wanted a bath. We use kerosene lamps for light.
There was a barn, sheds, pig pens, chicken house, , fields, a small pond, some timber and a small ice house. We stored ice blocks cut from the pond in sawdust for summer in our ice box.
The depression force us out and one of dad's brothers who had money bought it. In the process of his remodeling he removed a lot of supporting structure from the inside and took off the top and made a flat roof. It soon started to sag and come to pieces and leak. It is no longer in use and is dilapidated or has been torn down.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
PFC Glenn Shely Shoenmann, Co.M, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
A story in the Tennessean last week informed that DNA match had been made to a soldier left in Korea in 1950. He was drafted in 1950 and was inserted into Korea at Inchon on September 15, 1950. He progressed with his unit and was making a defensive stand at Pungnyuri Inlet east of the Chosin Reservoir. The result of this encounter was that he was captured by the Chinese on November 28, 1950. He died as a prisoner of war on December 29, 1950. He was 20 years old. He died of starvation. He was returned to his family, three brothers and one sister at the Nashville Airport on Thursday, January 10, 2013 after 62 years absence from home. Sixty years is a dam long wait for his family.
I told Ellen that I was going to the funeral scheduled for Saturday, January 11 with full military honors. Normally when the remains of a soldier arrive in the USA a Prayer Shawl is blessed and presented to the wife or mother by a Chaplin at the location where relatives witness their arrival. Ellen started the Prayer Shawl Ministry at church a few years ago and she suggested that I take Prayer Shawls to the sister and three brothers. Inquiries verified that they had not previously received any Prayer Shawls.
So rather than go to the funeral I chose to go to the visitation to present the Prayer Shawls. Ellen asked if she could go with me.
We arrived early to plan the presentation. While waiting for the funeral home owner, a young lady, a relative, approached and introduced herself and after a short visit she took me by the arm and walked me into the room where the flag draped containment was, leaving Ellen to fend for herself, and introduced me personally to each of the sister and brothers.
Ellen had a long visit with the young lady and I visited with each of the brothers quite awhile.
We finally got around to the presentation about three quarters of the way through the visitation. I made a little speech about how the Prayers Shawls were handled at Dover Air Force Base and Ellen made the presentation. They loved them.
I got my third hug from the young lady and we drove home, 150 miles over mountain roads from Palmer, Tennessee in the dark.
I told Ellen that I was going to the funeral scheduled for Saturday, January 11 with full military honors. Normally when the remains of a soldier arrive in the USA a Prayer Shawl is blessed and presented to the wife or mother by a Chaplin at the location where relatives witness their arrival. Ellen started the Prayer Shawl Ministry at church a few years ago and she suggested that I take Prayer Shawls to the sister and three brothers. Inquiries verified that they had not previously received any Prayer Shawls.
So rather than go to the funeral I chose to go to the visitation to present the Prayer Shawls. Ellen asked if she could go with me.
We arrived early to plan the presentation. While waiting for the funeral home owner, a young lady, a relative, approached and introduced herself and after a short visit she took me by the arm and walked me into the room where the flag draped containment was, leaving Ellen to fend for herself, and introduced me personally to each of the sister and brothers.
Ellen had a long visit with the young lady and I visited with each of the brothers quite awhile.
We finally got around to the presentation about three quarters of the way through the visitation. I made a little speech about how the Prayers Shawls were handled at Dover Air Force Base and Ellen made the presentation. They loved them.
I got my third hug from the young lady and we drove home, 150 miles over mountain roads from Palmer, Tennessee in the dark.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
My First Home
In the year 1849, before he went to California, Henry Leighty, my great grand father, purchased from the government agent at Quincy IL 160 acres of land for $500 which was situated and described as the SE quarter of Section 15 of Township 4 N. in Range 1 West of the fourth principal meridian in what is now known as Eldorado Township in McDonough County, Illinois.
The first deed to this land was given to a soldier, named Thomas Rowsey as payment for his service in the War of 1812 and was given to said Thomas Rowsey in 1818 and was written on a small sheet of sheepskin and therefore called a sheep-skin deed. It was signed by James Monroe,Pres of the U,S. He sold 80 acres and later bought it back. He broke up this raw prairie land with ox teams and a wooden plowshare.
He lived in a cabin he built until1857 when he moved into a house which on the property he bought back and which was about one half mile West of the cabin.This what he they called the old house. I don't know what year the new house was built.
He married again after his trip out west and one his children was my Grandmother. I lived there from 1931, when I was born until the spring of 1937 when lost the farm during the depression.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Henry Leighty Part 4
I decided to come back to Illinois as I had seen about all I cared to, so I left Mud Springs on March 10, 1852, went by boat from Sacramento to San Francisco, I left San Francisco March 12,1852, landed at Panama April 1st. I crossed the isthmus by walking fourteen miles, rode on a bungo down the Chagres river and took my first ride on a railroad train. We slept in hammocks at the Halfway House. Had to wait six days at Aspinwal for a boat. Left Navy Bay April 17th. We were in Kingston, Jamaica for two days while the was being coaled. The negroes did this by carrying it across the gang planks in baskets on their heads. They always sang and danced as they came back for another load. We landed in New Orleans on the 15th. We lay there till the night of the 17th, ten o'clock when we left for St. Louis. Arrived in St. Louis April 24th, and at Browning April 29th. James Crail was with me and we rode to Vermont, IL with a teamster who told some to the men, but did not tell me that they had buried my wife just a few days before. I also learned my infant daughter had also died during my absence. I had only a son left.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Henry Leighty Part 3
We traveled through the black hills, going through Sweetwater. passed Soda Springs, and traveled along Bear River. We carved our names on a rock at Sweetwater in Wyoming. We went North of Salt Lake City to the Humboldt River. Here we crossed the dry sandy desert. We bound the feet of our cattle with burlap for these trips. We had barrels of water in each corner of our wagon, and we cut grass as all the emigrants did, and put it in our wagon. We stopped pretty often and dipped a bunch of grass in the water and gave it to the oxen. That way we gave them feed and water at the same time. We saw many wagons and oxen deserted. We also saw men with packs on their oxen and their own backs trying to get across the desert.
Traveling through the mountains was slow and often we traveled through snow. One night our cattle stampeded and we had trouble getting them rounded up. One of our men, who was afraid of Indians was sure it was an Indian raid, but we never knew what scared them.
We would see notices on boards or posts written by people ahead to their friends who were following them.
Finally, after five months of travel mostly on foot. we were near Sacramento valley. We had no provisions except a kettle of rice, left for our last meal, and while it was cooking some fellow kicked it over and spilled it all out on the ground.
We landed in Ringold August 27, 1850.
I tried mining at Diamond Springs for awhile, but I didn' like standing in water and I got chills and fever. I started teaming, taking supplies from Sacramento to the miners up in the mountains. One time I went up North to see my cousin and the man I left my outfit was a scalawag who made off with all my stuff and skipped out.
ONE MORE POST IS ALL HE WROTE.
Traveling through the mountains was slow and often we traveled through snow. One night our cattle stampeded and we had trouble getting them rounded up. One of our men, who was afraid of Indians was sure it was an Indian raid, but we never knew what scared them.
We would see notices on boards or posts written by people ahead to their friends who were following them.
Finally, after five months of travel mostly on foot. we were near Sacramento valley. We had no provisions except a kettle of rice, left for our last meal, and while it was cooking some fellow kicked it over and spilled it all out on the ground.
We landed in Ringold August 27, 1850.
I tried mining at Diamond Springs for awhile, but I didn' like standing in water and I got chills and fever. I started teaming, taking supplies from Sacramento to the miners up in the mountains. One time I went up North to see my cousin and the man I left my outfit was a scalawag who made off with all my stuff and skipped out.
ONE MORE POST IS ALL HE WROTE.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Henry Leighty Part 2
We stuck the South Platte River near Fort Kearney, had the worst wind and rain storm I think I ever experienced. From there we stuck out for Fort Laramie, crossed the South Platte on the way its a "pill" when we look at to think of crossing. But it was like many other places, either turn back or go ahead, and we preferred to go ahead.We were fortunate as there were some emigrant teams crossing when we got there, so we followed close behind. One great trouble, if you stopped a moment the cattle, wagon and all would sink down. The sand would wash out from under, so you had to keep going. Most of the emigrants doubled up, put on eight yoke then go back. That was to much for us, one trip we thought was enough. We stripped all but our shirt and some waded along side of the cattle and kept them moving. The water was about waist most of the time. It was said the river was a mile wide and it looked it. The wagon ahead of us had on eight yoke, and pulling it out on on the opposite side their cattle swung and upset the wagon in the water. There were two women and some children in it and you better believe there was some screaming and crying for they were in the water. S om of the camping outfit had fallen on them. One woman's face was badly bruised. So, as near nude as we were, the only thing to do was to pitch in and tear the cover off and help them out.
The North Platte was the next bugaboo. It was the worst of all streams. There was a ferry to take wagons and emigrants over only. The cattle and the horses had to swim. and I presume it is about as hazardous a stream t o swim as there is in America. It runs so swift and is so cold that the best swimmers failed and were drowned in the attempt. We were fairly fortunate in getting the cattle over.
MORE LATER
The North Platte was the next bugaboo. It was the worst of all streams. There was a ferry to take wagons and emigrants over only. The cattle and the horses had to swim. and I presume it is about as hazardous a stream t o swim as there is in America. It runs so swift and is so cold that the best swimmers failed and were drowned in the attempt. We were fairly fortunate in getting the cattle over.
MORE LATER
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Henry Leighty Search for Gold
Henry Leighty was my great grand father on my fathers side. I quote from a letter he wrote when He was 90 years old.
In the spring of 1850 I was stricken with the California fever as I wanted to see some of the world while I was in the prime of life, and if I failed to get much gold would get experience enough and see enough of the world to pay me for the trip and hardships I would have to undergo, which is no small matter. But I will say here that I am more than satisfied as it was a great lesson to me to see that western country in its wild state. So man by the name of Craigo, a married man; Jake Mickey, a single man; and George Barnhart, single; and myself fitted up a prairie schooner and four yoke of oxen and on the last day of March 1850, struck out for the then wild and woolly west. We made arrangements to meet another wagon with three men at Hannibal, Mo. Had the worst weather I think I ever experienced while crossing Missouri. Such cold rain it looked like our cattle would perish as the had no shelter at night. Struck the Missouri river at Weston. Fort Leavenworth is right across the the river from Weston. We were a little ahead of the grass, and lay there ten days waiting for it as we had no money to buy feed to carry with us. Our cattle managed to live on very little feed, and ranged through the hills. Once we had got quite a scare as our cattle got so far away we had quite a hunt for them. While on the hunt we ran across a fortune teller and we all got our fortunes told. Some of the boy's fortunes were so bad they almost turned back. Mine didn't look very good. She told me that I would not have much luck in California, but after leaving there would eventually accumulate quite a fortune. I did not feel like turning back as I had started with the determination to see California or die on the way. So according to my best recollection, we crossed the river in May and pulled out for the plains. At that time there had not been a furrow plowed in Kansas, Nebraska or any of those western states. There were Indians, buffalo, elk, prairie dogs, rattle snakes & coyotes. The only trouble we had with the Indians was their eternal begging. The squaws wanted sugar and coffee. The bucks wanted whiskey and tobacco. But we declined as they would soon have starved us out. But I will have to give them credit for their good behavior in not molesting us in any way. They were so numerous they could have taken full possession of everything we had. But we could hear of emigrants having trouble, but the thing is it was mostly the emigrant's fault.
MORE LATER Now we ready to cross the Platte River.
In the spring of 1850 I was stricken with the California fever as I wanted to see some of the world while I was in the prime of life, and if I failed to get much gold would get experience enough and see enough of the world to pay me for the trip and hardships I would have to undergo, which is no small matter. But I will say here that I am more than satisfied as it was a great lesson to me to see that western country in its wild state. So man by the name of Craigo, a married man; Jake Mickey, a single man; and George Barnhart, single; and myself fitted up a prairie schooner and four yoke of oxen and on the last day of March 1850, struck out for the then wild and woolly west. We made arrangements to meet another wagon with three men at Hannibal, Mo. Had the worst weather I think I ever experienced while crossing Missouri. Such cold rain it looked like our cattle would perish as the had no shelter at night. Struck the Missouri river at Weston. Fort Leavenworth is right across the the river from Weston. We were a little ahead of the grass, and lay there ten days waiting for it as we had no money to buy feed to carry with us. Our cattle managed to live on very little feed, and ranged through the hills. Once we had got quite a scare as our cattle got so far away we had quite a hunt for them. While on the hunt we ran across a fortune teller and we all got our fortunes told. Some of the boy's fortunes were so bad they almost turned back. Mine didn't look very good. She told me that I would not have much luck in California, but after leaving there would eventually accumulate quite a fortune. I did not feel like turning back as I had started with the determination to see California or die on the way. So according to my best recollection, we crossed the river in May and pulled out for the plains. At that time there had not been a furrow plowed in Kansas, Nebraska or any of those western states. There were Indians, buffalo, elk, prairie dogs, rattle snakes & coyotes. The only trouble we had with the Indians was their eternal begging. The squaws wanted sugar and coffee. The bucks wanted whiskey and tobacco. But we declined as they would soon have starved us out. But I will have to give them credit for their good behavior in not molesting us in any way. They were so numerous they could have taken full possession of everything we had. But we could hear of emigrants having trouble, but the thing is it was mostly the emigrant's fault.
MORE LATER Now we ready to cross the Platte River.
Monday, October 15, 2012
St Vincent 3/10/87
Up at 4 AM. To the airport in vans. Customs, Immigration. Barbados. Customs, Immigration.
Port au Prince, Haiti, Gasoline for our DC 8. Miami, Customs. Just caught the Atlanta flight.
Had to leave Jim behind with all the luggage.
I had a meeting in Atlanta with the Federal Communication Commission and South Central Bell to set deprecations rates for the Telco. The Bell Representative met me at the airport with a new set of luggage from home for the week of meeting. Good planning say what? Caught a plane home with the Bell folks and here I am.
That's all folks.
Port au Prince, Haiti, Gasoline for our DC 8. Miami, Customs. Just caught the Atlanta flight.
Had to leave Jim behind with all the luggage.
I had a meeting in Atlanta with the Federal Communication Commission and South Central Bell to set deprecations rates for the Telco. The Bell Representative met me at the airport with a new set of luggage from home for the week of meeting. Good planning say what? Caught a plane home with the Bell folks and here I am.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
St. Vincent 3/9/87
Up at 4:30 AM. Brush, pack, finish loading , walk to the bus.stop. Bus leaves at 5:30 am.The bus is an open bed truck with wood benches and backs and a wooden canopy built to hold 30 people. There were 40 on board. The choice to use a local bus was a good experience but a bad choice. Very fortunately we did not deprive anyone of their needed seat. We were packed in so tight that I know the local girls on both sides of me intimately. We reach the Heron Hotel at 7:30 am (Two hours for 15 miles) One lane road straight up or down, hair pin turns, straight on one side , straight down on the other. Jungle or farms all the way (coconut, banana, bread fruit, orange, grape fruit12 inches in diameter. Got the bags to the room, wet down to write (wrongs). Will shop this PM.
Stella was there to see us off. Mr Williams came with us.
As I set here writing the wrongs, I was left in charge of the keys to the car which needed a tire changed. Can't go shopping until 11:00 am . others felt comfortable with leaving the key with the hotel clerk to get it to Jim. How would Jim know to ask at the desk for the keys.
Jim showed up and took the keys and I went shopping. Guess what! Three T shirts ! Wet shirt contest when I get home. Second trip out --Ear Rings.
Went to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. Strictly American. Back to the hotel, shower shot of rum, took a nap. Going out to a French Restaurant for dinner this evening. Dolphin for dinner. Bordeaux Blanc Wine.
Stella was there to see us off. Mr Williams came with us.
As I set here writing the wrongs, I was left in charge of the keys to the car which needed a tire changed. Can't go shopping until 11:00 am . others felt comfortable with leaving the key with the hotel clerk to get it to Jim. How would Jim know to ask at the desk for the keys.
Jim showed up and took the keys and I went shopping. Guess what! Three T shirts ! Wet shirt contest when I get home. Second trip out --Ear Rings.
Went to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. Strictly American. Back to the hotel, shower shot of rum, took a nap. Going out to a French Restaurant for dinner this evening. Dolphin for dinner. Bordeaux Blanc Wine.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
St. Vincent 3/8/87
Must remember or send Stella some pictures and a tape of my thank you. Had breakfast and will be getting ready for church soon.
Stella was here at 6:30 preparing our noon meal. Small gas stove, small old sink, 2 small cupboards, no counter space, 1 small refrigerator and meal for 14.
Church sermon by Lay Minister, Mr Providence.
Cleared of haze enough to see St. Lucia 21 miles away.
Lunch was big with desert, beef, macaroni and onions etc, beans , peas, bread fruit pudding, lettuce leaves, drink and cake, baked by Mrs. Providence.
Some are off to another project this PM. Others playing guitars, sleeping, talking. Will finish packing before bed tonight. Catch the bus at 5:30 tomorrow.
Just saw a white boy for the second time. Left her by a Swedish family in Rose Bank.
Those who left today for the meeting have returned. The entire group, without me, set down upstairs to go over the two weeks. I sat down with our hosts.The meeting went on for two or three hours while they ignored our host. They finally got tired of waiting and left. I feel it was the rudest thing we have done this week.
I would come again but not with the Brentwood team under Jim's leadership.
Stella was here at 6:30 preparing our noon meal. Small gas stove, small old sink, 2 small cupboards, no counter space, 1 small refrigerator and meal for 14.
Church sermon by Lay Minister, Mr Providence.
Cleared of haze enough to see St. Lucia 21 miles away.
Lunch was big with desert, beef, macaroni and onions etc, beans , peas, bread fruit pudding, lettuce leaves, drink and cake, baked by Mrs. Providence.
Some are off to another project this PM. Others playing guitars, sleeping, talking. Will finish packing before bed tonight. Catch the bus at 5:30 tomorrow.
Those who left today for the meeting have returned. The entire group, without me, set down upstairs to go over the two weeks. I sat down with our hosts.The meeting went on for two or three hours while they ignored our host. They finally got tired of waiting and left. I feel it was the rudest thing we have done this week.
I would come again but not with the Brentwood team under Jim's leadership.
Friday, October 12, 2012
St. Vincent 3/7/87
Up at 6:30. Breakfast. I had clean up with Gerald and Nancy.
We are off on a boat trip up the edge of the island and up a river to the Baleine Falls. Swim suit on under our clothes. I understand that the boat can't get close to the beach, so we wade ashore. The trip was beautiful. Up the west coast to the north side. Docked waded ashore, off to the fresh water stream out of the mountains. Had a sandwich and drink on the beach.
Here we begin our climb up the narrow ledges, lava rock boulders and across in waist deep water.
It wasn't very for to the falls.When we reached it , it was beautiful. We swam across the clear pool to the falling water, got underneath it and behind it. The boat captain climbed up behind the falls and dove in.
Back to the boat and home. Went to church this evening for an informal good bye. Lots of song, prayer. Anyone who wanted to stand up an say a few words was welcome to do so.
The people here are friendly and very open and full of love and so poor in material things. Lizards and dogs in the church during service.
We are off on a boat trip up the edge of the island and up a river to the Baleine Falls. Swim suit on under our clothes. I understand that the boat can't get close to the beach, so we wade ashore. The trip was beautiful. Up the west coast to the north side. Docked waded ashore, off to the fresh water stream out of the mountains. Had a sandwich and drink on the beach.
Here we begin our climb up the narrow ledges, lava rock boulders and across in waist deep water.
It wasn't very for to the falls.When we reached it , it was beautiful. We swam across the clear pool to the falling water, got underneath it and behind it. The boat captain climbed up behind the falls and dove in.
Back to the boat and home. Went to church this evening for an informal good bye. Lots of song, prayer. Anyone who wanted to stand up an say a few words was welcome to do so.
The people here are friendly and very open and full of love and so poor in material things. Lizards and dogs in the church during service.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
St Vincent 3/6/87
Why am I here? The universe, millions of years ago the world created as a tiny speck in the universe. this island raised our of a mighty ocean as a tiny speck in the world. A mountain that supports this tiny island of St Vincent, this small church group in the village of Traumaka, this small project of the total needs of the total world. Many years ago the island was populate by slaves. Later, initiated by someone years before, they were lifted out of slavery. A small start for a major event. Here we are in this small place, doing this small job, feeling so overwhelmed by needs to be done. Maybe this small step will grow.
Joel, Jim and Farris are cooking a breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and bacon. This is our last day of work before we depart. My experience here was primarily construction and relating toe local folks. The teaching team dealt with a great number of children. The dental team dealt with a great number of people. Maybe it would be better if we sent smaller construction teams and hired local people to help build.. Help the economy,help the family of the workers, and give an opportunity to develop a relationship inside the church and outside.
Finished the North side of the roof today. Cut tin for the other side..
Joel, Jim and Farris are cooking a breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and bacon. This is our last day of work before we depart. My experience here was primarily construction and relating toe local folks. The teaching team dealt with a great number of children. The dental team dealt with a great number of people. Maybe it would be better if we sent smaller construction teams and hired local people to help build.. Help the economy,help the family of the workers, and give an opportunity to develop a relationship inside the church and outside.
Finished the North side of the roof today. Cut tin for the other side..
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
St Vincent 3/5/87
Had breakfast. Had water.
They needed someone to deliver the dental team, set up the dental chair, hook up the suction system, the compressor and the air system. Someone with electrical knowledge. Jim pointed at me. So I did it . No sweat The power saw I repaired for Mr Williams ran ok for a while but then quit. I reset the brushes again. I will show him what to buy to replace them. Jim went to town today and got some new blades. They wouldn't fit so I cut an adapter from an old blade. Completed cutting the tin roofing after lunch. So it will be back up on the roof this pm.
Finished all of the North side except for the two end pieces. Will finish these tomorrow. Don't have enough blades to complete the other side of the roof.
The dentist and his three helpers are over to the neighbors for supper tonight. He put nine stitches in her arm. She received her injury in a fight.
Jim is missing travelers checks. Gerald is missing a bill fold. Joel is missing a dental kit. First thought was local thievery but each time they had misplaced them.
They needed someone to deliver the dental team, set up the dental chair, hook up the suction system, the compressor and the air system. Someone with electrical knowledge. Jim pointed at me. So I did it . No sweat The power saw I repaired for Mr Williams ran ok for a while but then quit. I reset the brushes again. I will show him what to buy to replace them. Jim went to town today and got some new blades. They wouldn't fit so I cut an adapter from an old blade. Completed cutting the tin roofing after lunch. So it will be back up on the roof this pm.
Finished all of the North side except for the two end pieces. Will finish these tomorrow. Don't have enough blades to complete the other side of the roof.
The dentist and his three helpers are over to the neighbors for supper tonight. He put nine stitches in her arm. She received her injury in a fight.
Jim is missing travelers checks. Gerald is missing a bill fold. Joel is missing a dental kit. First thought was local thievery but each time they had misplaced them.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
St Vincent 3/4/87
No water yet. Worked on the church roof with Gerald today. The one carbide blade to cut sheet metal roofing wore down to nothing. There are no more on the island. We only completed a third of the job of replacing the roofing. Can't do more without more blades. Repaired Mr. William's power this PM. Hope it continues to work.
Went to the creek to bath this evening.Shampooed and wash the clothes I was wearing on a rock
with water running over it.
Went to church this evening. Lots of singing to the local beat. Neat. Jim preached. As in most evenings, one or two retire to their room to write or think or sleep. The rest sit in the front room downstairs talking and laughing at the top of their voices.
The water line was finally repaired today. The water pressure finally built up enough so that we had water at 8:30 PM.
Went to the creek to bath this evening.Shampooed and wash the clothes I was wearing on a rock
with water running over it.
Went to church this evening. Lots of singing to the local beat. Neat. Jim preached. As in most evenings, one or two retire to their room to write or think or sleep. The rest sit in the front room downstairs talking and laughing at the top of their voices.
The water line was finally repaired today. The water pressure finally built up enough so that we had water at 8:30 PM.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
St. Vincent 3/3/87
Up at the roosters crow. No water. I gave devotion today. A couple of them wanted a copy of what I read. Some thought it was very good and appropriate. It was about children. On this Island 75 % of the population are children. .
I worked on the church roof today, replacing old rusty metal roofing while hanging by a rope. Others put the roof on the bathroom and others put the cap on the septic tank.
After work several went off the river to bath. I got left out. I got to the river just before dark, after delivering Gerald and three local youth directors to a meeting in Chateaubeliar. I went to the river alone. The walking path to the river saw a dirt path through an area of huts up along the side of the mountain stream. I was a little uncomfortable with the area. After my bath I went back to Chateaubeliar to pick up group I had delivered. While I was waiting, a group of children gathered around the car and we talked about America and life and the stars.
I worked on the church roof today, replacing old rusty metal roofing while hanging by a rope. Others put the roof on the bathroom and others put the cap on the septic tank.
After work several went off the river to bath. I got left out. I got to the river just before dark, after delivering Gerald and three local youth directors to a meeting in Chateaubeliar. I went to the river alone. The walking path to the river saw a dirt path through an area of huts up along the side of the mountain stream. I was a little uncomfortable with the area. After my bath I went back to Chateaubeliar to pick up group I had delivered. While I was waiting, a group of children gathered around the car and we talked about America and life and the stars.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
St. Vincent 3/2/87
Up at 6:30. Still no water. Any water we drink or use has to be carried in by the bucket full from 2 to3 miles away. To work at 8:00 am. Ron and I put the last layer of blocks on the septic tank. some others put the cement cap on the block wall to the building.
After work we needed a bath. Two days without ;under labor conditions is long enough. Ron and I went to the river with Stella and someone else. They washed clothes on the rocks. We went up river out of sight, shampooed and bathed.. I wore my cut off shorts back to the house. Second time behind the wheel of the car. You drive on the right side of the road. /the car has the steering wheel on the right. The roads are all one lane mountain passes with high cliffs straight up on one side and straight down on the other.
Seeing what is here is somewhat like returning to life in my child hood.We had nothing, we use an outhouse till I was 22 years old. I had the teeth problems they are experiencing here. Spent most of my time in the back woods. The house we lived in was not unlike what you see here. I wonder what my parents would have thought if Brentwood had sent a team to our town.
The rest of the team managed to get the river before dark. Sure was a good feeling.
The dental team returned at 8:30 pm. Had to turn people away. Joel said he got to all that were in pain.
After work we needed a bath. Two days without ;under labor conditions is long enough. Ron and I went to the river with Stella and someone else. They washed clothes on the rocks. We went up river out of sight, shampooed and bathed.. I wore my cut off shorts back to the house. Second time behind the wheel of the car. You drive on the right side of the road. /the car has the steering wheel on the right. The roads are all one lane mountain passes with high cliffs straight up on one side and straight down on the other.
Seeing what is here is somewhat like returning to life in my child hood.We had nothing, we use an outhouse till I was 22 years old. I had the teeth problems they are experiencing here. Spent most of my time in the back woods. The house we lived in was not unlike what you see here. I wonder what my parents would have thought if Brentwood had sent a team to our town.
The rest of the team managed to get the river before dark. Sure was a good feeling.
The dental team returned at 8:30 pm. Had to turn people away. Joel said he got to all that were in pain.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
St Vincent 3/1/87
Walk to church.
Still no water.Used glass full out of the thermos to brush my teeth. The whole city is without water. Slacks, shirt and tie for church.
I can recite the whole sermon if you so desire.
Nothing much went on during the afternoon. Some went visiting, some went swimming, I got stuck with the dishes again.
Had a wiener and marsh mellow roast tonight. Had children of all ages. I took pictures and recorded some singing. To busy to take time to eat.
The party.
Nothing much went on during the afternoon. Some went visiting, some went swimming, I got stuck with the dishes again.
Had a wiener and marsh mellow roast tonight. Had children of all ages. I took pictures and recorded some singing. To busy to take time to eat.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
St Vincent 2/28/87
Up at 6:30. Breakfast of cornflakes. Off to hike to the Mt. Soufrier volcano. Drove to the end of
Richmond Beach road. Walked up the up the beach. Waded a river flowing into the ocean. On up the beach to the turn off point between Lashum and Wallibow . Up an old lava flow eroded to a deep cavern by water.
After we found the right spot we started up the ridge of the mountain.
Richmond Beach road. Walked up the up the beach. Waded a river flowing into the ocean. On up the beach to the turn off point between Lashum and Wallibow . Up an old lava flow eroded to a deep cavern by water.
After we found the right spot we started up the ridge of the mountain.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
St Vincent 2/27/87
Roosters crowed all night. No water at 6:30 AM. Corn Flakes for breakfast at 7:00 AM. Devotional 7:30 AM Roy read a letter from his daughter. I should get a copy of it. Laid cement block, mixed mortar, sifted sand, built doors, knocked out walls today. No water at noon to wash in. No water at 5PM. Several went to the ocean to swim in salt water. The walk back and the salt didn't help much. Ron and I were asked to go pick up part of the dental team. We stopped at a fresh water stream ,where a girl was washing clothes using water and rocks, and took a bath in the stream.
Went down to the squeeze and drank a beer. Squeeze is a place where you can buy anything and be entertained.
Water line across on top of the road.
Job Site
Mr Williams
JOB SITE 2
Stella is the lady who is looking after us. Her sons helped us all day and carried water all evening.
Stella.
Mr Williams two sons worked with yesterday and today. Names were difficult to understand. The children( 10 to 15 years old) all want to know your name and they want you to know theirs.
Water came on about 9 PM. Will last only an hour or so. A shower is in order. Cold shower. Change in prospective.Before we come we cringed at the thought of a cold shower. Now we would give anything for one.
Went down to the squeeze and drank a beer. Squeeze is a place where you can buy anything and be entertained.
Mr Williams
Stella is the lady who is looking after us. Her sons helped us all day and carried water all evening.
Mr Williams two sons worked with yesterday and today. Names were difficult to understand. The children( 10 to 15 years old) all want to know your name and they want you to know theirs.
Water came on about 9 PM. Will last only an hour or so. A shower is in order. Cold shower. Change in prospective.Before we come we cringed at the thought of a cold shower. Now we would give anything for one.
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