Author: David Haldeman

Tuesday, January 27, 1981
Saw flock of robins on lawn at Gen Tel where snow had melted.

To Sears & bought towels & toilet cover – curtains & shower cutrain – But they didn’t suit so will take them back.

To Gen Tel River Valley training dept for Altrusa Dinner Meeting. Toured training facilities.

Monday, January 26, 1981
Wrote to Uncle Allen – 36 yrs ago today they left for California – on the day David was born.

Sunday, January 25, 1981
Hostages arrive at Highland Falls by bus – thousands lined road from Stewart airport – Yellow ribbons & American flags everyplace. Their families came from Washington & met them at airport. Will be at West Point in private until Tues AM.

David called to thank me for his $100 birthday check.

Rearranged books in hall bookcase – fiction to shelves in Howard’s bedroom – Made room for Nature books that had been beside fireplace. We’ll use that bookcase for genealogy books & materials – easier access.

Saturday, January 24, 1981
[No entry]

Friday, January 23, 1981
[No entry]

Thursday, January 22, 1981
Slept until 11 – Couldn’t sleep last night.

Sent letter to Mrs. Lutton telling her we can’t use the furnitutre until we spend $1,500 on it & don’t want to give it back if we spend that much.

Worked on income tax – Mostly rental properties. Managed to show loss of over $3,000 with the interest on Toulon – Helps offset income.

Reading “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck. I’ll be disappointed not to find “Doc” – “Mike” & “The Girls” in Monterey.

Wednesday, January 21, 1981
Stopped at Mother’s – She’s excited too about inaugeration & hostages. They arrived in Wiesbaden at 2 AM our time. Neither mother or Howard could understand why “yellow ribbons” were tied on trees. I explained about the song. “If you want me back, Tie a Yellow Ribbon”

Ask Faye if she would like to do buying for silk Dept. Seemed delighted. Had staff meeting to explain Employees Handbook. Not too much comment. Changing to 15th & end of month pay period. Must take vacation by the week. Not a day here & there.

Supper at Pancake House.

Kathi called – needed someone to talk to. She sounds like the breaking point. Had a bad headache.

Rereading Edwin Way Teale’s “A Naturalists Buys and Old Farm”. He died recently. Feel like I lost a friend.

Tuesday, January 20, 1981 Temp 45 – cloudy
Ronald Reagan inaugerated. Hostages – free.

What an exciting day! Watched TV all day while I worked on MCHS Agenda for board meeting & the newsletter.

Iran timed 52 hostages leaving Tehran just after Reagan took office & during his address – 12:33 PM. As I write (12:15AM) they have left Algiers in American Med Plane and will be in Wiesbaden in about an hour.

Board adoped my recommendations for an ad hoc committee to consider funding, site, acquisition & staffing of a “home” for the ociety.

Monday, January 19, 1981
[No entry]

Sunday, January 18, 1981
Called David – He was in Columbus last night to hear Ladd McIntosh Group. He says buy turntable & receiver together – not components & should spend around $200.

Chris Kennedy brought Pat Cornett Swain out. She has worked at Marion Flower Shop for 15 yrs but feels unappreciated. Does all their wedding work – but not selling or servicing. Told her I hate fireling Laura but would like to have her if John doesn’t “come across”.

Finished inventory totalling. About $20,000. Would like to see it down to $15,000 by June.

Laid new bathroom carpet. Beige. $40.

Made out budget for Jacobs so they can catch up by Mary 30.

Iron has accepted agreement. 3 AM word shower came [?]