Author: David Haldeman

Wednesday, March 10, 1976
Helen here at 10 and we drove to San Lorenzo’s Wholesale Florist. Bought Shamrocks, Eucalyptus, Maranta & Protea. Then to Chris Thunstrum to see his music boxes. Also to his warehouse to see “mint” 1926 Fiat & walnut panels & stained glass from Spain. He went to lunch with us at Marie Callendar’s. Delicious chili, cornbread, salad & pie. Then to “Flowers by Morri” where Mary C showed us around. Met Betty who was on Florafax Cruise. The shop gave me lots of ideas. She suggested we go to Richard’s Flowers who are selling out. Bought basket & pots, got Ky Fried Chichen & home. I showed slides of Marion Co.

Thursday, March 11, 1976
Kathi called early – Barry rammed car stopped in front of him the day I left. Pump can’t be put in until Monday to avoid overtime. Well has to be pulled & new gadget put on to conform with new County rules.
Uncle Allen showed me to original sheets of the genealogies & the correspondence Philip Fry Mechling’s widow “Granny” [Barbara] used to get pension.
About 3:00 went to Helen’s “Coach Home”. Lovely double – 24′ living room – 2 bedrooms – 2 bath & beautiful furnishings. Lots of succulents in pots. Good dinner with a nice California Chablis wine. Then to Ybor Linda to visit Susan Bridgeford & David, Jeff & Dean & Beka. They’re planning to move to Washington State. Home 11:15.

Tuesday, March 9, 1976
Relaxed over genealogical records after breakfast & past lunch. About 3 out to Allen’s Retreat to see music boxes. Looked at collection of old sheet music. Too cool to enjoy being out there.

Monday, March 8, 1976
Finished packing. Looked at plants we got last night. Hugged Howard goodbye. Hurried into shop to interview Nell Bryant who heard of sales job through Erman Hutchman. All needed qualifications – outgoing personality – 54. Too good to be true. FInished Feb. report for Grady with Cheryl’s help. At 1:15 Kathi & I met Dashers at Jay Rogers office & signed 10 year lease for entire south area – 70×40 (plus garage) that we now have. + 42×40 that was Commonwealth Insurance. John Baldauf in with plans & went over what I want done. No time to go to Grady’s. Mary, Rocky, Mother, Kristi & Davy in my car to Port Columbus. Flew TWA at 5:00. Left Chicago at 7, arrived LA 11 (8:00 LA time) Ruth, Allen & Helen* met me – so good to see them & they all look great. Temp 50 here, was 30 in Marion. Snack & bed at 2:30 in the music box room.

* Allen Sheneman (Ivaloo Hemmerly’s brother) and his wife Ruth and their daughter Helen [Roesner]

Saturday, March 6, 1976
To Ralph Carhart’s at 1:30 to go over lease. He says it’s ok. Stopped at Mother’s. She bought new electric stove from Sears. Through John Fetter $366. Will be delivered Monday.
Had talk with June Keener & had to tell her she couldn’t handle sales job. Especially she asked on a phone order if it was cash or charge.
Met Brooks & Jordans at my house and we went to Al’s in Cardington for dinner. Swiss steak good. Check fo 5 only $16.90! Mary & Rocky here when we got back. Had slides & talk.

Sunday, March 7, 1976 Hi temp 45 – sunny Low 28
Finished getting slides ready to take to Uncle Allen’s. Kathi & kids out for lunch. I fixed spaghetti under difficulty with no water. While down in woods looking at chionadopsis, Mary & Carl [Jordan] stopped by for pictures I gave them (New Years Eve) which they forgot last night. Kids tried to fly kites, but too windy. Howard & I took ride around Clear Fork Lake. Saw coots, grebes, red wings, kingfisher & robin. Just got home & turcker called – had shipment from John’s – Fla. Kathi & I went in – washed hair at Kathi’s – bed 12:30.

Friday, March 5, 1976 Temp 70 at 4 AM
To Dr. JJ Brown to remove corn. $10. Worked on sales & expense figures July-Dec 1975 & came up with $6,000 less profit than Grady. Tried to call Earl Manter to audit my books. No answer. Paul Dasher in with lease for May 1. David called – Tulips, hyacinths & magnolias blooming there.
Pump impeller leaking so called Peacocks to put in new pump. Tried on “Roundeboat” shoes at Dr. Brown’s suggestion.
Promissory note on Bordeaux retired by Home Federal. Wrote an accounting of my day – 3 typed pages. Bed at 11:30.

Thursday, March 4, 1976 76 degrees
Terrible hail storm during night. Blew door off shack.

Tuesday, March 2, 1976 Warm & cloudy 66
Paul Dasher in to go over new lease. Looks like we have area next door by May 1.
Randall, Weil & various other salesmen in.
Paid off mortgage on 633 Bordeaux. Bought it just 7 years ago this month for $26,000 – could easily get $36,000 for it now.
Told Barry we could probably work him in as Receiving Clerk & Dispatcher. Seemed real interested.

Wednesday, March 3, 1976 75 degrees
Worked on shop plans off & on all day trying to plan cash register & office area.
Paris in – had a bad day – cat walked on his car!
Laura off – her 15 yr old son picked up for stealing C.B. radios. She had called Kass who told me. Called Laura, she was in tears.
Terrible electric storm while I was working on accounting at shop about 6:30. Martha had talk at shop at 7:30 & I worked on books until 9:30 & then to Kathi’s where Kass & Cheryl were discussing shop plans.