Author: David Haldeman

Thursday, December 31, 1981
Kathi in to Mary’s at noon to stay with Mother while Mary & Ken went to COlumbus. I cleaned house for party tonight. Kass went up to visit with kathi & mother started a gall bladder attack. By the time they called me & I could get in, the ambulance was there and they were loading her in. Doctor couldn’t come out immediatly so said send her to hospital. I rode with her & was in emergency room with her from 4:30 to 5:45 when Kathi, Mary & Ken came. Got her to a room & Kathi & I came home. They shot put her to sleep. Hutchman’s, Jordans – Ken & Linda Rudy & LIllian. Talked law – hiostory – Ken R & Dave played video – toasted New Year with Asti Spumante from Zacharias’.

Wednesday, December 30, 1981
In to shop – No billing being done & Cheryl mad because I asked why. Always finds someone else to blame. Kathi & I to Halberstein’s office at 1:30 – I can sell my stock to Hemmerly’s – must resign as President, can’t serve on board & can’t be an employee – Hemmerly’s pay $1,500 a month to me @ 10% interest – I pay taxes on interest as ordinary income – and can file for Social Security.

Eleanor Zieg Hunt in with $20 from Paul’s memorial.*
Calls for me all day long – what happens when I’m not there?
Judy working on inventory.

*Later sent $100 herself & we got another 15 – total $135 Renovation Fund.

Tuesday, December 29, 1981
All slept until 9:00 – Explained to David my plan for selling shop to him & Kathi by having Hemmerly’s redeem my stock. He had me call Halberstein & I set up appointment for tomorrow – Halberstein said it would work! Stopped in Eden Park on way to Terminal. Kathi hadn’t seen the renovation. Took David to pick up Mustang & headed north on I-71 – thru Yellow Springs. To Cheryl Knapps about 6:45 for shop Christmas Party catered by Geneva Brewer. $6.75 each. After meal they brought in Fenton Baskets for Lillian & me with $50 in Susan B. Anthony dollars – our retirement gift. Stayed after others left to meet Larry Hindman – Cheryl’s latest. He’s brother of Carl who works occasionally for us. Had a Cherokee great grandmother. Home about 11:00.

Monday, December 28, 1981
Got into snowstorm on way to Fairborn. Started at Pharisburg. Rough driving. Left Kristi at the Deckers. Dave with us to David’s. Nice quiet visit in basement rec room util Jed got “play do” on floor, shoes, clothes. Ate in basement – spaghetti – My fruit salad a nice counterpoint to the hot sauce.

Showed granny’s 8mm movies. Kathi as baby – Michigan trips – Maine – Canada – Real nostalgia.

Sunday, December 27, 1981
Kathi & kids to Trinity for church with Mary & Ken. – I needed the relaxation.

Snowed AM – This is bird count day. Hope Bill Hutchman did our area* – clearing P.M.

* He didn’t

Saturday, December 26, 1981
[No entry]

Friday, December 25, 1981
Lazy morning – Took fruit & gifts from Gary Bigler to family. Mother, Mary & Ken out about 3:00 – opened their gifts – Had them all piled in the sugar chest. Mother uncertain whether it belonged to Shenemans or Hildreth.

David picked Dave & Kris up at Old Town N. of Xenia. Made connections with Don. Shorty at Don’s also & he was taking her home too. Haldeman kids all in Irish Aran sweaters. Linda brought them from her trip there.

Gift opening chaotic – Love the chopping block David made me from scraps of Terradise Walnut. Unbreakable Thermos from Kathi & Bob. Homemade stuffing & pancake mix from Karen.

Wednesday, December 23, 1981
[No entry]

Thursday, December 24, 1981
Only 90 deliveries – Steady all day, but no big rush.
Almost sold out on poinsettias & just right on cut flowers.

Shop gang gave me a electric bug killer & post. Didn’t tell them I had bought one that I hadn’t put up.

Kathi & I to Mary’s for Christmas Eve dinner. Ham loaf & scalloped potatoes. Hecker’s gave me a “dust buster” hand held charged small sweeper. And subscription to National Geographic.
Got up after others in bed & played Santa Claus.

Tuesday, December 22, 1981
[No entry]