Some of you may remember that in 1960, shortly after Dad died, I contacted mono and missed school for the entire month of April and was in the hospital for 19 days. (and no I did not catch this disease from kissing anyone) I saved all the cards I received, and this afternoon I was cleaning out a drawer and found the little sack of cards - so I've been reading them and getting a few chuckles. Of course everyone wanted me to get well soon, but I thought I'd share a few more interesting excerpts with you.
Return address on one envelope: L KLOPFENSTEIN, 4343 FRANKLIN AVE, WESTERN SPRGS ILL: Lynn is working to-day so it is an unusually quiet Saturday for us. Had hoped to rake the yard, but it is too cold for that. So we're taking it easy inside. Since Mark and Ann have had a taste of playing outdoors I can hardly keep them in - even when it is cold out. Mark is such fun to watch as he makes the wonderful discovery of all outdoors. He can't get into the sandbox because his legs are too short, so he falls into it to get where he wants. Then at other times he follows Ann like a little puppy! Ann is baking sand cakes most of the time when she is out. And she always brings them to be tasted.
One old lady friend of the family informed me that "I cleaned the basement and feel good that it is done."
From Aunt Aldine: This was such a pretty day - I raked the yard but I can't hardly move tonite I'm sore in the shoulders. We had a track meet after school here with Eureka. Jim runs high & low hurdle. He got 2nd in the Highs tonite.
From Uncle Joe: Dear Ada. I was to see you 2 times Thursday. I was up to see Della and to your room. I walked in to other side of your bed and you were sound asleep. I thought sleep was better than talk or visit. I then went down to Lorene, then after that I went up to your room again so you were still asleep. So I left wrote a note give it to nurse at desk to give you when you wake up. Maybe next time you will be awake. Our love and wish you a speedy recovery. Uncle Joes (that is so sweet, isn't it?)
A friend from school informed me that a poem I had written had been submitted along with four others into some kind of contest. (I guess I didn't win the contest as I never got a prize. I find it hard to believe that she entered my poem as I was never any good at poetry.)
It was really interesting to see who sent cards - many relatives, friends of my parents, and my friends - some of who sent several cards during my illness. It's good to be loved, isn't it?
Heather came and helped us paint one day. She's a good sport and a good painter.
I had a Dr. apt. one day and when I came home, Jerry was taking out the tub/shower. He was covered in white dust from head to foot - looked like the abominable snowman! He also removed the counter top and put it in the garage. That and a few other items will hopefully find new owners at the Gridley Community sale this Spring.
Yep, the tub's gone and the area cleaned up waiting for the plumber. I have picked out some tile I love and the saleslady helped me plan a pattern of different sized tile pieces, embellishments, etc, and I can't wait to see how it looks.
Jerry is standing on the bathroom counter while using the joint compound to fill the rough spots made while stripping the wallpaper. In some places it came down real easily, in other places it was very difficult to remove and left a rough wall.
I'm did all the painting on the door and window trims.
We are living with bedroom furniture all over the house. More furniture is in front of the door leading to the deck. We have moved most of the clothes into the front bedroom closet, the guest bathroom closet, and the office closet. I feel like we're always hunting for something.
Today, we put the first coat of primer in the bedroom and feel good because we can finally see something positive happening. Just before Jerry took this picture, I said to him "go get the picture and take my camera." He got a good laugh from that - then got the camera and took my picture. . . :)
This is a "before" view from the bedroom into bathroom.
This shows the faded wallpaper above the sink and the separation of the counter top from the wall - definitely time to do something about it. Much of the wallpaper was splitting at the seams.
Jerry takes down the first section of wallpaper. It was a little difficult at first, but once we got it figured out, it went pretty quickly. Every section was scored, sprayed, and steamed.
We're always a team - we took turns spraying and removing the paper
The paper in the bedroom is gone - yeeaaahhhh! We'll try to give you weekly updates.
We thought you'd enjoy seeing what Casey is doing at 11:30 pm. This is the best I could do with my little camera - in the dark - through the window. Don't know if Casey knew we were watching or not, and I have to say I held my breath everytime he ran that big tractor toward the garage 'cause it looked like he was going to run right through the garage door! 
Our front porch has snow almost to the top of the railing.
The deck has a drift almost 36" high.
Judy was correct - our furnace is out! We are staying reasonably warm with the fireplace, a small space heater, and warm clothes. The sun is shining now and that is supplying warmth also.
