Dr. Violette's Last Sunday

On Saturday, January 29, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Fair. Off jury until Monday. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Tended furnace. Slept in Mr. Rowland's bed last night. Newt and I came to town on car at 8:15. They are leaving today at 5 p.m. Baby Jane and Annah Lee attended Ina May LaBree's party. I took a bath at 6:30. Washed my hair. Played Victrola. Sat up and read until 11 p.m. Got to bed at 7:30. On Sunday, January 30, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Damp-Cloudy. Dr. Violette's last sermon. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire and dumped ashes. Shaved. Mary and the children went to Sunday School. I went to the office. Wrote letter to Federal School of Designing. Sent Enrollment check for $5.00. Read in afternoon. We all attended church 8 p.m. Dr. Violette preached beautiful sermon. Mrs. Spillman brought us home at 10:00. I am supposing that on Saturday, Bonnie took a bath at 6:30 and went on to bed at 7:30 but stayed up and read and listened to the Victrola. That's the only way I could make the times work. So, today is Dr. Violette's last day. I wonder if he was an interim preacher? And if not, I wonder where he is headed? I am also curious about the design class that Bonnie is registering for. Here in 2011, we had a good day at church. We are having a very good response to "To Buchanan with Love". Caleb went to a friend's this afternoon and Beth is going to work Bingo tonight in Vinton. It helps with fundraising for middle school soccer even though we are unsure right now about Caleb being able to play due to a bad sprain of his foot.

Halted by a Cop

On Thursday, January 27, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Sunny. Just reported to court. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire Dumped Ashes. Shaved. Left home at 8:00. F.P.T. absent. Reported for jury but didn't serve. At the office all morning. Took a walk at 1:50 p.m. Bright and Sunny but cold. Nina was down home all day. Mary went up to Nina's home for fruit, in Jim Drewry's car, 5 p.m. "Cop" halted them. Newt and Nina spent the night with us. On Friday, January 28, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Cloudy. On Jury. Simply reported. Arose at 6:00. Made fires in the furnace and stove. Left home at 7:50. Newt left later. They were at our house all day. Mr. J.R. Ruffin N&W freight traffic manager died. I stayed in the office at noon. Sleeting= streets slippery. I shaved at 9:00 p.m. Newt is feeling sick. He clipped the children's hair. We got to bed 11:00. I really wish I knew why Mary in Jim Drewry's car was halted by a cop! In 2011 we are going tonight to celebrate Rachel's continued straight A's on her report card. I think she decided we are going to eat Bar-B-Q and then get a frosty at Wendy's!

Even More Jury Duty.

On Wednesday, January 26, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Cloudy. Mr. Hankins died. On jury all day. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Worked until 9:50. On jury all day, case of Mitchell versus Kaufman. Mary helped Nina pack goods, all day. Nina gave us lots of things. Harry came over at 7:30. (cold.) I made two fires. Mr. Argenbright took Annah Lee and Baby Jane to Nina"s at 6:30. Even more jury duty and this time we got a case name but no other details. In 2011, the big snow kind of fizzled out just like they have done all winter. I am really tired as I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. helping the guys in my office investigate a fire.

More Jury Duty

On Tuesday, January 25, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Pleasant. 2 hours on the jury. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home at 7:50. Worked until 9:55. Left court room at 11:50. At the office all p.m. Came home at 6 o'clock. Read after supper. Shaved before supper. Very tired and sleepy. We went to bed about 10:30. Chilly tonight. Apparently getting kicked off two juries on the first day of jury duty does not automatically disqualify you for the second day. Unfortunately, Bonnie doesn't give us too many details here. Maybe he couldn't if the case was still going on. Sounds like Bonnie did have a busy day and I am sure he was tired. Here in 2011: We are under a winter storm warning and calling for 4-8 inches of snow tomorrow along with some other wintry mix kind of things as well. Right now I am a listening to a call on the fire radio of a tractor trailer fire on Interstate 81. No need for a chaplain, but interesting stuff. The kids got their report cards today. Overall not too bad. Both did well.

Marines to China

On Monday, January 24, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Sunny. One hour on L&C court jury. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Went to the office until 9:50. Went to court. On the jury 1/2 hour. Struck off twice. Mr. Hankins was paralyzed. In critical condition. United States and England sending large contingent of soldiers, sailors and Marines to China to protect subjects. We retired at 11:00. I guess Bonnie was not a suitable jury candidate. I am wondering though, was Mr. Hankins who the court case concerned or was this another matter, maybe a friend or neighbor of Bonnie's? Maybe we will find out in upcoming entries about Mr. Hankins. Sounds like trouble might be brewing with China in 1927. I might have to do a little research on that. I had a busy day at work today. Mostly it was just trying to get back in the swing of things after being gone for a week. Caleb has a broken bone in his foot. Still calling for some winter weather later this week, maybe Wednesday now. Some reports say 4-6 inches of snow. I hope so! I will be in Dallas next week for business with the Religious Herald.

Newt

On Sunday, January 23, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Rain Lightly. Arose at 7:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. We went to Sunday School and Annah Lee and I remained for church. Dr. Violette delivered fine sermon. I helped serve communion. Held meeting the board with Dr. Violette after service. Got gum. Harry ate dinner with us. Newt, Nina, and Elizabeth also ate supper. Left at 9:30.

Cowley killed

On Friday, January 21, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Cloudy. Mr. Cowley killed. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 8:10. Left on No. 1 for Bluefield. Went to Mr. Raitt's office at 1:10. Lockhart went to the car with me. I ate dinner alone. Walked around town until 4:00. Talked to Lockhart until 5:00 p.m. Mr. Wiltsee, Mr. James and I ate supper 6:30. Took dictation, wrote until 10:30. Home 1:30. On Saturday, January 22, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Hot-Like Spring. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Took files to the office in grip. Deputy Sergeant called me on the phone for jury duty in Law and Chaucery Court Monday 24th. Cut wood from 3:50 to 5:30 p.m. Mary, Baby Jane and Annah Lee got haircut uptown. I took bath 7:00 p.m. Read until 11:15. Ate Candy. Got to bed 12:00. Sounds like Bonnie had a business trip to Bluefield, W.Va., possibly to see an old boss that we knew in 1916, Mr. Raitt. He must have eaten lunch alone and didn't get home until wee hours of the morning. I wonder who Mr. Cowley is and how he was killed.? The jury duty thing could make for some interesting story lines. I know Bonnie liked candy and he stayed up late to eat some. The women of the family had a girls day out to get some hair done. Doing house chores here in 2011 and just enjoying being home after a week long business trip. Calling for big snow here middle of next week. We'll see if that holds, most of then have fizzled out this year.

A Night in Babylon

On Tuesday, January 18, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Light rain-Cloudy. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:55. Had hard day's work. Paid water and light bill at 1:45. Mary went to Belmont school. I talked to Nettie Fisher at 5;30. Got my gray pants from Oak Hall. No charge for repairing. We stayed up until 11:00, waiting for Norman to come. On Wednesday, January 19, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warm-Cloudy. Arose at 5:55. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. The children are off from school today. I went downtown at noon. Got school books. Wrote specifications for E.A. White from 5:10 to 6:50. Ate supper at a restaurant at 7:00. Got home at 7:30. Going to Bluefield Friday. On Thursday, January 20, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Warm. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Went to Musser's store for milk etc. Left home 7:45. Got a check for $1.00 from E.A. White. Got it cashed at noon. Got a haircut at 2 p.m. Mr. Turner went to Wytheville p.m. Mrs. Spillan took us to church in her car at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Violette preached on "A Night in Babylon" So much I could say, but I am still at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD and have been having computer problems. That is why I didn't post for a couple of days there. I am in the computer lab tonight and still have homework and packing to do. I go home tomorrow provided that the snow forecasted does not cause me a problem. Everyone in the class has been sick, but fortunately I have stayed unscathed to this point.

Grey Pants

On Monday, January 17, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Warmer-Cloudy. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire in furnace and stove. Left home at 7:50. Took my pants (grey) to Oak Hall to have pockets put in and cuff repaired. Harry ate supper with us. Wrote R.G. Marshall and returned his collection of pictures, 5:30. We went to bed at 10:30 Warmer tonight. Quite sleepy.

Beautiful Sermon!

On Sunday, January 16, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Cold. Arose at 6:30. Made fire in stove and furnace. Shaved. Took the children to Sunday School and stayed for church. Dr. Violette preached beautiful sermon. We came home on car at 5:00. Mary went to Mrs. Crowley's at 4 o'clock. Norman and I sat up and read until 10:30. Went to bed tired. Mary doesn't feel well. So, maybe Dr. Violette was not a guest preacher, or the regular guy is away for more than one week, either way Violette is getting better. He went from fine to beautiful in Bonnie's opinion. I had a guest preacher for me today, as I am in Maryland for a class. Jim White, editor of The Religious Herald, the Virginia Baptist newspaper, preached for me today. Did Bonnie and the kids really stay at church until 5:00? Hope Mary feels better, it is cold and flu season. First day of class was good. Not too much homework tonight. Watching NFL playoffs before going to dining hall.

Birthdays

On Saturday, January 15, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Windy. Very cold 20 degrees. Arose at 5:50. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Stoked furnace. Walked to Jamison's store. Ran some. Very busy this a.m. Cashed my check at 1:30. Cut wood from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Annah Lee and Baby Jane went to Sarah Gray's birthday party. Mr. Myers took them in his car. Paid Musser $24.63. Took a bath at 10:30. To bed at 11:00. Speaking of birthdays: Today is my sister Amy's birthday. Happy Birthday Amy. I made it to the National Fire Academy. Cold here and the dining hall is closed. Walked to Ott House in town for supper. I had a Maryland soft shell crab sandwich. It was ok. Now I am already bored and have several more hours until bed time. Looking forward to class starting tomorrow.

Mary feels bad.

On Friday, January 14, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Chilly-Sleet. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Read paper. Mary feels sick. The children are out of school until Tuesday. Went to Airhearts and Oak Hall at 5:30 about suit. Very cold at night. Mary ironed. I read until 10:00. U.S.,Mexico, Nicaraguan matter growing acute. Mary feels bad. To bed 11:00. Not many comments tonight, off to try and get a table at Carraba's Italian Grill.

Rocky Mount Fire

On Wednesday, January 12, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Sunny. Fire tragedy at Rocky Mount, Va. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Went downtown at noon. Destructive fire at Rocky Mount killed one girl and other seriously injured by jumping. I wrote to Mama and Blaine about Jane's condition. Mary read "Amarilla" tons after supper. On Thursday, January 13, 1916 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Cold. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Stoked furnace. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 7:50. Annah Lee and Norman are off from school (Test exemptions). Mary and Loam went to Jake's in p.m. Bought Annah Lee and Baby Jane pair of shoes. I made fires at 6 p.m. Norman and I read until 10:30. Tired. Of Course, I am very interested in what happened in Rocky Mount with the fire. I may have to do some research on that. On Wednesday's entry, Bonnie's handwrititng got hard to read at the end. So, I am guessing on the "tons after supper" and then there was something that looked like shorthand that I could not read either. Caleb and Rachel can't be exempt from mid-term exams, but they are taking those right now and do get home early from school, plus they were out for a couple of days due to snow in the mountains. Do you reckon, Annah Lee and Baby Jane had to share a pair of shoes? I bet so. I am off from work tomorrow but will be preparing to go to the National Fire Academy for a week for a class. I am not sure how posting will go next week, but I will take Bonnie's diary along and I will have a laptop computer from work along, so I will do what I can. We are also celebrating my birthday tomorrow night since, I will be in Maryland on the 17th. I have been very busy at work recently.

Skin

On Monday, January 10, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Snow-Cold. Annah Lee 11 yrs. old. (Snow at 5:00 a.m.) Arose at 5:50. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Cleaned the children's overshoes. Beautiful snow! I looked over the "funny" papers. Left home at 7:45. Went down town at noon. The children had a fine time sleigh riding. Mr. Rowland and Mr. Argenbright joined the crowd. We read until 10:10. Went to bed at 10:00. On Tuesday, January 11, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Sunny. Skin has been dead 8 years. Got up at 5:50. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Shaved. Left home at 8:00. Very cold. Sun came out and melted the snow. Jane is in a critical condition. Dr. tested Jake's blood to have transfusion. I phoned Mary. Warren Smith brought me home in his car at 5:50 p.m. Read until 10:00. To bed 11:00. I did not make an entry last night because I had to teach at the Volunteer Firefighter Academy and did not get home until about 10 p.m. So we are doing a little catching up tonight. I have several things that I want to comment on from these diary entries AND I obtained some very helpful information from Uncle Roger that I will include in this post as well. So indeed yesterday was my grandmother's birthday and in 1927 she was 11 and so she would have been 95 in 2011. I miss her a lot and think of her often. Kids today would not know what overshoes were. I know what they are but can't say as though I have ever worn any. We too have had little fits and spits of snow recently but not enough to really go sleigh riding. I am jealous of the crowd in 1927, I want to go sleigh riding. I know the times at the end of Monday's diary entry don't make a lot of sense, but I checked what was written several times and that is exactly what Bonnie had down. Maybe he read for 10 minutes after getting in bed. I was so sad to read that Skin had passed away 8 years prior. In the 1916 diary, Skin was a frequent "character" if you will. It sounds like Jane is really not doing well. Uncle Roger's information explains who Jane is. Here is what Roger sent to me the other day: "Banking" the furnace, as best I can tell you was done to control or reduce the amount of fire during the night. I know that the furnace had a built in opening under the fire chamber that was closed during the night so that there was less draft and thereby controlled the fire. I suppose ashes could be placed over the fire to also reduce the fire. This procedure prevented the fire from burning out during the night, but still prevented the need to start a new fire in the morning, which was a time consuming operation, not to mention that the house would be very cold without some heat during the night. "Coaling" was simply adding coal to build up the fire as needed. I barely remember the "range" in the kitchen used for cooking. The range was fueled by coal, although the fire was started with wood "kindling". The kindling was ordered from the lumber yard and delivered over the back fence by the lumber truck. It was one of my chores to haul the kindling into the basement by wheelbarrow for storage. Coal was also stored in the basement. We also had what we called a "laundry" stove for the primary purpose of heating our water used for laundry, bathing, and of course supplementary heating. The stove had a system of water pipe that circulated around the "belly" of the stove and the heated water was piped into a storage tank behind the stove and was piped from the tank throughout the hot water system throughout the house. This system was especially nice in the winter time, but not so great during the summer months. As for the "cheviot" suit, I have just learned that cheviot is a breed of sheep and the fabric was a coarse, twill weave used chiefly for suits and overcoats. The wool is produced in Scotland and England in the Cheviot mountain range. Effie Lawler was Bonnie's sister who lived in Clifton Forge and was much loved by all who knew her. Jane was Jake's wife (Jake's real name was Leslie). Jake was Bonnie's brother. Christine, Bonnie's youngest sister, lived with Jake and their three children: James, Catherine, and June. Christine stayed with them during Jane's illness and stayed until after their graduation from high school. as Jake never re-married. The Felty's were close neighbors on 8th street. We lived at 1506 and they lived at 1500. Uncle Roger you are the best. That was great information and Really helped fill in the gaps!!!

Suits, Sacrament, and Sunday School

On Sunday, January 9, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Clear. (Snow at night.) Arose at 6:30 Made two fires. Took out ashes. Shaved. Took the children to Sunday School and church. Dr. Violette preached. It was fine. Mr. and Mrs. Jolly brought us home in car. Wore my new blue cheviot suit. Helped to serve Sacrament. Mary stayed at home. She is sick. I read all p.m. The children went to little Dunkard Church at 7 p.m. From yesterday: I got a kick out of the statement that Norman raised a "howl" about the picture show. I am guessing that maybe Norman wanted to go see a movie and wasn't allowed to, but that is just a guess on my part. Also, I wish I knew who Jane was, it sounds like she is pretty sick. I found out from the 1916 diary that apparently my grand-mother Annah Lee was named after an Aunt Annah. Bonnie and Mary's third child is named Jane, everyone called her "Baby Jane" which makes me think that maybe there is an adult Jane that she was named after and this may be who is now in the hospital. In today's entry, Bonnie takes the kids to church while Mary stays home sick. Sounds like they may have had a guest preacher. I laughed too when Bonnie said he did "fine". I wonder if Bonnie means that as a compliment like "He did a fine job!" or more as it was acceptable and just o.k. I know, I am probably over sensitive to those kind of remarks considering what I do on Sunday mornings. Bonnie got to wear the new suit and he helped serve Communion. I found it very interesting that the children went to a Dunkard church on Sunday evening. I had not heard that before. In 2011, we had a pretty good day at church. The crowd was a little off due to the cold weather I would assume. I think the preacher did fine. HA! Came home from church and folded about 4 loads of laundry. Relaxing the rest of the day. Caleb is out playing ball with friends. Rachel is studying and Beth is reading. I plan on watching some football and reading my Bible. Caleb I think will go to Villa Heights Church tonight. Funny the similarities I guess. Some things have changed a lot in 84 years and some things are very much the same.

Norman Raised a Howl

On Saturday, January 8, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Arose at 5:45. Made a fire in stove and furnace. Read awhile. Left home at 7:42. Worked hard. Cut wood from 4-5:30 p.m. Fixed trellis frame on front porch. Cut the children's hair after supper. Took a bath at 5:30. Norman raised a "howl" about picture show. Jane entered Shenandoah Hospital threatened with Peritonitis. It's late. Hoses lost the hockey game. More about Norman's "howl" tomorrow.

Blue Cheviot Suit

On Friday, January 7, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Windy-Cold. Effie has been dead 1 year. Arose at 6:30. Made fire. Dumped ashes. Coaled the furnace. Left home. Got my hair cut at 1:45. Wrote lot of mail. Mary and Loam went to see Jane. I made fire in range 6:30. My blue cheviot suit was delivered, altered. Mary ironed after supper. I read until 10 o'clock. Retired at 11:00. I think I remember reading about Effie in 1916's diary, but right now I can't remember who she is. Again to family members who may be reading this please let me know. I am guessing that the other day when Bonnie "banked" the furnace, he put coal in it. Today he called it "coaling" the furnace. I don't know what kind of range Bonnie is referring to. Would this be a cooking range that was wood fired? I remember reading in 1916 about the cheviot suits. I think it is a type of fabric and it was used to make very popular suits. Since my wife has been reading and commenting (see yesterday's post) here is one for her: What is ironing? I have never heard of anyone doing that before? Only kidding of course! Snowing here in 2011 tonight. Sticking on grassy surfaces only. We are having some home repairs done to the fan in the bathroom. We had hoped to be more productive tonight like putting away more decorations, but I think tonight will be a lazy night of reading, watching TV, and enjoying each other's company. Guns and Hoses Hockey is tomorrow night. GO HOSES!

Homemade Potato Chips!

On Thursday, January 6, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Chilly-Cloudy. Arose at 6:30. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Took suit to Airheart-Kirk for alterations. Got check at Joe's from Jake. $5.00 Got it cashed at noon. Tried on suit at noon. Mr. J.H. Moseley brought me church papers to write for him. I shaved tonight. Norman went to show. The girls made potato chips. Dorothy Felty sick. Mary went to see her. Not a whole lot to comment on tonight from Bonnie's diary. Making potato chips sounds like a lot of fun and tasty too. I wonder what show Norman went to see? Is he now going to the movies while Bonnie stays at home? Again we see Bonnie doing something for the church and Mary visiting what I assume is a neighbor. I guess Bonnie got a new suit? I responded to a fire this morning on my way to work. Not a real bad fire. It was a flu fire. The young lad who lived in the house with his dad, was a schoolmate of Caleb's. Firefighters did have to tear out a wall to get the fire completely out. Caleb and I went to his speed and agility class tonight, to prepare him for upcoming soccer season. Calling for snow first of the week.

Thick Snow!

On Wednesday, January 5, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Blowing snow-cool. Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Snow coming down pretty thick for about half an hour. Sun came out by 8:00. Had lot of mail. Wrote to Mama. Got home at 6:00. Mary and I read until 10:30. Lewis Robertson came down and played games with the children. We got to bed about 11:00 p.m. You know, last year when we covered 1916, Bonnie never mentioned dumping ashes and now in 1927 it's a daily occurrence. Wonder what changed? So, snow on this day in 1927. I am ready for some more snow right about now in 2011. Lots of reading and the kids had a friend over. Sounds a little like what we do around here. Only Beth is the biggest reader in our family and she got a Kindle for Christmas and so now she REALLY reads! Watched some of the Sugar Bowl last night and then crashed. I was still extremely tired from getting up so early yesterday morning. Church tonight. It's business meeting.

Banked Furnace

On Tuesday, January 4, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Warmer. Norman bought "Lumber Jack". Arose at 6:00. Made a fire. Dumped ashes. Left home 7:45. Worked hard. Mailed money order, letter and dresses to the Larkin Co. at noon. Shaved at 7:30 p.m. Wrote Federal School this evening. Attended Board meeting at church 8:00 p.m. 18 present. Got home at 10 o'clock. Banked furnace. I guess what Norman bought was a book? I also don't understand mailing dresses to the Larkin Co., but oh well. I am so glad to see that apparently Bonnie is a lot more involved in church. In 1916 he might have been going to the movies tonight. I also have no idea what it means to bank the furnace. If you have any ideas please let me know. I got up very early this morning to be on TV with fire safety tips. I have been able to take a little nap this afternoon. Headed down to Mom's tonight to help put away Christmas and have supper.

Back to School

On Monday, January 3, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cloudy-Mild. Arose at 6:00. Made fire. Dumped ashes. Fired furnace. Shaved. Left home 7:45. The children returned to school. I don't feel good. Worked hard today. Paid insurance at noon. Got home at 6:15 p.m. Read after supper. Mary played and we sang. Norman vomited in the night. So Bonnie got up early this morning in 1927 and it sounds like that was mostly to heat the house. Which is a little ironic, as I will be doing another TV spot tomorrow morning very early, 5 a.m. to be exact, to talk about safely heating your home. Our kids also returned to school today. I did find out from my mother that Bonnie and Mary had 3 children within 2 years between 1915 and 1917. So presently, in 1927, they have 3 children: Norman who is about 12, Annah Lee who is about 11 and Baby Jane who is about 10. Roger comes along later this year (1927) and then Jeanine some time after that. I have fond memories of listening to my grand-mother Annah Lee play the piano. In fact, sometimes when we would go over to her house, after supper, we also would gather around the piano while she played and we would sing. I guess I know now where that came from. The closest we get to that in 2011 is turning up some music on the computer or an ipod and then we all dance around and act silly. Still makes for some fond memories I hope. I do see one thing that hasn't changed: Norman still throws up 11 years later. If you have children then you know this kind of thing happens and probably not a coincidence that they went back to school today. We have chili in the crock pot tonight and Beth and Caleb are at a class for Caleb to increase his speed and agility before spring soccer season. The VT Hokies play football tonight in the Orange Bowl against Stanford. I will be watching on the TV and pulling for the Hokies to win, even though I think they will have an up hill battle.

Let's Eat Together

On Sunday, January 2, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Sunny-Cold. Arose at 7:00. Made fires. Dumped ashes. Took the children to Sunday School. I stayed for church. Mr. Day prayed. Dr. Violette is coming next Sunday. Jack & Maude Bowdel and children came to see us in p.m.. Mr. Rowland and Mr. Myers ate dinner with us. Norman went with Lewis Robinson to church 7:00 p.m. I read until 9:45. Ok, I am still the fire safety educator and I hope Bonnie waited until all those ashes were completely cooled before dumping them somewhere. It seems as though in the past 11 years and with more children that maybe the Elmores are a little more involved in church on a regular basis. I guess we will see that as we go along. One thing that has not changed is that people still come to eat dinner with the Elmores. They obviously have the gift of hospitality. In this age of blogging, social networks and TV and movies, what would happen if we actually got together more? What if we invited people over to share a meal more? Nothing fancy, no pretense, just come join us and let's enjoy each other's company...in person. One notable absence, at least after 2 days, is that I am not reading about Mrs. Raines or Aunt Annah. What has happened to them?

Sleepy New Year

On Saturday, January 1, 1927 Bonnie Elmore wrote: Cold-Sunny. Arose at 1:30. Mary got up at 7:30 and made a fire. I cut wood from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Shaved before supper. Mary and Baby Jane went to Jamison's store at 6:30 p.m. We feel tough after losing sleep. Mary and the girls went to YMCA at 3 p.m. to see Norman's class do "stunts". Happy New Year! Here in 2011, we are expecting rain later today, but much warmer temps than we have been seeing. I am excited about starting a new year as we follow my great-grandfather's diary. Last year we went through 1916, the year of my grandmother's birth. This time we will be in 1927, the year of my great-uncle Roger's birth. It will be interesting to see how things have changed. A couple of notable things right from the start: Norman, the first born son, and Annah Lee, my grandmother are both obviously 11 years older and there is a another child in the family now, who we all call Baby Jane. I'll need to check some sources and see how old Baby Jane is at this point. If any family are reading this and happen to know, please comment, or email and let me know. If you have read this blog in the past, you know that often I have more questions than answers about what Bonnie writes, but it is still a lot of fun. I would love to know why they lost so much sleep last night and why Bonnie got up at 1:30. Was there a party to ring in the New Year? He must not have been too tired as he worked hard for 3 hours in the middle of the day. Also, I remember from 1916's diary that Norman was a toddler and did some "stunts", but apparently now as a pre-teen he has to go to a class to learn some stunts. I am glad the girls went and showed their support while Bonnie was cutting wood. Also, it looks like the days in 1927 are going to line up with days in 2011, which will be nice as well. Now, when we go to church, the Elmores will too and when start the work week, Bonnie will as well. For the Clings in 2011, we will be staying around the house today doing lots of church work: bulletins, newsletter, power-point, and final sermon preparation as well as continuing to take down Christmas decorations. All the big stuff like the tree and the outdoor decorations came down yesterday. Caleb and I have been watching soccer this morning and hope to squeeze in some college football this afternoon. Mom returns to Roanoke today after a weekend trip to Staunton to see family.