164 N. Schumaker Rd. Bennett December 15, 1999
Whew, dear family,
First, is a BRIEF run down of my trip east to Roger’s retirement party. Then what happened in the west. Everyone was so good to me.
Dec 7, Tues.: Called Jerry Mittelstadt from Kansas City Airport. Suzette helped maneuver my 2 lg boxes from Atlanta baggage to Marta. After the evening attire was chosen I enjoyed a walk with Rog. Abt 100 at restaurant, about 20 spoke, I being the last. His analytical mind, compassion, and hospitality were mentioned more than once. Much love and appreciation flowed towards Roger. He was a mentor of many.
Dec 8: Rode on Susan’s taxi rounds for children whose parents are working. Enjoyed meeting 80 yo Vernon & Lettie Weeks of Greer, SC. Met nephew Jimmy, had impromptu KFC and overnite stay. The visit was mutually enjoyable. He has a 2000 Subaru. He knew and enjoyed the Scriptures. Lettie weaves baskets, tats, quilts, etc. Vernon’s grandpa was brother to Dwight’s grandpa, James Weeks. I found Vernon 7 years ago.
Dec 9, Thurs. After a blouse stop at Salvation Army, visited Aunt “Bessie” Byrd at Gastonia Manor for 5 hrs and then she said I don’t know why you have to rush off. Talked to her sister Ruth Rhyne for an hour on the phone. I followed Suzettes directions to her Chapel Hill, NC apt. Found the brightest lit one, knocked, entered and wondered why the woman didn’t know who I was. Suzette lived next door she said. In spite of a cold, cousin Nikki was a good hostess and I enjoyed my stay. Zette worked on finals. (Rog left for Antarctica with John)
Dec 10 Fri. Researched at NC Archives until 3pm. Found Jane Weeks as executrix of Calvin Weeks. Jane was Dwight’s gr grandma but Calvin is unknown. Drove to Smithfield to meet Cara Lee Priest, widow of Clayton Priest. She keeps an immaculate house, is blind, and loves the Lord. Luke, Faye, Shana Gardner gave a warm welcome in Suffolk, VA at 8:30pm.
Dec 11 Sat. After Faye’s hair appt we met daughter Wendy then drove to Langley. The cold wind blew as we looked at names in the barrack windows. Thankfully Micah was found. Luke treated us to Chinese all you can… Micah doesn’t enjoy Langley or its food. We all visited with Esther Thompsen in her home. (Faye and Esther are Dwight’s double cousins.) Left Micah at Langley then went to Faye’s for goodies. Daughter Judy came over.
Dec 12 Sun. Enjoyed the sunrise on my back as I left at 6:30am. I ended up in Boone, NC with Arthur & Nancy Ray. Both were sick. We talked building houses. Then I drove on to Atlanta arr. 11PM or so.
Dec 13. Visited Susan in her Lincoln Taxi. Had good telephone visit with Tammy Thonney McTernan in Alpharetta, GA. Met Rachel Stern Mattick at 6pm for a Baptist Church women’s potluck. Again at Susan’s at 11:30pm after a down pour of rain that the Lord dried up for me.
Dec 14. Tues. Susan drove a box of apples, clothes and me to Hartsfield Airport, ATL.
Called Mary Ward in Kansas City.
Now Bruce tells me. Dec 10 Friday he stayed home to replace 40 ft of busted pipe in the basement. He's trying to lay the floor alone. He needs some experienced help, he says.
Dec 14 the black water tank was full and frozen. That’s the job for me when Jared’s truck comes. I’m going to put bales of hay around the bottom then put an electric heater under the RV.