December 29, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Cloudy to Fair  cold. 

I washed & hung out clothes.  Richard Danner come awhile this evening.  Roy & Edith was in and they took Wendi home.  I baked a cake & took over to Mrs. Davis. 


Footnote:  Richard Danner was a man who did some work around the farm for her, I think.  I remember the name and I think he lived in the area but not sure what he did other than live on a farm.  Edith is her sister and Roy is Edith's husband.  They live in Big Stone Gap where Wendi lives also.  Mrs. Davis is a neighbor. 

December 28, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cloudy 

I washed.  Was over to Davis 3 times.  Went to P. O. to mail Rosemary some sweet potatoes and to the store to buy things to take over to Mrs. Davis.  We have Wendi. 


Footnote:  Davis's must have been a neighbor and something must have been going on over there.  Rosemary is her daughter who lives in New Mexico and I guess is not able to get sweet potatoes there.  Anyway, they wouldn't be as good as the ones that came out of the dirt in Virginia.   Wendi is her granddaughter who is probably still on winter break from school.   

December 27, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981 

We went to church.  We also went up to Edith's to see her kids.  Reba & I went to
Dryden for bible study tonite.  George Garrett died today. 


Footnote:  Edith is her sister who lives in Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away.  Reba is her sister-in-law and good friend.  Dryden is about 6 miles West.  I don't know George Garrett.    

December 26, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Partly fair. 

Gene Lipps was in.  Bob Ratliffe and Ruth Reasor was in.  I was over to Ruth's, Mrs. Green's , down to Va. Shulers & up to Lizzie's.  Charlie & Jean Slemp had a baby boy today. 


Footnote:  Gene Lipps was a friend.  Bob Ratliffe is the husband of Hattie Frances, her niece.  Not sure who she is referring to as there were two Ruth Reasors in the neighborhood.  When she said she was over to Ruth's, I think she is referring to her sister-in-law, Aunt Ruth who was married to Estelle's youngest brother.  The other Ruth Reasor was a neighbor and I think she was a school teacher.   Mrs. Green was a neighbor and Virginia Shuler was her first cousin, actually a half first cousin as Estelle's mother, Lula was a half-sister to Virginia's mother, Aunt Rose Baker Slemp.   I think Charlie Slemp was the son of Herbert Slemp.  Herbert Slemp was Virginia's brother so he was a half-first cousin to Estelle too.  Did you get all that???   

D ecember 25, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Snow when we got up.  Soon went a way.

We went to Janice's at 10 and home at 2.   Millard hadn't  been out of the house in 15 days, so we didn't want out much.  I feel sad for I miss the other kids and know Millard isn't well at all.  No one come to see us.  Janice had a good dinner. 

Footnote:  Janice is her daughter who lives in Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away.  Millard is her husband. 

My Note:  Merry Christmas to all.  

December 24, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Fair, but everything wet.

I checked Jennings house.  Baked a cake.  We have Wendi.  Janice come early for her.  We opened our Christmas.  All 3 kids got me a pleated skirt.  Janice got a velvet  jacket.  Much more than I deserved.  I went to Pennington late.  Visited the nursing home, Mrs. Parsons & the Hop Slemps. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother and he has gone to visit his son, Kenneth and family  in Iowa for the Holidays.  Wendi is her granddaughter.  Janice is her daughter, Wendi's Mother.  I'm not sure who Mrs. Parsons is or the Hop Slemps.  I'm sure some of you know them. 

Merry Christmas to each of you and may the new year bring peace,  hope and good health for you and your family. 

December 23, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  Wet.

We have Wendi.  I went to Dryden this eve for Paul Roller's daughter Sue's wedding to Eugene Edens.  Hattie Francis was here when I got back.  Later Snapper & Louise come for a nice visit.  I then went to the church for the Christmas program.   Janice, Wendi & Heather come down a minute. 


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter who is a student - 8 years old in 1981 - and is out of school for the winter break.   I have heard of Paul Roller but I don't really know what the connection is - how she knows them.   They are not related I don't think so they must be friends, neighbors or church members.  Hattie Francis is her niece and I guess she was living in Kingsport at this time.  She was raised by Reba Reasor who lives just up the road.    I don't know who Snapper and Louise are.  Janice is her daughter.  I guess Heather is a friend of Wendi's. 

December 22, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Rainy all day, a real winter storm.

We have Wendi.  I sewed some but mostly did nothing.  Jennings called from Iowa. 


Footnote:  by now everyone who is reading this blog knows who Wendi and Jennings are.  So I just won't explain that again.   

December 21, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cold.  Snow

I had to go to Pennington early about the car insurance.  Shopped a little.  Got caught in snow storm and creeped home slowly.  I was afraid Millard & Wendi would be really scared about me.  Janice came for Wendi early.  Snow got worse & worse.  Rain after dark. 


Footnote:   Pennington is a nice town about 8 miles West of her home.  Snow storms come quickly in the mountains.  They didn't have all the radar warnings then as we have now, so she probably wasn't aware there was snow coming.  Millard is her husband and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi's mother.    

December 20, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  4 degrees early  cold sunshiny.  may have got to 25 degrees.  A beautiful day.

I went to church but Millard stayed home.  Janice & I went to Magic Mart & grocery store.  Mary Wade Ward died tonite after about 15 years of MS.  


Footnote:  Millard is her husband and he has not been well.  Janice is her daughter.  Mary Wade Ward was a resident of Seminary, near where my Daddy was raised.  She was a friend of the Shuler family and I remember as a kid when we would go to visit Daddy Shuler in Seminary, sometimes Daddy would stop at Mary Wards house.    I think she might have gone to school with Daddy - Roy Shuler.   She was terribly sick for a really long time.   

December 19, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  20 Degrees    Sunshiny cold.

Jennings was in early.  He left for Iowa tonite.  I washed the bed clothes.  Swept the floors.  We got a bath early in the evening.  Reba come & stayed awhile. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother and he has a son, Kenneth, who lives in Iowa.  He must be going there for the Christmas holiday.  Reba is her sister-in-law and she lives close by. 

December 18, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981   Snow flurries  cold.

We have Wendi.  Smith locked himself out of the house.  He come out and ate with us.  Jennings come by and Smith, Wendi & I went to town with him.  We went to Edith's and I went to the bank.  Took fried pies up to Oricks. 


Footnote:   Wendi is her granddaughter who is probably out of school for the Holidays.  Smith is her nephew, the son of Ruth and Everette Reasor.  Everette is Estell's youngest brother and they live just across the road.  Jennings is her older brother and he lives just up the road.  Edith is her younger sister who lives in town - Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away.   Oricks are neighbors of hers and they are members of her church.      

December 17, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thursday.   1981  Rainy  snow on ground

We have Wendi.  Walter, Roy Shuler and Jennings were all in.  I went with Janice to Dryden and the grocery store.


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter.  Walter is her neighbor.  Roy Shuler is her brother-in-law who has a farm near her house and is there almost every day.  He lives in Big Stone, about 9 miles away.  He raised Black Angus cows on the farm and he would go every day to feed them.   We think the cows knew the sound of his truck because they would always be standing at the gate waiting for him.  We used to say we could hear the cows calling "Roy, Roy" when he would pull up.    He was very proud of his cows and took very good care of them.    Jennings is her brother who lived very close to her and to Roy's farm.  He helped Roy on the farm.    Janice is her daughter and Wendi's mother.  Dryden is a town about 5 miles West of her house.  

December 16, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981

No school   We have Wendi.  Roy & Jennings were in also Ruth.


Footnote:   Wendi is her granddaughter.  Roy is her brother-in-law and Jennings is her brother.  Ruth is her sister-in-law.  Jennings and Ruth live nearby and Roy lives in Big Stone, about 9 miles away. 

December 15, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Snow,.  nearly all day

Lizzie, Maudie Ellen and Bro Zion was in this morning.  Millard got a lot of birthday cards. Maude & Reba were in. 


Footnote:   Lizzie Sturgill is a neighbor and Maudie Ellen is Lizzie's daughter.  Bro Zion is the preacher at her church (I think).   Millard is her husband.  He was born on December 15, 1903.  So in  1981  he would have been celebrating his 78th. birthday.   He died on Dec. 21, 1983 when he was just 80 years old.   Maude is a friend of hers and Reba is her sister-in-law.  I remember Maude as Maude Hyatt but I think her husband Paul Hyatt died before she did and she remarried.  I can't remember just who she married.  I don't remember that Maude ever had any children.  They owned a filling station/grocery store.  I loved when Daddy would stop there and I could get a fudgesicle or a brown mule.  The filling station just had one gas pump that I remember.  Now you never see that.  Of course there are very few family owned businesses of any kind now.  Back then that is all they were, was small family owned stores.  And sometimes you didn't have to pay the bill - you could say charge it and then you would pay the next time you stopped in - boy, try that now!!!  

December 14, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  Rain & Rain.

I got up early and got to work.  Went to the hospital and Millard was ready to come home.   Roy & Edith & Janice & Wendi were in.


Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  Roy and Edith are her sister and brother-in-law.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter,.    

December 13, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  Fair  nice weather.

Redge went to the hospital early.  Leisha and I went later and I stayed the rest of the day.  Redge & family went home.


Footnote:  Redge is her son and Leisha is his daughter.  They live in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

December 12, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  Sunshiny & cold.

Redge & I went early but the Dr. wouldn't let Millard come home.  I have the blues over it.  We come home & cooked some and they went to Big Stone awhile.  I went back and stayed with Millard.  They come down late.  Jennings visited us tonite,  


Footnote:  Redge is her son who is visiting from North Carolina.  Millard is her husband who is in the hospital.  Jennings is her brother. 

December 11, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981

I went to the hospital a little early and got Millard in the tub for a bath.  Come by grocery store about noon and home & made pies, candy and baked a ham.  Redge and Leisha come late.  I was back to see Millard late. 

Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  Redge is her son and Leisha is his daughter, Estelle's granddaughter.  They live in Charlotte, N. C. 

December 10, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981   Snow on ground.

Wendi's school was out.  A. T. brought her and Jennings stayed with her while I went to the hospital and Janice come home & picked her up.  Millard so much better.  I come home late and left him. 


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter.  A. T. is Wendi's father.  Jennings is her brother.  Janice is Wendi's mother.  Millard is her husband who is sick and in the hospital. 

December 9, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Snowy.  cold.

About 3 oclock Millard was so sick.  I called the ambulance and got him in the hospital with fluid in his lungs.  They pulled it off fast and his feet & legs cramped so bad and he was sick at his stomach.  I thought he would die.   Janice spent the nite and he was better by morning. 


Footnote:   Millard is her husband.  Sounds like he was very sick.  Janice is their daughter and she has years of experience working in the hospital.   I'm sure it helped that she was there to watch over him. 

December 8, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Fair  cold  sunshiny.

I washed & cooked.  The boy came and fixed the dryer.  Rev. Hensley the vacuum cleaner man visited.  Curt & Martha come by on their way to Old Dominian supper.  I was up to Jennings.

Footnote:  Curt and Martha are relatives.  Jennings is her brother, who she keeps a close watch over. 

December 7, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cloudy  most of day.

I washed some.  Stell Kelly &  Jennings was in.  I went to Pennington late to see about getting the dryer fixed.  Shopped a little.

Footnote:  Stell Kelly is her good friend.  Jennings is her brother. 

December 6, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  cold.

Millard didn't feel like church so I come back after S.S.   Janice, Wendi & Jennings ate lunch.  Ruth come in a minute.  Janice & I went to Penn., to the Dollar stores. 

Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  S.S. is  Sunday School which they had before church.  So she didn't stay for church.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.   Ruth is her sister-in-law who goes to the same church and lives nearby. 


My Note:   So I am pretty tired and going to bed.  I will catch up the rest tomorrow.  

December 5, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  cold.

I made pies & cooked for our W. M.U. supper.  Millard let the shower stall run over so I used towels to clean up until I had a washing.  The dryer wouldn't start so I had to hang out.  I went to the supper alone,  The preacher was in.,

Footnote:  W.M.U. is the Woman's Missionary Union and is affiliated with her church.   You know they had some good suppers.    Millard is her husband and you know he got in trouble for that little mistake he made. 

December 4, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Rainy mixed with snow.

I took Millard to the Dr.  He got a shot for wheezing, antibiotics and cough syrup.  Gene and Val Lipps was in awhile.  I went up to Jennings a minute.


Footnote:  Millard is her husband and sounds like he is pretty sick.  Gene and Val Lipps are her friends.  Jennings is her brother  .

December 3, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981   Cloudy  Fair  got to 50 degrees.  but cool.

Gene Lipps & the vacuum cleaner salesman were in a minute.  Millard was real short of breath and I had bladder infection.  I went to the store for juice for my infection. 


Footnote:  Gene Lipps is her neighbor, I think.   Millard is her husband. 

December 2, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  Dec. 2, 1981  Fair  Cold.

We went to Penn. for Mrs. Parsons Brothers funeral.  Ate at Long John Silvers.  Got groceries.  Took a baby gift down to Va. Shuler's and come up and visited Woodrow & Lizzie.  To prayer meeting.


Footnote:  Pennington is a town about 8 miles West of her home.  Virginia Shuler is her good friend and cousin that lives nearby.  Woodrow and Lizzie Sturgill are old friends who also live nearby. 


My Note:  On Sunday, I took Mother to Big Stone to see and hear the Living Christmas Tree program at the First Baptist Church.  Denny Shuler and his wife, Karen are part of the program.  They both sing.  So we got to see Sandra, she was there with some friends from Norton.  Also Donna Lynn was there.  Then we went to Lee County to visit with Uncle Don and Ann for a few minutes.    I wanted to see Stephen but it gets dark so early and I don't like that drive from Big Stone in the dark.  

December 1, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  Dec. 1, 1981   Rainy.

Jennings, Roy & Edith & Stell Kelly were all here.   To Missionary Society tonite.

Footnote:  Jennings is her brother, Roy is her brother-in-law - married to Edith (her sister).  Stell Kelly is her good friend. 



My Note:   I am finally back home and now have my computer plugged in and ready to roll.  I just had a hard time getting to Panera - Mother doesn't understand what I am doing.  I don't really trust plugging in at Panera as I am told it is not secure.  Also, they only let you have 1/2 hour.  So I thought I had recorded Dec. 1 and 2 but they must have cut me off before I posted it.  Anyway, I will catch up now and get back on schedule.    Had a nice visit with Mother,  She is doing very well and doesn't complain of much.  Spent Saturday junkin' with Janice and Mother kept up with us just fine. 

November 30, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Fair  to rain.

I washed & dried a load of clothes.  I visited Mrs. Davis this morning and Mrs. Parsons and Betty Ramey this evening.  Jennings was in. 


Footnote:   She was visiting all her neighbors and her brother, Jennings stopped by. 

November 29, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  coolish.

We got to church.  Millard made out very well.  Janice, Wendi & I went to Magic Mart.  We had fellowship supper and singing tonite.  The Huff's sung.


Footnote:  Millard must have been sick.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter. 
I don't know the Huff's.

November 28, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  50 degrees.  clear, pretty but not really warm.

I done the house work, baked a cake.  I still suffering with my hemorrhoids.  Millard felt better so he took a bath about 10 o'clock.  I walked up around the hill, down by Sandra's, who wasn't home.


Footnote.  Millard is her husband .   Sandra is her niece who lives nearby.

November 27, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Rain all day

We have Wendi.  I mailed Redge's Christmas.  Stopped at Mr. White's a minute.  I have hemorraid trouble.  Nearly sick.  Millard doesn't feel well.  Jennings was in.  Janice come for Wendi.


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter.  Redge is her son who lives in Charlotte, N. C.    Mr.White is a neighbor.  Millard is her husband.  Jennings is her brother and Janice is her daughter. 


My Note:   Sorry that I am so behind in the posts.   I have been in Gatlinburg in a chalet with Leah, Kenny, Max, Rachel and Hope since last Wednesday.   I am now in Kingsport with Mother - it is Tuesday.  The kids went home Sunday and I stayed another night by myself up in the woods on top of the mountain = things were rustling in the leaves as I was packing the car to leave.  No bears though.  Thought about putting out the left-over gravy and biscuits just so we could see a bear.  I will be here with Mother till Monday and will head back to Cincinnati.  Got orders to fill before Christmas.  Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving - we sure did.  

November 26, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.   1981  Fair  most of day.

I washed & dried outside.  I went to town to get  fish for Thanksgiving dinner and everything was closed.  We talked to all the kids & Lucille today.  We took a ride over Big Hill & up to Harold Shulers.,  Jennings was in.


Footnote: 

Harold Shuler is her cousin by marriage to Virginia Slemp Shuler.   Jennings is her brother, 

November 25, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  Fair  cold. 

We have Wendi.  Went to prayer meeting tonite.  Darrell Blair did so well as speaker.


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter - probably out of school for Thanksgiving week.   Darrell Blair grew up in the neighborhood and her church.  He has since become a preacher, I think. 

November 24, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Cloudy  rainy dark.

We watched TV a lot.  I went to grocery store in afternoon.


Footnote:  Not much going on today 

November 23, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Sunshiny - dark, damp.


I washed some.  Bro Zion come in a minute.  We took a walk in the afternoon.  Walter was here.


Footnote:  Bro Zion is the preacher at her church. Walter is a neighbor. 

November 22, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  very cold.

We stayed in because of my cold and Millards shortness of breath.   Jennings, Janice & Wendi ate lunch with us.  Ruth, Smith & Reba came in to visit. 


Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  Jennings is her brother and Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter.  Ruth is her sister-in-law, married to Estelle's youngest brother, Everette.  Smith is Ruth and Everette's youngest son.   Reba is her sister-in-law.  They all live nearby.  

November 21, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  First Snow  29 degrees  Small amount

We stayed in all day.  No one came.  We talked to all the kids. 


Footnote:   Well the weather in 1981  is about the same as it is today.   It got above freezing here today and some of the snow began to melt.    The post I made yesterday, Nov. 20 was #1000.  Can you believe that.   I will keep on as long as anyone is interested.  Some days there are over 30 readings of the blog.  Most days it is about 15.   So you guys keep reading and I will keep posting. 

November 20, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Cloudy  windy & cold.

I went to the grocery store and the drug store to get some antibiotics for my cold.  Jennings & Roy was in a minute.  


Footnote:    Jennings is her brother and Roy is her brother-in-law.  These two men were the best of friends and they loved farming together.  

November 19, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Rainy dark   50 degrees

I washed.  Sewed on my quilt pieces some.  Jennings was in.  


Footnote:  Another  quiet day.  Jennings is her brother.  I wish I had been able to sew on a quilt with her. 

My note:  It is 20 degrees here right now.  That is as warm as it got all day.  It was 7 this morning and the wind chill made it minus something.  Thankful I didn't have to go out.  My car still has 6 inches of snow on it as it was so cold that the sun didn't help melt it at all.  I have to go out tomorrow so I will have to push that snow off the car and pray I can get the door open and that it starts.     I made some small quilted wall hangings today - 3 African chickens, a dog, a cat, a pig and another chicken.  They are about 10" so tomorrow I have to get a dowel rod and paint it as I will use that to hang the pieces for the show.     

November 18, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  cold.

I cooked & took Jennings lunch.  We went to the bank and out to Janice house.  Missed her.
To prayer meeting. 

Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Janice is her daughter.  


My Note:  Just want you all to know it is 17 degrees here right now and there is at least 6" of snow on my deck and car.  Seems like I just had the air conditioning on in my car - what happened.  My neighbor was mowing his lawn Sunday.  I am glad that is over for a while, I hate the sound of lawnmowers  and I live between two men who want to fire theirs up every other day.    Supposed to warm up by Friday and be about 45 on Saturday - good for the show.    Hope you are all warm. 

November 17, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Cloudy  wet  cold.

We had a Doctor appointment this evening.  also took care of some business in Pennington.   Radious, Walter & Reba come in later. 


Footnote:    Radious & Walter are neighbors and Reba is her sister-in-law. 

November 16, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Fair  to rain

I washed & hung out clothes but had to bring them in to dry.   Jennings fixed the trap to our shower shall this morning.  It seemed such a long dreary day.  


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother who lives nearby and seems to be very handy.  She does so much for him though that he should help her when he can. 



My Note:   We are in the deep freeze the last couple of days and this morning there is that white stuff on the roof tops.  Didn't stick to the ground and roads but we are expecting 2" tonight.   Seems too early but it is usually cold by the time we have our show - it is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  We are indoors for this show and the cold seems to make people want to buy more.  Puts them in the mood I guess.  Anyway, I am busy working toward Saturday.  We have to set up Friday so I only have 5 days to finish up some little things.   We all make two or three different snacks so I have to do that Friday night after we set up.  I'll be making fudge with and without Walnuts.   And something salty like oyster crackers or salami roll ups or cheese roll - not sure yet. 
This building that we rent - there are 12 of us all women - has a dining room and that is where we put all the food.   Rachel is hired to help keep the tables organized and clean.   Hope helped last year and she will probably help this year too.   She likes to help me sell better that she likes to help Rachel. 

November 15, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  coolish

Janice, Wendi and Jennings ate lunch with us.  We went to Ida White's funeral.  Later we went to Magic Mart. 


Footnote:  Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter and Jennings is her brother.  They sure spent a lot of Sundays together.  Ida White was her friend and I don't know if she lived in the neighborhood or not.  

November 14, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair,  cool. 

I baked a cake, run the sweeper and sewed on my suit.,  Talked to Rosemary.  We decided after lunch to go to Kingsport for medicine.  Millard is awful short of breath.  We come by Janice Gails a minute. 


Footnote:  Rosemary is her daughter who got married to a really nice guy, Carey Drew, and moved to New Mexico where he was raised and they have lived there ever since.     Kingsport is a nice size town just over the Tennessee border - about 45 miles away.  Millard is her husband.  Did he have heart problems?  I can't remember.  Janice Gail is her younger daughter and she lives in Big Stone Gap - a town you have to go thru to get to Kingsport.  

November 13, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981   Fair  cool but nice.


I sewed some.  The boy came & fixed the washer.  I cracked some nuts. 


Footnote:   A quiet day for her. 

November 12, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs  1981  Fair  cold.

I went down to Mr. White's a minute, back home & cooked their dinner.  This evening I went to Pennington and got a permanent.  Jennings was in .  


Footnote:  I don't know who the Whites are.   That was so good of her to cook for them.  Pennington is a town about 8 miles West of her house.  Jennings is her brother who lives nearby. 


My note:   For those of you who read this on a regular basis, this is the 992 day that I have posted the information from Aunt Estelle's book.  Doesn't seem that long ago and a lot has happened to her and to all of us in that time period.    I hope you all are enjoying the posts when you have time to read them.  I enjoy posting each day - can't stick to a diet, but I seem to be able to post on a daily basis. 

November 11, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  cool

I washed.  The men put in a new shower stall.  I went to see Pearl a while.   Jennings was in.  To prayer meeting.  Ida White died. 


Footnote:  Pearl Reasor Barkley is a friend and cousin of hers.  Jennings is her brother.  I remember the name Ida White but don't know who she was other than a friend of hers.   

November 10, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Fair  warm in evening.

I cooked beans and made pumpkin pies this morning.  Took Jennings some.  We went and mailed Rosemary's Christmas and visited Mrs. Parsons at the hospital, got groceries and got a man to come fix the washer. 


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother and she made sure he ate well.  Rosemary is her daughter who lives in New Mexico.  I don't know who Mrs. Parsons was, a friend and neighbor probably.   She sure took time to check on other people.  It seems I am  too busy with my own life to check on my neighbors.   I do manage to run out in the street when I see the EMS/Fire Department drive up next door.  Guess I am just a nosey neighbor and don't bother when things are running smoothly.   I need to do better.  Maybe next year. 

November 9, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cloudy to Fair & warm.

I washed.  Walked up to Jennings a minute.  Cracked some walnuts.   Jennings was in.


Footnote:   Jennings is her older brother who lives just up and around the back road.   Love to have some of those walnuts - I would make some fudge. 

November 8, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  cool   Beautiful day

Janice, Wendi & Jennings ate with us.  We went back to the church at 2 for Judy Durhams baby shower.  Janice & I went to Magic  Mart.  Ruth & Sandra stopped a minute.


Footnote:   Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter.  Jennings is her brother.  I  don't remember Judy Durham.  Ruth is her sister-in-law and Sandra is her niece, Ruth's daughter.  

November 7, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Saturday  1981   Fair  Cool.

I cleaned house.  Janice called and we went to Kingsport at noon & got back at night. 


Footnote:  Janice is her daughter.  Kingsport is a nice town about 45 miles southeast in Northeast Tennessee.     Janice still likes to go to Kingsport on Saturday.     Thanks to Janice for taking my mother out for the day on Saturday when she goes to Kingsport.  She also takes her to the grocery for which I am so grateful and so is Mother.    Doug and I say that Janice is Mother's favorite child.   She is very good to Mother and I thank you so much for that, Janice.  

November 6, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981   Fair  windy nice

I washed some.  Walked up to Jennings a minute.  Late we had to go to the store so went up by Uncle Ray Baker's a minute. 


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother who lives on the back road, just across the highway from her.  Ray Baker is her mother, Lula Baker Reasor's, half-brother.    Someday, Stephen, when I am down there, I want to get a list of all of Mamie Reasor's half-brothers and half-sisters.  I don't know how many there were.   I think I heard that all her real brothers and sisters died from flu or flux or something like that.  Somebody, according to my Mother, took Mamie away and kept her when they were all sick and that is why she survived.  Did Mamie's mother die too?  I think that is right and then her daddy married again and that is where all the half-brothers and sisters are from.  I will get all that info from Stephen and post it on here - don't know if anyone else is interested but I am.  So you will have to hear it too.   

November 5, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  Cloudy to showers by nite.

We had to go stay with Wendi by 2 o'clock.   We visited Mrs. Masters first.


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter.   Not sure who Mrs. Masters is. 

November 4, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  cloudy warm. 

I went to the hospital to visit this eve.  Saw Mrs. Parsons, Ida White and Mr. Bledsoe. 
To prayer meeting tonite. 


Footnote:   I don't know who any of these people are.  I'm sure they are friends or neighbors. 

November 3, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Fair  warm.

We have Wendi.  Went to vote and took her home.   Was by Edith's awhile.  To Missionary Society tonite. 


Footnote:  Wendi is her granddaughter - probably out of school for election day.   Edith is her sister and she and Wendi live in Big Stone Gap - about 9 miles away. 


My Note:   Happy Birthday to Sandra Reasor Hunt - yesterday, Nov. 2    and Happy Birthday to Leah Statzer Kordenbrock today, Nov. 3.     Hope you both have had a great day!!! 

November 2, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday 1981 

I washed.  We went to Dryden for Worley Roller's funeral and over to Curt &  Martha's awhile.  Martha has a bad breaking out sickness. 


Footnote:   Dryden is a small town about 6 miles West.  I don't know Worley Roller but I am guessing he was a friend and neighbor.  Curt and Martha are her relatives on Millards side.  Don't know how long I would have visited with a "bad breaking out sickness". 



My note:  I know I missed a day - I went to Leah's and spent the night.  I am back home now and will catch up. 

November 1, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  Warm

Janice & Wendi were home.  We went to Pennington to the new Dollar Store and out to the funeral home where Worley Roller lay corpse. 


Footnote:  Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter.  Pennington is a town about 7 miles West of her home.  I remember the name Worley Roller (isn't that a great name) but don't remember much about him.   


My Note:   Well November arrived here with a cold wind.    I hung my sheets outside Wednesday for the last time this year. I threw the weather worn clothspins away.    Max and Hope had a good time trick or treating despite the cold and rain. 

Here are the special dates for November:

November 2, 1954  Sandra Kay Reasor Hunt born to Everette and Ruth Reasor.

November 3, 1968  Leah Ann Statzer Kordenbrock born to Patricia Shuler and Ronald Statzer

November 11, 1949  Everette Reasor and Ruth Smith were married.

November 26, 1962  Daniel Sheffey Reasor was born to Kenneth and Jeaneene Reasor

November 30, 1984  Laura Somers was born to Norma Zubke and Doug Somers 

October 31, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  Warm.

I went up to Jennings this morn.  Went to Big Stone & got the car washed  on to Appa a minute.


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother who lives nearby.  Big Stone Gap is a town about 9 miles away.  Appalachia is a town about 2 miles away from Big Stone.    

October 30, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Fair  Real warm

Jennings was in.  I went up to Radious & Walter a minute.  Val & Gene Lipps was in this evening.  Janice & Wendi come down after church party. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Radious & Walter are friends who live nearby.  Val & Gene are also friends and I don't know where they lived.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter. 

October 29, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Fair  warm this eve. 

I washed.  made Jennings & us a apple pie.  I went by Ramona Roger's on my way to Penn. to the new dollar store.  Didn't think much of it.  Come by Magic Mart & bought some stuff.  Picked up walnuts late.  Harold Shuler come by.


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother who she watches after like a hawk.    I don't know who Ramona is.  Harold Shuler is married to Virginia Shuler, they live nearby.  Virginia is Estelle's first cousin. 

October 28, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981   Cloudy to Fair & Warm

I went to the hospital to visit Mrs Parsons, Elizabeth Richmond and Ida White.  Got groceries.
To prayer meeting tonite.


Footnote:  These women are all friends of hers so she is good to check on them. 

October 27, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues  1981  Rainy  Dark & Dreary

I made soup.  Cut some quilt pieces.  Walter Short & Jennings was in. 


Footnote:  Walter Short was a neighbor and Jennings is her brother. 


My Note:  Sorry I missed posting Monday,   Rachel called early for me to come stay with Hope - she had a sore throat but no fever.   Hope had a good appetite and had me fixing her food all day.   When I got home, I started right in to sewing and totally forgot to get on the computer.   So now it is late and I must get to bed. 

October 26, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Rainy warm

I took Millard to the Dr. this evening.  Back on water pills.  I visited Ida White & Mrs. Parson's at the hospital. 



Footnote:   Millard is her husband.  Ida White and Mrs. Parsons are friends of hers.  

October 25, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Rainy


Janice & Wendi eat with us.  We stayed in all evening.  Roy & Edith come awhile.


Footnote:   A quiet Sunday.   Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter.  Roy and Edith are her sister and brother-in-law.  Guess they all had to get out of Big Stone Gap for the day.  

October 24, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  cold to warm sunshine.

I cooked for Jennings, was down to Va Shuler's on my way to visit Mrs. Jake Parsons and Ida White at the hospital.  up to Ruth's late. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Virginia Slemp Shuler is her cousin - Lula Baker Reasor (Estelle's mother) and Rose Baker Slemp  were half-sisters.  Virginia lives nearby on the same back road that Jennings lives on.  Mrs. Jake Parsons and Ida White were friends of hers.  Ruth Reasor is her sister-in-law and lives just across the highway. 

October 23, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Rainy.

I have cold so didn't go out but once all day.   I finished up some sewing.  Jennings was in.


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother. 

October 22, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Cloudy to Fair

I washed, canned apples.  Curtis Ely was here for dinner.  The telephone worker fixed the phone.  Jennings was in.  Edith and I went to Norton this evening. 


Footnote:   Curtis Ely is her brother-in-law.  Edith is her sister.  Norton is a nice size town that is about 15 miles away.  Had a lot of nice stores. 


My Note:  I have to pass this along.  Doug, my brother, called last night to give me the latest story about our Mother - who is 95 and lives alone and wears a lifeline around her neck.   He had received a call from the Lifeline people yesterday morning saying that Mother had fallen and couldn't get up.  So he and Linda rush to her house only to find Mother sitting in the corner on the floor near the back door.  She said she was getting the paper out of the back door (the neighbor puts her paper in the door every morning) and somehow she just set down in the floor.   Doug said the funny part was that she was sitting there leaned up against the wall and was reading the paper - was already on the 2nd. page.    She was not hurt - just shaken a little.   Thank goodness she drank all that milk all those years - she has got some good bones.     If you feel the urge to call her - she would love to hear from you.  She calls me and says I was just lonely and thought I would call.    423-239-4652.   

October 21, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair   got real warm.

I sewed a lot.  Edith come & stayed nearly all evening.  Stell Kelly come awhile.  Gene Lipps was in.  To prayer meeting tonite. 


Footnote:   Edith is her sister who lives about 9 miles away in Big Stone Gap.  Stell Kelly is her good friend who lives about a mile away.  Gene Lipps is a friend and I don't know where he lived.  Must have been close as he is there a lot. 

October 20, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981   Big frost   warmed up.


I went to bank early.  Millard & I went to Pennington.  He got a hair cut and I got groceries.  Jennings & I went to Dryden for revival. 


Footnote:   Millard is her husband.  Pennington Gap is a town about 8 miles away.  Jennings is her brother.  Dryden is a small town about 6 miles away - just before you get to Pennington Gap. 

October 19, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cloudy  a snow flurry, to fair & nice.

I visited Mrs. Jake Parsons early, also Sandra & Joshua.  Val and Gene Lipps was in this morning.  Radious & Walter were here this evening.  Jennings picked me up and we went to Dryden where Mr., Ellis is holding a revival. 


Footnote:  Mrs. Jake Parsons was a friend and lived in the neighborhood.  Sandra is her niece and Joshua is Sandra's son.  They live  nearby.  Radious & Walter are also neighbors and old friends.  Jennings is her brother.  Dryden is a small town about 7 miles West.   

October 18, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981   Cloudy, had a storm.

The lights were out as we had church.  Jennings, Janice & Wendi were here for lunch.  We went to Harlan this evening.  Millard was so short of breath tonite, it scare me. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Harlan, Kentucky is a coal mining town just on the other side of the mountain - I think it might be Black Mountain.  Millard is her husband. 

October 17, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981   Fair  very warm.

I washed.  Baked some pies and a cake.  We rode around awhile this evening.  Visited Mrs. White at the nursing home.  Stopped at Harold & Virginia's.  up at Jennings late.


Footnote:   Mrs. White was a friend of hers - not sure how.   Harold and Virginia Shuler are her neighbors that live on the back road near her house.  Virginia is her cousin.  Jennings is her brother.   

My note:  I don't understand the difference in her time and the time I have in a day.   It would take me all day to "bake some pies AND a cake".   And then she had time left so they just rode around.  Who has time like that today???  We have way too many distractions, I think.     Anyway,  nice cool fall day here in Ohio.  Got some new projects I am working on for the next show - Nov. 22, , so it will be a busy day and no time for making pies.   We are all going to a big farm in Indiana tomorrow tor the Pumpkin Festival - big craft show and good food and we might pick up a pumpkin or two.    Enjoy the Fall wherever you are.  I hear it is going to be a cold and snowy winter again - so get out now. 

October 16, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Cloudy to Sunshiny.

I canned apples this morning.  We visited John & Reba Kelly awhile this eve.  I picked up walnuts late.  Ruth moved in her new home this week. 


Footnote:   John and Reba Kelly must have been neighbors, friends or church members - I remember the name but can't remember just who they were or where they lived.   Ruth is her sister-in-law and after Uncle Everette died in 1978, she lived a while in the big house we all called the "Homeplace".  It was a big house and I'm sure was more than she needed or wanted to take care of.  So now, three years later  she moved in to a mobile home that was placed on the property right near the "Homeplace".    It was a really nice home and always so clean.  

October 15, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981   Fair  warmer. 

I cooked.  Went to Mrs. Orr's  & got apples.  Edith called about a yard sale and we went up there.  I got Janice some things.  We went out there a minute.  I was over to Ruth's late.


Footnote:  Mrs. Orr is her neighbor.  Edith is her sister.  Janice is her daughter.  They both live in Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away.  Ruth is her sister-in-law and lives just across the highway. 

October 14, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  warm  sunshiny

I washed 3 loads, cleaned the bed some.  Picked up apples & canned 3 quarts.  picked up walnuts.  To Prayer meeting tonite. 


Footnote:   Love to have some of those canned apples in a fried pie or a stack apple cake - she made the best stack cake I ever ate.  Those walnuts will make their way into cakes during the winter.  I  don't remember ever eating just walnuts like we eat almonds now.  I just remember them being used in baking.   


One of my Daddy's favorite things to do was peel and slice apples and he would put them on screens to dry.  Then after they were dried, Mother would freeze them.   She still has some in the freezer and Daddy passed away in 2004.  I doubt the apples have any flavor left in them other than freezer burn, but she will not throw them out.    He also loved to gather and crack - with a hammer- the black walnuts.  He would sit for hours doing that.     I have a walnut tree in my back yard but the squirrels gather and bury the fallen  walnuts faster than I can gather them.    

October 13, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tuesday  1981  Fair  Sunshiny. 

Jennings , Millard & I went over Blackwater Mountain to Rogersville to visit Charlie Ely's.  We stoped and visited Ray Watson on the way.  eat our lunch in Rogersville.  Come back by K-Mart in Kingsport awhile.  


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother who lives nearby.  Millard is her husband.  Blackwater Mountain is West of her house, I think and the road actually does cross the mountain (as I remember).  Charlie Ely is their cousin ( I don't remember how they were related to her).  Rogersville is in East Tennessee, about 30 miles West of Kingsport.   Probably took them all day to make this trip. 

October 12, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Cloudy nearly all day

We took some food up to Jennings.  I picked up some walnuts.  Went over to Barney Blairs barn awhile where they were grading tobacco.  To the store later. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother who lives nearby.  Oh I would love to have some of those good fresh black walnuts to put in some fudge.  Barney Blair is her neighbor.  

October 11, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  .  Cloudy  Warm.

Janice & Wendi & Jennings had lunch with us.  Farin Roger's parents come to church this morn.  Ramona & Kids were there and we all nearly choked to death. 


Footnote:  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Farin Rogers is the young man that was killed in the coal mines.  He was a good member of their church and looks like they were all missing him.   She loved her church family. 


My Note:  Happy Birthday to Aunt Ruth Smith Reasor today.  She has now turned 88 years old.  Wish I was close enough to go see her.      Nice weather here today after 3 days of off and on rain.  I am taking Hope to a big pumpkin patch and hayride later today.  Leah's real estate team rents out this huge garden center for the occasion.  They turn the kids loose in the corn field and they can pick out the pumpkin of their choice.  They have all sorts of games for the kids as well as animals to pet and ride.  We went last year and the kids had so much fun.  Max will be there too.  They have really good food too.  So today is a nice day for all that.    I have a man coming here at 3PM to pick up a doll that he special ordered for his wife's birthday.   The doll is all ready and I hope he likes it.  

October 10, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Cloudy,  some rain.

Jennings was in early.  We all went to Fanny Collier Boyds yard sale.   Millard & I went to Pennington awhile.  Curt & Martha come awhile. 



Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  I don't know who the Boyds are.  Millard is her husband and Pennington Gap is a town about 8 miles West.  It was always fun to just park in the middle of town and sit in the car and watch the people - see if you know anyone to talk to.  Don't know if that is what they did but my Mother sure did that in Big Stone Gap on Saturday afternoon.  Curt and Martha are related to Millard . 

October 9, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981   Fair  Warm

I washed and canned some apples.  Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler come visiting from Lexington Ky.  We were glad to see them.   Millard & I visited Hattie & Ralph Reasor awhile and went on down in Nell Reasor's orchard for apples & pears.  We brought Hattie & Stell Kelly some apples. 


Footnote:  I don't know anything about the Wheelers.   Not sure who Hattie & Ralph Reasor are either.  Nell Reasor is her friend from church.  Stell Kelly is also her friend from church.  

October 8, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Fair  warm.  

We picked up Jennings & Reba and went to Wise for Farin Roger's funeral.  Our pastor, Bro Zion preached, Betty, Diana, Cathy & Sylvia Kelly sang.  Rob Hunt, Rodney Orick, John Hobbs, Jerry Durham were pall bearers.  There was 30 from the church.  Sure was sad. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother and Reba is her sister-in-law.  Wise is a town about 20 miles away.  Farin Rogers was a member of her church and was killed in the coal mines.  Bro. Zion was the preacher at the Deep Springs Baptist Church.   Betty, Diana, Cathy and Sylvia were all members of the church and I expect that all the pall bearers were too.   Rob Hunt was Sandra Reasor Hunt's husband and father of Joshua Hunt.  I know the Orick's lived in the neighborhood and John Hobbs, I think, is the son of Aubrey and Patty Reasor Hobbs.  I didn't know Jerry Durham but I expect he was a church member too.  

October 7, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  Fair  Warm.

I washed.   Jennings ate lunch with us.  I went to Wise to funeral home tonite where Farin Rogers lay corpse.  So sad.  He was supposed to hold prayer meeting for us tonite. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Wise is the county seat of Wise County and is about 20 miles away.  So now we find out that Farin Rogers was a church member.   

October 6, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981 

Gregory 22 years old.    Farin Rogers was killed at the mines this morning, cut in two pieces.  Breaks our hearts.  Millard & I went to Big Stone to pick up my ring I had ordered,  then went to Pennington for our flu shots and went by Roger's house to see Ramona and the kids.  To Missionary Society tonite.  


Footnote:   Happy Birthday to Gregory Dewayne Jetton.  He is the only grandson she has.  He lives in the Hobbs, New Mexico area and sees his Mother, Rosemary and his Dad, Carey Drew often.   I remember hearing about the mining tragedy but I didn't know the Rogers man.  Not sure where he lived and how she knew him.  Maybe he went to church with them.   Millard is her husband and Big Stone Gap is about 9 miles to the Northeast.  Pennington is a town about 7 miles to the West of her house.  Missionary Society is an organization of the church that supports the missions  serving around the world.   


Cold and rainy here so I am staying in and just being lazy  today - still very tired and legs and feet are sore from 12 hours of standing on the cold,  hard concrete of the street.    I will get over it in time for the next show, I hope.   

October 5, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981   Rainy  a very dreary day. 

I went to town this evening awhile.  Was up to Jennings late.


Footnote:  I think she referred to Big Stone Gap as going to town.  Could have been Pennington Gap too.   Jennings is her brother who lives nearby. 


My Note:  I am back home after a long day - started at 5:30 this morning.  Temperature was 42 when I left the house this morning.    Leah and Kenny came to help me put the top on the tent.    As the day turned out, I should have put the sides on also as it was a very windy day and the quilts took a beating hanging in the booth.  It was cold all day and started raining just about 4:45.  The show was over at 5.  I had a rain poncho so I never got wet and I was able to get all my things into the boxes before they got wet.  Just the top of the tent is wet but I will spread it on the driveway to dry this week.  I am very tired and cold - got my heating blanket on the bed turned on to HIGH.,  May leave it that way all night.  It will take that long for my feet to warm up.    So glad that is my last outdoor show this year.  Show was good - I sold so many dolls and got orders for so many more.  I will be busy this week getting them all done.  

October 4, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981   Fair  cool to warm.

Janice & Wendi here.  I went with church group to nursing home for services.  Va. Reasor, Ida Rutherford & A. L. her son visited. 


Footnote:  Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter.  Virginia Reasor and Ida Reasor Rutherford were members of a large family that grew up in Deep Springs.  I don't know the family well enough to know if they were related to Estelle or not.  I remember Virginia Reasor, as she was a teacher at Big Stone Gap Elementary school most of her life.  She lived in an apartment near the school.  She died this year and I don't remember how old she was.  I think she was in her 90's.  She was in Johnson City, Tenn. in the Christian Village Nursing/Assisted Living home for years.    I took Mother to see her several times.   I remember A.L. Rutherford as being a big, tall man.  He was in Big Stone in school, I think. 


My Note:   I am in my last outdoor show tomorrow, Sunday.  It is about 9 miles from my house but I can't set up the tent until early in the morning.  Show opens at 10AM.  Problem with that is that the tents are set up in the middle of the street in this busy town,.  The people who live there  are out walking their dogs or jogging early in the morning and they all want to get in the booth before I get things set up.  Drives me crazy and makes me very nervous.   So I have to be there about 6:30AM to set up the tent.  It is going to be about 35 degrees and that is not good for putting a heavy plastic top on the tent poles.  I think Rachel is going to help me so that will make it a little easier.   It is supposed to be a nice sunny day buy cool which is good - puts people in the mind of buying for the holidays.   So I may not have time to make an entry in the morning but I will catch up later. 

October 3, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  cold to hot.

We went up to Ad & Willie Rogers antique sale a while.  Then to Dry Branch sale, eat at Fish house, back by Uncle Ray's and another yard sale and home.  Jennings was in late.


Footnote:  I can hardly read her writing on the names of the Rogers, and I don't know who they are.  Uncle Ray Baker is her mother's half-brother and must live in the Dry Branch area.  I remember going to his house but don't remember how we got there.  Jennings is her brother. 


My Note:  Congratulations to Linda and Doug Shuler on the birth of their grandson this morning.  Lori had a C-section about 7 AM.  Baby weighed over 8 lbs. and 21" long.  I don't know what they are naming him.  Brody will be a big brother now.    So that adds one more to our family - part of the 5th. generation. 

October 2, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Fair  Cold.

I baked some cakes.  Took Jennings one.  Millard & I went to see Pearl this eve.  rode on to Grant Morefields and found a big yard sale in Woodway.  Reba was in late.


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Millard is her husband.  Pearl Barkley is her cousin who lives about 6 miles or so away(as I remember).  I do remember the name Grant Morefield and I thought he lived near her but not sure.  Woodway is a small village about 9 miles away.  Reba is her sister-in-law.  

October 1, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Cloudy  hot.

Jennings was in.  I canned apples, washed.  Millard & I rode to Big Stone,  made a few stops.  Went to Janice's & Ediths and no one home.  Edith & Roy were here when we got home. 




Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Millard is her husband.  Janice is her daughter and Edith is her sister.  Roy is her brother-in-law.  A family kind of day. 

My Note:   I am reminded by my notes that yesterday, Sept. 30 was the date of Betty Jean's death in 2008.  She was sadly missed at our last reunion and I know her family misses her greatly every day. 

Today, Oct. 1 is the 10th birthday of my youngest (and last as she reminds me) grandchild, Hope Nicole Klump.    She has celebrated for two weeks already and is not done yet.   We are going out to the dinner of her choice tonight - Lord only knows where that will be.  She is a good eater and likes the expensive stuff. 

Other October dates to remember are:
Oct. 3, 1964  Leisha Renee Ely - no she can't be 50 !!! Youngest daughter of Redge and Reka Ely.
Oct. 4, 1911  Willard Morris Reasor was born
Oct. 6, 1959  Gregory Dewayne Jetton - I don't even want to know how old that makes that young man.   son of Rosemary and Carey Drew Jetton.   
Oct. 11, 1926  Aunt Ruth Smith Reasor was born.  I wish her a very happy birthday. 
Oct. 14, 1949  Lula Baker Reasor died. 
Oct. 27, 1993  Laura Elizabeth Reasor was born to Smith and Linda Reasor.  She is the youngest of her generation.  Great-grandchild. 

September 30, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  cool to hot.

Millard didn't feel good.   I canned apples.  Baked a pie.  Jennings was in.  To prayer meeting tonite.


Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  Love to have a piece of that apple pie - you know they were so good.   Jennings is her brother - I'm sure he had a piece of that pie,.  

September 29, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Fair  coolish. 

I canned pears & made Jelly.  I was over to Ruth's a minute where they were putting in sewer service.  We took a ride late.  Roy & Harold Shuler were in a minute. 


Footnote:  Ruth is her sister-in-law who lives just across the highway.  Roy and Harold Shuler are brothers who were raised in Seminary, a village about 6 miles from her house.  Roy is her brother-in-law, married to her sister, Edith.  Harold is related by marriage to Virginia Slemp, Estelle's first cousin.   

September 28, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  Fair  hot. 

I washed, peeled some apples to dry, some pears to can.  Junior Kelly Lawson & I went back and picked up apples & pears again. 


Footnote:  Those apples and pears will find their way into pies sometime during the winter.  I don't remember Junior Kelly Lawson but he must have been a neighbor. 



My note:  Mother and Janice called yesterday.  I was in a show so didn't get to talk long.  Mother didn't feel like going out with Janice so Janice picked up a pizza and brought it to the house for them.  Mother fell in the front yard last week and it shook her up pretty bad - didn't break anything- just scared her.  So I think she is still recovering.  Anyway, Janice was nice enough to go to the grocery for her - thank you so much for doing that Janice.  She does appreciate it.  I talked to Janice too and she has been suffering with some dental work that went wrong.  Missed some work even, so you know that was bad.  She thinks they have it under control after several rounds of anti-biotics .    I have what I hope is my last appointment Tue. to put the crown on my tooth.  I haven't had any trouble, thank goodness. - Just hurts in the pocketbook - dental work is soooo expensive and they know you gotta do it.  Hope all is well with all who are reading this - nice fall weather here today. 

September 27, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair cloudy & coolish.  

Janice & Wendi were home.   James, Julia & Virginia come awhile.  I stoped at Mr. White's a minute as I went to the store.   Mrs. White still at Norton. 


Footnote:   Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.   James and Julia Music are visiting from Washington, D. C.  Julia is Virginia Shuler's sister and they are daughters of Rose and Hop Slemp.  Rose Baker Slemp is a sister to Lula Baker, Estelle's mother.  So they are first cousins. 
Mr. and Mrs. White are neighbors.   Norton, Virginia is a nice town about 15 miles away and the town that Sandra Reasor Hunt lives in. 


My Note:  Speaking of Sandra, she sent the following message regarding the information I posted on Friday.  
"Clarence Taylor Slemp & Willie Orr Slemp Rogers had a son, David Taylor Slemp who was killed by a beer truck on April 1, 1960.  He was 9 years old.   I was always told that Mr. Slemp was so large he had to be buried in a piano case.  I remember him being big and hairy.   The mother, Willie, was a nurse for the health dept. for many years.  I think this might be the one you are thinking about". 

So I was a little confused about the Slemp's as I was also talking about C. Bascom Slemp.  I am assuming that Sandra is talking about C. Bascom when she said he was so large.   Anyway, thanks for that info.  I am not sure if it is the same one I remember or not.  I was a senior in high school in 1960 and for some reason I was thinking I was younger.  I also thought it was a girl and she might have been a Wade or Bailey - I must have gone to the funeral and Mother would have made me look at her and I seem to remember blonde hair.  Anyway, maybe someone else remembers something also. 

It is very early here this Saturday morning - I am headed to a town about 30 miles from here to do a show in the park.  I set up the tent yesterday and it is a beautiful little park with lots of trees.  It is supposed to be a really nice day here - low 80's and no humidity.  So, hoping for a good crowd with money they want to give me.  I bought a new washing machine yesterday so need to pay for that.    My granddaughter, Hope is having her 10th. birthday party today at a gym where the girls (only) can play on the things there.  I will miss it but sent gifts - all that she is concerned with at this age anyway.  Her birthday is Oct. 1.   

September 26, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  hot. 

I cooked, cleaned the house.   We rode up to Seminary and around the back road.  Stopped at Hargus Ely.

Footnote:  Seminary is a small village about 6 miles from her house.  They had a school at one time, the only school my Daddy, Roy Shuler, went to.  He finished the 8th grade and then went to work on the farm.  They have a nice Methodist Church.  My granddaddy, Hugh Shuler was a very tive member of that church.  My grandmother, Mamie (Emily) Shuler never got to go to church and she always said it was because she had to have Sunday dinner ready when he got home from church.  I was lucky enough to be part of those Sunday dinners many times and I can tell you, she could cook that chicken that she raised.  She made delicious dumplings and she always put the cooked yoke of the egg in the dumpling gravy.  Oh that was so good.     Hargus Ely is her brother-in-law and I'm not sure where he lived at that time.  

Another thing I remember about Seminary - there is a beautiful cemetery that is somewhere between Seminary and Olinger and C. Bascom Slemp is buried there.  A couple of years ago, I took Mother around that back road as I was looking for the cemetery that my great-grandfather, John Shuler, was buried in.  I found it and it is the same one that C. Bascom is in.  He has a huge monument with lots of things on it.  I couldn't get in the cemetery as the gates were locked but I walked all around the outside.  

Also.  there was a young girl waiting for the school bus to Dryden school and she was standing in front of the Seminary school near the highway.  She was struck by a beer truck and was killed.  I cannot remember her name right now.   I remember it was a terrible tragedy as she was my age at the time - 14 or 15 I think.  I'm sure Janice and Rosemary will remember that terrible accident. 

September 25, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981.   Fair   Warm. 

We had to go to Pennington to get Millard's teeth adjusted.  This eve we went over to Nell Reasor's orchard & picked up apples &  pears.  I was over to Ruth's a minute. 


Footnote:   Pennington Gap is a town about 8 miles West of her house.  Millard is her husband.  Nell Reasor is George Reasor's wife and they live a few minutes from her house.  Don't know where her orchard is.   I think they were part of another Reasor clan and not closely related.    Ruth Reasor is her sister-in-law ( I think that is who she is talking about) who lives just across the road. 


My note:  George and Nell Reasor had a few children - I remember Patty - she married Aubrey Hobbs and has lived all her life in Lee County and not too far from where she grew up.  They were good members of the Deep Springs Baptist Church.  Patty played the piano - probably still does.  They had two other daughters that I remember - Mary Grace and Gail.   Mary Grace  could sing like a bird and I can't remember for sure but I think Gail sang also.  They have a son, George (I think that is right) and he lives near Smith Kevin in the Blackburg area.  Smith has worked with him.   I always wondered why they sent Mary Grace to Big Stone Gap to school and all the other kids went to Dryden to school.  I graduated with Mary Grace in 1960 from Powell Valley High School.  She was voted "Prettiest" by the class members and she was a very pretty girl.  Never had a boyfriend in school that I know of.  She was very quiet and very smart.   I think she lives in Virginia also.  Haven't seen her since we graduated, she never came to a reunion. 

OK I got a lot to do today, so I best get at it.  Got a show Saturday and have to set up tomorrow, Friday.  Lots of dolls left with no hair so I gotta get that done today. 

September 24, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981   Fair  cool.

We got a lot done today.  Hauled off trash, tied up the chimney, put lawn mower & lawn furniture in the barn, painted some, washed some.   Bro  Haun stopped by. 


Footnote:   Boy that was a lot to get done in a day.    Bro Haun must be a preacher - not sure where - maybe at her church, Deep Springs Baptist. 

September 23, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  cool.

I washed, swept the floors and canned & dried apples.  Edith & Roy come in from Cincinnati.  Ruth's trailer was put in,. 


Footnote:   Edith is her sister and Roy is Edith's husband.  They were visiting their daughter, Pat and their granddaughters, Leah and Rachel who live in Cincinnati.   Ruth is her sister-in-law and she lives just across the highway.  She was married to Everette and they lived in the house that Everette and his sisters and brothers grew up in.  It was a nice big two-story house with a great portico (sp.)/ front porch.   I remember the oversized wicker chair that set in the left corner and it was great to sit in that chair and lean it back on the two back legs.  You could see the highway from the chair and Mamie would sit there watching the cars go by.   Mother says that Pappy would sit there and wave at the people he knew when they were driving by.  If they stopped, he would invite them to come on up and eat with them.    Not sure how much of that is true as we all know that Mother wasn't fond of Pappy.  She thinks he didn't like her because she was a girl and he wanted a boy who could help on the farm. 

September 22, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues  1981  Fair  coolish

I cooked.  Went to Henderson Reasor's 89 funeral.  to the hospital to visit  Pearl Barkley.   Mowed some late. 


Footnote:  Henderson Reasor was part of a different family of Reasors - I think.  Pearl Barkley is a relative who lived about 7 miles away.  I don't remember the exact was she is a relative but she was Pearl Reasor and married W. L. Barkley.  I think her mother was a sister to Estell's father - Pappy.  Stephen can straighten all that out and/or my Mother remembers all those relatives. 

It's another beautiful late summer/early Fall day here in Ohio.  The leaves are beginning to turn that beautiful fall yellow and red.    The air is crisp in the morning and warm in the afternoon.  It is the time of year that I get homesick for the mountains.  I may have to make a trip south in October.   I have a show Sat., Sept. 27 and another one Oct. 5.   After that I don't have another show until Nov. 22.  so may be a good time to get away.    Hope, my granddaughter, is turning 10 on Oct. 1 - that doesn't seem possible.  I heard that the Southwest - Rosemary and family are still getting lots of rain.  I think it is OK as they probably need it.    Have a good day wherever you are. 

September 21, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981

I cooked dinner for Jennings.  Made a cake for Hattie Reasor family and went over there.  Millard got his new teeth today.  I went to funeral home with Jennings tonite. 


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother.  Hattie Reasor is the wife of Henderson Reasor, the man who died .   Millard is her husband. 



My note:  sorry I missed Sunday's post.  I was tired this morning and then I had a busy day with Rachel and Hope.   I hate when I forget like that.  I have posted now for almost 900 days and you would think I would be in the habit of doing it without thinking or forgetting.   

September 20, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday.  1981  Fair  cool.

Janice, Wendi & Jennings had lunch with us.  We went to a yard sale and Magic Mart.  Henderson Reasor 89 died today. 


Footnote:  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Jennings is her brother.  I believe Henderson Reasor was part of a different Reasor family - not closely related to Estelle. 



My note:   I was in an outdoor show today in Mason, Ohio - about 25 miles from my house.  I had to leave early this morning and had no time to post on the blog.  It was a nice sunny day in the park but the wind was fierce all day.  I was worn out by 3 PM just from being beat to death by the wind.  I sold a few things - not the best show.   Next Saturday, I will be in another outdoor show in a town called Milford - also about 25 miles from my house.  Never done either of these shows before  and I will think twice before I do today's show again.    Soon I am going to start selling on ETSY as I think I could do better than beating myself up with these outdoor shows.  I am going to bed - very tired. 

September 19, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  cool. 

I washed, cooked & dug sweet potatoes.  Reba, Curt, Larry & Cathy and Shana Ely visited.  Allso Smith and Johnathon. 


Footnote:   Reba is her sister-in-law.  Curt is her brother-in-law and Larry, Cathy and Shana are also Ely's and related to Curt - I think.    Smith Kevin Reasor is her nephew and Jonathan is her great-nephew - Stephen's son.    Like to have one of those fresh from the ground sweet potatoes - baked with a lot of butter and a little honey - sounds good.    Just can't get them that fresh today.  

September 18, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  81  Fair  Very cool. 

Millard & me went to Kingsport.  The Dr. says my ear is well.  We shopped a little.   I dug some sweet potatoes late. 


Footnote:  Millard is her husband.   Kingsport is a nice size town about 45 miles southeast.  They have a lot of stores, restaurants and Drs.   

September 17, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs, 81   Fair  cool.

Va. Shuler and me went to Aunt Ruby Baker's last husbands funeral.   We hadn't seen Donald Baker in years.  Clint Hensley visited this eve (vacuum cleamer salesman).  Jennings come in also.  


Footnote:  Virginia Shuler is her good friend who lives on the back road.  She is a cousin as her Mother, Aunt Rose Baker  Slemp, was a half-sister to Lula Baker Reasor, Estelle's mother.  Aunt Ruby Baker, I think one of her husbands was a half-brother to Estelle's mother.  I can't remember what his name was - Stephen will have that information - was his name Uncle Ed???  Donald Baker must have been a son of Ruby's.  I remember the name but don't remember him.  Did he live in Michigan??    Oh the dreaded vacuum cleaner salesman.  That is one job that has faded away.   Jennings is her brother who lives nearby.  Wonder why he didn't go to the funeral.    

It is cool here today and feels so good as there is no humidity.  I am in a show on Saturday - about 30 miles from here - near where we all went to the big Flea Market when you were here for the reunion.  It is supposed to be a really nice day weather wise.  Love the early fall time of the year.   weather is not so good in New Mexico as they are having lots of rain., 

September 16, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981   Rainy  cooler.

Millard and I visited Mr. White at the hospital and Mrs. White at nursing home in Norton.  Come back by Janice Gails a minute.  To prayer meeting.


Footnote:    Millard is her husband.  Mr. and Mrs. White are neighbors of hers.  Norton is a town about 15 miles to the Northeast.   They have a nice hospital.  Janice is her daughter who lives in Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away and located between Deep Springs and Norton.   

September 15, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Rain all day

I feel tough.   We went to the Dr.  I have a temperature because of a bee sting.  We are doing very well. 


Footnote:   What can I say???  Do you feel tough or do you feel well.    I felt sick when I got stung several times by yellow jackets this summer. 

September 14, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981   Fair to cloudy.

I washed cleaned aluminum siding and some windows.  Went to the garden.  Fixed Jennings lunch.  Got a wasp sting on my hand and it hurts.


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother.  

My Note:  Mother (Edith) called Thurs night to tell me that Beulah Blair, Darryl's mother, has passed away.   She was 98 and was living in Johnson City where Darryl lives.  They were taking her to Pennington to Sturgill's Funeral home for the service and she was to be buried in Dryden.   She was a resident of Deep Springs for most of her life and owned a big farm there.  She was a fellow member of the Deep Springs Baptist Church.  Darryl was a classmate of Redge and Rosemary's. 

September 13, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  Hot

Janice, Wendi & Jennings eat lunch with us.  Janice, Wendi & I went to Tommy Ely's to see their new baby.  When we went to church Millard got smart and said a lot of stuff so I didn't stay. 


Footnote:   Janice and Wendi are her daughter and granddaughter and they live in Big Stone Gap.  Tommy Ely is a relative of theirs.  Millard is her husband.  

September 12, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  cool to hot

We went to the dentist early.  I went up to Ediths awhile this evening.



Footnote:   Edith is her younger sister and she lives in Big Stone Gap, about 9 miles away. 

September 11, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday 1981  Fair  cool to hot. 

I washed some.  Went to the garden, dug some potatoes.  Got melons & tomatoes.  The Bull Dozer come and fixed Ruth's place for her trailer today.


Footnote:   Ruth Smith Reasor is her sister-in-law.  She was married to Everette,  the youngest son of Lula Baker Reasor..   They lived in the big house - the homeplace.  After Uncle Everette died, Aunt Ruth moved in to a mobile home that she had parked in the side yard of the big house.   It was a very nice place and I am sure much easier on her to keep clean and she must have felt safer. 


Remember the tragedy that happened in this nation 13 years ago.  Thinking of the great number of people who were affected by the event.   It must be hard on them to get thru this day.  It was all an evil and unnecessary loss. 

September 10, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981   54 degrees  very cool but got hot.

I washed some.  cleaned one wardrobe and aired clothes.  Radious, Walter & Roy Shuler were here.  I had to go to the store late.  We mowed some. 


Footnote:  Radious and Walter are neighbors.  Roy Shuler is her sister, Edith's husband.  They live in Big Stone Gap but have a farm and cattle on the back road near her house. 

September 9, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Fair  cool.    Millard sick.

I went to the garden.  took Sturgill's some watermelons.  Washed some.  got one window cleaned.   Had to stay with Wendi awhile.  To prayer meeting. 


Footnote:   Sturgills are neighbors of hers.  Wendi is her granddaughter who lives about 9 miles away.  Millard is her husband.  

September 8, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  Rainy at morning to Fair

Roy, Edith and Jennings were all here this morning.  Millard & I went for groceries and wound up over to Curt's awhile. 


Footnote:   Roy is her brother-in-law and Edith is her sister.  Jennings is her brother.  Millard is her husband and Curt is Millard's brother.  

September 7, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday  1981  Foggy  half a day.

I washed, made tomato juice, baked a cake, picked the tomatoes and some watermelons.  I was up to Jennings, Mrs. Tritt's and Reba's.  Mr. & Mrs. Parson's come tonite.

Footnote:    Busy morning.  Jennings is her brother.   I remember the name Tritt but nothing about her other than she lived in the community.  Reba is her sister-in-law.  The Parsons are neighbors also. 


My Note:  Sorry I am just now getting around to catching up on the blog.  I had a show Sunday and I had to leave the house about 6:15AM.  Set up started at 7AM.  The town of Loveland, Ohio is about 30 minutes drive from my house.  It was a very nice day to be in the park - about 80 artists and a nice crowd of people.  I sold a few things and have some orders for dolls.   I was tired when I got home about 7PM.  Show was over at 5PM.       Then yesterday, Monday, I had to get up early again and drive to Rising Sun, Indiana.  I taught a class to their quilt group and it started at 9:30.  Was there until after 3PM.  So man I was dragin' when I got home.   Then I had a 2 hour dental apt. this afternoon, Tue.  - he put the post in for the crown.  What an ordeal, not to mention the cost.  I did sell him two dolls for his waiting room.  I made them especially for his office.    So I am just coastin' the rest of the week.  Got a show coming up Sept. 20 and another one Sept. 27 and another one Oct. 5.   Got a lot of dolls to stuff in the next 3 weeks.  But I will be sitting on the sofa doing it.   

September 6, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981  Fair  Hot.

Homecoming    We had lots of food.  some came from Dryden and Olinger to eat with us.  Jerry & Sandy Carter sang and David Brewer preached. 


Footnote:  Homecoming is a big event at the church.  I remember going to one of these and the food was really spectacular.  I don't know  the Carters or David Brewer.    I do know the food was good. 


I am in a show tomorrow - about 20 miles from here and I have to be there about 7AM to set up, so I will be leaving here early and won't post on the blog until I get home late.

September 5, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981 

I washed some  & cooked some.  Went to church tonite.  David Brewer preached.


Footnote:  Don't know if David Brewer was the regular preacher at Deep Springs Baptist Church at that time or if he was a guest preacher.  

September 4, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday   cloudy  1981  to sunshine. 

I washed, made some tomato juice.  Jennings brought Uncle Ray & Aunt Hazel by a minute.


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother who lives nearby.  Ray Baker is a half-brother to Lula Reasor, our grandmother.  Hazel is his wife.  They live about 15-20 minutes away as I remember.   



Happy Birthday to Joshua Hunt (34)  and Rachel Statzer Klump  (44).    

September 3, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thursday   Fair  hot   1981 

I went to Kingsport alone today.  No one wanted to go with me.  I enjoyed it, went where ever I wanted and didn't have to look for anyone or wait for anyone.  We mowed the yard late. 


Footnote:   Kingsport is a nice town with lots of shopping places and it is about an hours drive from her house. 


My note: 
Good for her for enjoying the day.  Just how I feel sometimes.   I went to Spain for a month by myself and I enjoyed going where I wanted, when I wanted.   Even decided to stay in Paris for a few days on my way home.  I got bumped off a flight as I was trying to get home so I just decided to stay a few days.    Didn't have to check with anyone else.  It was a good decision.  Guess that is what happens when you have been alone as long as I have - since my girls left home - 1990. 

P.S.  would be nice to have someone else worrying about paying the bills - I have been doing that since I was 22.    It is OK though, I have done that and didn't have to listen to someone telling me I wasn't doing it right.    I have a sewing machine on the dining room table and I'm pretty sure that would not be acceptable to someone who was looking for food on that table.    I could go on!!!

September 2, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed.  1981  Hot & Clear.

Stell & I went to church & worked awhile.  Millard decided he wanted to go to the Dr. and we did all evening.  To prayer meeting tonite. 


Footnote:   Stell Kelly is her good friend and neighbor.  Millard is her husband.  Wonder what was wrong with him - she doesn't say.  


Additional information on the birthdays:

Sept. 16, 2010   Jude Austin Hunt     Grandson of Sandra Reasor Hunt and son of Joshua and Sacha

Sept.  14            Baylee Kay Reasor  Granddaughter of Stephen Reasor and daughter of Jonathan & April. 


(Thanks  Sandra for sending me this information)     If any of the rest of you have information on birthdates, deaths, etc, please send it to me via email:   statzerart@aol.com.

September 1, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tuesday  1981  cloudy  warm.

I made tomato juice, was up to Jennings and out to Lizzie's.  To Missionary society tonite.


Footnote:  Jennings is her brother and Lizzie Sturgill is her neighbor.  Missionary society is a woman's organization that is connected to her church. 

Sept. birthdays, deaths:
Roy Edward Shuler born 9-2-17 and died 3-25-04   husband of Edith and father of Patricia and Doug
Rachel Hope Statzer Klump born 9-4-70    daughter of Patricia Shuler Statzer
Joshua Hunt born 9-4-80       son of Sandra Reasor Hunt
Freddie Gay born 9-9-37       husband of Betty Jean and father of Becky, Bill and Allen
Wendi Collier born 9-11-73    daughter of Janice Gail Ely Collier
Michael Reasor born 9-12-70    son of Kenneth Reasor
Stephen Michael Reasor  born 9-13-51      son of Everette Reasor
Sacha Hunt  born 9-17-80     daughter-in-law of Sandra Reasor Hunt
Smith Kevin Reasor  born 9-20-62   son of Everette Reasor
Betty Jean Reasor  died  9-30-08     born 8-16-35    daughter of Jennings Reasor
Martin Sailor Reasor   died 9-30-40    born 5-4-1882

August 31, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday 1981   Fair  hot.

We had to see the dentist about Millard's teeth a minute.  I gathered a lot of corn and Millard and I worked it up.   Stell Kelly come for corn. 


Footnote:  Millard is her husband.  Stell Kelly is her good friend. 

August 30, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday 1981  Fair & Hot.  


We were at church.  Janice & Wendi was here.  They went to Magic Mart a minute. 



Footnote:  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Magic Mart is getting all their money.    

August 29, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sat.  1981  Fair  hot.

I don't feel good at all.   We went to Pennington early to start Millard some new teeth.  Done house work later.  Mr. Dizney bush hogged $160 worth of weeds. 


Footnote:  Pennington is a town just west of her house.  Millard is her husband.  That is a lot of bushes and weeds.   

August 28, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Friday  1981  Fair  hot. 

We went to Penn. to see about Millard some new teeth.  doesn't do that except on Sat.  Mr. Disney bush hogged our weeds today.  Roy & Edith & Reba were here.  I went for eggs & Marshall gave me 2 watermelons.  Smith Kevin come home from the hospital. 


Footnote:   Pennington Gap is a small town about 8 miles West of her home.  Not sure what that next sentence means but that is the way it is entered in the book.  I don't know Mr. Disney but I guess he is a neighbor.  Roy and Edith are her brother-in-law and sister.  Reba is her sister-in-law.   Not sure who or where Marshall is that she got eggs and watermelons.  Smith Kevin is her nephew, youngest and cutest(ha) son of her brother, Everette.  He is also the youngest of the 12 in the third generation of the Reasor family.   He has two daughters so he is no help in carrying on the Reasor name.    However, his older brother, Stephen, was successful in doing that as he has two sons, Jonathan and Justin.  And our other cousin, Kenneth was also successful in passing on the name as he has three sons, Daniel, David and Michael.  I can't remember exactly but I think Daniel and David both have sons.  Michael has two daughters.    I need to get the birthdates and names of those children that make up the fifth generation.    Those of you that read this and have this information, please send me an email  statzerart@aol.com.  

August 27, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Thurs.  1981  Fair  Hot.

I washed some.  cooked for Jennings & us.  Stell Kelly & Gene Lipps were here.  I was up to Jennings a minute,.  Finished mowing the yard. 


Footnote:    Jennings is her brother.  Stell Kelly is her neighbor and friend.  Gene Lipps is a friend.   

August 26, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Wed. 1981   Fair  hot.

I planned on going to Big Stone early for Smith Kevin's surgery but Millard didn't feel good so I couldn't leave him.   He knows how to do this.   Lizzie & Maudie   Ellen, Gene Lipps, Jennings was in.  I went to the store late.  


Footnote:  Smith Kevin is her brother, Everette's, youngest son.  Millard is her husband.   Lizzie Sturgill is her neighbor and I think Maudie Ellen was Lizzie's daughter.  Gene Lipps is her friend.  Jennings is her brother.  

August 25, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Tues.  1981  not so hot.  foggy to clear.

I swept the floors.  Sewed some.  This eve I went to Lizzie's a minute and dug a bucket of potatoes.  Stell Kelly come late. 


Footnote:  Lizzie Sturgill is her neighbor who lives on the back road.  Stell Kelly is her good friend and fellow church member.   ]


I'd sure like to have a skillet full of those new little potatoes cooked in that iron skillet and covered in salt.  Oh that was like eating candy.  

August 24, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Monday,  1981  Foggy to Fair hot. 


I washed a load of clothes, went to the garden & dug potatoes.  Jennings ate lunch with us.  Roy, Edith & Minnie Bennett was in a minute. 


Footnote:   Jennings is her brother.  Roy and Edith are her sister and brother-in-law.  They live in Big Stone Gap about 9 miles away.  Minnie Bennett is a friend of Roy and Edith's.  She is visiting from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.  

August 23, 1981 Aunt Estelle wrote

Sunday  1981   Foggy  partly cloudy most of day.


Janice & Wendi were home.  Va. Shuler come visiting.  We went to the funeral home late where Mrs. Wainscott and Arthur Burchetti lay corpse.  Jennings got back and come in a while.  


Footnote:  Janice is her daughter and Wendi is her granddaughter.  Virginia Shuler is her cousin, friend and neighbor.  She never drove a car so I don't know how she come visiting.  Her husband, Harold Shuler would have brought her probably.   As I said, I don't know who Wainscott and Burchetti were.   Jennings is her brother who lives nearby. 


My note:  I am back home, about 9 PM Sunday night.  It was the hottest weekend we have had in years, I think.  I was at the show site by 6AM, Saturday and I was wet with sweat by 6:30AM.  The humidity was awful and never let up.  It rained and stormed really bad Saturday night.  I had covered up everything and tied the tent down good so I didn't have any damage.  Some other people had water damage.  Sunday was even hotter than it was Sat.  I kept a wet linen napkin around my neck and that helped to keep me somewhat cool.  It was a long two days and the sales were not the best I have had.  I might do the show again next year as the people were nice and I love the town.  The architecture was just amazing everywhere.   This is the town that Cummins Engine plant is in and the town was built by the Miller family.  Miller was an engineer and he founded the Cummins Engine company.  We were right in the middle of downtown on the street - so the pavement was hot - but the buildings were just awesome.   I had a lady in the booth who was buying a doll and I  asked if she lived there.  She does and is in fact a tour guide and conducts walking tours of the downtown buildings,.  She said there were famous architects who designed the buildings but Frank Lloyd Wright was not one of them.  Some famous  guy from New Mexico did some of the designing.  If you are interested, she said to check out the website and it will give you all the info.  I will do that.    Anyway, I survived.