Another mystery solved...I have been working on the transcriptions of William Henry Hawley's Civil War letters, from John's copies. They are so much clearer than mine, that I am getting almost every letter so far, completed. In going over all the papers he had, I found a paper from the Iowa State Historical Society, it was a receipt to Susan Atwell(my mother), from them, for William H. Hawley's Civil War Letters, plus some other things regarding him. I just knew that at some point they would be found. Hurray!!! So when I get to Des Moines next week, guess where I am going?

I also have an appointment next Monday in Fort Dodge to speak with the Director of the Fort Museum, as I know that mother gave them some things of William Hawley's also. Hopefully I can retrieve them, since they are nothing to do with the history of Fort Dodge, but if not, at the very least I hope to be able to take photographs of them with my trusty point and shoot camera.

Dick is in the dining room, as I type this, going through a buffet. He is finding all sorts of interesting things, is making comments, and then putting them all back!!!! He said they would go into someone's yard sale, probably. I asked him if he would remember where they were, and he said, "I hope so!"

Last night we were invited over to Dick's friend Ann's home to have dinner. And the dessert was homemade rhubarb pie. It has been ages and ages since I have had rhubarb pie. It brought back memories of Mom baking little rhubarb tarts for Louise and me, which we would take in the canoe up the Des Moines River and eat them. Yummy! My mouth waters just thinking about it.

It is a beautiful day out today with clear blue skies, but a couple of days ago, there were strong wind and rain warnings out, and indeed, in southern Iowa, there were tornadoes. One farm had 3 to 4 million dollars worth of damage. Like in all small farm areas, however, the neighbors from all around came and helped clean up. I just love it.

Adios, Adieu, Mahalo,
Love, Sally