1967 - February

 

"Wednesday, February 1, 1967

Dear Diary,

Sue was at school, but Buffy was absent. I woke up to a freshly fallen layer of snow - it melted by the time school got out. After buying a Mass card for Buffy's granddad, Sue & I had a coke in the 5 & 10. She did most of the talking - about her grandfather & other relatives. Did some of my homework. Left for dancing school about 6. Mum bought 3 jackets for $5 each. 2 came today but Patty & Johnny grabbed them. Mum went to town & bought me one - I have a choice now - tonite's or the one coming tomorrow. Barbara Malone & Navin came to DS. (Dancing School) They & Joanie left early. Diane & I had cokes with Lee. I was kinda scared coming home - 2 drunks were in front of me. Nite"

"Thursday, February 2, 1967  *  (2/3/67)

Dear Diary,

Not much doing today. Sue goes to the hospital every day at 2:30 for traction starting tomorrow (her spine's crooked.) She told me ____ (been out 2 wks) tried suicide - an overdose of pills. Isn't that terrible!! Walked home with Navin. Did some homework. After drying dishes, I again started on my homework. At 8:30 Navin called - asked me to meet her at Frank's. First I went to Parker Drug. I met Dennis & Paul ... Nite"

"Friday, February 3, 1967

Dear Diary,

Had a World Affairs Club meeting 7th period - so-so. Met Mum & kids in the Sq. They were going to have their throats blest. I went to the 5:30 Mass. Met Mum & walked to the Hully's with her. On the way home I stopped at Gorin's - visited Janice (John Alden - I must think up a better name) & Bev. Saw Liz & Birdie in 5 & 10, but no John the stockboy. - I must mail Mass cards!! Remind me! Went to the McClennens at 7 - they didn't leave till 7:30 - went to a skating party. Watched tv. UNCLE was okay, Hogan' Heroes - good; Laredo - best in ages. Did most of my homework except English & Rel. They got home at 1:30 & gave me $5. It's now 1:53am. Nite"

"Saturday, February 4

Hi there, Di,

Sandy was at work this am. Got through work about 2:15. Got a raise - from $6.49 to $6.69 - $20. Picked up some pix at Fox'. Saw David Vaughan - recognized me. (Madeline Vaughn' s son - she was one of my mother's best friends.) Patty & I went to the Sq. Visited Buffy, Lizzie, & of course Birdie. She's going to visit ___ I said I'd go. I guess she's in the hosp. (she's got a police record now because of attempting suicide). We switched the room around. Mum lambasted us. Went babysitting at 6 for Rotundos ... Joanie & Diane came over. Some neat boys live there. Got $3.50. Bye"

"Sunday, February 5

Dear Diary,

Went to usual Mass with Joanie & Diane. Moe & I went to Boston. Millions of sailors! We first went to the Prudential. Saw 2 destroyers in the shipyard from the Skywalk. We walked to the Common. On the way a car with 5 or 6 boys pulled up & asked if we wanted a ride - NO! Went by the USO - lots of 'em in there - a girl working there can't date 'em. 2 sailors honked & waved as they passed us in a car. We went to Brigham's - then came home. Watched the FBI. Went to Frank's. I've got a stiff neck now. Bye."

"Monday, February 6

Dear Diary,

No school for me today - complained of a stiff neck & swollen glands, & besides Mum worked at the polls & needed me to babysit. Watched tv all day. Robert Long is a regular in 77 Sunset Strip now. Mary Navin was down - began reading (and correcting) my story. She was down after supper too. Watched Monkees. Iron Horse - Barnabas was great, Rat Patrol - Hitch was shot, Felony Squad - good, & Family Affair. Went to bed about 10. Nite"

"Tuesday, February 7

Dear Diary,

Because of the threat of a bad snowstorm & because I had a fever last nite, I didn't go to school. It started snowing about 8 & didn't stop until sometime after 6. The schools got out around 11. Watched tv all day. Patty & I thought up something great for my story - bringing in Iron Horse. Navin came down about 4:15. After watching 77 Sunset Strip (Robert Logan's in it) we proceeded up to my 'writing den' where we reread the story thus far. Watched tv, made fudge, & talked to Moe. We 'ave ghosts. I heard footsteps upstairs last nite ( I was in Mum's bed) & Patty was fast asleep. Nite"

Wednesday, February 8, 1967

Dear Diary,

No school today! It was terrific! Mary N, Peggy, Patty, & I went to the Star Market. When I got home, Moe was waiting. We went to M Power's & the 3 of us proceeded to Harvard Sq. Met Bruce Palmer (belongs to Fellowship). He came to Crackjack's with us. (Crackerjack's was a hippie clothing store.) We walked around & had lunch. Got home about 3:15. Went to Strongs - no one was home. I waited 20 mins & she finally arrived. Got $1.50. No dancing school, so I went to Navin's. Jay told me all the homework we had, but I just said 'forget it' - I didn't have the books home. Patty, Mary & I had a little battle - pushing each other into the snow. Goodnite" 

"Thursday, February 9

Dear Diary,

Not much doing. I missed the French test on tapes Mon. Sue & I headed for the 5 & 10. Since it was crowded, we went to Butler's ... Dad gave me a ride to Hully's. Joanie, Diane & I started our regular attendance at Lenten Mass (5:30). Stopped at 5 & 10, & talked to Birdie (today's her birthday.) The stock boy sent her a card - she's exhilarated. Did some homework. The 'Caretakers' were on - I only saw part of it though - Dad turned the station. Was up till 1:15 doing Latin & English. Bye-y"

"Friday, February 10

Dear Diary,

No school! I was trudging along to school when Patty & Lee came galloping down shouting 'no school.' It stopped snowing about 10. I cleaned me room & took care of Jody. About 2 I took Chris to the Strongs. I have no boots - and it was all slushy. My feet were soaking. Today's Patty's birthday - didn't get her anything. Joanie, Diane, & I went to the 5:30 Mass - it's not as good as last year - no one interesting there. Got home at 6:20 - gulped down supper & went to the McClennens at 6:30. Margy is huge - she's creeping. She's adorable - I luv her. Patty came over twice, scared me the 2nd time. Got $3 till 12:45. Nite"

"Saturday, February 11

Dear Diary,

For a change Paul was at work - He'll be there the next 4 wks. From now on I'm stuck with the paper boys & Linda's filing OP bills - Real Neat (sarcasm). Wrote a lot of the story this after. Went to 5:30 Mass with Joanie & Di. Had supper at Hully's. We 3 went to a basketball game at 6:40. We saw the 7th & 8th grade teams - pretty good. Then at 8 'the' team came out. St Jean's stunk - had a real fucky kid. We won 73-28. Roy Condon's great! Real handsome. There was a surprise party for Mum (20th Anniv) at Hibernians. Joanne was sick - vomited in bathroom. Bye"

I'd say the date on the picture is incorrect per my diary.

"February 12

Dear Diary,

Grandpa died this am. I feel bad but not that bad. We hardly ever saw him. I was hoping he'd get better & marry Peggy (widow next door) - well, I'm romantic anyhow. I feel like crying, but the tears won't come. I got up at 11:25 & dashed to church with everyone but Patty, Chris (at Hannie's) & Jody (she's got the mumps.) When we got home, Pat told us Joe Walsh had called & wanted Dad over at the hosp. Before he left he told me to go ice skating. After he left, Joe called - told us Grandpa was dead. I went skating with Joanie & Mary. Met some neat kids. Was at Navin's and Frank's. Pete was at Navin's. Bye-bye"

"Mon, February 13, 1967

Dear Diary,

I decided I'm going to get a bank account for me money. I won't be able to close your pages if I put much more in. I only told Susan Cook that Grandpa died. We had a coke in the 5 & 10 after school. Did some homework this after. I babysat while Mum, Dad, Johnny & Patty went to the wake. Watched Iron Horse, Monkees - Mickey was great, Rat Patrol - good, Felony Squad - okay, & Family Affair - sad. Washed my hair. Patty told me she met one of our 'other' cousins - 17 & good-looking. Who can he be? Although I did some while watching tv, I was up till 1 doing homework. Mum didn't say anything. Nite"

"Tuesday, February 14

Dear Diary,

Susan & I had a coke as usual in 5 & 10. She inadvertently blurted out that ____ was in Met State Hosp. I can't tell anyone. I went to the wake with Hannie, Norman, Ma, & Dicky. I recognized all my uncles except maybe Joe - my God-father! They're all getting bald - except Richie. Dad's not too bad - it's getting thin. The tears came when I knelt down to say some prayers - I think Ma and maybe Hannie noticed it. I met Judy 18 (I know her actually) & Eddie 14 (he's handsome!) Everyone was telling us (Eddie & I) that we looked like brother & sister, especially when we smiled - I wouldn't mind. Everyone was laughing ... I talked with Bertha K - no one else was. I was there 1 1/2 hours. Talked with Joanie until 11:45. Nite"

Wed, February 15, 1967

Dear Diary,

The funeral was at 9. All us kids (me, Johnny, Judith - Eddie - Jacky (Tom's kids & Peggy) had our own limousine. Jacky & I were partners. Peggy seemed awfully upset - didn't say one word. It was terrible - my eyes were all misty quite a few times. I still wish he & Peggy had been married. It's hard to believe I'll never see him again - I wanted to kiss him the last time I saw him but I didn't. Hannie dragged us out of our car at the cemetery & took us home. I wanted to stay & maybe meet more relatives.        Went to Parker with Patty & Lee. Saw Eddie & Mrs Staires. We had a power failure about 5:30 - our block. Went to Navins about 6:15 & as I walked up the power went up there too. Mary & I went to dancing school. Visited Lee. Went to the library. Visited Lee again. Mary & I are sisters & me & Eddie are twins. Bye"

"Thursday, February 16, 1967

Dear Diary,

I was put in charge of  the money for tickets & the bus for Sat's game. I'm so lucky! Made up a chemistry test - it was hard. Buffy, Sue, & I had a coke in 5& 10. Sue & I have a thing going - if we concentrate hard enough, count to 3, snap our fingers, & say a name, the person usually appears within 15 mins. Usually Mary Joyce. Mr Heck came about 6. The Mrs is going on retreat over the weekend. I didn't watch any tv tonite. Took 10 mins out to pound on piano, another 10 to check on kids, & 5 to go to the bathroom. I spent all the rest of the time on homework & I just finished (12:45). Got $2.50. Dancing Sunday night - Irish step.  Bye"

"Friday, February 17

Dear Diary,

John's taking Birdie to the Ice Follies tomorrow. We had a rally this after. Quaint. Cheerleaders cheered, & Fr Cronin introduced the basketball players. Roy Condon is nifty! Terribly Handsome! Walked home with Birdie. Eddie passed us & waved (at me). I was walking by the Philips School, & he pulled out of a driveway - almost hit me. Saw Dottie & Ronnie too - he winked. Went to the Navin's till 5. Went to Mass with Joanie. Went to the Strongs at 7:30. Got home about 8:30 - $.50. Watched tv. 'L-Shaped Room' was fabulous! The guy that played Toby was terrific! A doll! Oh the Junior Dance is changed to March 17. The same night we have to Irish dance.  Nite"

"Saturday, February 18, 1967

Dear Diary,

Woke up at 9:15 exactly which time I'm supposed to be at work. I made it down there at 9:35. Linda wasn't there yet. Paul wouldn't let me out at 12:30 so I couldn't go to the Tech Tourney. I was disappointed, & I guess he knew it. He tried to make-up by fooling around all afternoon. We ended up belting each other. This am he told Linda to leave so we 2  could be together - alone - hoho. Went to confession at 5 - met Diane - we lost 64 - 48. She, Joan, & I went to Mass. I went up to their house but didn't stay. Went to McClennens at 8:30. Watched tv. 'David & Lisa' was on at 11:15. It was terrific! Kerr Dulea is fantastic - colossal! Handsome! Nifty blue eyes. Got $2.50 till 1:15. Nite"

"Sunday, February 19

Dear Diary,

Today started out usual - saw David at Mass. There was a guy there who acted mental - kept hitting the kid in front of him - he (about 20) gave me the willies. I went to the Heck's at 5:30 (Patty came too.) Patty called home & Dad said some kid named James Falter called me - I never heard of him! Hope he calls back. Joanie, Diane, Sue Dunn, Michael McDermott, & I went step-dancing in Forest Hills. Mike has a neat cousin named Pat, - an electrician - he's a doll - who came with us. At the place everyone was doing the 'Siege of Venice' (actually siege of Ennis) and it was my turn to twirl or spin with Pat. He held me tight and we twirled - so fast, I got terribly dizzy & began to slow down, but he picked me up by the waist & twirled some more. My legs were sticking out behind me. When he put me down, I could barely stand up. My God! It was fun. Later I went to the chair which held my coat (he was sitting beside it) & said 'Excuse me." He moved, but the chair collapsed, & he almost landed on the floor. I was so embarrassed. He's neat. Nite

Pat knows my name.

Who's James Falter? 

I definitely like Pat!"

"Monday, February 20

Dear Diary,

Slept till 11. Went to the Strong's at 1:30. Was there till 3. Pete was here - Jay & Johnny constantly embarrass him (and me) by saying that Mary, Joanie, Patty, & I 'love' him. I like Pete & I feel sorry for him when they do that (I feel sorry for myself too). Got stuck minding Jimmy, Christine, & Jody while Mum & Dad went to a funeral. 'Rat Patrol' (I read a book about it) & 'Iron Horse' weren't on 'cause of a movie. SH_T! Nite"

"Tuesday, February 21, 1967

Dear Diary,

I accompanied Mary to the dentist - she's stupid scared of dentists & needles. Dr Dinjian didn't bother her too much. I tried to buy boots but my calves are too fat. Mary came babysitting with me. After putting the kids to bed, we played Cowboys with their guns. I was Jesse James. After running around the house doing that, we used their hockey sticks. Ann & Emmie got home about 2. Mary stayed over nite, & we were up till 4:30 making up a stupid story about Rat Patrol.  G'nite."

Thursday, February 22, 1967

Dear Diary,

Got up at 11 to mind the little kids while Mum went to Boston. It started to snow early this afternoon. Moe called - she wants to go to Boston (the Unicorn) Sunday ... 

Tommy ____ came as usual. I can't stand that kid - always looking for something to eat, hands in his mouth - I can't stand him! ... Mary came down about 9. We helped shovel Emmie out of his driveway. The street's keen for sledding. Bye"

"Friday, February 24, 1967

Dear Diary,

Slept till about 10:15. Mum got me & Patty up so we could clean the house. Did dishes, cleaned room, dusted living room, cleaned room again, did the attic stairs, & shoveled. Moe called about 12 & wanted to go to Harvard Sq. - I said yes but then changed my mind. Called her at 2 & told her I could not go. Patty & I shovelled the Greens' for about 1/2 hour. Then watched '77 Sunset Strip.' We went to 5:30 Mass. After supper we went to the Strongs (7:30.) I was afraid to go alone because Albert De Salvo escaped & two men that went with him were caught in 'Waltham." Watched tv & ironed.  Bye"

Albert De Salvo was the Boston Strangler!

"Saturday, February 25, 1967

Dear Diary,

A catastrophe has befallen us! Linda is quitting! She left today at 12:30, & if she gets the job, she won't be back. Paul has a replacement for her - some Wat High girl. It was terribly busy this after, Paul & I didn't get out until 2:50. He drove me home. He won't be at the office for 3 weeks. I have to train the new girl! I went to the McClennens right after I got home. The Mrs gave me lunch. Margy was up most of the time I was there - she's a doll - awfully fat. Both Patty & Mary came over. Got home about 6:30. Moe called - she lost her glasses at the Unicorn Wed - now she can't go out tomorrow. 'Beatles'were on Hollywood Palace. Mission Impossible was good. Bye"

"Sunday, February 26, 1967

Dear Diary,

Dad, Johnny, Patty, Jimmy, & I went to the regular Mass. Joanie met us there. I went to the Navin's after lunch - Pete was there. Mary & I were playing chess & Pete & Johnny came in. Pete was going to help me, & Johnny, Mary, but Johnny changed his mind & so I left & played checkers with Joanie. I made some real boners as Pete watched. Joanie, Mary, & I went to Weird practice. We just arrived & it ended. We stayed a while not talking to anyone. I felt like an ass. We went back to Navin's. Called Mary's cousin Margie. I was on the downstairs phone. Talked with Margie & Kenny. The Easter parade is coming up so we three & Margie are going. Me, Margie, & Mary went last year. I had a nice conversation then with Dave & Kenny. Watched the FBI & did homework.  Bye"

"Tuesday, February 28, 1967

Dear Diary,

Took the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test today. The history and science parts were terrible. Cokes are up to $.15. Sue & I had cokes in Butlers. Patty & I went to 5:30 Mass. Paul Cameron drove by & waved - first! I didn't notice him until he was almost past. We had hot chocolate in Fantasia's - John Short & Jack were working. I was looking at cards & Jack brought my gloves over & said 'Here's your gloves; I don't want you to forget them.' He even patted my arm! (sigh). Didn't get home until 6:30 - Mum had a fit. Did homework. Watched a program about 'Mod' fashions. Jack is nifty when he is in a good mood. Nite"

February 29

Since there isn't any Feb 29 this year I might as well jot down a few thoughts. I decided to volunteer for Candy Striping at Mt Auburn Hosp until at least June 16, & maybe July 17. Then I'll be a nurse's aide. I'm not sure I really want to be a nurse. I don't know if I have the 'guts' for it. I think I'll go to a College School of Nursing - such as Boston College. Then I'd like to join the Navy. Everyone thinks I'm nuts over sailors. Actually it's just an act - I mean I think they are nifty & all, but I'm not that crazy about them. I think it is unfair that boys should be compelled to serve their country & girls aren't. That's actually the reason I'd like to join. I chose the Navy because I like the uniform (Waves) & ships. Most people think it is because of the sailors, but it's not really. I've overdone the act, 'cause no one will believe otherwise & I feel ridic trying to explain to them."

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