Welcome to my World

Welcome to the domain different--to paraphrase from New Mexico's capital city of Santa Fe which bills itself "The City Different." Perhaps this space is not completely unique but my world shapes what I write as well as many other facets of my life. The four Ds figure prominently but there are many other things as well. Here you will learn what makes me tick, what thrills and inspires me, experiences that impact my life and many other antidotes, vignettes and journal notes that set the paradigm for Dierdre O'Dare and her alter ego Gwynn Morgan and the fiction and poetry they write. I sell nothing here--just share with friends and others who may wander in. There will be pictures, poems, observations, rants on occasion and sometimes even jokes. Welcome to our world!

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Memoir Monday. May 11, 1968

 The last few weeks flying by...time for changes and one began to take shape. There were days when it all stood still and now and then one when a sudden leap happened and I found myself on a new route.  Would it work out? Would it be worth the effort? Time to shove second thoughts aside and just get 'er done. Changes--I was leaning toward but still very uncertain. I do tend to be a stuck-in-the-rut type person. Taureans are creatures of habit, all too often.  Would it be worth the effort? Time to shove second thoughts aside and just get 'er done. 

May 6, 1969  Monday

The AT&SF is rolling--I really knocked myself out on it this weekend. But I am not aavery pleased with it though with each reading it looks al ittle better So I guess I won't handmyh ead too low. Now for the other one and tehn for my Dapr projects.  That will be quite a go-round, I reckon. It is might windy this morning. I am cutting marketing, mainly just too lazy to getm ycaracss down there and then I really wanted to go over that paper once more. 

Only four more weeks now. I've got to get on the stick and get my summer plans worked out but right now I'm sote of waiting on Mary and Judy. Judy seems to feel it's all systems go. I figure I'd better get a job so Ill be sure toh ave enough money. Actually the folks still owe me $196 with all the horss and saddles subtracted from teh balance, but I don't imagine I'll get it any time soon. That would fix me for the summer, though. I'll just have toi earn it myself, though.

I'm presently sending out some inqueries about housing and jobs. For sure I can swing 1st session with Judy but I'd like to do a little better than that. After my second paper, I've go tobeing soring and packing. I really need another trunk but may not be able to afford it. I'll have to see. I won't be selling back many books this time. And I rally need to have two teeth pulled. That's at least $12.00 and probably more. Need new glasses too. Oh money, it is the rattiest stuff. Screws up everything. Well, I'd better be getting ready to go. It's nearly quarter 'til and I don't want to be late. (ha ha).

May 9, 1969 Thursday

And now big paper number 2 is done. And I am proud of it. It's neat and well written, at leaast as far as  I can  judge it. After beind dismally depressed for awhile I feel pretty good this morning. Now, if I can get one or twoof my programs to run and if I getsome mail, I'll be real cheerful. Looks like I'll ahve ato go to Cottonwood if Iwant my $59. That kind of ticks me off but that is how people are. 

Tonight I guess I'll get dressed up and go  hear Moiss Reckner's talk. I think Michal Ann is oing. So that means I'd better do my reearch for that manageent report this morning and tehn I can spend the afternoon in the computer lab. And sometime I've got to write a marketing case and do an accounting problm for tomorrow. Would you beleive only 22 more days??

Gee, that's something else and I've stil got a lot to do. But it's such a relief to have those two term paaers done. The damn Data processing ...but I'll get it oo jusgt by plugging along. I'd sure like tohavea  1 on that class, I can't possilbe get a 1 in accounting and probably not in Finance so I need all I can get. I've got Management and Marketing sewed upunless I reallygoof bad and I think I've earned a one in Tech Writing so taht leaves Dapr and Finance to struggle with while I do the best I can in accounting. I've got to get preregisted pdq. If Dr Downum does not call me I'll try to run up tomorrow right at 1:30 and get started anyway. I stil can't decide about a major and that's bugging me. I go eenie, meanie between accunting and marketing. Oh pudge.

Later: Well, its been quite a day. I'm $135 richer thanks to Uncle Dan and Cheif's new pople. I safely mailed it to y account and it should be deposited tomorrow. Iwent up to see Dr Downum, he is really a great old boy and I like him loads. His advice, and getting the m oney decided me toi moive off campus, I bought a paper and I've got alist of numbers tocall in the morning. Saturday I'll goo see any possibilities,\. I just can't see running down to Nancy's ths weeked. I amy call her though, out of courtesty.

Guess I shouild go wash my hair. Maybe I will and braid it and curl the ends. Oh, my posters came, too. Leonard Nimoy for Judy ois in color and my Good and Bad are pretty cool. Guess theywere worth the $4 after all. I'm bushed. Tomorrow is going tob e budy even if I have got my papers done so mayabe I'lll just shower and turn in for a ittle extra shut-eye. It's really not all that early

Obviously I let the major issue ride. And why Marketing and Accounting? I cannot recall at all but those seem rather unlikely. Yes, accounting of the forensic type for pre-law but Marketing?? How to sell yourself to others manybe becsuse I always whined I could not sell fridges on Fuji Island or stoves to the Eskimos. Management might make more sense. But then I was wanting to back off from all the business stuff. That took a little longer. However, I did dive into the project of finding an off-campus residence and that happened about the end of this semester

Pictures? That is a challenge here.  Looking back to the same period a year before, I think how different my life had become in just twelve months.  I remember helping Mary pack her things which she sent on to Tucson on the bus. Morton Hall had been home since September 8, two different rooms and roommates. A night or two before or after that, I had gone out with Dusty, little knowing it would be the last time I ever would. The Little Bluebird--good memories but some sadness too. Never is such a dark, hard final word.



Sunday, April 19, 2026

Monday Memoir, May 4, 1968

 Just a month more...how have two years flown by so very quickly?  The fact that college days are not infinite and will end much sooner than I had even considered suddenly appears. And that very thorny, puzzling question: What in the blazes am I going to do after that? Goals were dim, vague and really did not feel promising anymore. I almost wish I could just stay closeted in academia forever. I could almost guarantee good grades if I chose my subjects carefully. I could write papers until doom's day. I could...but who would pay me for that?

Did I skip my birthday intentionally? Perhaps I did.Nothing of any consequensce occurred for sure and I almost resented finding myself half way from tweny to thirty which at that point seemed very aged. 

April 28, 1968  Sunday

Almost April 29 actually. It's been a busy weekend but rather nice. Part of it, anyway. I got up early Saturday and was in the library by 8:30. I stayed until 12:30 and got my paper rough-drafted. All afternoon I worked on Wall Street Journals except for going to buy some strawberries for a birthday treat. 

Today I typed my rough copy, read my Acttg, washed and colored my hair, called the folks and went to see The Graduate. Had a Tom Collins before hand. They slide down so easy and almost a favorite drink now.. The movie was good. Simon and Garfunkle's songs do a lot for it. It is a devastating satire, cuts almost everything about today. I would not quite put it in my favorites list but that is pretty exclusive. 

Dale called tonight. He is in LA and trying too get on with Greyhound, would you believe? Old bad penny himself who cannot be gotten rid of! It's bedtime. No marketing at 8:00 in the morning and no morning class on Tuesday either. I'll get lazy, won't I? (Fat chance!) My color pictures came and they are cool.I've just got to get some of me now. Maybe Dale would oblidge me.

April 30, 1968  Tuesday

April went out pretty lamblike weatherwise. I rather wasted the day but probably needed a break. I was sitting doing my accounting when Dale called. He was at the Monte. So I met him up town and we had coffee and talked until 11:30 when he walked me back down to the dorm. At 3:00 after Dapr, I went back up. He was asleep but I woke him up and shared the bed for awhile. I was really all set to tell him that it just wouldn't work and I wasn't going to see him anymore but he was talking how I had restored his faith in people and himself etc. so I could hardly send him off to Greyhound training that way as he is a bit spooked about it already. I had to be nice. He bought me a hamburger for dinner with about his last dollar or two and walked me down to class. I kissed him goodbye and sent him off to Albuquerque where he is staying with his parents regardless of some hard feelings. Coming down I'm sure Forester Ray passed us by Foodtown but probably didn't notice and I saw Stacy uptown in the AM at one of the finance companies, but he didn't see me.  I'm afraid I do have a "dark and roving eye" even if my mother was not an acrobat. My Pap was a wild man so that's a substitute, quite adequate. 

I am not in love with Dale, I don't really even love him. He was sleeping there with an arm across me and I was a million miles away. I kind of like him because he is fun and funny and I feel kind of sorry for him because he has had a rough time though I suspect he brought most of it on himself. But I  may as well face facts. I am already twenty-five and and one flamboyant and defiant fairy tale romance is about all a girl can expect. I may well never meet another man who hits me the way Dusty did. So I had better decide whether I pick an intellectual and spend my life stretching to match him or a non-intellectual and be comfortable but mentally bored. Or play it fast and free, or be bull-headed and wait for Mr Perfect even if he is 100 light years away. I really can't have my cake and eat it too and were I to meet him being obviously 'slightly used' what would he think? (I can't forget that my male parent never quite let Mom forget she was not snow-white pure when they met. She soon rued that single error bitterly, I think. Just once but that was enough.) I shall have to have been secretly married, won't I?

May 3, 1968 Sunday

Long time no me? Not really but in the past week I've been a few rounds. Had a birthday, had a drink, seen a good movie and rolled over, not in the clover, at least once. Is that enough? And I have almost finished the Incorporation Paper, started on the ATSF company and stock value one and will finish both this weekend to meet the 9:00 Monday deadline. 

The Freshman Carnival is tonight. I am not sure whether I will go or not. I painted some items for  the  worthy endeavor since Campbell Hall has a discotheque booth with espresso and fortune telling. It really sounds kind of like fun in a silly way so maybe I wil take a break and go for a couple of hours. Then get back to my cage to work. Have to run up town and get a little chow after 3:00 but I don't intend to get too involved or spend a lot of time. Maybe I'll cash a $10 check so as to have a little loose change. It is too aerly in the month to get the $5.00 from Kentucky, so soon after my birthday. There are several little things I do need to buy though 

Just one picture:  When I look back today at the "real" loves of my life, there is only one that  I knew in the spring of 1969. None of them were truly "cowboys" nor "princes" nor really exactly any of the ideals I thought I was seeking at that time. Did I mature? Did I settle? Did I have to wait for the right people and/or the right time? I am not sure. I did pick a couple of good ones--never quiteanother Dusty, who oddly I still love to this very day-- but perhaps who I was supposed to hook up with long-term including a 32 year marriage and a longish relationship after that when I was again single. The last two here readers will not meet in this first memoir which ended with my marriage. Will I write the rest? I really cannot say.




Sunday, April 12, 2026

Memoir Monday, April 27, 1968

 No decisions yet but at least two potential changes were starting to take shape. Moving off campus was one and changing my main area of studies from Business to Social Studies under Liberal Arts were beginning to look like12 possibilities and even goals. I was getting frustrated as accounting moved into advanced stages and far outreached basic mathematics and number crunching with more esoteric and /to me--almost obscure purposes. Other business courses were really not interesting or feeling  relevant to me. I was definitely not an MBA candidate.  Living alone in one small room was almost enforcing my reclusive tendencies and although I would never be a real extrovert, solitude and isolation were starting to exacerbate depression. I had a long way to go yet but it was an initial step in finding who and what my real self was. Perhaps that is part of what higher education is for.

April 21, 1968 Sunday

It was snowing and ugly and I skipped the rodeo. They may not even have had it for all I know. I got two  more marketing cases done, ironed and exchanged some clothes and made my poncho, a ;plaid one trimmed in red. Went to the movie with Robin--it was "Wait 'Til Dark" which I saw in Tucson with Mary, but it is still a good show and I have always koved Audrey Hepburn. She is so cool. Well, the next two weeks I am going to be one very busy little gal. Starting tomorrow... So I think I'll go to bed directly and get a few extra minutes of shut-eye in preparation.  

April 22, 1968  Monday

A month into spring but the snow is half a foot deep outside and still sifting down, silent silevery flakes, driven errant by a rising wind. Still feeling kind of detached. Maybe I can grab Stacy Newton temporarily. It would definitely be temporarily as he is a temporary type! Or I might try Ken Lincoln. I haven't even seen him yet but if Alice W could, I could too, if I shouild so desire  I look nineteen and think thirty so I should be just what the doctor ordered for these slightly jaded chaps of aerly middle age. Safely legal but still seeming youthful.  I have definitlyl lost my innocence and timidity but have not quite become a full fledged pussy-cat because I still think of myself as a "good" girl even if not quite nice. Or is it vice versa? I never sleep with non-whites--so far--no teenagers, no real hippies or surfers or my friend's husbands, I am really quite honorable. So far even, if I can say so, I've stuck with blue eyed anglo-saxons  and I basically intend to continue that poluicy . I'd hate to have a brown eyed kid and one must remember there is always that chance no matter what precautions one attemps. 

Oh, wasn't I on a tear that day!  Actually a lot of that was just blowing smoke and hot air. I was kind of frustrated and fighting off depression. C'est la vie.

April 23, 1968 Tuesday

Tuesday AM , so far so gooD on my schedule. I really think I may drop Data Processing. it would be ashame in a way but I just don't see how I can get everything done.  I went to bed a little early last night having gotten my paper for English written. Dreamed of Stacy; it was wild. To my recall the first time I dreamed of making love from start to finish without my puritan subconscience blocking out some of it. It was a bit difficult after all that to return to reality and get my carcass out of bed to face the day. This will be a long and busy one. Thursay or Firday I'll go pay Ken Lincoln a call. What ho. He may not be my type nor am i is but it won't hurt to investigate after the rumors I have heard lately.  That about Stacy gets me, really. I had not even thought of him in literally ages. Maybe he was always after me in a way. Used to stop ad talk when I was out riding, They said gossips always linked us. May as well enjoy it if I am blamed, no?. He looks more dissolute now, being older, but ...I can just see him in an Eastwood style ooncho, and smoking say Roi Tan"trumps"...Oh no! You are putting me on, really. 

April 24, 1968 Wednesday

Felt kind of depressed yesterday but I made the highest grade on the marketing test before Easter. In spie of failing to study much and spending a wild afternoon. And I got 3-A of the Dapr problems . The Dapr test wa a doozy; I'm dying ti find out hoiw I did--probably not too swift. But we'll see, Now I've  got to try for the otHwer four by Friday. He gave us n extension, Thank golly. Now maybe I'll get part of them done, at least. Start on my ATSF major research this evening. That's the breaks. I'll get Moodys and Standard and Poor's covered and maybe check for magazine articles. My pick for finance--why not railroad stock?? 

April 26, 1968 Friday

Am all wore out and can't afford to loaf this weekend. I've fought  the comnpurer some more today--fun and games. But I got program #5 to run Now there is only the bitchy 3-B, Ron Raglund was there a lot. I think he kind of likes me. He is rather cute but hardly my type. Might be fun tohough , just to talk and such.  Am toroughly puzzled over what to do for the summer,. I guess I'd betterplan to go to summer school though I may go visit the folks the first of June but only if someone sends me the train fare However, it wouild be expensive to stay here too.  

I ought to get my backside off to bed as I set my alarm for 6:30 so I can get up and wash clothes and eat before heading down tlo the library for the day, I've got to rough draft my main paper for Englsih this weekend and type it by 3:00 pm Monday to take to Mr Davis. We aren't having marketing though, and maybe I can cut finance if I have to and my accounting assignment is done but I should skim the chapter for a quiz, Should also begin drafting the ATSF paper. Sleep while you can, my pretty. Ha ha,.

And I wrote not a word on my birthday.Perhaps that was right or significant? ~ one small shrug.

Photos: The Flagstaff/NAU rodeo arena in a  suummer view. Looking out my window in Campbell Hall, kind of in between snows that spring. And another with snow.... Did it really snow that much in Flag? Some years for sure. I think less the next two..







Thursday, April 9, 2026

Memoir Monday, April 20, 1968

 Most of this week was the trip and visit and then getting back and having to jump straight into the routine again. I guess that is a frequent end to many vacations! Of course I did not write while I was in  the Elsinore and Parris area of SoCal. . So the post-narrative begins on April 17. 

Apriil 17, 1968  Wednesday

(to retrace) Today the El Capitan rolled into Flag at 7:40 or thereabouts. In ten days I'll be twenty five. What do you know about that.? I had a good visit with Judy. I was a little disappointed not being able to bring the Cindy illustrations back with me but I know they will be done soon.  And Judy may possibly be able to come over for one summer school session. We'd have a blast!!

Before I left back on the day a week ago, Dale and I drove around, drank coffee and he left me at the depot to catch the west bound while he took a bus to Albuquerque. I still was touched by his renting that car; not sure how he could even afford it but still--is he really trying to impres me?Or does he care?

Judy and Morris were a little late meeting me and I was beginning to get worried. They had missed the street to the depot. Back at her place, the goats are cute and feisty. The kids are just feisty. Well, it was fun and I really hated to return. 

Back here I got letters from Charlie Mike, Mom and Kentucky. Charlie Mike is ticked off about everything, poor kid. Jerked around by the Boss, Uncle Dan and Aunt Roxie where they are staying. It seems to be getting ugly and I am so sorry for him. I only went to my accounting class, just too sick and exhausted to do much. I'm getting used to my pierced ears. ((Judy did them for me in a very homemade way but I wanted that so much.)) I bought some more earrings this morning and have tried them all except the hoops which don't quite want to go in nicely. I've gotten two loads of washing done and am about ready to go take a shower and give my hair a scrub. I think I'll just brush it semi dry, braid it and  put rollers at the ends.  Well, I just had a phone call. The honorable Kenneth Lincoln yet,  in reply to my questionnaire. I may go up to talk to him next week just for the hell of it. Porque no? Only two classes manana but I've got to get organized and hit the vast stack of work that's waiting for me. I wrote to the folks, Charlie Mike and Judy but I still have Mary, Linda and Shirl left to answer. I'd better begin to lay out some sort of schedule and list what I must get done and then divide up my time accordingly

Explains: I really wrote little about the actual visit and that is odd. I saw--and was not real impressed with a Reed line Quarter Horse stud Judy was imprssed by at a nearby neighbor's, drove around sight-seeing, made a few suggestions on  the pen and ink illustrations she was doing and of course  talked for hours. The ear piercing was a whim but I never regretted. Sound icky? Numbed the lobes with clothespins and made the holes with a heavy sewing  needle and quilt-weight thread! I used lots of antibiotic, mostly alcohol and peroxide, on them and had mild infections but kept them open with stainless steel wires as they healed. StIll have the same holes today and they have borne hundreds of different earrings!

Lincoln was a local lawyer who did interact with the univeristy, mostly the pre-law students. I vaguely recall a questionnaire,  possibly urged by Dr Downum. Lincoln also had a rep of being a dashing chap who enjoyed the company of some coeds.FWIW!

April 20, 1968 Saturday

Fairly productive Saturday, I guess. I got up promptly at 6:30, had a quick snack for breakfast and hit the books, I did one marketing case and two accounting problems and read some finance stuff. About 11:00 I went down to check the mail and then headed for the NAU rodeo. Some greasy looking buckaroo in a new wine red car gave me a ride and wanted to get palsy but I froze him. I found i's not much fun alone and even forester Ray wasn't there. I took three pictures and watched the show and froze. It was nippy, I always look for familiar horses or looks,saw a gray gelding, the image of Jolly and Leo but a trifle lighter color. He and his rider won the barrel race. I think Ann Pollock was 2nd or 3rd. Poor JoAnn Kendall didn't do too well. NAU is not a true rodeoing school. Butch Davies is coming along as a saddle bronc rider and still trick rides on his old stud. I imagine he will make a career of rodeo for awhile anyway. Don't recall what his major is. He is a freshman this year. maybe? On my way home I was offered a ride again. Didn't recongnize him at first but it had to be Stacy Newton. That guy is impossible., Record or not, he goes around just like he was  good as any and better than most. He might even be fun; who knows. Apparently lots of gals have found him so. 

Yesterday I got the Hugo Montenegro record of Buen, Mal y Feo score. That is such cool music. I have preactically worn it out alrady. Now though, at almost midnight, I'm playing Floyd Cramer and some others and getting drowsy having given my room a thorough cleaning. Tomorow I'll finish myhomework and then decide how to amuse myself. It will likely be nasty weather in which case I will probably stay away from the rodeo. I may try to sew a little. I have a big box of projects just waiting for completion. Also have a stack of ironing to be done and I should get out a few more springy clothes perhaps.  Guess I'd best go to bed..My alarm is set for 7:30 and I cannot afford to sleep the day away, however  pleasant the idea sounds Suenos dulces.

A minor explain: Stacy Newton was a local Verde Valley character, semi-cowboy. He had done hard time but not sure what for. He had somewhat  come around me at times but it never got to anything. Some said we were hooked up but it was not true.

Now some pictures from the visit to Judy's here. Will try a little 'splaining. 1 is Judy and her goats. They were milkers and helped feed the kids. I think she had chickens too.  Next "Odd Sox Reed", QH stallion belonging to a neighbor in Elsinore. I thought he was too fat and not well mannered.  Next a view down over Parris from a hill we drove to. The last  two were some of Judy's  work to illustrate Cindy, The group shot is Cindy, her dad, her visiting rodeoing cousin and a school friend of hers. The other is part of the cover where Cindy is meeting her new colt the first time after her dad brought home a load he had purchased.












Monday, April 6, 2026

Memoir Monday, April 13, 1968

It as April now, and the light at the end of the tunnel was the end of my second college year, not an oncoming train, though some days it felt that way. I was feeling a need and a desire to make changes but rather uncertain as to what and how and when. Change part of my academic focus?  "Escape"from the confines of dorm living and/or plan to have at least a roommate or two to end major  solitude?  Take a 'vacation' for at least part of the summer  and set assignments and deadlines and study aside for awhile? It was not easy or painless. but as so many things in my life have actually done, it all later fell in place and worked out as well as I could have hoped. I do see and know I have been blessed and protected and guided in so many obscure and even not-realized ways most of my life. Thanks to my guardian angel--gosh they have beenso  overworked. BTW that they is because I visualize a being with aspects of both genders though mainly feminine. Things truly do happen for a reason. But the detours and the bumps and potholes can be challenging! This will all come out in the next two  months so stay tuned. Ha ha.

April 7, 1968 Sunday

Yesterday turned out fairly okay. Got off to a good start . Oddly, Forester Ray passed me with a beep and a friendly  wave in the little green VW as I walked up to the bus depot.  Usual ride down the canyon to Cottonwood; apparently not a driver I knew. No one met me so I called Nancy's.. Don was there and came down to get me. I got the transfer papers all fixed up for Chief. Sam Slaughter was just drippy sweet (damned old two faced SOB) despite giving David and Annie Lee, Chief's new family, a big scare story about what a mean outlaw the old horse was. No longer a stallion,  as the guy keeping him had him gelded, which was necesary since he carried that Equine VD or miscarriage fever. He was pretty sick for quite awhile. I always felt that worthless mare Scarlet had brought it to the herd. Why we even tried to breed her, I have no idea!  Anyway spent the rest of the day at Nancy and Don's. Went riding with him,. He gets aong with Leo pretty well and I enjoyed riding Buzzie. She is so fat the saddle will hardly stay on her back! She may bein foal to Leo; if not, they will try again. 

Back on the bus in time,  I was $20 richer since Nancy bought the big old saddle for Leo. Jim, the guy keeping Chief, is to give me t he rest of the money, $50, when the Lees pay him I am a little ticked at the whole thing but I'm going to wind up wtih $70 I had not expected.  Haven't heard a thing from Dale. I am glad I was not counting on it or especially wanting him to be here this weekend.  I will probably have to hire myself out as a waitress soon to meet any guys! Somehow the "college men" do not dig me nor I them. So much for catching a good husband, Whoi needs one?

Well, better get some clothes down to wash and clean up this dump a bit. I got Chapter 14 of Cindy done, so just two more to finish by Wednesday. Have the cramps but not too bad. I'm glad I got most of my homework done . Today I can just sort of relax. The next three days will be hectic. And the whole 'vacation' will be the same. After that comes the last long stretch to the wire and I've got to reach down and get some extra giddyup-go and hit all the key things solidly.

April 8, 1968 Monday

Monday again. At least next Monday I won't have to be here. That is a small consolation.  But I have so damn much to do the next three day , until noon on Wednesday. That theme from G,B&U keeps echoing in my mind. And it is Ray to some degree The Bad reminded me of, mostly the eyes and the moustach. 

April 9, 1968 Tuesday

Well here it is almost that time. Twenty four hors from now I'll be about to arrive at San Bernardio.  I had a small surprise or two today. It flew by anyway.  Went up to Mr Davis' office and could scarcely talk. My voice went out last night. I hate having to force words out. It makes me so tired.  Anyway. I got my progress report done and turned in and did the 4A and 4B Dapr programs. They are probably wrong but anyway. Dale called while I was at class and again about 4:00. He came to get me in a silver-green Mustang (rented) and we went driving, up to the snow bowl and parked a while to talk and then went to dinner.  He broguht me back to  camput for my evening class. It let out as soon as we finsihed the test. I was sorry I couldn't reach Dale but I got nearly all my packing done, got prettified and that was probalby better than loving it up until midnight. But I bet he spends a restlss night. He is on his way to Albuquerque but is going to wait and see me off first. Funny, how much better he looks in a cool car than limping up on foot. Shame on this material girl! I was rather touched that he rented this car to dive me around and is going to hitch hike or dead head with a bus to Albuquerque. He's planning some things, I gather. Don't want to get soft headed about him and I won't but I was just in a bad mood the other day. I do at least like him.

Well, until 10:30 in the morning, two claasses and I will be free and ready to roll. Wiil have about three hours to mess arund and then I'll be off for a hectic holiday and he'll be off to hell-knows-what.  He is so much like Dusty--and I think he is more attached to me than he'd like to admit but I don't intend to make the error of being overconfident and too sure of anyone anymore, Not after Dusty. I still do not understand why...and that hurt so muchs.

April 10, 1968

So today I go--in about two hours. I'll be with Dale ,maybe in the rented mustang and in a bit more I'll be on the train heading west. Have 2000 things to worry about but I'm going to leave them behind for the duration and enjoy my 'vacation'. It will be fun to see Judy again and spend hours talking and all. See you in San Bernardino!

A mishmash of pictures. First poor cChief. This was at Clemenceau but i almost wept to see him look so bad. I have no idea how long he lived or what really happened to him after I sold him. Another bad  to lay at the Old Man's door, IMO.  Next me on  Leo showing the big stout roping saddle which had been The Boss's. It was heavy,  65# or so. At least this horse was not sick and pathetic.  And one green VW, yet another in what became almost a collection of mine.--blue, green, tan.... They were *very* common on campuses at this era.







Sunday, April 5, 2026

Monday Memoir April 6, 1968

 Just two more months until the summer would begin. That would mean I'd soon have completed two years of my 'higher education.'  It had not been easy but I felt some pride at overcoming a number of challenges and difficult external siuations and still held a respectable grade average although this sceond year had not been what I expected of myself or wanted to see. Some major changes were starting to appear as possibilities or even necessities and once I made up my mind to go that or those ways, I  really did take a turn for the better. Some 'adventures' went on while new ones appeared and I managed to stay on semi-amicable terms with the rest of the family as they changed their locale and edged back toward the old lifestyle. The Boss never quit trying to 'convince' me to join them,  mostly to small avail.So here we go, forging on!

March 31, 1968

And why not write in passionate purple?  ((I had a variety of Lindy pens (no longer found?)  in many colors and had at times 'color coded' journal entries.) Another weekend gone. Saturday I studied a little, walked out on Steak House/Stake House hill and sunned myself on the rocky point. I typed a chapter of Cindy, wrote some letters and heard RFK speak. Today was a purple pony of another hue. Got up at 7:00 and did my marketing case, wrote Mary and took off, Felt rather "porely" in a Kentucky idiom--so did not go as far as I had planned but sat down in the holler (more KY) by the Babbitt Warehouse and numbered the passing trains.  Was back by 12:30 qnd made myself a horrible dish of Porky Beans and Onion Soup! Never again!! I was filling in the number book when I had a phone call. Guess Dale was trying to catch me stepping out but I was at home! He came down for me and we had coffee and walked awhile and then got a room at the Monte Vista and watched TV,  a western and the tale of Robin Hood in between other amusements. The guy is some lover, no kidding. But I really wasn't up to it today and felt sicker by the minute. We had dinner and I could hardly eat. He bought me back to the dorm where I pepto bismo and a shower and am now sprawled on my bed with the phonograph playing and trying to ignore the tiger fight going on in my midsection. (It was not normal cramps so not sure what to blame) I have not felt so sick since I was drunk and that did not hurt. I am not even setting my alarm and should I oversleep, I will just cut my morning classes. Guess sugar daddy is on his wayback to Phoenix now. Too bad I did not know him when he was getting $1100 a month--I could have usde some of that fun. His tumbles would have come higher than a cheap hambruger dinner. No, I really do not think like a whore! But I  ieally do not love him though he sure does turn me on. I feel kind of raunchy about it . I don't think of Dusty or anyone while we are loving it up but only because I don't think period. Should be safe now as I am ''due' Friday or Saturday but if he comes up again as he says, I'm gooing to have to play it cool or get into some kind of trobule or another. Really ought to get on The Pill, I guess. Don't  quite  know what I've got myself into, I guess. Silly ole girl,.

April 5, 1968 Friday

Well, here it is Friday again after dinner. I have not written all week beasue  I haave mostly been too buisy. The week has surely whizzed by. I am tired now, anyway,as if I'd really done a lot. Silly old girl. Tomorrow I am going downt to sell Chief to somebody, Kitty or someone else. I kind of resent the bus fare and taking the time but I 'll perhaps get some money from the deal. That would make me feel better. It is suppsoed to storm though, hardly enthusiastic about that!

Am wondering now if and when Dale will be up. Really I'd just as soon he didn't but... If he becomes a nuisance, I guess I can shed him.  Can't decide whether to go see the play or the movie tonight. Tomorrow I will be back too late for either so I can only see one. The play is free; that is a point in it's favor. Guess I should go buy a little grub for the weekend but it is cold and windy and I hate to bestir myself. I am  lazy, I guess.

April 6, 1968 Saturday

Saturday morning, a little too early to leave for the bus so I will write a little. Don't feel to bad for five hours of sleep. I went to the movie with Robin. "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly"--just what the title implied. It wasn't a pretty movie but it was mostly skillfully done exceopt for a few clumsy coincidences to keep the plot moving. Clint Eastwood as The Good was cool. The one that fascinated me was The Bad, though. He wasn't what you would call handsome but he was certainly interesting to look at! Then I read "Joy in the Morning" by Betty Smith and enjoyed it thoroughly. It was 1:30 before I turned out the light, I still woke up  about 6:30. 

I am not looking forward to this day but it's simply a duty and a job to do. I suppose it will work out okay. The weather is in progress of getting nasty. It may be real ugly by the time I get back tonight.. Got my Monday's Mktg and Acct assignments done. Maybe tomorrow I can rough out my progress report and see what is wrong with my damned  program. Still have three chapters of Cindy to complgte.Maybe I can do quite a bit of that tomorrow too, Well, guess I'd best get up and get with it.  That movie was something. No sex but plenty of violence and realistic blood and gore. And realistic language. It was a protest and symbolic of man's natural behavior in the absence of law and control.

No photos so lifted a couple. I did enjoy that three-movie series and had a semi-crush on Clint Eastwood for years and a bit on  Lee Van Cleef too. But I recently read where Eli Wallach (The Ugly) was a really good guy and faithful to his wife for a very long marraige and did good things for the Latino people as well. Don't judge by handsome since the inner ugly can be hiden well. Not that the other two guys were "bad", just not  really fine. folks















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Friday, March 27, 2026

Memoir Monday, March 30, 1968

 One more week to wind up March. Although January and February were my least favorite months, March could be a bit off-key too... Mix and match days and events.

March 25, 1968, Monday

Not too miserable a day for a Monday. I did all the tass on my day's schedule and even answered Dale's letter. I do have one corection to make on my prograsm but i got the #2 right now and it was the hardest. My little paper is all written and typed for Eng 202 tomorrow and I put in two hours at the library reading ARS (Arizona Revised Statutes) and missed a phone call which I cannot find anything about. I'm so ticked and can't imagine who. I almost sayit was Dale or Duisty but then again...I don't really know. Gloria took it but she is gonen now  Damn, that's ugly. Just once I go out and don't leave a note on my door. Just once. I'm not eveb sure which phone it was on. Maybe while she was on the desk in which case it wasn't either guy. Damnation again. I'll probably never find out.

I just got a cold and feel like crap. So much for today, better luck tomorrow! Later found it was the hall phone about 7:00. Michal Ann just told me. Still don't  know who. Possibly Dale as he has called about that time before. 

Walking down to the library about 6:15 I felt so lonely. I didn't know then that someone was probably thinking about calling me. I was feeling rather sorry for myself but got immersed in reading and forgot about it. I'd better go take my shower and get ready for bed. Tuesday is a long hard day but maybe I can surprise Mr Knox by having my programs done early. It's been a struggle but I think I've got them both. I am glad to be early and miss the worst crush in the tab room.

I think Dale is getting more attached to me. And  I may as well ride that out as far as it will take me. I'm getting tired and blue for no reason, maybe overwork. It's bedtime and i've got to try to get a little more sleep. Five hours is cutting it pretty short. Drat about that phone call. Now I will fret until I find out and I may not. 

March 26, 1968 Tuesday

I went to breakfast and sat in the first row. I began to feel frumpy so I came back and changed into my blue denim skirt and gypsy blouise. Then I felt pretty. They are more flattering to me and soft blue is one of my good colors. The morning passed quickly and I went to lunch, debated sltting with Phil but decided against it.  He is always pleasant to me though. It was a local call last night, Gloria said. I wonder? Couldn't have been...  Probably just someone asking about an assignment or something, Like Fe maybe. Oh, if I had only been here though.

March 27, 1968 Wednesday

Just moping around and I wrote: "If icould be instantly reincarnated I'd be one of those lively warm girls who gets her hands on guys every chance she gets. Then I could crawl all over Xxx but for me it would be out of characater so much. Leaing over a guy's shoulder to say something, rubbing the fuzzy collar on his jacket--it would certainly remind him of my existence!"

March 28, 1968 Thursday

How did it get to be Thursday already? Thursday night, yet. Not much to report, really. Heard from the folks today and they returned my story. I swear I won't be taken in but The Boss really seems to have changed some. It is hard to believe it's for good and for real and I say I will not be taken in but he writes a nice letter anyway. Mom wasn't too taken with my story. I did not expect her to be.  But I figured he'd be more critical than she.  I think he'd do almost anything to buy me back but whether he wants just my regard or my freedom is hard to tell. .I've felt kind of dumpy for a couple of days. I have had a cold, flu or allergy attack and stiil too  much to do. This evening I got my formal case about half done and read Kathy H's pieces. I've got to run them down to her directly. TGIF. Tomorrow is Friday again. Damn but the weeks roll around fast. Haven't heard from Dale. Wonder if he'll be up?

March 29, Friday. 

It was a baeutiful day weather-wise and pretty nice otherwise. I just lived through the rest of the day after breakfast. I heard from Judy, Dale and Kitty Meacham, who wants to buy Chief. If I get $50 it would help so I told her okay. I made reservations for my California trips and bought a few things. Sat and re-read "Gone With the Wind" after dinner and then went with Michal Ann and Christy and some others out to the airport to see Robert Kennedy. He is really terrible cool--good vibrations as Christy put it. He is beautiful, looks about 28. I expect I'll dream of him. With a gray hat, and a moustach, a blurred vision of Ray and Dusty  with a New York accent  and a smidge of Rhett Butler thrown in!!

Dale? Forget it. By the time he gets aound to getting together with me again I'm going to be twenty zillon miles beyond him.. I'll leave him on stand-by temporarily but  he's really not my kind. I have to have someone who challenges me, one way or another. He gave me a few more lessons in my 'traning' but I did not feel anything inside really. If I never saw him again I would not fret even a minute. He really doesn't have 'class'. Despite everything, Dusty did. And for a guy like RFK. I'd walk through hell --barefooted. 

Wow, little did we know that night that Robert Kennedy would be dead in just a matter of weeks. Such a terrible tragedy. If we had not lost first John and then him,  how very different things mught be today. One wonders at times how things can go so wrong and why they are allowed to happen by whatever real Powers That Be may be in charge. 

Pictures? Really have none but I will hunt a bit. These are not mine  but semi-current.  I can hardly visualize the litle rural airport I knew morphing into this. Wow.  But then when I realize how huge and complex and changed the NAU campus is, I have to realize how many years have gone by!! I almost get lost now, but the area is still special to me and holds a lot of memories.