~ Near Spencer, Nebraska
1921: Was cloudy all except a short time in morning, and towards evening sun shone. It rained from 11 to 12 a.m. then from 1 to 3, and at about 6 p.m. started to snow until into night with a terrible wind and cold. Will plowed until rain came. I gathered cobs and other work. In p.m. we napped, then Will did chores and went to Brad’s for water and reading material. I made candy and supper, took a bath after supper with first rain water of season that we got in barrel.
~ Hidden Timber, South Dakota
1925: A cold very strong N. W. wind, so a sand-storm as result and prairie fires N. E. and S. W. of here all day and wind so terrific that fire was fierce, just how far away can’t say now. Will went to Hause’s north-east of O’Kreek and got 50 bu. barley. Rena sewed on quilt and I made bread and cake and we worried about fire.
1926: Bright but very cold N. W. wind. Will cleaned the barn and, when he was finished, I took some benches to school house that William made this a.m. In p.m., William nailed the ice-house and Will helped him.
I made bread and burnt the last oven-full, but we can eat it. Louise went to school and cleaned in evening, so she didn’t come with me. Mr. B. Wagner came, looking for a calf. Mr. Menz went by in his truck. Will thinks he is terribly abused.
1934: The Seat covers and lining came for our car that Will traded to Joe Clifford for horses.
1957: No one came today and do I feel lonesome. Missed Nellie so much when I stopped to think I will not see her any more on this earth of cares and sorrows…. We saw all our kinfolks at time of Illness and death of Nellie. They all came in dress suits and Ladies were nice, also. I am the only one who has no nice clothes, but all things fixed, I will get some Spring things because I cannot make much any more.