1988

THE SCHLAVER CHRISTMAS CHIMES — DECEMBER, 1988

The year 1988 seems to have passed very quickly, I did not get to Dowagiac and Notre Dame as often as I would have liked. Still have my '77 Olds, so I am rather hesitant traveling alone on the highway, especially through Chicago.

In July I travelled to Ireland with Helen, my sister, to visit Pat and Alan, Helen's daughter and son-in-law. They are refurbishing an old Irish thatched roof cottage hoping to spend their summers there and rent it during the rest of the year. Really enjoyed the trip, and they showed us all around the southwest tip and southern Ireland. Had some Irish wool shipped home so now I am knitting a sweater for Marcia. Have some wool to make one for David too.

In October Helen, Mary and I went with my nephew Tom Coplan to a bone marrow clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. It was quite an experience to see the facility there. So far they have been unable to find a matching donor for Tom. Later Helen, my brother and I were also tested to see if we would match, but no luck.

I took my final week of vacation and went to visit Tom, Betsey and Nicola in Lebanon, Tennessee. Helen and Mary drove from Davenport, Iowa. Ruth, Ralph and Sam came too, sort of a mini reunion. We even went to the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee--a dry county, so no samples.

Paul recently made a fast trip to Notre Dame representing the New England School of Law for their recruiting program. He drove with David to Mount Prospect so spent a few hours with me before flying back to Boston. He picked up his Icelandic sweater and hat I had made for him.

The grandchildren are all growing so tall. They all seem to be doing well in school. Matthew entered Notre Dame as a freshman in August.

I continue to knit sweaters and dish cloths, and read the books David brings to me. It is hard on the housework, and I feel guilty about that, but do enjoy reading and knitting. Not much for TV.

David and I have been going to the opera again this year. I will miss his trips in January while he is in Bangladesh. I was invited to go along, but decided to stay home this time. Will be thinking of all the friends in Bangladesh.

My best to all of you for a very Merry Christmas and a very healthy & prosperous New Year!

Love and Peace,

Elizabeth