Two Noras: November 30, 1914 and November 30, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, November 30, 1914

Was still cloudy all day. Helen called me up this evening and told me about her being to the dance at Burrows last Friday night. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Exciting day at Second Helpings. Indianapolis Colts star player, Jonathon Taylor, volunteered. Lots of logistics and press. It's also Giving Tuesday so the building was buzzing. 

I wonder if Grandma Nora was disappointed that she didn't go to the Friday night dance with Helen? You may remember that she was at singing class that evening.  

Today was such a fun day at work! Remember all of the planning with the Colts marketing folks I was doing? Today was the day.

Jonathon Taylor, running back for the Indianapolis Colts volunteered today - and since he's connected with Campbell's Soup, they donated four pallets of Chicken Noodle Chunky Soup that we turned in the Chicken Pot Pie casseroles. I may have read that chicken pot pie was his favorite food when I was doing research. 

Giving JT a tour of Second Helpings. 

The NFL Network was also tagging along filming for the show *Hard Knocks, plus the Campbell's and Meijer, and the Colt's folks - we had a full house. Since I was giving the tour to JT (as we now call him) I was mic'd most of the day - I'll tell you that keeps you from snarky comments and such. 

JT on the dock. 

Members of the Colts Cheer Team and Mascot Blue delivered meals to our partner agencies. 

This was such a fun day for me - I love coordinating things like this. 

You can watch the video of JT volunteering here: https://twitter.com/i/status/1473352570693242884

*Sadly none of the footage they filmed for Hard Knocks was used for the show - although I appreciated the thank you to Second Helpings that ran in the credits. 

 

Two Noras: November 29, 1914 and November 29, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, November 29, 1914

Was rainy today. Went to 7:30 and 10:00 o'clock Mass and also to Vespers. We played cards this evening. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, November 29, 2021

Worked today, finalizing plans for our Indianapolis Colts player's visit tomorrow. Happy to go to bed early this evening. 

Once again, Grandma Nora is outdoing us all with her Mass attendance. 

I had a busy day at work. I was only gone one working day, but there is plenty to catch up on and prepare for tomorrow. 

Two Noras: November 28, 1914 and November 28, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, November 28, 1914

Went to Monticello again today. Made several acquaintances. Saw Reba Smith in the car coming home. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, November 28, 2021

Lazy morning. Aaron took me to the airport this afternoon, long trip. Home at 2:00 AM.   

It looks like Grandma Nora made another trip to Monticello to pay the workers. This is the first we've heard of Reba Smith, she's a student at Purdue in 1914. 

Didn't stick my nose outside until it was time to leave for the airport - I missed a chance to enjoy some warmer/non rainy weather. The trip home was long - I had a layover in Atlanta. By the time I slogged my way onto the shuttle bus and to the car, it was 2:00 in the morning. I'll have to sleep fast! 

Two Noras: November 27, 1914 and November 27, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, November 27, 1914

Was up town this afternoon. Went to singing class tonight and then did a little fancy work. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, November 27, 2021

Rainy. Visited Uncle Bruce and Cousin Sheila and a WW friend. Dinner and Bob Schneider holiday show.  

                                                                                                                                                                                              

I know that I say this almost every time that Grandma Nora mentions fancy work, but I'd love to see it! 

Heavy rain in Austin, which seems to send everyone into a tizzy. I was going to use Aaron's car to visit Uncle Bruce, about 30 minutes away and then drive to Cousin Sheila's. I got nervous about driving when Sheila suggested that I cancel because of the weather. I hated to be this close to them and not visit. I wound up Ubering to Uncle Bruce's retirement home - the poor driver was so nervous he was shaking. I should have driven. 

It was great to see Uncle Bruce - he was married to Nora and Paul's daughter, Bernadine (1928 - 2004). Bruce and Bernadine were married in 1950. Uncle Bruce is 96 and is going strong. 

Their daughter, Sheila, met me there and was kind enough to drive me back to Aaron's house. It gave us time to catch up - we could have talked all day! 

Aaron was kind enough to drive me to see Jennifer, one of the terrific women that I met on a Weight Watchers board years ago. We're all down in 1961 and have become fast friends. Jennifer's husband had a tragic accident a few weeks ago and is in a hospital in Austin. I'm sorry that we had to meet in the hospital cafeteria, but I was happy to see her. 

Aaron got us great tickets for the Bob Schneider Holiday Show. Unfortunately my stupid fear of heights kicked in. Aaron was very patient and my heart quit racing - and the urge to bolt - calmed down after a few minutes. I've only seen Bob in his singer/songwriter mode, this was fun too - and a fun kickoff to the holiday season. 

We walked over to his local bar after the show for a drink. 

Another fun day! 

Two Noras: November 26, 1914 and November 26, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, November 26, 1914

Went to Church this morning. Went to see Way Down East this afternoon. Clara was over this evening and played cards. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, November 26, 2021

Another lazy day. I voted for happier shows after Game of Thrones yesterday. More reading, writing, eating. Went out for dinner.  

It's odd that Grandma Nora didn't mention that it was Thanksgiving. I wonder if the family had a meal together? Way Down East was playing at the Nelson Theatre. The 1914 version was the first one filmed - silent. It was remade in 1920 with Lillian Gish and was quite popular. 

I assume that it is her friend Clara she's speaking of, not her cousin. 

I had another do-nothing day in Austin. The weather isn't cooperating with my dream of sunshine. It's quite chilly and grey. Perfect for laying around and napping and eating. After yesterday's dark shows, I steered us towards happier movies - we watched the Wizard of Oz and Christmas Story. 

We went out for dinner, mostly I suspect because we were feeling like slugs. I can't remember the last time that I didn't leave the house for 44 hours. 

Two Noras: November 25, 1914 and November 25, 2021

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, November 25, 1914

Went to see Hermine Miller get married today. They had a real pretty wedding. Also went tonight to hear the lecture given by Father Blickman on prison life. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, November 25, 2021

I had a gloriously lazy day. Watched gobs of television - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Santa! - and the first season of Game of Thrones. Intermittent naps and delicious food. 

I loved how weddings in that era happened in the morning and pretty much anyone could attend the ceremony. 

The prison lecture seems like it was pretty banal, I was hoping that it was about prison reform or something juicy.

It's interesting that Grandma Nora doesn't mention the current events of the day. The papers are full of news of the Great War that started in July. Although I'm happy that 20 year old Nora was not fretting about something that she couldn't control. 

I had a perfectly lazy Thanksgiving. I slept in, watched the parade, wrote, ate, napped, and watched more television. I might be one of the last people on earth that hasn't seen Game of Thrones. I was happy to have Aaron explain what the heck was going on. 

Aaron is an excellent cook and prepared a delicious Thanksgiving meal for us - and enough leftovers for the whole weekend! 

Two Noras: November 24, 1914 and November 24, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, November 24, 1914

Anna went to the club tonight. I did some fancy work. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Travelled to Austin. Delicious dinner at Italian restaurant. Drinks after. 

Another easy day for Grandma Nora. I haven't heard her mention work lately. 

I flew to Austin this morning. I was happy for the direct flight, but traveling during a pandemic is fraught with worry - for me anyway. I wore a KN95 mask while in the airport and on the flight. 

Aaron had a work meeting so I Ubered to his house. It was nice to see his living space - guitars galore! I spent the afternoon writing and reading. I feel like I'm in vacation already! 

We went out for a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and walked to Aaron's local bar for a drink. It's a little chilly, but nice enough to have a night cap on his back porch when we got home. 

Two Noras: November 23, 1914 and November 23, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, November 23, 1914

Was just beautiful out today. Did some fancy work tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings today, busy wrapping up for vacation. 

It sounds like Grandma Nora had a lovely laid back day. 

I mostly ran around like a nut getting ready to be gone for four nights. I dropped off the cranberry salad at Mom's. She wasn't in her apartment, so I tucked it in her fridge. 

While going through a box I was delighted to find this photograph of me sitting at the formica table I found in the attic. 

I think it's my fifth birthday (May 19, 1966) and we were living on Michigan Road (State Road 421), right off of State Road 334 near Zionsville. I've always enjoyed a good party dress. And cake. 

 

Two Noras: November 22, 1914 and November 22, 2021

Nora Bauer: Sunday, November 22, 1914

Was to 3 Masses this morning. Paul and I and the crowd was out at Minnemans for dinner. We went out walking in the afternoon through the asylum. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, November 22, 2021

Worked at Second Helpings today, interviewed potential culinary job training students. Another night of going through boxes and catching up on laundry and panicking about getting everything done. . 

Three Masses? Grandma Nora, you're making the rest of us look bad. I hope you were praying for your future grandchildren. 

I wonder if Nora was talking about Longcliff when she says asylum? She's called it Longcliff in other posts. The thought of Paul and Nora talking a Sunday evening walk is sweet. 

Not much else to tell about my day, although I made a batch of Grandma Leona's cranberry salad to take to Mom tomorrow. 

I'm so ready for a little vacation and some Texas sunshine. 

Two Noras: November 21, 1914 and November 21, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, November 21, 1914

Was some warmer today. Anna, Gertrude, and I went up town tonight. The new 5 & 10 store was opened today. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, November 21, 2021

Guess what? I worked today. At Marigold clothing store, it's always fun to work there, but I sure am tired. Yawn. 

I love the thought of Grandma Nora and her sisters going uptown on a Saturday night. 

The new five and ten cent store is pulling out all the stops! I'll bet the open day was exciting. 

I worked at Marigold today. For years I worked one or two Sundays a month. They haven't reopened on Sundays since the pandemic started and I've enjoyed having at least one whole day off. They're going to be open a few Sundays around the holidays and this is one of them. 

Helped Schaun file his sales taxes after work and had dinner at Mimi Blues. 

The rest of the evening was spent trying to corral the stuff that I brought back from the farm into some semblance. I'm leaving for Austin on Wednesday and want there to be at least a path through the house for Kassie to feed the cat. 

Two Noras: November 20, 1914 and November 20, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, November 20, 1914

Was only right above zero this morning. There was a very bad fire on 4th St. this morning early. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, November 20, 2021

My working streak continues - worked at Marigold clothing store from 11 -3, and the Red Key Tavern 5-1. 

That was quite a fire! 

I worked at Marigold, took a quick nap, and then worked at the Red Key Tavern. Nothing else to report. 

Two Noras: November 19, 1914 and November 19, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, November 19, 1914

Went to the card social tonight. Had nine punches. Florence Schnitz & Colletta Garnett won the prizes. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, November 20, 2021

Worked in the office until 4:00, headed to Fountain Square for my Tonic Ball gig. It's freezing!

I love Grandma Nora's active social life - it explains a lot about Dad and me. 

I had a fun busy day and I was back to my outdoor alley post behind the Fountain Square Theater. I was better prepared this evening. I brought my little propane heater, more layers, and coffee and granola bars for the homeless folks that that kept coming by last evening. 

Last year's Tonic Ball was virtual also and I had the same gig - 2021 has been a big old deja vu all over again - you can see that it was a little warmer last year and the difference in my hear. Oddly I'm wearing the same mask and scarf. 

I had a pot of coffee and an iPad to watch the stream of show. I gave away a lot of coffee and power bars - and my gloves - to homeless folks hanging around. 

I have a new-found appreciation for my little heater. 

I was done checking people in so I got to see the last set live. Matt Boyer is a long-time friend and first played 25-ish years ago at CATH (coffee and tea house) that I managed at 701. N. College Ave (54th Street). He's all grown up and a fabulous musician. 

You can see the whole Tonic Ball here: https://youtu.be/afBr59n93gE

I helped with the tear-down and made it to the Red Key just in time for last call. 

Two Noras: November 18, 1914 and November 18, 2021

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, November 18, 1914

Was still very cold today and the river is frozen over. Was to singing class tonight. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, November 18, 2021

Mom's retirement center came for a tour today, Tonic Ball recording tonight - my gig was outside. 

That must have been a cold walk for singing class. Grandma Nora's house was half a mile from the church, crossing the Eel River bridge. Of course that's assuming that the bridge was in the same place and that they actually lived at what is now 525 Helm Street, not 125 Helm like she wrote in her journal. 

It was cold today in Indianapolis also. I was thrilled that some folks from Mom's retirement center, Marquette Senior Living, came for a tour today. 

Tom and Anne were longtime volunteers - they're so sweet!

It was windy in front of the bus! 

The Tonic Ball is officially tomorrow night, but we're pre-recording some of it tonight (shhh!) at the Fountain Square Theater. 

I should explain my involvement in the Tonic Ball and how the event has changed my life. My friends, Ken and Becky Honeywell started the concert in 2001. I attended the first show and was smitten. 

Ken and Becky asked me to join the committee the next year. The early days were so much fun, we were a small group convincing our friends to play and donate money to the cause - Second Helpings. I was chair for a few years and it lead me to Second Helpings. I wouldn't have ever had the courage to apply for a job at Second Helpings without my involvement in the Tonic Ball. 

When I started at SH as the Director of Volunteer Services I was one of nine employees. Now we're 30+ strong and I'm the Senior Director of Programs, which combines my experience, passion, and education. How lucky am I? 

At my post in the alley. The mask is helping me keep warm. 

My gig for the evening is checking the musicians in and making sure that they're vaccinated. It's a little money and very cold. I'll be dressing a little differently tomorrow. 

Two Noras: November 17, 1914 and November 17, 2021

Nora Bauer: Tuesday, November 17, 1914

Mamie and went to [to] the Mile a Minute Girl given by the Elks. It was real good. 

Nora Spitznogle: Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Busy work day, fun meetings, visited the Propylaeum to collect spices, gave a United Way talk, hair cut.  

It looks like the play that the sisters attended was a great success. It was nice of the Elks to sponsor it. 

I had a busy and fun day. A video meeting with the Colts folks, an in-person (so rare in this pandemic era) with the team working on making the NCAA football championship game in January a green event (as little waste as possible), picked up the spices for Second Helpings collected by members of the Propylaeum and enjoyed some nice conversation while there, gave a talk to a company for United Way, and got my hair cut. 

It felt like a pre-pandemic day! 

Second Helpings is such a great asset for the community - we've got great relationships with the venues and hotels in place to recover unused food from events. In a lot of cities the event organizers have to forge those relationships and find a place for the food to go. 

I think my hair is finally to the length that I want it. It's been almost two years since my last color and it's all natural - I think of it as Bauer grey. One of the last things that Dad said to me was, "what color is your hair supposed to be?" My hair is grey in the front and darker in the back. It reminds of how Dad's sister, Aunt Gertie, color pattern. She had a glorious strip of grey in her hair. 

Two Noras: November 16, 1914 and November 16, 2021

Nora Bauer: Monday, November 16, 1914

Was very cold today. Quite a change since yesterday. Had some snow. Paul and I went to a dance given by the Everly Klan girls. I had a good time. Got home at 1:15. 

Nora Spitznogle: Tuesday, November 16, 2021

I worked at Second Helpings today. Took a tour of the catacombs under the Indianapolis City Market after work - what a cool space. I'm very happy to have a quiet evening at home. 

I love that Grandma Nora and Paul were dancing Monday nights away! 

I was happy to leave work on time to take a tour of the catacombs under the City Market. The tour was for the City Market merchants and board members. There were only two of us board members and two merchants that attended, but it's always fun to be down in the catacombs. Click here is a nice piece about the history of the catacombs. 

Two Noras: November 15, 1914 and November 15, 2014

Nora Bauer: Sunday, November 15, 1914

Went to 9 o'clock Mass and got dinner. It rained this afternoon. Was to Vespers and then went over to Aunt Lizzies and played euchre. Also played this evening. 

Nora Spitznogle: Monday, November 15, 2021

Worked downtown at Second Helpings today, fun video meeting with the Colt's marketing folks. Delicious dinner at Linda's with Tammy. We had fun looking up old friends and laughing.  

You all remember Aunt Lizzie? I'm around to report that the Bauer/Spitznogle family are still ardent Euchre players. 

Another busy work day for me. Had a fun evening with Tammy and Linda. Nothing like laughing with old friends. 

Two Noras: November 14, 1914 and November 14, 2021

Nora Bauer: Saturday, November 14, 1914

Went to Monticello today. Mrs. Hombeck met me at the station. Was also over to her house. Came right home after I got in town. 

Nora Spitznogle: Sunday, November 14, 2021

Snowed today. Got to be part of a fun recording at the Vogue Theatre. Celebrated Tammy's birthday at Hayes Carll show at HiFi this evening. 

I'm guessing that Mrs. Hombeck is the same woman that Grandma Nora met the last time she was in Monticello. It sounds like Nora didn't make her typical Saturday night trip uptown. 

I had a glorious day. First I got to be part of the Tonic Ball choir. We recorded a beautiful version of "We Are the World" on the iconic Vogue Theatre stage. You can see the finished product here. You can find me in the choir on the left side - which I guess is Stage Right - second row. I had a blast! 

The fun continued. I'm a big Hayes Carll fan. Here's an interview that I did with him in 2008 and the preview of that show where I admit my love for him.  I first saw him a few years before that, opening for Robert Earl Keen at the Music Mill (no longer open). I introduced myself to Hayes and we chatted in the back of the room for about half an hour. It's been so much fun to follow his career. During the pandemic he's been doing some virtual live shows and posting some fun videos. 

I love this photo of Tammy, Hayes, and me after a June, 2016 show. 

What a fun way to celebrate Tammy's birthday! It was weird to be seeing music inside, but so great! In light of the pandemic, Hayes didn't do any meet and greet, otherwise I could have added to my collection. His new record, You Get it All, was recently released and has been playing constantly on my record player. 

I had a great evening and got to finally meet Misty, a Facebook friend that I love interacting with - she's hilarious and keeps it real. 

Here we are with our tee shirts from the talented opening act, Caroline Spence.  

What a fun day this was! 

Two Noras: November 13, 1914 and November 13, 2021

Nora Bauer: Friday, November 13, 1914

Mamie and I and Deborah went down to school to settle up. We found we made $30 on the social. We took the money over to Father Kroeger. 

Nora Spitznogle: Saturday, November 13, 2021

Worked downtown at Second Helpings again today. Took a long nap before my Red Key Tavern shift. We were nice and busy, which makes the time go faster. 

Good job with the social Grandma Nora and Great-Aunt Mamie! I think this is the first time we've heard Deborah's name. $30 in 1914 would equal $813 in 2021. 

The Kroeger's have a long history in Logansport. The Kroeger Funeral Home was established in 1875 and generations of Kroeger's were priests. Father Anthony J. Kroeger was the priest that the girls would have given the money to. 

I worked at Second Helpings again today. I think this is day 13 in a row, but who's counting? Waitressed at the Red Key tonight. 

Two Noras: November 12, 1914 and November 12, 2021

Nora Bauer: Thursday, November 12, 1914

Had a big crowd at the card social. Paul won the first prize. Had a pretty good time dancing. 

Nora Spitznogle: Friday, November 12, 2021

Worked all day at Second Helpings, stayed late for a delivery, visited Mom and stayed until midnight. Cold night. 

I'm happy that the card social went well. And Grandma Nora's beau, Paul won the big prize! I wonder if that was because he was the champion card player or if it was a drawing? And dancing too!

Another long day of work for me - my favorite part was staying for a late delivery/donation. The drivers were from Georgia and heading to Chicago. The brought us three pallets of great meat. 

I went to Mom's after - we're working on getting her paperwork together. It's fun to spend more time with her. 

Two Noras: November 11, 1914 and November 11, 2021

Nora Bauer: Wednesday, November 11, 1914

Was down to school tonight to make arrangements for the social. 

Nora Spitznogle: Thursday, November 11, 2021

Worked today, volunteered at Trivia Night this evening. Missing Dad today. 

I wonder what sort of social St. Joseph's is planning? 

Trivia Night benefiting Heritage Place was this evening. Since it's Veterans Day I wrote the Veterans Day trivia category. It was a fun evening and I think it went well. Thanks to my friend Novella for volunteering also. 

I went to Mom's after. We're both night owls and enjoyed our late night supper of sandwiches left over from the event. 

I loved celebrating Veterans Day with Dad. We had many adventures over the years. I posted a group of photos on Facebook this evening. Here are a few of my favorites. 

At Second Helpings 2017

I met Dad in Whitestown for dinner 2016

Second Helpings parking lot 2011

Dad loved a parade - as do I! 2010?