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Eileen and the Plano Hittys

"She was delivered to the door in the arms of our wonderful postman. He said he sensed something special was in that box!

Hitty Jane and Patience ran to get Joey (he's good at opening things!) while I put that very special box on DH's desk! The three had climbed on top of the box before I could get to the scissors.

Once the box was opened, they all hung on to the edge looking in. Patience (who isn't) was screaming, "Where are you, are you alright?". Then they heard the voice of their friend from Stockbridge quietly asking, "Patience, is that you? Is Hitty Jane with you? Calm down and lift me out of here, please."

I took some pictures and got out of the way. Joey was quickly introduced to Hitty PSB and it was clear that the four of them wanted time to themselves."--Eileen and the Plano Hittys

I heard the Post Bus driver sigh, "Ah, the last stop of the day." It has been my experience to be taken from one mode of transportation to another on this journey, never knowing when the last stop means I will be at my next destination. I felt my box being gently lifted and then, felt the motion I've come to guess is the person walking. I realized I was being handed to another person--a woman. I was so hoping this was my next host home along the way!

"She's here, she's here!" Could that possibly be Hitty Patience from Stockbridge? The box stopped moving and I heard the snipping and peeling sounds signaling freedom.

"Where are you, are you alright?" No doubt, it really was Patience (who's not)! I recognized Hitty Jane's voice, but not the boy's as my berth was lifted out and the top opened. I spoke calmly, but was quite excited. It has been so very difficult to leave my host families behind. But, this truly is Patience and Hitty Jane, and there is hope that eventually I will see everyone again!

The boy helped me stand upright and told me his name was Joey. The hugs were warm and welcomed. And, we had so much to talk about!

HPB

Joey shows HPB some of the fall harvest.

HPB decides to join Patience

Reading to Patience after her leg peg replacement.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Yesterday "Mom" had sales appointments scheduled, so we were left to explore on our own. Hitty Jane and Patience introduced me to some of the Hitties in residence. We began to share our individual histories and quickly lost track of time. We didn't even think about afternoon naps--I believe they are called "siestas" here.

Late in the afternoon Joey came by with his truck bed full of pumpkins and squash. A huge, old donkey poked his head in the truck hoping for something to eat. My, he was every bit as sweet as he was big!

My, even donkeys are bigger in Texas.

When "Mom" returned, she reminded Patience that it was time for her peg replacement. Poor Patience was more upset about the time she would be "out of commission" than she was about the uncomfortable procedure itself. Afterward, Patience was settled on the sofa and I read to her from one of her favorite books, Cinderella and the Glass Slipper, until she fell asleep.

Patience was up bright and early today. She came in to tell me she was going to the oncologist with "Mom". My concern must have shown because Patience said that Mom considered the Cancer Center a place of hope--of courageous patients and determined doctors fighting a terrible enemy one day at a time. Mom was blessed. She lost part of her lung to cancer last December, but it was caught so early that she didn't have to undergo chemo. There have been frequent check-ups and all kinds of test since, and, thankfully, everything has been fine. Patience must have felt my fear because she reminded me that worry solves nothing. Instead, she wanted me to be aware and educate myself and others about cancer.

Patience returned from the appointment with a most beautiful calendar! The founding doctor of the Cancer Center is a photography enthusiast and created the calendar for his patients. Mom asked for, and got, permission to photograph us with his pictures of the legendary bluebonnets. She said something about posting it in an album later.

After lunch, Patience and I were bundled up and found ourselves in Mom's handbag. Patience promised that I was going to like this ride in the car. We weren't in the car long. We were lifted out into the light and in the presence of a lady who was saying that she was from Finland. I was amazed at what I saw. Everywhere I looked I saw something delightful!

Mom asked to see a little red Dala horse. And, she said it would be a present for me! He was just my size. I couldn't believe he was going to be mine! Patience and I had our pictures taken with the wooden trolls and Santas before leaving this wonderful shop. Back in the car, Mom explained that she had found The Wooden Spoon while Patience was in the early stages of being carved. The owner wanted to know about Hitties and invited Mom to a meeting of carvers that would be at the shop after hours. It was there that Mom learned more about all types of carving. None of the carvers worked on dolls. Some had done figures, some, the Swedish spoons, etc. All of them were interested in the Hitty world and the wonderful carvers there, but none of them would have known about us if the owner hadn't been so interested in encouraging the carvers and their art. She wished that the owner had been there today, but promised that she would share our pictures with her.

Tomorrow we would be cleaning the big house for the doll club meeting Sunday afternoon. That was okay with me, I had much to think about. Texas isn't all cowboys and cactus!

Truly yours,
Hitty Pearl S. Buck

Good Evening Everyone!

Yesterday evening a package arrived from my dear Martha and inside were the most amazing hostesses gifts! They were books about my stay with her and her family. I could hardly believe it, my size and my wonderful new friends and me in the pictures! The note in the box said that each hostess was to have one. I'm going to let Martha tell you all how these books came to be, but just know that they will be treasured by every one of my hostesses. I am so proud that they will travel with me to my destinations. Mom prosmises to share a picture of my book in the November album soon. (She hasn't driven all week because of dizziness--some kind of allergic reaction.)

We had a 'blue norther" come in yesterday morning. I'd never heard of such a thing, but it was extremely windy and quite cold outside. I was happy to be inside looking over some of the books mom uses to tutor English as a Second Language students and adults who never learned to read in any language. Everyone has a great time learning. It's so important. I want everyone to be able to enjoy reading books like Highlights of Hitty Pearl Buck's Visit to the Maxwell Hittys!

Truly yours,
HPB

Yesterday, 10 of us gathered together to welcome Hitty PSB and to have
general Hitty fun (much welcomed by me!). Wizzy drove down from
Oklahoma, NJ and her daughter Tammy came from Wichita Falls, TX,
Sylvia, Teddie and Elaine H. drove up from the greater Houston area.
Eileen (Hitty PSB's hostess and the one who organized this event, Bunny
(Hittygirl lurker), Debbie (Hitty Mom from our doll club) and I rounded
out the group.

We met in the old downtown square of Carrollton, suburb of Dallas. We
had the back room of Sid's Rainbow Grille mostly to ourselves and were
able to spread out our Hittys and stuff (they always have stuff,
right?). Hitty favors were exchanged and Bittys were purchased that NJ
brought (I'm now the proud Mom of one of her darling Bitty boys).

It was lots of fun and really whet our appetite for Guthrie. Wizzy
told us how fabulous Sara's prototype doll is for our souvenir doll.
Some of us already have our reservations in and the rest are working on
it.

Hitty people are the best!

Josie

November 12, 2007

The day of the doll club meeting has finally arrived, the house has been cleaned and tables cleared for auction items. It seems as though mom's club has an annual auction and treasures abound for the right price. Mom has placed me on a very soft sofa where the ladies and I can visit. It is always a fun to meet people who value the pleasure we dolls bring.

The meeting had begun, but I couldn't concentrate on what was being said. My attention was drawn to a wooden cart being pulled by a pair of oxen and it was just my size! Finally the cart was up for bidding and mom won it! As soon as the meeting ended, Hitty Sarah, Hitty Sue, Patience and I climbed up into the fragrant hay. Ah, what memories this has brought back!

November 17, 2006

Mom has had vertigo all week. She worked in the office for short periods of time, but had trouble focusing. Walking was an adventure, too. She seems to feel better today and Patience is almost giddy with relief--odd behavior for Patience. She said that mom just had to be okay for tomorrow, but wouldn't say why tomorrow is any more important than today.

November 18, 2005

I awoke to a great commotion. All of the Hitties were climbing into the travel case. Patience and I soon found ourselves wrapped and put into mom's handbag. Patience won't stop giggling, but won't tell me what is so amusing.

We were finally released into a beautiful Fall day full of sunshine. We explored a lovely white wooden gazebo in the square of old downtown Carrollton. But, Patience had to stop and go sit on top of mom's car. I didn't understand, but Patience whispered that I would soon enough. Suddenly, I heard someone say "Where is she?" and I was handed to a lady named NJ. Then, I was being introduced to a whole group of admiring ladies. To my great surprise they had come to see me. I was so very honored and would have blushed if it were possible to do so. And, they had brought their girls. This was definitely going to be fun!