October 1950 (age 51)

Sigurd, away from home on conservation business, shows in a letter to his wife, Elizabeth, that stress was a continuing problem for him. It was reflected most outwardly in his facial tic and need for antacids, but it obviously took an inner toll at times, too:

My face and eyes are really behaving quite well. I am taking your advice and relaxing whenever I can, most of all in my mind, saying to myself "There's no hurry, take it easy, slow down, what if this doesn't develop the world won't stop. Nothing is so terribly urgent that it makes much difference." I've found it helps it is a hard thing for me to do but it might be the answer to fight that terrific sense of urgency and speed. Perhaps it is your prayers for me that are helping. Yes Darling I pray often, very often. It seems I have to pray when I'm alone and it does help.

October 1965 (age 66)

Not much to report. Sigurd gave the keynote talk at a "Save the Indiana Dunes" dinner on October 30 in Beverly Shores, Indiana, sponsored by the Save the Dunes Council.