Santa Barbara News-Press

For 79 years, Muriel Osterhaus did not miss a day-through births, deaths and other major life events, from January 1, 1925, to March 10, 2004, one thing remained constant in her life: each day got a journal entry. This remarkable accomplishment has resulted in her inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest-kept journal. More than just a personal diary, her entries chronicle and describe the historical events of the time, including the Depression and World War II.

Now, at 94 years old, Muriel is ready to experience her lifelong project by reading her diaries in full for the first time. She is not able to do this on her own, however, as her vision is extremely limited due to glaucoma. Last January, Muriel contacted Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic to find a volunteer who would be willing to read the entire collection of journals aloud. This is how she met "kindred spirit," and RFB&D volunteer, Clare Montana.

Twice a week, Clare visits Muriel to read her diary entries and share in her life experiences. The two women have become extremely close friends. Despite the two-generation age difference, they both marvel at the connection they have-they share many of the same beliefs, have a similar "silly" sense of humor and even use the same expressions.

Clare values her time with Muriel and the chance to "walk through the years with her." A former history teacher, Clare especially appreciates the insight into the events of the time that she gains by reading Muriel's journal aloud. They are up to the year 1947 and both look forward to the pages ahead.

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