July 7, 1976 (Letter from Kathy)

Glad to hear from you.  We were beginning to really wonder what happened to you.  Meet any neat gals this summer yet?  Your new job sounds great -- still think so?

My brother went to college in Springfield.  (little trivia for you)

I'm waiting for Gary to get home.  He's applied for several jobs here and in Boise in hopes that he'll come up with something that'll have a future.  He was hoping to hear from the Ford place today. Think things would be perfect if he'd get a job that pays for the hard worker he is.  He finally realized that he wasn't going to get anywhere at the cycle shop.  Tried this spring to buy in -- even thought about buying a business here and eventually convert it to a cycle shop -- hopefully on the good name he's built up, but everything led to a dead end.  I try to keep my big mouth shut.  We went to Colorado in March to see about job prospects there in the bike business -- nothing.  If this job at Ford doesn't come through, maybe an electrical job in Boise will.  H ate to move, but yet wouldn't mind if Gary could find himself.

I had the day off.  Spent the entire morning mowing our lawn and the neighbors (8:30 - 1:30).  Don't care if I see a green lawn again.  It's been so hot (in the 100s) that the lawn grew really fast as it was twice as hard and time consuming.  Used the afternoon for general housecleaning and defrosting refrigerator.

I recently quit the office you were in to work the other office 4 days a week.  Dr. Reynolds really does provide better working conditions, better benefits, and better salary. Just really got disgusted with the disorganization.  Was waiting it out until Dr. Reynolds felt he could use me more time.

The winter was hard for us financially, things are starting to look up a little, but the cycle business has never really started to boom yet.  (Bad is just no fun money!)

We kinda "fell into" a 1967 Corvette -- 36,000 miles on it in beautiful or "cherry" condition as Gary would say.  Trying to sell our truck.  Haven't had any bites yet.

Got 5 3/5  tons of alfalfa (hay) off our 2 acres -- made $200 this month on that.

Garden not doing too well unless you really like peas.  We had a hard frost June 28th. Unbelievable!!

Gary's been riding mountain trails now and raced through the winter.  Has also been neat to though.  He helps me more than ever with the daily chores and gets me out now and then.

May take a trip to Pa. in Sept. if we can both take 2 weeks.  Otherwise we'll probably take just a few days and visit my aunt in Victoria, Brit. Columbia.  We'd take in the Oregon and Washington coast on our way.

We did take a trip to Oklahoma City to visit Jeff Tuller & family for Christmas.  Jeff was getting around on his leg pretty well by then.  (He crushed it between 2 of his cars while jumping the batteries.)  Couldn't remember when in Sept. it happened -- whether you had been and gone or not.  Gary's parents did stay here on night as a result of flying to Oklahoma for Jeff -- they took a little side trip here.

Know a really neat gal -- teaches grade school.  Used to live here -- now in Grays Lake, Illinois. You're everything she'd like in a guy.  Don't know your likes in "women".  Too bad we can't get a match going.  She's almost as wonderful as me!!!

We got the rests of our lawn in this spring.  Gary and I laugh about it now but it we didn't divorce each other thru that we never will!!!  We do not work well in the yard together cuz Gary hates it. (My hand is sweating so that is why the writing is worse than ever!!)

Have a really neat neighbor that's been helping me with interior decorating.  Her 11 and 13 year old girls sure are great kids.  I kidnap them somedays all day to keep me company   (I'd like to start getting some money stashed away for a baby.)  Think I could convince Gary if he was happy with himself.  Time will tell.

Sounds like you're getting pretty good at taking care of yourself.  By the time you marry she won't have to break you in like I had to do with Gary!!  Paul -- take care.

Let us know how life treats you.  Maybe we'll see you for our 10 y ear class reunion or maybe you'll honeymoon out west!!

What do you hear from anyone?  Did you spend the winter in Warren?

July 7, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

It was so great to hear from you again.  Since you were so sweet about returning my letter, I felt I couldn't stall in sitting down to write a letter back to you.  So far my summer has been great -- hectic, but great!  I joined a health spa and now I go and exercise three morning a week to get my bod toned up since it looks sort of flabby since I took off so much weight.  I am also macrameing, which is a big hobby of mine.  I just finished doing a huge wall hanging for my brother and sister-in-law and I worked my fingers to the bone tying all the millions of knots in it -- but I sure am proud of the finished product.  Macrame is a very expensive hobby -- so I work at it when I have 10 to 30 extra dollar to throw around.  I would absolutely love to macrame a big tree hammock for the cottage, but it takes about 700 yds of rope and would cost me close to $100 to do it.  One of these days "when my boat comes in" I'll do it too.

Boy, Paul, it makes such a difference being off for the summer.  If I had been in school for even one more week I think I would have lost my mind!  I have really been working hard around the house.  When a person doesn't really clean a place thoroughly for a year, then it takes about 1 1/2 weeks to ear everything apart and put it back together again.  Morrey and I finally cleaned out our closets after living here almost 3 years and I shopped home (via my Dad) about 10 huge boxes of rummage.  Now that I've lost so much weight, practically nothing in my closet fits anymore so I had to give it away (HOORAY!).  By next week I will have taken off 50 lbs, but I have another 50 to go before I'm done!  I should reach my goal by Jan. or Feb.  Morrey had kept a Christmas club account of $500.00 for me just to buy clothes when I reach my goal and I can hardly wait.  We are thinking about going to Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona probably around Xmas vacation and I can hardly wait to display the new me!  I swear I'm going to find a long gown that really shows off my boobs and figure.  Something slinky, sexy, and for sure, seducing!

My parents were here last week for a visit and we tried to show them the town.  Went to a dinner theater to see Bob Crane (Hogan's Heroes) in a show called "xxxxx, darn, I forget what it was called -- but it was indeed funny and my parents loved it.  Last night we took them to see Harvey Korman (Carol Burnett's sidekick) in a show called "Norman, Is That You?"  It was really hilarious!

I was just in the middle of preparing my husband a real gourmet dinner for tonight when he called from work to say that a friend of ours is giving us free tickets for a dinner theater tonight -- so the hell with dinner!  I really enjoy potting around in the kitchen these days.  (Excuse the pun!)  I was making Rock Cornish game hen, rice, green beans, salad, and an authentic English Trifle for dessert -- but I will just put it off for tomorrow night instead.  I make the desserts but I stay far away from eating them. When Morrey eats his dessert I eat a piece of fruit, and my stomach doesn't know the difference anyhow.

We spent the 4th of July weekend in Chicago at my brother's.  They just bought a new house, only it isn't new cause it is 50 years old.  It was an honest to God mansion with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 dens, a swimming pool and the whole bit.  We felt like we were staying in the "Grand Hotel" but it was sure fun.  I spent the entire weekend schlepping myself from my chair in the sun into the swimming pool and back again.  Needless to say, I'm none the worse for wear and tear.  My brother is doing very well financially and can afford to really live in style   I admire him and his wife for working so hard o get what they wanted.  My other brother in Omaha is moving into a brand new house this week.  They've been hitting my parents up for quite a bit of money,  which I don't think is quite kosher -- but it's really none of my business how my folks choose to spend their money.  I know that if Morrey and I really needed financial help (which, thank God we don't) they would never refuse us.  My brother in Omaha pisses me off a lot cause he "expects" my parents to give him material objects and monetary gifts.  If he showed a little concern for my folks and appreciations for what they do for him than I wouldn't complain, but he just keeps taking and taking as long as they're willing to give.  Oh well, I guess every family has its peculiarities and quirks -- mine is no exception.

Morrey has really been working hard this summer.  He started on commission June 1 and he's been really pushing it to make a buck.  So far, this month, we're in the hole, but next month looks like it will be a really good one.  I think that with Morrey being on commission we will be a lot more careful with our expenditures since we can never tell what next month will bring in.  I'm not worried and I have every confidence in the world that in another few years we'll be sitting kind of pretty ourselves -- if I live to see it!  HA HA

I really can't complain about anything Paul.  I have absolutely everything I want and more than I need to get along.  Morrey never refuses anything that is really important to me and we've really been putting money away in the hope that next year we can buy some kind of a house.  The way things are going with the price of houses, I think that about all we'll be able to afford is the garage or the basement!

It was great to hear the news you wrote about the "old gang of ours".  It would really be nice someday to have us all get together again.  Really, Paul, you are the only one of my friends from Warren over the years that I have kept in touch with, and I am certainly glad that we both don't mind writing letters once in a while.  Even though I might not write for months, I am always thinking about you and wondering how things are going with you.  My parents always ask about you when I see them.  As a matter of act, we're going to Warren this weekend so Morrey can fish and I can sit in the sun.  Morrey is nuts about the cottage.  Once he's there it gets really hard to convince him to ride into town to visit.  He has simple taste and one of his greatest pleasures is sitting in the board "washing worms" as he calls it, since he's never yet in 8 years of going there caught an edible fish!

I haven't read a decent book all summer and can't seem to find anything on the book racks that I like.  When you write back, please give me some "professional" advice on some good reading materials. I do like biography and historical fiction just about the best of anything in print.  I sure would appreciate some hints on good reading material.

Well, I'm doing the laundry again and I have to hang up our clothes so I'll be closing for now.  Hope this letter finds you well and prospering in Springfield, Mass.  By the way, have you been to Sturbridge?  We went last year and I absolutely loved it!  What interesting things are there to do in Springfield?  One of these days I might just hop in the car and drive out for the hell of it.

My typing has gone from bad to worse to please try to overlook the errors.

July 7, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

Naturally, since the arm-twisting has succeeded, I have bad-good news to report.  Please excuse this little note, but I'll explain!!  Westinghouse, in one of its strange & mysterious ways, has picked July 10th (Sat) til July 17th (?) Sat for our little trip.  Of course I should have known!  I just wrote Diane (not mentioning you, of course) [I had mentioned before that I'd ask you, but I said you probably wouldn't come, ok?]  Therefore, I have asked her to switch to the 24th or 341st & to ask Bev & let me know.  I should hear very soon & will let you know as soon as I do.  By the way, may I have your phone no? -- or is that classified?  Actually, I suppose I could get it from information. I don't  think you are coy enough to have an unlisted number?

Diane & Bev have taken it into their heads that my serving them too many meals would be a "burden" so they have decided we have to go to Poli's one night (Saturday).  How do you feel about this?  I can understanding how being short of money feels since I am always that way myself, but I already agreed that we'd go.  What to do?  Let me know, ok?  Also I'm trying to get reservation for Fallingwater that Sunday (especially since I remember you wanted to see it & we never did, in our excursions )  If only I could find out for which day!!!  (That would be a help.)

I'm sure this is completely incoherent & I sound even nuttier than usually - & of course, I am.

WRITE & tell me what's going on (because I definitely don't know).

July 3, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)

Hello.

I just got your letter today.  I was wondering when I would hear from you, but I knew I would get a letter eventually.  Before I go into a lengthy account of my feelings concerning your letter, I will tell you of the general happenings here in Naples.

We took the Admiral's barge out last Thursday and spent the day at Capri.  I was invited along with the DP's and a few others who went along.  The boat we went on was "plush" since it's supposed to be used only for transporting admirals back and forth.  Our Admiral lets each command use the boat for a day in the summer.  It was so beautiful weather-wise and the Mediterranean was a aqua marine around the coast.  We ate lunch overlooking the swimmers with a vibe that puts you in a fairy tale existence.

After lunch we decided to swim back to the barge.  I was feeling risky so I took off my dress and swam back topless.  We proceeded to a cave and started to go snorkeling when the next thing I knew everybody was skinny-dipping.  I would have preferred to swim with my bathing suit on to save more talk but I indulged and went topless.  Word got out after our trip that everyone was skinny dipping.  If the Admiral hears of t his he is going to flip his bars.  I don't mind the naked body but I feel that discrimination should be used for many reasons.  I will learn a lesson.

I must say I have had many problems lately and my attitude has turned sour.  There is so much happening to me that really hurts deep inside of me.  I don't know why I was supposed to come to Naples but at this moment I feel it is a curse.  A lot of my feelings will remain inside of my now. This I will resolve on my own.  I feel I am racing to a peak and it will soon explode.  I am trying to save all my energy for this day.

I have been warned that someone is out to bust me.  I haven't smoked in a good while and have no intention over here.  In fact I quit drinking which I probably told you.  Started for 10 days and quit.  I have too many reasons not to drink over here.  It's a scary feeling  when I know there's a person out there who wants to harm me and tear my life apart.  All the times I have felt for people and never wanting to harm anyone.  I know from past experience I have a tendency to impress strangers that I don't like them.  It's the way I am and I won't change.  I am locking my car door all the time.  I don't know if they are going to plant it in my car or what, but I got the impression they want to bust me that bad.  I might seek legal advice but I'm not really sure what to do.  That person may or may not be serious.  I don't really know.  But it's a terrible feeling and it makes me want to understand the hate they have inside.  What kind of person are they anyways?

So as you can surmise my senses have been slapped, punched, played with, and stepped on.  I feel the pain of everyday existence and it's such an awakening nightmare for me.  I have intentions of taking leave soon. I find that if I leave this environment just for awhile it will help to live through the period in Naples.  Naples has an appropriate motto.  "See Naples and die."  Heaven forbid.

I'm sure your independent life is just what you need but I prefer to take the apron any day.  It's not as easy as all that though.  To find a compatible mate is my hardest feat in life.  Sometimes I dwell upon him wishing he were here.  I can not deny that I need him. When you don't have anyone to love leaves life very empty.  My friends can not and will not compensate for him. I could be a great mother and wife but I won't advertise.  He may never come to me but I don't think so.  It just gets lonely at times.  Right now he would do me good.  Again, this is the feel I am and I won't change.  (At least for the moment.)

I have been writing to Gordon who is in Bermuda.  I am going to take leave and visit him there.  I will probably come back to the states also.  I will decide at the end of the month.  I plan to visit Sweden in the spring.

Larry sent me a belated birthday package which included tea, shampoo, sun lotion, sunflower seeds, etc.  I needed it, too!

Moses came in tonight and gave me two red carnations.  He has a crush on me but Moses falls in and out of love each day.  He's a nice person, though.

I was showing a guy my car a few minutes ago and he asked me where the fist dent came from. So I can't be certain but someone might have put a fist to the hood of my car tonight.  Have you ever had a feeling of bad to come that you couldn't erase inside.

I don't want to sound ridiculous but maybe you can help me in some way, even to say don't worry. I am all right and I'm not scared of what awaits me.  I'm just fed up with the Navy and I'm going nuts waiting to get out of this outfit.  I mean, Paul, I've had it up to the bum with the Navy's shit.  It stinks too bad.  I'm a little unsure of myself at this moment.  I'm caught in a cyclone now.)

Enough of my foolish worries.

Paul, you got into a heavy topic which most people like to avoid because they don't want to face up to the realities of the world now!  I agree that we can not turn back and we are on a direct course for self-destruction.  I was talking with Lt. Pond who just finished reading The Ascent of Man which was on Times best seller list for the past six months.  I have not read this book but Mr. Pond told me that is goes up through time to where man is and where he went wrong.  Supposedly the book gives you a choice of where we can go.  I say wishful dreaming.  Man, just as long as one man is greedy, this world will never be "heaven on earth".  I don't know the purpose of life and the significance of death.  My beliefs stay with man on earth not upon outer space, the core, the sun etc.  Man is a very unneeding creature who has built his life to an apex where he cannot survive on basics.  He has forgotten all his knowledge of the beginning.

Man and nature should be one in the sense they are able to help each other.  More so nature helps man because nature feeds, clothes, and shelters man.  I don't want to be unrealistic and put man back into a "caveman" style of life because we have progressed way beyond that point.  But man cannot abuse nature as he has been and expect nature to survive.  We have finally aroused nature with all our polluting, stripping, unnatural building that weigh the earth, etc.  It's like a cancer that slowly grows.  She will be getting the chills first and then comes the aches and pains.  Or course, most of mankind doesn't realize that we will fell her "disease" (dis-ease) just as great.

You could give me all the scientific explanations in the world but it won't change my mind about all the catastrophes that are going on now.  I believe it will happen in our lifetime since we are at the end of the plateau.  Man has no room to move.  We cannot explore because all the land is "private" property owned by a named country.  After that I believe of what my future.  I still hope to have a family and enjoy my life.  I want to be near the people I love here.  I feel that I'm so lucky because I have three beautiful brothers and two outstanding dedicated parents.  I love mom and dad not for what they stand for but for who they are and how I see and know them.  I can't compare my family to other because you are like the hills.  It's embedded in my mind.

Paul if you ever get a chance buy an album by Dan Fogelburg because you won't regret it at all. Sit down and listen to the words.

I'm trying to remember a song of his by heart and I'll close with it.

Part of the Plan

I have these moments
All steady and strong
Feeling so holy and humble
Next thing I know I'll all
worried and weak
I feel myself starting to crumble
The meanings get lost
The teachings get tossed
And you don't know what your
going to do next
You wait for the sun but it
never quite comes
And some kind of messages
come through to you
And it says

Chorus
Love when you can
Cry when you have to
Be who you must it's
A part of the plan
Await your arrival
With simple survival
And one day we'll understand
Someday we'll understand

I had a woman who gave me
her soul
But I wasn't ready to take it
Her heart was so fragile and
heavy to hold
And I was afraid I might break it
Your conscience awakes
And you see your mistakes
You wish someone would buy your confession
The days miss their marks
The nights get so dark
And some kind of message
comes through to you
Some kind of message shoots through

Chorus

There is no Eden or heavenly gates
That you're going to make it through one day
But all of the answer will be found
In dreams that you dream on the way.

June 27, 1976 (Letter from Connie)

I feel about two inches high.  I'd started a letter to you a couple of weeks ago, got sidetracked (due to one of this spring's jaunts), and found the #$%*&% unfinished, unmailed letter this morning.

So looks like I owe you some catching up for the last few weeks.  Went to Seattle over Memorial Day.  Tried to eat and drink my way through town, and see everyone, go everywhere, and do everything in three days.  Stayed over for a fourth, still hadn't made it, but by that time I was so exhausted I just went home.  Did manage to see my pals and my family.  My brother and his wife have bought some land (5 acres!) way north of Everett, and are planing on building within a year or so.  Went slogging up through it.  It's way out in the boondocks which suits them very well indeed. Had a chance to see my old neighbor Anke and her kids (did you ever gete a chance to meet them while you were in Seattle?  You couldn't forget Anke:  she's German, about 5'6:, slender and beautiful.)  It was a lucky chance getting to see them, because they left for Germany for the summer that next Tuesday.  She's the one I'm to meet and travel around with.  My mom called yesterday to tell me that rumor has it Anke might not be able to find someone to take care of the two children for those three weeks, and so might not be able to gad around with me.  Egads but that drops the bottom out of everything.  Well, maybe not:  Either we'll find someone to take the kids, or I'll just pop up to England (grumble grumble: I'm not in the mood to go to England), or we'll take them with us.  They're not bad kids (Mark's 10 and Kim's 9, and very nice, smart, well-behaved kids).  Doubt that they'd be interested in going to the Louvre, or clamering up to the Parthenon, but then maybe they might.  Either way, something will work out.  Has to.  Things have been going so well for this trip that it really feels as though God wants me to go -- and that nothing and nobody can stand in my way.

Where was I?  Oh.  After I got back from Seattle (thoroughly exhausted), I hung around Cheyenne for three days, and then hightailed it off to Denver for SLA for four.  Stayed in the Hilton (La-di-da!) with two others, so the bill was not too bad.  16th floor:  terrific view.  I've been to better conferences:  it seemed a little disjointed to me.  All the good workshops were scheduled at conflicting times (of course).  But the exhibits were good.  Ran into a couple of people I knew from Montana, including Ruth Solli (sp?), Lavern Kohl's daughter who now is head of the Reference Room at the State Library (Lavern's old job -- that sort of arrangement is Alma Jacob's way.)  Ruth is preetty nice -- looks so much like Lavern you could faint.  But things seem to be going pretty well there.  Darleen T. is still head of BPH -- I don't know whether they're planning on getting a professional in for the job.  Lynne Stevenson has left, and starts at Carroll College in August. (Talked to Lynne a few weeks ago:  seems Dick Peel was hiding in the woodwork in Helena all this time, and only last month (?) finally dug himself out to make his way to Phoenix.  NOT Salt Lake City, as I'd understood.  Something seemed to have happened, but nobody quite knows what, and from what Lynne said, nobody felt close enough to Dick to ask what.  Hmmm.  Well at least he's off to Phoenix now.)

After SLA, rushed back to Cheyenne, and have been working my little fingers to the bone (sort of) for the last few weeks.  The job has its ups and downs and I'm just now coming up from a down. When I got back from Denver, my desk was piled high with so much housekeeping crud that it took me three days to get through it.  Really hate that kind of junk:  orders, circulation, physical processing of new books  shelving, SHIFTING (BLECHH!!!)  So help me, everytime I imagine I see the Light At The End Of The Tunnel, the tunnel caves in.  The cave-in this time was 1.  A monster annotated bibliography we're going to have published, and 2. Six new boxes of books that got dug out of storage that I had to find something to do with, and 3. Umpteen zillion little interruptions to hep patrons, to do subject searches, to mess with carpenters building shelves (and not building shelves), annotations of new books for the newsletter, and on and on, ad nauseum.

Thing is, I like my job, and I keep telling myself that it suits me perfectly, but I want to go home. This bit of being twelve hundred miles from everybody gets me down.  I have drinking buddies in Cheyenne, but I don't really have any friends here: nobody to call up and gab with, or drop in on, or run off to see a movie with.  Helena was much better in that respect.  And everytime I call someone "at my back I always near, Ma Bell's winged cash register hurrying near" (to mutilate Andrew Marvell).  I can't drive to Seattle, it takes two full days each way, and to fly costs close to $200.  The only thing any one wants to do around here is get drunk.  So I go drinking, but drinking's

You mentioned in your letter about that time we were at the Northlake Tav, and how you were feeling so apprehensive, and how at Horatio's you felt something was blocking your way home.  (I could feel something was wrong, that you felt uncomfortable, but I couldn't figure out what it might be -- it never occurred to me that it might be something like that mess at Deer Lodge.)  I mention that because I seem to be surrounded by psychic people.  My mom called last Saturday.  Pam had gotten this really awful feeling, quite suddenly, and ran frantically from work (leaving her purse in the process -- so like Pam!, trying to find mom.  The target of fear must have mom, because she'd been up t Mike & Benita's, had been feeling weird, and drove home about as fast as a snail. She got home all right, and Pam's fear passed.  They tired to call me, to see it I was the target, but I was off shopping, and they finally got hold of me that evening.  I hadn't had any vibes, or any problems.  I tell ya, it really makes me mad:  everybody's psychic but me.  It's not fair -- I can't even tell when the phone's going to ring!!  Well, that's not absolutely true. I get weak vibes once in a while, but only for good things, and only about me.  Or maybe it's just luck.  Who's to say.  And then I have a lucky day (very important things happen for me every year for the last four, no, five, years on this one day, or close to it, and I'm lucky on the 14th, and especially Friday the 13th. Hmm.)

Been running around frantically trying to get ready for my trip.  Got my ticket, my Eurailpass, my International driver's license (just in case), an American Express card (just in case), my passport, a 26" suitcase, and on and on, and I get my traveler's checks next week.  And then you wouldn't believe my shopping list, all the wile-you're-over-there-do-you-think-you-could-pick-up...would you believe:  a case of German beer, two German beersteins, a German aviator's hat (7 1/2), some liquor filled chocolate, three loaves of German bread, some Italian jewelry, and an inflatable Greek god (in lieu of the real thing).  And of course big-hearted sucker that I am I always agree.  Who'm I trying to kid?  I love getting presents for people -- can I bring you something?

So I leave July 6th, and will be back August 4th.  Finally got my flight schedule:  have to be down at the airport in Denver at 8 a.m.  YECHH!  Finally figured out that the only way I could get there would be to take the 4:30 a.m. Greyhound from here.  Tried to bribe some of my pals at work to drive me down, but couldn't con anyone into getting up in time to pick me up at 6 a.m., drive 100 miles and turn around and rive 100 miles back.  It was a good try.  And then, of course, the plane gets in here at 2:30 a.m.  What fun. Told you that there's now some doubt that Anke would not be able to gad around with me.  Really hope that's not true.  Had my heart set on going to Italy -- ooh -- been reading the guidebooks about all the things to see in Rome and Florence, and my God, Naples.  We'll see. We'll see. I'm fated to go to Europe this summer, but I just don't quite know exactly where.  So maybe I'm fated to go back to England.  Be interesting to find out.

Have I told you about my black thumb, about how I will kill every plant I come near?  Well, seems to have changed.  Got three plants last fall, killed two of them, but the third one is a hearty little fellow and he's still hanging in there!  Even had to transplant him yesterday because he outgrew his little pot.  He's called a pepperomia (sp?) or something like that, and he has these really fat leaves, and might even turn into a tree or some such.  I'm really quite amazed. Then I got cuttings from a couple of plants at work, stuck them in water, and lo and behold if they didn't get roots.  Almost fell over.  Stuck them in some dirt yesterday, and I'm kind of anxious to see what happens.  One of them (a Wandering Jew??) has little mottled green leaves and looks diseased to me, but through giggles at my horticultural inanities I'm told it's supposed to look like that, so I guess it's OK.  Haven't got the faintest idea what the other one is, but it has green and purple striped leaves and really looks neat.  Hope they survive.  But then I wouldn't lay odds.  (I'm having some people watch my place while I'm gone, so I won't worry about them.)  They'll probably be very healthy while I'm gone, only for me to come back and kill them.  That's about my speed.)

Let me see.  I haven't read any books at all lately (I'm getting illiterate) but have you see "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", or "Robin and Marion"? Superb!  Both of them.  Very, very different of course, but both very good.  The romantic in me loves R & M.  Audrey Hepburn is so gorgeous I could strangle her.  Drat.  She is now tied with Garbo in my book as The Most Beautiful Woman Ever Known.  Do manage to see a few good films on the tube here.  Saw "The Philadelphia Story" (Hepburn-Grant-Stewart, 1940, director by Cukor), and last night caught "Viva Zapata" (Brandon, 1952) -- that is a terrific film, screenplay by Steinbeck.  I was very impressed.  Bette Davis' "Jezebel" was on last week.  Was not impressed, but then I've never been impressed with her.

My house is an absolute sty (in other words, it looks as messy as usual).  Before I went to Seattle I ran around frantically cleaning every inch, so I hope the same urge hits me before I go off this time.  It better.  I don't' mind living in a filthy house, I just can't stand to have anyone see it.

Went out drinking last night (my bon Voyage party -- at least the first one).  Shouldn't have:  my almost ulcer that was now intermittently is, once more, and it is not fond of alcohol.  And I will not have that blasted thing messing up my German-Italian[-Greek feasting.  Looks like I take my Malox...

Looks like I've about run out of steam.  Again I apologize for my forgetfulness and for my typing.  Take care, and keep in touch (don't be as lousy a correspondent as I am, that is).  Would you believe that I almost envy you in New England over the 4th:  I get to watch the parade down main street Cheyenne -- but at least I get to miss the Frontier Days rodeo!!

Take care -- I'll send you a postcard from wherever.....

June 24, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

I'm just sitting here, listening to the rain, trying to rest for a while.  I've had a very busy morning. I've been working almost every day trying to finish everything I've started at work.  Tomorrow, my last day, approacheth, AT LAST, as even a lustfully awaited day will eventually do.  Today was my first day off (and at home) for 2 weeks -- so I had a lot to do, you know, the mundane -- cleaning, baking (which I haven't started yet), laundry (which I'm "doing" now), etc.  My last day at Seton Hill is not coming a minute too soon, because I've really started to rattle my cage for the past few weeks -- I suppose because an end was in sight I was even more impatient with things than usual. Sister seems to be doing her best not to have me regret leaving at all.  She tries to hard to give me really boring assignments to fill my last fays.  I try not to get around to them, because I want to finish up classifying a batch of pamphlets.  I decided that I'd ask for a letter of recommendation (I just felt presumptuous one day) and to my great shock, she said she'd be happy to recommend me. I decided not to send this letter out without seeing it (a good idea, since I've seen some letters she's written for other people!) so I went up to GSLIS to read it.  It was very nice (maybe she was afraid I'd not be able to get a job anywhere else & come back to haunt her?)  I saw Wray there & he began to badger me about "When was I going to get another Masters?"  Well yech! to that.  I told him the only thing I was really interested in right now was maybe an art program (he thought I should try Art History, which I'll admit might be more in tune with getting a job! -- but I don't really want to do it.  I would like very much to see what I can do.  (Not learn.)  I have a problem similar to y \ours -- "nothing is good enough" -- which is why I didn't go to art school in the first place.  I was so afraid I wouldn't be perfect.  My father tried to convince me that I was being foolish, but to no avail.  This doesn't mean philosophy was no good.  It really helped me in so many ways & was just what I needed at the time.  It probably did for me something like art would have done -- only not so much a therapy -- do you see what I'm getting at?  I realize it's being presented as clearly as mud!  Anyway, enough of that.

It looks as though it will be westward ho! for us come August 10th.  I'm fairly excited about it, but I do fear having my roots transplanted.  Maybe if I do it often enough, I'll get over this?  I will miss this house so much.  It really is exactly the way I wanted it now (except for 2 rooms we didn't do -- bedroom & spare room).  I wish you could see it.  I was so sorry everything was such a mess when you came in October.  It wasn't even a clean mess   You must have thought it was terrible! Maybe I can send you a few picture of the finished product.

My mother is very upset that we're going.  When we were home for Tommy's graduation, she made it very clear by crying for about 1/3 of the time we were there.  I've tried to make it exciting for her, too, by telling her how nice it will be for her to come out there & visit us & how'll we'll look forward to her visits, etc, but she doesn't want to play.  I was a nervous wreck by the time we were ready to go home.  The news of the flood that weekend did not help matters any, either.  I think she should really find  something that interests her, because now that she's home alone a lot, she gets very depressed.  She said she was going to look for a job.  I hope she can find one she likes.  It would really be good for her.

When I was at home, I saw my grandmother & she said the blood of that saint is not supposed to liquify until September.  She really believes in it because she's seen it happen.

I think my parents are going to come here before we go out west, so I guess we won't be going to Phila.  Of course, that could always change, because my father has a job that he can't really get away from too easily.  If we do come to Philly, I'd love to see you.  (Brook may not come; I may just fly in by myself -- see Mickey can fly!)  We might as well not make any plans yet, though, since I don't know what is going on.

Diane & Bev are coming for a visit for the weekend of July 18th.  (They are staying over til Monday, too.)  I don't suppose you'd like to come for a reunion then?  I was considering asking Bill Louden if he'd like to come too.  I know it would be a nuisance for you to do all that driving, so I won't press you, ok?  I'm sorry I'm such a pest, but I do like to see you & we may not see each other for at least 3 years after this.  (That sounds so terrible!!!)  (We're going to visit Fallingwater.  Does that tempt you at all?)

Our big decision for the month is whether to have me come along on our house-hunting trip to Idaho. Westinghouse will pay for Brook to go, but it will really be a business trip & he will have to show up at work every day.  (It will probably last a week.)  If I went, I could visit the real estate agents and do all that kind of thing during the day.  Unfortunately, the air fare is almost $300 and we'd have to pay for my meals, etc. also.  I'm not sure if it's worth it.  But maybe it would be. We're not sure whether we want an apt. or a house.  (We may not be able to get either because of the flood!) But we'd like a house, if we can afford one we like.  Housing will be at a premium now that so many were water-damaged, so I suppose we'll just have to wait & see.

We have to start looking for someone to buy this one, now.  I hope we make a profit after all the work we've put into it.  I know we'll never find another house as solidly built as this one is.  I'm definitely taking the stained glass.  I just can't part with it.  It would kill me to come back in a few years & see it broken or anything.  You didn't see the window on the 3rd floor.  It's blue & really pretty.  It's also LARGE -- so I don't know what I'll do with it, but hopefully it can just go over another window wherever we live next.

I just can't even think about packing, etc. yet.  I'm not looking forward to that part of moving at all!

I'm sending  you this carrot cake recipe becausae it uses honey.  (Didn't the other I gave you use sugar?)  I never tired either of them, but I think I'm going to bake this honey one tonight.  It sounds pretty good.

Take care

P.S. If you do read any Lessing, read The Four-Gated City instead of Golden Notebook because it is more explicit about her ideas, I think.  (It's the fifth book of a 5-book series, but it can be read without the others, I guess.

June 21, 1976 (Letter from Sue)

You must've wondered why I didn't answer your letter with your offer to come down Memorial Day - -but alas (w/ regard to seeing you then, that is --) I was in California then, sunning myself by sailing on the Bay -- didn't receive your letter till I got home -- and I was so glad to hear from you!  Grant told me about your job with Merriam -- I've very glad for you.  Springfield is, I'm sure, a good place to live.  I imagine the competition for jobs there is pretty keen.  I assume G&C Merriam are the illustrious dictionary people -- next time we meet, I'll have to indoctrinate you to my new passion -- the Dictionary Game!  (Certainly a more intellectual pastime than swallowing goldfish, mescaline tabs, or chatting with senile sex-starved retired librarians.

I'm sorry we didn't have a better visit when you were her last October.  I don't think I was the Hostess with the Mostess.  It was a particularly difficult time for me, financially, and with regard to work, which seemed enormously hectic right then.  Plus the PLA Conference was, for the most part, was enormously tedious -- so much so that I'm going to give the conference syndrome another crack and go to ALA in Chicago.  I fear that it will be the Y rather than the Palmer House this time, though -- I can't afford the P.H. on my own.  (And naturally, I can't share a room with just n'importe qui.)  I don't suppose you are considering gracing the event with your presence?  (I.F. Stone will be there.)  Let me know if Merriam is going to send you, all expenses paid...

Since we may not see each other in Chicago, and since we didn't see each other Mem. Day -- what are your plans on the 4th?  Our friends Wendy & Ron (you watched Edward 2, or 13th, or 12th, at their apt) recently bought a house & we're planning a joint 4th of July Bicentennial Bash. Someone of your social grace, sizzling charm & scintillating wit would be most welcome.  Of course, the new love of your life (still Binghamton Harriet?) would be welcome, too.

I get this image of you from time to time as one of those ramblin' man types -- sort of a "Baby I'll love you today, but I gotta be on my way".  Do you think you've left a trail of broken hearts from Montana to Mass? I may sound facetious, but I don't mean to.  Actually, the whole male-female complexity of relationship is under review again by me.  I had some revealing experiences when in SF. . I intended to tie up some loose ends, but may have unraveled more than I tied up.  Men can be occasionally trying -- as can women, I'm sure.  Right now I'm into an obsession about trust, which is RARE.  Life becomes very heavy, to use the vernacular.  Sometimes I feel the need to immerse myself in frivolity. Hence one of my reasons for ALA.

I really loved being on the West Coast again.  Like you, I am entranced by the vast spaces.  I miss the physical beauty of central California.  I am beginning to feel genuinely oppressed by the East. (Another reason for ALA -- discreet, year-in-advance job-hunting.)  I don't think I can last more than another \year out here.  Fortunately, the job at Wynnefield (my "twig") is very satisfying.  And the kids make me happy.

For a quick change of subject -- sometimes I'm too lazy for neat & clever transitional passages -- have you seen any good movies lately?  I would list as noteworthy The Man Who Would Be King for the pure adventure & fidelity to the bones of the Kipling story, as well as remarkable portrayals by Connery & Caine.   Also Taxi Driver for diabolical cinematic genius & fine job by DeNiro.  And third, All the President's Men, just cause it was so satisfying to see a good old-fashioned detective story with a happy ending.  Actually, I felt that this was an inspiring film, on a level not created since some of the old 40s films.  I liked it because it wasn't a hype film, as it could've been.  I was also intrigued by Swept Away, which was really very clever in many respects. But I'm really fed up with the whole Wertmuller cult and have no desire to see Seven Beauties. We saw an old Renoir film which I hadn't seen before at the Philadelphia film festival (believe it or not).  La Chicune.  He really is the greatest -- probably even more so if you're French   I think movies are always more accessible in one's own language, culture, etc.  (Cuckoo's Nest needs no comment from me.  It's all been said.  It was in many ways very lyrical.  J.N. is my romantic hero.)

Well, m'dear, it's almost time for my beauty sleep.  And as the Big 30 is right around the corner, Lord knows a girl has to start thinking about those things.  So please don't be delinquent as I was, and write soon Y let me know about the 4th and ALA.  If Mayor Rizzo & the federal troops, as well as Mayor Daley don't turn you on, I'll understand.

June 30, 1976 (Letter from Diane)

Photo credit:  Production Cars

Finally some rest and some time to myself!  I've been doing a great imitation of the headless chicken for about a month now and am paying the price -- literally & figuratively.  But things are getting back to normal.

This merry-go-round started Memorial Day weekend with a trip home.  My sister returned with me for a change of scene and to help me prepare for an influx of relatives the next weekend. I decided to finally buy a dining room set so everyone could eat.  Did you ever try to have furniture delivered within three days of purchase?  Not easy.  But we did it and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The next weekend I went to the shore for the first time this season & it was miserable.  The wind was very strong and it stuck to the suntan lotion on everyone's skin.  We did see the flower show there so the trip wasn't a total loss.

Then came the big excitement.  My father called to tell me that the car dealership he works for got in a slightly used car in great shape with the equipment I wanted and was I interested?  I was, so I went home, looked it over & bought it.  It's gorgeous.  It's a 1975 Matador coupe with a red body & a cream vinyl roof.  The interior is black with white bucket seats and it's air conditioned!  The thought of all those car payments is scary but the price was extremely reasonable.  Unforgettably, it doesn't get the gas mileage the Ford did and it has a smaller tank.  Not realizing this, I nearly ran out of gas on the Schuykill Expressway.  Total panic!  But I managed to get to a gas station in time, thank God!

On Mon., my roommate from Penn State and her husband came for a few days.  He's going to Fordham in the fall and they're apartment-hunting.  They left Wed  and Fri., more houseguests arrived -- five, in fact.  A friend of mine from Altoona Public Library, two of her children and two of their friends stopped in route to NYC and on Sat., we left for the Big Apple.  The purpose of all this activity was to attend the ballet starring Margot Forteyn.  The whole trip, particularly the ballet, was great!  I came back feeling like I had two weeks vacation under my belt.  Over the 4th, I'll be home again, my sister will be down for the Elton John concert next week, it's Baltimore after that and then -- Pittsburgh!  Bev and I are planning to go the weekend of the 17th (if Brook doesn't have to go househunting in Idaho then.)  I really hope that you can join us there.  Bev wants to go to Poli's.  Remember when you, Bill Louden, Grayce & I went there and the waitress was so horrified when we asked for separate checks?   Maybe Woman's Lib has made more of an impression by now.  So, please try to wrangle some time off.

I'm happy that you're finding your job likeable.  (likable?)  Incidentally, I'm sorry to have let my ignorance of dictionary-making show.  But then, it's difficult to know everything -- not to mention boring.  It would be terrible to live without learning.

Enough philosophy.  I'm going to wash the dishes & soak my feet.  That's the kind of thrilling evening I'm having between weekends -- repairing the damage and resting up.

See you in Pittsburgh?

June 16, 1976 (Letter from Larry)

It's a rainy nite.  We've needed the rain for about two weeks.  Everything was so dry.

I just got home from a retirement party for a lady who worked at Printz.  Dale & I went.  We stuffed ourselves.  We had a real good time.

The family from Sweden was here last week.  They were fun to be with.  The girls gave me their address in Stockholm.  I do plan on visiting them.

I received my first issue of New Times.  I read it cover to cover.

I enjoy my job now more than ever.  I'm getting the feel of everything.

I visit with Mrs. Crary a lot.  Sometimes we sit and talk for hours.  She's very interesting.

I was planning on having another garden on Quaker Rd. but I couldn't find enough time to get up there and do some work.   With my own garden, yard work, and the extra work at Fort Myers I don't have time for much else.  I like being busy, I'm happiest when I'm working.

Not much going on in Warren that you'd be interested in.

June 11, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

I know that your letter to me must have been over a month ago, and I am quite tardy in responding. I have been super busy with the closing weeks of school, final exams and such.  Today was my last day and now I am off for the summer.  Already I've been home for 1/2 hour and I am wondering where to begin and what to do with myself.  When I came home and saw that there were no clean clothes for the weekend -- I knew that I had found my niche for the summer - HOUSEWIFE -- and I really don't mind that title a bit.

It has been a very long and strenuous and frustrating school year for me.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the kids -- and always will -- but the administration in our school is piss poor (you should excuse the expression) and it has made the morale on the faculty reach a new record of all time low!  If schools had no administrators I am convinced we would survive, much less improve.  Well, it's all over now and am I glad!  Morrey and I have come to the decision that next year will be my last year teaching at my school.  I do not intend to quit working (I'd go made if I didn't), but I would like to open other doors and other channels which I haven't yet discovered.  I am seriously thinking of starting my own tutoring "program" as an alternative to classroom teaching, and I'm pretty sure that I can get plenty of kids from the system where I teach -- so we'll wit and see what happens.  Morrey is forging ahead with his job as a salesman.  He just recently went on commission so we'll either starve or eat caviar!  He's really happy in what he's doing and I am pleased about that.  We are hoping to be able to save enough money by next spring to buy a house, but I am super particular and I think it'll take us awhile to find the right place.  I have champagne taste with a beer bottle income!  I am very happy with my lot in life and I certainly have no complaints.  Morrey and I have a strong marriage and we are our own best friends which I feel good about.

I started going to Weight Watchers in January and so far I've lost 43 lbs.  I have another 60 to go but I think I'll make it.  I hope to be 126 lbs or skinny -- whichever comes first!  I really am proud of myself for doing it since I didn't think I would have the willpower to make it -- but I love the diet and don't feel that I am depriving myself of anything by sticking to it, in fact, I'm gaining a lot of confidence in myself and I feel better about myself for doing it.  I always wonder why I didn't try and succeed in losing weight before -- but I guess I just wasn't ready for it.  Morrey is already saving up a bundle so I can buy a complete new wardrobe next year -- and I can hardly wait for the day when I can go to the store  try something on off the rack in a "regular" size, and take it home with me!

We haven't made a whole lot of plans for the summer.  I doubt we'll take any sore of "vacation" since the summer is Morrey's busiest sales time and we need to "make hay while the sun shines." We will definitely spend a number of weekends at the cottage in Warren cause 1: it's cheap, and 2) we both enjoy being there so much.  I particularly enjoy taking a fun vacation during the school year vacations.  We've been going to Las Vegas twice in the last 1 1/2 years, and given the chance we'll probably go out there again this winter.

We're planning on going to Chicago over the 4th of July weekend to see my brother.  Hopefully, my parents can get away for a little while and go with us. My grandfather's health is failing and he cannot be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time, so if my aunt comes to stay with him for a while then they can come here to see us.

How do you like your new job?  Are things going well with you?  What do you hear from the "old gang" of ours.  I can't believe that next year will be our 10th year high school reunion.  How times does indeed fly by!

Well Paul, my laundry needs attention so I'll close for now.  Please write back when you have a chance.  Your letters are always so enjoyable for me.  Take care and be well.

June 4, 1976 (Letter from Harriet)

I was just sitting quietly under a tree, thinking of things, and my thoughts turned to you.  Tony told me that yo are really happy in Springfield -- that's so nice to hear.  I've never been in Springfield, but Massachusetts, especially the Berkshire Mountains, holds a special place in my heart.

I've been living on a farm way out in the hills, and it's making me feel great.  Living in Vestal, those few months, I really missed being out in the country.  I've definitely realized that this way of life is "home" for me.  I hope that when I eventually settle down, that a home with some land fits into the picture.

I've been spending my days taking kids on field trips, and my skin is starting to turn brown.  I will be teaching two more weeks, and then, hopefully, I will take a 5 wk. course in Geology.  I planned to go to school t=for that course in NYC and live with my parents, but City University was closed due to lack of funds.  There are going to be a lot of angry students in NYC if it doesn't reopen. Anyway, I'm going to have a lot of 3 days weekends and plan to spend a nice, lazy summer.  I'm going to try to come camping in Mass. sometime soon -- I want to go to Tanglewood.  Maybe I'll come to see you then. Stay happy.

May 29, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

After re-reading you letter, I had a strange feeling that I was not even remotely acquainted with the writer.  I felt as though I were reading someone else's mail -- but this lasted for only the quickest moment.  Mulling this over, I seem to come to no conclusions about what it could mean -- none that seem valid or even reasonable to me, anyway.  Maybe I am just in another of my many peculiar moods?  Any thoughts?

I had heard about Immroth's death and meant to tell you in my last letter , but my mind must have been in limbo when I wrote the letter because it completely escaped me until after I mailed it.  (I don't seem to be very coordinated today.)  It seems such a waste that he died when he was just getting things settled more.

The concept (& feeling) of death has been on my mind quite a bit these past few days, because I feel that I had a narrow escape myself on Sunday.  We went whitewater rafting as planned.  I had an unexplainable feeling of apprehension (which was completely out of proportion to a normal situation  because I usually love to do anything connected with water) all week before we went.  But I just told myself that I was being foolish.

The first few rapids we went over were really exciting -- an incredible experience.  Then we got to one that we couldn't quite control.  (There were 4 in a raft & we didn't have a guide, or anything) it all happened so quickly I can't even remember falling in the water.  But the water currents are so full of force, you are simply pushed the more you fight, the more the current pushes you around.  I don't know how long I was without oxygen, but it seemed quite long.  I even remember thinking I was definitely going to die & trying to resign myself to it.  I felt badly because I didn't get to say goodbye to Brook, but I remember hoping he wasn't going to drown too.  After thinking this, my head reached the surface & I was in calmer water, but was still not able to swim, or control the direction I was going in anyway.  I immediately saw Brook and the other guy from our raft, but neither were close to me at all.  I still could not breathe, and I began to hyperventilate, I just couldn't seem to get any oxygen.  I finally had enough presence of mind to cover my mouth with my hand & breathe in CO2 which helped a lot, but I was in deep water & it was really hard to get to shore because of the water's pull.  Luckily, there was a guy fly fishing not too far from me.  He had on wading pants & he came over as far as he could & I came over to shore.  The poor guy had to carry me out because my legs just wouldn't stand up.  By the time Brook, John, & Sandy were back at the raft, and they came over to get me, I wasn't thrilled about getting on again (you don't get to get in, you have to sit on the tube & there's nothing to hold onto!) but we had to go a little while longer to get to a stopping point.   At the stopping point, Brook fell out again, but it wasn't a bad spot so he wasn't too upset.  It was the most exhausting experience I've ever been through in my life.  I got out with the other 2 girls at the midpoint & all the guys went the rest of the way together.  They could control the rafts a lot better than we could, so they didn't fall in anymore.  The whole thing is supposed to take 4 hours, but that day it only took 3 because the river was so fast and treacherous.  I don't think I'll ever do it again, although it was a nice feeling to do it once.  At the beginning of the trip, I said a silent prayer to Neptune.  I suppose he heard me.

I have slept (probably to forget the experience!) an incredible number of hours since we got home on Sunday night -- so has Brook.  That first spill really affected him, too.  I think he was worried about me, because the first thing I said to him after I got my breath was "I thought I died".  (He thought he was going to die, too.)  We both have had slight fevers for abt. 3 days also.  I'm not so sure it was worth all this!  I'm sorry I keep talking about it, but it really made an impression!

As for exploring the psyche, for which you asked fresh ideas -- I don't think I have anything new to give.  I suppose everyone has their own methods though.  Usually I find that trying to explore makes the knowledge elusive, but if I just drift along in my usual way, keeping myself as open as I can, intuitive knowledge seeps in.  Sometimes, it seems to come directly, and sometimes, no, it just kind of sneaks up on me.

 I have a friend who has been in analysis for 2 years.  Since I never could afford to be (and I'm also not sure I'd want to be) I like to hear little tidbits about her self-discoveries.  (I don't know if I could stand all that concentrated knowledge about my horrible self!)  Usually, I like to take her little insights and file them way mentally for my own use in situations later on.   I file them under, "Wacko, heal thyself!"  The self-discoveries seem to center around 3 emotions -- fear, anger, guilt.  It seems we are to ask ourselves constantly why am I afraid?  Why am I angry?  Why do I feel guilty?  As for fear, I think sometimes it's a protection.  Regina says absolutely NO!  (It's just an impediment to a fuller life.)  What do you think?  I think we need a few impediments.  My philosophy seminar entitled FREEDOM succeeded unconvincing me that it doesn't really exist! (But my seminar on Death did not have the same effect!)  I suppose there are degrees of freedom. Everyone has their own idea of what a cage is!  I know that all this is strictly incoherent, but since my ideas on these things are only nebulous (at best, even)_, I guess they really aren't in a state to be conveyed?  (But, of course, I won't be quiet yet!)  As for anger, I feel that I should really repress that -- no matter what anyone says.  I hate to fight with people.  Guilt seems tied up with this in a complicated way, too.  Regina says her shrink tells her to "forgive herself", and I can see that it's necessary to an extent -- just so you can live with yourself, but I don't think it should be too automatic.

Oh well, I've rambled on long enough, I think.  Take care of Tweety.

P.S.  I wish I could get more interested in non-fiction sometimes, but some of it strikes me as less real than fiction.  Non-fiction appears flawed to me in that whatever reality it communicates is diffused by "the facts" impeding the essence.

May 25, 1976 (Letter from Larry)

Thank you for the birthday present -- even though I haven't received an issue yet   Mom told me it was New Times.  I wanted to get a subscription myself but didn't want to spend the money.

I bought a dresser today for $15.  I got it at the Watson Home.  It's big so it will hold some of the clothes I had laying on a chair for almost a year.

I wish there ere a few good FM station here to choose from.  Right now I am listening to WBNY.  It's the easy listening station next to QFM.

I've been doing yardwork after supper but tonight it is raining so it gives me a chance to write some letters.

I watched the Ali-Duran fight last night with Mrs. Crary.  I've been going in to see her two or three nights a week.  I like being with her and she enjoys having the company.  She gets lonely having to be by herself all night.

That's all for now.

May 18, 1976 (Letter from Diane)

Bet you thought that since you hadn't written for so long, I'd answer quickly!  Well, I tried, obviously unsuccessfully, but a lifetime of procrastination cannot be turned so easily aside.

Congratulations on the new job!  It sounds very interesting.  And people tell me that Mass. is a beautiful state.  Most of all, I envy your lunch hour and a quarter, particularly when vying with the Bicen. crowds for a waitress' attention.  The size of the staff there surprises me - -writing and revising dictionaries must take more than 32 people.  Or else they're very industrious.  Anyway, I hope that you'll continue to be happy there.

To be very honest, I have put most of my last six months out of my mind.  At least as far as work is concerned.  It seemed like one crisis after another.  The climax of the whole mess was reached when four people were laid off and many, many more were downgraded.  Two engineers went from grade 9 engineers to grade 4 technicians.  In a way, it was relief -- the notices were originally supposed to be out in March & no one knew who or how many would be leaving.  Morale was zero. (Now it's 10.)  Now the fun begins with a couple of people considering civil service suits.  And we may go through it again in Oct. with the beginning of FY77.

Other than work, things have been going rather well.  I'm nearly ecstatic, actually this week, I'll pay off my school loan and my couch.  I'm planning on buying in order, a stereo, a dining room set, a Lay-z-boy, and a car.  That should keep in in debt for awhile.  Of course, if I'm laid off in Oct, it means bankruptcy.

I understand what you mean about trying to summarize six months in one letter.  It's futile -- but I am still upset with you for not calling or stopping by while you were in Philly!

Bev & I are trying to set a date for visiting Pgh.  Now it looks like the middle of July.  Any chance you could make it?

One favor -- please don't let them use "impact" as a verb!  Government has been using it that way for a while but now I see literates using it in magazine articles.  I feel like "impacting" them!

Enclosed is an addition to y our collection.  And this time, don't take so long!