March 8, 1977 (Letter from Lar)

Today was a beautiful spring day, it was sunny and 50.  I worked outside most of the day.  Frank and I repaired a fence.

I went to a wedding in Buffalo the same day cousin Larry got married.  The girl, who got married, is one of the four girls we met at Allegheny State Park when we rode our bikes there in '72.

I sent Barb a package of tea yesterday.  She wanted some herb tea from the Co-op.

Dale was working on his bike tonight.  It's supposed to be up to 60 tomorrow so he wants to ride his bike.

Mom and I watched the National  Geographic special called "The Volga".  It was very good.  I haven't been overusing my TV set.  The only junk program I watch is "Charlie's Angels" once in a while.  I enjoy watching the girls!  It is pretty funny sometimes (the plots & the acting).

I do plan on going to Europe this spring and I would like to go to Sweden.  It depends on how much time I take off.  I'll have to get busy and get a passport and the other things I need to go overseas.

II almost have my speaker cabinets finished.  I have to wait til I get back from Europe before I can afford to buy speakers for them.  I need a new receiver and turntable too, but I have to wait quite awhile before I can purchase them.

Dale has been teaching me how to tun-up my truck.  I know the basics now.

I went to the Father-Son banquet this year with Dale and Dad.  A man from the Forest Service spoke.  He is the biologist for the Allegheny National Forest which includes about one half million acres.

March 6, 1977 (Letter from Diane)

At the Springfield Museum of Fine Arts


Now that the winter that my dad says I can tell my grandchildren about is hopefully over, finished, ended, a memory, except for the potholes, you should really come to Philly & see what's left, besides the aforementioned potholes. The weekend before & after Easter are particularly good since I'm determined to see the Easter exhibit & orchid display at Longwood Gardens.  But if you can't come then, name a date.  Bev has a meeting the last Sat in April & we're both going home for Easter.  Otherwise, arrangements are flexible.

Christmas seems so long ago but it was one of the best, surprisingly.  I had thought that since most of my friends weren't going to be home at all or for only a few days, things would be boring.  Not so.  This year the McCrearys were finally able to drag Dad out of his chair for some socializing.  And most of my friends stopped by or called.  The week off really flew by.

Since Christmas, a lot has been going on.  Dad had his first major car accident when someone went through a stop sign and hit his car & kept going.  Luckily he wasn't hurt.  My aunt & uncle were nearly killed in a wreck two weeks later.  They've been in a hospital for six weeks & my uncle will remain for at least nine more.  Since he's nearly 63, he'll never go back to work for the railroad.  My car was broken into and the only things in it -- my insurance papers & maps were taken.  It has obviously been one of those bad times that occasionally happens in life.  All the more reason to look forward to spring.

How would you like to have a nun for a friend?  You may, if certain predictions come true.  Last year, my aide Kathy invited me to dinner.  Her husband's former teacher, Father Kelly, was also there.  (This produced an odd situation later in the evening when the party guests appeared & thought I was his date.)  Father Kelly is a very keen observer whose hobby is handwriting analysis.  He also has some psychic ability.  Anyway, he shocked me by saying that I had once seriously considered entering the convent (I had told no one!) and the chances were 60-40 that I still would.  This has been making me uneasy for a year now.  So Kathy had us both to dinner & a party again and I asked Father if he also knew the reasons why I had decided against the religious life.  He said yes & that he would write them down for me & send them through Kathy.  She also conned me into giving him my signature.  I'm most anxious to get this list and see how accurate it is.  Really, though, it is most disconcerting to have someone probe your personality like that.

Work has had it usual ups & downs.  This week I finally received my microform equipment.  But.  The people in the dept. dealing with office equipment ordered the equipment I had specified but forgot the paper for the reader/printer.  Of all the stupidity.  A lot of excitement is being generated by a million dollar civil suit one of the lawyers has filed against his former boss.  The lawyer has asked several people on the staff, including me, to testify for him.  Rumor has it that papers were served this week on our commanding officer (a colonel) and the Chief of Engineers in Washington.  No wonder our Personnel Chief retired suddenly last month.  And to show you what a bunch of yoyos these people are, our above mentioned CO went in search of our technical writer since answers to Congressmen's letters were going out late, badly prepared, etc.  He found out what everyone already knew.  The writer was demoted in a reduction in force last year & took a $2500/year pay cut.  It was too much & he left.  The Col. had thought that no one had taken any cut in pay.  Now here's the unbelievable part.  That writer has filed a complaint with Civil Service and if he wins (which seems possible) he will recover full back pay from Aug. 1.  And the C.O. doesn't even know he's gone.  I pray this country never goes to war because we'll surely lose.

Enough of work.  After all, I have to go back tomorrow.  But speaking of work, I'll debate the superiority of Spic & Span over Pine-sol when you arrive.  Love house-cleaning, huh?  In my more meditative moments, I have sometimes wondered if my life today would be different if I never had that ferocious hatred of housework.

I must do my homework for my needlepoint class tomorrow.  Hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. if you haven't seen "Rocky" yet, please go!

March 2, 1977 (Dora to Marion)

Former Paris Gibson Junior High School

Thank you so much for remembering my birthday.  Such a sweet card and I was happy to get a new towel -- such a pretty one.  Also I enjoyed your letter.  They are always so interesting and I like to hear all your news.

Expect Barbie was happy to be with you for Christmas.  It was nice you could have the family all together.  I can picture the fun you had.  It doesn't seem possible Barbie has been in the Navy so long!  (Or that she is so grown up!)  It will be nice if Larry can get over to visit her while she is still in Italy.  They'd have a wonderful time.

I was glad to hear Paul is resuming his music.  It is nice he s near your sister.  (I've forgotten where they live!)

A friend of mine in the building went to Ohio for Christmas & returned last month.  She said it seemed so strange to go out here & not see snow and not have to wear boots!!  We have had a ideal winter - almost like California.  We've had a little now, but the western sates need moisture now.

Revelations must be a universal book to study presently.  A friend who belongs to the Baptist Church said they were studying that book!  I could never understand it & didn't get much out of it when my class had it!

I finally finished "The Dragon" (by Jos. Hess -- a local author).  I don't remember if I told you I was reading it.  What reminded me of it was she based the story on Revelations & the Dragon was Satan.  Yesterday she came to our Book Club & reviewed her book -- but as I had already read it it was not so interesting.  She has a vivid imagination about people from Space taking over our world after World War III!

I haven't been doing much playing, but this morning our organist called & asked me if I'd play on the 13th so I'll have to get in some practicing.  We are using our new temporary prayer book now.  I don't like the change but I guess people in older days didn't like it then either!!

The Youth group took part in our service one Sunday last month & did an excellent job, and the Junior Choir sang.  It's good to listen to them.



Did you read about the movie Telefon (about a Russian agent?)  Part of the picture windows blowing up a building, so they used part of Paris Gibson Jr. High School which was to be torn down anyway.  They've kept the old building on 1st No & turned it into a Museum & Arts place.  It caused a lot of excitement -- took place on my birthday!  But the smoke afterwards was terrible.

Jean comes over once in a while and I also see Helen McLane occasionally.  Did I tell you I went to a luncheon at Christmas time that Eleanor Johnson had?  It was nice of her to ask me as I saw a number of Lutheran friends I seldom see.  (She collects angels & had them all over her house.  She has literally hundreds -- you never saw so many -- all sizes and descriptions!)

I think Helen McLane works with the Luther Leaguers, as a group of young people came and sang carols for the one Sunday service before Christmas & Helen was supervising them.

We are having Wed. evening suppers at our church during Lent.  (Also have services at 6:45 A.M. and at noon.)  Following the supper one can go to a study group or watch a film. 

You put me to shame with your afghan making!  (You didn't say whether you are crocheting them or knitting!)  I finally finished the one I started for my sister -- decided she didn't need it as she has a throw rug & the afghan was kind of big & heavy so I gave it to my niece!  I've been meaning to start anothr -- just for pick-up work when watching TV, etc.

Did you watch Roots?  I had read it in the Digest.  It was wonderful acting, but I don't blame the Negroes for not liking white people!  The way they were treated.

No, to answer your question.  I didn't get the flu shots.  I debated about taking them -- even went up to the Sr. Citizens' Building with a friend, but decided if I got them I'd go to my own doctor, but didn't get there!

I expect this is a busy season for you and Carl.  I have so many happy memories of playing at First English and little Paul climbing up on the organ bench to turn off the organ for me!

Well Marion dear -- I didn't mean to write a book! So I think I'd better stop talking.

Thank you again for remembering me.  It was dear of you.

Greetings to Carl & the family.

March 1, 1977 (Letter from Grayce)

Your observations were quite lucid, I think.  Of course, that may be due to our thinking running so parallel.  You know, I am such a firm believer in reincarnation, karma, etc. (I find it's the only non-absurd explanation for the suffering of "innocent" people) I take it very much for granted.  Sometimes, I'd like very much for it to be true because it would mean that death would not be final & also that we'd have innumerable chances not only to learn (subconsciously, of course) but also we'd be around for all the exciting things that will happen to man as he evolves (that is, if he doesn't extinguish himself due to greed, etc. first!)

Other times, I think reincarnation is a weary project -- which I suppose is the merciful reason we don't remember past lives consciously, but they do show up in our actions, fears, loves, talents, etc.  (Sometimes, I can't wait to see that guy again -- so I can really dig into his mind -- isn't that terrible -- it sounds so Machiavellian!)

I'm grateful sometimes that my senses are not always so sensitive as they sometimes are.  I'm too apprehensive as it is about things.  (I've read that that could mean that a person has died quite a few violent deaths.)  I seem to pick up a lot of energy from several sources.  Maybe that's one reason I can't sleep soundly.  Brook has been amazed at how easily I wake up from what would be a sound sleep for a lot of others.  Once or twice, I've been asleep & he's just looked in my direction & my eyes are wide open!  I just feel things in my sleep, I guess.

I'm just sitting here in the living room listening to the soundtrack from Barry Lyndon.  I just love it.  There are so many traditional pieces on it -- from so many counties & they mesh amazingly well.  I mean Handel, Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Paiseillo, not to mention a lot of Irish jigs & fife & drum stuff.  Have you ever heard it?  I'd love you to hear it & think you'd like it.  My favorite piece on the album is Mozart's March from Idomeneo. 

Meanwhile, Brook is studying for his test in Radiation Control.  He graduated from the first phase of the program last Friday & now he's in a more concentrated program which will last only 5 more weeks.  (Thanks be to God!)  He leaves at 5:45 each morning & gets home at 9:30 each night!  (Tonight he came home early because he's TIRED!)  After this, the shift work starts-- can't wait to see what that's like!

I read several of Boostin's things in my first year at Seton Hill.  They were very enlightening, but I don't remember the names of what I read.  I may reread some, if I can get them here.

If you do go to Phila for March, insist on a visit to the Perlman antique toy museum.  It really not to be missed.  I've seen several collections in other places, but never such an extensive or complete one.  (Several floors & really charming!! & also insist on Bookbinder's for a meal.  I don't think you've eaten fish til you've eaten there.  (Especially crab!)  The other fish I've really liked besides (in Phila) was Snookey's Oyster House (a dive, but good oysters) & a few other obscure places that don't even have names, along the waterfront.  I do wish I could give you the tour -- well, maybe someday.

By the way -- speaking of good fish -- if you're every by Sturbridge, Ma, take time for a dinner at the Publick House there.  (Lobster pie -- yum!)  Brook was actually going to drive us up for a weekend before we moved out here just so we could stuff ourselves, but it did get too hectic.  I envy you being near good fish!  There's nothing here but frozen.   (Yech!)  No Italian worth her salt ever eats frozen fish!!  (Unless desperate & I am getting desperate.)  Brook promises we'll catch some this summer, but I probably won't!!  How did I get on this subject?!?

I shoveled quite a lot of snow today.  I kind of enjoy that.  My only complaint about this area we live in is that there's no place to walk to.  I usually walk anyway -- but feel so purposeless about it & it gets boring to just look at houses -- although the mountains do make up for it, I guess.  I'm just used to not having to drive everywhere.  I'll try not to harp on this subject again. 

I'm afraid I scandalized the Avon Lady here.  She came to see if I wanted anything & I told her the last time I bought make-up (besides nail polish which was just a phase, I think) was for the senior prom.  (& I still have it!)

The solitude I experience here every day is doing something to me -- hopefully, something good.  I do feel that it's forcing me to deal with things in myself that should be faced.  I feel growth, but also pain.  I Try not to be dependent, but it's so hard.  Maybe I'll learn how to be alone, but it's a very difficult lesson for me to learn (although I know I should have learned it a long time ago.)  Sometimes, I feel as though I live in a silent film!  (Really.)  Brook wants to get me a pet to keep me company.  I haven't decided what yet.  He hates cats & I don't really want a dog.  (Maybe fish?!)  They'd fit right into the silence!  (Heh, heh.)  Take care.

I really like your introspective letters.

February 28, 1977 (Letter from Dave and Lyn)

 From the "Stone Age".  Seen at the Amherst Cinema.


Well we have had an extremely mild winter, so mild that it looks like a drought in the upcoming summer due to lack of snow.  We had a week of 50 weather just two weeks ago.

The new prison is ready except the facility is now too small  It was built to accommodate (imprison) 300 inmates, but the current population is over 400.  The sate is not sure what to do with the lever overs, parole?  Shades of Gary Gilmore, Montana has sentenced one to do soon.

This winter Lyn and I have been learning cross-country skiing.  We spent four days outside of Glacier Park during Christmas vacation gliding along the North Forks or bombing down hills.  The west side of the Park has some wondrous mountains that I could look upon all day.  Skiing in this manner is easy to learn.  This is my first time ever on skis.

We haven't been to a movie in ages, the last one I saw was Taxi Driver.  The film was intense, suspenseful, but violent.  I guess it was an accurate portrayal of a psychotic as well as an interesting study of life in the city of New York.  The film did have novel camera angles and interesting fade in and out shots.  I'm not sure why Americans enjoy violence but after seeing this film the most realistic ever I'm sure I will be cured for a time.

Rocky is playing in Butte, but I'm skeptical of a film that everyone likes, still I will probably go see the flick.

We have seen some dandy's on PBS television.  The original King Kong had some excellent animated footage of prehistoric animals.  Last week we watched a silent film about Ivan the Terrible made by a Russian in the early 1900s.  I'm sure you know who I am talking about.

This winter I have read Jane Eyre, This Hallowed Ground, and Even Cowgirls Get the Blues quite variety of subject matter there.

Levin is three now and is becoming more enjoyable due to his ability to communicate.  He presently enjoys learning nursery rhymes and simple songs.

We have been busy remodeling our house, especially the kitchen and bathroom.  New paint, sinks, counters, flooring, tile, tables, and work carts.

See you later.

February 23, 1977 (Letter from Barb L)

An evening trip to Amherst to see this Robert Altman film.


Yes I am writing you a letter on this fine spring-like day.  When the weather changes it's always time to get in touch again.  I always enjoy hearing from you -- your letters are so complete as to everyday life.  It's nice to revel.  Well, I have an event to announce -- ready?  Mardi gave birth to twin boys on Saturday the 19th!  Far out huh?  Baby A and Baby B have since been named Jeremy Glenn and Ryan Stephen.  I don't know which "Marty" was more in shock -- I think everyone was!  It was totally unexpected by all concerned.  Mardi had no trouble though -- she looked good even the same day.  Jeremy was 4 lbs 12 oz & Ryan about 6 1/2.  I went out Sat. Nite w/ Martin & Gino to celebrate (?) -- he still was in shock -- doesn't know whether to buy the new house & spend all that time fixing it up & have Mardi alone w/ three kids for a month or what.  I think Mardi is going to get into this a lot more than she did w/ Matthew.  She's breastfeeding the twins & feels like a first-time mother.  She comes home today & of course Yolanda is taking a couple days off work so things will be under control.

That was the big event of the weekend -- another one was Timmy's graduation from nursing school.  To celebrate all these occasions I gook Monday off as a mental health day.  We don't' get any holidays at all & I thought it was time for one.  Had to go to class that nite anyway.  I probably haven't told you (since I haven't written!) -- I'm taking a class at J.C.C. -- Film Study & Appreciation.  Went & borrowed the money from the bank to take it (duh!).  I really enjoy it & I like to have one activity during the winter.  I have gone from Auto Mechanics to Karate to Films.  You can't say I'm not open-minded!  I've found that the emphasis is more historical & technical than I thought it would be.  We're still on the early films -- Eisenstein, D. W. Griffith, etc.  We probably won't be seeing any new films.  I think our prof. has seen every film that was ever made.  He's very knowledgeable & really nice so it should be a good experience.  Orson Welles is coming to JCC the 30th of March & before that I have to give a report on the "Significance of Citizen Kane". 

What else have I been doing?  Seems like I've been planning a lot of parties!  First, the Youth Group (high school kids) & I gave a party for the workshop people & kids from special classes.  We had a band play & had a big time!  That was in January.  Then I had a party in the apt for Patsy's birthday.  Then I had a shower for Mardi, which turned out fine even though it was not your "traditional" shower.  All we did was eat!  I made all this groovy stuff -- it was fun.  Joan came up from Franklin too. (You know she's expecting also -- this summer?)

I've also been having ups & downs w/ Rick.  We're pretty much broken off normal relations but it's too early to tell which way it will go.  We have a definite difference of opinion in some very important areas.  (Bet you couldn't tell this was coming when you were here -- duh!)  To further keep things moving, Patsy is moving out this coming weekend.  She's moving into Grace's apt & will pay 1/2 of what she pays now.  Her finances are a mess & she's trying to get out of the hole & save money to move back to Minneapolis in June.  So I will be alone for awhile, going broke but I'm sure something will come up & change things.  That's been the pattern for the past year.  As soon as I get settled in one frame of mind everything changes.

Well, I'm at work &^ it's time to go do the mail.  I will do it & eat lunch & finish later.  I want to go out for a while too.  It is so warm out.  I can't believe it.  After the month of January this is like summer!  54!  See you later.

Back at the old job -- which is non-existent right now -- we're in limbo waiting to hear about funding.  For a month I've just been hanging in there.  That's why I'm doing the Grandview mail.  Gives me something to do.  This state of having no work to do is a new one.  If I have no work I'd rather not have a job at all & at least have the time to myself.  There's a meeting on Monday the 28th.  I should know by then what the story is.

It seems like I'm very busy lately outside of work but actually nothing of importance is happening.  The way this winter has been I've hardly been out of town all winter.  My plans outside of the day to day aspect of things are vague.  I know I should be out of Warren before next winter & I will be.  The idea of going back to school in Boston has been considered but not to seriously.  My attention is not on career matters now.  Seems to be focused on the personal.  At times when I see myself clearly I see how much needs to be done just on myself, but you have to live the other aspects of life at the same time too.  Seems that you always get that feeling around mid-winter that nothing will change so you just sit back & watch the tube or make yourself an ice cream sundae & let yourself have a few more cigarettes than you really need.  In order to get more fully into this mood, I bought a TV (used) last week & I've just been grooving out lately on old favorites -- MASH, Sat. nite, etc.  I guess I'm set for the rest of the winter.  Are you coming at Easter?  One visit before summer would be nice.  Th is was definitely not hte winter to be here!  Springfield was probably a hassle but be glad you werent' her w/ no roads.  Call me sometime if y ou get a chance (collect from pay phone) -- # is 726-1860.  Take care & keep writing!

I forgot to tell you "the latest" -- (Oh how gross -- I'm getting into gossip.)

Yolanda has a new boyfriend.  He's from Pgh or Erie & has a camp here.  From what I can tell, it's a really nice relationship & she seems to have perked up considerably!  Ain't love grand.  Even its invitations [?} aren't too bad, for a time.

February 19, 1977 (Letter from Barb N)

Hello.

Thanks for your last letter.  I really enjoyed hearing from you.

I have the blues at the moment.  It's only a temporary depression phase that stems from my Navy life.  I am very unhappy about my course of life.  I feel that these last few months are a total waste for me. I know that unless I make a drastic move on my part my life will remain the same.  I do not intend to do anything foolish.  I do know that I have to conquer my feelings of discontent and strive to gain an inner peace.

Today I made two dives out of the five dives I have to make in order to be certified for scuba.  I made a snorkel dive then a scuba dive.  I was under water for 25 minutes at the depth of 30 ft.  Tuesday I will make two of my last three dives and my last one when I find the time in my schedule next month.  I am finally going to get my certification after nine months.

Next month's watchbill is going to be a bad schedule.  I work five days for eight hours then get a day and a half off then I go back on the watchbill working four-day twelve hour watches then I get two days off and work my four days again etc. until the end of the month.  I will be working 250 hours in March.  They can kiss my ass, too.  If I had any sense I would have been long gone.  I won't discuss it further because it won't do me a bit of good.

The weather has been beautiful lately.  The skies are clear with temps in the upper fifties.  Today I rode in Art's car with the top down.  Spring should be here soon.  (Hopefully.) 

Art, Eve, & I went to the Pinte Mare pool yesterday and we were the only people in the pool for two hours.  Eve & I were in & out of the sauna for awhile.  It was real nice to have a pool to yourselves.

I am going to quit smoking for a week or so.  I haven't been feeling so good.  I want to see if it will make any difference on my system.  I have also been a good space cadet.  (I mailed two letters without stamps.)

I have been using my blender to make smoothies.  I used orange juice or tangerine juice and add a banana, orange, apple, yogurt or whatever else comes to mind.  So far I have had total success.  My bread is still delicious.  I made rolls last time & of course they came out perfect. I'm getting to be a good cook.

I will give you my guitar when I buy myself a new one.  I have to get to Spain.  But I won't be able to give it to you until I get back to the states.  I will send it back with either me or my household goods.

Not much else to say.  I could get into a long discussion about the future events of this planet.  It's really hard to say what the reason for the change is but I do believe that mankind is going to be placed in a position where it will be the "survival of the fittest".  I would like to do some reading on predictions in the next twenty years or so.

February 18, 1977 (Letter from Cheryl)

Don't rem. who's suppose to owe who a letter, but I was thinking about you, so I thought I'd write. Don't know how far I'll get cuz I been drinking but I'll give it one hell of a try.

Hope you had a good turkey day, Xmas & New Years.  We sure did.  Had a couple big parties here and at our friends' house.  A lot of good food, liquor & people.  Then Lawana's birthday party was the 1st of Feb. so we had 6 kids, 27 big kids, r dozen enchiladas, cake & ice cream, & one hell of a good time up here.  Was a little crowded but fun.  Now nothing happens till the 21st of this month, which is mine & my old man's anniversary.  Been tog. 3 yrs.  Should have a good one then too.  One thing about this valley here.  Everyone likes to party & have fun.  You'd really like it here.

Haven't ever heard from George again since he left.  Neither has his mom.  Guess he's not in jail tho, or someone would have heard from him.  Just hope he found a lady & a decent job, so he doesn't have to go back to the joint again.

My son, George, got busted in November for larceny.  Really blew me away.  Could see his dad all over again.  He went to court the 15th & pleaded guilty and it's postponed til the 2nd of March.  I think they'll give him probation cuz it's his first offense & cuz he's only 11, but in this town their really strict.  If he fucks up again, they'll send him away.  I just hope he learned his lesson.

Guess I'm gettin' pretty sloppy huh?  Oh well I'm havin' a good time.  I'll have a drink for you too. Sure would like to see you again, for ole times sake.  Maybe some day.

Heard on the news you been havin pretty bad weather back there.  That's really too bad -- I feel sorry for ya all.  We been havin days where ya don't need a coat.  Been 45 & 55 the past 2 weeks. Today was cloudy but still 51.  Kinda wish it'd snow tho, cuz if it don't, no one can go in the wood this summer cuz it's so dry.  I kinda think we'll get snow & nasty weather next month.  It's so pretty up here either way so I don't care.

My plants are doin really good.  They've grown a lot in the past 6 wks.  Didn't really notice till today.  Guess cuz I'm around em so much.  But people come over & tell me how good they look & then I notice.  Makes me happy.

Well I've gotta go -- the lines are gettin' a little hazy.  Besides I've gotta feed the kids.  So take care & write soon.

February 15, 1977 (Letter from Grayce)

Odd you should mention winning $10,000/yr for life in a lottery.  Brook & I were discussing that very subject a week or so ago.  Wouldn't it be great?!  I would very much like to experience a different job or may be just something like a job every 2 weeks.  I've come to the conclusion that I'll never find a "job" that will utilize my "talents" (if they can be called that).  Maybe I should just call them interests -- probably because they are so widely-space; varied.  I "blame" it on my father.  He told me I could do anything & taught me to believe it at a very early age.  He also encouraged me never to do things the way they were usually done.  He would never let me have coloring books, because he believed that they restricted the imagination.  It was a wonderful beginning to have and whatever differences we have ever had, I always did admire his independent thinking (& hope some of it rubbed off on me!)  I guess I'm still in love with him!

Brook is happier at this place then he was at Bettis in Pgh, but I know that he feels the way I do (& you do) -- severely limited in the creative capacities.  It's a symptom of our times.  He became an engineer because he had a vague idea of innovating.  But you're not really allowed to anymore.  If the red tape doesn't wear you out, the other obstacles certainly will.  There was a time when inventive people could be freer to invent.  Now that time is over.  Our technology is strangling us & the very people who created it are also being strangled.  Maybe I'm too pessimistic?  I always have been!  We came to the conclusion (about the lottery) that we'd take the lump sum if we ever got the offer!  Brook brought up the point that if you took it year by year, there's be a reason for the people with the money to want you dead & with all the stuff that is surely going on -- I mean, assassinations, kidnappings, etc. -- why should a small fry like he, or you or me matter?  Of course, they might not do it right away, but they might fix your car in a few years, or something. Does it sound so unrealistic in light of the other truths that have come to light?  (Let alone the ones we'll never hear about?)

Remember the story I told you about the guy on the bus I met in Pgh before I left & he said he could leave his physical body & travel anywhere he wanted to?  You never commented.  I do want you to -- was he crazy -- or maybe certain people really can?  He said he's see me again & he seemed so positive.  It just scared the hell out of me, but not enough for me not to wonder if he possessed some secret & maybe if I had been more open, I would have found something out about ti?  He probably was just strange, but he seemed so straight.  (Also he said when his physical body got old, he'd just inhabit another.  But what happens to the spirit already in the other body?)

My big news this time is that we're getting a new car.  The VW is still ok, but it needs a lot fo work & neither of us feel it would be good for all the travelling we'd like to do this summer.  Also, Brook started working shifts in April & if I get a job, there won't be any way for me to get there, because the hours he'll be working certainly will not coincide with any I'll be working.

We looked around a little & finally decided on a Fiat 131.  We got a very good price on it because it was a 76 demo model.   Nothing fancy, just a nice sturdy little car that gets good mileage & hopefully won't eat holes in our pockets for repairs.   (One nice things about the VW - Brook did any work that needed to be done on it.)  The Fiat will probably need parts later that aren't available in a K-mart!  The VW right now (I'm very sentimental about that car, I suppose because we've been so many places in it!) is losing brake fluid, so I guess there's a leak which means Brook will have to take a lot apart to get to it.  It can't be done in 1 or 2 days either, so I guess we're getting this new one just in time.  But it's been a good little car -- been allover New England, 2x, to Delaware, to Jersey I(about 50 times), to Virginia several times & also update N.Y.  Not to mention all the way out here without any trouble & countless trips back & forth from Pgh to Phila!   We really can't complain!  And hopefully there are a few more good years in it.  (Snif, snif -- I'd never have believed I'd get all mush over a car!)

My consistency (right word? heh heh, it sounds like it belongs in a recipe) in performing the yoga is a source of constant amazement to me.  Ordinarily, I hate any kind of routine.  Just the thought of doing something every day for the rest of my life makes me ill!  That's how I felt when I started, too, of course.  I just thought, "well, I'll try it & it won't last!"  (I'm not a very athletic person.  I wish I were, but I never had an opportunity to do anything like that.  I never even had a gym class in school!)  But now I feel like I can't really function unless I do the yoga!  My posture has certainly improved, too.  I used to slouch almost constantly!  (I still slouch, but not so often & when I do it feels uncomfortable.)

The man we bought our water softener from just called me & asked me if I had gotten a job yet.  I told him no & I hadn't really looked as much as I could have but I'd go to an  employment agency soon.  Then he said he needed someone to answer the phone from 1-5 every day & would I be interested?  ( kind of squirmed my way out of this by saying I'd like something full-time.  I hope I didn't hurt his feelings.  He did say there's not much to do there & it sounds really boring.  Oh, anyway, I guess I might go to an agency next week, but I don't feel like being a clerk, you know?  I think I'd rather do something where I don't have to sit all day!  Oh well....