January 4, 1978 (Letter from Grayce)

I certainly feel like a RAT (but then, w hat can you expect from someone who has been around cheese for so long?) but, actually, I do not really have that excuse to fall back on at this time -- my cheese job having been quit several days ago.  Maybe it was just that it took a few days for me to get the cheese fumes out of my brain?

I do have a new job (or at least, I think I do).  This is how it happened.  One night Brook saw an ad in the paper for someone to do layout and some light artwork for a local advertising paper & he convinced me (albeit, fleetingly) that I could do this!

So -- full of fear & trembling, I applied for this job and was interviewed by this nice guy whom I proceeded to convince (the emphasis on CON) that although I had NO knowledge of layout, photography etc. -- and I had some knowledge of printing typefaces (from Grant Lee's course) and points and sizing, etc. -- that I could do this job.  Now -- not being convinced myself -- it was certainly charming of me to convince him!  But I guess I did, because he hired me (although I'm sure he'll regret it at least once a day until (and if) I learn exactly what I'm doing.

I don't know what my hours will be because they're re-arranging things there, but I think I'll have 30 hours/week, which will be nice.

He also hired another older woman, who has been doing this stuff all her life.  Needless to say, I feel very DUMB.  But, even if I can't do this job and they fire me -- or tar & feather me, even -- I do think it will be worth it for the experience alone.  And I have been seeking a challenge for quite some time now -- so this must be it, I guess.  I hadn't quite expected it to come along in this guise, but now that it's here - I don't dare reject it without some kind of trying, because who knows when the next one will be coming and I don't want to get too rusty in the challenge department!

Well, here I am, babbling on about me & I haven't even wished you a Happy New Year or asked about your Christmas!  I'm sure you had good holidays, though did you do home, as planned?  I've never really liked the idea of New Year's Eve -0- so I'm not exactly a fan of what people usually do on that night.  Brook isn't either, luckily, so we usually spend a quiet evening.  One thing I did really love was the Mummer's Parade in Philly every New Year's day.  It's an old tradition, and I hope maybe next year, we'll get to see it.  Brook never had, so I think he'd really enjoy all the nice costumes and string bands etc.

It's been snowing here off and on (mostly on) since the weekend you were here.  Forget what it looks like on the ground underneath.  But I do love seeing the trees with icicles on them.  Having not had trees for awhile, I drink them in very anxiously now, every chance I get.

We got some of our vacation pictures developed & some of them are nice. (We tried to take some of the fireworks at Disneyland & naturally then didn't come out!)  Sometimes we'd like to get a good camera, but sometimes we both think we have too many possessions already!  The picture of Mickey & me is funny.  Brook is really thrilled with it & wants to carry it in his wallet &^ somehow, I suppose I'll let him, because I doubt that he'll ever show it to anyone!  (I wouldn't want someone's first impression of me to be "Oh, she looked like Mickey Mouse!")

Well -- that's enough nonsense for now, I guess.

December 1977 (Christmas card from Heffelfingers)

Hope this season finds you well.

We bought a new house in April.  Actually it's old -- 1897.  It's a block from the Capitol.  The previous owners had 5 kids so we have moire than enough room.  Never going to move again.  I'm told that when the original owners decided to install indoor plumbing, they dug a ditch just east of the kitchen & found enough gold nuggets to pay for the entire plumbing job.  Isn't that exciting?

Kathe LeSage &  her husband moved over here in September.  She resigned from the Day Care Center in June.  She plans to be a freelance photographer & Bill wants to remodel old homes.

Kerry is in a fabulous Day Care Center this year -- he's becoming so interesting -- every day a new discovery.  Have a nice Christmas.

December 1977 (Christmas card from Cheryl)

Rec. your letter a while back and was happy to hear your doin alright.  Things here are just fine. Been busy makin' Xmas presents.  We're goin to Calif the 23rd for Xmas & we're all getting pretty excited.  Should be a good time -- will be good to get away for awhile.  Been gettin our fair share of snow -- sure is pretty too.

Hope you have a nice Xmas -- will write more after the holidays take care of yourself.

December 1977 (Christmas Card from Dick Peel)

How's the winter!  I think of all my friends as I go for a swim.  Still busy exploring this area and loving the cultural advantages of the metro area.  Going back to Montana for several weeks of skiing and visiting in January.  Not sure my thin blood will cope.  I miss Helena.

Job goes well -- designing special projects and consultant on present ones.

How's your piano studies progressing?  Have heard some of the greats this year.

Got to DC & N.Y. this summer, combining please with business.  Been to Calif several times -- love the ocean and have friends with homes right on the cliffs overlooking the water.

In between have spent a lot of time on my silver work and reading near the pool (a necessity to be close by the pool in the summer).

My family is here again for the winter -- about 12 miles from me.

Saw Jim Estelle (former warden at MSP).  He's doing great things in Texas.

Many friends have visited or are planning a visit (but only in the winter)?  Never enough hours in any day.

Do keep in touch.  If you travel t his direction the welcome mat is always out.

November 16, 1977 (Note from Grayce)

This is likely to be a frantic note.  I'm busy this week.  I got a job at a cheese store in the mall -- making fruit baskets (which, believe it or not, I have done before!) and also the people who own a gallery there have accepted my prints & want them framed & ready to hang as soon as possible.  I feel awfully good about this.  I just hope they sell!  My job at the cheese place also consists of cutting cheese (& I am a terrible judge of ounces & pounds!) so it's interesting for now!  (I'm learning a lot about new cheeses, too.)  I still feel a little strange in this new place, so I'm anxiously awaiting your visit.  It will be so good to see you again!

We've settled our "Thanksgiving plans" & naturally they did not turn out as I thought they might.  We are going to P-burgh this weekend & my parents are coming here for Thanksgiving weekend.  I THINK.  Of course, with this area, you can never be too sure when the dreaded SNOW will take your plans U& rip them to shreds!

By now, I suppose you've noticed the custom-made map which I have enclosed & knowing my wonderful sense of direction, you have probably already torn it up & put it in the circular file?  Well, please tape it back together, Tweety, because Brook devised it & he's really good at directions.

Please have a great Thanksgiving with your family and we'll see you soon.  (Are you coming Fri. night the 2nd?)

November 5, 1977

I'm not unpacked yet, but I've almost given up caring.  I don't' want to move again (at least not with this much stuff) for a long time!!!  Of course, that's what I said last y ear, but in August I said to Brook -- "OK, where are we going now?"

Both of our parents are delighted, of course.  I kept imagining I'd see mine on the doorstep when we got here, heh, heh.  Actually, I really want to see them, but I'm not sure when they'll be up. Thanksgiving may not be a good idea, because then Brook's parents may feel hurt if they can't be here, too, but I think having them both would be too much.  We did that 2 years ago & it was a nice holiday but I wouldn't want to make a tradition of it.

I did have some bad news this week from home.  My "grandfather" died of a heart attack.  I really loved him.  He wasn't my real grandfather -- my grandmother married him 25 years ago, though & he always was awfully good to me & a lot of fun to be with.  I'll miss knowing he's there.  He was 90, though & he lived a very happy life, so I guess I'm not really "mourning".  I just feel sorry for my grandmother.  It must be awfully lone for he.  Oh well.  I'll get off this subject now...and get to a more pleasant one.

When would you like to visit?  I'm anxious to see you & hope we'll see you often!  Of course, I realize it's a long drive & I don't expect you to give up all your time -- just as much as you can. You know what a demanding wretch I am!

We haven't sold our house yet -- although we have a family interested, but there's a big different between interest and a check in the desired amount.  So we're still paying the mortgage there & the rent here, which isn't too great, but I guess I can give up a few luxuries!  I applied at Rochester Public Library but no jobs right now, naturally.  I also applied at Xerox, but don't really expect much.  I asked at Waldenbooks, but they don't anyone.  I hate looking for jobs!  I really despite "selling" myself to the interviewer.  I just get so lazy, too, when I don't get the first few jobs I apply for.  I know that's a very spoiled brat-type of an attitude but I certainly do feel that way.  I guess maybe I will be a waitress. There's a Lum's down the road -- I can always go there as a last resort, huh.  Also it's good exercise to waitress.  I have a sinking feeling that I will never be a librarian again, and also I'm not sure I ever even want to be one again!  The more I think about it, the more I wonder why I ever went to Pitt?  I must have had some motive -- probably because I was too unsure of myself to get a PhD in philosophy and teach it.  Of course, I chose the "practical" way out & now I can't get a job doing that, either .  Well, I won't torture you with anymore of these reflections.  I just feel like such a failure!

Well, this isn't going to be a very long letter, is it?  Please do write & let me know when you'd like to visit.  We actually have a guest room here -- no more couches for you, Tweety!

November 3, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

Thought I'd better write now before things get hectic around here.   Can't believe Mom and ( were saying things like "How big of a turkey should we get this year?" & "What do the kids need for Christmas?"  This year as been like a previous life somewhere -------

Glad to hear your spirits are better!  The extra money will also help!!  Refinancing is the 8th wonder of the world -- that word alone brings back memories.  Now, I hope the "roomie" situation works out.  I think guys have less of a hassle living together than us females.

I cannot believe Barb was discharged.  It couldn't have been four years -- no way.  How long is she & Lar going to stay in Germany?  Will they becoming back to the "states"?

The weather has been decent here & I'm really spoiled!  The next sight of rain or snow is going to make me cry!  We are hastily putting up storm windows & getting windows panes fixed & shooting the caulking gun all over!  Can't wait to see the heating bill.

Your relationship with Julia sounds like one of the best things that could have happened to you now. You've got two kids to get all your childish "activities" out with & a great woman to do all that lovin stuff with.  Hope all things stay "up" for you now!  Sounds like you're on your way.  Those "down periods" are great to look back on & make you more appreciative of all the "mellow" times.

Glad you'll be around for Thanksgiving.  I'll keep my fingers crossed that the weather continues to be dry.  No now anyway.  That trip to NYC could be bad enough!  Good luck.

Wrote Renee a while ago after I got a short note from her.  I can just see Renee & Morrey cleaning, painting & papering -- it must be similar to Abbot & Costello!!

Barb should be leaving in about two weeks or less w/ no money & probably a lot of confusion! Things have been happening to Barb I can't believe -- but let me just say she's hit an all time low! I always thought Barb was really on the ball -- boy, was I wrong!  She hopefully will get back on the ball.  I don't know how she's going to do it.  She is going to live w/ Linda & Kinky I think or stay w/ her girlfriend in Boston, then she plans to get a job back at Children's & go to school.  I fear that she might stay in the same rut she was in before.  She's got to put her nose to the grindstone -- period.  So much said----

Everyone here is fine.  The twins went to Dr. B's yesterday & got their booster shots & today they were pure murder!  I don't blame them.  OUCH!  Ryan is crawling all over now.  Jeremy is moving much slower Y is the best of my three sons -- so far!  Matthew is very "trying" lately.  Of course, he's been good but he's been roughing it up w/ Ryan & trying to tell him anything now is like talking to a brick wall!  I understand his feelings but I can only stand so much!  This too shall pass-----

Oh, if Barb does get out of here next week she'll probably want to ride home w/ you @ Thanksgiving but I guess you'll be NYC bound so I will inform her.  Her friend Ann is getting married that weekend.  Why she doesn't just wait is another thing.  Actually at this point, I'd just wait till Jan 1, 1978 & start the year on a new left but w/ no job I guess she'd better get out of Warren now.

Wel;l, take care & I'll beexpecting to see you over Thanksgiving -- give me a call!