June 20, 1977 (Letter from Barb L)

Just thought I'd drop you a note before falling into bed -- hope your return to Springfield was pleasant.  I have been working my butt off lately in preparation for my week's vacation next week.  I am going to the Cape on Friday the 24th -- arrive in Hyannis 4 p.m. Will stay till July 2nd.  Maybe if you get a chance you can come down -- you will be welcome at Linda &^ Kinky's for sure.  I will be at Linda Johnson's, So Yarmouth, 617/394-1559.  Give me a call or I may call you at work.

I still don't know how I'm getting back.  If you are planning on coming for the 4th weekend -- let me know!  I will take the bus to Springfield and ride with you.  You, me, and the lobsters.  Mardi wants to do the lobsters on Saturday the 2nd.  If I am not back by then I'll put them on the plane in Hyannis & ship them but if we both come back we'll bring them.  Maybe we can talk her into doing it on Sunday.  I guess that's the day Reene was planning on having everybody up to the cottage. Why not switch days?  No big deal but Mardi wants to be sure & get the lobster I guess.

Yesterday we finally got the babies baptized.  I'm Jeremy's godmother & Gino is his godfather. Mardi put on a big spread.  Don't know how she does it all but she really came through with the manicotti and meatballs, etc. etc.

I don't have any other news.  Seems like all I've done is work.  Did go to Lilydale with Rita.  That's a story in itself.  Had a really good experience there.

I got a roommate last week -- Karen Werner.  She's young (20) but not too Warren, ya know?  I like her anyway.  don't know how long she'll stay.  She's having boyfriend troubles & will probably get the hell out of town soon.

Won't we all....

Patsy's boyfriend/future living mate is here this week.  The first couple days he just stayed high & cruised thru the Warren scene.  I'm out of grass -- boo hoo.  It's rough.

Well Paul -- take care & do give me a call sometime about the 4th weekend or just shoot on over to the Cape if the feeling moves you.

See you soon.

P.S.  Guess who called last week -- Terry (of Humboldt St. fame).  I gave her your address -- she's still too shy to call you though.  She's doin fine.

July 14, 1976 (Letter from Barb L)

Was that April?  Seems like a month ago at the most!  No explanation will suffice for my not writing all this time.  It's a matter of discipline.  I have been thinking of you -- especially since I was not in Warren the whole time.  Let's see -- May -- I interviewed for a new job here -- teaching at the new Day Care Center that Children's Services is starting-- gave my notice at the workshop and quit there at the end of May.  My friend Linda had called me from the Cape & wanted me to come for the summer but I didn't know about the job yet, etc.   I did to up there the 1st two weeks in June & helped her with the kids & restaurant.  Didn't write any letters but I know I should have called you. Weekends there were impossible to get away from however since that was the work time & week days were free.  I really didn't know how long I was going to stay -- if I had a negative reply from Children's Services I intended to stay there.  But I had no reply the whole time so I did come back June 20th.  The time on the Cape was really good after the hectic month of May trying to finish up my work at the workshop & training somebody, etc.  During the middle of the second week I almost decided to stay -- it was such a temptation to go back to that life in which I was so happy & contented in the past.  Why did I come back to Warren?  3 reasons:  the possibility of the job that I really wanted.  Harry & Sanchez were here, & #3 -- the perennially illusive reason -- a relationship with a man here!  It always happens to me at in-between changeable times.  I started going out w/ this guy here in April -- young (22) and a Warren person, although saved by the fact that he's a freak & has been away before.  Another Taurus named Rick -- of course.  I don't know if you're familiar with him -- Rick West.  He's the cousin of a deaf-mute girl at the workshop.  He's Warren but he's not -- anyway, it's a good relationship coming at a time when there was nothing else to hold me here.  Seems it's in my karma to be in Warren for awhile longer, although I felt so much more myself while away.  I can't even explain it!  I did talk to Rick (Gray) on the phone while I was there -- he called Linda's & we had a nice friendly conversation.  Unbeknownst to me, he came to Boston Airport the day I was leaving looking for me -- the nite I arrived home he called again.  I really had thought he did not want any contact but I guess it never changes.  Also when I returned home I got the letter from Children's Services -- no job.  Turned out she hired all certified teachers in order to get her grant money.  So here I am -- 3 weeks later -- I volunteer at the workshop 2 afternoons a week & am unemployed.  I've applied for unemployment & will find out about it Friday -- probably will not get it due to quitting my job.  I have some money left but did spend a lot on my vacation (enjoyed every minute of it!)  I really don't want another job in Warren right now.  Would love to go back to the Cape next month or even September.  If I get unemployment I will be happy with having some income.  I've been busy reading, doing macrame, going to the workshop & hanging out with Rick.  It's easy to shed the Warren work ethic in two weeks on the old fun-loving Cape!  Of course I see Patsy a lot -- whose now working as a bartender at Cole's Landing & of course Mardi about once a week.  I did the 4th of July parade w/ her & Matthew & Yolanda.  Martin is still working at Levinson's & hating it.  He's been talking about moving to Phoenix, Arizona but probably won't.  Mardi took a week in June & few to Minneapolis! Far out, huh?  She stayed w/ Mary (David Brown's old girlfriend who now lives with "Stone" -- Bill Peterson.)  After spending some time w/ both Dutch & Bill she then returned home with no appreciable traumas, much to everyone's surprise.  I guess Bill is really mellowed out -- lives in a nice place, works steady, quit smoking cigarettes (unbelievable) and appears to be calm and collected.  Dutch is a suburban husband living in a big fancy house & appears somewhat melancholy & quiet, according to Mardi.  It seems that Mardi has begun to accept what and where she is & is no longer trying to go back to a Minneapolis past.  I think the security here is what she needs & she realizes this.  She seems a lot more content anyway.  No word from Joan to anyone, not even her family.  In May her father called her & found that she's living w/ a guy & does not intend to come back.  Next time anyone called the number had changed so no one even knows where she is.  I really don't understand what all the secrecy is about -- how bad is it to be living with somebody??  Who knows?  I just hope she gets her divorce in the process.

Well, there's the news -- I just saw your mom yesterday "over town" & she wondered if I had heard from you.  Your life sounds "wonderfully secure" indeed -- a first for you!  Looks like it could be beneficial to you.  I do want to get up there & visit.  There's a guy in Warren from Boston (friend of Martin's, work at Rexnard) who drives back & forth occasionally.  I can ride w/ him later this summer as far as your place, if you're going to be around.  In any case -- we will meet again, my friend, even though it didn't happen in June.  Meanwhile you continue your Springfield existence & I'll continue my Warren romance (incongruous terms!)  Hope you had a good time in Pittsburgh w/ the library school reunion.  Take care -- I will write again.  I'll call you if I have a chance to come up -- send me your phone # if you're not listed.

Peace!

Harry & her "itchies" say hello!  Also Sanchez.

August 31, 1973 (Letter from Barb)

Hello, hello, I can't believe you're in Pittsburgh! I had a feeling you would never go there for some reason! You'll like it -- it's a little more aesthetically pleasing than Buffalo and it's not "big city" -- have you gone through Shadyside yet? Go to the Gazebo -- it's Pittsburgh's version of the Jewish deli and of course all the in people hang out there. It was good to hear from you -- everyone was interested to hear how you were doing. All of us have been "expressing ourselves", as they say, sometimes conflicting but usually getting along. This week is another heat wave and there's a traffic jam in the kitchen around the ice water. Rick and I did food shopping last week to stock up, so I don't get paid till next Friday and have zero money.  I'll have to borrow money to pay Doyle Monday.  Well, I didn't get the job at the Arlington House at McLean -- they wanted somebody "tougher" -- ? -- after the big rap they gave me about sensitivity.  And I didn't want the other one, so I took the job at Children's.  I've been here all this week and I really like it!  I even got some coloring books and crayons for the little kiddies -- now I have to get a little table for them to sit at -- that ought to keep them quiet!   Rick has been giving me a ride in the morning except for today when it took me over an hour to get here by MTA.  That's not including the bus I didn't wait for, but broke my vow and hitched from Kenmore Square to Longwood, then ran to Children's.  Almost had a cardiac attack when I slid in at 9:15.  I had left Humboldt at 8:00!  Had a hard time getting Harry back in this morning -- the squirrels are on the move and she was freaking out, barking and running from tree to tree.  I should have brought a BONE with me to tempt her back in.  She goes in and sleeps with Bob when I leave in the morning -- what a free and easy dog.  Disgusting.

Let me outline briefly the happenings in and around 15 Humboldt -- after you left Terry and I were alone for a week -- Bob and Steve were off jaunting around.  We started getting paranoid -- locked the bathroom window at night even!  Then I went down to the Vineyard for a couple days (stayed w/ Doreen and John -- they were there on vacation) and stopped on the Cape to see Kinky and Linda.  Rick had lent me his car -- shock!   I got home late last Thursday nite right into zoo city -- 15 Humboldt style -- very reminiscent of the house on the Vineyard 1971!  Steve was in his room balling some chick w/ the door open, Bob was stoned in his room w/ people running in and out and music up to 10 decibels above normal ear damage and Terry was sitting calmly in her room as usual.   I went into my room, dumped all my stuff, came out into the kitchen and Steve is very calmly getting a glass of chocolate milk naked.  I'm there, Hey Steve, would you mind putting something on?  He's there -- what, are you kidding me?  But Grandma Moses prevailed and he put on his shorts.  Within about 1/2 hour I felt shitting and Steve had to come in and sit with me cause I thought I was going to faint again -- so we were friends again anyway.  I was really tired from no sleep and all the driving.  Meanwhile, Steve and Bob have left and come back twice since then -- I don't' know how they do it.  Things have been pretty quiet since, but I do go to bed early now so I miss the late nite "activities".  My big thing this week has been getting something cooked and eating and cleaning up as an evening's activity, w/out falling over from the heat.  The noise level has been stupendous at night w/ Steve's stereo, Bob's (he bought a beautiful set), and Terry's radio (bought from Bob when he got his stereo!).  It's sort of like a liberated college dorm.  The amazing thing is that we can get along under the crowded conditions -- it could have been a different story w/ another set of people.  Oh, fun, fun.  I really fell quite at home there but would not consider it for a permanent residence.  I can't start looking for a possible apt. till I get a few paychecks of course.  I'm glad to hear you're settled.  Let me know how it works out.  Are the rest of the people there students?

Your rendition of the reunion was about what I would imagine, although you failed to mention your favorite couple and mine -- Mardi and Marti.  I imagine they were there.  Now that I'm away from it, I find it hard to really believe it really happened (and it still happening!).  Mardi really did get married, it's all "true" -- is it??  I'm glad I'm not there -- I don't want to be a witness to the settling in and the subsequent dissatisfaction.  I don't know why I'm talking about it so formally except I can't relate to it is why I guess.  Fuck it, it's just something I can't get a hold of!!  Well, I try not to worry or think about it, I've found lately that when I see people (friends) in a mess, or what I perceive to be a fucked up situation, I take it a little way and then I stop and it doesn't really concern me.  I don't know if I'm becoming more selfish or more realistic -- I don't know just thought I'd explain it to you -- maybe you know what I mean -- it's like witnessing but not really letting it get inside you. Ya know???

It's time to go home -- probably finish this tonite -- I think we're going to see "Harold and Maude" tonite -- but then w/ Rick you never know.

Continuing saga of the working girl -- Tuesday Sept 4.

Really meant to finish this this weekend but things got hectic.  Friday nite sat on the roof in a thunderstorm - just felt like it.  I mostly slept all evening -- I was dead.  Saturday Steve and I cleaned the bathroom -- couldn't stand it any more -- it took about 3 hours, pretty good since it has never been cleaned!  And finally I went to see Harold and Maude by myself but I enjoyed it immensely -- great music.  The question of the nite was -- Did they really do it??  Duh!

Sunday started the mad dash -- I went down to the Cape with Doreen and John to hear them play (Harry came too!) -- and we drove back to New Hampshire arriving at 4:00 in the morning.  (They keep this pace up every weekend -- I don't know how!)  Rick came up yesterday and we went swimming and ate and sat around and ate and smoked dope and ate -- got home about 1:30 last night. I don't know what I'm doing today -- everything is sort of passing me by -- maybe if I eat some of my granola I'll perk up.  It's another 90+ day -- when will this ever end?  I don't remember summer being like this here before.  Poor Harry -- stuck up on that 3rd floor all day in this heat!  I left the fan on for her and when I get home she'll get a BONE! and I'll throw her in the bathtub in cold water.

Well, I think I'll mail this!  I'm wishing you well on your new life in Pgh, Pa. -- hope your courses aren't too boring -- there much be something good -- let me know the developments.

Everyone says hi, Harry too!

August 9, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Just a brief note to say that I went to Boston and back in one piece.  Naturally everytime I go somewhere something happens like a major tragedy.  This time was no different.  As we were camping on beautiful Cape Cod the very first morning,  Rick cut his arm by a piece off of a hammer.  We spent the entire day in the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.  The piece cut his artery and vein and he had to have surgery!  Barb was freaking out.  Everything went well, though.  So we came back to Boston Friday night.  At least I did manage to spend two days on the beach.  Barb and Rick never got their toes wet. Rick has taken a solemn vow not to leave Boston ever again!  We had absolutely no trouble with the camping at all. The campground looked like tent city but you got used to it.  There were about 12 bikers staying right behind us.  They were pretty nice though and helped Barb and I when Rick was in the hospital   Saturday we finally splurged and went down to Harvard Square and ate at this fantastic Italian restaurant.  Cheap and great food and atmosphere.   We got drunk and stayed up all night!  It's the first time in ages I've been out to dinner and didn't have to pay.  I flew back Sunday and now I'm ready for the work-school routine.  It won't be long.  When will we be seeing you again?

We are getting settled again in our house.  We are happy with the place even though it was so dirty.

I must close an be off.  Take care.

October 19, 1969 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

Well, Pauly, yes it has been a long time.  I just about have it figured out where everybody id -- what they're doing is another thing because nobody knows that.  Take me for an example -- DUH!  I am now working in Warren Pa. 16365 (!) at the Blue Manor Restaurant 6 days a week, waiting on a bunch of old, middle-class, conservative, mother-and-apple-pie, small-town, narrow, stagnant -- shall I go on?  I'm sure you understand -- you have only to live here to know -- Bla-a-a-h!  And Mardi spends her days at New Process -- I don't even have words for that!  She works until 5:00 and I work till 8:00 and we see each other from about 9:30 to 11:00 at nite -- during the day it's like being in solitude because there's no one to talk to at work anyway.  But, t his is my choice and not by force -- right?!  Like, I know I made the right decision about school, but duh, duh, duh that leaves me neither here nor there -- "come on in, I dig long hair" -- I wonder what song that's from --something I heard at the Cape.  I remember something and I can't remember whether it was said to me, by me, for me, sung -- complete confusion of the mind.  That place...we should all go up there next summer.  You have to work hard at a job but it's worth it 0-- worth what??   There's all kinds of action if you're a guy -- duh!  Believe me when I say it because I know!  Being a broad is a real kick in the pants -- you don't know what in hell -- ahem! -- the hell to do sometimes.

Mardi said you quit your job -- yes Paul -- Go, go, go.  Working and going to school is a real drag -- you're there, Tired, Tired, Tired!!  Are you coming home next weekend -- 24th!  Good grief, imagine having someone else to talk to -- Mari and I have been using sign language.  We had planned on going up to see you and going to Pittsburgh for a weekend, etc. etc. but shit, damn, and screw I only have Sundays off!  If it gets too bad I'll just quit and go where I want to.  I mean, this is ridiculous -- I have enough money saved to pick up and go somewhere -- so why don't I go?  Boston is the likely place, but something says, Wait, wait, wait.  Thinking rationally is completely out of the question, don't you agree?  Trusting yourself completely to your instincts will really mess you up but it's real - you know?  Duh, what am I talking about?

Today you're probably sitting around the old apartment drinking beer and watching the game -- maybe you're at the game -- blah, no it's too crummy out.  What's O.J. like in person -- I'm sure you've met.  I can't believe you've lost 20 pounds -- I've lost 5 lb and it's bad news.  You might not have eaten, slept, etc. but did you have a good time.  No.  Well, that's life, Paul.

I talked to Mike once or twice before he went back -- we were all sitting at Shorty's once (once is enough!) and he was expounding on something or other.  Michael Fraternity Kid Foster is still the same but then Mike's not all that bad.  I'd take Mike over 3/4 of the other fruit-loops running around the world  Haven't seen or heard from Renee since Christmas??  I hear through the grapevine that she and Morrey were here for awhile -- oh, Renee, you've got to be kidding -- married?!!  The pattern her parents, etc. have forced her into is so obvious -- doesn't she care?

And then there's Joan -- God, I hate to even think about what she's doing -- Mardi and I haven't heard a thing -- I can just imagine -- Freddy, Freddy, Freddy -- Oh, we are all in fine shape, aren't we -- I've never known Mardi to be so confused but then I'm a big help because I'm a complete dud at the present -- there are no answers in Warren, Pa!  Remember that.

Well, I will close up and clonk over to Mardi's now through "the rain upon the trees".  Take care -- we'll see you soon.  Paul, do you still go into a trance when you drive?  I will never go to Lum's again with you kids unless I wear my spike shoes -- honestly, laugh much.  Haven't been anywhere near Bemus Point -- how is the old dud?  Last nite Masked Martin and Girl Wonder went to the Pub (duh!) for a nightcap -- we're there  -- sip, sip, oh brother, get me out of here.  I had my proof for 21 all ready but they didn't ask me.  Mardi had a line of bullshit ready.  Well, I did say this is it!  Goodbye!