October 8, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

We're finally settled in our new home & I just now managed to locate my address book.   Our move was smooth.  Had 15 people show up to help.  It took only 1 1/2 hrs. to load the truck & 1 hr. to unload.  I still don't have drapes or other accessories up yet and probably won't for another month. We're wallpapering & painting & what a mess!  It requires so much patience & is so time-consuming. Before we moved, I thought we'd have all our interior decorating done in 3 weeks! What a screwball notion that was.  I also had no IDEA how expensive wallpaper & paint were.  I budgeted $100 for the entire things & went $500 over my budget so far!

We've been super busy with football games, company, and many social activities.  Seems as though every time we try to get something done around here we have to drop it to go somewhere. Oh well -- that's makes life fun & keeps us going.

Paul, forgive me for making this letter so short but I have many to write yet tonight.  I promise to write again soon when I can find my typewriter so I won't get hand cramps & can write at length. Just wanted to let you know that we're all settled at this point.  Looking forward to hearing  from you soon.

August 22, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

I was so very glad to receive a letter from you.  I probably would have returned  letter sooner but we were in Warren on a 5 day vacation that turned out to be absolutely marvelous beyond description! We took another couple along with us.  Went to see Count Basie at Chautauqua, Niagara Falls for the day and night, and then we went water skiing on Kinzua lake for the entire day Saturday.  It was cold most of the time we were three, but the log fire at the cottage and good company we had made up for the lack of heat.

For once this summer I can write to you with good news and in good spirits.  We were able to purchase the house we had wanted and we should be able to move in there by the end of September.  Our new address will be 1311 Alvina Dr., Columbus, Ohio.  The house has everything I ever wanted in the way of a floor plan and conveniences.  It is a 1 story brick and stucco.  The kitchen opens up into a nice sized family room with a lovely stone wood burning fireplace.  It has three bedrooms and 2 baths, and part of the basement is finished off into a rec room.  The house is 13 years old, built by the Amish so it is sturdy and strong.   It has a good sized back yard with a privacy fence so Lady Sara Lee can romp and pee to her heart's delight.  Morrey and I are planning on painting the interior before we move in so everything will be fresh and clean.  I don't relish the idea of moving since we've accumulated so much furniture and junk, but we should have plenty of hep from our friends here in town, and with some organization ahead of time it probably won't be as bad a move as I anticipate.  I am going back to teaching in one more week from today, but at least I'll know that I am working to pay for something that I have really wanted.  Believe it or not Paul, this will be the first time in my whole life that I have ever lived in a real, honest to goodness house! Financially I don't feel that we've strapped ourselves, although we'll have to watch our pennies for the first few months until we get adjusted to all the expenses required in moving and setting up housekeeping in a new place.

Top answer your question, yes, we are planning on being in Warren over Labor Day weekend. They are having an unveiling ceremony for the stone of my grandfather's grave and we are required to come.  I do hope that you will call us at the cottage when you get in.  We'
ll be kind of tied up on Sunday, but Saturday will be free to us for visiting and goofing off!

It seems as though just when I am finally beginning to enjoy my summer vacation, it is now coming to an end.  This fall promises to be a very hectic and busy one for us with moving and the Jewish holidays and all.  I am going to try to get some boxes packed yet this week of stuff that is stored in closets which I'm not using.  any little bit I do now will be appreciated when we really start the moving process.

We went to my 10th year reunion and I thought it was a real bummer.  Don't think I'll go back for the 15th or 20th cause this one was a real bore.  Morrey and I left it by 9:30 cause they had a lousy rock bank that blasted our ear drums till we could stand it no more!

I will make this letter short in hopes that I can talk to you at length over Labor Day weekend.  I just wanted you to know what we were up to and to let you know that my life is perhaps getting closer to an "even keel" these days.

Please take care and be well.  Get in touch over Labor Day for sure.

June 23, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your last letter.  With the ending of school I got pretty tied up and I've been spending my time looking of jobs and trying to clean up around the house.   I was in Warren last weekend and saw Mardi and things are still on for the 4th of July weekend.  Joan is pregnant and expecting any day -- so count her out.  I am writing to Mark V.V. today -- he has moved to Washington and Emily gave me his address which is 1811 T Street NW Apt. B, Washington D.C. 20002.  We're not planning any big gala event -- just a quiet get together with a few friends like you had suggested.  My dad has beer and junk so what I think I'll do is just collect a couple of bucks from everyone to cover what we consume and call it even with my folks who don't mind a bit.

I have been looking for a new job but not much luck.  Seems as though no one interested in school teachers nor are there many jobs open since job mobility is at a real standstill these days.  I'll keep looking and trying but I signed my contact for next year just to be safe and sure.  I am absolutely bored out of my mind with nothing to do around here.  There are a million projects around the house I could conceivably do but I lack the motivation or interest to even get stated.  I am back on Weight Watchers faithfully after having messed myself up for the last couple of weeks before school ended.  I get very unhappy with myself and very much depressed when I'm not on the diet so I feel a little prouder this week for being a good girl.  I'm gonna be thin one of these days if it kills me!

I have been very depressed since getting out of school and frustrated because the future doesn't look terrifically hopeful but I'll still keep plugging away at things until something comes up.  I'm so oriented to working that when I am given free time I tend to waste it.  When I'm in school I long for days when I can get so many things done.  Now that I have the time -- I lack the interest.

I'm not going to make this a long letter cause I'm saving all the things to talk about till I see you over the 4th which is just a week away from this weekend.  Morrey and I will probably drive to Warren on Thurs. night June 30th and sty till Mon. or Tues. after the 4th which will make for a nice little vacation for us.  Our dog absolutely adores the cottage and loves to swim in the river. We have a lot of fun watching her enjoy herself and playing with her in the free and open area around the cottage.



I hope you'll forgive such a shitty letter from me this time.  I promise to improve over the next one! Please call us at the cottage when you get in to Warren.  I will anxiously be awaiting out get together on Sunday.   Let's pray for decent weather.  We were there over Memorial Day and I can't remember when the weather has ever been so gorgeous.

Take care and be well.  Drive carefully.  (Is Dodie going to be in town that weekend?  If so, please feel free to invite him and his wife out to the cottage for our gathering.)

April 19, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Many thanks for the reply to my last letter -- even though it wasn't much of a letter.  I was plenty tired when I wrote it and ran out of umph to finish it.  Tonight is a different story, since I am relatively fresh and exuberant (sp?).

First, I want to respond to a few of the questions you had asked me.  1.  Yes, I am still planing and looking forward to the 4th of July weekend -- but I need HELP in writing to and/or locating some of the "old" crowd.  If I give you an idea of who perhaps you can help me in getting in touch with them.  Dodie, Joan, Mike, Mardi, Barb, Tina, Leslie Stein?, Mark V.  And anyone else that pops into your fantastic head.  I also need to know which day to plan this for over the 4th weekend.  If you will write to some of these folks, I'll help out with the postage.  Please let me know as soon as possible what ideas you have for getting in touch with these folks, and also any ideas you might have for a "theme" or plan for a successful get together.  Obviously, I cannot bear the expenses so we will also have to tell people that they'll have to "chip in" for beer and food or whatever pleases their pallets (sp?)  Morrey and I plan to go to the cottage very weekend this summer since it will constitute our vacation -- and we thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere.  To answer another ? -- I am still trying to take off the last 30 lbs. I need in order to qualify for the bikini but it is a long, hard struggle.  I joined an exercise club to tone, strengthen, and firm up the necessary parts of my anatomy -- but I haven't had a great deal of success in paring off the weight any further -- I haven't gained -- but I haven't lost.  I am trying to get my "act" and my "head" in gear for the last lap home on the o9ld road of weight reduction.  Wish me luck -- I need it.

April was sort of a bad month for me.  I have been very unhappy at work.  One of the guys on my team is going through a "nervous breakdown" (he's had one before) and it is really putting the pressure on the rest of us and giving me a lot of unnecessary headaches and undue frustrations which I sometimes deeply resent cause I'm carrying a hell of a load as it is.  Coupled with that, Morrey's work is not setting the world on fire with huge commission checks and he has been discouraged for the first time since I've known him.  He is a little leary of my decision that this has to be my last year teaching -- but on the other hand he acknowledges that fact that he can't stand to see me miserable any longer.  Added to all of that we've had a friend of our staying with us during the week for the last 2 1/2 months.  Larry's a super great guy and a perfect house guest, but I have been frustrated and "bottled up inside" since Morrey and I couldn't take the opportunity to have open discussion at hours that weren't the most opportune.  I felt really frustrated and depressed while Larry was here -- which really wasn't anyone's fault.  That's what we get for being so nice to everyone sometimes cause we end up screwing up our own lives.   To be truthful though, I don't think we'll ever change our hospitality policies -- even if they are at times inconvenient.  Larry's gone now and Morrey and I are trying hard to really communicate and catch up on lost time.  I guess one has to go through some "hard" times to appreciate the good in life.  I have had several talks with myself lately and I am pleased to say that I've reached some important decisions.  1.  I wrote my resume last night.  2.  I intend to start "knocking on doors" the month of May and after school is out in June.  3.  I am optimistic about what I have to offer to an employer and I am not at all afraid of being interviewed or "examined".  4.  I am really looking forward to a change in my life career-wise and I think that the time is right for me and that the change -- whatever it brings -- will be a healthy one for me, and for Morrey and me.  My parents (conservative) keep saying don't leave teaching until you have another job -- but my parents always did bank on doing the "safe" thing and although I love them very much, I sometimes feel I know myself better than they, and the only way to achieve what one wants is to stock one's head out once in a while.  Really, Paul, now that I've made a firm and committed decision for myself and have discussed it with Morrey I feel 100% better about the future.  As I said, the month of April was shitty for me for many reasons -- but the only way out if UP and that's where I intend to go. Sometimes one gains a great deal of insight and perspective from experiencing displeasure, depression, and discomfort, so it might have been a shitty month, but it was necessary and I needed it in order to begin sorting out my future and making some definite decisions.  Will let you know what happens.

I couldn't begin to tell you how rotten things are at my school and I am firm in my belief that the problems are not self-created.  They're there -- but so few of the people I work with won't admit to it and won't make a commitment and pressure in the right places for changes that are necessary.  I have lost respect for the majority of people I work with because they have no guts, no gumption, no self-directed goals.  If they ever were honest enough to assess the situation for what it really is, I doubt if they'd make a move toward trying to improve it.  At this point I want to move into a job where at least I can control the successes and failure and I can assess and expedite necessary changes.  As it is now I have no where to turn with my ideas and suggestions because they really fall on deaf (and I sometimes think, dumb) ears.  Finis.

I have gotten involved in working with a 14 year old girl from a children's home and I am really enjoying it.  I see her twice a month and we try to do things with her that are fun and interesting to her.  I enjoy investing my time in someone who really needs it, and I find that I reap many rewards in return.

Well, Paul, I've sort of filled you in on my life for the past month and I have housework to attend to so I'll close for now and hope that I hear from you soon about 4th of July plans.  I was pleased to hear that you are staying where you are for a while and that there is "order and purpose" in your life at the moment.  Write soon.  Be well, and take care.

April 4, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Again, I find myself apologizing for my inconsistency in returning letters -- but better late than never.  I wanted to write to you after my return from Las Vegas, which was a super vacation only it didn't last long enough cause I'm right into the thick of things once again, and it seems as though I never had a vacation to begin with. My mother had the time of her life in Vegas and so did my mother-in-law.  It was a real thrill for me to show my mother the sights and highlights of Vegas and she had a trip she'll never forget.  I "lost my ass" gambling -- but I didn't go over my budget so I can't complain.  We saw some really super shows, in fact, they were the best shows I have ever seen in my life.  We laughed until we cried from laughter and ate and drank to our hearts delight.  Now, I am paying the penalty cause I gained about 5 lbs. which I am going to lose right away.

Things are still really shitty at school, in fact, they're even worse than before cause one of the guys on the team I work with is cracking up and it makes life at school very trying for those of us on the team who are trying to hold things together.  I am definitely planing on writing a resume and looking for a new job this summer.  Our problems are compounded by the fact that business is downright awful for Morrey right now and we're uncertain what the future holds in store.

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary.  7 good, wonderful, happy and healthy years together.  We might not have a lot of material things to show for it, but we can proudly say that we have really lived well, done what we wanted, and had a good time whatever we've done.  I hope that you will be able to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life with someone someday Paul that is a warm and secure relationship like ours.  (I hope that doesn't sound conceited cause it isn't meant to.)

I received a letter from Mardi shortly before I left for Vegas telling me about her twins.  You were right all along Paul when you said she looked big enough to be expecting twins.  What a surprise and what a wonderful one at that.

I am greatly looking forward to the coming of Spring.  This winter's weather will make us doubly appreciative of nice weather whenever it gets here.  Morrey and I have pants to really do some things around the house that need to be done (clean out basement and garage) and we also hope to do some entertaining which we haven't done for quite a long time.  There are so many couples that we know who would like to get together but we just haven't had a chance, so I think I'm going to throw a couple of intimate "fondue" dinners for 4 or 6 to start the spring season.

This letter is really kind of dumb.  I'm not really in the letter writing mood, but I feel guilty cause I owe you a letter.  My typing is absolutely absurd.  Will you forgive me if I close for now and write at a more opportune moment?  I just wanted you to know that we are alive and well in Columbus, Ohio and that I'm thinking of you and wondering what you're up to these days.  I promise to write sooner next time and to write a better kind of letter.  I guess cause it is our anniversary that I'm kind of horny anyway.  Nature calls.

February 14, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Part of a Truffaut double-bill in Amherst

SURPRISE!  I am actually returning a letter to you the very same day I received one.  To tell the truth, I'm not in the mood to do school work and typing a letter is a good excuse to postpone the agony of school work.  I was super glad to hear that you are well and that things are going well with you.  Looks like the year '77 will be a good one for you and I'm thrilled that you are happy.  I wish I could say that I'm equally as happy, but I'm not.  I have much to be thankful for.  Morrey and I are very happy together, we love our dog and have a good life style.  My unhappiness stems from inside myself -- it is not due to something anyone else has created.  To be frank -- I hate my job -- I'm bored to tears with it, and I am really sick and tired of the hassles with administrative garbage and some of the people I work with.  What makes me even more unhappy is the knowledge that there are so few jobs available in the "outside" world and I am a bit afraid and apprehensive about giving mine up to go look for "the rainbow".  I have pretty much decided that this will be my last year of teaching -- but what the future holds in store is so uncertain that I am afraid to think of it.  The whole question is, Paul, do I keep the job I have because it pays $10,960 a year and I can easily do the work but be unhappy, or do I look for something else which will pay less but be more of a challenge?  Added to that, I desperately want to buy a house to have a home to settle in -- but I can't have my cake and eat it too -- as the saying goes.  I will admit that I am willing to put off the buying of a house until next year, and I really wonder if we'll be able to swing it anyhow.  Shit!   My mind is really messed up right now and I don't know what to do.  Morrey says it's okay with him if I quit, but in a way I feel that I'm being selfish and unfair to him in doing do.  With his business right now the future doesn't look too rosey cause a lot of businesses are closed due to the fuel shortage.  If they are close d-- nobody buys electrical goods.  Things might really turn around in the spring but right now it looks kind of grim.  To be honest, Paul, I think my problem is that I'm not a very good "waiter".  I want things now instead of later.  I look at the friends around us who have been married about as long as we and they are in their own homes and have started families, and I wonder why they can do it and we can't.  I guess, to put it nicely, I'm downright frustrated and can't make up my mind what to do.  For now until June I'll put in my time and make it through, but when June comes I'm going to have my resume ready and peddle my butt around town to see if I can come up with a job that is a challenge and a real change from the life of a schoolteacher.  So there, my friend, in a nutshell, (more or less) is my predicament!  I'm sorry if I've burdened you -- I just needed to get it off my chest by putting it down on paper.  Thanks for letting me!

Now -- the fuel crisis in another nutshell -- it stinks!  We've been off and on school for the last several weeks.  We've been freezing our asses off at home and the temperatures in our classrooms vary from 40 to 60 degrees which make trying to teach a nerve wracking BITCH!  Columbus Public Schools are closed until March 7 and they are running a school program thru TV, radio and newspapers and it seems to be working half way decently.  We, in Upper Arlington, managed to purchase extra gas last week and will have it until another cold spell comes and they confiscate it to give it to residential users.  Our kids were off all last week -- but we as teachers had to work and make up really stupid learning packets for them to work on while at home.  The principal admitted to us that the reason we were doing the learning packets was for PR (public relations) to make the schools look good to the parents since we have a 2 mill renewable operating levy to be passed in June.  It's all a crock of shit cause the administration is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the public.  This week we are back in school and I started a new unit on short stories.  I hope to hell I can finish it before we close down again (if we do) cause I'm getting tired of losing the continuity of my teaching and it is so very hard on the kids to remember and retain stuff we did 3 weeks ago.  My disposition gets rather nasty when I don't know how to dress for school since I never know whether my room will be 40 or 60 -- both of which are cold.  I wore my coat teaching the entire day today and it took me until 7pm tonight  at home to warm up.  My parents sent us an electric blanket, 4 pairs of long johns, and 6 pairs of thermal socks which have been real life-savers.  Thanks G-d for parents -- and especially mine cause they're just super to us.

This sounds really odd -- but my mother and I and my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to Las Vegas from March 21-25 which is my spring break if I ever get one.  My mother has gone thru a particularly rough year since there have been several deaths in her side of the family in the last few months and she is still recoupreating from her surgery.  She has always wanted to go to Vegas.  Morrey can't get away and he wants me to go with my mom and his mom and his sister so it appears as though we're in for a really great time.  I really feel guilty about spending the money to go and I feel even worse about Morrey choosing not to go -- but I would like to show my mother the time of her life -- and heaven knows I need a vacation in a place where I can forget entirely that the "real" world exists.  My father can't go either and doesn't really desire to go so it'll just be the ladies.  I could get in a lot of "trouble" in Vegas -- but with my mother and mother-in-law as chaperones I'm sure I'll be safe and secure and I won't break the bank -- mine or theirs!

To answer your question -- I did hear from Mark.  He called me from Dayton and tried to make connections to Cols. but couldn't.  He was supposed to come back the next week and was then going to stay with us but the weather got really bad and I guess he couldn't make it.  He did promise me that he would definitely come here the next trip he makes to Dayton and I believe Mark will keep his promise.  He told me that he sold his house in Rochester and I think he's going to look for a job in Washington.  I will keep you informed when I hear from him again.

I got a letter from Mardi and she told me about Mike being married to a guy.  I guess he wrote to Mrs. P. and told her about it.  I was stunned and shocked at first -- but the more I thought about it -- the pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit. Knowing Mike's background and the kind of adolescence he experienced, I can understand why he would become a homosexual.  I have no ill feelings about ti nor do I dislike him for it.  I accept it and I would accept him as a person if I had the opportunity to meet with him again.  I wondered if you knew about it at Xmas time when we were home cause you sort of hinted around and alluded to it when you and I discussed Mike.  Answer, please?

My parents are supposed to come here this weekend and I'm delighted cause we've spent every weekend at home since Jan. and it will be a pleasant change to entertain my folks.  They always look forward to coming here and going out to interesting and unusual places with us.  They are usually game for anything we plan.  We even took my dad out to see a belly dancer in a Greek nightclub one night and he thought that was neat.  Of course, when you consider what a night life Warren has to offer -- I guess a belly dancer does look and sound pretty appealing to "country" folk.  HA HA

I hope my letter hasn't sounded too dour and depressing.  Basically I am happy with life -- but unsettled and unhappy with myself until I find something which appeals to me in the world of work.

Our puppy, Lady, is getting really big.  I bet she weight about 30 lbs. right now with another 50 to grow on in the next few months.  I want you to know that I am really serious about our 4th of July reunion at the cottage.  My folks said it was okay as long as everyone chipped in for the booze and supplies.  I wrote Mardi and told her to plan on it.  If you can get in touch with Dodi,k Joan, and some of the others from our "circle" please do so, okay?

Well, I've procrastinated long enough to start feeling guilty about the untouched school work so I'd best be closing for now.  Be well Paul and take care.  I'm so glad to have a friend like you!

Sunday, January 23, 1977 (Note from Renee)

I've been thinking about writing to you for several days but couldn't find the time.  I have 10 min. before we go out for the evening and decided to put it to good use.  Things have been screwy since our return from vacation cause of the fuel shortage.  Our classrooms have been between 40-60 degrees and we're freezing our asses of.  We're waiting for them to shut down schools because of the fuel shortage.  If we close down for a month I won't have any trouble planning things to do.  I might even get an early jump on job hunting for a new job.  I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed renewing friendships over Xmas.  It was one of the most satisfying vacation I've ever had in Warren.   I can hardly wait till the 4th of July weekend to have some fun and get together.  Paul, it was also great to be with you and spend time with you.  I had fund getting plastered and it brought back many memories from years gone by.  I'm beginning to sound like an octagenarian (sp?)

Mark Van V called me from Dayton last week.  He couldn't make connections to come here then but will return in a few weeks and stay over with us and I am delighted.

Our dog is getting more lovable and adorable each day and Morrey and I are thoroughly enjoying her.  It has brought us much closer as a family and it is really fun. I have been very happy these last few weeks and life is once again grand in every way.   No clouds on the horizon right now.

We have to go now.  Be well take care and write again soon.

Sorry for such a short letter.  Will do better next time.

November 21, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

Received your letter this week and I was happy to hear from you once again.  You're so great about taking the initiative to write after my long periods of non-correspondence.  It is amazing to me still that after all these year (10 since I've been out of H.S.) that we, as friends, still manage to keep in touch.  It makes me feel good!   I was blessed with 2 letters in 1 week -- 1 from you & 1 from Mardi.  How lucky can I get?

Your letter touched me deeply, for I, too, am experiencing a great deal of depression over my "present state of affairs" concerning my job & my future in the working world.  I am more fortunate than you, however, in the fact that I have Morrey to share in my problems and to guide me in my decisions.  I have decided that this will be my last year of teaching school.  In June I'll hit the "road" looking for a new job.  I am very unhappy with the conditions at school, with the people I work with, and , above all, w/ the people that run the school.  At this point in my life, I feel that I am "giving too much of myself" to my work and I haven't had time to be a good wife or really a good friend.  I feel torn between my school obligations and my private life & family.  When I leave teaching I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I left as a successful teacher and I also know that I'm not really leaving because other people forced me -- but because I forced myself.  I feel as if I've reached the end of my goals in teaching and there's nothing more there for me to tackle -- at which point one begins to fall into a situation in which she rests on past performances instead of reaching for new dimensions!  I want to quit teaching before my attitude reflects in my teaching performance.  There are too many people at my school who long ago gave up on  being good teachers, and who now are in the profession 1) because it pays more than other jobs they could find & 2) because it's routine, easy & no sweat if you don't give a damn anyway.  For a long time, Paul, I was so depressed about the whole thing, but now that I've made up my mind to quit & do something else -- I feel almost as if I'd been given a reprieve.  I feel "cleansed" once I made the decision to quite.  Well, so much for that for now.

I've had a very difficult time of it these last 2 months, Paul.  My grandfather's death wasn't hard for me to accept at first, but now I am feeling the "great loss" to me and my family.  Morrey & I have been to Warren several times since then, and it will take my parents a while to adjust.  I have desperately wanted to spend more time w2/ them but because of my job & other demands I have not been able to.  They are coming here for Thanksgiving and Morrey & I have planned a "fun" weekend.   My mother is scheduled to go in to Warren General for gall bladder surgery on Dec. 15th and I am leaving school 3 days early (before our Xmas vacation)  to be with my father.  I will be in Warren through the Xmas-New Years holidays and I am very much looking forward to seeing you, Paul, and to spending time renewing acquaintances with people from Warren.  If possible I hope you & I could find time to go & visit w/ Mrs. Coe, our h.s. English teacher.  At any rate, call me at my folks' when you get in town.

I told Morrey about y our unhappiness in Springfield and how expensive it was to live there.  He told me to tell you to come to Columbus & stay with us for awhile and perhaps look for work here.  I want you to know Paul that the invitation we're extending is more sincere -- we do have an extra bedroom.  And plenty of room for you and we wouldn't be inconvenienced or bothered a bit if you took us up on the offer.  Morrey is not the type to offer unless he likes someone and really cares -- and he does like you Paul!  Please give some consideration to the idea.  Perhaps we can discuss it at Xmas time.

Paul, I wish there was something I could do to help you in your present circumstances.  I feel for you, and from the tone of your letter, I can share in your feelings of frustration & depression.  Paul, we've been friends for a long time.  Of you need money, Morrey and I would be happy to help you out.  We're not rolling in money, but we do have some and would be happy as an act of friendship to loan you want  you might need.  I've discussed this with Morrey and he supports the offer so please don't hesitate if you're in a hole and need some financial help.  I know that if the circumstances were reversed, you'd do the same for us.

I am writing this letter while watching the NBC 50 years of NBC show and I'm finding that I can't do 2 things at once successfully so I'll close this letter for now cause Morrey's bugging me to watch with him.

Please take care & be well Paul.  Write again soon & I'll plan to see you at Xmas time in Warren.

July 30, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

SURPRISE -- I've outdone myself this time by answering your last letter the day after I received it. I love hearing from you and reading your letters but I often wonder how your hands can stand writing for so long.  I would never "hand write" letters cause I would get them half done and give up because my hand would hurt!  I hope you don't mind the typewritten letters, but if it weren't for the typewriter I'd never write anything on paper!

My summer so far has been super enjoyable.  I haven't done anything I didn't want to do , and I've spent a lot of time by myself just puttering and reading which I think has done me a world of good.  Being used to the school routine and schedule I am constantly asking myself "what do I do next," only to find out that I don't have to do a damn thing if I don't want too -  and that suits me fine.  Morrey says I'm a different person in the summer cause I'm not moody, bitchy, or depressed. In September I'll start my Jeckyll and Hyde routine again!  (Excuse my spelling -- I'm off duty as an English teacher!)  I've been doing a lot of macrame and have enjoyed it a lot.  I go to the health spa a couple of times a week to exercise, and it really is fun.  I also go to a weight watchers meeting (53 lbs. so far!) once a week which takes a couple of hours out of the day, and the rest of my life is total unstructured which I love.  I have never experienced a summer vacation that has been so free of hassel and worry and I don't find myself running around to the point where I'm exhausted.  Some of my school friends might think I'm kind of a hermit or recluse -- but for the first time in my life I have learned to enjoy the solitude and quiet of just staying home and doing my own thing.  I wish I could go on like this forever, but I know that eventually I would be looking for something which would bring more substance into my life.  Before this summer I used to have to have a lot of people around me and I enjoyed entertaining and having something planned to do every waking minute, but I guess I've matured somewhat (or learned to like my own company a lot better) cause I really enjoy doing nothing and not having a whole lot of people around me.

Morrey is extremely busy "carving a niche" in the business world, and I must say that he hasn't had it easy cause the sales market is really shitty at the moment and competition is at an all time high.  I have every confidence that he'll eventually do quite well, and until then I will work to help us survive.  I am seriously thinking of quitting my teaching job next year and looking for something to do with the skills I have -- but Morrey isn't very encouraging about my giving up teaching, and he doesn't like me to talk so much about quitting.  I will start seriously looking for something else next spring, and if I can get another job I'll do it.  I feel that my creativity at this point in my teaching career is getting stifled, and a lot of the people I work with frankly don't give a shit about the program or the kids -- they just want to get through the day and through another year of it.  I feel that I have a lot to give and I'm not using my talents to my fullest potential.  Since no one working around me is doing much to change and they're really getting set in their comfortable little domains, I feel that next spring is the time for me to strike out and look for something more challenging.

I am glad to hear that you are thinking about paying us a visit in Columbus someday in the future. We would be delighted to have you as our guest and promise to show you the interesting sights and sounds of Columbus.  There are always placed to go and things to do so anytime you decide to come, just give me a little advanced warning and we'll arrange a fun time for us all.

In answer to your question, YES, Morrey and I definitely plan to be in Warren over Labor Day weekend, barring any unforeseen emergencies.  We'll stay at the cottage, so feel free to give us a call and come out for some Shulman-Prayzer hospitality any chance you get.

It was nice to hear that your parents still ask about me -- I'm quite flattered and glad that their impression of me was a good one.  They have always been so nice to me when I've called them and I think you're pretty lucky to have such great folks.  My parents always ask about you and what you're up to these days and I fell them in as well.  To answer your mother's question, No, I'm not keeping up with my singing these days, but hope to eventually get back into it within the next year.  One of my goals has been to lose the weight and then try out for some parts in local players clubs or musical organizations.  I dearly miss not having music to be a vital part of my life, and unfortunately Morrey has no musical talents or interests.  However, he has bought us Symphony season tickets for next year which I know I'll enjoy and he'll endure!  Because of Morrey though, I have taken an interest in sports and we frequently go to Cincinnati for a Reds baseball game, or to the Coliseum in Cleveland for hockey games in the winter -- which I've learned to enjoy.  For a while the only thing I enjoyed about a sports event was the hot dogs and popcorn -- but I have managed to learn some of the finer points of the games -- and now I really like it.  As a matter of fact, Morrey and I are going to Cincinnati tonight to stay for the weekend and we have tickets for a ball game Sunday afternoon.   We've been to the cottage a lot this summer and Morrey adores the place.  I like it too but there is very little privacy there with my Dad around, and Morrey spends most of his time in the boat fishing, so I have to go prepared with something to do or I go out of my mind.  My dad just loves to have us come and he goes out of his way to please us and make us comfortable which we really appreciate.  Morrey and my dad get along better than my father does with his own two sons -- and Morrey and my father buddy around a lot which is good for both of them in many ways.

Many thanks for the suggested reading list.  I will take it with me on my next trip to the book store and library.  I greatly appreciate your taking the time to fill me in on quality literature available and I intend to take your suggestions seriously.

We have a busy month ahead and an expensive one too with buying back to school clothes and going to the dentist for a lot of expensive crown work for me.  We're throwing a surprise 65th birthday party for my dad on the 21st of Aug.  and I have to get busy and send out invitations and plan the menu and evening's events.  I'll probably start back to school work with my team members the last week in August so from now till them I have a lot of relaxing and enjoying to do.

I hope you'll plan on seeing us over Labor Day and I hope to hear from you much before that.

Please be well & take care & have fun.

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.

March 13, 1974 (Letter from Renee)

It is I, not you, who should apologize for not writing in so very long.  I had every good intention in the world to write to you over Xmas vacation; however, I had a houseful of company from the day we got out of school to the day went back and then I lost your address.  I was sort of hoping that you wouldn't give up on me and would decided to drop me a line.  It was so very good to hear from you once again. Thanks for thinking of me!

Well, where do I begin to tell you about us and what's going on here in Columbus. Ohio?  First off, Morrey got his associate degree from Franklin University in Dec. so at least now he has a "piece of paper" to hang on the wall.  He also recently received a promotion at Loeb Electric and it looks like his future is secure there.  The money is not super great right now -- but there is definite hope!  I'm very proud of him and quite happy.  My job is just fine, I'm in my third year at Hastings Jr. High.  Things sure are a lot different now that I have a few years' experience under my belt.  I can't believe how easy teaching is now compared to when I first started.  I actually have time now on week nights to do a few things which I like to do rather than things I always have to do.  My kids are really great and I don't have any major problems discipline-wise so I guess you could say I am content.  I will be teaching in a special program next year (if our next levy passes).  It is called the House Plan and it is designed as an attempt to inter-relate the scholastic disciplines.  We take a group of 125 kids and the English, Science, History, and Math teachers all have the very same 125 kids to work with in a 4-5 period time sequence.  We can group the kids to work with them the beset way we see fit, and we can change the groupings whenever we want to facilitate special work and projects.  If the kids are assigned a research paper in History or Science, then the English teacher can work with them on the project since all of the students have the same 4 teachers.  I am very excited about the possibilities this program has to offer, and I feel that the progress allows me to set a goal for myself and work to my fullest potential to achieve it.  So much for my job....

Morrey and I have been busy socially.  We're on our second set of bridge lessons and it has really been hard for me to learn but I'm working at it.  We're just about ready to invest in a pair of combat boots for the two of us so we can communicate across the table-ha-ha!  Bridge is a serious game and I'm such a "joker" (no pun intended!).  We've made a lot of friends since I've been teaching and there's always something going on every weekend.  Morrey and I like to socialize but we also like just being alone and lately it has been really hard to find time to do what we want instead of what everyone else wants to do.  I'm really looking forward to this summer cause I'm doing everything I've waited to do all year -- sleep, read volumes of novels, sew, and be a real honest-to-goodness housewife.

Would you believe -- it has been a week and a half since I started this letter!  I started to write it just before my spring vacation and tomorrow I go back to school.  I drove to Warren for a few days to see my folks and I was bored to tears.  I read three books in two days and about a million magazines to keep myself busy.  I stayed in Warren from Mon. to Thurs.  Left Warren with 3-4 inches of snow on the ground and before I got to Corry I had an accident.  I've never driven in such miserable conditions.  I slid from one side of the highway all the way to the other side and knocked down a speed sign.  I wasn't hurt -- but my pride was!  I didn't damage the car very badly visibly, however I'm told it will take about $200 in repairs to fix our new VW.  I was heartbroken -- but also quite happy to walk away from it in one piece since I could have hit a tree or another car.  I stayed in Corry overnight with the Zalzneck's and came home Friday.  The roads around Erie were impassible and the visibility was zilch.  Once I crossed the Ohio border the weather miraculously changed for the better.  I've decided never to drive to Warren again by myself except in the summer time!  For all the money it's going to cost us to fix the car I could have flown to Florida and really had a good vacation.  Hindsight is always better than foresight!!

Well Paul, I could write some more but I've loads of school work to do before tomorrow morning so I'll close for now with a promise to write again as soon as I can.  If you have any chance of coming up our way to Columbus -- please do cause we'd be delighted to have you.  If you want to bring a friend(s) with you we have plenty of spare beds and rooms.

Be well and take care.

November 29, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

Thanks so much for your letter, it was delightful to hear from you once again, and I am very glad that we can still keep in touch.  I did receive a letter from you earlier in the fall, but with school starting and all the work that piled up I haven't spent much time in corresponding to anyone.

Everything is fine with us.  I am busy with my teaching and Morrey is working and he's going to finish up his associate (2 year) degree in a few weeks, of which I am very  very proud.  Aside from that we have been taking bridge lessons, but being the klutz that I am I can't seem to play bridge without my 14 pages of class notes -- which leaves room for little else at the bridge table.  We've just finished the beginning bridge course and in February we'll take the advanced course.  Our house is all settled now and my basement is completely finished with carpeting and everything.  It has become "my living room" since I spend all my time down here working at my desk.  Once school started in the fall I had to give up all my grandiose plans for decorating until next summer when I'll have time to burn.

I love teaching and I really feel comfortable in my job now.  I've begun to explore different methods and new lessons to work on since I can't stand to do the same old thing in the same old way year after year.  I have a heavy load of 6 classes with 169 students and it takes me forever to grade any kind of composition work even though I fell that this is an area that needs a great deal of work at the 8th grade level.  The longer I teach the more things I seem to take on and find to do -- but I guess that's what really keeps me going and keeps my mind working.  I am just about ready to decide to go back to grad school this summer to see if I can't pick up some new ideas and materials.  One thing about teaching is that it is never boring and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks I assign myself.  I am very lucky though Paul, because Morrey and I have very little time together during the week and we really cherish the weekends when we can get reacquainted.  We have a good number of friends here in Columbus now but Morrey and I prefer to be close friends with a very select few and we're not the big party types at all anymore.  I guess I could safely say that I'm very happy with my life as it is right now.  I'm the kind of person that has to set goals for myself and have something to look forward to no matter how small the occasion or how large.  Without the future to look forward to I am lost.  That sounds kind of dumb, but that's the way I am.

We went to Chicago last week to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my parents went with us.  It really bothers me Paul cause I see my parents getting older, and now that my dad is retired I really worry about them, not financially, but I worry cause they seem to me to be kind of "beaten" down by their circumstances.  With my grandfather living with them they have very little social life and they are quite bored -- yet there aren't many choices or options open to them.  They can't just pack up and go exploring places they've always wanted to see because they have a strong obligation to take care of my grandfather.  My parents literally live for the times when they can see us -- yet I can't hep thinking that there has got to be more to life and living than just that itself.  I guess I can't solve the problem for them, but I can really see the effects of all the years with my grandfather working on them, and I really get depressed.

We haven't formalized any plans yet for Xmas vacation.  Morrey will have a long 4 day weekend over Xmas but with the gas shortage and all that I'm not sure whether we'll make the trip to PA.  Aside from being able to see my friends for a little visit at Xmas time there isn't much that Warren has to offer for us, and Morrey and I aren't too anxious to spend 4 days sitting around on our asses with nothing to do but twiddle our thumbs.  So, at this time I'm not too sure about any plans that we'll be making.  Pittsburgh is only a 3 hr ride from Columbus Paul, do you think you could come here for a short while over winter break?  We have an extra, unused bedroom which you'd be welcome to use, and we'd love to have you as our guest.

Well, I'd love to write some more but I've loads of papers sitting in front of me which I've had for 2 weeks and haven't graded yet, so I'm afraid I'll have to close for now.

Be well and take care Paul.  Write soon when you have a chance.  Let's continue to keep in touch.  "Old" friends are the best friends.

May 1, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

I received your letter yesterday and, as usual, was delighted to hear form you once again.  I should have taken the initiative to write to you sooner but I've sort of been up to my ears in work with the close of the school year at hand.  (I also had to wait till Morrey installed a new ribbon in the old typewriter since the old one was about shot!)  Glad to hear you're working -- sorry to hear you're not enjoying it much.  These days one has to be thankful to just have a paying job -- but I understand very well how miserable and frustrating it is to feel stifled and uncreative in a job -- I went that route before I started teaching.  So very glad to hear that you are going to grad school in the fall.  I envy you since I really want to go back myself and pick up all the courses I never could fit in which would assist me greatly in my present capacity.  I am planning on going back one of these days but I'd prefer to get my masters in one lump of time rather than in summer or at night.  Another great thing about your being in Pittsburgh is the fact that it is a simple 3 hr freeway ride from Pitt to Columbus and I'm hoping that you'll take advantage of that fact, and of the Prayzer hospitality and come for a visit once3 in awhile.  We absolutely adore our new place and it is much like having a house and Morrey and I are really enjoying it.

Getting rather domestic -- we finally purchased my "longed for" washer and dryer and I no longer have to make that awful trek to the laundry every Sunday which really irks me -- although Morrey and I have been very democratic and we take turns every other Sunday.  (women's lib, ha,ha!)  Gee Paul, I really do miss you (believe it or not) cause it seems like a year and a millenium since I had a chance to sit down with someone I could really talk intelligently with.  Sometimes I kind of yearn for the old days when we had time to sit around and "shoot the shit" so to speak.  Between my job, and our married life it's hard sometimes to sit down and really talk about anything other than "what we're doing tomorrow, and what we've got to do next week".

School is really getting to me -- it's that time of year again.  The kids are antsy and I am equally as antsy.  There are many facets of my job that can be extremely frustrating at times -- and lately I've had more of those times than I'd like.  I do very much enjoy my teaching and I feel as though I'm improving and getting somewhere,m but sometimes I feel really bogged down my it all and the good points seem far outweighed by the bad.  I've learned a lot this year and hope that the experience will benefit me next year -- ich -- next year -- I hate to think of it.  All I can think of at the moment is that long, peaceful, and kidless summer which lies ahead like a distant oasis in which I seek refuge!  (How's that for seeming literary?)

I am not planning on doing a darn thing constructive this summer.  It's back to being a good housewife and all that jazz -- which I can really enjoy as long as I know it lasts only 3 months!  Really, though, I'm planning on painting our basement, decorating it and the rest of the house for that matter!  I've got loads to do to keep me busy -- and I plan to really put a good deal of time just catching up with my reading.  I'm reading Eleanor and Franklin right now which is a good book but rather laborious reading.  I guess my tastes in reading run along the non-fiction, biography types.  I just finished reading My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok -- which is excellent and I really enjoyed it.  Morrey and I went to see "Soylent Green" over the weekend and I have never been so upset by a flick in my life.   It is so very realistic that it horrifies me to think about it -- but it is a must for you to see.

Morrey and I plan to spend a good deal of our vacation (the first two weeks in July) at the cottage in Warren and I'm hoping we get together for a few visits and "campfire chats", -- oops that should read "fireside"!  My parents are moving to an apartment in my grandfather's house in Jackson Street sometime this month.  It's the second house from the corner on Jackson right off of Conewango.  I think my mother will be much happier there and my father is fixing it up pretty nicely.  I'm sure that my dad would be more than glad to see you Paul if you ever have the desire to ride out to the cottage for awhile.  He's already opened the cottage for the summer and I know that you'd be a welcome sight to my dad since the days get pretty long and lonely for him.  Morrey and I will be home for Memorial Day weekend at the end of this month -- so please feel free to drop by the cottage then -- or call if you can't come.  The more the merrier as I've always said.

Well it's ten o'clock and I turn into a mean bitch (not a fairy princess) if I don't get enough sleep -- especially when I have to face those kids so early in the morning.  Sometimes they're enough to give a person "morning sickness" -- Don't worry I'm not pregnant!!

Please take care and be well Paul and write again soon when you can.  Sorry about the terrible, awful typing but I'm rushing to get everything said and therefore I'm careless with the way I type it out.  As long as you can read and comprehend, I won't worry about the grammatics.

March 6, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

Many thanks for your delightful and informative letter.  It sure was nice to be greeted by a letter rather than bills, bills, and more bills.

Morrey and I have moved our place of residence to a beautiful half-double with a real honest to goodness basement and garage.

Our new place is 5 minutes from where I teach.  I used to have to travel 30-40 minutes to get home at night.  We're really pleased with our new place -- it's very private and residential -- and, as usual, we're very happy.  We've been extremely busy lately and between moving and teaching I don't know which end is up, to tell the truth.  On March 16th I'll start a 1week spring vacation and I can hardly wait.  I'm not planning on coming to Warren cause I've got loads to do here -- like clean toilets and all that shit -- ha ha!

Life has been so hectic lately that I haven't had any chance to just sit back and reflect.  Haven't sat down to read a good book in ages.

My parents are coming out this weekend to visit.  They sold the building they're in and they'll be moving out of it by the 1st of August.  Things are rather indefinite with them now but they'll definitely stay in Warren although my dad will be retired.

Please feel free to come out and visit us anytime you have a few days to spare.  We're got plenty of room and you're always welcome.  Sorry this letter is so short -- but I'm in the middle of 15 different things -- as usual.  Will try to write again soon.  Please write to us.  Be well and take care.

August 14, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

It was so nice to return home and find your letter in the mailbox today.  As always I enjoy hearing form you and it gives me such a warm feeling to know that we are continuing our correspondence.

I have so many millions other things that I should be doing today (the laundry, cleaning the apt. etc.) but  I find that I would much rather choose the "escape" route and spend a quiet afternoon at my desk.  I really enjoy the peace, quiet, and solitude of the late afternoon hours when I am at home doing whatever I feel like doing.  I tend to work, write and just sit in spurts and I can't say that I mind it at all.  There is something to be said for just being alone with only thoughts and I rather enjoy  day when I don't even hear the sound of my own voice until Morrey comes home from work.

Morrey and I returned late last night from a weekend trip to Warren.  My brother Hersh and his wife and daughter were there from Omaha and we had a most enjoyable visit.  We reminisced a good deal about when we were kids living at home and we stayed up half the night just talking and joking around. My parents, of course, are always in 7th heaven when anyone of us kids comes home for a weekend and it gave us a good deal of pleasure to see the old twinkle in their eyes when we were ll together laughing and having a merry time of it.  Really, Morrey and I are very fortunate since we both love to go to the cottage and we get along so well with my parents.  Sometimes they are really the life of the party and there really is no such thing as a generation gap when we are with them.  Morrey and I have a relationship with my folks that is ideal.   They are like our best friends and they seem to enjoy doing anything we choose to do.  My folks have always (as I'm sure you know) been quite hospitable and their warmth, good humor, and general sense of "fun" makes any visit to Warren most relaxing and highly enjoyable.  My folks have never interfered in any way with the way Morrey and I live -- they are always willing to extend us a hand if we need it and they never pry into our personal business.  We surely are two very lucky people.  Although my family was never very close when I was younger because of the age differences then, we sure do make up for it now!

I really don't' have much in the say of "news" to tell you about.l  School started on Sept 5 (3 weeks away) and I'm nowhere near ready.  I keep putting things off thinking I still have plenty of time to do them but time is quickly passing by and at the rate I'm going I'll be ready for school on January 1, 1973.

I can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed this summer.  Everything has been so carefree, devil-may-care.  I've done a few of the things I had planned to do, relaxed a great deal -- and just plain old "been myself".  This is the first time in a long time Morrey and I haven't had financial worries and somehow we've managed to do just about everything we've wanted to do all summer.  Th ere isn't a single thing I can think of that I desire, or need or want and I'd never deemed that all these things would come true for me.  I used to think that it would take us 10-15 years of married life before I'd have everything I wanted, but I find that I have all those things, and more right here and now.   How wonderful life is Paul -- how exciting, alive, vibrant and wonderful I feel!  I guess not many people are as lucky as Morrey and I to have each other, to have the things we want together, and to do anything we ant at any time without being tied down in any way or responsible to anyone but ourselves.  At times I think we are rather selfish in feeling this way but I know that we both work very hard to reach our goals and we are constantly setting new heights to be reached so that we will never be satisfied with the "status-quo" or even settle down to it.  There's too much of life to live, too many things to see and do and try to ever make us stand still and stay happy for long.  I don't want to close myself up to the rest of the world with a certain social set of friends, or a particularly "perfect" set of surroundings by the time I'm middle-aged.  What is perfect and good today will have flaws tomorrow.  I never want to become stagnated and stale just because I accept everything that surrounds me.  Life moves on and in order to feel really alive and part of it all we must move as well.  Fairy tales that come true are never what one thought they would be-0- nor are they perfect.  Well, enough of my philosophy for now.  I really must close for now since my "man" will be home soon and I have to do a few chores yet today.

Be well, take care and write again soon.

August 3, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

Many thanks for you letter and the promptness of your reply.  It's rather an unusual feeling to have someone to be as conscientious about correspondence as you seem to be and I really commend you for your efforts.

I really don't have too much "news" to tell you since I have been rather lazy and inactive this summer.  Since it is nearing the end of the summer I have begun to get a guilty feeling for not having accomplished all that I'd like to in the way of plans for school in the fall and it has been just this week that I have gotten off my big arse and begun to straighten out my files, do some reading, studying, and intense planning for the months to come.   Although this is not a terribly pleasurable job I am sure that it will save me a considerable amount of time during the school year.  It's rather funny Paul but I am a totally different person when I assume the title of teacher during the school year.  My interest and devotion are centered on only one thing -- what I do in the classroom -- and I sort of block everything else from my mind.  Morrey and I live together but only a small part of my time then is given to my role as homemaker and wife.  I (or should I say we) spend very little time socializing during that time and I can't say that I really suffer by it in the last.  I'm usually so glad to get home at night, out of my school clothes, and out of my "teacher personality" that it takes me a couple of hours just to unwind from the day and begin to look towards "tomorrow".  Morrey really doesn't mind because he is still going to school at night and when I spend 3 hours a night on my schoolwork he spends his time on his own studies -- so everything works out fine.  I guess that is why I've really enjoyed this summer vacation because I've been totally carefree, enjoying my lack of "mental" responsibilities, and spending a good time with the few friends we have.  It is funny but when I teach school we sort of schedule in a little social life on the weekends, and it is so nice in the summer to be able to do anything we want in the evenings, read all night if I want to, and sleep away half of the day!  So much for a description of our "average" lives!

I guess that I'm finally beginning to realize that all my life I've wanted to do just one thing well -- and one thing that I can be proud to have accomplished.  Teaching has a great many opportunities for me to achieve that goal.  I can hardly wait until three or four years have gone by and I have begun to take on other goals and responsibilities as well.  Morrey and I haven't really been joiners in anythings because we like to think that if we join something we share a commitment to participate fully and not just in "name only".  So I guess we'll just take our "slice of life" one bite at a time so that we can cope well with it and do the best we can.  So -- to be (and us) that's what life is all about right now.

Gee -- when I look back on my high school days I can really begin to see how far I've come -- and in many ways it is a good feeling.  I've finally begun to realize the meaning of friendship, devotion, responsibility, and of course, love.  My life is so very different now and my attitudes and ideals have surely changed -- for the better I'd like to think.  I am really wondering when I go back to Warren for my high school class reunion if the others that I had known "way back then" have changed at all.  Did you ever get the feeling Paul that you are just beginning to really "know yourself"?  That's how I feel now.  I've learned to care a lot less about what other people think and a whole lot of the credit belong to my husband whom I feel has a good self-concept and has always been a strong and very independent sort of individual.  It seems that a lot of people I once knew were important to me (Mardi, Barb and the whole gang) I have really lost touch with.  Suffice it to say that we certainly don't' run in the same circles anymore and time has done a lot to change one's feelings and emotions.  I had to learn from Morrey that one must accept people for exactly what they are and the way they are and all the wishing and hoping that they would change to suit me wouldn't do any good for any of us.  I tend to be extremely critical of others, whereas Morrey is very kind and willing to be friendly and accept everyone just the way they are and appreciate them as individuals.  I really have no idea what point it is I'm trying to make -- but I guess I'm just letting my feelings be typed on this paper.  Forgive me if I seem pedantic or overly philosophical.

Morrey and I have one more week of his vacation coming which we are taking the last week in August.  Haven't made any plans about what we're going to do just yet.  We might go to Savannah, Georgia since that's where Morrey's father will be working for the next few months and he's invited us to come down and stay with him for awhile.  We might just go to Pa. and enjoy the peace and serenity at my father's cottage, and we might just go crazy and get on a plane and head for anywhere that sounds appealing.  We really are "spur of the moment people".  I hate to plan things cause by the time we're done planning them and talking about them we're usually bored to death with the whole idea by the time we get to do it.  We've been known to do some pretty crazy and unexpected things -- but that's what makes life such a mystery and so much fun.    As a matter of fact we both hate routines -- like eating every night at 6 on the dot or doing our grocery shopping every (?) Monday, or doing the laundry on Tuesday.  I like to do things when I'm in the mood to do them and not until then.  We feel hemmed in when we start living a routine like that.  In fact, Morrey  commented to me the other night that in the 2 1/2 years we've been  married we've never eaten dinner at the same time two nights in a row!  I guess that's why I'm happy with my teaching job -- never a dull moment -- and working with kids one never knows what to expect.

Well Paul, Morrey just walked in the door after coming back from taking a final exam in Psychology and he's demanding food for the hungry bear so I must close for now.  Please take care and be well.  Write again soon.  Is there any possibility that you might be passing through Columbus on your way back east?  If so we insist that you stay with us for as long as you can.

July 22, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

So sorry it has taken me so long in responding to your last letter.  I guess I've been kind of lazy and just this week got around to cleaning the debris off my desk so that I could begin to do a little work.  I have really been enjoying my summer vacation and it has been pleasant and uneventful for the most part.  I guess one could say that my status at t his point is strictly as a housewife and I'm kind of enjoying it.  I have been reading a lot -- in fact that is what occupies 75% of my time these days.  Haven't been reading anything earthshaking or pertinent -- but I've enjoyed it just the same.

I spent a little time just cleaning and re-organizing our apartment.  We finally got some new living room furniture much to our delight, and we really settled down in many ways that we never were before.  I can't exactly describe it but Morrey and I have finally achieved some sort of financial security, our home is now complete with the furniture we want, and we both are doing exactly what we want to do without anything holding us back or getting in our way.

I'm beginning to feel quite guilty because so far I haven't done a thing about my lesson plans and materials for next year yet and I'm getting kind of itchy to do so.  I was a pretty lousy teacher by my own standards last year and I aim to do much to improve that situation.  Even if it means that I have to be a tough-assed bitch at times I'm determined to be that way as long as the kids know who is boss and meet my expectations of them. This year instead of being afraid of the kids and having them know I'm afraid -- the tables are going to be switched and they will have to live a little bit in terror of Prayzer the English teacher in room 2061.

I was home in Warren for a week after the 4th of July and was bored stiff, which is what I should have expected.  It was a pleasant visit with my parents and I just kind of enjoyed sitting around doing nothing and being responsible for nothing.  Morrey didn't mind that I stayed on in Pa. and I think that it does us good once in a while to be separated.  Absence makes that old heart grow fonder so they say -- and I'll agree.  We plan on returning to Warren the weekend of August 19th for my high school reunion -- which will probably turn out to be a gigantic fiasco and waste of time -- but I can't help being curious to see how some of my classmates turned out.

I can't tell you how impressed I am with the letters you have been writing to me.  They really paint a picture of you Paul - and one that I admire and respect a great deal.  I can see that you are still independent and are enjoying it and also that you are a very flexible type of person.  You seem to have certain goals well defined for yourself yet then you leave enough room i there for being yourself and not getting into any fixed groove or bind.  I'm also very glad to hear that you have been reading a good deal and enjoying it.  I must admit -- I'm way far behind you in the quality of works we read.  I am not a disciplined reader and I would choose 9 times out of ten some \junk on the best seller list than to ever go back to the classics and really dig deep!

I really must admit Paul that at the moment I'm not much in the letter writing mood and I'm not getting too much said that I want to say in this letter for that reason.  (Besides the fact that Morrey is kissy-facing and bugging me at the moment.)

I hope you will forgive me for the brevity of this letter and I promise to write at greater length and with more substance in my next letter to you.

Meantime I hope you are enjoying yourself in sunny California.  We've had a heat wave here for the last week and it's 93 and really miserable outside.  God bless air-conditioned apartments.

Please keep in touch and write again soon.

June 26, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

It seems hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I last heard from you or spoke to you.  I was so very pleased to receive the letter from you this week.  I have often wondered just exactly what you've been up to and I'm also very glad to know that you think enough of me to keep up correspondence -- even though we both have been pretty lax.  I always enjoy your letters and it is a really nice feeling to know that at least one of my hometown friends still wants to keep in touch with me.

I really don't know where to begin to tell you about my life since the last time we talked with one another.  A lot happens in a year.  I may as well start at the beginning -- so here it is!

After I graduated from OSU last year I looked for a job almost the entire summer.  I had decided that teaching was really not for me and I didn't really care to pursue a teaching career.  I guess I had just had it up to my ears with school and I thought it would be nice to come home at 5 o'clock without any worries.  Well, I took a job as a secretary with a big savings and loan company here in Columbus in the downtown office.  What a fateful mistake that was!  I absolutely abhorred my job, couldn't stand my idiot of a boss, didn't feel any sort of satisfaction in what I was doing -- and in general was a lousy secretary.  I worked in the savings and loan from August to November and then I said so long and goodby to the world of business.  At that point I felt like a failure already since I wasn't too successful on my first job venture.  I guess my main problem was that I felt no satisfaction in the job I was doing and really felt like I was helping achieve a big zero.  At any rate, at that point I decided the only way to find out if I really had any knack for teaching was to apply for a job.  It wasn't too easy looking for a full time teaching job in the middle of the year but I plodded along sending applications everywhere in Columbus.  I really struck it lucky though cause I got a position in the wealthiest suburbs of Columbus called Upper Arlington teaching 5 classes of 8th grade English full time.  The teacher I replaced got pregnant and I happened to be in the right place at the right time looking for a job.  Needless to say the pay was super GREAT compared to working as a secretary -- but pay wasn't all that I was really looking for.  It was a difficult task to take over classes during midyear but I survived and I'm still wondering how.  I really do like the school that I teach at.  It is relatively new, the faculty is extremely conscientious and talented, and the materials available and general environment make it quite pleasant to say the least.  I had my moments as a beginning teacher when I thought I would lose my sanity or lose my job -- and the kids weren't terribly cooperative.  They wanted to play games to see how much they could get away with -- but I suppose I've weathered that storm too.  I am not terribly pleased with the quality of my teaching work this year but I am looking forward to going back and starting fresh in the fall.  I guess I've kind of learned all the little do's and don'ts that go along with disciplining and behavioral problems.  Once a teacher has thorough knowledge of her subject matter (which I didn't) then she has half the battle licked.  Between not feeling terribly secure with the subject matter and never having to discipline anyone before, I sure had quite a time of it -- but I had lots of encouragement along the way from other teachers and mostly from my husband.

At any rate Upper Arlington liked me enough to renew my contract for next year and I got a $250 pay raise to boot so I'm not complaining.

I am doing absolutely nothing this summer except being a housewife -- fooling around, reading a lot, cleaning, cooking, swimming and just plain being me.  I made some grandiose plans for all that I was going to accomplish this summer but so far I haven't done much in the way of carrying them out.

Morrey and I are still living in the same apartment on Shanley Drive -- we've finally gotten our apartment to look the way we want it to and to suit out comforts to a T.  Needless to say I am still very happily married and fell very secure and quite content with life as it is right now.  For the first time since we've been married (which is two years) Morrey and I are enjoying freedom from financial worries -- we're not millionaires but our bills are finally all paid and  we have a little to spare for the things we want.  I would like to go back to school  I really wanted a rest from any kind of mental work and Morrey makes few demands upon me and gives me complete freedom to do what I want when I want.  We really do have an ideal marriage-- and we sure do know a lot of screwed up people -- so we're glad to have each other.  It is really unique but my husband really is my best friend and confidant and there is no one else in the world whom I enjoy being with more than he.  I suppose perhaps that this might all seem rather corny to you -- but we re very happy, comfortable, and secure. I guess one might say we've found our "niche" in life.

In your letter you referred to feeling old -- well my friend, would you believe that my high school class reunion is the 19th of August!  I really do know that I am finally a member of the next generation when I got the invitation to my reunion.  Morrey and I are planning on going -- although I am willing to bet that it will be a boring evening for him and a disappointing one for me.  I really never was very close to any of my high school classmates -- but curiosity killed the cat and I am anxious to see them and hear about what they are doing with their lives.

I was glad to hear that Barb was successful in Boston and really making a go of it.  I feel very badly about her mother's illness and wish that there were something I could do.  As for Mardi -- I probably never will see her again and she has sort of drifted in her own chosen direction.  It is a shame that her life is kind of a mess right now and I wish the best for her.  As for Mike -- the last time I saw him he was too much for me and I'm not really ever impressed by collegiate name droppers -- they are amusing but not very intellectually stimulating to say the least.  Mike seems like one of those late bloomers who will finally grow up when he's about 35.  I saw Mark Van Volkinburg last fall before he got married.  We were supposed to go to his wedding but it was too long of  trip and we didn't have much money for such trips at that time.  He's kind of had a rough go of it in the last 2 years from what he told me but I still like him a lot and he has some very fine and sensitive qualities that make him a nice person to know.  I had met his wife (she came to our wedding with him) and she was a real doll so I hope that they are making it together.  I am wondering whatever happened to Joan Piccirillo and I hope that maybe you can fill me in on some of the details.

I was disappointed that you didn't make it to Columbus last summer and I hope that perhaps on your way back from California you can come here and stay with us for awhile.  We have plenty of room and you are always welcome.  I would be delighted to have you as our guest and I hope that you can arrange to come out here whenever you have a chance.  Just drop me a line or give me a call to let me know when you are coming.

Well Paul, I can't really think of much more to tell you that I haven't said already.  I hope that we can continue to write to each other.  Morrey and I plan to be in Columbus for quite awhile and we will still be at the same address so please try to keep in touch.