May 12, 1977 (Letter from Lar)

Thanks for the card.

I am still getting the New Times.  That's one magazine I wouldn't give up.

As far as I can tell, Mom and Dad don't have the book "The Lutherans in North America".

I had a nice birthday.  We had trout for dinner at home.  Mom made a rice pudding with honey which was very good.  Mom and Dad gave me a set of colorful sheets and a fireproof strongbox to store important papers in.

Mom made a spice cake and put vanilla ice cream between the layers and topped with whipping cream. I wouldn't have any frosting on my birthday cake.

Supertramp is a pretty popular group in Buffalo.  They used to play a lot of the Crisis? What Crisis? album last year.

I just heard on the radio that the Moody Blues have a new double album out.  Three sides are live and one side is new studio music.

Dad was feeling down yesterday.  He's upset about the church.  The attendance is down as it is in most other churches.  Dad blames himself.  He would like to retire early.

Dale doesn't like working at the Process.  He'll get his first paycheck tomorrow, maybe he will like it a little better.

September 25, 1976 (Letter from Barb N.)

Hello.  I thought I would only write to Larry, but I enjoyed your letter (which I just finished reading) so much I had to reply while your thoughts are still fresh in my mind.

I got back from the Oktoberfest this morning & I am happy to be home for now.  I am going to try and tell you of my highlights of my journey to Munchen.

Doobie, Dean, and Frank, and I left Naples last Friday and caught our train to Rome which left at 2330.  We slept in a couchette which is a compartment with six pull down-or-up beds.  We met Nola and Eric on the train who seemed to have their problems with finding a bed.  They were all "fucked up" both verbally and otherwise.  Finally they got a bed and Eric had a bowl before he went to sleep. That was the beginning of our party.

In the morning we were abruptly awoken and told to get off the train.  Nola found out that there was a strike at Trento.  So we loaded up our belonging into a bus and headed for the Austrian border.  It was well worth the bus trip and two hour delay from our schedule just to see the scenery. Southern Italy is so old and rugged looking while northern Italy through Austria and Germany is filled with green pastures and soaring mountains.  I really got off on the view and fresh, chilly air.

The first nite at the fest we took it easy and only had two beers.  (each beer is a liter mug.)  We were feeling fine by the end of the nite.

The second nite we went to see Graham Nash and David Crosby in concert.  I will never regret going to that concert in all my life!  They plays all their goodies including songs from CSNY.  But the end of the concert put me on a cloud for a good 15 minutes.  They left before their encore and the crowed went wild for them.  They came back to sing "Chicago" and "Teach Your Children". When you get to the part "Don't you ever ask them why if they told you you would cry so just look at them and sign and know they love you"  the band stopped singing and the audience took over and did an outstanding job.  I was singing my heart out.  I know my soul was tingling.  God -- it was great!

The next two nites at the "O" fest were really wild.  We liked the Haufbrau tent the best since most of the people were our age.  All the happy drunks were singing and tasting while the band played polkas, etc.  I managed to drink four liters of good German beer.  Beer like you'll never taste in the states.  I enjoyed myself so much.

The last nite Doobie and I went to Innsbruck Austria for the day.  Basically we went shopping through the town.  I took slides of Germany and Austria so I will show them up at the lake next summer.

Munchen's transportation system was very impressive.  I can say they have their shit together.  It's all so new and immaculate.

Munchen is my favorite city for many reasons.  I love the German people there.  The city is very flat and good for a bike.  In the squares with the shops you see a lot of one-two-three man acts trying to get money.  One guy was playing bagpipes and had his quit-sneaker outfit.  I also saw some good guitar acts.  One guy was playing the bongos.  But the German people took a delight in watching these people.  It was all so refreshing.

I want to get involved in yoga.  I have been doing it on and off for a year now not accomplishing too much for myself.  I find breathing properly is very relaxing.  But I'm still an upright person with too many worries.  (I worry over what people think of me and that is the worst way to be but I find myself thinking of the other persons nasty remarks and I get scared -- stupid!)   Now I am going to try and calm myself for my own well being.

I'm going to bed so I'll finish this letter in the morning.

Good morning.

Continuing with yoga, I am going to sign up for a class next month.  It might help me more to speak with people who know yoga better than myself.

Now that I am back I am going to be better to myself.  I hope to relax and take in my surroundings at a restful pace.  Yoga should be the key to my well-being.  I hope it will stimulate me in all aspects.  So I hope to be on the right path now.

I would like a good camera also.  I might buy a friend's camera.  It's a Canon but I don't know the model.  Mike is into photography and he prefers another model where he can do more of his own setting with the camera.

I plan to sell my guitar and buy another model.  I am getting pretty involved in playing.  I enjoy it so much.  Hopefully next summer I will be able to play a few times at the lake.

Paul I want to put in for an early out for school.  I'd like to go to school for one or two semesters then go to Sweden with Larry.  But I'm not sure what direction is best for me.  I feel I need some education because I want to learn but I would like to go to a vocational for a skill.  I am still considering nursing.  If I can go for two years I would have some training that I could use if I didn't go all the way.  I could always work at a head start program.  Do you have an opinion or suggestions of schools?

I'm glad Dale is finally going to school.  I'm sure he will do well.  This is the beginning of Dale's own life.  Another steps towards his own being.

I had a good talk with Laura, my roommate, last nite.  We both look toward living as bounded by God's glory.  I am trying to understand the philosophy of his love but when I reach him I will find my peace.  Laura was predicting part of the future she sees for me.  I felt clouded as if in a vision when she spoke.  But today I must remain myself striving to live life with feelings that change like the wind.

I will end here for now.

August 14, 1975 (Letter from Barb L)

Yes, it's been a while -- now that I have a few things settled my mind is free enough to write.  The last week just about did me in -- a pregnancy scare of the first magnitude.  I was really getting anxious -- 12 days late & good reason to worry.  But, never fear -- I got my period Monday nite -- have been celebrating for 2 days & nites.  Whew!  Did I ever write to you about Jeff? -- the guy I work with at the workshop, he's from California -- did a thing w/ him this spring & we had a little reunion last month but I've learned my lesson with him -- no more involvement.

I've come to the conclusion that I've been acting irrationally for some time -- don't know exactly what to do about it.  If I was that kind of a person I'd to go a psychiatrist & say "Fix me up", but that's not my trip.  I can't really explain what's been happening in my head -- kind of a subject/object conflict -- I can see two opposite points of view on every single issue in my life & experience a desire or need for each solution -- both of which are opposite!  Simple example -- I feel a strong urge for warmth, fellowship, sharing & settling down at the same time that an equally strong urge for travel, exploration & danger manifests itself.  My old method of going on instead cannot solve the dilemma.  I can't even find the true instinct!  Rationality doesn't help -- a rational solution never satisfies the emotional side.  It's very perplexing & extends to all areas, not just the one narrow one I've shown you.  It must be middle 20's menopause so famous in friends & acquaintances.  As a highlight to this slate, I am going up to Boston next week & am staying at Rick's.  That relationship endures despite everything -- don't know why at this point.  Going to see him pregnant would have been better melodrama but bad living.

I am racking my brain still on how to come out there, & how to get out of my job long enough to do it.  My current wish (?) is to go back with you in September & then to fly back.  What do you think of that one?  I can't do it this month because I can't get any time off more than 2 or 3 days.  Every summer I seem to find myself indispensable in some job or other working every day while the sun shines.  Of course you know the feeling by now, but it's not that bad of late.

Your recent letters have been well-written and interesting but there seems to be a distance there -- maybe it's the objectivity of your point of view.  I can't find any expression of feelings in your writings of late, but maybe that's what your aiming for.  Your commentary on Michael came as no surprise -- I have no unconquerable urge to go & tell anyone about it. I hope he's calm now & happier. I know it's a hard thing to accept for him, as it would be for anyone, but especially someone as sensitive as Mike.  My only concern would be the callousness you find in that life, as I've seen affect Tonie & others I've known.  I sure hope Mike doesn't have to go through that aspect.

Your idea of collating and editing your letters sounds like a familiar fantasy.  I don't know now if I could force myself to go through the past that closely, but finding the patterns would be good, really good.  Our correspondence has been somewhat erratic -- it seems to come in spurts, but maybe it 's my letter-writing habits of the last couple years -- my letters are few & far between now, but I've kept up the journal I started 2 1/2 years ago.  Even in that I find that it's the same pattern -- spurts of writing with a time lapse in-between.  Seems like when the feelings are in movement then the writing begins, but when things are calm & ordinary there's no need for it.  With discipline the writing would take place constantly but I admit I don't exert it.

Would you cre to hear some Warren news?  There's not much!  Mardi & Mardi are in Maine for their vacation.  Haven't seen Mardi much this summer due to social plans, etc. (of hers), plus I'm not living in town.  Did I ever tell you I moved?  I got a trailer on Jackson Ave. Ext. at the end of June -- it's up near Scandia Road (Fifth Ave. Ext.) - -it's the last dwelling on this road & from here on it's farms & woods.  It's small but not bad.  I have a garden & a yard & Harry & Sanchez like it! The only drawback is always driving anywhere, so I don't know what will happen when winter comes.  I like the privacy most of the time but miss the easy access to people and places.   I have been going more to Scandia area lately than Warren, except to go to work.  I go up to Timmy's farm to swim or to Well's Ferry on Roper Hollow.  I'd be much more content to stay home if there was water around here.  I miss the ocean!  I've never gone though a summer without it in 6 years!  I feel landlocked.  But I get to be near it next week, even if only for a day.

Here's my address now:
1034 Jackson Ave Ext
Warren
726-2538

Back to local news -- Joan is leaving Meadville next month.  She still doesn't have her divorce due to Freddie's blocking of it but is leaving anyway.  Latest I heard was Atlanta & she has a job offer there.  She really needs to relax & let go & I think a city will do it for her.

I don't know what's happening w/ your brother, Dale.  Every once in a while I see something in the paper about it.  I guess it will go to court & I wish him luck with Judge Wolfe.

Can't think of any more news!  You probably know more of what's going on in Warren than I do -- I'm oblivious to it all usually -- I live in my own little world no matter where I am.  Right now it's a trailer on Jackson Ave!

I'm running a bath & about ready to go to bed -- haven't had much sleep lately -- (5 or 6 days).   Now it's relax time, or crash time, whatever you call it.

Thanks for your letters, even though you got no answers --

I will be seeing you in about a month -- the last time was sitting on your porch on the 4th of July a year ago -- seems like 5 at least.  I'm looking forward to th is one!

P.S.  Write & encourage or discourage the idea of going back with you to Montana in Sept.  I don't want to infringe on your free movement.

P.S. again!

Am re-reading Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.  Absolutely intriguing book.  I'm searching for some good reading -- you know there's nowhere to go & look for some around here  Any recommendations?

June 29, 1975 (Letter from Larry)

It's about 8:30 Sunday morning and I thought now would be the best time to write.  I've been real busy and haven't had much spare time.

There's nothing unusual to tell.  Mom's probably filled you in with everything that's been happening lately.

Dale looks nice with his haircut.  I think he will start settling down after the summer is over. High school friends have a lot of influence on him, but I think Dale will be less influenced in the fall and start using his head.

Barb was home a couple weeks ago.  She really looked nice.

Do they have Mother Earth News in the prison library?  I've noticed in the personal columns where prisoners want to correspond with  Mother Earth type people.  I'm sure there are a lot of prisoners who'd like to read the magazine.

We're having our class reunion at the Youngsville Fire Hall.  I'm looking forward to going.

I'm hoping Mom and Dad go to New England this summer cause I would like to go.

Hope things are okay out in Montana.

May 18, 1975 (Letter from Grayce)

Diane and Bev just left.  It was a very nice weekend.  We wished you have been here, also.  Aren't I awfully greedy?

First, may I say I'm really sorry about Dale.  He must be going through hell.  Have you spoken to him?  I think it would really be good for him to have someone speak to him without recrimination just now.  His guilt must be a vast thing to bear and more of a punishment than any other person could inflict from without.  I think you could do it very well -- being a gentle person.  Ultimately, it would make more of an impression than anything else he'll possibly hear now.

Paul, I hope I don't sound fatuous but "are you tired of writing to me?"  I really enjoy hearing from you but maybe you would need a rest?  If you'd like I will still write to you and you don't necessarily have to answer each time.  I don't know.  this sounds weird and not what I intend to say.  (Really I hope you don't agree to this because I'd really miss your letters), but let me know and we'll see what we can do, ok?

The weather here hasn't been so great, either.  It's been raining constantly.  I want to plan a small garden -- just some tomatoes, onions, peppers, and squash, but we haven't been able to dig up the ground cause it's always sopping wet.

I refuse to dig the ground because I did only a tiny piece by the side of the house and planted some bachelor buttons (which have probably drowned by now!) and I got an enormous blister on my palm.  Women's Lib can have this part of the fight as far as I'm concerned.  Pulling out your own chair is one thing; digging ditches is something else!

My cactus is not doing too well.  I can't figure it out.  I am convinced that cacti are not meant to flourish in this climate.  If they were, we would have some, wouldn't we?  It's entirely too humid. I hardly ever water the thing and I keep it in the sunniest place possible, but it feels like it's getting mushy and that means death is nigh.  Oh well, ---

No, I didn't attend Pitt's graduation.  It just would have been so meaningless.  Besides, Brook's sister graduated from Duquesne the week after that and Seton Hill's was the week after Pat's and I really didn't think I could take 3 Sundays of platitudes all in a row like that.  I mean, I don't go to church for exactly that reason, so why place myself in that position voluntarily?  It's bad enough that I had to go to those 2 others.  I did go get my diploma, though, since I had to go into Oakland to the doctor's anyway, $5 for that piece of paper.

Brook is out playing softball right now.  He joined a league that a bunch of his friends started. They all keep this bar (The Flame!) in business (or they did when they were younger, anyway) so the manager sponsors their team.  They're not too bad, considering they just got together this season.  They even have three flashy red nylon tee-shirts!  I liked them, but am not exceedingly thrilled about them right now since I've learned that they have to be handwashed separately.  Myeer!  Next year-- I will have something to say about the materials of the shirt, methinks!

Paul -- you had better come see us soon!  This is an order and not a request!  I really think that you are not happy there and should not stay any longer than necessary.  I hope I don't seem too audacious in saying this.  I worry about you, though.  I think you need more "civilization" around you.  And you sound said and I don't like to see you that way!  I apologize in advance if I shouldn't be so bold, but I can't help it.  Please consider this seriously.

Take care.

April 25, 1975 (Letter from Mardi)

It was really strange to receive your letter late Fri night and then read of your brother Dale in the morning paper.  I haven't much on details but it's really a bad scene no matter how you look at it.  I felt like calling your parents but felt I wasn't close enough to them now to get in touch with them over the accident, I was just leery so I didn't call.  How is your brother doing?  Our baby sitter Pam is Dale's age and knew Larry Wallin quite well and she was telling me of some of the details but nothing specific.  What can I say but that I hope he's fine and doing better.  I can't imagine what it would be like and I suppose no one can that hasn't been through it.

Right now Warren is having trouble "experiencing" the Airborne troops and Green Berets that are all over town playing war games.  The situation is pretty tense because of an incident that happened to Jim Blackman, of all people, the Asst. D.A., at the Brandywine last Sat night.  It seems they (he and Linda) decided to go up and have a dinner and just hang around for awhile.  Well, a couple of these guys started hasssling Linda and Jim told them to "get Lost" (putting it very mildly?) and one of the guys pulled a knife, right?  So Blackman calls the state cops and of course, by the time they got to the Brandywine this guy, being no dummy disposes of his knife somewhere so that there is no knife.  Ok, got the whole fucked up scene?  So, Blackman goes and presses charges on attempted assault, the whole bit.  So, of course, our local "paper" prints some ridiculous story in the paper to make matters worse.  The whole thing is a bummer.  People in this town have been so overprotected they think they are being overrun by animals lurking on every corner and bar!  I'm sure the Army guys are freaking out just being here!  What can they possibly do with themselves anyway?, but go to a bar.  I don't believe they have to be here either, but people like Blackman could have done something before they got here!  No one can do much now.  I must admit I misunderstood the whole situation to begin with.  I thought they were going to be here two weeks on duty with the National Guard out in the sticks and we'd never see them most of the time anyway; but, of course, they have "leaves" for 10-12 hour periods so where are they going to go?  Now, I've heard this is going to continue all summer which will be a bummer -- both for the Army guys and the people around here.  It's just going to start trouble no matter what!  They're going to be picking up chicks, probably high school, I mean we did the same stuff, they're pushing dope and shit, you know people in this town are so sheltered because they ignore all these things,k if one small incident happened it's "freak-out city".  Anyway, it seems to be, everyone is over-reacting to them. Sot that's the big news in Warren at the moment!

All is going well here.  I'm playing tennis now and I'm so sore, the weakest part of my bod is my arms! I'm terrible at golf, but it's more my speed -- slow.  We've had such shitty weather so far I haven't been able to do either.

By the way, your tentative idea towards opening a bookstore sound like a dy-na-mite venture!  It's definitely a good thing for you to get into.  I can see you "groovin" on the whole scene now.  Plus you could keep me in supply!!  Hey, I've got to close and get moving, take care.

Write as soon as you can so I know what's happening with you, your brother, and Deer Lodge!

April 16, 1975 (Letter from Larry)

Georgetown Lake, south of Philipsburg, Montana (Spring 1975)

I've wanted to write you for awhile, but there hasn't been much to write about.  I don't have anything special to say, but I wanted to get a letter off anyhow.

It doesn't seem much like spring here.  Down in the 20's at night and up in the low 40's during the day.

They're starting work on the house the Crary's are building.  It should be done by fall.

How was your trip to Berkeley?

Dale went to a concert in Erie tonight.  Mom didn't want him to drive but she gave in.  It's Dale's birthday tomorrow.  Now' he'll probably be going to Jamestown a lot.  He seems to be more settled down.  He did take a girl to the concert tonight.

Mike Brindis should be here in about two weeks.  It will be good to see him.

January 29, 1975 (Letter from Barb N)

Live version of title cut from the January 1975 release Sunday's Child

Hello.  I'm sitting here with nothing to do so I thought I'd drop you a line.  How is everything going for you?

The weather here has been beautiful for the past few days.  We are getting a warm front from up north so it will bring the temp down in the 50's.  (maybe even lower)  But the weather has been surprisingly nice for January.

If you start thinking about all the signs in the Bible about the end of the world you can detect them happening now.  It's something to think about.  It's quite a controversial subject without any answers.  Who is right?  Maybe God does exist...maybe he doesn't.  It's matter of faith.  I had a long talk with Larry at Christmas about his beliefs.  He felt better because he could express to me all of his thoughts   I don't know what to believe.  I'll have to form my faith through my experiences. God's plan was to give us hope of a better place than the evil world.  No matter how hard we try to improve the world the other side is  trying just as hard to corrupt it.

I like my job at the Master Chiefs office, but I just stuck my foot in my mouth.  I wanted to talk to my OS detailer so the Master Chief asked me if I wanted to change over to Yeoman and I told him no.  So now I might get transferred back to LP-1.  I really hope not.  I didn't care to work there.  I went to see my detailer and he was at another part of the base so I couldn't talk to him.  I want to transfer to Iceland this summer.

I have been talking to some people who have been to Iceland and they enjoyed it.  I would like to move around in the Navy.  That's one of the reasons why I joined.  I will be here in Norfolk a year this June and that is long enough for me.  At first I wanted to stay here this summer and go to Va. Beach a lot and just live it up.  I'd probably waste more money going to bars, etc. etc.  I'd be looking for something that wasn't there.  I also had made plans with a few friends to go more places, but I'm sure a lot of it is hot air.

31 Jan -- Hello again.  I'll finish your letter and I am going to start another letter to Dale.  I wrote him a long letter hoping to influence him in some way.  At this stage in life I believe Dale needs someone to guide him instead of hassle him.  Give him comfort instead of tell him he's a fool.  Dale still needs to discipline himself, but we shouldn't turn him off.  Dale is a good boy and a professing young man but he needs to snap out of it.I had a date last night for the first time in awhile.  John is a pretty nice guy.  We went out to dinner at a Ramada Inn and went to a club afterwards.  I don't care to go to fancy restaurants to eat.  I don't  like to put on an act just to eat dinner. Anyways...homecooked food is better.  But Norfolk probably has the worst selection of restaurants.

I started my knitting again.  I am knitting a lavender sweater.  It is a lacey pattern more or less a sweater for spring.  I almost have the back finished.  I bought some yarn for Larry and I am going to knit him a regular button style sweater. I want to make all my Xmas presents this year so I"ll start early.  (Really early if I expect to make something for everybody.)

I've been writing to Mom and Dad more regularly.  Mom wrote back a letter saying she appreciated hearing from me so regularly.

I haven't heard from you in awhile?  How do you like your yogurt maker?  I wanted to get you some sort of present for Xmas because money to me is so impersonal.  I didn't want  you to feel bad sitting out there in the middle of nowhere getting money from your sister for Xmas.

I should write a letter to Ed and Gen, and Edna.  I imagine they would enjoy hearing form me.

Well I'll end here for now.

January 21, 1975 (Letter from Barb N.)

Hello.  How are you?  I am doing fine?

Today is a miserable day.  We have a pretty fierce rain storm now.  It sounds like the winds are very wicked today.  At least I'm safe at work in the office.

Speaking for work I got transferred to a new job.  I work for the master chief of the station.  Most of the time he's not in the office which is nice for me.  I turn the radio to my station and do what I want to do.  The main work in my job is to attend a monthly Human Relations Council meeting, take notes, and type up the minutes.  As you can surmise the job does not require too much of an effort.  I usually try to break up the routine by reading, typing and writing letters.

Thank you for your Xmas gifts.  I would like to macrame myself a belt but I want to start with another belt first.  My girlfriend is macramaing a wall hanging from rope   It looks pretty good.  She would be a good influence on me and I on her.  I'm lazy and she's not whereas she has some problems that I have more insight than she dose.  I would like to get in the same room so we can hep each other on projects.  We'll have to see how everything develops in the future weeks.

22 Jan. 1975 - I don't feel like reading now so I'll finish your letter.

Right now I feel like I need a vacation of some sort.  I have to get away from this base.  If I had only signed up for two years I would be out in Nov.  I don't see how I will make it through the rest of my enlistment.  I guess I'm in my down moods over the Navy, but I feel like I'm wasting so much time. I know the employment situation is bad outside now.  It doesn't seem like it will improve.  Most people believe we are on the verge of WWIII.  Damn.  That's all I need.  If there was a war and then they ratified the amendment which would put women aboard combat ships, I would go UA.  I would be gone faraway.

Mom probably wrote and told you that I sold my car.  Now all I have to do is pay off my college loan and I will be out of debt.  I will have to start saving money for when I do get out.  I'll need something to fall back on.

What have you been doing in Montana?  What is the weather like?  Have you been sightseeing?  I wish I could travel all over.  I hate sitting idle.  I'm too restless at this moment.  I'll have to calm myself down.

Of course, you have heard about the trouble Dale has been getting into.  I can't understand him.  I wish I knew how his mind works.  He's not a bad person.  I hope he knows what he is doing.

I think my main problem is that I'm lonely for a male.  The sailors only upset me.  I hate sailors, (generalizing them in a group).  I haven't really dated anyone I have liked in over a y ear.  It's too long of a time period for me.

Well Paul I'll end here.  I'll write more soon, after I get out of this mood.

November 12, 1974 (Letter from Barb N)

Hello!  I received your letter today so I will answer your letter right away.

Yes, my opinion of the Navy itself has definitely soured in the past five months at Norfolk.   At the moment I work in cleaning which is a "skate" job.  I want to find a job that is more challenging, but I don't know which way to turn. First of all, I'm on OS (radarman), and it's a critical rating without a BIG fight.  Next, I am not able to work in my rate because females are not allowed to be ported on combat ships.  So my hands are tied at the moment.  I don't want to get involved with any such work that directly involved maintenance (etc) of air craft which is what the Naval Air Station is concerned with.  ( really dont' know what I can get involved with that I would enjoy.  I have to make some sort of decision in the next month or so I'll have to put a lot of thought into what I should do.

I'm meeting a lot of new people.  The guys I have dated can go hang themselves somewhere for all I care.  I haven't met anyone who impresses me in the slightest way.  This girl I met in chow today, Sue.  She and I made some plans to go to some of the naval clubs this weekend.  She's looking to have a good time like I am.

I haven't sold my car yet.  I don't know if I will right away.  I might wait a little bit longer.  I don't want to rely on others for transportation everywhere.  I'll have to get on a budget like Larry and account for what I spend.

It would be fantastic if we could get some property up in New England.  We'd be near the ocean, near Boston and New York, near the hills, etc.  I can't see visiting Mom and Dad on holidays only. I love them too much just to see them once in awhile.  Like Mom wrote to me in a letter.  She said that she feels we have a relationship as friends besides mother and daughter.  I know she has ha lot she could still teach me, especially her cooking and sewing.

Did you see Dale's senior picture?  Doesn't he look good?  He has a good head on his shoulders. He was in the rebellious stage last year, but he has settled down quite a bit.  He skipped school once this year but he told Mom which was good.

I heard from Mom and Dad and they're having a nice time in Washington.  They are on the run visiting friends and meeting people.  I'm glad they got to go and everything went all right for them. It probably brings back a lot of good memories.

It's raining out at the moment.  I should start walking a lot more now.  I walked back to the barracks in the rain and it was enjoyable to feel the somewhat fresh rain upon my face.

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well with your writing.  I would enjoy writing, but at this moment I don't have all my thoughts together.  I need more time and experience.

Carla is getting married to Frank this Saturday, but I won't be able to attend her wedding.  I was going to try to make it down, but I'll visit her some other time.  She told me that Frank and her were going to take a honeymoon later on if I came down.  She wanted me to stay overnite with them.  I'm probably one of her closest friends and I'm going to keep it that way as long as I can.  I will not be such a fool as to consider staying with them on their honeymoon.  Otherwise they will take a suite somewhere in Atlanta for the weekend.  Frank just got a job in Atlanta and he doesn't want to chance it by taking a vacation so soon.

Max is enjoying herself in Korea.  She works in Pediatrics.  I guess she does the basic procedures.  The people are all in the fields because it is harvest time.  Max said all the people walk hand in hand to show their love for each other.  She lives in a barracks with 50 other girls, but she has her own room. For $34.00 a month, she can have a mama (Korean woman) do all her cleaning, washing, etc.  It must be nice to have a maid. 

I am going to chow now so I'll close here.  I am better in my mind now and I feel that my mind is functioning a lot better.  I hope you are well.