November 3, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 25, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

I'm mailing this letter via Warren Waterways.  I feel water-logged & soggy around the edges -- will the sun ever shine again long enough to dry things out?  That's the question!  Would you believe tornadoes in Edinboro & Erie?  I don't recall more than a few nice days since the weekend of the 4th!!!

Things are going fine here.  Marti is still working on Blackman's house & he's development a cold which has been bringing him "down".  We are all steering clear of him.  The work will be another week for sure & Blackman's house will look great & ours will have to be finished!  I am so afraid of winter -- YUCK!  I'm getting sweaters out, sweatshirts, wool slippers.  I have vision of walking around the house in my overcoat, mittens & neck scarf!

September 28, Wednesday

I can't seem to get a letter out in one day anymore!  Really not much going on these past couple of weeks.  Barb has only a few days left at work &^ should be moving in another week.  Rick was all set to come here, quit his job, etc. & then the whole thing went bad.  Barb cannot accept him on any of his terms & he's not "progressing" at all>  Supposedly, it is over.  Barb has got to get some momentum behind her & go -- she really has lost a lot of ground & I don't know how she'll survive going back to Boston.  She has no amount of money, no worldly possessions of any value.  If she doesn't get settled somewhere soon she'll  never get anywhere!  I felt for a long time I was being unfair, but it's definitely Barb.  For as long as she's been here in Warren she should have at least made an advancement in some way.  I realize materials things are not her scene but I'm not into materials things either but I want nice things for myself & my appurtenance, I want people to appreciate me, after all I'm now a wife, & mother and I represent my husband & children & I want them to be proud of me.  Barb seems to care less.  She could be much more attractive & acquire better "habits"?  Also, there is no reason I can see other than pleasing her own "routine" for leaving job after job.  She's got to settle in on one job & move herself forward either in some career or in a relationship -- maybe by some miracle -- both!  I, too, can only see more hassle for her & I'm afraid she is the cause of most of her problems -- she, herself, hurts her own cause!  I just can't say anything to her though.  I don't feel I can for some reason; but maybe I should speak my mind. Like you put it if a person has no definite goals formulated they are treading water & that's what Barb has been doing since 1970!  It drive me crazy that she has the intelligence, maybe not all the opportunities open to her but she doesn't make the opportunities for herself!  BLAH!!  Over the years I can say I've had the opportunities to develop my life & career in anyway I pleased, sometimes we can't see the opportunity till some time later!

Everyone is restless.  I'll always be to some extent.  You have to be to keep on keeping on, but right now I'm very content to be near home & take care of my family.  It is good to improve yourself individually & have your "own time" in which to do it.  One must be careful, however, not to become too selfish.  I think that's where I ran into a lot of problem always out for #1 & I really felt it was right to always be concerned about myself above all, that I (& I only) had influence on people & a particular experience.  But it's just as rewarding to lay back & experience the well-being of others & not trying so hard to obtain one's own spiritual well-being, to give of yourself to others & not expecting any "spiritual reward" from it, just a feeling of contentment.

September 29, Thursday

This letter goes out today!  Barb called last night & never got back to your eltter.  She went down to see Joan & Bill & they are doing fine.  Bill is taking the total role of housewife & Joan is working. The baby was born with brain damage -- don't know if Barb told  you.  When we heard I thought it was "the straw that would break the camel's back" for sure.  They took the baby to the Cleveland Clinic for tests last week & found that 3 areas of the brain were damaged & only 25% of the optic nerve was developed.  My heart breaks for the little guy.  They really can't tell how extensive the damage is until they measure his rate of progress & see if he has fallen behind, which unfortunately will happen more rapidly probably in the months to come.  I just can't believe it -- if I were Joan I'd be at the end of my rope.  She has had the worst luck, but they seem to be doing fine.  Barb & I were worried about Bill doing his share.

Well, I must close & get back to house & kids, kids, kids!   Matthew had a great 3rd B-day 2/ toys & too much cake & ice cream.  His really doing good.  The twins are crawling & rolling & rolling & crawling all over.  Can't believe that in only 3-4 short months they will be toddling & I'll be going crazy!

Haven't heard from Renee & Morrey yet.  They will be busy w/ the new house I'm sure!  I even wrote to Dody.  This letter writing can be exhausting when you're out of shape like I am!

Wednesday, August 24, 1977

"Country Breakfast" by Edward Lamson Henry

New Britain Museum of American Art

Figure while I have the time I'd better drop a line.  Just got a letter form Dody & he's in Memphis, Tenn. & an Ensign in the Coast Guard & they are enjoying the change from their teaching profession days.  I was glad he wrote & gave me the news.  I'll have to sit down some "quiet evening/" & let him know all that's been happening!

Can't believe the end of August is upon us & the Fourth of July was seven/eight weeks ago!  We've been to two wedding & have two more to go to & they are expensive!  My uncle Andrew got married Aug 13, what a shock!  He's 42 & we all thought he was a confirmed bachelor.  He married a girl our age & she's really quite a change from his style.  She's very nice & she's really patient, I can't imagine all the adjustments they will have to make, my uncle is very straight & very conservative.

Saturday, Sept. 3

Greetings!

Thought you & Rick Grey might be here for Labor Day so I waited to finish writing.  It seems to be a stand-off between Rick coming here & Barb going to Boston!  Don't have much planned for the long holiday.  Marti has been working on the inside of Jim Blackman's now to make extra money so we'll see what's up for Sun. & Mon.  We have a party to go to Monday but don't think I can get a babysitter.

The twins are really cute now & very comical, both are preparing to crawl & before I know it the gruesome twosome will be on the rampage!!!!

Joan & Bill had a baby boy Joshua & all are fine.  I'd like to go down & see her Monday but I"ll have to wait & see if Marti will be around.  I had a surprise visit from Dutch awhile ago. He & his wife were in Oil City & I guess they drove here from Minn. w/ another couple.  It was definitely a chock to see him on my doorstep.  We had a short but pleasant visit.  Sue Smith is now living in Mpls again!!  Staying w/ Mrs. Wise & her two daughters.  They are great people.  Her son Gordy was killed in Vietnam & Mr. Wise died unexpectedly in '73 of a heart attack!  I wrote her & now waiting to hear of all her traumatic experiences.  Wish I was in a position to just fly out for a long weekend any time I wanted!  Maybe if Marti gets a $10,000 raise next year?!!!!  $20,000?  Time is just flying around here.  Some friends of ours (Mr. & Mrs. Bathurst, Mr. B works in Sales @ Betts) just bought Foster's house.  Guess they are moving to Brockway, Pa., or someplace like that -- wherever Mike's relatives are.  Maybe Mike would come back if they are gone.  I want to get mom out to Calif.  My cousin lives in Tuscon & she'd have a good time visiting Mike.  It seems strange to be wondering around Mike's old house.  I fell like I'm trespassing!

Monday, Sept. 5

Will I get this letter mailed -- that is the question!  Labor Day 1977 & we did labor!  Matthew's B-day is Friday -- 3 years old.  I'll have to give him a special little party this y ear.  He's really been a good "little guy"!  I only wish I owned a bank.  Didn't do much over this weekend.  Th is year is full of child-care, I'm afraid!  And with any luck our house will be done.  We really want to winterize everything this year.  Utilities will put us in the poor house yet.  The gas company is really trying!

Well, take care, drop a line soon & let me know what's happening.

May 12, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

Not where I saw him.  The Center of Town, Chicopee

Hi.  Just a quick note while there is a moment's peace!  All is going well & we are in the process of moving & it is quite hectic.  If Marti & I can make it through the next three weeks all will return to a nice dull routine!  We are moving the 14th of May and I'm anxious to have more room.

The twins are growing like bad weeds and in about 2 weeks I can hopefully forget all this sterile atmosphere!  So possibly by the 1st of June we'll all be more relaxed.  Marti and I might even be able to enjoy our 4th anniversary!

Barb had to have Harry put to sleep yesterday -- she had gotten into some poison somewhere & it took its tool.  It's kind of like  short era ending w Harry's death.

Got a letter from Renee & Morrey and the black lab has definitely taken over the house totally!  It will be nice to get up to the cottage over the 4th -- wish we had a van to throw the kids in.  Being that the 4th is a long weekend, I want to see if we can get about 8-10 people & get some live lobsters & clams & have a small seafood orgy.  We are fencing in the backyard & we could have it at our house or Mom's.  So keep that in mind.  If my bod doesn't get some sun soon I may look pale yellow forever!

So what adventures have you been on since you last wrote?  Needless to say, we have not ventured far, except from East St. to South St.!  Marti's parents were here over Easter for a week. By some miracle, they stayed with Marti's stepbrother.  Their stay went very quickly and it was not as hectic this time.  We will have more than enough room in our new house, so we will be quite comfortable for handling guests.

We gave Libby to some friends that Marti works with.  It was unfair to keep her.  I couldn't take her out or even brush her.  The people that have her have had her groomed & her ears taken care of.  I hope this time the vat can keep them clean.  He was suppose to take a culture to see exactly what medication to prescribe to keep the bacteria count down.

May 5th, Friday

It's only been about two weeks since I started this letter!!  Moving right along.  All is going well here.  The twins are on my strict schedule & doing good at night, they are waking up just once now.  Unfortunately, Matthew I think has some sort of allergy!  It only bothers him at night, of course.

The house is definitely coming along for the better now.  We will have till the end of the month instead of the 18th like we thought!  I'll probably be a gray-haired mother by then!

I've been keeping books for Barb at Grandview for the family resource services.   I've done most of it at home & it gives me that extra money to spend spend spend!

Thursday, May 12th

Hi!  I will get this in the mail today!  I've just spent an hour on the w/ telephone, electric, gas co's changing addresses!!

Renee & Morrey came over last Saturday.  They were home for "mom's day".  It was the first time Marti met Morrey.  He didn't know what to expect but we had a good time, and we set our plans for over the 4th.   Saturday the 2nd we are going to have a small get together at our house or Mom's. Hopefully there will be a great abundance of lobster present also!!!  The 3rd we are going up to the cottage.  The JC's this year have changed it around so the parade & drum Corp competition is the 4th & the Fun Fair is all week & the fireworks etc are the next week on the 9th!?!?

I'm enclosing a picture of the twins -- who will be 3 mos. Wednesday!!  I've taken more w/ my Instamatic & I'll send out on later.  They are both about 12 lbs. now!

Take care & drop a line soon!

March 16, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

A very quick note to let you know 5 of us are fine & doing very well.  We were SHOCKED to say the least but it is better we didn't know.  We are very well organized here & everyone has been so helpful.  The twins are identical & we have named then Jeremy Steven & Ryan Glen.  We couldn't agree on middle names so I took my father's & Marti took his father's name.

i will be hibernating till summer & doubt if I'll be out & about too much then, although I do get out of the house 2 or 3 times a week to do little things & visit so it has not been that bad.  Once they start sleeping all night half the battle will be over.  Matthew has been very good which is a blessing!!!  Hope I can get a letter w/ a picture out to you later.

Got a letter from Mike & I've heard from just about everyone!

Take care & drop a line as to what is happening in Springfield.

Thursday, January 20, 1977 (Letter from Mardi)

Part of a Clint Eastwood double feature (the other being Dirty Harry) at the Eastfield Mall Cinema

Thought I'd better drop you a line while I have a few minutes here in the late evening!  Can't believe the end of Jan. is fast approaching!!  I will hopefully be in the hospital & skinny again the same time next month!

We are in the process of selling our little house here!  We are putting it on the market tomorrow. We have a chance to buy a duplex at Newcourt Place -- if you can picture or know where it is.  It's not a bad little area.  The house is large & the outside is in need of a good paint job & minor repairs.  Each half has a huge attic, 3 BRs, bath, large L.R., D.R. & kitchen w/ great possibilities! One half, the half we would take is in good shape.  We would paint & put in carpeting & baseboard heat.  The other half needs more repair to the walls but is in good shape -- we would paint & rent it for $160 or so & let the renters pay for the house.  The house is large enough that we could stay there with no problem but if we ever decided to move into a nice "new" home, we would have the additional income from both sides.  Anyway, we've talked it over w/ several realtors & bankers & we all agree it's a good long term investment.  There is some yard & what there is, is private & for 2 kids it's nice to be off a busy street.  Anyway, it all depends if we can sell this house for $17,000 & get the duplex.  Occupancy would be on a 30-60 day basis & our half of the house would at least be ready to move into, clean & new.  Marti will then have plenty more work on the other half!  Wish us luck -- I already told him I wouldn't be able to help at all w/ two kids & as far as packing anything it won't be such a hassle just down the street & all will be ready to be put into cupboards & closets etc.

Anyway, the main reason I sat right down tonight & wrote to you was because Yolanda gave Mike F. a call tonight & we got the story on him & his new marriage.  He said you knew but I didn't actually know if you knew at Xmas time or not!?!?  I just wondered if I should even mention it to anyone at all.  He said his parents didn't know & I'm not going to say anything.  Marti would never say anything anyway.  Does Barb know about him?  I guess I wasn't really shocked -- I think we briefly mentioned this type of situation 2/ Mike years ago but not taking it seriously !  At least he's happy & sounds content for a change.

Glad to hear your Christmas vacation did your "spirits" good as Yolanda mentioned.

The weather has been freezing & below freezing.  Mon. Tues. Wed. it never quite made it to 0!! The wind chill really hit everyone hard -- & it looks like fruits & vegetables will be sky high.

Barb has settled into her apt.  I gave her some odd pieces of furniture I had.  The apt is really nice for her.

Guess Joan is pregnant, feeling fairly well, he & Bill are having problems.  Carol & Terry were telling me how absolutely unbearable he was over Christmas weekend.  Guess he continually complains & Joan has said he hates it here now & wants to move back to Atlanta?!!!  Don't know how Joan gets such "problems".

Mother has been sick for two weeks w/ a cold & flu - -luckily she escaped going to the hospital & recovered peacefully at home.  She is much better.  I visited w/ her tonight.  Marti had a slight cold. Matthew & I have been very lucky so far.  I'm through w/ work now & have not been out too much.

Well, hope all is well w/ you & drop a line soon!!

November 16, 1976 (Letter from Mardi)

Thought I'd better sit down & wrote a note before the holiday "crunch" gets me!  Marti will be working at the Style Stop helping out next week  & if I'm to get anything done it will be in the late evening hours!  Sounds like everyone is tighting their belt this winter -- we've had one expense after the other-- small -- but they always seem to eat up a pay check!!  I was about to get ready to make some Christmas gifts but don't think I can even spare the extra money for materials!!!

November 22, Monday

Not doing well on this letter at all!!  Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving wherever you end up. Barb is going to Boston the weekend after Thanksgiving for a few days.  She & Patsy will be moving into a duplex on Conewango near Fifth some time around Dec. 1.  Guess she'll be here for winter?  Don't know what she's doing lately.  Marti met Rick last week & said he was a real TURKEY -- he was giving Barb a lot of shit Marti said.

Maybe it was a bad day for him?!!  I really don't know why she's so "attached" to him -- other than for a personal challenge of some sort or just personal satisfaction.  Can't figure her out this time.

Received a letter from Renee -- of course they were up for her grandfather's funeral, but were here & gone. Would love to stop & see them some time but can never foresee being in that area of Ohio for anything particular.

I have to update my Christmas card list.  I'm at least hoping to hear from a few people at the time!!

Right now we are having a mini-blizzard in Warren, Pa.  Really hasn't bothered me this year because I haven't got the hassle of the car like Marti does.  As long as I bundle up I'm OK.  Hope the Datsun "saves" -- you some money this winter w/ no extra needed garage bills.  If you don't take it to work remember to at least run it for awhile each day.  You know that though .  You may find sticking at home during winter really isn't so bad -- the weekend outings are costly -- I know! Glad to hear you'll be here at Christmas.  Hope we can all get together some evening for food & drinks.  You've got to make your spinach lasagna yet Nelson!!!  My kitchen is your kitchen -- any time!!.

If you hear from Renee, Tina or Mike let me know.  Yes, Mike's father has been going down hill for 2 yrs now.  He was in the psychiatric ward @ WGH at one time & I figured that would put him fairly straight but he was arrested for drunken driving a few months later -- can't figure it out.  I would think Mrs. Foster would give him support & try to help him w/ the drinking -- although she was not "tea tottler" herself!  It's good for Mike to be away from it!

Have you decided about your Christmas decorating?  I'm trying to organize a little each day.  Glad the holidays are coming up.  Don't know what the rest of '77 will bring though.  I would imagine seeing Harries to any great extent would be hard & it does help the relationship  -- probably the only thing to do now is let the relationship take its own course & relax.  I remember scraping up enough money -- 60 cents a day for transit fare to get me to work & back!!!  But as long as you're comfortable & have a few close friends it's not that bad.

Well, I must go -- probably forgot some things but I must get this in the mail.

Take care.

We are all fine.

Poopies are fine

Yolanda sends her love.

September 27, 1976

[Postmarked 11/5]

Happy 27th!  How the years fly!  Sorry I haven't had time for a card!  Things are very busy around our house for awhile now.  Marti & I have a million little things going that we want to tie the ends up on before the dead of winter!  All is well here.

I see Renee's grandfather past away --- I went her a note just a week before!

Have heard no news from anyone -- Mike -- Joan (no shock) -- Tina, etc.  Barb is still here, don't know what she his going to do now, thought she'd be out of here but she likes Rick& possibly will stay here?!?

Take care & have a good day.  Barb has told me to expect your around Christmas time.

August 6, 1975 (Note Card from Mardi)

Just a quick note to say hello.  I'm sure I've owed you a letter for quite some time now, but just can't get to it.  We are leaving or Maine Friday around 4 p.m. and driving at night; hopefully Matthew will be more comfortable.  He's definitely got a bad case of the "wiggles".  He will be 11 months old Sat. which is amazing!

Last night we had company from Maine.  I don't know if you remember a Melody Wood from high school, but she & her husband have teaching jobs in Maine & enjoy it.  She flew down with her 7 mo. old son.  We hope to see them when we get there.

I don't have your last letter with me to remember what's "goin' down" out at Deer Lodge!  Barb has been thinking of going back with you, if & when you come out in Sept.  Wish I had another couple of weeks of vacation this y ear but I'll get more time next year.  I want to get out to Tucson to see my cousins & check out the area.  Sue Smith may be moving to Albuquerque and I 'd love to see it.  Marti & I just may be moving one of these years.  If only Mpls. had no more snow --

March 25, 1975 (Letter from Mardi)

Still hangin' in there?  Your letter sounds quite familiar, like one of mine about four years ago. Before you know it, one one letter you can live a whole year!  Unfortunately,  it's back to reality and that 365 day year.  It just seems so much easier to take after writing about it.  More stimulation is what we all need right now!  At least your job is so rewarding for you, it is half the battle, it's too bad the surrounding is not the same.  One of these days you'll flow right into a great place with a job you enjoy -- it does happen.  All is well here, my job keeps me going most of the regular week day.  The days are just flying by lately.  I'm basically a slow mover at my leisure time, so by the time I finish enjoying my son, my home, and some conversation, it's late evening -- and everyone knows I do not function without at least 7 hrs of sleep.  The weekends here are even worse, it doesn't seem like any other day!  Possibly this weekend I'll have more time, I leave work at 1:00 and return Monday, WOW a big weekend!  Anyway, I want to get a little basket made for Matthew and maybe one for my second baby, Marti.  He's in Hilton Head, S.C. right now, crummy!  He had a great opportunity and there was no need for him to pass up the chance.  He and Matt went down.  Matt is caddy for Rocky O'Sheill who plays every year in the "Pro-Am" golf tournament.  Rocky has all Matt and Marti's passes paid for and will pay for their golfing and they have free room and board with the Blackman's, who reside in Hilton Head itself. So, what can I say?  I feel like a single person again, only it's not quite the same, now I have a car and a baby!!!!  I should say I feel like a single mother!

Tonight Barb and I are going to Jamestown to see "Murder on the Orient Express", we both already know "who dun-it" though!  Hopefully it will not spoil the suspense.  However, by tonight there may be a foot of snow.  The weather has been rainy yesterday and today but now the temperature has taken a drop downward to freezing.  Tomorrow, I get treated to a ravioli dinner, in occasion for my 25th birthday.  Supposedly from Barb's point of view your 25th is a moment of crisis, realizing you can't be 25.  I feel like time has stood still and I'm really only 21 yet, I fell and act like I'm 18!

I should close and get busy, I've been making a macrame holder for my plant, I'm too spastic for such artistic endeavors right now.

I'm going to lunch soon and should have a picture of Matthew to enclose to you.  I can't remember when you were leaving for Berkeley, so if you haven't gone yet, have a safe trip and if you have gone, hope it was a dynamite time, you sound as if you could use a change from Deer Lodge!  So, take care, hope to get a longer letter off to you sometime.  Things are bound to slow down sooner or later.

Hi from Ellie and Libby!  Barb's cat had kittens, which  you probably know.  I finally saw them and they are so cute, so we might have a kitten soon?  Do I dare?'

February 20, 1975 (Letter from Mardi)

It was good to hear from you and I'm really sorry about my slowness in replying.  I just can't write a letter anymore -- I'm "burnt out" from my letter writing days in 68-69-70!

You sounded so happy with your job in the last letter to me, however, Barb mentioned that your attitude was a bit different.  I know you love the job but you have to also live around your job now, which unfortunately  is a total bummer.  Whenever you just want to leave for awhile your work won't let you and you begin to wonder how you can keep a job and live.  The conflict never ends.  I do believe the hardest part is yet to come.

My job is going well, I enjoy the work.  I'm in the trust dept (which I lack knowledge of any considerable amount!) under the Vice-president and trust officers.  The work is a variety and I'm very interested in the procedures of the dept.  We are separate from the bank itself (WNB), here on the second floor; we have new offices with all the "new fangled" equipment -- a secretary's dream come true.  The hours are good and the pay has helped us considerably.  I can't believe I've been here almost five weeks!  The girl that had my job was leaving for Atlanta March 5th and in the meantime changed her mind and decided to stay!  Actually, it all worked out for the best because she loves teller work, which I would never do, and she didn't like the secretarial work and being away from all the bank confusion, which I like!  It doesn't take long to fall into the daily work "women's" routine.

We are all fine here.  Mattie is really growing and is a cutie, I can see the days of mother running behind the kid going "HELP!"  He's going to be a brat, we must start that good old parental discipline at a very early age -- like now!  Wish you could enjoy him now with us, he's amazing -- what can I say!  Duh.  We're such experienced parents!  It's a trip and a half.

The store is holding down itself well, considering the buying power of the consumers in Warren.

Barb is back to work.  She is working at the daily workshop on Fifth Av. Ext, I believe.  Have a hard time remembering the correct name of the "enterprise" itself.  She has a few of the people from the half-way house on our block.

Haven't heard from Mike lately  I guess he's at a pretty permanent type of job now, from the sounds of what Yolanda has to say.

We re taking Yolanda to dinner for her birthday Tues night to the annual Deer Head Inn dinner!!  I'm looking forward to it since it has been quite awhile since I've had the luxury of dining out and had money I didn't have to worry where it was coming from!

Do you think you'll get out this way during the summer months?  It would be hard getting out here and back unless you had some lengthy vacation coming.  I will get a week this summer and that, of course, will be taken to Maine.  I really enjoy it there and have a good time.  Naturally, we are treated like royalty the whole time!  I could just stay at the ocean the entire time and eat lobster all day.  Mattie will be a real treat to take along -- I can't imagine, he'll be a year old almost by then,.  He loves the car so he should be good, "are we there yet" "How much longer?"  I don't think though that he will be very literate.

I must close now and get to work.  Take care.  Ellie and Libby say hello.  Poor Libby has been having a rough time of it lately.  Would you believe she had a false pregnancy?  She is slightly disturbed!?  She is better now and adjusting.  We will breed her this spring!!!  I felt so sorry for her.  Can you believe it?  That dog needs more love and attention than 10 people!  Never a dull moment.

I must close -- hope to see you soon.

December 17, 1974 (Card from Mardi)

Have a nice Christmas wherever it was you are going to be.  I can't remember!  It looks as if we may have a dreary, wet Christmas.  What can you expect in Warren?  We are all fine and Matthew is growing like a week, talks all the time, wonder where he gets that from?

Take care and I'll get a letter off to you after the holidays.  I've been working at the store and there just is no time.

Birthday Card Note from Mardi (October 24,1974)

First English Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana

Photo taken September 1974

Any snow yet, we are just recovering from our weekend of "snowbound".

Happy birthday to you!  Almost forgot what this card was for!

Glad to hear your job is going well.  It looks as if I maybe in the job hunting market.  I will hopefully be in at Struthers.  As much as I'm spoiled just "hangin' around", but I am looking forward to the 8-5 drag -- would you believe?

Called Barb Sat and she's moving home.  She's giving up Boston.  Hope her next move is her final move.  You never know what may come up.

Mike called my mother also this weekend -- it was 79 and "balmy".  BLAAAA!  Guess he's alright who knows?!

They've started working on the old Turner building and they should be in at the end of November and the plcae should look great.  Hope business is the same!!!!

Have a good day and will write again soon.

I'm getting some pictures made ot send to you.  Take care.

September 26, 1974 (Letter from Mardi)

Just a quick note while I'm relaxing, baby is sleeping for the time being and I've already taken my "nappy poo".  All goes well here, Marti's mother arrive Sat and will be staying till Oct 10, so she's been spoiling me right along with Matthew!

Called Barb a couple of weeks ago and she's ready to leave Boston for good, unfortunately the money problem is bad.

Mike is working at some hospital in California, how he's doing is hard to say.

Right now Marti and Matt are waiting to hear about their settlement on the store.  We have blueprints made up and the ideas ready so soon we will be working day and night remodeling the new store -- last year it was the house -- will there be no end?!!!!  It's going to be very "trying" --- There can't be much more that can possibly happen this year.  73-74 has definitely been action packed!

So how is the job going?  It sounds as if it goes well fo ryou.  Have becomes accustomed to the "faces" now?

(9-30-74) - Thought I'd better get this out before I get further behind in my letter-writing!  Matthew was baptized Sun and he was so funny!  Thank heavens he was good.

Time is going to fast I can't believe it.  It's going on a month!  I'll have to send a photo, he's getting so big, you'll never know what he looked like by the time you may see him!

Sorry this is so short but with Marti's mom here I seem to have more to do!  Ya know?

We've gotten started on the "new store" and it's really going to be a great improvement.  Any new ideas from out Montana way?  We're open for anything!

I must go and put the baked macaroni in the oven -- SLIM!  I only have 8 lbs to lose so I'm really doing the old exercises.  No more coke, pepsi, pizza!  FOR SHAME.  Had a corn roast Sat nite and ate about half a dozen ears!  Would you believe we went to Washington Park?  I thought it would be overgrown with scrubs but it was really nice and it was a warm nite, which we haven't had in awhile.  I think the last time I was at Washington Park was about 1969!?

I really gotta gotta go -- Take care!

When do you think you'll be getting back around here?  The only way to get home around the holidays in either have a month off or to fly -- CHEAP!

The poopies say hi.

Matthew says hi.

The poopies didn't know what to think of Matthew at first but we haven't had any problems -- I think they think he's a toy!