September 13, 1974 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi, just a quickie, got your letter today and thought I'd get this out to you and tell you our "little baby" is here.  Got to hospital at 4:30am and had Mathew at 9, so it was great.  Marti was there through the whole thing and the delivery was really a sight to behold.  I needed a transfusion afterwards and still feel terribly shaky because I lost a lot of blood, but should be home Sun or Mon -- for sure.  It will be an experience having him at home!  Will write after I'm home awhile.  Your job sounds like a new venture all in itself, but sounds as though you'll get much from it, a new side of life.  Take care.

October 26, 1973 (Birthday card from Mardi)

Glad to get your address so I could get a card off to you.  Glad to see you haven't lost your artistic ability.  We are in an utter state of confusion here.  The man is wallpapering tonite though, so it's coming along.  Still 101 finishing touches.  We will be moving Tues and Wed.  Help!  Our bedroom and bath should be done and we can eat at Yolanda's.  Marti's little ass hasn't stopped once.  He'll never want to fix anything again.

Have a good day, wish we could have gotten together for yummy cake and ice cream.  Take care.  I'll drop a line later.  No time now!

January 9, 1973 (Letter from Mardi)

I'm breaking down to write figuring I"ll get a letter faster this way???  Only I'm sure you've just been taking it easy.  Mom told me Mike is at Akron now, how did his living quarters look.  I hope he likes it and it gets him somewhere this time.  I've been trying to write a letter to Mark and keep finding it quite difficult to get started.  It seems strange because I haven't seen Mark or corresponded with him in so long-- everything I've received has been secondhand information.  I told Barb not to write till after Rick left and I haven't got a letter to date so.....  I'm presuming Rick is still there.  Has Barb decided to try a job or forget it?  I'm not even going to ask her!!!!  Definitely not!

It appears, the January slump has hit the banking business and work has been exceptionally slow.  The only time I can relax is at work.  We finally got our furnace to work properly after 1 week of on and off.  I woke up yesterday morning and it was freezing!  It's been minus something every day here.  This morning a mere -17.  Poopie was sick last week because of the heat.  I took her out Sat and it was sloppy, so she got soaked and the heat went off Sat night and the apt was cold!  So she was coughing and shaking and I was afraid she'd gotten pneumonia..  I gave her aspirin and fed her hamburger and put her by the heater.  She was so stiff she couldn't move and I felt so sorry for her.  It's like my kids or something.  Not spoiled!  So far, Jan hasn't started off too well for a couple of friends.  I've been making trips to Northwestern Hospital to see a girlfriend that Sue and I went to school with.  The doctors are saying it's multiple sclerosis, which I don't know too much about.  She's lost most of the feeling in her left arm now, and it's hard to encourage her to be hopeful when I know I'd be constantly thinking of the same awful possibilities.  Also Bill's Aunt Pauline is in St. Barnabus Hospital and has had a mastectomy.  It's apparently just a matter of time.  She just lost her husband in November.  I pray this is no indication of the entire year, 1972 was bad enough with Grandpa and Mrs. Lucia.

It's the first New Years I've really ever gone out on the town, unless I count Linda Barney's party at whatever that place was.

So, when are you heading up and moving out?  Have you gotten a chance to visit with anyone in particular that we missed at Christmas?  Oh!  I hope you've been down to help Yolanda on the puzzle.  You'd better stop down, I know she'll really miss Mike's constant visits, he really did help keep her company and did so many small errands for her.  Be sure and drop in on her!  OK?

I went to look at the piano I told you about and it's going to cost me a small fortune to fix so I said forget it right now.  The piano is beautiful, but it's been sitting in this lady's damn basement and had to be thoroughly gone over to be properly tuned.  Besides, I have the feeling I'll be moving again this year and who knows where.  So, it probably is a wise decision to just be patient ntill I get things straightened out.  Must go!  Take care and drop me a line!

October 29, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

I'm actually going to try and write on non-lined paper.  I never was a "swave" letter writer.

Good to hear that you're truckin straight out to California.  It's very simple, if you do get down and out, you're somewhere you can't bitch because it's your climate and your choice.  I never once hated good old Minneapolis although I've been not too thrilled with the winter, but I have to have a winter.  There are some real weirdo's still around!  It keeps me in good bitching form!

I was talking to my mother Saturday and she mentioned to me if I knew if you would be home at Christmas time.  But I didn't know.  Anyway, she wanted me to ask you if you are going to be home after school, the 15th, for Christmas and all, and if you are stopping in Minneapolis on your way to California, if she could ride out here with you.  Just a thought.   Then we could both fly to Florida together and she'd like that.

Today I am relaxing my body from a party last night.  WOWIE!  The old annual Halloween party -- Bill and I went really original this year!  Football player -- me -- and the devil -- oh, Bill says to "go to hell" and when you're there he'll see you.  Yuck yuck.  God it was one of the best parties I've ever been to.  Owen and Mel, and some other guys, I don't think you know, have a mansion on Irving Ave around the Guthrie and Walker area, how they got it I'll never know.  But this place is huge and about 150 people showed up and a couple of kegs and a few hits and everyone was so fine.  Glad I wasn't there this morning though.

Mom was telling me Dody and his family have sold everything in Warren and moved to Buffalo.  Mr. DeLong apparently being transferred.  She said something about Dody and grad school, but I have mislaid the letter.

I must close, I'm trying to get through "The Cancer Ward".  It's been sitting on my book shelf for over a year.  I picked up a couple of books for a quarter a piece -- 2 from the "Alexandria Quartet" and a book about She that I've wanted.

Take care and tell me about Xmas.  Hope to see ya.

October 26, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Happy happy birthday!  I wrote myself a note so I could send you a card but as usual I am behind schedule.

I'll try and get this out before the mail girl gets here!

Everything is in that state of -- HECTIC -- I'm fighting my way through classes, not because they're difficult, I just can't get with it!

Sue and I are getting along fine but it still seems funny to have her for a "roomy".  Bill is still trying to get into a job and it's been a pisser!  Same old story.

Haven't really got too much to say right now, besides being at work I can't quite get into this letter.  I've been waiting and waiting to hear from Barb, but she must be too pre-occupied to write I haven't heard form her since about 2 months ago.  Did get a letter from Joan and she was mentioned about Freddy going back to school in Ohio.  I know they were having a lot of trouble but she didn't even bring it up.  Hopefully they will work things out and old Fred will see the light.

Tonight Arlo Guthrie is going to be at Northrup Hall at the U.  So we are ambling over there.  Last night we went to the hockey game and naturally our fantastic Northstars fell to St. Louis 4-3.  Then we went to the "Little Tiajuana" and ate Mexican food and drank beer all night.  What an awful thing to do to my stomach!  I'll never look at a tamale again!

Take care and I will drop you a line again soon. Oh, I have Gary and Kathy Tuller's address, do you need it?  They don't live in Colorado, I thought you said they lived near Denver, maybe not.

October 16, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

It was good to get a letter from you last week.  It was really funny.  Carol Gus called Sue last week and Sue wasn't in and I spoke to her for awhile and we were discussing Foster's situation etc and I said something about you and Carol said Mike had gotten a letter from you and you were having trouble deciding what to do.  Who doesn't.  She made it sound rather serious though and I thought:  "golly gee" what is Nelson doing.  So I receive your letter and see you are as fine as as usual as you usually are, huh?

So do you have your hot Chevy yet?  It sounds like a good car.  I just hope it runs well for you.  It's close to a van!?  I know where you can get a mail truck for $475 in good shape.  Steering wheel on the right side and everything.

What is it you're going to do, was it travel around or what?  I didn't get a thing straight on that.  You're definitely not going on to grad school, right?  At least not yet.  I can't keep tack of everyone's plans, especially from letters.  You're right about "those good old college days" and grad school but believe me (for you it may be entirely different) but IT DOESN'T"T GET EASIER -- Is that profound or what?  Just watch it buddy cause you can really get behind.  And don't think it might not happen to you, because fate doesn't work that way.  All of a sudden for a number of "good reasons" (they are all good), you have no money, so you work and then you can't stop working and it gets harder to get into grad school.  BLAH BLAH BLAH -- Maybe I'm saying all this shit because I know a lot of people who would like to be in your situation now but it has passed them by.  There is only a moment when you can do these things and if you don't take that moment the fuckin world looks like it's closing in on you.  You've got to outsmart things, you've got to have perfect timing.  I know that I'm never going to be able to travel around the country like you.  I should have done that when I first left Mpls but there was just no agreement I would reach with myself.  Then just as I decided to go to Cape Cod with Barb, POWIE one golf club in the head -- now what kind of fucking thing is that to determine part of my life?  But it did,k I mean I could have been living on Cape Cod and sailing with the Kennedys.

I feel like mother hen.  You're damn well going to do what you want anyway!

Anyway I'm very happy and everything is fine.  I only wish Bill could find a JOB!!!!!  Today is his birthday but we celebrated Sat night.  I found him a ring while strolling around Kinkytown at the U.  You just can't knock it there is something about a college campus in the fall and the sound of the rah rah of the football games that gets ya right in the old nostalgia-melancholy-"The autumn leaves drift by my window" type of deal.  I'm too mush and dig all that stuff anyway.  But our lives are happy and these are the best days and everything is better.  We're so much stronger in some way -- the right ways and our weaknesses are for the things we love.

I must close and get busy around here.

I finally bought a new bed.  A bed, I'm actually going to sleep in a bed!!!  My apt looks a little more decent, I've painted and tried to get all "homey" things for home living!!!!

Bill sends a BIG HELLO!

Take care take care.

September 25, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Thought I'd drop you a few quick lines before I get to my exciting job this morning!\
You may know by now, but Barb's mother died Fri night.  I talked to her Fri night and everyone is OK, at least her and her father, Tim and Dan are doing fine.  Everyone is relieved that she is no longer suffering.  The funeral was today.  I guess Rick was going to try and get there.

My mother also was talking to Mark and he has gotten a divorce.  I'll have to drop him a line.  Barb and I were talking about Joan and she and Freddie are having a very bad time of it too.  I hope she gets her student teaching in.  Joan has tried to file for divorce, but Freddie manages to show and talk her out of it.  She hasn't discussed it with anyone but Barb.  As for Bill and I we're still keeping things separated and relaxed.  Sue should be moving in at the end of the week.  I have painted the trim in my bedroom and have gotten an antique vanity and dresser for Sue and I.  I'm tackling the kitchen next and then the bath, things will be organized soon!  (Organized? never but..)

I can't believe you're at Gleason's again.  Immediately projected back to 1969-70?  It's better than not working t all.  I'm glad you applied at U of M, their library science may not be too demanding but it's one of the best universities there are.  Minneapolis and Minnesota, unfortunately, are not familiar or do not hit people as being a well-established hub of the midwest.  The word "midwest" alone tends to turn people from the east or west away, I certainly never pictured it to be what it really is.  It's really a unique city right now.  Everyone has all the culture and activities of the city within reach, but have a community life and family life as well.  I'm sure though that good old Msp will be expanding its boundaries and pushing the rural and suburban communities out of touch with the city.  I think tomorrow I'll join the JC's!??

Anyway, I know how you fell about being back at UB.  It doesn't feel like the same place.  It never is when the people are gone.  It doesn't make any difference where you are.  People make your life, not the place.  BUT I doubt if I'll ever move to Warren, Pa.  Let's be sensible!  I feel sorry for Foster, I can't get over his inability to "cope"!  He's just as bad as, or worse than the rest of the people in Warren.  He's had more than his share of opportunities.  I can't figure out what he expects from life.  He wants a well paying job, car, apt, etc right now!  He's going to get a late start.  I hope he gets something so he can get away before it's too late.  He's so afraid of not succeeding that he's not.  Oh gosh oh me!

I've got to close and get to work.  Take care.

Went to see the Allman Brothers again, just love 'em.  ZOWIE!

August 20, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Glad to see you are staying put till Labor Day?

I just got a call from my mother and she is making reservation to come out here over the long Labor Day weekend.  So if she can get good connections she'll be out.  Bill has moved out of here and is staying at his house.  We decided we both had to call it quits for awhile.  Bill is only working part-time and we are trying to make ends meet and driving each other crazy we decided to call it off.  What really drives me "dingy" is having no stereo!!!

I hope you get a chance to stop in here and see me.  Right now we're having the good old 99-100 weather.  It is driving me crazy.  One of the guys at work who handles houses says possibly he can get an air-conditioner from one of the homes before he resells it.  Of course, then I won't need it.

There isn't too much news happening here.  School will be starting in another month, and I'm not in the mood, whatever the mood is!  Take care and maybe we will see you soon.

August 11, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

I certainly hope you got your raise and have had time not to ponder on the moves to be made.  How's that for advice?  I know actually what you're experiencing.  It's the old "what are you going to do now" syndrome.  When people begin to ask you that and you have a variety of four or five answers, you're in trouble.  Unfortunately, there is no cure but time and good nerves.  You've got to concentrate on one step at t time -- which is impossible because they are usually all related.  If I were you (good and easy for me to say), I'd put my efforts into getting to Buffalo and finishing school and getting a little money in the meantime -- if you can! Then after that, it's POW decision time.  There will be a number of ways to go but which will you take.  (I sound like an announcer for a soap opera.)  The lady or the tiger type of deal.  It's a royal bummer no matter what.  Maybe if Laguna had been a disappointment the very first time, things would have taken a turn, but such is not the case.  All you do is work toward something that seems to be the answer every time and when you've got it all, it is no challenge.  (Simple as that!??)  It goes like that continually.  If you got your fully equipped van, the ideas and drives you had along with your van may have changed.   You just can't win.  I can't see doing anything for a long period of time and being content with it.  Anyway, I wish you good luck and don't worry about your change of heart concerning your present lifestyle.  You do have to push yourself, I know, especially if you want to write.  You'll have to discipline yourself and your habits.  Cheer up.  That's better.
\
Boston was a good time last week.  I had to keep telling myself when I got to Buffalo to changes planes that I wasn't going to Jamestown or Pgh, but Boston!  I got to downtown Bos and to Harvard Square a couple of times.  Rick clued me in on the ins and outs of good healthy grass growing.  He even gave me a book so I can get started "properly".  Barb rented a car on Tuesday and we finally left for the Cape Wednesday, after it was doubtful on getting a tent.  Anyway we got to a camp ground in Brewster near Hyannis and set up our little home.  The tent was great, big, roomy and warm.  We fixed a fantastic meal and then at 9 or so we drove to the ocean, came back, smoked and drank.  Rick and I played cards and we were really enjoying the great outdoors.  Then the next morning as we were fixing breakfast Rick was cutting a piece of board with an ax and a hammer.  Next thing rick is spurting blood from the artery in his arm.  A piece of the hammer had flown off and hit his arm and lodged there.  So we immediately took him to a doctor who gave him a shot and wrapped the arm and sent us to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis where we spent the remainder of the day.  They took x-rays, but him in emergency and then took him up to surgery to repair the artery and vein.  The doctor had said it was very serious and was lucky that the surgery went OK.  Naturally, we had to wait during each procedure.  The doctors and nurses at the hospital were great though. So we said goodnight to Rick about 10:30 pm and went to see Linda and Kinky at Petrillo's where we had a couple of drinks and found out Linda was pregnant.  Such excitement in one day was too much.  Anyway when we finally got settled in our tent it started to rain.  We kept our fingers crossed and thankfully we stayed warm and dry all night.  Friday Barb left me at the beach all afternoon where I had a ball.  How can you get tired of the ocean?  YOU FOOL!   Just kidding!!!  One day is hardly a comparison to one month.  We left the Cape Friday around 6 or 7, and got back to Boston around 9.  Took Rick home and he has sworn he will never venture out of Boston again.  He's really getting paranoid about any travel at all.

So Barb and I stayed up all night Friday just about and we were rudely awoken at 12:30 by my mother -- who else?  So Sat we did the laundry and spent the day at the park.  The three of us went out to dinner and just mellonized at this fantastic inexpensive Italian restrained.  It would have been so much nicer without Rick's accident.  I got back Sunday and have been working around the house.  Larry, the owner downstairs, is pretty sure he can get Bill into his construction company, which would be nice.  Bill has been helping him build his new house and then I think we get a reduction in rent.  Larry and his wife are really nice.  They are always up drinking with us.  Anderson has applied at NSP and NWB -- electric and telephone, but they won't be able to let him know for awhile.  I know if he gets a good job he'll be better off -- not to mention how better off my state of mind would be!

I must close and get busy here.  Take care and I hope we'll see you after Labor Day?

August 9, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

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

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

I must close an be off.  Take care.

July 27, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Good day!  Thought I'd test out my new stationary on you.  I only ordered about 5 mos. ago.

I'm actually leaving for Boston Sunday!  Shock.  Here it is Thursday and I'm planning to go.  And we are also moving into a house!!!!  We have finally found what we've been looking for.  The upstairs of a house!  The people are young that own it and have a daughter about 7-8.  They love the dog and the upstairs is big.  It has a neat sun room, living room, dining room, bedroom, kit, and bath.  The rent is what we are paying now and there was no deposit.  We have a small back yard and porch, but the backporch is kinda a mess right now.  So we are moving all the stuff tomorrow and should be fairly settled by Sat night.  Bill is painting the bathroom and finishing the kitchen tonight.  The address is 4529 Lyndale Avenue South about 9 blocks from us now.  If you're stopping in Mpls again you'll like it.  Just don't ever come back -- you're back luck -- we'll have to move again -- just kidding!!!!   But I'm getting a little paranoid about seeing you!!!!

Oh!  I talked to my mother last night and she said she was sitting in the living room Mon or Tues and who walks in but Mike.  He said when he got to Toledo there were 2 other guys staying with his friend that apparently he knew nothing about.  He said it was really crowded and messy.  Of course it's his idea to live comfortably and I suppose there is nothing wrong with that except the guy does not have a ounce of confidence or reassurance that I can see.  You can tell he's very nervous and I know he's just plain SCARED!  He's got to be.  He's the only person I know who is so upset about graduating and leaving old BW!!!!?  What's a little inconvenience and misery when you are looking for a job?  He could have managed somehow.  He'll drive himself crazy.  My mother says she just listens to him and doesn't say anything anymore!  My mother also said Mark was in the store last week and shocked her.  He's going to be home for awhile and said he wanted to have a long talk with my mother when he got home.  He said he's been moving around and things could be better.  My mother knows a lot about Mark that's she's never said anything about.

Guess what?  Anderson finally got his tattoo!!! Do you believe?  Bob and Dave Swieberger and Bill Peterson, and Bill went to Milwaukee to see some friends etc and who comes back with tattoos but Bob, Bill, and Dave. Bill Peterson already had his!!!  It really isn't bad.  Anderson got a clipper ship on the most "manly" part of his person -- his chest.  But the things done in different colors and doesn't look bad.  Bob got a crow, dressed up in top hat and tails and shoes smoking a joint that is really funny.  None of them got big tattoos, thank god!  What's the plural of tattoo anyway?  Bill said there were girls in the place getting a tattoo.  I never thought they'd do it because they are all afraid of needles.

 Well, I had better close.  I've been up since 5:30am.  The Savings and Loan Institute had a breakfast that was being offered if anyone wanted to go.  The speaker was very good and worthwhile listening to.  She is the head of one of the houses in the city for girls that have been addicted.  She was telling us how long she had been on heroin etc before she could get straight again.  It was worth the sacrifice of a few hours sleep I guess.

Anyway I'll be seeing you some time in the future I reckon!  Take care and write.

Letter from Mardi (June 28, 1972)

Hello kiddo!

My grandfather passed away and I went right home on the 13th and came back the 25th, Sunday.  I had a nice time, only the weather looked like tropical rain country.  I've never seen so much rain -- even in Warren!  We were really lucky that the old Kinzua Dam was there!  Our hoses would have been definitely floating down the Allegheny.  Everyone above us and below us were under water!  I thought for sure the dam would break and we'd all meet our demise.

I can't remember all that you wrote because Bill read it to me over the phone.  I got the general idea that all fell into place for you -- which is great for the nerves!  By the time you come back though, Bill and I will be in a new apt -- somewhere!  We told the caretaker about the dog and he said OK but that we would have to look for another place if we wanted to keep our dog.  You must be bringing us bad luck -- every time you travel we have to move so the next time you come back we're in a new apt.  It's all your fault.  We can't have people think we live in one place for more than 3 mos!

Have you done any applying to schools yet?  You'll probably hate to come back!  The summer is really zipping by at unbelievable speed!  I guess Mike is going to Toledo as soon as he can ans see about jobs etc.  I certainly hope he goes -- he's a nervous wreck!  I was lucky at home to avoid everyone.  I did talk to Sue Smith.  She finally quit her job and is just taking off to visit friends and look for jobs.  I suppose I should have seen her but I could barely stand listening to her talk about Warrenites!  I'm presently waiting to hear form Barb.  I'm either going to Boston  or back home the first week of Aug -- if money holds out.  I would like to see Peggy Corey's wedding if everyone is going to be there but I do want to go to Boston!

Keep in touch and take care!

Wish us luck on moving!

Anderson will get stuck with it all because I may be gone on vacation.  Perfect timing!

April 18, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Glad to get your monthly report yesterday.  It's great to get a letter on a Monday night after working late -- it doesn't take much to make me happy....

My mother called last night too -- she's getting worse than I am with the telephone!  She just called me Wed night to tell me she is going down to Florida alone because Mr. S thinks they'll have too much to do and wouldn't be able to see m that much.  Dont' ask me what they are planning to do.  My mother keeps talking in riddles so I don't bother to ask any questions.  So I'm hoping to go to Boston about that time and go down to see Mr. S late on.  I don't know what Barb will be doing.  Her mother was operated on Monday morning and found more cancer spreading through her stomach and liver, I don't know how ad it is but it probably will only get worse I'm afraid.   I know if it were my mother I'd zip right home because I'm sure she'd need me.  I don't know how Barb feels about the whole thing.  I mean about moving back to Pa or what.  My mother had to tell me all the bad news -- my grandmother fell etc etc but she's fine!  Mr. S had a test for a lump on his nose -- could be skin cancer??  He'll find out Wed, they don't think so though.

What's with all this misery?  Bill has to go in the hospital to get a cyst removed from his cheek.  He'll be known as scar face from then on.  "Oh that beautiful face."

Anyway, all goes well here, excluding the periodical bitching and screaming!  Please be sure and tell us this time "about" when to expect you, OK?  That's all I ask!!!!

The weather has been in the 70's and has now turned shitty again with rain and cold.  Yuck.  Why don't' you take Anderson out to Calif with you?  Isn't that a terrible idea.  He's always screaming about the weather and that he's going to take off and go West -- except who would pick up his unemployment check each week?

Anyways I gots to go to lunch and get busy here!  Going to see Tom Rush Sunday -- at least I hope so -- got to get tickets today!!!???

Take care and write a line now and then.

April 12, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Thought since I've got the time, I would drop you a quickie here.  What the hell were you doing home?  Do you want me to show you the letter you wrote telling me you were going to Boston over Easter again?!  Good mind.  Barb was expecting you.

As you may know, we have a new address.  You didn't have to tell my mother Mrs. Olson was a bitch -- I told her we moved because it was less expensive (true! it is!).  The couple in the back of us were even going to take her to conciliation court.  She has got to be a witch in disguise!  We are finally settled though and the place doesn't look bad.  We have to get bedroom furniture like a dresser and a couple big chairs somewhere.

So when are you going to be heading Westward Ho?  Did you find any transportation yet?  Did you talk to Mike while you were home?  I can imagine he's in another state of traumatic panic, since he hasn't heard from the Peace Corps or anything.  My mother said he was even thinking of going to California again.  Maybe he'll get there this year?  All is going as smoothly as it can here.  Bill is going to school at the U at night and may find a parttime job -- so he can keep unemployment!  I'm finished till this fall and our great bowling season? will be over in a couple of more games so I'll have more time to myself?  I'm still waiting to hear from my mother on the plans for Florida.  I'm going if it kills me!  I can use my big return from my income tax -- $52.

I had better close now -- sorry about teh short letter but I'm getting swamped here at work -- my public needs me.  Take care and write.

March 4, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

Glad to get your letter the other day!  Too bad you're not going to be here for the big Rock and Roll Revival #2.  It's going to be something else.  Get this -- Chubby Checker, Freddy Cannon!!!, Little Richard, Joey Dee and the Starlighters, Jerry Lee Lewis etc -- ra real freak show!  I'd love to see it.

Haven't been able to get to any movies with Andy out of work.  It doesn't look like he'll be able to find a job too soon!  His first big unemployment check Mar 4t\h.

Hi Paul:  How's things in "B", stop by on way to Calif.  Look for new address. Bill.

We are evacuating the premises on or before April 1st.  Andy and I finally just blew up and started birching at the landlady and told her to get fucked and drop dead; what a fruit!  So now it's looking in the want ads for both a job and a place to live -- feel insecure lately?  I'm tempted to just take off for Florida or something.  I hope I have the will power to save at least #200-300 by fall.  If I can swing it I really would like to move to Florida for next winter.  With Mr. S down there I'm sure he can find me a place and send me wants ads -- it's a thought I keep in the back of my mind, mainly because it probably won't happen!   Hope everything goes well for you this summer!  Like Bill said be looking for a new addr in May!!!!
Well I must go and feed my little melon -- at least I didn't have to work today!  Such ecstasy!

Good morning to  you, good morning to you!  How are you this morning......yuk!  No one should be subjected to mornings...One of these years Nelson you'll (maybe) suffer the same fate.  See you soon.

February 10,1972 (Note from Mardi)

Hi honey!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Everything is OK here.  Andy still hasn't found a job and things are quite rough right now.  So what's new.  Please write soon.  Our mail is coming by dog sled now -- it's the only thing that can get through.

January 28, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)

It was good to hear from you yesterday!  I had just arrived home after an evening of "bowlerama".  I was going to write to you about three weeks ago and have been in a daze since then. School has me in a fog as usual.  But I actually look forward to classes to give my mind some mental exercise -- I really enjoy it all, which I've been trying to do for a long time.  Now whether I can pass or not will be another problem -- it's about this math class I have.

As usual, my Christmas trip back was uneventful!!!!?  Sure.  You definitely know the circumstances, that fateful Sun night.  I must say I'm sorry if I seemed upset but I was so fuckin pissed about the weather and how to get back I didn't give you a fond farewell.  After you left my mother and I managed to make a dozen phone calls and what I did was get a reservation from Jamestown to Buf and then from Buf to Mpls.   Then we got Tim Lucia to take me to Jamestown.  So just before I was ready to leave Mon afternoon the airport calls and says my flight will be half an hour late getting to Jamestown!  I'll still make my connection in Buf -- get to Jamestown and the flight is 50 min late -- so now I'm thinking "Shit, the planes are not going to make it!"  At 3:05 pm the plans lands -- I'm to be in Buf for my connection at 3:45 sharp -- I made it!  The flight from Buf to Msp was late getting in -- thank god!  Otherwise it would have been a mere five hour wait in the Buffalo airport!!!!  The flight from Buf took 2 hrs. because we were heading into such strong winds!  But I was home and had the ravioli heated by 6:30 pm.  It seems like 1 yr ago already!  I'm glad we got to see Tina and Rusty, that was about the only people I really wanted to see.  I would have like to have seen Mark but I don't have too much to say but hello, how ya doin?  I can't get to Joan, I'll never figure her out.  She seems to do everything backwards to get at her goal.  She doesn't want to go to school but she's going, she wants to settle down...  I'm glad she's going to finish anyway -- I hope.  I really didn't like old Freddy over Memorial Day -- he seemed very defensive towards me -- maybe it's my imagination but Freddy gave Barb the same thing.  I think everyone's "group" has dwindled down!  I don't' think any of us need as many people as we used to.  The few we have are close enough to love and "worry" about.  I'm one for intimate talks and walks, and stupid little tings.  But I like getting out as much as I can with the crowd, not among the crowd.  What am I babbling about?  I was thinking if I can get some money saved I could go out to Boston over Easter too.  It's just a thought though.  I want to get out there and see Barb and all the places.  It would be good a time as any I suppose!

Anderson quit his job!  Neat?  He's been "unemployed" for two weeks.  And boy is the money problem tight 00 just when we were coming out ahead -- he quits!  He was getting screwed on the job anyway.  Monday he finds out about a salesman's job at Grossman's Chevrolet.  IT really would be a nice job because he is so out-going and can really hand out the B.S.  He would have a car then too and other advantages -- like a paycheck!  He's been playing hockey about 4 night a week -- hockey hockey hockey.  He's had 1. a black eye, 2. a bashed up nose, 3. a stick across the mouth, 4. a puck in the arm, 5. a sprained thumb, 6. a cut forehead.  Every time he comes home I'm afraid to answer the door and find out what is broken. David lost 3 teeth last game and big goalie "Andy Anderson" got in a fight but Thank God the referee stopped it.  "He can flu......."  So, if that job doesn't come through it's taxi driving for awhile.  This spring we want to move and get a dog and all. But we are really going to have a bitch moving if we even find a reasonable place.  I want to stay in the same area though. I like the lakes and parks etc., which Bill could care less about!

Everything has been find though all in all!  The weather has been a bitch!  Could you believe -65 with the wind chill!  It had been that way on and off for the past two weeks.  I talked to my mother last week and she continues to talk of going to Florida.  If she does move down, which I am hoping, I am really considering the possibility of moving down there myself!  I love Mpls. and the city but------this weather!  The move wouldn't be for quite awhile yet.  I don't' think it would be a bad move!?

 Well I must close and get busy here.  Take care -- I love ya too honey.

Think we are going to see "Straw Dogs" tonight (or is it Dog?)  I don't want to see the ending.  Oh!  Finally read QBVII it was a good book, not as good as Exodus but good reading.  When it finally came out in paperback I had to read it.

November 11, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi ya sweetheart -- I just saw Casablanca for the third time and I'm all psyched on Humphrey B again -- love that movie -- I couldn't remember if I owed you a letter or not.  My mother told me she got "the nicest" letter from you.  She called me Friday night to say she got a letter from Mr. Sayles and that we might be going to Florida this winter.  She sounded really excited and told me not to get too excited myself because he just may want her alone to go down. I keep hoping they will get married!  I can just feel something coming.  I can't figure out what's going on -- my mother never says anything.  I haven't heard too much from anyone else.  Barb is thinking of moving on for parts unknown -- she can no longer cope with Boston.  I hope she finds her "place" soon.  I know I wasn't too sure about this place for a long time and then it seemed to fit all in (that doesn't sound right?!) -- and now I really love this city.  I can remember a few? of the traumas I had!  Only 20 or 30.  As for the rest of my letter-writing friends -- I hear nothing.  I guess Joan is going back to school and her and Freddie were not getting along.  She never writes.  Nothing from Foster.  I'm waiting to see if the Peace Corps is still no. 1 at Christmas time.  It's really funny but I"m looking forward to going home for Christmas. Oh! before I forget to tell you!  I made my reservations the other day and since I had no idea when you planned on going home or how you planned going home, I made a reservation for you too!  Naturally it can be cancelled. I made the reservation for Mohawk this year so I don't have to go to Chicago!  Your fare is $60.00!!!  Oh for the 23rd of December.  I'm just trying to be fairly organized about this -- kind of!

I h ave to go now and hit the calculator.  Take care!

Hey! forgot to tell you!  Went to "The Rock'n'Roll Revival" last week.  Fantastic!  Chuck Berry was there along with a million old groups.  The thing lasted for 4 hrs.  Anderson was right at home -- he was born to be a greaser!!!

October 26, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Just a quick note here handsome, so I can get my card out to you.  I looked all over till I found exactly the right one.

All is well and as normal as things can get.  Anderson got picked up by the cops Friday night.  It wasn't his fault though.  He had just left his friendly neighborhood bar stool and was at the Red Barn to get some french fries and a cheeseburger -- a local delicacy, when this big guy (they always pick on small guys!) stick a cigarette in Anderson's face -- mostly by mistake due to his carelessness and of course Anderson's immediate reaction was to push this hand away with the cigarette and this guy turns around and pow!  Anderson goes across the room. So the other guy runs and leaves Anderson there with the cop.  So when th cop asked him if he was driving Bill said no! (clever?) and then they took him to General (Hospital) where you have to spend 6 hr in order to "sober" up.  He really couldn't have been that bombed otherwise he would have had a few choice words for the pig.  So I get this phone call from Bill Sat morning from General.  Since there was no fine or anything I didn't get upset.  Had there been a fine involved I would have killed him.

Yesterday morning  Anderson and I did a cute little paper route (I didn't have to work) we got the car stuck in this driveway and it took us half ha hour to get it out!  Sharp!  Everybody is just bitchin cause the paper is late.

Anyway I have to do some work!  Otherwise I could go on and on.  Take care and Happy Birthday.

Oh went to see Play Misty for Me.  Go and see it!  Really scary -- Anderson even got scared.

I promise to write you a long letter soon!

 

October 10, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Thanks for the hour of sweeping I had to do in order to get the sand out of the carpet due to the fact that I didn't have a vacuum cleaner handy when I spilt your letter.

Everything is back to normal with Anderson now.  A-C-T-I-O-N weekend though -- Bill and I moaning and groaning with stomach flu.  It could have had something to do with how bombed we got Friday night.  You'd never believe our old drinking bar -- Al's!  Super ritzy now!  It really blew my mind.  I guess Bill left Boston and went to New York and then to Philly.  Barb was upset because everything was such a mess when they were there.  She sounds like she's in "good" shape -- no job, except for typing -- Doreen has moved out and Nancy her new roommate never had any money an does not work.  The eternal hassle...

Things here on the home front are quite stable -- thank god!  When winter sets in it's good to be "secure"?  I'm expecting to be snowed in any day now!

Anyway -- I'm going to close for you -- Comedy for Big Kids in on with Buster Keaton, no 3 Stooges tonight.

Good morning greetings!  (10/12/71)

I can only say that because I am well rested, since I did not have to go to work yesterday!  I must have a phobia about getting up for work every seventh or eighth Monday.  After that amount of time I just can't seem to face another Monday.  Just call me "Abigail Fortitude Abbott!"  Good heavens, what made me think of that name?!  I just had a neato keen day though.  I went and got Cindy's dog (she lives on 31st and Colfax) a St. Bernard, and then went to the park and around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun.  The leaves were falling, the sun was out -- wow, I dig that stuff to no end.  It was a truly inspiring day -- inspiring though to quit work and take off or something!   I then set a foot to the drugstore to pick up Bill's pictures of the trip!  My second most favorite things -- PICTURES!  Where the dog knocked over the newspaper stand and caused a big of confusion.  Then upon passing the local ice-cream parlor I had to stop and get a double-dipped chocolate bon bon ice cream cone, which the dog and I both ate.  Now, that's a neat day!

I must go.  CUSTOMER!  Take care!

Do you know when you are coming?  You can stay at our place til Dec. and then fly home w/ me if you want.  I don't know what you plans are!!! I enclosed an October calendar for keeping track of time!

P.S.  You would have #27!!!! That is funny!  Yuk! Yuk!