July 14, 1976 (Letter from Barb L)

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

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

Peace!

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

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 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 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?

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.

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.

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 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!

March 22, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi kid!  Your really on a writing spree aren't you?  Two letters in a row!  March really improved your spirits.  I admit January and February are shitty but I wouldn't go as far to say March has cured your ills!  But I'm glad to hear you're over your ills.  How did March actually prove to be?  I guess it was ok.  January, Feb. and Mar this year certainly have gone fast.

Anderson and I have found an apartment.  As a matter of fact, this was the apartment we had seen for rent exactly a year ago but were too late to get.  The place is a great deal.  It's furnished (completely) (except for TV and stereo, etc), it's right on the bus line, Lake Calhoun is six short blocks away, a "shopping" center is around the corner -- small stores.  The area is residential and the apartment is in a 4-plex so it's not huge.  It's so much more convenient.  The place is pretty big, a log bigger than Lake Street.  It's long like Renee's parents place.  (Oh, my mother was talking to Mrs. Shulman and I guess Renee is losing weight.  She's lost 20 lbs so far.  Of course she'll have to lose about 120 more for it to do any good.)  Did you get all that?  I write such spontaneous letters!  Anderson and I are trying to get ahead here.  So we figure the apt. will be a lot better all around.  Home sweet home.  NO ONE is staying with us this summer -- the understatement of the year probably.  I don't think I'll give my address to anyone like Barney or Mohney!!  But you know if you ever are passing by you can stop in.  You'll have to take out the garbage and cook dinner and clean and iron and wash etc.  OK?  Just kidding!  SURE!

Nothing fantastic happening here.  Enough though.  Last night was our usual Sunday night w/ Comedy for Big Kids w/ a W. C. Fields movie followed by the Marx Brothers.  Unfortunately, no 3 Stooges!  YICK.  I will never forget your awful laughing at those 3 Stooges!!!

I'm sitting here completely bored.  I always get all my work done by 4:30 on Monday nights and I still have 2 1/2 hours to go!  I should be studying for my class tomorrow, but I'm not in the mood!  I can't wait till I'm done w/ classes -- I'm getting spring fever and it's impossible for me to concentrate on "Financial Lending".  YICK  It was a great course in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb but I'm getting ants in my drawers now!  Plus I'm just dying to get out in the sun.  I definitely have to go up and see Barb in May or June for a couple of days then I want to go South w/ my mother, Mr. S. and Bill some time.  I'm really contemplating moving to Florida in about 1 yr for good.  If I can line up a job at a bank I'll be fine.  Only Anderson would have to find a job too because I would feel guilty about leaving him here to freeze to death.

I must close before someone sets me to work!

Take care and write soon?  When are you through with school for the year?  "Have you any idea where you'll go?"  Just don't listen to anyone else's plans!  You know how that goes?!!!!

I guess my mother was talking to Mike and Dody -- they are both home for vacation!  I haven't heard from either one since Xmas.

Hope I can see ya soon?

February 8, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Here I sit on a Monday night at work without a damn thing to do.  I have just completed a letter to my mother and one to Barb.

I'm glad to hear you are experiencing good times in Buffalo.  I give you credit for surviving there this long!  How you can stand it is beyond me -- it's just that Buffalo has always been a bad scene for me every time! Except, of course, the time we visited you!  Let me make myself perfectly clear -- I HATE BUFFALO!

All is well in Minneapolis at least for the time being.  Anderson has been at his job now for over 1 year and I'll be going on my 11th month March 2nd!  What is the world coming to?  It's starting to scare me!  But I could never let go of this job now!  With school and work it really doesn't seem so awfully bad.  Not like I had visions of anyway!  No matter how hard I try though I cannot picture you student teaching.  Anderson and I were trying to visualize i t-- IMPOSSIBLE.

I can't remember what I've written to you -- I don't think too much since it's been quite awhile.  Anderson and I missed a chance of a lifetime when we missed Neil young in concert at the Guthrie.  Everyone was protesting because the Guthrie only holds about 1700 and you can't get a bad seat.  But they never advertised and they were sold out the same day tickets went on sale.  So we went down and protested with everyone else and like everyone else we didn't get in.  Richard Havens is at the Depot in about 2 weeks and Sly is here.  I'd like to see Havens and so would Anderson.

I have to close up BIG letter huh!?

Still haven't heard from Joan.  She and Freddie probably skipped town or the country.

Word has it that Barney might be coming out again and I just couldn't live through that again!

I must go and have a ciggie.  How's the non smoker coming along?

Take care, I promise to write a longer letter soon!

December 12, 1970 (Letter from Mardi)

Happy holiday to you...  Saw "Holiday Inn" last night w/ Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire -- great movie!  "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas bababa boo."  Old Freddie really had the class.  I wonder when they'll show "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Young at Heart" -- every Christmas, it never fails.  Sorry I haven't gotten a line out to you sooner but I'm getting my head out of water.  Tomorrow is my final in economics and Sat is American History!  I'm taking absolutely nothing next semester.  I'm going to sign up for a language and I think I'll take Italian.  I'm anxious to see if I can pick it up again.  Sue is dissatisfied with her job and is trying to get back to school.  She wants courses in physical therapy.  She'd have to go to Pa and get into school out there if she goes full time.  She doesn't know what she wants.  She's so dramatic about everything.  It's like living with Sara Burnhart or something!



Got to talk to Michael on the phone Sat and he's to be t school the 8th or 9th of Jan and he's having trouble with his father etc etc.  If he doesn't get established somewhere, he'll have a nervous breakdown of some kind, he's just too nervous to accomplish anything right now.  I really have sympathy for him.  So what are your plans?  Have you managed to take East or West!  You're keeping me in suspense, you know!!  Take care, see ya soon!!

October 13, 1970 (Letter from Mardi)

Hey I'm good at writing letters -- I can't even get around to mailing them.  The only time I remember about mailing your letter is when I'm at work and when I'm at work I forget to get your address while I'm at home so I can mail it from work.  Understand?, not really.

Can you believe how time is just WHIPPING by?  The temp around here this morning was a big 30.  I'm waiting for it to snow any day now.

I talked to Barb last week (guess I told you that), she was sick with a bad cold.  She's still working for that temporary help place which must be a pain-in-the-ass!  It's bad enough getting up for a job you already have.  She has to be at a new place just about every day!  I wouldn't know where half the places were!  I guess they even have a TV now so she can watch "Comedy for Big Kids".  I hope she finds some job (permanent) that she likes soon.

We're going out on the town Friday for old man Anderson's birthday.  We ordered a birthday cake for him so they can bring it out and sing happy birthday!  He told us if we did that he'd leave.  He'll kill us.  We're going with Coleen and Joe.  Ding-a-ling is getting a stereo tape player for his car.  NOT SPOILED!  No wonder we never have any money!  But since he lives in a car longer than anyone I know, he and his hardy crew of paper boys only deserve the best.

Are you coming along with the financial problems?  The last time I saw you you didn't encourage me that you were in the best position concerning money matters.  Just WHERE is Tonawanda anyway?  WHERE are you? Do you take the bus to classes?  Your first class is no where before eleven!  If and when you do become a teacher how in the hall will you get up at 6:30 AM every morning?  Of course, knowing you you'll get a part-time teaching job on M.W.&F.'s from noon till four or something.

Try and write soon.  Have you heard from anyone?

Take care.

We're going to see John Mayall -- Grateful Dead are at the Guthrie Sunday  -- Pray for the repose of the souls of Janis and Jimi.  CLEAN!  May you and Skippy live happily everafter.

June 28, 1970 (Letter from Gail)

Sorry to hear that you didn't make it out to Calif.  I guess Minneapolis will just have to do.  I'm glad that you found a job and that you like it.  God, was I surprised to hear about Foster.  I guess he's all talk and no action. If Mike's gonna be that much of a baby the rest of his life -- he's gonna have a ruff time.  But it will be his own fault.

I started summer school at EOC last week.  I needed three more credits so I could transfer in the fall.  I'm taking a history course.  It's horrible!  Boring as hell!

Two weeks ago Sheryl Larson, Barb Check, Phyllis Valone, and I spent a week at Lake Erie.  We rented a beautiful cabin near Barcelona, N.Y.  We didn't meet many people but we had a good time by ourselves.   Bought a couple  six packs and some gin and got totally smashed on night.  We all were drunk, had thrown up and were in bed by 11:30 pm.  It was hysterical, but I had one hell of a hangover the next day.  Friday night we drove into Westfield and went to the drive-in.  Guess what?  T hey only show dirty, pornographic movies there and they even checked proof.  (You have to be 18 or over.)  The movies we saw weren't' that dirty (shit) but
the previews we saw were censored!  Wow!  We came home last Sunday (regretfully) and now I'm already back in the same damn rut.

I haven't seen much of Mark.  He's lifeguarding down at the pool.  He stops in here on his way home sometimes.  His girlfriend was here last week.

I can't believe that this weekend is the fourth of July.  A couple of us girls are going to the parade in the morning and then to the fireworks that night.  Sounds like fun, huh?

I went to a wedding that your father performed yesterday.  My cousin, Cathy Benson, got married.  She married Terry Stanko.  It was really a nice wedding.  Your father was, oh, should I say magnificent!  Just like his son!

Be good Paul, and take care of yourself.  Write soon.

March 20, 1970 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

Well, it's another afternoon at work, this time it's a different place, different, city, but the same old shit -- work, eat, sleep, go out... there is nothing to do in the winter but be a dud, no matter where you are of what the hell you're doing!

It'll be two weeks tomorrow I've been here-- the first week was an absolute hell -- after running around w/ everybody, I still got to walk around and get lost 3 thousand times in Boston -- you should have seen me -- taking subways, buses, walking and walking and walking -- I'm there, Hey! Neat!  Of course, none of my interviews worked out so here I am working in an office again.  I didn't want this job but the guy kept calling me up and I didn't know what to say, so I took it.  For a grand total of $85 a week, I'll never get rich.

Well, enough of this money-minded materials, straight-city talk -- other than that, things are great.  I'm still living with Carol in her apartment, sleeping on her couch -- there are 4 of us there and it's a little crowded -- I must get my ass moving and find a place -- I am so helpless when it comes to this stuff.  I went down to Harvard Square last nite and got a "Boston After Dark" and looked -- I'm there Duh!  I got lost trying to come home on the subway -- geez, that's the first time that happened -- perverts to the left, perverts to the right -- I'll never be Ratso Rizzo.

What are you doing besides school (blah) -- working? (blah).  When's your spring break?  You really should go somewhere this year.  Bermuda?  Florida?  The Bahamas?  Warren?  Everybody's always talking about what they're doing th is summer -- help!  I don't even know what I'm doing now!

I wrote a letter to Mardi at Bill's in Mpls.  I imagine that's where she is!  I know she's not working yet -- when will we all see each other again?  Renee's wedding is only a few weeks off and I'm almost sure I won't be able to make it.  Not to mention that I didn't get an invitation, but I will try to send her a present anyway; it's not every day you get married!

Do you realize it's almost summer?  Today is beautiful -- of course it might have changed since I went out at noon - - we don't even have windows here-- now hear this -- I have successfully wasted an entire year and will probably do so again -- Paul, when you're rich and famous, will you still talk to me?  I'll probably be carhopping down on the Bowery -- Mardi will be an airline stewardess, Joan will have 6 kids, oh, I can't stand it....

You better write me a line or two soon, at least before your vacation -- I get lonely sometimes her e-- I fell like I'm running a one-man show and I am such a ding-a-ling anyway.  Take care.  How's Kenny.  Heave you been visiting the music room lately?  Last nite Carol and I got out the pipe, but it didn't do a thing for me -- maybe I should go find a music room.

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

It's a swinging afternoon at work, I'm ready to fall asleep on my typewriter so I think I'd better write for awhile.  You almost had two little smiling faces there to cheer things up Saturday afternoon.  We were going to knock on your door and yell -- "Let's go to the Palace!"  I'm sure you and Kenny would have freaked out if we showed up.  No! No! Go home!!  What a weekend this was, let me tell you -- zero!  Friday nite we worked on our decoupages and talked and talked and talked about going away (like what's new in the last six month?)   Then we went over to sleep at Mardi's and Bill's on the phone and we're all there yakking away, getting nothing settled of course.  Now that we've both given notice at work, time is running out.  I think Mardi will end up going to Minneapolis and live with Bill till spring and I mostly probably to Boston.  Why can't we do anything original??  Why, oh why.  I was all psyched to go to Denver and to California but Bill's all involved with a new job now, etc. etc.  I hope for her sake that Mardi is sure, really sure about this - I don't know -- I'm not going to give her any grief about it.  There might be a bright side to all this SHIT -- how does it fell to be settled in school and not wondering about the future -- duh!  I remember my sophomore year all I worried about was the next paper that was due, the next basketball game or kegger -- hey, I was cool.  (Don't let anybody ever tell you, you're cool!!!)

Oh well, we did have a jolly good time last weekend with you guys.  I think we're all slightly warped: God, that was unreal.  We are a bunch of duds, laying around drinking ourselves under the table.  Hey, clean!

I really clonked out on the bus on the way home -- if there's one thing I hate, it's coming home all the time.

Well, what else is new around here.  Joan was home this weekend.  I talked to her about 10 minutes but didn't see her.  She won't be home again till Easter and I won't be around then so that's that.  I guess Freddie goes in the Reserves in two weeks.  If Piccirillo pulls this one off she'll be a genius, I don't know how she's going to do it.  What do you hear from Mike? Did he win the election or whatever -- Mike Foster as president of a "cool": fraternity -- wow! Groovy!  Where's my letter sweater?

When are you coming home -- I have this duh! feeling about going now.  Like, I don't mind going to Boston but I'm not really thrilled about i -- I don't like the idea of going alone but I imagine I'll do it.  Bla-ah, why can't it be summer, spring, fall -- ?  Would love to go somewhere warm pretty soon.  I wish I could get Mardi's ass moving.  I just don't' understand her nowadays.  What, what, what is the problem???  Hey, we're stable.  Normal.

Think I'll close now.  Now that I"m at work I guess I should do home work -- doo-doo-doo -- I'll go find something to do.  Peace, take care, say hi to Kenny -- hope we see you soon.

P.S.  I even gave up smoking Larks last week for 2 days -- I must be really blah or something.

P.P.S.  The collage will get done this week!

February 7, 1970 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi honey -- how's Buffalo surviving?  I've gotten into this amazing writing mood so I'm putting it to its fullest advantage.  Barb is sleeping -- what a bum!  Duh.  Last night was ACTION.  Barb and I watched some old Fabian move -- "I dig you."

I've heard from Mark.  He's as busy as ever, of course.  I imagine you've probably heard from him by now.  Mike wrote me a short note this past week.  Everything seems to be at that  post-winter-pre-spring standstill.  I should be working for the next two weeks.  I'm actually feeling a little bad about quitting.  The people are great but it's not for me.  Bill called last night and we made some more plans for Denver.  He's really excited about it.  It would be fabulous if you wanted to work in Colorado this summer!  So all I really know right now is I'm quitting my job in two weeks, then leaving for Minneapolis.  Then I'm going to meet Bill and we'll probably stay there till we both get a little sum of money.  I'm not too worried about it.  I know we'll both be ok.  I realize the fact that they'll be finally catching up with my on my loan sometime in Marcy -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I must admit my letter are information (?)  No need to apologize -- we both know it's a great time!

Mr. Sayles has returned from the Bahamas -- LOUSY -- not too tan!

Please take care and I will be keeping in touch.   Tell Ken "hi".

November 16, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hey hey hey -- well I made it to Msp with no trouble at all -- amazing?!  Stand-by was no problem.

The city looks GREAT.  I've been running around for the past two days taking in everything.

Tuesday night Mom calls here (Dutch's) and says what's going on?  50 kids in the apartment.  So I'm there screaming into the phone -- I always get into perfect examples of how to anger your mother in one easy lesson.

I'm waiting for Dutch to come home now.  He doesn't know it but he has to take me over to Wendy's so I can bring my things over!  And Bill called me today which is nice to --

Why can't I ever go anywhere with no problems -- BLAH!  I guess it would be a real drag not to worry!

The temp is -17 now.  REAL COZY!  BLAH!  It's snowing just a tiny bit. I didn't pack a hat -- smart -- brought my boots though which I probably won't need.

I must go -- Dutch just came in -- broke the new -- I"M CRAZY I SWEAR!  Please take care.

Janis Joplin and the Association are coming so I've got to make it to one or the other!  Janis Joplin-----

November 9, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

You'll never know how close I came to being in Buffalo.  Barney wanted me to go with her to St. Bonnies to see Greg then drive to Buffalo -- so I thought I'd go and see ya and stay there tonight -- but mother got sick -- sinus infection -- BAD, BAD so I wanted to stay here plus I have to wash and iron all my clothes.  I"M LEAVING FOR MINNEAPOLIS.  Tuesday I'm going -- I made up my mind.  I have to go because I just can't stand it here a minute longer!  I'll be back in two weeks though -- I told Mom I'd come back for Thanksgiving.  I'm going to look for a job and see what I can find.  Wendy called last night so I'll stay with her -- can't wait to talk to her!  One thing I'm not going to do is worry!  I promise to drop you a line from Minneapolis.  I'm flying back the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I'll stay with Mike Tues night and come home together Wednesday.  Nancy is coming home Thanksgiving -- how long, or what day I'm hot sure.

Did all my washing today.  Blah.

Had to buy new glasses this week ZIP -- $43.00!  HELP!  What can you do?

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner.  I haven't been in the mood.

Last night about six of us landed up at this bar in Jamestown no one had ever seen before -- it was really cool -- it had a pool table -- great bartender, good music -- drunk kids -- we had a great time -- UNREAL---

Must go now, please take care of yourself.  See you at Thanksgiving!!!