May 12, 1976 (Letter from David)

Nice to hear from you.  We have been changing in many ways since you left.

First off we sold the trailer and bought a house.  It is a 1900 model with a lot of work and a big green yard.  The place also came with an old log barn.  The location is nice also, we are just a block and a half from J. C. Park.  Lyn has worked diligently restoring a long unkempt flower garden, we have tulips and poppys in bloom right now.

After eight years without we finally bought a car.  Wow!  More and more middle class each day. We still do not use it in town, just for trips to Missoula and neighboring communities.

Thoroughly enjoyed "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".  Although it had been six years since I read the book, the story and film seemed to appear the same.

The name Raymond Chandler stuck in my mind, I recalled that you had a couple of his books when you left.  I picked up "Farewell My Lovely" and the "Big Sleep".  I like Marlowe's sarcasm and ideals, he never sells out even to the broads.  Ha! it must be fiction.

Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, or Gerald Ford.  I guess I'd better start becoming familiar with their positions, although I'm sure that will be difficult.

I ran in the seven mile race in Missoula in May 1.  I ran well and had a pleasant time, the day was beautiful.  I covered the 7 miles in 46:13 seconds.  Played some tennis today, and started to get the kinks out of my game.  I'm looking forward towards this summer's play.

Levin is 2 1/2 years old now and keeping Lyn and I real busy.  He is forming sentences, trying to count, working at toilet training and imitating all his parents do.  I have to watch what I say.  For one week he was going around saying Oh God! after every mishap.

Home our cat ran away, guess he just tired of us.  Anyhow we now have two 8 week old male kittens.  One is yellow and white, the other is yellow and striped.  Sonja is doing fine at the new house, she is always ready for a walk or bike ride.

The Bretz and Clive trial started last week, it's too early to tell anything.  Since cons are the major witnesses, I can't imagine the trial lasting long or a guilty verdict.

If you head west for a breather, drop in for a stay.

February 24, 1975 (Letter from Tony)

I shall start this letter out with something that has almost become a trademark of my letters, an apology for the lateness in coming.

Let's see now, last I talked to you I wasn't coming to Deer Lodge because the gas tank on the Ford van was leaking.  My, that was a while ago.  After that I had two more weeks of classes.  I flew to Buffalo and stayed there for Christmas, went on to Boston to see the gang there, flew back out here, had my exams, went to Lake Tahoe to gamble and ply in the snow, started classes again, continued working, got a new apartment for $55, a car for $250 and screwed a round a bit.

I am in the midst of my last semester exhilaration.  Strange how it works, when I'm in a situation I like, the last period of time is one of non-enjoyment as I regret the fact I have to leave, e.g., Buffalo and Walla Walla.  However, when I find myself coming to the end of a less than terrific era, e.g., law school, having the end in sight makes my situation much more enjoyable.

I have classes that are conducive to doing work and I am doing work.  Some of the classes are interdisciplinary in nature, law and economics and law and criminology, and this tends to be more enjoyable.  Straight law can be deadly and stifling too.  Straight law school can be much the same.

With my car I can explore more of the state before I leave.  I hope to go to Death Valley while the spring flowers are still blooming.

Come June I know not what I will be doing.  Possibilities abound but certainties are scarce.  My head is turning more definitely toward the Wast, with Boston as the focus.  It shall be a test of patience and discipline for me not to rush into anything.  My preferences are being worked on now. Come on feet, don't fail me now.

How's life progressing in Deer Lodge?  I've been watching the temperatures in Butte and Helena, they've been over 23 much of the time.  How does that compare to Deer Lodge?

I re-read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and I'm just so impressed with that book.  Kesey's description are marvelous.  I'm going to see the play over in S.F. tomorrow.  I doubt that it will top Tom's performance but I thought I'd give it a chance.

Well, I leave off now.  I do apologize for the delay.