August 22, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

I was so very glad to receive a letter from you.  I probably would have returned  letter sooner but we were in Warren on a 5 day vacation that turned out to be absolutely marvelous beyond description! We took another couple along with us.  Went to see Count Basie at Chautauqua, Niagara Falls for the day and night, and then we went water skiing on Kinzua lake for the entire day Saturday.  It was cold most of the time we were three, but the log fire at the cottage and good company we had made up for the lack of heat.

For once this summer I can write to you with good news and in good spirits.  We were able to purchase the house we had wanted and we should be able to move in there by the end of September.  Our new address will be 1311 Alvina Dr., Columbus, Ohio.  The house has everything I ever wanted in the way of a floor plan and conveniences.  It is a 1 story brick and stucco.  The kitchen opens up into a nice sized family room with a lovely stone wood burning fireplace.  It has three bedrooms and 2 baths, and part of the basement is finished off into a rec room.  The house is 13 years old, built by the Amish so it is sturdy and strong.   It has a good sized back yard with a privacy fence so Lady Sara Lee can romp and pee to her heart's delight.  Morrey and I are planning on painting the interior before we move in so everything will be fresh and clean.  I don't relish the idea of moving since we've accumulated so much furniture and junk, but we should have plenty of hep from our friends here in town, and with some organization ahead of time it probably won't be as bad a move as I anticipate.  I am going back to teaching in one more week from today, but at least I'll know that I am working to pay for something that I have really wanted.  Believe it or not Paul, this will be the first time in my whole life that I have ever lived in a real, honest to goodness house! Financially I don't feel that we've strapped ourselves, although we'll have to watch our pennies for the first few months until we get adjusted to all the expenses required in moving and setting up housekeeping in a new place.

Top answer your question, yes, we are planning on being in Warren over Labor Day weekend. They are having an unveiling ceremony for the stone of my grandfather's grave and we are required to come.  I do hope that you will call us at the cottage when you get in.  We'
ll be kind of tied up on Sunday, but Saturday will be free to us for visiting and goofing off!

It seems as though just when I am finally beginning to enjoy my summer vacation, it is now coming to an end.  This fall promises to be a very hectic and busy one for us with moving and the Jewish holidays and all.  I am going to try to get some boxes packed yet this week of stuff that is stored in closets which I'm not using.  any little bit I do now will be appreciated when we really start the moving process.

We went to my 10th year reunion and I thought it was a real bummer.  Don't think I'll go back for the 15th or 20th cause this one was a real bore.  Morrey and I left it by 9:30 cause they had a lousy rock bank that blasted our ear drums till we could stand it no more!

I will make this letter short in hopes that I can talk to you at length over Labor Day weekend.  I just wanted you to know what we were up to and to let you know that my life is perhaps getting closer to an "even keel" these days.

Please take care and be well.  Get in touch over Labor Day for sure.

June 23, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your last letter.  With the ending of school I got pretty tied up and I've been spending my time looking of jobs and trying to clean up around the house.   I was in Warren last weekend and saw Mardi and things are still on for the 4th of July weekend.  Joan is pregnant and expecting any day -- so count her out.  I am writing to Mark V.V. today -- he has moved to Washington and Emily gave me his address which is 1811 T Street NW Apt. B, Washington D.C. 20002.  We're not planning any big gala event -- just a quiet get together with a few friends like you had suggested.  My dad has beer and junk so what I think I'll do is just collect a couple of bucks from everyone to cover what we consume and call it even with my folks who don't mind a bit.

I have been looking for a new job but not much luck.  Seems as though no one interested in school teachers nor are there many jobs open since job mobility is at a real standstill these days.  I'll keep looking and trying but I signed my contact for next year just to be safe and sure.  I am absolutely bored out of my mind with nothing to do around here.  There are a million projects around the house I could conceivably do but I lack the motivation or interest to even get stated.  I am back on Weight Watchers faithfully after having messed myself up for the last couple of weeks before school ended.  I get very unhappy with myself and very much depressed when I'm not on the diet so I feel a little prouder this week for being a good girl.  I'm gonna be thin one of these days if it kills me!

I have been very depressed since getting out of school and frustrated because the future doesn't look terrifically hopeful but I'll still keep plugging away at things until something comes up.  I'm so oriented to working that when I am given free time I tend to waste it.  When I'm in school I long for days when I can get so many things done.  Now that I have the time -- I lack the interest.

I'm not going to make this a long letter cause I'm saving all the things to talk about till I see you over the 4th which is just a week away from this weekend.  Morrey and I will probably drive to Warren on Thurs. night June 30th and sty till Mon. or Tues. after the 4th which will make for a nice little vacation for us.  Our dog absolutely adores the cottage and loves to swim in the river. We have a lot of fun watching her enjoy herself and playing with her in the free and open area around the cottage.



I hope you'll forgive such a shitty letter from me this time.  I promise to improve over the next one! Please call us at the cottage when you get in to Warren.  I will anxiously be awaiting out get together on Sunday.   Let's pray for decent weather.  We were there over Memorial Day and I can't remember when the weather has ever been so gorgeous.

Take care and be well.  Drive carefully.  (Is Dodie going to be in town that weekend?  If so, please feel free to invite him and his wife out to the cottage for our gathering.)

April 19, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Many thanks for the reply to my last letter -- even though it wasn't much of a letter.  I was plenty tired when I wrote it and ran out of umph to finish it.  Tonight is a different story, since I am relatively fresh and exuberant (sp?).

First, I want to respond to a few of the questions you had asked me.  1.  Yes, I am still planing and looking forward to the 4th of July weekend -- but I need HELP in writing to and/or locating some of the "old" crowd.  If I give you an idea of who perhaps you can help me in getting in touch with them.  Dodie, Joan, Mike, Mardi, Barb, Tina, Leslie Stein?, Mark V.  And anyone else that pops into your fantastic head.  I also need to know which day to plan this for over the 4th weekend.  If you will write to some of these folks, I'll help out with the postage.  Please let me know as soon as possible what ideas you have for getting in touch with these folks, and also any ideas you might have for a "theme" or plan for a successful get together.  Obviously, I cannot bear the expenses so we will also have to tell people that they'll have to "chip in" for beer and food or whatever pleases their pallets (sp?)  Morrey and I plan to go to the cottage very weekend this summer since it will constitute our vacation -- and we thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere.  To answer another ? -- I am still trying to take off the last 30 lbs. I need in order to qualify for the bikini but it is a long, hard struggle.  I joined an exercise club to tone, strengthen, and firm up the necessary parts of my anatomy -- but I haven't had a great deal of success in paring off the weight any further -- I haven't gained -- but I haven't lost.  I am trying to get my "act" and my "head" in gear for the last lap home on the o9ld road of weight reduction.  Wish me luck -- I need it.

April was sort of a bad month for me.  I have been very unhappy at work.  One of the guys on my team is going through a "nervous breakdown" (he's had one before) and it is really putting the pressure on the rest of us and giving me a lot of unnecessary headaches and undue frustrations which I sometimes deeply resent cause I'm carrying a hell of a load as it is.  Coupled with that, Morrey's work is not setting the world on fire with huge commission checks and he has been discouraged for the first time since I've known him.  He is a little leary of my decision that this has to be my last year teaching -- but on the other hand he acknowledges that fact that he can't stand to see me miserable any longer.  Added to all of that we've had a friend of our staying with us during the week for the last 2 1/2 months.  Larry's a super great guy and a perfect house guest, but I have been frustrated and "bottled up inside" since Morrey and I couldn't take the opportunity to have open discussion at hours that weren't the most opportune.  I felt really frustrated and depressed while Larry was here -- which really wasn't anyone's fault.  That's what we get for being so nice to everyone sometimes cause we end up screwing up our own lives.   To be truthful though, I don't think we'll ever change our hospitality policies -- even if they are at times inconvenient.  Larry's gone now and Morrey and I are trying hard to really communicate and catch up on lost time.  I guess one has to go through some "hard" times to appreciate the good in life.  I have had several talks with myself lately and I am pleased to say that I've reached some important decisions.  1.  I wrote my resume last night.  2.  I intend to start "knocking on doors" the month of May and after school is out in June.  3.  I am optimistic about what I have to offer to an employer and I am not at all afraid of being interviewed or "examined".  4.  I am really looking forward to a change in my life career-wise and I think that the time is right for me and that the change -- whatever it brings -- will be a healthy one for me, and for Morrey and me.  My parents (conservative) keep saying don't leave teaching until you have another job -- but my parents always did bank on doing the "safe" thing and although I love them very much, I sometimes feel I know myself better than they, and the only way to achieve what one wants is to stock one's head out once in a while.  Really, Paul, now that I've made a firm and committed decision for myself and have discussed it with Morrey I feel 100% better about the future.  As I said, the month of April was shitty for me for many reasons -- but the only way out if UP and that's where I intend to go. Sometimes one gains a great deal of insight and perspective from experiencing displeasure, depression, and discomfort, so it might have been a shitty month, but it was necessary and I needed it in order to begin sorting out my future and making some definite decisions.  Will let you know what happens.

I couldn't begin to tell you how rotten things are at my school and I am firm in my belief that the problems are not self-created.  They're there -- but so few of the people I work with won't admit to it and won't make a commitment and pressure in the right places for changes that are necessary.  I have lost respect for the majority of people I work with because they have no guts, no gumption, no self-directed goals.  If they ever were honest enough to assess the situation for what it really is, I doubt if they'd make a move toward trying to improve it.  At this point I want to move into a job where at least I can control the successes and failure and I can assess and expedite necessary changes.  As it is now I have no where to turn with my ideas and suggestions because they really fall on deaf (and I sometimes think, dumb) ears.  Finis.

I have gotten involved in working with a 14 year old girl from a children's home and I am really enjoying it.  I see her twice a month and we try to do things with her that are fun and interesting to her.  I enjoy investing my time in someone who really needs it, and I find that I reap many rewards in return.

Well, Paul, I've sort of filled you in on my life for the past month and I have housework to attend to so I'll close for now and hope that I hear from you soon about 4th of July plans.  I was pleased to hear that you are staying where you are for a while and that there is "order and purpose" in your life at the moment.  Write soon.  Be well, and take care.

April 4, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Again, I find myself apologizing for my inconsistency in returning letters -- but better late than never.  I wanted to write to you after my return from Las Vegas, which was a super vacation only it didn't last long enough cause I'm right into the thick of things once again, and it seems as though I never had a vacation to begin with. My mother had the time of her life in Vegas and so did my mother-in-law.  It was a real thrill for me to show my mother the sights and highlights of Vegas and she had a trip she'll never forget.  I "lost my ass" gambling -- but I didn't go over my budget so I can't complain.  We saw some really super shows, in fact, they were the best shows I have ever seen in my life.  We laughed until we cried from laughter and ate and drank to our hearts delight.  Now, I am paying the penalty cause I gained about 5 lbs. which I am going to lose right away.

Things are still really shitty at school, in fact, they're even worse than before cause one of the guys on the team I work with is cracking up and it makes life at school very trying for those of us on the team who are trying to hold things together.  I am definitely planing on writing a resume and looking for a new job this summer.  Our problems are compounded by the fact that business is downright awful for Morrey right now and we're uncertain what the future holds in store.

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary.  7 good, wonderful, happy and healthy years together.  We might not have a lot of material things to show for it, but we can proudly say that we have really lived well, done what we wanted, and had a good time whatever we've done.  I hope that you will be able to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life with someone someday Paul that is a warm and secure relationship like ours.  (I hope that doesn't sound conceited cause it isn't meant to.)

I received a letter from Mardi shortly before I left for Vegas telling me about her twins.  You were right all along Paul when you said she looked big enough to be expecting twins.  What a surprise and what a wonderful one at that.

I am greatly looking forward to the coming of Spring.  This winter's weather will make us doubly appreciative of nice weather whenever it gets here.  Morrey and I have pants to really do some things around the house that need to be done (clean out basement and garage) and we also hope to do some entertaining which we haven't done for quite a long time.  There are so many couples that we know who would like to get together but we just haven't had a chance, so I think I'm going to throw a couple of intimate "fondue" dinners for 4 or 6 to start the spring season.

This letter is really kind of dumb.  I'm not really in the letter writing mood, but I feel guilty cause I owe you a letter.  My typing is absolutely absurd.  Will you forgive me if I close for now and write at a more opportune moment?  I just wanted you to know that we are alive and well in Columbus, Ohio and that I'm thinking of you and wondering what you're up to these days.  I promise to write sooner next time and to write a better kind of letter.  I guess cause it is our anniversary that I'm kind of horny anyway.  Nature calls.

February 14, 1977 (Letter from Renee)

Part of a Truffaut double-bill in Amherst

SURPRISE!  I am actually returning a letter to you the very same day I received one.  To tell the truth, I'm not in the mood to do school work and typing a letter is a good excuse to postpone the agony of school work.  I was super glad to hear that you are well and that things are going well with you.  Looks like the year '77 will be a good one for you and I'm thrilled that you are happy.  I wish I could say that I'm equally as happy, but I'm not.  I have much to be thankful for.  Morrey and I are very happy together, we love our dog and have a good life style.  My unhappiness stems from inside myself -- it is not due to something anyone else has created.  To be frank -- I hate my job -- I'm bored to tears with it, and I am really sick and tired of the hassles with administrative garbage and some of the people I work with.  What makes me even more unhappy is the knowledge that there are so few jobs available in the "outside" world and I am a bit afraid and apprehensive about giving mine up to go look for "the rainbow".  I have pretty much decided that this will be my last year of teaching -- but what the future holds in store is so uncertain that I am afraid to think of it.  The whole question is, Paul, do I keep the job I have because it pays $10,960 a year and I can easily do the work but be unhappy, or do I look for something else which will pay less but be more of a challenge?  Added to that, I desperately want to buy a house to have a home to settle in -- but I can't have my cake and eat it too -- as the saying goes.  I will admit that I am willing to put off the buying of a house until next year, and I really wonder if we'll be able to swing it anyhow.  Shit!   My mind is really messed up right now and I don't know what to do.  Morrey says it's okay with him if I quit, but in a way I feel that I'm being selfish and unfair to him in doing do.  With his business right now the future doesn't look too rosey cause a lot of businesses are closed due to the fuel shortage.  If they are close d-- nobody buys electrical goods.  Things might really turn around in the spring but right now it looks kind of grim.  To be honest, Paul, I think my problem is that I'm not a very good "waiter".  I want things now instead of later.  I look at the friends around us who have been married about as long as we and they are in their own homes and have started families, and I wonder why they can do it and we can't.  I guess, to put it nicely, I'm downright frustrated and can't make up my mind what to do.  For now until June I'll put in my time and make it through, but when June comes I'm going to have my resume ready and peddle my butt around town to see if I can come up with a job that is a challenge and a real change from the life of a schoolteacher.  So there, my friend, in a nutshell, (more or less) is my predicament!  I'm sorry if I've burdened you -- I just needed to get it off my chest by putting it down on paper.  Thanks for letting me!

Now -- the fuel crisis in another nutshell -- it stinks!  We've been off and on school for the last several weeks.  We've been freezing our asses off at home and the temperatures in our classrooms vary from 40 to 60 degrees which make trying to teach a nerve wracking BITCH!  Columbus Public Schools are closed until March 7 and they are running a school program thru TV, radio and newspapers and it seems to be working half way decently.  We, in Upper Arlington, managed to purchase extra gas last week and will have it until another cold spell comes and they confiscate it to give it to residential users.  Our kids were off all last week -- but we as teachers had to work and make up really stupid learning packets for them to work on while at home.  The principal admitted to us that the reason we were doing the learning packets was for PR (public relations) to make the schools look good to the parents since we have a 2 mill renewable operating levy to be passed in June.  It's all a crock of shit cause the administration is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the public.  This week we are back in school and I started a new unit on short stories.  I hope to hell I can finish it before we close down again (if we do) cause I'm getting tired of losing the continuity of my teaching and it is so very hard on the kids to remember and retain stuff we did 3 weeks ago.  My disposition gets rather nasty when I don't know how to dress for school since I never know whether my room will be 40 or 60 -- both of which are cold.  I wore my coat teaching the entire day today and it took me until 7pm tonight  at home to warm up.  My parents sent us an electric blanket, 4 pairs of long johns, and 6 pairs of thermal socks which have been real life-savers.  Thanks G-d for parents -- and especially mine cause they're just super to us.

This sounds really odd -- but my mother and I and my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to Las Vegas from March 21-25 which is my spring break if I ever get one.  My mother has gone thru a particularly rough year since there have been several deaths in her side of the family in the last few months and she is still recoupreating from her surgery.  She has always wanted to go to Vegas.  Morrey can't get away and he wants me to go with my mom and his mom and his sister so it appears as though we're in for a really great time.  I really feel guilty about spending the money to go and I feel even worse about Morrey choosing not to go -- but I would like to show my mother the time of her life -- and heaven knows I need a vacation in a place where I can forget entirely that the "real" world exists.  My father can't go either and doesn't really desire to go so it'll just be the ladies.  I could get in a lot of "trouble" in Vegas -- but with my mother and mother-in-law as chaperones I'm sure I'll be safe and secure and I won't break the bank -- mine or theirs!

To answer your question -- I did hear from Mark.  He called me from Dayton and tried to make connections to Cols. but couldn't.  He was supposed to come back the next week and was then going to stay with us but the weather got really bad and I guess he couldn't make it.  He did promise me that he would definitely come here the next trip he makes to Dayton and I believe Mark will keep his promise.  He told me that he sold his house in Rochester and I think he's going to look for a job in Washington.  I will keep you informed when I hear from him again.

I got a letter from Mardi and she told me about Mike being married to a guy.  I guess he wrote to Mrs. P. and told her about it.  I was stunned and shocked at first -- but the more I thought about it -- the pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit. Knowing Mike's background and the kind of adolescence he experienced, I can understand why he would become a homosexual.  I have no ill feelings about ti nor do I dislike him for it.  I accept it and I would accept him as a person if I had the opportunity to meet with him again.  I wondered if you knew about it at Xmas time when we were home cause you sort of hinted around and alluded to it when you and I discussed Mike.  Answer, please?

My parents are supposed to come here this weekend and I'm delighted cause we've spent every weekend at home since Jan. and it will be a pleasant change to entertain my folks.  They always look forward to coming here and going out to interesting and unusual places with us.  They are usually game for anything we plan.  We even took my dad out to see a belly dancer in a Greek nightclub one night and he thought that was neat.  Of course, when you consider what a night life Warren has to offer -- I guess a belly dancer does look and sound pretty appealing to "country" folk.  HA HA

I hope my letter hasn't sounded too dour and depressing.  Basically I am happy with life -- but unsettled and unhappy with myself until I find something which appeals to me in the world of work.

Our puppy, Lady, is getting really big.  I bet she weight about 30 lbs. right now with another 50 to grow on in the next few months.  I want you to know that I am really serious about our 4th of July reunion at the cottage.  My folks said it was okay as long as everyone chipped in for the booze and supplies.  I wrote Mardi and told her to plan on it.  If you can get in touch with Dodi,k Joan, and some of the others from our "circle" please do so, okay?

Well, I've procrastinated long enough to start feeling guilty about the untouched school work so I'd best be closing for now.  Be well Paul and take care.  I'm so glad to have a friend like you!

Sunday, January 23, 1977 (Note from Renee)

I've been thinking about writing to you for several days but couldn't find the time.  I have 10 min. before we go out for the evening and decided to put it to good use.  Things have been screwy since our return from vacation cause of the fuel shortage.  Our classrooms have been between 40-60 degrees and we're freezing our asses of.  We're waiting for them to shut down schools because of the fuel shortage.  If we close down for a month I won't have any trouble planning things to do.  I might even get an early jump on job hunting for a new job.  I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed renewing friendships over Xmas.  It was one of the most satisfying vacation I've ever had in Warren.   I can hardly wait till the 4th of July weekend to have some fun and get together.  Paul, it was also great to be with you and spend time with you.  I had fund getting plastered and it brought back many memories from years gone by.  I'm beginning to sound like an octagenarian (sp?)

Mark Van V called me from Dayton last week.  He couldn't make connections to come here then but will return in a few weeks and stay over with us and I am delighted.

Our dog is getting more lovable and adorable each day and Morrey and I are thoroughly enjoying her.  It has brought us much closer as a family and it is really fun. I have been very happy these last few weeks and life is once again grand in every way.   No clouds on the horizon right now.

We have to go now.  Be well take care and write again soon.

Sorry for such a short letter.  Will do better next time.

November 21, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

Received your letter this week and I was happy to hear from you once again.  You're so great about taking the initiative to write after my long periods of non-correspondence.  It is amazing to me still that after all these year (10 since I've been out of H.S.) that we, as friends, still manage to keep in touch.  It makes me feel good!   I was blessed with 2 letters in 1 week -- 1 from you & 1 from Mardi.  How lucky can I get?

Your letter touched me deeply, for I, too, am experiencing a great deal of depression over my "present state of affairs" concerning my job & my future in the working world.  I am more fortunate than you, however, in the fact that I have Morrey to share in my problems and to guide me in my decisions.  I have decided that this will be my last year of teaching school.  In June I'll hit the "road" looking for a new job.  I am very unhappy with the conditions at school, with the people I work with, and , above all, w/ the people that run the school.  At this point in my life, I feel that I am "giving too much of myself" to my work and I haven't had time to be a good wife or really a good friend.  I feel torn between my school obligations and my private life & family.  When I leave teaching I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I left as a successful teacher and I also know that I'm not really leaving because other people forced me -- but because I forced myself.  I feel as if I've reached the end of my goals in teaching and there's nothing more there for me to tackle -- at which point one begins to fall into a situation in which she rests on past performances instead of reaching for new dimensions!  I want to quit teaching before my attitude reflects in my teaching performance.  There are too many people at my school who long ago gave up on  being good teachers, and who now are in the profession 1) because it pays more than other jobs they could find & 2) because it's routine, easy & no sweat if you don't give a damn anyway.  For a long time, Paul, I was so depressed about the whole thing, but now that I've made up my mind to quit & do something else -- I feel almost as if I'd been given a reprieve.  I feel "cleansed" once I made the decision to quite.  Well, so much for that for now.

I've had a very difficult time of it these last 2 months, Paul.  My grandfather's death wasn't hard for me to accept at first, but now I am feeling the "great loss" to me and my family.  Morrey & I have been to Warren several times since then, and it will take my parents a while to adjust.  I have desperately wanted to spend more time w2/ them but because of my job & other demands I have not been able to.  They are coming here for Thanksgiving and Morrey & I have planned a "fun" weekend.   My mother is scheduled to go in to Warren General for gall bladder surgery on Dec. 15th and I am leaving school 3 days early (before our Xmas vacation)  to be with my father.  I will be in Warren through the Xmas-New Years holidays and I am very much looking forward to seeing you, Paul, and to spending time renewing acquaintances with people from Warren.  If possible I hope you & I could find time to go & visit w/ Mrs. Coe, our h.s. English teacher.  At any rate, call me at my folks' when you get in town.

I told Morrey about y our unhappiness in Springfield and how expensive it was to live there.  He told me to tell you to come to Columbus & stay with us for awhile and perhaps look for work here.  I want you to know Paul that the invitation we're extending is more sincere -- we do have an extra bedroom.  And plenty of room for you and we wouldn't be inconvenienced or bothered a bit if you took us up on the offer.  Morrey is not the type to offer unless he likes someone and really cares -- and he does like you Paul!  Please give some consideration to the idea.  Perhaps we can discuss it at Xmas time.

Paul, I wish there was something I could do to help you in your present circumstances.  I feel for you, and from the tone of your letter, I can share in your feelings of frustration & depression.  Paul, we've been friends for a long time.  Of you need money, Morrey and I would be happy to help you out.  We're not rolling in money, but we do have some and would be happy as an act of friendship to loan you want  you might need.  I've discussed this with Morrey and he supports the offer so please don't hesitate if you're in a hole and need some financial help.  I know that if the circumstances were reversed, you'd do the same for us.

I am writing this letter while watching the NBC 50 years of NBC show and I'm finding that I can't do 2 things at once successfully so I'll close this letter for now cause Morrey's bugging me to watch with him.

Please take care & be well Paul.  Write again soon & I'll plan to see you at Xmas time in Warren.

July 30, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

SURPRISE -- I've outdone myself this time by answering your last letter the day after I received it. I love hearing from you and reading your letters but I often wonder how your hands can stand writing for so long.  I would never "hand write" letters cause I would get them half done and give up because my hand would hurt!  I hope you don't mind the typewritten letters, but if it weren't for the typewriter I'd never write anything on paper!

My summer so far has been super enjoyable.  I haven't done anything I didn't want to do , and I've spent a lot of time by myself just puttering and reading which I think has done me a world of good.  Being used to the school routine and schedule I am constantly asking myself "what do I do next," only to find out that I don't have to do a damn thing if I don't want too -  and that suits me fine.  Morrey says I'm a different person in the summer cause I'm not moody, bitchy, or depressed. In September I'll start my Jeckyll and Hyde routine again!  (Excuse my spelling -- I'm off duty as an English teacher!)  I've been doing a lot of macrame and have enjoyed it a lot.  I go to the health spa a couple of times a week to exercise, and it really is fun.  I also go to a weight watchers meeting (53 lbs. so far!) once a week which takes a couple of hours out of the day, and the rest of my life is total unstructured which I love.  I have never experienced a summer vacation that has been so free of hassel and worry and I don't find myself running around to the point where I'm exhausted.  Some of my school friends might think I'm kind of a hermit or recluse -- but for the first time in my life I have learned to enjoy the solitude and quiet of just staying home and doing my own thing.  I wish I could go on like this forever, but I know that eventually I would be looking for something which would bring more substance into my life.  Before this summer I used to have to have a lot of people around me and I enjoyed entertaining and having something planned to do every waking minute, but I guess I've matured somewhat (or learned to like my own company a lot better) cause I really enjoy doing nothing and not having a whole lot of people around me.

Morrey is extremely busy "carving a niche" in the business world, and I must say that he hasn't had it easy cause the sales market is really shitty at the moment and competition is at an all time high.  I have every confidence that he'll eventually do quite well, and until then I will work to help us survive.  I am seriously thinking of quitting my teaching job next year and looking for something to do with the skills I have -- but Morrey isn't very encouraging about my giving up teaching, and he doesn't like me to talk so much about quitting.  I will start seriously looking for something else next spring, and if I can get another job I'll do it.  I feel that my creativity at this point in my teaching career is getting stifled, and a lot of the people I work with frankly don't give a shit about the program or the kids -- they just want to get through the day and through another year of it.  I feel that I have a lot to give and I'm not using my talents to my fullest potential.  Since no one working around me is doing much to change and they're really getting set in their comfortable little domains, I feel that next spring is the time for me to strike out and look for something more challenging.

I am glad to hear that you are thinking about paying us a visit in Columbus someday in the future. We would be delighted to have you as our guest and promise to show you the interesting sights and sounds of Columbus.  There are always placed to go and things to do so anytime you decide to come, just give me a little advanced warning and we'll arrange a fun time for us all.

In answer to your question, YES, Morrey and I definitely plan to be in Warren over Labor Day weekend, barring any unforeseen emergencies.  We'll stay at the cottage, so feel free to give us a call and come out for some Shulman-Prayzer hospitality any chance you get.

It was nice to hear that your parents still ask about me -- I'm quite flattered and glad that their impression of me was a good one.  They have always been so nice to me when I've called them and I think you're pretty lucky to have such great folks.  My parents always ask about you and what you're up to these days and I fell them in as well.  To answer your mother's question, No, I'm not keeping up with my singing these days, but hope to eventually get back into it within the next year.  One of my goals has been to lose the weight and then try out for some parts in local players clubs or musical organizations.  I dearly miss not having music to be a vital part of my life, and unfortunately Morrey has no musical talents or interests.  However, he has bought us Symphony season tickets for next year which I know I'll enjoy and he'll endure!  Because of Morrey though, I have taken an interest in sports and we frequently go to Cincinnati for a Reds baseball game, or to the Coliseum in Cleveland for hockey games in the winter -- which I've learned to enjoy.  For a while the only thing I enjoyed about a sports event was the hot dogs and popcorn -- but I have managed to learn some of the finer points of the games -- and now I really like it.  As a matter of fact, Morrey and I are going to Cincinnati tonight to stay for the weekend and we have tickets for a ball game Sunday afternoon.   We've been to the cottage a lot this summer and Morrey adores the place.  I like it too but there is very little privacy there with my Dad around, and Morrey spends most of his time in the boat fishing, so I have to go prepared with something to do or I go out of my mind.  My dad just loves to have us come and he goes out of his way to please us and make us comfortable which we really appreciate.  Morrey and my dad get along better than my father does with his own two sons -- and Morrey and my father buddy around a lot which is good for both of them in many ways.

Many thanks for the suggested reading list.  I will take it with me on my next trip to the book store and library.  I greatly appreciate your taking the time to fill me in on quality literature available and I intend to take your suggestions seriously.

We have a busy month ahead and an expensive one too with buying back to school clothes and going to the dentist for a lot of expensive crown work for me.  We're throwing a surprise 65th birthday party for my dad on the 21st of Aug.  and I have to get busy and send out invitations and plan the menu and evening's events.  I'll probably start back to school work with my team members the last week in August so from now till them I have a lot of relaxing and enjoying to do.

I hope you'll plan on seeing us over Labor Day and I hope to hear from you much before that.

Please be well & take care & have fun.

July 7, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

It was so great to hear from you again.  Since you were so sweet about returning my letter, I felt I couldn't stall in sitting down to write a letter back to you.  So far my summer has been great -- hectic, but great!  I joined a health spa and now I go and exercise three morning a week to get my bod toned up since it looks sort of flabby since I took off so much weight.  I am also macrameing, which is a big hobby of mine.  I just finished doing a huge wall hanging for my brother and sister-in-law and I worked my fingers to the bone tying all the millions of knots in it -- but I sure am proud of the finished product.  Macrame is a very expensive hobby -- so I work at it when I have 10 to 30 extra dollar to throw around.  I would absolutely love to macrame a big tree hammock for the cottage, but it takes about 700 yds of rope and would cost me close to $100 to do it.  One of these days "when my boat comes in" I'll do it too.

Boy, Paul, it makes such a difference being off for the summer.  If I had been in school for even one more week I think I would have lost my mind!  I have really been working hard around the house.  When a person doesn't really clean a place thoroughly for a year, then it takes about 1 1/2 weeks to ear everything apart and put it back together again.  Morrey and I finally cleaned out our closets after living here almost 3 years and I shopped home (via my Dad) about 10 huge boxes of rummage.  Now that I've lost so much weight, practically nothing in my closet fits anymore so I had to give it away (HOORAY!).  By next week I will have taken off 50 lbs, but I have another 50 to go before I'm done!  I should reach my goal by Jan. or Feb.  Morrey had kept a Christmas club account of $500.00 for me just to buy clothes when I reach my goal and I can hardly wait.  We are thinking about going to Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona probably around Xmas vacation and I can hardly wait to display the new me!  I swear I'm going to find a long gown that really shows off my boobs and figure.  Something slinky, sexy, and for sure, seducing!

My parents were here last week for a visit and we tried to show them the town.  Went to a dinner theater to see Bob Crane (Hogan's Heroes) in a show called "xxxxx, darn, I forget what it was called -- but it was indeed funny and my parents loved it.  Last night we took them to see Harvey Korman (Carol Burnett's sidekick) in a show called "Norman, Is That You?"  It was really hilarious!

I was just in the middle of preparing my husband a real gourmet dinner for tonight when he called from work to say that a friend of ours is giving us free tickets for a dinner theater tonight -- so the hell with dinner!  I really enjoy potting around in the kitchen these days.  (Excuse the pun!)  I was making Rock Cornish game hen, rice, green beans, salad, and an authentic English Trifle for dessert -- but I will just put it off for tomorrow night instead.  I make the desserts but I stay far away from eating them. When Morrey eats his dessert I eat a piece of fruit, and my stomach doesn't know the difference anyhow.

We spent the 4th of July weekend in Chicago at my brother's.  They just bought a new house, only it isn't new cause it is 50 years old.  It was an honest to God mansion with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 dens, a swimming pool and the whole bit.  We felt like we were staying in the "Grand Hotel" but it was sure fun.  I spent the entire weekend schlepping myself from my chair in the sun into the swimming pool and back again.  Needless to say, I'm none the worse for wear and tear.  My brother is doing very well financially and can afford to really live in style   I admire him and his wife for working so hard o get what they wanted.  My other brother in Omaha is moving into a brand new house this week.  They've been hitting my parents up for quite a bit of money,  which I don't think is quite kosher -- but it's really none of my business how my folks choose to spend their money.  I know that if Morrey and I really needed financial help (which, thank God we don't) they would never refuse us.  My brother in Omaha pisses me off a lot cause he "expects" my parents to give him material objects and monetary gifts.  If he showed a little concern for my folks and appreciations for what they do for him than I wouldn't complain, but he just keeps taking and taking as long as they're willing to give.  Oh well, I guess every family has its peculiarities and quirks -- mine is no exception.

Morrey has really been working hard this summer.  He started on commission June 1 and he's been really pushing it to make a buck.  So far, this month, we're in the hole, but next month looks like it will be a really good one.  I think that with Morrey being on commission we will be a lot more careful with our expenditures since we can never tell what next month will bring in.  I'm not worried and I have every confidence in the world that in another few years we'll be sitting kind of pretty ourselves -- if I live to see it!  HA HA

I really can't complain about anything Paul.  I have absolutely everything I want and more than I need to get along.  Morrey never refuses anything that is really important to me and we've really been putting money away in the hope that next year we can buy some kind of a house.  The way things are going with the price of houses, I think that about all we'll be able to afford is the garage or the basement!

It was great to hear the news you wrote about the "old gang of ours".  It would really be nice someday to have us all get together again.  Really, Paul, you are the only one of my friends from Warren over the years that I have kept in touch with, and I am certainly glad that we both don't mind writing letters once in a while.  Even though I might not write for months, I am always thinking about you and wondering how things are going with you.  My parents always ask about you when I see them.  As a matter of act, we're going to Warren this weekend so Morrey can fish and I can sit in the sun.  Morrey is nuts about the cottage.  Once he's there it gets really hard to convince him to ride into town to visit.  He has simple taste and one of his greatest pleasures is sitting in the board "washing worms" as he calls it, since he's never yet in 8 years of going there caught an edible fish!

I haven't read a decent book all summer and can't seem to find anything on the book racks that I like.  When you write back, please give me some "professional" advice on some good reading materials. I do like biography and historical fiction just about the best of anything in print.  I sure would appreciate some hints on good reading material.

Well, I'm doing the laundry again and I have to hang up our clothes so I'll be closing for now.  Hope this letter finds you well and prospering in Springfield, Mass.  By the way, have you been to Sturbridge?  We went last year and I absolutely loved it!  What interesting things are there to do in Springfield?  One of these days I might just hop in the car and drive out for the hell of it.

My typing has gone from bad to worse to please try to overlook the errors.

June 11, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

I know that your letter to me must have been over a month ago, and I am quite tardy in responding. I have been super busy with the closing weeks of school, final exams and such.  Today was my last day and now I am off for the summer.  Already I've been home for 1/2 hour and I am wondering where to begin and what to do with myself.  When I came home and saw that there were no clean clothes for the weekend -- I knew that I had found my niche for the summer - HOUSEWIFE -- and I really don't mind that title a bit.

It has been a very long and strenuous and frustrating school year for me.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the kids -- and always will -- but the administration in our school is piss poor (you should excuse the expression) and it has made the morale on the faculty reach a new record of all time low!  If schools had no administrators I am convinced we would survive, much less improve.  Well, it's all over now and am I glad!  Morrey and I have come to the decision that next year will be my last year teaching at my school.  I do not intend to quit working (I'd go made if I didn't), but I would like to open other doors and other channels which I haven't yet discovered.  I am seriously thinking of starting my own tutoring "program" as an alternative to classroom teaching, and I'm pretty sure that I can get plenty of kids from the system where I teach -- so we'll wit and see what happens.  Morrey is forging ahead with his job as a salesman.  He just recently went on commission so we'll either starve or eat caviar!  He's really happy in what he's doing and I am pleased about that.  We are hoping to be able to save enough money by next spring to buy a house, but I am super particular and I think it'll take us awhile to find the right place.  I have champagne taste with a beer bottle income!  I am very happy with my lot in life and I certainly have no complaints.  Morrey and I have a strong marriage and we are our own best friends which I feel good about.

I started going to Weight Watchers in January and so far I've lost 43 lbs.  I have another 60 to go but I think I'll make it.  I hope to be 126 lbs or skinny -- whichever comes first!  I really am proud of myself for doing it since I didn't think I would have the willpower to make it -- but I love the diet and don't feel that I am depriving myself of anything by sticking to it, in fact, I'm gaining a lot of confidence in myself and I feel better about myself for doing it.  I always wonder why I didn't try and succeed in losing weight before -- but I guess I just wasn't ready for it.  Morrey is already saving up a bundle so I can buy a complete new wardrobe next year -- and I can hardly wait for the day when I can go to the store  try something on off the rack in a "regular" size, and take it home with me!

We haven't made a whole lot of plans for the summer.  I doubt we'll take any sore of "vacation" since the summer is Morrey's busiest sales time and we need to "make hay while the sun shines." We will definitely spend a number of weekends at the cottage in Warren cause 1: it's cheap, and 2) we both enjoy being there so much.  I particularly enjoy taking a fun vacation during the school year vacations.  We've been going to Las Vegas twice in the last 1 1/2 years, and given the chance we'll probably go out there again this winter.

We're planning on going to Chicago over the 4th of July weekend to see my brother.  Hopefully, my parents can get away for a little while and go with us. My grandfather's health is failing and he cannot be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time, so if my aunt comes to stay with him for a while then they can come here to see us.

How do you like your new job?  Are things going well with you?  What do you hear from the "old gang" of ours.  I can't believe that next year will be our 10th year high school reunion.  How times does indeed fly by!

Well Paul, my laundry needs attention so I'll close for now.  Please write back when you have a chance.  Your letters are always so enjoyable for me.  Take care and be well.

May 8, 1975 (Letter from Renee)

I received your letter yesterday, and since I have a few extra minutes in my study hall, I decided to answer your letter promptly.  I was very distressed to hear about the unfortunate accident Dale experienced.  I am sure that it created some emotional scars for him and for your family that will be a long time in healing.  In a way I really feel sorry for the kids that came after us in school because they had so many more pressures placed upon them, and the times are most difficult for young people to cope with.  Your letter was full of insights and some wisdom gained from experience of the years we spent in high school.  Gosh, looking back to that time of my life I am remembering how confused, frustrated and at times unhappy I felt with my situation.  It seems as though as I grow older my (our) problems become easier to cope with rather than more difficult. I've learned so much in the last few years and I know that I'm still "growing up".  One of the things that I was so upset about all thru h.s. and college years, I've finally learned to overcome.  I used to kick myself for doing things for others that I didn't want to do or need to do.  I was so afraid of people not liking me that I went to great lengths to prove my "undying friendship".  I've learned to 1) like myself more, 2) feel more confident and secure with my own ideas and opinions -- and most of all 3) I've learned to do what I want to do first.  Morrey has really helped me to be come (I feel)( a better person, and to express my feelings both positive and negative without being afraid of hurting someone's feelings or of saying the wrong thing.

I don't know Paul, but I look at it this way.  The good "old" days were fun -- but "today" is better and tomorrow holds much in store for me.  Morrey and I are both that way.  We enjoyed good times in the past but we wouldn't necessarily want to go back to the past because the present is (for us) much much better!  Enough of Prof Renee's philosophies for now!

Let's see.  We've been super busy lately.  They painted our apt and it is taking us quite a while to put it all back together   We bought some new furniture -- in fact, this is the first time we've been able to replace our "early attic-late basement" junk with quality furniture and I am pleased   Morrey got a pool table and he's delighted to play to his heart's content.  We'll probably live in an apt for another 2-3 years cause 1) we like where we are, 2) we hate moving, &3 who in hell's name can afford a house these days.

I am glad that school is almost over cause the kids are starting to get to me.  Each year they seem to be more immature than the year before.  I'm getting kinda of antsy to quit my job here in Arlington cause 1) the administration is lousy,  2) I'm getting bored teaching the same stuff every year.  I hope to quit in another year or two and go back full time for a masters.  In 2 more years Morrey should be doing pretty well as a salesman and perhaps we can be somewhat free of financial worries or obligations.  Maybe I'm just restless now cause it's spring and I don't really like being cooped up in the same place with the same sort of routine day in and day out.  It sounded to me as if you were experiencing the Montana Brand of spring fever too.

We've no special plans for the summer. . Hope to go to the cottage for the 4th of July.  I might go to Boston for 1 week w/ a friend from school.  We're really involved in too many things in Cols. to think about going away.  We're in a bowling league, and Morrey plays softball twice a week.  I'm going to take macrame lessons, and piano lessons.  I'm going to tutor some kids this summer too. Morrey invited me to spend a few days on the road w/ him so that I can see how he works and what he has to deal with in his job.  Should be interesting -- and besides it means I'll get to have a nice lunch w/ my hubby everyday at the company's expense.  Not bad.

Well Paul, the bell is going to ring so I have to go.

Be well and take care.

P.S.  I just finished Erica Jong's Fear of Flying and thought it was fantastic.  It really gives insight into woman's view of her role in life (sexual and otherwise).

April 18, 1975 (Letter from Renee)

Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas 1975

I've owed you a letter for quite some time -- but "time" has been a problem since I've been super busy.  Right now I'm in school and have to watch a study hall.  All my work is caught up so I have time on my hands to write.

I think the last time I wrote was before we went to Las Vegas.  We had an absolute RIOT in Vegas.  Morrey and I could easily become permanent fixtures in a place like that except for the fact that it costs mucho $.  It seemed as though the outside world was forgotten when we were there.  Morrey and I were like a couple of little kids w/ big eyes -- eating up all the sights and sounds w/ sheer delight.  We got seated right smack in front of Don Rickles in his show, and believe it or not we were chosen to sit there cause we were Jewish.  We sure got a ribbing from Rickles but it was fun and funny!  We saw 3 Vegas shows, which is the part of the vacation I enjoyed best.  Morrey enjoyed the gambling but I didn't go bananas over it, and after my initial tires I could have had a good time w/out the gambling.  People were sure friendly in Vegas, our hotel (The Frontier) was super, and Morrey and I are planning on going back for 1 week over Xmas vacation.  Really though Paul, it was our first big vacation in 5 years and we both felt it was well worth the money.

School is OK.  40 more school days or (DAZE) and we're done.  I'm really anxious for summer vacation when I can do all the things I've wanted to do and all the things I've put off doing.  I'm going to take private piano lessons this summer -- and hopefully I'll be able to play a piece all the way through using both hands.  I'm also going to tutor a few kids so I can pay for the piano lessons. Morrey and I are not taking a major vacation this summer.  Instead we'll take Fri-Mon weekends and to go the cottage in Pa.

It's amazing that my interests in the last few years have changed so much and are so varied. Morrey and I have had all our weekends planned ahead for months already.  Last weekend we called it quits w socializing and we stayed home together -- ALONE.  It was great.  We spent the whole day Sat in bed sleeping and watching TV.  Every once in a while you need time to yourselves to do absolutely 0.  We took the time and I'm glad.  I was refreshed when I came back to work on Mon. -- and Morrey and I both enjoyed the time together to think, talk and reflect on things.

Morrey is busy as a salesman and he likes it very very much.  We're both building a future right now and the challenge to do well is there.  I'm getting kind of "antsy" about living in an apartment. I'd love to buy a house.  But Morrey and money say NO right now.  My taste in houses is not cheap and we don't want to strap ourselves financially to a house just yet.  I've changed a lot Paul in the last few years.  I had to have things right away -- couldn't wait for anything.  Materials things really counted in a big way for me for the last 4 years.  But I guess I must feel more secure w/ myself and our future right now cause there isn't anything I really want and I'm willing to wait for the "big" things to come.  I guess that too many of our friends came up too fast.  They overspent and overbought and consequently have many worries and frustrations.  I guess I've just grown up a little Paul and growing means changing.

I hate to cut this letter short, but the period is almost over and I've got to go.  I didn't want you to think I'd forgotten about you.  Please write as soon as you can.

February 3, 1975 (Letter from Renee)

Wow!  I can't believe you answered my letter so quickly.  Things must be pretty quiet out there in Montana.  Needless to say, I was very pleased to hear from you so soon.  I did promise you a "second installment" on my last letter, and, for a change (a big change) I'm sticking to my promises!

Last week I stayed home for 3 days with a really bad cold and practically drove myself crazy.  I read three books and a million magazines and I refused to turn on the TV cause I hate most of what is on during the daytime anyhow.  I read Plain Speaking, the oral biography of Harry Truman, which was interesting, informative, and fast reading.  I never really knew much about him and decided it was about time, so I picked up the book at the local book store, where I usually spend a fortune every week.  I also read Across Five Aprils which is an adolescent novel about the Civil War.  The only reason I read it is that I am currently teaching Huck Finn and thought that the background of Across Five Aprils might provide some interesting insights -- which it didn't cause I really thought the book was kind of dull.  My head might also have been somewhat clogged at the time -- so I really can't say for sure.  I started a third book which was a weird autobiography about the life of Lillian Hellman who is a famous author and playwright.  It was a bore -- so I kind of struck out.  Well, Mr. LIBRARIAN, now that I've wasted my money on all sorts of junky books, can you suggest anything that might be of interest to me in the literary line.  I respect your taste and judgement when it comes to books -- so in your next letter to me how about firing away a couple of your personal book reviews for me please?

I was supposed to go to my piano lesson tonight but half of Columbus must be down with the flu and my instructor cancelled -- thank God!  Instead, I did some much neglected housework, and am working on a huge stack of dirty laundry that is crying for attention.  This flu business is really at its peak around here and half our staff and students are out with it.  The weather is simply frustrating cause one day it's 60 and the next day it is 20.  They cut down the heat in our school building this week -- which really makes it kind of crisp in the classroom for all of us.  I'd rather have a cool classroom than a hot and drowsy one.

Morrey and I had a most enjoyable weekend this last weekend.  We didn't do anything we didn't want to do and we definitely didn't have any company -- which is really a pleasure for a change.  I guess we go in spurts where we're always entertaining, and then I kind of get tired of people and want to be left entirely alone for long periods of time.  Frankly, sometimes I get kind of tired of the same old people all the time, and I"m trying very hard to break away from the mold that Morrey and I have fallen into socially for the last 2 years.  We had an absolutely crazy fondue party last weekend and it took me 1 day to put everything together and 3 days to clean it up afterward.  For our evening's entertainment Morry and I borrowed a projector from school and showed old silent funny films.  We also showed a film on "Why Man Creates" which I've seen several times, and each time I get more and more out of it.  It was an interesting evening for us and our guests (I hope) but I'm done entertaining for at least another week (?) ha ha!

Last night Morrey and I had a super evening.  We went to a concert given by the pianist (humorist) Victor Borge and we laughed until the tears came!  It really was a fun type of evening for us, the only drawback what that we got home at 12 and I had to get up at 6am.  During the working week I'm usually in bed by 9 or 10, so that was really LATE for me.

I told Morrey tonight that come June 11th when school is out I am willing to hop in the car and head West with no pre-planning and no reservations.  I am really in the mood these days to break out of the routine of every day life.  I guess school is really getting to be a hassle for me lately cause there is very little change in the routine.  I really wish that for once in my life I could be a completely free spirit and do anything I want cause I'm so tired of responsibilities and routines and schedules, and always have to "plan" for things and to do "things".  I guess I'm just going through a stage these days, but I do feel kind of restless and tired of the "mold".  I know it is not unusual for people to feel the way I do -- but I'm getting itchy to do something new and different.  I guess I want my cake and ice cream too.  I really enjoy the security of a comfortable home, a happy marriage, and all the social trappings, but I kind of yearn to break out and do all the crazy things I've never done before.  Yuk -- none of what I said makes much sense now that I read it over-- but I guess I'm just thinking on paper.

Your last letter was the most unusual I have received to date.  You seemed to be in a most reflective mood -- and I must say in all honesty you didn't seem to be too chipper.  Are you happy Paul?

Do you get any kind of vacation this year?  If so, what are your plans?  If you decide to come East would you please seriously consider stopping here in Columbus for a visit with us?

Well, it happened again -- I just got all pooped out and tired and I've got to get back to my laundry duty.  I'll try to write again soon if you do too.  Be well and take care Paul.

January 23, 1975 (Letter from Renee)

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles -- sing praises to the Lord -- Hallelujah!  Renee has finally decided to sit down and write to a very good, (provably pretty "pissed at me") friend.  I beg your forgiveness for my poor writing record -- I was pretty busy, and pretty lazy, and not always in the mood to sit down and write a long letter after a hard day at the "factory"!

Well, where do I begin?  I guess by telling you that Morrey and I are both fine and in relatively good spirits   Morrey had a big promotion, and now he is a salesman for the same company which means more money, and lots more work and headaches. He was given a 9 passenger, air-conditioned station wagon for his personal and business use, and an expense account and all the accoutrements (spelling is bad!), so life isn't too bad these days.  We sold one of our VW's and since Morrey is on company gas cards, the only bill we have for gas is about 10.00 per month for my VW which I drive back and forth to school every day.  I'm really proud of Morrey and his new position, and thank God there really is a good future for him as a salesman.  Who knows, maybe someday I can sit around the house on my big ass eating bon-bons and watching all the lovely (???) soap operas that would tear my heart out!  Just joking, of course.  Morrey is happy with his work and that's what counts cause it took him 6 years to get where he wanted to be.  Another neat thing about his job is that his time is his own and he doesn't have to report to anyone at the office.  It is convenient when we want to trek to Pa. early on a Friday afternoon cause now we can do it.   We'll never be millionaires, but at least in a couple of years I can think about quitting my job and doing "my thing".  "My thing" is that I'd sort of like to go back to get my master's degree, and take all the courses I really needed to take as an undergrad, but didn't.  We have no immediate plans for a family -- even though Morrey's Mom is harping the daylights out of us about giving her grandchildren.  I can stand the harping -- but probably couldn't stand the kids at this stage of the game.  I get all I want of kids 8-9 hours a day, and the only saving grace is that I can come home to peace and quiet and a few hours of sanity each night!  Wow, that was a long paragraph -- time to change to a different color!!

Last winter Morrey and I took bridge lessons -- but I didn't do too well with that cause I have very little card sense, and not much in the way of patience to play the game.  My new interest is the piano -- and I am taking piano lessons at O.S.U. one night a week from now till March.  Paul, you'll be the very first to receive an engraved invitation to my virtuoso appearance at Carnegie Hall (in Podunk, Iowa probably).  Seriously, I really do enjoy the lessons, and since I have a brand new piano with no one to play it, I figured that it would be a good idea to learn to play not just the right hand, but also the left!  I am at the point in my teaching career where the demands on my evening hours are very little, and I can't stand to get bored cause I sulk and get moody and depressed and all that crap.  Sometimes I yearn for the days when I was in high school and trying to do 50 things at once -- cause it sure kept me busy and probably full of the devil too!

Our new program called the house plan at school is working out beautifully and we're really working as a team.  We've seen a lot of things happen that couldn't have happened if each of us was closed off in our own classroom doing our own individual thing.  I've learned a lot about history and science and math this year-- and I've also learned a lot about what makes other "teachers tick" through working closely w/ them.  This is my fourth year teaching 8th grade, and frankly I'm a little bored with it since the materials in the curriculum is largely the same from year to year and things can get kind of stale after a while.  I really like my kids, and they don't give me any trouble -- but I'm either going through a stage, or I really need a change of pace.  Our school system failed its third levy which is bad, bad news, and we just got our gas allotment changed so that we now have to cut back 45% of our heat in the building.  Looks like it's going to be a long cold winter head -- and I think my next project after the piano had better be taking knitting lessons so I'll be warm in my room.

I had every intention of writing a six page letter but I just finished tutoring tonight and I'm getting kind of tired.  I'll try to get out a "second installment" to this letter next week.  I figure getting something in the mail is better than nothing, and if I waited much longer to write to you I would have to publish it in book form, chapter by chapter.

Until next week, when I promise to faithfully write again I will bid you adieu!  Write if you have a chance-- although I don't blame you at all if you hold out on me cause I was so poor in writing you back.

December 29, 1973 (Note from Renee)

I do deserve a slap on the wrists for not writing sooner and I certainly apologize.  Time flys by and the school year is half over.  Morrey is now a salesman for his company.  He loves it and is doing well.  We not drive a beautiful station wagon at company expense!

My grandfather has been in poor health and we're going to Warren for Xmas.  Unfortunately, things haven't gone well with my folks since Grandpa has been ill, and they are really tied to the house these days.

Morrey and I have been exceptionally busy and have had company every weekend since Sept.  It's kind of nice to be in vacation without a houseful of people around.

I promise to write after the New Year once things settle down around here.  Please write to us you can.  I love hearing from you.

March 13, 1974 (Letter from Renee)

It is I, not you, who should apologize for not writing in so very long.  I had every good intention in the world to write to you over Xmas vacation; however, I had a houseful of company from the day we got out of school to the day went back and then I lost your address.  I was sort of hoping that you wouldn't give up on me and would decided to drop me a line.  It was so very good to hear from you once again. Thanks for thinking of me!

Well, where do I begin to tell you about us and what's going on here in Columbus. Ohio?  First off, Morrey got his associate degree from Franklin University in Dec. so at least now he has a "piece of paper" to hang on the wall.  He also recently received a promotion at Loeb Electric and it looks like his future is secure there.  The money is not super great right now -- but there is definite hope!  I'm very proud of him and quite happy.  My job is just fine, I'm in my third year at Hastings Jr. High.  Things sure are a lot different now that I have a few years' experience under my belt.  I can't believe how easy teaching is now compared to when I first started.  I actually have time now on week nights to do a few things which I like to do rather than things I always have to do.  My kids are really great and I don't have any major problems discipline-wise so I guess you could say I am content.  I will be teaching in a special program next year (if our next levy passes).  It is called the House Plan and it is designed as an attempt to inter-relate the scholastic disciplines.  We take a group of 125 kids and the English, Science, History, and Math teachers all have the very same 125 kids to work with in a 4-5 period time sequence.  We can group the kids to work with them the beset way we see fit, and we can change the groupings whenever we want to facilitate special work and projects.  If the kids are assigned a research paper in History or Science, then the English teacher can work with them on the project since all of the students have the same 4 teachers.  I am very excited about the possibilities this program has to offer, and I feel that the progress allows me to set a goal for myself and work to my fullest potential to achieve it.  So much for my job....

Morrey and I have been busy socially.  We're on our second set of bridge lessons and it has really been hard for me to learn but I'm working at it.  We're just about ready to invest in a pair of combat boots for the two of us so we can communicate across the table-ha-ha!  Bridge is a serious game and I'm such a "joker" (no pun intended!).  We've made a lot of friends since I've been teaching and there's always something going on every weekend.  Morrey and I like to socialize but we also like just being alone and lately it has been really hard to find time to do what we want instead of what everyone else wants to do.  I'm really looking forward to this summer cause I'm doing everything I've waited to do all year -- sleep, read volumes of novels, sew, and be a real honest-to-goodness housewife.

Would you believe -- it has been a week and a half since I started this letter!  I started to write it just before my spring vacation and tomorrow I go back to school.  I drove to Warren for a few days to see my folks and I was bored to tears.  I read three books in two days and about a million magazines to keep myself busy.  I stayed in Warren from Mon. to Thurs.  Left Warren with 3-4 inches of snow on the ground and before I got to Corry I had an accident.  I've never driven in such miserable conditions.  I slid from one side of the highway all the way to the other side and knocked down a speed sign.  I wasn't hurt -- but my pride was!  I didn't damage the car very badly visibly, however I'm told it will take about $200 in repairs to fix our new VW.  I was heartbroken -- but also quite happy to walk away from it in one piece since I could have hit a tree or another car.  I stayed in Corry overnight with the Zalzneck's and came home Friday.  The roads around Erie were impassible and the visibility was zilch.  Once I crossed the Ohio border the weather miraculously changed for the better.  I've decided never to drive to Warren again by myself except in the summer time!  For all the money it's going to cost us to fix the car I could have flown to Florida and really had a good vacation.  Hindsight is always better than foresight!!

Well Paul, I could write some more but I've loads of school work to do before tomorrow morning so I'll close for now with a promise to write again as soon as I can.  If you have any chance of coming up our way to Columbus -- please do cause we'd be delighted to have you.  If you want to bring a friend(s) with you we have plenty of spare beds and rooms.

Be well and take care.

November 29, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

Thanks so much for your letter, it was delightful to hear from you once again, and I am very glad that we can still keep in touch.  I did receive a letter from you earlier in the fall, but with school starting and all the work that piled up I haven't spent much time in corresponding to anyone.

Everything is fine with us.  I am busy with my teaching and Morrey is working and he's going to finish up his associate (2 year) degree in a few weeks, of which I am very  very proud.  Aside from that we have been taking bridge lessons, but being the klutz that I am I can't seem to play bridge without my 14 pages of class notes -- which leaves room for little else at the bridge table.  We've just finished the beginning bridge course and in February we'll take the advanced course.  Our house is all settled now and my basement is completely finished with carpeting and everything.  It has become "my living room" since I spend all my time down here working at my desk.  Once school started in the fall I had to give up all my grandiose plans for decorating until next summer when I'll have time to burn.

I love teaching and I really feel comfortable in my job now.  I've begun to explore different methods and new lessons to work on since I can't stand to do the same old thing in the same old way year after year.  I have a heavy load of 6 classes with 169 students and it takes me forever to grade any kind of composition work even though I fell that this is an area that needs a great deal of work at the 8th grade level.  The longer I teach the more things I seem to take on and find to do -- but I guess that's what really keeps me going and keeps my mind working.  I am just about ready to decide to go back to grad school this summer to see if I can't pick up some new ideas and materials.  One thing about teaching is that it is never boring and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks I assign myself.  I am very lucky though Paul, because Morrey and I have very little time together during the week and we really cherish the weekends when we can get reacquainted.  We have a good number of friends here in Columbus now but Morrey and I prefer to be close friends with a very select few and we're not the big party types at all anymore.  I guess I could safely say that I'm very happy with my life as it is right now.  I'm the kind of person that has to set goals for myself and have something to look forward to no matter how small the occasion or how large.  Without the future to look forward to I am lost.  That sounds kind of dumb, but that's the way I am.

We went to Chicago last week to my brother's for Thanksgiving and my parents went with us.  It really bothers me Paul cause I see my parents getting older, and now that my dad is retired I really worry about them, not financially, but I worry cause they seem to me to be kind of "beaten" down by their circumstances.  With my grandfather living with them they have very little social life and they are quite bored -- yet there aren't many choices or options open to them.  They can't just pack up and go exploring places they've always wanted to see because they have a strong obligation to take care of my grandfather.  My parents literally live for the times when they can see us -- yet I can't hep thinking that there has got to be more to life and living than just that itself.  I guess I can't solve the problem for them, but I can really see the effects of all the years with my grandfather working on them, and I really get depressed.

We haven't formalized any plans yet for Xmas vacation.  Morrey will have a long 4 day weekend over Xmas but with the gas shortage and all that I'm not sure whether we'll make the trip to PA.  Aside from being able to see my friends for a little visit at Xmas time there isn't much that Warren has to offer for us, and Morrey and I aren't too anxious to spend 4 days sitting around on our asses with nothing to do but twiddle our thumbs.  So, at this time I'm not too sure about any plans that we'll be making.  Pittsburgh is only a 3 hr ride from Columbus Paul, do you think you could come here for a short while over winter break?  We have an extra, unused bedroom which you'd be welcome to use, and we'd love to have you as our guest.

Well, I'd love to write some more but I've loads of papers sitting in front of me which I've had for 2 weeks and haven't graded yet, so I'm afraid I'll have to close for now.

Be well and take care Paul.  Write soon when you have a chance.  Let's continue to keep in touch.  "Old" friends are the best friends.

May 1, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

I received your letter yesterday and, as usual, was delighted to hear form you once again.  I should have taken the initiative to write to you sooner but I've sort of been up to my ears in work with the close of the school year at hand.  (I also had to wait till Morrey installed a new ribbon in the old typewriter since the old one was about shot!)  Glad to hear you're working -- sorry to hear you're not enjoying it much.  These days one has to be thankful to just have a paying job -- but I understand very well how miserable and frustrating it is to feel stifled and uncreative in a job -- I went that route before I started teaching.  So very glad to hear that you are going to grad school in the fall.  I envy you since I really want to go back myself and pick up all the courses I never could fit in which would assist me greatly in my present capacity.  I am planning on going back one of these days but I'd prefer to get my masters in one lump of time rather than in summer or at night.  Another great thing about your being in Pittsburgh is the fact that it is a simple 3 hr freeway ride from Pitt to Columbus and I'm hoping that you'll take advantage of that fact, and of the Prayzer hospitality and come for a visit once3 in awhile.  We absolutely adore our new place and it is much like having a house and Morrey and I are really enjoying it.

Getting rather domestic -- we finally purchased my "longed for" washer and dryer and I no longer have to make that awful trek to the laundry every Sunday which really irks me -- although Morrey and I have been very democratic and we take turns every other Sunday.  (women's lib, ha,ha!)  Gee Paul, I really do miss you (believe it or not) cause it seems like a year and a millenium since I had a chance to sit down with someone I could really talk intelligently with.  Sometimes I kind of yearn for the old days when we had time to sit around and "shoot the shit" so to speak.  Between my job, and our married life it's hard sometimes to sit down and really talk about anything other than "what we're doing tomorrow, and what we've got to do next week".

School is really getting to me -- it's that time of year again.  The kids are antsy and I am equally as antsy.  There are many facets of my job that can be extremely frustrating at times -- and lately I've had more of those times than I'd like.  I do very much enjoy my teaching and I feel as though I'm improving and getting somewhere,m but sometimes I feel really bogged down my it all and the good points seem far outweighed by the bad.  I've learned a lot this year and hope that the experience will benefit me next year -- ich -- next year -- I hate to think of it.  All I can think of at the moment is that long, peaceful, and kidless summer which lies ahead like a distant oasis in which I seek refuge!  (How's that for seeming literary?)

I am not planning on doing a darn thing constructive this summer.  It's back to being a good housewife and all that jazz -- which I can really enjoy as long as I know it lasts only 3 months!  Really, though, I'm planning on painting our basement, decorating it and the rest of the house for that matter!  I've got loads to do to keep me busy -- and I plan to really put a good deal of time just catching up with my reading.  I'm reading Eleanor and Franklin right now which is a good book but rather laborious reading.  I guess my tastes in reading run along the non-fiction, biography types.  I just finished reading My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok -- which is excellent and I really enjoyed it.  Morrey and I went to see "Soylent Green" over the weekend and I have never been so upset by a flick in my life.   It is so very realistic that it horrifies me to think about it -- but it is a must for you to see.

Morrey and I plan to spend a good deal of our vacation (the first two weeks in July) at the cottage in Warren and I'm hoping we get together for a few visits and "campfire chats", -- oops that should read "fireside"!  My parents are moving to an apartment in my grandfather's house in Jackson Street sometime this month.  It's the second house from the corner on Jackson right off of Conewango.  I think my mother will be much happier there and my father is fixing it up pretty nicely.  I'm sure that my dad would be more than glad to see you Paul if you ever have the desire to ride out to the cottage for awhile.  He's already opened the cottage for the summer and I know that you'd be a welcome sight to my dad since the days get pretty long and lonely for him.  Morrey and I will be home for Memorial Day weekend at the end of this month -- so please feel free to drop by the cottage then -- or call if you can't come.  The more the merrier as I've always said.

Well it's ten o'clock and I turn into a mean bitch (not a fairy princess) if I don't get enough sleep -- especially when I have to face those kids so early in the morning.  Sometimes they're enough to give a person "morning sickness" -- Don't worry I'm not pregnant!!

Please take care and be well Paul and write again soon when you can.  Sorry about the terrible, awful typing but I'm rushing to get everything said and therefore I'm careless with the way I type it out.  As long as you can read and comprehend, I won't worry about the grammatics.

March 6, 1973 (Letter from Renee)

Many thanks for your delightful and informative letter.  It sure was nice to be greeted by a letter rather than bills, bills, and more bills.

Morrey and I have moved our place of residence to a beautiful half-double with a real honest to goodness basement and garage.

Our new place is 5 minutes from where I teach.  I used to have to travel 30-40 minutes to get home at night.  We're really pleased with our new place -- it's very private and residential -- and, as usual, we're very happy.  We've been extremely busy lately and between moving and teaching I don't know which end is up, to tell the truth.  On March 16th I'll start a 1week spring vacation and I can hardly wait.  I'm not planning on coming to Warren cause I've got loads to do here -- like clean toilets and all that shit -- ha ha!

Life has been so hectic lately that I haven't had any chance to just sit back and reflect.  Haven't sat down to read a good book in ages.

My parents are coming out this weekend to visit.  They sold the building they're in and they'll be moving out of it by the 1st of August.  Things are rather indefinite with them now but they'll definitely stay in Warren although my dad will be retired.

Please feel free to come out and visit us anytime you have a few days to spare.  We're got plenty of room and you're always welcome.  Sorry this letter is so short -- but I'm in the middle of 15 different things -- as usual.  Will try to write again soon.  Please write to us.  Be well and take care.

October 5, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

Although I am sitting here at my desk with 150 test papers and an additional 150 essay papers to grade I just can't bring myself to sit here and dive into my work.  So here I am, writing a long overdue letter to a very dear friend -- which is something I would much rather do anyhow!

Everything is just super great with me.  I've never been happier teaching and I am very excited and motivated about my work.  As it turned out last year was like night as opposed to the day I am having teaching this year.  My kids are wonderful -- we get along just fine -- in fact, I don't even have one kid I can say I even slightly dislike.  I have learned to be myself in the classroom and it really is a pleasure to work with the kids.  I sort of have an honest policy with them -- I don't bullshit them and likewise they don't bullshit me.  For the first time ever I am excited about what materials I am teaching.  I am motivated to spend those extra hours at night to insure an interesting and productive class period(s) the next day.  I guess to sum it up I feel that at last I have a sense of direction.  I know where I am going, what I am doing, and what to expect from the kids.  If the teacher feels confident then half the battle is won.  Also, I can come home at night and be "ME" instead of the bitch grouch I was last year -- and Morrey  has really noticed the change for the better.  I keep wondering when this honeymoon with the kids will be over -- but so far all has gone well and I think I've got the kids on my side!

As for other things -- we've been quite busy -- attending parties, going to football games, shopping, going to classes at night (Morrey is), etc.  Right now Morrey is on his way to Warren with two of his friends for a three day fishing soiree.  I doubt very much if they catch any fish -- I think they are more interested in getting away from it all and having a good time with the "guys".  I really don't mind that Morrey goes cause it gives me a chance to be alone with myself which is quite a unique experience after being married for 3 years and hardly ever being apart.  It makes me feel sort of independent and responsible for myself and sometimes it is just nice to be by one's self and hold private conversations with yourself that you rarely ever do at any other time.  I guess I feel this way cause I have never ever been alone -- I always lived with somebody and had people around me -- so it is a unique and independent feeling.

Morrey and I just recently purchased a 1973 VW Superbeetle as our second car.  We now own two VW's -- one is cherry red and the other is kind of fiery orange.  They look cute next to each other in the parking lot -- they are cheap to run, and they run very well.  At any rate, we are very happy about having two cars since we were sharing one car until now and it made life quite inconvenient at times since we both work in different areas of the city and live quite a ways from where we work.  It is an added expense but a necessary evil.  That's another reason why I'm feeling so independent these days -- I have my own car and can move around to where I have to go without scheduling "my turn for the car" this week syndrome.

I am also tutoring a little 8th grade girl this year who has a learning disability.  She is just slightly brain damaged -- enough to make it difficult for her to grasp concepts, organize thoughts, take the part from the whole and put it back together again.  She really is a delight and very cooperative.  I make ten dollars a week tutoring and that's enough to pay for my gas back and forth to school each week.  Actually Morrey and I agreed that I could save the $50 a month that I make by tutoring since I would like to take some kind of pleasure trip during Xmas vacation and since Morrey cannot get away it would be unfair of me to take the money from either of our salaries to pay for it.  Right now we're pretty much in the hold again with the new car, $500 worth of crown work on my teeth, and bills for back to school clothes.  Oh well -- what's life without a few bills!  I never really worried about them before and I don't suppose I'll start right now.  We're both working so why should we skimp so that we can sit home and count our money for the day we retire.  The time to enjoy it is now while we are both young and healthy.  I guess our motto is "Broke, but happy!"

I am starting to get involved in a few more activities at school, and I am finding that the busier I am the more I like it and the more efficient I am at getting my work done.  I can be quite a procrastinator when I have nothing to do.

I am glad to hear that you are back at school finishing that last long stretch before you get the little piece of paper in your hot little hands that says "you're' OK".  I am also glad to hear that you enjoyed your experiences in California.  Sounds like you had a chance to find yourself out there and make some pretty important decision about the direction of your life.  In a way I regret never having to be on my own cause I fell that sometimes I lean to heavily upon Morrey for making decisions and taking responsibility.  I've always been very secure and more or less "protected" and I kind of wonder what the experience of "fending for myself" and being on my own would have added to my personality.   Oh well -- I'm me and I guess I'm not going to change a whole lot.

Believe it or not Paul I sometimes still feel like a "kid" -- like I'm still learning what "growing up and maturing are all about".  I guess that when I was a kid I thought everyone was automatically a "grownup" when they were 21 --- well --- some of us take a little longer and I don't feel in any way that I have completely finished that "Growing up" stage just yet.  I'm still basically insecure about myself -- still searching to find out about me and why I do what I do and why I act like I act.  Funny, Morrey knows me better than I know me -- and it is a disquieting feeling at times.  I am so easily swayed by other people's ideas and opinions, I feel that I am not creative enough, sometimes I actually feel really stupid -- like how did I ever manage to get a college degree?  I'm really not attempting to put myself down in any way Paul -- I guess I'm just stating some of the anxieties I am feeling about myself.  There is so much to do in life -- so many things to be accomplished, I'm just so afraid that I will become comfortable with the "me" here and now that I'll quite trying to become a better person -- a more intelligent, wise, thoughtful, and creative one.  I feel like I have lots to give yet I am afraid to becoming static, satisfied with my pleasant surroundings and the status-quo. I guess to sum it up a psychiatrist would probably say that I'm still growing up!  (My conclusion precisely my dear Watson!)

Well, I've gone on and on about me and you'll probably think I'm a real self-centered egomaniac.  I do enjoy our correspondence so very much.  I really treasure the letters I receive from you and I don't feel that I have to write back out of politeness -- but because I really want to.  I know typing, spelling and punctuation are atrocious -- especially from an English teacher, but I kind of write what I feel and to hell with the formalities of English composition!!  (Mrs. Coe will you ever forgive me?)

Must get back to those nasty compositions I have to grade.

Be well Paul!  Take care and write soon.  Also, when can you get out here to visit us?  I can't write as much as I can talk!  (how true -- how true!)