June 26, 1972 (Letter from Renee)

It seems hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I last heard from you or spoke to you.  I was so very pleased to receive the letter from you this week.  I have often wondered just exactly what you've been up to and I'm also very glad to know that you think enough of me to keep up correspondence -- even though we both have been pretty lax.  I always enjoy your letters and it is a really nice feeling to know that at least one of my hometown friends still wants to keep in touch with me.

I really don't know where to begin to tell you about my life since the last time we talked with one another.  A lot happens in a year.  I may as well start at the beginning -- so here it is!

After I graduated from OSU last year I looked for a job almost the entire summer.  I had decided that teaching was really not for me and I didn't really care to pursue a teaching career.  I guess I had just had it up to my ears with school and I thought it would be nice to come home at 5 o'clock without any worries.  Well, I took a job as a secretary with a big savings and loan company here in Columbus in the downtown office.  What a fateful mistake that was!  I absolutely abhorred my job, couldn't stand my idiot of a boss, didn't feel any sort of satisfaction in what I was doing -- and in general was a lousy secretary.  I worked in the savings and loan from August to November and then I said so long and goodby to the world of business.  At that point I felt like a failure already since I wasn't too successful on my first job venture.  I guess my main problem was that I felt no satisfaction in the job I was doing and really felt like I was helping achieve a big zero.  At any rate, at that point I decided the only way to find out if I really had any knack for teaching was to apply for a job.  It wasn't too easy looking for a full time teaching job in the middle of the year but I plodded along sending applications everywhere in Columbus.  I really struck it lucky though cause I got a position in the wealthiest suburbs of Columbus called Upper Arlington teaching 5 classes of 8th grade English full time.  The teacher I replaced got pregnant and I happened to be in the right place at the right time looking for a job.  Needless to say the pay was super GREAT compared to working as a secretary -- but pay wasn't all that I was really looking for.  It was a difficult task to take over classes during midyear but I survived and I'm still wondering how.  I really do like the school that I teach at.  It is relatively new, the faculty is extremely conscientious and talented, and the materials available and general environment make it quite pleasant to say the least.  I had my moments as a beginning teacher when I thought I would lose my sanity or lose my job -- and the kids weren't terribly cooperative.  They wanted to play games to see how much they could get away with -- but I suppose I've weathered that storm too.  I am not terribly pleased with the quality of my teaching work this year but I am looking forward to going back and starting fresh in the fall.  I guess I've kind of learned all the little do's and don'ts that go along with disciplining and behavioral problems.  Once a teacher has thorough knowledge of her subject matter (which I didn't) then she has half the battle licked.  Between not feeling terribly secure with the subject matter and never having to discipline anyone before, I sure had quite a time of it -- but I had lots of encouragement along the way from other teachers and mostly from my husband.

At any rate Upper Arlington liked me enough to renew my contract for next year and I got a $250 pay raise to boot so I'm not complaining.

I am doing absolutely nothing this summer except being a housewife -- fooling around, reading a lot, cleaning, cooking, swimming and just plain being me.  I made some grandiose plans for all that I was going to accomplish this summer but so far I haven't done much in the way of carrying them out.

Morrey and I are still living in the same apartment on Shanley Drive -- we've finally gotten our apartment to look the way we want it to and to suit out comforts to a T.  Needless to say I am still very happily married and fell very secure and quite content with life as it is right now.  For the first time since we've been married (which is two years) Morrey and I are enjoying freedom from financial worries -- we're not millionaires but our bills are finally all paid and  we have a little to spare for the things we want.  I would like to go back to school  I really wanted a rest from any kind of mental work and Morrey makes few demands upon me and gives me complete freedom to do what I want when I want.  We really do have an ideal marriage-- and we sure do know a lot of screwed up people -- so we're glad to have each other.  It is really unique but my husband really is my best friend and confidant and there is no one else in the world whom I enjoy being with more than he.  I suppose perhaps that this might all seem rather corny to you -- but we re very happy, comfortable, and secure. I guess one might say we've found our "niche" in life.

In your letter you referred to feeling old -- well my friend, would you believe that my high school class reunion is the 19th of August!  I really do know that I am finally a member of the next generation when I got the invitation to my reunion.  Morrey and I are planning on going -- although I am willing to bet that it will be a boring evening for him and a disappointing one for me.  I really never was very close to any of my high school classmates -- but curiosity killed the cat and I am anxious to see them and hear about what they are doing with their lives.

I was glad to hear that Barb was successful in Boston and really making a go of it.  I feel very badly about her mother's illness and wish that there were something I could do.  As for Mardi -- I probably never will see her again and she has sort of drifted in her own chosen direction.  It is a shame that her life is kind of a mess right now and I wish the best for her.  As for Mike -- the last time I saw him he was too much for me and I'm not really ever impressed by collegiate name droppers -- they are amusing but not very intellectually stimulating to say the least.  Mike seems like one of those late bloomers who will finally grow up when he's about 35.  I saw Mark Van Volkinburg last fall before he got married.  We were supposed to go to his wedding but it was too long of  trip and we didn't have much money for such trips at that time.  He's kind of had a rough go of it in the last 2 years from what he told me but I still like him a lot and he has some very fine and sensitive qualities that make him a nice person to know.  I had met his wife (she came to our wedding with him) and she was a real doll so I hope that they are making it together.  I am wondering whatever happened to Joan Piccirillo and I hope that maybe you can fill me in on some of the details.

I was disappointed that you didn't make it to Columbus last summer and I hope that perhaps on your way back from California you can come here and stay with us for awhile.  We have plenty of room and you are always welcome.  I would be delighted to have you as our guest and I hope that you can arrange to come out here whenever you have a chance.  Just drop me a line or give me a call to let me know when you are coming.

Well Paul, I can't really think of much more to tell you that I haven't said already.  I hope that we can continue to write to each other.  Morrey and I plan to be in Columbus for quite awhile and we will still be at the same address so please try to keep in touch.

June 29, 1971 (Letter from Renee)

I must sincerely apologize for not responding to your letter much sooner, but with the onset of graduation and about a million other things I had to put off writing until I had time to really give it my full concentration and take all the time I needed.  So much has happened over the last few months that I really don't know where to begin to tell you about "The Days of our Lives' (ha, ha!)

First of all,  let me say that I have never been happier in my whole life than I am right now.  Our marriage is really a beautiful thing and each passing day it becomes more meaningful and more enjoyable.  I finally got that old diploma into my hot little hands on June 11 and we really celebrated for about a week.  My parents came down for graduation, Morrey's family came, all of our friends partied with us and we just had one hell of a hopping good time.  I still can't believe that I don't have to go to school any more and every day now I expect to see fee cards in the mail for another quarter.  It is absolutely wonderful not to have anything on my mind and not to have to worry about grades, papers, and tests any longer.  By the same token it is still quite an eerie feeling to know that the good old college days are gone and that I am supposed to be a responsible adult out in that great big ugly word right now.  I graduated with a solid 3.0 accum but it hasn't done me a hell of a lot of good in finding a job.  I keep fluctuating between a desire to give teaching at least a try and a repulsion against all the hogwash and stupidity of the way the schools are run in the first place.  I too, Paul, am searching for the answer to "what's it all about and what am I all about" -- but thank God I have a very devoted and loving husband who gives me the security and confidence I need to cope with the situation.   It seems unreal that 4 y ears ago everyone was saying "Go to college and they'll be knocking at your door to offer you a job."  BULLSHIT!  In Columbus the situation is pretty bad job-wise and one can pound his fists on lots of doors and still not come up with a decent job.  For the mean time, I am enjoying just being plan Mrs. Prayzer, housewife and fun-lover and I'm having the time of my life -- but this kind of heaven can't possibly last forever and for financial reasons as well as the fact that I'll soon be bored here by myself all day -- I must find a job.  One of the reasons I don't want to teach is that I am very selfish about my evenings and I don't think I could stand having to do schoolwork at night any longer -- 4 years of it was enough and I want to enjoy my evenings with my husband without a guilty conscience.  I guess I'm looking for a straight 9 to 5 job in an office doing some sort of personnel work.  I am not in any big rush yet so I can take my time in finding a job that I like.

Morrey and I just got back from a week's vacation.  Spent 4 days in Chicago at my brother's and 2 days in Wisconsin.  Had a lot of fun in Chicago -- big brother took us to a lot of neat pubs and drinking places -- as well as other fun sights.  Then Morrey and I drove to Madison, Wisc. and stayed overnight there.  The campus of the U. of Wisconsin is unbelievably and absolutely gorgeous.  The campus is right on a lake and all the frats and sororities houses are like resorts on a lake.  Then we went to Wisconsin Dells which is a very scenic and pleasant place to visit.  Bought lots of cheese in Wisc and lots of booze in Chicago since it is very inexpensive there-- and since we've been doing a lot of socializing and drinking here at home.

We have really been lucky and made a lot of really great friends here in our apartment complex.  They are mostly young couples our age or older and our social life has really picked up in the last 3 months.  Last winter I was crying my eyes out because we had very few friends and not much to do socially or otherwise -- but now the situation has changed entirely and Morrey and I are hardly ever without company or friends around to do things with.  I never could stand being anti-social in my "Warren" days so I guess this is a carry-over from that.  We love our apartment because of the facilities her -- the pool, clubhouse, basketball courts and tennis -- never a dull moment.  The partyhouse is really beautiful with a wood burning fireplace and we intend to use it often this summer for parties.  Had one big party this spring -- a fondue party -- took out all of the furniture from our living room and everyone sat on cushions on the floor around a big platform we made with all kinds of various fondues and junk to eat and drink.  Went through a case of wine and I've never been so inebriated in my life.  Everybody finally conked out on our floor and Morrey put me to bed, but we had a lively time of it!!

I was surprised to hear the news about Joan -- but it all adds up to knowing her. I hope she is happy being married yet I have my serious doubts as to whether she was ready for it and if she can or could cope with it.  Haven't kept in touch with the rest of the gang besides you at all.  My mother told me that Mark had a nervous breakdown -- but I don't think her courses were reliable. I do know that he is spending the summer in Warren as a lifeguard at the pool.

As for Mardi and Barb I have to honestly say I could care less -- and I don't mean to sound stuck up or conceited about it at all.  I never was "with it" in their circle and I don't much give a damn anyhow.  I hope Barb is making something out of herself besides a bum -- cause she sure was headed in that direction when I last saw her.  I wish Mardi the best yet I have my doubts about her too.  I guess they just aren't my kind of people anymore cause I just can't see much substance to them.  They were fun to hang around with but those days are long gone and almost forgotten.  My opinion of Mike isn't much and I grow rather sick of "being impressed" each time I talk to him.  To me, Mike lacks any knowledge of reality and what this world is all about anyway -- besides fraternities and his "good school chums".  I don't' mean to sound anything but honest and if I have offended you I sincerely apologize.  Let's suffice it to say that our friendship Paul, I hope, will always exist and perhaps grow stronger as we grow older and mature.  If it sounds freaky to say "I like your mind and the way you think" let it sound freaky but I sincerely mean it.  I thoroughly enjoy your letters and your style of writing is really something else.  You are one of the most sincere and truly honest poeple I know of have known -- and there is a certain charm about you -- whether it be just plain intelligence plus personality or what -- I really do admire and respect you -- what's more I really like you!!  END sermon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do hope you can find time to come out and visit us sometime this summer.  As I've said before we have an extra bedroom -- lots of food and booze and I (we) really would enjoy having you as our guest.  Now that Morrey and I are settled down we've really found a lot of fun things to do here in Columbus -- and for the most part they are relatively inexpensive.  We're certainly not ready for our rocking chairs yet -- and just because we're settled down doesn't mean we're party poopers who retire on the dot at 11!!!  So --- please come out and stay with us for awhile if you can.  Just let me know when you are coming and I'll dust off the red carpet.  Bring a friend (either sex) if you'd like -- we've got lots of room!

Well, I started to write a letter and I've written a chapter and I have many more yet to write so I"ll close for now.  Please excuse the miserable typing and unforgivable spelling and punctuation errors -- I'm just not in the mood to be very formal in my writings just yet.

Well Paul, be good and take care -- WRITE AGAIN SOON.

October 23, 1970 (Letter from Renee)

I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to write back to you but I have been most busy since school began.  I am doing my student teaching at a junior high school (9th grade) this quarter and between correcting papers, doing lesson plans, attending my own classes on campus, and keeping our home in some semblance of order I find little time for much of anything else.  I don't think I have ever been so busy before -- and so tired at the same time.

Everything is fine with Morrey and I.  We LIVE for the weekends when we both can relax and forget bout everything.  Morrey and I hope to stay in Columbus one more year and then we are planning on moving to Atlanta, Georgia.  We have to wait until we can get on our feet financially though.  Out of necessity we bought a new car.  A Volkswagon automatic stick shift is what we got and I simply adore it.  I never knew such pleasure in parking before in my life as I have with our little red bug.  I'm hell on wheels!

Student teaching is really a chore.  It's exciting, and educational, yet it is a very insecure feeling -- cause now I'm beginning to realize all the things I've forgotten.  I feel like I could go home and read every nite for a year and still not have enough knowledge to use and bring to the classroom.  The Columbus public schools are really bad.  The system, stinks and is rotten to the core.  The schools are more like jails than institutions of higher learning.  The quality of the education the kids get in Columbus is many times below the kinds of experience that we were fortunate to receive in Warren.  Although Warren might be a hold in the wall as far as things to do for kids, it sure has some of the best teachers, administrators, and buildings that anyone would want.  I'm beginning to realize why college wasn't so tough on me like I thought it would be.  Half of the kids who go to school in Columbus and then go to Ohio State don't know their asses from a hole in the ground, and couldn't write a decent sentence, paragraph, or letter if their lives depended on it.  If anything Paul, we were really fortunate to have had the good educational background from the Warren schools.  Just come to the school I'm teaching in and you'll know what I'm talking about.  I thought I'd really like to be a teacher, and that teaching would be a real challenge but from what I've seen so far, I want no part of it in the future and I'm going to look for a job elsewhere.  It's all a big face.  Ha!  "The great American dream!"  Well, enough about school.

My parents were out last week to visit and Morrey was lucky enough to get tickets for the Ohio State vs. Minnesota game.  My dad really grooved on going to the game and I was pleased that we were able to get tickets.

In June, after I graduate, I think my mother and I will be going to Europe and on to Israel for a 3 or 4 week tour.  My grandfather wanted to do this as a graduation present for me -- and I'm really excited about it.  Morrey has two uncles in Israel so I'm sure it will be fun.  Unfortunately, Morrey wont' be able to go with us because of his job and also cause we can't afford it right now.  He wants me to go though, and I just might take him up on it.  It's really hard to believe that I will finally graduate in June.  It seems like I've been in college for ever and a day, and pretty soon I'll be facing that big cruel world out there.

I doubt very much if we'll be home for Xmas cause Morrey has to work, and I'm going to try to find a part time job since I have a month off.  I do hope though that you will be able to come out and visit us whenever you have a chance.  We have an extra bedroom and you're always welcome to come.  For Thanksgiving we're going to Chicago for a 5 day weekend, which should really be fun.  Morrey and I have never been there before and we're kind of looking forward to the trip.

Well Paul, I've yaked and yaked bout myself and I hope I've filled you in on what we're doing.  I must go back to grading papers for now.  Be good and take care-- and let me hear from you again very soon.

February 17, 1970 (Letter from Renee)

As usual it was a pleasure to receive your letter, you have a most unique and enjoyable style -- very free and uninhibited -- I approve!  My boss doesn't have a whole hell of a lot for me to do and he's bash yacking to someone so I decided to be very prompt for a change and write back.

Morrey and I went home to Warren this last weekend to finish up our wedding invitations and get them ready to mail.  You should be receiving yours sometime next week.  It took us four hours of writing, stuffing, stamping and licking to finish up the invitation s from my side of the family list alone.  We did Morrey's parents' list last weekend in Lorain.

I am so fed up with wedding plans and garbage that I am just about ready to tell a few people (my mother-in-law in particular0) just what to do with themselves.  I got my gown and my bridesmaids gowns, etc., ordered the flowers, the photographer, the orchestra and made all the arrangements with the caterers.  The major details aren't so bad to handle, it's just all the little shit that bugs me.  I think I'll be too "fuckin" tired to mess around on m y wedding night -- besides it will be nothing new to me -- just a little more legal I would say.  Morrey has been just great through all this and I love him more every day.  I am extremely happy as far as the two of us are concerned, and that's what is most important.

My car gave me all kinds of trouble and my dad came to get it and it broke down in Cleveland never to start again.  He returned to Cleveland on Monday and got it going and took it home to be fixed.  It's a read dud, but I sure do miss having it.  I should get it back in another month or so.  Morrey and I are planning on buying a new car with our wedding money, so I hope we'll have a little left over after the honeymoon to do it.  I am truly sorry to hear about your car troubles too, but I guess we all must have our problems.  As far as your getting to the wedding Paul, if you take a bus into Cleveland and let us know when it arrives, we can arrange to pick you up, as long as it isn't after 2 in the afternoon on Saturday.  If you can make it on Friday nite it would be better.  Please let me know, and also let me know if you want hotel reservations.  It costs 9.50 per night at the hotel where you will be staying, so I just wanted you to be prepared, OK?

As far as school goes this quarter I'm really doing shitty and I doubt if I'll pull much more than a 2.0 -- and that's if I'm lucky.  Between school and work and keeping the apt picked up and making meals I don't find much time left for studying  and believe me my grades are suffering -- but there's not much I can do.  We haven't spent a weekend in Columbus since I don't know when cause we've been going to Lorain to finish up wedding plans.  It's going to be really gala affair, Paul, with cocktails, dinner, champagne, dancing and the whole bit.  I will be extremely disappointed if you don't' come.

I got a letter from Barb Lucia telling me all her problems, which, frankly, I could care less about.  She never was one of my favorite people.  I crossed her name off my invitation list, but she wrote to tell me she was planning on coming so I guess I'll have to send one anyhow.  At $10.00 a head for the dinner this wedding is going to be a very expensive affair.  As long as I don't have to pay the tab I guess I don't mind very much.

If John and June come to the wedding, which I think they will, you can always hitch a ride with them.  June might just come by herself and would want someone to drive with her so please contact them at 21 Lorfield Drive, Snyder and see what their plans might be.  I am sure they wouldn't mind having you come with them at all, and I would be eternally grateful.

Also, Paul, I moved in with Morrey about a month ago cause I just couldn't hack my roommates much longer, and we couldn't see paying rent in 2 different places.  My parents agreed without any grief about it, so it worked out OK!  From now on please write to me at the Shanley Drive address.

Well I've got to go cause it's almost 5 and I have to take Morrey downtown so he can to go his classes.

Please take care and write again soon when the spirit moves you.  Please let me know your plans for April 4???

December 31, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I wanted to surprise you and be the first to write, since it usually works out the other way around.

I was really glad to see you when I was home.  I must admit that I wasn't exactly in my "usual" self cause I had a lot of pain from my teeth and the medication was making me very dizzy and sleepy.  I kind of sat around home for most of the vacation cause I didn't have a whole lot of get up and go.  Perhaps the next time we get together we can whoop it up a little.

The trip back to Columbus was a little hairy cause the roads were pretty bad, but we finally made it.  I didn't mind the driving but, again, m y mouth was killing me so I didn't exactly enjoy it altogether.  Our apartment looks beautiful with all the new furnishings and we're very pleased with our first "home".  I really hope that you can find the time to come out for a visit one of these days cause we'd love to have y ou as our guest and we have an extra bedroom -- which serves as a guest room and den.

I had Toni Pace over to dinner last night and we had a great time.  I made steak, baked potatoes, salad, and the whole deal and had a splendiferous chocolate butter cake for dessert.  It's really nice to be able to entertain and heave guests for dinner with ease -- and I don't' like to entertain.

I'm at work now and my boss is out to lunch and I have nothing much to do, so I'm catching up on my letter writing.  I think my boss was glad to have me back cause he couldn't leave the office last week cause I wasn't here to cover.  It's really peaceful and quiet here since everyone is still home on vacation.  Morrey and I are going to Lorain tonight to go to a wild New Years Eve party, and we'll stay at his house probably till Sunday.  That will give me a chance to get a few things out of the way concerning our wedding plans.  Speaking of our wedding, I'm thrilled that you will make it, cause I would like nothing more than seeing my close friends there when I make the big step!!

I got my grades Tuesday and I didn't believe it but I got a 3.6 which is way above Dean's list.  I always said  I would make Dean's List someday -- and my dream came true.  I had 2 A's and a B.  The 3.6 is my quarter accum, and my overall accum is a 3/2 so I'm not complaining.

Tonight is New Years Eve and I'll be thinking of you and the gang and our former New Years Eves together.  Times changes all -- isn't that true?

I have to go and get my schedule changed and buy books one of these days. I'm not really looking forward to another quarter of grueling work, but thank goodness this will be my last quarter until June!

My little car (Snow White) made the trip out here just beautifully and I really enjoy having it.  I haven't driven it too much besides to work and back cause the roads out here are pretty icy.  Last night it rained and then the rain froze, so you can imagine what the roads are like.

Well, I'd better get on the ball and get something done around here before the boss gets back.

Please take care, Paul, and keep in touch -- even if you only write once in a great while -- your letters are appreciated.  I'm wishing you much good luck with your finals.

November 8, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

Got your letter the other day but have been swamped with work.  Went to the drug store to buy you a birthday card and all they had were shitty flowery ones so I guess you'll have to accept my somewhat belated but most sincere birthday wishes.  How's it feel to be 2 decades old?

I just finished filling out my schedule cards for next quarter.  I've already got 128 hours in and after this quarter I'll have 65 more hours to go -- or 4 quarters till I graduate.  Whoopie.  I'm getting fed up with school and I'm getting sick of going to classes and doing shitty busy work.

I have an appointment with the gynecologist next week to get examined and get birth control pills cause I'm tired of getting scared every month when my period is due.  Morrey and I really want to get married soon cause we practically live together anyway and I'm sick of both his and my roommates.  I love him very much -- like I've never loved before -- and I'm sure it's the real thing.

Here I sit writing letters and I've got a paper due Thurs.  I could care less. Boy am I ever APATHETIC!

I won't be coming home for Thanksgiving cause my parents are coming here instead and I plan on working here full time during Xmas vacation.  I'd go out of my mind in Warren w/out Morrey for more than 2 days.   Ah love -- how sweet it is!

You never told me if you were still a virgin?  I guess it's none of my damn business, but I'm just a little bit inquisitive.  I know that i save mine until I was sure I had found the one and only man I loved.  We were both virgins.  So it was fun to adventure together, if you know what I mean.

Have you declared a major yet?  If so, what the hell is it?

I agree with you about Mardi and Barb.  They'll never get anywhere sitting on their asses and talking about it.  Actions speak louder than words.

Well, I got to get to work.  Will write again more extensively when I have time.  Please keep in touch and come visit us anytime you'd like.  Even bring a friend (as long as it isn't Mike!)  Keep in touch.

October 23, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I was certainly glad to year from you, cause I wasn't too sure of your address either, and to tell the truth, it's getting kind of difficult to find time to write.  I am, however, living at the same apartment.

I know what you mean Paul, when you say that the old group is breaking up, and to tell the truth, I am past the point of really caring about people like Mike and Mardi and Joan and Barb, because my life is so different than theirs, and as far as I'm concerned they are very shallow people who have nothing to really offer me in the way of friendship any longer.   However, I do intend to keep our relationship going, even if we both are kind of lax in letter writing.  I, too, am quite friendly with Mark, and you, because you both have something substantial to offer me as close friends.  When I think back of past experiences, you and Mark were the only two real friends I had in my high school days, and the rest were acquaintances who thrived on using me for one reason or another.  I don't know Paul, maybe we both have grown up a lot, and I think we have, cause you seem to be expressing the same sort of callousness about past friends as I do, and that stems from the general attitude "I could care less about them".

I was home for 2 weeks at the beginning of Sept., but I didn't see Mike or Mardi or anyone.  I talked to Frat Rat Mike on the phone and he tried to impress me that he was so superior to the "Warren crowd", and he told me that he was fed up with everyone and everything.  Typically Mike, huh?  Mike's in love with himself and always was; only I just recently discovered this fact -- unfortunately about 3 years too late.  I have no fond words for Mardi or Barb either.  Mardi is heading for real trouble and confusion, and it's about time she stopped fooling around and looking for kicks, and set herself straight about what life is really like in the cruel, cruel world!!  Enough of my psychoanalyzing for now -- it won't do anyone much good anyhow.

I was glad to hear that your summer experience was good, and that it brought you out of your coon's shell.  (????)  I really wish that you and I could get together for a long, long talk, cause you wouldn't believe how much my ideas have changed, and my attitudes toward things in general.  I'm a new person, Paul, and I think you'd like the "NEW" me better than the Renee you knew two years ago!!

Thank you for the congrats on my engagement.  I am most happy and very much in love, secure, and well-balanced too for a change.  Morrey is just wonderful to me, and we get along really great.  We're planning on getting married next fall so I hope you can make the wedding (if I don't end up pregnant before then, heaven forbid).  I've got 76 more hours till graduation, so I'll probably graduate next March if all goes well.

I also have a job this quarter, and for the rest of the year.  I work as a secretary in my landlord's office, which also happens to be a plumbing warehouse and business.  I love my job cause I don't do much besides sit on my can and go out for coffee once in a while, and keep all my boss' bachelor friends happy with my gross jokes, etc.  My boss is a bachelor and a real cool head, and I can hardly believe that I'm getting paid 1.50 to come in here and have a good time.  When he doesn't give me any work to do, I can write letters on his stationary to my friends, or read, or study, or type my own papers.  Cool, eh?

Well I gotta go cause my boss is talking to me.  Write soon.

July 21, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I've thought about writing to you several times in the past week or two -- but every time I thought about it I couldn't come up with anything of real interest to say.  Well, my guilty conscience got the get of me and I decided to sit down and write anyway.  I'm all through with classes for the week cause I don't have any classes on Fridays and all my classes for Monday were cancelled because of the moon landing.  I've got a nice four day weekend with nothing to do but loaf around and possibly get work done which I've neglected to do so far this quarter.  I've got more papers to write than Carter ever had little liver pills -- and I'm sick at the thought of what's left to do for the next 5 weeks!  UGH!!!!

I didn't know you were home for the 4th of July or I would have called cause I was home too.  I was busy with Morrey and his folks so I really didn't have much time to socialize in any other capacity.

I do like summer school much better than what it's like down here during the regular yea r-- but it is kind of getting to be a drag and a pain and I'm anxiously awaiting its end.  My courses are the toughest I've had so far, and my autumn started all over again this quarter so I'm really under pressure for the grades.

My social life is just fine, I guess.  I don't know if it has ever happened to you before, but I feel Morrey and I are in a big rut socially and I'm getting tired of seeing movies, eating, and making passion!  That's not to say I'm tired of Morrey or that he's tired of me, I love him and I know he loves me, but I'm just kind of bored with things lately and I'd like to get out or away and "Groove" for awhile.  This business of going to school all year round is for the birds -- and it seems as though I'll never ever be done with school.  I've got six quarters to go after this one, and it seems like an eternity from now.  Gee, how I wish I could see you again cause I really miss our little talks!!

I don't know whether it's the hot weather or what but I really have been a bitch lately and I'm beginning to get pangs of guilt about it.  There's some kind of spirit inside me that makes me want to travel and get away, look at new places and new faces.  I guess I'll probably never stop feeling that way, and that's probably what makes the world go round -- but I'm kind of sick of taking directions, doing what I'm told and conforming to accepted patterns, etc,etc,etc, -- ad infinatum!  Well enough of my bitching for now.

What are your plans for vacation after summer school is over?  I'll have three weeks from Sept 7 till the first of Oct with nothing to do, and I can hardly bear the thought of spending my time idling around in shitty old Warren.  I particularly want to avoid the old groove with Mike and his shenanigans.  The last time I saw him when we were all together he kind of turned my stomach.  Who is he trying to impress anyway with his frat rat crap anyway???  I haven't heard from Mardi in eons, but I suppose that's cause I haven't written to her either.  I heard she was in the hospital - what's the story???  Out of our whole group you and Mark are still my friends and confidants, and I hope it stays that way, cause I think our friendship are worthwhile, understanding and lasting.  What sayeth the mighty Paul, eh???

If my sources are correct (my roommates that is) I think Morrey is going to give me a ring for my birthday (Aug 20th).  I'm really excited about it, and I'm trying not to let on to Morrey that I know!!  I'm not planning on getting married for another year or two if I have my way, but Morrey is much more in a hurry than I!  Hell, I'm not ready to get really tied down to good old middle class married life until I've seen and done a few things on my own, like teach for awhile and earn my own bread and wine.  At the rate things are going now with Morrey, I'd be pulling a better salary than he if I taught, and that just won't do for starters, so I'm perfectly content to wait until he can support me fully in his own.  Sound OK to you?? Maybe the ouija board was right when it said I was going to be the first one to get married, ya never know!  At least you'll get a chance to see a real Jewish shindig of a wedding, Paul.  Any comment?

I can't really think of anything more to say, and I've probably bored the hell out of you with my bitching so I'll close for now.  Please be a good guy (don't take after me) and write real soon.  OK?

June 27, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

Believe it or not I'm actually writing you a letter.  I have been so very busy with classes and papers to write that I haven't had much time to think or do much of anything else.  We're all settled in our apartment and are very pleased and thrilled with our new experiences in apartment living.  I'm beginning to experiment cooking and so far neither of my two roommates have died from food poisoning yet.  Remember -- I said  -- not YET!

I got my hours all straightened out and I now have 87 hrs left til I graduate -- which means I'll graduate in June 1971.  It seems millions of years away right now -- but I suppose it'll be creeping up on my before I know it and I'll have to go out in to the cold harsh world to earn my bread.

Poor Morrey stayed up half the night last night helping me write a paper.  He's really unbelievably good at writing a bunch of junk that sounds pretty darn intelligent even though it doesn't say anything.

I really don't know what to say about your experience with grass, Paul.  I certainly don't condemn you for it, or think any less of you because of it.  It's your life, Paul, and your own perogative.  I have plenty of confidence in you to know that you can handle yourself as a mature person -- and I know you aren't about to fly off the handle and do anything foolish or harmful.  I've never smoked the stuff myself -- and don't have any real desire to.  I have a philosophy that any new or untried experience can be beneficial -- if it's used in moderation and serves its purpose.  To each his own and do you own thing is what I have to say.  OK?

Anyway Paul, one nice thing we've always had about our relationship is that we've felt free and uninhibited in discussing anything that comes up in the course of a conversation.  I hope it will always stay that way, cause I really value your friendship -- and I hope you know that I respect your opinions and judgments.

Well, Paul, I'd better sign off now cause I've got to catch up on some reading.  Please write again when you have time.  I always enjoy your letters and like to hear from you on a regular basis.

April 21, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

It's the boobie baby here to write you a note and tell ya I'm thinking of you -- even though I haven't been the world's best letter writer lately.

Guess what -- yet -- I'm in love!  (Ooo, such strange words coming from my purple passion pen!)  In another two years I doubt if I'll be a "Miss" any longer!  Hope, I'm not engaged to Morrey yet, but I expect to be before the year is over.  How's that grab ya baby?  I guess you and I will just have to cool our summer romances cause baby, I can handle only one at a time -- please!  Enuf of that gushy stuff.  How've you been?  My classes are neat for a change and maybe I can manage to pull a 3 point accum this quarter.  Never know till ya try.

It's like summer out here already and we've been having picnics and love-outs etc.etc.  What a way to go---!

What's new w/ you and what do you hear from our old gang from the sexed sinned city of the East -- Warren, Pa?  Sorry I couldn't get to see everyone when I was home cause I didn't have too much time.  Besides, if good old Mike and Mod and the rest wanted to see me bad enuf they could have called or come up.  They never needed an invitation before.

Have you decided what to do this summer?  If so, what?  Let me guess, I bet you're going to open a house of ill repute for sex starved women and the like.  Huh?  You're just the man for the job my boy!

Boy am I in a horny, nasty mood.  Guess I better go call Morrey and get some Good Lovin!!!  Nope, I gotta study for a change instead.  Well, I've got to finish reading Moby Dick tonight and I've only got 70 pages out of  700 to read so I've got 630 to go.  Be good and take care (of your precious thing!)

February 17, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I had every intention of coming to see you today before I flew back to Columbus, but I got screwed up with plane reservation and had to leave as soon as I got to Buffalo.  I had called our parents and asked them if they wanted to send you anything.  Your mother said you'd never wanted anything before, but I told her it was Valentine's Day and that you'd probably appreciate a package from home.  Went over to pick up the pkg and ended up talking to your folks for an hour.  Your Mom and Dad are very nice Paul, and I think you should be pleased to have such good parents!  Anyway, my father promised to deliver the package, so I hope you've received it by now.

I'm absolutely exhausted tonight and it seems as though I've been traveling for a week.  Didn't do much when I was home for the weekend except to go to the dentist.  I spent 2 1/2 hours in the dentist's chair before I was finally through. Boy it sure feels good to be able to chew on both sides of my mouth now.  I also went shopping and bought a few things which I needed.  My trip home certainly wasn't a cheap one as far as my parents were concerned.  The transportation both ways came mto $37, I spent $29 shopping plus $10 my grandfather gave me, plus $41 at the ole dentist.  Geese!   Now I know why I don't go home very often.

Nothing much new here, and I haven't been here for three days.  Morrey picked me up at the aitport and we went back to his apartment for a little lovin before I came to the dorm.  Mmmm!  I swear -- I'm oversexed lately!

Don't know what's up with Mike, the bastard.  I wrote him a letter and sent him some pictures and he never wrote back.  It's his own damn fault if he never gets any mail.  Maybe he doesn't want to hear from me anyway.

Saw Mrs. Peroski, and she's just fine.  She said Mardi might come home around the 26th of March.

I think I told you I'll be going to summer school here this summer, mostly cause there's not much to do in Warren -- yich!  Your parents said you were thinking of staying in Buffalo.  What's up?

Sorry this letter is such a drag.  I'll try to write w/ a little more style and a lot more to say next time.  Until then, lots of lovin.

P.S.  Thanks for the Valentine.  I really laughed.

February 13, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I really apologize for not writing sooner but I had lost my address book and didn't have anyone's address -- no joke.  By accident I found it yesterday amidst all my junk and I sure was relieved.

I had 2 midterms this week that I killed myself studying for but it didn't do me much good cause the tests were absolute "bitches".  Sometimes you just can't win - and lately I haven't been doing too much winning.  Blak!

Paul, my life is so damn mixed-up that I don't know what the hell I'm doing half the time.  I finally decided upon major which is English in secondary education.  At the moment i guess I'm pretty pleased about that -- if I'm not pleased -- at least I'm relieved.

I started dating Morrey again last week.  At the moment I'm not too sure how I feel about it.  I thought it might work out -- but already I'm beginning to have my doubts.  Se what I mean about being mixed up?

By the way -- I'd like to get something straight between us, all 6 inches of it.  I've been so horny lately that it's driving me crazy. Just can't get enough I guess!

I've got a shitty paper due Monday in English which I haven't started yet -- and have little ambition to complete.  I really like my courses but school is getting to be a real drag.

I'm thinking about applying to Penn State for summer school and have my credits transferred back here -- cause it would be cheaper to go there and take a light course load than it would be to go here.  Got to get busy and start writing a few letters this week.

Have you thought about summer plans yet?

Peter, Paul and Mary gave a concert here last night which I heard was great -- but I didn't go.  Now I'm sorry I didn't.

At the moment I'm thinking about how I'd like to be all alone on a beautiful island.  I'll never, ever, ever be able to live with just one man.  The sex life gets too dull and monotonous after awhile.  I guess I'm not making much sense, but then I never do.

Please, Paul, find a few minutes and write old "Reno" a few words of encouragement?  I really enjoy your letters, and they cheer me up considerably.  Can't think of much more to say, or much that is new so I will close for now.  Sorry this has been a crummy letter, but I'm sort of in a crummy mood.

P.S.  You can keep the colored photo of the two of us -- you can even throw darts at it if you like!

October 2, 1968 (Letter from Renee)

I was half awake then I read your letter -- but all that talk of sex, etc. sure woke me up in a hell of a hurry.  Your letter sounded just like you when you're drunk -- and I really got a laugh out of it -- besides getting turned on by those lovely poetic passages about my terrestial bod!  The "bod" is in fine shape -- haven't had any good lovin' lately though.  Maybe I might come back to Buffalo again for a booster shot.

All is fine with me.  I'm one with classes every day at 1:00, and I have 3 7:00-8:00 classes at night (ugh!).  I usually drag my ever-lovin' bod back to the dorm to catch a few hours of sleep in the afternoon so that my bod will be prepared for the night life around here which includes trying to make some sense out of the fucking books which are assigned reading.  My courses aren't too bad.  I've racked up about 4 papers to write -- at latest count.  Jesus, do I ever hate writing BS to fill in 10 pages for one paper.

My social life is great.  Had two dates last weekend and have a date this weekend to see Simon and Garfunkel.  Whoopie!  I guess my bod is in mod this quarter.   Anyway, I'm not complaining.

I haven't heard from Mike yet, although the idiot promised to write to me right away.  I imagine he's too busy learning where his ass is these days.  If he doesn't write to me soon, I guess I'll have to break down and write to him.  Got a tear-jerking letter from Mark -- all about his problems and I wrote back and told him to stop acting like a baby and start acting like a man!  Heard from Mardi, too.  She seems to like Humboldt, but hates her roommates.  Well, I guess we all have our "hangups", don't we?  (Except yours is the largest hangup according to the measurements you so generously sent to me, if you remember correctly!)

I'm supposed to be in 3 different places tonight, so I doubt if I can stretch my bod that far.  Guess I'll just have to play eenie, menie, minie, moh -- and see where I end up!  (In bed!  Haha Whoopie!)

Well, I've got to get ready to make my beautiful entrance at the W. Baker Cafeteria for dinner soon (ugh) -- so I'll close for now -- and hope that you can find time to write me another of your "Great Classics series" in the very near future..  Until then...Be good and keep "yours" in shape.