February 23, 1977 (Letter from Barb L)

An evening trip to Amherst to see this Robert Altman film.


Yes I am writing you a letter on this fine spring-like day.  When the weather changes it's always time to get in touch again.  I always enjoy hearing from you -- your letters are so complete as to everyday life.  It's nice to revel.  Well, I have an event to announce -- ready?  Mardi gave birth to twin boys on Saturday the 19th!  Far out huh?  Baby A and Baby B have since been named Jeremy Glenn and Ryan Stephen.  I don't know which "Marty" was more in shock -- I think everyone was!  It was totally unexpected by all concerned.  Mardi had no trouble though -- she looked good even the same day.  Jeremy was 4 lbs 12 oz & Ryan about 6 1/2.  I went out Sat. Nite w/ Martin & Gino to celebrate (?) -- he still was in shock -- doesn't know whether to buy the new house & spend all that time fixing it up & have Mardi alone w/ three kids for a month or what.  I think Mardi is going to get into this a lot more than she did w/ Matthew.  She's breastfeeding the twins & feels like a first-time mother.  She comes home today & of course Yolanda is taking a couple days off work so things will be under control.

That was the big event of the weekend -- another one was Timmy's graduation from nursing school.  To celebrate all these occasions I gook Monday off as a mental health day.  We don't' get any holidays at all & I thought it was time for one.  Had to go to class that nite anyway.  I probably haven't told you (since I haven't written!) -- I'm taking a class at J.C.C. -- Film Study & Appreciation.  Went & borrowed the money from the bank to take it (duh!).  I really enjoy it & I like to have one activity during the winter.  I have gone from Auto Mechanics to Karate to Films.  You can't say I'm not open-minded!  I've found that the emphasis is more historical & technical than I thought it would be.  We're still on the early films -- Eisenstein, D. W. Griffith, etc.  We probably won't be seeing any new films.  I think our prof. has seen every film that was ever made.  He's very knowledgeable & really nice so it should be a good experience.  Orson Welles is coming to JCC the 30th of March & before that I have to give a report on the "Significance of Citizen Kane". 

What else have I been doing?  Seems like I've been planning a lot of parties!  First, the Youth Group (high school kids) & I gave a party for the workshop people & kids from special classes.  We had a band play & had a big time!  That was in January.  Then I had a party in the apt for Patsy's birthday.  Then I had a shower for Mardi, which turned out fine even though it was not your "traditional" shower.  All we did was eat!  I made all this groovy stuff -- it was fun.  Joan came up from Franklin too. (You know she's expecting also -- this summer?)

I've also been having ups & downs w/ Rick.  We're pretty much broken off normal relations but it's too early to tell which way it will go.  We have a definite difference of opinion in some very important areas.  (Bet you couldn't tell this was coming when you were here -- duh!)  To further keep things moving, Patsy is moving out this coming weekend.  She's moving into Grace's apt & will pay 1/2 of what she pays now.  Her finances are a mess & she's trying to get out of the hole & save money to move back to Minneapolis in June.  So I will be alone for awhile, going broke but I'm sure something will come up & change things.  That's been the pattern for the past year.  As soon as I get settled in one frame of mind everything changes.

Well, I'm at work &^ it's time to go do the mail.  I will do it & eat lunch & finish later.  I want to go out for a while too.  It is so warm out.  I can't believe it.  After the month of January this is like summer!  54!  See you later.

Back at the old job -- which is non-existent right now -- we're in limbo waiting to hear about funding.  For a month I've just been hanging in there.  That's why I'm doing the Grandview mail.  Gives me something to do.  This state of having no work to do is a new one.  If I have no work I'd rather not have a job at all & at least have the time to myself.  There's a meeting on Monday the 28th.  I should know by then what the story is.

It seems like I'm very busy lately outside of work but actually nothing of importance is happening.  The way this winter has been I've hardly been out of town all winter.  My plans outside of the day to day aspect of things are vague.  I know I should be out of Warren before next winter & I will be.  The idea of going back to school in Boston has been considered but not to seriously.  My attention is not on career matters now.  Seems to be focused on the personal.  At times when I see myself clearly I see how much needs to be done just on myself, but you have to live the other aspects of life at the same time too.  Seems that you always get that feeling around mid-winter that nothing will change so you just sit back & watch the tube or make yourself an ice cream sundae & let yourself have a few more cigarettes than you really need.  In order to get more fully into this mood, I bought a TV (used) last week & I've just been grooving out lately on old favorites -- MASH, Sat. nite, etc.  I guess I'm set for the rest of the winter.  Are you coming at Easter?  One visit before summer would be nice.  Th is was definitely not hte winter to be here!  Springfield was probably a hassle but be glad you werent' her w/ no roads.  Call me sometime if y ou get a chance (collect from pay phone) -- # is 726-1860.  Take care & keep writing!

I forgot to tell you "the latest" -- (Oh how gross -- I'm getting into gossip.)

Yolanda has a new boyfriend.  He's from Pgh or Erie & has a camp here.  From what I can tell, it's a really nice relationship & she seems to have perked up considerably!  Ain't love grand.  Even its invitations [?} aren't too bad, for a time.

November 16, 1976 (Letter from Mardi)

Thought I'd better sit down & wrote a note before the holiday "crunch" gets me!  Marti will be working at the Style Stop helping out next week  & if I'm to get anything done it will be in the late evening hours!  Sounds like everyone is tighting their belt this winter -- we've had one expense after the other-- small -- but they always seem to eat up a pay check!!  I was about to get ready to make some Christmas gifts but don't think I can even spare the extra money for materials!!!

November 22, Monday

Not doing well on this letter at all!!  Hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving wherever you end up. Barb is going to Boston the weekend after Thanksgiving for a few days.  She & Patsy will be moving into a duplex on Conewango near Fifth some time around Dec. 1.  Guess she'll be here for winter?  Don't know what she's doing lately.  Marti met Rick last week & said he was a real TURKEY -- he was giving Barb a lot of shit Marti said.

Maybe it was a bad day for him?!!  I really don't know why she's so "attached" to him -- other than for a personal challenge of some sort or just personal satisfaction.  Can't figure her out this time.

Received a letter from Renee -- of course they were up for her grandfather's funeral, but were here & gone. Would love to stop & see them some time but can never foresee being in that area of Ohio for anything particular.

I have to update my Christmas card list.  I'm at least hoping to hear from a few people at the time!!

Right now we are having a mini-blizzard in Warren, Pa.  Really hasn't bothered me this year because I haven't got the hassle of the car like Marti does.  As long as I bundle up I'm OK.  Hope the Datsun "saves" -- you some money this winter w/ no extra needed garage bills.  If you don't take it to work remember to at least run it for awhile each day.  You know that though .  You may find sticking at home during winter really isn't so bad -- the weekend outings are costly -- I know! Glad to hear you'll be here at Christmas.  Hope we can all get together some evening for food & drinks.  You've got to make your spinach lasagna yet Nelson!!!  My kitchen is your kitchen -- any time!!.

If you hear from Renee, Tina or Mike let me know.  Yes, Mike's father has been going down hill for 2 yrs now.  He was in the psychiatric ward @ WGH at one time & I figured that would put him fairly straight but he was arrested for drunken driving a few months later -- can't figure it out.  I would think Mrs. Foster would give him support & try to help him w/ the drinking -- although she was not "tea tottler" herself!  It's good for Mike to be away from it!

Have you decided about your Christmas decorating?  I'm trying to organize a little each day.  Glad the holidays are coming up.  Don't know what the rest of '77 will bring though.  I would imagine seeing Harries to any great extent would be hard & it does help the relationship  -- probably the only thing to do now is let the relationship take its own course & relax.  I remember scraping up enough money -- 60 cents a day for transit fare to get me to work & back!!!  But as long as you're comfortable & have a few close friends it's not that bad.

Well, I must go -- probably forgot some things but I must get this in the mail.

Take care.

We are all fine.

Poopies are fine

Yolanda sends her love.

September 27, 1976

[Postmarked 11/5]

Happy 27th!  How the years fly!  Sorry I haven't had time for a card!  Things are very busy around our house for awhile now.  Marti & I have a million little things going that we want to tie the ends up on before the dead of winter!  All is well here.

I see Renee's grandfather past away --- I went her a note just a week before!

Have heard no news from anyone -- Mike -- Joan (no shock) -- Tina, etc.  Barb is still here, don't know what she his going to do now, thought she'd be out of here but she likes Rick& possibly will stay here?!?

Take care & have a good day.  Barb has told me to expect your around Christmas time.

August 11, 1976 (Letter from Mardi)

Well, I don't know where to begin with this letter!  I can't believe you've been out there five months already!  Hope your job is doing you good things.  I imagine you're fairly settled in your apt. by now!  Being a permanent apt. dweller, you will find yourself doing a little of the "happy Homemaker" scene.

We have had an exceptionally shitty summer this year!  My summer consisted of two weeks in Minneapolis & Barb went out to the Cape.  I'm sorry I didn't get a postcard off to you but I never had a free moment.  Seeing everybody was great.  The weather was clear & sunny & my first full day was spent at Lake Harriet biking & just enjoying the whole place.  Bill is doing really well & he's extremely "mellow" now!  Visited TCF which now encompasses an entire city block.  Visited w/ Alma & had lunch w/ the kids at work.  Went to see Dutch & JoAnn, they are typical suburban people now, beautiful home w/ co-ordinated L.R., D.R., etc.  He's a good man, though. Just had a very relaxing time.  Everyone is so much more relaxed there.

My mother is no longer working at Cowdrick's!!!  Shall wonders never cease?  She quit after they took away a week's vacation form her.  She is now at NPC!!!  She had been thinking about it for some time.  She had no benefits at the drug store.

Marti also started a new job at Betts in the west end in their Purchasing Dept.  We're both happy he's there.  He's familiar w/ his new position because of his former employment there.  He works 8-5 with no week-ends -- VACATION.  He's been working w/ Jan Priest doing contracting work in the evenings!  Levinson Bros. was taking its toll on him!!!

Joan -- remember Joan? -- is now here in Warren.  Don't know if I can even begin to explain to you what she's doing because she doesn't know what she's doing!  Let's go back to when she left for Atlanta.  First of all, the daycare or camp for the children fell through & she's been struggling to make ends meet.  While there she & the guy who was to organize this camp became very close. She received her divorce from Freddie about 3 wks ago & got married to Mr. Bill Schwartz.  They came back here to Warren right after they were married because her parents were freaking out & didn't know what was going on!  Now they are happy -- Joan is married to a white man.  Anyway, everyone was surprised, especially Barb & I.  So they were here Sat, Sun & we all got together Mon. night @ my mother's to meet Bill, etc.  We visited & they were going back Tues.  We all said good-by & that was that!  Three days later my mother calls & says Joan is still here!  She stayed & Bill flew to Atlanta where he'll work till he gets "the truck"?  fixed & can get their clothes, etc. Meantime Joan is looking for a job here!  She hates Atlanta, & they want to settle up here.   She's really got me confused this time.  Common sense does not enter into Joan's mind at any time. She has really blown everyone's mind this time!  First of all, I never thought she'd get married again for awhile.  They both could have stayed here & gotten jobs -- why would one stay here & one go to Atlanta?  It's a waste of money & there is nothing that could be so important that they couldn't stay together!  Anyway I've not done any advice giving -- just listen.  Whatever they ant to do they will do!

Marti's parents were just here for two weeks -- actually good old Rachel has quited down some & she was quite bearable!  His sister & husband were here also but stayed in a motel.  Her new husband is not too outgoing & doesn't seem to fit in with regular folks --- his Maine upbringing has not helped him to socialize!!  Marti won't get any vacation time now so I doubt if we'll be making our annual trip to Maine.

Everyone is fine here.  Matthew will have his 2nd birthday next month -- amazing!  He is talking away now, he doesn't quite make sense though.  I'll have to start looking for an extra special gift for the big guy.  I'm behind in baby gifts!  Matt & Candi Voigt had a baby girl. Mike & Laurie Curren had a baby girl, Veryl & Betsy Brinkley had a little boy & Bill & Jodee Andrews are expecting & Jim & Linda Blackman!  It has been nothing but babies!!  I feel like an old pro at it!!

So how is the job going now?  Have you been working in various depts. yet?  Barb is presently unemployed & looking.  If I were her I'd go back to Boston soon.  She's been pretty tied up with this Rick West guy.  She apparently really likes him.  I've never met him but he's about 5-6 years younger.  Between her life & Patsy's it's a regular Peyton Place.  I doubt if I'd last more than one summer in Warren if I were single.  The guys are either too young & immature or too old, divorced w 3 kids & screwed up.  There is a definite scarcity of intellectual males 25-29.  Barb may be working a couple of days @ the Hoffman home on Conewango & waitress @ Paces a couple of nights.  She is suppose to be in Cambridge for a wedding the 22nd & thinks she has a ride.

Well, I'd better close & get some othings done -- it's off to the "Warren County Fair" tonight -- hve to let Matthew see the cows & horses etc. -- it should hold his attention for 1/2 an houro or so!

Take care, sorry about not writing sooner!

July 14, 1976 (Letter from Barb L)

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

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

Peace!

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