June 20, 1977 (Letter from Barb L)

Just thought I'd drop you a note before falling into bed -- hope your return to Springfield was pleasant.  I have been working my butt off lately in preparation for my week's vacation next week.  I am going to the Cape on Friday the 24th -- arrive in Hyannis 4 p.m. Will stay till July 2nd.  Maybe if you get a chance you can come down -- you will be welcome at Linda &^ Kinky's for sure.  I will be at Linda Johnson's, So Yarmouth, 617/394-1559.  Give me a call or I may call you at work.

I still don't know how I'm getting back.  If you are planning on coming for the 4th weekend -- let me know!  I will take the bus to Springfield and ride with you.  You, me, and the lobsters.  Mardi wants to do the lobsters on Saturday the 2nd.  If I am not back by then I'll put them on the plane in Hyannis & ship them but if we both come back we'll bring them.  Maybe we can talk her into doing it on Sunday.  I guess that's the day Reene was planning on having everybody up to the cottage. Why not switch days?  No big deal but Mardi wants to be sure & get the lobster I guess.

Yesterday we finally got the babies baptized.  I'm Jeremy's godmother & Gino is his godfather. Mardi put on a big spread.  Don't know how she does it all but she really came through with the manicotti and meatballs, etc. etc.

I don't have any other news.  Seems like all I've done is work.  Did go to Lilydale with Rita.  That's a story in itself.  Had a really good experience there.

I got a roommate last week -- Karen Werner.  She's young (20) but not too Warren, ya know?  I like her anyway.  don't know how long she'll stay.  She's having boyfriend troubles & will probably get the hell out of town soon.

Won't we all....

Patsy's boyfriend/future living mate is here this week.  The first couple days he just stayed high & cruised thru the Warren scene.  I'm out of grass -- boo hoo.  It's rough.

Well Paul -- take care & do give me a call sometime about the 4th weekend or just shoot on over to the Cape if the feeling moves you.

See you soon.

P.S.  Guess who called last week -- Terry (of Humboldt St. fame).  I gave her your address -- she's still too shy to call you though.  She's doin fine.

June 13, 1977 (Letter from Tony)

A facsimile of the Fuji that opened up my world in 1977

Well it's been a little while, not as long as the last time, but a while nonetheless.  So it is with a trace of annoyance for not having done this sooner that I take pen in hand to write to you.

The main impetus for this letter is the possibility that I may be seeing you next weekend (June 24-25).  Up in Amherst they are conducting called the Toward Tomorrow Fair -- or maybe it's not called that.  In any event, it's a big alternative lifestyle get together that has been strongly recommended by some friends who went there last year.  So, on the basis of this recommendation, I talked to Michael & Liz & Bliss & now you, suggesting that we all go.  Have you got other plans for the week end?  I hope not.  Have you heard anything about this affair?

How's your life?  Well, I expect.  Mine is going very nicely, although not simply and I just don't have the energy to describe it in this letter.  Please let me know if you are going to be around that weekend & if you're interested in going to the fair.

February 10, 1977 (Letter from Harriet)

A trip to Northampton to see



Right now I'm in the student center at the University -- yes, I'm a student again!  My life has changed considerably and I wanted to tell you about it in excuse for my lack of correspondence. Oh, by the way, the reason why I sounded so dry over the phone when I spoke to you was that I was using the university watts line & I was sort of in a hurry.

Anyway, I have commenced my sojourn into the world of the scientist doing his preliminary studies.  I am taking a heavy course load consisting of "Geological Oceanography", "Chemical Oceanography", "Statistics in Research",  and Ballet (it's wonderful).  I have also begun some research with good promise of it metamorphosing into a masters thesis.  I have started to learn about the ocean plankton, (the little creatures which live on the ocean surface) something of which I know nothing about.  I am going to take water samples in a few sites in an estuary around here, identify the zooplankton, and then, by next year, have a good idea of the seasonal variation in the community of the river.  Then I will do somewhat of the same for bottom living animals at the same sites & correlate the two.  Since I can't identify any plankton yet, it is a self-teaching experience -- just me & my gold ol' microscope.  All of this, plus laboratories, reports, etc. makes for one pretty busy person.  My only weekend not spent working was when I went to Binghamton.  (Had a great time.)

Otherwise, things have been fine.  My tirp was great -- went to Arizona, California (L.A. & San Diego), and Denver, Colorado.  It was so nice -- I saw all of my close friends who have recently moved from the east, not to mention my closest friend from NYC.  It seems that we did so much in 3 weeks - -we even hit Mexico for a day.  Charlotte & I had a great time with each other, & all in all it was a fine break.

As you can tell from my recent trends, I just haven't been in a writing mood as of late -- I hope that you dont' take this to mean that I haven't been thinking of you because I have.  You are right, it is time we renewed our friendship.  It's so hard for me to plan on anything now though -- so hard to find time for anything except my immediate needs.  I am going to have to get things together. Anyway, I am going to try to get away for a day or so next weekend to Boston.  While I'm there, I'll probably see Tony.  If you get a chance, maybe we could see each other there.  If not, I'm not sure when I will be able to scrounging up another weekend before the spring  other than to see my folks in NYC.  Write or keep in touch -- I hope to see you soon.

December 2, 1976 (Holiday note from Dick)

WeatherSpark:  Springfield, Mass. 1976

This move has been great.  I'm now sitting at the pol enjoying the sun and water.  Not exactly a Christmas season I've become accustomed to, but do like it.  Also great to be in a metro area -- trying to make up for 10 years in the wilderness in terms of cultural events.  I've purchased season tickets to many things and some weeks I've found myself going to at least three things.

Long range job potentials are good here for me.  Had a call from Helena Public asking if I would consider the directorship.  Finally said NO.

You sound quite settled.  Hope your initial enthusiasm hasn't worn off.  Still collecting for your apartment?  It sounds fantastic and the rent is unbelievable -- here that might get you a studio.

Do you like the job?  Good to hear you are still opposed to the "pack rat" school . Her  we have quite a few who are part of that school.

Happy Holidays.  Keep in touch.

August 20, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

Nonsense!  (My not taking the time to read your letter thoroughly!)  Naturally, I got it the day after I mailed yours -- which gave me no time whatsoever to delete the offending (heehee) Kierkegaard, Hegel, etc. passages . . . did you suffer very much from them, dear?  Just be quite thankful you have some thing to make you sleep (ah, zzzzzzz!)  That commodity has been rather scarce around her lately.  I've had about 3 white nights this past week & expect at least a few more before we leave on Monday.

Yesterday, we played volleyball at a picnic for 4  -- count 'em -- 4 hours (with several beer breaks, of course) & even t his exercise did not tire me out sufficiently to receive a full, uninterrupted night's sleep.  Oh, well . . .

How did Parent's Weekend go?  I hope well.  Was everyone impressed with your new nest?

I haven't started Rhys' book yet -- I'm saving it for Nebraska (or Iowa, if I absolutely cannot wait!) I've been trying to read as much Simone de Beauvoir as possible lately.  I just realized a few weeks ago that I've started reading all these feminist writers, so I' like to do a thorough job.  I've read some Colette, too, & enjoyed her very much.  Haven't decided who should be next yet.

I'm not sure if I gave you our new address, but I don't think I did.  (Thought you'd get away without it, didn't you?)

2050 Steven Lane

Pocatello, Idaho 83201

Numerologically, it's a pretty good address for me -- 5 & 7 are my lucky numbers.  (The zip code can be played with also, to arrive at both 2 + 3 = 5 & 8 - 1 = 7.)

I'm happy that you've embraced yoga.  Now we can discuss effects.  Do you know your body better yet?

August 4, 1976 (Letter from Tony)

Here I sit in my Colden retreat, stretching time out to at least four times its normal length.  It's only been one week and 5 days since I finished the rather exhausting grind of the New York State Bar Exam.  and yet that experience has passed through the normal holding ponds of recent memory and is now firmly bedded in my long ago past..  I can't recall any other experience I've had which grew so old this quickly.

My position here is a familiar one, yet not one that I am completely comfortably with.  I guess mainly it's the rapid change from being a decision-maker leader in Binghamton to being a well-fed cared for son in Colden which I haven't quite accepted fully.   Not that it's bad, I do so enjoy being here.  But there is a touch of anxiety every now and then.  It's almost sinfully irresponsible to be here relaxing & reading & sleeping & playing & eating.

A portion of that anxiety can be attributed to the uncertainty of my future.  Do you see the incongruity, Paul, where here I am with all my immediate care provided for, being rather dependent & removed from the hustle & bustle "real" world while I sit & contemplate how I'm going to structure my immediate future. I could just go on relaxing here for some time unless that [illegible] propels me into action.  But a life decision made here would tend to be rosy-colored and may not look so fine in the bright light of coming reality.

But I carry on too much on this.  I expect to stay here at least another week, then I'll trek on to Boston by way of Springfield.  My stay will be more certain when I speak to the unemployment people on Tuesday next.  But now I expect I'll be in Springfield Aug 11, Wednesday.  I may stop in Binghamton first or I may do that on the way home.



My blueprint for the near future is this.  I want to get a seasonal job -- full time for 4-5 months. This, surprisingly to me, is not much accepted in the lawyer world.  Anyway, I then would want mid April til October free to do some vegetable growing.  In this period of 6-7 months I'd be working only about 20 hours a week in April-May & then about 10-12 hr/wk thereafter.  I should be able to grow enough vegetables for myself and several others -- and if I fully commit myself I would become a vegetarian & provide most of my food for myself.  Some of my inspiration from the book -- Living the Good Life -- by Helen & Scott Nearing, wherein they describe their 20-year experiment of living on a Vermont farm & providing their year's livelihood in only 6 months.

This would then leave me up to 2 months free time to do some legal work or travel.

The idea of part-time work has always appealed to me.  It remains to be seen if I have the courage and determination to carry it through.  Enough for now.

July 26, 1976 (Letter from Harriet)

Once again, I greet you with a letter!  I hope that I didn't sound obnoxious on the phone.  I did understand your situation & would have definitely done the same thing (gone to Pittsburgh).  It seems as if the starts are against us.  After I spoke to you, I decided that I'd do a super amount of work so I wouldn't have to study next weekend &  you could come.  Well, you know how that goes!  It's hard to do extra work in the summer.  Also, this is our last week of school & next week we have 3 exams in 3 days!  I guess we'll have to put it off again until August.  Do you still want to come to NYC or would you rather go camping?  Let me know.

NYC has provided an interesting summer for me.  I have been taking advantage of the museums, movies, parks, etc.  Not to mention ballgames, ballets, and concerts.  I have been meting a lot of interesting people and learning a lot from them.

Living in my house affords no solitude, and I have been forced to become a beach bum to be alone. It is nice, I can take my books there early in the morning and stay until it gets really hot.  I'm getting brown -- darker than I have ever been.

After next week, I will be a lady of leisure.  I intend to take a few short trips -- to Binghamton, etc. -- and then off to Rhode Island.  Let me know when you are free & hopefully we can work something out.

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.

July 7, 1976 (Letter from Kathy)

Glad to hear from you.  We were beginning to really wonder what happened to you.  Meet any neat gals this summer yet?  Your new job sounds great -- still think so?

My brother went to college in Springfield.  (little trivia for you)

I'm waiting for Gary to get home.  He's applied for several jobs here and in Boise in hopes that he'll come up with something that'll have a future.  He was hoping to hear from the Ford place today. Think things would be perfect if he'd get a job that pays for the hard worker he is.  He finally realized that he wasn't going to get anywhere at the cycle shop.  Tried this spring to buy in -- even thought about buying a business here and eventually convert it to a cycle shop -- hopefully on the good name he's built up, but everything led to a dead end.  I try to keep my big mouth shut.  We went to Colorado in March to see about job prospects there in the bike business -- nothing.  If this job at Ford doesn't come through, maybe an electrical job in Boise will.  H ate to move, but yet wouldn't mind if Gary could find himself.

I had the day off.  Spent the entire morning mowing our lawn and the neighbors (8:30 - 1:30).  Don't care if I see a green lawn again.  It's been so hot (in the 100s) that the lawn grew really fast as it was twice as hard and time consuming.  Used the afternoon for general housecleaning and defrosting refrigerator.

I recently quit the office you were in to work the other office 4 days a week.  Dr. Reynolds really does provide better working conditions, better benefits, and better salary. Just really got disgusted with the disorganization.  Was waiting it out until Dr. Reynolds felt he could use me more time.

The winter was hard for us financially, things are starting to look up a little, but the cycle business has never really started to boom yet.  (Bad is just no fun money!)

We kinda "fell into" a 1967 Corvette -- 36,000 miles on it in beautiful or "cherry" condition as Gary would say.  Trying to sell our truck.  Haven't had any bites yet.

Got 5 3/5  tons of alfalfa (hay) off our 2 acres -- made $200 this month on that.

Garden not doing too well unless you really like peas.  We had a hard frost June 28th. Unbelievable!!

Gary's been riding mountain trails now and raced through the winter.  Has also been neat to though.  He helps me more than ever with the daily chores and gets me out now and then.

May take a trip to Pa. in Sept. if we can both take 2 weeks.  Otherwise we'll probably take just a few days and visit my aunt in Victoria, Brit. Columbia.  We'd take in the Oregon and Washington coast on our way.

We did take a trip to Oklahoma City to visit Jeff Tuller & family for Christmas.  Jeff was getting around on his leg pretty well by then.  (He crushed it between 2 of his cars while jumping the batteries.)  Couldn't remember when in Sept. it happened -- whether you had been and gone or not.  Gary's parents did stay here on night as a result of flying to Oklahoma for Jeff -- they took a little side trip here.

Know a really neat gal -- teaches grade school.  Used to live here -- now in Grays Lake, Illinois. You're everything she'd like in a guy.  Don't know your likes in "women".  Too bad we can't get a match going.  She's almost as wonderful as me!!!

We got the rests of our lawn in this spring.  Gary and I laugh about it now but it we didn't divorce each other thru that we never will!!!  We do not work well in the yard together cuz Gary hates it. (My hand is sweating so that is why the writing is worse than ever!!)

Have a really neat neighbor that's been helping me with interior decorating.  Her 11 and 13 year old girls sure are great kids.  I kidnap them somedays all day to keep me company   (I'd like to start getting some money stashed away for a baby.)  Think I could convince Gary if he was happy with himself.  Time will tell.

Sounds like you're getting pretty good at taking care of yourself.  By the time you marry she won't have to break you in like I had to do with Gary!!  Paul -- take care.

Let us know how life treats you.  Maybe we'll see you for our 10 y ear class reunion or maybe you'll honeymoon out west!!

What do you hear from anyone?  Did you spend the winter in Warren?

June 21, 1976 (Letter from Sue)

You must've wondered why I didn't answer your letter with your offer to come down Memorial Day - -but alas (w/ regard to seeing you then, that is --) I was in California then, sunning myself by sailing on the Bay -- didn't receive your letter till I got home -- and I was so glad to hear from you!  Grant told me about your job with Merriam -- I've very glad for you.  Springfield is, I'm sure, a good place to live.  I imagine the competition for jobs there is pretty keen.  I assume G&C Merriam are the illustrious dictionary people -- next time we meet, I'll have to indoctrinate you to my new passion -- the Dictionary Game!  (Certainly a more intellectual pastime than swallowing goldfish, mescaline tabs, or chatting with senile sex-starved retired librarians.

I'm sorry we didn't have a better visit when you were her last October.  I don't think I was the Hostess with the Mostess.  It was a particularly difficult time for me, financially, and with regard to work, which seemed enormously hectic right then.  Plus the PLA Conference was, for the most part, was enormously tedious -- so much so that I'm going to give the conference syndrome another crack and go to ALA in Chicago.  I fear that it will be the Y rather than the Palmer House this time, though -- I can't afford the P.H. on my own.  (And naturally, I can't share a room with just n'importe qui.)  I don't suppose you are considering gracing the event with your presence?  (I.F. Stone will be there.)  Let me know if Merriam is going to send you, all expenses paid...

Since we may not see each other in Chicago, and since we didn't see each other Mem. Day -- what are your plans on the 4th?  Our friends Wendy & Ron (you watched Edward 2, or 13th, or 12th, at their apt) recently bought a house & we're planning a joint 4th of July Bicentennial Bash. Someone of your social grace, sizzling charm & scintillating wit would be most welcome.  Of course, the new love of your life (still Binghamton Harriet?) would be welcome, too.

I get this image of you from time to time as one of those ramblin' man types -- sort of a "Baby I'll love you today, but I gotta be on my way".  Do you think you've left a trail of broken hearts from Montana to Mass? I may sound facetious, but I don't mean to.  Actually, the whole male-female complexity of relationship is under review again by me.  I had some revealing experiences when in SF. . I intended to tie up some loose ends, but may have unraveled more than I tied up.  Men can be occasionally trying -- as can women, I'm sure.  Right now I'm into an obsession about trust, which is RARE.  Life becomes very heavy, to use the vernacular.  Sometimes I feel the need to immerse myself in frivolity. Hence one of my reasons for ALA.

I really loved being on the West Coast again.  Like you, I am entranced by the vast spaces.  I miss the physical beauty of central California.  I am beginning to feel genuinely oppressed by the East. (Another reason for ALA -- discreet, year-in-advance job-hunting.)  I don't think I can last more than another \year out here.  Fortunately, the job at Wynnefield (my "twig") is very satisfying.  And the kids make me happy.

For a quick change of subject -- sometimes I'm too lazy for neat & clever transitional passages -- have you seen any good movies lately?  I would list as noteworthy The Man Who Would Be King for the pure adventure & fidelity to the bones of the Kipling story, as well as remarkable portrayals by Connery & Caine.   Also Taxi Driver for diabolical cinematic genius & fine job by DeNiro.  And third, All the President's Men, just cause it was so satisfying to see a good old-fashioned detective story with a happy ending.  Actually, I felt that this was an inspiring film, on a level not created since some of the old 40s films.  I liked it because it wasn't a hype film, as it could've been.  I was also intrigued by Swept Away, which was really very clever in many respects. But I'm really fed up with the whole Wertmuller cult and have no desire to see Seven Beauties. We saw an old Renoir film which I hadn't seen before at the Philadelphia film festival (believe it or not).  La Chicune.  He really is the greatest -- probably even more so if you're French   I think movies are always more accessible in one's own language, culture, etc.  (Cuckoo's Nest needs no comment from me.  It's all been said.  It was in many ways very lyrical.  J.N. is my romantic hero.)

Well, m'dear, it's almost time for my beauty sleep.  And as the Big 30 is right around the corner, Lord knows a girl has to start thinking about those things.  So please don't be delinquent as I was, and write soon Y let me know about the 4th and ALA.  If Mayor Rizzo & the federal troops, as well as Mayor Daley don't turn you on, I'll understand.

June 4, 1976 (Letter from Harriet)

I was just sitting quietly under a tree, thinking of things, and my thoughts turned to you.  Tony told me that yo are really happy in Springfield -- that's so nice to hear.  I've never been in Springfield, but Massachusetts, especially the Berkshire Mountains, holds a special place in my heart.

I've been living on a farm way out in the hills, and it's making me feel great.  Living in Vestal, those few months, I really missed being out in the country.  I've definitely realized that this way of life is "home" for me.  I hope that when I eventually settle down, that a home with some land fits into the picture.

I've been spending my days taking kids on field trips, and my skin is starting to turn brown.  I will be teaching two more weeks, and then, hopefully, I will take a 5 wk. course in Geology.  I planned to go to school t=for that course in NYC and live with my parents, but City University was closed due to lack of funds.  There are going to be a lot of angry students in NYC if it doesn't reopen. Anyway, I'm going to have a lot of 3 days weekends and plan to spend a nice, lazy summer.  I'm going to try to come camping in Mass. sometime soon -- I want to go to Tanglewood.  Maybe I'll come to see you then. Stay happy.

May 18, 1976 (Letter from Diane)

Bet you thought that since you hadn't written for so long, I'd answer quickly!  Well, I tried, obviously unsuccessfully, but a lifetime of procrastination cannot be turned so easily aside.

Congratulations on the new job!  It sounds very interesting.  And people tell me that Mass. is a beautiful state.  Most of all, I envy your lunch hour and a quarter, particularly when vying with the Bicen. crowds for a waitress' attention.  The size of the staff there surprises me - -writing and revising dictionaries must take more than 32 people.  Or else they're very industrious.  Anyway, I hope that you'll continue to be happy there.

To be very honest, I have put most of my last six months out of my mind.  At least as far as work is concerned.  It seemed like one crisis after another.  The climax of the whole mess was reached when four people were laid off and many, many more were downgraded.  Two engineers went from grade 9 engineers to grade 4 technicians.  In a way, it was relief -- the notices were originally supposed to be out in March & no one knew who or how many would be leaving.  Morale was zero. (Now it's 10.)  Now the fun begins with a couple of people considering civil service suits.  And we may go through it again in Oct. with the beginning of FY77.

Other than work, things have been going rather well.  I'm nearly ecstatic, actually this week, I'll pay off my school loan and my couch.  I'm planning on buying in order, a stereo, a dining room set, a Lay-z-boy, and a car.  That should keep in in debt for awhile.  Of course, if I'm laid off in Oct, it means bankruptcy.

I understand what you mean about trying to summarize six months in one letter.  It's futile -- but I am still upset with you for not calling or stopping by while you were in Philly!

Bev & I are trying to set a date for visiting Pgh.  Now it looks like the middle of July.  Any chance you could make it?

One favor -- please don't let them use "impact" as a verb!  Government has been using it that way for a while but now I see literates using it in magazine articles.  I feel like "impacting" them!

Enclosed is an addition to y our collection.  And this time, don't take so long!

May 14, 1976 (Letter from Ken M)

Michael Lally and Ken McCullough (1972)

Photo credit:  Lally's Alley

I've been gone from Montana since October and am not sure what's brewing out there.  I knew that Fred Perry has been shipped down the road to Idaho, but as to Gil's parole I don't know a thing. And I don't know much about what's going on with the new prison.  I will be writing Gil this week and will pass on whatever word I get from him. As soon as I get my head above water down here I am going to attempt to start a writing program at the prison here in Columbia.  There are several excellent ones going, especially the one at Arizona Pen.  Three of the men have books coming out and one has just gotten a sizable grant.  Even though they are still "within."  There's an excellent project brewing in N.C. called the prison-ashram project -- which attempts to convert all that spare time into spiritual pursuits -- so that, in effect, the only people behind bars become the guards. Bout all I can pass on at this point but will keep in touch.

[Teaching experience on Ken's resume:  Creative Writing Workshop, Montana State Penitentiary, Deer Lodge, Montana, 1972-75.]

May 13, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

Are you absolutely sure that you'd like to do something as rash as having me promise not t0 worry about boring you in my letters?  I mean, are you positive?  Maybe you'd like time to reconsider? (heh, heh)

Actually, I'm not bored by your letters because I'm very interested in you & what you are doing.  I don't suppose we'll ever know each other so completely that we'll be bored...(because I believe that every single person is so complex as never to be fully known by another.)  It's probably much better that way - -I'm not sure that delving into another person's depths is such a good idea -- especially since I'll never get to the bottom of my own. (Doris Lessing seems to have done this -- or so it seems in her Children of Violence series where the main character, Martha Quest, is herself.)  While I'm on the subject of Doris Lessing -- does she interest you at all?  I've recommended her to a friend of mine, an actress, & she says that she's gotten a lot from her.  I would like to have a masculine viewpoint.  We have been exposed to so few GOOD women writers, you know?  & Lessing is one of the most insightful (maybe the most insightful) that I've come across.  I'd just like to know if I like her because she' good & insightful, or because I identify with that she puts forth.  Would you mind very much if I asked you to read some of her?  The Children of Violence is a 5-book series -- maybe you don't want to start with that?  The Golden Notebook is not her best in terms of style, but is very interesting & gives an idea of what she thinks.

This would mean a lot to me -- I mean, you're letting me know your opinion.  If you don't want to, though, don't worry.  (This is the last letter you will be receiving...) (only kidding) (chuckle, chuckle)

I told Sister M. Ronald that we were probably going to be going to Idaho for the fall.  She took it pretty well.  She probably can't wait -- so that she can get someone sufficiently dedicated to Seton Hill's futile causes of educating the thick wits who seem to be there in such abundance!  You wouldn't believe the no. of students there that don't even know what a card catalog is?  It would be funny if I still had a sense of the comic about the place -- now it just seems so sorry to me.  At any rate, my last day will be either June 25th or 30th -- whichever day it is will be a day for great celebration & joy!  I'm not going to even ask her for a letter, because even when she likes a person, she still puts in something negative "just to be honest", you know!  She really is a character.  I can say one thing about the place though.  I've learned a lot (through seeing what NOT to do.)  Also, being in the position I was in, I had to do almost everything -- except catalog.  I was in charge of reference, circulation, reserves, inter-library loan & innumerable other smaller things, such as the pamphlet file (which I started myself & it now has about 500 items to it).  Say, this sounds pretty good -- wanna hire me?  Enough on this.

I have enclosed a copy (rough, I admit) of a new Phila logo which I found rather amusing.  It's done by the Girard Bank in Phila & they have t-shirts with this printed on.  I have told Diane that if she does not get me one it will be curtains for her!! It's red, white & blue, but I didn't have a blue flair so I had to make do.

We still don't know about Idaho -- I'm on the edge of my seat about it.  I really wish they'd tell us soon. It's not as if it will take me 3 days to pack -- also it takes time to sell a house!  This is just typical of the way Westinghouse does things -- so I shouldn't be surprized.

One reason for not wanting to leave the library has just occurred to me.  My supply of amusing pictures will be cut off!  (I usually get them fro advertisements for new child. lit stuff.)  I try to find Ionesco things, or Sendak or Wildsmith because I think they are really fine artists.  Ionesco's are also so sur-real.  I have one which I just can't part with -- a family looking over their couch at a languid mermaid & another which is good -- a cow family with the mother serving a dressed human head at her table.  In the background in the kitchen is a chart showing parts of human anatomy such as you often see in butcher shops (of beef).  We never had such striking illustrations that I can remember.   Did we?

Oh well -- will you mind my using regular paper usually?  Unless I come up with a new source.

We may be going rafting on May 23rd . (Brook's birthday.)  Bill Grush, a friend of Brook's at work says he knows all about whitewater.  Frankly, I'm scared!!!  Bill will work the raft, Brook will help, Bill's wife will be calm (because she is always so calm) & I will probably be dashed on the rocks.  I can't be chicken now, though, 'cause I already agreed to go.  Myeer!!  Ange & John ant to go too -- in June, & we'll probably go -- if I survive this time.  We'll be on the Youghiogheny River.


Hey!  I miss you!  When are you going to visit us?  I know you can't  I just thought I might ask anyhow!!

Send me a picture of you in your new glasses?

Don't you want to see how our house looks now?  (I never actually do give up -- it's the Taurus in me!) Is you sister a pest like I am?

Speaking of your sister -- I am not exactly sure about this miracle business, but it seems as though I've heard it before somewhere.  I will see my grandmother on June 6 & I will definitely ask her if you'd like.  She was born in Naples, but she left when she was very small.  I'm sure she would know about this though, if it's valid.

In the meantime, I wouldn't worry too much, ok?  It's probably not as scary as it sounds.

Well, I guess I'll try & get this in the mail now.  I don't want to you to be disappointed in me for not writing right away.  I will try to be good from now on!

P.S.  Do you get Mary Hartman there. Louise Lasser is one of my favorites.

May 24, 1976 (Letter from Barb N.)

Hello.  How are you?

I'm trying to get a few letters off to friends and family.  I feel I should have a ditto machine.

I was told the legend of Saint Gemano (?) when I first got here.  On the way to work I pass by the spot where he was beheaded.  It goes that he was beheaded on a hill on where his head stopped rolling they built a church.  I don't know when he lived but they must have kept his blood and somehow the legend of the blood liquefying got started.  I was told the last time his blood didn't liquefy was three years ago they had a cholera epidemic.  The time before was World War II.  The blood is taken from a vault twice a y ear for a week and within that time if the blood liquefies Naples is safe.  Supposedly the worst tragedy happens when the blood does not liquefy in May.  Now for my opinion of this legend   It's hard to say yes or no to the tale.  I do believe there is a great possibility of bad tragedy for Naples judging from the bad times in Italy.   It seems in order to awaken people and get them back on their feet a shattering experience revives people to their senses.  I pray for good because I don't want to see a tragedy while I'm here.  But the course of the world isn't leading mankind through a period of joy at this moment.  Man has abused nature to the max and she is fighting back now.  I have to blame all of mankind for the sate of the world.  It's not just the leaders who have lead us stray.  What about the individuals who let it happen?  Anyone who believes we have easy times ahead is living with their head in the ground.  I don't want to look ahead with a pessimistic attitude but I've read too many signs that have come about now.  I'd like to deny it and say what I know is wrong but I don't  think so.  It could be another cycle in history but mankind is spread out to all corners of the earth.  Mankind has to live in harmony with nature!  He cannot control nature's forces.

Now someone predicted that Naples will be destroyed 29 May.  I don't know who this person is but it seems to me it would have to be some great prophet in order to predict this fate.  I will be in France that weekend but I had plans to go three for a month.  I have fears about living here now but I can't live in fear of living.

I am buying an Opel Rekord for 950.00 from a Chief.  I think I'm getting a good deal, too.  It's a 1970. The tires are good and it purrs like a cat.  He's a good person and I've known him for awhile now.  He knocked off $45.00 for me so I can check it over. I don't' feel that I'm being ripped off.

I don't regret my smoking especially when I started.  I too was ready to handle it and I don't feel that it harmed me.  I feel it opened many doors in my mind.  But now I don't need that kind of high. It's been over a month now since I've partied.  I feel so good, too.

I've been keeping to the guitar.  My fingers are starting to get raw now.  I enjoy playing teh guitar so much.

I have decided against taking anymore courses after evaluating my last class.  I feel I'm trying to do steps just to look good when it may not be my direction.  I don't like the way the educational system is set up by learning through your ass.  Maybe it's because my interest lies with the arts and children.  But sometimes I am too foolish.  I'm trying to get on a steady path.  I'm having a little trouble now.

I will end here.

May 8, 1976 (Letter from Harriet)

The New Alchemists Institute does not open until May 1, so I decided not to go to Massachusetts that weekend anyway.  Things in Binghamton are pretty good, considering my present situation. I've been in the hospital this week for tests on my bladder and kidneys.  The doctor has found the cause for my ailments and I expect to be going home in a few days.  I've read so many stupid ladies magazines this week while laying here-- I can tell you about one million ways to bake a shortcake or to redecorate a bathroom!!  At least I have a reason to get some rest and relaxation at home.  So many things have been going on at once.

My job has taken a slightly different, but wonderful turn.  From now til the end of June, I will be in charge of a beautiful nature preserve that my school district owns.  The preserve has a small path, hayfields, pine & broadleafed forests  pastures, and a nature museum.  Inside the museum is a fascinating collection of stuffed birds and mammals, pressed plant collections and conservation booklets.  The best part is that it's mine -- all mine -- to do what I want with (I'm so possessive!)!!! It's really exciting -- I'm going to take kids out there and teach them lessons on wildflowers, animals, insects, pond life, etc.  The children will also do math and language arts lessons which are geared to the environment.  A "total experience".  I'm really happy that I won't have to be inside the school all day during the warm months.

I'm still unsure of where I'll be and what I'll be doing this summer.  I've narrowed my schools to Rhode Island, Cornell & North Carolina (not bad, eh?) and will have to take summer courses to get ready for them.  I don't know where I'll take these courses, I have to find a school that gives what I need.  It will be nice to be a student again.  I feel as if I am socially in limbo.  It's hard to relate to the people I work with, I feel as if we are on totally different planets.  It is also hard, though, to relate to students who are experiencing things that I went through years ago (I sound like an old bag!)  I hope I find my niche among the ecologists I will be working with.  That is one reason why I want to see the New Alchemists.  They are a group of "freaks" who have their doctorates but want to do something constructive with them. They left the strict scientific mold of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to form an organization with more practical purposes.

Very sadly, our home is breaking up.  Sheryl is graduating and moving to Woodstock, N.Y. with her boyfriend.  Tony is going to Buffalo to take a bar review course & take the bar exam.  I am going to finish my teaching year here and will be living with some friends on a farm nearby until June 30.  Tony has spoken with his (and your) friends in Boston and says that he is going to go there before the end of June.  He doesn't really want to see the new Al. though, they are in Falmouth & out of the way.  I have met someone who lives in Falmouth and has invited me to come & stay at her house, so there is a possibility (once again) that I will stop by next weekend either alone or with Tony.  In any case, if I come I'll give you a call.

I'm really glad to hear that you are happy in your new home -- hope you've made amends with Ma Bell.

May 13, 1976 (Letter from Cheryl)

I'm finally gettin around to ans. letters.  Usually I'll ans. the next day, but lately I haven't been doin much writing.  I only owe about 7 letters.  I enjoyed your last letter -- it sounds like your happy and doin great -- and I'm happy for you.  Myself I don't think I could live in a big city any more.  Too many people, cars and cops.

I've been doin alot of stuff outside lately, the weather is just beautiful.  The mountain behind us is just full of flowers and it's really pretty.  I've planted all my flowers and my garden and their all doin really good.  We've kind of got 2 pet blue jays who hang around here, and I had trouble with em at first with the seeds I planted.  Mostly the corn & pot seeds.  But they've kinda mellowed out now. But it's really neat to be able to have a pet like that.

For some reason the welfare lady has been hasseling us the past wk.  She keeps insisting me & Shorts are married and I have a strange feeling she's gonna kick me off.  She even called my Aunt and wanted to know if I beat or abused my kids.  She's really a bitch.  I don't care if she kicks me off but I'll sure miss the food stamps -- oh well, maybe things will work themselves out.

We took some people to Columbia Falls, Mont. last wk. end and really had a good trip. We stopped off in Missoula Friday nite and just got loose.  Then Sat. we went cruising around Msla, bought alot of albums and a bunch of junk (that ya can't get here, including downers -- yellows). Sat. nite we did the downers by Flathead Lake.  Was really fun. Me & George caught some fish and cooked em up.  They were pretty good to. The country up there is really pretty; I took alot of pictures.  We're goin back to Missoula over Memorial Day wk.end for my cousin's graduation.  It should be a good party.

George wants to go see his dad that wk. end but I don't know if we are.  He wrote & asked his dad if he could come see him, but so far he hasn't ans. back.  If he doesn't ans. back then we aren't goin, but I hope he does.  It would really hurt Georgie's feelings.  I suppose I wouldn't mind seeing him either but I don't like to think about that very hard.   His mom wrote me yesterday & said he goes to board the last wk of May & that he has a job & a place to live promised him, so he's pretty sure he'll get out.  He also said it'll seem strange not to be with me and the kids.  It's really going to be a hard trip to go threw, esp. if he comes here.  I still love him very much but.....

There's really alot of old furniture and antiques around here, which I really like.  In the mountains behind us, you ca take a shovel and just dig any where and find old bottles.  I've gotten so many in just the yr we've been here I don't have any room left to put any more.  But if we find more I won't threw em away.  George was in the mountains last wk with his friends just messin around & they saw a bear.  It really freaked me out cuz I'm really afraid of bears, but they thought it was neat. Just so they stay up there & don't come down here.

Well it's almost time to get George up for school, so I'd better go for now.  This is the best time of the day.  I get up at 6:00 to get Shorts off  to work and it's so quiet and peaceful.  I really enjoy our life here.  Anyway, take care, don't work too hard & write soon!  Bye for now.

May 12, 1976 (Letter from David)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 5, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

April & May always seem to be very hectic for me -- and doubly so this year.  I'm awfully sorry I haven't written before this, but I truly did not have time & I don't  like writing little notes & saying I will write more next time -- I feel like such a cheat!

I am curious to know if you received the letter I wrote you at your aunt's & uncle's?  It's not really important, but I just wanted to know because the day after I got the address I washed my jeans and part of the paper was gone.  I just want to know how accurate my memory was.

Anyway -- I am really happy that you are happy in  your new place & your new job, etc.  What color is your car?  Do you have any nice neighbors to keep you from getting lonely?  I mean, aside form your family.  It must be nice to work with people you like.  Sister has arranged our schedules so that Mary & I hardly ever see each other anymore & even when we do work on the same day, we are not "allowed" to go to lunch together (although there is no logical reason for this -- except that Sister doesn't want us to).  I'm sure she thinks we talk about her all the time when we're together (actually, we do, but not all the time) (heh, heh).  Anyway, I won't bore you any longer about my job -- it makes me sick just to think about it.  I do think I'll be quitting at the end of June, so maybe I can put up with it 'til then.

What has been keeping me busy lately, is that Brook's sister is getting married on May 26.  Her boyfriend,m Terry, plays in a jazz band & didn't find very well-paying jobs in Pa. up 'til now, but he went to Florida a few weeks ago & got a good offer.  Since he will have 2 weeks free before he starts, they decided to get married soon & go right down.  Otherwise, he'd probably have to work for about a year without any large amount of free time, and they really didn't want to wait quite that long.  I went out with Pat today to pick out her gown.  I'm sure you're extremely interested in all of this, huh?  Just on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what will come next?

We haven't heard bout Idaho yet.  I wish they'd hurry up & let us know, because I hate not to know what I'll be doing in August.  I'm getting antsy.  I'm hoping we go; and if not I'm going to have some serious thinking to do about my situation in general.  I've become disenchanted with library work, I'm sorry to say.  I know why, but intellectualizing the reasons doesn't help very much.  I just feel like getting into something else entirely right now.  I'm not exactly sure what.  Any suggestions?  I wish I werent' so apprehensive about trying new things -- I usually like new things but I eventually do try, but it takes me forever to relax into doing them.

I'm sorry -- all this babble.  You must be asleep by now -- what does all this matter anyway!

My brother graduates high school in June (the 6th).  My parents are holding their breath, I think. He's not being convinced that he should go to college (& why should he, really?)  It seems to be upsetting my father very much.  This surprizes me because he's not usually so achievement oriented.  (Sometimes, but not usually.)  He cannot understand why Tommy, who gets 95's in physics & does exceptionally well in mostly all sciences & math, doesn't want to go on in it.  (He also never studies.)  The school he goes to is pretty academically inclined, so I suppose he is pretty talented to do so well.  My father was really pushing him to go to Drexel (where he went) but Tommy refuses.

I don't think they'd be so worried if he had a "viable alternative".  But his main ambition right now seems to be to maybe get a part-time job in a clothes store -- not their idea of a viable alternative. I told them to leave him alone & see what he comes up with after a few months, but I don't know if they will or not.

Tommy must be feeling all this, because he called me the other day -- something he's never done before.  I though tit funny that he didn't mention anything though, but maybe he wanted me to initiate that kind of talk.

I suppose if you have a sister with 1 degree in Philosophy & 1 in library science & she has a job she doesn't care for after all that time, it is not exactly an enticement to do what she did, huh?

He also seemed pretty upset about Idaho.  He said kiddingly that he was going to disown me, but I can't help but feel that maybe he meant me to know that I'm deserting him.  I do wish I could see him more often.  He's changed so much in the 3 years that I haven't seen him regularly.  He's really a person now; sometimes I feel like such a stranger.  If we do go to Idaho, it won't get any better.  I'd like to have Tommy come here for about a week this summer just so we could get acquainted again.

Brook & I have become real "back-to-nature" people lately.  Two weekends ago, we went to visit Willy at Penn State & well all went camping at Poe Valley -- it was really a reunion.  Last weekend we went fishing (& didn't catch a thing).  Actually, I took along lots of paper to write you a long, long letter while I was there, but I was so bored I almost went crazy & I simply fidgeted like a madwoman -- so this was not conducive to good letter writing.  (Looking back over this letter, I'm beginning to wonder just what is!)

Have your read anything really exciting lately?   (Fiction)  I have enough philosophy non-fiction to keep me busy.  Doris Lessing is still on the top of the charts as far as I'm concerned.  I just finished her Golden Notebook.  I'm running out of  her & I'm sorry.  Maybe I shouldn't go on these binges, but I just can't wait.

Oh well, I guess I"ll say goodbye now (if you're still here, even!)

May 4, 1976 (Letter from Connie)

So good to hear from you.  I tell you, I looked at that letter and thought, Springfield, Mass - ? What is Paul doing in Springfield, Mass?  Well, it seems you're doing very well indeed.  I couldn't be more pleased!  And close to Boston and New York -- I could choke you.  Denver is close and Denver is OK.  But it's not Vancouver or San Francisco or Seattle or Boston.  Grumble.

And I really know what you mean about having your own place again.  I get along well with my mom -- but not constantly.  She came out for a week in March and it was really good to see her and gab for just hours without having to worry about Ma Bell.  But evenso -- and as much as I like her there were times when I was tense with her around all the time.  Guess I've been out too long to go back to living with Mom.  It was nice though -- she cooked me dinner and even did the dishes!

Went to the Wyoming Library Association convention.  I'm in to going to those things - -but it was a drag.  Going to the Special Libraries thing in Denver in June -- should be good.  Looking forward to that.  Oh -- and you're a "special librarian" now too!  I tell you, it's the only way to go.  SLA is a good group -- miles above ALA or any of the local groups.  You might look into it.

We finally got moved into our new building.  Would you believe I have like 200 boxes of books and no shelves.  I'm literally buried in boxes -- some stacked 8 boxes high.  Theoretically our shelves should be ready tomorrow (or the day after, or the day after that, or...)  Someday soon.  Or so we're told.

Finally got around to going to the doc and found out that I almost have an ulcer.  Out of pure vindictiveness I'd like to think it's all LaVern's fault.  But I have a sneaking suspicion that it comes from all my Wyoming partying -- not the booze, but the 7Up I mix with it.  Gonna have to get used to Bourbon and water.  Better for the health!

I tell you, this has been a terrific day.  Been toying with the idea of buzzing off to Europe.  (I know I've bored you with that before.)  But lately I've been getting cold feet, should I, shouldn't I, do I really want to go?   Anyway, Saturday I went to a travel agent and found out I could go by charter from Denver to Frankfurt for $399 round trip!  I couldn't believe it!  That's half the regular fare.  So today I ran over, plunked down my money and got all confirmed and everything.  And I leave July 6. Unfortunately I'll be here for the 4th.  Had dreams of spending the 4th out of the country -- say drinking a toast to the good ol' U.S. of A. from the  Champs Elysee.  Could not be.  Going with my friend Anke from Seattle -- she's German and speaks German (of course) and French.  Had hoped to go with Ginny Shoens (remember the Sunday morning waffles), but that's an on again off again thing.

I've really got this thing about planes it seems.  Flying off to Seattle for Memorial Day weekend.

Heard from Lynne Stevenson.  All at MSL is the usual shambles.  Lynne's resigned -- either to go back to school (in Sacramento) or to take the biomed job at Carroll College.  Whichever comes through.  Basically just sad stories from there.  So glad I got out when I did.

And all goes on the usually same sameness have.  Cheyenne's ok -- and you just wouldn't believe how happy I am with my job.  Especially now that I almost have shelves.

Take care, and keep in touch --