June 22, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi kid! I can't believe July is almost here!  I've never seen time go so fast.  Are you going home for the 4th!  Big excitement.

Nothing too new around her -- just got a call from Wendy in Denver.  We talked on the WATTS lines.  I refuse to make any long distance phone calls this summer, SURE!  After that two month bill of 54.00 I don't want to go through that again.  We have a new number so take it down -- 823-3769.  I had to register the phone in my name because they wanted $54.00 plus a $50.00 deposit!!!  The phone company will do anything to fuck you over.  Anyway Wendy is doing fine.  She's just as broke as I am.  Which is great to hear about now!  Got a letter from Barb yesterday, she got July and Aug off of work, so she's going to the Cape.  She didn't tell me any details because she was in a hurry and only wrote a postcard.  Anderson and I don't think we'll be going anywhere special, so I think maybe I'll go to Boston and see Barb.  Who knows?  I guess Foster is home and trying to find a job.  Tina's mother is busy with wedding plans my mother says!  FAR OUT!!!!!  I must write Mark a letter.  You said he was still at school for the summer, or was that my mother?  He really must be having a rough time of it with his nerves and all!

So how are the dishes doing?  You can't believe the weather here!  It's been so hot for the past three weeks and its' not even July yet!  90 every day and HUMID!

This Saturday there is a rock concert at Midway Park, all day.  The Band, John Sebastian, and Bonnie Delaney and Friends and a bunch of people are going to be there, it should be a good time, watch it rain!  Since my bike was stolen I haven't been doing much but going to the Art Institute and the new Walker Art Museum they just finished.  Went to see "Taming of the Shrew" at the Guthrie, it was really great!  Remember when we saw it at the Wintergarden in Jamestown w/ Liz Taylor and Richard Burton -- it really is a funny play. Thursday I'm going to the theater to see "Plaza Suite".. I've gotten two free tickets from work!!

Well I had better close up and get to work!  Take care.  Write soon.  Got the negatives from the pictures, sent them to Barb -- do you want any?  The next picture session won't be until Christmas, so get your order in TODAY!  Duh!

November 9, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

You'll never know how close I came to being in Buffalo.  Barney wanted me to go with her to St. Bonnies to see Greg then drive to Buffalo -- so I thought I'd go and see ya and stay there tonight -- but mother got sick -- sinus infection -- BAD, BAD so I wanted to stay here plus I have to wash and iron all my clothes.  I"M LEAVING FOR MINNEAPOLIS.  Tuesday I'm going -- I made up my mind.  I have to go because I just can't stand it here a minute longer!  I'll be back in two weeks though -- I told Mom I'd come back for Thanksgiving.  I'm going to look for a job and see what I can find.  Wendy called last night so I'll stay with her -- can't wait to talk to her!  One thing I'm not going to do is worry!  I promise to drop you a line from Minneapolis.  I'm flying back the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I'll stay with Mike Tues night and come home together Wednesday.  Nancy is coming home Thanksgiving -- how long, or what day I'm hot sure.

Did all my washing today.  Blah.

Had to buy new glasses this week ZIP -- $43.00!  HELP!  What can you do?

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner.  I haven't been in the mood.

Last night about six of us landed up at this bar in Jamestown no one had ever seen before -- it was really cool -- it had a pool table -- great bartender, good music -- drunk kids -- we had a great time -- UNREAL---

Must go now, please take care of yourself.  See you at Thanksgiving!!!

May 21, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

I know I'm a super rat for not writing to you sooner, but I'm a little behind in my studies, duh, yeah, studies, what studies?  Hell.  I've got to get a report in for English tomorrow, do a psych paper for next Friday and a couple other papers!  You certainly wrote me a long letter!  How was it at home -- bad news isn't it?  I hear you, Barb, and Mark, didn't know about each other being home.  Duh!  Time is really flying by.  I guess May is practically shot.  I still have no idea what I'm doing.  I don't know how long I'll stay out here.  Probably till the 17th possibly.  I'll have to save some money this summer.  That's for sure.  God, I hate the thought of staying there but it will only be for a short time.  I'm planing on hitching up to Buffalo to see you.  I'll definitely do that, of course, I can come up and clonk around for awhile.  It would be nothing to thumb up to Buffalo.  All we do now is hitch all over, mother dear would have a shit fit I'm sure.  So this summer is kinda blah.  I might be coming back out to Mpls at the end of the summer because Jim, Dutch's friend, will be driving out.  You remember him, he was the guy at Surf Club with Dutch that night.  So that would be really good.  Dutch is going to Milwaukee over Memorial Day weekend and I might go with him but he's visiting his uncle that can probably get him a job in Florida.  I'm making it to Florida definitely if not right this summer then in September, especially if Dutch goes there.

Things are moving.  This past weekend we spent on the lake and running around.  Wendy and usually sign out all weekend, then she stays at Larry's and I stay with Dutch.  Then that way it's easier to run around more, now Larry's apartment is a block away from Dutch's so we run back and froth.  Saturday we went out to this girl's house on the lake and it's one of these super beautiful homes, on a cliff overlooking the lake, they are quite wealthy.  Sunday we went to the baseball game and sat with our feet over the seats and ate hotdogs all afternoon with Larry and Wendy, then we decided to go on the picnic of the year!  We had everything!  We went out to the falls, it's really cool, wish you could be out here clonking around with us all.  So we got about 50 kids and had a instant kind of kegger.  They're having a kegger for us this weekend if the weather is nice.  I get so drunk drinking keg beer.  I'm glad the weather is lousy this week or else I'd be cutting classes and I can't do that anymore! (for awhile)

I really can't believe this year is almost over.  I can't believe it.  I've really changed and I'm sure we all have! I wish I could some up and see ya and we could really have some good talks I bet.  I promise I'll see ya this summer.

Well, I've got to go to the store and get some exciting articles as toothpaste, deoderant and so on, then I have to do my wash and work on the reports, but I shall be back later.

(5/23)  Hi lover, I have a few seconds now at my break so I'll write a few lines.  I had to finish up my English report, which I have to present today -- I'm always so prepared.  I think this afternoon I'll hit the typewriter and do some psych.  Today is really nice!  It was crummy all week which is kind of good because it's hard enough not to cut.  Last night Dutch and I ended up going to a party in this apartment house in which we knew no one, but we certainly had a good time!  I ended up staying with Dutch -- I feel okay today, though I only had about 4 hours of sleep.  This morning I think I cooked the guys a pound of bacon and a dozen eggs.  There I am cooking breakfast while these four guys are running around in their BVDs.

I must go.  God, time flys, will be late for class.  Th at's a no-no.

Well I gave my report.  Now I can relax for the weekend.  Dutch "skipped" this afternoon and took off for the lake the fink.  I could really  be studious and type up my psych but I'm not that type.

How did you visit home go?  (I already asked you, didn't I?)  I can imagine.  You're like a stranger. I don't want to go home.  I may stay out here an extra week or a couple extra weeks!

My parents are really looking forward to having me come home and it's going to be a real waste to even have to try and make it for two months or so.

Right now I feel as if I'm in a vacuum and I don't know what to do.

I guess tonight we're going to the drive-in.  The last time we went to the drive-in was last June, we used to be a scream when we went to the drive-in.  Renee wouldn't shut up, Mike would yell at Renee for not shutting up, then everybody would yell at Mike for yelling at Renee, and Mark and you and I and Barb ate the whole night -- Mark went to the bathroom every 15 min, Mike would roll down the window because he was hot, Renee and Barb were cold -- Remember that old time great "Let's live a little', that academy ward winner for best scenary.  Oh my goodness Paul where are any of us going?  I must be fantastic for those people who really know what they want and are going to get it!  Please take care love.  See ya soon.



And let your best be for your friends
If he must know the ebb of your tide,
Let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend what you should seek with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

I LOVE YA

April 13, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hello honey, it's a groovy Sunday afternoon here in Minneapolis as the Twin Cities is slowly sinking under water.  It's really funny because it's so dry here and about 6 or 7 miles from here, houses are going under water.

How are things going kid?  Back in the old rut.  My grades have gone down for some odd reason.  Otherwise things are going fine.  Dutch and Steve just moved into a new beautiful apartment.  They had a party last night and Wendy and I got good and high.  It's really great because their neighbors are drunks and they have a corner apartment and you can make as much noise as you want.  So as I sit here back in the slums.  Tonight we're going to the Iron Butterfly concert, they should be fantastic.  The Fudge and Arthur Brown were unbelievable Friday night.

Oh yes, we have a dog.  Her name is Aquarius.  She's a cocker-poodle.  I told Barney about her and she said she had seen her and had to have her, so now er have a dog.  If Sue and Jeff our houseparents find out they'd have a bird.  Steve bought one I fell in love with and named him Mark.  "What does a dog with a hairlip say?"  Mark, mark!  She's a doll, and she'll probably get spoiled.  We took Mark and Aquarius down to the park after school Friday and had a riot.  By the time we left we had gathered about 50 puppies and 150 kids.  Of course, I guess that's what parks are for.  The dog will stay with our girlfriend during the week who has an apartment.  Steve had to give his to his aunt who lives outside of Mpls so she could keep the dog.

Hi doll, blah, it's now 7:30 AM!  I've got to get this letter out, I promised myself I would.  The Iron Butterfly was fabulous, fantastic, they left the whole stage on fire.  The drummer was fantastic.  I didn't get much sleep last night or this morning.  I feel lousy!  I'll come home and sleep -- the dog was up and yelping around last night, and Barney was sacked out so Wendy and I had to listen to it cry.  I must go and get dressed.  Tell everyone I said hello.

February 20, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

I just got your collage in Psych class.  It was really funny.  It wouldn't fit in my mail box to say the least!  You should get my letter tomorrow, great letter wasn't it?!  So right now I have absolutely nothing to say.  I want to put your collage on my wall but I don't have room. I'll have to fit it on the ceiling.

How is my collage doing?  My valentine card was sharp, wasn't it?  You're one of the lucky ones to receive the first in a series.  It may be valuable in about 565 years.

(2/21)  Now I'd say I'm a little behind in my letter writing!  So you think my idea is pretty good.  As of right now just Wendy and I are coming definitely but I'm sure Barney may come with us.  Things are really blah around here.

Those pictures are cute!  What a bunch of dopes!  A little potted?

It got a letter from Mike.  He's been in the hospital twice with some infection.  The cutie didn't tell me.  Honestly someone could die and I wouldn't know about it.

Sue Smith is at the airport right now.  She decided to go home!  She'll get into Buffalo about 8:00 AM.  She'll be in Detroit about 3:00 AM or so.  Blah.  I couldn't take flying alone all night and morning!  She'll see Shorty's.  Chuck is supposed to be coming home so she won't have too much to worry about, she'll sure surprise him.

We're really looking forward to seeing you all.  Surf Club, Surf Club, Surf Club!  I'll probably have my father pick me up Thursday night.  All I know is we'll be there.  H ow far are you away from the airport?  If I call you how long will it take you go get out to the airport?  I'll be calling about March 9, Sunday, about 11 your time.  Believe me, it won't be long -- 5 minutes.  Find out if your father will definitely pick you up -- but that doesn't really matter.  I have to call Barb sometime soon!  I doubt if she'll be coming home.

Well, I'll close for now; I will be back tomorrow.  I've got to get some sleep.  Good night!

(2/22)  Hi again!  I will get this letter out!  Right now it's a lousy Saturday.  We don't get any mail today because of Washington's birthday.  Big deal.  I didn't get a letter yesterday either.  Blah!  I should have stayed in bed today.  I know I would have gotten a letter.  My mother said she saw Renee home.  She came home to get her teeth fixed.  I haven't heard from her.  I can't believe she's dating Morrey again.  She probably doesn't have anything else to do and Renee loves to get out so Morrey would be perfect.  I heard from Mark.  I guess he finally got his single and he love it!  He had some dandy roommates!

Well there's not much to say and Wendy is going to mail some letters on her way to work, so I'll close up.

Wendy and I will see you in about 29 days.  Linda is going home the 28th so it'll just be Wendy and I.  Are you sure it's all right if we stay there with you and your roommates?  Nothing like inviting ourselves.  We're looking forward to coming out there -- way out East.  Duh.  Take care.

February 11, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi honey.  I'm afraid this shall be short and sweet.  First of all, happy Valentine's Day!  How do you like my home-made card?  It's definitely got soul.  Now second -- this is a real cute on.  Now listen to this -- it's my own idea, which probably won't work.  Wendy, Linda, and I were going to leave here Wednesday, March 26 (my birthday!) and fly to Buffalo.  Then you will meet us at the airport.  Then we'll stay overnight either with you or anywhere, then when your father comes he could take us back.  Wen won't have that much stuff but if he can't take us we could have someone get us or take the bus.  What do you think.  It's just an idea, but I thought it was pretty good.  Write back soon and tell me what you think. Give me your telephone number and tell me when the best time to call you is and Wendy and I we'll call you.  First we'll write and tell you exactly when, so you can e there.  Make it sometime on a Sunday night.  OK!

Nothing new and exciting has happened.  Tonight I went to see Buster Keaton at the Art Institute.  It was a silent one, it was so funny, everybody was sitting there and cheering an d yelling for him, it was great.  We really had a good time until we froze on the way home.  It's getting cold out again.  How's the weather in Buffalo?  Did you get that snow storm?

I'm sorry cutie but I've got to close up and hit the sack, I'm dead!

January 28, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi cutie!  How did you like that letter, yes, being weirdo's is fun, we got carried away one day in psych class.  You should read the one we did for Chuck Church.

I was glad to get your letter.  I got seven letters yesterday -- now I won't get any for about two weeks.  I must say you've been a doll about writing -- keep it up.  Actually, right now I should be doing my Psych, but I'd rather write letters.  I went to the Art Institute tonight.  They're giving a series of films on old-time movies and it's really great.  A lot of kids go from the Institute and they're really cool.  It's a good way for me to spend my time, which I didn't have tonight.

I haven't been doing a damn thing and I don't think I'll be doing anything since there's not a thing for me to do.  Saturday night we got stuck at this party which was our own fault and as soon as we got there we wanted to leave but no one would take us home and Wendy and I got really pissed and started in on this poor dud who brought us and finally took us home.  I've never seen so many duds.  We were sitting in this kid's convertible because we thought he was going to take us home and while we were waiting for him, there was a can of gasoline in the front seat so I said I would take it and put it bay the back window so I left and pow, right through the window; the plastic was so stiff that it broke like glass so we put the can back in the front seat and everyone was laughing hysterically, so the kid didn't find it but he deserved, it I know that.  What an ass I am.

Things have quieted down since our marijuana raid and everything worked out fine for the kids -- thank God.  I think Jane and Karen are worse off.  What a waste.

Hi again, it's now Wednesday night.  I'm determined to get all my letters written and studying and write my letter to United, Trans World, and Eastern.

I'm just about to call it quits with everything around here.  I'm in the worst mood blaaa.  I need a Budwesier to save my soul.  Help!  Actually, I'm about to crack up.  It's my annual January-February-March depression state.  How are you surviving?  When are you leaving to come home for Easter?  Anywhere near the 27th of March?

I'm sorry this is so short but I've got to get my ass movin'.  It's about the two tests tomorrow.

I got a letter from Dody.  He's pretty much hanging in there.  It's so stupid, now I'd give anything to do home and be bored.   At lest I get my meals served to me, clean house!, of course, I couldn't stand it after about two weeks -- a week.  It's not fair.

The interviews for the kids in the March class are starting to come in.  I guess Toni Massa has a great job in New York City, she had her interview today.  I can see it all now...I don't plan on taking a job as a reservationist or ticketing, so unless I'm offered a secretarial or receptionist job then I'll worry about my appearance and the impression I create.  If I don't get the job offer I want I'm taking off for the shore and working at anything, then I'll settle down for awhile anywhere.  But what I want to do and what I'm going to do are two different things!

I've got to go -- please take care and be good.  What was it the spirit said about Cheryl?  I'm making my preparations for my wedding in December blaaa!  We shall see you soon.

January 18, 1969 (Note from Mardi)

You just wouldn't believe this place.

Hi, it's now Sunday.  I really got a lot said last night, didn't I?  As I was saying we have not changed the name of this place to Gage Home for unwed mothers and narcotic addicts.

1.]  Amy Baker is four months pregnant, with some guys baby out here.  She called her parents just a minute ago and they weren't home.

2.]  This other girl down the hall is pregnant supposedly by the guy Wendy used to date, Mike.

3.]  We have pot on the third floor, Jane Musante's roommates have it and she told our housefather, so now I have no idea what will happen.  "The Feds are coming."  I'm about ready to climb the walls.  I did not do one thing this weekend but eat and sleep.  I can't concentrate on anything.  Get me out of here.  Famous last words.

I got a letter from Barb yesterday too, I guess things are bad all over.  Once you get back from Christmas things go straight downhill.

The little, little things keep me going.  "Surf at Easter" is the motto of the day.   I must close  Carol's going out so she can mail this.  Some day I'll write something exciting.  Take care.

January 9, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

I should have written early this week now I don't know if you're going to be there or in Cleveland or what.  Are you there?  I almost didn't get here.  Monday I was all set for Jamestown and to take off about 3:22 but no flight!  A little mechanical difficulty so there we all were, so my mother and Barb left and Wendy and I went to my father's with him and ate dinner.  We got on a 7:00 flight and got into Detroit City about 8:15.  I thought I'd never see Detroit again.  I thought maybe Smokey would walk by or something.  Duh!  Smokey Robinson that is -- not Smokey the Bear -- knowing you!

Hi, honey, I'm back again.  What a night.  I slept and talked to Nancy and read a short story, now we're waiting for Luigi to deliver our order.  What a place.  We didn't have anything to do tonight so we looked up what it would cost to go United to Buffalo for Easter -- it's not too expensive at all -- standby.  We have it figured out so we might be able to take two weeks at Easter.  Look out Surf Club.

Right now I've had it.  We found a new roommates in our apt when we got here.  She's a really, really cute one.  Why us?!  She was kicked out of her other apt and now we have her, but we're going to see if she can move and we're pretty sure she'll do it.  We clash so much.  What a mess -- I have living with girls.

Sometime we'll have to clean up this place which won't be till we all get in the mood, which probably will never happen.

I must go.  Write soon.  How did exams go for you?

December 12, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

I was glad to get your letter.  It sounds exactly like what I've been doing here.  No one really cares about school or studies, right now I just want to go home.  I'm so tired to studies.  I'll actually be home in less than a week.  I'm planning on what I'm going to eat when I get there.  I don't think I'll make it to the 20th.  All we're having are finals next week too.  I got a letter from Dody and I guess he's been sick with the flu.  I guess he's missed a lot of school.  I really hope I don't get sick.  There are a lot of kids out here because of the flu.

Not too much happening.  Friday night we went to see Andy Williams and the concert was absolutely fantastic.  We even like Roger Miller.  We sat about 15 ft away.  We took quite a few pictures and I have to pick them up tonight.  I hope they turned out.  The performance lasted almost three and a half hours.  It was something to see.

Saturday Wendy and I went to a party at 1 AM.  We had a riot the whole 45 minutes we were there.  Sunday I slept all day and wen to the Art Institute with Nancy and took some pictures.

The weather has been cold but sunny and clear.  Today it's drizzly and dark out and I'm afraid it might decide to snow.  I hear Jamestown had a bad storm and Erie had thousands of dollars of damage.  The Peninsula was blown away.

I'm really hurtin', I haven't had more than two hours sleep each night.  Monday we had to clean our entire apartment for room inspection Tuesday -- blaah!  Last night we decided we weren't going to buy a Christmas tree but that we were going to find one and chop it down.  We looked all over and nobody had a decent pine tree to take.  We looked at apt building too while we were clonking around.  One was $208 -- without utilities.  Blaah!  I may never have an apt.

Dec 13 - Friday.  I'm casually relaxing in the apt., feeling blase.  It's the flu.  I'm just washing out a few shirts and blouses -- finally getting ready to pack.

My mother was in the hospital.  I tried to call Wednesday and Thursday and I couldn't get a hold of  her and I started to get worried.  The operators actually began calling me by my name.  This one was really nice.  So I called my aunt and she told me everything was fine and my mother came home today.  The doctor put her in the hospital to rest and for shots.  I talked to her today at noon and she sounded terrible but she said she was feeling better but weak.  She said she might be home all week 16-20.  I hope she gets much better for Christmas.  Watch me get sick all vacation.  Dody went over to see her and Mike called her.  You kids are so thoughtful.  She really love ya all, you know.

We had a snow storm last night but we weren't hit that hard.  Up north they were hit with 14 to 15 in of snow.  We don't have too much.  Planes have been taking off anyway.  I got some pictures of our jet coming out here, finally.  Please take care handsome.  SEE YOU IN TWO AND A HALF DAYS!!!!

December 4, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

It sounds like things went OK for Thanksgiving.  Now back to the old grind.  Thanksgiving we had a fantastic dinner.  The city was literally packed with people.  I've got to take some pictures.  It's too beautiful to describe.

My vacation kind of racked me out here.  I went to a party every single night.  We were staying out all night and morning because our housemaster and Mr. Gage was supposed to be here but we never saw him.  We had Jim Mead up and nobody signed in or out for the whole vacation.  Friday night Mardi got totally polluted.  I never had to much fun.  I could not walk down the stairs without leaning on someone.  I was with Mike all night and he wasn't feeling any pain either only I think  most of it was marijuana.  I was really gone I must say!  I got home and Wendy and I hit the bed at 4AM.  About 5:30 Peroski wakes up and throws up for an hour w/ dry heaves.  I lot 5 lbs in one day.  I was hurtin Saturday.

Well I just lost my pen.  MariJo brought back her record player so now we have the extreme luxury of "home music".  It kind of gives me the excuse to buy a new album.  Which I shouldn't do.

It's 4:15 already.  Days are short thank God.  I think I'll play the lazy bum role tonight and just watch TV.  I suppose I should loaf while I can, starting the 16th, exams, exams, exams, so...

Here I am again -- I clonked out for about three hours so I won't fall asleep tonight either.  Linda and I have been sleeping on the living room floor the past couple of nights.  It get like an actual oven on the top bunks, and we have all our heat turned off.  At least we don't have to worry about freezing here.  Tonight I swear we had hurricane winds.  Our bedroom shook like a piece of tin.  I thought it would fall out.

Nothing is really going on here.  I go to see Andy Williams Friday.  Tomorrow we're going to the theater again.  The "Yum Yum Tree" is playing.  Laurie Peters was in the first show I saw.  She was the girl in "For the Love of Ivy".  I hope you can come out sometime.  I wish everybody could come out sometime, especially now.  It's too beautiful.  We're just clonking around here wasting as much time as ever it seems.  Two lousy weeks.  I'll never get back on that plane.  Blaaa.  I'm so sick of studies, studies, studies.

I got a full run down from Barb today in her letter.  I think we'll have an exceptional riot over Christmas and anyone not in the mood get whipped.

Hi again!  I will finish this letter tonight.  I was reading Sex and the Single Girl, "How to have an affair".  Duh!

I want to go home!  We're playing Christmas carols, sob, sob.  Please take care.  See you in two weeks.

November 26, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

Hope you're enjoying your vacation.  I know you are!  I'm just sitting here all alone.  (It seems so good.)  Everybody should be gone by tomorrow night for sure.  Jim Mead got here today.  Nobody knew.  He came to see Peggy.  It seemed funny to hear him talk about the Gloves and Shorty's.  It was like old home week.

Nothing too much is happening.  Saturday night Wendy and I went party hopping.  We took four pint size cans of Bud and two cans of Colt 45 and brought it back to the apt.  You could bring in a case and nobody would know.  Then we went back out and drank Southern Comfort and we stopped at one keg party and I swear I never drank so much beer!  I was up all night drinking ice water.

Jan is supposed to have a big bash at her apt Thursday.  But I really don't feel like going.  I think I'd like to spend a nice quiet day and night.

I've getting spastic waiting for Christmas.

Today in Charm we started make-up.  You'll never recognize me.  We're starting with the eyes and today she shaped my eyebrows.  I'll be my own duddy self, don't worry.  My hair is getting long!  I'm trying to get rid of the bangs.

I hope you can make it out here in January.  I forgot to tell you that Mr. Sayles told me when I talked to him that he's supposed to come out in January some week for a convention, second or third week.

I must go and do some speechwriting.  Take care, waiting to hear you on the phone.  I sent Mike some pictures for you to look at.  They're really cute.

November 18, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

It's really snowing today.  I can't believe you're home.  I think I'm going horny out here.  I know you'll have a good time at home.  Stop in and see my mother.  She'd love that.  Tell Joan her one and only letter was appreciated.  I finally heard form Tina.  I hear through the grapevine that the Pub has changed to 21.  You can't win.

Nancy and I are making all these plans today.  It seems so much like Christmas.  Right now it's 3:00 and it's so dark and hazy out.  They're decorating all of the city and should be done Thanksgiving.

This weekend went flying by so fast.  Friday night Mike had steak at his apt for us.  It was a surprise for Wendy and I.  We had a misunderstanding though and I'm afraid I probably won't be dating him again, unless we work things out.

You win some and ya lose some but most of the time you get rained out.

Sat night it started to snow and since Wendy and I were home w/ no dates for some reason, we cut up tons of magazines and we're doing the entire walls and ceiling into a collage.  Then we went out about 11:30 and made a huge snowman.  When we don't have anything to do we find out own fun.

Sunday Nancy and Peggy and I went downtown and clonked around and ended up sitting in a restaurant eating.  I have to stop eating because when I get home, I'm going to stuff myself.

Right now I'm waiting for you to call me.  That's another thing I'm going to do is call people on the phone all day and just say hi!  Then the luxury of a car.  Shit!  I want to come home and see everybody.  Everybody is getting their suitcases and packing.  Blaaa!

Take care honey!  29 days!

November 12, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

Your card was darling.  It sounds like everything is going fine.  Are you getting caught up on your studies?  Everything is in place her e-- I've been keeping up w/ studies but I have an entire book to read for tomorrow.  I'm waiting for a psych test in the near future.  Those chapters, blaaa!  How are the stars and stripes.  You're crazy.  I've got to go to psych class in about 10 min so I better get a move on.

Psych class was a real thrill today.  I got a letter from Renee and one from Barb.  Nancy and I have to go all the way to Lake Street post office because Barb sent me a package.

This weekend went flying by in no time.  Mike had a party at his apt Friday night, and we went out Saturday night.  Sun Mike and Mike were going to have steak dinner for Wendy and I, but Wendy had to work.  Wendy and I have it planned to stay with this girl Jan over Thanksgiving.  She has a huge apartment and told us we could stay anytime.  That way we won't have any hours!  Mike said something about going out for dinner and I'm not going to let him forget it.  We're getting along great now, we always have, but we've even getting better now.  Duh!  Are you dating anyone special?  don't.  Hehe!  You old schlemiel you!  The American flag.

Everybody is waiting for Thanksgiving so they can go home.  Linda and Jane and Carol are going home for sure.  They're leaving the 22nd.  They'll have a whole week.  Oh, my phone number is: area code 612-333-9420.  Mardi, apt 36.  I'd love to hear your voice -- hint, hint!  I called Barb Sat and she called me back about 2:30 in the morning.  Barney and I were making dinner.  We talked for quite awhile.  She most likely won't be able to come out for Thanksgiving.  It will cost too much because she can't fly stand-by.  I'm trying to get Foster out here.  On stand-by from Cleveland on a non-stop flight it's nothing at all.

I am so ready for a vacation!!!  37 lousy days.  I live from weekend to weekend.  I have tons to do this weekend -- all my dirty drawers have to be washed.

I must go finish my book for my lit test tomorrow.

Can't wait to see ya ol' -- miss ya, take care.  Sorry about the short letter but I just don't have enough time and I have to answer five more letters.

November 4, 1968 (Letter from Mardi)

How was your birthday?  I hope you're getting caught up with things.

My weekend was a total piece of mass hysteria.  Friday night Wendy and I went to party and we got rather high.  So Mike and I started talking.  I had met him the week before, so we were together the rest of the night. He's really great, he's studying law, and he's rich.  He's a nice guy and I really like him.  His parents own a hotel so they're not hurting.  He took me to a fraternity party Sat. night.  To say I was in control of myself...I had two pints of Southern Comfort.  I really, really had a good time.  He he.

Mike called last night and Wendy's Mike and Mike and I went out about 10.  Wendy's Mike had his car so we drove out and they took us to this gorgeous park with huge waterfalls and we walked and talked.  Then we drove over to the university and got something to eat.  They were going to have us up to Mike's (my Mike) (this is confusing) apartment for steak but Wendy worked till 9 and it was late.

Mike told me this coming weekend he'd plan it.  So we shall see what happens.

I had to see my ticket to see Hendrix Saturday night!  It's about par for the course.  He was fantastic, so I hear!  He said he was coming back.  Oh well, I'd rather have been with Mike anyway.

Wendy and I skipped this afternoon and went walking and walking and walking.  It's beautiful here.  It's supposed to rain.  I don't think we're going to have that much snow.

I want you guys to call me at Thanksgiving.  I don't think Barb will be able to come out.

I just got a letter from Dody today, I pity the kids in Warren.  You've just got to get out.  I love it here.

Well I did my exercise and took my nightly bath.

I bought a pack of cigarettes this afternoon and have one left.  I really should get at my homework or rather apartment work....I shall return.

I shouldn't be writing to you, I should be in class, but you won't believe what I got into last night.

We went down to the Leamington Hotel, because that's where Humphrey is staying, so we thought maybe we'd get to see him.  We saw him all right!  We're standing in the lobby w/ jeans and jackets.  Everybody is just about dressed to kill...and this one guy comes up to me and says would you girls like to get in?  We're there yes yes yes!  So he pulls out 6 passes.  We went in through the cops and guards and they had cameras and lights all over.  We felt really bad in jeans so we went back to the apt and changed.  The place was fantastic.  Nancy and I talked to Tommy James and the Shondells.  They were there for entertainment and they were fantastic.  Inger Stevens and Gene Barry and Orville Freeman were standing right beside us -- I touched them!  Everybody was tanked by 11:30.  It was so packed you couldn't move.  It was wall to wall people.  Outside, people were lined up all around the hotel.  Nancy and I took a cab home.  It was snowing lightly last night.  I didn't get to bed until 3:30 and I couldn't even lift my head off the pillow this morning so I cut my morning classes.  I feel really bad about it!

I wish this weekend would hurry up and get here.

I got a letter from Mark this morning, he's doing fine I take it.  How are you coming along with everything?  Please take care of yourself.  I must go now and eat!!!

Yes, there are many here -- who think that life is but a joke.  So let us not talk falsely now...That Hendrix! I haven't heard from Joan or Tina -- shove it up your left sneaker, girls.  Don't forget -- 41 days.