June 28, 1970 (Letter from Gail)

Sorry to hear that you didn't make it out to Calif.  I guess Minneapolis will just have to do.  I'm glad that you found a job and that you like it.  God, was I surprised to hear about Foster.  I guess he's all talk and no action. If Mike's gonna be that much of a baby the rest of his life -- he's gonna have a ruff time.  But it will be his own fault.

I started summer school at EOC last week.  I needed three more credits so I could transfer in the fall.  I'm taking a history course.  It's horrible!  Boring as hell!

Two weeks ago Sheryl Larson, Barb Check, Phyllis Valone, and I spent a week at Lake Erie.  We rented a beautiful cabin near Barcelona, N.Y.  We didn't meet many people but we had a good time by ourselves.   Bought a couple  six packs and some gin and got totally smashed on night.  We all were drunk, had thrown up and were in bed by 11:30 pm.  It was hysterical, but I had one hell of a hangover the next day.  Friday night we drove into Westfield and went to the drive-in.  Guess what?  T hey only show dirty, pornographic movies there and they even checked proof.  (You have to be 18 or over.)  The movies we saw weren't' that dirty (shit) but
the previews we saw were censored!  Wow!  We came home last Sunday (regretfully) and now I'm already back in the same damn rut.

I haven't seen much of Mark.  He's lifeguarding down at the pool.  He stops in here on his way home sometimes.  His girlfriend was here last week.

I can't believe that this weekend is the fourth of July.  A couple of us girls are going to the parade in the morning and then to the fireworks that night.  Sounds like fun, huh?

I went to a wedding that your father performed yesterday.  My cousin, Cathy Benson, got married.  She married Terry Stanko.  It was really a nice wedding.  Your father was, oh, should I say magnificent!  Just like his son!

Be good Paul, and take care of yourself.  Write soon.

July 21, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 27, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

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

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

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

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

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

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