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.

November 29, 1976 (Note from Diane)

In all fairness, I should tell you what you're in for when you come in Dec.  Hopefully, you won't change your mind!  Anyway, some other friends also wanted to see the Brandywine R.M. and the Gardens so I gave everyone a choice of weekends.  They all picked the tenth.  So why not a houseparty, right?  Guests will include Mary Lou and John Repsher, Rosie & Larry Minster and son, and Marsha Irvin.  We'll stop for Bev along the way.  The group includes several library people and yoga enthusiasts.  If this is beginning to sound like a sales job, you're right.  But if it doesn't work & you do change your mind let me know.  If I don't hear anything, I'll expect you on the 10th, weather cooperating.

November 24, 1976 (Letter from Barb N)

Again I enjoyed your letter thoroughly.  I was so excited last nite when I found out the whole family would be in Warren at X-mas.  Now I haven't any 2nd thoughts of the money I will spend to get home.

I will check into my flight no. and arrival time today.  I still have to write a check.  I told Mom to put $400.00 in my checking account but I haven't heard a reply so I'm uneasy about writing a check.  I will give Mom a few more days.

If I get a hop into Philly I am debating if I should fly to Springfield.  Pete is going to drive to Norfolk and I would like to go down there with him. Send me your phone no. so I can call you to tell you my plans..  If I have to call collect I will reimburse you.  (I will call collect from the States.)

Have I remembered all there is concerning my trip home.  I hope so.

We are very much alike in our personalities even tho I have not matured as far as you have.  I mean in thee sense of how real we are to ourselves.  I still feel like a child of the world retreating into myself when I encounter situations in life.  I am aware at this point.  I know that I must solve these problems through proper thought then follow through with the correct actions.

For so long I have shut myself off in thought.  I have been thinking only of the problems and I never took the time to understand why there was a problem, how it came to be etc.  I purposely stopped myself from progressing in a straight path.

I too feel that a lot of mysteries of our subconscious can be opened through smoking.  A few days ago I smoked by myself and was listening to King Crimson's "I Talk to the Wind".  I was aware of minutest sounds that I have never listened to when I was straight.  I too have sat down and looked at myself as a third person.  I can come to find answers but I'm such a fool at times.  I won't apply the knowledge that I contain.  I don't understand why I am such a weak person.  I am not aware of myself at all time.  It's like I am two persons that don't get along.  That is why I talk to people of what I am.  One of me is fake the other is real.

Instead of getting involved in a long letter I'm sure we can talk when I get back home.

November 24, 1976 (Letter from Grayce)

I'm so sorry about the recipes -- we really did like the 2-bean casserole.  Oh well ---"de gustibus non disputandem!"  As you can see, I don't give up easily -- we Taurus people are very stubborn!  If you're willing, my aunt's spinach pie recipe is yummy (I think).  Brook hates spinach & will positively not eat it plain.  Actually, the whole first time I made this pie, he made faces at it & would not even come near it.  There was a lot of low comedy flying around also -- but, when it was finished he did condescend not taste it & he liked it. (He'll never live this down, of course) & now he even asks me to make it!  So do try it, ok?  If mushrooms are as expensive now in  New England as they are here, leave them out.  It's still good without them.

I found this little button & thought it would be perfect for you, in case you eve have an identity crisis, or if your being ever feels denied, or something of that sort!

I do hope you aren't seriously suggesting that I have a "negligible interest at most" in your straitened circumstances!  I really do care, but feel a little helpless about it.  Do you budget yourself?  I suppose you do, but are  you an impulsive spender?  I am, so I know what it's like.  I've been very good lately, though, since I'm not working.  I just tell myself that that money isn't mine. (Actually, I let myself have a certain amount to do the grocery shopping & maybe $10 more each week & whatever I want, I kind of "save" for from week to week.)  It's crazy, I guess, but it feels like the right thing to do, to me.  Maybe you could pretend that a certain amt of your money isn't yours. (Aside from the part that really isn't & save it & then splurge with the money later & buy something special for dinner, or something like that?

How nice that you'll all be together for Christmas.  That's what I usually liked about Christmas, but I haven't spent a Christmas with my own family for 2  years. I kind of miss it.  The other thing I like about it is making things for it -- (which I already told you in another letter).  This year I'm making a wreath out of felt pieces on a styrofoam base. I've cut out everything I want to use -- holly leaves, red berries, mistletoe leaves, white berries, & a few Christmas symbols like a gold star, a few white doves, etc.  It's coming along splendidly!  Also, each year I make a few ornaments for the tree.  The first y ear, I made some wooden ones & painted them.  Last year I made a few clothespin ornaments & then decorate them & varnish them so they'll last.  They also make nice gift tags. I guess I"ll do that next week sometime.  Your calendars sound really nice.  I'm sure everyone will like them better than a boughten gift, and they'll think of you every time they see it!

I'm awfully happy this week -- not that I've been unhappy before -- but I'm especially happy now. Maybe because I'm getting adjusted.  I've actually been sleeping very well, only a very few real trying nights.  I must attribute it to the fact that I'm finally over the frustration of Seton Hill.  (I do still freeze up when I think of that place, though & its atmosphere!)

Speaking of jobs -- you asked what the situation was here.  It's bleak, I won't mince words.  The college here has some prissy rule about 5 years experience for librarians or 2 Masters -- so forget about that place.  I went to talk to the director, but he's a real zombie, so I just smiled politely when he told me he was impressed by my letters of recommendation & then I left after he told me to get another Masters  (at ISU, of course) & definitely he'd hire me then.  Needless to say, I think he's absurd!  The director of the public library is great -- only he has no jobs.  If I get desperate I may volunteer because he's a very progressive person and I know he'd be good to work with.  He was "impressed" too (or so he said).  But he did try to find me something else -- even called people for me, but there isn't anything right now.

I'd like to get a job, because we have a $30,000 mortgage & I'd like to help pay it, but I don't see anything right now.  Brook thinks I shouldn't just take anything, but wait for something good.  (I may be waiting forever, of course.)  I went into the bookstore at the mall & asked about part-time, but of course they just hired some one!  My luck is great.  Anyway, I'm hoping they have a quick turnover, so I left my application.  It would be good experience, I guess, huh?  It's a nice bookstore, too -- has lots of interesting stuff in it.

If I hear of anything, I'll let you know -- but jobs don't exactly stick to me -- especially good ones.

Brook has to stay late at work tonight -- to study confidential stuff.   What a drag.   I'm sure whatever it is isn't that secret.  Oh well.  I have to get him at 10:00, because the night bus stop is about a mile from the regular bus stop.  Yesterday, Brook had me drive on Interstate 15.  I was scared, but it really wasn't that bad.  It was the first time I ever had the car in 4th intentionally.  (I used to put it in 4th instead of 2nd all the time when I first started.)  So now I guess I'm qualified to drive to the airport to pick people up when they come to visit.  (I hope you'll be one of them someday.)

I don't think I told you that the movers broke my loom.  Well, actually it may have been a blessing in disguise.  The guy who came to see the part that was broken is a sheep farmer out in Blackfoot & he asked me to teach him how to spin, so I did & he's going to bring me several pounds a raw wool!   I'm so excited.  He called this morning & will be out this afternoon & will also have my loom piece -- hopefully!

It must be the day for phone calls.  My friend Olga called from California at 6AM.  I guess she was getting ready to go to work. I haven't spoken to her for 2 years!  'twas nice. One of my friends in NY wants me to get a cassette recorder so we can exchange tapes.  I don't' know, though. I think I wouldn't like to speak onto tape as much as I like to write.  Do you?

Oh well, I guess I'm finished talking your ear (eye?) off.  Take care.

November 21, 1976 (Letter from Renee)

Received your letter this week and I was happy to hear from you once again.  You're so great about taking the initiative to write after my long periods of non-correspondence.  It is amazing to me still that after all these year (10 since I've been out of H.S.) that we, as friends, still manage to keep in touch.  It makes me feel good!   I was blessed with 2 letters in 1 week -- 1 from you & 1 from Mardi.  How lucky can I get?

Your letter touched me deeply, for I, too, am experiencing a great deal of depression over my "present state of affairs" concerning my job & my future in the working world.  I am more fortunate than you, however, in the fact that I have Morrey to share in my problems and to guide me in my decisions.  I have decided that this will be my last year of teaching school.  In June I'll hit the "road" looking for a new job.  I am very unhappy with the conditions at school, with the people I work with, and , above all, w/ the people that run the school.  At this point in my life, I feel that I am "giving too much of myself" to my work and I haven't had time to be a good wife or really a good friend.  I feel torn between my school obligations and my private life & family.  When I leave teaching I will have the satisfaction of knowing that I left as a successful teacher and I also know that I'm not really leaving because other people forced me -- but because I forced myself.  I feel as if I've reached the end of my goals in teaching and there's nothing more there for me to tackle -- at which point one begins to fall into a situation in which she rests on past performances instead of reaching for new dimensions!  I want to quit teaching before my attitude reflects in my teaching performance.  There are too many people at my school who long ago gave up on  being good teachers, and who now are in the profession 1) because it pays more than other jobs they could find & 2) because it's routine, easy & no sweat if you don't give a damn anyway.  For a long time, Paul, I was so depressed about the whole thing, but now that I've made up my mind to quit & do something else -- I feel almost as if I'd been given a reprieve.  I feel "cleansed" once I made the decision to quite.  Well, so much for that for now.

I've had a very difficult time of it these last 2 months, Paul.  My grandfather's death wasn't hard for me to accept at first, but now I am feeling the "great loss" to me and my family.  Morrey & I have been to Warren several times since then, and it will take my parents a while to adjust.  I have desperately wanted to spend more time w2/ them but because of my job & other demands I have not been able to.  They are coming here for Thanksgiving and Morrey & I have planned a "fun" weekend.   My mother is scheduled to go in to Warren General for gall bladder surgery on Dec. 15th and I am leaving school 3 days early (before our Xmas vacation)  to be with my father.  I will be in Warren through the Xmas-New Years holidays and I am very much looking forward to seeing you, Paul, and to spending time renewing acquaintances with people from Warren.  If possible I hope you & I could find time to go & visit w/ Mrs. Coe, our h.s. English teacher.  At any rate, call me at my folks' when you get in town.

I told Morrey about y our unhappiness in Springfield and how expensive it was to live there.  He told me to tell you to come to Columbus & stay with us for awhile and perhaps look for work here.  I want you to know Paul that the invitation we're extending is more sincere -- we do have an extra bedroom.  And plenty of room for you and we wouldn't be inconvenienced or bothered a bit if you took us up on the offer.  Morrey is not the type to offer unless he likes someone and really cares -- and he does like you Paul!  Please give some consideration to the idea.  Perhaps we can discuss it at Xmas time.

Paul, I wish there was something I could do to help you in your present circumstances.  I feel for you, and from the tone of your letter, I can share in your feelings of frustration & depression.  Paul, we've been friends for a long time.  Of you need money, Morrey and I would be happy to help you out.  We're not rolling in money, but we do have some and would be happy as an act of friendship to loan you want  you might need.  I've discussed this with Morrey and he supports the offer so please don't hesitate if you're in a hole and need some financial help.  I know that if the circumstances were reversed, you'd do the same for us.

I am writing this letter while watching the NBC 50 years of NBC show and I'm finding that I can't do 2 things at once successfully so I'll close this letter for now cause Morrey's bugging me to watch with him.

Please take care & be well Paul.  Write again soon & I'll plan to see you at Xmas time in Warren.

November 16, 1976 (Letter from Mardi)

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

November 22, Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take care.

We are all fine.

Poopies are fine

Yolanda sends her love.

November 9, 1976 (Letter from Lar)

We had 6" of snow yesterday.  I think the weatherman is right about forecasting a cold, snowy winter.

The Printz Co. in Warren is closing.  I made some sale signs and received $170 worth of clothes for my work.  I was in need of some new clothes, since I don't send much on clothes.

Mom & Dad got a letter from Barb today.  She seemed pretty upset.  She is thinking of moving back on base.

I've heard a couple cuts from Al Stewart's new album, they were both excellent.  There hasn't been much in the way of new music.  They sure made a lot of hype about Stevie Wonder's new album.

I'm not in a letter writing mood, but I wanted to get one off to you since it's been quite awhile.

I just went downstairs to hit my punching bag.  After I hit it for awhile, I feel very relaxed.  I was chilled, hitting it for 5 minuets warmed me up a lot.  I got the idea for it from Johnny.  My duffle bag is ripping so I'll have to get a new one soon.