- RR 1 Abbotsford BC
- July 61
---- You wore such a nice outfit tonite. You came out of the door and
it made me glad just to look at you, and when I got closer you smelled real
good.
The first word that is crossed out you may guess at. The thought struck
me if one tosses endearments around they become common and cheap so they
should be saved for special occasions, and they will stay special.
Morning is rushing in on me and the thought of you so peacefully sleeping
makes me drowsy.
I caught a fly in a glass and can't get him with my fingers so I'll let
water into it thru my fingers and get him that way. Poor fellow. Drat, while
going to the sink he escaped.
- Sincerly
- Frank
-
- Aug 13/61
Troubled Brown-eyes:
A good try at reading the letter in the truck with light on while driving
was made, but had to be abandoned after half mile of severe weaving over
the road.
This paper deserves an (Dave just brought me half banana mm) explanation.
The writing tablet was forgotten by x on the lawn Sun afternoon 2 wks ago
the dog Sandy seeing his chance chewed on it. My wrath could not fall on
him because he could out run me, and resorting to my rifle was against the
rules of the game.
The other day I siezed my .22 and stalked out to see if my accuracy was
falling off. To test this I shot 3 items with 3 shots at respectable distance.
One small potato the size of a pullet egg 20 yds 2 oil filters @ 40 and
60 yds.
You neglected to answer one question but that was settled verbally later.
Your wavelength is tuned perfectly and no doubt has aided your guessing
ability.
On the way home the dew had fallen, this bringing out the aroma of curing
hay, also reminding me that the love of the land coupled with the fact that
everything looks better in the morning under the light of a new day will
probably make somebody really truly happy. In trying to analyze this funny
mood one can come to the conclusion its brought on by one feeling sorry
for oneself, that's why little things perk one up. e.g. The night of the
wedding as I sat in church a man of maybe 38 yrs of age confided to me (in
the middle of a sermon) that yesterday had been his 16th wedding anniversery.
He seemed so happy he just had to tell somebody. (People pick me to tell
the strangest things, troubles mainly because I look unpertuurbed but really
I got troubles I don't wear them on my sleave. (no inflection to the way
you used the phrase) Later in the evening a lady whose husband has berries
worriedly (this was in the basement at the reception) told about a picker
who had only picked a couple of days and had not been paid due to them not
knowing where he lived.
Crazy eh? I feel better already just writing you will sign off for to-nite.
-
Hi
Its Monday just before supper and there are a few spare minutes to write
in. Due to 2 nites at the drive-in last wk Monday was a rough day it began
at 10A.M. by hitting myself on the upper leg with a hammer, it hurt to much
to even curse (silently): the day continued by banging and bumping myself
less severley and making a few stupid mistakes. As a result of this the
drive-in will not be visited for at least 2 wks. I din't swear on the smaller
injuries either.
A good way to stimulate letter writing is not to plan ahead. For some
reason my mind discards what it has thought as stale old and uninteresting.
Thinking about last nite an interesting fact popped into my mind. Only
a few miles before the mood hit you, you sang light songs with a sort of
wild abandon even snatching the tune I was trying quietly to whistle for
myself. Why the sudden about face? I wish I knew.
It's after supper now, which reminds me; Tell your Grandmother thank-you
for the Sunday dinner also tell her the gravy was made just like moms. I
simply forgot to thank her Sunday.
The evening is turning into a nice quiet one, und ich bange mich nach
dir.
P.S. Did it look better in the morning? The parting shot of the evening
about playing hard to get indicated you were livening up.
SEE YOU
Aug 21/61
Petit fleur:
That by the by is a name of a song and it also applies to you.
He is at present prone on his cot (consists of a plywood sheet over the
springs a thin cotton 2" mattress and thin blanket, honestly he almost
goes crazy after a night on a soft bed at some relatives) Your picture is
before him at present and he's reminiscing about what has been.
Speaking of first impressions it was hard to classify you (24th of June)
simply because you didn't act consistently during the day. At times the
dark haired smiling girl picked diligently and was quiet, but at times -
"well" - it was plain she enjoyed life; later in the day he even
wondered at the genuineness of her smile. (He doesn't wonder now). Later
when they got to know each other he found she was a wonderful girl and he
feared one thing (DO NOT LET a friendship climb to quickly or it will run
itself out.)
Her letter of the 16th was read 3 times at different times and the part
where she said she couldn't influence his moods irked him so he let her
know as quickly as possible that this was not true.
Please do not reveal what your "Tagebuch" says, it's a pleasure
to wonder.
Sometimes he wonders if she wonders too. Therewith good-nite.
P.S. Sunday afternoon a fly bothered us on the beach. He stalked it with
a magazine most of the afternoon in vain but the fly got careless after
numerous escapes and dingled too long. He had the satisfaction of killing
him burying it in the sand. He chortled about it at least 5 min.
Aug 28/61 5 min to 10 P.M.
First of all before he forgets he says he's sorry for his "benehmen"
while saying good-nite. He'll "versuch" to be more gentlemanly
here after.
Also on thinking of last nite he's sorry for telling you about his piano
playing cousin, for the simple reason its bad tact to talk or compare of
something bigger or better when some one else has mentioned something.
Today was one of the best Monday mrn's in a long time everything seemed
to go just right and it was just good to be alive; the only thing that bothered
was the subject of the apologies.
After milking the cow tonite he phoned Siemens and made sure of a ride
for you although he'd like to keep you here. They are somewhat vague on
the exact date of departure, this will be fixed when their menfolk come
back from Alta. for their "Leonas" wedding on the 4th of Sept.
They probably will not leave before the 11th tho nor after the 15th.
Last nite after going until the end of Central Rd the moon coyly peeked
over the mountain peak (now we know where to drive to see the moon) but
on turning south onto Boundary Rd it hid its face again. On getting home
(quite a quick trip) safely he read you letter once more, put it under the
mattress (since he slumbers without a pillow because a pillow encourages
a hunch back) and dropped off to sleep.
By the by reading letters on the way to work could be dangerous you could
be hit by a car you know. (Now you are likely saying will if I want to eh?)
About the sweater perhaps he'll turn up in La Glace with one over his
shoulders. (Blue like you mentioned we could go out and both be wearing
blue sweaters eh.)
Do you realize your pages are very skimpy and you leave wide margins.
At the rally Janet sat maybe 20 ft away and across an ialse she asked
by moving her lips where you were and he answered back by moving his lips.
On receiving answer she raised her eyebrows and formed that knowing Oh with
her mouth.
P.S. This letter was again written in prone position.
the same nite
Dear Ellie:
Although this heading is the ordinary, it is sincerely honest. That's
the way he things of you (dear) not ordinary.
She realized incorrectly that she couldn't bring on moods. (mostly good
ones).
Maybe he felt inadequat at not being able to be slap happy "put
on" sort of a gala mood (which he never feels except perhaps a brief
flash lasting perhaps a few seconds. Maybe she hasn't noticed,but he shrinks
from this sort of thing.
You are a pleasant challenge when in this mood, he hopes he cheered you
up and solomnly will try his best to keep out of his bad mood (save them
for next picking season).
He wants to tell you he cares for you very much maybe more than he cares
to admit, sein aufdrängliches benehmen war heute abend ein bischen
unbeherscht und er hat sich vorgenommen es wurde weise sein ein "bischen"
discreet actin. Emphasis on the encircled word.
August 31/61
Liebste Ellie:
Its evening 8:30 to be exact, the house is empty excepting Judy who has
retired to bed. he is settled down to (oops tel.) the kitchen table. The
apple by the way had quite a large bruise plus a small exit hole, proof
that it once was living quarters of a fruit worm. It tasted good in spite
of all this.
He came in 20 min ago from cult. a neighbour's 1 acre strawberry field
earned $3 enough for a show and hamburgers. (tel) again
The mood to nite is pensive; in times lik this, one knows what brings
his uncles to search for something at the bottom of a bottle.
During breakfast frank was told by Mom that Seimens phoned to say their
big truck broke down several 100 miles from La Glace and as a result they
will be heavily loaded and will have no room for Ellie will he notify her
as soon as possible (he said he would and tried to tel at 8:40 but got no
answer, he'll try again later.
Tues morning the air had a lingering fragrance very similar to the make
up Ellie uses. It felt like she was "close" by.
Finally reached Ellie told her the bad news. She seemed in a hurry -
her peaches were cooking.
Received a wedding invitation in the mails today, seems an old school
friend is being married this month. Frank chummed with her brother and observed
her over the yrs she used to go with a tall handsome fellow it was a planned
thing (their wedding) until he lost interest. For some time she pined meanwhile
a flock of admirers gathered all scrambling quite hard. In between time
Frank visited Otto, she happening to be home told me never to be a scrambler
and now she's marrying one. Rather ironical ... He's not to bad looking
if one forgets his glasses his big teeth and that stupid D.P. look.
Perhaps everything is only in the way you look at it. Like the truning
tensely lighted ball in the roller rink flickering its various frivolous
colors while the couples skate swayingly around that big boring circle.
Things will probably look better in the morning but if "possible"
some salty water should be employed to wash them away.
-
Its Sat. nite and it seems abnormal to be writing you as we will talk
a lot tomorrow.
Worked this morning and went to town in the afternoon, tonite went to
a friends place to get a ----, can hardly wait to see your face; although
all it takes is to daydream.
He phoned Ellie and she was in good spirits. Remind him to tell you aobut
the time he was a sucker.
My hand seems heavy
- See you
- Sincerely
- Frank
Sept 5
Liebste Freundin:
You cheated i.e. you didn't use the white shoe polish. Marg. Was quite
impressed by you, your use of impressive words. Hope you enjoyed yourself
here.
By now the mind has stopped accusing itself thinking the whole mess over,
figuring out possible ways of having escaped the cop.
Spotted you almost immediately in church you were peeking thru a proverbial
"knothole." Didn't dare smile at you tho. Later several people
commended the sobriety which the "best" man conducted himself.
A couple of people claimed he stole the show from the groom. ! Ego!
Last nite was sad, not being able to take you home I'd have loved to.
Will however say a special thankyou for the extra hour of sleep this gave
me whether this was consideration or
He likes to think the first mentioned.
The thought of saying goodbye is saddening. Judith had 15 cents left
enough for bus fare to a friends she is job hunting.
After getting home last nite and reviewing yest. events the good the
bad glad and sad I actually shook and broke into a cold sweat, stomach was
like an ice cube at the thought of an accident yesterday - you might have
been killed right there and then I breathed a silent prayer (yes really)
for letting us come home safely.
With the sober thoughts out of the way what will you name the poodle,
Persistence, frivolity, etc. So glad to have given you something tangible!
You're a wonderful companion and such a good sport, you lived up to your
promise of not screaming "Bravo."
Good nite.
- Sincerely
- Frank
P.S. Will phone Sat nite. We have filled our 2ce a wk goodness knows
I'd like to break it.
P.S. Last nite of the 4 new cups we drank from mine cracked in 2 places
but did not drip??? "An Omen?"
P.S.
- You will
- Always be
- Etched into memories
- Indeliby.
Greetings. Friday nite
The radio just finished playing "Fascination".
Today was the 2nd day something struck x as special; yesterday it was
4 or 5 killdeer cavorting around shrilly gabbing to each other, today while
leveling the basement floor where x work x uncovered a dirty rose colored
stone and on cracking it found the prettiest shade of rose.
---- Please help x is falling
Perhaps you'll laugh or maybe she'll never read this depends on
Dreaming of you
- Sincerly
- Frank
Sept 10
Dearest Ellie:
Its almost 1 hr till phone you - by the way please note above address
as i would not feel to happy should you forget it. you are now at home and
by now have cased the boy supply can't say as I blame you.
i can imagine being on the way to see you.
So glad you had a bash at the P.N.E. for me it was a "big"
day with a girl who leaves me feeling natural no acts to impress you just
be me - enjoyed your most stimulating company.
Dear Cousin
About "the" girl - she is from northern Alta. She came to the
Valley to pick berries, - thats how I met her. She has personality, grace
and beauty all rolled into one. 5'3 1/2" 120 lbs dark hair and dark
complexion. She is the most
About your requests as I mentioned the feeling is mutual.
He "likes" you more than he can say, for want of a better word,
is also very truly happy about "the" promise a relationship like
this would go poof if we had indulged in the you know what. If two people
get to intimate it can only go backward. Imagine - mother asked me if I'd
been getting intimate with you. Enuff of this.
As mentioned he is happy we are both alive. This morning a sermon over
the radio imparted a feeling of peace and quiet over me.
Your poodle will be a sort of remembrance of the guy that you so handily
had at your feet (from B.C. Perhaps you can airly show your 15-18 yr old
neice, cousins all your Souvenirs from your conquests (5-10 yrs from now)
I've written till its nearly to dark to see and don't want to break the
spell by turning on the light.
Its been a short enjoyable summer - words seem inadequate to tell you
(you understand of course)
- You will never seem to me
- Ordinary
-
You are gone and a feeling of loss sort of moves into my heart, and can
reminisce over all the good times we've had.
He feels like going home packing and heading for northern Alta but one
cannot listen to that strange thing called heart. The town round about seems
quite normal except my heart is doing funny things.
Other couples happily ride around Chill. tonite. The lil red truck will
seem empty and bare without Ellie gracing and brightening its rather beaten
interior.
Sincerely, Yours.
P.S. People probably think I'm crazy - having my interior light on in
the truck and wistfully staring into space.
Sept 13
It's a little over two days since you pulled out of Chil. in the "hound";
quick days 2 closer till we meet (reflectively)
Teeth brushed and washed up for Slumberland - this message by mail will
be a sort of good nite.
Could you be bored by a few mundane happenings around here? Last nite
came in after pulling weeds till I could not see idley picked up the "advertiser"
an ad "for sale 1 pump shotgun" caught my eye phoned down to see
if it was sold it wasn't. Went down to see it $45 so good as new (new $72)
plus $5 worth of shells. Good deal eh. Some good luck rubbed off of you
to me saying goodbye (see you).
Have a sort of stimulant to write you - when i feel like having one from
you i'll write one (could stand one every day but that would never do)
Today George got a ticket going thru a stop sign ha! Please inform on
weather and duck conditions.
Tomorrow we start a new house it will take 15 working (estimated) days
to frame it after which graciously dad allows me to go see the Peace River.
When asked to be given time off of work he teasingly asked what was so
interesting - the "Peace River"? i practically had to draw diagrams
for him before he was satisfied with the explanation.
Hope you did alright with your baggage - glad your suitcase fitted in
the top and sorry for the parting shot of told you so.
By now you have likely been in school and met all your friends and neighbours.
To say he missed you would put it mildly but for now he's content just
to work evenings and kind of think of you. Hope you will easily catch up
on your missed curricular stuff (school).
Dad also dryly said I shouldn't see you more than once that wk I come
up - a rebellious feeling welled up in my heart.
Thinking about the future - hoping to see you often but (more than perhaps
annual ducking expedition).
Tues Marg. asked me if you were gone. I somewhat sadly told her indeed
you were she said well what are you sad about you know "absence makes
the heart grow fonder." I said mm hm somewhat reflectively
Today a long distance call from Van for Judy from someone called ? "Joe"?
who mistook David for Judy and casually talked of "Remember the good
time we had at the P.N.E. Things begin to get clearer all the time about
last Labour day troubles don't they.
Hate to think of Sis being a pick up but facts are facts.
Am at present quite scratchy now that you are not here to pay my respects
to the guy does not shave faithfully like he did after meeting you.
Sept 17
It's Sun the 17th and have decided to come up next weekend.
To nite all your previously written letters were read and made one reminisce
of "the summer" Had to be content to (review) since unfortunately
the bundle of letters from you has not been supplemented lately
Judy plans to go to Bible School somewhere in Sask.
The wk passed rather quickly every day is a day closer to the next time
we meet (a pessimist would say a day longer since the last time we said
see you.)
Sat and Sun things ran thru my mind to write about now there seems to
be nothing on the screen except the thought of you.
An ad over the radio just now - Learn to fly and beat your competitors
by plane - good advice eh (business competition that is).
Went to the D.I. last nite with George - i decided not to go anymore
cause I. shortage of sleep II. waste of money III. mediocre shows.
The sunset to nite had a cold red in it and a brisk cool autumn wind
ruffled shirt and hair as I stood and looked . at a time like this heart
and soul cry out for the intangible
The radio with its varied entertainment seems worthless
Missed that "old friends" wedding. Thought it was in evening
and didn't check invitations till that evening (Sept 16 yesterday) then
noted 2:30 PM - was kind of mad gift bought and was looking forward to going.
Have started stacking up the stuff need for the jaunt up your way.
See you if i don't die on the road - can't wait.
Sept 18
Got your let. at noon was quite lifted by it sniffed tentatively for
any aroma - was none.
Glad you had a good time on your trip - knew you would cause you always
do.
About your Janeen, its an intangible sadness ive felt it on rare occasion
(sp) and pretty well know how those little tugs at the heart feel but -
Met Mr Martens (honey) he told me hunting season closed in Oct and because
i'd wanted an excuse to come earlier we'll see each other this Sat nite
or Sun morn.
Very 'cute' about the saltshaker if you were here for that I'd hug you
till i heard ribs crackle.
The moon will be full for the wk I'm up.
Getting to bed late like usual in spite of good resolutions (Gemeindestunde
this time.
Fatal to tell your folks about the 4 AM. Boy I've a hollow feeling you
know where about meeting them now - Quick tell them about you and me going
to Brunk.
Liked your description about the truck - but cher, its faded red (lets
be realistic).
About intimacy - kissing and parking (Do not read to mother)
Also I didn't bother imagining how many fellows there were on the bus
such things grow on one so i don't let them get me down.
Having some minor work done on the truck evenings. Stacked some more
stuff to take with.
I'm worried about a broken oil line 2/3 of oil in truck motor ran out
hope the motor isn't damaged sounded and acted all right tho. Line replaced,
oil added.
Where did you find out that I told Judy you wanted class, Marg? - or
are you referring to the time we three went out.
Your Postlady has a very clear stamp can easily read the date and place.
You say last yr you had a 7 up float at C you mean on the way down to
B.C. right? or wrong
You talk of a fellow edging over - say once how do you classify my approach?
You little "flirt" you must have gotten close to the front
of bus to flirt with the driver - how's that for reading between line.
Its very late - could go on for many pages like this hope you can read
it - ungrammatical vulgar no form only my own
Untangle it its yours
Oct 9/61
Referring to your inquiry on the topic of teasing. The face of the letter
failed to include Jr, so naturally dad claimed he nearly opened it and would
have done so had he not noticed the Alberta postmark.
Tonite after milking our one cow, there was a flock of geese going over
our place. Their forlorn gabbling made me just think a little bit about
La Glace and one of its near by occupants in particular.
There have also been quips about getting a letter every day. (I told
them, no such luck.)
Yes I'm in school and trying to form good study habits: ie to break old
poor ones.
One thing is important and thats "do it now"
School has no distractions so I'm hoping to really hunker down over the
books. It hurts to study 5 hr a nite knowing you do about half hr a nite;
some have it some don't.
Talk of doing it now how could i forget to tell you it be o----h just
dandy to say hi by and. Perhaps i should just say sorry for Friday nite
for not asking you if you are maybe sick and tired of Chinese food. Will
make an honest endeavor to do something "different" next time.
O yes there will in all probability be a next time. Remember the see
you - you so insistently said when I said good-bye and then i too said see-you.
There is a rumor from Larrys mouth that at Christmas they will likely
visit Siemens if no "major finacial disasters beset them"
The quotation is my own addition.
On hearing this from Larry I had to keep silent. He then invited an "extra"
driver who is delighted with the idea. Ha! (squelch me)
Jonathan is coloring a coloring book a picture of a boy who has knocked
down some milk bottles with a soft ball. Splashed across the picture are
the words "Win a Prize". Makes me think of a certain Poodle who
has no name but reside in the Epp residence.
Will have to close now as studies press me. I have an Eng. Essay to write
and can't seem to get very far on it.
Of the few girls in school (Janet Peters included) your image being on
screen, they just don't seem to measure up to
You are now maybe reaching for your salt shaker unneccessarily, but its
just the truth.
Remembering you,
P.S. Judy is off to Hepburn, she left 3.38 Sun afternoon. I sat thru
most of the Thanksgiving service. George and Family are moving to northern
Manitoba.
Oct 12/61
On walking home from the busstop (3/5 mile) it was driz-aeling and so
I got quite wet (dampened). My spirits couldn't be dampened to any further
extent; they could at present be compared with a soaked crepe paper streamer.
Since it was easy to write when in this mood you'll just have to share it
with me.
This uphill road is tough all the way; the downward path was much easier
considering i've walked it for many years. Now its turn about and go back
that long way where i left off climbing.
Our Eng 40 class is mainly writing, most likely the english you will
be reading hereafter will be of higher (maybe) standard (spit and polish).
Although no doubt the leaflets will always be sprinkled lightly with bracketed
comments.
This is one thing that has to be bulldozed thru. Theres a host of things
in life that i've done in a half baked sort of way. Some of which have been
left unfinished; these stand like tombstones along the way where some small
part of self respect has died.
Oct 13
Mother and Dad left for Okanagan this morning to get apples. Naturally
this left no one to get the mail from the box.
It was 1/4 mile from home, I observed the box was turned. Ha theres mail
I thought. Sure enough a card from Judy, Family Herald, family allowance
check, a flyer and a letter from Bill Low containing picture and negative
of (You and me) = with arm around you. You must of course not show this
to your mom - else I won't send it (you look super)
I'm appreciating some popular mucic which i've missed for seemingly an
aen. The song said smoke cigarettes drink coffee and walk the floor - it
happens i drink coffee to stay awake long enough to absorb knowledge from
books.
While trying (feeble attempt) to write an essay the realization of a
limited vocabular astounded me; on finding myself writing in a monosyllabic
doggerel.
Its not surprising to discover a wish-bone much larger than my backbone.
Tonite would be the nite to go "out" and I guess i will. The
dress will be blue sweater black slacks and of course my quite long hair
(it is by now you know) and wend my way N.N.E. down a certain rd toward
Alta, until we come upon an entrance to a farmyard. We sat and chatted over
various things i.e. the sunsets beauty was enhanced by a network of lace
caused by trees stripped of their leaves. Words are cheap it was beyond
my powers of description.
Perhaps winters hand has been caressing your home (Peace River district)
When you feel its hand his breath is also near tell me is it still blowing
out your way. WIND.
I shot both big rifles today. (just checking if my accuracy is what it
was)
The air tonite is balmy, about like room temperature; being outside in
a T-shirt proved this.
Contrary to luck its been a good day in most respect. Hoping you enjoyed
it.
School life is very hectic people "rush" down the halls from
class to class i see people like Janet, Bill, Mlton, and Barry in school.
There are a host of good looking guys in school there is one oh ----
so cute little Japanese girl who is about as fascinating as ? who? of course
it could be a resident of Alta. (you need no salt)
I envy your brain power and must attempt to develop mine
In school im so busy concentrating on classes (we have some excellent
teacher who simply captivate the class) theres no time to dream of you if
i'm caught dreaming i get a question fired at me.
Oct 16/61
I've been poring over books most of the evening (ineffective study) and
now seek an avenue of escape - namely writing you. I've decided life is
not meaningless, at present its hard to fit into school life (study), but
have no plan for my life. I'm just going to do my best and wait. Maybe you
say that's not like me, it isn't and perhaps i'll sway in the storm but
hope to remain constant in what i started out in.
By now its quite awhile since a letter from you has arrived in our mail
box. Speculation arises of possible reasons
1. retaliation for my lapse of silence (temporary)
2. Very much - Homework ie .
3. Very "busy"
4. Lack of i------t
Now that something inside sternly reprimands me to stop being foolish
and act my age.
The weather has been rainy (drizzely) at times. and the sun shines at
intervals as gloriously as that windy Saturday when you had the "spill"
and we walked together with Paul and Judy making wise cracks behind us;
even digging potatoes sort of sounds like fun.
17/61
Before the story is forgotten - in "Chetwynd" where you had
your float there was no time for a float for me instead x had 4 bags of
peanuts (these lasted many hundred miles). It served as a pleasant subject
to muse over, made me feel as though you were enjoying them with me. Perhaps
you will in the near future munch on something that'll remind you of this
summer.
At the Thanksgiving Sunday at our church your uncle Jake Konrad (Duecks
lumberyard) was attending our church and met dad. He asked if I was still
in Alta. How news travels.
There is a certain pleasure in pretendng to be happy when really a saturnine
disposition couldn't allow me to. Especially when religion happen to be
an indigenous part of our life. (reaching for your dictionary?) We're getting
a vocab to memorize and use so this is a perfect way to start.
18/61
Remember our timerarious ride of Labour day. My heart still does fluttery
things on thinking of it and its potential. When you're with me you pray
for safety; when going thru Yarrow curves at 75 MPH it was fun. whats with
you this perhaps makes you intriguing.
We're getting a History Quiz Friday Today I joined a "controlled
reading" class i.e. is a projector that covers what you've just (does
not allow you to look back) read at anywhere from 275-800 WPM
Today's tests were at 275 WPM.
This projector shows about 4-7 words on one line ie THE STOCKYARDS OF
CHICAGO
This line would be covered up at rate of 275 words per minute - another
line is immediately on the screen and being covered up at the same rate.
Of the tests I was in the top bracket (brag brag) and hope to increace
mental capacity to remember.
19/61
We got our Eng 40 Comp results. The class has to re-write the test on
account of so many failures. There were 7 sight Essays for Judgment of Good
or Bad and of course The reason with an example taken out of context. I
did badly on these but had 9/15 on a unfinished Essay.
We get a History 91 Exam tommorrow and am clueless on the material that
x missed out on.
Forgive please, when you are burdened with mundane accounts of School.
Edith Janzen sits across from me in commerce class and is quite poor
at it. Perhaps her responsibiltiy at home has bearing on this.
Man what wouldn't I give for your mental capacity. Something stirs, and
it's a finger wagging. The message from it's loud and clear - "stop
wishing boy and study."
Were you ever forced to listen to the tale of a boy and his flock of
pigeons and all the deals he put over on less gifted guys. Pigeons that
were sure to come back were sold many times over. Some were calmly eaten
on return from buyer. When he came asking he'd be told: "yah they "were"
around the other day, why?" Horrible crook this little fiend eh, at
this time he was about 12-16.
This letter is dreadful in quality and could be called a run on letter.
By way of explanaton of the tear it happened in my looseleaf at School.
Today a letter from Judy arrived but that wasn't what I was wanting.
Frankly its been awhile since supplementary reading material has arrived.
Is Frank in your bad books if so please let him know and thus let him repair
any breach of friendship. In any case it would be nice to shave and dres
and take you out.
20/61
The end of the week is come; and on finding no mail from you frank rather
childishly was grumpy. X went to my letter box and pulled out your last
letter and reread it.
Today in chemistry class we were listening to the teacher drone about
Co-valence of Atoms. My mind built little air castles, funny thing about
em was your presence. Twice x had to shake my head and get back to co-valence.
Phil Janzen runs around with a dishwater blonde, racy looking girl. He
reminds me much of a racoon with his circular eye sockets and dark rim glasses.
How is your house coming along, best wishe. About the trip home I had
2 flats on the same wheel and ended up buying a used tube.
Say hello to all your syblings Judy, Paul, Rudy
Say, how's your father doing on his fall work
Say hello to your Mother and Father from me.
P.S. Don't worry about the hip-waders Put em in a safe place I'll get
em at Christmas maybe.
22/61
Greetings from a lonely lad. In reference to the letter before the letter
before this one. He recalls making a statement about tears from himself.
That was extremely patsy on his part and would have pulled the letter "back"
out of the Queens mail if possible. This not being possible you've no doubt
chalked a black mark on the con side of the list.
Just listen closely; heres another startler. Ssh You may'ent tell anyone.
Last Dec. I was in Man. visiting relatives. One day I was home alone
(they having gone visiting somewhere) a feeling of severe depression hit
me (like i've had today and yesterday) and made me feel so ... all alone
my mind turned over the way of escape that ends our earthly problems. The
method was not unique or dramatic it was going to be with what I love. This
is a riddle thats easy to solve maybe you won't ever read this. If you do,
he hasn't ever contemplated this since nor will he. You see a lesson taught
that problems must be solved by meeting them with resolute mind. You probably
are wondering if he's sane. Please he is.
23/61
Monday 2 wks and 5 days since there was news from you. Margaret is running
thru her piano exercise, otherwise the house is quiet. You will of course
excuse if "we" just chat awhile; perhaps not as long as the last
Sunday nite we had the hour long conversation on the phone.
Walking thru the kitchen with my books on my arm the kitchen was quickly
scanned for mail - a letter for Margaret and Life Magazine. This caused
me to idly glance at the calender hence the exact notation up top. Then
slipped into something comfortable like moccasins and tan pants. Had a few
buns with some "Martens" honey (Martens lives in P.R.D. and you
do to so ---) Got an apple and returned to my bedroom where its being munched
this minute besides. Today was quite an average day except a rather stupid
unfortunate incident of my forgetting my lunch on the bus. You of course
never would miss even if you did something like this; but my stomach growled
its way thru some of the afternoon.
Nows as good a time as any for telling you about some "slips"
I made while up at your place. You have no doubt heard about them from ???
Father, sister (not likely) brother mother.
Confessions
1. Kept your father and hired man waiting 10 min (the last day we threshed)
by not coming on time.
2. By unfortunate circumstance discharged the shotgun into the ground
while with your father
3. Paul carried the 22 when we three together walked and happened to
fire it.
These are the uppermost botherations now.
When will you write.
6:35
The moon has risen and is just barely throwing its wan cold light through
a fleecy heap of cloud. The clump of evergreens stand unmoving and look
knowingly yet silently at the night. What stories can they tell? A slinking
Indian perhaps silenced forever under their upraised arms. A secret runabout
where lovers met? Only they know, and keep their secrets well.
7:00 The natural satalite has lifted above the bank of cloud and showed
its frigid face to the pines. They don't mind either way. The frost has
loosened most of the leaves by his icy numbing approach. Prying with persistance
until they are all gone. With crushing grip he limpened the flowers. Their
faces now are turning brown.
11:00 3 cups of caffien has primed up the system and sleep seems far
from me. Would you like to hear about Sunday? Went to church in the morning
of course wrote a history Essay in the afternoon. Sat and thought of you
whilst eating lunch. Went to "Jugendverein" which was unusal.
After that a young peoples "fireside" at youth leaders place we
saw a short film and had lunch. Before the evening service went to a guys
place to get some help on math. On arrival at home wrote in the diary. Its
nice to be able to confide "everything" to an inanimate object.
Its a process of unburdening the mind.
Its time to turn out the light and wistfully think of how you blow out
the "rustic" lamps. How I blew it out in that log house a whole
week.
Marvin had a gas lamp and we took turns shutting it off. These kind burn
about a minute after they're shut off. Plenty of time to hit the "sack"
(bag) and get all snuggled in before it's dark. Sometimes Marve would be
bothered by insomnia Insomnia he'd get up and roll a smoke with the aid
of a flashlight. We'd lie and talk, his cigarette would "wink"
every time he'd take a drag (firefly). Lighting up the cabin to some degree
.... Well, good nite
24/61
Took the car to school today on account of having to get dairy feed.
On the way home a milk shake (soother) was had cause there wasn't likely
to have a letter on Tues nor will it be on Wed and only? possible? on Thurs.
and of course if no letter is mailed from far away It's highly possible
none will arrive here.
Cousin isn't answering either tommorrow we get an English 40 Exam.
I'm having some tea at the kitchen table and sip it between sentences.
Silence is perhaps a form of answer but its a riddle and Id rather not
guess. Even tho it might be right. The dream we had the same Sunday nite
of your half birthday went like this: We were somewhere (the dream didn't
specify) sitting on a lawn and I xxed you, you burst into tears and violent
sobbing. I then had a difficult time getting you back to normal. And remember
specifically how it required considerable ingenuity.
Phil "bumped" into me in the hall today and asked me if I had
made the planned excursion, up to alberta "hunting" - I said I
had.
Today in Abbotsford there were 2 cars with Alta liscence plate. The sight
of them was like dropping pebbles into a pool of water and getting rings
upon rings of memory.
Oct 25/61
- Remembers
-
- Cares
-
- You
-
Nov 9/61, 10:35
Do miss a "place" heartrendingly at times. 1. A place of quiet
bliss with a friend (who's changed) the place where we worked in the saw
mill. 2. Memory lane of a kid fishing with a home made wire hook ......
the thrill of the 1st gun an ancient relic a veteran of my gramp's more
youthful days; a gift. Enuff.
Nov 12/61
Sunday nite and strangely the mood's not up or down. You know that desperately
unhappy Frank of this summer is quite changed as of last nite. (and will
stay that way.) No, it wasn't a revival meeting, (remember I don't attend
them usually) For a long time I wanted to stop! And balance the books -
when it finally happend there was a proverbial mountain of things which
were and had been pointing an accusing finger at me. Believe it or not i'm
walking back to where I 1st slipped. Its going to take awhile, cause
the way is cluttered with debris that needs to be swept away. The attitude
of what will be will be is firmer than ever only carried by a face of serenity
and not futility. When things do look rough from now on I will look up &
thru that remain steadfast & true to my purpose. George has been informed
of this about face & Marvin will get a letter soon.
Nov13/61 11:00
I plan to get a book on poetry by Housman, an English modern Poet who
writes (hes dead I think) saddish stuff just up my alley.
Your mom is remarkable.
Dec 8/61
Thought patterns are disjointed tonite perhaps a go at our shattered
red radio (dial twiddling) would be an appropriate sedative, bringing him
back to earth. A chattery supercharged Red Robinson enters the room briefly.
Seattle has better music.
While painting the basement wall of my prospective room the radio blaring
its mire, just a little after he finished they played "Green Door"
and made him for a few minutes float.
I'm up to the part where Darcy is told by Elizabeth "No." Darcy
has proclaimed to love her aginst his will and better judgement. Ah a romantic
guy. She stays reasonable
Dec 10/61
Can visualize single features, (for instance eyes mouth laughter smile,
voice notation. But you are never seen like a picture. The image is mostly
now!
Went to town tonite everyones frantically christmasizing stores and houses.
Today I graciously fell in the hall before some dames "snickers"
but was up quick as it happened and didn't have the decency to color. fun
it fun it was fun
en route [from Alberta to BC after Christmas]
This could be a dutiful report but will only mention, a flat topped brush
cutted mountain, gigantic icicles hanging from shale shelves overlooking
the road, and a series of sidehills with seemingly penciled thin scrubby
poplars sprinkling the draws.
Ellie lets figure out a way to store or bottle the good times for when
800 mi make any real live visits out of the question.
We're having a gas up in Williams lake
Momentarily we're at Kanada [?] Bar where we're getting L & L's gas
tank soldered after I tried to cross a rock slide which ruptured our tank.
F feels horrible
The days to be spent at home will of needs be dubbed doldroms.
Strange that F would miss you so acutely bringing on an emptyness akin
to prairie (nothing)
But whats the use of being "blue".
Very likely these are reprecussions of christmas. You kept me from being
miserable but things will now be twice as bad
F will stop now cause 1. Its 4:50 AM 2. He's too emotional to write any
thing coherent. Ellie f misses you.
We tried but failed, tank still leaks morning is near.
Theres lots he'd like to say about, feelings moods and blues and how
is bad the absence of you
Today 9:35 even the radio doesnt cheer me. The house is cold, come close
we'll warm it.
31 Dec 61
Most of the afternoon big jets have been thundering in and out of our
airport cause Vancouver's really under shadow.
Did a fair amount of targeting with my 22s.
Can't wait till 12 oclock New year cause hes sick, so see you next year.
Jan 1
Don't you like the free unhindered way Dean Martin sings (effortless)
Today is a very typical grey drizzly day the woods 1/4 mile away acentuate
this by being a solid mass; not individual trees.
On arrival at home there was a letter from dad, saying theyd be back
Friday; also informing me that gramp has had a heart attack. Your dad and
this gramp are much the same, but i'll never tell you how, cause, well the
lamp incident just a small example, and your dad giving you lunch money
would be typical of gramp.
The mail came, Rundschau, letter for Marg, various mission causes asking
for money and a measly letter from dad none from anyone that counts. All
he says is to pick them up, from the station.
The drizzle you heard about has graduated to a seething downpour, and
puddles are forming on the land.
Its 11:20 and am having an early dinner, a bowl of tomatoes.
This house is like an icebox, and it seems wasteful to heat it just for
one measly persons comfort. So I try to get by with the electric heater,
by setting it directly in front of me do get considerable warmth.
Jan 3
A good day. Woke up minus flu. Went to school and back in style (chevy)
also getting the mail (your letter!)
Only one thing is bothering frank; he told you about Siemens well he
shouldn't have, Have decided to have more charity. No iron clad vows mind
you cause they can be slipped.
Jan 4
Breakfast
franks fried egg and coffee.
The moon was just a spindly delicate thing, and have never observed it
to be so fragile. If this letter seems incoherent Ellie, the days in which
it was penned were the same.
- If love be rough with thee,
- Be rough with love.
No that'll never do; i'll just be calm and get out just before the floor
caves in. Good timing needed. nite
Ignore last 3 lines
Jan 9
Theres a sort of pathos about every sunset I see. A quaint nostalgic
void. At this time of day everything seems one color, except the road which
shines light grey, out of place in the land of dark.
Perhaps this is the way you felt when you stared out of the window one
evening when we were visiting. Write and tell me next time how you feel
about bidding the old day adieu
The blotted part said year, cause before I could write day my
mind jumped to New Years and the funny feeling then.
11:30 PM
f has been entertaining doubts on the creation story lately and got a
book by a scientist that proves it with science.
Today I got roped into a sunday school class which for a time [will]
act as an escape mechanism from church. Went to church tonite and there
by started the year rite.
Please excuse a smug little story about how when I was at Siemens and
they talked of their sows farrowing, I with wide eyed innocense asked if
they stayed up at nite then to take care of em (I've heard a bit about hogs).
No they blandly stated. They can take care of themselves. Well they've lost
4 litters I hear. I don't know how the litters met their doom but .... nuts!
Ignore
Wish one of us was near to the other. You are so unaffected by school
or life around you. I can't help being pro or con, trying to be whole heartedly
in it. You leave minor details like that and whole heartedly live. You know
I know very little about you, it seems we visit and barely unlax in getting
to know each other and its back to pages on wings.
It feels almost like spring. The persistent frog has been croaking for
the last week and a sadly warbling robin was sighted. That ground. It tugs
worse than before. There's no getting away from it.
Jan 11
Here its 9:55 my frog has croaked his song tonight the moon is gently
put to rest by clouds, are giving us rain a salt shaker full at a time.
I started pruning raspberries today after school what a joy to work near
the "good earth".
This after noon had a morbid orange paper sun with a cold scrap of moon
suspended quite high. A sort of deadly dank mist covered the unresisting
landscape coating everything with skiff [?] of ice. Even had to clean the
windshield. My truck has almost human attractions and moods.
11 PM
The sun this afternoon must have been like the one at Soddam and Gommorah
(diseased)
Sat morn the ground is frozen hard. The envelope and stamp supply will
have to be replenished, so you'll get funny envelopes for a while. Every
one is out of sorts and I woke with a bad cold we've finished breakfast
at 9:45. Everything is calm outside, nothing is twitching. The end of the
world could be like this.
Sunday
Yesterday I pruned 2 rows of raspberries and had a coupla cats frisking
around keeping me company.
Chess games and background music from Hayden and Handel
Doyu think a person can brainwash himself on things. Fr'instance. Boy
reads a bit in novels Pride & P, Wuthering H. And feels definitely antagonistic
toward teach who compulses them. Short time passes boy enjoys novels and
understand em. (Supposedly) ??
Mom is beside me patching some of my warm woolen socks and appears not
too happy about it.
Jan 18
Saturday morning 0:25 just finished pride and predjudice (yawn) although
the book was good. Im down here at my desk heater. Soothing me and such
relaxing music from the radio. Its so bright outside you could read, but
you couldnt stand the concert of the elements 10 above and 30 mile an hour
wind brr. i walked to the bus stop and back you could have used me for a
building beam.
From now on you'll just have to read my outburst without any relenting
phrase underneath em. If they're to terrible i'll blot em OK? Cause I don't
want to be a fraud boo hoo.
You know we're snowed in and the prospective week end is enticing.
Jan 20
That horrible snow plow opened our road to nite the fiend, all because
the storm has throttled itself with its own violence and infinite (seeming)
calm rules jointly with the passive near full moon.
Do you care to hear about a dream? Well you must! Seems as though I was
visiting epps and Ellie. Mr e and I were out one day near the house and
happened to see 3 cougars so I ran and got my gun. On getting back they
were quite far away so, carefully a bead was got on em but suddenly something
hit me from the back knocking me down and in the fall my scope also broke
from the rifle. Well it was paul who hit me and it was with some difficulty
that I kept myself from mashing him for a trick like that. Later that evening
on being together with you I remember telling myself to be calm about the
whole thing.
You know my room down here is quite immune to most household noise bar
extreme ones like violin or piano. But radio, conversation and telephone
jangles are handily excluded by the genius of dads walls.
Here it is, Tuesday 23 of jan just afterschool and i'm just chatting
with you, forgeting briefly my tensions and worries. There doesnt seem too
much to say, well the weather? Theres a sleezy wet snow slopping over the
land scape.
About novels 1. A good Novel runs very little on plot and really stays
alive on its language and authors captioning ability. Therefore should be
easily read 10 times for pure enjoyment of artistic skill with syntax structure
and character drawing (sometimes)
Honestly I don't think I could wade thru Exodus again. It hasn't got
it.
By the way i'm now quite convinced of the creation story of Genisis.
Your teeth will never do me good but perhaps you'll wistfully
want em back?
Jan 26/62
The teams are warming up for the intermediate game, the big one comes
later. Nooksack is in white with purple trim and numbers. Abby is in black
with white trim. There are no welcome posters in the gym and its perhaps
just as well cause these are americans and will likely be booed more than
usual.
Ive got a nice ring side seat and can almost look along the center line.
11:30 PM
There was a faint aroma of skunk out tonite after I got home from the
basket ball games.
Jan 31.1962
Does your house ever creak at nite
"It's silent, silent as an empty church" and only the impetuous
mutter of the furnace and my guns in the corner keep watch with me. Ah those
inanimate guns with their dull sheen and wonderful smell of oil.
Feb 1
Thursday after school unexplainably im walking on feathers or some such
thing. History class was a current affairs class, mainly discussing who
is stronger, reds or whites. Supplementing this worn topic was the "rage"
when 5 planets and the sun land up in the same constellation Feb 5. All
kinds of rash predictions are being made, like, end of the world, natural
catastrophe, start of WW III etc. There for maybe this letter is in vain
but am hoping you will receive it.
Feb 2
A full chorus of frogs voices
Weather interests me immensly don't mind please.
If ever I write a longer than essay thing it'll probably be called The
Hand.
I'll have to read evolution cause it assails me and it'd be good to know
how to combat it.
Can't give you morbid descriptions today, too busy, to get emotionally
tangled with the mackeral sun laced sky.
Feb 6
Dear irresistible elf:
This morning on a bleak bus sat frank morosely regreting last nite and
its late bed time hour. All passengers seemed normally happy. Then fifth
stop there were some trees and scraggly brush beside the road. And there
an isolated forlorn bush of pussy willow stood. Some how I was glad! My
thermometer of well being rose.
B.C. and the fraser valley. Sodden stolidly ignoring the rain. I love
it! Except when it rains right close, in me.
Feb 9
About novels? Ah Ellie forgive me if you get a slamming arguement. You
say ideas make novels. Right! To develop ideas you need people in the plot.
To write about people you must KNOW about people. How well Jane Austen understood
people. She knew little but she knew it well. Emily Bronte also said much
in a sort of allegory. How artfully Miss Bronte portrays the result of calm
versus storm. a subtle message to every watchful reader. No, i'm not getting
thru your armour. You talk more of it next time. Could be a vicious mood
will come and statement and proofs will flow like a brook. OK?
My last tantrum was when I got 14/25 on an Eng 91 essay. I sulked and
felt sorry for my self nearly 2 days. Late a worse feeling of shame came
over me. How puerile.
You think I never had nightly chats eh? Think again. Three and one half
unforgetable months with marvin two voices and spirits communing. The cigarette
winking periodically like some mutant evolved fire fly. Ah ... Just cause
you're a girl don't get superior on that count.
Today on spotting your letter on the fridge I carefully tucked it in
my shirt pocket and did a few other things.
A few minutes ago I slipped out to the garage to get a few apples (early
morning snack) and saw to the east a scintalating light. I jumped into the
truck and headed toward the place suspecting a fire. It was but a yard light
aimed quite high into the heavens and very low cloud moved in causing flickering
reflections so I was foiled.
We could study and argue over the tennis table plenty of room to get
compfy spread books and so on. Scrumpy leather chair real leather with front
feet carved like a lion majestic old wreck
Feb 13
Tuesday 10:30. The heats temporarily off in school. This gives me inclination
just to say "hello". To nite for quite a while I was in nasty
little mirk. When this happens I pick up one of my trusty guns and aim at
spots on the walls. Firing without shells "dry fire". Soon my
mind thinks of an idyllic hunting ground (paradise) and i'm OK. Perhaps
its connected with Garden of Eden.
Getting back to novels. You didn't like P & P eh? Reread it Ellie.
Its more recognized than Wuthering Heights. Consider how Darcy as the "pride"
a haughty self confident intravert. Contrasting him is Elizabeth a dyed
in the wool extravert, (Ooops supper call see you later.) having at least
some definite marks of one.
Feb 14
Theres an airy gladness about today. Even the moon has a fuzzy flourescent
fringe gracing his fat face. Is it because its valentines day? Perhaps.
Unlikely though, possibly just another hi spot on the doerksen graph of
feelings.
15
Ah Ellie but it "is" spring a classic mark of it is great feathery
joyous moments and slow walks thru the deepest valleys of depression.
The lilac bushes are sprinkled lightly with a delicately fragile green
veil. (Like your blouse of last fall)
Feb 23
Today the Fraser Valley showed the its teeth briefly. When I came home
from school it was nearly shirtsleeve temperature but 1 hr later, clouds
having come out of the north, hail and sleet pelted us. Now you aren't interested
in weather here but we're slow to the real topic tonite. How doyou say it?
As mercurial as the elements here so feels my heart very often. The heart
is a wretched thing acting by fits and starts. Faltering and wavering. And
if the aphorism "He who hesitates is lost" holds true for me well
thats the end.
Feb 24
If the apex of the day was the reception of your letter; now after coming
from a basket ball game this is the nadir.
Frank mostly goes by heart but tries to keep the reins taut and never
let things get out of control. Your letter for example. Acts much like a
drug or intoxicant leaving me a hangover or distinct bad taste in the mouth.
Result of letting heart elate my feeling out of all proportion and set me
up for that plummet back to earth.
There's some thing definitely wrong tonite (or this morn 12:50)
March 1st
We've talked by mail almost 6 mo.
More of Novels. Pride and Prejudice is an established top ten Novel of
all time. Exodus a mere sniveling mumble.
March 30/62 10:20 PM
You are the night. You are here. You are all around. An ungraspable night,
but there. A silent raucous night. A whoooe owl in vast and endless night.
A dark night. A warm night. A friendly night. A night! For despair. The
rush of celestial galaxies. What is creation. How are we. We are. Not long!?
Are we in night? Does that mystic owl have answers. On silent wings they
glide never telling.
The rhubarb is 10" high. The swallows are back. The elementary kids
come to school 20 min earlier than last month.
You are a good friend, a good listener, a good talker, a good
writer. A good buoy for a guy in a sea of unsureness and doubt or no doubt
and unsureness. Not when you are around, then things seem concrete and believable.
May be there is reason for life; on the other hand there must be a cause
for death.
Eleven oclock April 23rd
Five sixths of a year since Ellie happened into Abbotsford. You were
a discovery like the small patch of flowers I saw at the berry patch at
home today. Bleeding hearts just as though theyd been planted. D'you 'member
that september nite you beat me out of the house before I could knock? Kinda
strange light night. You looked as though electricity flowed through you.
Your hair glowed your face almost sparkled. I felt kind of abashed at knowing
your parents were to be met. Apprehensively unsure. It would have been (normal?)
to grab you and express my hello with few words. But there you stood, and
made me "just look" and I'm looking at you tonite with almost
a thought of breathlessness at my hearts crazy antics. A long time since
then, (short) You're here right now, on a picture of course.
Will the world end? We are least expecting it, and "seem asleep"
the clouds are out couldn't be when its cloudy Naw not tonite but soon.
you'll be caught ambitious and working me, ambitious and hoping lazily.
change please.
May ?
Theres that "happy to be around" feeling plus a great desire
to do & see many things.
May 25, 1962
Most people act just a little during contact with others. Even I do and
you do to.
Visits where one keeps the conversational ball rolling are a neat act
and always leave me with a bad taste in mouth.
After leaving U & A's place I dropped in at my aquaintance place,
Jerold, and spoke with his mother about his chances of recovery. He is in
Essondale's Crease Clinic where the curables go. One very disturbing report
on his frame of mind is the desire to die and there is a very good possibility
that he will "go west". I must see him and if all goes well i'll
go on Sunday afternoon.
After getting such sobering words my mind hit one of the wave troughs
of emotion and I mowed part of our lawn and that is something i've not done
on my own for a long time. That felt good clipping grass brought back memories.
Especially of all the rabbits i've had, over a hundred once, and all the
grass i mowed and they consumed.
We have our bossy at the neighbours pasture because of no grass at home.
Its about a 200 yard walk there and there are often rabbits around. Tonite
I saw two, one furtively sneaked to cover as I strode along. (When a person
strides to get somewhere game is frightened almost invariably) Later as
I squatted on my heels and milked I saw a rabbit leisurely ramble over a
field, all the while casting backward glances regularly. After he was out
of sight our dog came snuffling along very amateurishly losing the trail
briefly every 5 yards (he's inexperienced) and he also went over the rise
and out of sight.
We have been eating radishes for one week now and theres lots for everyone.
We can barely keep up with the hollowing threat which gets em if we don't
hurry.
Strawberries as big as thimbles but they are hard and green.
Back to radishes. They are linked to Marvin through a little happening
in past years. We traversed swamp together in search of cascara and the
way home was always a trial after sloshing through water and fighting brush
with a pack sack of bark adding fatigue. Once after rushing 1/3 of the way
home we came to a hummock of ground where we rested our flushed faces. He
unbuttoned a jacket pocket and in his quaint speech he said "I brought
some vitamin pills to revive us" They were radishes that crunched under
eager teeth.
Do you ever get a station KBR? Its from San Francisco and has a program
from 11PM -1AM called from the "Hungry Eye" (nightclub) where
people can call in on any thing and air their views. There are various types
that call - cranks, drunks and erudite University products.
The ball has stopped rolling and will back up & crush me if I don't
quit.
June 1, 1962
Toward evening rain was in the air you could smell and feel it every
where.
letters from July-December 1962
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