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07/15/2004: "Birthday"

July 21, 1981

Dear Dave,

How do you like my new birthday paper that cousin Betty gave me? And I'm writing with my new pen from the pen & pencil set Gen sent me. I really appreciated your happy birthday call, honey. It's nice to be remembered. The next night Anne called with birthday greetings. I hadn't heard from her in ages - as usual poor Anne has had one catastrophe after another. If all goes well, she's treating me to a birthday lunch Thursday. And then a real surprise when, at 11, Nancy called from Louisiana. We talked about an hour, and caught up on everything - well, pretty much. Also talked to Kendra, who sounds like she has the beginnings of a southern accent. Nancy is bored out of her skull, but says she likes it, and likes the people. But it is way out in the country, with mostly elderly people around and nothing to do. She's even been making jams & preserves from figs, which are ripe and in abundant supply. She may get up around Thanksgiving - her mother wants to pay her plane fare so she can come.

I sold the extra air conditioner Sunday for $50. I had advertised on 3x5 cards that Bob posted in the nearby supermarkets, & was feeling discouraged, thinking I can't even manage to sell anything. this man had moved here from Colorado, & the family is having to wait for some time for their furniture to arrive, & they are sort of camping out in their new home. I imagine this kind of heat gets to them. The air conditioner was old,but works well. I wish I could go out and blow the whole 50 bucks or put it in savings at least, but we need it for other things. I'm grateful to get it. If the government didn't want so much in taxes every time I turn around, I'd be in clover.

The Walsh's finally sold their house, but I haven't talked to Rosemary, so don't know when they'll be moving. There are a lot of houses for sale, & they're moving very slowly. No wonder, between the prices & the high interest rates.

Bob's allergies kicked up last week, & made him feel lousy, but he seems to be O.K. again. The lawn & garden really need attention desperately by now though. The lettuce can be pcked now, & we have a couple of small peppers & some green toamatoes, so maybe by the time you get down, we'll have fresh vegetables!! My gladiolas have been bloomingthe past weeks. I rush out and pick them immediately, and have kept myself supplied & also given some to joan, Pat & Barbara. The forget-me-nots and dahlias are doing well, so I'll have them to replace the glads (which are about finished). They're lovely too - just not as showyas the glads.

Bob's delivering phone books today. They sent an insert with the bill & Bob applied. He has a local neighborhood - delivers about 200 books for $25 & they give him 2 days to do it. Then they can return for a new territory. It's going to be hot work today, but he can use the money.

Bob got all his stuff off to American Univ. last week, so now will have a wait. At least the postal strike seems to be settled. Gen & I both felt they'd been having a slowdown already. I hope this all works out for Bob - the financing won't be easy, especially now. Naturally I'm dreading having to learn to live alone again - it will be so lonely. But I'm happy he has decided what he wants to do & how to go about getting it. Dad took him to Bloomingdale's the other night & bought him some clothes.

Mark & Barbara were here Saturday & most of Sunday, but they were really very pleasant & companionable, & kept the noise level down, so everyone was happy. Mark's birthday is today, & his grandparents are surprising him by having Barbara & Bob for dinner. When his grandmother called to invite Bob, she asked for Dave's brother Bob.

Nothing much more to say, & I'm getting tired. It's still early, but I've been up since 5:30, so am already ready for lunch & a nap. there's a good Ginger Rogers movie on at 1 p.m., so maybe I'll watch that. It's so humid today, it's hard to do much. I have plenty of leftovers for myself for tonight, so don't have to worry about that. I think I've made every known salad & salad combination the past few weeks & can't look at ne anymore! I made mayonnaise, with Bob's help, using the blender. I was so thrilled to see it actually get thick & look right. I somehow felt that mayo only came in jars in the supermarket.

How are you? I miss you, & hope you can get down before too long. Is your dog bite all right? Haven't you gotten your medical insurance straightened out yet? You should be able to take your card & go to the emergency ward & not pay anything - you have 1st dollar - or so Bob says. It's really dangerous to neglect something like a puncture wound or a dog bite. And I could always pay for anything that important - so please don't be like that if such a thing should happen again. Cross my fingers it won't.

Gen's son gave her an explanation of the swarming bees & she wrote me. I'll read it to you when I see you - quite fascinating!

Lots of love, Mom