Letters From New York
26 July 1966
Dear Mum,
It's 7.45pm as I sit down to pen this weekly bulletin but, from the good light outside, would swear it was only mid-afternoon. My mind is spinning with little titbits of news so hope, in the confusion, I don't miss anything exciting. The air strike (purely domestic) is in its 19th day here with no prospects of settlement and, whilst it doesn't seem to be affecting the incoming mails, it seems as though outgoing letters are being held up. Your 17th July letter was, as always, most welcome & I was a little disturbed at the hurried reference to Vince and his having gone "somewhere else". Trust the two of you haven't fallen out - indeed he'll never do better anywhere else - and that you're not fretting yourself over his inconsistencies. Despite that he's by no means blameless, he must be going through very difficult times - emotionally and otherwise - and perhaps he's better off trying to work out the solution - if, indeed, there is one - himself. He must learn to accept responsibilities and make solutions himself without good old Mum to fall back on.
Anthony, Phillip, Michael, Cathy outside our house. 10 July 1966.
We've heard from a number of sources of the Sydney (& Australian) cold winter, and feel for you but I feel we're in for something quite colder than 40°. Indeed, it gets down to something like 5° here at times - I get cold even thinking about it. Though its tending to warm up again now (& August can be quite hot, I hear) the weather has been quite lovely & better still, cool at night. The kids have an inflatable pool so, to some extent they're happy. Our friends took us out by car to look over the C.Y.O. camp on Saturday (where Anthony & Phillip will be going) and, while its not Eutopia, its quite nice and the facilities seem to be good and plentiful. Joan had Jenny (for her injections) and Cathy (for a pre-school medical) to the Dr. yesterday, and is due to take Anthony & Phillip for theirs (essential for every child before entering a camp or a school each year) on Thursday. We've joined, of course, the medical & hospital fund here but don't seem to be doing too well. Missed refunds on two of Jenny's visits because she wasn't over 90 days old (in one case she was 87 days) and they don't allow vaccinations or medical checkups. The Dr.'s surgery consultation fee here is $7.00 and the fund only pays $3.00 or so. I guess we haven't missed much.
Phillip's still in the wars, but not very far ahead of Anthony, with bruises, scratches and sores from the bikes and roller skates. He had a great moment this evening, however, when in company with a mate, he set up a "store" in the court after raiding the pantry for cookies, drinks & sweets. He had the youngsters spending their cents and was hawking the biscuits (no sales effected!) at 4c each - he's bound to go a long way that boy! Everyone's going along fine and I'm sure you wouldn't recognise the kids already. We had a very enjoyable day on Sunday entertaining a young Australian couple - the wife expecting her first baby in November - from Qld. who have been over here nearly 12 months. Next Sunday, all being well, we hope to make the ferry trip around Long Island - a three & a half hour jaunt and see some of the landmarks (Statue of Liberty etc., etc.). I'm sadly missing (principally for Joan's sake) the convenience of being able to call on you or Bern to play baby-sitter and allow me to get her out but she seems to be bearing it pretty well and I don't think we ever really believed that, with five youngsters, it would be a picnic of Broadway appearances, sight seeing etc. Indeed, if I thought for a minute there was a possibility of your giving it some serious thought - you'd have to fly over - I'd get you over here for a spell - and not necessarily to mind babies!!
Getting bored with the inactivity, I've investigated the possibility of continuing my Uni. studies here and it seems I could gain admission to a Catholic Uni. only five minutes from home - at great expense, but it may be a way of keeping my eye in. Things are still very slow at work but I'm finding numerous interesting friendships to keep me occupied. As had happened before to Joan, the 'phone rang last night at 9.40pm...it was one of our friends inviting her to a movie to commence at 10.30pm (ridiculous isn't it). When she declined I, thinking they may have tickets, volunteered to go. In due course we arrived too late, but the experience was something.
Joan says you must be psychic dreaming of her having a hair cut as she'd only done so a couple of days before your letter arrived. She was very thrilled with M.F.L. and delighted to hear that you've seen it. Pleased too that you've at last had a session with Marg - hope you took the opportunity to remind her that she owes me a letter!! Think you will be hearing from Fivedock soon - they've been rather busy with the injured & their Dad ill; plus the fact that Peter's car's been out of commission. Bartels must be due to call on them any time & I've sent some slides over to Peter this week. The candles must be doing Neil some good as his letters don't paint too bad a picture (he's been made the Coy. barber) and may get home earlier than expected. Will leave the back for Joan. Lots of love and God bless - your loving son,
Bill
Don't let worry over Vince get you down.
Well Mum I'm on the back again. Hope the Sydney freeze is not too much for you & that you are looking after yourself. When next you see Glenn, tell him to write some news in his letters for me, all I could read last time was football. Bill thought it was great, but I'm sorry to say it left me cold. Jenny put on another 1 lb, she is now over 15 lbs & 25" long, she is a lovely little bundle, I really wish you all could see her grow. I know you would love her.
My love to you,
Joan