Letters From New York
2 August 1966
Dear Mum,
Like you over our letter, we were somewhat concerned when your Friday epistle didn't arrive on time - in fact didn't get here until yesterday - but now pleased to know it was only the result of mail delays. In fact yesterday brought quite a bonanza as I got about four letters, Joan received birthday cards and there was a whole swag of newspapers (from you and Bern) for which I'm most thankful. Indeed, I'm the most up to date fellow around - as has usually been my reputation - with the sporting results.
Everyone is well over here though we had a slight shock with Anthony when he went for his pre-camp/ pre-school medical check-up last Thursday. The Dr. found signs of a "Jennifer heart" and Joan had to take him to the specialist on Monday and X-rays tomorrow. Sure enough it's there - by no means (he says) an unusual condition - but the specialist assures us there's nothing to be concerned or worried about and to make no effort to restrict his normal activities. It seems that its rather more to be a process of wait and see in the hope that it rectifies itself. Perhaps the X-rays may show up something more definite - perhaps it could be a throwback on my side - but, like Jenny, he hardly looks in any way ailing. We'll keep you posted, of course! Hope you won't worry, but there just isn't any easy way to break news like this and our experience with Jennifer has helped us to take the blow more easily. Jennifer herself is blooming ( the specialist claims her as his favourite patient) though taking a beating from the mosquitoes; Catherine has the top of one of her big toes off and the other two are fat as pigs. Mum and Dad are in fine shape though fining down a little as the kids are cleaning up all the food Joan puts before them & eating from the edges of our plates.
The news from and of Cronulla (and the black sheep) certainly reads depressing and one can't help but feel sorry for those poor little children. The thoughts that cross my mind about that... hardly become me, and I'm nourishing very serious doubts that the kiddies are better off with her. Surely there must be justice for the two of them in store somewhere - the worrying thing is that they're going to shape the youngsters' lives and values for so long to come. Vince can't be too far "bush" if he manages to get to see you a couple of times a week - perhaps that arrangement may do both of you some good for a while. Really, at this stage of your life, I think it's high time you gave some thought to taking up Margaret's offer of accommodation - you really ought to have someone responsible with you (moreso, if she's going to "retire") - and get away from that atmosphere down there. You deserve much better than to have to spend your time now alone, and missing such comfort as their home and company could give you. Margaret has written, by the way, so the ball's back in my camp again!!
We've had a fair bit of activity over the past week. A group of boys came into the Village in broad daylight last Wednesday & nicked off with Phillip's bike - right under our noses! Only ten weeks old it was; the police were not very much interested or concerned - gave us no hope of its recovery; but the Insurance Coy. seems to be prepared to foot the bill! Then, lo & behold, our next door neighbour's daughter had her bike stolen on Sunday! On Sunday we had a very enjoyable three hour ferry trip on the Hudson River (around Manhattan Island) in glorious 80° sunshine with the Kellys - our fellow Australian, U.N., friends. Took some marvellous photos & saw N.Y. in a different light. The kids, all eight of 'em were marvellous making the day more enjoyable for the parents. On Saturday I went inspecting a 1961 Chevvy station wagon (9 seater), automatic drive, which a fellow Australian (from Brisbane, & going home for good at the end of August) is hawking for $650. I'm very tempted, but hope to get him down to something nearer $600. In the afternoon I played golf (didn't come off the course till 8.00pm - in quite good light) and, in very difficult conditions (plenty of trees, rough and water), did pretty well to score 105 off the stick. Joan finally got her trip in to the Kelly's place at Port Washington today - she lugged all five "brats" by bus and train both ways - and everyone voted it a good day, despite that the weather wasn't up to what we've been experiencing. The boys' day camp is getting closer - they commence on 15th August & finish on September 3rd, and we've outfitted them with camp togs etc. An inspection of the site a couple of weekends ago suggests it will be quite good.
Glad to hear the bird's performing well as a companion. I often think of how the two of you are getting along. Delighted to hear also that you're not losing contact with the Rogers' - its good that you should get together and share letters and news. I'm sure that Joan and I writing separately often miss and over or underemphasise news to one of you so, by comparison, you can all get the full story. Again, I'll leave the back square for Joan to pen a few lines. Fond love and best wishes to you.
Your loving son,
Bill
We have just had a nice storm plenty of rain & not much noise. It feels much cooler already. Jenny has been hard to settle down tonight, may have been our big day out or maybe the old teeth are starting to play up. I threw her dummy away because she had an infection in her mouth which would not clear up, she misses it a bit I think. The other children have settled down very well, they were all very tired. It was a big day but a good day. We were pleased to hear the news about Sue & Lindsay. They are a lovely couple. Hope you have been able to get over to F-dock & see the slides we sent over.
Lots of love,
Joan