Letters From New York
15 August 1966
Dear Mum
Well, its Assumption Day here and a pretty wet one its been too - quite the dampest since we've been here. We've negotiated the fourth month now without incident and, generally, things aren't going too badly at all. Your very welcome letter arrived as usual on Friday and its always a long awaited pleasure to hear from you. We find your communiqués quite interesting and very "newsy" and are very pleased that you seem to be getting an equal measure of pleasure out of our attempts. Joan, though she has a reputation for hating letter writing, has been wearing the point off our supply of biros and confesses now to enjoying it. Was very pleased too to receive the 7th August sporting supplement today, keeping me reasonably up to date with current events.
We've had no further news on Anthony (no request to race back to the specialist) so the X-rays couldn't have been too startling. The boys started camp today and it didn't hit too good a note. Even the generally adaptable Phillip was rather disappointed with it (Anthony, of course, was quite vocal) but it was rather bad luck to pick such a bad, wet day first up and they were locked indoors (can you imagine the bedlam) all day. Maybe, too, we were it up a little too much to them and they went off expecting wonders. Perhaps it could take them a few days - in better weather I hope - to settle down. The other three had a good time in their absence (Cathy & Michael) think it was a good idea that they got rid of the big bullies and Jennifer had the time of her life playing up. She's growing into a beauty but a real little b_____ she just won't sit still for a minute. She craves attention - is rarely short of it with the kids - and lets you know when she's not getting it. She's eating like a horse and, if you saw the slides at Rogers' on Tuesday, you'll realise how she's come on.
Joan is certainly a game one and she intends repeating the performance next week - with a smaller contingent this time (Anthony & Phillip being at camp - we hope!). On Saturday evening we're getting the dear old baby-sitter in again as Joan & I are ducking over to Kennedy Airport in the evening to meet an American friend (I met him in Aust. through the Credit Union) from Madison, Wisconsin (up North) on his way to Ireland. He'll be in N.Y. for only 5 hours & he's invited us to have dinner at the Airport Dining Room. Next week we're having my Aust. university colleague out to dinner and our U.N. Australian friends (from Queensland) later in the week. Talk about a small world: last Tuesday I went for my drivers permit (talk about a comedy - it would fill a book the story of the bureaucracy in this country!) and, with hundreds of people there of all shapes, colours & nationalities, I plonk myself down beside a Chinese Australian (yes, a naturalised Chinese) - a graduate of architecture from Sydney University - and now a Professor at Columbia University here. Took him back to the U.N. for lunch and an interesting friendship looks likely to develop!! To cap the story, I got the permit OK and last Saturday had my first driving lessons. These were quite an experience, moreso since the instructor said "Have you ever driven before?" When I said "yes" he came back with "OK, drive her away" & ushered me out onto the freeway in real traffic. We eventually got back to home base (90 minutes later) safe & sound & with few incidents so I guess I'm on the way.
Think you'd better pack up that dinner Vic couldn't eat and send it over. We'd give two right arms for one of Mum D's baked dinners. It does seem to be a ferocious winter down there this year and am amazed that you always manage to stay clear of the illnesses that get about. Pleased to hear you're still in contact with the big fellow and hope things are on the improve with him. I've written to Glenn and probably will scribble a note to Margaret later in the week. Noted the piece about the Aust. gold medallists but didn't recognise any one of the four as a Pat. Brothers boy but then, they'd be a bit after my day (I guess I must soon start to get old - hate to reveal to the kids just how "old" I am). Seems like the Aitkens have definitely struck the jackpot - good luck to 'em; they've worked hard enough for it. The news of Lindsay's forthcoming engagement was most welcome. What little we've seen of her shows Sue to be quite nice & we could do with a few more good sorts in the family. Has there been any more definite news on his call-up yet? Don't let yourself get carried away with her ladyship's sweetness - there may be a trick attached! & probably lethal.
Tonight, I went into the sellers market. Of all the furniture that came over, the only item we couldn't accommodate was Cathy's wardrobe unit and I put it on the market three weeks ago at $30. Sold it this evening to a Spaniard for $25.00 & was pleased to get rid of it as it was proving to be an embarrassment sitting outside the apartment on the front porch. Have also been trying to hawk the kids' metal beds - not with any real anxiety to do so - to make a bit more room. Would install another double bunk (one bed we aren't using) if I get the price I'm asking.
Well news is out and I'll leave the back for Joan. Hope you enjoyed yourselves on Tuesday & found the Bartels all well we'd written them up to be.
Fond love & best wishes
Bill
Dear Mum,
Had a letter from Five Dock today to tell us all about your night last Tuesday. Mum said you all had a lovely night; I am so pleased. The Bartels are really very nice. Hope Peter was able to show you the latest slides of the children. We had another lot back today & have some real nice photos again. Some Bill took when we went on our boat trip are terrific. I have found myself a few more children (all Japanese) one told me today she would love to live with me so don't be worried if we bring home another granddaughter for you.
God bless.
Love
Joan