Letters From New York
22 August 1966
Dear Mum
Delighted, as always, to receive your most welcome epistle last Saturday and can assure you that you maintained the interesting news record. Though not elaborate Joan's birthday went over very well, the biggest surprise being receipt of a magnificent sheath of flowers from Mum & Dad R. From all accounts everyone did have a wonderful time at '54' last Tuesday night and we're delighted - but by no means surprised - that you found our new found friends as enjoyable. We're, of course, anxiously looking forward to their return in a few short weeks for first hand news of you all. Thought you'd gain a different picture of our environment and our associates from the slides and their commentaries - far better than one can ever convey in letters. Seems to me, like Cinderella, you can't be trusted out too late at night - the moon and stars evidently go to your head.
Heard the bad news about the Army hostel {29 people died in a fire at a Salvation Army men's hostel in Little Lonsdale St in Melbourne} - it was reported over here as occurring in Sydney - and of the checks on cars that are being carried out in the dealers' yards. Very pleasant to have the sports sections of the newspapers too but alarmed at the cost to you. If you insist on continuing to send them, at least slip your weekly letter in with it and have them both come over for the same rate - at least you'll save 9c; the trouble with you is you're too honest. Delighted to learn from the last batch that St. George have, at last, hit the front in the Sydney Grade Competition. Interested too to learn of Vincent's success - give him my best wishes for the finals but tell him I'm sure the opposition must be pretty weak. Whilst on sport, you'd best tell him to practice up his golf as I'll be back soon to do him over. Went out yesterday & shot a 99 (for 18 holes) and expect to reduce this substantially (?) with practice and local knowledge.
Have written to Glenn & Margaret and she came good with a belated birthday card (and some news snippets) for Joan in today's mail. Seems Lindsay ran into a colleague & friend of mine during one of his assignments proving, as she said, what a small world it is. I'm forever being constantly reminded of this and, in many ways, becoming quite fatalistic about life. Friday, I had a very interesting few hours with my Chinese/Aust./Professor friend; his sister en route from England to Australia and her girl friend, giving them insights into the U.N., and enjoying a scrumptious luncheon. Today, showed the Australian friends of an American (with whom I Transact business at the UN) over the building so am becoming an expert guide - it helps to fill the day!! They came from Melbourne where the hubby's a dress designer & seller. He & his wife (real Aussies) have been jaunting around the world studying fashions; sale houses etc. etc.
The long awaited meeting with my American friend from Madison (Wisconsin) - look it up on the map - came off on Saturday when Joan & I went out to Kennedy Airport to meet him between planes en route to Ireland. A very pleasant five hours - and a glorious meal, in a plush airport dining room - we had with him and are all on an invite to visit him in Wisconsin in the near future. We scored a bonus too when we met up also with a South American (whom I also met in Australia) and chatted over things of mutual interest. The American, it seems, is himself due to undertake a two year stint in Australia from December next (the two of them are to spend 6 weeks in Australia from late September after returning from Ireland) whilst he assists in the formation of a new company out there. Thus will be able to take up the friendship when we return.
Everyone's fit and smiling over here. Michael's sporting a lovely "shiner" where he fell out of bed & struck his eye on the bedside table on Saturday night but the others have less scratches and bruises than they've had for ages. Jenny's blooming, but becoming a real handful. We have her in a mobile walking trainer now and she moves around the house almost as she likes. The kids dote on her and the little b_____ knows when, where & how to get attention! We had the dear old babysitter look after all 5 on Saturday evening and she says they were marvellous! The boys, having settled in, are now revelling in camp, and taking on all sorts of activities. The weather here is still quite warm - and very muggy - and we laugh when we hear of your freezing winter. Won't be long before the shoe's on the other foot. Well will have to save the back for Joan. Fond love & best wishes.
Your son,
Bill
Dear Mum,
Bill has not left much for me to tell you. We did indeed have a lovely night out on Saturday, was a bit worried over Michael & Jenny, but Jenny was real good & although a bit shy Michael was excellent. I heard Cathy say to our sitter, "You know Mrs. Amon, I was just like Michael when I was a little girl, but I got over it".. You may find it hard to believe, but Cathy was quite excited about having a baby sitter in, she has changed for the better thank goodness. Best love to you & Vince. Thank Mary for the card. Joan & Co.
Happy Birthday to Vince (in case my card doesn't arrive in time).
The insurance coy's come good with the full cost of Phillip's bike. Had a scare last night when we thought Anthony's was stolen, but it turned up close to home after a search!