Letters From New York
19 September 1966
Dear Mum,
Wish you'd stop writing letters and come over! I'm developing writers cramp answering your epistles - imagine how my hand feels what with all the other letters I have to write? Only kidding of course, but the latter suggestion holds good. Keep at the lottery and see if you can't make it. Margaret has written to say she'll bring you if you both win anything - sure she must mean anything big as she seems to be too busy there making money and acquiring assets. We're amazed that she's already paid off the holiday home - if the rent's not too steep to her favourite (?) brother we may organise a booking for May, 1968?
Silence is supreme in the Dwyer household now - at least during the day - with the three monster cherubs back at school and reluctantly loving every minute of it. Each seems satisfied with his teacher and Catherine has amazed us with the way she's accepted her role and the self-assurance she's showing. Phillip has received his artwork back from Geneva & his puppet and a way out crayon painting now adorn the place. Will preserve them with the other relics to bring home. Though plagued by the need to commit French verses and other formula etc. to memory - an experience that he finds exasperating - Anthony seems to be a little happier with more to occupy his day. The days, by the way, are becoming noticeably shorter and a great deal cooler.
Rather than categorise my suggestion as "badness" I think it's just plain common sense and the G.P.O. can stand the loss far more than you can the expense. Words can't express how much I appreciate the sports news - and always so promptly - but it does disturb me to know that it's involving you in expense you can ill afford. Most appreciative of your knitting efforts and looking forward to receiving them from you. The kids, too, will appreciate the birthday gifts (Michael & Phillip even moreso) though we are concerned that the cost of your generosity may exceed the necessity. Glad Vince liked the card and sorry it arrived so late - thought I'd posted it in quite good time. Do miss the gardening over here but am taking in the local flora. Its surprising how much of it is similar to our own - azaleas; roses; snapdragons; marigold etc. etc. growing in profusion and in glorious colour. Soon, however, these will make way for the white of snow and, even now the streets are being strewn with falling leaves.
Bern tells us she was over to see you prior to going down south (same day as Joan Gay) - will get her to call in on the Sunshine crowd with news of our doings. Lindsay's star seems to be in the ascendancy at the moment and I guess he's revelling in his new-found independence. Taken in moderation it can do him naught but good. We're in the car market again - have our eye on a neat little (?) 9 seater Ford station wagon on offer at $600 (though I hope to get it for a little less), so keep your fingers crossed. Lindsay's one seems to have been an excellent buy. Margaret's news of Glenn's achievements was very interesting - seems he's made the right sort of start & will show his uncle up. Me, I'm struggling valiantly with French and finding it interesting.
Have just completed another wonderful weekend. Started on Friday with my taking the day off to play golf in the U.N. Golf Club's annual tournament and, though neither Greg nor I shot well enough to win the trophies, we had a marvellous day. I hit 115, including a birdie & a par (amongst some holes that are best forgotten) in glorious weather and on a lovely course in a foursome with Greg, an Indian & a Japanese (I ran second to Greg's 105). The organisation was good and the catering excellent. Saturday, Joan & I had a shopping spree buying winter garb for the kiddies and, on Sat. night dined at the Bartels who had as other guests a visiting catholic priest and Greg's brother in law who's on a world tour examining computers. It turns out that he's in the same bank as Joan's cousin (John Phillips) and just happened (small world isn't it) to live in Garfield Street and a few doors up from Joan all his life. They were childhood chums and I knew him quite well whilst courting Joan. Yesterday, we were chauferred all over Long Island in the car we're considering buying & couldn't have picked a better day for it if we'd organised it.
Tomorrow the U.N. General Assembly meets for its 20th session (one which promises to be most interesting) and I hope to get a front row seat. Next weekend we're off to the local zoo with one of our Australian friends & family. Not too much good weather left now so we'll have to squeeze in as much as we can. Everyone is exceptionally well though Jenny, no doubt going through another stage of teething, has a very runny nose. She's just - only just - started to crawl and is sitting up like a doll. Out of space & out of news - will leave the back for Joan.
Love & fond wishes,
Bill
Dear Mum,
Bill left out our little bit of great news with Jenny. That is the specialist says she is A1 & is amazed at her progress. He is sure she has no heart disease at all & does not want to see her again for 6 months. At that time he will X-ray & if she is as well then as she is now he will discharge her altogether as a "big Phoney". Who cares if she is a "phoney" we are so thrilled with her. Thank you in advance for the knitting. It will be most welcome. We had one morning last week at 47° which was quite chilly after having 90° the week before. The kids all say God Bless Nan every night & I'm sure he will.
Best love,
Joan