Letters From New York
Monday 1st May 1967
Dear Mum,
Well, the warmer weather seems to be with us now and yesterday we went over onto daylight saving, putting the clocks forward an hour. Thus, it’s quite light when we’re settling down to tea and the days will continue to grow longer over the next few weeks. We’ve had a pretty hectic time of it over the past few days so will probably have very little trouble in filling in this Epistle. Yours arrived a day late – on Saturday – but better late than never, and Joan’s been sweating on one from her Mum since last Thursday. It still hasn’t arrived, so you can imagine how the boss is feeling! We were pleased to learn that the party went off so well though disappointed that there weren’t too many Dwyers to carry the banner. Perhaps you should’ve invited Mary – but, then, that wouldn’t have been any good since she no longer permits herself to be thought of as one of us. Your talk of the “goodies” made our mouths water and would have liked to have witnessed Vic saying a few words without adjectival support.
Our week started with a letter, on Tuesday, from Kerry to say that they’d let the house to – of all people – a family of Americans (four children – the youngest just eight) who have been out there for a few years. Whilst not up to my figure the rental is not too bad and Kerry seems perfectly confident that they’re a good type of family. At least it will all cover my expenses in maintaining the place whilst we’re away and that’s the main thing. Thursday, was scheduled to play golf (with Greg) at the U.N.’s day on Long Island but heavy rain set in on Wednesday night and continued to pour down all day Thursday. Though short on work, managed to fill in the day at the Office quite effectively.
Friday found us with an unexpected invitation to the Bartels in the evening with them acting as hosts to three girls from Greg’s old office (he was transferred last Monday – and to his extreme delight was presented with a gold-plated golf putter) and a Priest from Carlton who called in on them unexpectedly during a world tour. That “session” went on until 2.30 as, in taking father to his hotel, we spent some time showing him around the town. Need less to say Friday brought us beautiful weather and Saturday was even better though we had little to do except prepare for our own dinner party in the evening. We wound up with fourteen adults (including ourselves) as we paid back for a few visits in one fell swoop. Joan, as always, was marvellous and earned the praise of everyone with a professional first attempt at chicken Maryland and all the trimmings. The group was principally our Australian friends though we had the Indian-born wife of one of them and two Argentinians lending some international atmosphere. It was well after 1.00AM when the last of the guests left and then Joan & I has to face a mammoth washup.
With the clocks set forward we were up and about very early yesterday morning with Mass on and then hectic preparations for a picnic to Bear Mountain with Bartels and Father Bird. It was a glorious day for driving and picnicing and the round trip took in 120 miles through New York State and New Jersey. We had a marvellous barbecue and the kids enjoyed the great outdoors immensely. Leaving the kids with Joan and Jill, Greg, Father and I drove on to West Point which impressed the priest greatly. I must confess that everyone was completely “tuckered-out” when we poured ourselves into bed.
Today we had even possibly better weather. Phillip was in a group from the School which went into the U.N. on a tour and was tickled pink when I was there to greet them all. He was quite impressed with the whole thing as was Anthony when I had him in there last week. Cathy’s day is tomorrow and there’s been much preparing – hair do’s etc. this evening. Everyone here is still enjoying the best of health and Jennifer is becoming quite a fatty. With the warmer weather she’s now able to get out of doors and it’s amazing how she’s developed and how independent she’s become with it. She can now negotiate all stairways (even the dozen from our upper storey) backwards and is picking words and phrases almost on a daily basis. Michael’s still his same shy, dependent self though we’re slowly working on him to make him realize that he’s got to start fending for himself.
Joan is keeping pretty well though finding the burden of domestic chores quite oppressive. We have rather a hectic time coming up in June with three visitors from Australia expected in that month and we’ll be under some responsibility to entertain.
Whilst I think of it, Helen’s wedding is to be held on May 20th. You may like to send a card at 7/440 Sydney Road, Balgowlah N.S.W. (Miss Helen Phillips).
Lots of love and best wishes,
Bill
Dear Mum,
So pleased the party went off so well. I hope you had your photo taken would love to see it. Can just imagine how nice Margaret looked. She always dresses nicely doesn’t she? We had a lovely picnic yesterday, Bill drove 120 miles and did very well. With the warmer weather coming up we’ll be able to make a few long trips. One trip we are going to do is to Washington D.C. Had a nice letter from Auntie Nell last week. She sounds well and said you give her lots of news from U.S.A. I have to visit the hospital again this week, don’t know why, I feel O.K.
Lots of love to all,
Joan