Letters From New York
30th October 1967
Dear Mum,
Never ceased to be amazed by how quickly these months are getting by & how soon each Monday seems to follow upon the one before. Just seven months to go now before we start out on the homeward journey & I expect that will come in no time at all. Surprised to read in your letter (which, itself arrived quite late only today) that my epistle didn’t reach you before the Tuesday. Since it was posted from here as normal on the Tuesday morning after writing, can only assume a failing in the G.P.O. system there – I’ve also been in the habit of ensuring that the new zip code number is included in the address.
Helen with Greg and Jill Bartels and some angry guy in a frock. 15 October 1967.
We’re really beginning now to feel the first pinches of Winter as we’ve experienced temperatures down in the low sixties and overnight recordings well below 40°. The children seem to be recovering from their coughs and splutterings having caught them dutifully one after the other. Helen is showing some signs of a sniffle but doesn’t seem to be unduly bothered by it. Jenny had developed quite a bark but it’s (we hope) gone as swiftly as it came. We received the slides back of the christening only last week and have got a few very nice shots – two particularly of the godparents and Helen in the baptismal apse. Despite that its been cold the weather has been fine and, shielded from the wind, quite warm so we do hope soon to be able to get out of doors and take a few snaps of the new arrival to send home for you all.
Note that Mary isn’t letting her claws out – shame on you sneaking a peek at the mail – but feel that the young fellow does have some responsibility to the children. It does disturb me, however, to know that she’d be turning the screw right up to the hilt. We’ve sent all our Australian Xmas parcels and cards out and [text cut out] that they should arrive [text cut out] earlier this year [text cut out] has suffered a little [text cut out] of the high rates of [text cut out] quality by the usual [text cut out] availability of funds [text cut out] do hope they’ll be acceptable [text cut out] at present Xmas [text cut out] a long way off as we [text cut out] Halloween (tomorrow) [text cut out] Thanksgiving (next month [text cut out] before the big festive season. Quite some enthusiasm about here at the moment [text cut out] ones (Michael can [text cut out] included in that category [text cut out] preparing for their trick [text cut out] excursion. There’ll be [text cut out] constant procession of [text cut out] the door ‘til all hours [text cut out] tomorrow night as the young [text cut out] sweets (or money [text cut out]). Anthony’s dressing [text cut out] a vampire – a [text cut out] chore he’s set himself [text cut out] Phillip following form (he was a devil last year) is to be a monkey this time. Catherine is dressing in an Indian sari (ever the lady) and Michael has a Winnie the Pooh uniform which Joan bought for him two weeks ago & which he’s barely let out of his sight since. The whole thing is quite a marvellous occasion and the ingenuity of the kids is something to behold.
Top: Cathy and Michael. Bottom: Phillip. Halloween 1967.
The social life’s beginning to pick up again as, babies permitting, we’re due to attend the farewell party to the sister of one of our friend’s who’s had a short visit and is returning to NSW on Wednesday. Then on Saturday we’re to attend a dining party at the Bartels’ for another Aust. woman from the U.N. who’s returning for good (seems its in the fashion). On Sunday [text cut out] guest – a U.N. girl from [text cut out] (she’s also contemplating returning home by Xmas [text cut out] luncheon and we’re [text cut out] the Kelly gang in the [text cut out]; everyone out to [text cut out] arrival. Hasn’t been [text cut out] deal of excitement [text cut out] about us but did have [text cut out] interesting afternoon last Tuesday when I attended the [text cut out] Concert which featured the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. To break the monotony Joan & Jill had a night out at the movies on Sat. night.
Went out shopping again on Saturday for shoes & b’day presents for the kids (still haven’t got them a single Xmas toy!) and did pretty well. The 1968 U.N. Calendars are out & we’ll be posting one out to you this week – by surface mail. Anthony’s sketch appears on the page for the week commencing 17th November. The calendar’s really not all that useful, but I’m sure you’ll like it as a memento.
Running out of space so will close & leave the back for Joan.
Loads of love & best wishes,
Bill
Dear Mum,
Still going strong & managing to keep things in pretty good order. Have done a lot of ironing today but it does not seem to pile up on me so much lately. We have been seeing very good pictures on T.V. [text cut out] last Wednesday starting [text cut out] saw “The King & I”. The [text cut out] kiddies sat up & watched [text cut out] loved every minute of it. It finished at 10.00. Strangely enough we had no trouble getting them out of bed next morning for school.
God bless, lots of love,
Joan