Letters From New York
Our Place
8 January, 1968
Dear Mum,
First whilst I remember, let me report that Margaret’s parcel has arrived and was very well received all round. Clothing was just the ants pants and suited everyone to a “t”. We’re now missing only one parcel, that from Kerry and Joyce and we’re a little fearful that it may have found its way into one of the postal exchange fires over here – there have been three of them, all in the international mail sections. Can’t complain, I guess, everything else arrived in good time and in A1 condition. So pleased you liked the handbag – it is most difficult to buy for someone so far away particularly when it has to be posted out all that distance; one just can’t allow one’s imagination run wild with reality.
You say you had a cold Xmas well we’re slap bang in the middle of a deep freeze here, the longest cold spell in New York for 25 years. The mercury’s been dropping daily, the highest recording today being 13° with 7° above zero about the norm. The forecasters tip it even worse for tomorrow when they expect the reading to go down to 5° or 10° or below Zero. The readings themselves really aren’t so bad but when, as they have been, they are accompanied by biting winds conditions become quite difficult to bear. We had snow again on Saturday night before the ice from the earlier falls had cleared away, so rendering the ground underfoot quite treacherous. The kids are delighting in it all, of course – and for a day or two it is quite beautiful and fairy land-ish but they can’t stand being out in it too long. Jennifer is a real fan and wants to be out in it every opportunity.
Your last letter brought the good news of Glenn’s successes and, as well as passing on our thanks to Margaret, you might convey our hearty congratulations to both of them. I do hope he does get the opportunity of doing the extra honours year at the University. He must be good material for the Professor to approach him. Speaking of education, he have our star pupils going back tomorrow after their break and there are a few reluctant heroes this evening. We posted the last term reports out to you – by slow boat – with the Church’s 1968 Calendar about 2 weeks ago so you should get them early February. Anthony did very well - though disappointing on a couple of scores (notably mathematics and spelling) whilst Phillip and Cathy had failings highlighted of which we’ve been gradually growing aware. Phillip is becoming a regular problem child – and his own worst enemy – and am inclined to think I’m riding him hard as I see shades of Vince appearing. I myself seem to be developing into the typical roaring perfection seeking father in an environment which, with so many people crowded together, is always beset by noise, tensions and crises.
Haven’t been too active socially – no doubt recovering from the hectic week of Xmas/New Year – and the work load at the Office hasn’t yet picked up. Quite a few people about us in the throes of the flu and it’s beginning to reach alarming proportions in the city. Some excitement at the U.N. today when a fellow I knew moderately jumped – they believe it was suicide – from his office window on the 24th floor to his death. He’s apparently been unlucky in love, having been married three times and currently served by his 3rd wife with divorce papers. He landed with a terrible thud and mess, on a parapet outside the Staff Cafeteria about the hour the lunch break was getting into full swing. It’s true what they say about the U.N. – there is always something happening – good or bad.
Saw the departure on Thursday evening of the Bartels Doctor friend who has grown very close to us also. He went off to England on the first stages of his return to Australia sometime in February. Our friends from Queensland are due back here next weekend after 10 weeks home leave and the Bartels have also made their first booking for their next home leave commencing in June next. In fact there’s been a great turnover in Australians here over the past six weeks or so.
Great reorganisation going on in the Dwyer household at present as we’ve purchased another double-bunk bed for Catherine and Jennifer for expansion. Jenny, so far, has adapted very well to the new big bed as she calls it. She’s becoming a real trick and talking wonderfully well. Came down the stairs standing up & holding the rail (rather than backwards on her knees as she has been doing mumbling to herself “be careful sweetheart” and is quite a T.V. and music fan wanting to join in all the time with the family singing.
Trust this finds you well. This pen’s awful. Will leave the back for Joan.
Love & best wishes, Bill xxxxxx
Dear Mum,
Have picked up a nasty cold from somewhere, but is has been really freezing as Bill has told you. Last winter was not this cold, feel a bit sorry I have to send the kids out in it to school tomorrow. Yesterday & today are the first days I have felt cold inside the house. The windows have ice on the insides. Please thank Margaret for her gifts they were all very nice & I’ve put them away for our trip home although if the weather gets warm enough we will most likely use them earlier. So far this awful flu has left us alone hope it stays away too.
God bless, All my love, Joan xxxxxxxx