Dearest Larry,
I'm sorry I couldn't answer your letter sooner, but I've been down with summer flu. Some fun! I guess I had it the second day I was home here but I didn't have a fever till the next day.
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, - after leaving you I proceeded to get five hours sleep Monday night and three hours Tuesday night, and after what I'd lost before, I guess that was too much. I'll learn!
I was so glad to get your letter, but I guess it made me both happy and sad, - made me realize how much I miss you. Your describing that "lost" feeling is just what I felt as I rode away from you on that train. I thought you would wave again but when I looked out my window I saw you headed back for the car. The reason I passed out of sight was because I had to go almost to the front of that coach before I found a seat that was empty. Didn't you get my letter telling you that that train you put me on wasn't so bad after all? It was an express and air-conditioned, so it was cool and clean.
No, Larry, I can't imagine a coke getting you down. Although I can imagine two cokes making it hard to go to sleep. (For some people, but not you.) Outside of that I hope you've been well. I hope you had a good time at the dance last night. I thought of you and wondered if it was a good dance and good orchestra. Of course I don't mind. Wouldn't I be a dog-in-the-manger if I did? You need recreation and so do I and I think it's nice of Jean to fix things so you'll get it. She really sees to it that people have a good time, doesn't she? She was very nice to me, too, and I appreciated it.
I turned your picture face-down thinking it would help to get my thoughts off you and down to business, but I didn't like that either, so I had to turn it back up again. I guess you are in my thoughts no matter what I do.
I saw Prof. Barr when I first came home and he assured me he will be here three weeks longer and I can take that exam any time, - so I guess I worried for nothing.
I find that even those with Master's degrees aren't getting teaching jobs as usual, - I'm getting discouraged but I haven't given up yet.
I hope your plan sells. I don't see how it can fail to, especially if you give them one of your best smiles and some of that personality. (No foolin')
Three gorgeous long, black Cadillacs just went by, full of people, one right after the other. Cheap stuff!
When are you going back to Indianapolis? Do you know any more about what you want to do? You know I'll be interested in hearing.
Even though I've been sick I look so much better and healthier than when I was with you because I've been getting a lot of sleep. Mother has been remarking about it and says "I told you so" because she has always tried to convince me that it's a good idea to get to bed early and get sleep, etc. and I've always liked to sit up. Twice I've gone to bed about nine and slept till seven the next morning. Pretty good, don't you think. I almost have to get sick to not mind going to bed early though.
Even though the job situation isn't too bright and some other things are not too good I find myself feeling so cheerful and happy that it's positively demoralizing. I can't imagine why, - can you? I think we have a lot to be thankful for, Larry, even though everything isn't smooth sailing. I wouldn't change places with anyone I know, and that's saying a lot, but I mean it.
You are right, we shouldn't feel sad about being separated, just realize that it won't be for long. Remember that.
All my love,
Ellen (cont'd - next page - volume II)
Later -
Dearest Larry, I've just finished one of the most difficult tasks, - writing a letter of sympathy to Ken Prather and his family on the loss of his younger brother Bob. Words seem so meaningless and futile at a time like that. It took me an hour to find the words to say in a short note. I feel so sorry for Ken anyway, - he's another round peg in a square hole. He doesn't enjoy teaching and that's what he prepared for - went to Milwaukee Teacher's College. He may come down here and finish work for his master's degree.
S.O.S. - something is happening to the fuschia (sp?) - it started to wilt and the leaves to die about a day before I came home. Mother had been watering it faithfully but it looked all dried up. What should I do? Also, the porch box (our garden) looks well with the exception of that plant that had lice or bugs or something. You mentioned something to put on it when you were here but I've forgotten. I'm awfully inexperienced with those things, Larry, but I'll learn.
The geraniums were all in bloom and still are. And the foliage plants keep right on blooming...growing I mean. I'm afraid they'll get too heavy for their stems, - should they be pruned at the top?
I'll be waiting to hear, your letters seem to get here in a day. Hope you receive mine all right. I'm all alone and have work to do - have to end this epic.
All my love,
Ellen
No comments:
Post a Comment