26 August 1970
Dear Chillen and Mom
Well, here I sit, munching on cookies and trying to write to my favorite family.
If I figure right, today should have ended the Laurel Conference and Jubilee so now at 7:30 p.m. should start the last big night for you two. I got your letters written on 20 & 21 today, including 4 from Carol.
That's the way it goes with Chipper. The time for the lion and the lamb to lie down together is not here yet.
Susan, you should be ashamed for Mother to have to put her foot on your face to make you write a letter to me.
I'm sure glad Daddy could use that bottle you found. I'd hate for you all to have to drink it. And you can have a brownie button for turning in the billfold, too.
Your dress must have been pretty expensive at that price, but if it makes you look like a little kid, that will be OK.
From our #1's letters it sounds like she had a ball before the conference ever started. I still don't know if she was worth the cost, but it's too late now, her hide is not worth that much.
If poultry does get real cheap from the corn blight, you had better see how many you can put in the freezer. That would be some cheap eating.
You call the money "P-asters" here. I don't suppose there are a lot of beggars for a war zone, but there are plenty around and of course kids want money or candy any time they can get it. They haven't gotten any from me yet.
The men have small beards, maybe 100 hairs on their chin, but that's all. I understand the TSgt that did work for me went without his shirt one day and the students almost laughed him out of town for his big pot gut and hairy chest. So I'll keep mine hid (The hairy chest, that is).
Oh, the scouts were on separate sides of the school courtyard, 50 feet apart and they were only 10-14 years old too.
I haven't seen my Army friend recently. I did work with him at Kogsler but not now.
Wednesday
25 August 1970
Tuesday August 25
Dear family,
Well, guess what - today I didn't get a letter from you. But I did get a big box so that more than makes the difference. Thanks so very much for everything. The cookies were not broken too badly and even the crumbs taste great. And was I ever surprised at the peanuts. They will be save for some day when I need a special boost.
I did have some trouble unfolding the newspaper so I could read it but that's OK. I presume the picture of Mother was taken at the state park too. I'll just keep it for a while.
I really appreciate everything but most of all I appreciate the thoughts behind the package.
Today I decided to goof off so I left at noon and came back to the hotel. After opening my packages and checking everything, I load down for a couple of hours nap. Then I walked over to the BX to get some spray starch for uniforms. On the way, I went by the place where the birthday party will be Saturday night, just so I could be sure to find it.. I didn't stop in but it's easy to find. It overlooks a big outdoor market, so I walked thru sight seeing. Among other things, I watched 2 women take a ring out of a pigs nose. He weighed about 50 pounds and did he ever squeal. Then there was a pet shop with some baby kittens about 4 or 5 weeks old. A young boy tried to tell me they were tigers. Of course, they weren't.
They had some nice combination tape recorder/radios in the BX today. They were $35 so maybe payday I will get one if they still have them. They probably won't, that sort of stuff never lasts.
Well, today 5 VNAF men were assigned to the section. They all speak some English and went thru a repair school a couple of months ago so I guess that should make my work easier.
There are plans to turn the whole section over to the VNAF in 3 months. Maybe we will make it. Then I will be looking for a new job but don't worry that I might be sent way off.
Well, I suppose by the time you read this, school will have started, so you can all tell me about that. I'm expecting honor roll on all 4 of you all year long so start it out on the right foot. That shouldn't be hard for such smart kids as you are.
Well, I'm about out of news and I want to write Pres. Griner so I'd better close for now. May the Lord bless each one of you. Be good and Sweet.
Love, Daddy
Dear family,
Well, guess what - today I didn't get a letter from you. But I did get a big box so that more than makes the difference. Thanks so very much for everything. The cookies were not broken too badly and even the crumbs taste great. And was I ever surprised at the peanuts. They will be save for some day when I need a special boost.
I did have some trouble unfolding the newspaper so I could read it but that's OK. I presume the picture of Mother was taken at the state park too. I'll just keep it for a while.
I really appreciate everything but most of all I appreciate the thoughts behind the package.
Today I decided to goof off so I left at noon and came back to the hotel. After opening my packages and checking everything, I load down for a couple of hours nap. Then I walked over to the BX to get some spray starch for uniforms. On the way, I went by the place where the birthday party will be Saturday night, just so I could be sure to find it.. I didn't stop in but it's easy to find. It overlooks a big outdoor market, so I walked thru sight seeing. Among other things, I watched 2 women take a ring out of a pigs nose. He weighed about 50 pounds and did he ever squeal. Then there was a pet shop with some baby kittens about 4 or 5 weeks old. A young boy tried to tell me they were tigers. Of course, they weren't.
They had some nice combination tape recorder/radios in the BX today. They were $35 so maybe payday I will get one if they still have them. They probably won't, that sort of stuff never lasts.
Well, today 5 VNAF men were assigned to the section. They all speak some English and went thru a repair school a couple of months ago so I guess that should make my work easier.
There are plans to turn the whole section over to the VNAF in 3 months. Maybe we will make it. Then I will be looking for a new job but don't worry that I might be sent way off.
Well, I suppose by the time you read this, school will have started, so you can all tell me about that. I'm expecting honor roll on all 4 of you all year long so start it out on the right foot. That shouldn't be hard for such smart kids as you are.
Well, I'm about out of news and I want to write Pres. Griner so I'd better close for now. May the Lord bless each one of you. Be good and Sweet.
Love, Daddy
Tuesday
24 August 1970
Monday 24 August 1970
Hi, Y'all
Today was much mail day so now I'd better answer. I got 2 from you, 1 from Sgt. Wood and one from your folks. I'm sure glad you are selling all the kittens and have some money to spend. You had better be feeding Zack some liver once in a while.
Sounds like a pretty new dress you got, Mother. Would you believe I haven't had civilian clothes on since I left Mom's. We can't wear them any place. After I move out to the barracks I can wear them on that little place, but not to TSN or any place where I'm on civilian property. Of course, I don't expect to go much of any place except to Church.
Sweetie, I'll let you decide what you want to do in the Woman's Liberation Movement, but since you are already Mother and Father you can't gain much either way.
Well, did you kids have nightmares from "Jack the Giant Killer" this time? I hope not. If Jimmy made 33 cookies and they were as big as Nancy said, that must have been a lot of cookies. I still haven't received my "care" package, but it takes 10-15 days and this is only a week today.
Boy, you had better be careful about giving all your bottles away.
Did you get your hair cut real short again, Mother? You must all be sporting crew-cuts by now.
I'm glad you had a good party at Moody, but don't let all those compliments go to your head. And thanks for all the gossip too. Sgt. Wood didn't say anything about a stabbing. You seem to do pretty good at collecting news outside the Wives Club.
You can be bet your last nickle I don't write you any letters at midnight. I try to be in bed by 9 p.m. as 5 a.m. comes early 6 days a week.
You remember everybody told you it would take a year to recover fully from the operation. Don't try to hurry the exercises, they can come later. You are the prettiest girl that ever walked to me anyway so don't worry about the rest.
No, I never got that anniversary card you are talking about. Maybe it was on that plane that ditched. It would have been about that time.
Well, it's about bedtime and I am tired so I'll close for now. Be sweet, I love you all.
Your Daddy, Jim
Hi, Y'all
Today was much mail day so now I'd better answer. I got 2 from you, 1 from Sgt. Wood and one from your folks. I'm sure glad you are selling all the kittens and have some money to spend. You had better be feeding Zack some liver once in a while.
Sounds like a pretty new dress you got, Mother. Would you believe I haven't had civilian clothes on since I left Mom's. We can't wear them any place. After I move out to the barracks I can wear them on that little place, but not to TSN or any place where I'm on civilian property. Of course, I don't expect to go much of any place except to Church.
Sweetie, I'll let you decide what you want to do in the Woman's Liberation Movement, but since you are already Mother and Father you can't gain much either way.
Well, did you kids have nightmares from "Jack the Giant Killer" this time? I hope not. If Jimmy made 33 cookies and they were as big as Nancy said, that must have been a lot of cookies. I still haven't received my "care" package, but it takes 10-15 days and this is only a week today.
Boy, you had better be careful about giving all your bottles away.
Did you get your hair cut real short again, Mother? You must all be sporting crew-cuts by now.
I'm glad you had a good party at Moody, but don't let all those compliments go to your head. And thanks for all the gossip too. Sgt. Wood didn't say anything about a stabbing. You seem to do pretty good at collecting news outside the Wives Club.
You can be bet your last nickle I don't write you any letters at midnight. I try to be in bed by 9 p.m. as 5 a.m. comes early 6 days a week.
You remember everybody told you it would take a year to recover fully from the operation. Don't try to hurry the exercises, they can come later. You are the prettiest girl that ever walked to me anyway so don't worry about the rest.
No, I never got that anniversary card you are talking about. Maybe it was on that plane that ditched. It would have been about that time.
Well, it's about bedtime and I am tired so I'll close for now. Be sweet, I love you all.
Your Daddy, Jim
Monday
22 August/23 August 1970
Dear Gypsy family,
Are you all back home by now? I hope so. It's 7 p.m. and I have returned from work, eaten and got a shower so now I'll try to start on my weekend letter. I have 2 of your letters to answer because only answered 1 of the 2 I got yesterday and another one came today. I usually get them 4 days after the postmark and that is great considering that the time change makes it only about 3 days.
I will be looking for my "care" package since you have sent it. Before I forget it, when you send the priesthood and Sunday School manuals, also put in that little book, "Truth Resorted" by Bro. Hinckley. We have a paperback copy of it somewhere in the bookcase. And, if you wanted to get me something real nice for Christmas, a pocket-sized hymn book would be real nice.
I was real excited to hear that you are going to have Home Study Seminary this year. It's nice to meet in class if you have a big class, but they use such great materials for the lessons. And, even though it's a long drive to Tallahassee, especially at night, I think it will be well worth it (even if Mother has to drive) for the fun and fellowship. Just think of that Scripture Chase competition, and the fun and dances, etc. afterward. Of course, starting at 10 a.m. should have you home by dark. Will you also meet weekly with Bro. Isgett? The biggest problem will be the self discipline required to keep going. I would suggest that you still get up early, get ready for school, eat, and then spend 30 minutes every day on your lessons. I'll bet Jimmy could even give you scripture chase problems so you could drill for speed. You won't be handicapped by deadheads in class who don't want to learn.
Susie, I want you to check into that program where seniors go to VSC and earn credits while still working on graduation. See if you might be interested in it next year.
Mother, if the Seminary meeting is on Saturday, that may be the same day as Assembly and you could drop the kids off, go to assembly and pick them up afterward.
Sweetie, thank you for the story that Walley Allen told. I do appreciate your stories, jokes, etc. Keep them coming.
But the best story was the one about the kitten playing with Amile's tail? I almost busted a girdle string.
I guess one reason it takes so long to write to you guys is that I usually sit here in my window and daydream and watch the world go by. Right now I'm so sleepy that I think I'll stop for tonight but before I do, thanks for the picture of the kits and kids. Girls I showed your picture to all the single guys and asked if they would like to write you, but there were no takers. Bye-bye. P.S. Only teasing.
Sunday August 23
Well, I'm back. Last night a new instructor at school who I had heard was LDS came by my room so he went with me to church today. He had been on a mission in Hong Kong about 3 years ago and speaks pretty good Chinese so he was a fabulous success with the Chinese girls in the branch. He is single but engaged but I'll be he has a good tour with the girls looking out for him. They had a party last night (I didn't go) for Bro Lewis' birthday. He sent his maid out for 20 bananas and 3 pineapples. She thought he wanted 20 bunches of bananas and looked all over for them, so long in fact that he had to leave for the party before she returned. When he returned and found all the bananas, he almost cried. Luckily, she could only find 15 bunches. Can you imagine?!! Anyway, after Sacrament today it was decided to have as many as could, stay and eat fruit salad so the Sisters sliced bananas and cut up the pineapple, added some sliced peaches and nuts, etc. and several of us stayed for fruit salad and root beer. It was fun.
I spoke in Sacrament Meeting today about the need for a positive attitude about a tour in VN. I guess it was well received.
Next Saturday night, 2 of our Chinese sisters are giving a birthday party in their home for their younger sister who will be 19. It's only about 5 blocks from the hotel, so I'm planning to go. I understand the family is pretty well off so it should be interesting.
Say, Boy that sounds like a real cool car you saw. I'll see what can be done about that stuff you asked about. Of course you know that boys have to be good for Santa to come. If the grass at the lawyers is getting real thick and hard to cut, you know how to change the wheels to cut higher. Just be sure you put them back real tight. I hear you are doing real great on the Family Home Evening lessons. Keep it up.
Well, I hope you have cornered the cat market and sold them all. From the way it sounds, you will soon have some more stock.
Nancy, reconstituted ice cream is made with a powder mix that you add water to and then freeze. After a few days, it starts to taste pretty good. I'm glad that you have caught up on my mail. I write it, but I can't deliver it too.
Mother, your finances will probably be close in Sept. due to school, Seminary, etc., but then should start to ease up. Don't forget, too, that you will have to put a @20 deposit to get the gas turned back on.
I want to start soon to write a personal letter to each of you children. You won't have to share it with anyone unless you want to and only parts of it if you want to.
And WHAT IS SO FUNNY ABOUT DADDY SINGING IN THE CHOIR?? It's probably just as well that I didn't have a tape recorder.
It wasn't Pres. Anderson's family who went home, it was Bro. Lewis'. I thing they went back because of schools and living conditions generally. Pres. Anderson will be leaving in about 5 more weeks they said today. He will really be missed and I pray they don't look my way to fill his shoes.
I hope to get some pictures of the branch members soon so you can get a look at them. One of the guys offered to teach me how to develop and print B&W film. The hobby shop will only be a block from the barracks when I move. I guess that I'll still attend Saigon Branch after I move. Actually, it will be more convenient than it is now, and there is talk of disbanding the group there in MACV Annex since it is only 10 or 12 members and several of them want to come in to Saigon anyway.
Nancy, X stands for a kiss and the X tells you where to put it. The O is for hugs, like - put your arms around and squeeze. So I'll close for now and send a whole sack of X's and enough O's to go around. I love you all.
The Old Man, Daddy
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