22 August/23 August 1970

Saturday, 22 August  

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