October 17, 1964

Oct 17, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

While I am waiting for Jim to come back from some errands I will write you a note so that I can mail it when I go grocery shopping. It seems that that is all we do lately. I cannot keep enough food in the house. I don’t know if it’s Switz. or just that they are growing up. This morning they all ate their usual bowl of cereal and then they all wanted ham and eggs too and Barbara ate two eggs. I bought a dozen eggs yesterday and I’ll have to buy more today.

Yesterday when I was putting MB’s coat on her a button came off “oh oh” I said and she said “Oh that’s ok, Wela can fix it.”

Yesterday I got a letter from Jim’s mom and one from Betty Dameris. She said the kids really had a good time over your house playing with Dad. Did you know she is expecting in May?

I wish you could send us some old copies of the Post when the Cards won the Series etc. The N.Y. Herald Tribune that we get is very good but I would love to see a home town paper. Did the Globe come out for Goldwater?

We are so anxious to get our own car as we drive this rented one only for necessary errands because of the mileage charge. Also it’s a little VW and the kids are too crowded for a long ride. There are interesting places to visit just a short distance from here and we are hoping to weather doesn’t get bad when we get the car.

Two of the present staff at work were called by Jim’s new boss from Brussels. They were hired and also another girl who had worked for PTTI earlier. I think that completes the staff. Jim said some of the people were hurt as they were not even asked to go.

I called the neighbor this morning and when I was dialing B said “Who are you calling, Wela?” When I said “No” she was very disappointed and asked why we couldn’t call you. She is a bit lonesome today as she misses her friends at the Silvahof. There are many children around here but they do not speak English.

We are hoping to rent a piano next month so that will give them something to do.

Just now B. asked me if anybody we knew would ever come to see us. I told them maybe Welo and Wela would. B. yelled “When?” then Kenny said “Mommy, remember when it was real hot. Why did we have to come to Switz.? Why can’t Daddy work in America?”

I think it is going to be a long weekend for them until they get acquainted with some children out here.

Jimmy said to tell you “The weather is good” and to tell you that he is fine. B. said to tell you to come tomorrow and Kenny said “No, tell her to come today!”

It wouldn’t be so hard to be away if we could see you on weekends once in a while. It feels like we are a million miles away. Switz. is beautiful and the people we have seen and met have been wonderful – but it just isn’t like being with your family. If you could see the spectacular view of the Alps we have from this house and when I look at them I say “Boy, I wish it was the muddy Mississippi.”

Take care of yourselves. Give our best to all the family and friends.

Love,
Jim and Dina

October 16, 1964

Oct 16, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well yesterday’s game was marvelous! I’m sure St. Louis is really celebrating today! Wish we could be there to enjoy it.

Yesterday afternoon a lady came to the door. She starting talking in the Dialect and then switched to German. Then she said she spoke French and Italian, but we had no language in common. I figured out she mended umbrellas and I thought perhaps the lady of the house here had one to mend. At any rate later that evening a neighbor called – Mrs. Guenther – she spoke English very well and said she would like to introduce herself. It seems the umbrella lady had come by her house also and told her she and I couldn’t understand each other. Mrs. Guenther then offered to help me if I need anything and today she took me with her to store near by that deliveries groceries and also called the milk man for me last night to have him deliver the milk. After shopping she invited us (the kids and I) to her house for coffee and to meet her two daughters. The oldest one spoke English – the younger girl about 13 was home on vacation from “household school” as she called it. The Swiss send their daughters away for a year to learn French. It is a special school in a large house. The girls learn all the house making arts, cleaning, cooking, washing, sewing. She said it is a very strict school. No word of German can be spoken and if the housework is not perfect they must do it again. They were a very nice friendly family – the oldest daughter and the mother got a big kick out of Kenny because he speaks so fast. Naturally they speak very well, but you must speak very distinctly and slowly when you talk to them. They would both look at each other and laugh when Kenny spoke because as they said “the words shoot from his mouth.”

P. is very funny now. When the other kids yell for their allowance money – She says “Franc – mommy” And today she was looking at a picture that Kenny drew “Oh, Kenny made a boo boo, mommy.” She said showing me his picture.

I think putting B. in the third grade was the best thing that ever happened to her. She is enjoying being the best in the class – something she never dreamed of before. One person in the class had to write a Thank-you letter and the class picked her. She was so thrilled! Also she is winning in the spelling race and the table race. The teacher is letting her read from the fourth grade books so she is not bored either.

Today was a very clear but windy day. On our way to the store (about 3 blocks away) the view is unbelievable. You could see the Alps white and frosty and the sunlight streaming down on them. The mts and green hills and fields all around. Mrs. Guenther says it stays green all year and is especially green in the winter because there is so much rain. Some of the trees have begun to change colors and some leaves are falling but most of them are quite green and full.

Now it is raining and we are glad to have such a warm comfortable home. Our next project now that we are settled is to find a kindergarten for Kenny.

Hope you are both feeling well. Much love from the children,

Love
Jim and Dina

October 15, 1964

Thurs
Oct. 15, 1964


Dear Mom and Dad,

Jim brought home your letter at lunch today which we received at work. The one you wrote at Mildred’s house.

It doesn’t surprise me that Neva is feeling badly. I guess no one can help you during that period.

I am also very relieved to hear that Betty Diane’s story had such a typical ending. At least Alice can sleep nights. Poor Betty- her problems may just be beginning – I sure hope not.

I was really surprised to learn that Beatrice was so sick. The way she spoke at our house it was not be a very serious operation. Did something go wrong. Poor girl. I pity her trying to recuperate with 8 little ones.

Thanks for going over to our house and cleaning it up. Jim wrote a very nasty letter last night to the agency and I’m sure if it is not rented by the end of the month – we will make different arrangements. Did you turn the gas on there?

Please don’t worry about me. I am certainly not going to get sick. In fact I have been eating like a horse and here we go to bed so early. Everyone tells us it’s the climate – early to bed – early to rise. Even Jim is in bed before midnight and I am asleep by 10 or 10:30 p.m. So we should stay healthy that way.

We have been receiving all your letters and Barbara did receive your note but not the $1.00.

Don also mentioned to me about going to theology – I think it would be very good as that way he will be ordained that much sooner –a day I am certainly anticipating.

The kids pay “German tag. ” I thought it was something authentic that they had learned at school – No, they just made it up. You play tag the regular way but just talk gibberish pretending it’s German.

Our house is very nice and comfortable. From every window there is a lovely view of rolling hills and houses and green green fields – also a row of pine cover mts.

Well P is waking up from her nap and I think we will take a walk to the store and mail this letter.

Jim’s new boss from Brussels was in town for a few days. Jim liked him very much. He told Jim the office would be moved by the first part of Jan. and that he and Him and three others would comprise the staff of the office.

Lots of love from all of us,
Take care of yourselves,
Jim and Dina

October 14, 1964

Oct 14, 1964

We have had a busy day today and that is why I didn’t get a letter mailed to you today. We moved last night and got settled in our new beds. The kids enjoyed it all very much – especially eating in the kitchen because they have a counter and stools to sit on. This morning I unpacked some clothes and we took a walk to the store. A very quaint looking village with a church steeple and clock towering over all the Swiss Chalets. I kept expecting everybody to break in to song – the whole setting is so operatta-like. Luckily even in this small town I found some shop girls who spoke English very well. Jim and the kids got home for lunch in ten minutes so we are not too far out. I went back with Jim after lunch - He and I went to the U.S. Embassy to vote – so we are all set now to be counted as absentee ballots. Remember the absentee ballots changed the vote in Calif. In ’60. We did some grocery shopping and then Jim dropped Barb and I at the Doctor. He said B. was doing fine and he certainly did not recommend taking out her tonsils. After supper I got brave and tried out my IBM washing machine and listened to the ball game. Too bad! Sure hope they can win tomorrow.

Yesterday when P. woke up from her nap I heard her calling very sweetly “Wela, Wela, Wela.” She must have been dreaming about you.

The biggest thrill I have had this week next to having an automatic wash machine again is that I had my first view of the Alps. When we drove out here Sun. you could see them very clearly. I wouldn’t even attempt to describe the sight but it makes you take a long deep breath and get rather tearful. Somehow you can’t believe you are seeing something so beautiful. They almost look like a giant backdrop has been painted behind the hills. If it weren’t for the clouds that are moving, hiding the peaks they would almost look artificial. It’s one of those handful of things you know you’ll never forget – your first view of the Alps.

Well I hope we will continue hearing from you often – don’t forget our new address. We are going to use Jim’s office address rather than bother with mail out here.

Give our best to all who ask. Let me know if Angeles got her card – I even remember writing it now!

Love,
Jim and Dina

October 12-13, 1964

Return Address:
D. Ryan
c/o P.T.T. I.
Schwarztarstrasse 7
Bern, Switzerland

October 12, 1964 [I think this was really written on the 13th]

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well yesterday was quite an exciting Columbus Day. The Am. flag flying over the Embassy next door and we received two letters from you in one day – also the Cards won the crucial game in the 10th inning. I am glad to know that you called the realtors – maybe they were just being lazy since they know we are out of the country. This way they know someone in the city cares. If we don’t hear that it is rented soon, Jim will write to them. Please Daddy, call the gas co. and turn on the furnace there – if you keep it at 60° - at least nothing will get damaged with the cold weather coming on.

Your house sounds very nice and I’m glad you were able to fit in all our belongings –Thank you for Fina’s address. Her name is V. Menendez isn’t it? When you finish reading Fr. Rahm’s letter please send it on to me as I would like to read it. I presume that the picture of Don looking thin was taken in Brazil. You’ll never be happy ‘til we all look like blimps. If it makes you feel any better everyone here is eating like horses. I mean everybody – even MB is eating meat and we polish off 3 chickens at one meal with no trouble. Yesterday they ate two loaves of bread and a dozen rolls. The bread and tomatoes are very good here. Everything else is about like in the U. S. P. is getting fat again with a double chin and everything. I guess it’s the mt. air.

I’m sorry that Chic is still not feeling well – it’s seems when one trouble starts everything goes wrong. I hope he gets better very very soon because not only he suffers when he’s sick but Mary almost as much. I’ sorry too about Tia Clorinda - I’ve thought so much about her since I’m here because how much harder it was for her to leave – leaving some of her children and them going with a sickness which is such a burden. Please give Tala and Bob and Bobby our best and tell Mil and Jul I will write to them soon.

I hope you both will be thinking very seriously about making the trip over here – not only for my own selfish reasons which is I would give anything to see you both but also for the reasons you gave in your letter. Bad luck, bad health can strike in a minute. Mrs. Rushlow, who is quite a character said she and her husband decided to give their children this year of school in Switz. Instead of making the trip when he retired. She said “I’ve seen these people – traveling when they can’t see the sights because they can’t walk anymore. They can’t sleep because they need their own beds. They can’t eat the food because they’re all on diets and they can’t be that far away from their doctor for long – he’s their best friend.” She said people wait to travel when they can’t enjoy it. You know she is right. Anytime you want to come we are ready for you and waiting anxiously.

I received a very nice letter from Donna Lee today. In it she mentions Alice. I have put off writing to Alice hoping that Betty would came back but I can’t hardly think about Alice without crying. All the nicest people have the rottenest luck. Give my best to Neva – I hope she is feeling better.

Today we are moving out. I have most everything ready to go. This morning a girl from Holland who has lived in the U.S. for 6 years took Kenny and MB with her three children for a walk to the Zoo. I got quite a bit done while they were gone for almost 2 hrs. She is a very nice girl. She loved Wash. D.C. and hated to leave again. Her husband is with the Dutch Embassy. She speaks Dutch and German (but prefers not to speak it) speaks French to her children and speaks perfect English. Her little girl 6 yrs. old speaks English with our children and switches right over to French when she talks to her little brother. The people here are fantastic with languages. I hope our children can learn French in Brussels. One of the Sp. Maids from Galicia said “Yo nunca podra aprender otra idioma como tengo la cabaza tan mal. El espanal es il idioma mas facil de aprender- el italiano pues unas pocas palabras se como son como el espanal. El aleman ni probar y el ingles – ya se sabe que no hay quien lo aprenda.” She said two of her nephews lived in Germany and learned German very easily. She said pointing to P. “Ya versa –esta chica – en una patada lo aprenda.” I hope so because it’s very rough when you’re grown. I went to the milk store to pay the bill and tell them to stop deliveries but the girls didn’t’ speak English and she and I just stood there for ten minutes but I never did get through. That is so frustrating! I left a note – I hope somebody there can read English.

Well I must get packing – Take care of yourselves and give everyone our best regards,

Love
Jim and Dina

October 12, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

Oct. 12, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Just received your letter with Barbara’s, Dad’s Letter with the bills etc and one from Jim’s mother. If you enclosed $1.00 in Barbara’s letter it did not get here. Nothing in the envelope but the letter. I also looked but didn’t see Fina’s address anywhere. I'm sorry if Angelis did not get her card – I checked off the names in my address book as I wrote them and I have hers check off. Let me know if she didn’t get it – I will send her another one. It’s so easy to lose those cards between here and the mail box much less between here and the U.S. Try to send me those other addresses I need because I want to get these postcards out of the way. I found Corona’s address so I won’t need that one but I do need Fina’s, Lela’s, Josephine Orcutt’s, Neva’s and look at the letter I wrote you a few weeks ago – there were some others – Molly’s, Rita. People were so nice to come and say goodbye. I feel the least I could do is send them a card. Barbara is feeling fine. I have to take her back to the Dr. this Wed. to see what he thinks. I didn’t know Patsy and Michael were coming but I think that is a wonderful idea.

Thanks Daddy for all your troubling about the bills. I think after this month it should get all straightened out. If there is any questions or problems about them – Jim will write to you.

Yesterday we had an early supper and took the kids out to see the house and take out some stuff. When we pulled into the driveway Jimmy yelled “Wow! Swiss Modern.”

While we were walking around the yard the lady next door waved to us from the window. About 10 minutes later her husband Mr. Briggen came over to introduce himself. He spoke English very well in spite of the fact that he said he hasn’t used it much since 1936 when he spent 6 months in England. He was very nice and asked if he could “fetch us some milk” and if we had any problems he would be there. Two of his sons are grown and two girls are about Barbara’s age – he couldn’t remember the numbers too well in English but said like Barbara. He did know the number for Kennedy’s death though. “The twenty two of Nov.” as he said.

We got back home in time to listen to the game from the 8th inning and enjoyed the outcome very much – Be wonderful if they could win the series.

I must get some lunch together – Will write tomorrow.

Much Love
Jim and Dina

October 11, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

Oct 11, 1964
Sun

Dear Mom and Dad,

Yesterday it rained all day and that somewhat curtailed our plans to start moving because when it rains here – there’s no fooling around – it pours!! Do you remember how hard it rained the afternoon the scholastics came over to see Don? – well it rains like that downpour but all day – That’s the explanation of why everything stays so green – it all gets well watered. Jim rented a little VW and I tried it out to go grocery shopping. I considered myself pretty brave trying it out in that rain because here – all the traffic on your right has the right of way. If you are coming down a main thoroughfare and a little side street on your right has a car coming he has the right of way and believe me they take it. They all drive like madmen. I went to a supermarket nearby so I didn’t run into any trouble. Later in the afternoon while the four older children were at Ann Lawrence’s birthday party we went out to the house to take the baby bed and chair we rented and to try out the wash machine. The wash machine is something!! Even Jim was amazed. It looks like Bendix but it is completely installed like a sink would be – it heats its own water and has metal IBM cards which you feed into it. There are 10 different cards – for white clothes, colored etc. I’m afraid to death to use it because it’s almost like working on the Apollo Moon project. It got the diapers nice and clean though. We put away some of the people’s vases etc. One of the terms in our contract is that we must water the plants. Well that is going to be Jim’s job because I haven’t counted them yet but I’d say there are 25 or 30 plants in that house. We finally rescued Mrs. Lawrence and got the kids back home. Today is a gorgeous sunny day. The kids and I went to the Spanish Mass at 9:15. I love to go because the people sing the most beautiful Spanish hymns during the Mass. Immediately after Mass the Am. priest comes for Confession – so we went to confession and got back in time for Jim to go to the 10:30 English Mass. Right now the children are at Kevin Bell’s birthday party. P is sleeping and Jim went out to the house with some more stuff and another load of dirty clothes. He loves to work that machine. I am taking advantage of the quiet to write a few letters. We listened to the game last night – too bad about Mickey M’s home run.

P. is a little dickens now. This morning B said to her “Stay in my room P. I’ll be right back” but P followed her and B turned and said “Didn’t I tell you to stay in my room?” P cocked her head and in a most smart alecky tone said “So!” The kids really got a big laugh out of that!

Tomorrow the man from Brussels is coming to the office. Jim is very anxious to meet him as he will be his boss after the first of the year. His present boss has been on a 3 week vacation and will also come back to the office Mon. All the other people in the office have been very nice to us. Mr Cotasa helped us find our house and one man said “if you need any extra beds we have two” So far I have found the people very nice. When Mr. C called the lady next door to tell her we would take the house she said “All right, I’ll tell the milkman to stop by” And when Jim went out there yesterday morning to close the deal they thought we were moving in and the neighbor sent her son over with a big basket of food (bread and fruit etc.). Quite a contrast to Mrs. P. who didn’t take her face out of the flowers for about a month.

Hope you both are feeling well – and not too sad!! The kids think of you often and send their love too,

Love
Jim and Dina

October 9, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland


Oct 9, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today I received your letter of Oct 6th. Also a letter from Mildred and Julius and one from Betty D. Barbara is feeling very good now and has been off the penicillin since Mon. I have to take her back to the dr. next Wed. She was quite put out that I had told you that she was sick. But she perked right up when she heard about the $1.00 coming her way. I’ll let you know if it gets here. I have been hearing from Don quite often also. He said he is making carbon of his letters and sending me one. The kids were glad to hear that Tio Eddie wasn’t operated on - Jimmy had been adding “God Bless Tio Eddie from Phoenix who is sick” to his night prayers. I must explain my thinking that you had been writing to Mrs. Singer. I just reread her last letter and I noticed she addressed it to Jimmy – so when she says “your mother has sent us so many nice letters” – she meant me and not you as I thought at first. Is there any reason why Betty might have gone to Iowa? Does she have friends there? Are they having anyone look for her? I have been praying for them – I hope she comes home soon. I was really glad to hear the Armando and his family are moving to Fla. I guess the older you get the more you appreciate your family. Jim and I were really disappointed that our house isn’t rented. They made it sound so easy – I hope they rent it before the weather gets cold. Betty mentioned in her letter that the kids really had a lot of fun with Daddy – she said they would go visit you soon again – I know they enjoy it! If anyone asks you for our address give them Jim’s office address now. We are going to try to be out of here over the weekend. I will tell Betty to call Nancy Chewning and give that address.

We listened to the second series game – it is broadcast direct so we get it at night here – we were disappointed but maybe they can still win. Today Jim got a four page document in German covering the rental of the house – he took it to the Am Embassy and they gave him a translation. Tomorrow morning he will meet the son at the house and complete the deal. We have already arranged to rent a baby bed and high chair. I have a lot of letters to answer so I will close for now.

I am still feeling better and the worse moment of the day is when I first wake up and realize I’m so far away. As the day goes on it is not so bad and Thank God I am no longer heartsick. The week goes fast esp. for the kids. Every day there is something to look forward to. Mon. is the first day back at School. Tues is religious instruction or “kittychasm” as Kenny calls it. Wed is sports for Barbara and the afternoon off for Jimmy. Thurs is allowance day and they run to the corner baker to buy their candy. Fri. afternoon they go to the park to see the animals and I suppose later in the winter they will take them to indoor places of interest. This Sat. is Frannie Lawrence’s birthday and they are invited there and Sun is Kevin Bell’s birthday and they are invited there. Mr. Bell’s daughter Sherry (10 yrs old) gave B a pair of ballet slippers and a pair of toe shoes which were too small for her. So they play ballet a lot too.

Well I must get the baby to bed. Take care of yourselves. Don’t work too hard Dad – they took enough of your blood sweat and tears these last 45 years. Do write again soon!

Love
Jim and Dina

October 8, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

Oct 8, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well last night the son of the owner of the house called. I thought oh oh here it comes. I knew it was too good to be true. He came to see Jim today at work. He is a Univ. student and he came up from Interlaken a town about two hrs. away by train. He left at 6 AM. this morning on his bike but it was raining so hard he gave up (I’ve got a drawer full of ball point pens and none of them work!) To make a long story short he wanted to tell us the oven in the house isn’t working and they have been waiting 3 mo. to have someone come and fix it. He said his folks work for the United Nations and that’s why they’re away. He said they would be proud to have Am’s in their home as they like Am. very much. Sat. Jim will meet him at the house to sign the contract and we can start moving in. I hope nothing goes wrong. The boy speaks excellent English so that’s a help as we won’t need an interpreter. Today I received letters from Jim’s mom, Rosemarie Benton, Mary Ann O’Connell and Don. But still nothing from you since Oct 1st. Jim’s mom mentioned that she had received many nice long letters from you and that Dad was sending her copies of my letters. I wish you would stop writing to Mrs. Singer and write to us instead. And Dad doesn’t have to send her any more copies as I have been writing to her quite regularly. I see the Cards surprised everyone and won the first game. They are aired over Armed Forces Station and the other night we even heard the TV Tonight Show over the radio.

P. is really a character. When Jim was showering in the bathroom today she stood outside the door yelling “Daddy – I have to wash my hands!” This afternoon MB fell down and everyone laughed – MB jumped up and down crying “It isn’t funny!” Not ten minutes later P was horsing around and fell down – everyone laughed and she jumped up and down imitating MB perfectly “It isn’t funny!”

The picture I’m enclosing was in a brochure we had and P was looking through it and called this face “Wela”. Her idea of you is quite distorted but she sure remembers you. I hope you and Daddy have made an appt. to have your picture taken when he quits work.

Hoping to hear from you – love from all the children and much love from
Jim and Dina

October 7, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland


Oct 7, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today was a very lucky day for us! Jim got an answer to his ad and Mr. Cotack took us out to see the house this morning and act as our interpreter. I left the children with Mrs. Lawrence. We still can’t believe it. It is a new split level house with 3 bedrooms, completely furnished and with basement and washing machine. The neighbor lady showed it to us. The owners are in Manila until April. She said we can move in any time. It is on the outskirts of the city about a ten minute ride to school in the car. We told the woman we would start moving our things in Sat. – and we gave a week’s notice to the hotel.

We will have to get in there before we move the kids out there – and put away all their bric a brac. It’s a gorgeous house – looks like newly built, painted, furnished and shows no wear. It is more than I ever dreamed we’d find. The lady next door seemed as all the other Swiss I’ve seen – very nice. She said she would help me use the wash machine the first time (it’s a nice big automatic). She also told Mr. Cotack to tell me the shopping area was about a ten minute walk and she would be glad to stay with the children if I wanted to go shopping. Jim wanted to put a deposit right away but she said it wasn’t necessary – just pay the month’s rent when we moved in. We were thrilled. We really couldn’t believe it – I still won’t till we move in. It has a nice yard for the kids to play in and the woman’s husband speaks English too. Jim called Hertz about renting a car until ours arrives as we will need one when we move out there.

This afternoon Mrs. Rushlow came by to thank me for feeding Rhonda and offered to pay me but I told her we would be her guest in Fribourg someday when our car arrives. She is very funny to talk to and as Jim and I suspected they are quite wealthy – her husband is a bank president and both children are adopted. We had guessed as much on both points. Later Mrs. Bell came by and I told her our good luck. It was her husband’s idea that we specifically say in the ad that we would be needing the house for so many months. He said “You may luck out and get somebody who is going on vacation” How right he was!

All we will have to rent is a baby bed but there is a place in town that rents furniture. All the linens, towels etc. are there at the house.

Now we will have a nice house for you to stay if you decide to come soon to see us. I hope you will! Thank God that icy hand that was clutching my heart has let go – now I feel homesick but not heartsick. I’d give anything tho to see you both and Today P was going around saying “Wela, Wela” and when I asked “Yes, Where’s Wela?” She got a funny look on her face like – yea what did happen to her?

If our Southern Bk. Statement came please send it on. We’re not sure how we stand! Send all mail now to Jim’s office address as I don’t trust some of Silvahof’s help for forwarding mail – their pretty stupid.

Love,
Jim and Dina

p.s. Jim’s address at work
Mr. James P. Ryan
c/o PTTI
Schwarztorstrass 7
Bern, Switzerland

p.p.s. A day like today proves that somebody is praying for us. Please write!

October 5, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

Oct. 5, 1964
Mon.

Dear Mom and Dad,

No doubt everyone in St. Louis is dancing in the streets today. We listened to the game last night over the Armed Forces Station and it was over around midnight. Jim ran downstairs to send two cables one to you and the other to his Dad – he was going to say “Holy Cow”. Unfortunately, the night clerk speaks French and Jim's 3 months of French didn’t get through to him – We then searched our pockets to see if we had enough change to send one over the public telephone but we didn’t. Anyway it certainly was an exciting finish and I am such a fair weather fan but I was sure happy for Gussie Busch too. Couldn’t have happened at a better time with the Bicentennial too.

Today was our lucky day we received letters from you, Jim’s mom, Don and Dad’s letter with Mrs. Herrera’s. I am going to send on her letter to Donna Lee and she can give it to you to read. In it she asks for Marino & Beatriz so be sure to greet her for Mrs. Herrera when you go see her. I sure hope she is feeling better by now. I have been thinking of her these past few days. I hope and pray Alice hears from Betty soon. It makes you wonder what’s ahead for your when you have five children.

Yesterday afternoon we took a cable car ride up the side of a small mt. near here. It was such a beautiful Sun so everyone else had the same idea. The car was crowded but one woman offered to hold Patricia and another squeezed MB in between her children. It’s too bad we can’t talk to the people. They just smile and we smile but I’m convinced they must be wonderful people. But there’s nothing as frustrating as a language barrier. The cable car ride lasts about 10 min. through the woods and alongside a farm with lambs grazing. On top of the mt. is a magnificent view of Bern. There are several restaurants, a picnic area – a train ride for children similar to the one at the zoo and playground equipment. The children enjoyed the rides and the playground. Later we were crossing the huge expanse of green green hillside and remarked to Jim that was certainly surprising that they would allow all the people and children to play on the golf course. Then Jim noticed several stationery Barbecue pits and waste baskets. So we decided that the “golf course’ was in reality the picnic area. He took some pictures of Patricia running over the fields (she had a ball). I hope they come out as beautiful as it really looked.

We had a bite of supper at the outdoor restaurant and then come down the mt. to take a short ride on the outskirts of town.

Again yesterday I was so impressed with the Swiss children. Everyone had come to play and run and yet every child was dressed like a child for his first communion – Sunday best on everyone. Of course people always look at us when we are out. At first I thought I was just self-conscious as a foreigner and imagined it. Of course they know we’re Americans by our clothes, the boys with their crew cuts and of course an American man always stands out. However the Swiss should be used to tourists – but now I think I figured out why they look at us. It’s because we have five children. I haven’t seen any family here with more than 3 children and usually it is 2 children. So big families are not the rule around here. When we got home Jim took the car back and returned with some roasted chestnuts. Somehow or other last evening for no reason the pain in my heart lifted and I felt much better. I was so glad as it was no fun to be so blue all the time with such a stone in my chest. Naturally I still wish I could see you both but at least it doesn’t hurt as much today. I hope that you aren’t feeling too badly either.

Today I took Barbara to the Doctor . He took her off the penicillin and gave her some other medicines. He was to see her in ten days to see if the tonsil goes down. She is feeling fine and doesn’t complain of anything.

Before I got her to the Doctor I stopped to talk to the principal. The 1st grade teacher has decided Kenny is not ready for 1st grade so he will go on the waiting list for kdg. Also Jimmy’s teacher has decided he should go in the lower second of 2nd grade (which used to be Kenny’s classroom) and Barbara’s teacher decided she needed more work in fundamentals of arith. So she will move to Jimmy’s classroom. I spoke to all their teachers and I am very pleased with their standards and methods. I think this is a very good move for all of them. As B’s teacher put it in her Scottish brogue “At first I wanted to see if it was the transformation. But I think if you’re going to be moving from country to country – better to get the fundamentals now.”

Kenny will still be able to attend the Religious instructions and we may try to find a Swiss or French kdg. for him.

Well I must bathe P now so I will close until tomorrow. Thanks for writing. I hope you will write again soon. Have are dept store bills come yet?

Love,
Jim and Dina

October 4, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

Oct 4, 1964
Sun.

Dear Mom & Dad,

Well it looks as if it will be a very nice sunny day and after lunch we will take advantage of the car and go for a ride around her. I have dinner cooking and P. taking an early nap. We didn’t get to go out last night as Teresa’s sister became ill and she was with her. Instead Pilar came up to our apt. and we played records and visited with her. She is very interesting to talk to as she can talk a mile a minute. Both girls are very young in their early twenties no more. Pili is going home for Christmas for a month she said she hasn’t been back for 1 yr. and ½ and last Christmas she spent here and never again! Of course the hotel will not give her that much time off so she will have to quit and find another job when she comes back. This morning Jim drove me to the 9:15 Mass which was the Spanish services. This group of people looked more Spanish and I think at the other Mass two Suns ago there were many Italians at the Mass. I have been surprised to see so many men at the Spanish Masses and some even go to Communion. They have the Dialague Mass and Spanish Hymns which the nuns lead and it is a beautiful Mass. At the end of Mass They all stand and sign a recessional hymn after the priest has left the altar and only 2 or 3 people left before the hymn was finished. It surprised me to see that none of the women wear hats or veils on their head to Mass. This I noticed at the English service also. When I got back Jim and B and Jimmy went to the 10:30 English Mass. We were discussing yesterday whether Kenny should go to Mass today. B said he should because you’re supposed to go when you start 1st grade. But Kenny says “Yea, but I was supposed to be in Kdg. So I don’t have to go” He didn’t go!

The leaves are beginning to turn now and it looks like it will be a beautiful fall. Wish I could enjoy it more but I am so lonesome that I am grateful that no one else feels that way. I sure am hoping it will pass because it’s an awful feeling. I am happy to be with Jim and have us all together and I really don’t miss anyone except you two. I guess it’s hard to leave parents when you wait until you’re 35 yrs old. I hope you aren’t feeling this bad but I am sure you are. Hope you are planning to make your trip soon.

We have been following the pennant race on the Armed Forces Station form Germany. I am sure everyone in St. Louis is glued to their radio. Jim’s mother wrote that Dad practically sits on the radio these last few games.

P. can really talk and yell now. She calls the others “Hey you guys” She keeps repeating this until someone answers her. Today MB was crying about something and P said “Shut up!”

Well, I bought some more post cards yesterday so I might as well get started on them while dinner is cooking. B is feeling good but her throat is still inflamed and her tonsil is enlarged. Tomorrow I will take her to the Doctor.

Give my regards and love to all the family and friends.

Take care of yourselves,
Love,
Jim and Dina

October 3, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

October 3, 1964

Dear Mom & Dad,

We received another letter today from Jim’s mom but still nothing from you. I am glad you are keeping busy but I wish you would make time to write us a letter. I would certainly love to receive one from you.

Today I decided to go downtown alone and look around the stores a little bit. We went last Sat. but with all five you can’t really shop. Jim also decided to rent a car for the weekend. It was such a nuisance last week to take P to mass and it rained so we had to call a taxi etc.

I shopped around a little downtown but I didn’t stay long because all the stores are jammed. It’s like Double Eagle Stamp Day everywhere. Jim says it is that way during the week too. After I got back Jim went down to get a hair clipper to trim the boys hair as it’s beginning to look pretty sad. Then we took advantage of the car to do some super market shopping. I brought home some Bar-be-cued chicken so supper’s already ready. This afternoon Mrs. Lawrence took our four with her youngest three to the woods & park in back of the hotel. The kids love to go there & find nuts and chestnuts etc. She has been so thoughtful & nice to us.

I just noticed our clock stopped and it is 6 P.M. so I must get some supper on. Tonight Pili is going to take us to a Dance Hall where the Spanish people go & Teresa is going to babysit for us.

I will write more tomorrow.

Love
Jim & Dina

October 2, 1964

Return address:
D. Ryan
Silvahof Apt.Hotel
Apt. 613
Bern, Switzerland

October 2, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,
Well Daddy it’s a very important birthday you’re celebrating and I can’t tell you how sorry I am that we can’t be there to enjoy it with you. But you know we wish you a very happy day and many more. Certainly you have been most fortunate to have always enjoyed such good health all these years And Mom too! I sure hope you both continue to feel that way.

Today I played my Spanish record for Francisca when she came & she just loved it. She knows the words to all the songs and she sang along. Now when P sees her she runs to her to get her keys and pushes her around a bit. F. gets a big kick out of P and calls her “Pelo de Arana”.

Now the children have gone back to school and P is napping. I get B’s Barbie Doll down for MB to play with & that keeps her entertained for a while. She keeps pestering me to play with the other little Lawrence girls but I want her to get used to playing with P & not be running back & forth all the time to the neighbors. In the morning I put on the Hansel and Gretel record & both she and P. enjoyed it very much. Then we went for a walk to the bakery shop. We tried a new store which is more like a confectionery with a little of everything. The lady there did not speak any English but we made ourselves understood because practically everything is on display. Then when I made my purchase she gave me a net shopping bag which everyone uses around here & each of the children an apple. The she ran to open the door for me and went outside and put P. in the stroller too. Everyone is so helpful and kind.

These two weeks the Swiss children are on vacation & I have enjoyed watching them all playing around their houses. All the children are dressed so neatly – the girls with shirts and sweaters and little pinafores or aprons over their clothes. The boys have their short pants, sweaters and knee socks. Always their hair is neatly combed & braided.

We are hoping that the weekend will be nice so we can do a little more exploring around Bern. Today I received a letter from Jim’s mom & one from Betty. I hope you will write soon as I am most anxious to hear from you too. I am still feeling pretty lonesome for you both & I can imagine how you are feeling. Yesterday when I told F. I was feeling blue – she said ‘Ay pero Senora, Va tiene sus hijas para divertirse y mi marido y ya! – nada mas tenemos uno al otro – y otro cosa Va. Esta en su casa – y no como nosatros en un cuarto solo. Cada vida tiene su lucha” I guess I was double sad because the N.Y. Herald Tribune that Jim has been bringing home is full of the Kennedy tragedy. I still can’t believe it is true- it seems like an awful nightmare.

My that certainly is an exciting pennant race. We have been following the news on our new radio. We get the Armed Forces Station in Frankfurt, Germany very clear.

Please give our best to all the family. The children send their love and a special hug for “Welo” on his Birthday. –
Love
Jim & Dina

October 1, 1964

Oct. 1, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

We are sure hoping we will be getting another letter from you soon. Don’t worry about the way you think it should read. New from home is plenty welcome so just write.

Everybody has been eating so well and B was getting some pink in her cheeks from all the exercising they do. But I guess I spoke too soon because her tonsil is getting enlarged again. I put her on the penicillin yesterday and she feels all right but it’s pretty inflamed. I got the name of a Dr. from Mrs. French and I made an appointment for Monday afternoon for her. The Dr. is out of town this week. I think the penicillin will keep it under control this weekend but I want the Dr. to check her. I think those tonsils may have to come out as she can’t keep getting tonsillitis every two months. She is feeling fine and in very good spirits because she has her friend Sherry to play with. The other night when Francisca came in to turn down the beds B noticed she had on different earrings. It was because F was going out that evening. B doesn’t miss anything in that dept. None of the other maids can do the work like F. You should see they was she turns down the beds – she lays out the Pajamas as if somebody was lying in the bed.

P. is a little monster now. She really gets into everything but she is so cute about it – you can’t get mad at her. She saw a picture of Mildred the other night when we were looking at some slides “Mildred – Mildred” she said. When I showed the Asturian girls your picture she said “Welo and Wela” they way she does with her mouth smiling and puckered up. Jim got a letter from his boss today saying he understood it was hard to find housing here and as long as we were still looking not to worry about it. Jim is going to put another ad in the paper this week. Everyone tells us you can’t rent anything for less than 1 year lease – so they advised us to say in the ad it is just until January and maybe we can get someone’s apt. who will be away for a few months.

It is now October 1st and I hope all the arrangements Jim made with Southwest Bank etc. do not snafu. Have we gotten any mail sent to your place yet? Is our house rented yet? What is the latest on B. D? What do you here from Eddie?

I think I will close for today so I can get to my ironing.

Love
Jim & Dina