November 22, 1964

Sun Nov 22, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well today is that terrible anniversary and here I saw no mention of it – there was nothing said at the Spanish service and Jim said no mention was made at the English Mass either. Pour Kennedy – already forgotten. It was a beautiful day and after lunch we went for a ride to Lake Thun and into the mts. It was lovely by the lake and we stopped to climb a mt. path by a lovely waterfall. Jim took some snaps. I hope they come out. Then we drove to the town closest to the mt. that the cars can go. From here one has to take a railroad up the mt. We left that for another day as it was getting late. It was nice and cold up there – we were about 6000 ft. The houses all looked like the kind you picture Heidi and her grandfather living in. As we drove the snow covered mts. got closer and closer and finally Jimmy said “Oh there’s an Alp.” We really laughed. Coming home we hit a beauty of a traffic jam – coming into Bern. The cars were solid on the highway for miles - Everyone coming home from their ski weekends or Sunday drive.

By the time you get this Mrs. Edy’s party will be over and you’ll be getting ready to come. I wanted to tell you to bring all your warm clothes and sweaters and of course your tan boots. If you are planning to get a new winter coat – don’t. That is the one thing that is a good buy here and also the other ladies tell me that in Jan. they have a wonderful coat sale.

If you have room please bring those four records “Learn to speak French” and the manuals. I would like to have them. There are many classes here very reasonable in price to learn other languages - but they are not from English to French. Some of the Embassy women have private tutors but that is more expensive. Also Jim claims he left some brand new socks that he bought – we never packed them. (Don’t go looking through all the clothes – but if they are handy bring them – if not he can get them here.) Also in your bookcase is a book of poems by A.A. Milne. Jimmy’s class is learning some of his poems as he is an English poet and his teacher is English. I can’t remember the title but if it is still there and you have room you can bring it. Jim is also going to write to Ron and ask him to get something for the gear shift. He says it is small, then you can pay him for it. Do you think you will have room for any of your clothes? Guess Daddy will have to come with you to help you carry your stuff and ours.

I am anxiously waiting to hear of your definite dates so we can tell the children. They will be so excited.

Jim took a color slide picture of Patricia today with her new bangs and holding her birthday dog. She had on that peach colored dress that Mildred gave her for Easter. It still fits her real cute. She sure looked sweet. I hope it comes out as pretty as she looked.

Well – that long ride made me sleepy - so Goodnight,

Jim and Dina