November 23, 2007

That's all I have for now. I guess they all lived happily ever after, more or less. We will be in John's attic looking for more letters this afternoon.

December 8, 1964

Tues. Dec 8, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Received your letter today and checks also. Thank you very much. I am glad to hear the house is all fixed and painted again as I know you will leave in a more tranquil state of mind if all looks well there. Since you have already applied for your passport I guess you just have to get your shots and airplane reservations. We would like to meet you at the airport. I don’t know what airlines you are taking but you will land either at Geneva or Zurich. Try to get a flight that doesn’t arrive too early in the morning as both cities are a good hour and ½ ride from here. But it’s a very nice ride with excellent roads all the way.

I’m sure Sr. Doritheus is one of the people who will miss you the most – She’ll have to start riding with those cab drivers that she doesn’t like.

I will be so glad to see Jim get back. I have been so busy driving back and forth all day I haven’t had time to miss him. But I’m really beat. I’m going to bed as soon as I finish this letter. I’m so glad I don’t have to do that driving every day.

This morning the man did come to fix the oven so I stayed in town so we wouldn’t be in the way. I did some grocery shopping and then stopped by Mrs. Lawrences. We had a cup of coffee and then I drove her and her oldest dghter to the train. They were going to Zurich to do some shopping. It seems the sizes here are very funny. They have children’s sizes up to 12 yrs. old and then they jump right into the ladies clothes. Her teen age girls can’t find anything to fit or young looking. I don’t think the teen-agers here dress up very much judging from the clothes we saw Sat. night some of them are wearing clothes that belonged to their grandmother.

I did enjoy going to the French Kdg. meeting the teacher and all the little children I’ve heard the kids talk about. Today I overheard Kenny say “Au Revoir Madame Christen” as he came out the door. It sounded so restful to hear the children and parents talking French after listening to this miserable dialect all day. As one of the Embassy ladies says – it sounds more like gargling than talking.

I stopped to get gas and the lady gasoline attendant (there are many of them) gave me my change counting it out in the Dialect and saying the words of thank you and goodbye which I have finally learned. When she was finished Patricia said in a very loud voice “What did she say to you?” Now when a two yr old notices it must be goofy sounding.

Well more tomorrow,

Love

Dina

p.s. so glad the slides arrived.

December 7, 1964

Mon. Dec 7, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

We had a quite an interesting weekend. Sat. the snow continued so Jim did the weekly marketing – luckily they keep the roads in good condition. It’s very funny. In the fall the men sweep up the leaves with homemade looking brooms – long pole with twigs tied together. Now their snow shovels are long poles with a wooden board on the end of it. Of course they also have the big snow plows on the trucks too.

Sat night we went with Pili and her friends to the Kursual – a big night club type of place but very cheap in price. It was packed – they also have a floor show – singer – bicycle act and tumblers. We really enjoyed it. The band was so funny – Their uniforms looked like the kind the ushers at the show used to use – maroon with gold epaulets etc. they were so old they were a faded pink color. They all had white shoes on and the leader had long frizzy hair – almost looked like a wig. They were dead serious too. There were many It. and Sp. people there. When we went to pick up Pili the crowds were pouring in to the hockey game at the skating rink. One of Pili’s friends was an It. fellow from Naples. – very short, good looking blonde It. She spoke to him in Sp. and he in It. and they seemed to understand each other perfectly. Jim and I spent the whole evening looking at the people. You can’t imagine how different they look from Americans. The women just do not dress or fix their hair like Am women do – not nearly as well dressed. And even when they dance the Swiss work hard at it. I thought about the people we met in Mexico – they thought Am’s looked so corny dancing – you should have seen this crowd. Jim said he hoped people were getting as much fun out of watching us as we do them.

Sun. Francisca and her husband came over to give the girls their castanets. F. is already much happier here. She looked so cute with a new fur hat and pretty high boots. Her husband is getting a raise in pay at the hotel. Spain must be pretty bad off because they say they can live so much better here and she was telling me cooking oil, tomatoes etc are cheaper here than in Spain. We find everything like the States or more expensive. Pili’s sister and her husband are also working in Bern now. She was telling me how badly she felt because they left their 14 month old son in Spain with his folks. They are working at a restaurant here – from 8 in the morning til 8:50 P.M. for room and board and about $10 Am. money a month. She said too how much better off they are here. She said they already bought a little record player – something they could not do in Spain.

Francisca said too for her to buy new clothes there would be impossible – here she said she can eat and dress and even save a little. Of course she said she didn’t like to talk against her country but she said “ Yo le digo este a Vel. Porque you se que eres espanala, sino a un extrangero you le digo que Espana esta maquico.”

Jim drove them back to Bern – they were going to a movie in the evening and we went to our Christmas Carol practice. It was at the home of some English Embassy people. Again we had fun meeting all the different types you see here. One girl I talked too was so English – about 30 with her hair in a knot – rimless glasses and a shapeless olive green dress and of all things she said her name was Pat Playfair. She said she had been in Italy 3 yrs and has only been here a few weeks. I asked her what her first impressions were of Switz. “Oh” she said “Only two posts a day. I think it’s horrid.” She said in England they have 3 and in Italy four times a day. I told her in the U.S. it’s one mail delivery a day and I was surprised that Italy would have four mail deliveries – I thought they were more slipshod. Well she said “you send a letter and it may never arrive but the postman does come four times and it’s something to look forward to.” She said Rome was a “Lovely city to live in” She was also quite horrified to now that in Bern there is only one trash collection a week – in Italy it was every day. It comes as quite a surprise to us that the English are really like they are in the movies. Our hostess kept saying things like “jolly good” and “good show” and she sounded just like Hermione Gingold.

Today we got Jim on the train to Brussels and I spent the rest of the day driving the kids back and forth to school. Luckily all the snow has melted and it’s a slushy dirty mess but better to drive in. Apparently Bern has a very changeable winter like St. Louis.

I was disappointed not getting a letter from you today. I guess you are both quite busy. Another thing you can bring me is a Catholic Calendar if they are sending any around now.

I called Mrs. Lawrence to find out about tomorrow. Apparently it is not a Holy day here as nothing was said in church Sunday. She didn’t think it was either but her high schoolers who go to Fribourg have the day off as it is a Holy day there and in fact all the shops etc are closed. It’s a funny mixed up country. It’s as if it weren’t a Holy day in St. Louis but would be in Collinsville.

Well I must answer Jim’s mother’s letter. She said she was glad to know that you were coming to see us.

More tomorrow. Regards to all family and friends.

Love,

Dina

December 4, 1964

Fri. Dec. 4, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Forgot to get this in the mail yesterday with all the snow. Today it was still coming thick and fast. The kids took their skates to school but it was snowing too much for them to go. The rink is an outdoor one. In the morning my neighbor Mrs. Guenter called to tell me she had an extra “sledge” in the attic if the children would like to use it. I told her we could use another one and she said “I will go quickly in the attic and fetch it.” I told her no rush but she called me in about ½ hour and said she had found it and hammered in a few loose nails and had put in over the hedge in our yard. She also said she had an extra bed we could use when my mother came to visit. In the afternoon the little girls next door didn’t have school so one of them took K and MB sledding down the long long hill across the road from us. They really enjoyed it and just came home frozen. K went right to bed and slept for a couple hrs. MB was telling me about it. She said K sat in front, then her and then Barbeli. She said “We went down zoom and then ploop, ploop, ploop up the hill. Then down again zoom – then ploop, ploop, ploop etc. She said this about four times and then she said “Then Barbeli said “Home?” and we said “Yes! cause we were freezing.”

As soon as B and Jy got home they took both sleds and went out until supper time.

I can see why Switz. has the reputation for being so beautiful. In the autumn it was so lovely here I hated to see winter come – the trees were such glorious colors and contrasted against the green fields and the distant Alps it was unbelievable. When I saw those thousands of window planters coming down I felt it was such a shame. The flowers were so lovely.

Now the snow has come! From every window of our house you could take a picture and make a beautiful Christmas card out of it. The pine covered mts. and bluffs are covered with snow – yet the sky is so blue with lovely fluffy clouds that it almost looks artificial. When the sun shines on these trees they glisten like tinsel. Even today when the snow was falling very thick they sky was bright blue. It looks so strange not to have gray skies in the snow.

In the morning when I get up the sky is still grey and the houses that have lights on on the hillside make it look just like the beautiful snow scenes Mrs. Mall used to have under her Christmas tree every year.

But I haven’t been driving in it yet! I’ll let you know how it looks tomorrow after I go grocery shopping.

Hope to hear from you soon with your preparations under way.

Love

Jim and Dina

December 3, 1964

Thurs Dec. 3, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Today little Mariska came for lunch. She is a very smart little 6 yr old with two front teeth missing and blonde blonde hair. As Jim says all of their kids look Dutch they should be on paint cans. She speaks perfect English in chipped sort of accent. The children were asking her how to say different words in French. Then they asked her how to say them in Dutch. She’s not too good in Dutch. And she says when she’s in Holland she can remember them better because everyone is talking it all around her. The parents speak Dutch at home to one another but they speak French exclusively to the children. Since they were in Wash D.C. 6 yrs M. learned English and that is why they are sending her to English speaking school because they don’t want her to lose it.

In the afternoon today the snow began falling again. By the time Jim brought the kids home at 4P.M. – it was really coming thick and fast. He called work and told them he wasn’t going back. So we had supper early tonight.

While we were practicing our Christmas Carols – a face appeared in the window – a little boy dressed as Santa Claus – the kids were very impressed.

About 8P.M. Mr. Briggen our neighbor came over for a short “visit” as he calls it. He apologized for not coming over more often but he has been very busy with the end of the year work. He is such a nice man. It’s a real effort for him to speak English but he wants so much be neighborly. He stayed about 15 min and off he went.

Tonight at the supper table the kids were acting up and Jim said “Jimmy do you want to go to your room until we finish eating?” “Barbara, do you want to go?” “Kenny, do you want to go?” With this Patricia pipes up in a very sweet voice “Daddy, do you want to go?”

Today I overheard K and MB playing. They were writing something and K said ‘Look at it MB right there on the papier.” So I guess little by little the French is sinking in.

I hope everyone there is well. I must answer Alice’s letter soon. Is Betty still living with Brenda? Did you get the check I sent you for $20.00? I don’t believe you mentioned getting it in your last letter. And the slides? I sure hope they have arrived by now. It was such a small package. I hope it didn’t get lost in the mail.

I am just about finished my stack of Sun. Post’s, Sunday Visitor and the Review. Needless to say I read every word of them and I keep them in our bedroom stacked up by the bed and as I finish each section I take them downstairs. I am awaiting the issue with Kennedy’s book in it. We should get it soon.

Well, I will say Goodnight until tomorrow. Regards to all.

Love,

Jim and Dina

December 2, 1964

Wed Dec 2, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hope you are both well when this arrives. I hope you are not wearing yourselves out painting the house. Jim got a few magazines at work so I guess they finally have his change of address.

Today I got a letter from Betty D. and Jimmy got one from Stephen. Jimmy was so thrilled because it was the first letter that he has gotten. He sat right down and wrote Stevie an answer. It was so funny. I hope Betty saves and brings it over to show it to you. You know how funny he talks when he gets started – his letter was the same. He kept asking me how to spell words as he wrote. He said “Mom, how do you spell “chore”? I told him and I wondered to myself what he was using that word to say but knowing him and some of his vocabulary I didn’t question him. When I read the letter it said - I LIKED YOUR PICHORE.

Today was Sports Day and B had us all laughing with her story. She said the Blue Team won the soccer game because of her. J. said “Oh you’re on the White Team huh?” But no, she’s on the Blue Team and it seems one of her teammates kicked the ball, it bounced in the goal lines and out again hitting B on the forehead and bounced back in again. So they won. She says “It bounced back in the Goldie.” That’s her word for goal. She’s about as good at sports as her mother but you ought to see her skate. Really good.

Tonight my Dutch friend called. They moved out of the Silvahof today and her little girl is coming to lunch with us tomorrow. They had all their furniture etc. shipped from Wash. D.C. She said it’s a “fantastic mess.” She has two babies too but she does have a maid. She got her through the Spanish Catholic Mission. Mrs. Bell was telling me that Francisca took one look at her and said she was a gypsy. So being like she is - completely natural – she went up to her and asked her if she was one. The maid said she was but not to tell anyone because it’s hard to get a work permit if they know that. I don’t know if the Dutch lady knows it. She only tells me that she isn’t too bright and wears her long and black hanging down past her shoulders, until Mrs. M. told her she would have to braid it when she was in their place. I’ve called several times and got her on the phone and she speaks beautiful Spanish. When you say “Muchas gracias” She answers “No se merece.”

When I went to say Goodbye to Pili she said “Ay pero no salimas el sabado.” I almost hated to make the date as it would be the third time we’ve tried to go with her – but maybe 3’s a charm. Anyway I called our sweet little babysitter in back of us. She is about 19yrs old and goes to the Univ. She speaks very little English but the kids love her. Last Sun. when she came she brought us a bouquet of flowers.

Well I don’t know who the kids are most anxious to have arrive – Wela or Santa Claus.

Regards to all the family,

Love

Jim and Dina

December 1, 1964

Tues, Dec 1, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Tues is my day in town. I decided to stop by the Silvahof and say Goodbye to Pili because the days will go so quickly and she will leave the 16^th of Dec. I was talking to her and Francisca came by – I told her I had brought her some postage stamps. She sends all of them to a cousin in Spain. Francisca then ran to her room and came back with the “little gift” she had asked her mother to send from Spain for the kids. It was three pair of castanets for the girls. She said the boys’ gift had not arrived yet. Not only that but she and her husband came out to our house 2 Sundays ago to bring them to us. That is the one Sun. we were not home – when we drove to the mts. I told her she should have called me up. It only takes 15 min by car to come out here. The way they did it by bus – it would take as long as trying to go from your house to our place in Maplewood by bus. They had to take a bus to downtown and then a tram to Bolligen and then they had a good 20 min walk to our house. I told her I would come by next Sun. to get them so they could give the gift to the children themselves.

From the Silvahof I went to see the Lawrence’s house. They are renting a large row house in town. 3 stories with nine large rooms. The kids love to go there because they can play with the two Lawrence children and they have gobs of toys.

The 18^th of Dec is the last day of the semester for all the children. B and Jimmy get their grades then. Kenny and MB’s class is having a Christmas party and program at a restaurant near the school. Jim is going to take off work for that and I sure don’t want to miss it. We keep asking them what they do at school and it so funny to hear them try to tell you. They said yesterday a little boy made poo poo in school and the whole class had to help the teacher clean it up. Jim asked them why the little boy didn’t have to do it – and Kenny said “Oh he had to go home.”

P is really talking a lot now. Today she was in her high chair eating tangerines. She’d say “Gimme one – you peel it.” and then I would say “Oh you want a tangerine.” Then a little later she’d say “Gimme one – look in back of you.” And I would repeat “Oh you want a tangerine.” She just couldn’t say “tangerine.” Finally she asked again “Gimme one – you say it.” She is so smart. Tonight B was playing the teacher and the others were in school. B can really imitate a British accent now since Miss Carter is English. P was playing and she would keep saying “Miss Coater, Miss Coater” Finally B answered her “What is it Patricia?” P says “Miss Coater, I’m going to wook (work) now.”

I received the carbon of Don’s letter today and was glad to get news of him. I will write to him tomorrow.

Our oven didn’t get fixed. Young Mr. Heirle came over to be here and when I got back he came over to tell me that the man had come but as he said “He came but he was a terrible chap.” Anyway the man couldn’t or wouldn’t fix it. So he’s going to call again tomorrow and see if they will send out another man.

Well, I will say good night,

Love,

Jim and Dina

November 30, 1964

Mon. Nov 30, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Was so glad to get your very welcome letter today. When you say you got the pictures I presume your mean the bl. and white ones. Did you ever get the slides?

I’m glad to hear that Neva is feeling better and also about Kate’s house. That corner house is beautiful. I’m sure she will like it there very much.

I am going to write to Tia Maria this week and I will be sure to thank her for the $25.00 too.

As for needing things from there I think I have mentioned most of the things I want you to bring in the last few letters.

I wouldn’t advise you to do any shopping in St. Louis for the kids. They have everything here for children both in clothes and toys. And last Sat. when I was looking around I saw a lot of darling things – like dolls dressed in the traditional costumes and beautiful wood carved toys that would make nice remembrances for them of Switz. Also if you save some money for shopping here – it will give you something to do and a chance to see their stores here. I know the stores in St. Louis are mobbed now and buying things there will take up valuable room in your suitcase.

I’m so glad you heard from Don. I’m sure as he gets more fluent in Portuguese his letters will be less often. I told him in my last letter he needn’t write to us as long as you hear from him we will have news of him.

Miss Edy’s party sounds tremendous. I’m glad they got a good crowd again for her and that Fr. Franey could come too. With Tala doing the decorations and Mary doing the cookies how could you go wrong!

I can just picture your T.V. room. I’ll bet it looks very cozy and warm.

Today Mr. B received a letter from Wash D.C. saying that Mr. Hackney was on vacation until Dec 15^th. So I guess Jim’s trip to Turkey will have to wait until after the first of the year. He can’t go without Mr. H’s ok (money). I am so glad as that means you will be here with us when he is to be gone.

His boss from Brussels wrote and wants Jim to go up there for two days next week. He will take the fast train. I think he’ll go Mon. and Tues. This will also give him a chance to see how things are in Brussels.

From your letter I assume that you are still coming alone. We’ll be so sorry that Daddy has to stay behind but then I guess we’ll look forward to his arrival and that will give us something to keep in mind. The kids ask every day when you are coming. I told Mrs. Muerick that at the same time I was so happy you are coming, I felt very sorry for you because once you are here and see us – you’ll be thinking about Daddy – and missing your sisters, friends, calling people up etc. There’s no T.V. to watch and the radio is unintelligible. The kids are darling but the same as ever and you can’t go home when they get on your nerves. She agreed and then asked about my family. Then she said “Oh, your brother is in Brazil and yours are the only grandchildren? I think she will stand it here very well.”

We’re sure counting the minutes until we see you.

Love

Jim and Dina

November 29, 1964

Sun. Nov 29, 1964

Yesterday we had our Thanksgiving supper. I went downtown to do some shopping and then went by the meat market to get my turkey. It was all nice and brown with some nice thick gravy. The lady had it in a big ceramic bowl and she put it in the car for me. She’s a smart cookie – having a meat market two blocks form the Am Embassy she knew it was good business to learn English. She does very well but I get a kick out of the way she speaks. When I told her I’d be sure to bring her bowl back on Tues. she said “It doesn’t hurry up. We don’t use so much.” The kids enjoyed the turkey and talked about all the nice dinners we had had at Welo and Wela’s house in years past.

Today was our first day of snow. It started early in the morning and continued until around 8:00 P.M. The kids just loved it. They were in and out of the house at least four or five different times. Jimmy made a big snowman in the front yard. He was very proud of it because he made it all alone. They were discussing that big snow we had last Feb. when Jim came home that weekend. Jimmy said Welo had helped them make a snowman then but this was his first all alone. The others had gotten cold and came in the house. Luckily our front room has one wall all windows from top to bottom so P could watch them in the snow. He used some pears (that had fallen off a fruit tree in the yard) for the eyes – a carrot for the nose and a pine cone for the mouth. One stick for the arm was at a funny angle and J had a big laugh when he put in in the snowman – He told us he was signaling for a left turn.

Later on the snow got more heavily packed and the kids took a sled that was in the basement for sledding down the many fields and hills around here.

Tonight we went to the first practice for Christmas caroling. There was a large group of people at one of the Embassy people’s home. We had a nice practice and then they had coffee and different desserts – one of which was homemade apple pie – Just delicious! I haven’t seen any pies in the bakeries here.

Our babysitter tonight is a darling girl who lives in the house right behind us. She goes to the Univ. in Bern – about 5 miles from here. She’s been riding her bike to school but she said tomorrow she’ll take the tram because of the snow. She speaks very little English and you should see how slowly and carefully B. talks to her.

Love
Jim and Dina

November 27-28, 1964

Fri Nov 27, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Was disappointed at not getting a letter from Don again today. I’ve been hoping to hear from you both soon but I figured Dad was busy painting and Mom was busy with Miss Edy’s party.

B and Jimmy were home these past two days for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Strangely enough they didn’t get too bored and found a lot to keep them busy around here. Next to our house there is a vacant lot – so they have had a lot of fun digging in the rocks and mud there. You know how they were always trying to do that in the yard. So now they can dig away to their heart’s content. Jimmy esp likes it and will go out right after school and stay out there digging until supper at 6:30P.M.

We got a letter from Jim’s mother and she mentions getting the snaps we sent. I hope you got yours. Barbara also got a sweet letter from Chris Dameris and a picture showing an airplane and a car and two girls standing there one saying “Chris” and the other “Barbara” It is a really cute drawing.

Today the landlord’s son came over to tell me that Tues. the man is coming to fix the oven door. He says he will come over so he can watch the man work and see that it is fixed right. Luckily Tues is the one afternoon I am not here so I’ll be glad to get the kids out of here so they can work in peace.

I hope he shows up as I would like to have that oven and broiler.

Right now the children are ready for bed in their pj’s and enjoying some home popped popcorn. We finally found some – Jim did and they are enjoying it. P is in her high chair yelling “more Mommy more.”

Right now we are waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Muerick to come over for a little visit. We had invited them when we asked Mr. and Mrs. B. since Mr. B is Dutch also and there is such a small Dutch colony.


Sat Afternoon, Nov 28

My letter writing was interrupted by the Muerick’s arrival. We had a nice time visiting with them. They loved U.S.A. and Wash. D.C. so it is very easy to get to know them. They are not too happy with Switz. but as they say after Wash D.C. what could compare. Mr. M is very nice – a quiet soft spoken man but very witty. When I told him what Eleanor Messineo’s husband said about the Swiss being aloof and hard to get to know but once they’re your friend they are your friend for life – Mr. M said “I’m sorry but I don’t have time to wait. In 3 yrs. I’m off to another post and if it’s going to take them that long, it’s too bad.” Of course they admitted their first 6 months in the States they were not too happy either. I guess it takes time to adjust.

Well, more tomorrow,
Love,
Jim and Dina

November 26, 1964

Thurs. Nov 26, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well it didn’t seem at all like Thanksgiving Day today which is fine with me. If it could only be the same with all the holidays when one is away.

In the afternoon Arian Muereck and her three little ones came over for a short visit. Her oldest dghter is 6 yrs. and in Jimmy’s room. Her little boy is 2 ½ and her baby is 1 ½ yrs. They are moving out of the Silvahof into their house next Mon. She liked our house very much but was quite surprised to notice it had only one bathroom. She could hardly believe it when I told her we have always only had one bathroom. An yet she is not the high falutin type in her dress or manner. They are with the Dutch Embassy and were stationed in Wash D.C. for 6 yrs. She is so homesick for Wash and the States and says once you’ve lived there no where else could compare to that.

This morning we received another Sun. Post from Daddy – Included were the Review, Sunday Visitor and Fr. Rahm letters. I spent almost all afternoon trying to decipher Fr. Rahm letters. They are certainly interesting but quite an effort to plow through. Still no letter from Don.

Mrs. Bunning called tonight to tell us they could not come over tomorrow night as Mr. B. still has the grippe. He hasn’t been at work for several days so we were kind of hoping they would do just that. I’m in no mood to have the flu or whatever virus is going around come in the house. We wanted to repay their visit before Jim went to Turkey. He says now he may not go until the first of the year. I hope he doesn’t as we have to get some Christmas shopping done. Getting anything is such a production. I just dread it.

Mrs. B wished us a Happy Thanksgiving and asked what other traditional foods we ate today. Halloween and Thanksgiving are 2 Am holidays I guess.

We keep asking Kenny and MB what they are learning. Tonight Kenny asked me if I knew what a “bougie” meant? I said no and he told me it meant “candle.” Jim looked it up and by golly he was right. So I guess drop by drop he may be learning something. It is fun to hear him say the names of the children in the room. He uses the Fr. Pronunciation for Bertrand, Odile, Marie, Jo Ann, Jacques. “Kenny” apparently is not an easy name for Fr. Speaking people to get. He says the teacher calls him “Teddy” and the children call him “Denny.”

Well Jim has just come in with that big fat Sunday paper so I will dig right in it with him. It is so much fun to read it.

You should have heard P telling Jim tonight how the little girl today took all her toys away from her. She can really express herself well. “Baby take my Lola, Baby take my Lambie, Baby take my Dolly.” She was still very indignant!

Well Goodnight until tomorrow,
Love
Jim and Dina

November 25, 1964

Wed. Nov. 25, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well Dad, we received your envelope filled with our magazines so Jim and I are having fun reading through them tonight. I think all the magazines have Jim’s change of address by now so you shouldn’t be getting too many more.

Yesterday, my birthday, I brought Mrs. Bell out to see our house. Her forehead looks much better. She had her hair done in bangs so her scar doesn’t show so much. However she has one finger that is all banged up so she can’t drive or cook, or wash or iron etc. We had a cup of tea and I took her back when I took Kenny to Religion.

In the evening Jim and I went to see a movie about Kennedy. It was a poorly done thing but the scenes in color of the funeral procession were beautiful. Also there were some scenes of him and his family that I had never seen.

When we got home the kids were getting into there pj’s and so we all sang “Happy Birthday” and had a piece of cake. Jim bought a bottle of champagne – so after the kids went to bed, Jim and I had it with our supper. So all it all it was a very nice birthday.

I just wrote a letter to Don tonight. I sure hope you have heard from him. That mail from So. America is sure unpredictable.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving but it is just a working day for Jim. Barb and J are off school for the next two days but Kenny and MB have to go. The lady at the meat market asked me if I wanted a turkey but I told her my oven is still not fixed (apparently it takes forever to get a repairman to show up. I sure miss that oven). So she offered to bake the Turkey for me in her oven. I told her I would have it on Sat. instead of Thurs. So she said to come by at 5:00PM Sat. and she would have it all ready for me wrapped in Reynolds Wrap and with the gravy too. She won’t charge me for it – just what the turkey costs per lb. So we will have our Thanks. on Sat.

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. I must get busy and answer all the Aunt’s letters. I owe one to Lola (Eggie’s wife), Tia Lola, Clorinda, Alice and Trina and Mildred. And I also want to write to Tia Maria to thank her for her wonderful gift.

Well if you are planning to come soon I know you are busy getting the shots, passport pictures, etc.

P. is getting funnier and cuter every day. She talks all the time now and plays so cute with her dolls and with MB. When you ask her a question like “Do you want milk?” she’ll say “no – I mean yes”

Well I’m anxious to get back to my magazines.

Love,
Jim and Dina

November 24, 1964

Happy Birthday Mom!

November 23, 1964

Mon. Nov 23, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Patricia and I received our cards this morning and the $1.00. Thank you very much. Also received letters from Tia Trina and Betty D.

Well I couldn’t wait any longer so tonight after night prayers, I told the kids I had a surprise for them. I started to tell them about Tia Maria and they remembered who she was and as I went on with my story Jimmy got ahead of me. His eyes were clicking like computers and he guess at it “ Oh Boy, Wela is coming to visit us.” When I told him that he had guessed right – they next words were Barbara’s and she said “And Welo is coming with her.” I explained that you might come or might come later but that you would definitely come too. They all got very excited discussing it and Kenny got them all laughing by saying “I wonder how many years she can stay. I hope 3 days.” Of course what I knew would happened, Kenny started whining saying “I want her to come this instant.” And B said “Oh, I don’t know what I’ll do when I see Wela.” They were all so excited! MB through all this just listened with her big eyes and her perpetual smile and she finally got a chance to say something – she said “When Wela comes she’ll look real pretty. She’ll wear pretty clothes.” I think she must remember seeing you dressed up to got out somewhere and that’s what she was thinking about. They all went to bed very happy indeed.

Before I forget – I hope you still have those Swiss Air Bags that we left. You could use one and Dad another. If you have room you can throw a couple of them in your bags and Dad can bring the other 2. We thought we would have to turn them in but no one ever asked for them. They’re nice bags. It’s a shame not to use them.

Today was the Onion Festival in Bern. Jim’s office closed up at four p.m. He picked up the kids and came out to get us. We all went downtown. The streets are all closed off. There are many stands selling - what else onions – onion -onions (you figure it out I’ve only been here two months). Everybody carries confetti and throws it on each other. We bought each of the kids a bag of confetti and we walked the streets which were just mobbed. They got a big kick out of throwing confetti on everyone they met. Even MB – started off very cautiously just throwing it at people’s legs and by the time we came home she was running up throwing it in people’s faces. P was very patient sitting in her stroller but finally she asked to get out – “My stroller’s too dirty” was her reason. It was full of confetti. We bought some roasted chestnuts and headed for home.

We did pass a Spanish Book store on the way so I went in for a minute to look around. Ask Tia Trina , Lola, Clorinda or Tia Maria if there is any special book they have been wanting in Spanish. This place has everything- even the bible, etc.

Tell Tia Trina I will answer her letter soon.

Well, Goodnight until tomorrow.

Love Dina and Jim,

P.S. Did you get the color slides yet?

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

November 21, 1964

Sat. Nov. 21, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well today is our littlest darling’s Day. Jim bought her a stuffed toy – a puppy. She loved it – and when the kids asked her what it’s name was she said “Lola” and she sticks to it. Where did that come from, I don’t know? It was a very mild day. Jim took the kids in to skating. Later he went with me to go grocery shopping then we went to pick up the kids at the skating rink. P. got a big kick out of watching them skate. Somehow she thought they were doing something funny.

We came home. By now the sun had come out and all the neighbors were working in their yards. At last it looks like winter is coming soon. The beautiful leaves have almost all fallen and the trees look very bare and drab. The city has certainly lost its lovely appearance – All the beautiful flower boxes of geraniums are gone too. Mr. Hurles son (our landlord’s son) came over to work in our yard. He cut back all the bushes and trimmed away the plants. They told us when we moved in we only had to take care of the plant life in the house. He said he would take care of the yard. The whole back yard is plants and vines and vegetables etc. Jim and the kids washed our VW as were ashamed to ride in it. I think we had the only dirty car in Switz. I haven’t seen a dirty car except ours since we came. After supper we had a little cake and two candles for our little darling. B gave her an envelope with a franc and a Sacred Heart Badge. P ran to show it to me “Look Mommy - a franc - for me.” And you should see her hang on to her money. P’s hair was getting very long and straggly in front so tonight Jim cut it in bangs. It is very fitting for her second birthday because it makes her look so much older and so cute and fat-faced. Right now Jimmy and Kenny are in the tub. B is reading from a book of Swiss Fairy Tales (that Jim got her) to Mary Beth.

Tomorrow if it is nice like today we hope to take a ride to Interlaken – a town nearby and on the Lake of Thun. Everyone who knows says go – the roads and weather will be getting very bad soon.

I have to answer Lola (Eggie’s Wife’s) letter. Did Norma Jean have her baby? I presume you are going to Tia Lola’s for Thanksgiving. Here the children will be off school but Jim will have to work as usual. Be sure to let me know how Miss Edy’s party went. Hope you don’t have repercussions. If the Avon lady comes by will you get me some Catillion spray perfume for purse and Catillion [tate] Any kind of Catillion scent that isn’t in a bottle that would evaporate or possibly spill. The spray stuff is the best.

Well must get those two out of the tub. It sounds like they are having too much fun.

Love

Jim and Dina

November 20, 1964

Fri Nov 20, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Have just received your big envelope with your letter and check for $10.00 and other mail of interest and importance. Thanks! For your gift I will use P’s money to buy her a new pair of shoes for Christmas and I think I will buy myself a nice fur hat. They wear them a lot here. So far the weather has been very mild but from the looks of the coats, leotards, fur hats, gloves, etc that are in the store windows – I think a cold winter is the usual.

I’m so sorry I can’t see your appearance on Quiz a Catholic. Also that I can’t go to Miss Edy’s party. I am enclosing a little note for her. I hope you get this before Tues. I think it is a good idea to have her party around Thanksgiving. It fits the idea of the party and also people are not as rushed as at Christmas time.

I’m glad to see you are taking your time in deciding on a job. You need a change even if it is working at home. Then you will be more ready to work again. Also I know how loyal you are Dad, and once you take a job you’ll probably hesitate to quit if you think they need you. I think you should take your time deciding. Perhaps a trip to Europe will help you decide.

I finally decided the reason we haven’t heard from Don. I have been re –reading some of his letters. (I decided to save his letters – they will make a good book someday). In one he mentions that he will buy some stamps and send the letters direct from Itaici. He says this is taking a chance as the letters might be stolen for the value of the stamps. You remember that letter? I think he should go back to mailing the letters from Campinas.

Well I won’t write anymore today as I want to write Miss Edy a note and I must fix lunch. Today is ice-skating day and they all come home hungry. Kenny had us all laughing this morning. Jim and I had wondered if changing to three schools in 3 months had bothered him – Although we detected no problems. However this morning for a minute he had me worried – he said “I don’t want to go to school today – I don’t want to go back anymore.” the he said “I played with all the toys there – I want to go to a different Kdg.” I guess he thinks he should try out a new one every month! It didn’t take him very long to jump in his clothes and change his mind.

Well Goodbye for today,

Love

Jim and Dina

November 19, 1964

Thurs Nov 19, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hope you don’t mind this awful looking paper but the kids have used up all my white paper. They are all such artists including P. that it is impossible to keep any paper in the house.

I will be anxious to hear from you as the details and actual dates of your trip here. We decided not to say anything to the kids until we heard exact dates and also if Daddy was coming too or not. Otherwise they will drive us crazy. When we know definitely we can mark it on a calendar and they can count off the days.

I sure am glad that you are coming as Jim found out today that he will have to go to Turkey for a week or so next month. So naturally I wasn’t so thrilled to hear that but looking forward to your coming softens the blow somewhat. He is hoping that he will be here when you arrive because we had planned to meet you at the airport either at Zurich or Geneva whichever one you arrive at. It is only a couple hrs ride from here and we would love to meet your plane. I don’t know how definite your plans are – but Jim will know in a week just when he goes. His boss has to write to Mr. Hackney in Wash D.C. to get his ok that will take a week. Jim will then go to Brussels to get a briefing on his trip. He is to set up a seminar at Ankara, Turkey. It sounds so far away but he says it is only 2 hrs. from Zurich by plane.

I can see right now that all our Christmas gifts are going to arrive very late! My unexpected trip to the hospital set my shopping back a couple of weeks. Now with Jim going away that will stop me cold. I did just a little bit last Wed. but you cannot imagine how long it takes to make a purchase. First of all, all the stores are jammed – unbelievably. But everyone has to shop during the day – nothing open in the evenings and all the stores are downtown – no suburban shopping except for groceries. I bought two little cloth calendars to send to Jim’s mom – and had them gift wrapped. If you could have seen how long it took 2 girls to wrap those calendars, well they’d never make a living working piece work in a factory. It’s not that they are lazy or slow – it’s that they are so meticulous, every ribbon etc had to be just so and when they write out a sales check you’d think they were trying to win an award in penmanship - and then they carefully place the carbon just so in their box. Every store is the same!

I am hoping to hear from Don this week. It seems such a long time since we have heard. No doubt several letters will arrive at once. I am going to write to him tonight after I finish this letter. So I will say Goodnight –

Love from all the children and

Jim and Dina

November 18, 1964

Wed. Nov 18, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

We received your very exciting letter early this morning. I can’t tell you how I felt when I read it. I feel as though I have never been very thoughtful of Tia Maria and she has always been so generous with us and the children. Now for her to do this I feel as though she was giving the money to me as well as to you. Naturally your news makes us very happy. My only thought is I wish Daddy could come too. It is a hard trip to make alone and once you are here and see us I know you will be worried about Daddy all alone. Also I hate the thought of his being alone at Christmas and also we are most anxious to see him too!! Of course if it cannot be I do not mean to discourage you. If we can’t have you both – one will make us very happy. I had half-hoped all along that you both would come at Christmas but then when you wrote about putting in the new furnace – Well I know what that situation is! Once when I mentioned to Jim how homesick I was – he said think how we’ll feel at the holidays. And then when Daddy retired, Jim said very excitedly - “I bet your folks are on their way.”

I think it is quite something the way God works – That you should get the money right at the time I wrote news which I knew would worry you.

I went to the Dr. this afternoon. He said I am fine and that my blood count is good. He told me to continue my tonic and to come back in a month. I feel very good, better than I have in weeks.

Another coincidence is that last evening Barbara said “Did Welo and Wela say they would come and see us?” When I told her yes, she said “Will they come to see us at this house or after we go to Brussels?” I told her I didn’t know, but it might be after we go to Brussels. She was hoping she could see you soon.

As for P. – she is most faithful to you. And always asks “Where’s Welo – Where’s Wela” – and “I want to see Wela – I want to see Welo” Her eyes tell you that she knows just what she is saying. She is getting very smart. She can climb right into her highchair and she follows me around the house saying “Mom, Mom, I want to tell you something.”

Today Mrs. Guenter stopped in to see how I was feeling. She has her niece of 2 ½ yr old visiting with her for a few weeks. Right now Teresa her daughter and the little one are here playing with the children. The little 2 ½ yr old is coming up to me and talking away. She seems to talk a lot for her age and she looks so surprised when I don’t answer her. She really thinks I’m stupid.

Today while I was at the Dr. and downtown shopping Jim took the three little ones to work. When I got back there they were all having tea and cookies. P of course had tried out everyone’s lap. The people seem to be very nice. The boss is out of town this week so when the cat’s away - .

Well, I will write more tomorrow,

Love Jim and Dina

P. S. Here is the check for Miss Edy & there will be some other things I want you to bring. I’ll let you know later. Mr. Tumbas’ phone number is PL2-6776

November 17, 1964

Nov 17, 1964

Dear Mom and Dad,

Received your letter this morning with the minuelo recipe. Thanks a lot. Also received a letter from Tia Clorinda and a card for Patricia with $1.00 in it from Mildred. Please give them both my thanks and I will answer them soon. Mildred mentions that Miss Edy’s party is soon. I am sending this check for her gift and also if the Waverly Club has any affair soon you can buy me a sleeper etc.

I am feeling very good. I go back to the Dr. tomorrow for a check. Jim did take off work while I was in the hospital. The kids were very good and I was glad that they could visit because they could see that a hospital wasn’t such a scary place as they thought.

The painter’s name is James R. Tumbus, 5226 Loughbourough.

I’m glad you and Dad had your picture taken. We have a nice cabinet here in the dining room. On it we have Kennedy’s picture & Don’s – also the bank clipping and pic of Dad and 4 little wallet pictures that Betty sent of the children. We are now waiting to put yours and Jim’s folks picture up there. Jim’s mom wrote that they had their picture taken too.

Yes, the Spanish girls are very sweet. When I thanked them for coming to see me, they apologized because they didn’t bring me anything. By the time Jim went by there everything was closed. Every shop closes on Sat. at 5:00 PM and nothing is open on Sundays here. I must go see them soon and tell them good-bye. They will be leaving for Spain in a few weeks. Pili said she would give me her address in Spain so I could keep in touch with her. She will not get the time off from the hotel to go home so she has to quit. When she comes back to Switz. she is going to work at the St. Moritz – a famous lodge. They pay better in the mts. because it’s harder to get help up there because there isn’t any diversions as in the city. But she said her family will forward her mail from Spain to wherever she is. When I told them it was so typical that the Sp. would visit in the hospital – she said “Ay ya se sabe – a los en las carceles y los hospitals – siempre” So I guess if I’m jailed for jaywalking they’ll be right there again. They said in Spain they had to restrict hospital visitors because the places were just buzzing with people.

I went today to visit Eleanor Bell. She looks good except for a nasty looking scar on her forehead where the windshield got it. But she is a very philosophical kind of person and just doesn’t get upset or discouraged. I wouldn’t doubt if she doesn’t have to have plastic surgery done. It’s a shame. She’s a very pretty woman. She said the Lawrences moved out of the Silvahof yesterday. The Bells got there first and they’re still there.

I felt sort of sorry for the man who wanted to rent our house too. But Mr. Laux felt these people would be better and also he wanted to rent from Dec 1st and they rented as of Nov 5th so that saved us a house payment.

Will write again soon,
Love Jim and Dina

P.S. Will send check tomorrow. Jim left the check book at work.