Going crazy without my stereo, however the Sherbrooke radio station has improved a great deal since last year. Music-- CKGM style, only better songs. Colour TV we brought gets channels 3 + 7 and some nights even 6!

 

Ralph, do you know Louise McFadden? She was in my French class this year. Long black hair parted down the center, chipped front tooth? Met her at the other drive-in last week. Nearly died of joy! She's working at Camp Massawipi. Went to see her today-- took pictures along the way. She's coming to visit me Friday (her day off).

 

Starting to drive when I get back-- and get this, my old man is insisting, if not looking forward to it. I think he's just tired of being depended upon to drive up to the village for supplies all the time. In any case no damage done to me!!!

 

I wish the hell someone would write to me. Sort of lonely up here. Can't wait 'till all our yearly friends come up during our last week. We always have lots of fun. I've written to Jane, and as happened to her and might happen to your her letter didn't get mailed 'till about 5 days after I wrote it.

 

Halfway through the Two Towers (Part 2 of Lord of the Rings). Extraordinarily well-written. At the rate at which I'm now reading [marginal note: "4 chapts. per day"] I should be finished next Sunday. Still, amazing tale.

Well, farewell for now--

Dave.

 

PS. I know now that in Italy it's bad manners to end some letter so abruptly. Just an anti-climax--pardoné.

 

Letter from Gillian to Ralph and Danielle, postmarked Leicester, 24 July, 1973

 

Dear Ralph + Danielle;

Hi! How are you? I hope your summer is going better than mine. This is not saying very much. I have been here almost two weeks and nothing has happened. I haven't seen anyone near my age. I started knitting. I am knitting myself a skirt and I am half finished. That's how boring it is. I will write again when more is happening. The main reason I've written you two letters full of nothing is that nothing has happened but I promised I'd write. Oh yes I have seen the zoo (Twycross) and I drove down past London and spent 4 hours each way in the back seat of a sports car (FUN + GAMES). I'll write when I'm more cheerful

Love Gillian

 

Ralph I don't think you're a snob but the other paper costs more to send because it is so heavy. Do you realize it costs 7 1/2 P (18 3/4 cents) to send this letter? Count your blessings.

Love,

Gill

 

Letter from Lesley to Ralph, postmarked Winnipeg, 1:30 PM, 26 VII 1973

 

July 25/73

Hi ya Ralph!

(Cheery greeting.) How are ya? I'm living. The wings, propellors, or bottom of the plane didn't fall off like I expected. I left at 4:15 P.M. Tuesday and got here at 7:00 their time. (We stopped in Ottawa.

I've met a lot of nice people here. The most outstanding in my mind are Phil, Roy, Marg, Dorothy, and Tom, Ernie, Torry-- Forget it-- I didn't realize the list was so long. Anyway. The only one I'm interested in a real lot as more than a friend, is Murray. (I'm sure your thrilled.)

The reason I'm sending you the first letter is because I have to send you your $2.00. I don't dare send it to anyone else.

How's Pointe Claire? What have you guys been doing? Have you met anyone lately? Is Alan's car fixed? How are Alan + Mary? (Ha-Ha) Seriously, are they together? How are you and ______? So much for that.

I've got a job and I guess I start tomorrow. They gave me the choice to stay for the winter too.