LL 24 oktober 1979

24 oktober 1979

woensdag middag

Beste Mother and Daddy,

I've got a pumpkin pie in the oven, and it looks like a disaster. I used fresh pumpkin from the S's garden and dark brown sugar. The filling looks brown instead of orange, but maybe it will still taste okay. I want to make a jack o' lantern this week-end to put on our balcony next Wednesday night. Hope I can find a big pumpkin in the market on Saturday.

We got our second car last Saturday, and I drove it back to Rotterdam Monday afternoon. We had a caravan. J. drove his Daf van with a trailer behind it, Mr. S. drove his Mercedes with another trailer, and I brought up the rear in my Daf. Mr. S. came to Rotterdam to haul a huge chest (glass front) back to Olst. In J's old office there was a long table and chairs and this cabinet that no one wanted. I like them so they will be stored for me. With a little elbow grease they will look good in a house.

******How the cabinet might have looked back 35 years ago in 1979.

******How our cabinet looks chockful in our main hallway in 2014 in the US.

******Nice detail on the doors matches a two-sided desk that we also "rescued" before the trashman came by the old office.

******And here is the "Board" table and chairs 35 years later in our Wetcreek kitchen.

I went to my first Dutch class last night (the new course--taped lessons) and to another one today. Today I drove myself and then went on several other errands here in Rotterdam. The traffic isn't too bad at 11:00 a.m. So I had no problem. My biggest driving problem is parking. Everywhere is parallel parking, and I don't know how to do that. Today I parked a block away from the bank because I couldn't park correctly. I don't want to bump anyone or anything.

I haven't worked anymore since two weeks ago, but tomorrow I will go to the school here to observe a class for my independent study through MSU. Jane Gaynard is the teacher, and she called last night to talk about the observation and invited us to a party on Friday night. I am excited to go to be with Americans and Dutch young people. Maybe I can build a fire under J. and get him excited, too.

I have a subscription to McCall's magazine and get an issue in the middle of the month. I received October's today so that isn't too bad for surface mail! This is the 3rd issue I've received (two came together). American magazines are very expensive ($3-7.00 a copy). With the subscription they may be late, but the cost is the same as you would pay.

My sewing machine works well, and I even repaired Mrs. S's machine last week-end. Anyway I made a purple plaid wool skirt and vest last week. I must shop for a sweater to wear with it. The wool will feel good since it is colder now. I have the heater set on 68 F (20 C) inside today, and I'm comfortable. Last night the temperature was around 45 F (8 C) when I went to my Dutch class. J. was freezing, but I was too nervous to be cold.

Well, I finally got a letter from Jeanie. She had written a long letter in July but didn't mail it. So last week I received two thick letters. She is still having stepson troubles, but that is no new news. I haven't heard from anyone else. I suppose everyone is busy. We still don't have plane reservations, but J. isn't unduly worried. He says there are still places available on Braniff flights. I trust him, but I'm getting anxious to travel again.

Mother, I don't know what I want for Christmas. I need a warm coat so maybe you can help me buy that. Everything I see here is ugly or too expensive. I think I can wear my raincoat (all weather quilt lined) and fur coat until I come home at Christmas. We might even find a nice one in the after-Christmas sales in Alex.

Tell S. I check my mailbox every day for photgraphs and a nice letter! Write again when you have time. --When you get this you'll have "mucho" time!!

Love, Linda

HAPPY SPOOK DAY!

[I'm partying at Vintage Inspiration Party @ http://mysalvagedtreasures.blogspot.com and Ivy and Elephants @ http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com]