1966 - November - Visit to Chris in the seminary

                                                                    "Cohuna,

                                                                     1st November, '66   

Dear Mary Ellen,

    I meant to write as soon as I returned from my holidays but somehow I haven't been able to get very much done. Any way I'll try and finish this letter before I do anything else. How are things going? Well I hope. From the sound of your letter you had a smashing holiday and really enjoyed yourself. Before I write anything else I must thank you for the lovely birthday present, the postcards and the travel maps, they were all really fab. Thanks a million. 

    Nothing much has happened around here in the last couple of weeks because I've only been getting over my holidays. I've only been to a couple of dances and baby sitting about five times. I don't mind babysitting as I get $2.00 ...

 

                                                                                                                                                      "2

for about 3 hours & I really need it. 

    About two weeks ago my brother & his fiancee had their kitchen tea & got some really lovely gifts. About a week later they were married and Frankie made a gorgeous bride.

    For the rest of my letter I'll be telling you about my holiday so I hope it doesn't get too boring.

    Before I started on my trip I spent two days in Melbourne and had a fab time around the city. Our first night on holiday was spent at Cootamundra and a group of us went across to the RSL Club and really had a wild night. I was determined to forget about everything and really let myself go on this holiday - and I sure did have a wow of a time. I lost $1.50 on the one-armed bandits (poker machines) that night, 60 cents at Kempsey and I won 30 cents at Tamworth. It was the first time I had ...

 

                                                                                        "3

ever played them and finally gave up because it's just hopeless to try and win. I met a fabulous sort that night and he asked me if I wanted to go for a drive but I was a bit merry then ( 3 sherry's, 3 gin squashes and 1 rum & coke) & thought it safer not to. I didn't get to bed until three o'clock, and this was the start of my holiday with every night following being 1 o'clock or later!

    Our second night was spent at Hampton Court in King's Cross at Sydney. I was a bit disappointed with King's Cross as I expected it to be something outstanding because of all the publicity it gets. Anyway the Opera House & Sydney Harbour bridge were lovely. I also like the suburbs of Sydney as they were much of an improvement to the ??? part. 

    A couple of days later we stopped at Cafts Harbour and went for a tour of a Banana Plantation. It was marvelous & so interesting. I was surprised to learn that a banana plant ...

                                                                                        "4    

only grows one bunch of bananas and it takes 1 1/2 years for the process to be completed.

    We also passed through Surfers Paradise (the famous tourist resort of Australia's Gold Coast) and Lesley (a girl I met in Sydney & we travelled all the way together) and I went for a run down the beach - it was gorgeous. Surfers is really a lovely place and the motels there are about the best in Australia - they're great. 

    In Brisbane we stayed at the Coronation Motel which was a lovely place. I seem to be using 'terrific, gorgeous & lovely' quite a lot because I can't find enough words to describe all the lovely places and things. We had a free day in Brisbane so Lesley and I took a tram into the city and then later went swimming & sunbathing. I got a gorgeous tan while away.

    At Rockhampton we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. Rockhampton was a terrific place & rather wild at the time we were there. The reason being that there were about 10,000 ...

        

                                                                                       "5

soldiers stationed about 20 miles out & they came to Rockhampton when on leave. I've got a lot of happy memories left behind in Rockhampton. Further on from Rockhampton was a place called Yeppon where we stayed a night on our return trip. I didn't know until we arrived there that there were also soldiers staying across from our room at the motel. It didn't take me long to get swinging once I found out though. Lesley & I decided to go to the Bar & get a drink but as soon as we turned the corner we were surrounded by soldiers. We got a free drink out of it + a wow of a time (three soldiers each) + they insisted on walking us back to our motel. Outside the motel we said 'This is where we leave you boys' and one of them said 'You've got to be kidding, we're staying here too." We didn't know how to get rid of them because they wanted us to go to there rooms with them & have a party (I can just ...

                                                                        "6

imagine what sort of party it would have been.) Our bus driver Bob (he was a real doll & I'll tell you about him in my next letter) came to the rescue + of all things he decided to get a couple of other people + play cards up in our room until 1:30. We had a ball though because I cooked steaks, made coffee, danced + really had everything moving.

    Once again on our travels we came across miles of acres of sugar cane fields. It gets a bit monotonous after a while but the way they harvest the sugar is really fascinating and so educational. We finally arrived in Townsville, had lunch & headed for the wharf to board a launch to take us across to Magnetic Island. It was beautiful on the island - swimming, sunbathing + just relaxing.

    I think I'd better close now and I'll continue with Part 2 of my holidays next time + it will include all the islands, cairns, etc.

    Hoping to hear from you soon.

                                                        Love  Mary                   PTO ...

"PS I will be sending you some photos & postcards of my trip in future letter & also with your Christmas present."

Back of photo says "Skyline view of Sydney  and the Opera House"

"Oosova & Sydney Harbour Bridge"

"Tuesday, November 1, 1966 - All Saints Day

Dear Diary,

Mikey embarrassed me last nite at Ronnie's. We went into the house & as we were leaving I was talking to Ron's sister. She said I must be tired after taking the kids out & Mikey yelled 'Yeah, & she has to go to the bathroom, too.' Mrs Nelson & company were in the living room & heard what he said. Man I almost fell thru the floor. Went to dancing school. Recital's Friday. Joan, Mary & I watched St Pat's football team practice. Watched tv & wrote story."

"Wednesday, November 2, 1966

Dear Diary,

Nothing new as usual. Went to the Chem Lab and worked with Sandra Mosca & Paul Cameron. It was raining out & I only had my parka so I was a bit wet when I got home.Went to the PTA supper at Wat. High School. Had chicken & french fries. Did homework. Watched the Monroes - okay. Paul was only in a bit of it. Also watched Stage '67 - great with Peter Noone (Peter of the Hermits). Did you my hair. Nite"

Thursday, November 3, 1966

Dear Diary,

It was pouring out all day. Had religion, French, Algebra & Chemistry tests. Marks close tomorrow, I guess. Had a coke at 5 & 10 with Susan Cook, Mary Power, & Liz Craig. Almost asked Mrs Bolton if she could use any part time help. Lost my nerve at the last minute. Did my homework & went to Goldbanks - saw Eddie. Watched most of Jericho - cool - Leyton - the end! & Dean Martin. I'm going to see Chris with Hannie & Norman.    Nite"

I don't remember Mrs Bolton - maybe she ran the 5 & 10.

"Friday, November 4, 1966

Dear Diary,

The recital was fab! or should I say the band was magnificent. Didn't make a single mistake! There was one member named Frank(y) who was great. Told me to smile as I went to dance a hornpipe so I turned around & gave him one of my biggest grins. Told me I was an angel & had a pretty smile. He was singing 'Kansas City Star,' & I was watching him while Joanie & Mary danced. Saw me singing along with him & during a pause in the song he said he would sing the next fast one for me. It was 'Winchester Cathedral.' They're playing the next recital too.             Bye"

"Saturday, November 5, 1966

Dear Diary,

Told Paul McC(affrey) that I had bronchitis and I left for NY at 10:50. Beautiful ride! Arrived in Newburgh about 3:30. Checked into the Rhoda Motel - so-so. Went to the seminary for Chris, who wasn't there, and then to West Point. That was great. Loads of cadets (Wow). We had to wait until 8:15 for Chris. We all went to the Pine Tree Inn for dinner - it took almost 2 hours. Stayed up till almost 1.   See ya"

"Hannie, Norman, Paul, Mary, & I went to visit Chris when he was in the seminary. We stayed at this motel. We visited FDR's home & one of the Vanderbilt's home."

The back of the postcard says: 

"Rhoda Courts

2 Miles North of Newburgh On Route 9-W

Newburgh, NY

Central Heating - Ceramic Tile Showers - Simmons Furniture Throughout. Restaurant and Outdoor Theatre Nearby.

Phone Newburgh 8634            Open All Year"

"Sunday, November 6, 1966

Dear Diary,

After going to 10 am Mass, we had breakfast at some diner. Had an English muffin & 2 pancakes (I started out with 3 but gave Chris 1). We then headed for F D Roosevelt's home in Hyde Park. Spent an hour there - it was very nice with lovely furniture & stables, etc. Then we headed for the Vanderbilt Mansion & estate (which is huge). It was fantastic. Words can't describe the house - one room was decorated entirely in gold. Rode around the grounds - Wow! Visited the Pavilion where the Vs spent the winter. Then headed for the seminary where Chris gave us a tour of the 1st & basement floors. There's a gorgeous view of the Hudson & a magnificent altar outside. Got home about 9:15.             Nite"

"Monday, November 7, 1966

Dear Diary,

St Pat's won their football game yesterday. During Chemistry I began coughing & got (I suppose you could call it) a tickle ? in my throat & could not stop coughing. Spent 10 mins in the lab. Went to dancing school. It was pitch black. Mary sent away for info on Canada. Also said that quite a few people remarked that I was the best dancer ... they said it last year too she said.   Bye"

Always looking for approval/love - must be because I was the oldest and the center of the universe until Johnny - then Patty - then Jimmy - then Christine - then Jody came along and grabbed the attention away from me!!

"Tuesday, November 8, 1966

Dear Diary,

Stayed home from school today because of my cough & because Mum needed a babysitter. She left for the polls about 8. I had to get Jimmy & Chris out to school. About 4 pm I went down to the Town Hall to help check off the people who came into vote. Stayed about 1 1/2 hrs. Most of the seniors were at the polls today! Did my homework. Wrote to Mary Jelonek. Read 4 chapters of Scarlet Letter. Saw Mr McClennon at the polls. Saw a lot of people I knew. They didn't see me.                                                                                          Bye"

"Wednesday, November 9, 1966

Dear Diary,

Unfortunately I returned to school this morning. It was a miserable day. I didn't miss much. After school, Linda Mahoney & I, representing 11A, went to a meeting in Sr Flo(rentia)'s room. We're in charge of selling tickets to a homecoming game on Thanksgiving Day. Was late for the 2nd World Affairs' Club meeting (was late for the first). For the next meeting, I have to prepare something on the European nations not in NATO. Did homework & went to Goldbanks. Chub Peabody & Ed McCormack lost the election.        Bye"

"Thursday, November 10, 1966

Dear Diary,

TGTNST - Thank God There's No School Tomorrow. Have to write 2 compositions for Monday - for Religion & French. Nothing new - Oh, May Bob talked to all the girls (5) who were going to that government thing at the Sheraton. Told us to wear hats & heels, & to bring pocketbooks & gloves. Went to Gorin's after supper with Patty. Looked at the jackets - only saw one I liked - it was too small. Watched 'Jericho' - great as usual, 'Bewitched,' 'That Girl' & Dean Martin - fab.                                                                                     Nite"

I am laughing at how we were supposed to dress for the government conference - so formal! Gloves, hats, heels, and pocketbooks! We always had to keep in mind that we were representing St Pat's School/Catholic religion. Today we might be wearing jeans!

"Friday, November 11, 1966 / Veterans' Day

Dear Diary,

Slept till 11. Gebharts arrived about 11:15. Joanie, Mary, and I went to the Boston Veterans' Day parade. It was good altho it lasted about 2  and 1/2 hours. Saw Gov Volpe and loads of soldiers. On the way home some old man, who was with his granddaughter, began talking to me. Told me I was a pretty young lady. While we were in Boston, I was behind J & M when 3 boys went by us. One grabbed me and asked 'What are you doing tonite, Beautiful?' I said I was all booked up, he said, 'Well, maybe next time.' Watched Tarzan, UNCLE.   Bye"

"Saturday, November 12, 1966

Dear Diary,

Again as is usual I went to work. McCaffrey was there this week. Linda told me that Ginny came in last Sat. Johnny won 2nd prize in the contest for new subscribers. Got out of work about 2:15. Spent most of the afternoon cleaning up my room. Did some homework. Watched 'Mission Impossible' - one of the better shows on tv.        Nite'

"Sunday, November 13, 1966

Dear Diary,

Went to the 11:45 Mass, a regular habit with Mum. Saw Joanie & Mary, also saw Mrs & David Sheehan. After dinner I did my homework & practiced some dancing steps. Went to Frank's about 7:30. Saw both Frank & Frank Pannessi. Just barely missed a ride home with Pannessi because Patty had to buy some candy. Bonanza was great tonight - Roger Davis was in it - he's fabulous. Randy Boone was in it too.            Nite"

"Monday, November 14, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got a C+ in that English comparative study that I did about a month ago. Average mark was a C. If I had typed it, I would have got B+. Mary & Liz went to the student government thing today. Got back about 1:30. They said it was great. Had a coke in 5 & 10 with Susan Cook. I've given up coke (except when I'm with Susan) & chocolate because my face is breaking out. Have to get up at 7 to go to the stud gov tom.     Nite"

"Tuesday, November 15, 1966

Dear Diary,

Met Marie at the Square at 8, and we headed for the Sheraton. I don't know just what we heard, but it was something about citizens & legislative committees. There were 2 good speakers - one from Maryland & the best, from Utah (he only spoke for 6 mins.) We walked up to the Common & took the train. Arrived in the Sq about 1. Had pizza & frappe in Pizza Palace & McManus'. Arrived at school about 1:40. Went shopping with Mary Power after school.         Bye'

Name tag from the National Conference on Government

Brochure from the Conference:

"Program of the 

72nd National Conference on Government

November 13-15, 1966

Boston

Sponsored by the National Municipal League"

Tuesday there were 5 Concurrent Workshops at 9:15 - I think Marie and I attended the one on Citizen Action for Stronger State Legislatures. It was jointly sponsored with the Citizen Conference on State Legislatures. 

Chairman: Dan M Davis, Plans for Progress, Washington, DC

Presentation: George H Morgan, field director, Citizens Conference on         State Legislatures 

Panelists: Charles Horowitz, chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee         to the Joint Interim Committee on Facilities and Operations, State of     Washington

    Harold A Katz, chairman, Commission on Organization of the                 General Assembly, Illinois

    Neal Maxwell, chairman, Legislative Improvements Committee,             Utah - I wonder if he was the best speaker that I mentioned?

Here is another brochure from the Conference - I think this is from the workshop we attended.

"With the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times ... TH Jefferson, July 12, 1815

Citizens Conference on State Legislatures"

"Wednesday, November 16, 1966

Dear Diary,

All the Junior  & Senior girls went to Rosary Academy's 'Career Day' this morning. It was great! The Treasurer of Mass - Crane - was there. I went to lectures on LPN Nursing sisters, & Nursing Education: Collegiate and Diploma. Had ham & cheese sandwiches about 12 in cafeteria. Practiced songs for Mass at 1. A Mr & Mrs Davis spoke to us about marriage. The Concelebrated Mass began at 2. It was really nice. We sang most responses, joined hands for the Our Father, & passed the Kiss of Peace.                 Bye"

I'm finding it interesting to see what occupations were available to girls in 1966 - more than I remembered but nothing really scientific -  how things have changed! For the better!

Brochure from Career Day @ Rosary Academy

Wednesday, 11/16/66

"General Assembly 

Jeannette Leiber, General Chairman

Welcome                                            Sr Francis Xavier, OP 

                                                                               Principal

Guest Speaker                                     Hon Robert Q Crane

                                                                     State Treasurer

First Session __10:00-10:30

Legal Secretary                               Helen F Sinatra, Room 1       

Medical Doctor                              Carole Ice, MD , Room 2                              

Sister Missionary                           Sr Mary Grace, SMSM, Room 21 Medical Technologist                    Shirley Bailieu, Room 22 

Practical Nurse                              Shepard-Gill School, Room 23                                                                             Teacher                                           Janice Lawn,  Room 24  

Lay Apostle                                     Patricia Duffy, Room 25                                                                                  Peace Corps                                   Ann Iodice, Library

Public Relations                             C J Blackington, Room 31      

Social Worker                                 Barbara Zenn,  Room 32                                 

Second Session - 10:30-11:00

FBI Careers                                           Richard Krant, Room 1

Airline Careers                                      William Delahunty, Room 2

                                                                                    

Teaching & Nursing Sister                    Sr Laetitia Anne OP, Room 21"

                                                                                    

"Modeling and Fashions                    Ann Marie Cogley, Room 22

College Newman Clubs                     Rev R W Bullock, Room 23

Theatre Arts                                        Frances LaShota, Room 24

Opportunities in the Telephone Company    Carol Ricci, Room 25

Peace Corps                                        Ann Iodice, Library

Third Session__11:00-11:30

TV and Broadcasting                           John Henning, Room 1

Lawyer                                                 Arlene Hassett, Room 2

Sister Social Worker                            Sr Margaret O'Malley, Room 21

Newspaper Writer                                Mary Tierney, Room 22

Nursing -- College Program                Beth Grady

                  Hospital Program              Sally Deignan  

Teacher                                                Janice Lawn, Room 24

Medical Secretary                               Mildred Leonard, Room 25

Public Relations                                  C J Blackington, Room 31

Social Worker                                     Barbara Zenn, Room 32"

12:30 pm

Rehearsal -- Mass Hymns                             Auditorium

12:45 pm

General Assembly

Gloria Montcuri, Chairman

Guest Speakers 

Mr and Mrs Louis Davis

1:30 pm

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Concelebration

Rev E M Markowski, OP

Rev C Hahn, OP

Lector 

Rev R Masciocchi, CSS

Chaplain, Rosary Academy

Rev Alfred Butler

Homily

Rev E M Markowski, OP"

"Career Day

Rosary Academy

Wed Nov 16, 1966"

I still remember Bob Crane - he was interesting and very funny. He also told us to go home and tell our parents to vote for him for State Treasurer! John Henning in the third session was an anchor for Channel 7, I think. I didn't go to his program, I attended the nursing session - Beth Grady talked about the collegiate program - years later she was one of my instructors at Boston College  - she had me, Beth McCusker, and Sandie Mosca do a survey on sexual practices with the students at Watertown High. We later thought she had us do it because she was on the Board of Health for Watertown and could use it there.

This paper was information about the Mass of the Holy Spirit that closed the Career Day. It included telling us to stand for the Our Father and join hands, Kiss of Peace - turn to the person next to you and say "God bless and help you in your life's vocation." The response is, "And may He bless and help you also." We were told to sing the Recessional Hymn as we followed the priests up and out to the front of St Joseph's Hall. When we all got out there, we were to join hands and say the Apostles' Creed.

"Thursday, November 17, 1966

Dear Diary,

Got report cards today. I did better than expected: in Rel A-4 (attitude), in French A-4, Eng A-4, Latin B-4, Math B-3, and Chem B-3 (expected a C.) Father Cronin gave them out - he's really neat. Everyone likes him. Went to the dentist and had a filling (hurt like hell.) After supper I took care of Tommy McLaughlin for Patty. After the little kids watched Batman, I watched the last half of 'Jericho' - great as usual as is John Leyton.                Nite"

"Friday, November 18, 1966

Dear Diary,

After lugging all my gym junk to school, we didn't have gym because they're repairing the hall. Had to turn in the money for the Homecoming Game tickets. The Juniors sold 71. Christine Gotham was elected Homecoming Queen (I voted for her.) Marjorie Gleason & Carol Thom are her court. After having pizza for supper I went babysitting for the McClennans. $3.        Nite"

"Saturday, November 19, 1966

Dear Diary,

Quite a busy day. I was loaded down by work at the office by Paul. Didn't get home till 2:40. I went babysitting at the McClennans about 3. Took care of Margy & a little boy named Peter. Had to give them supper & put them to bed. Patty came over about 6:15 to take care of Margy as I put Peter to bed. Mary Navin visited me this aft. $4. L Casey (Rat Patrol) in Gunsmoke. Nite"

"Sunday, November 20, 1966

Dear Diary,

Not much doing. Although Patty & I like to walk to church, Paul gave Mary & us a ride (we got to her house about 11:30 - plenty of time to walk). Stayed home with Jimmy while Mum took Jody & Chris to Christine Berg's birthday party. Joanie told me that Mary Navin joined fellowship. I was kinda mad 'cause Mary's always told me she wouldn't and Joanie said not too long ago that she couldn't sponsor either of us & now she's sponsoring Mary.   Nite"

"Monday, November 21, 1966

Dear Diary,

We're discussing why Roger Chillingworthlet Hester come to N England (Scarlett Letter.) Marie & I decided he had a lover & his colleagues found out after he sent his wife to NE. That's as good as any! Susan Cook & I had a coke in Butler's & Bulldog came in. We went to Gorin's & Bulldog came in. We had to go to the basement & then we went to 5 & 10 & Bulldog was coming out! Had another coke in 5 & 10. Took care of little kids while Mum went to a Whist Party. 'Rat Patrol' & 'Felony Squad" - okay.    Bye"

Here are the first 10 hits:

"66-69         Blockbusters         November 21, 1966

1. You Keep Me Hangin' On - Supremes

2. Born Free - Roger Williams

3. I'm Your Puppet - James & Bobby Purify

4. Georgy Girl - Seekers

5. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys

6. Mame - Herb Alpert & TJB

7. Searching For The Good Times - Teddy & Pandas

8. Mellow Yellow - Donavon

9. That's Life - Frank Sinatra

10. Poor Side of Town - Johnny Rivers

"Tuesday, November 22, 1966

Dear Diary,

Had Latin test - so-so; and an English test on Scarlett Letter rather easy. Not much doing. Oh! Fr Cronin got Mary Power, Diane Patrick, & Marsha Durkin jobs at the rectory answering phones - $1.35 an hour. Mary told me to apply at the library since 2 kids left - she recommended me. Christine Milmore applied yesterday so I probably wouldn't get a job right away but I might as well try. Went to Boston at 4. Got home 6.  Nite"

"Wednesday, November 23, 1966

Dear Diary,

Only a half day of school today. At 2:30 Mary, Marie, & I went to Harvard Sq. Had to get a copy of Plutarch's Lives at the Coop - they didn't have it. A real neat boy directed us to Philips Book Store where we got the last 3 copies. Saw some nice looking boys. Marie gave up a chance to ride the bus to Waltham with 2 sailors at the Sq. Patty & I met Brian Armstrong - said Donnie doesn't hate us. Bye."

"Thursday, November 24, 1966 / Thanksgiving

Dear Diary,

Went to 8 am Mass with M Navin. Went to the football game with Maureen. We won!! 14-6!! After the game Patty, Mary, & I walked over the Common St hill. Cars of boys passed us coming home from Belmont - Wat game. Wat lost 24-6. Got the finger from some of them. Went to the Homecoming Dance - Great! David Burns was the 1st boy to ask me to dance. I had only been there 15 mins when my bra strap popped. None of the chaperones had any safety pins. Joanie asked Dennis Sanchez. He had to know all about why I needed it. But he finally got one from his brother.    Bye"

"Friday, November 25, 1966

Dear Diary,

 Slept until 11:30. Watched the 'Beatles Cartoon Show' while eating breakfast. Moe called about 12. Wants us all to go to the movies Sunday. I said ok. Went to the Sq with Navin. Walked up to Fantasia's Drug. Good old Jack was working. Dennis & Bobby Sanchez were there. Also saw Donnie Buddington & Eddie Staires (saw Dennis yesterday.)    Bye"

"Saturday, November 26, 1966

Dear Diary,

Man what a bad day at work! Paul was angry at both Linda & I. I answered the phone & asked the woman to hold a minute while I got Paul. Both Linda & I were in a silly mood, and I was talking with her while Paul got the phone (I hadn't covered the mouthpiece). He yelled at me to put the phone down & was quite mad at me - not so much at Linda. I didn't care - what the hell? He got over it after a while. Went babysitting for Dickies at 6:45. Got home at 11:45. Got $4. Patty went to Murphys at 6:30. Got home about 12:20 & got $6.15!!"

"Sunday, November 27, 1966

Dear Diary,

Joanie, Patty, & I went to 11:45 Mass. I went to the movies with Mary & Christine Power. Saw 'The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.' It was great - there was a neat guy in it - John Philip Law - wow! terrific! Got home about 5 after stopping for pizza at the 'W' House. Did homework. Watched beginning of 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,' all of 'The Moonspinners' - Peter McEnery is great, & Bonanza - Mark Slade was in it. He cried & whined as usual. It was OK.    Nite"

"Monday, November 28, 1966

Dear Diary,

Nothing new happening at school. We started reading 'Hamlet' - real neat. I played Marcellus - real neat guy. Marie & I had to carry some steel wool over to the convent for Rose Patrice. She told me we're going to help wash the convent floor. I couldn't tell if she was joking. Susan, Marie, & I went to the library. Met Joanie. She, Susan, & I had a coke in Fantasia's - saw Jack - he almost ran us down!    Nite"

I'm intrigued that I liked Hamlet! I remember having to memorize soliloquies from different plays by Shakespeare - I still remember some of the lines especially "The Merchant of Venice" - "The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: it blesses him that gives and him that takes." I was never a fan of Shakespeare until a friend of Christine's - Paula Langton - was playing the nurse in "Romeo and Juliet." We went to see her and I took a real interest in it. My sister Joanne and I started going to see local productions of Shakespeare's works. Then we decided to go to The Globe Theatre in London - we saw a couple of productions there. We made one trip particularly to see Ian McKellan in "King Lear" and Mark Rylance in "The Merchant of Venice" - both were fabulous but I was left emotionally drained by the Merchant. I'm not a Shakespeare scholar - I have to read the play before I see it so I know what it is about and what the actors are saying. I'm also not creative so I take the plays at face value - I can't read anything into a play. But I love Shakespeare! Joanne, Patty and I drove from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon on one trip to see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the town where Shakespeare was born!

"Tuesday, November 29, 1966

Dear Diary,

Sister Florentia was mad at me because I couldn't translate one crummy sentence. Who cares? Not me! Rose Patrice told Marie & I that she wasn't kidding about us washing the convent floor. Had a coke with Susan Cook as usual. Did some homework this afternoon. After supper Patty, Lee & I went to Woolworth's. Came home & watched 'Girl From UNCLE.' Did rest of my homework. I lead a very dull existence.     Bye"

"Wednesday, November 30, 1966

Dear Diary,

What a lot of homework we had! We didn't have any study so I waited until tonite to do it. After school I went to Joanie's (we were supposed to go to dancing school but it was cancelled.) We took Adam & Eliz Smith out. Later I went to Goldbanks. Joanie said Ed Staires only works Fri & Sat. Went babysitting at Eileen's at 6:30. Kids didn't get to sleep until about 8. Did some homework while watching 'The Monroes,' 'Bob Hope,' 'Chrysler Theater,' & 'I Spy.' I didn't realize how much we had. I'm still doing it now at 11:30.    Bye"