Monday morning –
April 2, 1979
Dearest Family –We had a busy weekend and guess you all heard directly or indirectly that Kim was here – wish that you could all have been here to see him. He called out of the blue from New York City where he was there for business (Tuesday) and made tentative plans to come to Cincinnati Friday as Dad had made plans to attend a seminar. I had planned to go too and spend the day with Jeanne Sanker but gave it up when she called to say she was not feeling well.
Too make a long story longer, John came home Thursday evening and said he had an appointment in Cincinnati so he and Dad met Kim and they got home about 10:30 Friday evening. Kim looks just the same except a little older in the face and body (having put on a little weight but not unbecoming). His hair is still coal black – he thought he had many gray hairs but none were visible. He brought pictures of his family – Mie Young is just about a month older than Mary Va. and almost as tall. He wants her to come to the US before she is 18 or she loses her citizenship. He would like her to go to school here – says all schools even public have tuition in Korea – public is around $50 a month and have 100 in classes.
He pays around $100 to send his younger children (girl 11 and son 10) and Mie Young goes to American school there with Embassy children and costs around $250 – hard to believe. He also brought ginseng tea (100 packets put up like instant coffee – granulated). And two stereo music cassettes of Korea music for MV. And a Korean flag and literature which is very interesting. He gave me a very pretty gold and black turtle pin which can also be used as a necklace as it also has a chain. It is smoky topaz which is found in Korea and symbolic – "may you live for 100 years" – more appropriate for G'ma than me – not that I don't think its pretty but heaven forbid that I hope to live to be 100).
John took Kim to Wilmington College Saturday morning and he visited the shop in the afternoon, also Hauses and Doc took him to visit more of his friends later. We had the Hauses for dinner Saturday evening – also invited Jane Ann and her husband but they had plans to go to Toledo for the weekend. Then Charlotte had us all down for breakfast Sunday morning (8:15). Needless to say we were early for Sunday School and Ralph Nussbaum among others wondered what happened! I have told Ralph not to ring the bell for SS until I get there but had had some close calls but we were there about 9:10 yesterday. Elizabeth Johnson also came on her own which was quite a surprise. (She came with us last week as she had stayed all night with us.) After church we went to the Windmill for lunch – not our choice but handiest and only restaurant open on Sunday that could accommodate 8 of us as we had invited Masa, the Japanese boy who attends Wilmington College and also a couple that Kim had known when he attended Wilmington College, the Ernest Williams whose son had known Kim and who had visited his parents when he was stationed in Korea in the service. (How's that for a short sentence?) Then John took Kim to the Columbus airport on the way back to Granville.
The other big news of the weekend is that Serena called Friday morning to say that she has her assignment for the intern program – she is to go to Fort Dodge, Iowa and be there June 11 for ? weeks. By the way, Roberta, you asked for her present address – if you don't already have it [Serena & Catherine's addresses] We had hoped that Serena might get home between the end of school and beginning of the internship but she didn't think it too likely now so perhaps we'll get out to see her this summer.
It was also good talking to Catherine Wednesday morning and getting the latest news on the Morgan family – glad to hear that they are all feeling much better after their illnesses and gum surgery. Gerry's father is now allowed to fly so may be able to visit them soon and got a good report of his first heart attack from the heart specialist as the scars have healed. Wendy's ear infection is much better and their apartments passed inspections and just have a few vacancies now of the two bedroom variety. (All the one bedroom ones are rented.) Hope that Sandi doesn't keep you waiting so long the next time!!!!) By the way, the new National Geographic has an article on the Warm Springs Reservation which is not far from Madras – in fact Madras is mentioned in it. Anxious to hear if the dinner there came up to your expectations. For the rest of you, we had planned to celebrate Catherine's birthday there but they didn't open the dining room or coffee shop until 5 PM but we sure did enjoy the outdoor pool. (Sorry that Barry and John didn't have that unusual privilege while they were there – so much snow that the road was closed.)
We are also anxious to try the chicken kiev Mexican style (as mentioned in the March issue of Sunset) so don't wear it out before we get a chance to try it in Madras. We had chicken baked over instant rice to finish up some rice that Serena had left here ? so many months ago. Think it made about three or four meals so will try with a little less the next time.
Anxious to hear too about the chance of the position of Madras Public Librarian which could work out real well for you, Catherine. I'm sure that you would get good recommendations from Sanford too. Did we tell you that Mr. Kelton is now cataloging at the Xenia library? Heard that he spent so much money at Wilmington that they have really had to curtail services – talking of giving up the bookmobile, etc. They hired an assistant to groom to take his place before he would be dismissed but he didn't like it and so he resigned sooner than expected.
Roberta, it was good getting your letter Friday (written the Sat. before) and hearing about your telephone calls with Ruth – she has been so happy to have you call. I had hoped to have Kim call each of you but it didn't work out plus it is so much easier to understand him in person than on the phone.
You really surprised us with the purchase of skates and hope you get alot of use out of them. Also the new typewriter which I am sure will come in handy. The program for "Arizona Women Mean Business" was most interesting and would have liked to sit in on some of the workshops myself. Did you like the ones on Career change and Career Entry? Sounds like Marion might like to go into business herself which would be good, especially in the craft and hobby field. The CPR course thru the Red Cross sounds worthwhile too– in two sessions?
Hope that you enjoyed your visit with Mary Greene. What is she doing now? or soon?
John has had more interviews and more to come which makes it harder to decide just what he wants but he was happy to hear that there is a possibility of working with the Clinton County National Bank and Trust and not as a teller – will let him fill you in on the details. Think they would really like to have him but would prefer that he not have plans to eventually go on to law school and/or Wells Mfg.. We are anxious to see what he will decide to do. He was also to hear today about another offer. Don't think he is seriously considering working at Kmart which they have said he could begin as an assistant manager trainee May 31 in Wilmington.
[Love, etc.]
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