44, 44.1, 44.2, 44.3, 44.4: May 11, 1968 Letters from Frank, each child, and Barb to Frank's folks-Happy Birthday Grandpa

 44. May 11

Dear Folks, (Cochrane from Frank)


Another week has passed. The time seems to be really rolling on. Monday we started classes again and this time we are in session until August 5 or so, with a mid term break sometime. Diane has her first exit tomorrow, so we are going down today to spend the night and pick her up in the morning. These exits are a real drag. She can’t get out until 10 Sunday morning and she has to be back at 6:30 pm, so we have to drive home after that time. We intend to take her out of here tomorrow if she wants to. The school isn’t that good, and if the promotion she got didn’t improve things, then we are through with it. That is if she wants to. When you read White Fang for literature in the tenth grade, there is something wrong. And only two periods of science a week … she can do much better working on her own. Enough of that!


I was sorry to hear that all of us let you down so badly on your birthday, Dad. It was pure neglect on our part that we didn’t get some mail off to you in time. I really thought that one of the letters would have gotten there close to the date. We did think about you that day, Kids and all. Anyhow, please accept our apologies. I feel real bad about it. I know there is no way to make such a thing up, but I am sorry about messing things up


We finally got our sea freight. We picked it up the day before yesterday. Everything arrived in fair condition, however there was some damage. If Jim packed it, I don’t intend to say anything, but if Milliner’s packed it, I am going to write them a letter about it. They should have known better than to pack things loose so that they rattled around. Please don’t say much to Jim, but if you can tactfully find out who packed it, let me know. The washing machine leaked grease out of the wringer support. The only thing it really damaged was one of the tents that hadn’t been put in its box right. That would have prevented any damage, but it was something that could have easily been missed. The card table was turned wrong side up, and a motor had bounced around on it. We’ll have to replace that. The side of the smoker was dented in. I suspect again that it was due to the motor that seemed to be loose in the box, again, repairable, no permanent damage.


We used the washer yesterday. My it is nice and the hired man was thrilled to pieces to get to operate it. Several of the college employees came around to look, and he was explaining all about it to them with all kinds of authority and importance. This is the first washing machine in the area, I guess. It was real humorous to watch him.


Now I’ll leave room for the kids to write. Love, Frank.


44.1 Dear Grandma and Grandpa, (Vicki)


I’m sorry we missed your birthday. It didn’t dawn on me until Grandma’s letter came. 

School is coming along o.k. I have five more lessons to go before I’m a quarter of the way through. With luck I can make that, the quarter mark, by the end of next week. There are four more to write, looks like I’m being a pig on space. Love, Vic


44.2 Dear Grandma and Grandpa, (Amy)


I’m sorry I didn’t get a card to you, so I’ll make you one right here. Love Amy

=======HAPPY BIRTHDAY!=========

44.3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA, LOVE KIVA (printed by hand)


44.4 Dear Grandma and Grandpa, I love you, Milton

44.5 Today we got to have a visit with Diane. I’m hoping you have the pictures that are supposed to arrive by Mother’s Day. Everyone fine. Love, Barb

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