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Monday, 7 Nov 83 Dear Mom & Dad, It is 8:30 pm. The kids are in bed. I am sitting here & sort of watching the "Winds of War" on Italian TV. I got a letter from you today, so I have 2 letters to answer now. It is just as well since not much has happened this week. I think I told you about the kids going Trick or Treating, didn't I? Friday night I spent the night in the hospital as the MOOD. There were not a lot of patients, but they came in spaced throughout the night, so I only got 3 or 4 hours of sleep total. Saturday morning, we went to the Famarole where Jeannie found some boots for herself and some shoes for Steven. (Total of about $12.) After that we went to Euromercato where we bought some Italian Christmas decorations & a few other things. Jeannie & Angelique like to buy pasta there because they have so much and so many different kinds. It was fun to look at all the Italian toys out for Christmas. Of course Angelique & Steven wanted everything they saw. Saturday night we watched a tape of "Love Boat." While eating, someone on TV commented about how good the fettuccine was. I had never heard of that before, but since it sounded Italian, I asked Jeannie what it was. She said it was what she had fixed for lunch that day! I just eat it, I don't ask what it is. Sunday night we had tapes here. It was Ron's birthday, so we surprised him just before we ate. He is the missionary here. Rusty, his wife, brought 2 sweaters for our kids tonight. They are very nice. She made them at Jeannie's request. They cost only $17 each. My beeper didn't go off all weekend until 5:30 this morning when I had to go to the hospital to deliver a baby. As soon as you know exactly when you will get here, I need to know so I can request a few days leave. By the way, we are curious how much this trip will cost. Can you tell me a rough estimate? Angelique's school is about a mile from our house. She will go to kindergarten & the first grade at the elementary school at Pinetamare - an American school paid for by your tax dollars. At least 99% of the American kids here go to the (American) public schools. We mailed you Xmas presents last week. Please do not open the envelope inside the box because it tells what all the presents are and how much they cost (customs requirement). We wanted to send so much more, but there will be 2 more Xmases yet. Jeannie painted a very nice picture in her watercolors class today. Send us some chocolate chip cookies. Jeannie says her oven doesn't work well enough to bake cookies. I have thought for a week & cannot answer all your questions about funerals. You tell me what you want me to do. I wonder what causes letters to take so long to get to you sometimes. Jeannie also sent her parents a letter during that time that took a long time to get there. I assume Daddy re-enlisted in the National Guards. Is that right? David's ship was not sent back to Lebanon. He was in Naples almost a week, but I saw him only once. It is about a quarter of a mile from the hospital to the rim of the Solfatara. Technically, the hospital is in Pozzuoli. The kids would love the Walt Disney books. However, use your judgement about just how much you want to spend. I thought it was funny about Debbie skydiving. I know someone who lives in Ada, OK. She is a SULLENS and has written a book on her family. Yes, about half the members at church are with the Navy. The rest are Air Force. Sorry this letter is so short. I am tired & need to get to bed. Find enclosed a piece of our curtain from the living room. Jeannie had to hem it up a few inches. Good night. Lots of love, Michael, Jeannie,
P.S. - 8 Nov (Tuesday) Just before I mail this, I wanted to write something. It is 8 AM. I have been up since 3:00. I had to come in to deliver 2 babies - almost both at the same time. Again, I am sorry this is such a short letter. I was just exhausted last night. Perhaps today will be better. I am not on call again until Saturday. Friday is a holiday & I am off completely that day. Perhaps Jeannie & I will find something exciting to do. Love, Michael |
