2nd Letter from Texas -- June 13, 1954

June 13, 1954

 

Dear Mother, Daddy, Adolph, and Grandma,

 

This week, on this hot, Sunday afternoon, we’re sitting with a big green umbrella, beside an oval pool. We swim a while, read a while, and just relax a while. It’s so peaceful, its like being in another world.

 

We’ve been in Austin for the week end. It’s a peculiar city. It has the most Rococco architecture I’ve seen in the United States, and at the same time the most modern. It’s a city that goes from one extreme to another. It’s decadent and at the same time bursting with new energy. We went to the University of Texas. It’s the most un-university -like University I’ve been in. As we walked toward the campus, I was certain we were strolling into the capital of Texas, I was astounded to find it was the library. They were extremely friendly as everyone is in Texas (almost too friendly in fact) and they even gave us a pass into the rare book collection.

 

After a few hours of earnest study, we went into the Mexican district, had an authentic Mexican dinner, and afterwards spent the evening gliding along the Colorado River in a steam boat. It was a delightful week end and somewhat of a celebration of our anniversary.

 

From my letters you must have the impression that we spend our time lulling before luxurious swimming pools, but nothing could be more from the truth. We’ve set a rigorous schedule for ourselves during the week and on Saturday afternoon and Sunday we just as rigorously ignore it, and live recklessly for a few hours. Of course, this is living in extremes, but we truthfully enjoy both extremes. Beside its far more interesting this way.

 

I’ve almost completed my first book report. It was a struggle, and still is a struggle, that is I’m going through its third rewriting and may go through many more. I can’t send the report in until I’m entirely satisfied. It is an ordeal that actually pains me while I’m going through it, but the pleasure I have on completing the work compensates for all my trouble.

 

When we arrived here I vowed we’d remain isolated, so we could do the many things we had planned to do. For a few days everything worked well, and then Marshall suggested I invite a couple who had him to dinner a few times. This I did. Then things began to happen. It seems this newly-married couple were having conflicts and due to an incident that happened while we were having dinner, the young wife became angry and ran home to Mother who lived in Atlantic city. The outcome is that the couple are now separated. Naturally there are many complicating factors, but the incident at our dinner lit the spark to a mass of combustible matter. As a result, we now find ourselves more involved in an emotional problem with friends than we have ever been before. I suppose one can never escape human relationships. It was rather stupid of me to even try.

 

Well I must say the Rosenblatts are having their problems. As for Adolph’s romance, I still say there are always many false endings. We had them, its part of the ordeal of being love. Marshall’s comment is (and to which I don’t agree) that I did very much of the same to him. He says just have patience and understanding. 

 

I’m so glad you have your job, Mother, I hope you don’t become worn out with your many activities (domestic and artistic). As for Daddy we’re waiting to hear of his next invention.

 

After we saw Grandma looking so well, its difficult to think of her getting sick when we left. We hope she’s better now. 

 

The next time you write which I hope is soon (we enjoy your letters so much) please write to Marshall’s army address if you have it. We expect to be moving to our permanent home in a few days. If you don’t have the address mail the letter to the original address it will always be forwarded.

 

We’re anxiously awaiting your arrival. We miss you very much and we want to see the rather strange life we leading here. 

 

Our love to you all.

With love,

Merle