Comments on 3rd Letter -- Book Reports and Cocktail Parties

Observations on 3^rd letter

July 23, 2020

 

1.     Mom finishes her first book report!   She’s self-critical; she’s “not entirely satisfied” and recognizes that she never will be.  Presumably, this one felt like the most momentous one and the first and maybe most important opportunity to “prove my worth.”  Also note who typed the 14-page paper!  Note to grandchildren:  Grandma never really learned to type until she started working on a computer. 

 

2.     The cocktail party!   Interesting that Grandma notes that, even in the army, she and grandpa are drawn to and able to find people like themselves … boys who have gone to college and have special subjects that they’re interested in.  Grandma was obviously successful in throwing a party (though it appears there was a low bar for enjoyment, i.e. having a rug and lamps) and enjoyed it, but she’s careful to note: “such parties in my house shall be the unusual not the usual.” 

 

3.     Trying to fix up her friend Libby.  Libby, one of grandma’s college roomates, grew up to be a lesbian.  It’s interesting here that Grandma and Grandpa hope to connect her with their “very unusual friend,” while updating him on her “life history.”  I wonder if they liked each other. 

Also note references to her father visiting with them in Texas.  They seem to be often planning for someone to visit them on their Texas sojourn.  One thing that some of the grandchildren may not know is that Grandma's father, Jacques, graduated from the University of Texas in Austin ... hence the reference to his alma mater!

Do notice how hardy Grandma was – able to walk in the heat of a Texas noon (even if she doesn’t do it.  Also, she’s added an hour of French to her heavy daily schedule.  All very impressive!