January 5, 1987
Dear Mom & Dad,
Well, I hope everything is going okay. Everyone is back for yet another quarter of CalPoly. None of us here received more than 9 units of classes. That's nothing new!
Ok Dad, I'm sorry to say that books ere the most expensive - ever. Total on books cost $300.00. Actually, $285.00, but there is one more book I must get when the bookstore has it. I know it's crazy - believe me I do. I do have an idea if it will help buffer the expense.
Right now it's pretty tight (budget wise) so I'll need some reimbursement soon if possible. My idea is to divide that total into a monthly total. Will that help you? Whatever you want to do or can afford is fine with me. I'm sorry it's so much. I'll be taking 15 units.
I promised M.A. [Michal-Anne] that i would say hello to you for her.
The Fine Arts Committee is judging the National Art for Peace exhibit. I'm excited about having that responsibility.
I better stop now. I'm sorry to have laid such a heavy egg on you - we'll work it out.
Always love you,
Tom
This was a challenging time for all three of us. I was taking full units, working a part-time minimum wage job, and I still couldn't support myself through college. That said, Mom & Dad made the commitment to supporting my education; I just don't think they ever realized how expensive it was at the time. Even with their support, I still had to get student loans for my last year (something I never told them).
Monday, February 20, 2017
Friday, February 17, 2017
January 17, 1987
"Congratulations on your retirement...
The best is yet to come"
Jan 17, 1987
Dear Dad,
I hope you are doing okay. I am here. I received your check a few days ago. Thank you very much. As to your question; all the books I purchased were for all the units I'm taking, so I don't need anymore books. However, supplies are going to be needed, but I'm feeling prepared. The supplies are for projects.
It's time for work! Take care Dad.
Love always,
Tom
February 16, 1987
Feb 16, 1987
Dear Mom,
Thank you for the card! I've got it by my clock. I just sent off a thank you note to Nana. I think she'll like it.
Nana, my matriarchal grandmother, didn't become a pleasant woman until her senility (more on that some other time). We never called her "Nahnah" as most would pronounce the name, but instead we always called her "Nanny." I believe my sister started this when she was little.
Since I probably won't be up there until after March, I thought I'd send this book to you now. I hope it got to you in one piece.
Not intended to add more confusion, but Mom's birthday was celebrated in March 25 even though her birth certificate states the day before. I believe the book I sent here was A Gift from the Sea, which she fondly referenced often.
I don't know if I told you, but two of my projects are going to be exhibited in a campus gallery. That will be in a couple of weeks. I didn't think I had it in me.
Time to bury myself in books. Say "hi" to Dad & Kitty.
Love,
Tom
Sad to think in less than a year Kitty would die from asphyxiation in the house fire. In fact, this letter has smoke damage on the back. Since Mom saved everything, it was part of what survived.
Dear Mom,
Thank you for the card! I've got it by my clock. I just sent off a thank you note to Nana. I think she'll like it.
Nana, my matriarchal grandmother, didn't become a pleasant woman until her senility (more on that some other time). We never called her "Nahnah" as most would pronounce the name, but instead we always called her "Nanny." I believe my sister started this when she was little.
Since I probably won't be up there until after March, I thought I'd send this book to you now. I hope it got to you in one piece.
Not intended to add more confusion, but Mom's birthday was celebrated in March 25 even though her birth certificate states the day before. I believe the book I sent here was A Gift from the Sea, which she fondly referenced often.
I don't know if I told you, but two of my projects are going to be exhibited in a campus gallery. That will be in a couple of weeks. I didn't think I had it in me.
Time to bury myself in books. Say "hi" to Dad & Kitty.
Love,
Tom
Sad to think in less than a year Kitty would die from asphyxiation in the house fire. In fact, this letter has smoke damage on the back. Since Mom saved everything, it was part of what survived.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
November 2, 1986
Nov. 2, 1986
Dear Mom & Dad -
It's late at night, and I'm having difficulty with my survey homework, so I thought I'd take a break and say "Hello." I got your letter Mom (were you sitting at your desk?) Thank you for letting me know of Cynthia's goings on; I ope it's running smoothly for everyone.
Not sure what was going on with Cynthia at the time.
Dad- something's been on my mind lately (surprise!) - This quarter we've been intensively working artistically rather than technically. I was thinking of how long ago it's been since you've painted. I don't know how you fell about it, but I would like to see you get back into it. Eventually, I think I may give it a try.
Next weekend is my first convention in San Jose. We'll be staying at the Red Lion Inn of all places - oooh ahhh! So this week I'll be trying to do things head of schedule.
Earlier, sometime around 1983, I worked for an interior landscape company owned by Alrie Middlebrook. One of my accounts was the Red Lion Inn, so I guess I was amused by my return.
By the way, I don't remember if I told you that I can see Dr. Mar Nov. 26th. If an appointment can be made that'll be great!
Work is going great, although I still haven't seen a raise, nor do I expect one. I heard one employee had to argue his way through getting a raise after being employed here for 2 YEARS! Whatever.
I worked for the Gabby Bookstore in downtown SLO. I shouldn't have been surprised about the low income, since it was a brother/sister establishment. Mary, I remember....I think his name was Paul. The store was their folks and was in town for over 40 years. Best memory was that old-timers would come in asking for things they'd find at a pharmacy (hairspray, rollers, medicine) and didn't seem to realize how long ago it wasn't a 5&10.
I'm still looking into maybe working at the Castle. One thing that's neat about the bookstore is that it keeps me up on the latest literature and good quality, up & coming movies. For example, I've finally read Shogun and now Tai-Pan (both by James Clavell). Tai-Pan is going to be a movie soon. I also read Out on a Limb by Shirley MacLaine. That's going to be a mini series on T.V..
The reason why I brought up James Clavell novels is because he just finished writing a new noval called Whirlwind. Dad might be interested in it because it takes place in Iran in 1979 - about the time of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. It might be worth looking into.
Working for Lockheed, Dad was offered an opportunity to relocate the family to Iran. He thought seriously about it be decided against it. We would have been there during the hostage crisis.
Okay, I'm starting to rattle, so I better get back to my homework. Take care!
Love lots,
Tom
PS I hear Vicki has a boyfriend!!! Look out for Vicki!!!!
Dear Mom & Dad -
It's late at night, and I'm having difficulty with my survey homework, so I thought I'd take a break and say "Hello." I got your letter Mom (were you sitting at your desk?) Thank you for letting me know of Cynthia's goings on; I ope it's running smoothly for everyone.
Not sure what was going on with Cynthia at the time.
Dad- something's been on my mind lately (surprise!) - This quarter we've been intensively working artistically rather than technically. I was thinking of how long ago it's been since you've painted. I don't know how you fell about it, but I would like to see you get back into it. Eventually, I think I may give it a try.
Next weekend is my first convention in San Jose. We'll be staying at the Red Lion Inn of all places - oooh ahhh! So this week I'll be trying to do things head of schedule.
Earlier, sometime around 1983, I worked for an interior landscape company owned by Alrie Middlebrook. One of my accounts was the Red Lion Inn, so I guess I was amused by my return.
By the way, I don't remember if I told you that I can see Dr. Mar Nov. 26th. If an appointment can be made that'll be great!
Work is going great, although I still haven't seen a raise, nor do I expect one. I heard one employee had to argue his way through getting a raise after being employed here for 2 YEARS! Whatever.
I worked for the Gabby Bookstore in downtown SLO. I shouldn't have been surprised about the low income, since it was a brother/sister establishment. Mary, I remember....I think his name was Paul. The store was their folks and was in town for over 40 years. Best memory was that old-timers would come in asking for things they'd find at a pharmacy (hairspray, rollers, medicine) and didn't seem to realize how long ago it wasn't a 5&10.
I'm still looking into maybe working at the Castle. One thing that's neat about the bookstore is that it keeps me up on the latest literature and good quality, up & coming movies. For example, I've finally read Shogun and now Tai-Pan (both by James Clavell). Tai-Pan is going to be a movie soon. I also read Out on a Limb by Shirley MacLaine. That's going to be a mini series on T.V..
The reason why I brought up James Clavell novels is because he just finished writing a new noval called Whirlwind. Dad might be interested in it because it takes place in Iran in 1979 - about the time of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. It might be worth looking into.
Working for Lockheed, Dad was offered an opportunity to relocate the family to Iran. He thought seriously about it be decided against it. We would have been there during the hostage crisis.
Okay, I'm starting to rattle, so I better get back to my homework. Take care!
Love lots,
Tom
PS I hear Vicki has a boyfriend!!! Look out for Vicki!!!!
October 4, 1986
October 4, 1986
Dear Mom & Dad,
Thank you once again for saving the day! I got the boots on Tuesday, so I had some time to fix them up. I had forgotten how comfortable they are! Michal-Anne kept eyeing my Milano cookies, so I finally gave in. You know her appetite! And thank you for the check. Thank you very much!
Up to the minute news: Upon my fist meeting with the program board I was given these business cards. Not bad, hugh! In fact, the pone number at the bottom is the office I'm in, so if you need to get a hold of me because of an emergency, you can leave a message their.
My first performance that I scheduled was Jim Chappell (pianist). His record label issued the enclosed flyer to the audience; they were really impressed with my work.
Now for even bigger news: The ASI Program Board is going to send a group of us to the convention in San Jose. It's up to me if I want to go, and its paid for! That's November 8-11th. I'll miss a couple of days of school & work, but if I plan now I can make it. I don't know if I'll be able to visit, since most of the time I'll be swamped with meetings. I'll let you know.
November 22-25th I have to go to the National Landscape Architecture Convention in San Francisco. This is my chance to get my name out to the professionals. In fact, they are closing down my school department because everyone needs to go. It's the first time it's been this close to home. International L. Architects will be there like Roberta Burle Marx from Brazil! It does cost $75.00, which I already submitted. Not bad considering professionals have to pay over $300.00 (not including hotel). I'll either stay with some student friends I know in S.F., or I'll stay with you and commute. It's crazy because they'll be one day (Wed) of school. If I start planning now, I'll not bother going to school, and just stay there for Thanksgiving since it's the next day. If I can work that schedule out, I would like to make a dental appt. for that Wednesday or Friday. I'll let you know soon.
As you can see the next two months are going to be HARD! Winter quarter I'm going to ease up a little. I'll keep you posted on all these dates!
Gotta go!
Love Always,
Tom
PS. How's Cynthia
Residing at 355 Jaycee St.
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
Jim Chappell today
Dear Mom & Dad,
Thank you once again for saving the day! I got the boots on Tuesday, so I had some time to fix them up. I had forgotten how comfortable they are! Michal-Anne kept eyeing my Milano cookies, so I finally gave in. You know her appetite! And thank you for the check. Thank you very much!
Up to the minute news: Upon my fist meeting with the program board I was given these business cards. Not bad, hugh! In fact, the pone number at the bottom is the office I'm in, so if you need to get a hold of me because of an emergency, you can leave a message their.
My first performance that I scheduled was Jim Chappell (pianist). His record label issued the enclosed flyer to the audience; they were really impressed with my work.
Now for even bigger news: The ASI Program Board is going to send a group of us to the convention in San Jose. It's up to me if I want to go, and its paid for! That's November 8-11th. I'll miss a couple of days of school & work, but if I plan now I can make it. I don't know if I'll be able to visit, since most of the time I'll be swamped with meetings. I'll let you know.
November 22-25th I have to go to the National Landscape Architecture Convention in San Francisco. This is my chance to get my name out to the professionals. In fact, they are closing down my school department because everyone needs to go. It's the first time it's been this close to home. International L. Architects will be there like Roberta Burle Marx from Brazil! It does cost $75.00, which I already submitted. Not bad considering professionals have to pay over $300.00 (not including hotel). I'll either stay with some student friends I know in S.F., or I'll stay with you and commute. It's crazy because they'll be one day (Wed) of school. If I start planning now, I'll not bother going to school, and just stay there for Thanksgiving since it's the next day. If I can work that schedule out, I would like to make a dental appt. for that Wednesday or Friday. I'll let you know soon.
As you can see the next two months are going to be HARD! Winter quarter I'm going to ease up a little. I'll keep you posted on all these dates!
Gotta go!
Love Always,
Tom
PS. How's Cynthia
Residing at 355 Jaycee St.
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
Jim Chappell today
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