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!!!!