6 March, 1960

Dear Mama and Daddy,

Many thanks for the letter and check. We had thought that, if you send allowance for several months at one time, we would open a savings account with it, and withdraw the monthly amount monthly. That would, it seems to me, solve the problem of overspending at the beginning, and then running short at the end. However, if you were to send it monthly, that would be just as satisfactory.

About next summer: I haven't heard from Matt as yet, however I have gotten third hand information that he cannot work anything out. Dr. Stadler of our department was in Eugene last weekend, and he told me that Matt had written Stahl at Eugene about me. Stahl had worked with Matt at CIT, and I guess that Matt couldn't work anything out, but thought that Stahl might be able to. The upshot of it all is: I seriously doubt that we will go to Pasadena at all during the summer, unless perhaps for a short vacation.

We had about six inches of nice powdery snow last Thursday, I understand quite unusual for this time of year. Traffic was a mess, and all the University offices closed at 3:00 PM. Even Boeing closed shop at noon. It sort of amuses me that a mere six inches of snow causes this city to close down.

We certainly were pleased to get that box of lovely avocados. Avocados are quite a luxery [sic], and none of the overpriced ones on the market here come anywhere near to matching those lovely ones. Thanks also for the glasses, etc.

I finally got around to fixing our bed, and it certainly makes a difference. I bought a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood and some two x fours; I set the two x fours on edge as slats, and lay the sheet of plywood on top of them. It cost about $ 8, and makes a tremendous difference.

It is too bad to have missed a storm at the ranch. I think that one of our most pleasant trips there was in December, when Cheryl was six months old. Everything was green, and it rained hard, beating down on the iron roof. Our slides show a marked contrast between the lush green of December, and the sort of arid look of August.

Lucy had a nice, quiet birthday. I got her a nice pair of slacks, and the kids got her a pair of black tights. She got busy and finished a blouse that she started years ago, and goes with her new slacks perfectly.

Love from

Crellin, Lucy, Cherry, Kristin

Dear Parents,

Thank you very much for the birthday present. It is certainly a help. I bought a spin dryer with part of it which certainly makes life easier. We can rinse in it too.

Can you spend a little time with us this summer please? We all would like very much to see you a bit. Thomas wants very much to see you. I do not think we can put you up: it is just too small, but if you have time you could come stay nearby.

I am negotiating with the Cricks (or possible someone else) to hire a house for us all (10) in Cambridge for the meetings in August. Is that acceptable to you? When will you be here?

I am sorry to hear that you both have suffered so much from shock. It is too bad.

My sinuses are badly infected and hurt all the time. One ear has been bunged up for about 4 weeks and I cannot hear very well. I should not get so run down.

Julia, Thomas and Sarah all have colds. It will get warm before long though, spring is coming and we shall all be better.

love from

Peter