Document 870

Correspondence from Canada: Letter 22 - 11.12.81

Author(s): 852

Copyright holder(s): Name withheld

The Maggie
11th December.

Dear Mum & Dad,

First of all, thanks for my Christmas - it arrived early last week and I duly wheeched it into my savings account to make a few more cents on it before it departs, no more to be seen. I've half decided to go to Germany at the end of February if finances allow it in January. I think they should. Thank goodness for this wee desk job (I'm on duty now)! I think I'll call my first book "How to Act Like a Playboy on Less than Nothing." Appropriate title?

I got a lot of bumph through from the American Univ. in Cairo : calendar, application forms, regulations, etc. I think I may have something like ¼ of a percent chance of getting a TEFL fellowship (they prefer someone who has taught TEFL, has done a basic psychology course, and who speaks Arabic) but I'll give it my best shot. I'm too late for the ITT scholarship, and Rotary hasn't replied yet.

Last weekend we had the Maggie house dinner & Christmas formal : I wore a tie, Mark wore his tracksuit trousers and a T-shirt. It was quite good fun, held in the old part of the house. Other than that I've been working, madly trying to polish off this term's work. Two out of three term papers have hit the dust (the 2nd is now being typed) and now I've only got one to do on textual problems in Shakespeare. I've also got a "minor" exam to sit on Methods next Friday. Fun.

It's been snowing again here, but it's been too mild to lie long - "English weather", the natives say. Apparently it has been unusually mild. I heard from one of the librarians that there's been a heavy fall of snow in Britain; it'll be ironic if you're getting the cold weather and I'm not!

I'm glad your colitis is clearing up, Mum. Yes, leave the sitting-room till spring - a wash down will do it fine. (Anyway, it'll take up all your energy cleaning the dust off the blinds every day!)

My congratulations to Woody - I was duly amazed. I wonder if he/she will inherit the famous Mouth? It just goes to show you're never too long in the tooth... (groan!). It must change his life-style, though.

Yes, I remember Gordon [CENSORED: surname], though vaguely. He had the house at the end of his road and had the party I didn't enjoy (so what's new?). I didn't realise missionary work extended as far as Argyll!

I'll try and see the Scottish Curling team in March; they'll probably be playing at the Aitken Centre up the hill.

It's good to hear that you're going to Aunt Anne's for Christmas. I rather wish I was coming home, altho' I'm looking forward to going to the [CENSORED: surname] (on a week come Tuesday, already!) I can hardly believe Christmas is here.

I've received 3 letters and 2 cards from Carole in the past 2 days. She must be bored. The mail is erratic too. She's flying home on the 23rd, and returning to Tübingen on the 4th. I've received Aunt Margaret's & John's Christmas card too - I hope he's keeping better.

All my cards are away - I don't think I missed anyone - I went thro' my address book alphabetically.

Ah well, end of the two-hour spell of duty and end of news. Take care, best to all,

Love,
[CENSORED: forename]

Information about Document 870

Correspondence from Canada: Letter 22 - 11.12.81