May 27, 1985

Dear Betsy,
Things are better between Bob and me.  He still sleeps a lot but he needs it.  I drive to the mall most mornings and walk all over and go in stores.  It is bard when it is so hot.  I go in the mroning.  My ankles swell but I get bored here all day long.  Time drags.  I blew Sandy's prom pictures but Nancy got good ones.  I send you our favorite wedding picture next letter.
I bought myself a brown miniture Bible and Triple and a small hymnal.  I also got a purse so I can carry them when I get to the mall because I drink Friendly's good coffee.  I weight 120# probably more by now.  I eat so little I don't know where it comes from.  I like my short hair. It is a shock to lots of people.  I need to wash and blow dry it.  Bob needs a hair cut very badly.
So how is life with you.  Are you will so busy.  I love to hear from you.  When are you coming to Toledo?  How will you come?  How is the truck?  Do you still use it every day?  How is your love life?  Gee, I am out of news.  I may go out for eggs and toast and sourdough for 95 cents (2 eggs, 2 toast, plus coffee).  It does me good and I like it.  I was going to go with a friend but it is really wet outside.  Plus, it is turning cool again but hard rain.  Excuse my scribbling.  It is hard to write laying on the sofa.
Remember I love you and miss you so very much.  I hope you come soon.  Bob likes you a lot.  WRITE.

All my love,
Mom

May 22, 1985

Dear Betsy,

How are you doing?  Bob and I are trying to patch things up.  I have to pay bills today and I hate it.  We don't have the money like I wish.  I have to balance the account first.  My legs are hot today.  When do you think you'll come in June?  Sandy leaves soon for BYU.  How is your college?  I walk 2 x a day when cool outside for exercise.  It should help me.  I walked last summer.  I also exercise 2 x a day.  I can't do much.  In June I start to swim with the handicapped society at the YMCA on East side.  They pick me up.  I hope I can do it.  It would be so good for me and fun.

I have film to be developed with our wedding pictures and Sandy's prom.  She looked so pretty in your dress.  I am glad you let her wear it.  I pressed it.  Then she didn't have a long slip but Nancy came to the rescue.  I got her flowers.  

Oh, I got a new red dress for Penecost Sunday when you are supposed to wear red.  It has white lace on the collar with a v neck.  It is long and flared skirt.  The top of the dress is blossy.  You'd like it.  I have had a dress since you helped me pick out my wedding dress in teal blue.  I really like that dress and my pearls.  Did I ever tell you Bob bought me a 14K gold cross and chain.  Plus he bought me new wedding and engagement rings.  They are pretty.

I know Bob loves me.  He is a sick man and stays up late at night.  He sleeps late so I am lonely a lot.  I go to 2 doctors this week.  One tomorrow and one the next day.  I drink ice tea now.  It is a novelty for me.

Well, I must close.  Out of news.  Thanks for calling me.  I love you so very much.  I miss you.

All my love,

Mom

May 20, 1985

Dear Betsy,
Sandy arrived Friday and I pressed your dress.  She looked so pretty.  She forgot her flowers. They were so pretty and she wore them on her wrist.  I really didn't see much of her.  Just before she went to the airport (she was gone) Bob beat me and I am mean and cruel.  Don't show this letter to anyone.  Burn it.  I am at Sour Dough Charlies for 2 eggs and 2 toast and coffee with cream.  Sandy didn't even go to church with me.  When are you coming for a visit? I may leave by then and live somewhere else.  Bob seems to think he can sleep and wake up and all is forgotten.  I pout for ever.  His language is awful and he is so crude to say the least.  I don't want any other divorces but I can't live this way.  So maybe a legal separation.  I'll have no insurance so I don't know what to do.  I wish I could talk to you.  I feel like calling mom and asking her to talk with me.
So how are you?  You sound so good on the phone.  Thank you for calling.  Bob likes you.  He has a violent temper.  Don't worry about the time you call.  I can always wake up.  I just had 3 1/2 cups of coffee and it is good.  I know when I go to the doctor he will say no coffee.  Well, I should close and go home and work there in the kitchen.  Remember I love you so much.

All my love,
Mom

May 16, 1985

Dear Betsy,
It was so good to talk to you Tuesday.  I stayed awake.  That time you called and went to sleep on the phone.  I must have had a low body temperature because I don't even remember. I don't go to sleep for long time a night but have to stay off my feet.
So when are you coming to see me and Bob?  It has almost been one year.  We did have a good time.  I want to get my film developed so I can get our wedding pictures for you to keep.  We have been married almost one year (June 23).  We were married May 4, 1982 the 1st time.  Bob still sleeps during the day.  He got me a beautiful gold Rafenice spray and real perfume.  It was a special price.  It still cost a lot.  I keep having hot flashes.  They are terrible.  I take Premarin but it must not be enought.  I want a red dress and I ordered one and it didn't fit.  I hope Sandy has a really good time.  I sure was worried she wasnt' going to make it.  It is really nice of you to take her to the airport.  I really appreciate it and I know Sandy does.  Last night Bob and I went our for dinner.  I got a Harvey Wallbanger.  It was good.  Bob had wine.  That drink to set my spinning and it never phased me.  I guess I'll go back to scotch and H2O or whiskey sour.  I drink a lot of ice tea.  It is much cooler today but supposed to rain.   I love it in the 60's for my feet.  These days are rare.  It has really been too hot.  No spring at all.  I love spring and fall.  I can do so much more.  Robin is coming today to do laundry and clean tomorrow.  Bob is getting a hair cut.  He looks like a shaggy dog.  My hair so really short and it needs washing but I am afriad to wash it.
I never used a curling iron before.  I had it a whole year already.
Well, I hope you come soon.  I am anxious to see you.  So is Bob.  So you are going to the beach and have a condo?  Neat!  So how is school?  It is hard to work and go to school at night.  Do you have a boy friend?  What about Brian?
Well, I will close now.  Write me soon.  Remember I love you dearly and miss you.  I am so glad you called.  Take care.  I love  you.

All my love,
Mom