April 26, 1986

Dear Betsy,
It seems like ages since I wrote to you.  Life goes slow when you can't get out.  I go to the community room a lot but it is the same thing over and over.
I developed severe left hip pain and had x-rays.  It was okay.  Then I got pleurisy and now a cough.  I had 102 feever last night.
Bob has a bad cough and fell out of bed and opened his knee up.  It is a mess.  He is okay otherwise.
Kelly is a little cat.  She only weighs 5#.  We love her and she is spoiled.  She can't get on things because she is so tiny and no claws.
Grandma and Grandpa are at Scotish Rite all day today and yesterday.  Grandma is President.  Grandpa told Grandma if he had know about when you were going in Eastern Stars they would have come.  How long have you been in now?
I haven't heard from Sandy.  When is she coming back our way?  When are you going to the beach?  Are you coming to see me?  I sure hope so.
I read magazines a lot and work in the library a day a week.  This is a huge apartment complex and most people are nice.
April 28
I have been sick for 4 days.  I went to the doctor and my temperature was still 102.  I now have to take Motrin 4 x a day.  He is giving me to Wednesday to get better.  If I don't I have to go to the hospital as it could be very serious.  I nearly passed out in his office and laid down.  Bob is starting to feel better.  He still sleeps a lot.
Our wedding anniversary is Sunday and I am hoping we are well enough to get a fish dinner.  I have lost 6# in 6 days.  I can't afford that.  I only weight 114#.
It was ninety here yesterday and today was 85.  I hate it so hot for my legs and feet.
I called Sat to talk with you and Kirstie and you were both gone.  I am sorry I missed you.
We have laundry piled up and I am too weak to do it.  I haven't felt like this in years.  I am drinking a lot of liquids.  Kelly knocked a glass of water over and it got the connection for the phone and extension wet.  Now our phone doesn't work.
Well, I hope you are well.  Your dad said you and Kirstie made a study.  Do you ever go to church?
Well, I will close.  I feel better tonight so maybe it is just a virus.  Write me soon.  Remember I love you and so does Bob.  I miss you.

All my love,
Mom

April 7, 1986

Dear Betsy,
I miss you so much.  How is work going?  I went to the doctor yesterday and am there with bad back today.  I ate a salad bar.  I read the BOM in the restaurant.  so when are you coming to see me?  It has been almost 2 years since I saw you.  I hope to go the store when I am done here.  Bob isn't feeling too well either.  I have a cough, too.  It turned cool again.  The exhaust manifold is broken and it is so noisy.  We live a long way from the South end.  I went to McDonalds for a free egg, cheese, bacon buscuit.  I had to buy coffee and orange juice so the whole meal cost me 52 cents.
Nancy Reid's father died very suddenly and he is 54 years old.  He had a heart attack while sleeping in a chair.
Grandma and Grandpa had a great time in Dallas.  Uncle Dick has 5 cars.  I am so poor and he is rich.  Shelly drives a new jeep.  Ricky has a 4 door pickup and David has a new small car.  Dick drives an Audi and Judy drives a Mercedes Benz.  Must be nice.
I have been reading the BOM.   Do you go to church?  What church?  Does Kirstie go?
The doctor said I had muscle pain in the low back and plerisy on top.  I feel awful.
Next Day
I am on my way to a small store.  It has some good specials.  I hate taking them home.  Kelly got lose last night and I had to run like crazy.  She got out two times.  She is an adorable Siamese.  We love her.  She is a small cat and marked so pretty.  We have a lot of money invested in her.  She is worth it.  I don't know why she runs away.  We had her spayed.
It is cooler here today.  I was dumb enough to leave the apartment with no coat - only with a little sweater.  I came to McDonalds for a new bacon, egg, cheese biscuit.  It is so good.  I get tired of cereal every day.  We are having bean soup today.  Bob made it and we froze it.  He loves soup and sea food.  Do you like fish, lobster, frog leg, etc?
Well, I will close so I can mail it before the mailman comes.  I hope you are well.  Please write me again soon.  Remember I love you so very much.  I love your picture.  I miss you a lot.
Well, I will close.  Write.  I love you.

All my love,
Mom

Bob says, "Hi", too!