Saturday, 13 Jul 1991

9:00pm after phone call

Dear S

It was great to talk to you, please apologise to Jack, because I was getting some echo and I was a bit confused, I didn’t really speak to him, just asked to speak to you.  He probably thinks I am really ignorant.

I am pleased you haven’t resigned yet.  It is always easier to get a job when you already have one.

How often do you get holidays and how long do you get?  Are there as many long weekends in the UK as Australia?  Probably not, as I think we are the long weekend kings of the whole world.

The talk in the papers here today is that it will be on again in Iraq soon, Britain has sent planes to Cyprus in readiness.  I think they should go and wipe them off the surface and make sure they get Hussein.

This little program is not too bad, but I still want to get WordStar.  I found out when I printed the last letter to you that you can ask it to justify properly and it will do it, thank you very much!!  The printer makes a heck of a noise though, they call it dot mattress or something, very noisy.

Will ring and let you know if J gets the job, but I will post this first, because otherwise I feel guilty that I am telling all the stuff you already know.  I think he is quite excited about the prospect of working, who knows, maybe he will like it and decide to stay and do a course at night on publishing or journalism.

I’ve got all your clothes out, will pack them in a box and might include a birthday pressie for you.

By the time you get this letter, I should know when I am going into hospital again, the sooner the better – I just want to get this hip replacement over and done with.  It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be I think I was a bit chicken for too long.   Your brother was really marvellous to me when I came out of hospital, I wouldn’t have survived without him but this time I am going to a rehab hospital for a week after I leave hospital, so I won’t be so helpless when I come home.  I think I will recover quicker this time because the other hip won’t be sore or weak.

Michelle Jones starts work  with Mara on Monday, she has been doing a secretarial course at TAFE, so she is thrilled to bits to have a job.

J and I went over to Freedom Furniture in South Yarra today and I think I will go back next week and get a couple of things.  I ordered wall units for the family room, because J and Dad were both complaining how hotch potch it looks.  Also bought new light fittings – just big white balls.

Don’t forget to send a photo or two, just so we don’t forget what you look like.  I think I prefer to write to you, as I get carried away on the phone and forget to say things.  Perhaps the art of letter writing is not dead yet, even if it is done on a computer.

Well, I think I have exhausted my supply of drivel for now.  So will say goodbye.

Lots and lots of love and kisses

Mum

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