June 30, 1954
Dearest Al and Gigi,
It is taking me ages to get this letter off. The phone rings all day long and everyone is asking us for parties again. Then there is so much to check up in the house, groceries to buy, things to look after, just endless little things. We talk about you two and are so glad that we will have a reunion of the gang soon. So glad to hear that J. is so well taken care of and everyone had been so kind. Just can't see when I can get all those “thank you” notes written.
I spent the whole afternoon to shop for bone china in Beverly Hills because we saw so many sets in Canada and wanted to buy some, but could not make up our minds. Did not buy sweaters as the Canadian dollars are higher than U.S. and they cost even more there, so why waste the time and effort to bring them back. So sorry as I did want to get some for you girls. However, we shall make it up in some other way at home.
Learned several new dishes at the Weis’, so wanted to try them out, so had the Fungs over for dinner and bridge last night. My dishes turned out successfully and we had a grand time. The night before went to Finkels' for dinner and bridge, as Dad just had to catch up with Ray on business etc. Now am getting ready to go to Lucy Ho's luncheon at Carolina Pines [a restaurant] in honor of Aunt Vi and Selma Wong. Bessie just called and wanted us for Thursday, and I guess it will be my turn to have a couple of parties also for them. Then some friends of Minare in town, eight of them, so will also have to invite them for dinner. That is the way it will be, since we are back home. For July 4th we’ll probably invite the Chuns, Hos and Fungs and others to make a day of it. Grace is very nice, but so slow, so it means I have to do most of the work. he had mountains of laundry to do for Lil and Ron, so can't help it.
The McCullochs are to take Ron to their ranch today, but Frank wrenched his back and has to see a doctor today, so they will leave tomorrow. Will be good for Ron to have two weeks of experiences at the ranch, learning something firsthand about ranch life. rank is so good to us, and I shall have to do something for their daughter, who is in town for her divorce from her Commie husband. Esther [McCulloch] wants me to go to Santa Barbara on Friday, but I have to go to a committee meeting for the International group [of the LA Philharmonic], of which I am the new benefit chairman, so can't accept. Looks like work is beginning already for the fall, but I do love community work.
G: I had told everyone in the family not to write to you for some time, so you will know how it feels not to hear from your loved ones. But since you wrote us such a long and newsy letter, you saved your own neck, so I just have to write you myself. It is wonderful to get letters from home, isn't it??? Now you will understand. How do you get along with your new roommate and how do you like your classes? What are you taking and do you feel that you are getting anything from the work? Do take advantage of the opportunity, tho’ you are to have fun also, as these are opportunities which might never come again. We know you will do the best you can. Please call all the relatives right away and extend my love and greetings. See Uncle Ho first as he is very ill, and you must do it for my sake. Tell him that I want them to come to be our guests when they come for Phyllis' wedding. Call Mrs Chin Ho and thank her for the jellies she sent me, tho I shall write her myself also. Did you have enough gifts for everyone? If not just go to buy some candies, as I want you to go with a tiny gift when you are invited by the relatives. Try to see Linda a bit and include her in something, as the Nyis are really old friends and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness indeed. What did people say about my “fashion plate”? Do you have enough clothes along - especially pedal pushers???? And gloves?
Alberta, we are so glad that you will be home on the 7th. Shall be there with bells on our toes! Keep us posted if there is any change. Tell Benny that we are looking forward to his visit and he should be sure to stay for a while and really get acquainted. Everyone at the Chow wedding inquired about your forth coming “marriage”. Grace Chow heard something about it in N.Y. so no doubt she was the one spreading the news. lso saw Tom Woo there, but he turned his face twice from me, just to let me know how he feels about the Quons! Alice and Jack also heard about you and are looking forward to know more. I did not tell anything. Will write you both again. Love Mom
It is taking me ages to get this letter off. The phone rings all day long and everyone is asking us for parties again. Then there is so much to check up in the house, groceries to buy, things to look after, just endless little things. We talk about you two and are so glad that we will have a reunion of the gang soon. So glad to hear that J. is so well taken care of and everyone had been so kind. Just can't see when I can get all those “thank you” notes written.
I spent the whole afternoon to shop for bone china in Beverly Hills because we saw so many sets in Canada and wanted to buy some, but could not make up our minds. Did not buy sweaters as the Canadian dollars are higher than U.S. and they cost even more there, so why waste the time and effort to bring them back. So sorry as I did want to get some for you girls. However, we shall make it up in some other way at home.
Learned several new dishes at the Weis’, so wanted to try them out, so had the Fungs over for dinner and bridge last night. My dishes turned out successfully and we had a grand time. The night before went to Finkels' for dinner and bridge, as Dad just had to catch up with Ray on business etc. Now am getting ready to go to Lucy Ho's luncheon at Carolina Pines [a restaurant] in honor of Aunt Vi and Selma Wong. Bessie just called and wanted us for Thursday, and I guess it will be my turn to have a couple of parties also for them. Then some friends of Minare in town, eight of them, so will also have to invite them for dinner. That is the way it will be, since we are back home. For July 4th we’ll probably invite the Chuns, Hos and Fungs and others to make a day of it. Grace is very nice, but so slow, so it means I have to do most of the work. he had mountains of laundry to do for Lil and Ron, so can't help it.
The McCullochs are to take Ron to their ranch today, but Frank wrenched his back and has to see a doctor today, so they will leave tomorrow. Will be good for Ron to have two weeks of experiences at the ranch, learning something firsthand about ranch life. rank is so good to us, and I shall have to do something for their daughter, who is in town for her divorce from her Commie husband. Esther [McCulloch] wants me to go to Santa Barbara on Friday, but I have to go to a committee meeting for the International group [of the LA Philharmonic], of which I am the new benefit chairman, so can't accept. Looks like work is beginning already for the fall, but I do love community work.
G: I had told everyone in the family not to write to you for some time, so you will know how it feels not to hear from your loved ones. But since you wrote us such a long and newsy letter, you saved your own neck, so I just have to write you myself. It is wonderful to get letters from home, isn't it??? Now you will understand. How do you get along with your new roommate and how do you like your classes? What are you taking and do you feel that you are getting anything from the work? Do take advantage of the opportunity, tho’ you are to have fun also, as these are opportunities which might never come again. We know you will do the best you can. Please call all the relatives right away and extend my love and greetings. See Uncle Ho first as he is very ill, and you must do it for my sake. Tell him that I want them to come to be our guests when they come for Phyllis' wedding. Call Mrs Chin Ho and thank her for the jellies she sent me, tho I shall write her myself also. Did you have enough gifts for everyone? If not just go to buy some candies, as I want you to go with a tiny gift when you are invited by the relatives. Try to see Linda a bit and include her in something, as the Nyis are really old friends and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness indeed. What did people say about my “fashion plate”? Do you have enough clothes along - especially pedal pushers???? And gloves?
Alberta, we are so glad that you will be home on the 7th. Shall be there with bells on our toes! Keep us posted if there is any change. Tell Benny that we are looking forward to his visit and he should be sure to stay for a while and really get acquainted. Everyone at the Chow wedding inquired about your forth coming “marriage”. Grace Chow heard something about it in N.Y. so no doubt she was the one spreading the news. lso saw Tom Woo there, but he turned his face twice from me, just to let me know how he feels about the Quons! Alice and Jack also heard about you and are looking forward to know more. I did not tell anything. Will write you both again. Love Mom
Summer of ‘54: The Scene | 1: Al: Have I been busy | 2: Jigi: Orchid leis | 3: Lil: Go crazy, kid 4: Wally: Don’t change | 5: Ron: Damn nice of you | 6: Mom: A grand success | 7: Mom: My fashion plate | 8: Lil: Who’d’ve understood? | 9: Jigi: The sexy bastard | 10: Mom: That gleam and glow | 11: Mom: So proud of you | 12: Al: Fast Casanova | 13: Lil: Free coaching | 14: Mom: Simply heartbroken | 15: Al: Most scandalous | 16: Lil: Men!! | 17: Jigi: Gush it up | 18: Mom: Keep it to yourselves | 19: Lil: Bitter today | 20: Lil: Your future brother-in-law | 21: To the convent | The Anniversary Party