Wit and Wisdom of Mark Schmitt (2024)

(Thanks to Joe for transcribing these.Once theirbrood began to grow up and start their own households, Eileen andFrancis started a round-robin letter which eventually turned into anewsletter, first on paper, then on the web. Below are Mark'scontributions for the last half of his life.)

(See also Mark's letters as ateenage exchange student in France)

last updatedon12/01/98

1973 -- Summer

Dear Schmitt's--

Nothing new in Washington but a pollution alert. And we've gotthat every week anyhow.

Tourmobile is busier than before. Each day we break a record.Today more than 7000people rode in the Mall Tour only ! There were about 5600 in the tourthrough ArlingtonNational Cemetery. It says something about our service that we can putthat many people inour buses with few complaints.

Started out the summer by going to the beach every weekend. Itlasted just twoweekends, but I got a little summer tan. Went to Rebobaden Beach,Delaware, just aboutthree hours from here.

Have been visited right regular by everyone else's relatives.But no Schmitts! Alas...There's lots of room here, especially for my relatives.

I would like to remind everyone that I moved last October to148 11th Street S.E.,Washington, DC, 20003. Same phone: 202-546-6711.

Maybe something exciting will happen by next time.

Love all,

Mark

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1973 -- Winter

Dear Schmitts--

Christmas has officially begun here in Washington -- RichardM. Nixon lighted theNational Christmas Tree this afternoon. Only one star (on top) islighted this yearbecause of the energy crisis.

I'm almost ready for the holidays. Have been picking up giftsall during the year. Gotsome things in New York, some in San Francisco, and even a few inWashington.

That was the lead-in for my vacation story. I spent eight daysin California at thebeginning of November. Flew to San Francisco for six days with a friendwho used to livein Washington. Did all the usual tourist things -- Fisherman's Wharf,Woods, Berkeley,Oakland, Sausalito, Ghiardelli Square, etc. The day I rode the cablecar, all the cars hadto go out of service because of some malfunction or another. I had arent-a-car, togetting around was no problem. Drove down California #1 down SanFrancisco to Los Angeles.It's a beautiful drive into managed to make it on a sunny day. ThePacific Ocean is soclear blue and green -- really not at all like the Atlantic, which iskind of brown andnasty.

In Los Angeles, I took the tour at universal City Studios, thecompany which runsTourmobile. It was interesting to see how they run their tour. Gave memuch newperspective about our company.

In L.A. I called Marge Grobel, who is Mrs. Richard Greenwald.I managed to spend thenight with them at Huntington Beach, which is south of L.A.. Saw slidesof Marge andDick's wedding, also for Mary and Jim's. And should take note thatMarge cooked pastiesfor dinner. She has her hair cut very short, and is not working. TheGreenwalds seemfirmly entrenched in the middle-class -- have a nice, big house andbeautifully yard. Inthe yard they have jade trees three feet tall -- and in full bloom.Marge gave me cuttingsfrom everything in her yard, and they have all taken root. Now I have aliving memory ofSouthern California. Was really good to see Marge and Dick -- and theyseemed equally gladto see me, a stranger in their midst. Strange all right.

Vacation really did me a lot of good. Has improved mypersonality a great deal. Wouldlike to vacation every two weeks or so.

Nothing to exciting is going on in the nation's capital --just for corruption showingup every day. Businesses extra slow at Tourmobile. We have moreemployees than touristssome days. Business may pickup during the Christmas holidays. I hopeso. The energy crisishas really put us in a crunch.

Ran into Jim Bridenstine one day this fall. He bought a housein Reston, Virginia (a"new" town) and worked for the National Portrait Gallery. Something intheeducational department.

Sister Doris Wood (Mom's friend) was in town this fall and shegave me a call while shewas here. Our signals were crossed, so we never got together.

Am going to save energy by finishing this letter right now.

Love to all,

Mark

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1974 -- Summer

Dear Schmitts,

Since I have had this letter exactly two weeks, I guess I'dbetter move it or it won'tcome my way again. Really, this letter is the best idea I've had inyears.

Since I last wrote, not too much in the way of excitement hascrossed my path. SpentChristmas in G. C. and had a beautiful time -- saw most of the familyand several friends-- never enough time while I'm home. Spent new years with friends inPhiladelphia and itwas great fun. Really is a nice city and everyone who lives theirthinks it's thegreatest.

Business has nothing to good this year although we then busierthan anything for thelast 2-3 weeks. People finally are beginning to believe that gasolineis available in theWashington area.

Weather here has been beautiful. Spring has been here for overa month. My house plantshave been outdoors for a week or so and my dead fig tree has come backto life. There aretulips and dogwood trees in bloom all over the place.

Received a letter from Judy Bedard over the weekend. She seemsto love Australia andhas moved twice and bought two new cars and she's been there. Shereports that there it isKmart in Australia. She remains thin -- even sent a photo to confirmthe fact.

Happy birthday to Lucy and Paul and everyone else.

Love to all,

Mark

[Photo of Bedard into Mazda]

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1974 -- Winter

Dear Schmitts, etc.

Guess that I've held up this letter long enough. I figuredthat since Lucy gets thisafter me, I would hold it up long enough for her to have something goodto tell everybody.

I leave tonight for several days in glorious Garden City. Willbe very few days to helpwith the preparations. Also have to renew lots of old and not so oldfriendships. Likewith Hudson's.

Have stayed right in town almost every weekend since newyears. Spent one weekend withfriends at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It really is good to get away fora while and theydon't even have telephones at the beach houses.

Dale's parents are visiting this week from Garden City. Theirother son and his wifeLinda live about an hour from here in Virginia. The Hardins saidthey've done all thesightseeing they want to do, so they look for projects to do when theyget here. She haswashed all the curtains and ironed them. He bought some real long nailsand fixed ouroriginal pine floors (installed before the Civil War) so they don'tsqueak anymore. Therehave been a lot of repairs made on things I didn't even realize weremalfunctioning. Itreally is kind of nice to have a live-in couple.

Business improved quite a bit during the last several weeks ofthe summer. We stillhave not done anywhere near the business we did last year, andeverybody knows that is notgood for the company. I'm still in the personnel office (in charge, noless), but thepersonnel office has been phased down in the winter in days gone by soI really am not toosure of too much right now. I may have to polish up my Tourmobilespeaking voice. That'salways kind of fun, so I guess it's a good thing that I am so flexible.

The girl whose typewriter I'm using just returned from lunch,so I guess that's as goodan excuses as any to end this up. I wish I had a garden so I couldreport on the plight ofthe tomatoes and squash. I did have a couple of geraniums. Of course myhouse plants spentthe summer out in the backyard and everything is a lot bigger andhealthier looking. Evenme.

Love to everybody,

Mark

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1975 -- Summer

Hi,

It takes so long for the letter to get around the country thatI kind of forget most ofthe juicy tidbits that would like to pass on. We'll see what my oldmemory can dredge outof the recent past.

I guess everyone knows that Mom and Dad, Alice and Philip werehere for the DentalConvention in November. We all had a nice time. Alice and Philip spentone night at theMutlus, who live about an hour from me. Dad went to meetings all thetime, and Mom took iteasy (for her) just lounging around the house while Philip and Aliceand I did somesightseeing. I couldn't stand the idea of going to the top ofWashington Monument again,so they went by themselves. Would be nice if everyone would come tovisit. But just for afew days, of course.

I was on the news Monday night. We have extended ourTourmobile route to the Robert F.Kennedy Stadium, and I wrote the narration for the tour. When westarted the service,there were tons of news people and cameras, so it was decided that Iwould narrate thefirst tour. I did, and now have lots of fans in the Washington area,thanks to Channel 4.It really was kind of nice to be a celebrity for a few hours. Now, alocal citizen's grouphas taken legal action against our tour extension, so who knows? I maysee the camerasagain.

I will be moving in the next few weeks. I have bought acondominium apartment inSoutheast Washington, and expect to be comfortably moved in by thefirst week in March.It's a garden apartment complex built in the '30s, and completelyreconditioned. I have aone bedroom apartment, with a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and even atrash compactor. Itwill be my first experiment in living alone, and I am looking forwardto it.

We will all be moving out of our big house on 11th Street.Dale is moving to SanFrancisco, where he has always wanted to live. We have several friendsthere, includingPam Salvatore. I don't know just where Melvin, our other roommate, willbe goin, but he isa native Washingtonian, and shouldn't have any trouble. Miss MargaretJones (a.k.a. Andy),our St. Bernard puppy!! will be living with Dale's brother andsister-in-law in Virginia.

Weather here has been most unusual. The same week we had 75degrees on Tuesday, we had4 inches of snow on the weekend. That's a lot of snow for Washington.We hadd a field dayshoveling snow all around the neightborhood. Took Miss Jones down toLincoln Park to playin the snow and she was just set free. She loves the cold weather, andespecially thesnow. Of course we know that she has relatives in the Swiss Alpsdispensing brandyalexanders or whatever.

My new address: 2128 Suitland Terrace S.E. #202, Washington,D.C. 20020

I will probably also have a new telephone number, but ofcourse do not know what it isyet. Should anyone want to call me, just call Washington information(202 555 1212) andthey'll have any number I can be reached at.

Hope to see some of my siblings this year. I think we may havereached a plateau as faras weddings are concerned, so we will have to make up some otherreasons to see eachother. Get your minds working.

Love to all,

Mark

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1975 -- Winter

Hello-

I am the guilty party this time. Have been extremelydistracted of late and haven'tbeen doing anything else on time either.

I am now completely settle in my apartment. In fact it lookslike I've been living herefor ten years already, it's so comfortable. Living alone has agreedwith me. Withoutroommates, I have been able to lose 25 lbs. in the last three months.I'm involved in thecondominium association, so I know most of the neighbors. Nosy as ever.

Really had a busy summer, especially August, which hastraditionally been my worstmonth. This year really took the cake, and you have never met anyonemore glad to seeLabor Day.

As for traveleing, I haven't done much. Spent a weekend in theShenandoah Mountains inFebruary. Drove with my friend Mitchell for a weekend in Detroit inJune while most of theSchmittss were in the Southwest.

Martha and her friend Robin spent a week with me in thebeginning of July. I think theyreally had a good time. I did too, but you'd better believe it's nopicnic being the"mother" of two 16 year old white girls in Washington, D.C. Dick andPietrinaand Joe and Maria and I all had lunch together one day. They were herehelping JimBridenstine move to Ohio. Dick Greenwald was here in the spring, and wehad dinnertogether and did some sightseeing. Marion Milton was here betweenplanes on her way toWilliamsburg in late July, so she took a tour and we had lunch at myapartment. So Ihaven't managed to lose track of my roots.

There is not really too much of note happening to me thesedays. I have no garden toreport on. Wish I did. My new project is to strip the woodwork in mykitchen and end upwith a natural finish. But I am so lazy and have that Gemini tendencyto leave a lot ofhalf-finished projects. Perhaps it'll be done by Christmas or Easter.

I don't have my VW anymore. Bought a '73 Toyota Corolla SportCoupe from a friend. Itsuits me fine. Another friend gave me a motorcycle which I don't knowwhat to do with.Anyone want it? It's a Honda 175, and I'm perfectly content with beinga one car person.

I plan to be in California in October some time. You never sawa person readier for avacation than I am right now. I hope the earthquakes don't occur whileI'm out there.

Sorry I kept this so long. For the record, if anyone iskeeping it, my telephone numberis 202 575 0786.

Love,

Mark

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1976 -- Spring

Hello to All--

For my birthday I would like an IBM Selectric just like this.Then perhaps I could getthese bundles of joy out of here a little quicker and not have to typethem at the office.This time I have an excuse for being one or two days late. I was toosore to type when Igot this. I will do everyone a favor and make a long story short: I washanging wallpaperin the kitchen of my friend Phyllis when I fell off the refrigerator.It was quite a fall,and she still has not had her stove and oven repaired. They wereseverly damaged when theybroke my fall. No broken bones or anything like that, but now I amscared of heights. Thenext day, as I was suffering (not in silence, I assure you), the letterarrived andbrightened my outlook considerably. I thank Anne and Chuck for theirflawless timing.

It's been a busy six months since I last wrote. I spent twoweeks in San Francisco inOctober and never had a nicer vacation. The weather was clear andbright every day. Ivisited the Napa Valley and tasted many wines, visited beaches a longway up the Coast,and got lots of exercise bike-riding and just walking around looking. Istayed with Daleand JR, both former housemates in Washington, and visited with many ofmy other friendswho have relocated "out West". I expect that I will eventually relocatesomewhere out there, at least for a few years. The whole idea of livingis so totallydifferent from what I see here in the East.

I spent a few days in Garden City over Christmas, and it wasone of the nicestChristmases ever for me. Of course I didn't have enough time to do allthe things I wantedto do in Detroit, but I never do. Dale flew back to Washington with meon Christmas Day,and Judy Bedard joined us two days later. She was in the States fromAustralia for thefirst time in three years. The three of us had a delightful time, andJudy left on NewYear's Day, just after Mary Schmitt Masal arrived for her two dayvisit. Dale left acouple of days after Mary did, and I was more than glad to become arecluse again, atleast for a few days. It really was a busy holiday season, but it was areally good time.

One of my resolutions was to travel a bit more than I have inthe past. So far, I havemanaged to spend a weekend in New York City, my first visit there inthree years. Lastweekend was spent in Williamsburg, Virginia on a shopping expedition(Marion Milton alwaysflies to Williamsburg to buy candles). More weekend trips are in store.

I have been extremely busy at work, especially in the lastcouple of weeks or so. Weare preparing for our spring influx of tourists, and this year promisesto be our busiestever. I have been interviewing and training Narrators like mad. Andbeing very thoroughand efficient about it, I might add. For those of you who are takingall those managementcourses, let me remind you: I have been the Personnel MANAGER for twoyears now. Youshould be impressed. I do enjoy my work because I get to boss peoplearound (after I getto choose who will work for us), and because I am expected to knoweverything that goeson. You all know how nosy I have always been. Finally, it has paid off.

Weather here has been quite strange. All of February wasbeautiful, with most days inthe 65-70 range. This week we had a ton of snow, but now it's all gone.

Alas. The end of the page. Sorry I was so late, but you mustadmit that I had a viableexcuse.

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1976 -- Fall

Hi Everybody--

I have had this letter exactly three weeks. I know I am oneweek overtime, but itreally is a lot of work trying to find newsworthy items. I have gonethrough my diarycountless times, but most of that stuff is better left in the book.Everyone else'sletters are filled with all this interesting stuff-- most of it justP.R. Or maybe B.S. ismore like it. The beauty of this letter is that we can take all theinterestingexperiences of the last six months and put them on one page. That way,we all sound likefascinating people who stay busy every minute with all thesefascinating activities. Well,I know the truth...

August, traditionally my worst month, has been kind to me thisyear. I have had nomajor problems at work. It must be because I overhired by a mile. Itreally has been nicethough. The weather for August has been gorgeous-- we had a two weekperiod when we didn'teven need the air conditioning. My social life has also beenparticularly nice thissummer. Alas, I think I have reached my prime. I just hope it lasts forawhile.

I took tennis lessons this spring and enjoyed that for awhile,but it really gets toohot here to do much tennis in the summer. I have courts right acrossthe street, so I'dlike to get back into that this fall. Am still not too athletic.

Travelwise, I haven't done a lot since I last wrote, but allof it has turned out well.In May, I traveled to Garden City, Michigan for the West High 10 YearReunion. The wholeexperience was a delight. Dale somehow worked it so that he and I werein charge of theaffair. I was the Emcee. All the people were really nice-- everyone hadmellowed so much.It really is amazing how young we all looked. In June I spent a weekendin New York. I saw"The Wiz" which was a really wild experience (it's the all-blackmusical versionof "The Wizard of Oz"). The New York weekend was really nice-- I expectto go upmore often. In early July I spent a day or so with the Schmitts atOcean City, Md. Theywere staying at the Mutlus' plush condominium apt. on the seventh floorof The Irene-- twobedrooms, two baths, to balconies. Very nice.

Then the Schmitts (Eileen, F.M., Phillip, Alice, and TheresaM.) spent a couple of daysin the Nation's Capital. They stayed in a motel just down the streetsince I don't have awhole lot of room. It was quite fun for dad and the kids who did a lotof sightseeing. Momspent one day just being dull and relaxing at my apartment, or so Ithought. When I gothome from work, my kitchen windows had been washed. It was nice to havea live-in maid whodoes windows.

I planned a couple of Tourmobile parties this summer. One wasvery fancy, and of courseI selected myself to be the Emcee. I also planned Jimmy Bynum's weddingon July 24. It wasanother first for me. It was a Black wedding-- at least all theprincipals were Black. Ihad to make sure the preacher arrived in time, etc., etc. It was adelight. Of course wehad a very well mixed guest list. All those Schmitt weddings were goodtraining for me.Jimmy Bynum and Eva thank you. I convinced them to have the wedding andthe receptionoutside. I have had a couple of parties myself this summer, and amgetting right back intothe swing of entertaining.

I wish I could say I've been busy like everyone else-- singingwith the band,refinishing furniture, exploring ruins, taking workshops in NuclearPower-- but I'vemostly been just taking it easy. Visiting friends, relaxing, beingdull... I enjoy it. I'mglad that I have the time and the resources to be able to take it easy.I am also thankfulfor the training in laziness I have managed to pick up along the way.

I wish everyone the best of luck with their problems. At leastyou can take me off yourworry list for the time being. To the best of my knowledge, I am happyand have noinsurmountable problems. I hope to see everyone at Christmas-- Ialready have myreservations in.

Love to all,

Mark

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1977 -- Spring

Dear Folks--

I have made a big change in my life. Friday is my last daywith Tourmobile. I decidedearly in January that I had put enough time (more than 5 years) inhere. Some of thelittle things were starting to get to me, so I decided that it would begood to leavewhile I still have so many good feelings about the people and theplace. I submitted myresignation on January 12, so they had almost a month's notice. EileenAndary (who was mytraining assistant) was selected to take my place, so I know that thejob will be done bysomeone who is right for it. Tom Mack, the boss, has asked me severaltimes to reconsider,which is nice to hear, but he is really the main reason I'm going.Perhaps he began toappreciate my many talents just a little too late. Anyhow, I have doneit. The big"Farewell Party" is Thursday evening, and promises to be quite anevent.

I have learned a lot of nice things about myself since Iannounced my resignation. Allthe people I've worked with over the past years are learning about itthrough thegrapevine, and then calling me and wishing me well. I suppose it mustbe nice to bemodest, but it really is nice to know that people think a lot of me.Good for the soul.

I have no immediate plans. I am just going to rest for alittle while, and keep my eyesopen for another job that I will really enjoy. The training andexperience I have receivedat Tourmobile have certainly increased my skills, and I am veryemployable. But I'm notgoing to rush things. I really would like to take a few months off. Ihaven't had morethan two weeks off in about 7 years. Your hearts bleed, I'm sure.

I forgot to mention that I have made my training skillsavailable to Tourmobile forCherry Blossom and summer training of Narrators. And they were quick totake me up on theoffer. So now you can call me your son, the consultant. If it soundsstrange that I wouldquit my job, and then want to do it on a consulting basis, it reallyisn't. Training wasmy favorite part of my job, and this way I only get to do the bestparts. Someone elsegets to do the less enjoyable parts. Perfect.

Otherwise, things are going very smoothly for me. I got a newhide-a-bed sofa thismonth, so I am welcoming overnight guests again. I will have time toexercise and read andcatch up on all my projects. Till I get bored, that is.

Will write more when I have more leisure time. Just wanted tolet you know about thisbefore you heard some other way. You know how Dad used to say, "Yourparents arealways the last to know". Now you know.

Perhaps I'll see you soon.

Love,

Mark

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1977 -- Summer

Dear Family--

My big news this time is that I am pleasantly unemployed. Mylast day at Tourmobile wasFeb 4. A lot of thought went into the decision, and I eventually didwhat I thought wasbest for me. I had no regrets until this very moment, when I pulledthis little oldunelectric typewriter off the shelf. Ah, yes. I will miss the office.Pushing so hard onthe $&#* keys only aggravates the arthritis.

I am still maintaining communication with Tourmobile, and willserve as "TrainingConsultant" for the spring and summer training classes. Narratortraining was alwaysmy favorite part of the job, so I am looking forward to it, and don'tmind at all notbeing bothered with the more mundane details of a full-time "position".I am inno big rush to go back to work, but am staying alert for anyinteresting possibilities. Iwas given not one but two going-away parties, and it was a real egotrip.

These days I am just enjoying myself-- staying out late,sleeping past noon, readingnumerous books and magazines from cover to cover in one sitting, andjust being generallylazy. I have made some half-hearted starts at some much-needed projectslike painting andhome repairs, but it will be some time before any of that gets intohigh gear. I am alsobusily deciding where to go on my travels and when. This might be theyear when you allwill see too much of me.

I spent two weeks in San Francisco in October, and it was amost delightful time. Iexpect to spend several weeks there in the spring if I can the the $$orgainized. Nothaving a regular paycheck is a rather unnerving thing to adjust to, butI think I willmanage after a fashion. It's important to remember that you will neverhave time and moneysimultaneously, so we must try to enjoy whichever commodity isavailable at the present. Ilove having the time. I had just adjusted to having the money, and inthe last three orfour months bought a new sofa (hide-a-bed, from W&J Sloaneyet), a stereo, coffeetable, a vacation in SF, and Christmas in Michigan. Paid cash for allthose treats, whichis quite a novelty for me. I am still paying off charge accounts forGod-knows-what(?),and if anyone ever needs a lecture about the evils of credit, pleasecall (202) 575 0786.

Christmas in Garden City was delightful as always. Dale and Igave a party for JudyBedard on the 26th, since she missed the 10 year high school reunion.Dull party, but it'salways nice to have an excuse to get together. She's back in Australianow.

I believe I'm at the end of the page. Now I'll sign off and gosoak my fingers in epsomsalts. Typing is some chore without the proper equipment. I'll beseeing everyone soon, Ihope.

Love,

Mark

P.S.: Don't compare dates. I rec'd this 2/3/77.

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1977 -- Winter

Greetings!

My big news is this typewriter. It's an Olivetti UnderwoodEditor 2, for those of uswho are into brand names. I traded it to Tourmobile for my OLD Zenightrecord player,which I convinced them they would need to own since they wouldn't beable to borrow it anymore. So a little BS goes a long way, and I have an electrictypewriter. I do much betterletters on this one than on that old miniature portable, and these keysare much easier onthe old fingers.

Old fingers! I turned 29 on June 4, and was not delighted byit. I thought it wasn'tsupposed to hit you til you're 30. I reviewed my life and all that, andwas not realpleased with myself. For awhile, that is. It took a day or so, but Irealized how manypositive things are in my favor. So, I got over that crisis, and ammore well-adjustedthan ever. Til my next birthday, anyhow.

So what have I been doing with myself? Quite a bit, not agreat deal-- it all dependson how you look at it. I have reacquainted myself with the D.C. PublicLibrary, and acceptmagazine donations from generous friends. I've reread many of the itemsin my owncollection. I get to read for as long as I want-- even all day if Ifeel like it, andsometimes I do. I can also lay around and listen to records as long asI want to, andactually have the luxury of just listening to music and not have to doanything else atthe same time. I read the whole newspaper every day, and enjoy thewhole thing. I visitfriends. I chat on the phone for hours. I go shopping (the windowvariety). Mostly I justdo whatever I feel like doing, whenever I want. Which is why allprojects here in theapartment remain in my imagination.

Travel News: I spent a week in New York City in April. It wasnice to get back to thebig city and have enough time to just walk around all day if I wantedto. Also, New Yorkis the bargain-hunting shopper's paradise, and I managed to pick upseveral fabulousbargains. If only I could just say "thank you" when someone says "niceshirt". Instead I say "Alexander's, $3.99". How immature! But I justwantpeople to know that they, too, can get these things. Hopeless...

I spent almost a week in Garden City in early May, justvisiting, getting my teethcleaned, and puttering around in the yard. It was nice and relaxing,and rich with newexperiences. Like attending Maria's First Communion Party. And eatingAlice's whole wheatbread fresh from the oven. And listening to Grandma's "oral history".Very nicetrip-- I drove my '73 Toyota, and got 30 miles to the gallon on thehighway. And I cameback with a carful of goodies, including two loaves of fresh-bakedbread. I won't mentionall my other prizes... I don't want to start any sibling rivalry.

I acted as "Training Consultant" for Tourmobile for threetwo-week periods,and just finished the last class on June 10th. Now I am free at last,and am in theprocess of planning my "big trip". I'm not sure just what is going tobeincluded yet, but I hope to do as much of the West as my meagerallowance will cover. Sowhat I'm saying is that if I don't show up on your doorstep, I'll sendyou a postcard.

Anne was here for several days in March, and Paul and Cindywere here a couple of daysin April. Both were nice visits, although too short. It really is niceto have"family company".

Love,

Mark

I had not intended to go on past the bottom of the page, but Ihadn't finished yet. Isthere a rule about more than one page?

I have a new hobby. Sewing. Can you live??!! It must be 'inthe blood' as they say. Theonly thing I sew is pillows, and I do a fine job on them. My specialtyis personalizedpillows for gifts. I zig-zag the person's name or initials across thefront of the pillowin some contrasting color. Then do the cording to match the letters.Very personal. Veryhandmade looking. Very cheap to do, especially for wedding and birthdaypresents. And verywell appreciated by the recipient (use i before e, except after c...how did that wordmanage to slip through Sister Carmel?). All these little treasures areproduced with thehelp of my Singer sewing machine, purchased by Eileen Schmitt for $15at a garage saleseveral years ago. Apparently I am not yet an expert on the machine,since the repairmancalled me indignantly on the phone and asked "Who's been playing withthismachine?" I explained that I had only 'adjusted' it myself. The manalmost died. Therepair bill was $34.50, but the machine works like a dream now. So therepairs were mybirthday present to myself. I planned to use that excuse when I buy mycamera-- guess I'llhave to think of some other creative excuse. Oh. To get back on thetrack, that whole longparagraph was to warn you all to expect pillows for Christmas.

Enough, enough. The letter took only four months to return tome, so I make haste. Asalways, it arrived just when desperately needed. I arrived home fromRehoboth Beach,Delaware last night with a horrendous sunburn, and was not lookingforward to the eveningof rubbing on lotions. There it was. So if this speed continues, we'llget it three timesa year. Oh! Out of Room!! Bye bye!!

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1977 -- Late Winter

Hi You-all--

Since I've had this letter almost three weeks without a goodexcuse, I thought I hadbetter get at it. This typewriter has been getting a real workout withresumes and lettersbegging employers to hire me. I am finally looking in earnest for ahigh-paying job, andit is quite a chore. I'm sure I will have good news the next time theletter comes my way.

Since I last wrote, I have got quite a bit done, bothtravelwise and projectwise. Ihave yet to become bored with not working, but economic considerationsare forcing me togive up my "life of leisure". The bank is beginning to insist that Imakedeposits to cover my checks and other withdrawals. VISA (formerlyBankAmericard, formerlyMichigan Bankard) also wants a little something each month. You allknow the story, I'msure. Event the mortgage company expects to get a check on the 5th ofeach month. Thankgoodness my car is paid for and still performing well.

I spent a weekend in late June in the Philadelphia area(actually Norristown, Pa) whenI was an usher in another Tourmobile wedding. I spent most of the timevisiting friends inPhiladelphia, and it was a real Italian wedding, similar to Dick andPietrina's ten yearsago.

I took my "big trip" out west in August and returned inmid-September. I wasgone five weeks, most of which were spent in San Francisco. The weatherwas lovelyalthough quite dry, and I had a great time. Dale finally moved into afabulous place witha view of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.It even has asundeck on the roof. I had my own room (the den-guest room), and wentabout my ownbusiness as I pleased. We took a weekend trip to Reno and Lake Tahoewhich was alsodelightful. Dale planned the trip to coincide with a rodeo in Reno. Hehas gone"Western" in a big way, but you know Dale. I enjoyed the slot machinesand othergambling much more than the rodeo, but it was all fun. Lake Tahoe is asclear and blue asthe postcards show, although it is quite built up and getting worse. Ihad planned to getto Seattle and San Diego, but never did get that far from SF. Thoseplaces are not asclose together as I had led myself to believe. The whole "vacation" wasreallygreat, and it was nice not to have to rush back to work when I got backhome.

I've put in about 100 feet of shelving since June, and stillhave more junk to dealwith. Shelves line an entire wall in the bedroom, and half a wall inthe kitchen. Allcupboards and closets are still full (bulging). Perhaps I should havebeen raised in afamily that throws things out, but I'm afraid it's too late for that.Now I am trying tofigure some way to cut a hole in the ceiling, so that I can takeadvantage of the atticspace above my apartment.

I am including a photo of one of my sewing projects. It's myfriend Mitchell's sofa,most of which had been eaten by Scarlett, the Irish Setter. All pillowswere made by me,and I was quite proud of it. I have already started sewing forChristmas, so beware.

I finally got my camera in September. Guess I'd better turnthe page, eh?

It's a Canon FTb, just like Dick and Tom both have. I got atelephoto lens and otherequipment with it, but have not yet become comfortable with all thatstuff. I've takenover 200 pictures already, and am pleased with most of them. I amlearning, and will havecamera in hand next time you-all see me. Beware!

In September I was elected to the Board of Directors of mycondominium group. I am thesecretary, and the whole experience is a real eye-opener. I havealready attended anaverage of two meetings a week. I haven't met so often since the WestHigh "floatmeetings", and believe me, those were a lot more fun. But this reallyis aneducational experience. I am learning a lot, and getting to know moreneighbors.

I gained ten pounds I didn't need while I was in SanFrancisco, so I am on a severediet. Again... the story of my life, I guess. I hope to be back at mygoal (165 lbs) byChristmas, but that's a tall order. If only I could grow 4 inches(vertically), my weightwould be in perfect proportion.

Guess I'll get this off. In the meantime, don't worry aboutme. I renewed my Tour Guidelicense and hope to do some freelancing while I look for the right job.And I still havesome money left, although not much. These months off have beenmarvelous for my mind andpersonality, so there is some profit in idleness. Enough philosophy. Ilove you all. Seeyou at Christmas.

Love,

Mark

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1978

Hello Everyone--

The big news this time around is that I am gainfully employedwith the DC Government. Iwork for the Dept. of Finance and Revenue in the AssessmentAdministration office. Ouroffice handles all real estate assessment and property tax matters. Thework is quiteinteresting, and I am gaining a great deal of practical knowledge. Theboss (who is myneighbor) brought me in on a temporary (4 months) appointment. He hassince told me thathe is very pleased with my performance, and he is in the process ofcreating a"permanent" job (more $$$) for me. So I am satisfied with the outlookfor thenear future.

My job is right downtown on Pennsylvania Avenue, right acrossfrom the National Galleryof Art. I use public transportation (buses) to get to and from work. Mycar often sits athome for three or four days at a time. It seems to have adjusted quitewell to neglect,and I enjoy the bus ride, at least in the morning. I'm up at 6, out thedoor by 7:10, andin the office by 8 AM. It's quite an adjustment for a confirmed latesleeper, but the workis quite enjoyable so I have adjusted readily. The department stores,liquor stores,museums, main library, etc., are all just a few blocks away, so mylunch hours are filledwith errands. I'm starting to feel "urban" again. The next time thislettercomes my way, I expect I'll have a real title to impress you-all with.In the meantime,I'm happy to be working again.

My new boss has graciously consented to give me time off sothat I can do narratortraining for Tourmobile in June. I plan to do four weeks of training.It's something Ienjoy doing, and Tourmobile pays me quite well as a consultant. Sothings seem to beworking out very nicely, thanks.

Travelwise, 1978 doesn't look like much for me. I started thenew year off inPhiladelphia with Dale, but travel funds are low on the budget thisyear. Maybe a quicktrip to New York...

I'm still active on my condominium's board of directors, andget to print thenewsletter (the Fairfax Tattler) once a month. Projects in theapartment still get put offdue to lack of funds, energy, or interest-- although I did paint mybedroom red in April.I'm still learning my camera and taking lots of pictures. My sociallife is very active,and I'm enjoying life.

My big event for 1978 is my 30th birthday, which is fastapproaching (June 4). I findthat I'm looking forward to being 30, although that may be sour grapes.I feel more incontrol of my life, and more and more content that I can and do prettymuch as I please.

I have always been proud to be a Schmitt, but never more sothan at the time of Anne'sfuneral. The behavior and attitudes of family and friends of the familyhas strengthenedmy character and my respect for all of you. We really are lucky to havesuch a large andstrong family, and I think that Anne's death will bring us closertogether.

Love to all,

Mark

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1979 -- Spring

Dear Everyone--

I confess. I am the guilty party this time. I have had thisletter two months and Ihumbly apologize. I am also loaded with reasons. The last two monthshave been extremelyhectic for me. I did a month of narrator training for Tourmobile frommid-March tomid-April, then drove across country in a drive-away car which didn'tmake it all the way.I was back in California for a week when I had to fly back toWashington for the funeralof a close friend who was killed in a tragic elevator accident. The dayafter the funeral,I had to fly to Dallas to work a convention. Now I'm back in DCpreparing for anothermonth or six weeks of narrator training.

I guess all of you know about my new job by now. I startedworking in August for ICSInternational Travel in San Francisco. ICS stands for Incentives,Conventions, Seminars.We run mostly incentive programs for various companies (Shaklee, Avon,Ford Motor Co., adinfinitum). People attending these programs are being rewarded fortheir good jobperformance-- top sales, etc. They are not paying for anything, so theyare in a prettygood frame of mind for these programs. My job is with the "road crew"which runsthe programs, most of the time on the road. Since starting in August, Ihave been on aCarribean cruise, three trips to Hawaii, one to New York City, andseveral smallerprograms in such locales as Kansas City, Wilmington, Chicago, and ofcourse San Francisco.The work is somewhat seasonal-- very heavy from late summer to latefall, and notparticularly lucrative. So I supplement my meager income by flying Eastto do theTourmobile training. My particular job with ICS is the groundtransportation. When I amworking on a program, I meet participants at the airport and put theminto theirtransportation-- Deluxe motorcoaches (buses), taxis, or limosines,depending on the budgetof our client. Of course it's more pleasant to work with a largerbudget, and I ratherenjoy helping them spend their money. We also work with the hotels, theairlines, and soon. The work is challenging-- we are expected to solve the numerouscrises that occur, andevery day is something new. I run around in a three piece suit and looklike I own theplace-- wherever we are, so it really is enjoyable work. The experienceis valuable, andwho knows what I might develop from this?

I am settled in Oakland with Dale, Aaron Jones, and Buster (a4 year old Basset). Welive in a beautiful house in the hills and have a magnificent view ofOakland, SanFrancisco, the Bay, the bridges, Alcatraz, and just a peek at theocean. I rented mycondominium in Washington to a good friend-- fully furnished. Guestsare invited to visitif you can find me there. I will be in DC through June, in Oaklandthrough about midAugust, when I go to Vienna and Munich to work. New Address: 31Asilomar Circle, Oakland,Ca., 94611 (415) 339 9000. And in DC I am staying with Mitchell at theabove address [19East Linden, Alexandria, Va., 22301]. Phone (703) 548 7881.

I suppose this all sounds like all work and no play, but I gofor weeks at a timewithout working so I do have time for myself, which I find quitenecessary. Then when itrains it pours. I was able to spend a couple of days with Mary and Jimin Houston after Iworked in Dallas last week, and she put me right to work in the backyard. I also spend afew days with the Schmitts in Garden City on my drive across the USA inApril. I hope todo some more visiting this year when I have the time. Of course, Iwon't have the money,but it always works out that way.

I'll sign off for now-- I am supposed to be revising theNarration manual so it can geto the printer by Tuesday. Once again, forgive my late letter. And letsmove this thingFAST.

Love to all,

Mark

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1979 -- Winter

Hello to Everyone--

Once again, I have held up "the Letter". Sorry, sorry. Ireturned from a longtrip last Monday and have not been near a typewriter since then.

Since my last report in May, things have been going prettymuch the same. Theconvention business went in high gear in early August and still hasanother month to go.To make matters brief: Mid-August was in Vienna, Austria with a shortstop in Munich, anda before and after overnighter in Chicago. September was spent in theMagic Kingdom, bothin Anaheim, CA and Orlando, FL. If I never see another Mickey Mouse itwill be too soon.October has been somewhat more interesting with a trip to Nassau thefirst weekk, a coupleof days in New York City, and then the finale: 11 days in Norman,Oklahoma. So much forthe glamorous travel business. To backtrack, I returned from ournation's capital in earlyJuly after two months work (for old faithful Tourmobile). July wasspent doing drearyoffice jobs for ICS in San Francisco.

I am currently preparing for the final trip of my season, aseries of small programsfor Avon. It looks like I get to spend 4 days in Norwich, Connecticutbefore going on toWashington, D.C. for a couple of weeks. Then it's off to Garden City,Michigan forThanksgiving and Mom's birthday with the Schmitts.

This schedule and this type of work seem to suit me just fine.I have officially been aCalifornia resident for well over a year, and I like California justfine. My job allows(in fact, forces) me to travel regularly and I have managed to visitWashington four timessince relocating. I am now ready to head for Washington once again. Ireally haven't had achance to miss my friends since I get to see them quite often inWashington, and manypeople have come to visit me in CA.

We have a lovely house with a spectacular view in Oakland.There is a guest room whichI will happily fill with relatives should any of you be lucky enough toget out this way.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at Thanksgiving inMichigan. I will be stayingin California for Christmas this year, for the first time.

Love to All--

Mark

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1980 -- Spring

Dear All:

This letter seems to be moving briskly once again, and Ishan't hold things up. I wouldlike to just take a few lines to re-establish the rules of this letter.I believe that twoweeks is the limit that anyone is allowed to keep the letter. As we areall extremely busy(if one is to believe the info one reads), we can all understand howmuch trouble it takesto get "the letter" out on time. However, if things are so hectic thatonecannot find time to add one's page, may I suggest that one send theletter along to thenext person, who may be starving for family news. Then, when one's turncomes around thenext time, one would have even more interesting items to fill a page.If we maintain a twoweek limit, the letter will arrive 3 or 4 times a year, rather than the1 or 2 times itnow graces our mailboxes. Enough said?

And now for the news: I am currently enjoying a visit fromPaul, who is attending amedical conference in San Francisco. I took the day off Wednesday andwe toured the winecountry in my new (to me) '76 Fiat red convertible. With the top down,of course. I wouldwelcome visitors, and will be in town until August.

Since I last wrote, I have changed my job status. I am stillwith the same company (ICSInternational Travel, Inc.), but I am now in a management position. InJanuary, there wasa big management shakeup, and I was one of the replacements in theField Operationsdepartment. I am doing the same type of work, but with moreresponsibility, and with asteady paycheck. When not traveling with conventions, I report to theoffice in SanFrancisco on a daily basis. I have a lot more to do with thepreparations for theconventions and am getting to really know the incentive travelbusiness. I like the joband the benefits and am learning a lot.

Since I wrote in October, I spent time in Connecticut(unexciting) and two weeks inWashington, D.C. on an Avon program. I was in Garden City forThanksgiving. Christmas wasspent away from the ancestral home for the first time, and I enjoyedChristmas inCalifornia. In February I spent a week in New Orleans (also Avon) andthe timing wasperfect: I was there for Mardi Gras. In March I traveled to Monte Carlofor another Avontrip, then went directly to Maui, Hawaii, for Howstess (Twinkies,cupcakes, etc.). Thelast trip was the first I was in complete charge of, and was a realpleasure. I came backwith a nice suntan which has already disappeared.

My travel picture for the coming months is not completely set,butI hope to see as manyof you as possible real soon.

Personally, I am doing just great. The steady paycheck hasimproved my disposition andcircumstances, although I do miss the large amounts of free time towhich I had accustomedmyself. C'est la vie.

I expect to get this letter in 14 weeks. That's August 15.Till then...

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1980 -- Fall

Hello to All!

After the lecture I gave in my last letter, I should beashamed to have held up theletter for almost three weeks. However, the letter arrived in mymailbox one day after Ileft for a two week trip, from which I have just returned.

The most recent two week trip involved two Caribbean cruiseson the Paquet Line's S.S.Dolphin. In between the two cruises I spent four days in Miamicultivating a suntan anddoing little else. When the second cruise was finished, I was off toLincolnshire,Illinois to run a sales management meeting for Avon. A very nice easytrip.

In August I was in charge of two big conferences for Avon.Both conferences werecomprised of 450-475 people. The first was in Chicago at the DrakeHotel, my first realexperience with Chicago, and a very positive one. The second Avonconference was at theHyatt Regency Dearborn, and our local "support staff" included Marthaand PhilipSchmitt, as well as many other familiar names. Mom and Dad came to seejust what myglamourous and exciting career is really all about, and they graciouslyhosted a staffdinner at 31211 Brown when the conference was over. I spent severaldays in Garden Cityrecuperating from the exhaustive work schedule, and also doing lots ofgardening projectswhen it wasn't raining.

I am really enjoying my work and all the travel to excitinglocations now that I knowwhat I am doing. The job provides lots of variety and I meet lots ofpeople. I get highvisibility in the hotels, and am now known as "Mr. Schmitt" all overthecountry. I don't know how long I will last as the hours are quitedemanding, but I amenjoying it while I can. I also don't know how long my company willstay in business, butI think I would not have too much trouble finding work, especially withall the valuableexperience I am rapidly gaining.

On the pleasure travel side, our whole office took a trip toScottsdale, Arizona inearly June. The heat there was unbelievable, but we had a good time.Over the 4th of Julyweekend several of us from the office took a trip to Honolulu, just tolie in the sun andinspect a couple (4) hotels. I am finally getting a few of those muchtalked-about"travel benefits".

Kathleen and Robert paid me a visit in early July. It wastheir first trip toCalifornia and they had a wonderful time. I had lunch with them one daywhile I was inGarden City in early September.

I was able to help Dad transfer Grandma from 31211 Brown toFontbonne Manor in Nazarethwhile I was home. The place is filled with little old nuns, and Gramshould get all theattention she cares to get.

Personally, I am doing fine. I dieted for several months thisspring and summer, and amnow tipping the scales at about 160 lbs (5 lbs less than my high schoolweight), so I amlooking and feeling pretty good. I have fully adjusted to Californiaand I love it outhere.

I don't know my holiday schedule at this point, but I hope tobe able to see mosteveryone sometime soon.

Love to All,

Mark

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1981

Hello Everyone:

Best not to be too specific on the date [Mark dated it "Autumn1981"]. Thingshave really been hopping since I got this letter some weeks ago.

I am currently in New York City working on advancepreparations for another Avonprogram (to be held at the Waldorf-Astoria next week). I will be in NYCfor a total ofabout 4 weeks this trip, the second long trip in just a couple ofmonths. ICS is keepingme busy enough to keep the bills paid, well at least the minimum.

Summer was quite busy. In August I worked the Shaklee SilverJubillee for Dale in SanFrancisco. Before that I was in Chicago and Washington, D.C. for Avon,with three weeks inNYC before that. In June I made my first trip to Italy, seeing all themajor cities in oneweek. May brought me to Monte Carlo again.

I have been free-lancing this year, ever since ICS closed theSan Francisco office lastDecember (1980). Most of my work has come through ICS in NYC, and Ihave worked a coupleShaklee programs for Dale. It is nice to be removed from the constant 9to 5, but it seemsI have to work so much harder when I am working, just to protect allthat time off I sodesperately need.

I am enjoying the work, which does have many advantages suchas travel, luxury, never adull moment, etc. But the work is pretty high-pressure at times, anddoes require nicevacations in between jobs. And of course the politics get very excitingat times, whichhappens on every job, I guess.

I have no garden to report on, just the usual house plants,thriving just like theirowner on the California sunshine. I really love it out there, and wouldlove to welcomesome guests.

I will rush this off, and hope that I am allowed toparticipate in its rounds nexttime.

Guess I will see everyone over some of the holidays this falland winter.

Love,

Mark

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1982-- Spring

Greetings!

Please note the new information above [1911 South Van Ness,San Francisco, CA 94110,(415) 550 0514]. Dale and I and Buster (our Basset Hound) have movedfrom the OaklandHills to THE CITY. We already miss the old place, but the owners wantedto move back intotheir house, so there wasn't much we could do to stay. We decided sincewe had to move, wemight as well move into the city and cut down on our mileage andtraffic headaches.

We have found a spacious flat (top floor) in a vintage (1885)Victorian house in SanFrancisco's Mission District. This is a sunny area, if such a placeexists in the city.The flat lacks certain things we are accustomed to (such as more thanone bathroom, adishwasher, disposal, numerous decks, etc., etc.), but the location ismost convenient forgetting around the city and onto the freeways. We have 14 foot ceilingsand nice hardfloors, two marble fireplaces, etc. All things I can look at whilewaiting for Dale to getout of the bathroom. There is also a "garden" out in the back of thehouse whichis in severe need of my red clippers, and I can hardly wait. We alsohave a back porchwhich can be fixed up with some plants and chairs. So it won't be whatwe are used to, butit will be comfortable once we it is all pulled together.

We still have room for houseguests on the hide-a-bed in ourfamily room-den. Pleasegive me lots of notice as I already have lots of guests coming in thenext several weeks.

I have started working full-time again for ICS InternationalTravel, Inc. They haveopened a new office in San Mateo (about 10 minutes below San Franciscoairport). It's justlike working in Southern California, lots of sun and palm trees andshopping centers andall that. I drive 21 miles each way, the reverse of rush hour traffic.My new work addressand phone: 3125 Clearview Way, San Mateo, CA, 94402, (415) 574 3344.

It doesn't look like I will be traveling much at all untilmid-October. Then we areoperating a huge (5000 persons) program in Honolulu for the CambridgeDiet Plan.

Please remember the new address when mailing checks andletters to me. No more bills,please. I have enough stacked to last for years.

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1982 -- Fall

Hi Everybody!

Instead of rehashing my standard letter, I am just reproducingit above. Just put onyour corrective lenses to read. [Mark has a reduced standard letter toeveryone, which canis under 8/1/1982.]

As you can see, I am back at work again, doing pretty much thesame job as before. I amcurrently recruiting Travel Directors for the huge program in theworks. I like the joband the steady paycheck, and who knows what will happen?

I have had visits from Martha and Philip this summer. Marthaand I took the Amtrackfrom Oakland to Seattle and spent a few days with Pam Salvatore beforeand after visitingPaul and Cindy and seeing all the sights in and around Roslyn. Philiparrived just a fewdays before we had to move, and he was a tremendous help all the wayaround.

Early this year I did a lot of free-lance assignments for ICS,and got to Mexico(Cancun) for the first time. I kept fairly busy, but not enough to keepup with thecreditors, so it is for the best that I am full time again.

I had a short visit from Kathleen and Robert and their sonDouglas, but Aunt Tiny diedthe night they arrived, so it was a very brief stay.

This is on the way. Hope to see some/all of you soon.

Love,

Mark

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1983 -- Spring

Hello Everyone:

The letter has been returned to me in just seven months, so Iwill follow the sterlingexample of those ahead of me and rush this newsy item on its way afteronly a couple ofdays of putting it off.

Since I wrote in August, I have been very busy with my job.Two weeks of terror inHawaii in November was followed by six slow weeks. Then it wasChristmas time, and Daleleft town for Southern California. Pam Salvatore spent several dayswith me over theholidays, and I had the full tree and all the other trimmings.

Since the start of the new year, I have been around quite abit. I managed to do a tripto Chicago the first week of January and was able to get to Garden Cityto help celebratethe 40th wedding anniversary of the folks. A very quick trip, butbetter than nothing.

I've also done a program down in Atlanta, and one in New YorkCity during the bigblizzard in February. Then down to Washington for a couple of days, atrip to short tocatch up with all my old friends and possesions.

My big trip to Rio (February 27-March 6) was a lot of hardwork, but it was filled withthe excitement of that city, which was all we had heard about. Ofcourse, I was workinglike mad, and not indulging in all the excitement, but it was quite aworth while trip(for Avon, very deluxe). I also spent a couple of days prior to the Riotrip in FortLauderdale visiting friends and hoping to get a slight tan (rainedevery day).

Now I'm back in town for what looks like awhile, but you neverknow in the travelindustry. We are waiting for our biggest client to sign a fewcontracts, so the future isstill uncertain for the next few months. But things will pick up as theeconomy picks up,and I will be too busy again.

It's good to see that more Schmitts are traveling these days.I still have room forguests, and with Dale traveling almost constantly, I usually have lotsof space. It issort of like a Victorian bed and breakfast. Of course relatives canmake their ownbreakfast.

Weather in California this winter is WET WET WET!!!!! and lotsmore is promised in thenext several weeks. Hopefully any of you planning trips out this waywill plan them in amore temperate season (late spring or fall-- rains all summer too!). Istill love it outhere, and plan to stay until some real sweet offer comes my way, and Iam not exactlyfending off too many sweet offers these days.

Hope to see you all this year. Let's stay on the right trackwith THE LETTER and keepin this close touch...

Love to all,

Mark

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1983 -- Fall

Hello to everyone!

The main news from here is that I am now "free-lancing" onceagain, havingbeen "laid off" (with six other victims) once again by my formeremployer, ICSInternational Travel Inc. They are on another downturn, same old story.

I am enjoying the free-lancing lifestyle again. I have beenfairly busy since leavingICS in late August. Travel Incentives, Inc. has discovered me. I haveworked for them acouple of times this fall. I took my first trip through Canada (by air,although we drovetwo limousines from Seattle to Vancouver on a beautiful sunny day). TII(please remember,initials only for these "incentives houses") has as its major client:AppleComputer, so at least its not diets and health foods or cosmetics for achange. After 5Canadian cities in 5 days, I headed for Garden City to relax for a fewdays. Saw lots offamily, Tom's pool and ambitious deck, Debbie's Jaguar, etc... Ivisited Philip atCollege, had dinner with Greg and Amy. Martha came for the weekend. Ieven met Philip'sgirlfriend. So I had to head back here to rest up from all that! Had acouple of weeksoff, now am working on a project, then off to Honolulu next week. I ampaying the bills(the minimum) trying to keep overhead down. Viva free lance-a!

Prior to my release from full-time employment, I traveled tosuch locales as KansasCity, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., and several side tripsto Las Vegas! Ialways like to go someplace new.

Otherwise things are fairly dull around here. Dale iscontinually traveling, with hisjob and without. Buster is my devoted companion, man's best friend tothe nth degree.Visitors would be welcome. We have a sunny deck and usually an extrabedroom.

Concerning Mom's query about saving these letters (foreventual publication): I havemade copies of all letters since August 1976. My version ofwhite-collar crime. Theletters are organized, chronologically, in a 3 ring binder, anoccupational hazard. I haveall my own originals since 1983, making this the ten year anniversaryof ***THE LETTER***

Congratulations! I hope to see as many of you as I can as soonas I can. Happyholidays. Keep the letter moving... Anyone wishing to copy old lettersand forward them tome for the archives, please do so. I'm sure you will be appalled tohear that I copied thephotos too!!!

Love to all...

Mark

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1983 -- Winter

Dear Mom and Dad:

Well, I have some news for a change! I start a new Job Mondayin the Los Angeles area!Yes, I am moving, driving my car down tomorrow. I am just takingclothing and personalnecessities, big stuff will come later.

The new job is with Travel Incentives, Inc, 650 HampshireRoad, Westlake Village, CA,91361, (213) 707 0102. The location is west of Los Angeles, right onthe Ventura countyline. It's right on Highway 101, which of course goes right back intoLos Angeles.

I will be doing pretty much my usual job, handling fieldoperations, staffing,uniforms, advance planning, etc... I will also do a few more "siteinspections"where you fly off with the client and hold their hands 24 hours a dayinspectingballrooms, etc. TII is a small concern, about 15 in Westlake Village, 3or 4 in Sunnyvale(where I worked "on assignment" but didn't really want to work fulltime in thatoffice). It is extremely busy, with dozens of clients and almostconstant programs. I willbe extremely busy the first half of 1984 for sure. It is a much quickerpace than I amaccustomed to, but I think I can adjust. I know my limits.

TII is owned by twin brothers, about 45, Mike and Phil Moss. Ihad met Phil severalyears back on a program in Maui. My dear friend Denise Reseter hasworked for them for thepast couple of years. She was my connection for "free-lance" with TII,they likemy work. So they offered me a job when I was in Hawaii doing the Appleconvention withthem. I agreed to come down and talk to both brothers at once. We had alunch interview,agreed to terms, and they wanted me down right away.

I'll be staying at Craig Schaefer's apartment, 859 N June St.#105, Los Angeles, CA,90038, (213) 467 2424 (he has a message machine).

Craig is in show business and has fortunately (for me!)accepted an assignment for twomonths in Australia. So I will live comfortably while I hunt for my ownsmall, cheapmansion. Craig's place is in Hollywood, so I will drive my aging Fiatup to Denise's placein Laurel Canyon. It'll be a long commute, but should be fun, we caneven discuss businessin the car (after we finish Ann Landers, gossip, etc.).

Things have worked out great for me. I have wanted to movedown to Los Angeles, the bigcity, for some time. I got a job without having to go look for one, itcame to me. I thinkI will be happy there.

Dale will be staying in San Francisco for awhile, he gets ahuge promotion at Shakleeand gets heavier into production. Also more $$$$. So he stays and I go.He will move outof our big flat, hopefully where he can walk to work downtown.

We are keeping the SF flat through December 31. I hope to flyup for Thanksgiving andChristmas holidays to pack things up, etc. Since neither one of usknows where we'regoing, furniture decisions are delayed. I will take some, Dale willtake some. He wants meto take almost everything, I want him to keep it all in SF. Same oldstory. We have enoughto furnish two places. Also undecided is the fate of poor Buster, ourBasset Hound. He iseight, we've had him for five years! But I will be travelingconstantly, at least atfirst. At least we don't have to decide today.

I'm not sure where I'll end up living, I could either head forthe beach or the city.I've got a little time to scout around, am sure I'll find something Ilike, and canafford.

I'm sure I won't be your way for the upcoming holidays. Butthis new job will probablyget me to your door real soon!!!

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Love,

Mark

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1984 -- Spring

Dear Everyone:

Everything is just fine here in sunny Southern California. Iam all settled in. It wasnot difficult to adjust to sunshine every day. It is true that it neverrains in SouthernCalifornia. We've had two days of rain since I arrived last November.

I am firmly settled in at my job as well, in fact it seemslike I've been here foryears. I am Field Operations Manager at Travel Incentives, Inc. Sameold job as usual,recruiting free-lance staff for incentive travel programs. I'm workingwith a lot of thesame people I have been dealing with for the last five or six years.The only unattractivepart of the job is the daily commute, 35 miles each way. I occasionallysuccumb to"freeway fever" and totally miss my exit. However, with the car poolthishappens less frequently, since one of us is assigned as navigator, andcan be blamed if wesomehow go astray.

I am quite settled into my little garden apartment. I am justcompleting a majorproject: A flagstone patio just outside my door. I purchased Arizonaflagstone @ $.07 apound, and now have a huge patio, all for about $100.00 in materials.Labor was"free", I did it all myself. These major projects don't move as brisklyas theyonce did (when I was younger). Anyhow, the patio is beautiful, thegarden is green, I justreach up and pick fresh lemons off the tree. We also have orange,grapefruit, and avocadotrees on the property. And I can lean out the window from my bed andpick freshstrawberries. The rent is cheap, there is parking, etc., and it's 3blocks to BeverlyHills.

I have a hide-a-bed sofa for guests. Mom & Dad keepthreatening to visit. I enjoyeda short visit from Jim Masal this spring. The rest of you are welcome.Just be sure torent a car. Accomodations are complimentary, transportation is not.There is plenty to doaround here, especially for the first-time visitor.

Work has kept me pretty busy, but my traveling has beensharply curtailed. I guess I'mjust too valuable to be out of the office for very long. I did aone-week Caribbean Cruise(Apple Computer) in February, in January three cities (also Apple)including Dallas, so Iwas able to drop in on Mary & Jim, in fact Mary came over tothe hotel and helped.Then in April we did a giant (3,500 participants) program in SanFrancisco (Apple again).Other than those few excursions, and a couple of trips to Hawaii, ithas been strictlystay-at-home, which is fine with me.

I will now close and do my part in zooming this letter on itsway. Let's try to move ita little faster and spend less time thinking up acceptable reasons fordelay. Things aretough all over, especially on the remote relations anxiously awaitingthis literarymasterpiece. Just to refresh the rules: You get two WEEKS and not twoMONTHS to add yourpiece.

Love to all,

Mark

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1984 -- Winter

Dear All:

I would like to compliment everyone on the swiftness withwhich THE LETTER has moved onthis most recent issue. Four months is just fine, we should get itthree times a year atthis rate. This current issue is a sterling example of THE LETTER atits best. Pietrinawas expressing contrition for going over one page. The one pagerestriction is bestforgotten. Please continue to report all the news that's fit to print.And if you go ontopage two, you might as well fill it up. Also, I'd like to welcome Gregand Amy to theletter. It is unlikely that Amy could be thrown off the letter afterwriting such ahilarious piece. Humor is always welcome.

My travel routine is still rather slow. In August, I did asmall program in Seattle andVictoria, B.C. Following the program, I took a week's vacation,shuttling between Paul,Cindy, and Gideon in Roslyn and Pam Salvatore in Seattle. Have alsodone programs inHonolulu and San Francisco. Nothing too exciting.

This month marks the completion of one year of living inLotusland. It's been a goodyear, I really like it here, particularly the weather. I love my littleplace in thegarden, it's just what I've always wanted.

I'm looking forward to a busy holiday season, with Mom and Dadvisiting the week afterThanksgiving. Alice was here this past weekend, and Mary & Jimand Alice will all behere over Christmas. I haven't had Christmas with the family in YEARS.

Alice is just a cheapie airfare away from me in Phoenix, andhas been to see me twicealready. I hope to see her frequently, I'm sure she will need a breakfrom the world ofsocial work and altruism.

I'll practice what I preach and send this masterpiece on itsmerry way. I hope to seelots of you in the coming months. Happy Holidays.

Love to All,

Mark

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1985

Dear Family:

I must say I was delighted to get the letter so soon. Medalsshould be awarded allaround. Now let's just keep up the momentum...

I'm just back from a three-city thing for Apple Computer. Idid San Francisco,Portland, and Seattle. Had a good time in San Francisco visiting withold friends (Macy's,etc.). Wound up the program in Seattle, and Paul, Cindy, Gideon, andMorgan all came intoSeattle to pick me up. We had a nice room service lunch, and enjoyedthe view. Gideonespecially enjoyed the monorail, the fire trucks and buses, the planes,and the boats onthe Sound. Then I went out to Roslyn for one overnight. The mainreason, other thanrelatives, was to pick up bread sticks at the Cle Elum Bakery. Theseare outstanding,don't miss this stop if you are visiting these Schmitts.

I also spent one night with Pam Salvatore in Seattle, trimmingup her rose bushesbefore she would allow me to head back to L.A.

Spring is here in Los Angeles. The camellias have just abouthad it, and the azaleasare just starting to pop. Many of the bulbs I got for Christmas arejust about to bloom.It is beautiful. Weather is not really toasty, but it's nice when thesun is shining.

Work is fine, the same old thing. I am not traveling as muchas in the past, and that'sfine with me. Only easy trips and destinations where I can visitfriends and relativesinterest me. Of course I hope to visit a few "new" places like HongKong in thefuture, but time will tell.

Had a nice visit from Mom and Dad after Thanksgiving. Theywill probably have been hereagain as the letter goes around. It is nice to have them, and I extendmy invitation tothe rest of you. I can sleep two "guests" comfortably, three in acrampedmanner. Now that the weather is nice, we can do a lot of that famousSouthern CaliforniaOutdoor Living. Just be sure and give me plenty of warning, and rent acar. I'm just anhour from Disneyland, and conveniently close to other southlandattractions.

We had a nice Christmas in California with Mary and Jim andAlice. I'll offer "nocomment" on the Christmas gift exchange dialogue. I'm sure you will allmake theright decision. It is comforting to know that this is one of thebiggest problems in ourfamily. Count those blessings.

Love to All,

Mark

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1986 -- Spring

Dear Everyone:

Please don't compare dates, as I am already pleading "guiltyas charged", andwith no catastrophic explanation. As the one most often remindingothers of keeping theletter too long, I certainly do know the rules. So in the interest ofsaving time, I amattaching the 55 deadly alibi list.

I also flunked the new Christmas gift exchange, and hope tocatch up by March. I guessI will remove myself from the 1986 list, and just go back to my old wayof doing it.

It sure was nice to see everybody last year, I hope we can doit again this year. Itlooks like there will be a few occasions. This is my 20th year sincehigh schoolgraduation, and I hope to attend (but not plan) the reunion this year.

Since I left full-time employment last July, I had a nice longrest, then started doingfree-lance stuff again in October. I am still dealing with the sameclients, just notgoing through the rigors of that daily grind. I have not done a lot ofassignments, but amright now in the midst of a heavy schedule of programs. Just did sevendays in SanFrancisco for seven days with Shaklee. I don't have a lot for the booksafter that, butthe assignments will come, they always do. I'm keeping the overheadlow, so I won't haveto take just any old thing, and can still spend lots of time loungingaround my garden,etc.

I enjoyed quite a number of guests during my leisure months.Not working in the officemakes me a better host. Alice even found out that I can cook a coupleof things, somethingshe never learned on her many prior visits. She and Martha came while Ihad a number ofother friends in town, and we had quite a ball, taking tours ofHollywood and looking athouses in Beverly Hills. We even went to the zoo! So this might be agood year forvisitors, I might even accompany visitors to Disneyland. But, nopromises.

Not much other news to report. I still putter in the garden,and when I left on January23, the oranges, lemons, and grapefruits were ripe and the trees wereloaded. Camelliaswere in bloom, the azaleas were just starting, the daffodils were justpopping, and thestrawberries were blooming. I love that climate, we can grow just aboutanything buttulips and peonies. The situation here is ideal, since a gardener comestwice a week forthe major stuff, and I just add to it all, and play around in thegarden for relaxation.

My main reason for delaying the letter is lack of a decenttypewriter with a correctionkey. I got spoiled by that great word processor I had at the office,and this one is aconvention rental. Next time I will get the letter off in two weeks orelse jump off theGolden Gate Bridge. Sound repentant enough??

Love to all. Hope to see everyone this year, and soon.

Mark

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1986 -- Fall

Dear Everyone:

This time I will not be guilty of holding up THE LETTER fromits appointed rounds. Igot it just the other day, and out it goes. It's been a busy year sinceI last wrote inJanuary. My "free-lance" career has just taken off, and I'm as busy asI want tobe. I have been just about everywhere in the U.S. this year, and stillhave several citiesto go before the season is over (mid-November).

I was not working during May and June, and had a lovely timevisiting family andfriends back East. All of May was spent in Washington, D.C. It was alovely time to visit,not too hot. And most of June was spent in Michigan, the main eventthere being of courseMartha and Jon's wedding. I also did a major gardening project there atthe old homestead(area between driveway and fence, bike shed and Hammer's. Small areabut it seemed like amajor job at the time).

A set of programs I did for Apple in July brought me backthrough Garden City again,the program was at the Novi Hilton! And then I went on to New York Cityand Washingtonagain.

Now I'm in Boca Raton, Fla., and will go back to Garden Cityafter this for my 20 YearReunion for GC High.

Otherwise, everything is fine, fine, fine. Garden is doinggreat, the strawberries werereally sweet this year. And all the flowers are looking beautiful.Someone waters for mewhen I go on these extended trips.

Nothing else much new, especially since I've seen all theletter recipients alreadythis year.

Hope to see more of everyone soon.

Love,

Mark

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1987

Hello Everyone!

I'm sure I now hold the world's record for delaying the LETTERthe longest ever. Iapologize to everyone, and beg your forgiveness.

The main reason for procrastinating so long is of course, thetypewriter. As I'm sureyou have by now guessed, my fingers are black from ribbon fights. [Thisletter is veryfaint, and very hard to read.] We will just cooperate until the end ofthe page, then goshopping for keyboards. The only things I miss from my days of workingin the office arethe typewriters-- and going out to lunch every day!

I have been busy (mostly) working since my last installment.Just finished up the busyspring season. Since Christmas, I was lucky to have several assignmentsin SouthernCalifornia locations: San Diego, Palm Springs, and even Los Angeles. Itwas wonderful todrive to an assignment instead of going through all those airports.Also got to Aculpulcofor the first time, and recently did a deluxe trip to Lake Coma, Italyvia Orient Expressto Lucerne, Switzerland, then up to the Alps for our hotel. The idealtrip, I wouldn'tmind a few more like that. I had my pocket picked by the gypsies inMilan. Lots of cash(expense account) in my front pants pocket. It was quite exciting.Anyhow, I've had lotsof work, and am booked through the fall.

I have gone whole hog on my garden this year. Planted all new[unreadable, looks likea'eal, certainly some plant I've never heard of], etc. It looks quitebeautiful. Theimpatiens are in full glory... strawberries, fuchsias, lemons, oranges,etc... I have beenenjoying it a lot this summer, and haven't done much personaltraveling, just"working" in the garden. Part of our old boxwood hedge died this year,a coupleof pyera pracathas have also bit the dust. It's nice to fill the"openings".There's always something new in the garden.

I had a nice Christmas, even though Alice didn't make it. JimSchmitt came out for theholidays, and he and Dale and I drove up to Lake Tahoe for a few dayswith my old friendMitchell (from Washington, D.C.). Then we drove to San Francisco forNew Year's. Then backto Los Angeles. Jim is quite popular in California. He had even done acouple of programs,and he is booked with me on the Shaklee fall tour. It should be fun.

Otherwise all is well. Hope to see everyone in the comingmonths.

Love,

Mark

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1988 -- Spring

Dear Everyone:

All is well here in "sunny" Southern California. I am enjoyinglate Februaryin the garden. Currently in major bloom: camellia, azalea, fuschia,orchid, geranium,impatiens, orange trees, strawberries, and all the pollen on everytree. Lilies are upabout one foot. Daffodils and Hyacinth are finished already. All thehillsides are green,and everything looks just great.

We had a very nice family Christmas here at my place. Dale washere for several days.And Alice and Ron visited twice on their California vacation. JimSchmitt was here (fromSan Diego). We had a major party, Open House, on the 27th. Photosenclosed were taken thatday. For relatives we had Alice, me, Jim, Ron & MelanieRenauld, and Marge & DickGreenwald (and Joey & Anna). Very nice party, about 35attended. Dale tended bar (inthe garden), Alice and Jim were very helpful as usual. Fortunately mylandlord Bob Resetarwas gone for the holidays, so we were able to use his kitchen as wellas a couple ofbedrooms.

I'm as busy as ever with my travel career. 1988 marks my 10thyear in Incentive Trave.Since my last letter, jobs have taken me to Honolulu, San Francisco,Washington, D.C.,Puerto Rico, Aculpulco, and Carmel, Newport Beach, Palm Springs, andLaguna Niguel,California. I have a fairly busy year ahead, including two trips toEurope (London andGleneagles, Scotland, and Montreaux, Switzerland).

As you all can plainly read, I finally got a NEWTYPEWRITER!!!!! Yes, I got it lastfall in San Francisco (Macy's). It's a very small portable BrotherEP150. Very nice andsmart, even has a calculator. But no spelling dictionary. The nuns atSt. Raphael's taughtme to spell.

I hope to be able to do some personal travelling this year,and get to see a lot ofyou.

Have also been working in Travel Incentives and learned how touse the Mac computer,and I love it even more than typing!!

We are all on a "glamour Campaign" out here. Dieting since theholiday, etc.So subtract 20 lbs. from photos.

I hope 1988 is a great year for ALL OF US.

LOVE from MARK.

Mark

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1988 -- Winter

Dear Everyone:

I know it looks like I've had this letter for too long, and Iguess I have, but ofcourse it is not as long as it appears. Just to trot out a few excusesLIt came when I wason a program, there's ten days right there. Then I went off to visitAlice and took theletter, and left it at her house in Arizona. So she returned it to meat the SchmittThanksgiving and Mom's Birthday Celebration in Garden City, and now Iam writing this atlong last! Well, at least I didn't lose it like Dick!

Career-wise, this has been a very busy year for me. I havemade trips to all the usualplaces: Hawaii (4 times), Aculpulco, Cruises, San Diego, etc. I alsogot to London for thefirst time since 1965 with that Catholic Youth Exchange (the Frenchboys!). Had twoassignments in London, two in Ireland, also got to Scotland (all duringa month overthere). Then I went with Shaklee to Amsterdam and Montreaux,Switzerland. So it has beenbusy, but fun, with a lot of new destinations, and a lot of workingwith my good oldfriends in the travel business.

I've enjoyed two nice visits to the Garden City Homestead thisyear. I arrived one dayafter my 40th birthday for a week at home, had a nice Father's Dayparty at Greg &Amy's, did some gardening and gallavanting. And I also enjoyed thetraditional SchmittPre-Thanksgiving and Mom's birthday celebration. It sure is nice to seeeverybody, and seehow fast the grandkids are growing up!

This has been a banner year for my garden, it sure is niceliving in SouthernCalifornia!

I am on my way to New York City to work at my friend's flowershop on the upper westside. It's a job I did before Christmas 10 years ago. Three weeks inNew York shouldconvince me that I really love California!

Dale and I are planning a trip to Australia in January, wehave been promising JudyBedard for 15 years! Airfare from Dale's United mileage+.

Next year looks busy, but I guess we will be starting it outtogether, at least quite afew of us. I hope to see everyone soon.

Love,

Mark

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1989

Dear Everyone:

The letter came at a busy time, as usual. At least two weekselapsed before I got hometo read it (etc., etc.).

I'm off to Honolulu today, a big program, also to"site-inspect" for Mom andDad's trip with the Dentists in November. It's my 7th trip to Hawaiithis year!

Assignments this year have taken me to Disneyland, Las Vegas,Vancouver, B.C.,Scottsdale, AZ, Washington, DC, Aculpulco (Princess), and one nice tripto Europe. Thiswas a chartered cruise on the Windspirit, computer controlled poshsailing vessel. Sailingfrom Monte Carlo, ports were St. Tropez, Sardinia (Porto Cervo),Giglio, Italy, Elba,where we visited Napolean's home, Porto Venere, and Portofina, Italy.This was a dreamtrip, a good reason to stay in the travel business.

Last December I spent a couple of weeks in New York City,working for my friend PatBraun at his flower shop, Salou. I decorated Christmas trees forvarious rich clients(Springsteen, Mia Farrow, Woody, etc., etc.). I would also go out ondelivery, going allover town to Malcolm Forbes, Ralph Lauren, etc., etc. Anyway, it was alot of fun so I amdoing it again this year. The shop is Salou, 105 West 72nd St, NYC10023. (212) 595 5607.Salou is Pat's Cherokee name.

I have been having a big year for visiting family this year.Of course Alice's weddingin January wins the prize. I also had a nice short visit from Dick& Pietrina.Pietrina and I went to taping of Jeopardy. She even met some of thecontestants, SeniorsTournament finalists, since they were in the same hotel. I had a niceweek in Garden City,arriving on my birthday for a week of planting and other gardeningprojects. Had a coupleof days with Paul, Cindy, and boys, we saw Batman at the local theater,hiked a mountain(etc., etc.). Also spen a couple of days in Tempe with Ron and Alice.Mom and Dad alsocame in for the weekend. We enjoyed seeing the old home movies that Ronhas converted tovideo. These are much more fun with the remote control! And Mom& Dad will stop hereon their way to Hawaii, and I'll be home for Christmas (with Dale andJudy Bedard). So Ihave kept it up and hope to do more of that next year.

I've also had a few nice vacations, Washington, Kauai,Seattle.

We are reeling here over yesterday's San Francisco earthquake.Dale was in Hong Kong,Jim Schmitt in Europe.

Garden looks great here, it was a real good year for justabout everything. I am doinggreat too!

Love,

Mark

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1991 -- Spring-- Eileen Memorial

RECIPES FOR SUCCESS

Mom's Best Dishes: New England Boiled Dinner Spaghetti& Salad w/Bacon DressingChicken & Dumplings Sauerkraut & Polish Sausage RoundSteak and Gravy MashedPotatoes & Gravy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham TurkeyDressing Sunday Vegetable SoupSeven Layer Jello

My Unfavorites: Liver Tuna & Peas in White Sauce,served on toast (A rare Fridaynight special)

I remember Friday Night Fish Fry, at home, with Mom cookingdozens of smelt in the deepfryer. When we would (occasionally) eat steaks, Mom would cook them toorder for us.

I was the only Schmitt kid who would not eat peanut butter orjelly(ugh!). So my schoollunch almost always had to be different, such as a bologna sandwichwith mustard!

My favorite thing in school lunches was Mom's homemade nutbread, buttered and madeinto little sandwiches.

I also remember saving my 5 cents milk money so I could buycandy bars at Minder'sDrugs on the way home.

Breakfast on a School Day:

Orange Juice Bone Meal Tablets & a MultiVitamin EggsToast No reading at the tableAnd don't ask for a note(sick the day before)

Until Carnation Instant Breakfast was introduced, then Mombecame its biggestproponent. "Good Morning! Fix it Yourself!"

Mom's favorite response when we'd come home from schoolclaiming HUNGER: "Have apiece of bread."

Mom was well-known for her cooking, but equally well-known forher incompetence atopening packages such as bisquick and even dry cereal. She could tearthe boxes almostbeyond recognition. We always saw the humor of this, I don't think shedid.

Dinner was at 6:00 every night, or the minute that Dad gothome from the office. UnlessMom was making spaghetti sauce that had to simmer for several hours,she normally startedcooking at 5:00. Her secret weapon was the pressure cooker.

Mom always tried to get me to cook with the pressure cooker,not my favorite way ofcooking. She bought me a pressure cooker at a yard sale, andreconditioned it with newgaskets, etc. She and Dad were in Los Angeles on a visit. Mom assembleda nice pea soup,put it on the burner in the pressure cooker. She and Dad went into mybedroom for a nap, Iwent down on the couch. About ten minutes later, the pressure cookerexploded all over myapartment. This finally convinced Mom to give up on me as a pressurecooker devotee.

When Mom and Dad would visit me in L.A., we would always go toDenise & Gilbert'sfor dinner. The hitch: Mom would make the dinner, and we'd take it overto their house.Gilbert's favorite of Mom's signature dishes: New England BoiledDinner.

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

One of the earliest "sweet" things I learned from Mom was howto select thecaramels and other desirable candies from a large box of chocolates.This skill allowsothers to select the fruit creams and jellies. I retain this skilltoday, and always thankMom when I score a caramel!

At Hallowe'en, we were never discouraged from taking in aslarge a haul as we couldcarry. This always involved canvassing all the houses from Marquette toFlorence(Momcalled this area "the projects").

When we arrived home to dump our stash on the table forinventory, Mom was right thereto buy all the apples, for 1 cent each, to use in our school lunches.

Mom's favorite Hallowe'en candy was peanut butter kisses. Wealways gave her as many asshe wanted, no charge of course.

The day after Hallowe'en was a day off school. We had ourcandy stash consolidated intocigar boxes by then, and serious trading began.

Mom's Best Desserts: Strawberry Shortcake Boston Cream PiePeach Cobbler Lemon MeringuePie(by Mrs. Johnson)

Least Imaginative, and one of our un-favorites:

Neapolitan Slices(paper-wrapped)

MOM AND THE GARDEN

Mom had a beautiful perennial garden at 5910 Lathers. Iespecially remember her redpoppies.

One thing I remember best about Mom is how she had a sixthsense and would come runningout the back door hollering "STOP" whenever I'd get near the(overgrown) lilacswith my clippers. She was also very overprotective of forsythia.

Mom's dream tree was the Dogwood, and we could never get oneto bloom successfully onBrown Street. She was also champion of the old Smoke Tree, which is oneof only a few Ihave seen all over the world.

Every year, Tom & Bev would buy Mom geraniums for herwindow boxes as her MothersDay gift. They would volunteer to plant the boxes every year, but Momalways waited for myearly June visit so that I could do the planting. In recent years, we'dgo to the Nurserytogether and buy dozens more plants to fill the boxes, tubs, and otherplanting areas.

Every summer, Mom and I would walk around the garden andadmire all there was. Momwould say, "Aren't those ferns beautiful, Anne planted them." I wouldreply thatNo, Anne did not, I planted those myself in such and such year. Towhich Mom would alwayssay: "Oh, are you sure? I always thought Anne planted those."

Mom always liked coleus. Every year at the end of summer shewould take numerouscuttings and root them. Then they would be planted into smallfoil-wrapped baby orangejuice cans, and sent over to the St. Raphaels Christmas Bazaar, whereevery one alwayssold.

Mom's favorite thing out of Dad's gardens(mine too) was ripetomatoes. Her favoritesummer sandwich was tomato and cheez whiz.

NAPTIME

One of Mom's biggest secrets of success was her daily nap.This was one hour ofregularly scheduled time, and it was not to be compromised in any way.

She usually napped from 2 to 3 p.m., at least when we kidswere in school.

In summertime, she would send us all out in the back yardduring her nap. On Lathers wehad a huge vegetable garden, and Mom would send us out with saltshakers. We would picktomatoes off the vines, and sit right down and eat tomatoes(all exceptTom). We also had adrinking fountain at the back of the house, no excuses were acceptedfor disturbing Mom'snap.

When we lived on Lathers, we would ride our bikes to and fromSt. Raphaels. This wouldgive Mom a little time to pull herself together before her five "bigkids" camehome from school. When we moved to our big house on Brown Street, wewere all quite happyto be close enough to walk to school. At first, I would run home, untilMom greeted me oneday at 3:05 p.m., and let me know that there was no need for me to rushhome so quickly.

Mom was not to be disturbed for phone calls, people coming tothe door, or even if oneof her friends popped by. Her nap was sacred!

In later years, Mom was able to pace herself by taking a lotof naps, more than shereally wanted I'm sure. Probably one good reason she lived as long asshe did was that sheknew and respected the value of THE NAP.

HOME AND FAMILY MANAGEMENT

Mom's Suppliers: Mr. Ganz, Jewel Tea Company Mrs. Martini,Avon Lady Mrs. Johnson,Breads & Pies, always the best Bread Man(wonder-bread type),also had candy and othermisc. foods on the truck Twin Pines Milkman Mary Ann & NancyWagonjack, twinbabysitters Lillian Okon, hairdresser Mrs. Blackman, "Lady who helpsMom"

As well as numerous mailmen, UPS guys, etc.

Mrs. Blackman was Mom's prized helper. She allowed Mom toleave the house and babies ifshe needed or wanted to. Mrs. Blackman adhered to very strict standardswhen she was leftin charge of us. She wouldn't let us cross Lathers to play with Terryand Larry. Mrs.Blackman was picked up and taken home by numerous teenage drivers withbrand-new licenses.Mom paid into Social Security for all the years Mrs. Blackman wasemployed, and alwaysincluded her in family functions, until Mrs. Blackman died.

Mrs. Blackman was especially noted for her picturesque(to us)speech, such as"Whatchamacallit", "Thingamajig", and my personal favorite, "Halfpast eight", which it took me months to decipher into: 8:30 p.m.

Mrs. Blackman always had interesting work assignments fromMom: Clean out the junkdrawer, neatly stack comic books in sitting room cabinet, polish thesilver. She did do alot of ironing, until permanent press that is. Then her load wassomewhat lightened.

Mom did a lot for Mrs. Blackman, and I guess Mrs. Blackman wassure a big help to Momin raising this big wonderful family.

Our(unsuccessful) nickname for Mrs. Blackman: MR. WHITEWOMAN.

THE LIST

Mom's main management tool was THE LIST. First of all, therewere weekly assignments,such as: set & clear the table load & unload dishwasherpots & pans rexairkitchen floor after dinner etc, etc...

These chores were rotated on a weekly basis, but the realassignments came on theSaturday List. This was the real list, and it was as good as law. Eachkid would haveseveral assignments, such as: Wash floors Rake leaves Vacuum sittingroom Clean basementetc., etc...

We were allowed to sleep in as long as we wanted, and to dothe chores at our"leisure". However, we could not leave the premises until these choreshad beencompleted, and were inspected and approved by Mom. She really did nothold us tounreasonable standards of perfection, but of course we had already beentrained to do apretty good job. Her approval was not too hard to get on Saturdays.

Not every chore was a snap. For years, Paul and I wereassigned to the kitchen floorsevery Saturday. The team was actually Mom, Paul, Mark. And here's howit went:

Move out all furniture except table Rexair Serious wash toremove old wax (Mom on handsand knees for this part) Wash again Rinse with clear water Wax, waitfor it to dry(addfans) Replace furniture

We really learned how to clean a floor. But, I can count onone hand the number oftimes I have washed a floor since those days!

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Mom's beautiful cherry dining room set included the table andhutch-cupboard, both ofwhich survived her. The chairs did not last so long. These were acolonial-type, withthose dowels on the back. Of course we were always severely reprimandedif we were leaningback on two chair legs or otherwise abusing them, as several hadalready bit the dust. Iwas doing this very thing and broke the second to last one. Mypunishment for this:Sitting on the bench for two years! And of course, to this day I willnot rock back onchairs.

ALLOWANCE

We were given an allowance, in return for chores performed.The allowance stopped,however, as soon as we got outside employment such as baby-sitting,cleaning Dad's office,mowing lawns, etc. Of course your name still appeared on THE LIST, andyou were stillexpected to pull your weight. My top allowance: 50 cents.

ROOM AND BOARD

There was a period in 1970 when I was working at Eloise, butnot going toschool(Schoolcraft). Mom told me that I would be responsible to payroom and board to helpcover my expenses. I agreed, and she determined the amount: $45.00 amonth!

SHOPPING

I was a junior in high school when Mom was pregnant withPhilip. She was not able toget out too much, so I was more than happy to take her car and do thefamily groceryshopping. Mom would give me her list(set up according to the layout ofthe supermarket)and numerous $20 bills, and off I'd go. This was extremely educational,and I am a smartshopper to this day.

Paul and I needed some shirts, around late high school. Here'show Mom shopped for us:"Take my Hudson's Charge Card and this note, take my car, and only buypermanentpress". And she was always pleased with what we bought. BABY STUFF

Before we had Martha and Alice and Philip, we could alwaystell when we were about tohave a new baby. Mom would resurrect these old dresses from a cedarchest, and startwearing them around the house. Lucy and I would say, "It's almost timefor thatlittle talk". After a week or so, Mom would gather us all around thetable and say"Things are going to be different around here, we are going to have ababy,etc."

Mom always kept the baby in that white box, right in theSitting Room traffic pattern.Of course this caused everyone who passed by to stop and play and chatup the baby. Thesekids got so much attention, they were so cute, and we always enjoyedthem too. Of course,no baby talk was allowed.

When Martha and Alice and Philip were born, Mom would sendlists of names from thehospital. Then we would vote on the names. Mom made it quite clear thatthey were notbeing named after Martha Wychor or Alice Karr, just that we thought thenames were pretty.Mom claimed to have selected names that could not be nick-named, andnever could stand tohear "Annie", etc.

PARTY TIME

Mom's official policy on Birthday Parties was that we couldhave one every six years.This did not include family birthday celebrations, which of course wecelebrated everytime. But the policy was: Party when you're 6, when you're 12, whenyou're 18.

I had a nice party when I was 6, don't remember the guestlist. Then when I was 7, Ihad completed 1st grade at St. Raphaels, and went right ahead andinvited Denny Okon, MaryAnn Darnell, and Janet Wathen to my 7th Birthday Party. So Mom wentahead with the party,for Mark and the "three Little blondes".(All of these families wererepresentedat Mom's funeral). Anyway, it seems like I was able to have a partyjust about whenever Iwanted after that test case.

In my high school years, Mom actively encouraged me to haveparties, and we hostedquite a few. These were dress-up parties held before the prom,homecoming dance, etc. Ialso had a number of nice Christmas parties, right up through 1989.

Mom thought it would be bad to run out of food at a party, soshe would always"contribute" a ham or something if she thought I didn't have enough toeat. Mylast party(Christmas 1989) was co- hosted by Dale and Judy. Dale and Icame back from thesupermarket and Mom was practically in shock: "You spent $100.00!!"(Daledoesn't like to run out of food either). No one ate a thing at theparty, they all justwanted to talk. Another good party, but too many leftovers.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Mom always looked good, she had her own certain style. Theseare some random memories:

Red Lipstick, Pressed Powder Silk & Silver for herbeautiful hair Chanel no.5Trifari Jewelry Butterfly scatter pins Black wool coat, Blacklow-heeled pumps Always inskirts(til later in life)

Coming home from beauty salon in late 60's, combing out allthe teasing in her newhairdo

I will always remember Mom's appearance at my 1966 graduationfrom Garden City West:Pink two-piece dress and a pink chiffon turban on her head! She was theheight of fashion,particularly in Garden City.

In my travel career, I'd always buy Chanel #5 at duty-freeairport shops, then bring itto her. She finally told me "Don't feel you have to bring me perfume,just bringyourself".

TRAVEL

Mom became quite a traveler in later years. When we weregrowing up, Dad went to a lotof dental conventions all over the place, but Mom didn't go, so Dadwould buy her aHummel, hence her large collection.

Once a year, Mom would go to Chicago on the train with Dad forthe Dental Convention.She would plan our menus, cook and freeze the dinners, and leave us aschedule for all ofthis. They always stayed at the Conrad Hilton, Mom always shoppedMarshall Fields, and shealways brought us each a present. I will always remember the year shebrought us each apair of scissors with our names engraved.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

This was a wonderful season for us. Each kid bought a gift foreach other one, as wellas the parents. We opened family gifts on Christmas Eve. On Christmasmorning, we'd openthe gifts from Santa, four for each kid(not that we counted). Iremember saving the silvericicles year after year. These were lovingly placed between the pagesof a 1950 FortuneMagazine.

When I was about 12, I had a job at the "Little Big DollarStore". I got Moma couple of milk glass platters(still in her collection), and also atree-top angel with asilly look on her face. Mom always used that angel, and always remindedme where it camefrom.

MISCELLENIA

Mom saying to Denise and Gilbert's three girls, circa 1990:"Just call meGrandma".

Mom's political career in GC, supporting various candidates,and assigning us kids tohand out political propaganda at the polls. I also remember attending avictory party atthe Moose Hall with Mom.

Mom made me numerous caftans and bathrobes. I lost a few ofthese by leaving them onthe back of hotel bathroom doors. Mom made me swear never to use thosehooks again, and Ihaven't. My current robe has been remodeled and patched by Mom a fewtimes. When she gaveit to me she said "This is probably the last robe you'll get out ofme". And shewas right.

PERSONAL MEMORIES

Each one of us will have different memories, we all aredifferent. Thank Goodness! Thiswas always mentioned in our old Christmas letters, where Mark wasregularly referred to as"the rugged individualist". There was never any big effort going on tomake meconform to anyone else's standards, now I am a one-of-a-kind(we allhope) adult.

I sure had a happy childhood, and I sure had a good mother.

Back to Table of Contents

1991 -- Fall --Mark's Thank You Note for Cheryl &Phil's Wedding

[Published October 1991]

THANK YOU ALL! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ascoordinator of the RehearsalDinner, I want to give credit where credit is due. I am sure there arenumerous examplesof helpfulness and kindness I have omitted. Please forgive, and feelfree to toot your ownhorns!

DAD Neatest Woodpile east of the Mississippi River agreeableattitude toward spending$$$$$; very good job as Head of the Family. We were proud of you.

TOM/BEV Excellent hosts for continuous Pool Parties; Tomvolunteered a lot; daisies forrehearsal dinner.

DICK Got Auntie Ev moved and settled into apartment.

PIETRINA Made that salad for Rehearsal Dinner' didn't poutbecause we wanted it - AGAINWonderful Dinner party for Joe's Graduation; Colored bells for namebadges.

PAUL Organized bike hikes; provided beer for party; cut grass.

CINDY Shopping for Votive Candles.

LUCY/MORT Thank you for hosting Philips's Graduation Party;all the hard work showed.

GPEG/AMY Hosted Pizza Party and Theatre Outing Loaned andtransferred that wonderfulBAR & Coke cooler; chopped down trees.

MIKE Sure split a lot of wood for Dad's piles.

DEBBIE Your brides gifts were beautiful.

JON BAR MANAGER EXTRA-ORDINARY Didn't have to bounce out toomany drunks.

MARTHA Bean dish; Numerous other duties.

MARY Kitchen Manager and food provider; Photo Collage withPhilip as Honoree; etc.,etc.

JIM Chicken Ordering and Pick-up and delivery to us; Slave toMary (Finally) .

ALICE Clean-up Specialist (BACK Porch, etc.); Baking

ALICE/RON New brick floor and porch in historic playhouse.

PHILIP Numerous garden chores; Living with stress withoutlosing it too of ten; paintedback steps; was almost confident we could do this; dives headfirst intotrick issues(seating at wedding dinner).

CHERYL The perfect bride, fully organized; always pleasant andcomplimentary; a realasset to this family. Showed up with a huge platter of homemade cookiesjust as theupstairs oven quit functioning, saving the cooks from serving rawcookie dough for dessertthat night!

AUNTIE EV Votive candles from St. Mels convent; Boarding HouseManager; Liturgyspecialist; We were happy to see you in that front pew.

JOE Plastic Flower Making; Getaway Car Decorating.

JOHN EXCELLENT GARDEN SLAVE Planted a lot of flowers; did alot of weeding; used Psych101 techniques to deal with "Supervisor".

PAUL F. Set Tables; Helped with a lot of stuff; very amusingguy.

MARIA Assistant to Bridesmaid; Name Badge Distribution; Shewas good at insistingpeople wear badges.

SUSAN Credit to family as Junior Bridesmaid; Good for atest-drive; Most regularvisitor to Brown Street; Good Baker.

ANNA Name badge distribution.

PETER Supervisor (and chief torturer) of small boys; Chair andtable set-up &take-down; Supervisor of Ice Cream deliveries.

MORGAN/GIDEON Chair set-up and take-down; Ice cream delivery.

EMMA Smiling

ELLY a.k.a. Ethel Merman; Entertainment and Garter Supervisor(wedding); This girl isso shy.

EVAN A baby to hold/see if YOU can make him smile'

We should also be grateful to various neighbors and familyfriends. It really took alot of cooperation to pull it off so well, and we did it. Dad eventhanked the mosquitoesfor closing the party nice and early.

So, if you are not praised here, Well I am sorry. Our familycertainly turned out fine.I know Mom is proud.

Love to all, Mark

(ED NOTE: And a thousand thanks to the organization man behindthe success: Mark!Without his skill and all his time and effort we could have stillpulled it off but wewouldn't still be speaking to each other! To Mark, thank you, thankyou, thank you )

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Back to Table of Contents

1992-- Spring --"Anonymous" letter

April 15, 1992

Dear Editor:

I wish to commend you on your supervision of the familyletter.

It is. true that it is far closer to the original letter. ButI must admit that I likedthe more recent also.

A good policy for all readers is to love it however theeditors decide to do it Yes, welove it, please keep editing and publishing it for several years.Anything to Postpone ourturns!

Now for the sour grapes: The current format lacks a few thing.I got used to real fast:Mainly, it is those amusingly vicious captions over the paragraph..Double-entendres,inside "jokes", old family traditions were all shown in . new light. Imust saythe captions mad. me laugh out loud more than once per page!

Another function heavier editing could do is weed outsmart-alecky salutations such as"Dear older Siblings". A truly dedicated editorial team could polish upprosefor all contributors, maybe even ghost-writing a few amusing line.

As far as households with computers, most of us have them, anda couple of the familieswithout now have kids, so they are certain to become computer familiesin a few shortyears. Of course we can all do our Part when called upon, computer ornot.

So here is how the succession look. to this devoted familymember based upon the way ithas been done so far:

Dick, Mary, Alice. Martha, Tom, Philip, Paul, Greg,. So thatcovers it for a few years,without having to put the "middle children" on the spot. We were alwaysgettinglost in the shuffle anyhow .

Well, that is enough of this letter to the editor. I feel likeStanley Glamb already.This letter is mainly to thank Mary and Jim for doing such . good Jobon our currentfamily letter, and to thank Dick and Pietrina and family for theirexcellent Work,especially including the Mom Memorial Edition, which is such aWonderful document.

Keep up the good Work. And Oh! What is the next deadline(Couldnot find it in latestissue!)

Sincerely,

Anonymous (one of the middle ones?)

September 29, 1992

Dear Anonymous Middle Sibling:

My apologies for not responding sooner to your desperate pleafor attention in the lastnewsletter. I made a note to myself to write you but I guess it justgot "lost in theshuffle."

While it is true that the Editors of the newsletter should becommended for a great jobI cannot help but see your letter for anything but its true purpose,that to furthersuppress those behind you in the genealogical chain.

After spending your entire life fruitlessly taunting youryounger siblings don't youthink it's time to get on with your life? Listen, do you think it'sbeen easy growing upwith the mental and physical handicaps you've dropped on us? Tossedinto a comer duringfamily meals due to a uniqueness you claim is a handicap. Forced tosustain mental anguishand physical malnutrition just to get a small glass of milk ("Pleasepass the milk,no short stops, not even long ones"). Not to mention the stigma ofattending a gradeschool in which your reputation preceded us!

I am very sorry for you that in the time that you were my ageand when I became my agethat shoes were invented, that St Raphael School moved off of thatuphill grade to within4 miles of home, and that electricity was invented.

Incidently, thaT was great spelling in your familoies tellerto the editor. [editorsnote: I corrected Mark's spelling mistakes but Philip reproduced themhere but,Incidentally, I'm not so sure that he spelled the first word of thisparagraph correctly].

With Sympathy,

The Young and the Restless

Back to Table of Contents

1992 -- Fall

October 30, 1992

Hello from Los Angeles!

My last submission was from Brown Street, I am doing this onthe Mac at TravelIncentives, where I am supposed to be helping to get ready for my nexttrip, next week, toParis and Monte Carlo.

I went from GC to the Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii,my favorite place. It wasa big group, the House of Seagram. We could only have Seagram brands onthe bars, I wasgetting pretty lonesome for some good old Jack Daniels. This was anormal busy programuntil we had a helicopter crash, or as they call it, a "hard landing".Fortunately, no casualties. The Big Island was fortunate to escape anydamage from therecent Hurricane lniki, which destroyed every hotel on Kauai.

July was pretty dull and pretty hot. I made a weekend trip toSan Diego and house/poolsat at Denise and Gilbert's on a couple of long weekends. The highpoint of July was theTourmobile Reunion I attended the weekend of July 28. It was 21 yearsago that I startedat Tourmobile. I loved that job and all those people and had awonderful time at thereunion. Stayed in Washington with Mitch as usual.

I started August in Nevis, the West Indies again. This is anice spot, but a hell of along trip. From there I stopped in New York City for a couple of daysbefore flying toMontreal for Shaklee' s big summer program.

From Montreal I was able to escort a group of 18 people toDetroit, where they boardedtheir flight to Paris for Shaklee's Presidents Club. Dad picked me upand fed me, I stayed2 nights. Did a little gardening, got a super-quick tour of Tom/Bev'saddition, then Ileft! Still have not done the edging around the driveway curb. Paul F.was there as gardenassistant (Slave) and dug and hauled a lot of mulch around as directed.All the windowboxes and other spring stuff still looked great.

Next I was on my way to Miami for a cruise on the Fantasy. Asthe VIPs and I arrived atthe Miami airport, our local liaison informed us that our hotel wasclosed as it was rightin the path of Hurricane Andrew. Well, they did take us in after all,since every otherhotel room in Florida was full, and this is where we stayed for threedays. The hurricanehit around 4 am, yes we could hear and see it right out the windows. Wewere left withoutpower and water. We did get some electric and, mercifully, airconditioning. But it surewas a long walk up to my room on the 12th floor! By the time I gotthere I had to lay outon the bed for an hour. We had NO WATER and could not flush the toiletor bathe or do anything much in the personal care department. The hotel was prepared tofeed us one night,they got us for two nights and two days, they did a darned good job,but you never knewwhat would come out of their freezer next. Anyway, we were lucky and weall knew it, butas soon as we were able to escape, we did. We chartered a bus (we callit deluxeair-conditioned motorcoach) to Orlando(4 hours) and checked into asuper deluxe property,the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. My room had two bathrooms! and I usedall the showers. Sowe had a couple nice days of sun and relaxation, the group was only 20people. And inOrlando, the waitress for our party in Hemingway's Restaurant was aGarden City girl namedStephanie!

I'm just back from my favorite and most deluxe trip of theyear, of course it was HuntWesson Foods, this year they went to Vienna, Austria. We stayed at theHotel Imperial,very regal, and did everything there was to do. This was my third tripto Vienna, I wasalmost an expert. We took the train to Budapest, Hungary for a daytrip. It is a beautifulcity. I was in Austria for twelve days, and ready to come home. Myflights were: Vienna toFrankfurt, 3 hour layover, then Frankfurt to Los Angeles, a flight 11and 1/2 hoursL-0-N-G. I was working with Denise and Scott, my "oldest" friends inthe biz.

I'm looking forward to Paris, I haven't been there since 1965,remember the FrenchBoys? I will try to look up that charming Franck Hamaide, and give areport in the nextletter. Last time I was in Paris, I saw Charles de Gaulle in the 14thof July Parade, andalso saw the Beatles at the Paris Olympia. After Paris/Monte Carlo,I'll be back to L.A.for a couple of days. Then it's off to San Francisco for Shaklee andThanksgiving withDale and Aaron. Then to NYC for my Christmas decorating career to therich and famous. Iwonder if Woody will pay for Mia's tree as usual? More name-dropping inthe next issue.

Happy Holidays to everyone. Please send Christmas cards to mec/o SALOU DESIGN LTD. 105West 72nd St.(Basement) New York, NY 10023 Phone # (212) 595-9607 atwork (Best to call atwork) Home # (212) 877 4472 (5 West 86th St, Apt 16 C)(Machine picksup)

I am planning to be in Garden City to celebrate Dad's 80thBirthday and Christmas. I'llarrive on Christmas Eve, in the morning, and depart for Los Angeles onthe 29th. I thinkwe will have a party on Brown Street, probably on Sunday afternoon,December 27. Detailslater...

Love to all,

Mark's Schedule

November/December 1992

Wed. Nov 4 Los Angeles to Paris the Grand HotelPhone#33-1-42-68-12-13

Wed. Nov 11 Paris to Nice(Monte Carlo) Loews Monte CarloPhone#93 50 65 00

Sat. Nov 14 Nice to Paris to Los Angeles Home for Balance ofthe Weekend

Mon. Nov. 16 Burbank to San Francisco(Shaklee Convention)Fairmont Hotel Phone#(415)772 5000

Sun. Nov 22 Stay in San Francisco @ Dana Turner Phone#(415)586 4375

Tues. Nov 24 Stay in SF for Thanksgiving @ Dale &Aaron Phone #(415) 550 0514

Fri. Nov 27 San Francisco to Burbank Home for the Weekend

Mon. Nov 30 Burbank/DFW/New York City(LaGuardia) ChristmasDercorating Career @ SalouDesign Ltd. Phone (212) 595 9607 FAX # (212) 496 7573 105 west 72nd St.New York NY 10023

"Home" c/o Pat Braun Phone#(212) 877 4472 5 West 86th StreetApt 16-C NYC

Thurs. Dec 24 New York(JFK) to Detroit Ca Dr. Schmitt Phone#(313) 422 3012 31211Brown, Garden City Michigan 48135

Tues. Dec 29 Detroit/DFW/Burbank @HOME (818) 761 1432

FYI Travel Incentives, Inc. (800) 753 3400

Back to Table of Contents

1993--Spring

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel - the Big Island May 1, 1993

Dear Everyone:

Aloha from Hawaii. I am here for 8 days with the House ofSeagram, no Jack Daniel's forMark this week. From here I go back to LA for a program at NewportBeach, then I am off toHong Kong and Bali, finishing up with a short vacation in Seattle andRoslyn, WA. Sothings are pretty busy for me again. Now for the rest of thetravelogue:

I did my usual Christmas job in New York City, doing theChristmas decor for the usualroster of celebrity and otherwise rich clients. After five years, I amso adjusted to thehigh prices charged by the shop where I work, that I usually quote theclients an evenhigher cost than they normally charge! New York is always fun andexciting, there issurely no place like it.

On Christmas Eve I flew to Detroit where Dad collected me. Wewent to Midnight Mass atSt. Raphaels. Dad parks at the barber shop and walks the rest of theway, even in zerodegree weather. We were a little late and the church was full. Theusher says "oh,Doctor Schmitt, right this way" and walked us up the center aisle tothe very frontpew, the exact spot where I sat for Mom's funeral! Mrs. Kohler and theother ladies did abeautiful job on the poinsettia tree at the altar, I told Dad how muchit would've cost inNYC (about 10 times the Garden City Price)... Then Next day we went toLucy and Mort' forChristmas dinner, dragging along Auntie Ev. Other highlights of myvisit to Michiganincluded a dessert party at the Oldenburgs (Clarke greeted us at thedoor with the cakeand an excess of creamy topping dripping off the plates and said "here,takeit"). I had a nice visit with Greg and Amy, and of course I had to dothe traditionalinspection of Tom and Bev's additions (tour led by Auntie Ev, alicensed Guide at thatLocation). All in all a nice Christmas.

Then we had a nice New Years Day party at our house in NorthHollywood.

Started working in the New Year at the Mauna Toni, then wentoff to Phoenix and did alittle job and visited Alice and Ronnie for several days. Have alsodone another trip toPhoenix (Scottsdale) as well as a couple of jobs in Palm Springs andSan Diego. Had a nicetrip to New Orleans, what a fun city! Spent about a month in the officeat TravelIncentives planning several trips, I like it much better working OUT ofthe office Had awonderful trip to Tucson last week, the desert is really beautiful thisyear. And now hereI am at the Mauna Lani.

So I am busy, busy., which is certainly good. Social life isactive enough, who hastime any more????

Our garden looks fantastic this year. All those weeks of rainnot only ended thedrought it also encouraged a lot of things in the ground to return in amost spectacularfashion. We have flowers everywhere. The roses have already finishedtheir first cycle ofbloom and are now at it again.

Am attaching my travel schedule through my birthday. Afterthat I am hoping to plan anice few week visit to Michigan and (hopefully) Minnesota.

Please forgive typos. This is being typed on an IBM ElectronicTypewriter 60, very loudand much more complicated that the basic selectric. I could not use thehotel computerbecause I do not know word perfect, being expert only on the Macintoshwith a mouse.

Hope to see everyone soon.... Love Mark

Mark's Schedule April-May-June 1993

Mon. April 19 Burbank to Tucson the Westin La Paloma(Carl'sJr) (602) 742 6000 Sun.

April 25 Tucson to Burbank Home for a couple of days

Wed. April 28 Los Angeles to the Big Island, Hawaii Mauna LaniBay Hotel(Seagram) (808)885 6622

Thu. May 6 Big Island to Los Angeles Home on the 7th and 8thSun.

May 9 Drive to Newport Beach Newport Marriott(Carl's Jr)(714)640 4000

Thu. May 13 Drive Newport Beach to Home Home for the Weekend

Sun. June 16 LA to Seattle to Anchorage to Hong Kong HotelNikko Hong Kong(KIRONewsradio) 852-739-1111

Sun. May 23 Hong Kong to BALI Four Seasons Bali(KIRO) 62-361-71288

Fri. May 28 Bali to Hong Kong to Anchorage to Seattle Stayingfor a week or so with:Pam Salvatore AND/OR Paul and Cindy Schmitt

June 4 or 5 Seattle to Los Angeles or Burbank Back home forawhile

Back to Table of Contents

1994 -- Spring

North Hollywood, CA

March 16, 1994

Dear Ones: Yes, I believe I missed the deadline for the lastletter. The editors reallydo treat us like adults: no extra reminders, if you miss the "Final"deadline,you don't make it into print. I am sure I didn't make the deadlinebecause of being"too busy"(too lazy).

So, to recap last summer, it was just more of the usual: acouple of trips to BrownStreet to boss dad around and work in the garden. Philip and I plantedmore myrtle (VincaMinor), this time under the evergreens in the front yard, assisted bydirt movers John and"little" Paul. Then on every other visit, all I did was water themyrtleforhours every other day... anyone visiting Brown street should feelfree(as well asobligated) to thoroughly water these areas.

Had a trip last summer to Hong Kong and Bali, my first time toBali, where I stayed inthe most luxurious accommodations I have ever experienced. Didn't shopmuch, although youmight see some Hong Kong specials on a future gift-giving occasion.After that trip, Ispent several days in Seattle and Roslyn(clients were advertisers of aSeattle RadioStation). I went to several little league games in Roslyn, and Cindymade sure to help meselect my souvenir Northern Exposure T-Shirt . I selected purple. PamSalvatore is doingfine, her son Sam is around 6 now.

Summer and Fall were more of the usual destinations, Hawaiiand various Californialocales. In September I did another fabulous trip with my favorites,Hunt-Wesson Foods. Itwas a charter cruise on the Windstar, we sailed from Monte Carlo,making the usualMediterranean stops such as San Tropez, and Portofino. We docked at theport of Rome fortwo days, sleeping on the ship and making day trips in to the SistineChapel, theColiseum, and other magnificent attractions.

In mid-November I went to New York City for my 'ChristmasJob". Got that started,then flew to Garden City for the Schmitt Thanksgiving. Dad and I werein charge of thefeast, we shopped and cooked, got all the usual help. When Tom and Bevarrived, Bevchecked all the pots and the ovens and announced that all was in order,she was going tohave a drink. High praise indeed.

Back to New York after the Schmitt Thanksgiving, I had a realincentive travel programbooked for the official Thanksgiving. It was 10 people, very deluxe anda lot of fun.

The Christmas job seemed more fun this year, I guess I amgetting pretty good at itafter all these years in a row. I called up all those rich clients andworked out ourinstallation schedules, and even picked up a couple of new clients. Wealso decorated abig party at the Guggenheim Museum, my first time there. All the art inthe museum was fora special exhibit, Roy Lichtenstein. The clients were more rich thanfamous, although Idid do the fireplaces and mantles, etc. for Yoko Ono and also for herson Sean Lennon.

I spent Christmas Eve in New York City with my New Yorkroomates, and Patti Mariano,who lives in NYC but also spends MONTHS with us in Los Angeles everyyear. Then I flew toLA on Christmas Day. We had our "famous" New Years Day Hat Party asusual, Dalewas there to help with hosting and bossing around duties.

Judy Bedard came for a short visit on January 7. She is stillin Sydney, more than 20years teaching there. She is a music teacher and directs all the shows,she has not reallychanged in the 30 years we have been friends.

1994 started off slowly, but things are now up to speed. I'vebeen to San Diego twice,Palm Springs twice, and Hawaii once so far. And in the next coupleweeks I will be allover California and Las Vegas, with more on the books for the comingmonths.

I was at home in bed on January 17 when we had our bigearthquake, yes it woke me up!Lots of things flew off shelves, including 2 TV sets, which still workfine. We lost a fewtreasures, but no Schmitt family heirlooms. The psychological damage isstill there, butat least there are no cracks in the house, and at least the whole housedid not collapseupon us. Our German Shepherd Duke is still a wreck.

I was particularly impressed with this year's family calendar,it is so beautiful withMartha's illustrations and Philip's wise 'pitcher" selection. Of coursemy favoriteis the September Back to School composite submitted by Mary. Beautiful,beautiful.

Much love to everyone,

Mark

Back to Table of Contents

1994 -- Fall

October 18, 1994 Seattle, WA (Pam Salvatore's)

Dear Everyone:

As you can see, I am writing from out-of-town again. Listeningto the news aboutflooding in Texas. I heard only the bright hope of another delay instarting this report.Am not sure when I last wrote, know I missed at least one. Here's thepared-down versionof life since Easter, 1994:

Had Easter dinner with cousins Ron and Melanie, William andMia and Aunt Bert and UncleBob Renauld. I saw Bert in a new light that of "fun-lover." Ron andMelanie livein Calabasas. Their home suffered quite a bit of damage in the Januaryquake.

Dad arrived on April 16, then we drove to San Diego for acouple of days, staying withJim Schmitt. High point was our visit with Bob and Florence Steed.Dad's classmates fromMarquette. They live on Coronado Island, a lovely couple in a lovelysetting. Dad also gotto meet my good friend Holly Young. A nice short trip.

May took me back to Coronado and San Diego, then to Boston and(1st time) to Cape Codto inspect a couple of properties, then to Grand Cayman Island to worka program. Caymanwas nice, a typical (although richer) hot and humid Caribbean Island. Iguess I will visiteach one eventually.!

Started June and had my birthday at Walt Disney World, then toGarden City through theend of the month. Celebrations began that first weekend with the partyat Lucy's. I droveup the day ahead with my little niece, Eleanor, who instead of sleepingall the way,chatted all the way, e.g.: "Uncle Mark, what do call that vehicle withsuch andsuch?" "Ellie, that is called a Motor home."

I was going to keep a "Brown Street Diary" this summer becauseit was sobusy, but didn't. Here's what I can remember:

Sauerkraut Dinner Party, attended by Guminas and Oldenburgs.Jean damaged her foot ortoe while getting ready, came to eat dinner, and only then soughtemergency care for herfoot! Charlie Gumina was not bemoaning the loss of his Vogel JuniorHigh to the newhousing development. Fun evening with two very difference couples.

Archie Hall got into the habit of popping over. You never knewwhen he would be bangingat the door, waking up late sleepers & nappers.

We had one big party, catered by the New Peking. Guestsincluded Thelma Hess, Mike Hessand his glamorous Central American wife, Sandy Briody, Father Downey,Chip Rose. Chip alsoinvited our old neighbor Sharon Higgins and her pal Lynda Oliverson(also Dad's patients,of course). Mickey Hess was heard to comment several times. "This isthe best thingthat could have happened." They live in Oregon and don't get back much.A full houseand a fun party!

Pietrina's father died during this time and so Brown Streetpromptly filled up. Dad andI were able to support Pietrina a little and it sure was great to seethose grown-upgrandchildren. After all the funeral activities, the grands went off toa party in GrossePointe, with their cousin Susan driving.

I did some gardening, mainly ground cover stuff in the back.Also dug up moreblack-eyed susans (for Dad) and sweet woodruff (for Greg/Amy) from Tomand Bev's garden.Dad still insists on cutting all those lawns himself, although heaccepts helpoccasionally.

Back to California, I was in San Diego for a Seinfeld concert,a birthday gift fromHolly. Then a nice program in Palm Springs, it was over 100o every day(but it's a dryheat), then off to Puerto Rico for the big Shaklee convention at the ElConquistador,extremely deluxe and pleasant, and extremely hot and humid. Greatpeople.

Then the second week of August I went back to Brown Streetjust following the two week"Family Reunion." Dad patched up every crack in the driveway, we"discussed" things, and things were looking good again.

I had house guests to Brown Street. Two good friends from thetravel industry, LindaHart and Julie Rupp. We had one dinner party (food by New Peking), onelunch featuringDad's seminarian friend, Dennis, and one cribbage/drinking party (Dad,Linda, Julie, me).I had the beginners luck so Julie and I won! Julie, Linda, and GeorgePendy (anothertravel friend who lives in Mich.) drove out to Holland, MI to stay atJulie's familycottage at Lake Michigan a Fleetwood Caddy).

This was another fun visit to Michigan, saw a lot of familyand friends, ate a lot ofhome made bread and wonderful tomatoes fresh from the vines of alldad's friends.

Back to California for September, it was back to CoronadoIsland for another job. Ialso attended a wedding with Holly on the beach at Mission Bay atsunset. Then it was offto New Orleans for a 1700 person Shaklee convention, what a fun city!

October has brought me back to San Diego area (La Costaresort). Now I am in Seattle tosee Pam, work a program, spend a few days climbing mountains in Roslyn,then back to LAfor Halloween. The first of November I go with Hunt Wesson on the SeaGoddess, the mostluxurious ship in the water, chartered. And here's the rest: November16, I arrive GardenCity for Schmitt Thanksgiving. November 20, I arrive New York City formy"Christmas" job. December 24, back to Garden City for one week on BrownStreet.December 31, return to Los Angeles to start the New Year, 1995!

I wish I could learn to turn things in on the first deadline.My typing really doesneed to be redone, and I can only imagine the Headlines that could perkup this missive.Maybe next time.!

Here is my New York info, November 20-December 24:

c/o SALOU DESIGN, LTD. c/o PAT BRAUN 105 W. 72nd St. (basement5 West 86 St., Apt. 16CNew York, NY 10023 New York, NY 10024 (212) 595-9607 (212) 877-4472FAX: (212) 496-7573

Much love and kisses to all,

MARK

P.S. Looked at my calendar, forgot to mention a few things. Abusy year!

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1995 -- Spring

North Hollywood, CA February 20,1995

Hello to Everyone--

I last wrote from Pam Salvatore's in October '94. A lot hashappened since then! But Inow will take the easier writing assignment, starting with thecalendar:

November 4 - 12 This was the Hunt-Wesson trip, always myfavorite crowd of people towork with. It was a chartered cruise on Cunard's Sea Goddess, theextremely luxurious120-passenger ship. The accommodations were spectacular, and theamenities(fifths of JackDaniels, videos and books, toiletries, etc) were more generous thaneven I was used to. Wesailed from Saint Thomas and stopped at every other island named"Saint".

On November 16, I flew from Burbank to Detroit for the SchmittFamily Thanksgiving,Celebration. Dad and I bought the biggest Butterball turkey, and we hada wonderfuldinner. We had quite a good turnout and a lot of nice pies and otherspecialties. Therewas a major innovation in seating this time, we put everyone at onelong table This severechallenge to tradition was cheerfully welcomed(accepted?) by nearlyeveryone. Lucy stayedovernight, she and Mary were making quilt parts down in the basement

On November 20, I flew from Detroit to La Guardia Airport ,arriving in New York Cityfor a full month of hard work at Salou Design Ltd. This was my usualglamorous Christmasjob, shopping for trees and hauling them up the back elevators at thebest addresses inManhattan, then crawling underneath the trees to attach the expensiveand complicated"best tree stand in the world." The work seemed harder than usual thisseason, Ithought I was getting old. We decorated a major party at the top of theRockefellerCenter, the Rainbow Room Suite., and I did the mantels for Yoko Ono asusual, etc adinfinitum.

I arrived in Garden City on December 24, exhausted from myChristmas job. Dad and Iwent right over to the Rychlinski's Party where we knew all the usualsuspects, and wereable to sample the familiar foods such as Sandra's potato salad and thebroasted chicken,plus hundreds of cookies. Phil was just finishing the family calendars,in fact Dad and Iwere enlisted to deliver several. Phil and Cheryl were trying to forcelittle Steven towalk, we had a great time at that party and with that family. Then Dadand I drove throughHines Park for the show of Christmas lights. And then we put on ourties and went to St.Raphael for midnight mass. Bea and George Flees and young HenryDryovage moved around togive Dad and I the best seats after the usher led us up to the frontpew, where therewasn't room for us. Thank you George and Henry.

On Christmas Day, Dad and Auntie Ev and I drove to Lucy's forthe afternoon, dinner,and overnight. There was a big coat of frost on everything the nextmorning, it is sobeautiful in Michigan. The rest of the week was on Brown Street. Mrs.Milton's beech treewas cut down by GC, it was nearly dead and in the way of the new curbs.Dad hauled almostthe entire tree across the street alone, he got the driver to bring thewood chips to thebackyard. What a busy guy!

December 31 I went from Garden City to Burbank, arriving athome in time for New YearsEve dinner cooked by Dale. Dale and Aaron left on January 2, and my oldfriend Mitch(BobMitchell) from Washington, D.C. arrived on the 3rd, staying til the 6thwhen I had todrive to Huntington Beach to operate a program. I was really too tiredto do the program,but the employer(Linda Hart) was persistent, and I have always believedit was a good signto start working and get a check right away in the new year.

I finished the program. drove home to North Hollywood, andtook to the couch and bed.

On January 16, Martin Luther King Day, I could not breathe anddrove myself to the ERat the North Hollywood Medical Center, just a couple of miles fromhere. They hooked me upto oxygen and took very good care of me for four hours before I wastransferred byambulance to the Los Angeles County/University of Southern CaliforniaMedical CenterHospital(LAC/USC).

There I was diagnosed with PCP(Pneumonia) and had my bloodtested for millions ofreasons, including the HIV, which came back positive. I stayed in theHospital five days,returning home on January 21.

In the hospital my lifeline to family and friends was myhousemate Derek Bohon. He cameto see me every day and called to notify numerous people on my list. Iwill be eternallygrateful for Derek's attention and kindness to me during this time.

Coming home from the hospital, I didn't have to lift a finger.Alice arrived fromArizona that first night, and Jim Schmitt was already here, havingvisited me the nightbefore. So they and Derek took care of those first several days. PoorJim stayed a week,he trimmed the rose bushes, chopped down a big bush, re-did our guestroom closet, andmade me a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches. He was ready to leave, andhad assignments todo.

Mary was here February 3-7, we had a great time, kind of lazyalthough she got out mysewing machine to do a quilting project. My machine is a Singerportable, quite old, thatMom got at a yard sale at least 25 years ago. She couldn't get theinstruction manual soshe wrote out all the instructions in her lovely penmanship andinstalled them on themachine with clear contact paper. Mary felt that Mom was helping herwith the project.

February 8 - 12, Dale was here for his Shaklee meetings and tovisit us. He loves toshop and cook giant meals. We are still trying to find places in thecupboard for some ofthe jumbo things he purchased.

Now, that darling Alice is back for the President's weekend.We have made a couple ofoutings to visit my friends, and she did a lot of stuff around thehouse and garden(WhileI supervised).

I have more visitors on the docket, please don't get theimpression that I am lonely!

My treatment is proceeding nicely at the 5P21 Clinic atLAC/USC. It is the biggest andone of the oldest HIV/AIDs clinics in the West. I like all the people Ideal with there,they are all quite nice and caring. I go every week, and can drivemyself there and back.It's "freeway-close", about 20 minutes each way.

My energy level is pretty good although I need to take restsoccasionally. I takeanti-PCP medications. My appetite is very good, and I weigh about 175#.I probably won'tbe going back to work, but we shall see what the future holds.

It's time to take Alice and her Lap Top to the BurbankAirport.

Thanks to everyone for the cards and letters and packages. Ilook forward to the mailevery day.

Love to all, Mark

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1995 --Memories of Lathers

Sardines

Life at 5910 Lathers was very nice. It was a charming brickhome situated in the centerof three lots. There was a screened breezeway and an attached one-cargarage. The frontdoor opened to an enclosed vestibule with a small-paned glass door tothe living room. Thedining room floor was made of cork tiles. The house was 1 and 1/2stories, and upstairswas one real bedroom, shared by Tom and Dick and Paul and Mark. Therewere two sets ofbunk beds and two small bedside tables, two drawers per boy. To get toour room, we walkedthrough Lucy's room, really a hallway.
Mary was also upstairs, in a tiny room with no window, but at leastfour boys did not haveto traipse though her private space. Mary had a chifferobe for herclothes.
Children were fed in the kitchen, I guess Mom and Dad had a quietermeal in the diningroom.

Life on the outside

We had a big garden in one side yard, this was from Dad'syouth on the farm. I recallcorn and tomatoes and pumpkins and green peppers and cucumbers, andalso the giantsunflowers planted by Lucy and Mark. We had a pool made from a circularblack rubber tarp.The sides of the pool were railroad ties, the tarp went over them, andthe water went in.In winter, we would ice-skate there. We also had a tent made out of anauthentic World WarII silk camouflage parachute

Down Under

We got our first TV in 1953. Dad and Uncle Russ carried the TVdown the basement. Ourpiano was also in the basement, no TV to be watched until pianopractice was complete.American Bandstand and the Mickey Mouse Club were both on at the sametime, causing a lotof negotiations and wars between the age groups. We sat on car seats,the bench types,instead of the more expected couches and chairs.

Pre-Raphaelites

We all went to kindergarten and tot-lot at the old DouglasSchool on Maplewood atHarrison. To get home from school, we would walk through the woods,crossing theriver(creek) on a fallen tree. Little kids would cross on their handsand knees. After afew years, we would get enough courage to walk across. After bravingthe woods and theriver, we would emerge at the dead end of Lathers to the lady waving abutcher knife at usfrom her front porch: "You kids keep off of my property!" Then we wouldrun upLathers towards home. Participants in this wilderness trek includedTerry and Larry Smith.

Ain't she

Our kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Sweet, the same teacher forTom, Dick and Mary, Paul,Mark and Lucy.

Early preparations for life in LA

Mark was once the victim of a drive-by shooting. We wereplaying in the front yard,some teen-agers drove by, and shot and got me with a BB Gun! Notseriouslyinjured(medically).

The naked truth about Anne

Our neighbors on Lathers included Martha and Bob Wychor, Terryand Larry's parentsBetty and Hayden Smith, and our next-door neighbors the Metosinkafamily. Garden City'spostmaster Glenn Donner and his wife Ruby lived across the street in atwo-story colonial,and their favorite was Anne, who was known for visiting the neighborsnaked. Also acrossthe street were the Whitmans, who owned a small candy and cigaretteshop on Ford Road atHelen. Betty Smith regularly sent us there to purchase her cigarettes,32 cents a pack.Eventually, a house was built between ours and Martha Wychor, and thiswas home to theMcCombs family, son Billy being the most memorable one. Directly acrossthe street livedour neighborhood juvenile delinquent, Speedy Coleman, and his slightlynicer sister Nina.

Sitters

Babysitters included Christine Lawrence, who lived in atrailer on Merriman Road. Herfather Stan was building a pink brick house for the family at thatsite. The mother wasGertie Lawrence.
We were also taken care of by the twins, Mary Ann and Nancy Wagonjack.Then Mrs.ClaraBlackman was discovered, and just one block down Lathers. The Schmittsenjoyed a long andhappy association with Mrs. Blackman .Contributed by Mark

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1995 -- Fall

North Hollywood, CA July 16, 1995 Hello from North Hollywood!Since the last letter, myhealth seems to have improved quite a bit. I am over the pneumonia. Iam currently on fourmedications, but I may be moving to a more aggressive protocol,involving more drugs moretimes a day. I feel good and everyone says I look good. Who am I toargue? I haven'tworked since January, and miss the travel and social opportunities. Ihave been receivingdisability payments, but their future seems very much in doubt. I maystart to workslowly, such as a Shaklee convention. Maybe in September. Since I lastwrote, I have hadnumerous visitors. both family and friends. Alice was here for thePresidents weekend;Philip and Martha were here the beginning of March. Dick and Pietrinacame March 24; theydid home repairs, tree-trimming, cooking, etc.

Also in late February, my friends Pat Braun and Steve Liliewere here. I work for themat Salou Design Ltd in New York City every Christmas season, we havebeen friends for over25 years. They are coming again this week, on a buying trip to the LosAngeles Gift Showat the LA Convention Center. And we will most likely drive down to SanDiego for a coupleof days. Jim Schmitt and Holly Young have also been here a couple oftimes, and I havealso driven to San Diego twice, once in April and once in July. Myfriend RichardRenninger of Washington, D.C. was also here for 10 days! We had a niceweekend in PalmSprings too. Our friend Julie Rupp had a big celebrity home for a fewmonth, and we wereable to spend one party weekend there. Palm Springs is just two hoursfrom LA. In MayDenise Resetar, Linda Hart and I traveled together to Illinois for ourfriend SusanRumble's wedding to Stuart McCall. I ended up walking the bride up theaisle since herfamily is all in England. They are planning another ceremony, inEngland, in the fall(I'mnot going). We had a wonderful time and felt we lent a sophisticatedand worldly LA toneto the festivities. The locals in Elizabeth and Galena, IL werecertainly agog ! Then Iwent to Garden City for a Spring visit. The lilacs came into glorywhile I was there --also the lilies of the valley. I picked a huge bouquet of the lilies ofthe valley forMrs. Hammer, from whose garden (according to legend) they originallycame. She wasdelighted, and seemed to be doing quite well without the Judge tosupervise her doings.She was gardening and out and about every day, looks good too. BrownStreet had just beenpaved before I arrived. I was able to observe the pouring of theapproaches from thestreet to the driveways. It is up a little hill now, the road is quitelow. I'm sureeveryone will get used to it. Greg loaned me the 1968 Buick Skylark,formerly Martha's.This was a great car for hauling it, and getting a lot of looks too.The house looks goodwith the new roof, but the road construction continued to create a lotof dust and dirteverywhere, and there was no apparent rush to clean up. I also saw allthe localrelatives. Greg and the girls and I drove to Lucy's for two overnights,we worked on therock garden out back while Emma had her birthday party. We alsoexchanged plants with Amyand Lucy, with everything going into the ground right away, instead ofthe usual severalweeks. Had a nice chat with Michael one night, saw Tom and Bev andPete. Auntie Ev and Ivisited the family graves at the cemetery. I also had dinner withlittle Paul, Mrs.Polizzi, and Aunt Sophie (At De Luca's across from St. Mel's).

Did a little gardening, mainly transplanting more dayliliesinto the way back area.Then I left, and Dad said a lot of the new ones blooomed already.Philip and I hope to beable to redo the front near the new street in August. In June I had anice trip to Roslynand Seattle, WA. Spent several nights with Pam Salvatore and her sonSam. And I had thebusiest ever visit with Paul and Cindy and the boys. There was a socialfunction(pot-luck); every night, we went to the Ohme Gardens and the RockyReach ham at Wenatchee.We also had a cruise through the Puget Sound, went through the locks,and ended up in LakeWashington. We climbed a mountain, went to the lake, toured thosemountain towns, werented videos. I met a lot of the regular characters in their lives atall those pot-lucksuppers. They have e-mail, faxes, and all the other modern things wecity folk have. Thatwhole family is working in the garden a lot more, and the improvementis obvious. This wasa real fun trip.

I still have my clinic appointments once a month. They eyeballme, take some vitalsigns and blood, talk to me, etc. We discuss nutrition, etc. I amconcentrating on a gooddiet, plenty of rest, etc. Although I am back to gardening pretty much.Thanks to everyonefor all the attention and concern. This is a good family to belong to.Mark

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1996 -- Winter

Sunny North Hollywood, California February 13, 1996 [emailstamp says May 4]

I am writing on a hard deadline, and sending this via e-mail.Why is it so hard to getstarted on this document we all love so much? I will proceed inchronological sequencefrom the last letter, published in July 1995.

In August 95 I enjoyed a nice month-long visit to Garden City.Mary was there forseveral days, and Judy Bedard was there the whole time, planning andexecuting herparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Dad and I attended theparty, he can reallywork a room. Dad & I also went to Lake Michigan to visit Julieand Dodie, saw ourcousins (Linda Renauld family), and even paid a pop-call to Uncle Stanand Aunt Bethel,and stopped to see Art Schmitt at his store where we bought the JoeSchmitt Honey.

Also had a nice overnight to Mike & Debby's with Greg,Amy, Wily, and Marti. Mike& Deb were away for the weekend, but we did spend some qualitytime with our grown-upnephew, the former "Little Chrissie", now known as Mike Schmitt or'Schmitty-Schmoo" among other aliases.

Judy and I made a one-day pilgrimage to her alma mater,Central Michigan U at Mt.Pleasant (driving her Dad's Fleetwood). We stopped for dinner at Lucy& Mort's, all inall a great day. Judy and I made numerous outings for shopping andgallivanting, usuallywhenever I needed a break from watching Dad on the ladders.

I attended Mrs. Kasten's neighborhood party for the secondyear in a row. Everyneighbor woman scolded Dad for working on ladders (14 days in a rowduring my visit). Heignored them all.

Judy and I flew together to Burbank, where she stayed with usa couple of days beforereturning to Australia for her schoolteaching career.

High point of September was a weekend visit from my littleCalifornia nephews John andPaul. We did the usual Sunset Strip/Rodeo Drive/Beverly Hills/PacificOcean tour in myBonneville. They did the night club tour with Maria's glamourpussfriend Tamara, she'sfrom Livonia and works here for one of the studios.

Late September/early October found me traveling to St. Cloudto see Martha and Jon andJack and Karl. Don & Virginia invited us to Milaca for a fullturkey Dinner, the otherguests were Jon's sister Marie and her whole gang. I also inspected theLutheran churchand even met the minister (another Jon). Martha and I bought lots ofperennials for theirnew front-door garden. The leaves changed color while I was there, andall in all it wasreally a nice relaxing visit.

In November I went to San Francisco to work the ShakleeConvention on Nob Hill. Theydidn't work me too hard, and it was great to see all my old friends andcoworkers.

I also made a trip to GC for the Schmitt ThanksgivingCelebration on Brown Street.Everyone did a good job, and it was a wonderful holiday, it was greatto be there.

Late November found me in Tempe, AZ for a weekend of takingnaps and playing Skip-Boevery night with Alice & Ronnie.

In December I went to New York City for my regular Christmasjob, it was all the sameclients and penthouses. I'd get to work around noon(ish), and work atmy own pace withseveral assistants to schlep the trees and garlands, etc. I was able togo out with otherfriends a couple of times. The people I work for at Salou are wonderfuland care a lotabout me. I really had a good time in NYC and am so glad I took thechance and went. Ireturned home to LA on December 25.

On January 1, 1996, we hosted our famous New Years Day HatParty, with well over 100hatted guests attending. Alice & Ronnie were here, also JimSchmitt and the RenauldCousins. We had a wonderful warm sunny day, and the party spreadthrough the whole backyard.

Mid-January took me to San Diego for 5 days. I worked aprogram for Travel Incentives,Also spent some time with Jim Schmitt, including a visit to the AutoMuseum in BalboaPark. Flew from San Diego to BUR-on a prop plane on the clearest, mostbeautiful sunnyday, right up to coast. 4 passengers!

If it sounds like I have gone back to work, I really haven't.The jobs I've done havebeen performed at my new slower pace. I need to start later, and takeseveral breaks.

My energy is good on some days, poor on others. I ammaintaining a pretty good weight(175-180)(with some effort), and have my various aches and pains. Itake numerous drugs,including all the new ones that have just been approved. I am also on acouple of drugstudies at my clinic.

The 5P21 Clinic is the largest in the country, and the doctorsthere are among the topAIDs researchers in the U.S. So whatever is the latest is usually thetreatment I receive.I still love my P.A.(Physician Assistant), Debbie Johnson. She is verystraightforwardabout my status and what I need to do. She always has me at the top ofthe list for newdrugs and drug studies, and I am almost always ready to try the newestprotocol. Sheanswers all my questions (I always have a big list), and she is verywarm and loving, witha good sense of humor. She claims I am her favorite out of over 300patients. Debbiethanks my family for expanding her Donald Duck memorabiliacollection... Keep on shopping!I go to the clinic about twice a month these days.

My roomates Derek and Craig are very well and very solicitousto me. I am lucky to beliving with them. I'm also enjoying a decent social life, and stillgardening and cookinga bit.

I am glad to be well enough to keep visiting all my relativeshere and there, and hopeto do even more visiting this year. So, I'll hope to see you all,either at your place ormine, in the coming months.

Love from MARK

1996 -- Summer

Dear Everyone... Well I guess I get the top prize for bestexcuse for missing thedeadline... HEART ATTACK! Chest pains on August 18 and 19th put me inLAC+USC Hospital onAugust 20. It was a full-fledged MI, (Myocardial Infarction) withpermanent damage. I wentthrough all the tests: Ecocardiagram, Treadmill Stress Test, CardiacCatheter. My internsand cardiac cath. Doctors were saying heart bypass surgery, but whenthe whole teamconverged, the plan was to manage me medically, with drugs. This seemsa much moreappealing course of action. I was supported by the 5P21 clinicincluding Debbie JohnsonPA, Carole Wilson RN, and Dr. Judith Currier. (Currier's husband is acardiac surgeon atLAC+USC, and is investigating my case).

Dale and Derek and Linda and Denise and Mary Lea were mydevoted visitors. I stayed 9days in the hospital and was delighted to leave without the immediateprospect of openheart surgery. Prior to the MI, my health had shown dramaticimprovement, due mainly tothe latest 3-drug therapy including the new protease inhibitorRitonavir. My viral loadfactor had gone from over 1,000,000 to 370, and my T-Cells from under50 to 115. Theprospect of a longer life was right there. Now Debbie and I think thatmaybe the new drugsomehow contributed to my heart attack. Certainly the high fat dietsuggested for drugabsorption raised my cholesterol to 419! So we are switching proteaseinhibitors andmaking changes in the diet.

I'm kind of laying low now, but hope to get to GC for my 30thH.S. reunion on October12. Maybe to Washington DC for a visit and to NYC for my Christmas job.Dale moved in withus this summer and is now trying to create low-fat meals. He ishorrified by our hotweather, which has been 100+ for over a month now.

I have been busy since the last letter in February. HadKathleen Neumann and herdaughter Kathryn for one rainy week in February. Then it was Dad'sheart attack in SanJose. I went up to relieve John and Paul. They were so good to Dad (andMary and me). Johneven let me drive his car!

In March, Pat Braun was here from NYC to help open the newMuseum of Television andRadio in Beverly Hills. I helped with the gala opening party. Even met'that girl' MarloThomas. Late March our whole group went to Palm Springs for JulieRupp's wedding, whichshe canceled 3 days before. We went anyway and she's still planning tomarry him once shegets the pre-nuptial agreement more to her satisfaction! True Love!!

In April I went to Phoenix and had a nice weekend with Aliceand Ronnie, and saw acouple of my other friends too. May took me to Las Vegas for a shortweekend with my SanFrancisco friends including Dana Turner. Also had dinner with cousinsRon and MelanieRenauld and kids. We had our annual yard sale here.

June was spent in Michigan doing all the usual stuff with theusual suspects. Both HSgraduation parties were fun. I made sauerkraut for Anna's'. Mary washelping me. I saidcut up a couple of apples in wedges, peeled, so she cut them in tinysquares with the peelon. Then she corrected that, but did 7 apples and put them into the potwhile my back wasturned. You gotta watch her! But it was the most successful dish at theparty, so Isuggest you up the apple quotient next time you make this wonderfuldish.

Dad and Peter re-roofed the Bike Shed while I was there. All Idid was fix them lunchesand cool drinks. They were careful with the ferns (that Anne didn'tplant). It was quitethe long project, but done right. Dad was also up his ladders as usual.He could open aladder museum, I think.

I did some work on Brown Street yard, mainly the strip betweenour driveway and theChristensen neighbors. Lots of myrtle and black-eyed Susans, andwatering. The yard looksgood.

In July Pat and Steve were here from NYC for 10 days (in ahotel). They had a LincolnTown Car in which I drove them all around town. The high point was ourVIP hard hat tourof the new Getty Museum, ($74 million), under construction on thehighest hill in LA,(next to the San Diego Freeway).

I also had a nice quiet 4th of July weekend away from my 3roommates, dog-sitting forDenise and Gilbert in their Hollywood Hills home with a pool.

In August I had a nice week in Seattle and Roslyn. Played alot of checkers and"chest" with Evan, and all us boys played Nintendo "Bonopoly." Flowersabound all over "Bedsyde Manor". It really is beautiful. Also had anice fewdays with Pam Salvatore and her 10 year old son Sam.

Went to the Central California coast with Linda Hart andElizabeth Simeone for aweekend, including a tour of San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst'sfantastic castle.

Have been to the Hollywood Bowl for several concerts thissummer. Our heatwave is quitedraining. We got a "new" 2 year old black female German Shepherd named"Lucky". Poor old Duke is still hanging on, but those old bones are notgoing tosupport him too much longer. for all your attention during my recenthospital stay. Thenurses were quite delighted to get flowers from the brothers andsisters. It sure is goodto have 2 doctors for brothers and one RN sister who called almostevery night to check mystatus! And thanks to all for keeping the hotline and rumor mill going.It's past time togo and E-Mail this to Dick. Love to all, MARK

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1997 -- Winter

Dear Everyone...
BETTER TO FEEL GOOD THAN TO LOOK GOOD
Things are looking good to me! In the health department, my viral loadis now called"immeasurable", (that's good), although the T-Cells are still less than100. Mycholesterol is under 200 (good), and electrolytes are normal. So allthat is certainlyencouraging. I feel good and "they" all claim that I look good too.

DID HE HAVE A LLAMA TIE?
October brought me to Garden City for the 30th High School Reunion. PamSalvatore was mydate and we had a great time. Of course I heard "you look just like Dr.Schmitt"more than once. The St. Raphael crowd had a photo together. I guess wego back more like42 years! Lots of them are still in GC and environs.
We also enjoyed a Schmitt family gathering on Brown Street that sameday. Thosegrandchildren sure are cute.

FRISCO
In November I went to San Francisco to work the Shaklee Convention fora few days. Workedwith Jim Schmitt and all my old and dear friends. Lots of fun and hardwork and longhours. Paul and John and Carolyn trained up from Silicon Valley for anice afternoon withme on the Streets of San Francisco.

NO NOBLE PRIZE
Then it was off to New York City for one month. We had Thanksgivingdinner at theapartment. I made Mom's famous stuffing, for which I had to call Cherylfor the recipe.She finally got me of the phone by claiming she had a "screaming baby."MyChristmas job at Salou Design Ltd. was the most pleasant in memory. Weput out a lot ofwork, but all as scheduled and with a minimum of stress and falsedeadlines. Biggestproblem was a lack of Noble Fir trees in NYC!
New York is getting more pleasant and civilized every year. Now it isagainst the law forevery vehicle to honk the horn every time the light changes at everyintersection. Weatherwas very nice, with only a couple of really cold days and no lingeringsnow.

MARIA SAKKED-TAKES THE FIFTH
Highlight of my New York stay was a short visit from Maria and herchatty friend Kathryn.Maria is so cute and smart and funny. Very stylish too, and she wasladen down withpurchases from Saks 5th Avenue.

GOING TO THE DOGS
I returned to Los Angeles on December 25th, then enjoyed 10 days withno roommates; justme and 2 German Shepherds, Duke and Lucky. Even though it rainedeveryday, we reallyenjoyed the peace and privacy. And the only Christmas decoration hereon Camellia Avenuewas one poinsettia! Of course I had already seen enough Christmas decorin NYC.

A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
Jim Schmitt was here for a long weekend in mid-January. It was rainy sowe couldn't do theusual number of projects he likes to do. Then his brother Donnie diedlater that week.Donnie was my age, I knew him when I was a kid and stayed with UncleDon and Aunt Margaret(my Godparents,) on the cousin exchange. I remember him going toBarbour Hall at Nazareth.He had been to Vietnam. Was married to his second wife and lived inTennessee, worked forSaturn.

ON A ROLL
Last weekend I played host to "Little" Paul, Carolyn, and their friendLindafrom Chicago. Dale drove us on the full tour in the Rolls. Of course itrained allweekend, but we still had fun. Saw Evita, the ocean and the VeniceBoardwalk too.

Past time to E-mail, so...
Love to all,
Mark

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1997 -- Summer

North Hollywood, CA

August 1, 1997

Hello Family--

We all love to get the letter. We all hate to write it. Weespecially hate to write ona deadline, although everyone does it. Since I cannot remember the dateof the lastletter, I will start with February.

Had a nice visit with Tom and Bev in Feb. They were staying inPasadena, so Tom got tomeet my dear friend Mary Lea Carroll. Mary Lea loaned us her membershipcard for theHuntington Library and Gardens, so we made our visit in the earlymorning before the hoipolloi were admitted to the grounds. Bev exclaimed over each cactus inthe vast gardens,and there are several thousand varieties. We also admired Blue Boy andPinky. They werethe first real art I had ever seen, as there were copies of them at theCaldwell FuneralHome. Tom and Bev and I also dined out numerous times, and even thejaded Bev wasimpressed by my skill at Parallel-parking the Bonneville.

In March I was host to our group's annual Academy Awards Arty,This is a gambling Arty,winner takes all. Winners were Denise's husband Gilbert and her brotherBob, who had tosplit the $260.

In Aprils, Francis came out for a visit. We went on his longanticipated agriculturaltour of Central California, viewing trillions of grape vines, citrusorchards, etc... Wealso visited the Sequoia National Park, where we saw the largest livingthing on earth,the General Sherman Tree. One day we had lunch with cousinBarbara(Banner) Scalice anddinner with Marge and Dick Greenwald, both in Huntington Beach. We alsohad an eveningwith Ron And Melanie Renauld. Dad stayed two nights at Linda Hart's.since our house iskind of too full. A good visit, and I was able to polish up on mydriving skills with allDad's helpful pointers.

In May, I went to Washington, D.C. for a visit with all mygood old friends, stayingwith my old friend Mitch in Alexandria. Then on June 2, flew off toGarden City foranother couple of weeks. Had the usual fine time there doing gardeningand house projects.Also did a lot of driving Dad around for his eye operation andfollow-up appointments,further perfecting my driving with further helpful pointers. Late Junebrought a quickiedinner with Tom and Susie.

July 4th I was in San Diego for Holly Young's big party. whichwas also attended by Jimand Susie Schmitt. OH, forgot to mention that my (nd Dad's) friendJulie Rupp was marriedin June, and I escorted her up the aisle and Linda was Maid of Honor.

Now I am trying to adjust to a whole new drug regimen. MYviral load had risen quite abit. So now I'm taking a 4-part "Cocktail"

This new drug Protocol attacks the virus in four ways, So now,including drugs for myheart "Problem" I take about 50 pills and 2 gruesome liquids a day. Ijuststarted the new therapy this week, so am still waiting for certainadverse reactions toassert themselves. Debbie Johnson and the other fine staff at the. 5P21Clinic arewatching me closely so I am in good hands, and all the drugs are thenewest and latestthings. I feel good, although less energetic (if you can imagine)

I am excited about our trip to Chicago for Joe and Veronica'swedding. Dad and I aregoing to be room-mates. We had a little practice in April, and gotalong pretty good. Weeach claim that the other does not snore. It should be fun for thewhole family staying inthe big hotel, going on this and that cultural outing. I also have acouple of friends Ihope to spend some time with while we are there. And I am lookingforward to dancing atthe wedding, I arrive on Wednesday August 27. depart on Tuesday,September 2.

As You can see, I typed this myself on my own typewriter. Whenit comes back to me, Iknow I will regret not making the earlier deadline, because I will missthose Headlines.

Why not pull together our memories of Anne for the nextedition, it's 20 Years sinceshe died in December 1977. That's all for now, see You all soon.

Love from Your favorite,

Mark

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1998 -- Winter

February 3, 1998

Dear Ones:

This is the first document I am creating on my "new" computer.

Acme
I'll start at the high point of last summer, the wedding of Joe andVeronica in Chicago.What a fun event, what fun people. That week in Chicago will truly godown in history.

The Princess
I had a nice visit with Jon and Martha in San Diego in September. Jonhad a conference atthe Princess Resort. Martha and I shopped and visited around. Then weall had drinks anddinner every night. I stayed with my good friend Holly Young and herlittle family.

Re: Mark
Also in September, I worked a couple of days for Travel Incentives overat UniversalStudios. I also attended 2 parties in one day, the last Saturday. Onewas Uncle MarkHollingsworth and Dan Logan's "End of Summer" Beach Party at their homeright onthe ocean in Malibu. That same day I drove clear to Pasadena for MaryLea and BillCarroll's Garden Party in their newly remodeled garden.

Flower & Power
In October I helped Pat Braun(of Salou Design Ltd. of NYC). He was inBeverly Hillsworking on a Gala for the Museum of Television and Radio. Pat and Idirected the localFlorists and Lighting People and Caterers and Photographers, etc.

Name dropper
In October I was also privileged to speak(along with 4 other clients)at the Spirit ofHope Banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown LA. My clinic, theLAC/USC 5P 21, wasamong 4 organizations receiving the annual Spirit of Hope Award, givenfor outstandingwork in the AIDS field. And it was the staff of 5P 21 being honored. Ifollowed 2Spanish-speaking women, so I was warmly received and understood bymany. I was able torattle off the names of so many of the personnel who have kept me aliveand happy for thepast three years.
People sure do like to hear their names, and the P.R, generated hasdone me no harmeither.

Babes in Palmland
In November I had a nice weekend in Palm Springs. Linda Hart had aprogram that I helpedher get started, then Susie Schmitt became Linda's cute young staff.Linda was impressedwith Susie's knowledge, and that Linda can be quite a shark! Iinspected Susie'sbachelorette apartment, just to visit all the hand-me-downs I havearranged for her. Sheis conveniently located right at the tennis courts, and according toour friend Julie, ifSue needs help moving furniture or whatever, she just goes out to thecourts and recruitsthe strong backs she needs. Denise and Gilbert and family were also inthe Desert thatweekend, and we also got to see Julie Rupp's new baby girl, AlexandraLouise Masmanian.You will recall that Linda and I stood up at Julie's wedding lastsummer.

Road work
In early November I also worked a one-day job for Holly Young'scompany, The Event Team.It was a road rally for a bank in Glendale.

Relative bliss
Then it was off to Michigan for the Schmitt Thanksgiving Weekend. Onemorning I went toMass with Dad and Auntie Ev at the beautifully renovated St. Raphaels.The Mass was forMom's Birthday, and the occasion was duly noted. Father Prus evenpreached a sermon,soliciting religious vocations from the 7th and 8th Graders inattendance. On Saturday wehad a great family Thanksgiving, I believe we counted 28 closerelations. Then on Sundaywe went out to Phil and Cheryl's new house for a light meal and theusual propertyinspection. What a place!

Medium Tech
Joe and Veronica drove Joe's old computer from Chicago and presented itto me. I shippedit off to LA via UPS and now have it hooked up but not quite going. Istill have to learnhow to work everything. At least I am a fast typist, and perttyaccurate.

Tails of Manhattan
Then it was off to New York City, just in time for the realThanksgiving, which wecelebrated with all the usual attendees at the apartment at 5 West 86thStreet. I kept upmy 6 days a week job at Salou Design, and was able to go to quite a fewparties too. PattiMariano and I even attended a Black-Tie Affair, for which I now havethe complete correctoutfit! I had more fun in New York than I have had in years, had plentyof energy andalways got the job done in time too.. They also have a "new" 10-yearold YorkieMix named Sparky,, and I had the strength to give him occasional walksin Central Park,just across the street from the apartment.

Mark Vobiscum
On Christmas Eve I attended Midnight Mass at St. Mary the VirginEpiscopal Church on West46th Street with my assistant Ronnie Cahn. Ronnie donates and keeps upthe advent wreaththere. This was my 2nd Christmas Eve there. Those Episcopals do a lotin Latin, have a lotof processions, and swing a lot of incense around. This is one of myfavorite newtraditions.

The longest day
On Christmas Day, I flew from JFK to PHX, then had dinner with Aliceand Ronny and alltheir good friends. Then Alice drove me back to catch my plane to BUR,and I finished upmy Christmas Day in Beautiful North Hollywood.

wHAT a PARTY!
On New Years Day we hosted our famous HAT PARTY, we had about 100 inattendance includingRon and Melanie and William and Mia Rose Renauld of Calabasas, CA.

Girls to the Valley
After New Years, I had a nice quick overnight visit from Susie and herfriend Jessica, whodrove in from Palm Springs for a night clubbing on the Sunset Strip. Imust say the girlswere glamorous and looked sharp when they went out!

Travlin'
I'm just back from several days in San Diego, traveling via Amtrak. Sawquite a bit ofCousin Jim Schmitt as well as Holly and her gang. Hoping to go toPhoenix and SanFrancisco soon, and in spring back to Washington DC and of courseMichigan.So as you cansee I manage to keep busy working a little here and there and travelinga lot there andthere.

Cocktail wait? Yes!
I am feeling good and "they" say I look good, especially with my newHair-Do. Asfor medications, I am currently taking an "old" 3-part "cocktail" as akind of stop-gap measure, just waiting to get the newest drugs,hopefully within weeks.The meds are keeping me in a good holding pattern, and all my numbersare prettyrespectable (considering). So next time I will be on the newestprotocol, and hopefullywill be doing as well as I have been all along. Keep my name on yourprayer list, Iappreciate it.

Hope to see everyone soon. Love from your favorite,

MARK

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