Letter 19 11/18/1952 Ink-Stained Hands and Snow-Dusted Pines

Show Notes:
November 18th, 1952 — Joyce writes with an inky, leaky pen, alternating between work at the café and outlining chapters for her upcoming genetics test. She muses about headscarves versus earmuffs for the cold, the beauty of snow on pine branches, and memories of last Easter morning in the mountains.

Dorm politics swirl again as she fills out her apartment preference slip, wondering if Connie might move out and if Winnie might go with her. Joyce debates the freedom of an off-campus room, grumbles about Bob Bishop’s persistent presence, and confesses her preference for chicken over minute steaks. She squeezes in a nickel for the jukebox but can’t be bothered to get up.

The letter blends practical concerns with affectionate touches — knitting Earl’s socks for his birthday, wondering what he’s been doing all week, sending greetings to friends, and closing with a playful anecdote about Johnny jokingly charging her to keep quiet about her “flirting.” She ends the night studying genetics, admiring her ring, and reaffirming her love for the man who gave it to her.

Topics Include:

• Leaky pens and inky fingers
• Cold weather gear choices — headscarf or earmuffs
• Snow on pine trees and mountain memories
• Apartment preference slips and dorm reshuffling
• Considering off-campus housing
• Bob Bishop’s persistence
• Favorite foods at the café (minute steaks, chicken)
• Knitting socks for Earl’s birthday
• Johnny’s jokes about spying
• Admiring her engagement ring
• Balancing work, studying, and affection

Transcript

November 18th, 1952. My darling, this pen just leaked itself dry. I've quit taking it to classes, et cetera, because it leaks all over my purse and contents. No mail for me today. I guess everybody's deserted me. Does that word have one S or two? The wind is getting quite strong. I'm going to have to break down and wear a headscarf.

Or maybe I'll get earmuffs to wear, except in rain and heavy snow. Last night, Anne, I made a puppet. It's sort of silly looking, but it didn't take much work. So far, I've got seven chapters outlined for genetics, only four more, and then to learn the outline. I'm sort of thinking I won't do so well on this test, as I have a composition project to work on too. It's 410, and if I'm at work for a change, it's 410.

and I'm at work for a change, I carried this pen over with me. It's hard to read pencil writing and it smudges quite a bit.

Maybe.

I'll even break down and finish my outline in ink. The pine trees are so pretty with snow on their limbs. I'll bet the mountains are beautiful. Last Easter morning, we went to one of the kids' cabin and the snow was real deep and the mountain sides were really gorgeous. This is going to be a low day for May, I'm afraid. It's after four o'clock and the register is only at $27.


I wonder if she knows we all look at the register all the time to see what she's making. Or I should say, what she isn't making. We have to fill out our preference slips for the apartment. I put mine the same. said maybe Connie would move out, and I don't really care. Only I'd hate to see Winnie go with her. I still haven't decided whether to try to find a room off campus or not.

I'd sure appreciate the freedom. Some of the rooms are as cheap as the dorm, especially with a roommate. I've got ink all over me again. I'm sure glad the soap here is strong. Barb Bishop is getting to be a big pain in the neck. I was never too fond of Bob. I was wanting to call him Barb. Bob Bishop is getting to be a big pain in the neck.

I was never too fond of him at Aspen and he's no better now. He's a good enough person and will carry his share of the load in a group, but he's always hanging around. Did I tell you I've been eating the small minute steaks for supper? Strangely enough, I'd as soon as have ham or meatloaf. The steaks Cleon fixes at home, I just love, but they're...

small swiss steak cuts only she fries them with salt pepper flour and cheese on top. Chicken will always be my favorite though. One of the tables needs clearing off. Be back later. Now the joint is clean and quiet. I've squander a nickel in the jukebox but I'm too lazy to get up and find a nickel.


George wasn't around when I came out of class today, unless he was in the lab. I never go looking for him. Someday I'll keep my promise and go to Mrs. Wright's for lunch. Saturday is my only possible day though. May is still thinking about staying open Thanksgiving. She can't decide whether there would be enough people to make it worthwhile. I hope I get your other sock done over the weekend.

so that you can have them for your birthday. She's making him two socks for his birthday by hand and that's what he gets, that's it. It seems I'm hungry again. If Johnny had some egg salad, I'd fix up a sandwich. Maybe if the fountain works, I'll fix a root beer float. I used to have one every afternoon. Someone just came in. What have you been doing all week? Say hi to...

Ozzy for me and have him remember me too surely. She's sure a good kid. How old is she? Johnny is having trouble collecting From people who owe him money poor man People are beginning to come in sweetheart. So I'll leave you now, but I'm so sorry I won't have time to write a couple more pages, but I must learn my genetics. I love you so much darling

And as usual, I'm counting days till Friday when we'll be together again. Bye bye and my love and thoughts are always with you. All my love, Joyce. P.S. I'm back home and thought I'd add a line or two. Johnny said to tell you I've been flirting with all the boys and he wants a dime for spying on me unless I'll give him 15 cents to keep quiet. Bye for now. I must study.

and I love you so very much. Love, Joyce. PPS, I decided to write another line or two before going to bed. I think I know genetics pretty well. Anita has been admiring my ring. She is quite in love with it. So am I. I'm in love with the man that gave it to me too. Well, dear, good night again. I love you very much and I'll hug and kiss you Friday. Love, Joyce.