Letters from Brian Earl Winsor & Barbara Hansen Winsor to Lu & Wickie Winsor Jan 1974-December 1980

 Sun, Jan 3 1974

Hi,

I could see ya waving when I taxied away. I was kind of afraid y'all wouldn't be able to see me off. The plane ride was fun and the food was great. I spent almost 3 hrs in Chicago. I saw The Bennetts twice, and Tiffany, and that family and Craig, JoAnn & Bob. 

We go to the temple tomorrow and get to go to the Solemn Assembly room. We get up at 5:00.

Could you epoxy the face of my electric clock back together (all the clear pieces) and put it on the clock. How did my ceramics turn out? Wayne, how are dishes? Salt Lake isn't too cold but there's snow around. There are 198 missionaries and the Germans are ahead of everybody in the discussions. 

We toured Temple square. My present companion is Greg Bean. He's 6'4" & ok, a little better than me at memorization. There's about 30 in my room. It's past bedtime so I'll have to say by. 

By.

Brian

Provo, Utah, Sunday Oct 2, 1977

Dear Mom, Dad, & anyone else, 

Thanks a lot for the 2 sets of contacts & 2 glasses cases ------Where did you find them? One of the pairs of contacts were my good ones & I haven't tried on the others yet. I have 3 pairs of contacts now. 

I'm going to have to drop Computer Science because I couldn't catch up, because of starting 2 weeks late. I couldn't pick up the class & then I couldn't find where it met. 

The date with Kitty went pretty good. We threw rocks-I showed her how to use a sling. We went over to El Azetca & for 3.50 a piece I was stuffed & we took home a doggie bag with part of her meal. I helped her move last Sunday. 

My Classes otherwise are going well. 

I took Julie out to "You Light up my Life" It wasn't too good of a movie. I don't let her come over & hang around. I don't waste much time on her-she's got other boyfriends anyway. 

I'm interested in a girl named Laurie Atkinson I met at an orientation dance. She's about 5'1" with curly hair & she's a real cutie, & seems athletic. 

Anyway, I love ya, 

Brian. 

Oct 1977 Provo, Utah

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Well it was nice to get your call & know you'd got home OK. I met a girl named Laura Atkins at on e of the 3 orientation dances. I was with her about 1/2 of the dance. She was 5'1" and was very mature & easy to talk with & cute. I've seen her around a couple of times since then but I haven't looked her up yet. 

I've got 17 1/2 hr. Computer Science 3, Physical Chemistry 3, Chem Survey 1, Chem Literature 1, Special Chemical research 3, 

Latin Dance 1/2, Ballroom Dancing 1/2, Spanish 4, Pearl of Great Price 2. 

* In Special Chemical research, I picked a professor & will help him with things he needs done in his lab. I'll be working running reactions & analyzing them. 

Computer Science, Spanish, & Spec. Prob. will take the most time. I've been doing good work so far. 

Julie tries to get over when she can but she hasn't interfered seriously with my studies or other girls. I've taken her out twice. 

Well, I've got to be getting to bed now. Buddy doesn't mix as well with Wayne, Cleston, & me s could be wished- but he's OK. A little too serious & prudish, Tscha.

Well By 

Love, 

Brian

1130 E 450 N #45

Provo, Ut. 

Postmarked Oct 26, 1977

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Sorry I haven't written more often, I've been reading too many science fiction books I guess. That leaves only time for study and a few dates. 

I can't believe how expensive dates are. Also paying 21 dollars for new Glasses frames & bills for long distance phone calls & for electricity left my account empty early. ( I also bought a $14 backpack) The briefcase is heavy & doesn't carry much stuff. The other packs are at home in Ga. The straps ripped out. 

I've been dating a Laura Atkinson and probably date a girl named Anjelica, her mother is German & she speaks it fluently. It ought to be fun to speak it on dates. She's a thin blond.

We got a broken window replaced today. It was cracked when we moved in but the crack spread & pieces started to fall out this weekend. 

I took Ronda out to Zorro (with Tyrone Power) and had a ball, it's a neat movie. I told her a little about my outfit I used to have. The sword fighting in the movie was lightning quick & exciting. 

I'm getting along fair in Physical Chem. But I keep making little mistakes that cause me to miss problems. 

I can do the swing, Samba, Rumba & just a little fox trot. Homecoming's this week & I'm going to go to a swing dance & show off. I can do the Octopus, Twin cities, & some other sharp looking stuff. 

Elder Paul Dunn is supposed to speak tomorrow & I'm really looking forward to it. I'm district Genealogist, and Family home evening Group leader. 

I gave a talk this Sunday on happiness & I said mainly happiness is making celestial type goals & good temporal goals & achieving them. I also said the other main part was being loved & loving others & said that some of the happiest people I know were those that loved the most. We can't afford to write people off because we feel we have conflicting personalities. If Christ had done this I'm sure almost everyone would be written off. I've been trying to figure out how he manages to love so many rotten people!

Wayne's broken up with Leslie so you can stop worrying about her. 

Well, I've got to sign off & get some homework done.

 Love Ya, 

Brian

Belated birthday card:

This card expresses my perennial problem... Procrastination. Love ya'll lots Wayne

Dear Mom and Dad,

Happy Birthday. We really do love ya'll and wish we could talk more often but it just costs too much. It's too bad we can't just fly home for Christmas, Oh well --you get to be with Mark & Jo & Krystal & _______. We get Phil Marilu & kids. 

Be Good 

Brian

Nov 1977

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Well things are going fairly well for me. I think I did well in Spanish this week. I haven't been getting anything much below 79 in there. My academics I think are going OK. 

I've been dating Leslie Harris and she seems quite interested in me. I am interested in her, but, I hope she loses some weight - that really bothers me. We got tickets to last weeks game thru her uncle toward the middle of the paid side. In the first and last quarter B.Y.U. really rolled over Utah. We won with a 30 point spread. In the third quarter the wind started picking up and a large hot air balloon used for advertising was brought it down. Just as it touched the ground wind caught it & blew it over the end zone bleachers & the band. It was dragging the basket over the people & the ground. No one was hurt. It was snagged on the goal post & bent it over so all the rest of the kicks had to be done at the other side of the field. 

She asked me out to her dorm reference. I asked Leslie to a homecoming dance. We saw a choir concert on Wednesday & I spent Sunday evening with her & took her to a 12 stake fireside where Br. McConkie spoke. Leslie's a genealogy teacher for her branch. I'm going to be a teacher (genealogy) next semester for my district in the branch. I'll be teaching with Miss Provo 1977-78 Kim Novus. She wants to be an actress. I think she's kinda cute. She has the lead part in "Sat. Warrior"

Dec 1, 1977

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Yesterday Cles & I went out Grocery shopping. We got a 6 pack of non-alcoholic "Near Beer". By that stuff really reeks. German Non-alcoholic near(dark) beer is not as bitter as American. & not as sweet as root beer. It's really good. It also has less carbonation in it. 

I've really been having problems with P-Chem. They haven't been posting answers to homework & I've been spending hours running in circles. Today I'm going to take some of my problems to the Prof. 

"The Hobbit" on the whole was done fairly well. It reflected the Image of what everything looked like pretty well but the animation was jerky. Teresa is really a nice girl we had a fun time at Thanksgiving. The food was fantastic. There was Meat pie, and carrot cake with lemon pudding at the Bennetts. 

Oh some of the things I would like sent 1. My brown plaid pants

2. Blue bell sleeved shirt

3. Battle of the Bulge game (On my wood stand on the middle shelf (at the bottom of the closet))

4 English Paper King Henry the by Shakespeare vs The Prince by Machiavelli To prove to them I've written such it's in with my other English folders in the bookshelf facing the door. & any other University English papers you find. 

5. My tape casset recorder w/microphone The microphone may be in a long narrow vinal pocket thing. In one of the drawers under my bed or in a battery box. 

6. Battery charger -9v Black Utility Box with holes in top. & connecting cord. 

That's about it. 

Love yall , & be Good'

Brian

Jan 16, 1978

Dear Mom & dad & family, 

Well I'm a little behind in my inorganic history class. They're using some math I've only caught small glimpse of before. I've spent $75.00 on books this semester. My inorganic book cost $26.00 --There were no old ones - the class is given once a year and I think each year the instructor tries something new. 

I saw an interesting chemical reaction the other day. The solution turnes alternatly black & then clear & kept repeating about every 5 to 10 seconds. It's called an Oscilating reaction.

Oh I got the Fry baby yesterday Thanks! It's really convenient - I can have fries & chips all I want and really inexpensively. there was supposed to be an instruction manual with it but there wasn't. Do you have it? If so will you send it? I need to know what setting to use it on for steaming rice etc. I was looking at Friers & crockpots before Christmas and thinking I'd like one. 

I got myself a "Heart" album titled "Little Queen". It's an album after my own heart. They play a couple of hard moving rock songs & some more dramatical magical music.  I love one piece where two mandolins play a song. The lead singer reminds me of Debbie Bird. 

Ya'll got a copy of my grades? I was glad I didn't fail P-Chem. It would have been embaressing. The teacher I've got this semester is better & I think I'll really make a good grade in it this semester. 

Cles & I have been playing a game of "Battle of the Bulge". I'm goin' to get to know that thing pretty well. It's my favorite war game. I think I'm going to beat Cles this time. 

Dad I was wondering what you thought about the war before you actually got into it & why you felt that way. Then I was wondering how you felt about war afterwards & what changed your mind or reinforced your thoughts. You must've been kind of nervous when you first got next to some of the battles. If you have some time to write I'd like to hear about it. Did you see "4 feathers", we watched it at Phil's. 

We've started the Genealogy classes & I am now working with 2 girls who have the same responsibilities that I do. 

I think it's good that Julie's got a guy, is it Johnnie Phalo??Sp? Well I've got to go it was nice to get you letter. I'm all well. 

Love, 

Brian

Aug 31, 1978

Dear sister Winsor, 

I just had to write you and tell you what a fine son you have. Cleston and Brian arrived at my home Tuesday night and just left this morning. I guess the reason I was so impressed with Brian is because I never really knew him. Mark and I went to school together and Wayne is so outgoing that it was easy to know them. But Brian was always reading. 

Well he read here too. Every time he sat down Mame or Melinda was climbing into his lap with a book saying "Read me a story!" So he did again and again. My girls really fell in love with Brian, especially Melinda. When I told her to kiss them goodbye & good night last night, She ran to Brian and gave him a big hug and kiss and then waved goodbye to Cleston. She did finally relent and kiss and hug Cleston but then she had to go kiss and hug Brian again. By the way, her kisses have to be right on the lips too, so she would hold Brian's face between her two little hands and kiss him on the lips. 

Unless Brian is a good actor, he really enjoyed the attention and my girls are going to miss him a lot. In fact I think they made him an honorary Uncle. 

It was also nice to be able to hold family prayer and have two priesthood holders there who would gladly say the prayer. 

My daughter will be awake soon so I say goodbye and I hope to see you when I get to come home for Christmas. 

Love, Marlyss

Tues 10, Oct 1978

Dear Mom & Dad & Mark & Jo, 

I'm Sitting watching Mark (Peterson) on B.Y.U> TV. He's giving an address he gave in April (Video Tape). Neal Maxwell spoke at the devotional today & we just finished watching it. Babs & I are being spiritual today. It's 8:48 pm. Cleston's washing the dishes & we just ate our tomato soup. Barbara just bit my stomach (ha, ha). She's  just dictating to me what to write. Bab's car got washed today by Babs. (This letter has not been approved by the Babs for mailing)  (But I will anyway) (In Bab's journal) (she puts lots) (of) (p) (a) (r) (e) (n) (th) (e) (s) (i) (s).

I've been studying all day up till 8:00. (Different Handwriting: Hi Mom and Dad and Mark and Jo Anne (anyone with an E on the end is cool!) 

I feel like I write with my mouth when I compare my handwriting to Bab's.

(careful Cursive) If I took my time it would look a little better

Sunday 29 Oct 1978 Well it's quite a while later as you can see. 

I've bought a pair of Blue Jeans $10.49, & 3 dress Van Heusen shirts for $25.11 on sale. They were originally sold for $10.50, $15.50 and $18.50 or 44.50 total. 

I'll need $15.60 more to pay for the clothes. 

Our Church Budget for the year is         $10.00 Budget this semester

We've got two missionaries in the field $18.00 Mission fund (for the year)

                                                         $6.00  Building fund & hospital (for the year)  

                                                            $34.00 Total

You can send it to me or pay it or out of my own Money. 

So the total would be $34:00 + 15.60 =$49.60 or $15.60

I really needed the dress shirts because I didn't have but 1 shirt that I could wear a tie with. The collars were worn off of a couple of others. 

I spent $53.00 on food from Sept 24th-Oct 28 so the $10 extra is about right on the chicks. I've been shopping with Barbara at "Reams" and the Storehouse which are discount places to get the best prices. I couldn't do that last year because I didn't have a care to get food from that far away. (About a mile to a mile and a half. 

I've really been getting to hear a lot of jazz. Barbara's brother Harold is in "Synthesis" a B.Y.U. Jazz band & we've gone to their concert. "Airmen of Not" an Airforce jazz band played & we went to see "Matrix" an California jazz ban this Friday. Barbara had me over to dinner Friday and we had stuffed zucchini & fruit cocktail & a "sweet Jamica" a chocolate dish she makes. We also hat mixed Trap (a Brazillian soft drink) & Apple beer. It's really great (Marilu- Apple Beer was a popular drink at B.Y.Uin the 70's and was not alchoholic) 

I've spent $4.00 on poles & $4.50 on safety straps so the skis won't run off when I pop out of the bindings. I'm going to take Dad's skis out after a while to see how they handle. But I'm really going to take it easy on them so I won't pull any ligaments or break a leg. 

I joined the ski club for $15.00 but this allowed me to work off a pass at Sundance. I've got to work 28 hours & get a Student Pass. Good for all season during the week-it usually costs $85.00. 

I've already worked off 17 hours. 

I'm working really hard on my classes & I'm doing OK in them. Well, I've got to go now. Love ya'll, 

Brian

Postmarked Feb 8, 1979

Dear Mom and Dad, 

I

d better write you & tell you a little of what's happening etc. It's been a while. I'll start with yesterday. Going up the steps to take some Infrared Spectrums of some chemicals, & tripped. I get some superficial cuts (7) on the palm of my left hand when the jar I had in my hand smashed against the stairs. It just wasn't my day for labs yesterday. It will heal completely in a few days. 

I'll give you my class schedule: 

Winter Semester '79

3 hrs Ger 301 MWF 10 -German Literature- An overview

3 hrs Eng 312 MWF 12 Technical report writing

3 hrs Chem 514 MWF 1 Inorganic Chemistry

2 hrs Chem 226 MW 2-5 Tues 1 Chem Lab Subj precision in the lab

2 hrs Rel 422 T, Th 12 Book of Mormon I have this class with Wayne

2 hrs Chem 464 Anytime Physical Chemistry lab 

My grades for last Semester were:

3 hrs Physical Chemistry -C

4 hrs Bio-Chemistry- C-

2 hrs Chemical literature- C

2 hrs Religion (B of M) A-

1/2 hr Judo - A

I am skiing very well now but not as often. I can ski just about anything. I don't ski the mogels very well but I can ski them. 

April 20, 1979 is the Day of Commencement. I should be graduating then. I'll be looking for a job & at the same time I'll be seeing if I can get accepted to graduate school for an MBA

I'll apply at B.Y.U and Georgia State. I'll apply for a scholarship too. 

Sun Jan 28th 1978

It's been at least a week. Well I've taken the GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test & will get the results back in about 4 weeks. 

Barbara & I are still dating. She loves me & would like to get engaged. I love her as a person but I don't think I'm in love with her. In some ways I wish I was. Well I'll my ear to the sky & see if I can get any help. 

I've lost Sheryl Morris's adress & need it. Could you get it from her Mom- Sis. Morris's no. is 378-2491. I called that no. so much when I dated Sheryl that I can still remember it.

You can disregard what I just wrote about asking for her adress- I just found it!

I'm back to not caring about Sheryl too much. I'm glad I got burned so bad this summer by her. It killed anything romantic I've ever felt for her. 

Well I love ya'll greatly, 

Brian

Saturday 31 March 1979

Dear Mom & Dad, 

I skiied "Alta" last Saturday. It's one of Utahs hopest and oldest ski resorts. They have 5 chairlifts. I skiied the steepest & most moguly (bumpy) terrain. I used Waynes 175 CM - fairly short - skis. I was really  moving quickly & had fun bouncing through the Mogul fields. I went up with the ski Club and they paid my fass. The snow was excellent- 3 in of powder on soft pack. The weather was sunny. At the first of the year I was doing a modified snow plow and could hardly keep up with Mylan Moore, the guy upstairs. Saturday I had to keep waiting for him & finally we split because I wanted to do terrain that was too difficult for him.

(Big smiley face drawing)  I'm glad I've gotten proficient at Skiing. I can still ski backwards on moderate slopes. 

No on to more important things. Barbara & I have set the date for June 22 for her endowments at the Manti temple and the wedding on June 23rd at the Salt Lake Temple

The reception would be June 23 probably in Provo, ( Maybe at Grandmas)

We'll need to get announcements printed & get arrangements set for the reception in Provo & San Francisco - What do you think of a third in Atlanta? 

Will you guys be able to come out? 

I will need to finish 1 lab from this semester - next semester. Also I will probably need to do 1 other lab. The tuition would e about $129.00 for the one lab. All my graduation requirements should then be finished. Last day of classes is June 21. 

I'm going to see if I can work for the chemistry department during Spring term & also be checking on a job for this next year with Chemical companies like Dupont or Dow. I'm going to work a year & see if I can get some money in the bank to live on & maybe go back for an M.B.A. Barbara has an inheritance of about $15,000.00 from her grandpa so that should help when we need a down payment on a house & emergency savings. She has also saved about $2,500.00 from her different jobs. I've got only about #100 from that tax return. It shows pretty poorly for advance planning on my part. We have the waterbed you gave me & Barbara has a piano, a couch & assorted furniture. If you guys outgrow a dining room table we might be able to use one. Is Mark & Jo still using the old dinning room table? We've got Barbara's Opel for a car. 

We've thought of touring around California & other parts of the U.S. in the Van for a honeymoon. How much would you guys want for it? I don't know if there are stipulations on her inheritance & exactly what our situation will be with jobs, but we might have to give yall payments over a few months. 

We went to my mission reunion last night & introduced my fiancee to Pre. Pocker. I was really happy to see him & to be able to introduce Barbara. We kind of have a way of entertaining people sometimes. 

Hey, I want you guys to come out to the wedding. Is there any way you can get leave? If not for June 23 we may be able to change the date some. 

Write & give your ideas on the various subjects. See what Mark & Jo's vacation situation is like-can they get away? 

Well I hope I can stop being a financial drag on you guys when I get married. You've raised me to be conscious of a budget so Barbara & I are tallying things up to get a budget in order. 

Love Yall, write back soon, 

Brian

P.S. I'll be living with Mylan Moore in Apt. 46 for spring term. I'll move in in the end of April

Postmark 11 Jun 1979 Post card

Dear Mom & Dad, 

I just thought I'd write something - I don't have time for a letter. Barbara & i are doing great. We both just got our recommends for being married. We're learning to handle problems more easily & quickly. We are developing a really good relationship - I really love her! We are learning to give more to each other. 

We got tickets to a "Joan of Arc" play last night for free from my roommates sister. I really liked it but Barbara was more critical. Well, I'd better sign off. 

All my Love, Brian

 From Barbara 

June 12, 1979

Dear Mom and Dad Winsor 

I just want to take a little time and let you know how things are coming along. We have definite reservations for our luncheon at the Zion Room at Jedediah's (picture enclosed), for 1 pm on the 23rd. Beautiful room. 

We had our blood tests yesterday and our physicals are scheduled for this Friday at 1 pm Then we can get the marriage license. 

I'm sure Brian told you that we got our Temple Recommends. We were fortunate to be able to see the Stake President because he was going on vacation from June 11 to 23!

I was up at Grandma's last week - she helped me address about 150 envelopes. She also went with tme to buy some garments. Its so great to have her near by - I'd feel lost without her help. 

Men's suits have been on sale at ZCMI. so Brian tried on a couple of 3 -piece ones-light blue and grey. They both looked gorgeous, but we decided on the grey because, since it's more conservative looking it will be more suitable for job interviews etc. (The blue on will look lie "the suit he was married in" a little flashier) The gray one was $79.95 $10 less than the blue. That son of yours looks very handsome in it! The alterations will be finished tomorrow, so when we pick it up we'll get a white ruffled shirt with black edging and a black velvet bow tie. So Brian's all set except for a ring. He's still working hard on his labs. 

Bryce Canyon Postcard  Summer 1979?

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Barbara & I have been enjoying out stay in Zion & then Bryce. we saw a lot of stuff at Zion but still spent a lot of time in our cabin!! All we've seen so far at Bryce is the visitor's Center, sunrise point, our old house (some seasonals let us inside, ) and the lodge. We've got a deluxe suite at Ruby's Inn. Well this good life will end soon & we'll be camping, but the honeymoon's been great! 

Love, Brian & Barbara

Aug 14, 1979 Barbara and Brian

Barbara: 

Dear Mom & Dad, 

It's great to be back in Utah, and to feel more permanent - not worrying about catching planes or living out of suitcases) We had so many problems lately. When we got to our car in Denver it was completely dead. Finally found some guys to jump it. Then it cost $42 for the parking. Next time we'll fly from SLC! Then we drove down hotel row to see nothing but no vacancy signs. Finally found a cheap hotel Saturday the car was dead again, got it jumped and it died in the middle of traffic at a red light. Someone helped us pull it into a parking lot. A nice German man jumped our car-or tried, but it wouldn't work. He checked all the ignition wire connections and found a loose one. After that our car started right up and we never had any problem again. (Brian thinks an electrical leak caused the brand new battery to die) We decided to drive to Colorado Springs to charge up the battery and to see Aunt Judy. By the time we got down there, the battery was charged, and the car started right up again after lunch. We spent the entire afternoon at Aunt Judy's. talking and looking at pictures - we even took her for a drive. I really think she enjoyed having us there - she's lonely. By the time we had to go, she was kissing and hugging Brian and we all got a little choked up and teary eyed. She really has a lot of the Spirit and was asking about the Temple. She taught Sunday School in the Presbyterian Church for 50 years and was a nurse for 65 (she's 88) but never married. It was wonderful to see her and have her meet Brian. Miss y'all Love, Barbara

Brian:

Hi, 

I've been down to the Y & gt an extension on the GE Test date (It was July 20th) I will take the Oral test tomorrow at 4:00 Pm & the written Thursday at 7:00 A.M. 

Graduation is Friday & although I won't go through any ceremonies I should get my diploma soon after. I'm going to check out Thiocal & Hillfield & OSHA for jobs when I get finished with this German test. well, we had a great time at home & in the Smokies, 

We'll write later

Love, 

Brian

Sep. 11, 1979 from Barbara

Dear Mom and Dad, 

A regular thank-you note isn't big enough, and this one probably won't be either. 

We can't thank you enough for coming all the way out to Utah to be at our wedding. it was so special to see you sitting there in the sealing room, dressed in white . And thank you for taking some great pictures. We didn't need a professional there after all!

The wedding luncheon was lovely w- we were glad to have found such a nice place for it. Thank yuou for making it possible.

We don't know what we would have done without people to help with the packing, moving and storing of all our belongings. Thanks for your help, during such a hectic time. 

Wepecialy, thank you for your hospitality and love in having us stay in Georgia. It was great! We only wish we could have stayed longer. The reception there was very nice - again thanks for another memory you made possible. 

Finally, thank you for the towels. You know e'll use them. 

We sure love you. We have such terrific folks. Love, Barbara & Brian

Almost forgot!- and for the toaster oven! We love it - sure is practical!

Mon, 22 Oct, 1979

Dear Mom & Dad, 

We're now in California. Our muffler bracket broke along with some welded cracks around the intake pipe. We were making quit a bit of noise and the muffler only had about 3 inches clearance from the road. It was raining most of the way home, and it was snowing over Donner Pass. We had a 4X6 foot covered trailer full of stuff and our little car averaged about 40-45 MPH. Her Dad got the muffler fixed and we got here so everything worked out O.K. We stopped in Elko Nevada at a very nice hotel for 21.50. At the speed we were going we really did need two days to get to San Francisco. 

I drafted a couple of letters to companies that have want ads for Chemists here but i couldn't find a decent typewriter. I'll type it up at the Library early tomorrow. I got some "liquid paper" to help me with that today. 

Stauffer and Syntex are the two companies I'll apply to tomorrow. 

Tues. 23 Oct, 1979

Well I've got the letters off. The typewriter at the library was a real jinx. It wouldn't shift up all the time. So if I didn't catch it, it would print a small letter instead. Then it would hang up for 30 seconds at a time and do nothing. It also had no right hand margin. I typed for 4 1/2 hours to get of 2 decent letters & a resume. I'm sending you a copy of my resume that didn't Xerox right. My other copies don't have the dark marking on the left margin. 

I still have to write to the Atlanta companies and will get to that tomorrow. 

I'll keep in touch with ya'll, please write back or call after 11:00 on your time or Saturdays

Well have to see how much the Lord can inspire me & help me get a job. 

All of Our Love, 

Brian & Barbara

P.S. I'm including an ad for a little cracker box house down the street, 2 bedrooms 1 bath, that sold for $125,000.00 in 1 week. (the house is right down the street)

Fri. Nov 23, 1979

Dear Mom & Dad, 

Barbara said she'd like a light blue thermal  blanket (warmer & softer) We can always put a King size blanket on a double size bed until I get a chance to get the waterbed. Ti's strange to be so far from home & not be able to drop by & pick things up or just talk. I'm not sure how long my vacation will be or when It will come. How much does it cost to buy space on a moving van? Well if we don't get my stuff for a while it doesn't really matter. 

I applied for 7 different jobs. In declining order of interest: 

Still checking refs Syntiex-Medical Chemistry 

Job Accepted Nov 21 Chevron Research Co.-Lab Technician Oil additive research

NR Stauffer Chem Co. Lab technician general research

Job Accepted Nov 19 United Technologies, Chem Systems Div. Lab Tech Quality control Rocket Propellants

NR Ghiradelli Chocolate co. -Quality Control Chemist $800/ mo 

Canceled Final Invitation Nov 6 Crystal Tech Inc. -Xtal Grower Lasar material $4.00/hour

NR Fairchild- Xtal Crower-semiconductors

NR=No reply or a turn down

I knew there had to be something better than CTI. The day before the final interview Chem. Syst. Div. called for an interview, so I turned down CTI. Chrvron called 2 days later for an initial interview. I was conditionally hired by CSD pending results on my physical. when Chevron called the day of my physical with CSD I made an appointment. Chevron hired me the next day before my hiring with GSD was completed. It took me exactly 1 month to find a job since the day i started looking here in California!!!

The houses out here are really expensive. I guess it's because of the high availability of electronics jobs here. (No, its' because everyone wants to live tin the land of Milk and Honey! Barbara) 

They can't get enough people for those jobs ore enough houses for those people. With the interest rates on houses at 14-16% interests payments on a house would be $12.000 a year for a small house!

We'll wait a while and see what happens with interest rates. 

With inflation and interest rates going sky high and gas prices going up-(when you can get any, Life seems a little more precarious than it did a few years ago. Well we love ya'll & I better say goodnight, 

Love

Brian & Barbara

PS Barbara-Thank you for all the pictures. (did you get the ones we sent [by Greg]?) I remember there were 3 taken at the luncheon, but I only received 2. maybe the 3rd one is at the beginning or end of a different roll. Could you send a copy please? It was taken from the right half of the table. 

12/9/1980 From Barbara-Letter inside baby announcement

Dear Mom an Dad, 

You must think I'm crazy to be sending a birth announcement now! Actually I've had these stamped and addressed for months - I debated sending them because everyone knows about Julia by now, but I didn't want to waste the stamps and envelopes! (yes, I'm a kook)

It was so great to talk to you on Sat. We can't wait to see you! I am so excited! We are planning to leave about the 22nd so we can arrive the 23rd. Brian has to return to work on the 6th, and we'd like to spend a few days in LA with my brother and his wife (Rebecca hasn't seen Julia yet) and visit some of my old BYU-Hawaii friends who live in that area (with kids I've never seen!) So we'll probably leave Utah the 30th or 31st. I'll hate to leave, but we're trying to cram so much travelling and visiting in such a short period. 

This certainly has been your year as grandparents with 3 new babies! (and all born at home!) you'll love Julia. She is such a happy baby and has such a bright intelligent spirit. And, of course, we think she's beautiful, but what parent isn't prejudiced!? I wish you were closer to us so I could holler Help! And get some advice about baby care. Julia has Brian's fair, sensitive skin and has problems with various rashes and especially cradle cap. She looks much better now than a couple weeks ago. But when the skin on her head comes off, her hair comes off with it! She looks like a little old bald man! Did Brian or any of the others have these problems? Julia looked so bad a few weeks ago that I stopped taking any pictures of her for a while. The entire left side of her face was red, and around both eyes. I'm not sure if it was cradle cap spreading, or something else. It's all cleared up now.

Mom, I never thanked you for the baby gifts. Thank you so much for so much! I couldn't believe it when I opened the box! Did you make the blankets and kimono and nightgown? They and the sweater set are all lovely. And what baby doesn't need clothes? ( They grow so fast!) 

Julia was blessed on Nov. 2 by Brian. It was such a special event. I made her a long white gown & bonnet out of my wedding material (I had just enough left!) She looked like an angel (and slept through the whole thing) We'll bring the pictures of that event and all the others to show you. 

We sure love you and are looking forward to being together for Christmas. 

:Love, Barbara

2/24/81 From Barbara

Dear Mom and Dad, 

It was so great to talk to you the other day. Brian was sad to have missed your call. we both wish you lived closer to us. Since. out wonderful reunion at Christmas, I've often wished that we all were closer to each other. It was such fun to be together and I miss everyone!

I really need to kick myself to get some letters written. There never seems to be enough time - especially when I think of all the letters I owe -so I'm training myself to grab a little bit of time here and there, to do one at a time. 

I enjoyed our reunion so much - That was the best Christmas I've ever had! We weren't expecting much in the way of gifts. We thought our being together would be all anyone needed. I was overwhelmed by all the gifts! Thank you for yours to us - Brian's sweater, my jumper and blouse, our tree ornament, and Julia's "Freddy" Bear and yellow sleeper. All are very nice! (I think Julia got more things than anyone else. She has so many toys-we need to put up some shelves in her room.) 

3/12/81-same letter

See, I told you I have a hard time with letters! I just received your package. Thank you! I didn't expect anything for my birthday - I wasn't even sure you knew when mine was. The blouse and necklace are both beautiful! I don't know how you do it, but you sure know my taste! I have wanted a cameo for years and I sure can use some nice clothes like a blouse. (I think Brian is tired of my T-Shirts and jeans! So am I) Besides, I've been meaning to buy or make some 2 piece outfits for church (so I can nurse) So you made a couple of excellent choices. Thank you again. I had fun on my birthday, Brian took me to the Good Earth Restaurant in Berkeley. It was packed (very popular, esp. on Fri. night) They serve mostly vegetarian health-food type stuff. Brian had shrimp curry and I had walnut and mushroom casserole (with melted cheeses, broccoli, onions and the best mushroom I ever had) We split our dishes 1/2 & 1/2 so we each got to taste both. Julia had her first experience with a high chair and did very well. She can sit up on her own now- she's been at it for over a week. I think she had fun too-we had her laughing. And of course, she was a real hit- she smiles at everyone so they all stop and admire her and talk to us. Berkeley is a very liberal town, so most of the people were very positive about and interested in the birth experience. Oh, they brought a piece of carrot cake- warm from the oven- with a candle on it, and sang Happy Birthday.

I wish you could see Julia. She gets cuter all the time. She gets so much attention at church (she's the cutest and friendliest baby there, we think!) I have to laugh at her now. She's sitting in the chair surrounded by toys and she's more interested in the leaf she just pulled off my plant! Now she's pulling stuff out of her diaper bag. She'll be crawling soon- she can sure "scoot" around on her tummy. We think she's ready for solids now-she's been getting me up at strange hours in the night. She's very interested when we eat and tries to grab everything. She sucks on apples and bananas and drinks out of a cup. (She's miserable with a cold right now) That Johnny Jump up is a life saver. She has quite a time in it, dancing and squealing or picking up her feet and swinging back and forth. Needless to say she is so much fun and we love her!

I've got 2 more rolls of film to get developed. The pictures taken at Xmas came out great. I promise to send you some copies soon. I love you, Barbara

(My brother and his wife have baby fever and are trying for one)

Thank you also for the Valentines- I will keep Julia's first card in her baby book. For Valentine's day I made Brian a little (5x5) counted cross stitch message. We learned it in Relief Society. The sample was made into a little pillow. But Brian preferred a picture (I need to buy a frame) It says "I LOVE YOU" in pink, with a red heart for the 'O' in "LOVE', and red hearts in each corner, and red and pink borders. It's my first attempt at counted cross-stitch and it turned out cute. I'd never seen anything in counted C.S. until the Christmas ornament we received from you. It is so fun to do, don't you think?

Some ladies in the Ward got together and decided to organize a boutique. We will be selling items that we make. It's not till November, so there's plenty of time to get things made. I'm planning to make dolls (I love all kinds). I've started on my first item-sock dolls. They're so cute-with a Gibson girl hairdo. I'd like to do some cloth dolls and maybe something in needlepoint. I thought the money that we make will go to the church, but we get to keep it ourselves! I'm excited. This should be really fun.