January 1985

Dear Jack and Nancy,

I'm sending our phone number so you can hurry and make reservations. It's easier to get to London than to Maine!

We are really enjoying ourselves freezing-this is our first winter in years but I can't complain because three out of the four fireplaces in our Sherlock Homes flat actually work. Nothing else worked when we moved in-and we suffered severe culture shock experiencing British services!

Peter is really enjoying his job. He's got an amazing cast of characters in the office and his day-to-day account of office news sounds more like Dallas to me. He works long hours but they are satisfying ones.

Janet and John have settled in like smooth little professionals. They both love school. John is active in Scouts, a lively troop that insists on camping out once a month regardless of weather. He's kooky enough to love putting himself through that sort of thing. Janet is doing beautiful artwork, getting fabulous grades and last week made J.V. cheerleader. She broke up with her first boyfriend recently but even so, she has the world by the tail.

I'm taking a neat Art History course on Art in British Museums. Invaluable for finding things-there is so much here!

We do have some sad news. Nana died Thanksgiving Eve-quietly in her sleep. Not unexpected but it's so final and I will miss her terribly. I'm glad we are spending Christmas in Maine and that he family will be together. It's been pretty hard on Aunt Grace, I think.

I haven't heard any more about the New Jersey plan. What is happening?

Miss you! Merry Christmas and lots of love from all of us, Carol, Peter, Janet and John

December 26, 1985

Dear Jack and Nancy,

How are you? I'm fine. I'm sorry this card is lady, but I was busy every day before Christmas. I'm on the J.V. cheerleading team, so I had practices every day until 6, and then I had homework and....

Well, we spent Christmas in Maine with my grandparents. It was great (actually we're still here!) and it was the first "white Christmas" we have had in years. It was exciting!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! We certainly did, but it was cold! Good luck in 1986!

Lots of Love, Janet