LETTERS HOME: BATMAN AND BEACHES

September 25, 1992

Dear Folks,

Sorry for the time lag between letters, but it's been a zoo around here. Thank goodness though, we've finally moved!!! That's not to say that P.T. Arun has done any of the painting or repairs they promised, or even that we have any furniture (they wouldn't just let us bring the furniture from the other house -- that's class 3 furniture, and it can't go in a class 2 house, of course), but we are living in it, nonetheless! Our new phone extension is 1246 (house #66) if anyone is interested. My dilemma now is whether to rush like crazy and get things hung on the walls before the girls come to play Shanghai here next week, or wait until Carolyn gets here at Christmas, to tell me how to do it right! (besides, knowing John, he will rearrange the furniture at least 10 more times before he's satisfied with it) Speaking of Shanghai, have any of you played it since I left? Last night one of my friends had all of us gals over for a "Ladies Night Out" party (her husband is on the night shift this week). We all had to come dressed in PJs or loungewear, and we played Shanghai and acted silly. Great fun, especially since I happened to have a brand new ensemble I could wear (thanks Twit!). Just wish I had taken my camera -- there was blackmail material at that party! I'm also relearning how to play Mah Jong with a few of the ladies, but it's nothing like the Chinese version that I used to play. Now I play like all the little Jewish ladies in NY and Florida.

We had Austin's Batman birthday party last Saturday. I changed plans at the last minute, what with the move being in progress, and opted for a swimming party up at the snack bar. This year it was NO GIRLS ALLOWED (other than Mom and big sister), and everyone had to bring a water gun. Of course, his gun was the biggest and the best, thanks again to Uncle Twit. John told Austin he made a big mistake not inviting girls, because they make the very best targets!

That same evening we went to a big shrimp boil in honor of Danny Reeh's 36th birthday. Umm-Umm-Good! Unfortunately for Danny, the very next day he took his family to the beach and got stabbed in the foot by a stingray or something, in water that was only up to his ankles! He was in agony for about 4 hours. Good thing I didn't know about this a couple of weeks ago when we had our big Beach Day for the kids. They were out there most of the day taking sailboat and boogey board rides. I was nervous enough as it was!

Ms. Patti, our official cowgirl, bought a wee horse locally, and brought it to the beach that day, to let the kids ride it.

School seems to be going pretty well for the kids. Austin is usually bubbling over about something almost every day when he gets home. He learned how to draw a rocket in art, and now spends hours working on them. Alexis gave him some of those fancy template rulers for his birthday, and he's usually spread out on the terrazzo floor with giant sheets of butcher paper, working on some new design. He's also having great fun being a Tiger Cub Scout. I'm so happy that one of the new moms came prepared with all the supplies for doing that. Luckily for Alexis (not so lucky for me) they've started a new after school sports program for the older kids twice a week, then on Thursday evenings they make their parents come up and play games with the kids. We just finished several weeks of volleyball, and Lex just loved it that she was better at it than me. If she thought I was bad at that, just wait til she sees me playing soccer next week!

Guess that's about all the news for now, except that we are now able to special order certain fruits and vegetables from Jakarta, and they bring them in each Friday on the company plane. Last week we had fresh asparagus, mushrooms and strawberries for the first time in over a year, and it was WONDERFUL! Which means it probably won't last. Well, take care everyone, and write soon. We're off to Singapore this afternoon to take Alexis to the orthodontist (Austin opted to stay with a buddy). MEXICAN food for dinner tonight!

DOC CONNOLLY

Dearest Friends,

One of the most critical deciding factors, as to whether we would accept this gig in Sumatra, was medical care. It was one thing to put our own lives at risk (as we did our first time overseas, with no real doctor or hospital anywhere close to us), quite another when it came to our kids. We never would have agreed to the move had not Danny and Peggy assured us that, with Doc Connolly in attendance, we had absolutely no cause for worry. I figured they should know, since their youngest probably had to be stitched up or x-rayed on a regular basis!

Doc Connolly today -- Lord of the Manor

Turns out, they were absolutely right. I think the best way to describe our Doc would be to tell you to picture Doc Martin, if you've ever watched that British TV series -- only picture him better looking, and without the Asperger's. Doc Connolly was not a warm, fuzzy kind of doctor. He was a very British, somewhat brusque fellow, who wasn't about to put up with any nonsense. I must admit to feeling rather intimidated on the few occasions that I had to take my kids to see him. I kept expecting him to whip out a ruler and whack me on the knuckles, if I didn't pay close enough attention to his instructions and had to ask him to repeat something. That was ok though, because the only thing that really mattered was, I'd trust him with our lives -- literally!

Away from work, he could be quite a lot of fun, but that was the problem, I suppose. The poor man was never really away from work! He was on-call 24/7, and since all his friends were also his patients, it was a bit impossible for him to avoid us, and our incessant need for reassurance on this or that little thing.

The cricket party was just too fun, and a chance to see a whole other side of our Doc. He was absolutely crazy about those two boys of his (as was everyone else), and was always in rare form when they were there, on holiday from university. I didn't have a clue what was going on in the cricket match, but enjoyed dressing up all in white, and wearing a big floppy hat. (If only I had some pictures!) The two main things I remember about the party at "The Cricketeer Arms" afterwards were a fabulous tomato-cheese tart made by Mrs. Connolly (would give anything for that recipe), and the sight of everyone gathered 'round the Connolly boys and their chums, as they danced and "strutted" to that Right Said Fred song, I'm Too Sexy. What a hoot!

Sometime later I had to go see Doc Connolly for one thing or another, and he seemed, well, a bit frazzled. Worn out, I guess. So I asked him,"Doc, when are you going to retire to that country manse we've heard so much about. Haven't you had enough of this yet?" "Well, to be perfectly honest, there are two very important things standing between me and retirement. Perhaps you met them when they were here recently?"

THOSE HALL BOYS

Dearest Friends,

One of the new families, the Halls, weren't really new at all.  They had lived on that same compound several years before, when it was about half its current size, had gone back to live in the States for a few years, and had now returned. They had two sons -- Kevin, a year older than our Austin, and Christopher, a year older than Lex. As soon as we got back from home leave we were introduced to the parents, Tom and Teri, and I called to invite the boys over to play.

Austin and Kevin at the beach.

Not long after they arrived, my daughter snuck into my bedroom and whispered, "Mom! I think I'm in love!" She was referring, of course, to the older boy Christopher -- the one with the ginormous dimples. I guess Austin and Kevin didn't hit it off quite as well. In fact, I just heard not long ago that Kevin actually made Austin cry that day, by telling him that all his video games were "dumb." Kinda funny, considering how things turned out. You see, within a few short weeks, Alexis had decided that Chris was just as irritating as every other boy she knew. But, Austin and Kevin? Well, they've been best buds ever since!

Austin, Kevin and Lex at Renaissance Festival

LETTERS HOME: BUT NOW WE'RE BACK!

Tuesday, August 25th, 1992

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, here we are, back home in Indonesia again. It's funny, but it really does seem like home to us now. Even the kids have finally admitted it. We've also discovered that there is a definite cycle to things over here. Back in May, when it was getting close to time for almost everyone to go on home leave, and after nine months of extreme togetherness here on the compound, everyone seemed to be unusually grumpy and short-tempered. But now that we're back, everyone is happy and cheerful, and even the scenery looks new and fresh for some reason. I'm sure it will wear off eventually, but it's especially exciting to me now that I know both my sisters will be coming to visit this year. I keep looking at things through their eyes, wondering "what will they think of this?"

The first week we were back the kids were just in a frenzy, trying to spend as much time with their buddies as possible, spending the nights back and forth almost every night, and going to the pool every day. Yesterday was the first day of school, and all the moms celebrated by having a coffee. Austin came home saying "I just LOVE first grade!" Alexis had a great day too. They've had a lot of changes this year with families moving in and out, and with four new teachers, so they have regrouped the classes. This year first and second grade are together, with a man for a teacher (Mr. Zavala), and Austin now has five little boys and four girls in has class (last year he was the only boy). Alexis' class includes third, fourth and fifth grades and only has five girls and one poor boy (he's new this year and Alexis thinks he's real cute!). Their teacher is Mrs. Poulin, the one Austin had last year.

I think the boys were all trying to look tough!

We still haven't moved into our new house yet. In fact, we've decided to move into a different one than originally planned, and it is still occupied. The family who has it now are lifetime expats, and they really went to a lot of trouble to make it more like a home (it even has a walk-in closet in the master bedroom!). The couple who had the other house hated being overseas and didn't spend one penny on fixing the place up. Anyway, this family has been transferred to Jakarta, and are supposed to be out by September 1st, then we just have to go in and paint it the colors we want and move right in -- I hope!

Guess that's about all for now. We have a busy week-end coming up. Friday is the third annual Huey P. Long day celebration (I have no idea why they have a party in his honor every year, they just do), and Saturday our illustrious Dr. Connoly is hosting a cricket match in honor of his son's 21st birthday (they're British) to be followed by a party at "The Cricketeer's Arms" (their house). Take care, and WRITE LETTERS!!!

Postscript from John:

Dad, you need to keep going to your therapy class. Regardless of what you believe, that is the only thing that has enabled you to get your strength back. If it wasn't for that, you'd not be able to walk at all. I know it's not pleasant for you but you have to cooperate with the people who are trying to help you. The bottom line is that Mother cannot handle you by herself and will need help for the foreseeable future. You should count yourself lucky she was able to find a nice young woman who was willing to do this kind of work. Don't give her a hard time. Please!

Well, got to get ready for bed and another day. Take care.

Love,
John

THE HOME-LEAVE WHIRL

Dearest Friends,

Our first home-leave with the kids can be described in much the same way as the one John and I took as newlyweds: "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." Disney World was fabulous, except for the parts where our son kept wandering off and getting separated from us, causing his poor momma to panic. I guess he'd been in a safe, enclosed environment for so long, he'd forgotten all about "stranger-danger." He managed to survive but, I'm sad to say, I seem to have misplaced every single picture I took on that trip. Doh!

Dress-up tea parties with Granny Kay

I'd thought the original multi-stage, two-day journey to Indonesia with John and the kids had been a nightmare, but compared to making it twice in one summer without him -- just me and two exhausted, grumpy kids? Well, it was a piece of cake!

The idea of shopping for a year's worth of clothes, toiletries, gifts, crafts and party supplies seemed kind of exciting at the beginning of the summer. But, as the budgeted funds and the space in our suitcases dwindled, it became less and less fun, and more of a cause for panic.

Slumber parties with the aunts.

Finally getting to see our parents, siblings and best friends, after a year away? The best! Having to stay in other people's houses and living out of suitcases for the whole summer; trying to keep the kids entertained by filling their days with all the enriching activities that weren't available on our little compound in Sumatra; being apart from John for two thirds of that time; and, most of all, having to say goodbye to everyone again, after so little time together? Well, not so wonderful -- especially when it came to John's parents. John's father did indeed get himself kicked out of the rehab facility in record time, but we hoped that, once he was home in familiar surroundings, maybe he'd be more motivated and successful with outpatient therapy. We also hoped he would be much nicer to the young aide Theda had been lucky enough to hire, than he had been to everyone at rehab, since she was the only thing that kept poor Theda from losing it altogether. Unfortunately, things weren't looking too good on either front.

LETTERS HOME: HE SAID/SHE SAID

May 12, 1992

Dear Mom & Dad,

It was good talking to both of you this last Sunday. I hope I didn't take Dad away from his breakfast for too long. When I called up to the hospital, I got switched around to several floors before finally getting the right one. The operator was real good though, knowing I was calling from overseas, and she hung on until I finally got through to someone. I didn't mean to have Dad rushed out of breakfast, but it's been real hard getting lines out lately, and I didn't want to have to call back. Anyway, Dad, it sure was good hearing your voice on the phone. I hope you work with the therapists real hard so that when I come home I can take you out for some trips around town. I'm still looking forward to spending some time with you.

We will be moving into another house this summer. Even though we just spent some money on this one, fixing it up, the house we are moving into is slightly bigger and a little better floor plan. One thing about it is the location. It's right across from the school and in an area where most of the other kids live. That's the real reason for our deciding to go ahead and move. We'll give you the new phone extension when it's time. The mailing address will remain the same. In fact, sometime in July a new mail service will be initiated. You will be able to mail a letter to Dallas, then once a week mail is expressed over to Jakarta. From there it will be put on the company plane and flown down to the plant. It might save a few days on delivery, and will be cheaper for you. Not quite sure what all can be sent that way. No packages, I'm afraid. We'll let you know when that is in operation.

The kids are finishing up the school year. It will be over in just about 2 weeks. It's hard to believe that this year has passed so quickly -- at least for us! I think Austin has really started to like school, and he's going to like first grade even more. He's not too crazy about all the arts and crafts activities they do in kindergarten. Alexis has done pretty well, but still has some problems concentrating. She is being tutored in math right now, but only because she won't take directions from her parents. For some reason it's easier coming from some other adult.

I think Becky is beginning to get really excited about her trip home. All the reservations have been made and the tickets should be arriving soon. We sent Kathy some money to buy Becky a 35mm camera that I think Mother would like too. It fits into your shirt pocket but has quite a few features, including automatic film speed setting and focusing. You can take a look at it when we come home. We didn't buy it in Singapore because, unlike the good ol' days, it's now cheaper to buy those kinds of things in the U.S. Nothing is cheap in Singapore anymore, especially cameras and electronics!

Work over here has its pluses and minuses. The main plus is the money. I've got about 20% of my base pay going into the company savings plan, plus all the savings bonds and other things we have money going into. We set a goal of how much we wanted to save each year, and I think we are coming pretty close to that. A few years of this will give us a pretty good cushion. The nicest thing is that when we do come home, we won't have to furnish a house from scratch like last time. We already have all the furniture and appliances, so we won't have to lay out that huge chunk of money just to set up our household. That's why I want you to know that, if you need any financial help, all you have to do is ask. Save your money and let me help out now while I'm in such a good position to do so. We can easily spare some money now, so be thinking about it and we'll talk about it when I get home. Take care and I'll be seeing you soon.

Love your son,

John

11th May, 1992

Dear George and Theda,

Just wanted to get one more letter off to everyone, before it's time to head off on vacation. I can't believe we leave for Disney World in only 18 days! We're all awfully excited (well, except for poor John, of course). Kathy bought some guide books and did a lot of research, so she has an itinerary all mapped out for us. At first she agreed to go with us just so I wouldn't have to do it alone, but now I think she is more excited than anyone! We just got a real long letter from Mike and Prisi. Sounds like they are both really happy with their new jobs. I know it must be good for Mike's ego to finally be appreciated again, and I'm sure you are pleased to have that worry behind you. Now that all your kiddos are settled and happy, you have nothing to worry about except George getting well enough to enjoy the "invasion of the kiddles!" They sure are looking forward to seeing you all again.

Did we tell you that we will be moving into a different house later this summer? When we first got here there were no class 2 houses available, so they had to put us in a class 3 house. Now though, several families are leaving, and they have offered us a chance to move into a larger house. It's a tough decision. We never really expected this to happen, or we wouldn't have put so much into our current house. But, we are located on a small cul de sac which will be totally empty except for us by this summer. Also, it is the farthest street that has any expats on it, and it's a pretty good walk for the kids to get to school or to any of their friends houses. Consequently, they always make our driver Usuf take them! The new house practically backs up to the school, and will be so convenient if the kids feel like shooting baskets or going to the playground. Also, we will be smack dab in the middle of two streets full of kids. Oh well, at least having to start from scratch on painting and decorating will keep me busy for another year! The bad thing is, with so much more room, we might get the urge to buy more furniture!

Guess that's all for now. Take care, and we will see you before you know it!

END-OF-THE-YEAR MADNESS

Dearest Friends,

The final weeks before everyone headed off were a mad flurry! There were all the usual end of the year activities at the school -- the handing out of yearbooks, reading lists and summer assignments -- but with the added trauma of knowing that many of your best buddies and half the teachers would not be coming back.

Austin's teacher, Mrs. Poulin (right), with the help of Ms. Patti, takes the pre-K/K kids on a field trip.  From the looks of it, a rather smelly, noisy field trip.  Perhaps a fertilizer or cement factory?

Alexis' class, with their teacher Mrs. Nybakke

A photo-collage for the yearbook.  With a school this small, you could afford to give each child lots of space!

Lexi's official yearbook photo. Dig those ginormous earrings!

Summer assignments from Lexi's teacher, and then she has the nerve to say "RELAX"? I hope you can read the cartoon at the bottom (click on image to enlarge). Quite humorous, considering how everyone reads books now.

Then, of course, there were the going away parties for all those who were leaving for good. There were preparations to be made for our unexpected housing move; arrangements to be made with our staff; plans to be made for the Girl Scout troop that another mother and I had decided to start, and for which uniforms, books and badges needed to be purchased in the States; advice to be gathered from all the home-leave veterans, covering everything from what we should pack (Nothing! Take empty, lightweight rolling duffles!), to what we should bring back with us, and which airlines and routes were best. I had to finalize arrangements for the Disney trip and meeting up with my sister; change plans for meeting up with my hubby, and all our other friends and relatives, to allow more time in Odessa.  It looked like Theda would be needing our assistance, since John's father was on the verge of getting kicked out of rehab for refusing to cooperate with any of the therapists, in which case their house needed to be made wheelchair accessible, and we'd need to bring in some help for his poor mom.  Whew! We were exhausted before we ever left home!

The biggest Hash of the year -- the one that ended up at the river -- where all the kids and dads had a blast, and most of the moms stood on the banks, keeping an eye out for snakes and yelling "Whatever you do, don't get that water in your mouth or ears!" (deadly parasites, you know)  You can see how much attention they paid to us.