Dearest Patricia:
Hi neighbor! Even though you are not yet established. I owe you an apology or an explanation - or something for not saying “Happy Birthday” to you yesterday. Just because I gave you the birthday card a day early and you were so busy getting moved, is not adequate excuse for forgetting the actual day! Of course, I’m still looking forward to an ear-piercing and your selection of another pair of earrings! So your “birthday” really is being stretched over quite a period.
Tonight at Original Joe’s while, I trust you were still sleeping, I had one of their “charcoal broiled hamburgers” but I didn’t ask to have it burnt around the edges as you would have. Nevertheless, I thought of you all through the meal - and of how you would have enjoyed such a “hamburger” as well as a dish of their “good vegetables” as you refer to them. And they are better than vegetables you get most places. I was tempted to ask for a “bowser bag”, but then I leisurely ate all of the huge “hamburger” and the dish of vegetables.
I began reading a new book too - “Literary and Philosophical Essays” by Jean Paul Sartre. That man is a brilliant and trenchant writer. I read the first essay on “Francois [?] and Freedom.” It is among the most stimulating things I have read by anyone. I presume you have seen the book though, since you haven’t commented on it to me, you may not have had a chance to read it yet. I strongly commend it and after you get settled and can consider reading something extracurricular I’ll loan you my copy and let you sample it.
Within five minutes of my return [page 2] for dinner, Jackie Kelly6 came in with the outline of the insert book all completed - four copies - one for each of our committee. I’ll mail one to Art Smith at Alameda State Monday morning or take it to him. Maybe I can have a conference with him on one of the days I save by not going to Oregon.
After talking with Charlotte’s sister for a half an hour, I had quite a different view of Charlotte and her problems - hence I decided I should not go up at this time. The whole situation is a lot more complex than Charlotte has even revealed to me so I feel justified. I’d probably be more int eh way than helpful.
I’m certainly looking forward to the U.N> Program tomorrow especially to the fashion show and to seeing you in the Spanish costume, though I agree with you that for many persons, to prolong your presentation through the length of three classic Spanish musical compositions would seem too long, I would be quite happy to see you given more time than most, and I’m sure I’d not be bored at seeing you on display through all three compositions. However, I’m sure you are displaying excellent dramatic judgment in your decision that the plan called for you to be on stage too long.
I’ll go early enough to see some of the displays and then get a good seat close to the stage where I can see everyone - you - to an advantage, hope I can catch your eye for a moment so you’ll know “I was there in person!”
I much enjoyed breakfast with you and Connie, anytime she stays with you, let me know and we can have breakfast somewhere - even if occasionally it has to be here!
The locker by my car is half empty now - reserved for your things - whatever I can store for you.
Well good luck tomorrow - sleep well tonight and get thoroughly rested. Will you need the key to my place before you go? Give me a buzz and let me know. Love Carl.
Dr. Carl Duncan and Patricia Whiting Collection (SJSU)
