Today brings an effusive letter from Dart. He is overwhelmed by Dot’s attention, generosity and care for him. He has received another care package of candy and reading material from her, as well as a great letter. He writes, “I  have so little to offer, save some ‘purdy’ words. But Dot, …the thoughts that move those words are prettier than the words.”

He was very impressed by the brochure of Greenwich she had included in the package. A recent newspaper column by Walter Winchell lists some of the many dignitaries who live in this small town. It also mentioned that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor are buying a house there. As Dart looked over the map, he tried to picture Dot riding her bike to Long Island Sound. He imagined her shopping on Greenwich Ave. He hopes to one day find the town as beautiful as he imagines, but how could it fail if she lives there?

Noticing the miles of bridle paths throughout the town, he asks Dot if she rides. The sport has never had much appeal to him.

He tells her a funny incident that took place when he was working on his model trains in the Arts and Skills room. Read it for an amusing example of people hearing what they want to hear, and relating a story with increasing inaccuracies.

He tells her that Tommy Dorsey is broadcasting a live radio concert from the Great Lakes Hospital recreation room and Dart truly wishes he were able to go see him.

As I re-read my entry today, I recognize that I never really do justice to summarizing the letters of these two gifted writers. In order to capture all the wit and charm, I’d end up retyping each and every word. Please know that my ramblings are intended to whet the reader’s appetite and encourage a real reading of the whole letters.

Dot reports that her first day on the job was most satisfactory. (At least it was for her, and she’s not asking anyone else for their opinion.)

She tries to answer Dart’s question about what kind of business her father is in. She explains that her runs “The Fix-it Shop,” a unique maintenence service for the house and its contents. He was mentioned in a book by Walter B. Pitkin called Careers After Forty. The story I always heard growing up was that Arthur Chamberlain had attended Yale and gone to work on Wall Street. He really hated the job, and may have been the happiest guy in NYC when the market crashed in ’29. He decided to follow his heart and set up shop in Greenwich where he could tinker for a living. He died a young, but happy man, doing what he loved and doing it well.

Dot’s letter picks up the next day, just after receiving Dart’s letter naming his latest diagnosis. She is crushed that he must face another trial.

She tells him about a beautiful dream she had last night where he showed up in Greenwich and they had a lovely day. Bike ride, picnic in the park, etc. She cried when she awoke and learned it was only a dream. She lives in fervent hope that it will come true someday soon.

She tells him to give away the cookies he cannot eat and she will send fresh ones as soon as she gets word that he’s on the mend.