1

July 1, 1956
Tues

Dear Mother,

The box arrived. Thank you very much for compiling it and sending it. How did you even heft the thing? I nearly broke my back carrying it back to my room. Now I won't have to wash or iron all summer. If I had 5 roommates we could all get along quite comfortably on my wardrobe. This is most convenient except when moving and since I have to pack up and move all the time, I have nightmares about my collection of possessions. I didn't mean to be ungrateful about the stuff you keep sending me, but it does weigh a ton. Having too much presents almost as many problems as having too little. I dream about living with nothing more than the barest necessities, sleeping bag, spare pair of Levi's and shirt. I'm sure life doesn't have to be this complicated.

I'll be up to see you soon after you arrive. Please bring my brown and black cowboy boots when you come, the ones Sylvia gave me. Liz and I go riding once a week. The doctor prescribed it to strengthen her leg. We have a good time, and for the first time I have the time, freedom, and money to do something like this. It's really neat. We get the same horses every time. I could wear my cycle boots, but the heels aren't high enough for Western stirrups. I haven't gotten a job yet but, I do have several prospects. I want to give it another week or so, since I want to get my [pink?] in order and get rid of this bothersome cast. Anyway I'm still unwinding and I'd like to get back to sleeping like a normal human being instead of like Thos. Edison. Liz and I may go to the beach next week after riding, if the weather is nice. She's a lot of fun, and easy to be with. Maybe you could come along sometime. Feel up to riding? You could at least take the beach. Some evening, I'll bring Jim up to dinner. One thing, don't get fancy, and I mean it. If you do, we'll come in dirty Levi's and I'll see to it that he doesn't shave for a couple of days previous. TV trays would be perfect. Please take me seriously for a change. Remember what Sterling said.