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Hertzy = Richard Stalzer, Larry's friend (see photos of him 1954 Jan 11)

others mentioned: sons Jerry, Harry, Larry

replaced name of grandchild with "Jerry's 2nd daughter"

Lawndale Calif

Jan 16th 1954

Dearests,

I believe we mentioned Hertzy Stalzer was visiting out here last letter. He is looking for work with intentions of staying for awhile. He stayed away all day Thursday and also in the evening. We were worried as to what had happened but got a card Friday AM stating he was at some Inn in Hollywood and played poker all night with some friend he looked up. He came back Friday morning late and we told him that he kept us waiting for supper the night before and also had us worried. He said he should have phoned but did not have our phone so now he has.

        Also said he found a room for $13 a week which we informed him that he should stay here if that was going to be his arrangement. He said all right he would pat $25 per week for room and board if that was agreeable which we all grabbed as quite a lift to us especially paying $90 a month rent.

        So we had it understood that as soon as one of you chicks would come out for a vacation visit he would have to live out for the time being and that was OK'd. If this arrangement lasts we will almost be living out here for nothing with the exception of the food that he eats. Not a bad break for either one as this way he has a home and as he says wonderful meals. Goes and comes when he pleases and is gone mostly all day to the union office waiting for someone to come in and hire him.

        Today he and Larry went out trap shooting for clay pigeons, don't ask me where as we don't know. Friday Mom and I drove him to Redondo Beach for sights and seals and also to buy some fresh fish for supper, filet of sole, and was it good. Redondo Beach pier goes right out into the ocean so we take all our guests out there to show off and it's not far from here. We also let them feed the seals which are penned up in a private swimming pool, yapping their heads off to have you feed them a bag of fish you buy at the stand with about 4 pieces in it for a dime or three for a quarter.

        We just got our gas bill for $10.95 which is for two months including cooking and heating. We have it lit all the time with the thermometer set at 70 degrees and at night we up it to 75 degrees to sit in comfort and watch the telefision, using Jerry's 2nd daughter's expression. Not bad for all the use of the gas range and heating at night. It gets fairly cool at night as you can see in your daily paper by looking at the weather report for the nation. I know Jerry follows it. Do you all watch it/ That way it keeps you informed about our beautiful weather, also our chilly nights. We watch the Chicago temperature every day. Thataway we can appreciate our weather better.

        Larry got up and cut the lawn, while Mom is sorta house cleaning, mopping up the floors and dusting. We just about get caught up n our writing, then someone else writes us a letter which adds another to the list of prospects to get a letter from us. No ending, it just goes on and on. I guess you never get to the top by sitting on the bottom.

        I get a big kick out of your Mom hunting for a piece of jigsaw puzzle. After searching all around, Mom is convinced a piece is lost and is willing to wager a thin dime it can't be found. Just then Larry will pop up and say, is this the piece you're looking for, much to her chagrin. And now we have another spy in Hertzy, looking through the pieces, trying to fit one into the scheme or he calls in the Dragnet. I almost quit crossword puzzles. Larry grabs it away and hands it back finished, so why should I bother my head about one.

        That gives me more of a chance to sit on the patio with my fly swatter and play tag with some pesky leeches that are trying to adopt me or are imposing their company on me. Kinda friendly little fellows, want to sit on you, and if you're not careful, they get vicious, going out for blood. Friend or foe, they all get treated alike, a little pat with a somewhat intentional lust for a kill. Bees just stay at the flowers and don't have time except for roses.

        They are still blooming aplenty with a few other flowers which are not as numerous as at first. Mom has the buds spotted and watches them open into full bloom and proudly points them out to us. She used to hate flowers, but has changed for the better. Now she waters all the house plants which are plenty and also all the potted plants on patio and also hanging from ceiling.

        Here comes Larry and Hertz so I must give up the table for eating purposes as Larry must get off to work. In love with your wonderful letters, so keep up your work which pleases beyond expression.

Love and kisses,

Mom, Dad, Larry & good wishes from Hertzy

To read next, click here: 1954 Jan 19