W1B-009 From abroad-0.txt
Long Island 09/08/'97
Dear Aoife, How are you? Hope all is well in Belfast. Sorry that I didn't give you a call before I left but the week just seemed to fly by. I was actually very busy. My mother had me painting and I was also getting my CV together to send off for job applications. – I spent about five days sitting at my desk writing covering letters. I can't imagine anything more tedious. If I don't get a job from this I 'm not applying for anymore!!

Thank you so much for my birthday gift. It was so thoughtful of you. It arrived the day that I left so Mum forwarded it to me. I was reading another book but I just started reading a few pages of 'Angela's Ashes' and now I 've abandoned the other book!

I had a very nice birthday. Some of my relatives who are on Long Island came for lunch and I had a birthday cake etc. Bill called me to wish me a happy birthday. He also sent me flowers. Isn't that so sweet? It was quite a surprise! I didn't think that Bill was the flower type!! He's called me a couple of times since and seems to be working very hard. He's quite stressed out now that he's come to the real writing part of his thesis. I 'm sure he 'll be fine though. I do feel bad that he's there almost all alone. It must be so strange without 'the gang.'

How are things with you? Are you feeling less bored yet? I think it would be a good idea to take a trip to Plymouth – Ken would be very excited to see you. I could tell that he was missing you desperately after you left. Do you know yet where you 'll be next year? I hope that job at the department works out if your British Academy funding doesn't.

Things are pretty good over here. Jacqueline's 8th birthday was yesterday so we have some of Paulet's family visiting this weekend. They are all leaving early tomorrow though, as are the Curtins. They 'll be gone for about 10 days altogether so we 've got some time off. Well, we do have to clean the house and change the beds etc but that shouldn't take 10 days!! Although Paulet's brother is coming this Thursday with 11 people for the weekend so we 'll probably have to clean again after they leave.

I 'm going to give Charles and Julia and Desiree and Joseph a call to see if we can all meet up somewhere between here and New Brunswick! It would be so nice to see them again.

Well I 'd better finish 'cos Margaret and I are going to bike to the post office and the post will be leaving soon! Say hi to Sarah Jane, Jacinta and your Mum for me. Looking forward to seeing you in September with 'the boys'!!
Take care, Lots of love, Violet.
PS I got these photos developed after I went home – I think it's such a lovely photo. I got doubles and I 'm sending Ken the other copy!
