Emails between Sister and I
On June 17, 9:22am, I wrote:
Happy happy birthday, dearest Sister!!!
I hope it is a beautiful day for you! Have fun! Will there be a celebration? Maybe some more beautiful cherries? How are you feeling? Has the fever gone away? I hope you are feeling healthy and bright on your birthday!
I’ve been in Te Anua for the past few days, near the Fjordlands in the south, taking a break from the Englishman. He talks too much and is scared of my driving. The roads here are pretty wild, but I think I’ve done a fantastic job of keeping the car upright. I’m heading back to him tonight, I guess – we haven’t communicated at all. It’s been far too cold and rainy and windy to see the sights around here.
I’d like to go north again, but I don’t know if I should bring the Englishman. Sometimes he is so caring and sweet, and sometimes he doesn’t seem to care about anything but himself. And I feel like I’m too fancy for him when I insist on things like vegetables and heat and soap with no nasty chemicals.
He seems to think I’m too precious or high-class, and wouldn’t my life be way less stressful if I could just be happy with a serving of fries for dinner and a frosty shed to sleep in?
Kiwis take pride in how tough they are, and that attitude is admirable and contagious. I want to be strong, too! But my body is so much happier with proper food and good sleep. You and I have both worked our whole lives to learn what it takes to keep our organisms functioning well. Is it so wrong to be functioning optimally?
I feel so nice after 5 days in a heated room (with its own kitchen – free upgrade!). Even though the community bathroom is a little walk away, (like 50 meters maybe) it’s heated, too!! I don’t have to put a pair of fuzzy socks on the toilet seat just so I don’t freeze my butt off. And there is plenty of hot water! I just took a 25 minute shower as a kind of revenge for all those 2 minute showers I’ve rushed through in the past few months.
Obviously, I can’t afford this high-class travelling life; which, incidentally, costs just as much as “normal” life in the states. Cheap rent there is basically $50/day, same as a cheap hotel room, and just as hard to find. I spend so many hours researching prices and places online. If the Mormon could just take some of that burden off my back… He doesn’t even have to pay, just spend an hour on those travel and hotel websites to find a good, cheap place with heat and a kitchen… I would love to stop worrying about where I’m going to sleep tomorrow.
Flying back to the States isn’t going to change that. I don’t have a home there, either. But I guess I have to? The Englishman isn’t enough to hold me here, and I don’t know what else to do in New Zealand. He’s not a very good Mormon, although he really believes. He sometimes has a cider or wine. And yes, his tea is not only caffeinated, it’s a hot beverage, which Joseph Smith would disapprove of, for sure. Also, having a relationship with me is probably bad as well!
How are all the kids? And your partner? It was sweet of him to make a soup for you! I guess we do need meat sometimes. They farm deer here. It’s weird to see them fenced in. I’m accustomed to seeing them running wild through the forests, and I don’t like the fences. I think I am super cold because I’m not eating much meat at all. Except fish and chips once a month. But kumara (sweet potato) chips! How cool is it that kumaras are native plants here?
I’d better go – check out is in 30 minutes, and I need to pack up. I really would love to see you and the family sometime. I don’t know how or when, but if you ever want me there, just say the word, and I will find a ticket! If not, no worries at all! I love you across time and space!
X
On June 28, 2:17am, Sister wrote:
Hi X! It has been almost 2 weeks since you wrote: I am sorry I did not reply sooner. I got caught up with school since the children were obligated to return until July 4. One more week til “vacation”! not sure what kind of “vacation” that will mean! They did open the German border though, so we actually did go to Kehl.
Germans are a tad stricter. Children have to wear masks from 6 yrs old and up (in France, children are obligated from 11 years old). They were getting ready to call the cops on me because I didn’t get it, and Lila was telling me she felt like her mask was suffocating her… that was the 1 euro shop. (It’s all of a sudden become the 1.10 € shop.) I remembered enough German to figure it out in time.
Is the English dude still in the picture, or is he gone with the wind?
It has already been a long winter for you in NZ. But the cases in the USA are spiking! Do you have a plan?!
If you want to come here, the hotels are still closed, but one of Aziz’s friends could possibly produce an apartment for you for free whenever or however long you want. You probably won’t have to see Aziz’s friend at all, he’s busy with his family. The cleanliness of his friend is questionable (Aziz said he saw a mouse there once). I have never seen it in person, but it has got to be better than a truck. It has its own kitchen, bath, toilet, and the dude’s neighbor said she would clean it, as she does on occasion.
France is in “state of emergency” until July 10 , so I don’t think foreigners (outside of UE) can enter until then. If you come should we keep it a secret from the Parents? Or does it matter? It might even be eventually possible to find a job or at least social security here?
Not much else is going on. I was forced to wait in a thunderstorm for the kids to get out of school yesterday. Luckily we got home before the real downpour started. Today is a bright, sunny day.
Well, keep in touch.
Love,
Sister
Emails between Father and I
On June 25, 8:23am, Father wrote:
To our friends that helped us realize our dream,
We watched and remembered you all in the wedding video that Rob Tanin made for us. My partner and I celebrated last night at il Porto restaurant, that had just opened its indoors to customers (note our lowered masks while we dined).
On June 28, 10:57am, I wrote:
Happy Anniversary! Thanks so much for sending the photos – it was so wonderful to enjoy those memories of your wedding! It was such a beautiful day!
I’m glad to hear that you were able to celebrate properly, too. Looks like dinner was wonderful! Are things returning to normal? I heard that there was a spike in cases recently. Do you think it’s a good time to return to the states? I miss you!
I wish I could have celebrated Father’s day with you. Much love, X
On June 28, 12:58pm, Father wrote:
Hi X,
I miss you a lot. Maryland is gradually returning to normal. Social distancing is still there, as well as wearing a mask in buildings or while interacting with services. Haircut, and nails are by appointment. I think your yoga studio opened, too. The boats at Lake Needwood have opened for the summer on Thursdays thru Sundays. The Putt-Putt will open up in a couple weeks for the summer. No outdoor fireworks though, just virtual is planned.
Last week there was a surge in Covid-19 mostly in California, Texas, Arizona and Florida. That may throw a “stick in the spokes” of your plans.
How are you doing for cash? I could send some if you like.
Love,
Papa