April 2, 2011

Dear Cyndy,

Thank you for your letter. Margaret and I arrived home in Belmont safely at 5 p.m. I had awoken at 3 o'clock in the middle of the night, and with no expectation of a second bout of sleep, I decided to try then and there to finish the wiring project in which I had been engaged the previous nine days. I almost succeeded. By 7 a.m.  only minor cosmetic procedures remained, one of which was stapling the newly installed wiring to the ceiling joists some ten feet above the surface of the second floor. When Margaret discovered me working high on an 8 foot step ladder, she became frightened; the spell of her contentment was broken, and I decided it was time to pack, to neaten the premises as much as possible in the short period available. I telephoned the A-1 Taxi service and asked to be met by a cab at Massasoit Bridge over Long Pond. This landmark is about a thousand feet from our house which is set so far back in the scrub oak, that the taxi driver would despair to find it.  All arrangements transpired as planned. Margaret and I and the luggage were waiting at the bridge in the old 1995 Dodge. The taxi arrived ase scheduled at 10:30.  Margaret and the luggage were transfered forthwith into the cab which followed me as I drove to the house.  I left the old car in the driveway, the doors unlocked and a spare key under the floor mat. If only someone would deign to steal it! In no time we were at the Steamboat Wharf, the ferry arrived at 11:30 and three hours later we were on the mainland and retrieved our luggage. The 1997 van with 158000 miles behind it started without hesitation. Now we're home. Both Margaret and I are very tired, but relieved that this phase of our ordeal is behind. I don't believe even Mr. Ciarmataro knows what's ahead.  Stay well, and give my best to Ned.

Jochen

* * * * * *