July 8, 2011

Dear Cyndy,

Thank you for your letter. The house painting is as complete as it will be on this trip. I've not fallen off any ladder. I'm about to start cleaning the house, then to start packing, because Margaret and I plan to leave here on Monday morning. We expect to be back in Belmont the following afternoon, July 12.

The grandchildren's birthdays, about which you inquired are: Rebekah January 7, 1989 Nathaniel March 15, 1991 Benjamin March 15, 1993 Leah October 27,1995

With respect to my writing, I'm in a bit of a quandry. I would like it to distract me from brooding on the Nantucket impasse, while at the same time what is on my mind, the Nantucket impasse is what I think I should write about. My efforts to write, direct me to what I thought I should be trying to forget. That, trying to forget, may be my mistake. Perhaps the solution is that even more concentrated reflection will transform the problem, if not indeed cause it to go away.

For now, I must concentrate on getting the house clean and in order, packing the car so that nothing essential is left behind, and try to get some rest before starting the long trip back. Absent a message from you that requires an answer, and absent some compelling inspiration that demands immediate expression, I probably won't write again until the middle or end of next week.

You and Ned stay healthy and happy.

Jochen

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