Dear Marion,

When I last wrote, I promised - or threatened - to write again,
even in the absence of a reply.  Your silence I very much hope
is a sign of nothing more than boredom with me, or disenchantment
with my pretentions. If you were ill, you would, I hope, keep me
informed, although admittedly, there's little if anything I 
could do for you.

The grandchildren who were home for their protracted Christmas
vacations are back in college. Benjamin returned to Dartmouth
last Monday. Margaret and I drove Nathaniel to South Station
this afternoon, from where he took a bus to New Haven. He told
us about his plans for summer concerts, perhaps in Harvard's
Paine Hall or in the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.
He also spoke about a possible orchestra tour to Europe.

On January 28, I expect to drive to Hanover NH to spend a few
hours with Benjamin. I have always enjoyed the drive up north,
especially in the winter; I'm pleased finally to have an excuse 
to go again.

For the rest, I've been doing much writing, adding to Chapter 49
of Die Freunde. After a 10 year hiatus, I've also resumed translating
that novel. With too many irons in the fire, it's uncertain how much
I will be able to accomplish. But I keep trying.

Stay well! I look forward to an email from you, when your time
permits and your spirit feels like rising to the occasion.

Jochen