12/11/91
Dear Jim and Andrea,
Thanks for the first day of issue postcard, Jim. I wonder how it gets decided that Notre Dame gets to be on a postcard vs. getting a stamp. A stamp is better because it can be put on a postcard or a letter or even a package. In fact it could even go on a coke can like the one I mailed my brother Ted when I was at Notre Dame, just to see if it would work. Ted still has the bent can and the small letter I rolled up and tucked inside.
Notre Dame Notre Dame… you are always on my mind. Kind of like whatever is always on Willie Nelson’s mind… which reminds me of Father Dave, our Father Dave, who art in Indiana (or was.)
The Macintosh has become an integral part of my family. Most of what I have to do at work depends on the things I know that a Macintosh can do. Kathy writes her papers on a Mac. She also puts out the best elementary school newsletter in Atlanta on it. Danny creates amazing drawings with a Mac. Nicole plays games and occasionally makes entries in the family diary (which is on the Mac.) I have two in my office. I have two at home. And now, since last week, I have one on my lap. It’s called a Macintosh PowerBook. Smaller than a calculus book. In fact it is 1:00 am, I can’t sleep, and I’m sitting in a rocking chair using a PowerBook to type a letter to two of the greatest American’s on earth, James and Andrea ColvinFriend.
There’s a freedom here. I couldn’t do this before, because I would have to turn on a Macintosh in either our bedroom or the kids’ bedroom. Now I am free to stay up all night typing. Hmmm… Free at last. Free at last.
I mention the Macs, Andrea, because for the past month or so I’ve been getting the following reminder every time I turn on our home Mac: “Little Colvin Due.” A reminder calendar opens whenever we start our Mac, and Little Colvin is set on December 15. So I’ve got my whole family rooting for your whole family.
I’m looking forward to you two having kids. I think it will force you to settle down a bit. No more of this traveling all over the world to show people artificial body parts, or rehabilitating old body parts. Time to start getting together with the likes of Kathy and me for a round of bridge. I don’t know how to play bridge, but Jim being a civil engineer and all…
Speaking of civil engineers, my brother Ted is working for the GA DOT building massive roads and bridges. He is in a training phase right now. Most of his life revolves around concrete. Testing, calculating, and pouring. Cashin Family project #1 is to get Grant a diploma by next spring. Project #2 is to get Ted a girl. My sister Carol is coming up on her first year anniversary as a mother. This date coincides with the first birthday of my godson, Eric Ettensohn, son of Bob Ettensohn of Cincinnati, Ohio.
What goes around, comes around. Especially with Ohio which goes around on both ends.
I’ve had at least two striking dreams this year in which I’ve moved in and begun a new semester at Notre Dame. Maybe it’s one of those return-to-the-womb things. (Don’t you like how themes can be fused: Notre Dame, pregnancy, Ohio, Willie Nelson, etc.) In many ways Notre Dame was a womb. Not a lot of room, but safe, warm, and comfortable. Didn’t have to worry about food. Staying clean and laundry were easy. We were nurtured by “Our Mother”, Notre Dame. Instead of bodies, our minds grew. Those we were closest to are now very much our brothers and sisters. And upon birth, we all got a special diaper called a diploma.
And of diapers, at the age of 4, Danny’s single greatest life accomplishment has been learning to go to the bathroom. Learning to ride a bicycle has been only a distant second. Thought I would share that with you, Andrea. Make sure you share it with Jim.
In 9 years, Nicole will be going to college. Tuition is increasing at 7% per year. She’ll start in the year 2001. Notre Dame will cost at least $35,000 per year. I put it on a spreadsheet. It’s scary. May explain my desires to return to the womb.
Jim, when we started Notre Dame, did any of us have a 39 year old father?
No wonder I can’t sleep.
Recessionly yours,
Jeb