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4 August 1972

Dear Doris: 

I haven't had a letter so far from you this week, but can picture you writing furiously on your book all your spare time, and so I hope all is going well with you and your work. But don't get so you can't sleep nightsfor it, let up a little bit. 

Dolores and Nick came over one evening recently with a caterpillar about 5 inches long with spines and long horns around the head. It was a beautiful green. I dimly remember its name, Hickory Horned Devil, and so I could tell them. They were afraid to handle it. I have given it to one of the boys who is working here (without pay) in his school vacation. He is interested in Lepidoptera, and was delighted with it. Dolores brought her two daughters with her. The little one is a restless child, always running from place to place. Young Dolores is going to be short like her mother. Nick has been given another year, till next July there at the Bureau of Standards. He is always uncertain how much longer he can stay, though. He asked about you -- they both did. I said you couldn't find any job as a biostatistian there, and he said he was certain you could get in at the National Institute of Health, there was lots of jobs there. Dolores said she wished you could be here. 

I finally got my car serviced. I asked what is the matter and the head of the mechanics there said they couldn't get mechanics to do all the work, and it was getting worse all the time. There was a line all around the place when I got there at 7.10, long before opening time. I shall have to have it inspected again in another 3 months, but they promised to do that on time.

The damned coon is back again, pulling down my corn. Mr. Winn said that 3 came to his door for hand-outs the other night. I shall prepare more arsenic sandwiches and hope they all die from eating it. 

It is dark and drizzly now, but not too hot. I went swimming yesterday but it is cooler to-day and with no sun at all, and not the sort of weather you hanker for a swim. Such a summer I don't remember. Not good for vacation places. 

I hope there is a letter awaiting me when I get home.
Take care of yourself.

With love, 

Transcription Notes:
mechanissto: mechanics to (I think) > There is a 'c' typed over the 's' hence mechanics to is correct. Try searching the Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar, it's pretty cool! Also I'm naming the 'damned coon' Pele. Rest in peace Pele.