Thanksgiving was fun, but it created a family problem, basically because Mary’s mother, Pam, insisted on having it at her house, and she’s almost eighty years old. Thanksgiving Day was great, but she screwed up a disc in her lower back by overdoing it. Then Mary’s sister, Cindy, who lives next door to her mother, got into it with Pam and Bill, basically telling Pam that it was her own fault, and then Bill blasted her, which is unusual because he’s mild mannered and just a great guy. Cindy called tonight and told Mary that she’s “through with them”. Yeah, right—she lives right next door. Then she ends up hanging up on Mary because she wants her to be on her side. Sheesh! So there’s a little dirty laundry for you. Heh…. I just sit back and enjoy the circus.
As for my family, my brothers and sisters, there are six of us, one girl and five boys, and we’re all as different as night and day, but we generally get along. I’ll fill you in on all of that some other time.
Mary should be so lucky as to have three days to deck the halls like you do. That is her big frustration—that she has to work. Many women that don’t work are clueless about the pressures of those who do, but I know you fully understand.
I imagine you as someone that loves to decorate, just like you love to keep the yards trimmed. I can only imagine how your tree must look. Mary has done many beautiful trees over the years, but there are trees and there are trees. I have a fancy neighbor lady who does two large trees every year, and they are both magnificent. I gush to her about both her trees and her house, and she eats it up. You should have seen her place at Halloween this year. It was great. I envision you as that same way. Everything is just right, and you’re always ready for the next party.
I’m happy for your sister, but how is the divorce thing going with your son? And which town does your daughter-in-law live in, the one that you tend for? I assume that’s the same one that’s getting divorced.
***
Okay, I’m back, the first part of this e-mail was written on Saturday, and right now it is Sunday, about nine p.m., so here we go again.
I looked up the movie, “The Holiday” and watched the trailer. I might be able to tolerate it, but I’m afraid it’s a bit too much of a chick flick for me. You can watch that one with your girlfriends. I’m sure we’ll find plenty of other common ground—sorry.
I understand now why your name has tortured you, but I still think it’s cute as heck: Calliijo, three dots in a row. I agree that your mother is clever.
I’m glad that you’re active in your church, simply because that’s such a core part of who I am. But it really wouldn’t matter, because I really am accepting of other people and their assorted choices—believe it or not!
Other than eggnog and vanilla, I have plenty of guilty pleasures, but the biggest one right now would be you! You please (or is that tease) me almost more than a man can bear, and I’ll bet you taste good too. And unfortunately you make me feel guilty, but I’ve learned to live with it.
Well, I’ve changed my mind about the road trip. Not because of any of the concerns that you raised, but simply because something clicked off in me. I think it’s just because it’s gray, cold, and hazy out there nowadays. Maybe later though. I’d love to spend a full day with you—trust me. Maybe the old phrase, “See you in the spring”, will be effective here.
I am going to drop in and visit you sometime though, and quite soon if it’s okay with you. I finally have my new book in the barn and I’m ready to deliver it, not just to you but to many others as well. With your permission I will visit you twice, the first time with at least two full sets of books, one set for you and one set to farm out to the kids and the grandkids. You just have to tell me which night would be best and what time to show up and voila, I’ll be there. There will be a night here or there that I will not be able to make it, but we’ll work that out if there happens to be a conflict. Then I’ll visit you again a few weeks later with Hollow Chill, the book I’m editing right now. I don’t have any copies at the moment, so I’ll bring you a few after I run the next print. So let me know, and if you’ve changed your mind and don’t want me to come, let me know about that too. The last thing I want to do is be too aggressive, and after all, it is your house!
So let me know when to show, and I’ll be there with bells on.
And so, Callpurnia Jo Von Rothstein Wilson, it seems like a very long time since I’ve talked to you. I guess I must deserve it, Levi
P.S. Have you ever done that personality test that tells you if you’re red, blue, yellow, or white? I’m just curious to know, and I hope this is not some redundant comment that you get all the time out there on the dating circuit.
Also, have you been hit on much over the years by married guys? Again, I’m just curious. I hope you’re not getting too tired of me, or some of these questions could really be annoying. Good night, kid.
Your friend, Levi
***
From Callii Wilson (One hour later)
Hey friend, so good to hear from you. It is late so I am going to bed—alone again, darn it! I will write to you tomorrow. I hope you have a good night and a good day tomorrow.
Your friendly friend, Callii
***
From Callii Wilson
Dec 6th
Hello again to you, it is getting late again so this is a short one. I heard about your aunt today. I am so sorry to hear of her death. I talked to Julie last month at club and she said then that her mom was doing okay, but she required help. But then I understand from talking to Lil Swenson, that last week she took a turn for the worse. I am glad that she didn’t have to suffer very long. That is always a blessing for her and the family both. Were you close to her?
I have spent the day chasing things down for a party that I’m having on Friday. It is my turn to host our sibling Christmas party. My mom used to do it every year, but since she left us we each take turns. Do you remember the old candy called Ice Cubes? It is a really smooth chocolate from Germany. It was easy to get when we were kids but now you can only find it in specialty stores. My mom used to get it for us every Christmas. It was one of our favorite things as far as goodies were concerned, and we looked forward to it every year. After a determined search, I finally found it at a place in Pocatello, so I took a trip today to pick some up. I am so proud of myself because I think the family will love it, but now I have to figure out what else I am going to feed them.
I will take time tomorrow to answer the rest of your questions. Have a good sleep and we will talk tomorrow.
Your hostess with the mostest, Callii
From Callii Wilson
Dec 7th
Good evening, I can finally sit for a bit. I have the fireplace going and I’m snuggly warm, so now I will answer some of your questions.
Yes, I do slow down. Usually about this time of night I have nothing else to give, so I give up.
The baby business is really slow, but it is my own fault. I haven’t done anything to promote it. It seems like I keep finding other things to do. I am going to be sorry later in the year when I have to go out and find a job. I like so much just to stay home—In fact I love it.
I appreciate the compliment about me being a doll, but in all actuality I am a big baby most of the time.
The children I tend are the children of my son who lives in Vancouver. They are trying to work things out, so they are not filing for divorce until they give things some more time. They’re trying hard to make it work. I hope they’re successful.
I have never taken one of those personality tests, or even really thought about it. I’m not sure that I believe in them. I guess I would have to try it to decide.
I never have married men hit on me. For that matter, I never have unmarried men hit on me. Why would they? I am much too old and way too tall.
Remember when you asked me what I remembered about our past relationship? I mentioned that you came and picked up your music from me. You had left it behind for safe keeping. Did that really happen because I think it did? The mo
re I hear about your love for music, the more I think I am right. I also remember you were a man of few words, but now I find that hard to believe. This morning they had Sting on TV. I had forgotten how much I love his music. I am thinking I need to get some of it. Do you have an ipod? I got one a few months ago and I think it has something wrong with it, or I just don’t know how to work it. I bought a sound system with remote speakers that I can place out in the yard or in the house somewhere. I tried to get it to work all day today and I can’t make it happen. I am a dummy! I’ll have to wait for my kids to help me figure it out.
So, to be honest, I really didn’t see the road trip thing happening. I don’t know why but it just didn’t sound like it would. The perfect road trip for me would be a trip to the beach somewhere. As far as when a good time to come by is concerned, this week I have club on Thursday, and then on Friday I have my family party here. Any other time would be just fine, but please don’t surprise me. You might get more than you bargained for!
Do you want any dolls? I would love to give you some. Just let me know how many and I will have them ready for you.
Well, I guess it is your turn now, so have a lovely evening and a fun time with your family tomorrow.
Write soon, Calliijo
***
From Levi Stone
Dec 11th
Hi Calliijo Von Rothstein Wilson, it’s Wednesday night and I’ll write a bit, and then add to it for a few days, so if the time frames get skewed a bit you’ll understand. I sent out some major e-mails on Monday night offering books (for free) to about fifty people. I’ve only mailed out about a dozen books so far to the few who’ve responded. It seems like only the closer friends dare ask. That’s just the way it is I guess.
It’s been fun having the kids the last few days. Last night I was the storytelling grandpa. I was gonna tell them the story about the time that I hid in the ditch in my underpants—I was about three years old at the time, and some older girls were walking down the street. My kids laughed a bit between themselves and said that they’d already heard that one. So I told them about the giant spider. I was shimmying around a brick pillar on my neighbor’s porch, when suddenly the monster appeared—about one inch in front of my eyeballs. It scared me so bad that I fell backwards off the porch and into the shrubs. I got stuck in there pretty good. Then they said, “We want another story!” I said, “What kind of a story?” And they said, “Like that one!” So I told them about the snake that reared up to attack me while I was mowing the lawn. (It scared me to death – I hate snakes!) Then when I circled back around I saw that the skin had been partially peeled off its back because it had already got caught up in the lawn mower—No wonder it attacked!
Then they said, “We want another story!” I said, “What kind of a story?” They said, “Like that one!”
So I told them about the old days when there were giants in the hills above Sugar City. They were large stupid creatures that were half animal and half human, and you had to watch out for them all the time. If you looked into their eyes you could tell that they weren’t very smart. They were like dog eyes. Then they asked Mary, “Grandma, did you have giants when you were little?” She said, “No, I didn’t have any giants.” The kids looked a little confused, so I told them, “They were all hunted out up in grandma’s town, but we still had some down there in Sugar City.” Then I told them one more tale, but I can’t remember what it was about. I just thought I’d share a bit. Bailey’s kids are such innocent little tykes.
Our early Christmas party this evening was as good a one as we’ve ever had. If every day was like today my life would be a lot easier. I won’t bore you with the details but it was fun for all. It’s always fun when you have nine little kids running around.
I’m going to my Aunt’s viewing tomorrow evening to support Mary, because she won’t be able to go to the funeral with me on Friday.
***
Okay, now it’s Thursday night at nine forty five. Everyone is in bed except me. Bailey and her family are still here. I think they’ve decided to stay until Saturday. I feel no desire to go to bed right now because I’m calling in sick tomorrow for the funeral. I’m going by myself. Mary has to work, but all my brothers and sisters will be there.
I had fun at the viewing tonight. It was good to see you there for a minute, surprising but good. You were the prettiest of your group, but also the tallest. Were you wearing heels? Did I embarrass you or anything? Do any of your friends even know that we talk back and forth on e-mails or even that we dated back in the day? What is Lil’s maiden name? Now keep track of these questions – I want to know.
I believe you saw my old friend Lon Moore as you left the room. We pulled him into line with us and visited. It was good to catch up. I also saw other old friends there, from years ago. Lon kept pointing at one little guy with a moustache and saying that we knew him, but he didn’t look familiar to me at all. I stopped him on the way out and the first thing he said was, “Hi Levi.” It turned out he was a guy from Sugar City named Brian Hanks, a few years younger than you. Did you know him? Tommy Thompson, Steve Fairchild, George Weaver, and plenty of relatives were there. I’m excited to hear the family speak tomorrow. Much will be boring and much will be repetitive, but much will make me laugh and much will make me cry.
I think you think that I LOVE music, but that’s only half right. I like music, mostly the old stuff, and I have a couple of hundred CD’s. But I can go for long stretches of time and not listen to much of anything at all. I listen to talk radio as often as I do music. I flip between politics, sports, and music stations, depending on how I feel. The real issue between me and you and the music involved is romance. I’m an irretrievable romantic, and you have drawn that out of me. The music is just one vehicle with which to communicate with you, and it’s a lot of fun doing so. I would hope that it’s fun for you as well, and I know that I’m sometimes a little over the top.
I have an ipod, just like you. I put it away shortly after Christmas a couple of years ago and have never touched it since. The directions were too much for me, yet I’ve learned since that it was because the website never did load properly on my computer, so I didn’t have a chance. Bailey has offered to show me how to transfer songs from CDs, since she’s learned how, but I have little interest. I prefer a room full of sound rather than a bud in my ear. It probably is easy to use, once you’ve been shown the way, kind of like those electronic watches back in the seventies.
***
Well hello again, it’s still Thursday night, but now it’s late. I just pulled up your picture on Facebook and I’m viewing it now. I think you need a reality check of how you actually look, and you could probably use a mental makeover of how you view yourself as well. You’re a very attractive woman, Callii. Older? Of course, but still very attractive. The first thing I notice are your eyes. They look blue/gray in the picture—is that a true reflection? But the other thing I can see through your eyes is the former you, the beautiful young girl from years ago with hopes and dreams. It was a time when you were struggling to raise your little daughter and somehow make it in the world. You were the desirous girl that sought love and affection, and the nice little girl that drove me away, simply because you gave me too much of the same. You were so nice Callii. I’m sorry I was so stupid. And then I see your button nose. Not a large nose, but a cute little nose that belongs only to you. And then I notice your smile—what a wonderful smile. It’s a beautiful white smile that reveals the real Callii within, the same Callii that writes fun little notes to me, showing the still upbeat attitude about life and all that it has to give. And did I mention your hair? It is frosted, trimmed, and modern, prepared for the reunion that you were so excited to attend. And look at that neck, long and lean (and kissable) and dropping down to the trim and slender you below. It seems like quite a package to me, little girl.
And I haven’t even brought up the jewelry yet, the loop earrings and the chains that set you apart as a woman with personality, someone t
hat doesn’t wear her religion on her sleeve but has the confidence, the thirst for life, and the wherewithal to have a little fun with that kind of thing. I can only imagine that you’re quite the little shopper.
So there you go, Callii. You’re quite the little babe to the old Levi Stoner, here. But I have to admit, I can still see the Callii of old in you, and that’s a distinct advantage to me. I also have to admit that I would like you better in loafers than heels. That’s just a weakness in me, but I know I’d like you even better in bare feet, because that’s also a weakness I have. So what I am saying here is that you’ve got a great package. You just need to believe in yourself again, like you used to. I believe—I can’t help it. You’re right here in front of me.
This personality thing I talk about is from twenty years ago. We had some fun with it and I believe that it basically works. It is split into four categories: red, yellow, white, and blue. I came out as a basic white, someone who likes no pressure, is laid back, and doesn’t like confrontation, and that’s true. I also have a slice of yellow in me, which stands for fun. That is the part that gives me my humor, for better or for worse. Mary came out a solid blue, which is nurturing and controlling. She is the most happy when she is taking care of someone or tending the grandkids. That’s when she feels loved and needed. It is the controlling aspect that gives me the problems. I would think, from what I know, that you would be a solid yellow, basically the fun type, always looking for the next party. That would be my best guess at this point, but I don’t really know, we all have a little of each color in us. Red, just so you know, is a dominant personality.
The Widow's Friend Page 9
