Dear John: Barbie says she is about to leave here. I believe she has fixed Tuesday for her date of departure.1 Min is going about the same time, and so you can imagine that Mamie is moaning low--in fact she is moaning incessantly.2
The youngsters are in splendid health and spirits. They gallop around on the roads back of the White House on their new bicycles, while their favorite spot in the entire area is the swimming pool. When we were in Georgia, I would frequently ask David and Anne whether they liked the White House better than Georgia.3 Their answer was always exactly the same, "Well, we like to swim."
The Thompsons, of course, are having a reunion of the entire family sometime soon; I am not certain whether it is to be this spring or later in the summer.4 In any event, I think Barbie wants to get back up to Highland Falls, pack up her things and get ready to go to Fort Sheridan. She would probably be smart to leave Susie with us while she undertakes such a chore, but I heard her say the other day that one of her reasons for going home was so she would see more of Susie and get acquainted with her again--so I guess it will be a clean sweep.5
Barbie read to us a recent letter from you in which you made some bitter protests about the style in which young David is now dressed. Without exception we all disagree with you. He is quite the hot shot in his long trousers and light gray topcoat.
I do admit that when I saw one picture of David in the newspaper where he was carrying a brightly colored Easter basket, I got a little bit of a shock. However, he was just trotted out for photographing purposes that day and so it doesn't really count.6
All of us had a nice time at Augusta, except that I was sick for three days, during one of which I had to journey back up here to Washington and make a speech, throw out a ball at the opening game of the season, and then go to Salisbury, North Carolina, for a bicentennial celebration.7 By the time I got back to Augusta that evening I was worth very little to anybody. In fact my only real fear was that I would live until morning.
That was on Thursday. By the following Monday I was feeling well again and on Tuesday, the last day we were there, I had a really good golf game. The weather was balmy and I was playing with some of my best friends--so everything was fine. I hope to play tomorrow (Saturday) out at Burning Tree. My partners will be a couple of Congressmen.8
I don't suppose you ever took my advice and got yourself a niblick to carry around with you just to swing and so keep your arms, wrists and hands in good "golf tone." It is a good stunt.
Mamie and I have some hopes of spending August out in Colorado.9 I am not at all sure that we will be able to carry out any such plan, but it is fun to make it.
As I understand it, you are now planning on being home here about the end of September. I know that you don't want me to interfere in any way in your future assignment, but if there is anything that you do want me to do, of any kind, don't fail to let me know.10
With all the best--take care of yourself. As ever
