30 Apr 1973
Dorothy Griffin to Paul and Marolynn Griffin

Dearest Paul and Marolynn:

I know Paul is deep in exams, but how about you, Marolynn? Have you had any indications of school openings yet? Its great that you are so flexible, and have so many skills--but I also know there's a lot of difference in pay, too. I'll know it even more when I retire.

I wish Paul could see his way clear to come down and spend a week painting the front of the house. Its got to be done, and this summer, as its peeling around the windows, etc., and that just makes the job harder if the peeling continues. I should think he could do it in a week's time, working from about 6 AM until about 10 AM, then going back at it again in the cool of the evening. In fact, if the weather is as it is now, and will be until the middle of June, it could be done by working all day, for ahout four or five days. I was going to try it myself, but after this sick spell I'm not sure if I want to try it. Anyway, I am going to have to pay someone to do it, and I would just as soon pay Paul 2 or 3 hundred dollars. Think about it--I'll even go as far as paying his plane fare here and back as well. As you know, the back looks great--its just straight across the front--grey and while, that must be done.

Speaking of houses, Ray Walton has finally sold his house. He has had a sign up by it for over a year, now, and just sold it. He claims he got his price, too, over $50,000. I can't imagine anyone paying that for a house with as little charm, what I mean is, its not unusual in any way that I can think of, but maybe houses have gone up more than I thought.

Paul, I hesitate to advise you or Bob on anything, because you both have a natural resistance to "mother advice", but my feeling is that you should somehow get enough accounting credits in summers or something so that you could go into tax law Its a big field, with any number of directions to take, like several agencies with the government, or state agencies, or private tax firms--the fellows we knew that eventually wound up in private firms got experience with the agency in the government that handles tax appeals, or internal revenue service, and then from there into firms and private practice. The thing is, its realistic in its opportunities. You may, of course, have leads into other law aspects that guarantee you opportunities, but the way things are going at present, job opportunities are tough, and you want to be sure you have the skills to offer that will insure you a good opening when you finish school. Of course, there is another direction to go, and that is to decide where you want to live, and sweat it out there until you have built a practice--in estate law, probates, etc.

I really felt poorly for about 3 weeks, but now I feel good again! Thank heavens! I could really empathize with dad and understand how awful it is to feel miserable day after day! Jack and Pat Callister were down and Jack said I'd had the London Flu, because of the severe head pains and back pains.

I take dad back up to the doctor on June 28, and if he feels up to it, and I do, we might be able to drive on up to see you for a few dys in your house. When do you move and what is the address? Then I plan for us to go back to see Marian the middle of July until the middle of August.

Let us know your reactions. Is Paul going to work this summer somewhere? Could he come down and earn the painting money? Will you be home the week of June 30 - July 4?

Write!

Love Always, Mother

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