jam eater blues

The Shangri-las - Love You More Than Yesterday

To:
Patrick Delou
36 Point D’Erable
Lyon, France

September 14, 2007

Patrick,

It’s been thirty-six years now…  How have you been?

Today I was sitting alone in the kitchen with an apple thinking about the balloon rides we took in Switzerland that summer in 1966.  I can still remember the white sails on Lake Geneva, seen from above.  I dug up a photo book and found the one of us leaning on the vined wall — the one Fredrich took with his old Finetta.  I couldn’t believe my hair!  And yours, too!  It’s a great photo, I wish you could see it — see us.  It made me remember the cheese we tasted later that day, and when you spilled wine on your pants because of the boy and his fireworks.  I thought, then, that you would strangle him and we’d be sent to the border guards in handcuffs.  Just about the only other thing I can remember was The Shangri-las record I bought.  I  was so surprised to have found it in Switzerland, and I treasured it even when you scoffed at my choice.  I loved that thing, and I listened to it all the time.  Now I haven’t heard The Shangri-las in years.

It’s been difficult here in Britain the last few weeks.  Sometimes there is nothing to do but sit and think.  I am going strawberry picking with Rosey tomorrow — do you remember her?  I’m sure I mention her in some of the other letters.  She and I are still very close.  It’s amazing how with some people you never get tired of anything. I will pick a few baskets to make jam.  I always make jam at this time of year and use it in the winter.  It’s a long process but I’ve found that I can’t be without my jam anymore.

I think that is all I have to say.  I just thought I would let you know about the photo, and the memories.

I hope that just this once you could write me back.  I would love to hear from you, Patrick.

Sincerely,

Emma Wellington