1936

Talked with Boyce Price in December. He seems to have completely recovered from his colon operation and, aside from the usual restrictions that affect all of us, he is back to "normal living" at Kendal. Also at Kendal, Boyce reported that Joe Davis had a stroke and is now in the assisted living section there, as is Mim Macurda.

In early December Bill Niss woke up one morning and was unable to move his legs. He was taken to the ER at Maine Medical Center in Portland, where they did all kinds of tests, gave him some medication and sent him home. Since then he has been spending days in his own apartment at Piper Shores but going to the nursing section, where there is some supervision, for the night. We hope that the tests the doctors have been doing will provide a clue as to what his problem is. Bill expects to be completely on his own again before Christmas, and is looking forward to another four-generation gathering on Christmas weekend.

I haven't been able to get in touch with I lona and Ed Drechsel for many months but do have some news of them through Shirley Fox. Ed and I lona did finally get to Canada, with Ed in a nursing home, confined to a wheelchair and unable to use his hands effectively. I lona was nearby and able to see him every day—until she developed colon cancer. She had a successful operation and then went to rehab; Shirley does not know where. So, unfortunately, that's where communication with the Drechsels has ended. If anyone has any later information please let us know.

I have just finished reading Bob Buttons book Enigma in Many Keys, which was published just before he had his stroke. The book is "an anecdotal account of World War II 'Ultra' intelligence, the Voice of America and the early days of television and satellite communications," with music always in the background—and occasionally in the foreground. It's a very personal account, well written and most interesting. I just talked with Bob, and he seems to be doing very well, but he still has some problems with left hand at the piano. Keep in touch!

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