A room at El Rancho

20 Aug 85
Torrance

Dearest Mary,

Belated birthday greetings! All of my children will be here today (except Sheila - Sun Valley) to help me celebrate my 76th (my how time flies) and when we all get together it is really a crowd (a delightful one - because as James's Bernard always says the McManus's are the greatest!!)

I'm growing old (not too) but lazy (very) but enjoying it immensely. Lou planted a small garden in our backyard (about four feet by 12') and we have had all the tomatoes and zucchini squash the whole family needed and the peppers will soon be showing up! All I did was supply the water every evening! My lemon tree has supplied all the lemons we needed - now if I only had chickens, a cow and a pig I would have it made!!!

I took a few days off and went to Las Vegas - (by myself as Thek doesn't like sitting on a bus) had a lot of fun, didn't win anything but the whole trip including Bus fare, food, and a room at the El Rancho, cost me less than ten dollars. So I was a really big winner!

I think I wrote to Tommy (I'm also becoming a little --haha-- forgetful) and thanked him for the time, money and effort he spent hauling us around the East during our visit. When you see him or write Thank him for me!!

Give my regards to all of yours and I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers!

I miss you very much and am very sorry that I am no closer so I could help you with Irish.

May the Good Lord keep and Bless you!

Your brother,
Pat