Dear Friends—

Aren’t modern communications amazing? In search of employment, I walked into one of the new “casinos” as they are called, on a local Indian reservation, and before I was there for five minutes, or ten at most, a very nice lady and gentleman were at my side to escort me out and direct me to their employment office in a wholly different location. Unfortunately, the local constabulary was informed and I had to have a long chat with a judge, and several from the parole office. Consequently, I am behind by a day or two in our correspondence, for which I am most apologetic

But despite all that I am delighted to tell you that I am gainfully employed again, working in the transportation sector. Quite a change of careers for one whose training has always been in finance! But I’m meeting the most delightful people! I’m not sure if you all know, but I moved to western New York on the advice of some acquaintances, as the real estate prices and general cost of living are quite low (though the cost of fuel, as we all know, is just frightful.) The late winter was very disconcerting for me, as one whose spent his life in warmer climes along the coasts and the Caribbean, but we do what we must. Here in NY I came under the ministrations of G., who has been most helpful in making recommendations and transporting me from one place to another.

I informed our mutual friend Mr Oldman of my new locale and he was, needless to say, quite envious, and then launched into an exhaustive recollection of the rail yards of Buffalo, NY. He displays, unfortunately, those symptoms of senile dementia familiar to many. He can recall in astonishing detail events and situations of forty and fifty years ago, particularly as related to railroads, where to hop a train, and so forth, but often loses track of where he is at the present moment or how he arrived there. The result is, of course, some quite sad conversations as the whole painful tale of his incarceration must be recounted another time. If only there were some mechanism whereby his many generous friends could make contributions toward his continued well-being and maintenance if, and when, he ever sees daylight again.

On that imploring note, I bid you adieu another time.

I remain, your humble servant,

Albert Banfill