Letter

4974 Dear Maria and Portinari, The Maria Rosa picture are on their way, and I hope you’ll tell me when they get there safely. I have told Mrs Rudes you are back in Rio, so doubtless hers will be packed and shipped soon. The weath er here is beginning to be nice. I love spring, and some time, you must see the spring come in the USA. It’s very very exciting, and something I could never afford to miss. Some people who live here in Waukesha, and were doing a big South American tour, had a letter to you from me. But I guess you had not yet come back from Brodowski. Too had. It would have been nice to hear directly, like that from you people. I look forward to whatever news of you that I get, and we do intend to go to Rio, some day. Like Portinari, John is not an enthusiastic traveller by air, and hips take such a very long time. Also, John is not enthusiastic about intense heat. I suspect he’d like Petropolis very much, though. people tell me that Rio is not as nice as it used to be. many more tourists—and much more expensive. I still like Brazilians—and I remember Rio with more affection than any other place I’ve been. I hope that Portinari is making some deal with an American agent so that his things will again be seen in the US. He must have a lot that wou id be interesting. Do write me when the pictures arrive. And can you also send me Celina and Ronnie’s address? Florence Mrs John Retzer. Box 145, Route 1, Waukesha (I always put this on in case you have lost my address.