1987-07 (July)

Monday, July 6th

Mailed Walker a hilarious newspaper summary of the week’s plot on a soap called “One Life to Live.”Continued Rosenmayer’s Aeschylus. Rereading clarifies much that was murky before. Received from Paul Carmignani (now at Chapel Hill examining items of mine in the Southern Historical collection) the two-volume dissertation he wrote for his professorship. It’s in French, of course, + therefore all but greek to me. Also received Ungrus’ estimate ($1381) for repair of termite damage. I called Ritz at Terminix + he said send it on to him, which I’ll do tomorrow. Wrote to Carmignani, telling him to get in touch with Louis Rubin at UNC. Also called him (at Carolina inn) in case he left before letter arrived. He + his wife Mary won’t be coming to Memphis as planned.

Tuesday, July 7th

LtCol Oliver North testimony began at Iran-contra congressionalhearings—day long. Midafternoon, mailed Ungrus estimate to Ritz at Terminix. Received a three-volume set of latest printing of my War Narrative, containing final corrections made for Softback edition. Makes me happy to know they are keeping it in stock.Lean Cuisine fordinner, reinforced with a handful of noodles. Then watched a TV movie, a reincarnation of Popeye Doyle. Dropped this DuPont fountain pen, alas; it may never write quite right again—a ridiculous $300 up the spout; unless, that is, I get it repaired, which I’m afraid will be sending goodXXXX after bad. Did my best to straighten bent point.

Wednesday, July 8th

Iran-Contra hearings –again North, daylong. Paid bills: LGW, Cable, Commercial, Ochsner. Dinner at LaTourelle: $68, including tip, + not worth it.North testimony continues, Iran-Contra.

Thursday, July 9th

Still trying to get Allan Fisher (son-in-law) to straighten out our house + auto insurance. Infuriating. Cant get him to do his job on any level; yet, too, cant fire him—not only because he’s “family” but also because I’m deeply involved in an on-going transaction. Lawyer Limon Cross examining Ollie North; high drama—mainly because the Colonel, dressed out in his Marine uniform with all his decorations on display, comes off as a hero, no matter how ugly the things he represents. Still reading Aeschylus–what little time the TV XXXXXX, XXXXX. Lila Saunders underwent a radical mastectomy, with kimotherapy to follow.

Dentist, 4pm Friday, July 10th

Daylong congressional hearings, Limon finished his cross-examination; now committee members take their turn. 4pm. Teeth cleaned. Next appointment on December 10. We went to Nell + Herb’s for dinner, given in part to relieve the tension of Lila’s tragedy for Ross Pritchard. Jimmy Bech also there. I drank far too much; never should have driven home, though I made it safely enough. Once inside the courtyard gate, Istumbled + fell; Lay on the sidewalk bricks until I was sober enough to walk the rest of the way into the house. Woo.