July 4th, 1975

I am sitting in a sunny room in a strange, bright new apartment. Richard and I have rented an apartment at Rehobeth for the weekend. Sight unseen, actually. I called a realty company here who made the arrangements. We packed up and drove down late last night. The apartment is marvelous. Two blocks from the beach. A big long apartment. Laid-out much like our first. Furnished very comfortably for the beach. Carpeted, with a totally equipped kitchen. (Richard is already cooking corned beef.)

I have had one cup of coffee, two beers, a joint, and uncounted cigarettes. Feeling very high and relaxed. Getting into the luxury of vacation and leisure.

Leisure is the luxury to do whatever you want to do. Responsibility is doing what you have to do. Maturity is wanting to do what you have to do.

How high and secure I have been feeling lately. Nervous, too. My “stress-oriented” job begins to wear at my endurance. 

That’s why this weekend is really affecting me. This is a prelude to the next three weeks. Next Saturday, exactly one week from today, Richard and I leave for Florida.

and

Another item that has not been noted yet– Richard and I are now driving another car– a Lincoln Continental Mark IV.

I took the day off and we went to the Mercury dealer near our house. The car is magnificent. Absolute luxury. It’s Royal blue– with blue interior. Over $5,000 dollars of pure luxury. We traded in the Gremlin and went into debt like filth. We love it.

So– one week from today we’ll be cruising down to Miami in a Continental.

Gayle and Ed are driving down tomorrow. They’re not sure whether they’ll be spending the night. Annie will be staying tomorrow night.