October 29 - the TV show 'Ironside' was set in Montreal, concerning separatist terrorists. [bizarre (or maybe not so) timing, as this was the time of the 'October Crisis' and the FLQ. It doesn't enter my journal, I saw one army truck].

 

October 30

went to a Hallowe'en party at school. Liz went as an outhouse, Sheila in a flag, Diane and I were hippies.

 

Sometimes I'd meet Sheila at Stuart Hall Library for homework and talk.

 

November 17 - first recorded instance of me watching Shakespeare: Hamlet on TV.

 

November 20 - Sheila moved to Pickering, Ontario [and things went flat for the next 9 months. I was the first time I was alone at high school].

 

Letter by Sheila written c. November 20, 1970 from Clarkson, Ontario

 

Dear Alan,

 

We finally got here and now I'm in my aunt's kitchen feeling miserable & missing you terribly. I just moved into the dining-room. Today had been simply horrible. I saw 1,063 BLUE cars and we had to go down the Allen expressway and all those so + so roads, I'm losing my mind from all these reminders. Did you have fun today? Do you think anyone missed me? I'll bet you didn't. Clicked your heels and rejoiced all day, Right? Hope you liked "Bye, Bye Birdie" and hope you didn't see too many undesirables. Did you go to the library with Liz and Diana? Please, Please, Please (not being robbed) don't let Miss Rundans' charms make you fall for her. I mean I know she's prettier, has a much better figure and is tons nicer than me to the masculine eye. I beg you not to let the above mentioned facts make you go for her and forget. I won't write anymore or I'll cry. Tomorrow I'll try to be more cheerful. I love you.

 

Sheila

 

xxxooo---!

 

November 26

Terry Dorcus tried to start a fight with me, I wouldn't and he gave up. [See July 4, 1974. This was the last time I was ever in this situation].

 

December 2

sat with Dawn Rogerson, Diane, Steve McKnight, Ken, Rob Read, Linda Ross and Tina Rulfs in Science class. [these were the 'cool people' in grade eight, or at least in my class].

 

December 4

a dance at J.R. The band: Cheek and Rabble. I was with Liz, Diane and Robert Rea. Laine was there. [the first recorded instance of me smoking].

 

Music: George Harrison 'My Sweet Lord', ' Jesus Christ Superstar'.

 

Christmas- My parents had allowed me to smoke in the house during the Christmas holidays [as everyone else in my family smoked, they could hardly do otherwise].

 

December 24-30 - Sheila visits. [Memories of smoking behind the A+P on Cartier Ave].