February 10, 1944
My Sweet Hubby,
Yours of Jan. 31 brought my mail from you right up to date. The creases at the bottom of this page were made by Adele, who unsuccessfully tried to grab it and tear it. Guess she doesn't think much of my letters, huh? Your letter was so charming and tender that I hereby bestow a kiss on each precious finger and an extra special one on your well-loved lips. When you write of the uncomfortable cold, I want to run out and catch the next boat or plane for England. I'm sorry you had so much trouble deciphering my v-mail of the 17th. I use v-mails only when time is lacking and the days is too routine to encourage a regular letter. Excuse, please.
As far as birthday and anniversary gifts go, I hardly know what to suggest. I've already mentioned a pin and earrings (gold with a zircon-colored stone), but I’ve priced them, and a good looking pin of the type I'd like runs into $50 and that's entirely too much for imitation jewelry. If you see anything nice in a pin, earrings or bracelet, okay, though I'm inclined to believe that items in England are costlier. I'd love to have a pair of good satin lounging pjs, but I'd much rather go shopping with you for such an item, and besides, I'm leery about the fit. If you decide to send cash, I'd settle for a dressy suit of aqua color to go with my aqua hat and gloves. On the day I see you again, I want to dress and be very like the girl you married one March 20th. I’ve shopped around for all items mentioned in my letters and find merchandise is “shot,” hardly any selection and no quality unless you pay extremely high for it. If I have the money I can always buy when I see something suitable. However, I've not really come across anything I'd like to buy.
The heater has been “percolatin’” fine this year and it runs on 72 constantly. The house is much warmer than I ever recall it being when you were home. You needn’t be a “worry-wart” either, for Adele is permitted freedom to a certain extent. She falls many times a day herself, and there are many falls that cannot be prevented. As long as she doesn't really hurt or bruise herself I’m getting used to the idea that children will fall many times, and that's that. I'm jittery when I let her walk outside, but not when she walks in the house. I work hard to keep the rugs and sundry immaculately clean to be sure she won't pick up any foreign matter. I have to laugh at a remark Goldie once made—that I rush too much and do too much. Wait til she has a baby to care for! I hate rushing, but if I didn't, Adele and this house would be filthy. I can never accomplish anything without numerous interruptions, which I detest, so naturally, I try my utmost to finish whatever is at hand to be done in the least possible time. Reminds me of your “files.”
Rae bought Adele six Hershey Bars and Adele warmed up instantaneously. Rae slept over and went to work from here. As soon as she has the chocolates for me, I'll send off the next package. I'll try to include everything you asked for and I promise to take that picture shortly.
Betty was laid off as the company had been trying something new and having completed the project, no longer required the services of a few girls. A few days ago, Betty fell in a bus and banged her head when the bus stopped short. Today, the PTC paid off —$15.
Did I tell you that through my mom, who has become quite friendly with a woman with good connections, politically and financially, my dad has an excellent opportunity to change his job? The position in question pays well; day work with a wholesale furniture house that sells everything from soup to nuts. If the deal goes through, my dad will quit Parkway very soon. By the way, he took your moth-eaten pants to a weaver, and they only wanted $18 to reweave, same. He did an expert job on them himself and that covert suit looks wonderful on him.
Miss Hahn called to inform me that my double order of stationery had arrived and since I intended to call for it, I'm going to work four hours tomorrow morning while my mother cares for Adele. My grandmother keeps my mother up all night with her heart attacks. Consequently, they visited a doctor today and I don't know the outcome.
Adele was “making believe” today. Sarah gave her a clean plate and Adele made believe she was eating. She would reach out, take imaginary food off the plate, chew it, and repeat. Then she would pretend to lick the plate. I can't get over how she says “sh” every time she has to “go.” It never fails for her to pat her cheek when she has “made,” and this habit is very lovable and cute. She sort of “crows” when she's especially excited. And she adores dancing—anytime, anyplace. She swings her arms as we dance and looks so dreamy.
The last few days we've had freezing weather. I don't take Adele out when it is so cold. Mom sent Jakie, a Jewish letter as he said there was a fellow in the company who reads and writes Jewish.
I've got a great big yen to love you up, so look out mister, ’cause here I come, ready or not. I love you so much, Phil. Started out like a lion, but I'm only a lamb at heart.
Your Eve
February 10, 1944
Ev, dearest,
The big news today is that I received your two lovely letters of 31 Jan. and 1 Feb. But “first things first”—and I want to explain something in yours of the 8 Jan. that seemed to puzzle you. That phrase “your lover, as always,” was one I had never used in a complimentary closing. When that particular evening, I had typed a V-mail letter for Sgt. Trombetti, and he had used that closing. When I wrote my letter—I was stuck for an ending, so I “lifted” the phrase. Hence the (Courtesy Sgt. Trombetti). Fershtay? O.K. Your letters reached me in such screwy sequence, that I don't really know what goes on. Yesterday, your V-mail of the 25th told me that Jack had come in and that you were all going out in Milton's car. Naturally, I could hardly wait for your next to learn where you had gone, and what you had seen, and how you had enjoyed yourself. So what happens? So today I receive your letter of the 31st. But where are those of the 26-7-8-9-30? Do you understand how annoying this sort of thing can be? Don't get the impression though, Sweetness, that I didn't enjoy the letters I received today. Quite the contrary! Your description of “Miss America” and her amusing antics and her almost mature understanding of “what it's all about” makes very entertaining reading. You might send that stationery along, provided it's not too wide (like this), nor too heavy.
You want to know what you can send in your next package. Once and for all—CANDY! (as often and as much as you can send). Don't forget there are about a dozen guys around to help me eat it—so you can imagine how much I get out of it. Of course, the “arrangement” is reciprocal, and I help them dispose of their spare chocolate when they get some.
There is really very little to write it about around here. Can you imagine? I almost forgot to tell you that I received a V-mail from Richie Lieberman. I can now definitely assure you that he is still in Iceland. How in hell did that other rumor ever get started—anyhow?
Right now I am visiting Red in Hospital. He developed a bad cold shortly after getting back, but he's O.K. now and will probably be out tomorrow.
Sorry I have to sign off now, Baby, but here in Hospital they put the lights out at 10 sharp and it's now 10 minutes of. I'm sending all my love, and returning that big kiss, you sent me. Lady, just you wait until I get my hands on you—! Better start looking around for a muzzle, Baby, 'cause I'm gonna eat you alive. Better hide the punkin when you see me comin’—she's only one good mouthful. Love to all. I am, hungry
Your Phil
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