My Own Phil,
Didn't write yesterday, but I think you'll excuse me when I explain. I was so busy yesterday and today that I doubt if I had time to breathe. Yesterday, I made seven hems on Adele's dresses. Whew! I'm glad that's done. I also did some shopping on Broad Street with Betty, mainly at the yarn shop. I bought a dusty pink wool to make Ethel a fascinator, a blueish gray wool to make one for mom and a gorgeous peach wool angora for Adele for sweater. It's not a true angora, but is very close to it. It cost $.65 a ball, but being the last five of that particular color, and since she expected no more and wished to sell, she gave it to me at $.50 per. At a cost of $2.50, Adele will have a lovely sweater. I used the $2 given to Adele by the Browns. I'm using the simple stocking stitch with a two knit two pearl waist and cuffs. It will have a square neck. The other sweater, the pink one with the white satin threads through it, fits her perfectly and it's very good looking. Do you remember the three dresses I bought from my cousin Bella this past summer? Well today, Adele wore the blue and white print with the white eyelet pinafore ruffles, collar and pockets and, Baby, she looked like a doll one would go into a doll store to purchase. God, but she's pretty!! I can't believe she is our daughter at times.
Last night the folks next door asked me to accompany them to the movies. I was rather anxious to see the picture “The Adventures of Tarto” with Robert Donat and Valerie Hobson. It was filmed at the Gainsborough Studios in London and I wonder if, perchance, you could visit there. It was the usual Nazi picture, packed with drama and excitement.
I haven't had mail for two days and your last letter was dated Dec. 16th. Can't understand the delay. I guess you haven't written as I get your mail regularly. Come on sumpin! I received S & D’s $3.45 and boy I'm really short short this month. Hope I get that $15 soon.
Jack N. had a fellow buddy from his camp, home on furlough here, call me. Jack is expecting a 15 day furlough and I think he's coming to Philly. I'm going to write to him tonight and get the latest. This fellow told me Jack sees quite a bit of a WAC—did he mention anything of her to you? Lizzie called us recently to see how things were and is quite anxious to see Jack marry well.
Had a letter from Gloria and her sister Frieda had a miscarriage in her sixth. The baby had been dead in her abdomen for some time and they could not determine the sex. Gloria may be here this weekend, or some weekend this month.
Adele tried to stand on her head today. The thing I like best is when I tell her to sit down on the step and she does sol immediately. She walks over to the step, bends over, placing both hands on the step, then one knee, then the other, and works like a beaver trying to turn her little behind so she may sit. (You’d like the view.). After a short while, she manages the turn. She kicks her feet and claps her hands, holds her head as if the troubles of the world were upon her brow, throws kisses, and waves. She likes to play the xylophone Jack N. bought her when she was born. You ought to see her point to the doggies in the picture books when I ask her—where's the wow-wows? Same goes when I ask her about a baby. She loves babies and children, especially, Natalie. Natalie takes dancing lessons and practices in here at times. Adele watches her intently without batting an eyelash. The funniest, I think, is when Adele turns all the way around. I think surely she’ll fall and she always fools me. I found a multi-colored rubber ball that is just right for her and she had a grand time bouncing it. I found it in the buffet. I don't honestly know the color of Adele's eyes. They are brown and gray and dark. That lock of hair I sent you was cut (by Betty)—I didn't have the heart from the back at the bottom and is darker than the rest of her hair. It sort of leaves a spot—if you look real close. I'm only sorry we couldn't accompany the curl.
The weather since Monday has been miserable. Rain, snow, strong winds, cloudy and generally dreary.
I took a shower after bathing Adele this evening and I'm wearing my red robe and royal blue slippers. It is 8:00 P.M. and Mom is listening to Fleisher (he comes on at 8 now). Harry is sleeping and Goldie is at work. She goes on days January 15th. Harry started on the first.
I did forget to tell you that Adele is not chubby anymore. She is perfect now and has cute little curves. Or did I tell you?
Ethel is starting her seventh month. The baby is due the middle of March and is very large. I told her I was going to make something for the baby and she insisted upon paying for the wool. I told her I wouldn't knit a thing unless I paid for it. She has been more than generous and appreciates hand work. I shall be glad to do it for her—at my cost. Al moved their furniture into the front room and Mickey and Rae have the smaller room.
Darling, if I could only draw you close and whisper in your ear how much I adore you. I'm so hungry for you, the sight and feel of you! Five months today you were here, but I know you will one day be here again. I love you Phil!
Your Eve
P.P.S. The only cigarette lighters available are $1. They are cheap and I doubt if they are good. Do you still want one?
January 5, 1944
Darling just finished writing you a lengthy air-mail letter but just got a bit of news I thought you'd appreciate. Harry W. and Eddie Strongin are both in England. Eddie wrote to Lena and said he doubted if he could see you, but he might be able to see Harry. I don't have their addresses at the moment, but I'll send them shortly. I think they will contact you. I know Eddie has your address. I'm in the midst of a letter to Jack N. Guess the two letters today make up from my not writing yesterday. Your last letter was written on Dec. 16th and here it is Jan. 5th. Wonder what the hold up is? I'm so impatient for some word from you, sweetheart. What did you do Xmas? New Years? Five months today, baby—Gosh, that's a long time. Don't forget to send Jack birthday wishes—both of them the 12th and the 22nd. I love you sweet. A kiss from
Your Eve.
This is another V-mail, also dated January 5th, but it goes into January 6 from Evelyn to Philip.
Dearest Sweetheart,
Well honey, tonight it's the same old story—still no mail and since it is just a month since you wrote the last letter I received and that's longer than ever before, I feel pretty sure in stating that some change must have occurred. Naturally, the first thing I think of is—you're in France or something equally similar. The Bellets have had mail inclusive up to Dec. 26th and I'm stuck with the good old 9th of Dec.
January 6, 1944
As you may have noted, I gave up in disgust last night. Today, at long last, after waiting so long, two short letters, dated Dec. 14th and 15th came through. One was evidently written after one that did not arrive, and it doesn't make much sense. Something about oysters at Evelyn's, etc. The letters between the 6th and 14th are missing and undoubtedly I'll get them sometime this year. Your letter of the 15th only served to disgust me more. I’m sincerely sorry if I threw cold water on your business aspirations, sweet, but certainly you have no right to feel the way you do. Surely you must feel that a business is the best thing to secure all our futures—I felt the same way about my job and that was one of the important reasons why I took it. I'm very flattered, sweet, that my word so much to you (ditto for me) but you'll have to feel more strongly about a business venture than you do now if you have any intentions of making a go of it. I hope my long letter explaining my reasons for not giving the subject too much attention when you most expected it, and I trust you have thought better of it by this time. I'm certainly doing the most I can to that end and you have no right to make me feel so badly about the whole matter. I didn't say I wasn't interested in the proposition, I just thought it could wait until such time as we were financially able, (which is terribly important) to get a good start, until you, Jack, and whoever else is interested could get together. I believe in looking to the future when it concerns financial ability, for money certainly is a handy item at times, but I can't discuss the subject or make plans for there are too many aspects to be considered which are indefinite. I do know that we will go into business eventually— that I want you to rest for several months when you get back and not think of anything—that I want to be strictly on our own without any aid, whatever from anyone. Please put that in your pipe and smoke it for future reference and don’t for one minute forget it. I hereby apologize for any and all “hurts” I may have caused you and hope that when you have a good idea that you stick to it regardless; for then you'll make a success.
I worked on Diana's sweater the past two nights and completed it this evening, buttons, initials and all. It's a real beauty and I've started on a cap to match. The sweater is the prettiest shades of pink and blue you ever saw. I'll write more tomorrow when I expect to have more time. In the meantime, I'm immensely relieved that some mail has finally come through. I love you, my dearest, every day makes the bond stronger.
Your Eve
January 5, 1944.
Darling Chippie,
No mail today. The delivery of mail has been very slow and inconsistent of late. Instead of improving, the service seems to become more undependable daily. I know there is a good reason for it, but all the same, it is discouraging. Last night I played cards again in spite of my intention to go to the movie, but I guess it was all for the best as I made $12.00 for the evening. Tonight, however, I put my foot down when the guys came around looking for a game. I had decided to go to the movies tonight and that's just what I'm going to do. I'm reading over yours of 2 Dec. I notice you take me to task for drinking beer “up to the collar button.” Maybe if I had remembered to mention the fact that it only took three glasses of beer to fill me up, you wouldn't be laboring under the misconception you evidently are. As for the fact that I left the dance on the first truck, I assure you it wasn't at all for the reason you suggest. If, God forbid, I shouldn't see you for two or three years yet, I don't think I would be bothered that way. At any rate, aside from missing you, I don't feel that I'm missing anything. Least of all that dubious commodity common to all women, but only desirable to me in one woman and one woman is you, my own Chippie. Maybe I'm prejudiced, but I have yet to see the girl I would trade you for, and until I do, my pride in you and my love for you will keep me
Your Phil.
There is a copy of a letter from the government explaining the use of the V-Mail and how it is to be treated.